Abstract: A fuel injection controller is applied to a fuel injector injecting fuel to be combusted in an internal combustion engine by an open-valve operation of the valve body according to an electromagnetic suction force generated by an energization of a coil. The fuel injection controller controls an injection state of the fuel injector by controlling a coil current flowing through the coil. The fuel injection controller includes an increasing control portion which increases the coil current to a first target value, a holding control portion which holds the coil current increased by the increasing control portion to the first target value, and a changing portion which changes the first target value according to the operation state of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for purging a multi-port canister into an engine intake. Air is circulated through the canister and a resulting purge air is directed to an intake passage upstream of a throttle in engine configured with a throttle body. An amount of fresh intake air received at the intake passage is corresponding decreased.

Abstract: A controlling apparatus for an engine includes a purge path connected to a sealing-type fuel tank and an intake system of an engine and is configured to allow purge gas containing evaporated fuel from the fuel tank to flow therethrough. A purge valve placed in the purge path is configured to adjust a flow rate of the purge gas. A calculation unit calculates a degree of opening of the purge valve based on a target introduction ratio of the purge gas, and a controlling unit controls the purge valve so as to establish the degree of opening calculated by the calculation unit. The calculation unit corrects, in high-pressure purge performed when a pressure in the fuel tank increases exceeding a predetermined pressure, the degree of opening using a tank pressure flow velocity correction coefficient K2 corresponding to an upstream pressure of the purge valve.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating an ambient humidity value used to determine condensate formation in a charge air cooler. The ambient humidity value is determined from charge air cooler efficiency and windshield wiper speed thresholds. The humidity value is used to calculate an amount of condensate in a charge air cooler and control engine systems to reduce condensate formation and engine misfire.

Abstract: In an EGR valve, a valve element is seatable on a valve seat by stroke movement of a valve stem caused by an actuator. The valve seat has a cylindrical part with which a step of the stem is engageable. By the stroke movement of the valve stem, the opening degree between the valve seat and the valve element is changed. The valve seat is moved in the passage in the stroke movement direction to be engageable with a shoulder of the passage. As the valve element is moved together with the stem, the opening degree in the low opening range is changed. As the step of the stem is engaged with the cylindrical part and the valve seat is moved with respect to the shoulder, the opening degree in the high opening range is changed.

Abstract: An exhaust gas cooler may include an outer housing and an inner housing having a heat exchanger insert arranged therein. The heat exchanger insert may include a plurality of pipes around which exhaust gas flows transversely in the inner housing and through at least some of which a coolant of a first cooling circuit flows. At least a portion of the outer housing may be cooled by a second cooling circuit. The second cooling circuit may be separate from the first cooling circuit.

Abstract: A control apparatus 57 is a 2-input, 2-output integral-type optimal servo system in which intake air amount and intake oxygen concentration are used as control quantities (y1, y2) and the degree of opening of a control valve of an exhaust gas recirculation apparatus and the degree of opening of a control valve of a supercharger equipped with a variable flow rate mechanism are used as manipulated quantities (u1, u2), and includes an output feedback system. The control apparatus (57) is provided with an EGR valve opening degree unit (70) and an opening rate valve of the supercharger. Each of the control units includes a non-interference controller (64) for eliminating interference between the manipulated quantity for the control valve of the exhaust gas recirculation apparatus and the manipulated quantity for the control valve of the supercharger equipped with the variable flow rate mechanism.

Abstract: An ignition device includes a spark plug and an ignition coil. The spark plug is attached to a cylinder head such that a center electrode and a ground electrode project into a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, airflow is generated in a predetermined direction to the spark plug during a compression step. The ignition coil has a primary coil and a secondary coil. An output voltage of the secondary coil after interruption of energization of the primary coil is restricted to a predetermined voltage or less. The ground electrode has a leg portion extending from a housing of the spark plug and an opposing portion that extends in a direction intersecting with the leg portion and forms a gap by opposing the center electrode. The leg portion is attached to a position further upstream than the gap in a flow direction of the airflow during the compression step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a turbocharged internal combustion engine 10 with an exhaust gas aftertreatment device 20, wherein the operation of a wastegate of the turbocharger is based upon the exhaust gas aftertreatment device temperature and at least one of engine speed, engine fuel injection quantity, coolant temperature, ambient temperature and barometric pressure.

Abstract: An archery bow comprises a structural riser that comprises a plurality of cells arranged in a repeating pattern. In some embodiments, the riser comprises multiple pluralities of similarly shaped cells, wherein each plurality comprises a different shape. In some embodiments, a bow comprises one or more rotatable members. Each rotatable member can comprise a plurality of cells arranged in a repeating pattern. In some embodiments, cell shapes in the rotatable member(s) are similar to cell shapes in the riser.

Abstract: A paintball transfer apparatus and method for operating the apparatus to move a paintball enable a user to load a paintball into a paintball marker. The apparatus has an housing forming a cavity for storing paintballs, a path around the wall of the cavity that is shaped to guide paintballs, and a driver that rotates a roller within the cavity. Rotation of the roller moves paintballs along the path. The path may have one of a variety of shapes, such as circular or helical. The surface speed of the roller may be greater than the speed of the paintballs along the path. The roller may be made of a high friction material, and also may be a brush. The apparatus may be used to move paintballs within and about a marker, such as vertically upwards or downwards, or horizontally left or right.

Abstract: A riser of a compound bow includes a lower section and an upper section. The upper section has an end section and a connection section which is connected to the lower section by engagement of pins and pin holes of the two respective connection ends. The connection is further reinforced by way of welding. The end section is further connected with the connection section by engagement of pins and pin holes of the two respective connection ends. The connection is further reinforced by way of welding. The riser is strong and saves material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods that aid in providing high efficiency stoves for developing and underdeveloped regions. In some embodiments, the stoves are plancha-style stoves comprise cast iron planchas that are more durable and efficient that existing stoves. The plancha-style stoves, described herein may comprise a combustion chamber comprising an inlet, a stack chamber comprising an inlet and an outlet; a gas path chamber, comprising a ceiling and a floor, wherein the ceiling is defined by a removable plancha cooking surface having a substantially planar upper surface and a lower surface; a chimney box; and a chimney. In many embodiments, the stack chamber defines a cross-sectional area that is larger than the cross-sectional area of the inlet to the combustion chamber to prevent smoke from escaping the combustion chamber through the inlet.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fractionating lignocellulosic biomass including hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, including exploding the biomass cells to devolatilize the biomass, hydrolyzing the hemicellulose to produce a liquid component including hemicellulosic sugars and a solid component including less than 10% hemicellulose, separating the liquid and solid components, vaporizing the cellulose in the solid component, and condensing the cellulosic sugar vapors. The methods and systems may vaporize the cellulose in a continuous steam reactor at a temperature of about 400-550° C. and a pressure of about 1-3 bara. Electromagnetic and/or electroaccoustic treatment such as ultrasound and/or microwave treatment may be applied to the biomass immediately before or during cellulose hydrolysis.

Abstract: Medicament delivery devices for administration of opioid antagonists are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, a medicament container disposed within the housing and an energy storage member disposed within the housing. The medicament container is filled with a naloxone composition that includes naloxone or salts thereof, a tonicity-adjusting agent, and a pH adjusting agent, whereby the osmolality of the naloxone composition ranges from about 250-350 mOsm and the pH ranges from about 3-5. The energy storage member is configured to produce a force to deliver the naloxone composition.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser, in particular a metered dose inhaler, which is able to count the number of time the dispenser is activated and then disable the device, which then prevents any additional medicament from being dispensed. Additional embodiments include a medicament dispenser which are adapted to display either the number of activations that have occurred or the number of activations remaining.

Abstract: An intubation device having a main body portion defining a first longitudinal axis, a distal tip portion coupled to the main body portion and defining a second longitudinal axis, and a deflection system having a single drive member extending within at least the distal tip portion and coupled thereto. The deflection system is operable to exert a tensile force upon the distal tip portion to articulate the distal tip portion relative to the main body portion between a resting position and a positive incline position and a negative incline position.

Abstract: A system and method for delaying the start of the continuous positive air pressure therein making it easier for a user to fall asleep. The system delivers pressurized gas to the airway of a patient. The system has a gas flow generator for providing a flow of gas and a mask for delivery of gas flow to an airway of a patient. The mask has an exhaust port being continuously open and having suitable flow resistance for maintaining a pressure in the cavity. The mask has a breathing port adaptable to open when no flow of pressurized air for allowing free breathing by the user. A hose extends between the gas flow generator and the mask for providing a flow of gas. The system has a mechanism for turning the flow of gas on at a time distinct from turning on the apparatus.

Abstract: A vortex tube with an arcuate hot leg. A vortex tube include a vortex chamber couple to a first tube, a cold leg, to carry a cold air stream and a second tube, the hot leg, to cause the separation of hot and cold air. The hot leg bends in an arc to allow a longer and more efficient hot leg in reduced linear space.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for determining patient fatigue during ventilation of a patient. The disclosure describes novel notification and/or management of patient fatigue during ventilation. Further, the disclosure describes system and methods for preventing diaphragm fatigue or weakness.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for detecting and remedying a potential hypoxic state. A wearable hypoxic state detector includes an SpO2 sensor configured to measure a user's oxygen saturation, an oxygen reservoir, an oxygen conduit positioned to deliver oxygen from the oxygen storage reservoir to the user's inhalation flow path, and a controller. The controller is operably connected between the SpO2 sensor and the oxygen delivery component, and is configured to automatically induce a flow of oxygen from the oxygen reservoir through the oxygen conduit when a predetermined oxygen saturation level is detected by the SpO2 sensor.

Abstract: Skin-contact products with a transpiration function such as medical devices or medicinal products, of which face masks, aspirators, ventilators, breast pumps or wound dressings are examples are described especially a skin-contact product with a transpiration function with an improved microclimate at a patient interface material-skin contact area. In an embodiment a material system (10, 20, 30) is described that comprises a hydrophobic silicone base material (11, 21, 31) and a hydrophilic silicone material (12, 22, 32) that is combined with the hydrophobic base material (11, 21, 31). At least a part of the hydrophilic material (12, 22, 32) is in contact with a moist surface (50). The hydrophobic base material (11, 21, 31) provides mechanical and dynamical stability of the material system (10, 20, 30). The hydrophilic material (12, 22, 32) allows for uptake or for diffusion of moisture away from moist surface (50).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an airborne filtration assembly that is clipped onto the exterior of the nose and comprises filters to cover the nostrils. The nasal filtration assembly comprises a plurality of interchangeable pieces including that of decorative nose clips, disposable filters, and replaceable nose pads. The assembly functions by catching and trapping airborne particles and protects the nostrils from pollen, dust, germs, bacteria, and second hand smoke. The disposable filtration patches come in unscented or in a variety of pleasing scents, and are contained within hingedly attached mesh containers that cover and provide protection of the nostril of the area. The entire frame, along with device accessories, can be stored in a hard plastic carrying case for easy access.

Abstract: Disclosed is ventilator mask comprising an upper part of an elastic material and a mask body, wherein the upper part of the mask is joined with the mask body of the ventilator mask by a mask connection region, wherein a wall of the upper part of the mask bounds at least in certain regions of the wall a cavity which is filled with a filler at least in certain regions of the cavity and the cavity is formed at least in certain regions of the cavity along the periphery of the upper part of the mask.

Abstract: The present invention provides a differential pressure body suit with external support against body suit migration. In its preferred embodiment, such body suit may comprise a close-fitting, multi-layered suit sealed against a mammal's skin to contain the differential pressure, or a looser-fitting suit that bends at the mammal's joints with minimal force. External support means include either fixed or movable mechanical supports attached to the body suit, extraordinary air pressure levels for making the body suit rigid, or exoskeletons attached to the body suit. A cyclic control system can turn the differential pressure condition within the body suit on and off on a selective basis to accommodate the movement of the legs of the mammal. The pressurization reduces the weight of the body to greater or lesser extents, and offloads the weight to the ground through the external support means.

Abstract: An automatic cigarette-making machine including a housing with an aperture and a compacting chamber in communication with the aperture for receiving loose tobacco for compacting, fitted with a safety mechanism in the form of a protective door that initiates automatic operation of the cigarette-making machine when the door is moved into position to block access to the compacting chamber during the operation of the machine.

Abstract: The invention features tobacco compositions and methods of their use and manufacture. Compositions of the invention may be based on a variety of technologies. Technologies include films, tabs, shaped parts, gels, consumable units, insoluble matrices, and hollow shapes. In addition to tobacco, compositions may also contain flavors, colors, and other additives as described herein. Compositions may also be orally disintegrable. Exemplary compositions and methods of their manufacture are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention features Nicotiana nucleic acid sequences such as sequences encoding constitutive, or ethylene or senescence induced polypeptides, in particular cytochrome p450 enzymes, in Nicotiana plants and methods for using these nucleic acid sequences and plants to alter desirable traits, for example by using breeding protocols.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a tobacco article may include tobacco disposed in a porous matrix. The tobacco article may provide tobacco, tobacco constituents, or both tobacco and tobacco constituents to the consumer's mouth in the form of particles, liquid, or vapor so as to provide tobacco satisfaction to the consumer. In some circumstances, the tobacco may be integrally molded with a plastic material so that at least a portion of the tobacco is disposed in pores of the matrix.

Abstract: A fluid vaporization device and related method of vaporization are disclosed. A vaporizable fluid is transported from a fluid reservoir to a vaporization chamber via a wick element which extends into both the fluid reservoir and the vaporization chamber. The fluid in the vaporization chamber is then heated by activating a heating element which is disposed, at least partially, within the vaporization chamber. The heating step transforms the fluid stored in the wick element into a vapor, after which it is transported out of the vaporization device via a conduit.

Abstract: A real time variable voltage programmable electronic cigarette device has a main body, a controller, a memory, a visual indicator, a multidirectional joystick for operating and programming the electronic cigarette, a visual indicator for real-time status feedback, and a USB connector for computer connectivity. Programming the device includes the ability to create vaping profiles. The programmable function enables a user to set the voltage output and power output level applied to the atomizer when energized.

Abstract: A flavorant-carrying adsorbent particle comprising an adsorbent core particle having a BET specific surface area of 700 m2/g or greater, and a flavor-generating medium carried on the surface of the adsorbent core particle and including a flavorant and a flavorant-holding material holding the flavorant, wherein the flavorant-holding material is present in an amount of 5 to 20% with respect to a total weight of the flavorant-carrying adsorbent particle, and the flavorant is present in an amount of 10 to 50% with respect to a weight of the flavorant-holding material.

Abstract: A cigarette includes lighting and mouth ends. It also includes a mouth-end segment; an aerosol-generation system disposed between the lighting and mouth ends, which includes (i) a heat-generation segment adjacent the smokable segment, including a heat source configured to be activated by combustion of a smokable material and an insulation layer of a non-glass material that is woven, knit, or both, shaped to retain (e.g., by interlocking engagement with) the heat source, and (ii) an aerosol-generating segment with aerosol-forming material disposed between, but physically separate from, each of the heat generation segment and the mouth end; a piece of outer wrapping material that provides an overwrap around at least a portion of the aerosol-generating segment, the heat-generation segment, and at least a portion of the smokable segment; those segments being connected together by the overwrap to provide a cigarette rod; that is connected to the cigarette rod using tipping material.

Abstract: Provided is a dust-free artificial nail, which includes: one end formed to have a curvature in the same direction of a free edge of a nail, the other end located at an opposite side to one end; an artificial nail bed having nail walls located at both sides of one end and the other end and having a nail shape so that an adhesion surface thereof is attached to the nail; and a snug fit extending from the other end of the artificial nail bed and having a curved surface toward the adhesion surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable aqueous medium, at least one ester of oxyethylenated sorbitan and of a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C8-C30 fatty acid, with a number of moles of ethylene oxide of less than or equal to 20, at least one non-silicone cationic polymer with a cationic charge density of greater than or equal to 4 meq/g and at least one non-silicone solid fatty compound, and to a cosmetic process for treating keratin materials, for example the hair. These compositions have an improved conditioning effect, such as smoothing of the ends.

Abstract: A hair styling device heating system, is disclosed comprising a hair styling device having a high heat plastic polymer, an insulating material, an induction material, a conducting material and a high heat plastic polymer and securing all of the layers together. There is a housing for receiving said hair styling device and for heating it therein. The housing includes an induction coil, a control circuit operatively connected to the coil, a resonant capacitor operatively connected to the circuit, a heat sink connected to the capacitor, and a colored heating indication panel attached to the housing and operatively connected to the circuit.

Abstract: A foiling device has a plate for receiving one or more foil sheets and a telescoping brace attached to the plate and configured to be set in an extended position and a retracted position to lengthen or shorten the device as needed by the stylist. A substantially flexible stabilizing cap may be attached to the proximal end of the brace, the cap contacting the stylist's chest when in use. The cap may be shaped and textured to increase contact surface area and friction and hold the device against the stylist's clothes. A base may be attached to the plate to space the plate away from the surface on which it rests, making it easier to pick up the device. One or more retaining mechanisms may be positioned on the plate to retain the foil sheets on the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for a Gigasonic Brush for cleaning surfaces is presented. One embodiment of the system includes an array of acoustic transducers coupled to a substrate where the individual acoustic transducers have sizes in the range of 9 um2 to 250,000 um2. The system may include a positioning mechanism coupled to at least one of a target surface or the array of acoustic transducers, and configured to position the array of acoustic transducers within 1 millimeter of a target surface. The system may also include a cleaning liquid supply arranged to provide cleaning liquid for coupling the array of acoustic transducers to the target surface. The system may further include a controller coupled to the array of acoustic transducers and configured to activate the array of acoustic transducers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new degreasing composition comprising at least one levulinic acid ester according to general formula (I) CH3CO(CH2)2COOR1 (I) in which R1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic, hydrocarbon radical having 2 to 56 carbon atoms, wherein said hydrocarbon radical is optionally hydroxysubstituted. The present invention also relates to a process for degreasing a metal surface comprising the step of contacting said metal surface with the composition of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an electrode, in particular a negative electrode, of an electrochemical cell having a metal substrate, wherein the method includes the steps of treating the metal substrate with UV irradiation and treating the metal substrate using an organic acid.

Abstract: A manure-removal vehicle and an assembly thereof having a manure-discharging location. The vehicle comprises a pump and a tank having an air discharge. The vehicle collects manure by means of a scraper and this is subsequently suctioned up via a manure extraction opening in the tank. The pump works at low power and in particular at low pressure, due to the fact that a constant stream of manure is collected in front of the opening, in particular if a sealing plate is provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the cleaning of rods made of metal, particularly to the method of reclamation of used standard length rods, such as pump rods already used in the mechanical deep-pumping extraction of oil, as well as to the product made with the help of the mentioned method. The method of remanufacturing of standard length rods includes cleaning the rod with non-toxic particles which are able to undergo sublimation to eliminate environmental contamination and to assist in workplace safety.

Abstract: A device for removing grease from a tubular drain includes a central member. The device also includes an overmolded structure having a plurality of overmolded wiping discs and a plurality of overmolded support structures. Each wiping disc is supported by an overmolded support on either side of each wiping disc of the plurality of wiping discs. At least one of the plurality of overmolded support structures has at least one hole configured to accept a pin to non-slidingly affix the overmolded structure to the central member. Methods for using the device and for manufacturing the device are also described.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the cleaning of rods made of metal, particularly to the method of reclamation of used standard length rods, such as pump rods already used in the mechanical deep-pumping extraction of oil, as well as to the product made with the help of the mentioned method. The method of remanufacturing of standard length rods includes cleaning the rod with cryogenic liquids to eliminate environmental contamination and to assist in workplace safety.

Abstract: A mobile floor cleaning robot includes a robot body supported by a drive system configured to maneuver the robot over a floor surface. The robot also includes a cleaning system supported by the robot body, an imaging sensor disposed on the robot body, and a controller in communicates with the drive system and the imaging sensor. The controller receives a sequence of images of the floor surface; each image has an array of pixels. For each image, the controller segments the image into color blobs by color quantizing pixels of the image, determines a spatial distribution of each color of the image based on corresponding pixel locations; and for each image color, identifies areas of the image having a threshold spatial distribution for that color. The controller then tracks a location of the color blobs with respect to the imaging sensor across the sequence of images.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a water level in a dishwasher comprising a circulation pump and a TRIAC connected to the circulation pump for providing electrical power to a motor (20) of the circulation pump. According to the invention, a firing angle condition (18) of the TRIAC is used to derive the water level in the dishwasher. The invention further relates to a dishwasher comprising a circulation pump and a TRIAC connected to the circulation pump for providing electrical power to a motor of the circulation pump, a drain pump connected to a sump of the dishwasher, means for detecting a firing angle condition of the TRIAC. Control means are provided for starting the drain pump and/or supplying additional water when predefined conditions of the TRIAC firing angle are reached.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for liquid, gas, and gas plasma sterilization of items. The apparatus includes two chambers and a holder to connectorlessly secure a lumened instrument such that a first portion of the lumened instrument lies in the first chamber and a second portion of the instrument lies in the second chamber, a liquid medium contained within the two chambers, and pumping means for simultaneously increasing fluid pressure within the first chamber of said container while decreasing fluid pressure within the second chamber of the container in a reciprocating fashion. The pumping means displaces at least a total internal volume of the liquid medium through the lumen for a given highest volume of a lumened instrument during a stroke.

Abstract: The present application thus provides a wash system for use with a compressor having a bellmouth and one or more extraction pipes. The wash system may include a water source, a first fluid source, a mixing chamber in communication with the water source and the first fluid source, a bellmouth line in communication with the mixing chamber and the bellmouth, and a stage line in communication with one of the extraction pipes.

Abstract: An automatic dishwashing detergent composition comprising: a. at least 0.1 mg of active protease per gram of composition, wherein the protease is a variant of a protease that has at least 70% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. wherein said variant comprise variations in one or more of the following positions: 32, 33, 48-54, 58-62, 94-107, 116, 123-133, 150, 152-156, 158-161, 164, 169, 175-186, 197, 198, 203-216 as compared with the protease in SEQ ID NO:1; and b. at least 0.05 mg of an active low temperature amylase per gram of composition.

Abstract: A nozzle for cleaning-in-place of a vessel has a nozzle body to be connected to a wall of the vessel and defining an opening, a nozzle insert is contained within the nozzle body and is able to assume at least two distinct positions relative to the nozzle body, a first position in which the nozzle insert is retracted into the nozzle body and a second position in which the nozzle insert is advanced in the axial direction relative to the nozzle body and protrudes into the vessel. Apertures are exposed in the second position to allow distribution of a cleaning fluid. The nozzle insert has two nozzle insert parts, in mutual abutment in the first position and spaced from each other in a direction transverse to the axial direction in the second position to form a gap between adjacent nozzle insert parts, the apertures being exposed in the gap.