Abstract: A drain cassette for a dialysis unit has a fluid channel between venous and arterial connection ports, and a valve may controllably open and close fluid communication between a drain outlet port and the venous connection port or the arterial connection port. A blood circuit assembly and drain cassette may be removable from the dialysis unit, e.g., by hand and without the use of tools. A blood circuit assembly may include a single, unitary member that defines portions of a pair of blood pumps, control valves, channels to accurately position flexible tubing for an occluder, an air trap support, and/or other portions of the assembly. A blood circuit assembly engagement device may assist with retaining a blood circuit assembly on the dialysis unit, and/or with removal of the assembly. An actuator may operate a retainer element and an ejector element that interact with the assembly.

Abstract: The variable valve mechanism of a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a valve slidably mounted to move between a closed position and an open position, a cam rotatably mounted to push the valve from the closed position toward the open position, and an electromagnet adapted to selectively hold the valve in the open position. The variable valve mechanism acquires most of the benefits of a bi-directional electromagnetic arrangement (such as increased fuel economy, decreased start-up emissions, etc.), while avoiding most of the disadvantages (costs, NVH, etc.).

Abstract: A method to calculate valve timing commands for an engine with variable valve timing is hereby disclosed. The method includes determining a valve feedforward term based on an engine performance command and an environmental conditions signal, calculating a valve feedback term based on the engine performance command and an engine performance feedback, and calculating a valve timing command based on the valve feedforward term and the valve feedback term.

Abstract: The variable valve mechanism of a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a valve slidably mounted to move between a closed position and an open position, a cam rotatably mounted to push the valve from the closed position toward the open position, and an electromagnet adapted to selectively hold the valve in the open position. The variable valve mechanism acquires most of the benefits of a bi-directional electromagnetic arrangement (such as increased fuel economy, decreased start-up emissions, etc.), while avoiding most of the disadvantages (costs, NVH, etc.).

Abstract: A method to calculate valve timing commands for an engine with variable valve timing is hereby disclosed. The method includes determining a valve feedforward term based on an engine performance command and an environmental conditions signal, calculating a valve feedback term based on the engine performance command and an engine performance feedback, and calculating a valve timing command based on the valve feedforward term and the valve feedback term.

Abstract: A four-stroke internal combustion engine is disclosed wherein fuel and exhaust vapors are purged from the manifolds and each cylinder when the engine is shut down to minimize emissions on subsequent startup. The engine includes a cylinder, a reciprocating piston within the cylinder, and a cylinder head. An exhaust port with an exhaust valve communicates with the cylinder and an exhaust manifold with an emissions control device. An intake port with an intake valve communicates with the cylinder. Upon engine shutdown, a controller sends signals to a variable valve timing system for opening the exhaust valve when the piston is in upward motion, later closing the exhaust valve when the piston is in upward motion, opening the intake valve when the piston is in downward motion, later closing the intake valve when the piston is in downward motion, and opening the exhaust valve when the piston is in upward motion.

Abstract: A four-stroke reciprocating internal combustion engine is disclosed in which fuel and exhaust vapors are purged from the engine manifolds and each cylinder when the engine is shut down in order to minimize emissions on subsequent engine startup. The engine includes combustion chamber defined by a cylinder, a reciprocating piston contained within the cylinder, and a cylinder head. An exhaust port with an exhaust valve is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber and an exhaust manifold with an emissions control device. An intake port with an intake valve is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber.