Abstract: A multi-cylinder engine includes first and second subsets of cylinders. A dedicated-cylinder exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is associated with the second subset of cylinders. A plasma ignition system is disposed in the second subset of cylinders. A controller operates the plasma ignition system to control the plasma igniters to execute plasma discharges in the second subset of cylinders to generate residual exhaust gas, which is recirculated through the dedicated-cylinder EGR system to the intake air system for introduction into intake air.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder engine includes first and second subsets of cylinders. A dedicated-cylinder exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is associated with the second subset of cylinders. A plasma ignition system is disposed in the second subset of cylinders. A controller operates the plasma ignition system to control the plasma igniters to execute plasma discharges in the second subset of cylinders to generate residual exhaust gas, which is recirculated through the dedicated-cylinder EGR system to the intake air system for introduction into intake air.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to transmitting information from wireless access points (WAP) sharing a same frequency channel that is part of an industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio band. During a beacon transmit period (BTP), the WAPs transmit a beacon. Then, a first WAP is to collect information from at least one of the plurality of communication devices (CD) associated with the first WAP during a control access period (CAP). Next, the first WAP transmits the collected information during an open access period (OAP).

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to transferring control of a frequency channel between wireless access points (WAP) according to a sequence where the frequency channel is part of an industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio band. Each of the WAPs transfers control of the same frequency channel according to a sequence. The transfer of control in the sequence occurs between adjacent WAPs, and the first and last WAPs in the sequence are adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A method of associating a client with an access point in a wireless local area network. The access point broadcasts a beacon announcing the existence of the access point. The beacon comprises a field which has a list of client identifiers of acceptable clients from which the access point will accept an association request.

Abstract: In one implementation, a region descriptor associated with a communications access point and a location descriptor are accessed at a client. The client determines that a location described by the location descriptor is included within a region described by the region descriptor. The client then requests association with the communications access point in response to the determining.

Abstract: A method for managing tax return preparation includes receiving employee first information from a first company on behalf of a first employee, and preparing a tax return using the employee first information. The method further includes access to the tax return being provided to the employee. When the employee is satisfied, authorization is received to file the tax return on behalf of the employee and the tax return is filed with a tax authority.

Abstract: A loan program and process is structured to provide a significant end-to-end cost savings while overcoming many, if not all, of the drawbacks and regulatory obstacles present in the current payday loan industry. The program, the end-to-end process, and the arrangement thereof, permits a lender to offer short-term, small cash loans to employees through an employer controlled payroll system. Access to the employer controlled payroll system is achieved through an agreed upon relationship between a coordinator, a lender, and the employer. As part of the agreed upon relationship, the lender guarantees that all fees, interest, and other ancillary costs over and above a principle amount of the short-term, small cash loan will be kept at or below a predetermined annual percentage rate (APR). In addition, the loan is repayable over a number of payroll cycles such that each successive payday the principle balance of the loan decreases.

Abstract: A loan program and process is structured to provide a significant end-to-end cost savings while overcoming many, if not all, of the drawbacks and regulatory obstacles present in the current payday loan industry. The program, the end-to-end process, and the arrangement thereof, permits a lender to offer short-term, small cash loans to employees through an employer controlled payroll system. Access to the employer controlled payroll system is achieved through an agreed upon relationship between a coordinator, a lender, and the employer. As part of the agreed upon relationship, the lender guarantees that all fees, interest, and other ancillary costs over and above a principle amount of the short-term, small cash loan will be kept at or below a predetermined annual percentage rate (APR). In addition, the loan is repayable over a number of payroll cycles such that each successive payday the principle balance of the loan decreases.

Abstract: The electronic signaling system comprises a base unit including an audio media player for reproducing a recorded audio signal from an inserted recorded medium, and an audio output stage for producing an audio output responsive to the occurrence of a trigger signal. A remote triggering device, such as a doorbell, includes a signal generator for communicating energy from the triggering device to the base unit. A receiving device in the base unit is provided for intercepting the energy communicated from the triggering device for reproducing the recorded audio signal. The medium may be a replaceable medium, permitting the user to select, from a variety of sound recordings, which recording is to be played back when a visitor or a guest pushes the doorbell. The replaceable medium may be recordable by a user. The audio player is preferably a player capable of reproducing sound patterns from integrated circuits containing encoded or non-encoded sound program information.

Abstract: A garage door operator which senses obstructions and takes corrective action before entrapment can occur. Yieldable gears are utilized as a failsafe mechanism such that when the applied torque exceeds certain limit, the gears disengage so that the garage door can be manually moved. The yieldable gears may also be disengaged by remote control or by hand. Solid state circuitry is provided to achieve soft starts and stops of the electric motor. Test circuitry is provided that tests the operational readiness of the electrical components by simulating an abnormal torque condition. During operation of the electric motor, the torque load is electronically calculated and if an abnormal torque load is encountered, the electric motor reverses direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a modular enclosure apparatus for personal computers and/or work stations having a plurality of removable and replaceable modules. These modules include a cooling module for cooling the enclosure; a memory storage device module having a plurality of mating slides and carriers for routine installation and removal of each memory storage device; and a power supply module for providing power to the enclosure. In a RAID embodiment, the modular enclosure apparatus includes a RAID controller module which is similarly removable and replaceable. Each of the modules may include a circuit interrupt assembly for disabling individual modules (by cutting off power to the desired module) and allowing that module or parts contained therein to be removed while the power is disabled only to the module desired and the remaining modules continue to be enabled.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for diagnosing faulty check valve operation in an internal combusiton engine having a back flow preventing check valve positioned in each intake air passage leading to an engine cylinder. The system measures the pressure in the engine air induction system, upstream of each check valve and downstream from an air intake throttle valve. The system produces an indication of faulty check valve operation, when an abnormal fluctuation in the measured pressure is detected. Preferably, the diagnostic function is performed when the engine operates in a defined mode, at idle speeds with light engine loading, where the pressure differential appearing across each check valve is essentially maximized. The engine cylinder associated with a faulty check valve is identified based upon the sensed rotational position of the engine when an abnormal fluctuation in pressure is detected.

Abstract: An intermittent bypass system comprises an intake conduit including an intake passage leading to a cylinder in an engine and an intake controller connected to the intake passage adjacent to the cylinder. The intake controller enables, during different portions of the engine cycle, fluid flow from the intake passage into the cylinder, fluid back-flow from the cylinder into the intake passage, and obstruction of fluid flow between the intake passage and the cylinder. A check valve is located in the intake passage upstream of the intake controller with the check valve allowing fluid flow toward the cylinder and obstructing fluid back-flow in the reverse direction. A bypass port is located on the intake passage to provide a flow path to a downstream portion defined by the portion of the intake passage between the check valve and intake controller.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a stator passage leading to a cylinder. An intake poppet valve is disposed between the cylinder and stator passage, and a rotary valve adjoins the opposite end of the stator passage. The rotary valve has a rotor with an elongated tapered rotor passage partially in registration with the stator passage. The rotor is driven by the crankshaft and is adjustable in phase to vary the time of opening and closing of the rotary valve, and is axially shiftable to vary the valve opening duration. A control system responsive to engine speed and load independently varies the rotary valve phase and duration for optimum engine operation.

Abstract: A pressure relief system is for an engine having an intake passage leading to a cylinder, a check valve in the intake passage to allow fluid flow toward the cylinder and obstruct fluid back-flow in the reverse direction, and a bypass port located on the intake passage so that the bypass port communicates with a downstream portion defined by the portion of the intake passage between the cylinder and check valve. The pressure relief system comprises a pressure relief passage connected between the bypass port and a reservoir enabling communication between the reservoir and downstream portion. A pressure-sensitive valve is connected to the pressure relief passage. The pressure-sensitive valve allows the communication if the pressure in the downstream portion exceeds a reference pressure by a predetermined amount, and obstructs the communication if the pressure in the downstream portion does not exceed the reference pressure by the predetermined amount.

Abstract: An intake port pressure control system comprises an intake passage leading to a cylinder in an engine, and a check valve in the intake passage to allow fluid flow toward the cylinder and obstruct fluid back-flow in the reverse direction. A bypass port is located on the intake passage so that the bypass port communicates with a trapped volume defined by the portion of the intake passage between the check valve and intake valve. The intake port pressure control system further comprises a control valve having an outlet passage, a secondary passage, and an actuator enabling communication between the outlet passage and secondary passage. The actuator further enables active adjustment of the flow area of the flowpath between the secondary passage and outlet passage throughout a range of engine operating conditions. The outlet passage is connected to the bypass port, and the secondary passage is connected to a secondary air source.

Abstract: An intake reservoir system is for an engine having an intake passage leading to a cylinder, and a check valve in the intake passage to allow fluid flow toward the cylinder and obstruct fluid back-flow in the reverse direction. A bypass port is located on the intake passage so that the bypass port communicates with a trapped volume defined by the portion of the intake passage between the check valve and cylinder. The intake reservoir system comprises an inflower for enabling fluid to flow into the trapped volume when the pressure therein is at least equal to the pressure upstream of the check valve. The intake reservoir system further comprises a reservoir cavity, a port passage connected between the reservoir cavity and bypass port enabling communication between the reservoir cavity and trapped volume, and a volume controller enabling adjustment of the volume of the reservoir cavity.

Abstract: A dynamic braking circuit for a universal motor is disclosed. A switching mechanism is used to reverse the orientation of the series field winding with respect to the rotor when power is removed. Because the rotor acts as a generator when power is removed, it will generate current to the field winding. Because the orientation of the field winding has been reversed, the field winding will thus try to make the motor run in the opposite direction, thereby exerting a braking force on the motor. The amount of the braking force is limited by using a portion of a second winding to oppose the reversed action of the first winding.

Abstract: A pasta extruder for forming strand-like pasta. The extruder housing has a feed hopper and gears for feeding the pasta mixture to be extruded into the apparatus. An extrusion die plate having a plurality of extrusion orifices is mounted in the housing adjacent to a pressure chamber and axially of said gears.