Abstract: An aircraft cargo support unit to be attached to an aircraft pallet for shipment in an aircraft cargo bay, the unit includes a cargo support member dimensioned to fit within an aircraft cargo bay. A plurality of legs each having a top member, a middle member and a bottom member. There are hinges each connecting the cargo support member to a respective one of the legs for swinging the cargo support member to a vertical position parallel to the legs. The above mentioned middle members are movable along vertical axes for adjusting the height of the legs. The above mentioned bottom members each having a respective locking device for locking a respective one of the legs to an aircraft pallet. In addition, there is a second embodiment of the cargo support member that has a height adjustable top plate for supporting cargo. The second embodiment resides within the body of a standardized pallet, such as the pallets used in the trucking industry.

Abstract: An adjustable table system, particularly for conference or office tables, has at least one table leg with a table leg strut that can be attached from below the table top in one of several predetermined positions by sliding a first member with two spaced apart rows of longitudinally spaced engagement noses into engagement with a second member fixed to the underside of the table which also has two laterally spaced apart rows of longitudinally spaced engagement noses, wherein the noses of the first and second members are slidingly mated and secured in a mating position by a rotary locking mechanism. The table leg also has telescoping inner and outer tubes with a plastic bushing interposed therebetween and a setscrew mechanism at the top, with the leg being adjustable in the longitudinal direction by direct operation of the set screw from the top of said table leg or by rotating the outer tube in relation to the inner tube.

Abstract: An improvement of a coal firing device applied to coal gasifiers, boilers for power generation, etc. On the inner walls of a ceiling portion (4) of a firing furnace (3) and of a throat portion (2) thereabove, and of a diffuser portion (6) further thereabove, where necessary, plate-like vortex breaker(s) (1A, 1B) is/are provided. Vortex flow of gas in the vicinity of the inner wall surface around the throat portion (2) is thereby weakened and molten slag sticking on the wall surface is suppressed to be pushed up by the gas. There occurs neither staying of molten slag at the diffuser portion (6) nor scattering of slag, and blockade of furnace due to solid-phase slag does not occur.

Abstract: In a power plant with combustion of particulate fuel in a fluidized bed, unburnt particles are after-burnt in a burner which is based on the principle of vortex collapse and coarser particles are separated in connection with the after-burning. Such a burner may be designed as a double-cone burner, wherein unburnt fuel particles are burnt. Larger particles move around in a helical movement inside the extension of the burner cone. A coarse particles separator integrated with the burner, is arranged and comprises a circular gap which is located near the extension of the burner cone and which collects coarser particles rotating at the side of the combustion zone of the burner. These separated particles, collected by the circular gap, are forwarded to a space which surrounds the burner and from where the separated coarser particles are returned to the primary combustion space, for example, to the fluidized bed in the plant.

Abstract: A device for decorative sewing of articles made of leather includes a longitudinal guide (7) a part of which is laterally delimited by two inclined flat surfaces (7a, 7b) upwardly convergent, forming at the top a tooth (10) on which an article (1) to be sewn is moved. A folding member (12), situated over the longitudinal guide (7), clamps the article (1) to the tooth (10), by folding this article (1) on the inclined flat surfaces (7a, 7b), when the needle (20) has formed a stitch (4). A leather pressing element (15) oscillates on a plane that is transversal with respect to the longitudinal guide (7) and presses the article (1) in position adjacent to the stitch 4 just formed, on the side where the needle (20) enters the article (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sequin delivery system (1) for embroidery and/or sewing machines, in which a pusher (6) delivers sequins (3) from a sequin strip (2), which is at least partly guided laterally, in increments to a needle penetration point (24). A drive mechanism periodically moves the pusher (6) toward and away from the needle penetration point (24), and the pusher (6) has a slaving device, which on the motion of the pusher (6) in the direction of the needle penetration point (24) engages a hole (4) in a sequin (3). The pusher (6) is at least partially elastic, and in particular is a leaf spring, and presses the sequin strip (2) against a contact pressure plate (8).

Abstract: A thread cutting apparatus including a pair of blades one movable relative to the other to cut a thread, an actuating device including a cam rotatable about an axis line, and a cam follower which is movable to an operative position where the cam follower follows the cam to move the movable blade to cut the thread, and an inoperative position where the cam follower does not follow the cam, a biasing device which provides a biasing force to bias the cam follower toward the inoperative position, a first movable member which is operatively engaged with the cam follower and which is movable to a first position, and a second position to move the cam follower to the operative position against the biasing force of the biasing device, a second movable member which is movable between a third and a fourth position and which engages, when being moved from the third position to the fourth position, the first movable member to move the first movable member to the second position, and a rotary member which is rotatable with

Abstract: A thread cutting device in a sewing machine includes a fixed knife and a movable knife cooperating with each other to cut a thread. The movable knife is movable to bring a part of the thread to extend below the fixed knife for the cutting operation. A thread protection member is operable to support the thread so as to prevent the thread from breakage prior to the cutting operation through cooperation between the fixed knife and the movable knife. The thread protection member is formed separately from the fixed knife.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a sewing machine in which a microcomputer in the control unit of the sewing machine is provided with a sequence control function, and an on-signal for setting and removing a workpiece is incorporated into the sewing data, whereby no PC exclusively used for sequence control is required.

Abstract: An underwater lifting apparatus includes a lift bag having an inflatable bladder which is capable of receiving gas therein for inflating the lift bag, the bladder having a sleeve mounted on its outer surface. A pressurized canister is received within the sleeve of the lift bag for inflating the bladder of the lift bag. The pressurized canister is adapted to store gas under pressure therein. A plurality of valves are provided for delivering pressurized gas from the canister into the bladder of the lift bag, the valves being suitably mounted on the lift bag. Rigging is mounted on the lift bag for securing the lift bag to an object requiring removal from underwater.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle, normally an automobile, has a centrally located displacement hull body portion, containing a passenger compartment and an engine, that is of excellent hydrodynamic profile similar to a canoe. Wheels located at the end of four-wheel-drive axle half-shafts in, preferably, a DeDion suspension are located entirely outboard of the displacement hull. The wheels are conventionally suspended in their lowered positions on land, and are raised by actuators on water. Moveable skis first move on a pantograph linkage from first locations upwards and to the rear of the front wheels into second, forward, locations where the ski tips slide under the raised front wheels, deflecting water under the front wheels and generally improving vehicle hydrodynamics in the manner of outriggers. With increasing speed of the vehicle through the water, the skis are moved aft and downward on the pantograph linkage to lowered third locations.

Abstract: A traffic safety control security system is described. Warning lights, signs, and warning flags are connected and secured to the tops of standard traffic cones either with or without the use of cone adapters. One end of a stainless steel aircraft cable connects directly to the traffic control accessories, while the other end of the cable is secured by a removable security disc and padlock within the traffic cone. Interconnecting the accessory and traffic cone together prevents injury to vehicles or individuals nearby if a traffic cone is accidentally struck by a vehicle, or encounters violent weather, causing the accessory to fly loose as a projectile. In addition a chain can now interconnect traffic cones in the system together, preventing theft of the traffic cones and/or accessories. Set up and knock down of the system is consistent with customary traffic safety control procedures.

Abstract: A tape seal for containers is provided. The tape seal comprises a strap mountable to locking bars of a shipping container, a tensioning device connected to the strap for applying tension to the straps after the straps are mounted to the locking bars, and an indicator affixed to the strap. The indicator has a first indicia coacting with the strap for indicating that the strap is at an initial tension and the container is secured. The indicator also has a second indicia also coacting with the strap for indicating that the strap is at a second tension less than the initial tension after the initial tension has been applied. The first indicia indicates that the strap is securely mounted to the locking bars and the second indicia indicates that the strap is not securely mounted to the locking bars thus indicating that there may have been tampering with the seal.

Abstract: A feed enclosure for birds and small creatures such as squirrels, raccoons or the like. A internal floor to ceiling enclosure partition prevents feeders from one side of the enclosure from entering into the feeding area entered from the other side. Small birds may enter from one side of the enclosure while larger birds and small creatures can feed from the other side. The larger birds may feed through an elevated opening by stretching their necks over a lower apron while the small creatures can enter into one of the two enclosed areas by one or more lower openings. Smaller birds enter the enclosure's other side through smaller spaced vertical partitions located over a lower wire mesh fence through which the small creatures are prevented from entering.

Abstract: A salt block insert for animals which consists of a salt block reservoir that is inserted into or attached to the inside of a feed container. The salt block insert permits the intake of required food and minerals at the same time, and also prevents the salt block from being removed from the feed container.

Abstract: A wild game feeder bracket for supporting a block of animal feed on an upright member, the feeder bracket comprising, an elongated generally rigid U-shaped rod including a generally horizontally extended animal support leg having a base end and an opposite free end. A base end leg is connected to the base end of the animal support leg and extends upwardly therefrom. The base end leg has upper and lower ends. A free end leg is connected to the free end of the animal support leg and extends upwardly therefrom. The free end leg also have upper and lower ends. The free end leg comprises a means for supporting a block of animal feed thereon. A generally horizontal anchor leg is secured to the base leg opposite the animal support leg and directed oppositely thereof such that the feed block is supported in a spaced relation therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing birds from perching utilizes a rectangular flat plate suspended by a rod inserted lengthwise through the plate or two rods inserted into opposite sides of the plate. The rod or rods are intentionally inserted along a horizontal axis which is not the center of the plate, so that the plate rotates eccentrically around that axis. Thus, although the plate rotates freely around the axis, the plate will rest with a smaller section above the axis and a larger section beneath the axis, unless it is disturbed. If a bird attempts to land on the plate, the added weight will swing the plate around the axis, throwing the bird off the plate and preventing the bird from perching. This device is particularly useful when mounted around the perimeter of a birdfeeder, forcing the bird to fly over the anti-perching device and feed from a location around a seed tray inside the feeder.

Abstract: A carrying case for pet accessories. The carrying case includes a container having at least one compartment accommodating a variety of pet accessories. The container includes a closure for selectively opening and closing the container to permit access to the at least one compartment. The carrying case also includes a picture frame mounted on the outer surface of the container and an identifying picture of a pet housed within the picture frame.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical animal waste container for deodorizing fumes from animal waste is disclosed. The container includes an open frame, a tray, a fume hood and a sensor. The frame has a base and the tray is positioned therein. The tray is for receiving animal waste. The fume hood is attached to the frame and is spaced above the tray. The fume hood has an outlet port formed therein. A fan is positioned in the fume hood such that the fan draws the fumes from the tray into the fume hood and toward the outlet port. The sensor determines when there is an animal in the tray. A control circuit is operably connected to the sensor and the fan wherein when the sensor detects an animal in the tray the fan is switched on after a preselected amount of time and then after a second preselected amount of time the fan is switched off. Preferably a filter is positioned over the outlet port and is for deodorizing air that passes therethrough. Preferably a second filter is positioned at the bottom of fume hood.

Abstract: An improved litter box assembly includes two litter boxes with one box nested within another. Each box has a floor with multiple openings and a plate disposed under the floor. Each plate is slidably attached to the floor of the respective box and also has multiple openings. The plate is slidable between a first position in which the openings in the floor and the openings in the plate correspond and a second position in which the openings in the floor are blocked by the plate. The boxes are identical and interchangeable. When nested, the boxes are reversed so that each plate, in sliding from the first position to the second position, slides in the opposite direction of the other plate in sliding from the first position to the second position. When the boxes are reversibly nested, a litter receiving space is created between the floors of the two boxes. In operation, when soiled litter in a upper box is to be removed, the plate of the upper box is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An animal hair confinement device comprising, a tubular shaped enclosure 10 lined with bristles 12, and slideable 31 onto a base 14 containing a strip of carpeting 22 on the base floor surface 16.

Abstract: A Pet Exerciser and Toy Device consisting of an Attractor made of brightly colored silicone rubber strips attached to a high tensile strength steel Wire Member which is in turn embedded into a Handle Member that is manipulated by a human hand to entice the pet to attack. This device uses the pet's natural instincts of stalking, pouncing, leaping, and rebounding to provide much needed exercise to seldom used muscles. This also allows the pet and human to reaffirm their relationship in a positive manner.

Abstract: A training harness and harness assembly for training livestock. The assembly includes a halter with a guiding ring attached, a neck strap, a belly strap, a back strap, a buck strap and a harness lead.

Abstract: A bird predation deterrent shield is described herein comprising a sheet of flexible material suspended from the anterior neck region of a cat, at least as wide at its bottom as the shoulders of the cat, and sufficiently long to reach the level of the carpal regions of the cat when the cat is standing on all four limbs. Bird predation deterrent methods are disclosed herein comprising placing such a bird predation deterrent shield on a cat whenever the cat is outdoors. Use of a shield according to the present invention has been shown to drastically reduce the number of birds killed by a cat when worn by the cat while outdoors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boiler for the production of steam, the boiler having a maximum capacity of 100 ton/hr or more and comprising a furnace having a substantially constant rectangular cross-section and a back pass with a substantially constant rectangular cross-section. The furnace and the back pass are mounted close to each other and means are provided for superheating the steam. The steam superheating means are positioned within the back pass, so that no superheater is positioned within the furnace.

Abstract: A once-through steam generator furnace having single pass non-split fluid flow circuitry to prevent steam-water separation with a one to one connection of smaller diameter tubes of the lower furnace spiral tube assembly being connected to the larger diameter vertical tubes of the upper furnace assembly through a reducing tube connecting spiral tubes angled to provide common centerlines with vertical tubes when the spiral tube centerlines are routed vertically.

Abstract: The present invention relates mainly to interconnection apparatus, in particular hydraulic and pneumatic interconnection apparatus for the various members of a motor vehicle internal combustion engine. According to the invention, rigid elongate conduits are assembled together to form a self-supporting interconnection frame. Advantageously, the conduits are completed and/or extended by hoses where passages are difficult and/or in zones subjected to severe stresses, in particular vibration. Advantageously, the frame includes means for fixing electric cables, optical fiber cables, and/or bundles of cables. The present invention is mainly applicable to the automotive industry.

Abstract: A reciprocating machine, such as an internal combustion engine or a compressor, in which a piston slides reciprocally in a cylinder unit having an integrally formed cylinder head and cylinder body, is at least partially enclosed in a jacket. The inner surface of the jacket and the outer surface of the cylinder unit define between them a gap through which a cooling liquid may be circulated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a two-stroke internal-combustion engine with a charging pump, an outlet channel controlled by the main piston being subjected to additional control by the charging-pump plunger. Circulation losses are minimized and a higher means working pressure is obtained by early mechanical closure of the outlet channel by means of the charging-pump plunger or by injecting a pulse of exhaust gases into the outlet channel in the direction opposite to the direction of flow or by injecting part of the intake charge through the outlet channel into the main cylinder. In addition, the formation of oxides of nitrogen is reduced by controlled exhaust gas retention at the combustion stage. The invention also allows a catalytic converter to be used if required, since an increase in the oxygen concentration owing to circulation losses in the outlet channel is avoided.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine has a trunk portion and a crown portion slidably mounted above the trunk portion. The entirety of the trunk portion extends above the piston's wrist pin bore. A resilient element positioned the crown portion with respect to the trunk portion with sufficient force in a direction tending to separate the crown portion and trunk portion such that the crown portion will be placed in a position of maximum extension during at least some part of the combustion cycle.

Abstract: In an outboard motor, an engine is mounted to an upper portion of an engine holder. A crank shaft is vertically disposed in a crank case of the engine. A plurality of cylinders are arranged in a cylinder block of the engine in parallel with each other in a vertical direction. An oil pan is disposed in the engine holder, and a balancing device is mounted to a bottom surface of the cylinder block facing the oil pan. The cylinder block is disposed between the crank case and a cylinder head. The bottom surface of the cylinder block is recessed. In this recessed portion, a balancing device is disposed.

Abstract: A single cylinder, internal combustion engine with a dry sump lubrication system. The engine includes an engine housing in which the overhead camshaft and crankshaft are rotatably supported, and the housing includes an integrally formed cylinder and head. A timing belt disposed externally of the engine housing interconnects the crankshaft and camshaft, and a piston connected to the crankshaft reciprocates within an internal bore provided in the engine housing cylinder. The cylinder wall around the internal bore is of a generally uniform thickness and circumscribed by cooling fins such that the cylinder resists bore distortion during operation. Dry sump lubrication is obtained by an external oil reservoir connected to a pump which supplies pressurized oil to the bearing journals of the camshaft. A portion of the oil at the camshaft bearing journals flows through passages provided within the cylinder to lubricate the bearing journals of the crankshaft.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a piston reciprocating in a cylinder within an engine block. A piston rod extending from the piston is rotatably connected to a crankshaft. The engine block has two stationary gears mounted thereon, one at each side. The crankshaft has two orbital gears mounted thereon, the orbital gears being located so that each orbital gear intermeshes with one of the stationary gears. As the piston reciprocates, the orbital gears move around the stationary gear and the crankshaft rotates about its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the size ratio of the stationary gear to the orbital gear is 2:1 respectively. With that ratio, the crankshaft rotates about its longitudinal axis three times during each stroke of the engine. The piston stops approximately midway through the downstroke and midway through the upstroke and the movement of the piston to and from top dead center is much faster than the movement of the piston with conventional engines.

Abstract: An engine has a pair of rotors, both housed within the same housing. The housing has an interior cavity which is preferably spherical but need only be partially spherical, the remainder at least having rotational symmetry. Each rotor is mounted on an axis that passes through the center of the cavity, the respective axes of the rotors being at an angle to each other, with the center of each rotor being at the center of the cavity. The rotors interlock with each other to define chambers. Vanes or pistons defined by a contact face and a side face protrude from the rotors. The side faces and contact faces, and the housing interior define chambers that open and close as the rotors rotate. Each contact face of one rotor is defined by the rotation of a conical section of material on the other rotor, so that there is constant linear contact between opposing vanes on the two rotors, at least on one side of the engine. The rotors may face each other or be one inside the other.

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine is disclosed having a housing with a compression chamber and an expansion chamber which can be separate chambers with separate rotors located therein or a combined chamber with a single double-lobed rotor located therein defining the two chambers. One or more combustion chambers having an inlet and an outlet is located adjacent to the compression and expansion chambers. Rotary valves are located between the combustion chamber inlet and the compression chamber and the combustion chamber outlet and the expansion chamber. Hollow, tubular, piston-like saddle seals are located in the combustion chamber and are urged into sealing engagement with the rotary valves by bias means and pressure in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A control device for a direct-injection gasoline engine with sensors for operating parameters, a signal processing unit, as well as metering and actuating devices for at least fuel mass, fuel pressure, air mass, and ignition.

Abstract: A discharge ignition apparatus for use with a small internal combustion engine has built-in overspeed disable capability. At operating speeds below an overspeed threshold, revolution of a magnet assembly past a stator unit having a magnetically permeable core causes accumulation of charge across a storage capacitor. When the capacitor has reached a fully charged state, a triggering signal is applied to the gate of a SCR device to cause rapid discharge through the primary coil of a step-up transformer. The higher voltage produced at the secondary coil of the step-up transformer is then applied across the gap of a spark plug. At operating speeds exceeding the overspeed threshold, a second trigger circuit renders the SCR conductive prior to substantial accumulation of charge across the storage capacitor. The second trigger circuit includes a zener diode or other voltage threshold element in circuit with a trigger coil operative to produce a speed dependent voltage signal.

Abstract: A control assembly and method for operating the throttle of an internal combustion engine, in particular, but not exclusively, a diesel engine of a heavy duty vehicle, is provided whereby fuel can be saved by controlling the throttle operation and a driver can be trained to exhibit better driving skills. Detector means detect certain undesirable throttle conditions or movements such as full throttle for an excessive period of time; the number of times a throttle is pumped; and the speed with which the throttle mechanism is moved, and the assembly acts to reduce the fuel supply to the engine to an extent whereat the engine does not lose engine speed to any appreciable extent at constant load, but full throttle is temporarily unavailable.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling the power of an internal combustion engine. In the method and arrangement, the power-adjusting element for adjusting the supply of air to the engine is adjusted in the context of a load control loop. When the load detection becomes disabled, measures are taken for ensuring operational reliability and an emergency method for adjusting the throttle flap is described in the fault situation.

Abstract: A method of reducing feed gas emissions and improving fuel economy in an internal combustion engine uses a variable cam timing mechanism and an electronically controlled throttle.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of gaseous fueled internal combustion engines in which the charge former has no throttle valve in it. A separate throttle body is provided downstream of the charge former in which the flow controlling throttle valve is positioned so as to protect the charge former from deposits being formed on its metering arrangements. In some embodiments the throttle body is disposed at an angle to the air passage through the charge former to provide further protection. By separating the charge former from the throttle body, the engine height can be kept low because the charge former can be positioned at any desired location. Both in-line and V-type arrangements are provided and with the V-type arrangement the charge former is disposed externally of the valley between the cylinder banks so as to further maintain a low hood line.

Abstract: A cylinder-discriminating device for an internal combustion engine is provided. A reference timing signal is generated whenever the engine rotates through a predetermined rotational angle. A discharge period is detected based on a sparking voltage produced in a particular cylinder or a particular cylinder group in response to an ignition timing signal generated in synchronism with generation of the reference timing signal. Cylinder discrimination is carried out to discriminate between cylinders or between cylinder groups, based on the detected discharge period. In another form, discharge periods are detected based on sparking voltages produced in respective cylinders or respective cylinder groups in response to an ignition timing signal generated in synchronism with generation of the reference timing signal. Cylinder discrimination is carried out to discriminate between the cylinders or between the cylinder groups, based on the detected discharge periods.

Abstract: An engine control system in which an air fuel ratio (A/F) is controlled to a lean value closer to a stable combustion limit than a theoretical air fuel ratio under a predetermined operating range, comprising base air fuel ratio control element for setting a target air fuel ratio close to the stable combustion limit and for setting a base air fuel ratio control gain so as to accomplish the target air fuel, a combustion condition judging element for judging a combustion condition of each of cylinders of the engine, air fuel ratio compensating element for compensating the air fuel control gain based on the combustion condition judging element and ignition timing control means for setting an ignition timing in accordance with the target air fuel ratio in the predetermined operating range and for compensating the ignition timing taking account of the compensation of the air fuel ratio by the air fuel ratio compensating element.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine capable of optimizing a control parameter for the engine on the basis of information concerning combustion state of the engine by making use of a detected ion current which changes with a high sensitivity in dependence on combustion state within an engine cylinder, for thereby realizing an engine operation control to reduce fuel cost without degrading a control performance for obtaining a high engine output and drivability of a motor vehicle equipped with the engine.

Abstract: A fuel injection control device for a spark ignition engine with a fuel injector for injecting fuel directly into the cylinder is disclosed. The device comprises a determination mechanism for determining that the temperature of the injection hole of the injector is higher than a predetermined temperature. A controller controls the fuel injection such that a required amount of fuel is injected after the fuel pressure is dropped when the determination mechanism determines that the temperature of the injection hole of the injector is higher than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A non-return fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine operating with at least one cylinder and comprising: at least one intake manifold connected to the cylinder, at least one injector for injecting fuel into the intake manifold, a fuel tank, a pump substantially positioned in the tank in order to deliver fuel to the injector, and a control station comprising a first calculating unit adapted, for each injector, to calculate the value of the average pressure difference between the ends of the injector during each injection phase, and a second calculating unit connected to the first calculating unit and adapted, for each injector, to calculate the average value of the flow rate of the injector during each injection phase on the basis of the value of the average pressure difference between the ends of the injector during the injection phase.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling a fuel-metering device, for a diesel engine. First means generate a first signal for triggering a first actuating means (115) for establishing the start of pump delivery and the end of delivery. Second means generate a second signal for triggering a second actuating means (125) for establishing the delivery rate. In this case, a signal characterizing the start of pump delivery is taken into consideration by the second means.

Abstract: In a fuel discharge preventive device of a gas engine, in order to prevent high-pressure gaseous fuel remaining in a fuel distributing pipe when an engine is stopped, from leaking out of a gaseous fuel injection valve to be discharged to the open air, a fuel shut-off valve is provided in a fuel feed passage through which gaseous fuel is fed to the gaseous fuel injection valve, and a suction passage communicating with a gaseous fuel storing portion is branched off from the fuel feed passage between the gaseous fuel injection valve and the fuel shut-off valve, so that the gaseous fuel in a potion of the fuel feed passage located between the gaseous fuel injection valve and the fuel shut-off valve is stored in the gaseous fuel storing portion after the engine is stopped and hence the fuel shut-off valve is closed, while the stored fuel is purged to the engine when the engine is being operated.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating an internal combustion engine, in particular for driving a motor vehicle, alternatingly with two different types of fuel, includes two separate fuel circuits each being associated with a respective one of first and second different types of fuel. Each of the fuel circuits has at least one electrically triggerable metering device in the form of an injection valve. A switch device switches over from one of the fuel circuits to the other of the fuel circuits. A single electronic control unit controls both operation of the engine with the first type of fuel and operation of the engine with the second type of fuel. The electronic control has a power portion with end stages for triggering the injection valves. Each of the end stages is assigned both one injection valve for the first fuel type and one injection valve for the second fuel type.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system with a high accuracy for an internal combustion engine which is capable of particularly improving the transient response characteristic irrespective of the occurrence of an air-fuel ratio sensor delay and a fuel attachment. An in-cylinder air-fuel ratio is calculated on the basis of engine data obtained in advance so that an neural network (NN) receiving a fuel injection quantity involving the past value and air quantity estimating information such as an intake pressure and outputting a calculated in-cylinder air-fuel ratio undergoes learning.