Abstract: There is provided an inner fin wherein: a sheet material is formed into an offset configuration in which grooves and ridges are formed alternately in a widthwise direction, and the grooves and the ridges are offset laterally at right angles to a gas flowing direction at predetermined length intervals in an alternate fashion; and a first projection and a second projection are formed for each segment surrounded by a pair of left and right side walls, by cutting either an upper surface portion or a lower surface portion and causing the cut surface portion to stand, the first projection being inclined towards an upstream side of the gas flowing direction, the second projection being disposed downstream of the first projection and being inclined towards a downstream side of the gas flowing direction at an angle equal to an angle at which the first projection is inclined.

Abstract: A method includes operating an internal combustion engine producing, as a byproduct, exhaust gases. The flow of exhaust gases are segregated into a first, relatively hot flow and a second, relatively cold flow. The second flow is directed to an intake of the internal combustion engine for combustion with fresh intake air and fuel. Heat energy from the first flow is stored in a latent heat storage device. Heat energy is released from the latent heat storage device to reduce cold start emissions during a subsequent operation of the internal combustion engine after a period of shutoff.

Abstract: An oil drain structure for an oil mist separator including a drain pipe extending from the oil mist separator into the internal combustion engine, the drain pipe having an oil discharge hole extending through a lower end portion of the drain pipe along an axial direction of the drain pipe, and a check valve including a valve body disposed below the lower end portion of the drain pipe, the valve body acting to open and close the oil discharge hole from a side of a lower surface of the lower end portion of the drain pipe, a valve head portion fitted into the drain pipe with a fine clearance as an orifice and being moveable in the axial direction of the drain pipe, and a stem portion extending through the oil discharge hole to connect the valve body and the valve head portion with each other.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is disclosed. The internal combustion engine includes a head, a first and second cylinders, a first and second doubled-end pistons, a wrist pin, a connecting rod, and a crankcase. The first and second doubled-end pistons are disposed within the first and second cylinder, respectively. The wrist pin and the connecting rod are connected to the first and second doubled-end pistons. The crankcase contains a crankshaft connected to the connecting rod. The head, which is coupled to the first and second cylinders, includes a first and second spark plugs for associating with first ends of the first and second doubled-end pistons, respectively. The crankcase includes a third and fourth spark plugs for associating with second ends of the first and second doubled-end pistons, respectively.

Abstract: An ignition coil for an internal combustion engine is provided with a coil section that includes a primary coil and a secondary coil, and a connector case section. The primary coil is formed by winding a primary electric wire about the outer periphery of a primary spool made of a resin. The connector case section is provided with terminals each formed of a conductor and arranged from a fitting hole of the connector case section to a connector portion. In each terminal, an insertion portion arranged in the fitting hole is formed with an insertion slit in a fitting direction in which the coil section is fitted to the connector case section. Each winding end portion is drawn out substantially along a winding direction of the primary electric wire and inserted into the insertion slit in the fitting direction.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an IGBT, a constant voltage circuit, and protection Zener diodes. The IGBT makes/breaks a low-voltage current flowing in a primary coil. The constant voltage circuit and the protection Zener diodes are provided between an external gate terminal and an external collector terminal. The constant voltage circuit supplies a constant gate voltage to the IGBT to thereby set a saturation current value of the IGBT to a predetermined limiting current value. The IGBT has the saturation current value in a limiting current value range of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting an asymmetric degradation response of an exhaust gas sensor to a more symmetric degradation response. In one example, a method includes adjusting fuel injection responsive to a modified exhaust oxygen feedback signal from an exhaust gas sensor, the modified exhaust oxygen feedback signal modified by transforming an asymmetric response of the exhaust gas sensor to a more symmetric response. Further, the method may include adjusting one or more parameters of an anticipatory controller of the exhaust gas sensor based on the modified symmetric response.

Abstract: A portable apparatus propels a projectile such as a golf ball, without the use of any external source of power. A striking driver is retracted, to a non-equilibrium position, by application of force, and is held in the non-equilibrium position. When the striking driver is released, it travels along a guided path and forcibly contacts the projectile, which is held in a loading port. Differential friction devices may be used on the projectile and/or the striking driver, to impart spin to the projectile. A rotary trigger alternately blocks and unblocks the striking driver, enabling control of the release of the striking driver. The apparatus may include various safety devices which prevent accidental release of the striking driver.

Abstract: A toy firearm for dispensing chartaceous objects includes a handgun-shaped casing, a front chamber, a dispensing mechanism, a trigger, and a retaining mechanism. The chartaceous objects are inserted into the front chamber so that the retaining mechanism can function as a spring loaded clip to secure the chartaceous objects within the front chamber. The dispensing mechanism allows the users to launch each of the chartaceous objects over a greater distance as the dispensing mechanism is selectively operated from an off-position to an on-position by the use of the trigger.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ball feed mechanism and associated method for use in a paintball loader. The ball feed mechanism includes a feeder which conveys or impels balls toward a feed neck, and a drive member which is concentric with the feeder. The feeder is coupled to the drive member. An electric motor is used to rotate the drive member which in turn causes the feeder to rotate. The feed mechanism includes sensors which detect the motion of the feeder and the drive member. A controller determines the position of the feeder relative to the drive member and actuates a motor when necessary.

Abstract: A paintball assembly capable of retaining a paintball in a loading chamber using a paintball catcher is disclosed. The paintball assembly includes a loading chamber, a detent, and a bolt. The loading chamber is coupled to a loading port to receive paintballs. In one embodiment, the detent includes a paintball catcher capable of catching the paintball as it is loaded into the loading chamber. In one example, the paintball catcher is a flexible paintball catcher extending into the loading chamber and is able to catch the paintball and hold it in a predefined position. When a trigger is pulled, the bolt pushes the paintball into a firing chamber while the paintball catcher releases the paintball.

Abstract: A peeling device, which can keep a sound generated during a peeling work to an allowable quiet sound, includes a guide member extending in one direction in parallel with an outer surface of a mortar, a fastening assembly for preventing movement of the guide member in a direction away from the outer surface of the mortar, a hydraulic jack having a piston rod extendable forward in one direction and located between the mortar and the guide member, a connector for detachably connecting the jack to the guide member, and a cutter located at a tip end portion of the piston rod and peeling the mortar off the concrete framework. With gradual extension of the rod of the jack forward in one direction, the cutter gradually advances forward in one direction, and a cutting edge of the cutter peels the mortar with a predetermined thickness off the concrete framework.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grid used in stoves which comprises innovative technical and functional characteristics capable of increasing the thermal efficiency of the burners. More preferably, the grid according to the present invention comprises an upper crown (1) provided with a series of fins (2) arranged around the burner (3), these fins (2) form passage and distribution channels (4) of hot gases, and extend to the underside of crown (1), within an air and/or fuel passage chamber (5) in which it is preheated before the combustion itself.

Abstract: The present invention generally refers to a flame gas burner diffuser to be used in stove-type cooking equipments, more preferably in household stoves, comprising technical and functional features capable of improving the efficiency of exchanging heat with the bottom of cooking utensils. More particularly, said diffuser, according to the present invention, comprises a cup (1) provided with a surface (4) comprising an opening (2) at which a cooking equipment is accommodated, wherein over said surface (4) there is a series of barriers (3) duly arranged and positioned so as to form passage pathways and/or extended channels for allowing the hot gas flow generated by the burner flame to pass.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to devices and systems to heat a liquid and/or generate steam from a liquid. In a specific embodiment, the present disclosure relates generally to devices and systems to heat a liquid and/or generate steam from a liquid using molecular friction and/or nucleation. The devices and systems of the present disclosure may be used in any application where a heated liquid or steam are required and operate at reduced energy costs and carbon footprints as compared to devices of the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a through-type barbecue driving device which includes a housing fixedly installed at a top edge on one side of a barbecue stove, a motor positioned in the housing and provided with an output shaft at one end, a drive gear set positioned in the housing and rotated by the output shaft when the motor is in operation, and an output gear positioned in the housing and meshing with the drive gear set. The housing has two through holes formed at two opposite sides thereof, respectively. The output gear has a gear shaft axially penetrated by a through groove, which corresponds in position to the two through holes and matches a rotating rod in terms of configuration, thus allowing the rotating rod to pass through the two through holes and the through groove and then engage with the through groove in an arbitrary installation position.

Abstract: A portable barbecue apparatus (1) comprises a base unit (2) adapted to contain a source of heat, a support structure (6) for the base unit by which the base unit (2) can be mounted outdoors for use, and a plurality of cooking units (3, 4, 5) selectively mountable on the base unit for achieving different types of cooking. A user of the barbecue apparatus (1) is able to attach one or more cooking units (3, 4, 5) to the base unit (2) depending on the required cooking activity. One of the selectively mountable cooking units is a kettle unit (3) capable of holding and dispensing water which is heated by the source of heat until it is boiling.

Abstract: Provided is a superior heating tool which is capable of producing desired aromatic properties upon usage even after being stored for a long period of time. A heating tool comprising: an exothermic composition containing an oxidation accelerator having an iodine adsorption of not higher than 500 mg/g, an oxidizable metal powder, and water; and a fragrance, wherein at least the exothermic composition is housed in a container bag having air permeability.

Abstract: A domestic cooking appliance is provided. The appliance has an inner space for cooking a food item; a gas burner; an exhaust opening; and a gas flue for directing exhaust gases from the inner space to the exhaust opening. The gas flue has a first part having a plurality of embossed projections, and a first fastener hole; and a second part that attaches to the first part, the second part having a plurality of embossed recesses that engage the plurality of embossed projections, and a second fastener hole that aligns with the first fastener hole when the first part and the second part are in an assembled position. The first part and the second part form a first tubular flue section when they are attached to each other, and the first part has more embossed projections than it does fastener holes.

Abstract: Provided is a burner. The burner includes a burner body receiving a gas and air, a burner head seated on the burner body, the burner head including an inner burner head and an outer burner head, and a burner cap seated on the burner body to cover the burner head. An outer flame hole through which a mixture gas is discharged and a flame spread space for spreading flame into the inner burner head are defined on the outer burner head, and an inner flame hole through which the mixture gas is discharged and an ignition hole defined under the inner flame hole are defined on the inner burner head.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a burner for cooking equipments which comprises a configuration whose purpose is to ensure the integrity of the flames of the main openings by maintaining the pressure originated in the burner. Particularly, the present invention refers to a burner which comprises a base (1) containing a cavity (2), in which a sustaining element (3) that supports a cover (4) is placed; wherein, between said sustaining element (3) and said cover (4), it is formed a channel (5), which, at least partially, encircles the cited cavity (2) to form at least one pilot flame at the end (6) of said channel (5) that is provided in the periphery of the edge of the cavity (2).

Abstract: Solar energy is collected and used for various industrial processes, such as oilfield applications, e.g. generating steam that is injected downhole, enabling enhanced oil recovery. Solar energy is indirectly collected using a heat transfer fluid in a solar collector, delivering heat to a heat exchanger that in turn delivers heat into oilfield feedwater, producing hotter water or steam. Solar energy is directly collected by directly generating steam with solar collectors, and then injecting the steam downhole. Solar energy is collected to preheat water that is then fed into fuel-fired steam generators that in turn produce steam for downhole injection. Solar energy is collected to produce electricity via a Rankine cycle turbine generator, and rejected heat warms feedwater for fuel-fired steam generators. Solar energy is collected (directly or indirectly) to deliver heat to a heater-treater, with optional fuel-fired additional heat generation.

Abstract: An absorber tube is provided that has a metal tube and a sleeve tube, which is made of glass and encloses the metal tube such that an annular space is formed between the metal tube and the sleeve tube. The annular space is evacuated and has at least one container filled with protective gas, where the container is a solder-free pressure container.

Abstract: A solar oven designed for year-round use is readily-accessible and easy to use by simply removing a protective oven cover. The solar oven replicates the mainstream cook's current pattern with standard stoves, requiring little set-up or storage. Access to the solar oven is from the front and solar heat is stored in an upper oven chamber. By changing the solar oven chamber above the door, heat remains in the trapezoidal-pyramid cover during transfers and condensation is reduced to a minimum. By raising and lowering the floor, the solar oven allows the gasketed oven chamber to perform food cooking while being protected to prevent loss of heat. The solar oven remains available in all weather, does not fade in color and is attractive to most mainstream cooks.

Abstract: A trough type solar thermal collector which uses a curved mirror to make a heat tube which is arranged in the front of the curved mirror collect sunlight and to heat a fluid which flows through the inside of the heat tube, the trough type solar thermal collector configured to be able to avoid damage to the curved mirror due to vortex-induced vibration, is provided. The trough type solar thermal collection apparatus of the present invention is provided with, at an outer edge of the curved mirror in the direction of change of curvature of the curved shape of the curved mirror, vortex control means for controlling the flow of vortices which forms at the outer edge, whereby it is possible to avoid damage to the curved mirror such as occurs due to vortex-induced vibration at the time when higher windspeed resistance specifications are sought from the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides a progressive freeze-concentration process for the commercial production of sugar, particularly maple, syrup including the steps of exposure of collected raw sugar solutions and maple sap on-site to a predominantly or relatively naturally occurring cold surface, gradually cooling the sap to a temperature sufficient to commence freezing of a water ice, continuing the cooling and freezing to form a solid body of water ice and a liquid component separate from the solid body containing first sugars, continuing the cooling and freezing until the first sugars containing liquid component reaches a substantially thickened or gel consistency, and thirdly, separation of the first sugars containing liquid component from the said solid body.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus. The self-contained breathing apparatus comprises a back plate comprising a shoulder strap load portion and a waist belt load portion, wherein the waist belt load portion rotates about an extended axis defined by the junction of the waist belt load portion with the shoulder strap load portion, a shoulder strap coupled to the shoulder strap load portion of the back plate, a waist belt coupled to the waist belt load portion of the back plate, and a bottle of compressed breathable air secured to the shoulder strap load portion of the back plate.

Abstract: Devices and methods for allowing for improved assisted ventilation of a patient. The methods and devices provide a number of benefits over conventional approaches for assisted ventilation. For example, the methods and devices described herein permit blind insertion of a device that can allow ventilation regardless of whether the device is positioned within a trachea or an esophagus.

Abstract: There is provided an aerosol generating device, including a heater element configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate; a power source connected to the heater element; and a controller connected to the heater element and to the power source, wherein the controller is configured to control the power supplied to the heater element from the power source to maintain the temperature of the heater element at a target temperature, and is configured to compare a measure of power supplied to the heater element or energy supplied to the heater element from the power source to a threshold measure of power or energy to detect the presence of an aerosol-forming substrate close to the heater element or a material property of an aerosol-forming substrate close to the heater element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breathing mask, in particular for human beings, comprising a flexible mask body designed to fit over a mouth and nose on a user's face, at least one sealing lip for a gas-proof fit on the user's face, comprising at least one inhalation valve penetrating the mask body, a filter material assigned to the inhalation valve and an exhalation valve penetrating the mask body. It is intended that a manually actuable test valve is arranged downstream of the exhalation valve and designed to provide a gas passage from the exhalation valve to the surroundings in its normal state and to close said passage in its actuated state.

Abstract: A heads-up display has a display panel which displays information related to a partial pressure of oxygen in a breathing gas. The display panel comprises a first indicia, a second indicia, a third indicia, and a fourth indicia. The first indicia and the fourth indicia respectively indicate a near hyperoxic condition and a near hypoxic condition. The second indicia and the third indicia together indicate the partial pressure of oxygen in the breathing gas.

Abstract: Methods and systems for concentrating oxygen include an oxygen concentration subsystem configured to generate a supply of oxygen-enriched gas, an oxygen delivery subsystem configured to communicate oxygen-enriched gas to a respiratory circuit for delivery to an airway of a subject, and one or more batteries configured to act as a sole power supply for the oxygen concentration subsystem and the oxygen delivery subsystem, wherein a ratio ROW is determined as: ROW=(O2 output)/total weight of the oxygen concentrator system, where O2 output is the maximum continuous oxygen output of the oxygen concentrator system, wherein the ratio Row is greater than about 0.19 lpm/lbs.

Abstract: A respiration system is provided with a container (1) in which, by an exothermic chemical reaction of a reaction material, CO2 is removed from the respiration air or oxygen is generated, and with an indicator of the consumption of the reaction material. The consumption indicator has a predetermined amount (7) of material which can be melted by the reaction heat of the exothermic chemical reaction. The material is kept in thermal contact with the container interior in such a manner that a measurement of the total reaction heat, and thus the consumption of reactive material, can be read from the degree of melting of the meltable material.

Abstract: A connector for use in an electronic vaporizer system is disclosed.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a housing and a valve, the valve being disposed within the housing, a first indexed member integral to the housing, the first indexed member adapted to be complementary to a second indexed member, and a radio frequency identification device adapted to communicate with a radio frequency receiver, the valve being configured to align with a canister, seal the canister and open in a single movement. A drug containment device having said valve assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An arrangement for a drug delivery device and a method of assembling the same are provided. The drug delivery device comprises a support, a connection part, and a spring element, wherein the spring element is arranged between the support and the connection part, and wherein the support comprises a support connection element and the connection part comprises a part connection element, wherein these connection elements are configured to establish a releasable connection to releasably connect the support and the connection part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a user includes a humidifying unit that is controllable to humidify the gas in accordance with a variable humidity profile such that the gas is delivered to the user at variable humidity levels, e.g., during a treatment session.

Abstract: The breathing assistance apparatus of the present invention includes a manifold that is provided with or retrofittable to gases supply and humidifying devices. The manifold allows gases from an oxygen concentrator to be combined with the flow through a gases supply and humidifying device, most usually air The combined output of oxygen and other breathing gases (air) is then humidified. The breathing assistance apparatus and manifold of the present invention provides a safe method to add oxygen to the input air stream of a gases supply and humidifying device and reduces the amount of accumulation of oxygen within the gases supply device, reducing fire risk should sparking occur within the device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods and devices for respiratory support. As one example, a method for respiratory support is described that includes measuring a pressure, providing a measured pressure, measuring an inlet flow and an outlet flow, and providing a measured net flow. A relationship between a first value related to the measured pressure, a second value related to the measured net flow and a third value related to patient effort is used to provide a prediction of patient effort. An interim value is updated based at least in part on the prediction of the patient effort.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas regulating valve (1) for a respiratory system comprising:—a main path between an inlet (2) and an outlet (3), and—an evacuation path between the outlet (3) and an evacuation orifice (4), characterised in that:—the main path is provided with at least a non-return valve for preventing gas to circulate from the outlet (3) to the inlet (2), and—the evacuation path is provided with an obstructing membrane (10) arranged and designed for being deformed by gas from the inlet (2) to partially or fully obstruct the evacuation path. The invention also relates to a mask integrating such gas regulating valve, and to a respiratory system also comprising such gas regulating valve.

Abstract: A mask for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurised above atmospheric pressure to human or animal's airways includes a mask shell which is, in use, in fluid communication with a gas supply conduit and a gas washout vent assembly. The gas washout vent assembly includes at least one gas washout orifice extending from a first side of the vent assembly positioned, in use, adjacent to human or animal's face and a second side positioned, in use, adjacent the atmosphere. The cross-sectional area of the orifice at the first side is larger than the cross-sectional area of the orifice at the second side.

Abstract: A hyperbaric exercise facility is provided allowing a persons to perform exercises and other activities at increased pressures along with controlled levels of oxygen. Additionally, a catastrophe shelter is provided to protect its occupants from peril.

Abstract: A respirator mask device includes a frame unit, a mask shell connected pivotally to the frame unit, a mask cushion secured to the mask shell, an adjusting unit operable for adjusting relative position between an upper end of the mask shell and the frame unit, two connecting pieces disposed respectively on left and right sides of a lower end of the frame unit and connected pivotally to the mask shell, two first engaging members disposed respectively on the left and right sides of the lower end of the extension frame, and a head strip unit. The head strap unit includes a strap body, and two second engaging members disposed on the strap body and connected respectively and removably to the first engaging members.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8) includes a cushion member (16) structured to engage a face of a patient when the patient interface device is donned by a patient, and a frame assembly (14), wherein the cushion member is coupled to the frame assembly. The frame assembly including a main frame member (18) having a plurality of pocket members (32) provided therein, and a plurality of peg members (20) coupled to the main frame member, wherein each peg member includes an arm member (42) that is received and held within a respective one of the pocket members at a user selectable position, and where in movement of the peg members relative to the main frame member adjusts a size and/or shape of the patient interface device.

Abstract: A flexible expandable inter vivos tube includes at least one arched segmented portion, a corresponding movable element and at least one positioning mechanism. The at least one arched segmented portion and corresponding movable element forming a flexible closed longitudinally expandable tube. The at least one arched segment includes an H-shaped connector having at least one cavity that allows variable slidable movement of a free end portion of the corresponding movable element. A flexible membrane is contained in the at least one cavity so that the hydraulic or air pressure within an inner rib of the H-shaped connector expands the movable element and, thus, the circumference of the flexible inter vivos tube are increased. The flexible membrane attached to the free end portion limits the travel of the movable element within a corresponding one of the at least one cavity.

Abstract: Improved passive resistance nasal devices for treating a patient (and particularly, but not exclusively, a sleeping patient) that inhibit exhalation more than inhalation. For example, described herein are passive-resistance nasal devices having a variable sized opening leak path that change the size of the leak path opening depending on the pressure extended across the nasal device. Also described herein are passive nasal devices including a deployable insertion guide member. Also described herein are passive nasal devices including an extension member to hold the airflow resistor portion of the nasal device slightly apart from the subject's nose, even as the nasal device itself may be secured against the nose or nostril openings. Methods of operating these nasal devices and methods of treating patients using these devices are also described.

Abstract: An intrauterine device string is described. The intrauterine device string includes an elongated member with an upper portion, an intermediate portion, and a lower portion, the elongated member comprising a memory-retaining material. The upper portion is configured to attach the elongated member to the intrauterine device, and the intermediate portion is configured to extend through the endocervical canal of a female. The lower portion comprises a first curved portion and a second curved portion at an end of the lower portion. The lower portion is configured to prevent the elongated member from becoming dislodged when in use in a female, and is further configured to apply a force to the external wall of a cervix. A method for inserting an intrauterine device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device is provided for supporting a portion of the upper body during forward lean. The device comprises a two pillars anchored to the ground or a stable platform. One or more linkage elements are connected between pillars. A support plate is slidably situated on the linkage elements approximately midway between the pillars. The support plate provides support to a user in the region of the user's breast plate. As the user leans forward, the lean forces are transferred through the linkage elements to the pillars, causing the pillars to flex, and thus provide support to the user. The height of the pillars and the stiffness of the flexible portion of the pillars are adjustable during the operation of the device.

Abstract: A protective assembly having a mouthguard adapted to protect a user's teeth, a lipguard for protecting the user's lips releasably connectable to the mouthguard, and a tether strap releasably connectable to the lipguard and having an additional portion connectable to a point of the user's equipment, for example a facemask of a helmet. The mouthguard can have a standard form or be manufactured as a custom-fitted molding.

Abstract: The helmet moisture control system prevents or greatly reduces moisture accumulation in the volume between the face of a helmet wearer and the transparent face shield when wearing a closed face helmet. The system includes a mouth guard having a breathing passage therethrough connected to a central body having separate inhalation and exhalation tubes extending therefrom. A flapper valve in the central body closes the exhalation tube when the wearer inhales, and closes the inhalation tube when the wearer exhales. Exhaled air and accompanying moisture are prevented from entering the volume between the helmet wearer's face and the helmet face shield so long as the wearer breathes orally, thereby greatly assisting in preventing fogging of the interior of the face shield. A moisture condensation trap and drain are provided at the lower portion of the central body. A filter may be provided at the inlet end of the inhalation tube.