Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust system part having a high corrosion resistance, an EGR cooler using the exhaust system part, and a method of nitriding the exhaust system part. The exhaust system part made of a stainless steel and having an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine flow therein, includes an upstream side end portion through which the exhaust gas is introduced, a downstream side end portion through which the exhaust gas is discharged, and a wall portion formed in an annular shape extending in the direction of the exhaust gas flow and disposed between the upstream side end portion and the downstream side end portion, in which a chromium oxide nitride film consisting of CrOxNy is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the wall portion.

Abstract: An engine includes a fuel tank with a fuel tank body defining an internal fuel tank volume for containing a fuel, a vent conduit integrally formed with the fuel tank body, and an air cleaner system including an air cleaner housing defining an internal air cleaner volume. The vent conduit extends between an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture. The inlet aperture is in fluid communication with the internal fuel tank volume. An opening is formed in the air cleaner housing and the vent conduit extends through the opening. The outlet aperture of the vent conduit is positioned within the internal air cleaner volume and the vent conduit provides fluid communication between the internal fuel tank volume and the internal air cleaner volume.

Abstract: A port for a cylinder of a two-stroke cycle engine includes at least one generally circumferential array of port openings. Port openings have a shape that reduces ring clipping during engine operation. The port opening shape is defined at a bore surface by opposing top and bottom edges joined by side edges. Each of the top and bottom edges is characterized by rounded corner transitions to the side edges, a rounded peak, and inclined ramp portions extending from the rounded corner transitions to the rounded peak.

Abstract: The two-cycle engine includes a piston capable of reciprocating along a cylinder, the piston being provided with piston rings; and a lubrication port provided in the cylinder, the lubrication port being used to supply a lubricant to a sliding surface of the cylinder on which the piston rings slide. Inter-ring spaces are provided, each inter-ring space being between adjacent piston rings. In addition, the two-cycle engine includes a controller used to adjust a lubrication period of lubricating from the lubrication port during movement of the piston toward a top dead center thereof, so that a period before an uppermost inter-ring space passing by the lubrication port is excluded from the lubrication period and a period in which at least part of a lowermost inter-ring space faces the lubrication port is included in the lubrication period.

Abstract: A method of establishing and maintaining a piston compression height during portions of a combustion cycle in a differential-stroke cycle combustion engine, includes providing a piston seat cup coupled to said first piston part and a piston seat cover operatively associated with said piston seat cup and defining a sealed piston seat cavity, abutting said second piston part with said piston seat cover and moving said piston seat cover relative to said piston seat cup, aligning a fluid ingress aperture with a cooperating piston rod passage and piston pin inlet for a portion of said combustion cycle thereby allowing fluid to enter said piston seat cavity, and aligning a fluid egress aperture with a cooperating piston pin passage and piston rod outlet for a portion of said combustion cycle thereby allowing fluid to exit said piston seat cavity.

Abstract: A crossbow is provided which has an elongated frame and a foot stirrup. The elongated frame has a forward end portion. The foot stirrup is secured to the forward end portion of the elongated frame. The foot stirrup has first and second portions. The first portion of the foot stirrup is configured to extend forward of the elongated frame to the second portion. The second portion of the foot stirrup is configured to extend downwardly from the first portion. The downwardly extending second portion of the foot stirrup provides increased surface area to stabilize the crossbow during a cocking operation. The downwardly extending second portion of the foot stirrup is further configured to act as a bipod when the crossbow is aimed and fired.

Abstract: A crossbow is provided which has a frame, a firing assembly, and a sighting device. The frame has a forward end and a rear end. The firing assembly is operatively associated with the frame. The firing assembly has a string latch which is positioned between the forward and rear ends of the frame. The sighting device has an eyepiece and is connected to the crossbow in a manner which provides that the eyepiece is positioned in alignment with, or forward of, the string latch.

Abstract: A crossbow is provided which has a frame and a firing assembly. The frame has a forward end and a rearward end. The firing assembly has a finger-pull mechanism. The finger-pull mechanism is positioned at, or forward of, a midway point of the frame between the forward end and the rearward end.

Abstract: A crossbow is provided which has a frame, first and second limbs, a bowstring, and a bolt retainer. The first and second limbs are secured to the frame. The bowstring extends between the first and second limbs and is configured to move between a forward rest position and a rearward cocked position. The bolt retainer downwardly biases a bolt forward of the forward rest position of the bowstring.

Abstract: A bullet-thrusting structure of the toy gun magazine has a magazine guided channel furnished in the gun body. The magazine guided channel has a outward communicating opening furnished at one end and a bullet chamber connected at the other end for containing the ready-percussion bullets. A magazine having a long-shaped bullet containing space for containing bullets and capable of being stretched in through the opening has a bullet exit, which is connected to the bullet containing space, furnished at one end and a thrusting spring furnished at the other end. A bullet-thrusting element package is consisted of a combining element which is propped against the thrusting spring, a connecting piece, and a bullet-thrusting head having an arcuate part for squeezing the bullets contained in the bullet containing space in the direction toward the bullet exit.

Abstract: A bow stabilizer incorporating one or more attachment rails for mounting a variety of accessories to the stabilizer for use in conjunction with the bow or other target sighting device. The stabilizer is rotationally adjustable about a center axis attachment post connecting the stabilizer to the bow. In addition to rotating the stabilizer for balance, the rails are individually adjustable side to side at their ends and are preferably of the picatinny or weaver rail configuration. Anywhere from one to four (or more) accessory rails may be positioned symmetrically or asymmetrically on the stabilizer. One or more counterbalance weights may be adjustably positioned on one or more of the rails to offset and balance the weight of attached accessories.

Abstract: A high efficiency cooking system includes a thermal enclosure having an open mouth at its front, the mouth in communication with the ambient atmosphere, the enclosure having hinged frontal doors below the open mouth, an interior of doors defining an upward air path provided by an air blower for blowing air upwardly through vertical channels within the doors, across the open mouth, into an exhaust assembly above the top of the mouth, and an exhaust assembly for expelling air into the atmosphere. Also included is a horizontal high thermal conductivity panel formed of a stone-like material, positioned on a complemental support, axially journaled on a rigid shaft, rotated by a gear motor. Further included are a pair of hydrocarbon gas or electrical powered infrared OR) emitters.

Abstract: A cooking hob, or a ceramic hob, for a fixed or mobile cooking appliance, the hob including at least one cooking area and at least one control and/or information area, the control and/or information area being formed by a window separated from the cooking area by at least one joint made of synthetic material. The joint includes a mechanism for fixing a control and/or display screen under the window.

Abstract: Provided is a barbecue apparatus for preventing flare-ups and improving temperature distribution and heat retention when cooking on a barbecue. The apparatus comprises at least one plate that is movable between a first position lying atop a respective side of at least one burner tent and a second position withdrawn from the respective side of the at least one burner tent. Further provided are a barbecue comprising said apparatus and a method of preventing flare-ups and improving temperature distribution and heat retention when cooking on a barbecue by moving at least one plate between a first position lying atop a respective side of at least one burner tent and a second position withdrawn from the respective side of the at least one burner tent.

Abstract: A mobile surface heater is disclosed having a heat generation loop and a heat dissipation loop. The heat generation loop can include a heat generating device, a storage tank, and a first pump for circulating a fluid. The heat dissipation loop can be placed in fluid communication with the heat generation loop and includes a ground heating system having at least one heat transfer conduit extending between a supply manifold and a return manifold. A control valve can also be provided to deliver a mixed fluid flow stream to the ground heating system by selectively mixing fluid from the heat generation loop with fluid returning from the ground heating system return manifold. In one embodiment, an electronic controller is provided that operates the mixing valve to maintain a temperature setpoint of the mixed fluid flow stream and to maintain a minimum entering fluid temperature setpoint of the atmospheric water heater.

Abstract: A home appliance having an oven rack including an appliance body having a plurality of oven walls defining an oven cavity; an oven rack for removable disposition in the oven cavity, wherein the oven rack includes two flat side panels and a plurality of straight cross members extending laterally therebetween to define a cooking vessel support surface; and a pair of traveling gliders wherein each glider includes a channel configured for receipt of one of the side panels wherein the oven rack can travel in and out of the oven cavity supported at the side panels by the traveling gliders.

Abstract: The high-temperature food preparation device of the present invention is an air-cooled high-temperature food preparation device that may be used in a large number of cooking methods and styles. Specifically, the present invention consists of a chassis, a range top, a heat source, and a support structure positioned above the heat source. The support structure is comprised of a tubular chamber insulator, a support ring, and a suspension structure. The support structure may be removably mounted above the heat source.

Abstract: Tracker support system (1) for solar sensor comprising:—a fixed structure (2) for anchoring to the ground exhibiting several anchoring points (21) defining an anchoring plane and separated from one another by distances termed ground prints, including a larger ground print distance (DE) established between at least two anchoring points (21); and—a movable structure (3) comprising:—a first armature (4) mounted rotatably on the fixed structure (2) according to a vertical axis of rotation (AV); and—a second armature (5) defining a support plane for the solar sensors and mounted rotatably on the first armature (4) according to a horizontal axis of rotation (AH) extending to a distance termed the zenith height from the anchoring plane; said tracker support system (1) being noteworthy in that the ratio of the largest ground print distance (DE) to the zenith height is included in a span ranging from 0.5 to 1.5, and preferably in a span ranging from 0.8 to 1.2.

Abstract: A solar receiver panel comprising a header comprising header body (18, 18?) having a header wall surrounding an inner chamber (11, 11?), at least one access opening (21, 21?) communicating with the inner chamber (11, 11?) with a substantially spherical shape for connecting a fluid pipe, and a plurality of junction nozzles (16, 16?) provided in the header wall which are connectable to respective solar absorption pipes (14) wherein at least one of the junction nozzles (16, 16?) are located in a spherical segment of the inner chamber (11, 11?) that is transversally opposed to said access opening (21, 21?), been the access opening (21, 21?), inner chamber (11, 111 and nozzles (16, 16?) arranged to allow a thermal fluid to flow there through,

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for preparing a sugar is provided. The method includes mixing an organic acid and a solid acid catalyst to form a mixing solution, adding a cellulosic biomass to the mixing solution to proceed to a dissolution reaction, and adding water to the mixing solution to proceed to a hydrolysis reaction to obtain a sugar.

Abstract: A liquid spray device includes a container defining a reception space for receiving a liquid medicine therein, having a discharge outlet for discharging the liquid medicine to an exterior of the container; a spray module disposed in the discharge outlet, and connected electrically to a driving source such that the liquid medicine forcefully collides against the discharge outlet due to ultrasonic oscillation of the spray module and spraying out a plurality of mist droplets; and a particle sorter disposed downstream to a discharging direction of the liquid medicine, spaced from the spray module at a predetermined distance to permit once against collision of the liquid medicine during the discharging operation such that the mist droplets are sprayed out through the particle sorter in terms of a plurality of micro-mist droplets along the discharging direction.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler with an electronic dose counter, and method of operating and forming the same. In one embodiment, the metered dose inhaler includes a pressurized canister assembly formed with a memory device affixed thereto. The metered dose inhaler also includes a canister housing into which the pressurized canister assembly is inserted, the canister housing formed with an electronic dose counter including a display configured to display a dose count of a drug in the pressurized canister assembly stored in the memory device.

Abstract: A covering sheet for covering a skin adhesive surface of a device for holding a tracheostoma device over a tracheostoma of a patient may include a central/medial element for covering the central/medial part of the skin adhesive surface of the device. The covering sheet may include first and second elements arranged laterally of the central/medial element. Lateral peripheral borders of the central/medial element may be positioned adjacent medial peripheral borders of the first and second elements. The peripheral borders may be defined by division lines.

Abstract: A device 10 for providing a breathing gas stream, which contains a therapeutically active substance, for the mechanical respiration and/or mechanical breathing assistance of a patient, wherein the device 10 has at least one first line 21, through which a first gas stream 31 flows during the operation of the device, and wherein the device 10 has at least one second line 22, wherein the first line 21 and the second line 22 have a common section 13, and wherein the first line 21 and the second line 22 are connected to one another by a water vapor-permeable membrane 24 in the area of the common flow section 13, the present invention provides for a second gas stream 32 to flow through the second line 22 during the operation of the device.

Abstract: Speech enhancement apparatus and respirator masks including speech enhancement apparatus, as well as methods of enhancing speech transmission for the wearer of a respirator mask are described herein. In one or more embodiments, the speech enhancement apparatus and methods described herein detect acoustic energy within a first frequency range in the clean air envelope of a respirator mask and deliver compensating acoustic energy outside of the clean air envelope using a speaker. The compensating acoustic energy is, in one or more embodiments, delivered in one or more predetermined attenuated frequency ranges that cover less than all of the detected first frequency range. In one or more embodiments, the compensating acoustic energy may be delivered with an attenuated amplitude profile that uniform or that is non-uniform over the one or more attenuated frequency ranges.

Abstract: Speech enhancement apparatus and respirator masks including speech enhancement apparatus, as well as methods of enhancing speech transmission for the wearer of a respirator mask are described herein. In one or more embodiments, the speech enhancement apparatus and methods described herein detect acoustic energy within a first frequency range in the clean air envelope of a respirator mask and deliver compensating acoustic energy outside of the clean air envelope using a speaker. The compensating acoustic energy, in one or more embodiments, exhibits a predetermined attenuated amplitude profile such that the compensating acoustic energy has an amplitude less than 6 dB greater than the acoustic attenuation profile of the mask body over at least 90% of a predetermined attenuated frequency range.

Abstract: A fluid delivery and airway management device including a tubular member dimensioned for introducing a fluid into a trachea of a mammal, the tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a middle portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The tubular member is dimensioned for positioning of the proximal portion in an oral cavity of a mammal, the middle portion in an oropharynx of the mammal and the distal portion in an esophagus of the mammal. An inflatable oral cavity balloon is positioned at the proximal portion and dimensioned to occlude the oral cavity. An inflatable esophageal balloon is positioned at the distal portion and dimensioned to occlude the esophagus. Apertures may be formed within the middle portion such that a fluid introduced into the tubular member is output through the apertures to a trachea.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes an absorption stem one end of which forms a mouthpiece end for smoking the electronic cigarette, wherein a filter tip is provided on the mouthpiece end. The present invention has the following advantages. Interference-fitting between the filter tip disposed on the mouthpiece end and absorption stem enhances the entire hand feeling and emulation of the electronic cigarette.

Abstract: Gas-pressure-based testing, in some embodiments, features a self-leak-testing module (120) that includes an internal sensor and is configured for measuring, using the sensor, gas leakage (179, 180) from a set of walls that defines respective gas passageways that both exist within the module and are incident to the gas pressure measured. One or more walls of the set may extend outside the module. The module can be configured for deciding, based on a result of the measuring, whether a magnitude of the leakage exceeds a predetermined threshold. A source for applying the pressure may be internal (138) or external (104, 132, 135). Gas pressure based pattern recognition can be used to identify, optionally during treatment and in real time, one or more leak sites responsible for the leakage. The module is implementable as a ventilation monitoring module that measures differential flow of a breathing circuit, the testing serving to prevent cross-contamination of patients.

Abstract: A reaction and distribution system may include a distributor securable near or in a path correspond to a breathing passage such as the nostrils or the mouth of a user for delivering nitric oxide therapy thereto. The distributor may contain an internal reactor for creating the nitric oxide from reactants. Alternative embodiments may include an inhaler for delivering nitric oxide into the mouth of a user. The inhaler may contain a reaction chamber monolithic or contiguous with the inhaler for creating the nitric oxide from reactants.

Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator (10) including a reservoir (26) for storing oxygen-enriched gas and a delivery line (41) for delivering the oxygen-enriched gas from the reservoir to a subject. An oxygen delivery valve (36) communicates with the reservoir via the delivery line. A sensor (48) is in communication with gas flowing through the delivery line and generates a signal related to a breathing characteristic of the subject. A controller (21) operates in a first mode wherein the controller opens the oxygen delivery valve for continuous delivery of the gas to the subject and a second mode wherein the controller selectively opens and closes the oxygen delivery valve responsive to the signal of the sensor to deliver the gas in pulsed durations. A relief valve (46) is associated with the delivery line and opens responsive to the pressure within the delivery line exceeding a predetermined threshold so as to decrease pressure within the delivery line.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering a dose, such as a medicament, for inhalation. A dose may be stored by a delivery device and dispersed and delivered in a metered fashion to a subject, such as by the subject inhaling via a mouthpiece of the delivery device. One or more chambers of the device may have a toroidal shape and may be arranged to be selectively opened for fluid communication with a flow path of the delivery device, such as by sliding the chamber relative to a portion of the flow path. The flow path may include a restriction that permits air to bypass the chamber, and/or the chamber may be arranged so that fluid entering the chamber interacts with fluid exiting the chamber so as to enhance dispersion of the dose.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mixing at least two gases for delivery to the airway of a subject use a gas mixing circuit having a diffusion portion. The diffusion portion may be configured to elongate the shape of the cross-section of the path through the gas mixing circuit in a particular direction and/or orientation. As a result, the gas concentration profile of the gas mixture after the gas mixing circuit is more uniform than the gas concentration profile after the merging of multiple gases.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cartridge for an inhalation device for delivering anaesthetic to a human or animal wherein anaesthetic in said cartridge is dispersed in an anaesthetic control release medium; an inhalation device for use with said cartridge and a formulation comprising at least one selected anaesthetic and anaesthetic control release medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the integration of drug dispersion methods into a drug or medicine delivery system. The drug dispersion methods used include shear (e.g., air across a drug, with or without a gas assist), capillary flow or a venturi effect, mechanical means such as spinning, vibration, or impaction, and turbulence (e.g., using mesh screens, or restrictions in the air path). These methods of drug dispersion allow for all of the drug in the system to be released, allowing control of the dosage size. These methods also provide for drug metering, fluidization, entrainment, deaggragation and deagglomeration. The present invention also provides for the integration of a drug sealing system into the device. The drug sealing system provides a way of blocking the migration of drug from one area of the package to another.

Abstract: A portable air conditioning and ambient fresh air supply system that provides ambient fresh or conditioned air to a user wearing a respirator. The apparatus comprises a cabinet having an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The lower chamber holds a refrigerant air conditioning system and the upper chamber holds a blower that supplies cold air to the surroundings. The user is able to control the temperature of the conditioned air by means of a control panel and the air flow rate by a blower control switch. An air outlet manifold supplies fresh or conditioned air through an air supply line to a respirator mask.

Abstract: A PAP system for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator to generate a supply of breathable gas to be delivered to the patient; a humidifier including a heating plate to vaporize water and deliver water vapor to humidify the supply of breathable gas; a heated tube configured to heat and deliver the humidified supply of breathable gas to the patient; a power supply configured to supply power to the heating plate and the heated tube; and a controller configured to control the power supply to prevent overheating of the heating plate and the heated tube.

Abstract: A lightweight impeller is provided for use in a pressurised gas source for a CPAP or other breathing assistance apparatus. The impeller can be shroudless or otherwise lightweight.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator an inlet opening configured to receive air. The concentrator also includes a compressor configured to pressurize the air received through the inlet opening. An inlet opening restrictor is configured to dynamically change a characteristic of the inlet opening responsive to increased or decreased demand for the pressurized air. The concentrator further includes a sieve bed configured to separate the pressurized air into a concentrated gas component for delivery to a subject.

Abstract: A foam cushion assembly for a patient interface, the foam cushion assembly being adapted to couple with a patient interface frame, the cushion assembly comprising a substantially above the nose seal portion and a mouth seal portion, wherein the cushion assembly comprises a foam cushion arranged to form with the frame a common plenum chamber for sealing about the nose and mouth.

Abstract: A harness assembly for a respiratory protection device is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the harness assembly includes a strap support having an attachment point, a first strap having a first strap attachment element, and a second strap having a second strap attachment element, wherein the first strap attachment element is attachable to the second strap attachment element and attachable to the attachment point of the strap support, and the first and second straps are positionable between the first configuration in which the first strap attachment element is attached only to the second attachment element and a second configuration in which the first attachment element is attached to the second attachment element and the attachment point of the strap support.

Abstract: The invention relates to ovary apparatus for regulating the temperature of the ovary; and shielding it from radiation. The main function of the device is to preserve fertility of women treated with chemotherapy by lowering the ovary temperature while the toxic medications circulate in the patients' blood. The current invention utilizes shielding of the ovary to protect it from radiation, and temperature decrease to further limit the toxic effect of radiation.

Abstract: Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device.

Abstract: An intravaginal device having an aperture and a withdrawal assembly. The withdrawal assembly has a withdrawal member and an obstruction.

Abstract: Intrauterine devices and methods for facilitating deployment thereof using a bumper are disclosed. In one embodiment, an intrauterine device comprises a structure including a first central support member and a deployment mechanism coupled to the first central support member. The intrauterine device further comprises a bumper positioned at a distal end of a second central support member and at a more distal position relative to a distal end of the structure so as to prevent the distal end of the structure from contacting the fundus of the uterus of a patient during deployment of the deployment mechanism. In another embodiment, the intrauterine device comprises a bumper coupled to the deployment mechanism and configured to move from a more distal to a more proximal position relative to a distal end of the structure.

Abstract: To improve the precision of ophthalmic surgical procedures by reducing corneal wrinkling, a patient interface for an ophthalmic system can include an attachment portion, configured to attach the patient interface to a distal end of the ophthalmic system; a contact portion, configured to dock the patient interface to an eye; and a contact element, coupled to the contact portion, configured to contact a surface of a cornea of the eye as part of the docking of the patient interface to the eye, and having a central portion with a central radius of curvature Rc and a peripheral portion with a peripheral radius of curvature Rp, wherein Rc is smaller than Rp.

Abstract: A dental oral appliance to open the airway for a sleeping individual who suffers with snoring or sleep apnea comprising, a mandibular structure configured to removably affix the appliance to the upper and lower teeth, structure attached to said mandibular structure to advance the lower teeth forward, and one or more tubes extending from the anterior of the appliance to the posterior of the appliance, the tubes being connected to a supply of 21% to 100% oxygen.

Abstract: An improved ventilation device that can be inserted into the mouth of a patient to provide an airway through the oral pharyngeal cavity includes: (a) a mouthpiece having an interior portion that is bounded by top and bottom surfaces, outer and inner semi-elliptically-shaped perimeter surfaces and two end surfaces, wherein: (a1) each of these end surfaces is oriented approximately parallel to the minor axes of the perimeter surfaces, (a2) the outer perimeter surface has a front portion proximate the point where it is intersected by its major axis, (b) top and bottom recesses in the mouthpiece's respective top and bottom surfaces that each are configured to accommodate a patient's respective upper and lower teeth, and (c) an airflow passageway through the mouthpiece's interior portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for correcting facial features and oral function in a subject. Also provided are a plurality of intra-oral appliances, which make up the system. The intra-oral appliances each include an appliance body configured for engaging one or more of the gingival-buccal area, the gingivolabial area, and the vestibular area of the subject's mouth, and include one or more extensions for at least partly defining the cavity in the vestibule of the subject's mouth. The appliance bodies may also include one or more dentures disposed therein and/or one or more hearing assist devices embedded therein.

Abstract: A strap retaining device having an actuation arm that may engage a retaining tab is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the strap retaining device includes a frame, a retention tab pivotally connected to the frame, and an actuation arm connected to the frame and having a first actuation element movable towards the retention tab from a neutral position to an actuated. The first actuation ramp is movable in a first plane to cause the retention tab to move in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane.