Abstract: In a cooling fan drive system for a travel type working machine, the rotational speed of a cooling fan is controlled to the optimum rotational speed in accordance with temperature increase of the temperature of an engine cooling water, and the engine rotational speed is smoothly increased when the engine rotational speed is increased under travel acceleration. A fourth fan target rotational speed calculator 35e and a minimum value selector 35f are provided, and under non-operation, the fan target rotational speed is set to a low rotational speed irrespective of the temperature. When an acceleration pedal 12 is depressed to increase the rotational speed of the engine under travel acceleration, the increase of the drive pressure of a hydraulic motor 23 due to increase of the rotation of the cooling fan 9 is suppressed, and the load on the engine 1 is reduced.

Abstract: A crankcase ventilation system for an internal combustion engine has a jet pump suctioning scavenged separated oil from the oil outlet of an air/oil separator and pumping same to the crankcase.

Abstract: A breather chamber is integrally provided on the lateral side of a 4-cycle engine which is configured to be mounted on a front part of a vehicle body of a snow vehicle.

Abstract: Exhaust ports (8 and 9) of paired middle cylinders (#2 and #3) in which respective power strokes take place with one intervening power stroke therebetween are joined together in a cylinder head (1) to form a joint exhaust port (11). Exhaust ports (7 and 10) of paired end cylinders (#1 and #4) in which respective power strokes take place with one intervening power stroke therebetween extend from the respective cylinders (#1 and #4) toward the joint exhaust port (11). Then, on the respective sides of the joint exhaust port (11), the exhaust ports (7 and 10) extend along the joint exhaust port (11) to a side wall face (5) of the cylinder head (1) while the exhaust ports (7 and 10) and the joint exhaust port (11) are separated from each other by respective thin walls (12 and 13).

Abstract: At the time of reference position learning for ensuring accuracy in detecting a valve timing, an operation amount of an actuator is set such that intake valve phase changes to a position of most retarded angle as a reference phase. When the intake valve phase reaches the most retarded angle and the change in the intake valve phase stops (YES at S150), it is determined that the intake valve phase has reached the reference phase and the learning is terminated normally. If the learning operation does not end normally even after the time lapse from the start of learning exceeds a limit time Tlmt, the reference position learning is terminated forcibly (YES at S170), and power supply to the actuator is stopped. Thus, power consumption can be reduced and the apparatus can be protected at the time of reference position learning.

Abstract: The rotary motion of a camshaft is transmitted from a first drive cam to a slide surface of a swing cam arm via intermediate members so that the swing cam arm lifts a valve. In this instance, the operating characteristic of the valve changes when the rotation position of a control shaft changes to change the positions of the intermediate members on the slide surface. When the operating characteristic control mode for the valve is to be changed from variable control to fixed control, coupling means couples the swing cam arm and input arm, thereby causing a second drive cam to swing the swing cam arm. The setting for the lift amount of the valve that is obtained when the second drive cam swings the swing cam arm is not smaller than a maximum lift amount setting for a situation where the first drive cam swings the swing cam arm.

Abstract: A variable valve lift apparatus includes an end lever; a variable lift body connected to the end lever, and rotatable around the end lever, a valve mounted on the variable lift body; and a low lift cam operable to open and close the valve. The variable lift body includes a high lift body, and a low lift body rotatable around the high lift body. A low lift connecting portion selectively connects the low lift body and the high lift body.

Abstract: A variable valve timing control apparatus includes: a relative rotational phase adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting a relative rotational phase between a drive-side rotational member and a driven-side rotational member between the most advanced angle phase and the most retarded angle phase; and a lock mechanism capable of locking the relative rotational phase at an intermediate phase between the most advanced angle phase and the most retarded angle phase; a first pump operated by a driving force of an engine; and an electrically driven second pump operated as an electrically driven pump. Hydraulic fluid is supplied from at least one of the first pump and the second pump, and the second pump is capable of operating even if the first pump is inoperative when the engine is not running.

Abstract: An ignition cell for incorporation into a cylinder head containing a piston. A body is affixed to an upper end location of the cylinder head and includes an ignition source end for communicating a heat supply to the body. An interior defined pre-ignition chamber is configured both for admitting atomized fuel and expelling non-volatile fuel during a compression cycle associated with the cylinder head. The heat source is communicated to the pre-ignition chamber and causes combustion of the atomized fuels within the pre-ignition chamber at a point in time ranging from between 20% of a top dead center position associated with a compression stroke and an absolute top dead center position of the cylinder head relative to the cylinder. A plurality of ports are defined in an end of the body, opposite the ignition source, for communicating the combusted fuels as a plurality of flame outlets with a remaining volume of atomized fuel, within the combustion chamber during a power outlet stroke.

Abstract: A pre-chamber for use with a spark plug or glow plug, the chamber being secured at an upper end attachable unit associated with an internal combustion cylinder. The pre-chamber is designed to promote faster ionization resulting in more efficient spark to flame ignition (due to voltage buildup being delayed until a generated spark jumps the gap), or beat to flame ignition (due to the introduction temperature of the injected plasma) and, in each instance, results in faster propagation of flame within the compressed cylinder, thereby achieving more efficient and consistent (cycle to cycle) output in combination with lower exhaust temperatures. A plurality of outlet ports are defined, such as perimeter/radially extending fashion, in an outlet end of the pre chamber body and communicate the combusted fuels as a plurality of flame outlets with a remaining volume of atomized fuel within the combustion chamber during a power outlet stroke.

Abstract: An air intake system of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine has a first collecting chamber and a second collecting chamber. An inflow line supplies intake air to the first collecting chamber. First regions of a plurality of ram pipes are connected to the first collecting chamber and guided through the second collecting chamber and opening out into second regions of the ram pipes. The second regions are arranged outside of and connected to the second collecting chamber. The first regions of the ram pipes are arranged within the second collecting chamber and have adjustable sections. When the adjustable sections of the intake pipes are in one position, intake air is sucked in directly through the first and second regions of the ram pipes. When they are in a second position, intake air is sucked into the second collecting chamber and from the latter into the second regions of the ram pipes. An overflow chamber device connects the first collecting chamber and the second collecting chamber to one another.

Abstract: An intake air noise adjuster includes: a communicating conduit including: a first end communicating to an intake air passage to an engine, and a second end communicating to an external air; an elastic body configured to block the communicating conduit; and a flow channel area changer configured to change a flow channel area of the communicating conduit based on a change of an intake air negative pressure caused in the intake air passage.

Abstract: A combustion chamber system, for use in connection with internal combustion powered fastener-driving tools, comprises a dual-level combustion chamber comprising first and second pre-combustion and main combustion chambers, and a dual-level rotary valve mechanism which is operatively connected to the dual-level combustion chamber so as to control the intake of the air/fuel mixture as well as the scavenging or purging of the exhaust gases or combustion products. The first and second pre-combustion and main combustion chambers are also separated by a plate having a plurality of apertures defined therein whereby multiple jets or flame fronts are defined throughout the combustion chamber system.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine has annular cooling passage arranged in the vicinity of the piston crown and radially on the outside, which, in those regions of the pin bosses which lie close to the boss holes, has boss cooling passages which are connected to the cooling passage and are intended for improved cooling of the pin bosses.

Abstract: A combustion chamber structure for a direct injection diesel engine is provided which can increase recirculated amount of exhaust gas while avoiding generation of black smoke and deterioration of fuel efficiency as much as possible. Disclosed is a combustion chamber structure for a direct injection diesel engine having a cavity 10 on a top surface of a piston 9. The cavity is concave to provide a majority of the combustion chamber. Fuel is injected from a center of a cylinder top radially into an inner periphery of the cavity 10 to self-ignite. A depression 24 is formed at an outer periphery of the cavity 10 and is sunken relative to the top surface of the piston 9 to provide a step. The depression 24 has a bottom with an outer periphery gradually rising radially outwardly in modestly curved surface to the top surface of the piston 9.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing and supplying a fluid for use by a motorcycle engine includes a fluid tank assembly that can be mounted so that at least a portion of it is integral with a motorcycle frame. The assembly includes a center block that is mounted within a cavity in the motorcycle frame and two fluid reservoir housings, each mounted on opposite sides of the frame exterior and adjacent to the center block. The center block includes a hole of sufficient diameter that reservoir chambers, defined by the two reservoir housings, are in a free-flowing, fluid communication with one another via the center block hole. Moreover, the center block is a structural element thereby providing strength to the motorcycle frame.

Abstract: A combustion engine comprising a mainly cylindrical housing (5) provided with means for supplying an air-fuel mixture to a number of combustion chambers (3), provided on the outside of said housing, with a shaft (2) rotating in said housing and means (9) for exhausting flue-gas. Inside said housing (5) said shaft (2) is provided with a number of vanes (1) being fixed to said shaft and extending along said shaft and in radial direction of it, each of said vanes along an edge end of it and near the wall (7) of said housing (5), being provided with an edge element (6) extending from said edge end and along the wall (7) of said housing (5), said element ending at a distance from the adjacent vane (1). Said combustion chambers (3) is provided with an inlet valve (10) for controlling the supply of air-fuel mixture and of ignition means (11) for said mixture and of a discharge channel (12) for flue-gas extending through the wall (7) of said housing (5) and debouching into the interior of said housing.

Abstract: The invention is a process of components from existing technologies connected together in a manner that provides an alternative means of providing power to an internal combustion without the utilization of fossil or nuclear fuels as the primary means of power thus reducing or eliminating the adverse effects of the combustion process on the ecology and environment.

Abstract: A method for operating a multi-stroke homogeneous charge compression ignition engine having a plurality of cylinders using electronic valve actuation is described. The method includes actuating at least one intake valve of a cylinder with a late intake valve opening (LIVO); receiving an air and fuel charge in the cylinder; opening the at least one intake valve during a compression stroke of a piston in the cylinder to cycle the air and fuel charge into an intake manifold to mix the air and fuel charge; opening the at least one intake valve to receive at least some of the mixed air and fuel charge from the intake manifold during an intake stroke; and compressing the mixed air and fuel charge to auto-ignition to generate HCCI combustion without applying spark ignition to the mixed air and fuel charge.

Abstract: Improvement of combustion stability in retard ignition at the time of starting in a cold state, high output in a full throttle condition, reduction of smoke, and prevention of wear of the cylinder liner caused by oil dilution, are to be attained. In connection with the flow of fuel into each hole and a fuel inflow angle which is determined by the axis of each hole formed in a plate, the fuel inflow angle of an hole directed to a spark plug is set large to reduce an effective flow path area, thereby making the amount of fuel in the hole smaller than in other holes. A shallow cavity is formed in a piston crown face and a small prominence confronting fuel sprays is formed within the cavity.

Abstract: With regard to a direct injection diesel engine comprising a piston 11, which has an upper recess constituting a cavity 21, and a fuel injection nozzle 12 injecting fuel into the cavity 12 of the piston, nozzle holes 32, which have at least a plurality of intersecting points between an axis of the fuel injection nozzle 12 and opening direction of the nozzle holes 32, are regarded as a pair, and a plurality of the pairs of the nozzle holes are provided in the fuel injection nozzle 12. An opening of a combustion chamber of the piston 11 is a polygon which has five or more corners. Accordingly, with regard to the diesel engine, engine output is improved, and noise and hydrocarbon in discharged gas are reduced.

Abstract: A combustion state of each cylinder is determined during a compression stroke injection mode (stratified combustion mode) or an intake-compression stroke divided injection mode (weak stratified combustion mode). When a combustion deterioration is detected, a combustion improvement control is performed in order to improve the combustion state. During the combustion improvement control, the fuel injection which is supposed to be performed in one compression stroke is divided into a plurality of injections. Alternatively, a total spark period is prolonged in a retard direction, a fuel injection timing is corrected to be advanced, or a fuel pressure is reduced.

Abstract: A method for detecting failures in a fuel system of a motor vehicle including monitoring a feed-forward table of a fuel pump controller that is electrically connected to a fuel pump of the fuel system. The fuel pump controller is electrically connected to a rail pressure sensor, which is coupled to the fuel injector rail. The actual fuel injector rail pressure measured by the rail pressure sensor is compared to a desired fuel injector rail pressure associated with the feed-forward table. The feed-forward table is adjusted if the actual fuel injector rail pressure is less than the desired fuel injector rail pressure. A fuel system error is signaled if an adjusted feed-forward table differs from an initial feed-forward table. A fuel system failure is signaled of the adjusted feed-forward table requires a saturation voltage of the controller.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling at least one fuel delivery characteristic during a combustion event within an engine. The system includes an accumulator having a variable volume, where the accumulator is configured to hold fuel at a variable pressure based on the variable volume. The system further includes a combustion chamber coupled to the accumulator. The variable volume is varied during the combustion event such that at least one fuel delivery characteristic of the fuel delivered from the accumulator into the combustion chamber is varied during the combustion event. A method and computer readable media are also provided for controlling at least one fuel delivery characteristic during a combustion event within an engine.

Abstract: An injection system for an internal combustion engine has at least one injector (18) which is coupled hydraulically to a fuel accumulator (16), a prefeed pump (12) for feeding fuel from a fuel tank (10), a high pressure pump (14) which is arranged downstream behind the prefeed pump (12) for feeding the fuel into the fuel accumulator (16), and a line (42) which branches off downstream of the prefeed pump (12) and upstream of the high pressure pump (14) and is coupled hydraulically to an exhaust section injector (47), by way of which fuel can be injected into an exhaust section of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: To provide a fuel injection system that can efficiently supply high pressure fuel with respect to fuel injectors of an internal combustion engine, whose pump is capable of being made versatile, and which has excellent maintainability such as service, replacement and detachment.

Abstract: A system for mounting an internal fuel manifold within a gas generator case of a gas turbine engine includes at least one fastener support assembly having a fastener pin and at least one receiving element, respectively engaged to either the internal fuel manifold or the gas generator case. A biasing member is located between the fastener pin and the receiving element to axially preload the joint between the fastener pin and the receiving element, such as to constrain relative movement between the two parts in an axial direction while allowing relative movement in a radial direction.

Abstract: The fuel injection control apparatus includes a function of making a determination of whether learning conditions are satisfied to allow a fuel injection amount learning to be performed, a function of directing a commanded fuel injection amount in the fuel injection amount learning to a fuel injection valve if result of the determination is affirmative, a function of setting an upper limit value of an injection pressure in the fuel injection amount learning, a function of setting a target injection pressure in the fuel injection amount learning, a function of setting the injection pressure to the target injection pressure, a function of detecting an actual fuel injection amount, and a function of correcting an amount of fuel injected by the fuel injection valve on the basis of a difference between the commanded fuel injection amount and the actual fuel injection amount at the target injection pressure.

Abstract: A method for determining fuel volatility and consequently performing cold starting of an internal combustion engine; in the event of cold starting, the method provides for the determination of an enrichment percentage as a function of a stored value for fuel volatility; the determination of a predicted value for starting quality before performing starting; the starting of the engine using the previously determined enrichment percentage; the determination of a measured value for starting quality; the determination of a correction value of the stored value for fuel volatility as a function of the comparison between the measured value for starting quality and the predicted value for starting quality; and the updating of the stored value for fuel volatility by applying the correction value to said stored value, so consequently modifying the amount of enrichment in force.

Abstract: A fuel supply device includes a subtank in a fuel tank, a fuel pump in the subtank having a first pump unit suctioning fuel in the subtank to supply fuel to an external equipment and a second pump unit suctioning fuel outside the subtank to pump fuel into the subtank, and a filter connected to a first suction port of the first unit and a second suction port of the second unit and filtering supply fuel supplied to the equipment and pump fuel pumped into the subtank. The filter includes a case, a first filter, and a second filter. The first filter in a first passage of the case directing fuel in the subtank into the first port filters the supply fuel. The second filter in a second passage of the case directing fuel outside the subtank into the second port filters the pump fuel.

Abstract: A reservoir-less fuel delivery module (10) for a fuel tank of a vehicle includes a flange (26) constructed and arranged to be mounted to an opening in a fuel tank of a vehicle. The module includes a pump and filter structure (20) having a fuel pump (14) and a fuel filter (24) surrounding at least a portion of the fuel pump for filtering fuel exiting the fuel pump. The module includes a mounting member (30) to which the pump and filter structure is mounted. Clip structure (34) couples the mounting member to the flange so that the pump is decoupled from the flange.

Abstract: A fuel delivery module (10) for a fuel tank of a vehicle includes a mounting flange (37) constructed and arranged to be mounted to an opening in a fuel tank of a vehicle. A pump and filter structure (20) is provided and includes a fuel pump (14) having an inlet and an outlet, and a fuel filter (22) surrounding at least a portion of the fuel pump for filtering fuel exiting the outlet of the pump. A crimp connection (27) couples the pump and filter structure to the flange. An electrical connector (34) is provided through the flange and is constructed and arranged so as not to be exposed to fluid pressure of the module. The electrical connector is electrically connected to the fuel pump. A fuel regulator (28) is coupled to the pump and filter structure.

Abstract: A filtration device for filtering air for use with a fuel vapor recovery system. According to one aspect, the device includes a housing defining a chamber having a rotational axis an upper end and a lower end, a cap closes the housing and includes at least one generally helical passageway helically extending generally toward the lower end of the chamber and includes at least one air inlet. According to another aspect, the device includes a non-circular filter element disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet.

Abstract: A fuel vapor control device include a fuel tank for storing fuel, a canister for adsorbing fuel vapor produced in the fuel tank, and an evaporation path communicating between the fuel tank and the canister. The tank has a resiliently deformable wall portion that can resiliently deform in response to an amount of the fuel vapor in the fuel tank, so that volume of the fuel tank can be varied. A pressure regulating valve can perform a relief function for opening the evaporation path during the expansion of volume of the fuel tank to a set volume. The pressure regulating valve closes the evaporation path if pressure inside the fuel tank is lower than the set value. On the other hand, the pressure regulating valve opens the evaporation path if the pressure inside the fuel tank is equal to or higher than the set value.

Abstract: The invention deals with a method for the operation of an internal combustion engine with at least two cylinders, which can be operated with a fuel of variable quality stored in a tank and/or with fuel blends stored in the tank from a first and at least a second fuel in variable mixing ratios, and wherein variable fuel qualities and/or fuel blends of different compositions require variable air/fuel ratios for the achievement of a stable combustion and/or have a variable vaporization behavior.

Abstract: The invention refers to a supercharging system for an internal combustion engine incorporating in combination, a turbine, a compressor and an electrical driven system that is connected by any power transmission system to the crankshaft or any other vehicle drive shaft of an internal combustion engine and which are arranged along a common axis, where the turbine inlet is subjected to exhaust gases, causing the turbine wheel to rotate and thereby via the drive shaft causing mechanical rotating power.

Abstract: An average pressure P12 in an exhaust port at an overlap period T12 during which a period T1 during which an exhaust valve of a first cylinder unit is in an EGR opening state overlaps with a period T2 during which an intake valve of the first cylinder unit is in an opening state is set to be lower than an average pressure P12? in the exhaust port within the EGR opening period T1 and after a lapse of the overlap period T12, or an overlapped opening time area S2 at the overlap period T12 is set to be not more than one-fourth of an opening time area S1 at the EGR opening period T1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine, in which the exhaust gas generated by the internal combustion engine is returned to the internal combustion engine by means of an exhaust gas recirculation device having at least two cooling devices which are each associated with a bypass, the exhaust gas being cooled in the exhaust gas recirculation device as a function of the load state of the internal combustion engine. The operation of the internal combustion engine is divided into at least four load states, and as a function of the instantaneous load state the exhaust gas is returned to the internal combustion engine via a flow path in the exhaust gas recirculation device specifically assigned to this load state. The invention further relates to an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas recirculation device.

Abstract: A device for throwing an object is provide which includes a body having a first and second end, where the second end is connected to a pivot mechanism; and a swingable arm rotatable between a first position and a second position. The swingable arm has a first end connected to the pivot mechanism and a second end connected to an object holder. The pivot mechanism includes a pivot housing including at least one outwardly extending protrusion to stop rotation; and a base unit rotatably engaged with the pivot housing and capable of rotating the swingable arm relative to the base unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding ball-like ammunition, so-called paint balls, into the projectile chamber of a sporting arm. The magazine is arranged separately from the arm and is connected to same by a feeder tube. A feeder driven by a motor feeds the balls from the ball container into the feeder tube. Traction from the motor is transmitted via a connection or clutch which can consist of a flexible member and a transmission element. Protrusions are arranged on both the flexible member and the transmission element, which come to bear on each other for transmitting traction. The protrusions are at least partially flexible, so that the transmitted force is limited. This way, explosion of the balls from excessive pressure is prevented. In addition, the feeder is detachably connected to the drive element by means of a bayonet-like connection to facilitate the cleaning of the ball container.

Abstract: A paintball marker with a barrel that is coupled to a receiver. The marker may include a grip assembly in which an electronic circuit is disposed. The electronic circuit is configured to actuate launching of a projectile responsive to the trigger moving to the firing position.

Abstract: A food ingredient holding accessory is disclosed that is attachable to a commercial griddle and able to contain butter, sauces, spices, etc, in a location that is readily accessible to a grill cook, does not taking up space on the cooking surface, avoids cooking splatter, and avoids heat damage to the food ingredients. One aspect of the invention is attachable to a staging feature on top of a barrier that runs along the backsplash of the griddle, while Another aspect is directly attachable to the backsplash or to a side splash of the griddle. In preferred embodiments, the accessory is made from stainless steel, comprises a plurality of holding compartments for holding food ingredients, ranges in height from 8? to 17? above the cooking surface, and/or includes a removable tray insert that can allow a holding compartment to be used as a double boiler.

Abstract: A solid fuel, portable stove reduces smoke emissions and provides for a high temperature of combustion in a compact and easily manufacturable design. A main housing (11) comprises a combustion chamber (12) for containing fuel for combustion and a fan (50) configured to force air into the combustion chamber. A rechargeable electrical power source (40) is used for driving the fan (50) and a thermoelectric (31) provides power to the fan and to the rechargeable power source. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric element also provides excess output power to a connected device (D) such as a low voltage white light emitting diode, thereby providing a self illuminating, rechargeable stove which is suitable for sunset or early evening cooking.

Abstract: An oven for processing food comprising a housing assembly defining a vent opening. The vent opening allows at least a portion of fluid within the food heating chamber to flow out of an exhaust port.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a commercial grill to increase safety, efficiency, and organization. The apparatus includes a barrier extending upwardly from the cooking surface, and extending along the backsplash of the grill, the barrier having an accessory staging feature along a topmost portion, the topmost portion being at least eight inches above the cooking surface. The accessory staging feature can support one or more accessories. The invention may thereby increase usable grill surface area. The apparatus can also include an attachment assembly for attaching the barrier to a standard backsplash, or the barrier can be an integral extension of the backsplash. The invention substantially reduces the likelihood of ventilation/exhaust well fires. The invention makes cleaning the factory backsplash much easier, because the backsplash is substantially protected from splatter by the invention. The invention substantially protects the stainless steel or tile kitchen back wall from splatter, smoke, grease, and soot.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature control pouch pack including: a first pack which is filled with a predetermined reaction fluid and a reaction material that react with each other to cause a certain reaction while isolating one of the reaction fluid and the reaction material from the other one; and a second pack which is disposed to exchange heat with the first pack and accommodates an article of which temperature is in need of control.

Abstract: A cooking system having an oven including an interior heating space within an enclosure formed by a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall, a left side wall, a right side wall and a door for accessing the interior heating space wherein the oven further includes a radiant burner assembly adjacent the top wall and the oven further including a drawer assembly located adjacent the bottom wall and having a series of rollers for supporting a food product during operation of the oven. The drawer assembly includes a motor operatively connected thereto for causing the series of rollers to rotate, whereby the food product can be rotated on said rollers during operation of the oven.

Abstract: A tracking solar assembly includes a base, a first support and a second support. A solar panel is mountable the base. The first support may comprise a first curved, rolling surface fixed relative to the base. The first and second supports are engageable with the support surface. The first curved surface can be rolled along the support surface to move the base between first and second orientations. The base and any solar panel may have sufficient weight to be inherently stable and resist wind loads without being secured to the support surface. The invention may comprise means for biasing the base to a chosen orientation at or between the first orientation and the second orientation. The upper surface of the base may have open regions extending into the base with solar panels mounted within the open regions with the open regions acting as solar concentrators for the solar panels.

Abstract: The presented solar collector panel based on direct solar absorption, offers significantly higher efficiency over the traditional tube and fins designs. This is achieved by containing the heat exchanging fluid under the whole area of the absorber, this reducing its temperature, the main condition for the high efficiency. The heat exchange is further improved by increasing the heat dissipation area. Meandering channel design ensures uniform temperature distribution, which also improves efficiency. In addition to the patent claims, a system with individual panel control is described, taking advantage of different roof slopes and sun movement throughout the day.

Abstract: A solar panel includes a circumferential upstanding rim defining a cavity therein. An insulating layer is mounted in the cavity and extends substantially completely across the cavity. A metal heat-exchanger sheet is overlaid onto the insulating layer and substantially entirely covers said insulating layer. A light-transmissive sheet overlays the heat exchanger sheet and is mounted to the rim. An array of fluid transmission tubes are mounted to the heat-exchanger sheet by welding closed of channels in the sheet so as to tightly encase the tubes in the channels. The fluid transmission tubes conduct a flow of heat-exchanger fluid in a heat exchange circuit.