Abstract: In an electromagnetically operable engine valve assembly including a controller for an internal combustion engine, a stable initialization is achieved which suppresses a collision of a movable element against an electromagnet to cope with a viscosity of a lubricating oil during an engine start under an engine low temperature. A supplied current value is feedback controlled in accordance with a position of movable element when an initialization control such that a current is continuously supplied to one of electromagnets is executed. At this time, the feedback control gain G1 is, first, set to a relatively small value and is, thereafter, switched to a relatively large value at a gradual pace for each execution of the initialization control until the initialization control has succeeded in moving the movable element to an initial position.

Abstract: A valve timing adjusting device has a lock mechanism for restricting a rotational motion of an internal rotor 7 relative to an external rotor 5. The lock mechanism has a plunger 45, which is movable along a radial direction of the external rotor 5 and restricts the rotational motion of the internal rotor 7 relative to the external rotor 5 on condition that the prevention of the rotational motion of the internal rotor 7 relative to the external rotor 5 is removable, a receiving hole 7a, which is arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the internal rotor 7 and receives the plunger 45, a spring 21, which presses the plunger 45 inwardly along the radial direction of the external rotor 5 by a prescribed pressure, a holder 46, which determines a position of the spring 21, and a knock pin 47 which prevents the holder 46 from being moved outwardly along the radial direction of the external rotor 5.

Abstract: In an engine valve assembly, a valve lifter comprises a cylindrical main body portion and a head wall portion by which an opening of the cylindrical main body portion is enclosed and with which a cam is brought in contact, a valve stem is contacted on an axial center of the valve lifter and is disposed obliquely with respect to a direction of gravity, an exit of a lubricating oil supply bore is opened to an inner space of the head wall portion and is revolved due to a revolution of the valve lifter caused by a friction developed on the basis of a revolution of the cam, and a spring retainer supports an end of a valve spring, the spring retainer being attached onto the valve stem.

Abstract: Disclosed is an overhead rocker cam valve operating device for an internal combustion engine and which is particularly useful for race cars or high performance automobiles. The device includes a rocker cam and connecting fixed plate, the rocker cam arm being adjustable within a slot in the fixed plate to provide for more or less power. Hence, the rocker cam arm can be positioned closest to the cam lobe to provide for performance or speed, or can be positioned farther from the cam lobe to provide for less power or economy.

Abstract: A valve spring retainer is mounted to the upper end of a poppet valve via a pair of cotters in an internal combustion engine of an automobile. The valve spring retainer has an intermediate portion and an outer flange which is engaged with the upper end of a valve spring. The lower surface has a gap between the outer flange and the intermediate portion to decrease wear which is caused by engagement with the valve spring. There is also provided a valve operating mechanism which has a valve spring retainer which has a projection on the lower surface so as to prevent wear.

Abstract: The present invention provides an engine starting method from an idling stop condition wherein a preliminary step pushes a pinion to abut with a ring gear when a vehicle operating condition is in an idling stop condition, a starting step rotates the pinion into mesh with the ring gear by a motor upon receiving an engine start signal and thereafter an engine is started, and a restoring step is carried out after engine startup where the pinion is restored to an original position thereof. Also provided, when the engine is stopped, a pinion is meshed with a ring gear. Upon engine start-up, a pinion actuator disengages the pinion from the ring gear and a cutout portion engages an engaging piece to maintain the pinion disengaged. When the engine stops, a releasing actuator disengages the cutout portion and the engaging piece and the pinion is reset.

Abstract: A recoil starter includes a rotary driving member that is adapted to be rotated by pulling a recoil rope and an interlocking rotary member that is adapted to be rotated independently of the rotary driving member. A buffering spring is coupled between the rotary driving member and the interlocking rotary member. The buffering spring, which may be a torsion coil spring or a spiral spring, applies a rotational bias between the rotary driving member and the interlocking rotary member and is adapted to transmit the rotation of the rotary driving member to the interlocking rotary member.

Abstract: A first bearing 16 rotatably supports a crank shaft 10 with respect to a crank case 6. A tubular portion 43 is formed integrally with the crank case 6. A drive shaft 20 penetrates through the tubular portion 43. A second bearing 21 is provided in the tubular portion 43. A center axis 10A of the crank shaft 10 is positioned between a vicinity of one end of the tubular portion 43 and a vicinity of the other end of the tubular portion 43 in an axial direction of the drive shaft 20. A center axis 20A of the drive shaft 20 is positioned between a vicinity of one end of the first bearing 16 and a vicinity of the other end of the first bearing 16 in an axial direction of the crank shaft 10.

Abstract: With regard to a handheld type four-cycle engine including, in a side wall of a cylinder block, an intake valve, an exhaust valve and a valve operation mechanism operable in association with a crankshaft so as to open and close the above-mentioned valves and, an oil tank is formed in one side wall of the cylinder block, and the oil tank houses the valve operation mechanism and oil mist generation means for generating an oil mist from stored oil. It is thus possible to reliably lubricate the valve operation mechanism regardless of the operational position of the engine while allowing the size and weight of the engine main body to be reduced.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a plurality of cylinders to which electromechanically actuated charge cycle valves are assigned. After interruption of the actuation of at least one charge cycle valve of one cylinder the latter is first operated with reduced load and adapted control parameters after the charge cycle valve actuation is resumed. In this way, reliable functioning of the electromechanically actuated charge cycle valves is ensured after interruption of the actuation of at least one charge cycle valve.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine installation in a motor vehicle, comprising an internal combustion engine, arranged in an engine compartment, with a radiator and a hydrocarbon-absorbent arranged behind the radiator, in the form of a disc. A heating device is heated by air, which is heated by the engine exhaust manifold. The disc is rotatable by a motor and is arranged so in relation to the heating device that a portion of the disc is exposed to the radiator when another portion is heated to evaporate absorbed hydrocarbons and regenerate the hydrocarbon absorbent. Released hydrocarbons are drawn through a conduit from the heating device to the engine intake manifold.

Abstract: An intake passage of an internal combustion engine is divided into two intake passages downstream of a throttle valve. A tumble generating valve is disposed in one of these two intake passages. When the engine is stopped, the tumble generating valve is fully closed once and then opens by a specified opening angle. While the engine is inoperative, the tumble generating valve is held at that angle until the engine is started again.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine having a catalyst arranged in the exhaust system is disclosed. In the control system, catalyst temperature rise accelerating control is executed by increasing the intake air amount immediately after starting of the engine and retarding the ignition timing to make the rotational speed of the engine coincide with a target rotational speed. The air-fuel ratio of an air-fuel mixture supplied to the engine is controlled to a lean region with respect to the stoichiometric ratio immediately after starting of the engine. The degree of making the air-fuel ratio leaner is suppressed when the retard amount of the ignition timing during the execution of the catalyst temperature rise accelerating control is less than a predetermined retard amount.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method is disclosed for controlling the timing at which fuel is to be injected. In response to engine speed and temperature, a desired timing signal is produced. The desired timing angle represents when the start of injection is to occur in order to cause combustion at substantially Top Dead Center (TDC). The timing signal additionally accounts for a predetermined ignition delay from the time that fuel is injected to the start of combustion.

Abstract: An improved fuel supply arrangement for a direct fuel injected engine. In one feature, the fuel supply arrangement comprises a high pressure fuel pump for developing high pressure in fuel, a fuel injector for directly injecting the fuel into combustion chamber of the engine and a flexible conduit for connecting the high pressure fuel pump and the fuel injector. In another feature that is for a multi-cylinder engine, the fuel supply arrangement comprises a high pressure fuel pump for developing high pressure in fuel, a plurality of fuel injectors for directly injecting the fuel into respective combustion chambers of the engine, a fuel supply rail for supplying the fuel from the high pressure fuel pump to the fuel injectors and a flexible conduit for connecting the high pressure fuel pump and the fuel supply rail.

Abstract: A required injection time tau is calculated at intervals of 60° CA, and an injection start timing is determined according to the required injection time tau at that time at intervals of 180° CA so that fuel is taken in the cylinder by a first injection end regulation value (ATDC 60° CA). After that, at the injection start timing, the fuel injection for the (latest) required injection time tau calculated just before the start of injection is started. During the fuel injection as well, the required injection time tau is calculated at intervals of 60° CA. When the calculated required injection time tau is different from the value of last time, the fuel injection time is extended or shortened according to the change amount.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device most suitably applicable as a drive source for a fuel injector is disclosed. The piezoelectric device comprises a plurality of piezoelectric layers (11) and a plurality of inner electrode layers (21, 22) stacked alternately with each other. The outer peripheral side surfaces (101, 102) are formed with a pair of outer electrode layers (31, 32) electrically turned on alternately in such a manner that the inner electrode layers (21, 22) located adjacently to each other through the piezoelectric layers (11) have different polarities. Second outer electrode layers (33, 34) configured of a conductive material having a larger breaking elongation than the first outer electrode layers (31, 32), respectively, are formed on a pair of the first outer electrode layers (31, 32).

Abstract: Evaporating fuel is quickly purged to an intake passage in response to operation of a throttle valve, and the evaporating fuel is reliably purged at a desired flow rate without being affected by an opening/closing operation of the throttle valve. A purge control valve is directly connected to the fourth side surface of the main throttle body. The purge control valve comprises a main valve body, an introducing nozzle, and a discharge nozzle installed to penetrate from a bottom surface of the main valve body to a fourth side surface of a main throttle body. The discharge nozzle communicates with a communicating passage which is formed in an axial direction of an intake passage in the main throttle body. The communicating passage communicates with a purge passage which is formed to have a circular arc-shaped cross section having a substantially constant width along an outer circumference of the intake passage so that an outlet surface may be cut out.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system in an engine system includes an intake passage, an exhaust passage, an EGR passage, a connecting passage and an exhaust gas regulating valve. The exhaust passage is provided with a catalyst and a muffler. The EGR passage is provided with a heat exchanger and an EGR valve. The connecting passage fluidly connects the exhaust passage and the EGR passage. The exhaust gas regulating valve is mounted at a merging portion defined between the exhaust passage and the connecting passage. Based on the opening degree of the exhaust gas regulating valve, the exhaust gas flow is adjustably regulated into recirculating flow into the EGR passage or flow through the exhaust passage. Based on the opening degree of the EGR valve, the recirculated exhaust gas in the EGR passage is adjustably regulated into recirculating flow into the intake passage or flow into the connecting passage after passing through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A malfunction-detecting-device for an EGR stepping motor is provided wherein a circuit structure is furthermore simple and also more detailed malfunction information can be obtained by detecting the malfunction of the stepping motor during initialization drive of the stepping motor when an engine is just started. In order to determine that excitation coils of the EGR stepping motor have wire breaks, a driving-signal monitoring circuit is provide for monitoring a voltage surge as a monitoring signal generated by turning off a switching element for driving each of the excitation coils so as to cause self induction in the excitation coil. Malfunction detecting means of the EGR stepping motor is also provided for counting the number of monitoring inputs to the driving-signal monitoring circuit during initialization driving of the EGR stepping motor so as to determine the presence of wire breaks in the excitation coils when the number counted is less than the number of times the coils are driven.

Abstract: A power supply motor brushes 25 for a current carrying device is arranged in a sensor power supplying unit 21 with a sensor. This allows connecting terminals 5 of the sensor power supplying unit 1 and receiving connectors 7 of a DC motor unit 6, which are arranged in proximity to motor brushes 9 of the DC motor unit 6 and which are connected to the connecting terminals 5, to be dispensed with. These components are required in a conventional device in order to supply a current from a power supply terminal 2 to the motor brushes 9.

Abstract: In a method for performing a functional diagnosis on a ventilation system of a crankcase of an internal combustion engine, a pulse valve is situated in a vent line. The pulse valve is controlled as a function of the pressure in the crankcase, the pressure being determined by a pressure sensor. In response to a high pressure, the pulse valve is opened to allow the vapors to be discharged via an intake pipe. In this context, the pulse valve is controlled as a function of operating requirements, exhaust gas requirements, and/or load conditions. Based on the pressure characteristic, it can be detected, for example, whether the oil level is sufficient, whether there is a leak in the closed ventilation system, or whether the internal combustion engine exhibits increased wear. As a result of an optimized operating method, blowby gases can be reduced, as well as emissions, and friction losses in the crankcase.

Abstract: An outboard motor is mounted with a multiple-cylinder engine having cylinders to which intake air is distributed through the intake manifold unit of an intake unit, respectively. The intake manifold unit comprises an intake manifold body formed of a synthetic resin, an idling air control (IAC) valve for regulating a quantity of intake air into the intake manifold unit in an idling operation state, a valve holder to which the IAC valve is operatively connected in a floating manner, and an elastic member through which the IAC valve is mounted to the valve holder. The IAC valve, the elastic member and the valve holder are coupled integrally with each other and mounted to the intake manifold body in the floating state.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine is designed so that it can be inexpensively produced in a manner advantageous from a standpoint of production engineering. The ignition system includes a shaft in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and a coil rod, which can be inserted over a portion of its longitudinal extension into the shaft. The coil rod forms an open magnetic circuit which is controlled by a tubular, longitudinally slit return plate. This return plate is set apart from the coil rod, in the shaft of the cylinder head. The ignition system is intended to be used in the automobile industry.

Abstract: A multilumen filter device has a housing with first and second filter chambers, each chamber in fluid communication with a separate distal and proximal fluid path. The filter device may be used to provide respiratory gases to and receive expiratory gases from a patient connected to a unilimb respiratory circuit. The filter device may also serve as a connector for respiratory circuit components, and have fasteners or blocking devices at either or both of its distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively positioning intraoral anatomic features of a human patient to enhance upper airway stability for use alone or in combination with positive airway pressure as therapeutic treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and other conditions, such as snoring, which are symptomatic of upper airway instability.

Abstract: Cigarettes are formed into groups by a device comprising a hopper through which to direct a flow of cigarettes, a conveyor with pockets moving intermittently past a discharge outlet of the hopper, and a reciprocating pusher located on the side of the hopper opposite from the conveyor by which a portion of the flow corresponding to one group is directed with each forward stroke into a respective pocket. To avoid damage of the kind often associated with sliding contact and axial compression, the cigarettes adjacent to those ejected by the pusher are restrained when their cylindrical surfaces are attracted by suction generated through ports located inside the hopper.

Abstract: An aerosol apparatus for applying health or beauty products to selected portions of a person's body. The apparatus is suitable for general use but provides major benefits to physically disadvantaged persons, such as elderly, arthritic, amputee, paralytic and bedridden persons who are unable to care for their hygienic, health and grooming needs. The apparatus is suitable for use in residences, hospitals, nursing homes, at the beach and while traveling. The apparatus is comprised of a replaceable aerosol cartridge, a slender elongated tubular member having an inlet portion operatively connected to the cartridge, and an applicator attached to an outlet portion of the tubular member. The applicator can be rotatable about three mutually perpendicular axes for applying health and beauty products to difficult to reach body areas. The elongated tube may be extensible to provide further utility.

Abstract: An applicator includes an application element configured to apply a product to eyelashes and/or eyebrows. The application element includes a support, and at least one row of teeth extending from the support. At least one of the teeth includes a base having an oblong cross-section. The oblong cross-section may be angularly positioned in a direction forming a non-zero acute angle with the axis of the row and/or a non-zero acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the support. An applicator system includes the applicator in combination with a receptacle for containing the product. Also provided is a cosmetic application method using the applicator.

Abstract: An ornamental element is applied to a lock of hair of the user which engages with the lock of hair and one or more chains (1) hang from this device to confer a pleasant aesthetic effect to the hair of the user.

Abstract: A method that involves spraying a liquid agitated with a sonic wave at a megasonic frequency onto a substrate from a nozzle positioned over the substrate. Simultaneously, the substrate is spun above 300 RPM while the nozzle is swept over the substrate. The substrate may be brushed in a brush station before agitating the liquid with the sonic wave. An apparatus having an arm in fluid communication with a nozzle that has an angular position &thgr; greater than 0°. Also, there is a substrate spinner positioned below the nozzle.

Abstract: A method of cleaning tubing in an operating heater, in which the tubing has an inlet and an outlet. While the heater is in operation, a hollow, metallic and/or tubular mesh pig is run through the tubing from the inlet to the outlet. Cleaning should be done before contaminant has hardened. An improved pipe pig, preferably hollow, metallic and/or made from tubular mesh, has scraping edges made from longitudinal edges of a wire. The tubular mesh may be a knit, weave or may be knotted. The pig is preferably radially expandable up to twice its fully compressed radius, and may have an expander to force it radially outward. The pipe pig is preferably made of a resilient wire having a polygonal cross-section.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning containers has inside and outside arrays of nozzles arranged to spray a cleaning solution onto containers supported on a spinning rotor. Used cleaning solution is diverted to a reclaim tank for reuse, thereby allowing low-cost cleaning with concentrated chemicals, and with the creation of less liquid waste requiring disposal. In a method for removing contaminants from flat media or silicon wafer containers or carriers, a mixture of surfactant and de-ionized water is sprayed onto containers on a spinning rotor. The used cleaning solution is collected, filtered and reused.

Abstract: Biofilm and debris can be removed from the interior and exterior surfaces of small bore tubing by passing an aqueous cleaning solution of water, one or more surfactants and preferably a source of hydrogen peroxide, optionally including small inert solid particles, together with a gas under pressure, to create a turbulent flow within the tubing that loosens the biofilm and debris so that they can be flushed from the tubing. When the exterior surfaces of tubing are to be cleaned, the tubing is inserted in a sleeve fitted with an adaptor that provides a pressure-tight seal between the tubing and the sleeve.

Abstract: A wash tank has a conveyor belt traversing through a sterilizing wash bath. Fruit is loaded into the wash tank by way of an inclined ramp having a swinging barrier at the end thereof. The conveyor belt has rows of chevron shaped fingers extending generally transversely therefrom. The fingers extend through slots in the ramp to push the fruit through the swinging barrier and into a cage. The conveyor belt and fingers pass through the cage, which cage has a top and sides. The conveyor fingers push the fruit through the cage and the wash bath. The fruit, which tends to float, is kept wholly submerged in the wash bath by the cage. This ensures that the entire skin of the fruit is washed and sterilized. A grate along the sides of the conveyor captures large debris. Hold down plates guide the upper portion of the conveyor belt from a descending portion to a horizontal portion and then to an ascending portion relative to the water bath. There is also a second conveyor located at the outfeed end of the wash tank.

Abstract: A method for treating substrates in a container containing a treatment fluid includes the step of inserting the substrates into the empty container and introducing a first treatment fluid at the bottom of the container to fill the container. The first treatment fluid is displaced by introducing a second treatment fluid at the bottom of the container, wherein the first treatment fluid flows out of the container across the upper edge of the container.

Abstract: The invention provides for an anti-drip feature for the common contact lens cleaning cup so as to avoid spillage of cleaning solution by providing an overflow container which attaches to the lens cleaning cup to catch spillage.

Abstract: There are provided a wafer cleaning device which prevents the contamination of wafers and which can effectively clean the wafers and a tray for use in the wafer cleaning device.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a paint roller cover with a cleaning liquid emanating from a liquid pressure supply line. The cleaning device includes a generally elongated casing for receiving the paint roller cover. The casing is provided with a casing slot extending through the casing peripheral. A roller cover support assembly is mounted within the casing for rotatably supporting the paint roller. A liquid discharge assembly is attached to the casing for discharging the cleaning liquid into the casing along a path lying on a chord either of the paint roller cover of a turbine component mounted on a spindle shaft. pport structure is attached to the casing for supporting the latter on a supporting surface in a generally horizontal orientation.

Abstract: In a solar battery module of the present invention, a transparent material is provided on the side opposite the light incident side of a solar cell portion formed on a transparent substrate. The solar battery module further includes a printed matter having a prescribed pattern between the solar cell portion and the transparent material. Thus, by integrating a printed matter having for example an illustration, picture, or character in the solar module, the printed matter can be visually recognized from the back or front side, whereby an appearance of the module can be improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device that is designed as a solar powered integrated circuit. This solar powered integrated circuit contains a display, a solar cell and a non-volatile memory unit. The display displays a set of information stored in this non-volatile memory and is powered by the solar cell. This device can also contain an additional memory unit that can be in-circuit programmable. This device could also be powered by an additional power supply that powers the memory unit and the display when the solar cell does not produce enough energy to power the memory unit and the display. There is also a power control circuit that determines whether to use the solar cell or the additional power source based upon the level of the power output of the solar cell.

Abstract: An apparatus stably supplying chemical to a treatment apparatus to resolve problems in semiconductor manufacturing process. The apparatus for supplying chemical according to the present invention handles chemical produced by one of methods of diluting a solution and mixing a plurality of solutions to a treatment apparatus and comprises: a plurality of means for storing the chemical; a main pipe for connecting respective chemical storing means and the treatment apparatus; means for supplying the chemical from respective chemical storing means to the treatment apparatus through the main pipe; a first circulation pipe for returning the chemical discharged from respective chemical storing means to the chemical storing means from which the chemical is discharged; and a second circulation pipe for returning the chemical which is transported immediately before the treatment apparatus by the chemical supplying means through the main pipe to the chemical storing means from which the chemical is discharged.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel cutoff valve that reduces the emission of fuel vapors from within fuel tanks. The fuel cutoff valve is mounted by partial insertion into a fixation hole provided in an upper tank wall of a fuel tank. The fuel cutoff valve comprises a cover, a casing, a float, and a spring. In the cover, a matrix of polyacetal having excellent resistance to fuel permeation reduces emission of fuel vapors into the atmosphere, while a dispersed phase of polyethylene in the matrix allows welding to fuel tank.

Abstract: Traps particularly intended for carrying condensate from air conditioner drip trays towards a drainage system are constructed from a single turn of a flexible thermoplastic pipe; each unit being preformed when in a heat-softened state into a shape of a one-turn coil resembling the twist in a pig's tail, or the Greek “alpha” (&agr;) symbol. Traps are made of a transparent flexible durable thermoplastics material, such as polyvinyl chloride, and internal contents may be inspected through the trap wall. Being flexible, the traps can reliably connect mis-aligned conduits. Being flexible, the traps can serve as reliable connectors between conduits where relative movement is a problem such as where vibration or earthquakes occur.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary valve assembly for a pressure swing adsorption system. The rotary valve assembly includes a first valve member and a second valve member relatively rotatable about a common center of rotation to provide valving action for selectively transferring fluids therethrough. The second valve member has a first fluid section with at least one aperture adapted for transferring a first fluid of a first pressure and composition therethrough and a second fluid section with at least one aperture adapted for transferring a second fluid of a second pressure and composition therethrough. The first valve member has a first fluid section with at least one passage for transferring the first fluid in the valve assembly and a second fluid section with at least one passage for transferring the second fluid in the valve assembly.

Abstract: A pressure flow stop which can be used for temporarily blocking flow of water from a main water supply line to a residence or business in order to facilitate replacement of a damaged, defective or deteriorated water shutoff valve, or “curbstop”, at the residence or business. The pressure flow stop may include an elongated shaft housing which is removably attached to the damaged, defective or deteriorated water shutoff valve after the water shutoff valve is closed and the water meter is removed from the water shutoff valve, respectively. An elongated inflation shaft, terminated by an inflatable balloon, is slidably disposed in the shaft housing, and the water shutoff valve is opened to facilitate extension of the balloon end of the inflation shaft from the shaft housing, through the water shutoff valve and into the water source pipe leading from the main water line.

Abstract: An opening/closing valve comprises a valve body having a first port and a second port for allowing a pressure fluid to flow therethrough, a valve disk for opening/closing a communicating passage between the first port and the second port in accordance with a displacement action of a piston rod, first to third heaters provided on an outer wall surface of the valve body, for heating the valve body, and thermistors for controlling the heating temperatures of the first to third heaters.

Abstract: The fuel supplying apparatus includes a reservoir to be inserted from an opening portion provided in an upper portion of a fuel tank, a tank cover for closing the opening portion of the fuel tank, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the reservoir and the fuel tank with each other so as to be mutually displaceable. The coupling mechanism includes a pivot for rotatably supporting the reservoir and a supporting member for supporting the pivot so that the pivot can be movable in an upper and lower direction of the fuel tank relative to the tank cover.

Abstract: A valve means which comprises a control chamber in a valve housing and into which several fluid duct open. In the control chamber there is at least one pivoting control rocker member serving for the control of at least one of the fluid duct openings and able to be moved between two terminal positions, one pivotal position of such control rocker member being influenced by an electrically activated flexible element. The flexible element may act within the control chamber on an actuating part of the control rocker member. The latter is biased by spring means into a first terminal position, the flexible element engaging the actuating portion of the control rocker member in the electrically non-excited state mechanically free of stress and without any spring bias.

Abstract: A diverter for selectively providing fluid communication between ports to a common chamber is disclosed. The diverter includes a resilient deformable common chamber having a plurality of ports. Upon deforming the common chamber along a given line, fluid communication between selected ports is precluded, which flow preclusion is used to effectively reverse a flow direction in a circuit connected to the diverter.