Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine with a fuel vapor recovery system are disclosed. In one example approach, a method for an engine with a fuel vapor recovery system including a multi-tubular fuel vapor canister comprises directing air through a first set of adsorbent passages in the fuel vapor canister to purge fuel vapor therefrom while not directing air through a second set of adsorbent passages in the fuel vapor canister; and directing air through the second set of adsorbent passages to purge fuel vapor therefrom while not directing air through the first set of adsorbent passages.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine with a fuel vapor recovery system are disclosed. In one example approach, a method for an engine with a fuel vapor recovery system comprises increasing an amount of flow restriction between storage material in a fuel vapor canister while maintaining a vent valve open during a fuel vapor purging event.

Abstract: An EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler apparatus for a vehicle may include a main cooling unit that may be disposed on an EGR line recirculating exhaust gas from an exhaust manifold to an intake manifold to cool the exhaust gas through coolant, a valve assembly that may be connected to the main cooling unit to control exhaust gas flowing rate supplied to the main cooling unit, and a sub cooling unit that may be integrally formed on the main cooling unit and cools down the exhaust gas that may be to be supplied to the valve assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust gas supply pipe for an EGR cooler of a vehicle, and more particularly, to an exhaust gas supply pipe for an EGR cooler of a vehicle, which is capable of improving an initial mounted state through a bellows and also of preventing damage caused by high exhaust heat. To this end, the present invention provides an exhaust gas supply pipe for an EGR cooler of a vehicle, including: a left pipe connected to an exhaust manifold of an engine; a right pipe connected to an EGR cooler; a bellows connecting the left pipe and the right pipe to each other and disposed at an outer periphery of the left pipe; and a heat blocking material filled in a space between the outer periphery of the left pipe and an inner periphery of the bellows.

Abstract: A pollution control system for diesel engines includes a PCV valve and an oil filter positioned together in a canister. The PCV valve has an inlet and an outlet adapted to vent blow-by gas from a diesel combustion engine. A fluid regulator associated with the PCV valve selectively modulates engine vacuum pressure to adjustably increase or decrease a fluid flow rate of blow-by gas venting from the diesel combustion engine. The oil filter cleans particulate matter out of the blow-by gas, and condenses oil to return to the engine. A controller regulates the amount of blow-by gas vented through the system.

Abstract: A PCV valve and pollution control system for combustion engines. The PCV valve has an inlet and an outlet adapted to vent blow-by gasses from the crank case of a combustion engine. The inlet of the PCV valve is in fluid communication with a port on an engine oil cap on an engine oil inlet tube. The PCV valve may be integral with the engine oil cap or connected thereto by a hose. The outlet of the PCV valve directs vented blow-by gasses to a fuel/air inlet to the combustion chamber of the engine. The combination of the PCV valve with the engine oil cap facilitates installation of the system on a combustion engine.

Abstract: A magazine for storing and feeding paintballs to a paintball marker is disclosed. The magazine includes at least one channel that is open to an opening and a follower configured to travel within the at least one channel and contact a column of paintballs. The magazine can further include a door biased to cover the opening so as to prevent the paintball from passing through the opening. The magazine can include a retainer that is movable between at least a first position and a second position. The retainer prevents the follower from moving towards the opening when in the first position and allows the follower to move towards the opening when in the second position.

Abstract: An air-powered gun includes a gun body, an air inlet module, a trigger, a hammer, a pressurized bottle chamber and an air-storage extension tube. The trigger is pivotally coupled to the gun body; the hammer is coupled to the gun body and linked with the trigger; the pressurized bottle chamber is formed at the gun body; the air-storage extension tube is fixed to the gun body, and an end of the air-storage extension tube is interconnected to an inlet, and the other end of the air-storage extension tube is interconnected to the pressurized bottle chamber, and the air-storage extension tube has a space defined between the trigger and hammer and has at least one turn.

Abstract: A pneumatic paintball marker has, for example, a feed system for receiving paintballs from paintball containers having different outlets. The feed system includes a lever and a drive system. The drive system defines an opening through the marker and into the breech. Actuation of the lever moves the opening between at least two positions. The breech receives paintballs from one of the containers when in the first position and from the other paintball container when in the second position.

Abstract: According to principles of the present inventive concepts, a mechanically-actuated pneumatic valve can comprise an input port receiving compressed gas from a compressed gas regulator and one or more output ports. A face seal can be arranged in the valve body and be configured to move between two positions. In a first position, the face seal can permit compressed gas from the input port to be supplied to a first output port. In a second position, the face seal can vent compressed gas from the valve body through an exhaust port. An actuator, such as a pin or pin-shaped actuator, for example, can be configured and arranged to move the face seal from the first position to the second position, such as during a trigger pull. A contact surface could be configured to physically contact a surface of the pin-shaped actuator (either directly from the trigger or through one or more other components or mechanisms) and drive the face seal to its second position during actuation of the trigger.

Abstract: A reduced breakaway-friction flow control and valving device for a compressed gas-powered projectile accelerator is disclosed having an improved means of reducing break-away friction, an improved sealing arrangement, and self-contained modular components to improve efficiency, manufacturability, and reduce size and weight.

Abstract: Bushing for the chamber of a sporting pistol or rifle and the procedure for its manufacture. It comprises a tubular configuration, with a connection passage with its entrance orifice (2) and exit orifice (4) characterised in that said connection passage (8) is calibrated to a predetermined value in function of the output power of the sporting pistol or rifle.

Abstract: A home appliance having a griddle cover includes an appliance body; a cooktop on the appliance body and having a griddle; a griddle cover for removable disposition on the griddle for protecting the griddle from contaminants, the griddle cover including a cover body having a plurality of support elements on the cover body; and a mounting arrangement for removably mounting the griddle cover to the griddle including a plurality of feet mounted to the support elements for supporting the griddle cover on the griddle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar collector (1) comprising a collector element plane comprising a set of parallel metallic collector elements (2) for collecting solar energy. The collector element plane, on its side to be arranged to face the sun, comprises a set of parallel, elongated ridges (R, r) formed by the metallic collector elements (2), and elongated depressions (v) between the ridges (R, r), and that at least some of the ridges (R, r) comprise therein a channel (3) for a heat transfer medium. The invention also relates to a collector element. The invention further relates to a building roof, a building, and a solar energy recovery system comprising said solar collector (1).

Abstract: A modular thermal panel can include a heat exchanger having connected top and bottom plates with channels formed there between for receiving a heat exchange fluid. An architectural tile (e.g., a paver, stone, acoustic tile, or any other architectural element) can rest on the top of the modular thermal panel, while an insulator panel is positioned below the modular thermal panel. The heat exchanger can transfer heat between the architectural tile and the heat exchange fluid to either cool or heat the architectural panel. Additional implementations include heat transfer systems including such modular thermal panels, and methods of collecting and utilizing thermal energy using such modular thermal panels.

Abstract: Digestion of cellulosic biomass solids to form a hydrolysate may be accompanied by decomposition if the soluble carbohydrates produced from the biomass under hydrothermal digestion conditions are not transformed into a more stable reaction product. Biomass conversion systems may be configured to address this issue and others. Biomass conversion systems can comprise: a hydrothermal digestion unit; a first catalytic reduction reactor unit fluidly coupled to the hydrothermal digestion unit along its height by two or more fluid inlet lines and two or more fluid return lines, the first catalytic reduction reactor unit containing a catalyst capable of activating molecular hydrogen; and a fluid circulation loop comprising the hydrothermal digestion unit and a second catalytic reduction reactor unit that contains a catalyst capable of activating molecular hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention described herein is directed to method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, comprising administering an effective amount of an osmolyte by at least one nasal cannula to a subject in need thereof. Also provided is a nasal cannula system for delivering an osmolyte, comprising a nebulizer and tubing having two ends, where the first end of the tubing is connected to the nebulizer and the second end of the tubing is tapered to fit in the nostril of a subject.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a reversible airway device that includes a tubular guide, a laryngeal mask, an endotracheal tube, and a sealing mechanism. The tubular guide can have a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a first passageway extending between the distal and proximal end portions. The laryngeal mask can be attached to the distal end portion of the tubular guide. The laryngeal mask can include an opening in fluid communication with the first passageway. The endotracheal tube can be slidably disposed within the first passageway and have a second passageway that is concentric with the first passageway. The sealing mechanism can be disposed within the first passageway and be configured to occlude the flow of a gas through the first passageway.

Abstract: The claimed invention is an apparatus to assist and encourage a person to take long, deep and steady breaths. The invention is designed to provide improved health for the user by fostering; improved breathing and relaxation, positive smell association, calmer clearer thinking, reduced stress and anxiety, as well as providing a substitute for potentially harmful habits such as smoking, over-eating, over-drinking and other forms of drug abuse. This invention may also reduce the impact of some existing physiological and psychological health conditions.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a mask body and an air inlet connector. The mask body is formed with an air inlet. The air inlet connector is integrally formed at the air inlet. The respiratory mask can be direct connected to an oxygen tube, an air storage bag, a mist spray tank, a medicine feed tank or a standard air tube of 22 mm, without the need for a separate connector. The respiratory mask decreases the number of the parts and is easy to operate for medical workers to change different pipes, without changing the respiratory mask.

Abstract: A manually operated metered dose inhaler includes a dose counter chamber including a dose display tape driven by a ratchet wheel which is driven in turn by an actuator pawl actuated by movement of a canister, the tape unwinding from a stock bobbin during use of the inhaler, a rotation regulator being provided for the stock bobbin and including a wavelike engagement surface with concavities which engage against control elements in the form of protrusions on resilient forks of a split pin thereby permitting incremental unwinding of the stock bobbin yet resisting excessive rotation if the inhaler is dropped onto a hard surface.

Abstract: An inhaler/puffer is provided. The inhaler/puffer may comprise a body, a cap, and a base, the cap and the base being configured to functionally engage the body. The body may define a chamber wherein minerals, such as salt, may be housed. The body, cap, and base may be configured to permit a user to inhale on the cap and draw air through the base into the chamber, over the minerals, through the cap and into the respiratory system of the user. Additionally, the inhaler/puffer may be placed in-line with an oxygen breathing system, such that as the breathing system provides oxygen to the user, the user also receives salt air treatment.

Abstract: A device for inhalation of at least one air stream carrying a dose of medicament powder. The device comprises a powder-containing cavity which opens into a flow passage. The flow passage is arranged to direct an inhalation air flow across the cavity opening. A circulating flow is thereby induced in the cavity by the phenomenon of shear driven cavity flow. Powder is entrained in the circulating flow and deaggregated before exiting the cavity and becoming entrained in the flow of air along the flow passage.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to methods and devices for displacing body convection and thereby reducing exposure to allergens and other airborne fine particles within a personal breathing zone during situations of or corresponding to sleep thereby reducing or removing symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis while improving quality of sleep and in particular to methods and devices that utilize Temperature controlled Laminar Airflow (abbreviated TLA from herein and onwards). Also, business methods involving such methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A supplemental gas delivery device is described for a mask assembly having at least one supplemental gas port, the at least one supplemental gas port including an aperture in communication with an interior of the mask assembly. The mask assembly may include an aperture communicating with an interior of the mask assembly, and a cannula for communicating with the supplemental gas port. The cannula is positioned to deliver supplemental gas adjacent to the patient's nares and/or mouth, to increase an efficacy of treatment for the patient by more directly applying the flow of supplemental gas to the patient's nares. An optional bridging portion may be included to provide a connection between supplemental gas port and the cannula.

Abstract: An interface for positive pressure therapy includes a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly. The mask assembly comprises a seal member that has an upper portion movably connected to an integrated lower portion, wherein the upper portion rolls during hinging movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The headgear assembly allows connection to the mask assembly in a direction substantially normal to a direction of strap tension. The connection port assembly includes a swivel elbow with a valve member that controls flow through a port that opens toward the user.

Abstract: A patient interface device (10) includes a patient sealing assembly (60) including a cushion (70), and a frame member (80) coupled to the cushion, and an adjustable forehead support assembly (200) provided at the distal end (120) of the frame member. The adjustable forehead support assembly includes an adjustment mechanism (202) coupled to a forehead cushion (204), wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a forehead cushion support member (212) having a base portion (216) coupled to the forehead cushion and an vertical/upright rotatable wheel member (214). Rotation of the wheel member causes movement of the frame member and the cushion relative to the forehead cushion.

Abstract: A prophylactic device having a base substrate for adhering to a glans of a penis, and a reservoir cap having a reservoir and a flange for adhering to the base substrate. The base substrate may be a thin polyurethane film coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive for adhering to the skin of the glans. The flange of the reservoir cap has a pressure-sensitive adhesive for adhering to the base substrate. A security ring is also provided for adhering to and covering the junction of the bottom edge of the flange and base.

Abstract: A device configured to reduce snoring that includes a platform configured to elevate the torso of a user and a pillow mounted to the wedge platform and configured to elevate the head of the user.

Abstract: A mask includes a frame, ear fasteners, a resisting portion and a covering piece. The frame is of an arcuate shape approximating a person's face curve, having two ends respectively connected with the ear fastener and an intermediate portion extending downward to form a support portion, and further provided with a projecting stud protruding inward and having a first fastening portion and a first engage portion. The resisting portion is disposed with a second engage portion to be engaged with the first engage portion for combining the resisting portion with the projecting stud. The covering piece is formed with a second fastening portion corresponding with the first fastening portion of the projecting stud. The second fastening portion of the covering piece is engaged with the first fastening portion of the projecting stud to have the covering piece mounted on the frame.

Abstract: A device for use with a post-operative shoe to protect the foot of the wearer of such shoe.

Abstract: Isolated O-methylated flavonoid compounds and mixtures of o-methylated flavonoid compounds derived from a plant of the Nicotiana species and methods of obtaining such compounds are provided. The o-methylated flavonoids can be combined with tobacco materials to produce tobacco products (e.g., smoking articles) to enhance the sensory characteristics thereof. The o-methyl flavonoids can alternatively be combined with non-tobacco materials for dietary supplement and/or pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: Smoking articles, and methods for forming such smoking articles, such as an electronic smoking article, are provided. An exemplary smoking article comprises a control body portion having a control body engagement end, and having a first control component therein. A cartridge body portion includes a cartridge body engagement end configured to removably engage the control body engagement end of the control body portion. The cartridge body portion further includes a consumable arrangement comprising at least an aerosol precursor composition and at least one heating element operably engaged therewith, and a second control component. At least the consumable arrangement is configured to be in communication with the first control component upon engagement between the cartridge body and control body portions.

Abstract: Electronic smoking articles, and methods are provided. An exemplary article comprises a control body portion having a first control component therein. A cartridge body portion is removably engaged with the control body portion. The cartridge body portion includes a consumable arrangement having an aerosol precursor composition, a heating element, and a second control component. The consumable arrangement is configured to communicate with the first control component upon engagement between the cartridge body and control body portions. The first control component is configured to send a challenge to the second control component, and to receive a response to the challenge therefrom. The first control component is further configured to authorize the consumable arrangement for use with the control body portion, if the response corresponds to the challenge.

Abstract: A method and associated system are provided for forming a biodegradable filter material for a filter element of a smoking article, wherein the method involves combining cellulose acetate fibers with regenerated cellulose fibers, drawing the combined cellulose acetate fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers to form drawn combined fibers, and crimping the drawn combined fibers to form a mixed fiber tow. An associated filter material for the filter element of a smoking article is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a polycomponent fibre having a first, fibre forming component comprising a polymer, and a second, component comprising an active ingredient that will selectively reduce or remove components of tobacco smoke. The apparatus has a first reservoir for containing the first component, and a second reservoir for containing the dispersion, second solution or liquid. The dispersion, second solution or liquid includes the second component. The apparatus also has a polycomponent spinnerette adapted to coextrude the first component and the second component to form the polycomponent fibre. The apparatus also includes a first conduit for connecting the first reservoir to the spinnerette, and a second conduit for connecting the second reservoir to the spinnerette.

Abstract: A filter (11) for a smoking article (10) comprises a first flowpath (13) through the filter, a second flowpath (14) through the filter, the second flowpath being disposed around the first flowpath, and a selector (16) for allowing flow selectively through the first and second flowpaths.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating hair, the method comprising the following steps: applying a composition to the hair, the composition comprising one or more active ingredients selected from the following: hair conditioning agents; reducing agents; organic or inorganic bases; hair dyes; abrasive solid particles; and moisturizing agents; and combing the hair using a motor-driven combing device (10) comprising spikes that are driven in an oscillating motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mascara having a rotatable contact brush. According to the present design, comprised are: a container main body in which a mascara liquid is stored; a handle which is coupled to an opening side of the container main body so as to be sealable; and a coating member, which is extendedly formed on one side of the handle, is inserted into the container main body when the container main body and the handle are coupled, and which is provided with a brush that is rotatably provided at an end portion of a brush rod for selectively performing one effect from volumizing, curling, lengthening, and cleaning, while rotating when coating the eyelashes with the mascara liquid, thereby enhancing volume, curling, lengthening, and cleaning by means of the rotation of the brush when coating the eyelashes with the mascara liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is a hair accessory having a special coil design. The hair accessory comprising a substantially circular shaped member having a plurality of coiled coil structures, each of the plurality of coiled coil structures is arranged in a way to form a closed helical loop. When the coiled coil structure is twisted and folded for holding the hair, its special structure permits it to lock with itself so that the hair accessory remains in hair even if strenuous movement is performed by the wearer. The hardness of the material results in less friction with the hair thereby allowing easy gliding during pull out of hair. The twists around the hair act as anchors thereby not allowing the hair accessory to dislodge. The constant use of the hair accessory may tend to loose its shape and it can regain its shape by placing the hair accessory in boiling water.

Abstract: Frenchies are flocked french hairpins with a soft, non scratchy coating, which creates a high-friction, non-slippery surface to keep hairstyles, wigs, and extensions in place. This innovative product is a traditional “U” shaped french hairpin, flocked with a high-friction yet soft coating finish. The flock finish can be offered in various colors, to accommodate different shades of hair, as well as in different sizes, for different needs.

Abstract: The transparent elastic band is not a new product. The patent is being applied for the idea of using the band for the particular purpose for which the claim defines its use.

Abstract: A method for preventing the build-up of ice on overhead power lines using induced vibrations and hydrophobic chemical treatment. In one embodiment, audio frequency transducers are used to send low frequency vibrations down a transmission line, while a hydrophobic coating is applied before inclement weather. These vibrations add just enough energy to prevent ice nucleation, and create constructive interference patterns to assist in shaking off water before it freezes.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for cleaning a substrate with a cleaning system comprising a pre-treatment system and a wet clean system. One or more objectives for the pre-treatment system are selected and two or more pre-treatment operating variables including UV dose, substrate temperature, oxygen partial pressure, oxygen and ozone partial pressure, and/or total pressure, are optimized to meet the pre-treatment objectives, using metrology measurements. The substrate includes a layer to be cleaned and an underlying dielectric layer having a k-value. A pre-treatment gas comprising oxygen and/or ozone is delivered onto a surface of the substrate and irradiated with a UV device, generating oxygen radicals. Cleaning of the substrate in the pre-treatment process is set at less than 100% in order to ensure the change in k-value of the substrate is within a set range for the substrate application.

Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning a surface of a semiconductor wafer comprising: (a) contacting the front surface of the wafer with a slurry comprising an abrasive agent and a polymeric rheological modifier; (b) contacting the front surface of the semiconductor wafer with an oxidant; and (c) irradiating the front surface of the semiconductor wafer with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a contaminated surface is provided. The method includes covering at least a portion of the contaminated surface with an absorptive medium. At least a portion of the absorptive medium is saturated with a cleaning solution before the portion of the contaminated surface is covered with the absorptive medium, or at least a portion of the absorptive medium is saturated with a cleaning solution after the portion of the contaminated surface is covered with the absorptive medium.

Abstract: A cleaning glove kit. A plurality of disposable gloves is contained within an openable air tight dispenser. The gloves are saturated with cleansing fluid also contained within the dispenser. Each glove has four finger sections corresponding to a user's finger, a thumb section corresponding to the user's thumb, a first palm section and a second palm section. The first palm section and second palm section are alternatively utilized by the user to clean subject matter by switching one the gloves between the user's right hand and the user's left hand. In a preferred embodiment the subject matter being cleaned is a pet.

Abstract: A motorized lightweight handheld polishing and cleaning apparatus used to clean and polish large and hard to access surfaces and a motorized method for cleaning and polishing large and hard to access surfaces are disclosed. The motorized lightweight handheld polishing and cleaning apparatus includes (a) a body, further comprising a motor used to rotate a cleaning disk, (b) a cleaning disk attached to a rotary axis of a vertical gear of said motor and (c) at least one handle.

Abstract: A method of determining the number of doses and the types of a treating chemistry available in the bulk dispensing system, and providing an indication of the determination on a user interface.

Abstract: This disclosure proposes a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned. The cleaning device has at least one fluid device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned. The cleaning device has at least one electrical load. The cleaning device further has at least one electrical connection for supplying electrical energy to the cleaning device. The cleaning device further has at least one energy store. The cleaning device is designed to receive electrical energy via the electrical connection and to temporarily store said electrical energy in the energy store. The cleaning device is further designed to supply electrical energy from the energy store to the at least one electrical load.