Abstract: A feed back control system and method for direct injected engines useful in a start up operation that utilizes a fuel pressure condition sensor. At the commencement of cranking, the feed back control system adjusts at least the initiation of fuel injection based upon the output from the fuel pressure condition sensor. This removes a great shift in the fuel pressure between before and after starting of the engine and eventually promotes operator's feeling and also improves exhaust emissions.

Abstract: A laminated fuel swirl element is employed, in which a strong swirl force flow is imparted to the fuel at a remote position relative to an injection hole, while on the other hand, at a position near the fuel injection hole, a weak swirl force is imparted to the fuel. A complex solid cone spray can be obtained in this way, which spray has a superior dispersion characteristic obtained by attracting small diameter droplets, which are generated at an outer peripheral portion of the spray, through a spray portion which is generated in the vicinity of a central area of the spray and has a large velocity.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine may include a hydraulic linkage used to transfer motion from a valve train element, such as a cam, to an engine valve. Method and apparatus for selectively limiting the motion transferred by the hydraulic linkage from the valve train element to the engine valve are disclosed. The motion transferred by the hydraulic linkage may be limited by a means for resetting or clipping that is integrated into the rocker arm/shaft assembly provided in the valve train.

Abstract: An engine operation control device which sets higher than the target revolution speed for the idling state the target revolution speed of the engine immediately after the engine operation has shifted to the idling state, to prevent troubles caused by bubbles in the working fluid. When the engine operation shifts to the idling state at time t2, the count value Cnt of the idling counter starts counting. When the count value Cnt reaches the set value Cnt1, the revolution speed correction amount Nad is added to the target revolution speed for the idling state. The correction amount Nad progressively decreases with the elapse of time after the engine operation has shifted to the idling state.

Abstract: The amount of fuel ejected from a high-pressure fuel pump that ejects fuel toward a delivery pipe is adjusted by controlling the valve closure start timing of an electromagnetic spill valve. In this manner, the fuel pressure in the delivery pipe is controlled. The duty ratio DT used for controlling the valve closure start timing of the electromagnetic spill valve is calculated based on a valve closure start timing that provides a maximum amount of fuel ejection. The actual fuel ejection characteristic of a high-pressure fuel pump may deviate from a designed state due to individual differences of the pump. However, the valve closure start timing of the electromagnetic spill valve that provides the maximum amount of fuel ejection in accordance with the actual fuel ejection characteristic is learned as a maximum ejection timing. Based on the maximum ejection timing, the duty ratio DT is calculated.

Abstract: A main passage mounting a throttle valve and an air bypass flow passage for reducing HC emission by promoting atomization of the fuel spray injected from the assembly pipe fuel injector are integrated in a body of an intake air control device arranged upstream of an assembly pipe in one-piece structure to form a unit. Thereby, the intake air control device can be easily manufactured, and easily mounted on and dismounted from the intake air system. An amount of HC emitted at warming-up operation of an internal combustion engine is reduced by efficiently supplying fuel spray injected from an assembly pipe fuel injector at starting and warming-up operations to the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method of mass-flow determination for an internal combustion engine which comprises developing two terms, one being a function of the air pressure downstream of the throttle and the other being a function of engine speed and throttle opening as determined by appropriate transducers. Specifically the invention recognises that the term which is a function of air pressure is a substantially straight line and, for calibration purposes can be accepted so calibration is effectively done by modifying the other term to provide optimum performance under various conditions. The mass flow determination is a product of the two terms. The invention also provides an internal combustion engine being controlled by the use of the method.

Abstract: In a method for operating a Diesel engine with a pump-line-nozzle injection system, which allows the pressure level to be raised in the lower and intermediate engine speed ranges in relation to a predetermined maximum permissible injection pressure without this maximum permissible injection pressure being exceeded in the upper engine speed range by providing an injection pump designed to deliver the desired fuel injection pressure at low and intermediate engine speeds and including a pressure relief valve in the fuel injection line permitting limiting of the fuel injection pressure at higher engine speeds.

Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus comprising a housing 10a made of a molded polymer material and containing therein a filter element 8 of a fuel filter 10 for filtering the fuel from the fuel pump 4.b and a supply passage 12 for introducing the filtered fuel from the fuel filter 10 to an engine. A pressure regulator 9 is provided for opening a valve 13 when the fuel pressure within the supply passage 12 is equal to or more than a predetermined pressure to return an excess amount of the fuel to the fuel tank 1 for regulating the fuel pressure within the supply passage 12. A a check valve 13 is also integrally incorporated in the supply passage 12 for preventing the reverse flow of the fuel from the engine.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and apparatus for operating a fuel injection system having a piezoelectric element (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60) for controlling the amount of fuel injected into a combustion engine, characterized in that the piezoelectric element (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60) is controlled based upon the charge it is carrying.

Abstract: A delivery device (2) for delivering fuel, having a delivery pump (3) and a fuel filter (7), has a bypass line (9) which is conducted past the fuel filter (7). When new, the delivery pump (3) delivers fuel through the fuel filter (7). After the fuel filter (7) has become clogged with dirt, the fuel is delivered by the bypass line (9) through a second fuel filter (10). By this means, pollution of the environment with fuel is kept particularly low.

Abstract: An induction manifold for an internal-combustion engine, comprising an elongate main body having longitudinal inner cavity provided with an opening adapted to communicate with the intake orifices of the engine, an inlet duct provided with an air-inlet opening and communicating with the cavity, a feed duct for EGR gases formed integrally with the manifold and comprising a first portion extending inside the main body from an inlet orifice for EGR gases to the air-inlet duct and from a second portion extending inside the inlet duct and provided with an outlet opening in the inlet duct itself, and a baffle disposed in the inlet duct between the air-inlet opening and the outlet opening of the feed duct for directing the air and the EGR gases towards a mixing zone inside the inlet duct and situated at a predetermined distance from the cavity of the main body.

Abstract: A system and method controls auto-ignition of gasoline fuel within a cylinder of an internal combustion engine by varying an exhaust gas retaining duration. A generator provides a parameter indicative of combustion event within the cylinder. An engine controller adjusts an inlet control device and an outlet control device to retain exhaust gas for subjecting the retained exhaust gas to compression. In order to vary duration of the exhaust gas retaining phase, closing timing of the outlet control device is varied based on the parameter.

Abstract: A mixing device is provided for an exhaust gas recirculation system of an internal combustion engine with an intake air line and an exhaust gas recirculation line. The outlet opening of the recirculation line or admission opening of the intake air line opens into the intake air line and a swirl generating element and/or a turbulence generating element is provided in the area of the admission opening of the mixing device.

Abstract: Method of reducing noxious or toxic exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine (10) having a plurality of cylinders (12) cooperating with a crankshaft (13) to cause the crankshaft to rotate at a rotational speed when the cylinders (12) are provided with an air/fuel mixture having a lambda value and the mixture is ignited to generate pressure in the cylinders. The method includes measuring a parameter reflecting the pressure in a first cylinder during at least a part of a working stroke of the first cylinder when supplied with an air/fuel mixture having a first lambda value to thereby obtain a first parametric value. An air/fuel mixture is provided to a second cylinder, which air/fuel mixture has a second lambda value which is different to the first lambda value, to cause the second cylinder to perform a working stroke. A parameter is measured reflecting the pressure in the second cylinder during at least a part of the working stroke of the second cylinder to obtain a second parametric value.

Abstract: A model gun in the type of revolver comprises a frame member to which a barrel is fixed and a hammer is rotatably attached, a cylindrical movable member containing a pressure accumulating chamber, a plurality of bullet holding chambers, a plurality of gas leading passages connected with the bullet holding chambers respectively, and a plurality of valves each operative to cause one of the gas leading passages to open into the pressure accumulating chamber in response to movement of the hammer and selectively mounted detachably on the frame member between the barrel and the hammer, a control mechanism operative to keep selectively the cylindrical movable member mounted detachably on the frame member in a locked condition wherein one of the bullet holding chambers is positioned to face closely a rear end portion of the barrel and to release the cylindrical movable member mounted detachably on the frame member from the locked condition so as to be revolved on a central axis thereof in response to positions of a t

Abstract: An emergency air system for kayaks is disclosed. The emergency air system can be coupled to a kayak skirt or may be coupled to the body of the kayak. The air system includes a breathing tube which includes a mouthpiece. Preferably, the breathing tube is secured to the kayak skirt or the kayak body with a pair of opposing, flat washers.

Abstract: Computer for scuba diving consisting of at least a processor and of at least a manometer, both housed within a sheath, said manometer being connected to one or more bottles containing compressed air. The said processor includes a corresponding central unit for data processing, operatively connected to the manometer by means of connecting elements which allow said processor and said manometer to exchange information flows and also to be positioned within the housing sheath independently one from the other, so as to obtain a computer for scuba diving with a modular structure.

Abstract: In order to improve the administration of powdered pharmaceuticals, the invention proposes a storage system for powdered pharmaceuticals, in particular for use or integration in a powder inhaler, for receiving a multiplicity of doses of at least one medically active substance, with at least two storage spaces (4) which are separate from each other and are each intended to hold a multiplicity of doses of a medically active substance, and the invention also proposes an inhaler for powdered pharmaceuticals, the inhaler comprising such a pharmaceutical powder cartridge system (1) as an integral part or as an exchangeable part.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler has a dispersion chamber containing beads. A dose of dry powder is released into the chamber, or into an inlet tangentially joining into the chamber. As the patient inhales on a nosepiece or mouthpiece, air moves circularly through the dispersion chamber to drive the beads. The beads roll, bounce, and collide repeatedly with the drug particles on the chamber surfaces or on the beads. The smaller active drug particles are separated from the larger carrier particles and from each other, and a powder aerosol is created and inhaled by the patient. The beads are preferably lightweight, so that they can be rapidly accelerated and moved, even with nominal inspiration. The flow resistance of the inhaler is also reduced via the beads, allowing greater air flow and powder dispersion, without any increased effort by the patient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a ventilation control system for controlling the ventilation of a patient. The ventilation control system utilizes a user-friendly user interface for the display of patient data and ventilator status. The user interface includes a graphic representation of a breath cycle that displays the breath cycle currently being ventilated, and is also responsive to changes in ventilation settings to assist the user in evaluation the effect of those changes on the ventilator strategy before the changes are implemented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining suitable settings for a servo-ventilator to be used during sleep. Respiratory characteristics of a patient are measured during an awake learning period. With these measured characteristics, a target ventilation setting may be calculated by alternative methods. The calculated setting may then be used for enforcing a minimum ventilation during a treatment period where ventilatory support is provided with a servo-controlled ventilator.

Abstract: An oral orthesis for reduction of snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.

Abstract: A habit cessation apparatus which can be used in a method for diminution or cessation of smoking or other habits is provided which collects data on a given users habits passively and provides a scheduled diminution program implemented by communication means such as displays, lights and/or audible cues.

Abstract: The Original Bubble Nails enables women to paint their fingernails and still be active while their wet finger nails dry within The Original Bubble Nails protective plastic form. Currently, this invention is a totally new and desired concept and mechanism to the market and beauty industry. The Original Bubble Nails eliminates other forms of drying wet fingernails because it encloses and totally protects wet fingernails in a protective form so wet nails can dry flawlessly. Other forms of drying nails have failed, having several downfalls, The Original Bubble Nails overcomes any problems and eliminates any other options for drying fingernails.

Abstract: A cosmetic sampler comprising a body and at least one applicator tip attached to the body, the applicator tip comprising an applicator surface and flocking. The flocking provides a surface that can receive a cosmetic product in an amount sufficient for one or two applications. Preferably, the individual bodies are stackable, the individual applicator tips are stackable and/or the assembled samplers are stackable. Optionally, a closure that covers the applicator tip and attaches to the body is included. The closure may provide either an ordinary or an airtight seal. Also, a method of making the cosmetic sampler comprising the steps of fabricating a hollow body, flocking a thermoformable substrate, thermoforming the flocked substrate into an applicator tip and attaching the applicator tip to the body. Alternatively, the applicator tip may be molded and then flocked and then attached to the body.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus of the present invention includes a roll brush for scrubbing the surface of the substrate, and an ultrasonic nozzle for blowing an aqueous cleaning solution against the surface of the substrate and generating an ultrasonic wave, wherein the roll brush and the ultrasonic nozzle are provided so as to oppose one another so that the substrate can be set in between. With the synergetic effects of brush scrubbing cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning and shower-cleaning, the precision cleaning of the upper surface of the substrate can be performed at a sufficient level of cleanliness. Moreover, in a state where the substrate to be cleaned is set, the roll brush can be cleaned automatically by the ultrasonic nozzle, and it is therefore possible to maintain the roll brush at high level of cleanliness without requiring maintenance operations.

Abstract: A polishing liquid for components, preferably wafers, a process for producing a polishing liquid and a process for chemical mechanical polishing of components are provided. The polishing liquid has a polishing base liquid and an oxidizing agent. The aim is to provide an economical polishing agent which is also simple to produce, which can be used as an alkaline or acidic polishing agent and with which metallic layers in particular can be polished. Ozone, which is used as an oxidizing agent, is a strong oxidizing agent having a redox potential that is sufficient for oxidizing or polishing the metals in an acidic or alkaline environment.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods for cleaning surfaces of wafers or other semiconductor articles. Oxidizing is performed using an oxidation solution which is wetted onto the surface. The oxidation solution can include one or more of: water, ozone, hydrogen chloride, sulfuric acid, or hydrogen peroxide. A rinsing step removes the oxidation solution and inhibits further activity. The rinsed surface is thereafter preferably subjected to a drying step. The surface is exposed to an oxide removal vapor to remove semiconductor oxide therefrom. The oxide removal vapor can include one or more of: acids, such as a hydrogen halide, for example hydrogen fluoride or hydrogen chloride; water; isopropyl alcohol; or, ozone. The processes can use centrifugal processing and spraying actions.

Abstract: A high pressure pump (14) supplies cleaning fluid from a reservoir (12) to spray nozzles (20) inside a washing chamber (10). The spray nozzles (20) spray the cleaning fluid over a load to be cleaned. Used cleaning fluid is collected in a sump (30). A sump pump (32) drains the sump. The combination of the high pressure pump and sump pump provides more efficient cleaning of the load and eliminates the requirement for a deep sump beneath the washer. A vertical traveler (22), having a pair of counterbalanced spray arms (24), raises and lowers the spray nozzles counter cyclically; a detergent injection system (50) accurately meters a correct amount of detergent is added to the cleaning fluid; and a filtration device (34) filters suspended material from the used cleaning fluid and uses a portion of the cleaning fluid to clean itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe cleaner comprising a sprayer (2), a circulating device (3) and a gas-conducting device (4) which are used to clean cakes (100) adhered on the inner wall (10) of the exhaust pipe (1). The sprayer (2) is equipped with nozzles (20) uniformly mounted on the pipe (1) and disposed with its opening faced to the inner wall (10) of the pipe (1). The working fluid (W1) is outputted by the nozzles (20) and flushed on the inner wall (10) of the pipe (1). The energized working fluid (W1) worked on the inner wall (10) generates lots of bubbles and disturbing current flushing on cakes (100) adhered on the inner wall (10) of the pipe (1). With continuous fluid (W1) flushing on cakes (100) adhered on the inner wall (10) and the gas (400) running in the pipe (1), therefore, cakes (100) adhered on the inner wall (100) of the pipe (1) can be removed away quickly.

Abstract: A walking aid comprises a shaft and a foot assembly, in which the foot assembly includes in combination a sleeve member and a foot member adapted for relative axial sliding movement and including resilient movement-restraint means, the sleeve member being adapted for attachment to the shaft and including grip means for inhibiting or preventing removal from the shaft once attached thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photovoltaic device comprising on a substrate (1) a plurality of photovoltaic elements (10) each composed of a lamination body of a first electrode (2), a photovoltaic conversion layer (3), and a second electrode (4), the thickness of a side end (B) in the first electrode (2) in the vicinity of a separating trench (S) existing between the first electrode (2) and the adjacent first electrode (2) being larger than the thickness of an element region (A) in the first electrode (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a building material with a solar cell having a solar cell unit fixed to a substrate, and an electrical conductive lead for leading output from the solar cell unit to the outside, wherein a jacket material of the electrical conductive lead is composed of at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene resins, polyamide resins, vinylidene fluoride resins, chloroprene rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, silicone resins. The prevent invention also provides a cladding assembly including the building material fixed to the backing material by a fixing member, and the electrical conductive lead arranged between the building material and the backing material to contact the backing material, for leading output from the solar cell unit to the outside, wherein the backing material contains any one of an asphalt resin, a vinyl chloride resin, a polystyrene resin, and a polyurethane resin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for protecting a solar cell. The solar cell includes first solar cell portion. The first solar cell portion includes at least one junction and at least one solar cell contact on a backside of the first solar cell portion. At least one bypass diode portion is epitaxially grown on the first solar cell portion. The bypass diode has at least one contact. An interconnect couples the solar cell contact to the diode contact.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a porous semiconductor layer in which a dye is adsorbed and an electrolyte which are sandwiched between a transparent conductive film formed on a surface of a transparent substrate and a conductive substrate, wherein the electrolyte is retained in a crosslinked polymer compound.

Abstract: A cell safety valve which has a thin valve plate formed on a sheet-shaped sealing plate for sealing the cell such that if the inner pressure of the cell exceeds a predetermined value, the valve plate breaks to release a gas in the cell to the outside, in which the valve plate has a dome-shaped dome portion formed thereon and, at its middle or near it, a break groove formed for facilitating the breaking of the valve.

Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus includes a valve having a body. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body and has an exterior end extending through the body. A plug, which may contain an internal passageway, is mounted on the shaft and is disposed in the fluid flowpath. The body is engageable with the system to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid so that the pressurized fluid acts on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft which is offset from the center line of the plug. The apparatus further includes a linkage assembly configured to translate the torque exerted on the shaft into an output force. A release device, such as a buckling pin or a magnet, is connected to the linkage assembly and is configured to release the shaft when the output force exceeds a predetermined limit. Preferably, the linkage assembly is adjustable to vary the magnitude of the output force corresponding to a given torque.

Abstract: To obtain rapid transfer by means of a compact plant, the latter comprises a pressurized-gas circuit (2) which includes a device (21, 22) for injecting gas in the gaseous or liquid state and emerging in a liquid circuit which includes, downstream of the injection device,

Abstract: A filling pod, a vehicle and a method for supplying fluid to a battery. The filling pod includes a filling pod housing having a filling pod port fluidly connectable to a fluid source for receiving fluid from the fluid source, a first fluid supply member fluidly connectable to a first cell and for supplying fluid from the filling pod port to the first cell, a second fluid supply member fluidly connectable to a second cell and for supplying fluid from the filling pod port and to the second cell, and an integral channel in fluid communication between the filling pod port, the first fluid supply member and the second fluid supply member. The channel includes a first channel portion in fluid communication between the filling pod port and the first fluid supply member and a second channel portion in fluid communication between the filling pod port and the second fluid supply member.

Abstract: A relief valve assembly, comprising: a relief valve; a valve housing including a valve path along which the relief valve can slide; a relief inflow portion formed on one end of the valve housing; and relief discharge portions formed at a substantially intermediate location of the valve path of said valve housing and provided with small aperture portions and large aperture portions formed in communication with one another; wherein a side where the relief discharge portions are provided with said small aperture portions is the side near the relief inflow portion.

Abstract: A rotary control valve includes a flow control element having a lower valve shaft rotatably received in a non-magnetic body portion. A magnet is coupled with a lower valve shaft and rotatable therewith to produce an external magnetic field that varies in accordance with the angular position of the flow control element. A magnetic field detector, positioned in the external magnetic field, is operable to detect the external magnetic field and to produce position signals representative thereof, such being indicative of the angular position of the flow control element.

Abstract: Substrates, in each of which all or parts of electronic parts including IC for communication are carried in a form of bare chip, are mounted on solenoid-operated valves attached onto manifold blocks for constructing a solenoid-operated valve manifold. Accordingly, it is possible to miniaturize the solenoid-operated valve manifold.

Abstract: A fail-safe HVAC damper apparatus comprises a duct channel with a closure comprising one or more quadri-panel hinged elements, each with four panels connected by four parallel hinge pins. A gear shaft with a toothed gear is controllably rotated to linearly drive a spring-biased plate to move one of the hinge pins of each quadri-panel element between an open and a closed position. A damper may use blades of different sizes and be driven to begin an opening and/or closing action sequentially and/or very gradually. A drive motor may be activated to open or close the closure, e.g. by a smoke detector or other controller. Melting of a fuse in the duct channel serves to disengage a gear from a gear shaft, enabling a spring mounted plate to move the hinged elements to a default closed (or alternative open) safety position. Various gear shaft and gear structures are shown.

Abstract: An oil control valve includes a cylindrical valve housing and ports and formed in a periphery of the valve housing so as to face pipes, respectively, that guide hydraulic oil to an actuator. The valve housing is provided with a groove that provides communication between the port and the pipeline and a groove that provides communication between the port and the pipeline.

Abstract: A faucet assembly has a stationary base body having an outer surface centered on an axis and formed with a passage having an outlet end opening at the outer surface. A spout sleeve fitted over the base body has an inner surface radially inwardly confronting the base-body outer surface. One of the surfaces is formed with a radially open groove centered on the axis, open toward the other surface, and into which the passage outlet end opens. A spout projecting radially from the sleeve has an outwardly open passage opening inward into the groove. Water is supplied under pressure to the base-body passage so that the water flows into the groove and thence through the spout passage and out of the spout. A radially expansible brake ring has an inner surface bearing radially inward against the base body and an outer surface bearing radially outward against the sleeve. O-rings set in one of the surfaces engage the other surface and flank the groove and the brake ring is located outside the O-rings.

Abstract: An improve modular manifold (40) for heating and sanitary systems comprising tubular manifold modules (21; 50, 51, 60, 61; 70, 71, 80) having integrally formed end coupling means (22, 23; 53, 54) and either only a branch union (4) or a branch union (4) and an adjusting union (3) for receiving a branched circuit pipe and a shutter mechanism (62), respectively. Metal pre-shaped blanks (1) are provided for producing said manifold modules (21; 50, 51, 60, 61; 70, 71, 80) by hot-pressing and chip-forming machining steps. Plastics manifold modules (21; 50, 51, 60, 61; 70, 71, 80) may also be injection molded.

Abstract: A sealing ring for sealing the connection of a spigot of a corrugated pipe with a pipe socket has inner beads and lip seals bearing against flanges. Said sealing ring further has an outwardly projecting sealing bead having a central annular bead and two annular collars projecting laterally outward. When said pipe socket is pushed onto said spigot, said sealing bead is rolled in such a manner that said central annular bead and one annular collar bear against said inside wall of said socket in a sealing-tight fashion.

Abstract: A tubing having unitary construction and having a single lumen portion, a multilumen portion and a transition portion therebetween. The single lumen is in fluid communication with each and every lumen comprising the multilumen portion. The tubing may be made in any desired length by means of extrusion. The outer surface of the tubing may be either smooth or grooved and have any desired cross-sectional geometry. Similarly, any of the lumens can be made to have a desired cross-sectional shape and size. Although the tubing can be made from any extrudable material, a preferred material is medical grade silicone elastomer. An extrusion apparatus and a method for making the tubing in a continuous process is described.

Abstract: A fuel hose having a resin film layer, which exhibits a satisfactorily good impermeability to fuel, work efficiency in connecting operation, and sealing properties. By using polyamide resin or fluorine-based resin having a tensile strength of 50 MPa or less, elongation at break of 200% or more, flexural modulus of 100 MPa or less as the resin for composing the resin film layer, the obtained fuel hose exhibits improved airtightness, improved flexibility, and can be readily connected.