Abstract: An engine uses gaseous fuel from an intermittent fuel source and a backup fuel source. A fuel supply and control system includes intermittent and backup fuel supply lines, a sensor, a flow control device, and an engine controller. The intermittent and backup fuel supply lines deliver gaseous fuel from the intermittent and backup fuel sources to the engine. The sensor detects fluctuations in gaseous fuel availability within the intermittent fuel supply line and outputs a signal responsive to the fluctuations. The flow control device selectively enables gaseous fuel to the engine from either the intermittent fuel source or the backup fuel source. The engine controller receives the signal from the sensor and, responsive to the received signal, operates the flow control device to select between the intermittent fuel source and the backup fuel source as the supply of gaseous fuel to the engine.

Abstract: An engine body includes a cylinder with a geometrical compression ratio of 15 or higher, and is supplied with fuel containing at least gasoline. When an operating mode of the engine body is in a high load range, a controller (i.e., a PCM 10) drives a fuel injection valve (i.e., an injector) 67 to inject the fuel at a time within a retarded period between a terminal stage of a compression stroke and an initial stage of an expansion stroke in a low speed range. The controller drives the fuel injection valve to inject the fuel in an intake stroke until an intake valve 21 is closed in a high-load high-speed range.

Abstract: A cylinder head has a plunger receptacle and a piston has a plunger which, when the piston is reciprocating within an engine cylinder over an engine cycle range between BDC and an intermediate position spaced from both TDC and BDC, exposes the plunger receptacle to the interior of the engine cylinder, but which, when the piston is reciprocating over an engine cycle range between the intermediate position and TDC position, closes the plunger receptacle to the interior of the engine cylinder. A fuel/air charge is created within the engine cylinder, compressed to higher compression ratio in the plunger receptacle at TDC position where it is ignited and then used to ignite the lower compression ratio charge in the engine cylinder.

Abstract: The timing or phasing of port openings and closings during operation of an opposed-piston engine is varied in response to changing engine speeds and loads by changing crankshaft phasing.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having a turbocharger and a compressor, a discharge point of a tank ventilation system is provided in the intake passage of the internal combustion engine upstream from the turbocharger or the compressor. A Venturi nozzle is situated between the discharge point and a tank venting valve of the tank ventilation system. A defect or a detachment of the line between the Venturi nozzle and the discharge point is detectable with the aid of a change of an adaption value and/or of a correction factor in a control unit of the internal combustion engine or in a computer.

Abstract: A venting system for a fuel tank includes a sorption filter for temporarily storing fuel evaporating from the fuel tank and a delivery device arranged between the sorption filter and an air supply system of an internal combustion engine in a fluid-conducting manner. The internal combustion engine is a turbocharged engine with a turbocharger unit and a throttling device in the air supply system. The sorption filter is connected to the air supply system in a fluid-conducting manner by a first line at a first inlet point arranged upstream of the turbocharger unit and by a second line at a second inlet point arranged downstream of the throttling device. A tank venting valve is arranged in the second line, and the first line branches off from the second line upstream of the tank venting valve in the flow direction towards the second inlet point.

Abstract: A method and system is provided to heat and cool the charge air in an intake system via a compressor coolant duct to reduce condensate formation on the one hand respectively increase charge air cooling on the other hand. Potential heat sources for the low temperature circuit do include the high temperature engine cooling circuit as well as exhaust gas. A shut-off element arranged in a bypass line about the heat exchanger may be adjusted to control delivery responsive to the charge air temperature condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air intake structure of an engine capable of cooling intake air compressed by a supercharger by reducing pressure loss. An air intake structure of an engine (13) having a supercharger (20) supercharging air and an air intake chamber (22) receiving the air supercharged by the supercharger (20) and sending the supercharged air to the engine, wherein a throttle body (23) is connected to the air intake downstream side of the air intake chamber (22), wherein an air intake port (131a) of a cylinder head (131) of the engine (13) is connected to the air intake downstream side of the throttle body (23), wherein a liquid cooling type intercooler (30) is provided in the air intake chamber (22).

Abstract: A method of controlling fuel delivery to an engine includes providing a fuel atomizer, a mechanically driven air compressor, a start up air source, and an air valve coupled between the mechanically driven air compressor and the start up air source, charging the start up air source, delivering compressed air from the start up air source to the fuel atomizer, starting the engine using an air/fuel mixture provided by the fuel atomizer, and operating the air valve to direct compressed air from the mechanically driven air compressor to the fuel atomizer after the engine starts.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an exhaust gas inlet structure of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) Cooler which includes a water shell, a gas inlet pipe, a bellow, an insulated pipe, an inlet chamber, a pre-cooling water chamber and a main board. The water shell is equipped with a water inlet pipe. Its main feature is the insulated pipe is placed within the bellow and connected with the gas inlet pipe at one end while the other end is suspended. The large-bore end of the inlet chamber is connected with the main board to form a gas inlet cavity while leaving a space to form a coolant channel between the joining part and the water shell. An external surface of a middle pipe body connects to the bellow to form a pre-cooling cavity connected to the coolant channel.

Abstract: A compound archery bow comprises a riser, limbs attached to the riser, pulley members mounted on the limbs, a draw cable, one or more additional cables, and a cable guard. The limbs, draw cable, and additional cables are arranged so that drawing the bow rotates the pulley members to let out the draw cable, takes up or lets out each additional cable with the pulley members, and bends the bow limbs toward one another. The cable guard comprises an elongated, resilient, non-articulated member attached to and extending backward from the riser, and a cable retainer. The cable guard displaces each additional cable laterally from a shooting plane of the bow sufficiently at brace to avoid fletching of an arrow, and bends inwardly when the bow is drawn but still displaces each additional cable laterally sufficiently to avoid the shaft of the arrow.

Abstract: A solid fuel heating apparatus (1) comprising a combustion chamber provided with a glass door (4) opening to the outside, an intake device (11) for the intake of outside combustion air into said chamber, an outlet duct for the burnt gases (2) and a sealed preheating enclosure for preheating the combustion air, conveying said air to the combustion chamber, connected at a first end to the intake device (11) and ending at a second end with a plurality of openings (9) releasing the air preheated by the preheating enclosure into the combustion chamber, characterised in that the preheating enclosure consists of a set of sealed heat exchanging pipes containing the combustion gases and the burnt gases (3, 8, 12, 15, 17, 18, 19), ending with the abovementioned openings (9), which are variable in size and are arranged in such a way as to modulate the flow of preheated air released into the chamber, enclosing the flame and combustion area in the natural conical shape of said chamber.

Abstract: A barrier system for use with a commercial cooking apparatus easily couples to the backsplash of the cooking apparatus to extend the height of the backsplash to a level that promotes safety, efficiency, and organization. The barrier system includes a barrier member that includes an attachment assembly that clips to an edge of the backsplash to hold the barrier member in a position extending upwardly from the cooking surface, and extending along the backsplash of the grill. The barrier member can have an accessory staging feature along a topmost portion, the topmost portion being at least eight inches above the cooking surface. The accessory staging feature can support one or more accessories to increase usable grill surface area. By preventing food and hot grease from being ejected over the backsplash and into an exhaust well, the invention substantially reduces the likelihood of ventilation/exhaust well fires.

Abstract: Devices and methods for accelerating the combustion of non-gas cooking fuels used in barbequing. The devices include a starting fuel for preparing, or starting, a cooking fuel, such as charcoal briquettes, for use to cook food. The starting fuel is contained in a kindling chamber beneath an upper chamber containing the cooking fuel. A powered air delivery mechanism may provide an airflow to the fuels to increase combustion and heating thereof. In some embodiments, the device is a breach-loading device. In some embodiments, the air delivery mechanism is battery-powered. The device may be configured to provide, and/or may be automated to provide, different operating states responsive to the degree of ignition and/or combustion of the fuels in the device. In some embodiments, the device is adapted to automatically be transitioned between forced-air and natural-draft operating states, which may be controlled responsive to sensed operating parameters of the device.

Abstract: An active solar air heat storage system slowly transfers heat into water, providing heat while keeping mold and dust out of a building. A series of bidirectional air ducts separated by periodic wind gaps reduces an overhead collector array's uplift in high winds. Splitting a rock bed's airflow into multiple air channels slows air velocity and reduces air friction in the rock bed. A circular rock bed made partly of concrete blocks is held together by bands around the circle's outside. Solar heat may be gathered under driveways and walkways. A standard set of driveway bricks will allow gentle curves in the driveway while retaining a closed airflow under the driveway. Radiant heat may be trapped inside a collector.

Abstract: A device for collection, concentrating and storing solar energy comprises an optical concentrator in operative connection with a transmission means which is also operatively connected to an energy recovery device. Concentrated solar energy is transmitted from the optical concentrator to the energy recovery device where it is stored until it is deployed as an energy source for generating electricity.

Abstract: Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems and methods are disclosed featuring the use of a solid-liquid phase change heat transfer material (HTM). The systems and methods include a solar receiver configured to receive concentrated solar flux to heat a quantity of the solid HTM and cause a portion of the solid HTM to melt to a liquid HTM. The systems and methods also include a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the solar receiver. The heat exchanger is configured to receive liquid HTM and provide for heat exchange between the liquid HTM and the working fluid of a power generation block. The heat exchanger further provides for the solidification of the liquid HTM. The systems and methods also include a material transport system providing for transportation of the solidified HTM from the heat exchanger to the solar receiver.

Abstract: A dual fuel heating system can be used in a gas appliance. The system can have an air shutter to regulate an amount of air that can mix with the fuel for combustion. The air shutter can be configured to have different positions depending on the type of fuel to be used.

Abstract: A medical apparatus is provided with a housing; a mixer including a gas reservoir; a water unit for flowing water to the mixer; a gas unit for flowing gas to the gas reservoir; a gas output for flowing gas from the gas reservoir to the mixer so that gas is mixed with water to form a first mixture, a line for carrying the first mixture; a valve disposed downstream of the line; Venturi tubes disposed downstream of the valve; medication units for containing liquid medication, each medication unit being in fluid communication with the corresponding Venturi tube; a mixing device disposed downstream of the Venturi tubes to atomize the liquid medication and the first mixture to form a second mixture; a control panel electrically connected to the gas reservoir, the mixer, the valve, the medication units, and the mixing device respectively; and an outlet.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inhaler component for producing a steam/air mixture or/and condensation aerosol in an intermittent and inhalation- or pull-synchronous manner, the inhaler component including: a housing; a chamber arranged in the housing; an air inlet opening for the supply of air from the surroundings to the chamber; an electrical heating element for evaporating a portion of a liquid material; and a wick having a capillary structure, which wick forms a composite structure with the heating element and automatically supplies the heating element with fresh liquid material after evaporation.

Abstract: A lighting device for a respiratory humidifier (1) is provided, the humidifier comprising a liquid container (3) with a bottom plate and a housing (2) with a heating plate (8), wherein the heating plate (8) can be heated for heating the liquid in the liquid container (3), and wherein the bottom plate can be brought into contact with the heating plate (8), wherein the housing (2) comprises a light source (20) and a light exit portion (22), and the liquid container (3) comprises a light entrance portion (21), wherein the light proceeding from the light source (20) proceeds in a lighting direction through the light exit portion (22) and the light entrance portion (21) and thus arrives in the liquid container (3).

Abstract: The present invention comprises an insufflated air inlet (2a), an outlet (3a) for said insufflated air provided at the lower end of an air conveying tube (3) designed to penetrate the throat of the victim through the mouth, at least a first one-way valve (4) interposed between said air inlet (2a) and air outlet (3a) to allow the flow of air from said inlet (2a) to said outlet (3a) and prevent the flow of a fluid exhaled by the victim in the opposite direction, the body of said valve (4) including an outlet aperture (4a) for the exit of the fluid exhaled by the victim, and characterized in that the upper end of said insufflated air conveying tube (3) comprises a portion (3b) of tube (3) which is configured for internally receiving the body of said valve (4), the wall of said tube (3) including at least one outer hole (6) communicating with the aperture (4a) of the body of the valve (4) to allow discharging the fluid exhaled by the victim to the outside.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making medicinal aerosol canisters (10), in particular metered dose canisters (10), comprising aerosol formulation comprising medicament particles suspended in liquid propellant, for example for delivery by pulmonary or nasal inhalation as well as medicinal dispensers (100) including such canisters (10), such as metered dose medicinal dispenser in particular pressurized metered dose inhalers, wherein the liquid propellant in some embodiments contains HFA 134a and/or HFA 227, and the propellant component is subjected to one or more ultrasonic probes.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to, amongst other things, systems, devices, materials, and methods that can improve the accuracy and/or precision of nitric oxide therapy by, for example, reducing the dilution of inhaled nitric oxide (NO). As described herein, NO dilution can occur because of various factors. To reduce the dilution of an intended NO dose, various exemplary nasal cannulas, pneumatic configurations, methods of manufacturing, and methods of use, etc. are disclosed.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide a quiet, light-weight, and portable system and apparatus for providing positive air pressure to a patient. The systems may include a housing with an inlet port, a vibrationally isolated blower unit positioned in an inner chamber, and an outlet port for delivery of the pressurized air from the blower unit. The inlet port and outlet port may each have a tube with dimensions that are defined in relation to the inner chamber so as to reduce the overall noise output of the system.

Abstract: An elongated flexible conduit (4) includes an flow element (24) having a first elongated wall segment (32) and a second elongated wall segment (44) that are connected together at their sides to form a wall (28) that is continuous in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation (8). The flow element is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration (68), with the first configuration being an expanded configuration, and with the second configuration being a collapsed configuration. The flow element can be moved from its expanded configuration to its collapsed configuration, such as for purposes of packing during traveling, and can then be moved from its collapsed configuration back to its expanded configuration in any of a variety of fashions in order to return the flow element to a condition in which it can carry a flow of breathing gas from a CPAP machine (12) to a CPAP mask (16).

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include a small system integrated within a tubing for providing positive air pressure to a patient. The system may include a tube with an inlet opening, an expansion section with a gas flow generator, and an outlet opening. The systems and methods described herein provide improved mobility, comfort, and usability for patients.

Abstract: A hose management system (30) for use with a system adapted to provide respiratory therapy. The system includes an elongated, flexible second hose (22). The hose management system (30) includes a housing assembly (32), a rotatable spool assembly (34), and a rotatable coupling (36). The housing assembly has a sidewall assembly (40) defining a substantially enclosed space. The rotatable spool assembly has a spool body (50). The spool body (50) is disposed in the housing assembly (32) enclosed space and rotatably coupled to the housing assembly (32). The rotatable coupling (36) defines a passage (90), the rotatable coupling (36) being a rotatable conduit extending through the housing assembly sidewall and spool body. Wherein the second hose (22) may be substantially wrapped about the spool body (50) and substantially concealed within the housing assembly (32) enclosed space.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8) includes a cushion member (10), a frame member (16), and nasal pillows (18,20). A first side (12) of the cushion member forms a seal with a patient's mouth. The nasal pillows are structured to form a seal with the patient's nares. The nasal pillows are attached to the frame member. The frame is attached to a second side (14) of the cushion member. The frame member includes a connecting portion (228), a first aperture (240), and a second aperture (242). The nasal pillows include a first nasal pillow element (218) and a second nasal pillow element (220). The first nasal pillow element is at least partially removably disposed in the first aperture. The second nasal pillow element is at least partially removably disposed in the second aperture. The connection portion is connected to the second side of the cushion member.

Abstract: A smoking article (10, 20, 30) comprises a filter (4) having a flavour release segment (14, 24) including a plurality of flavour granules. The flavour granules are formed of a compacted herbaceous plant material and have a bulk density of at least 0.35 grams per cubic centimetres. The plant material preferably comprises herb leaf and most preferably peppermint leaf. The flavour granules may be distributed in a plug of fibrous filtration material or may be provided in a cavity within the filter (4).

Abstract: A method of modifying the content of certain bacteria in uncured tobacco material is provided, the method including contacting an uncured tobacco material with a treatment solution, wherein the treatment solution is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a solution comprising salt, sugar, or a combination thereof; (ii) a solution comprising one or more enzymes; and (iii) a solution comprising one or more probiotics, wherein said contacting provides a treated tobacco material having a reduced total bacterial content following harvest. In certain embodiments, the treated tobacco material is subsequently cured, and can optionally be fermented. Smoking articles and smokeless tobacco products including such treated tobacco materials are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette apparatus that includes a first housing, a power converter situated inside the housing, a power source situated inside the housing for providing power at least indirectly to the power converter, a timer at least indirectly electrically connected to the power source, and one or more sensing components configured to provide a feedback signal to the power converter to allow for regulation of the magnitude of a power converter output voltage, wherein upon receipt of an enabling signal, the power converter output voltage is output across a heating element situated in the first housing or a second housing, and wherein the output voltage is constant.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette and the method for detecting expiration date of the electronic cigarette is provided in the present invention; the electronic cigarette comprises: a power supply battery, a microcontroller connected and an atomizer connected with said power supply battery respectively; the microcontroller contains a first timing module, a comparison module and a control module; the first timing module is configured to timing; the comparison module is configured to compare said first timing module's timing period with a presetting period; the control module is configured to control the power supply module being disconnected with the atomizer when the comparison module's comparison result is that the timing period is equal to or greater than the presetting period. When an expiration date of an electronic cigarette is passed, the electronic cigarette will stop working and remind users.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing ring and an atomizer in an electronic cigarette. The sealing ring comprises a bottom cover portion, an outer wall portion which is perpendicular to the plane of the bottom cover and is extended axially from the periphery of the bottom cover, an inhalation hole which is through the central of the sealing ring, an inner wall portion which surrounds the inhalation hole, an circular recess which is located between the inner wall and the outer wall, and at least one reflow hole which is through both the bottom cover and the circular recess. If the sealing ring and the atomizer are adopted in the electronic cigarette, a condensed smoke liquid can reflow back into the atomizer via the sealing ring, and can be heated and further atomized again. The invention can improve efficiency in the use of smoke liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electronic cigarette, comprising an atomizer and a battery pipe; an end of the atomizer is connected to a sucking mouth component, a battery chamber is mounted in the atomizer, and the battery pipe is fixedly inserted in the battery chamber; the atomizer also includes an atomizing core component detachably configured between the battery pipe and the sucking mouth component. By implementing the electronic cigarette of the invention, it is convenient in carrying, and the atomizing core component is replaceable, and convenient to use.

Abstract: There is provided a method of controlling aerosol production in an aerosol-generating device, the device including an aerosol-forming substrate, a heater including at least one heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, and a power source for providing power to the heating element, the method including determining the temperature of the heating element; and adjusting the power to the heating element to maintain the temperature of the heating element within a desired temperature range, wherein the desired temperature range is dynamically calculated based on a measured flow rate of gas through or past the device. By controlling the temperature of the heating element, an aerosol with consistent and desirable properties can be produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smoking article having a movable vapour release portion to allow the vapour release portion to be isolated from, or exposed to, a smoke pathway. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such smoking articles. In particular, there is provided a smoking article comprising a first segment, a second segment, and an aerosol generating substrate coupled to the first and second segments. At least one of the first and second segments comprises a vapour release portion, whereby the first and second segments are movable relative to each other from a first configuration to a second configuration, whereby in the first configuration the vapour release portion is substantially isolated from an airflow pathway and in the second configuration the vapour release portion is exposed to the airflow pathway.

Abstract: A spinneret having tri-arc holes may be used to produce tri-arc filaments. In some instances, tri-arc holes have a Y-shape with three prongs and each prong having an arc at the end of the prong that tapers from the end of the arc to a connection point of an adjacent arc, and tri-arc filaments have a generally-Y shape cross-section with bulbous or arcing tips. Further, tri-arc filaments may be useful in a plurality of applications including, but not limited to, filters, filters comprising particulate additives, and smoking device filters.

Abstract: A smoking article has a tobacco rod wrapped within a wrapping material and having first and second ends, a filter rod and ventilation, wherein the filter rod is connected to the first end of the tobacco rod by a tipping material partially overlapping the tobacco rod and at least partially overlapping the filter rod, and wherein the wrapping material is provided with a first region having a first permeability and/or porosity, the first region extending longitudinally along the tobacco rod from an intermediate position along the portion of the tobacco rod which is not overlapped by the tipping material towards the tipping material and with a second region having a second porosity and/or permeability higher than the first porosity and/or permeability, the second region extending longitudinally along the tobacco rod from the intermediate position towards the second end of the tobacco rod.

Abstract: A hairpiece comprises a net structure for covering a portion of a human head between a front hairline and a nape of a neck. The net structure comprises a plurality of ribbons, having a flexible flat material. The plurality of ribbons comprises a perimeter ribbon with a circumference at least as large as a circumference of the portion, a plurality of horizontal ribbons joined to the perimeter ribbon, a rear ribbon joined to the perimeter ribbon and the plurality of horizontal ribbons, and a plurality of vertical ribbons joined to the perimeter ribbon and the plurality of horizontal ribbons. The plurality of vertical ribbons creates a generally angled orientation with respect to vertical, wherein the net structure comprises a grid like structure. A plurality of hair strands are joined to the flexible flat material.

Abstract: A holder for securing a hair extension having a weft and a hair piece extending from the weft, to a wearer's natural hair. The holder includes a length, a transverse profile having a hair extension edge and a securing edge opposingly disposed from the hair extension edge. The holder comprises a channel disposed substantially longitudinally along the entire length of the holder and a plurality of apertures to receive a plurality of attaching means for securing the holder to the wearer's natural hair. The channel includes a neck and an interior cavity connected to the neck, wherein the neck defines an opening along the length of the channel at the hair extension edge. The interior cavity is configured to receive the weft and the neck is configured to enable penetration of the hair piece through the opening along the length of the channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a perfume dispenser package which also has the function of a perfume applicator. More specifically, the invention relates to a package that dispenses a single dose of perfume.

Abstract: An actuator cap (1) for dispensing a liquid product, comprising: •a rotatable outer body (2) and an associated actuator button (3), the outer body (2) comprising an inward projecting retaining clip (39) and •a non-rotatable chassis (5) and an associated spray channel assembly (6), the non-rotatable chassis (5) comprising a circumferentially extending slot (40) into which the inward projecting retaining clip 39) of the rotatable outer body fits; •the outer body (2) and actuator button (3) being rotatable between: a first position in which the actuator button (3) is incapable of depression and the inward projecting retaining clip (39) of the rotatable outer body (2) is held firmly in the circumferentially extending slot (40) of the non-rotatable chassis (5) and a second position in which actuator button (3) is capable of depression and the inward projecting retaining clip (39) of the rotatable outer body (2) is held less firmly in the circumferentially extending slot (40) of the non-rotatable chassis (5)

Abstract: Compositions, formulations, kits and methods for temporarily or semi-permanently transforming the shape of individual hair filaments or keratinous fibers (curling, waving or straightening) by applying no heat or heat below about 300° F. to prevent damage to the keratinous fibers.

Abstract: There is presented a compact housing for a compact cosmetic container. The housing comprises a godet receptacle adapted to receive a godet containing a cosmetic product. The housing is movable between a closed configuration, in which the cosmetic product of the received godet is covered, and an open configuration, in which the cosmetic product of the received godet is uncovered to allow a user to access the cosmetic product. When the housing is in the open configuration, the godet receptacle is movable between a locked configuration, in which removal of the godet from the godet receptacle is prevented, and a release configuration, in which removal of the godet from the godet receptacle is permitted. When the housing is in the closed configuration, the godet receptacle is in the locked configuration.

Abstract: A modular cosmetic container system is provided to enable a user to organize, create, and substitute customizable cosmetic trays detachably retained within a cosmetic storage system. The present invention utilizes the customizable tray assemblies as a means to store particular combinations of cosmetic products. Each cosmetic product is stored within specially designed receptacles to create a unique set of cosmetic products. These unique sets can be placed within the cosmetic storage system allowing for facilitated transfer and improved customization for user's who may need to frequently carry large collections of cosmetic products. The modular cosmetic container system comprises a housing assembly and at least one tray assembly. The housing assembly is the structural body that functions as a storage location for retaining the at least one tray assembly. The at least one tray assembly is the customizable storage component that retains a plurality of cosmetic products or cosmetic applicator.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a slot plate of an antenna and the slot plate has slots arranged in a circumferential direction thereof with respect to an axis line. A microwave is introduced into a processing space from the antenna via a dielectric window, and a through hole is formed in the dielectric window along the axis line. A plasma processing method performed in the plasma processing apparatus includes performing a first cleaning process by radiating the microwave from the antenna and supplying a cleaning gas from a cleaning gas supply system; and performing a second cleaning process by radiating the microwave from the antenna and supplying the cleaning gas from the cleaning gas supply system. A first pressure of the processing space in the performing of the first cleaning process is set to be lower than a second pressure thereof in the performing of the second cleaning process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brush unit (3) and to an associated rotary brush tool. The brush unit (3) is equipped with a brush holder (10, 11), which can be driven in rotation, and with an annular brush (4, 5) with a bristle-covered rim (8) with outwardly protruding bristles (5). Furthermore, a stop means (14) which dips into the rotating bristle-covered rim (8) is provided. According to the invention, the stop means (14) simultaneously acts as an abrasive body (14) for the bristles (5). In this case, a distinction is made between both functions (stopper function and abrasive function) according to a direction of rotation (R) of the annular brush (4, 5) and/or a setting position of the stop means (14) as compared to the bristle-covered rim (8).

Abstract: Disclosed is a scraper device for cleaning an exterior of a watercraft and/or a seawall. The scraper device has a flap component that urges the scraper device against a surface upon movement in a first and second opposing directions.

Abstract: A windshield wiper can include a wiper assembly and a scrubber assembly. The scrubber assembly can include a scrubber support structure and an elongated scrubber element movably attached to the scrubber support structure. The scrubber element can have a central longitudinal axis extending in the elongate direction between a first end and a spaced apart second end. A method can include, in response to activation of a washer fluid activator, reciprocating the elongated scrubber element back and forth along the central longitudinal axis; and while reciprocating the elongated scrubber element, moving the windshield wiper across the windshield along a prescribed arcuate path such that the reciprocating motion of the scrubber element is generally parallel to the windshield and generally perpendicular to the prescribed arcuate path as the windshield wiper moves across the windshield.