Abstract: The present invention is directed to an enclosure for the containment of livestock. Preferably, the livestock enclosure includes a floor assembly forming a planar floor surface and an overlay assembly operably coupled to the floor assembly for selectable engagement with the floor assembly. Preferably, the overlay assembly includes a traction grid having a plurality of grid apertures extending therethrough, wherein the overlay assembly is configured to be placed adjacent the planar floor surface to provide traction for livestock placed within the enclosure. The overlay assembly is preferably configured to be moved, thereby allowing waste from the livestock to flow through the grid apertures and onto the planar floor surface to facilitate removal of said waste from the planar floor surface to clean the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variety of pet novelties manufactured to limit or eradicate the proliferation of microbes upon their surfaces, in their interiors, or in their environment. A cooling garment for a pet includes a microbe-inhibiting agent or property on an outer textile casing or within an inner filling. A restraining article for a pet includes a microbe-inhibiting agent or property incorporated within the material comprising the restraining article. A climbing or claw-scratching device includes a microbe-inhibiting agent in the fibers of the material and comprising its exterior, or on a material laminated to the inner surface of the exterior cover. A flaccid, liner-type separator for a waste product collecting receiver for a domestic animal includes a microbe-inhibiting thin material impervious to moisture for collecting the waste.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for electronically deterring an animal from approaching an exclusion area around an exclusion unit or from entering or leaving an area bounded by a wire. The animal is provided with a collar unit, which includes a sensor adapted to sense the strength of electromagnetic signals generated by the exclusion unit or wire and a correction unit adapted to provide correction to the animal in response to a sensor output. The portable unit reports to a central controller which selects a correction strategy, such as level of correction to be applied to the animal approaching the perimeter. The controller provides warnings to the user, including warnings for when the battery in the collar unit goes low and when the animal stays in a correction zone for too long. The controller may control a number of exclusion units and/or power units, and may select an appropriate correction for one of a plurality of animals.

Abstract: A displaceable nozzle (8) of an injection steam generator for small appliances, particularly irons or ironing stations, comprising a steam chamber (3) inside a steam generator housing (1) provided with an injection opening (5), is positioned telescopically on a fixed member to define a nozzle chamber (10). This nozzle (8) can be displaced by an inside pressure in the nozzle chamber in a first pressure range in the direction of the injection opening (5) and can be moved back from the injection opening (5) by a restoring force e.g., a restoring spring (12), wherein the inside pressure in the nozzle chamber (10) is lower in second pressure range than in the first pressure range. A drain passage (18) for the nozzle chamber 10 is connected via a valve arrangement (19, 21) to the fixed member (11), so that excess residual water, which exits when the nozzle (18) is moved back from the nozzle chamber (10), does not cause calcification of the nozzle opening (9) and the injection opening (5).

Abstract: A structure in which an input shaft which is a member for connecting a cylindrical switching valve and a rotary mechanism, and the cylindrical switching valve are brought into contact with each other via a ball-like member. When this structure is employed, the ball-like member serves as a kind of ball joint, so that rotation can be smoothly transmitted even when there is an angle of inclination between the direction of the axis of rotation of the input shaft by which the rotary mechanism for rotating the cylindrical switching valve and the cylindrical switching valve are connected, and the direction of the axis of rotation of this switching valve.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for a two-stroke small engine has a charge forming device with an injector mixing passage which forms a rich fuel and air mixture supplied to a tuned injector tube connected adjacent one end through a port to the engine cylinder and adjacent the other end to the engine crankcase. The charge forming device has a high speed fuel circuit which supplies at least a majority of the fuel to the mixing passage under wide open throttle operating conditions and preferably a minor portion of the fuel is also supplied by an idle fuel circuit which under engine idle conditions preferably supplies essentially all of the fuel to the engine. A separate inlet air flow passage of the charge forming device also supplies primarily air to the crankcase of the engine for transfer to the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder which can be produced of die cast metal. The cylinder is for a two-stroke engine in a portable handheld work apparatus such as a motor chain saw. A combustion chamber (3) is formed in the cylinder (2) and this combustion chamber is delimited by a piston (5). In the cylinder wall (16), there is an outlet (10) for conducting away the combustion gases from the combustion chamber (3). Furthermore, transfer channels (14a, 14b) are provided which open into the combustion chamber (3) via transfer windows (12, 15) and supply the operating medium from the crankcase (4) needed for operating the two-stroke engine. The transfer channels (14a, 14b) are configured in the cylinder wall (16) as channels opening radially to the outside. These channels are closed by a seated cover (23).

Abstract: An engine valve operating system of an electromagnetic type is arranged to locate a movable member between two electromagnets through a distance block and to connect the two electromagnets through side walls. By alternately energizing the electromagnets, the movable member is reciprocated against spring forces of two springs. An engine valve is interlocked with the movable member and operates according to the reciprocal movement of the movable member. The side wall and/or distance block is made of soft magnetic material and forms a magnetic circuit penetrating a side surface of the movable plate. This new magnetic circuit increases the attracting force of the electromagnet when a clearance between the movable member and the electromagnet is greater than a predetermined clearance. This arrangement decreases energy consumption for the initializing operation of the valve operating system from a neutral position between the electromagnets.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine and method are capable of reducing a power consumption required to open an exhaust-side electromagnetic valve at a predetermined time. This internal combustion engine includes an electromagnetic valve drive mechanism that controls an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine to open and close by using electromagnetic force generated in response to application of a magnetizing current, and a controller that controls the electromagnetic valve drive mechanism. The controller changes, under predetermined conditions, an open timing of the exhaust valve so as to reduce the power consumption of the electromagnetic valve drive mechanism.

Abstract: It is determined whether the current operation condition is in a transitional or steady state. If the operation condition is in a transitional state, then the transition gain is obtained by multiplying the transition base gain that is calculated corresponding to engine speed with a map by a transition degree correction coefficient. If the operation condition is in a steady state, the steady-state gain is set to the steady-state gain that is calculated corresponding to the engine speed. Subsequently, the control magnitude OCVC of the oil pressure control valve is obtained by multiplying the difference between the target advance angle and the actual advance angle by the gain.

Abstract: An actuator includes a cylinder having a central axis and a side wall. The side wall has an inner surface. A clutch is disposed within the cylinder, and includes a hub and at least one clutch arm. Each clutch arm includes a negative opposing finger, a positive opposing finger, a negative opposing spring and a positive opposing spring. The negative opposing finger has a first end attached to the hub and a fingertip end engaging the inner surface of the side wall. The positive opposing finger has a first end attached to the hub and a fingertip end engaging the inner surface of the side wall. The negative opposing spring has a first end attached to the negative opposing finger. The positive opposing spring has a first end attached to the positive opposing finger. A control input is configured for engaging a second end of a selected one of the negative opposing spring and the positive opposing spring.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of V-type engine particularly adapted for transverse disposition in an engine compartment either at the front or rear of the vehicle. By appropriately staggering the cylinder banks and locating the various accessory drives, it is possible to make the engine more compact than previous engines and thus permits the use of V-type engines of more than 6 cylinders in such engine compartment placement. In addition, the induction system is designed in such a way so as to not only maintain a compact configuration, but also to reduce the number of plenum chambers that are employed and to permit a single plenum chamber that is disposed over the passenger compartment cylinder bank where the hood line is normally the highest. Thus, low hood lines can be maintained.

Abstract: An injection molded screw retainer is employed on an air intake manifold system to retain screws which connect an active system body to a manifold lower assembly. The retainer is substantially “L-shaped” and includes a retaining portion and a substantially perpendicular attachment portion. The retaining portion includes a substantially hemispherical feature positioned substantially over the head of the screw. The oversized attachment portion is inserted within a pocket in the active system body. Ultrasonic energy applied by a sonic welding process slightly melts the outer surface of the attachment portion, creating a weld interference between the attachment portion and the pocket, securing the attachment portion within the pocket.

Abstract: A modified air intake mechanism for an internal combustion engine. The air intake mechanism includes an air passageway that contains a fixed vane located in a plane that is parallel to the air flow within the passageway. More specifically, the vane is stationary and is located in the air horn or the air intake passageway of the cylinder head.

Abstract: Oil cooler for cooling lubricant oil in an internal combustion engine that has a cooling element (3) that is arranged in the sump (2) of the engine and has an essentially rectangular plate with longitudinal coolant channels (4) over the major portion of its extent. The channels are joined with coolant inlet and outlet tubes (11,16), which have connections (11a, 16a) on the outside of the sump for connection to an engine coolant system.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an air cleaner for a vehicle capable of preventing introduced air from directly striking an air cleaner element and of reducing a decrease in intake efficiency to a minimum. The air cleaner unit for a vehicle of the present invention is provided with an air cleaner box 12, an air cleaner element 16 mounted on an upper portion in the air cleaner box, an exhaust port 12a formed at the upper front portion of the air cleaner box 12, an intake port 12b formed on the side of the exhaust port at the front portion of the air cleaner, and an intake duct 15 inserted into the air cleaner box through the intake port, wherein the downstream of the intake duct is linearly mounted toward the lower rear portion in the air cleaner box and an opening in the downstream of the intake duct is arranged below the air cleaner element.

Abstract: A directly actuated injection valve comprises a hollow valve housing, a valve member disposed within the hollow interior, a biasing mechanism, an actuator assembly and a hydraulic link assembly. The valve member is movable between a closed position and an open position for governing the flow of fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The biasing mechanism, preferably a spring, biases the valve member in the closed position. The actuator assembly generates an opening force that acts against the valve spring to open the valve. The hydraulic link assembly is interposed between the valve member and the valve spring and the actuator assembly. The hydraulic link assembly transmits respective closing and opening forces to the valve member. The hydraulic link preferably comprises a piston disposed within a cylinder that is filled with a hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A system and method control intake air of an internal combustion engine. The engine has at least one combustion chamber provided with intake valves together with an intake manifold provided with a throttle valve. The opening and closure timings of the intake valves are adjustable entirely independently by electromagnetic drivers from the crankshaft position to control the amount of intake air supplied to the combustion chamber. The system and method provide a response adjustment to variable valve timing and throttle valve position controls of the intake valves for unthrottled intake air control.

Abstract: The vehicle engine electrical system comprises a vehicle engine component such as an air intake manifold, at least one conductor, and foam mounting the conductor to the vehicle engine component. The conductor may be connected to a connector and thereby connected to electrical components of the vehicle such as a fuel injector, sensors, or a controller. The conductor is preferably a flex cable while the foam may be plastic.

Abstract: A direct-fuel-injection-type internal combustion engine is equipped with an injector for injecting fuel directly into a combustion chamber of a cylinder. A controller controls the degree of opening of a throttle valve for adjusting the amount of air drawn into the combustion chamber and sets the throttle valve to a closed valve state by setting the degree of opening of the throttle valve to a degree of opening that is on the closed valve side of a post-engine start target degree of opening, when the engine is to be started. After it is determined that a start of the engine has been accomplished, the controller opens the throttle valve by gradually increasing the degree of opening of the throttle valve from the degree of opening of the closed valve state to the post-engine start target degree of opening.

Abstract: A throttle may include a throttle gear 5 is fastened to a throttle shaft 2. A relief lever 9 is pivotally mounted on the throttle shaft 2. A return spring 11 is adapted to urge the relief lever 9 in a valve closing direction with respect to a throttle body 1. A first contact means 20a is provided on the throttle body 1 and the relief lever 9 and the throttle body 1 contacts the relief lever 9 when the relief lever 9 pivots to a predetermined pivot position B in the valve closing direction. A relief spring 10 is adapted to urge the throttle gear 5 in a valve opening direction with respect to the relief lever 9. A second contact means 20b is provided on the throttle gear 5 and the relief lever 9 and the relief lever 9 contacts the throttle gear 5 when the throttle gear 5 pivots to the predetermined pivot position B in the valve opening direction. The predetermined pivot position B is preferably an initial or standby throttle valve position.

Abstract: To exactly obtain a volumetric efficiency or ignition timing corresponding to a shift amount in rotational angle or phase of a camshaft relative to a crank shaft operably connected therewith even if the opening/closing timing of an exhaust valve and an intake valve is changed so as to optimally control an fuel injection amount or ignition timing, the fuel injection amount or the ignition timing is controlled by calculating a fuel control parameter or an inanition timing control parameter on the basis of an intake pressure and a rpm of the engine. When the valve timing is changed, the amount of change in the valve timing is detected so that the fuel control parameter or the ignition timing control parameter is compensated for on the basis of the change amount thus detected.

Abstract: A pilot operate, throttling valve is provided for a pump that has inlet valving sufficient to permit the pump to operate with charged fluid at a varying inlet pressure. The throttling valve includes a flow control slave valve operated by a pressure unbalanced mechanical actuator. The pressure differential in the actuator controlling the flow in the slave valve results from a constant pressure produced by a conventional pressure regulating valve generating an actuator force which is reduced by a controlled pressure generated from a solenoid actuated control valve. Because pressure, not flow, controls the pilot, the throttling valve is particularly suited for HEUI applications where the ECM must quickly and accurately control the pump irrespective of viscosity and flow considerations of the pumped oil.

Abstract: A fuel-injection method and an apparatus provides an output timing of an injection command signal so that fuel-injection timing is matched with a basic desired injection timing, to reduce exhaust gases and engine performance, by filtering waveforms of the detected common rail pressure to obtain pressure data, calculating an approximate straight line from the pressure data, spanning from a preselected time to a time T3 of at least the first smallest value after the start of the pressure drop in the common rail pressure, and defining a time, at which the difference between the pressure data and an approximate straight line Ld is the largest value, as the timing T2 of the start of the pressure drop in the common rail pressure, then calculating the time lag &Dgr; Td that spans from the output timing T0 of injection command signal to the fuel-injection timing T1.

Abstract: Monitoring equipment for monitoring the performance of an engine fuel injector valve. A source of pressurized fluid and an injector valve head are provided with connection means to enable an injector valve to be connected thereto, the head being connected to the said source so that pressurized fluid from the said source is delivered to the injector valve when the equipment is in use. Regulator means of the equipment compensate for changes in pressure of the fluid at the head owing to pulsed operation of the injector valve when the equipment is in use, as well as to enable a change in pressure to be effected and maintained at the head. Flow monitoring means are arranged in the fluid path between the said source and the head to monitor the flow of fluid to the head. The source of pressurized fluid is such as to maintain a level of pressure in excess of a desired operating pressure.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine control unit for hybrid vehicle makes an electric motor function as a main driving source for the vehicle under a predetermined condition and at the same time, controls a hybrid mechanism so as to warm up the internal combustion engine. If a requested engine output to the internal combustion engine exceeds a predetermined output or if an accelerator opening degree exceeds a predetermined opening degree, the same control unit changes the operating condition of the internal combustion engine from the warm-up operation condition to an operation condition fitting to the requested engine output.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for diagnosing a fuel system having a plurality of electric fuel delivery units, which are submerged on the inlet side in a fuel supply contained in a fuel tank, and which, on the outlet side, deliver fuel in a fuel line to an internal combustion engine. The currents of the electric fuel delivery units are measured directly or indirectly in an analysis unit, compared to one another, and a diagnostic signal in digitized form is generated as a function of the result of the comparison.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit injector system for internal combustion engines, in particular diesel engines, having a pump element for subjecting fuel in a pump chamber to high pressure, having an injection element for injecting the pressurized fuel into the combustion chamber of the engine, and having a control valve, which opens and closes a connection between the pump chamber and a low-pressure chamber. To make a preinjection possible, a throttle device (13) is disposed in the connection between the pump chamber and the low-pressure chamber, and there is a flow through the throttle device as a function of the position of the control valve.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system of an automobile that eliminates the vapor canister and includes leak detection of the fuel tank while also permitting failsafe operation when there is a leak in the fuel tank. The fuel tank includes a flexible member defining a first chamber that stores fuel in a chamber devoid of air while a second chamber is at ambient pressure. The fuel system can be formed as a module for installation or retrofitting to various applications using an internal combustion engine, including automobiles. A method of operating the fuel system to purge fuel vapor is also disclosed. A method of preventing fuel leaks is additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A method of leak detection in a closed vapor handling system of an automotive vehicle, implemented by a system, the method including providing a vacuum detection component having a microcontroller operatively coupled to actuators and sensors, receiving at least one sensor signal from the sensors to the vacuum detection component, processing the at least one sensor signal in the microcontroller, sending output to an engine management system based on the at least one processed sensor signal, processing the output in the engine management system operatively coupled to a control valve, transmitting input from the engine management system to the vacuum detection component based on the processed output, and sending actuator signals from the microcontroller to the actuators.

Abstract: A method of leak detection in a closed vapor handling system of an automotive vehicle, wherein an engine is shut off, implemented by a system, the method including obtaining a start temperature and start pressure, providing an evaluation temperature, calculating a temperature differential between the start temperature and the evaluation temperature, incrementing a time counter if the temperature differential is greater than a temperature control value, computing a pressure differential between the start pressure and an evaluation pressure, and comparing the time counter to a time control value if the pressure differential is not greater than a pressure control value.

Abstract: Based upon a purge air quantity supplied via a purge control valve to an intake system of an engine, an intake air amount into the engine, a fuel injection quantity into the engine, and an air-fuel ratio of the combustion mixture, a fuel vapor concentration is calculated as

Abstract: A first cutoff valve 24 and a second cutoff valve 41 are closed in a state in which an internal combustion engine 1 is stopped, and a reducing amount of a pressure P0 in a high pressure passageway 11 after the passage of a predetermined decision time T0 and a reducing amount of a pressure P2 in a low pressure passageway 12 after the passage of a predetermined decision time T2 are measured. When the reducing amount of the first pressure P0 is equal to or larger than a predetermined reducing amount &Dgr;P0, it is decided that a leakage is generated in the high pressure passageway 11. When the reducing amount of the second pressure P2 is equal to or larger than a predetermined reducing amount &Dgr;P2, it is decided that a leakage is generated in the low pressure passageway 12.

Abstract: A black smoke emission suppressing device for suppressing generation of black smoke in combustion of a liquid fuel includes: a vessel having a cylindrical casing formed with a fuel inflow opening in a center of an end thereof and a fuel outflow opening in a periphery thereof, and a supply cylinder member arranged in the cylindrical casing, the supply cylinder member having one end being opened, the other end being closed, and a plurality of through holes in a periphery thereof, the opened end being connected with the fuel inflow opening of the cylindrical casing to thereby allowing the liquid fuel to flow in the supply cylinder member; and an electrostatic charger having a charging cylinder coaxially placed on an outer periphery of the supply cylinder member, the charging cylinder being formed with a plurality of spiral channels extending in radial directions, inner openings of the plurality of spiral channels being respectively connected with the plurality of through holes of the supply cylinder member to th

Abstract: An improved modular, radially-compliant, redundantly-sealing journal-type bearing assembly comprising two bearing elements retained in a housing and positively loaded in opposing directions by a compression spring disposed therebetween. A shaft to be supported and sealed against leakage by the bearing, such as a valve pintle shaft, is disposed in an axial bore in each of the bearing elements, which bores are fitted as closely to the diameter of the shaft as is possible without causing the shaft to bind in the bores. Each of the radial bearing faces opposite the spring forms a seal with a corresponding internal surface of the housing, defining thereby a redundant sealing system. The bearings are radially compliant within the housing by a predetermined small distance to allow the shaft to be operatively self-centered, such as by an attached valve head mating into a valve seat.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine cylinder head (142) has an exterior wall that contains a walled compartment (140). A wall of that compartment is exposed to an internal coolant passage (146) through which liquid coolant circulates. An exhaust gas passageway (160) running through the compartment has an exhaust gas entrance (162) into the compartment and an exhaust gas exit (164) from the compartment. The compartment comprises a receptacle (148) that intersects the exhaust gas passageway between the entrance and the exit. An EGR valve (10) disposed on the exterior wall comprises a base (12) that has an inlet port (30) and an outlet port (32) and that is disposed within the receptacle with the inlet port open to the entrance via the passageway and the outlet port open to the exit via the passageway. As hot exhaust gas is recirculated, coolant that circulates through the coolant passage aids in limiting peak temperatures to which the valve may be subjected.

Abstract: A system and a method for recirculating a flow of exhaust gases. The system comprises a passage through which the exhaust gas flow passes, a valve movable in the passage between a generally open configuration and a generally closed configuration, an actuator operatively connected to the valve, and a fail-safe returning the valve to one of the generally open and generally closed configurations if the actuator is disabled. The generally open configuration of the valve substantially permits the exhaust gas flow to pass through the passage, and the generally closed configuration of the valve substantially prevents the exhaust gas flow from passing through the passage. The actuator includes a one-way driver and a release to move the valve between the generally open and generally closed configurations and to vary the exhaust gas flow though the passage. The method comprises energizing the actuator with a power supply, and moving the valve to a fail-safe position if the power supply fails.

Abstract: An improved solenoid for providing linear actuation. The outer polepiece of the solenoid is provided with an axial journal bearing for supporting an actuating shaft extending from the solenoid armature. Radial tolerance between the bearing inner bore and the shaft is as small as in practically possible, which feature permits elimination of the prior art portion of the guiding sleeve extending into the outer polepiece, thereby retaining frictional losses with only the remaining sleeve portion in the inner polepiece. Small prior art air gaps at interfaces 42,44 between the polepieces and the housing are eliminated to minimize reluctance of the magnetic circuit. A significant increase in actuating force is realized in comparison with a prior art solenoid actuator.

Abstract: A leakage arresting system comprising a novel gas arrestor for installation on an interrupted pintle shaft in a pintle-type valve, such as an exhaust gas recirculation valve for an internal combustion engine, for preventing leakage of gas and moisture along the pintle shaft into the actuator, to prevent corrosion and failure of the actuator. The system comprises two elements: a pintle shaft which is interrupted outside the actuator, and a positive vapor block in the form of a cup-shaped arrestor disposed across the pintle interruption. The invention is applicable to both unbalanced and force-balanced valves.

Abstract: A blow-by gas separator comprises a separator unit mounted on a front end surface of a cylinder block and having accommodation space for accommodating a drive mechanism that transmits the driving force of the crank shaft of an engine to a driven shaft. The separator unit is provided with a blow-by gas passage chamber formed along the outer peripheral edge of an upper part of the accommodation space, and has, formed therein, a blow-by gas flow-in port and a blow-by gas flow-out port, which are opened in the blow-by gas passage chamber.

Abstract: An ignition coil assembly having a coil spring (26) made of electrically conductive material, an electrical coil connected to deliver electrical energy from the ignition coil assembly 11 through the coil spring and a ferromagnetic member (30) disposed within the coil spring. A resistive spark plug (40) is electrically coupled to the coil spring (26). The spark plug and ferromagnetic member (30) form a high pass filter (51) and low pass filter (58) respectively to reduce radio frequency interference.

Abstract: A fuel control system that estimates the fuel quantity received from purging of an evaporative emission control system and then accounts for the purge fuel in determining the amount of fuel to be injected into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. Purge fuel quantity is represented by a purge equivalence ratio which is computed based upon an estimate of the hydrocarbon concentration in the purge gas. The hydrocarbon concentration is adaptively learned using an iterative routine that updates the estimate based on the integrated error between the actual and desired air/fuel ratios. Wall wetting and closed loop corrections are applied only to the non-purge fuel portion of the total fuel delivered to the engine cylinder. The closed loop control includes a block learn memory that provides a correction to the factory fuel calibration.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device for increasing distance traversed by a projectile. The device includes a main body comprising a tubular component wherein the tubular component defines an orifice. The main body also comprises a collar component positionable about the tubular component. The collar component enclosed a second orifice for receipt of a screw. A tab is positioned adjacent to the orifice which is defined by the tubular component. The tab includes an oblique section. A screw is positionable in the collar component and extends through the orifice defined by the tubular component. The screw is in moveable contact with the oblique segment of the tab.

Abstract: A portable rotisserie rack for suspending and rotating meat, potatoes or other food next to a wood furnace, campfire or other source of cooking heat. In a preferred embodiment the portable rotisserie rack is characterized by a rack frame which is typically height-adjustable and constructed of square tubing and includes a pair of T-shaped frame base members, a pair of vertical frame members adjustably extendible from the frame base members, respectively, and a top frame member adjustably extendible from the vertical frame members. A rotisserie motor is mounted on the top frame member, and a heat shield is typically provided on the rack frame for substantially shielding and protecting the rotisserie motor from the heat source. A rotisserie shaft extends downwardly from the rotisserie motor and typically through a bearing provided in the top frame member, and a food cage of selected design is suspended from the bottom end of the rotisserie shaft for containing the food.

Abstract: A grill side burner assembly including a burner having a generally disc-shaped body with an oval cross-section. Louvered main ports are arranged around the upper part of the burner body and create a cyclone-like distribution of heat to the cooking surface thereby improving efficiency. A fuel feed channel is formed integrally into a lower portion of the burner and provides fuel to the interior of the burner body. The burner can be attached to the bottom of a bowl-like recess in a side-burner base and covered with a grid. The side burner assembly can be implemented with a very low parts count.

Abstract: A gas-fueled heating appliance having a system for reducing the amount of undesirable combustion products released to the site in which the appliance is installed. The appliance includes a firebox partially surrounded by a heat exchanger. Ambient air is drawn into the heat exchanger below the firebox and a portion of the ambient air enters the firebox to assist in combustion, and the remaining portion travels through the heat exchanger to be heated by convection before being combined with combustion gases exiting through the top of the firebox. The heat exchanger creates a low pressure area relative to the firebox which induces a draft from the firebox into the heat exchanger and ultimately to the ambient environment through an exit provided above the firebox. A carbon monoxide catalyst element is provided in the exit passageway from the firebox to the heat exchanger to oxidize carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and filter away airborne particulates which would otherwise be released to the ambient air.

Abstract: A collapsible, portable outdoor fireplace with a fire screen assembly is easily broken down into its constituent components, which are stored in a space between the cover and bottom members of the fireplace. A fire screen assembly is supported between the cover and bottom members and includes a series of individual screen panels that are hinged together. The fireplace has a support structure that supports it off the ground and includes pairs of legs that are attached to the bottom member. The legs may extend either up through the cover and bottom members or alongside the bottom member. These support legs terminate in handle portions. The legs include moveable joints that permit the handles to be collapsed upon the cover member to retain the cover and base member together.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus comprising a closure-cap and a container in the form of a two-chamber cartridge in which an active ingredient and a solvent can be stored separately until the apparatus is used in a nebuliser, as well as an active substance concentrate in which the active substance is present as a solution or suspension for storage purposes.

Abstract: An actuator for an inhaler for administering medicament by inhalation, comprising: a main body (102) comprising an elongate tubular member (108) for receiving a canister (107) containing medicament and having a valve stem (111) extending therefrom, the tubular member (108) including a lateral opening (114) at one end thereof; and an outlet assembly (104) comprising a mouthpiece for guiding medicament to the mouth of a user and a nozzle block (120) for receiving the valve stem (111) of the canister (107) and delivering medicament from the canister (107) into the mouthpiece, the outlet assembly (104) being detachably mounted, through the lateral opening (114), to the main body (102) at an angle transverse to the length of the tubular member (108); characterized in that one of the main body (102) and the outlet assembly (104) further comprises at least one resiliently biased member, which is configured to engage with at least one part of the other of the main body (102) and the outlet assembly (104) and thereby

Abstract: Nasal dilators and strips, methods of their manufacture, and methods for improving the breathing of individuals are provided. The strips and dilators include an elongated substrate, with or without a dilating component or portion, having top and bottom surfaces and a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on the bottom surface. The dilator is designed to provide a gentle expanding force to the nasal wall tissue when the dilator is adhesively attached to the nose. This invention further includes a cosmetic fragrance, an aromatic medication and/or transdermal medication disposed on the strips or dilators. In order to improve the shelf-life and in-use olfactory effectiveness of such products, fragrance delivery mechanisms are used. Separation of volatile oils and adhesives are also provided to minimize adhesive residue.