Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously forming a plurality of closely spaced, parallel grooves having a web between them in a thin-walled tube is described. The apparatus includes a tube holding mechanism, a rotating cutting tool and a device for driving the cutting tool. The cutting tool includes a single insert form cutter for forming the grooves. The insert includes a plurality of cutting blades and chip relief members which prevent chips from building up in the tool. The chip relief members are generally triangle-shaped and are disposed on the cutting edge of the insert form cutter.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting fabric includes at least one fabric wind-off device (1, 1′) for one fabric bolt (7), a conveyor belt (5) for conveying the unwound fabric, and a cutting device (3) which cuts a piece of fabric to a given shape from the length of fabric deposited on the conveyor belt (5). Said conveyor belt (5) extends without interruption from at least that point where the fabric is deposited by the wind-off device (1, 1′) to the working area of the said cutting device (3). The wind-off device (1, 1′) places the length of fabric directly onto the conveyor belt (5) or onto one of more lengths of fabric already deposited on the said conveyor belt. An apparatus control automatically feeds the unwound fabric to the cutting device and directs the cutting of the unwound fabric by the cutting device.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and matching parts in a layup of material includes a cutting tool for cutting the parts and a camera for detecting and analyzing match points located on the individual parts that need to be matched to other parts. The apparatus also includes a computer having instructions for optimizing a process for matching various parts in the layup resulting in an increase of effective usable area of the cutter table and in increased efficiency in use of material in the layup. The computer includes instructions to direct the camera to process match points that are disposed within a tool offset, defined as a distance between the cutting tool and the camera, prior to advancing the layup to a take-off end of the cutter table.

Abstract: The machine comprises a housing (1) with a cover (3), arms (2) which support a reel holder of wipe material, a drum (5) rotatably mounted between end shields (9), an articulated cutting device (6) which protrudes from the drum in order to make a cut, the reel of wipe material pressing against the drum. The device comprises, on one of the end shields (9) and around a ring (9a) through which the locking shaft of the drum passes, a fixed shaped part (12) of one-piece construction together with the body of the end shield, said shape (12) being designed to constitute a guide path for a matching part (13) associated with the blade holder and allowing, when the drum rotates, ejection of the blade and cutting. Said fixed shape (12) and said matching part (13) have protruding shapes (12a-13a) capable of cooperating with each other during rotation of the drum, thereby increasing the amplitude of the movement of lever-shape part (13) when it swivels, thus making the device operate smoothly.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for feeding flat, rigid material through a cutter comprising a continuous drive conveyor belt with a non-skid face, having one or more Guide ‘V’ belts bonded to its reverse side parallel to the direction of movement, which ‘V’ belts communicate with corresponding ‘V’ grooves in the power rollers and the rollers of the feed bed, another continuous drive conveyor belt on the out-put side of the cutter, the movement of both conveyors being synchronized by a timing/drive belt which transfers the motor drive to the inside rollers of the out-put and the in-put sides, and having from above regularly spaced hold-down rollers along the span of both conveyors to keep the rate of movement of the flat material through the cutter consistent.

Abstract: The purposes of this device (100) is to convert and print mechanical strokes of music instruments onto papers as five-line music sheets (60) by sensing motion of mechanical strokes played by a musical instrument player. A typical application for this newly invented device is to monitor key stokes of an acoustic piano (10) played by a musical instrument player. Conventionally, a music teacher listens while the musical instrument player plays the piano. To check skill of novice and beginner players require to have well-trained music teachers. Using this newly invented printing device for musical instruments can check their skills by printing music notes played by them since this device (100) can store and print key stokes as the five-line music sheets (60). Once it prints as the five-line music sheets (60), the musical instrument players can check visually whether correct keys are pressed or not, by comparing the output printed out (60) by the device (100) and original music sheets.

Abstract: A jazz drumming ride pattern flip chart tool comprises at least one ride pattern card and a notation card beneath and extending beyond the ride pattern card. A sliding dowel moved to a place on the notation card indicates which drum should be struck. Each sliding dowel is positioned horizontally exactly the same distance apart as the space between the notes on the card directly above. A disk is at the top of each dowel with “R” on one side and “L” on the other side.

Abstract: A method for determining a fundamental frequency of a note in a musical signal comprising the steps of receiving the musical signal; determining a frequency of each of a plurality of tracks of the musical signal; generating a plurality of subharmonics for each track; and computing the fundamental frequency based on a frequency of at least one subharmonic selected from the plurality of subharmonics, the frequency of the at least one selected subharmonic being within a neighborhood of the frequency of the track having a lowest frequency.

Abstract: Given melody notes are classified into particular notes and other notes than the particular notes in accordance with a predetermined criterion. Additional notes are decided with respect to the classified particular notes and the other notes in accordance with different criteria set for the classified particular notes and the other notes, to generate an auxiliary melody with the additional notes. For example, for each of the particular notes, an additional note is decided which has a predetermined musical interval from the particular note, so as to generate a plurality of additional notes with more emphasis on good sounding with the particular notes. For each of the other melody notes than the particular notes, an additional note is decided which has a musical interval determined on the basis of a flow of at least one of the main melody and the auxiliary melody, so as to generate additional notes with more emphasis on note-to-note connections of a generated auxiliary melody.

Abstract: To compress a MIDI format file it is converted to a format 0 file. The format 0 file is then scanned to reduce the number of possible instruments to 16. MIDI commands having no sound output are then eliminated and NoteOn and NoteOff commands are replaced by a PlayNote command. This eliminates instances of &Dgr;time equal to 0. Based on the characteristics of an appliance that has to play the compressed file, the notes are recentered in a bandwidth compatible with the appliance, after which the file is scanned to seek instances of polyphony. If an instance of polyphony exceeds the capacities of the appliance it is reduced in accordance with an instrument priority list and a note pitch.

Abstract: A sensing device is constructed by a sensor case which is attached to a bottom surface of a footwear (e.g., sole of a shoe) and which contains a piezoelectric sensor, a sensor fixing member, a disc plate pressure member and an annular elastic member. The sensor fixing member has elastic deformability so that the sensor fixing member is located to face with the disc plate pressure member with an air gap in which the sensor fixing member is capable of deforming within a limit of elasticity thereof. Thus, it is possible to perform musical tone control in response to an output of the piezoelectric sensor when a foot motion is applied to the footwear. In addition, a musical tone control apparatus of a percussion instrument type is constructed using a pad unit stored in a pad storage portion of an upper case. Herein, the pad unit is constructed by a pad skin unit and a sensing unit.

Abstract: A hydraulic boom control system has two valves controlling linear hydraulic actuators, one for pivoting a hoist boom relative to a machine and one for pivoting a stick boom relative to the hoist boom. The bore sides of the actuators are hydraulically connected and the rod side of the hoist actuator is connected to the first port of the first valve and to the second port of the second valve. Operating the first valve moves the boom end generally horizontally and operating the second valve moves it generally vertically.

Abstract: A piston-type compressor has a plurality of cylinder bores, each of which receives a piston assembly. Each piston assembly reciprocates between a top dead center and a bottom dead center in each cylinder bores. Each piston assembly includes a piston and a piston ring. A first groove is formed on an outer peripheral surface and at about a first end of the piston. The piston ring which has a truncated cone-shape is inserted into the first groove, such that a wider edge of the piston zing opens toward a piston skirt portion of the piston and a narrower edge of the piston ring abuts a bottom surface of the first groove A second groove is formed on an interior wall of the cylinder bore, and extends along an axial line between a crank-chamber-side end of Fe cylinder bore and about an end of bottom dead center position.

Abstract: A method and circuit for monitoring the useful life of a filter for a filter-fan product. The method includes the steps of detecting use of a fan of the filter-fan product with a microprocessor, counting from a predetermined initial counter value a duration of usage of the fan with a counter of the microprocessor to determine a present counter value, sending a signal representing the present counter value from the microprocessor to a display and displaying the remaining useful life of the filter based on the signal received from the micro processor. Use of the fan is preferably detected by detecting a position of a fan speed switch such that the microprocessor detects the speed of the fan and adjusts the rate of counting by the counter based on the detected speed of the fan.

Abstract: Purification of a hydrogen-based gas mixture containing impurities such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen and methane is effected by contacting the gaseous mixture with a zeolite adsorbent which is a shaped product comprised of at least 95%, as determined on the basis of the moistute equilibrium adsorption value, of a low-silica type X zeolite having an SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of 1.9 to 2.1. The zeolite adsorbent is preferably ion-exchanged with lithium and/or calcium. The zeolite adsorbent is preferably prepared by a process including a step of contacting with a caustic solution a calcined product of a mixture of a low-silica type X zeolite and kaolin clay whereby the kaolin clay is converted to a low-silica type X zeolite.

Abstract: A monolithic hygroscopic material shaped to facilitate a circulation flow of ambient air. The hygroscopic material may be used to remove various compounds from an ambient gas and may be reactivated to restore its drying capacity. The tendency of the material to seek equilibrium may be utilized to achieve dehumidification or humidification.

Abstract: The present invention is a system 100 for removing particulate matter and aerosols from a gas stream generated by gasification prior to the gas stream being used as fuel in an internal combustion device or as synthesis gas for subsequent processing. The present invention consists of removing excess ash by passing the gas stream through a high temperature cyclone separator 102, cooling the gas stream, oil scrubbing the gas to further cool it and to remove particulates and some tars, passing the gas stream through one or more vortex chambers 28 to remove additional tars, passing the gas stream through a heat exchanger 104 to cool the gas, and finally passing the gas stream through a demister 106 to remove aerosols from the gas.

Abstract: A peeling apparatus may include a frame, a set of mounts being removably connected to a first end of the frame adjacent at least one first roller opening and each mount including a flange bearing. The peeler may also include a set of abrasive rollers being arranged to define a peeling chamber and having first ends rotatably supported by flange bearings of the mounts so that the abrasive rollers are installable or removable through the at least one first roller opening upon removal of the respective mounts from the frame. The peeling apparatus may also include a set of roller drive motors for respective abrasive rollers that are also carried by respective mounts. A second set of flange bearings may be provided at the opposite end of the chamber. A high capacity embodiment includes dual peeling chambers and wherein feeders in the form of augers rotate in opposite directions.

Abstract: A device for printing printed sheets (1) according to the screen printing method has a printing table (10) and a screen mechanism (9) arranged above it, with a screen frame (8) and a conveying device (7) for moving the printed sheets (1) before, during and after the printing. The conveying device has, when viewed in the conveying direction, at least one clamping device (7) for clamping the lateral edge area of the printed sheets (7). The clamping device is arranged on the side of the printed sheets (1) and is displaceable in the conveying direction.

Abstract: A quick release pallet for a screen printing machine in which the pallet has locating recesses at either ends which locate the pallet on the pallet arm of the screen printing machine by engaging locating lugs on the pallet arm. A toggle clip secures the pallet in position. The advantages are that the pallet has no attachments and can be very quickly positioned and released. Because there are no screw holes in the top surface of the pallet it has a larger print area. The pallet can also be modified to a vacuum pallet with a perforated top plate and a vacuum manifold below.

Abstract: At specific time intervals register commands are fed to a plate cylinder in a printing machine in the circumferential direction and/or the lateral direction and adjust the cylinder by a small amount. All the remaining plate cylinders can be readjusted with the aid of the register control. Alternatively, the same control commands may also be fed to all the plate cylinders involved in printing, in order to carry out a desired continuous or stepwise adjustment of the cylinders in the lateral direction and/or the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A printing-material sheet processing machine includes at least one processing unit with an impression cylinder and a tool-carrying cylinder bringable into contact with the impression cylinder, the tool-carrying cylinder having at least one tool selected from the group of tools consisting of respective deforming and separating tools for the printing-material sheets, the processing unit also having a circumferential-register adjusting device and a lateral-register adjusting device, which are assigned to the tool-carrying cylinder for adjusting the register thereof, and having a diagonal-register adjusting device assigned to a sheet transport cylinder for adjusting the register thereof, the sheet transport cylinder being disposed for transferring the printing-material sheets to the impression cylinder.

Abstract: An inking device of a rotary press comprises an ink fountain roller rotatably supported on left and right frames, and an ink fountain device movable toward and away from the ink fountain roller. The ink fountain device is switchable among a fixed position close to the ink fountain roller, a throw-off position separated from the ink fountain roller, and an intermediate position provided between the fixed position and the throw-off position, and switching means is provided for switching the ink fountain device by a pivoting operation of a locking handle so that the ink fountain device is located at any of the three positions. The inking device makes it easy to secure a vertical space for operating an ink fountain, and can fix the ink fountain device with a constant clamping force without a tool.

Abstract: A temperature controlled gravity feed fountain solution supply apparatus for a printing unit of a printing press. The invention helps to maintain a consistent, cool temperature within the fountain solution pan of a gravity feed fluid supply apparatus. The apparatus includes an insulated, airtight fountain solution supply tank connected to a lower fountain solution pan by a vertical insulated supply tube. The tank has cooling coils arranged in M-shaped layers, each of the layers being supported by a perforated, heat-conducting cooling plate. The pan has a supply pool that communicates with an elongated dispersement tube having openings which serve to circulate fountain solution about three cooling fins connected to, and extending the length of the dispersement tube. Alternatively, the solution pan has a separate cooling coil and cooling control.

Abstract: There are provided a plate-making sheet and a printing device for printing on the plate-making sheet. The plate-making sheet is in the form of a strip and for being printed with stamp characters to be engraved on a stamping face of a stamp, in parallel with a process for making the stamp, for permitting checking of the stamp characters and for indication of the stamp characters on a back surface of the stamp. The plate-making sheet comprises a backing sheet, and an adhesive sheet laminated on the backing sheet and having a surface to be printed with the stamp characters. The surface of adhesive sheet is formed with a character check area to be printed with the stamp characters for permitting the checking of the stamp characters, and at least one indication character area to be printed with the stamp characters for the indication of the stamp characters. In the printing device, a printing mechanism prints stamp characters in a character check area and at least one indication character area.

Abstract: A printing plate changing device reliably discharges a printing plate from a plate cylinder comprising a lower second printing plate guiding device, and printing plate discharging means having a pick-up member, a supporting member, a bracket, and an actuator. The printing plate changing device further includes a receiving board restricted to move the discharged printing plate toward the downstream side with respect to the discharged storing direction and moved in accordance with the movement of the discharged printing plate with the pick-up member, and releasing means including a lower first printing plate guiding device, a guide plate, and an actuator for releasing a gripped side of the discharged printing plate discharged from the lower plate cylinder from the front end of the guide plate of the lower second printing plate guiding device.

Abstract: A method of controlling a quantity of ink in an inking unit of a printing machine, includes producing an increase and a decrease, respectively, of the ink quantity from a first value to a second value by releasing, during a transition time period, a flow of ink quantity lying, respectively, above and below a second nominal value of the flow of ink quantity, corresponding to the second value. It further includes setting the ink quantity to a third value during the transition time period from the first to the second value of the ink quantity, interpolating an imaginary ink quantity between the first and the second ink quantity, beginning a new transition time period, and defining the flow of ink during the new transition time period, using a given rule as a function of the imaginary ink quantity and the third ink quantity.

Abstract: The invention provides aerodynamic projectiles that include a projectile shell having an aerodynamic structure and a controlled center of gravity, which exhibit improved aerodynamics and resulting accuracy, and which are suitable for non-lethal uses. Methods of making such aerodynamic projectiles also are provided.

Abstract: A container for sliding on structural track elements forming part of a system for the conveyance of flat objects comprises:

Abstract: An ink composition for use in an on-demand inkjet printer capable of printing on plain paper at a recording rate of 10 ips or higher, which ink composition comprises at least a pigment and non-pigment components including at least water and a thickening agent and shows a weight loss ratio at 25° C. and 60 RH % for 30 minutes of 5 to 25% based on the total weight of the ink. Also disclosed is an on-demand inkjet recording process using the ink composition.

Abstract: An ink-jet ink which includes a coloring composition which contains an oil-soluble dye represented in the following formula (I). In the formula (I), R1 and R2 represent respectively independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an aliphatic group, an aromatic group, or the like. A represents —NR5R6 or a hydroxyl group. R5 and R6 represent respectively independently a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic group, or the like. B1 represents ═C(R7)— or ═N—, and B2represents —C (R8)═ or —N═. R3, R4, R7, and R8 represent respectively independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an aliphatic group, an aromatic group, or the like. Q includes at least one nitrogen atom and, together with a carbon atom to be combined, represents an atom group which is required to form a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring having a five-membered ring or more.

Abstract: The invention provides a sterile freeze-dried sponge, wherein at least 80% by weight of the sponge consists of collagen and oxidized regenerated cellulose in the weight ratio 60:40 to 40:60, wherein the sponge has a dry tensile strength of more than 3N and/or a wet tensile strength of more than 1 N. Preferably, the collagen has a degree of denaturation less than 20% and the sponge is substantially free of chemical cross-links.

Abstract: A pigment dispersion which comprises a pigment, a dispersant, a non-aqueous medium and a binder resin, wherein the amount of the binder resin is 10 to 60% by weight based on the amount of the pigment, and exhibits excellent dispersion stability in terms of viscosity, thixotropic property; and a photosensitive coloring composition comprising the pigment dispersion and used for manufacturing a colored pixel are provided.

Abstract: A fast-setting, fibrous, Portland Cement-based building material is made by soaking wood chips in water to provide substantially saturated wood chips, combining the saturated wood chips with a slurry of Portland cement to provide a wood chip/cement slurry, mixing a slurry of monomagnesium phosphate (“MOP”) with the wood chip/cement slurry to provide a quick-setting MOP/wood chip/cement composition, and compressing the quick-setting MOP/wood chip/cement composition to make the fast-setting, fibrous, Portland Cement-based building material. The inventive composition combines the best properties of cement and wood, yet uses recycled materials to make an environmentally-friendly building material.

Abstract: A system for delivering an ordered item to a location where no one is available to receive the item, including a key locked storage box provided at the location in addition to a key receptacle at the location having a lock openable with a settable code. When delivery of an item is ordered, a code is assigned, and the code is printed on a label affixed to the item, a peel off security strip overlaid onto the assigned code imprint. The delivery person removes the strip when at the location and enters the code into the key receptacle lock to obtain the key necessary to open the box and place the item therein. A bar code strip in the box provides location data when scanned to enable verification of a successful delivery.

Abstract: In an adapter for adapting a marine propeller to a housing part of a drive source, the adapter includes a hub-connecting side and a housing-connecting side and a portion for fastening the adapter to a propeller hub.

Abstract: When it is beneficial for a towing craft, such as a boat, to tow from a point high above its center, an airfoil can be fastened to a tether for improved roll and yaw stability. In the case of a wakeboarder, the upward tow angle afforded by a tall tower improves the wakeboarder's performance, but it causes the towboat to roll excessively when the wakeboarder pulls to the side. An aerodynamic surface can be linked to the tether to safely oppose the rolling moment of the wakeboarder. When the wakeboarder pulls out to the side of the towboat, the angle of attack on the aerodynamic surface increases proportionally, and the lateral forces approximately cancel. The boat proceeds safely with little or no roll perturbation.

Abstract: Arcuate-winged submersible vehicles having improved hydrodynamic stability and maneuverability for use in, for example, underwater payload delivery and data acquisition. In one embodiment, a submersible vehicle includes a body having a pair of outwardly projecting at least partially arcuate wings, an adjustably positionable wing steering flap hingeably attached to each wing, at least one wing flap actuator coupled to the hull and to the wing steering flaps to controllably adjust the position of the wing steering flaps, an adjustably positionable hingeable tail steering flap attached to the hull, and at least one tail flap actuator coupled to the hull and to the tail steering flap to controllably adjust the position of the tail steering flap. The arcuate wings provide improved stability and maneuverability characteristics of the vehicle. In alternate embodiments, a vehicle may include arcuate wings having a swept leading edge or a swept trailing edge, or both.

Abstract: A crystal puller for growing monocrystalline silicon ingots according to the Czochralski method which are devoid of agglomerated intrinsic point defects over a substantial portion of the radius of the ingot comprises a housing defining an interior having a lower growth chamber and an upper pull chamber. The pull chamber has a smaller transverse dimension than the growth chamber. A crucible is disposed in the growth chamber of the housing for containing molten silicon. A pulling mechanism is provided for pulling a growing ingot upward from the molten silicon through the growth chamber and pull chamber. An electrical resistance heater has a heating element sized and shaped for being disposed at least partially within the upper pull chamber of the housing in radially spaced relationship with the outer surface of the growing ingot for radiating heat to the ingot as it is pulled upward in the pull chamber relative to the molten silicon. The heating element has an upper end and a lower end.

Abstract: An emulsion coater is provided with a framework having a table or work surface for supporting a sheet of material that is to be coated e.g., a sheet of transparent plastic film. A carriage is mounted on the framework for rectilinear movement thereacross parallel to the surface of the sheet to advance a coating applicator across the sheet. A coating dryer is also mounted on the carriage to progressively dry the coating from one end to the other as it is applied. A motor is supported on the framework for moving the carriage forwardly from one end of the sheet to the other. Provision is made for disengaging the coating applicator from the carriage once the coating has been applied and thereafter moving the carriage in a reverse direction across the applied coating to the starting position while optionally continuing to dry the coating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method of preventing fine particles, especially liming material, from becoming air borne, and the addition of desirable chemical compounds to the particles. The method comprises feeding fine particles of solid to an enclosed inclined chute and locating at least a first inclined shelf and a subsequent inclined shelf within the chute, each shelf having an inclined top surface, a bottom surface and a leading edge. An addition funnel fitted with air pads may be used at the top of the chute to facilitate the even and continuous addition of particulates to the chute. Once the particles are fed to the top of the chute, they fall on the top surface of the first inclined shelf and slide down the inclined top surface by force of gravity until falling from the leading edge, thus forming a vertical free flow of particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for vaporizing and transporting precursor molecules to a process chamber for deposition of thin films on a substrate. The methods and apparatus include CVD solvents that comprise ionic liquids. The ionic liquids comprise salt compounds that have substantially no measurable vapor pressure (i.e., less than about 1 Torr at about room temperature), exhibit a wide liquid temperature range (i.e., greater than about 100° C.), and have low melting points (i.e., less than about 250° C.). A desired precursor is dissolved in a selected CVD solvent comprising an ionic liquid. The solvent and precursor solution is heated to or near the precursor volatilization temperature of the precursor. A stream of carrier gas is directed over or is bubbled through the solvent and precursor solution to distill and transport precursor molecules in the vapor phase to a deposition chamber.

Abstract: A cover for a bowl such as a pet food or water bowl that consists of a dip molded cover on the outer surface of a bowl to provide features such as a visually appealing appearance, protection, and insulation. The cover of the present invention may be fabricated of rubber or plastic material and may be permanently or removeably secured to the outer surface of the bowl.

Abstract: One or more horizontal, sheet-like dividers are used to subdivide a water tank into multiple flow zones. The water flows downwardly through the zones in a controlled manner. Strips of high surface area material may be used to promote the photosynthetic production of oxygen. Since oxygen is produced in the water, a low water flow rate can be employed. The dividers are transparent to allow light to reach the areas where photosynthetic production is desired. The strips may also be used to promote natural feed production and biofiltration. The invention may be used to achieve a satisfactory feed-to-conversion ratio (FCR) with relatively low energy consumption and improved space utilization. In a preferred embodiment, oxygen and mineral content can be controlled by sensors and feedback loops. If desired, accumulated sediment may be filtered or digested and the treated water may be recycled.

Abstract: A collapsible pet housing structure that includes a floor panel having a pair of parallel sides and a pair of ends extending between the sides. A pair of generally opposing walls are hingedly attached to the parallel sides of the floor panel, each wall including at least two generally planar wall panels hingedly connected to one another, each of the wall panels having an external surface and an internal surface, the internal surface of the wall panels of one wall facing the internal surface of the wall panels of the opposing wall, the hinged connection allowing movement of the wall panels from a first position where the external surfaces of the wall panels are at an acute angle relative to one another to a second position where the external surfaces of the wall panels are retained at an angle greater than 180 degrees relative to one another. The walls will preferably include supports for retaining the external surfaces of the wall panels at the second position relative to one another.

Abstract: An attractive, kitty corner scratching apparatus that easily attaches to the outside corner of a wall and that enables the carpet to be easily replaced. The apparatus includes a rigid, V-shaped wall-mounting bracket over which a complimentary-shaped carpet support plate may be attached. The wall-mounting bracket has four screw holes for permanent attachment to the desired position on the outside corner of a wall. Adhesively attached to the outer surface of the carpet support plate is a piece of carpet. The carpet support plate is designed to slide longitudinally over the wall-mounting bracket and then be sufficiently locked in position to support a cat pulling on the carpet. The piece of carpet may be easily replaced when frayed.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for reducing hydrocarbons in two-stroke engine exhaust. When a piston is close to top dead center, a groove in the lower end region of the piston confronts an exhaust port and first scavenging ports, respectively, and exhaust gas from the exhaust port is directed to the first scavenging ports. During a scavenging stroke, the first scavenging ports open first to a combustion chamber and exhaust gas is introduced to the combustion chamber, and a second pair of scavenging ports then opens to the combustion chamber and introduces a fuel-containing gas to the combustion chamber. When crankcase pressure reaches 142 Pa or higher, a relief valve opens and maintains the maximum pressure at 142 kPa or lower. Thus, blending in the combustion chamber of the exhaust gas from the first scavenging ports and the fuel-containing gas from the second scavenging ports is suppressed, and short-circuiting of the fuel component to the exhaust port is suppressed.

Abstract: An electromagnetically-powered valve operating apparatus of an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle, comprises a relatively-small-sized intake-valve side valve operating unit and a relatively-large-sized exhaust-valve side valve operating unit. The intake-valve side valve operating unit is relatively down-sized in comparison with the exhaust-valve side valve operating unit, so that a spring height of each of upper and lower coil springs included in the intake-valve side valve operating unit is set at a smaller value by setting a spring bias of each of the upper and lower coil springs at a lower value than each of upper and lower coil springs included in the exhaust-valve side valve operating unit.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine control system for controlling an internal combustion engine, comprising a fuel injection control means for controlling fuel injection quantity to be injected by a fuel supply system for supplying fuel to the internal combustion engine, and fuel injection timing, and a variable valve control means for continuously or gradually varying at least opening timing, closing timing or lift of a intake valve or an exhaust valve for sealing up a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, the fuel injection control means controls at least fuel injection quantity or fuel injection timing on the basis of a value of a controlled variable provided by the variable valve control means. Since air quantity can be regulated by a variable valve timing mechanism, pumping loss and fuel consumption can be reduced.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotary piston adjuster (1, 1′) for hydraulic phase adjustment of a camshaft of an internal combustion engine relative to a drive pinion (6), said adjuster comprising a rotor (3, 3′) fixed to the camshaft and cooperating with the drive pinion (6) for effecting phase adjustment.