Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements are described for selectively reducing intake manifold pressure in a skip fire engine control system. In some embodiments, a throttle is adjusted to generate a manifold vacuum, which is used for various applications, including but not limited to purging a fuel vapor canister, reducing pressure within a brake vacuum booster reservoir and/or venting gas from a crankcase interior. An engine firing fraction is increased to help maintain a desired torque level. Other techniques for reducing the intake manifold pressure are also described, such as applications involving a return to idle.

Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus includes a raw-fuel tank, a separator, a heater, a cooler, and an adjustment mechanism. The raw-fuel tank is to store raw fuel. The separator is to separate the raw fuel into a first fuel and a second fuel. The adjustment mechanism is to perform adjustment of at least one of a first factor, a second factor, and a third factor so that a first temperature of the separator is set to within a predetermined first temperature range or is set to a first target temperature. The first factor includes a flow rate of the raw fuel. The second factor includes an amount by which the raw fuel is heated in the heater. The third factor includes an amount by which the second fuel is cooled in the cooler.

Abstract: An integrated cooler system for a vehicle includes an Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler, an oiler cooler, a cooling water line configured to selectively transfer the cooling water directly to the oil cooler without through the EGR cooler or to the oil cooler by way of the EGR cooler depending on the warm up state of the engine, and an oil line configured to selectively transfer the oil supplied from an oil pump to the oil cooler without passing through the EGR cooler or to an oil filter after passing through the EGR cooler depending on the warm up state of the engine, the oil filter serving to filter impurities contained in the oil from the oil cooler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat exchanger for cooling a gas which can mainly be applied in EGR systems with a floating core. The differences in temperature achieved during operation of the casing and the core of gas ducts housed therein give rise to degrees of expansion which are also different. If the ends of both components were fixed to each other, stresses which would cause the breakage thereof would occur. The common solution applied is to leave one of the ends of the core of ducts floating, i.e., with capacity for longitudinal displacement with respect to the casing to prevent the occurrence of stresses. The floating end of the core has an attachment by means of O-ring gaskets. The O-ring gaskets are made of an elastomer that cannot reach very high temperatures, hence in the state of the art the floating attachment is on the side where the already cooled gas exits.

Abstract: An archery bow includes a riser, first and second limbs, a bowstring, and a vibration dampening assembly. The riser includes opposing ends and the first and second limbs extend from the opposing ends of the riser. The bowstring extends between the first and second limbs. The vibration dampening assembly includes a dampening member and a cantilever member having a first end mounted to the riser and a second end supporting the dampening member. The dampening member is suspended by the cantilever member out of contact with the first limb when the archery bow is drawn and contacts the first limb to dampen vibrations when the archery bow is released.

Abstract: There is a loader for a paintball gun. The loader includes a container for holding a supply of paintballs, a motor operated drive for feeding paintballs from said container through an exit tube communicating with said gun and sensing means associated with a segment of said exit tube. The sensing means is adapted to control the operation of said drive motor in accordance with pressure by or on a static column of paintballs in said exit tube.

Abstract: A place-mat/mat having an integrated heating area is used to keep food and beverages warm, making food and beverages more enjoyable to eat or drink, and may also function/be used simultaneously as furniture, such as a place-mat. The integrated heating area employs a phase-change material (PCM). The PCM such as preferably a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate is provided as a reusable heat reservoir and warmer. The place-mat/mat is directly placed under a plate/container in which the food or beverage is served or located.

Abstract: An exhaust stack for a combustion zone of a furnace includes a main stack having a first chamber therein in communication with the combustion zone, and a main damper disposed for movement within the first chamber to be positioned to provide a cross-section of the first chamber through which combustion products from the combustion zone may flow, and a secondary stack having a second chamber therein in communication with the first chamber and being disposed within the first chamber, the secondary stack having a second damper disposed for movement within the second chamber to be positioned to provide a cross-section of the second chamber through which the combustion products from the combustion zone may flow.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a downdraft assembly capable of ventilating a cooktop including housing with a frame, a fluid box, and a movement assembly with a belt-lift. In some embodiments, the movement assembly can include a vertically moveable chimney. Some embodiments include a chimney with a horizontal member coupled to a first vertical region and a second vertical region and including a fluid inlet. In some embodiments, a first control panel can be coupled to the housing to activate at least one function of the downdraft assembly while remaining substantially stationary as the chimney moves. Some embodiments include a second control panel coupled chimney. Some embodiments include a visor and at least one illumination source configured and arranged to at least partially illuminate the cooktop. In some embodiments, the visor can articulate to control illumination or the flow of a cooking effluent into a fluid inlet.

Abstract: A burner is provided. The burner may include a burner head having mixing pipes through which an air-gas mixture may flow, and a burner cap seated on the burner head and having an opening formed therein. The burner head may include a support wall along its periphery supporting the burner cap thereon and an inner wall formed within the periphery of the support wall, the inner wall having a plurality of flame holes. The center of the burner cap may be positioned within the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for solar heating of a pool may comprise a floating member, a water heater chamber (WHC) attached to the floating member, and one or more first tubes penetrating into the WHC to allow water from the pool enter the WHC. The floating member may be operable to make the WHC floatable. The apparatus may also include one or more exit ports to allow heated water from the floatable WHC to enter the pool. The floatable WHC may utilize incident solar energy to heat up water. Water may continue to flow into the floatable WHC from the pool due to convection current.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for stable generation and delivery of solid nano-particles in aerosols that simultaneously maintain high nano-particle concentration, and which avoid coagulation and agglomeration of the nano-particles. The apparatus includes a Collison nebulizer is in communication with a plenum. The Collison nebulizer includes a port for introducing a helium gas flow into the Collison nebulizer. The plenum includes component(s) for providing flow of uniform axially symmetrical dry air around the nano-particles entrained in the helium gas flow in the plenum. Preferably, the plenum includes an uniformity screen and a reduction in the plenum circumference downstream from the uniformity screen. In some preferred aspects, the invention provides methods of introducing nanoparticles into the lungs of test animals. The present invention allows more than 0.5 mass % of the nano-particles to be deposited in an animal's lungs.

Abstract: An aerosolization system includes a container that is configured to deliver a unit dosage of a liquid when squeezed a single time. The system also includes an aerosolizer that is constructed of a housing defining a mouthpiece, and an aerosol generator disposed in the housing. The aerosol generator includes a vibratable membrane having a front face and a rear face, and a vibratable element used to vibrate the membrane. Further, the housing includes an opening that is adapted to receive a unit dosage of the liquid from the container. The opening provides a liquid path to the rear face of the vibratable membrane.

Abstract: The present invention regards a novel administration form and a novel administration regime useful in the treatment and prevention of a bacterial lung infection in patient in need thereof, in particular by providing a composition useful for aerosolization of a highly concentrated solution of aminoglycosides such as Tobramycin.

Abstract: A portable vaporizer is provided. The portable vaporizer includes a power module, a vaporization chamber, and a mouthpiece. The vaporization chamber includes a vaporization tank, which includes a tube, a tank base, a heating element contained within the tube, a vaporization basket for holding vaporization materials, and a cylindrical space between the herb basket and the tube. When the heating element is activated, the air in the cylindrical space between the vaporization basket and the tube is heated and causes the materials in the basket to vaporize.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating a leak flow in a breathing assistance system including a ventilation device connected to a patient are provided. Data of a flow waveform indicating the flow of gas between the ventilation device and the patient is accessed. A specific portion of the flow waveform is identified, and a linear regression of the identified portion of the flow waveform is performed to determine an estimated leak flow in the breathing assistance system.

Abstract: An oscillating positive respiratory pressure apparatus and a method of performing oscillating positive respiratory pressure therapy. The apparatus includes a housing having an interior chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, an exhalation flow path defined between the inlet and the outlet, and a restrictor member rotatably mounted within the interior chamber. The restrictor member has an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the flow path at the inlet, and includes at least one blocking segment. Rotation of the restrictor member moves the at least one blocking segment between an open position and a closed position. Respiratory pressure at the chamber inlet oscillates between a minimum when the at least one blocking segment is in the open position and a maximum when the at least one blocking segment is in the closed position. By exhaling into the apparatus, oscillating positive expiratory pressure therapy is administered.

Abstract: An improved medicant delivery system 100 is disclosed wherein the carrier for the medicant is a fluid that can be atomized or vaporized by exposure to heat. The system provides for repeatable dose of medicant, can be stored in any orientation, and/or has an ability to maximize energy efficiency.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and device for delivering a pharmaceutical to the airway of a human or animal patient. In one aspect, the device includes a dose drum formed into a cylinder and including a plurality of dose compartments for containing individual doses. In another aspect, the device may include a reservoir containing a pharmaceutical material in bulk form and a metering recess for metering the pharmaceutical material to form a pharmaceutical dose. Another aspect provides an inhaler with a combined reservoir and dosing chamber configured to contain multiple doses of a pharmaceutical material.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device for and method of delivering substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a container-receiving unit comprising a container chamber for receiving a substance-containing container which contains substance to be delivered to the nasal cavity of the subject, the container chamber including an inlet and an outlet; a nosepiece unit including a nosepiece for fitting to a nasal cavity of the subject and being in fluid communication with the outlet of the container chamber; a mouthpiece unit including a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the inlet of the container chamber and through which the subject in use exhales, such as to entrain substance from the container and deliver the same through the nosepiece; and moisture-mitigation means for mitigating an effect of moisture in an exhaled breath on the entrainment of substance from the container, which means are provided, for example, by providing the container in a replaceable container-containing member, by a p

Abstract: The invention relates to a breathing assistance device for a patient, the device including: a source of respiratory pressurised gas; a gas transmission duct comprising a distal end coupled to said source and a proximal end coupled to the patient; a gas regulating valve interposed in the gas transmission duct at a proximal location, comprising a leakage orifice and an obstruction means capable of varying the opening of the leakage orifice upon signal of controlling means and allowing a bidirectional gas flow through the leakage orifice in both expiration and inspiration phases.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for improving the Weight/Duration ratio of Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBAs) by decreasing the amount of fresh breathing gas required from the system by saving exhaled air that is low in carbon dioxide in a reservoir and reusing it at the subsequent inhalation. Electronic control units (“ECUs”) including conventional oxygen sensors and special types of carbon dioxide sensors are used to monitor and predictably regulate the consumption of breathing gas, further contributing to a significantly lower overall system weight for any given duration of the SCBA.

Abstract: A multiple stage variable speed blower for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) ventilation of patients includes two impellers in the gas flow path that cooperatively pressurize gas to desired pressure and flow characteristics. Thus, the multiple stage blower can provide faster pressure response and desired flow characteristics over a narrower range of motor speeds, resulting in greater reliability and less acoustic noise.

Abstract: A patient interface includes a frame, a cushion having a non-face-contacting portion connected to the frame and a face-contacting portion adapted to engage the patient's face in use, the face-contacting portion including a side wall and a flexible membrane extending from the side wall, and a reinforcing member provided to at least a portion of the side wall of the cushion. The reinforcing member includes a cut-out so that the reinforcing member provides reinforcement to selected regions of the cushion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a curvature-adjustable endotracheal tube. The curvature-adjustable endotracheal tube includes: a hollow cylindrical tube body configured to maintain a patient's airway; and a curvature-adjusting wire configured to allow an operator to freely adjust the curvature of the tube body to correspond to the curvature of the patient's airway into which the tube body is inserted. Both ends of the curvature-adjusting wire are respectively fixed to a distal portion and a proximal portion of the tube body such that the distal portion is pulled and bent when the proximal portion is bent by the operator.

Abstract: The present application discloses a bridle device and a method of placing a bridle on a person using the bridle device. In one exemplary embodiment, the bridle device comprises a retrieval portion and a delivery portion. The delivery portion has a retrieval member and a retrieval magnet attached to the retrieval member. The delivery portion has a delivery member and a delivery magnet that is movable relative to a distal portion of the delivery member. In certain embodiments, the delivery portion has a delivery tube and a delivery magnet attached to a flexible elongated member received in the delivery tube. The delivery magnet is movable relative to a distal portion of the delivery tube and both poles of the delivery magnet are exposed outside of the delivery tube.

Abstract: A system for delivering an IUD into an animal, including: (i) an IUD for a an animal, comprising: (a) a main body; and (b) a pair of bendable arms extending away from the main body, wherein the ends of the bendable arms fold together in a direction away from the main body; (ii) a delivery gun for inserting the IUD into an animal, wherein the delivery gun comprises a tubular barrel and a plunger moveable within the tubular barrel; and (iii) a loading gun for inserting the IUD into the tubular barrel of the delivery gun, wherein the loading gun is configured to insert the IUD into the delivery gun with the pair of bendable arms being folded together forward of the main body of the IUD.

Abstract: This invention provides an oral apparatus and method capable of alleviating or curing snore and obstructive sleep apnea by applying a negative pressure through a mini oral interface to the oral cavity. The mini oral interface creates a secure connection to mouth and prevents disengaging from patient's mouth during sleeping. The negative pressure pulls the tongue toward upper palate and also pulls the soft palate forward as well. By moving the tongue and the soft tissue in a forward direction, the patency of the upper airway near the pharynx is maintained to prevent sleep-disordered breathing. The negative pressure will pull the lips inward to close the mouth preventing air from entering the oral cavity from atmosphere. The negative pressure will also pull the soft palate into contact with the rear surface of the tongue to create a seal that prevents the air from entering the oral cavity through the nasal airway.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a draping system for a two-tiered hospital instrument back table can be used to quickly and conveniently create a sterile field. The system has a drape that is a single piece of material, desirably a film that may be clear. The single piece of material has other material attached to it on its upper side or surface in areas that generally coincide with the two upper surfaces of the table when the drape is installed on the table, and that has a lower coefficient of friction than the single piece of material. The drape may be held in place with a continuous or discontinuous band that encircles the upper tier or the upper tier support posts.

Abstract: Medical device for combating overweight or obesity in humans by achieving a more rapid feeling of satiety, comprising a bite raiser which can be connected to the human maxilla and/or mandible (10, 11) and which covers at least some of the occlusal surface of the masticatory teeth (13), wherein a splint (12) adapted to tooth crowns is provided for the bite raiser, which splint (12) equips at least some of the masticatory teeth (13) with an occlusal elevation (14) for reducing the size of the masticatory surface (15), which occlusal elevation (14) overlies the cusp tips (17) of a masticatory tooth (13) in order to link the bite elevation (20) to a spanning of the masticatory relief of the covered masticatory tooth (13).

Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that includes a reusable harness 19, a reusable frame 16, and a replaceable filtering structure 18. The reuseable frame 16 has the reusable harness 14 secured to it and has first and second opposing panels 28a, 28b that define a slot 38 into which the replaceable filtering structure 18 can be manually inserted to be joined to the reusable frame 16 in a removable fashion. The replaceable filtering structure 18 also is able to be separated from the reusable frame 16 by being manually withdrawn from the slot 38. The respirator provides a convenient method for reusing all respirator ports but the filtering structure while protecting the reusable parts from exposure to contaminants.

Abstract: The fixer occluder penile device for urinary incontinence is a flattened ring of soft material that covers an internal metal structure. It is deformable, adjustable and has two semicircular bulges in the top inside and a bulge elongate on the bottom.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits for reducing the likelihood of exposure to bodily fluid from a patient during the process of intubation and/or extubation of a tubular surgical device. Some of the bodily fluid guards can be used in conjunction with previously existing devices, while others are designed to be integrated with devices during manufacture of the devices. The bodily fluid guards has opposite superior and inferior ends with a wall that is configured to capture fluid and debris from the tubular surgical device, thereby preventing the bodily fluid and debris from contacting the patient, caregivers and surrounding equipment. In some embodiments, the bodily fluid guard includes a flexible, extendible sleeve wall to contain or substantially contain the device during extubation, thereby capturing any fluid and debris present on the device, wherein the wall can be releasably fixed to the device and to the patient to facilitate use.

Abstract: A tobacco smoking mixture including an ammonia-release compound adapted to be formed into a lit-end cigarette is provided. The ammonia-release compound is incorporated in or on tobacco cut filler in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity, and/or selective smoke constituents of cigarette smoke. Exemplary ammonia-release compounds include ammonium acetate, ammonium hydroxide, hexammine cobalt (III) chloride, hexammine cobalt (III) acetate, and combinations thereof. The ammonia-release compounds can release ammonia at temperatures between about 60° C. and about 400° C. Ammonia-release compounds can be combined with additives, such as glycerine, cobalt acetate, copper (II) acetate, zinc acetate, other metal salts or combinations thereof, to further reduce the cytotoxicity of cigarette smoke.

Abstract: Methods of selectively reducing constituents in tobacco as well as the tobacco obtained by such methods are disclosed. Subcritical fluids, e.g., liquid carbon dioxide, serve as the reduction media.

Abstract: A hookah bowl, hookah utilized the hookah bowl, and process for using a hookah is disclosed. The hookah bowl includes two principal members, a bowl shell and an adjustable bowl burner that alters its position within the bowl shell. The bowl burner may adjust its position longitudinall, radially, or both.

Abstract: An artificial nail (1) has a member made of a material having electrical conductivity. The artificial nail (1) is given electrical conductivity by mixing an electrically conductive material into plastic serving as a base material. As the electrically conductive material, a carbon-based material, such as carbon black, carbon fiber, or black lead, or a metal-based material, such as a fine metal powder, a metal oxide, metal fiber, or a whisker, is used. Alternatively, the base material for the artificial nail (1) per se is an electrically conductive resin.

Abstract: A method for chemically modifying the internal region of the hair shaft comprising applying a monomer composition to the hair, wherein the monomer composition comprises an ethylenic monomer having a molecular weight of 500 g/mole or less; then rinsing the hair; then applying a conditioning composition to the hair, wherein the conditioning composition comprises a hydrophobic polyol and a hydrophilic polyol; and wherein the method comprises applying an initiator to the hair prior to rinsing the hair, wherein the initiator initiates the chemical modification.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist in modifying hair. The apparatus includes a plurality of curlers and a handle configured to removably retain the curlers thereto. The handle includes a portion that has stepped sections. The stepped sections are arranged to retain individual curlers of different dimensions thereto. The handle is releasably joined to a curler, the curler placed where desired and released to stay in place. The handle may then be used to do the same with a different curler of the same or a different size. As a result, a single handle may be used to position a plurality of curlers of the same or differing size where desired. The combination of the handle and the curlers allows a user to place curlers in locations of interest and retain them in place as a replacement for a styling tool.

Abstract: A hair accessory for receiving and retaining a bundle of hair, a method of making such a hair accessory, and methods of styling hair and instructing others to style hair using such a hair accessory are provided. The hair accessory comprises a thin, resilient, continuously formed, ductile metallic member. The continuously formed ductile metallic member is covered by at least one thin sheet-like backing member. The ductile metallic member and the one or more backing members form an opening for receiving and retaining a bundle of hair.

Abstract: A compact, recyclable dental flossing device in the form of a multi-layered elongated filament or strip of a resin which has physical characteristics such that, when elongated or drawn to stop, possesses a substantially increased length and tensile strength and a reduced thickness suitable for flossing teeth.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a microwave processing apparatus including a processing chamber for accommodating therein an object to be processed, a microwave introducing unit for introducing microwaves into the chamber, and a gas introducing unit for introducing a gas into the processing chamber is provided. The method includes loading an object for cleaning into the processing chamber, introducing a gas into the processing chamber, introducing microwaves into the processing chamber, and unloading the object from the processing chamber.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a fiber cap including a first fixture configured to hold the fiber cap, the fiber cap having an internal cavity with an opening therein. The fiber cap also includes a first axis generally aligned with the central axis of the fiber cap and internal cavity, a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes. The system further includes a second fixture configured to hold a particulate collecting member (1) to receive and hold an electrical charge and (2) for insertion into the opening of the fiber cap.

Abstract: A system and method of improving the performance and extending the lifetime of an ion source is disclosed. The ion source includes an ion source chamber, a suppression electrode and a ground electrode. In the processing mode, the ion source chamber may be biased to a first positive voltage, while the suppression electrode is biased to a negative voltage to attract positive ions from within the chamber through an aperture and toward the workpiece. In the cleaning mode, the ion source chamber may be grounded, while the suppression electrode is biased using a power supply having a high current capability. The voltage applied to the suppression electrode creates a plasma between the suppression electrode and the ion source chamber, and between the suppression electrode and the ground electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a substrate includes a cleaning chamber which accommodates a substrate inside the cleaning chamber, a treatment solution supply device which supplies a treatment solution having a volatile component and capable of solidifying or being cured to form a treatment film through vaporization of the volatile component, and a removal solution supply device which supplies a removal solution capable of removing the treatment film formed on a surface of the substrate. The treatment solution supply device supplies the treatment solution on the surface of the substrate set inside the cleaning chamber, and the removal solution supply device supplies the removal solution onto the treatment film formed on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a high flashpoint alcohol based cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting composition and its method of use on food contact surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to a quick drying and ready to use cleaning and sanitizing formula with an isopropyl alcohol level low enough to permit a reduced flammability rating while maintaining microbiological sanitizing and disinfecting properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning brush and a cleaning apparatus that can effectively discharge dust, removed from a dresser disk of a CMP apparatus upon cleaning the dresser disk, to the outside of the cleaning system in order to prevent the dust from being again deposited on the dresser disk. A cleaning brush includes a large number of brushes formed to protrude on its top surface, vertical through-holes and into which a nozzle for ejecting a cleaning fluid is inserted, and a recessed groove formed on a lower surface that lower ends of the through-holes and face. It is configured such that dust deposited onto the brushes upon cleaning the dresser disk is discharged to outside from the recessed groove through a gap between the surrounding of the nozzle and the inner surface of the through-holes and together with the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A method for assessing and guaranteeing the thermal hygiene effect on items to be washed which are accommodated in a washing chamber of a single-chamber dishwasher or items to be cleaned which are accommodated in a cleaning chamber of a cleaning and disinfecting machine, with a temperature sensor being permanently assigned to the washing chamber or the cleaning chamber. The thermal hygiene effect produced by the temperature and action time acting on the items to be washed or the items to be cleaned is detected by means of the temperature sensor and a control system, and the heat equivalent values are calculated from this information.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate holding part, a substrate rotating mechanism, and a chamber. The substrate rotating mechanism incudes an annular rotor part disposed in an internal space of the chamber and a stator part disposed around the rotor part outside the chamber. The substrate holding part is attached to the rotor part in the internal space of the chamber. In the substrate rotating mechanism, a rotating force is generated about a central axis between the stator part and the rotor part. The rotor part is thereby rotated about the central axis, being in a floating state, together with a substrate and the substrate holding part. In the substrate processing apparatus, the substrate can be easily rotated in the internal space having excellent sealability. As a result, it is possible to easily perform single-substrate processing in a sealed internal space.

Abstract: Glycine is an organic compound that can be used in the making of a synthetic acid that obviates all the drawbacks of strong acids such as hydrochloric acid. The new compound is made by dissolving glycine in water, in a weight ratio of approximately 1:1 to 1:1.5. The solution is mixed until the glycine is essentially fully dissolved in the water. Once dissolution is complete, hydrogen chloride gas is dissolved in the solution to produce the new compound, which can be referred to as hydrogen glycine.