Abstract: Holes in semiconductor processing reactor parts are sized to facilitate deposition of protective coatings, such chemical vapor deposition at atmospheric pressure. In some embodiments, the holes each have a flow constriction that narrows the holes in one part and that also divides the holes into one or more other portions. In some embodiments, the aspect ratios of the one or more other portions are about 15:1 or less, or about 7:1 or less, and have a cylindrical or conical cross-sectional shape. The holes are coated with a protective coating, such as a silicon carbide coating, by chemical vapor deposition, including chemical vapor deposition at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method allows at least a reservoir portion of a bird feeder to be relieved of its mounted hanging condition and replaced thereto in a facilitated manner. A mounting structure normally remains in an attached state with an elevated support, such as a tree limb, pole or the like, and a bottle or other reservoir for containing feed material (or reservoir assembly, which may optionally also include a feeding station, decorative parts, etc.) is selectively engageable therewith. Advantageously, cooperating structure of the reservoir itself and the mounting structure allow coupling and uncoupling of each. By virtue of this arrangement, when exhausted of feed, a spent reservoir (or the entire reservoir assembly) can be easily removed from its suspended above-ground state, and either refilled and replaced, or more preferably, simply recycled and replaced with a new pre-filled reservoir/reservoir assembly, in the manner of a cartridge.

Abstract: A pig-raising method is provided that decreases the bad odors of pig excreta, improves pig-raising efficiency, and stimulates the growth of the pigs so as to improve the quality of their meat so as to enable pig farmers to obtain good-quality meat. With the pig-raising method of the present invention (1) a pig house is provided with a water-supply system that passes water through first ceramic particles, with said activated water then supplied to pigs for drinking, and (2) pigs are fed a blended feed that consists of ordinary feed and second ceramic particles whose main component is silica obtained from plant materials and which constitutes 0.1%-3.0% of the weight of said blended feed. Further, there is spread over the floors of the pig houses a floor covering that consists of a mixture of sawdust and the second ceramic particles, with said second ceramic particles constituting 1.0%-10% of the weight of said floor covering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel liverpool apparatus for use in show jumping, a category of equestrian events. Said apparatus allows a user to provide at least two types of liverpools using a single apparatus.

Abstract: A flexible, durable pet toy includes an outer plush layer and an inner fleece layer positioned adjacent thereto and optionally adhesively secured thereto. The outer and inner layers form a shell of a three dimensional object, and a filling material fills the shell. Seams that join edges of the outer and inner layers are folded inward and are contained within the object. The seams are reinforced with a webbing strip, and fastened by thread to create a flexible interior skeleton frame. A method for making such a pet toy is also disclosed.

Abstract: A toy for an animal, in particular a dog, includes a hollow core, a fabric cover attached to the exterior of the core, a loop hold having ends secured to the toy intermediate the core and the fabric cover and having an intermediate section extending outwardly from the core and the fabric cover, and an elongate pliable piece of material fastening to and concealing the loop hold.

Abstract: A receiver for an animal control system having a correction monitor which indicates that the animal has attempted to challenge the system, as determined by the occurrence of one or more correction events within a specified period of time. A correction event occurs when a stimulus is applied to the animal. The stimulus may be an audible alert, or may be an electrical shock. The correction monitor is operative to monitor correction events and to provide an indication that an event has occurred. In one embodiment, the correction event can be signaled to a user at the receiver by use of an LED or other indicator or display which is latched on for a defined period of time. In another embodiment, the correction event can be signaled to a user at a central location, such as by an indicator or display in the animal owner's house. The correction event may also be signaled remotely via a communications path or network, and displayed in any suitable manner at one or more remote locations.

Abstract: A wearable sound system for an animal such as a dog, a cat, or a horse includes a manually or wirelessly controlled programmable source of audible signals and at least two speakers that are coupled to an article (e.g., a collar, a harness, or a hood) wearable by the animal. Each speaker is adapted to project a sound content of the audible signals towards an immediate vicinity of an ear of the animal. The audible signals may include commands, training signals, stress-relieving signals, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A veterinary gurney or table having a base frame member supporting a mobility means, an elevation frame member mounted on the base frame, and a table member mounted on the elevation frame, allowing the elevation of the gurney or table to be locked at a selected height, one end of the gurney or table adapted to receive a slidable, securable dental tray for dental treatment of the animal while positioned on the gurney or table.

Abstract: Disclosed is a versatile and mobile pet leg restraining device used to secure dogs in a stationary position while performing bathing, grooming, nail clipping, and veterinarian exam operations. The pet leg restraining device attaches to most grooming tables, tubs and sinks and consists of suction cups, suction cup attachment hooks, adjustable straps and hook and loop or Velcro attachments. The pet leg restraining device is designed to secure the animal in a variety of positions by its legs to impair movement in a safe and comfortable manner.

Abstract: A pet restraint includes a collar and a leash, the leash having handles at both ends and being slidingly disposed through a portion of the leash, either at a single point or at multiple points on the circumference of the leash. The leash also has blocking portions preventing the entire length of the leash from sliding through unintentionally. When the pet steps over the leash and begins pulling with the leash passing behind a leg, the person handling the pet may re-route the leash by grasping the end then disposed near the handle and letting go of the end previously held.

Abstract: A flexible loop for restraining animals during handling such as during grooming or examination or operation or in bath tubs with a swivel snap closure mechanism or fixed means at its top and, at the bottom of the flexible loop, fixed means. The loop is suitable for attachment to a grooming arm or to tethers to cross-tie the animal in place. The fixed means is preferably a D-ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steam generator wherein a continuous heating panel of a generator, which is formed from a number of evaporator tubes, and an overheating panel, which is formed from a number of over-heating tubes which are arranged downstream from the evaporator tubes and on the flow side, are arranged in a heating gas channel. According to the invention, a water separating element is integrated into a number of over-flow tubes which are connected on the flow side of one of several evaporator tubes to one or several overheating tubes.

Abstract: An operating method for a system including a reformer which in reformate mode can convert hydrocarbon-containing fuel to a hydrogen-rich reformate gas, and a catalytic exhaust gas aftertreatment device which is acted upon by reformer gas to reach the catalytic converter light-off temperature more rapidly. During cold starts, the reformer, after its own starting phase, is initially operated in a so-called lean-burn mode, and the reformer is switched from lean-burn mode to reformate mode as soon as combustible constituents in the catalytic aftertreatment device can be independently oxidized. During the reformer lean-burn mode, the combustible constituents of the engine's exhaust gas react with the hot reformer gas, such that the cumulative exhaust gas flow has the composition of exhaust gas generated by stoichiometric combustion.

Abstract: A cylinder head cover, on which a breather chamber wall and control valve device are mounted is not enlarged while the capacity of a breather chamber is increased. For an internal combustion engine, control valve devices, which control the operation of a hydraulic valve stop mechanism that serves as a cylinder stop mechanism, and an outer chamber wall of a breather chamber wall that forms a breather chamber into which a blow-by gas flows, project in a predetermined direction and are mounted on the outer surface of a top wall of a cylinder head cover. When viewed in the predetermined direction, the outer chamber wall has an overlap section that overlaps with a part of the control valve device. Therefore, the overlap section is covered in the particular direction by the control valve device.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a number of cylinders. The cylinders have electronically activated intake valves. Ignition coils for the cylinders are responsive to respective ignition signals such that charge accumulates in a coil for a cylinder when the ignition signal for the cylinder has a first state and then the charge causes ignition for the cylinder when the ignition signal for the cylinder changes to a second state. In response to detecting an intake valve fault in respect of a cylinder, the ignition signal for the cylinder is held in the first state for a number of cycles of the internal combustion engine, and is then switched to a second state to safely discharge the primary coil without combustion in the cylinder.

Abstract: Surging is reliably prevented from occurring even when an engine with a turbocharger is operated with reduced number of cylinders and at a low speed range. Concerned is a method for controlling actuation of valves in an engine with a turbocharger, a variable valve mechanism 18 being arranged for controlling opening/closing timing and lifts of suction and exhaust valves (only exhaust valves 17 being shown in the figure) of each of cylinders 8, an operation with reduced number of cylinders being made possible by the variable valve mechanism 18 such that valve-opening action of suction and exhaust valves in part of the cylinders 8 is disabled to conduct the operation with the remaining cylinders 8.

Abstract: A boss portion of a vane rotor includes a tapered outer wall surface, which is tilted relative to an axis of the boss portion. A housing member includes a tapered inner wall surface that contacts the tapered outer wall surface. A seal member is provided at one axial end surface of the vane rotor on one axial side of the vane rotor, toward which the vane rotor urges the housing member by an interaction between the tapered outer wall surface of the supporting portion and the tapered inner wall surface of the housing member.

Abstract: In a variable valve timing apparatus having a VVT mechanism in each of a plurality of banks, start of a valve timing control is not permitted until reference position learning of valve timing is completed in the corresponding bank and in other banks. Accordingly, the plurality of banks come to have matching valve timing setting at the time of valve timing control, whereby variation in the amount of air introduced to cylinders can be suppressed, and satisfactory combustion characteristics can be maintained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve and suitable hydraulic circuit, especially for camshaft adjusters of an internal combustion engine. The hydraulic circuit comprises a number of check valves or two-way valves operating as check valves, in order to provide a rapid camshaft adjuster with a high regulating quality.

Abstract: A drive valve for an internal combustion engine comprising a variable hub profile for a valve having a lever supported on a variable support point by means of a switchable support element which provides possibilities for influencing the hub profile and alternatively and cumulatively, the cam is axially displaced such that various cam paths are active on the lever.

Abstract: In a warm-up system that pre-warms up of an engine (E) by transferring heat from a heat source to an engine cooling water circulation circuit (1) of a vehicle, a residential hot water circuit (2) that uses a household heat source is provided as the heat source, and a one-touch connector (3) is provided in the engine cooling water circulation circuit (1) and the residential hot water circuit (2). The one-touch connector (3) connects the two circuits (1, 2) prior to start-up of the engine (E) such that heat is transferred to the engine cooling water circulation circuit (1), and disconnects the two circuits (1, 2) following heat transfer in preparation for start-up of the engine (E).

Abstract: To provide a spark plug with improved heat resistance and an internal combustion engine in which that spark plug is mounted where there is good conduction of the heat near the opening on the combustion chamber side of the mounting hole for the spark plug provided in the engine and the effects of thermal stress occurring near that opening are mitigated. A cylindrical part without threads formed thereon is provided on the leading end side of a metal housing of a spark plug and the thermal stress applied to a mounting hole is mitigated by avoiding close contact with the mounting hole of an engine head. Furthermore, the spark plug has a mounting structure in which the leading end surface of the cylindrical part is disposed 1.55 mm or more to the base end side in a mounting hole in the direction of the axial line O with respect to the wall surface inside the combustion chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a double-plenum or double-chamber inlet manifold or splitter, made up of a structural unit comprising two distinct coupled plenums with a common wall, an inlet opening for each of the two plenums and several pipes through each of the said plenums, the said superimposed plenums having substantially flattened general structures and forming, with their respectively connected inlet openings and pipes, two independent circulation circuits running from the entrance at the inlet openings to the outlet at the external openings of the pipes, the said external or outlet openings of the pipes being grouped in pairs, with each pair having an opening of each of the two types of pipes; the manifold comprises two one-piece parts assembled together, in a gas-tight manner, at the continuous assembly areas, a first part incorporating at least the two inlet openings and first portions of the walls of the two plenums, contiguous to the said openings and the second part incorporating the pipes and second

Abstract: An intake manifold for supplying intake air to an internal combustion engine includes a surge tank for temporarily storing the intake air, an air-intake port through which the intake air will be introduced in the surge tank, the air-intake port being provided in the surge tank at a position closer to an outer cylinder of the internal combustion engine than a center of the surge tank in its longitudinal direction, a plurality of branch intake passages having inlets arranged in parallel in the surge tank, each passage being configured to supply the intake air introduced in the surge tank through the air-intake port to each cylinder of the internal combustion engine through each inlet, and a guide wall provided in the surge tank and configured to change a flow direction of the intake air introduced in the surge tank to direct the intake air toward specific one(s) of the inlets of the branch intake passages.

Abstract: An intake system for an internal combustion engine has an intake conduit of thermoplastic material provided with an intake socket having an annular collar. At least one acoustic element is concentrically connected to the intake socket of the intake conduit, wherein the acoustic element is insertable into the annular collar. A closure surrounds the annular collar wherein the closure is a metal clamp having a metal strap and a metal clip. The metal clip effects a releasable clamping action with a variable diameter of the metal clamp.

Abstract: A reciprocating engine 1 includes an annular top ring 5 serving as a first piston ring disposed adjacent to a top surface (head end surface) 4 of a piston 3 defining a combustion chamber 2; an annular second ring 6 serving as a second piston ring disposed with the top ring 5 interposed between the annular second ring 6 and the top surface 4; an annular gas chamber 7 defined by the top ring 5 and the second ring 6; and a plurality of communicating passages 8 for allowing the annular gas chamber 7 and the combustion chamber 2 to communicate with each other. The top ring 5 and the second ring 6 are respectively inclined with respect to an X direction in which the piston 3 reciprocates, so as to be located further away from each other on a thrust side 9 than on an anti-thrust side 10.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a low thermal capacity, low thermal conductivity insulating liner is provided. The insulating liner may be positioned to line the combustion chamber and a portion of the cylinder wall. The insulating liner may comprise a high aspect morphology sintered ceramic material and may further include a surface coating. The internal combustion engine may be a four-stroke diesel engine with variable valve timing operating using an asymmetric cycle. Through the asymmetric cycle and insulative properties of the insulating liner, the heat loss of the disclosed internal combustion engine is significantly less than that of a similar conventional internal combustion engine, resulting in significant efficiency improvements.

Abstract: A diesel engine includes a fuel supply passage via which fuel is supplied from a fuel tank to an oil pan through a supply pump, a lubrication-system fuel supply passage via which fuel is supplied from the oil pan to engine parts to be lubricated through a lubricating oil pump, and an injection-system fuel supply passage via which fuel is supplied from the oil pan to an injection system through an injection pump.

Abstract: In a gas exchange valve actuating device having a lever for transmitting a drive movement to at least one gas exchange valve of an engine braking control unit of an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine includes a compact braking control unit which is coupled to the valve operating lever for controlling actuation of the gas exchange valves in a braking mode of engine operation.

Abstract: A straddle type vehicle includes a protrusion which is displaced together with a throttle valve, a lever pulley which is displaced in response to the rotation of a throttle grip, a spring and a control device. The spring generates elastic force to return the protrusion to a first original position when the lever pulley is in a second original position. The spring maintains the lever pulley in the second original position by being elastically deformed until the protrusion reaches a predetermined position in which the protrusion is displaced from the first original position in such a direction that the throttle valve opens when the lever pulley is in the second original position. The control device opens the throttle valve by displacing the protrusion until the protrusion reaches the predetermined position in a gear shift change when the throttle grip is fully closed.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling starting of a gas engine is proposed which is superior in starting performance and improved in load responsivity while maintaining air fuel ratio control.

Abstract: An integrative control method and device for controlling gas engines is proposed which is improved load responsivity of the engine while maintaining air fuel ratio control.

Abstract: A direct injection spark ignition internal combustion engine includes a fuel injection controller preventing and/or suppressing engine knocking by retarding a fuel injection timing near an intake stroke bottom dead center. The fuel injection controller retards the fuel injection timing beyond a predetermined time by injecting a required amount of fuel through two or more split injections, and the time at which to end the last split injection is set to a time later than the predetermined time.

Abstract: Electrical ignition procedure for internal combustion engines, using an arrangement of multiple coils and of a magnetic generator that is coupled with the machine and turns synchronous to the machine, whose magnetic field partially flows through the coils and thereby generates a sequence of magnetic flux changes for each revolution, whereby a sequence of corresponding alternating current half waves is induced in the coils, that are used for: charging an energy storage element that is discharged by activated an ignition switch via the primary coil winding of an ignition transmitter for triggering an ignition spark for the combustion engine scanning, acquiring, processing and/or assessing via a microelectronic and/or programmable control device, that is used for activating the ignition switch at an ignition time in dependence on the acquired and assessed alternating current half waves and/or on the state of the internal combustion engine, such as its rotational setting or speed, and for formation of the powe

Abstract: A direct metering fuel supply system includes a plurality of axial gap motors, a fixed displacement, variable speed positive displacement piston pump, and a gas turbine engine control. Each axial gap motor is configured to be selectively energized and is operable, upon being energized, to supply a drive torque at a drive speed. The fixed displacement, variable speed positive displacement piston pump is coupled to each of the axial gap motors to receive the drive torque selectively supplied therefrom and is operable, upon receipt of the drive torque, to supply fuel at a flow rate dependent on the drive speed. The gas turbine engine control is adapted to receive fuel flow commands and is operable, in response to the fuel flow commands, to energize one of the plurality of axial gap motors.

Abstract: A fuel injection control apparatus for an engine including one or more sensors to detect one or more operational states of engine and a fuel state, a fuel injector to activate a plunger rod thereof to inject fuel when an excitation current is supplied to a coil of the fuel injector, and a unit for precharging the coil of the fuel injector with an excitation current smaller than that required to activate the plunger rod of the fuel injector, wherein the current to be precharged to the fuel injector is adjusted according to the one ore more operational states of the engine detected by the one or more sensors.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to inhibit production of vapor within fuel when an engine is at a high temperature and to inhibit change of amount of the fuel injected from an injector. A fuel supply apparatus according to the present invention includes vapor production determining means (3) for determining whether or not the vapor of the fuel is producible, and control means (ECU) for operating a passage resistance adjusting means (47) of a pressure adjusting mechanism (40) to cause increase of the pressure of the fuel supplied to an injector (5) insomuch as the production of the vapor is inhibited when the vapor production determining means (3) has determined a vapor producible condition.

Abstract: Known damping elements (25) for a fuel injection valve (1) insertable into a receiving conduit (2) of a cylinder head (3) of an internal combustion engine are disposed between a valve housing (14) of the fuel injection valve (1) and a wall of the receiving conduit (2) of the cylinder head (3). These damping elements (25), inter alia, decrease acoustic transfer from the fuel injection valve to the cylinder head (3). It is disadvantageous that the damping elements known hitherto require a great deal of axial installation space with respect to a valve axis and have comparatively high manufacturing costs. With the damping element (25) according to the present invention, the installation space required is reduced. Provision is made, according to the present invention, for the damping element (25) to be in plate-shaped fashion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel supply pump including a tappet structure body having a roller that contacts a cam and a tappet body disposed with a roller housing portion in which the roller is housed, with a pressure adjusting member for dispersing load force being interposed between the tappet body and a plunger. The pressure adjusting member includes a concave portion in a center portion of a surface that faces the tappet body and contacts the tappet body at the peripheral portion of the concave portion.

Abstract: A method comprises detecting a status of a transfer pump for transferring fuel between a first fuel source and a second fuel source; receiving a fuel trim value and a vehicle operating parameter; and calculating a fuel composition of one of the first fuel source and second fuel source based on the fuel trim value, the transfer pump status and the vehicle operating parameter. A control module comprises a secondary pump transfer module detecting a status of a transfer pump for transferring fuel between a first fuel source and a second fuel source; and a fuel composition estimation module in communication with the secondary pump transfer module, receiving a fuel trim value and a vehicle operating parameter, and calculating a fuel composition of one of the first fuel source and second fuel source based on the fuel trim value, the transfer pump status, and the vehicle operating parameter.

Abstract: A vapor separator includes a fuel pump, and a container at least partially defining a fuel reservoir to hold fuel and a pump chamber to hold the fuel pump. A closure is carried by the container to close the fuel reservoir and at least partially defines a vapor chamber above a level of fuel in the fuel reservoir and in fluid communication with the pump chamber. A vapor vent device is carried by the closure to allow fuel vapor to vent out of the vapor separator from the vapor chamber and prevent liquid fuel from flowing therethrough when the vapor separator is declined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-purpose liquid atomizer utilizing a catalyst, turbulence, and collision.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charger module (1) for an internal combustion engine, comprising a mechanical charger (2) and two charge coolers (3, 4), mounted downstream of the charger (2), for cooling the compressed charge air. The aim of the invention is to reduce the costs for producing such a charger module without impairing the rigidity or structural stability of the charger module (1). For this purpose, the charger (2) and the two charge coolers (3, 4) are inserted in a common housing (5) which surrounds the charger (2) and the two charge coolers (3, 4) at least on the bottom side and on two opposite sides.

Abstract: An engine system is disclosed. The engine system has an engine block having at least one combustion chamber and at least partially defining a crankcase. The engine system also has an inlet conduit connecting a compressor of a turbocharger with the at least one combustion chamber. The engine system further has an exhaust conduit connecting a turbine of the turbocharger with the combustion chamber and a ventilation conduit connecting the crankcase with the exhaust conduit. The engine system also has a controller in communication with the turbocharger, the controller being configured to adjust the geometry of the turbocharger to maintain a pressure of the crankcase lower than a pressure of the inlet conduit.

Abstract: A method for controlling an internal combustion engine is disclosed in which a first fuel, hydrogen, is supplied under a first set of engine operating conditions and a second fuel, such as: gasoline, gasoline mixed with alcohol, or gaseous hydrocarbons, are supplied under a second set of engine operating conditions. The first set of engine operating condition is below a threshold BMEP and the second operating condition is above the threshold BMEP. Alternatively, the first and second set of operating condition is based on temperature of a three-way catalyst coupled to the engine. When its temperature is greater than its light-off temperature, the second fuel is used.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making a transition from fueling an engine with hydrogen to another fuel. That other fuel may be gasoline, a gasoline and alcohol mixture, or gaseous fuels, as examples. The other fuel has the capability of providing higher BMEP than the hydrogen because of better air utilization and because the other fuel occupies less volume of the combustion chamber. Because a desirable equivalence ratio to burn hydrogen is at 0.5 or less and a desirable equivalence ratio to burn other fuel is at 1.0, when a demand for BMEP that leads to a transition change from hydrogen fuel to the other fuel, the amount of air supplied to the engine is decreased to provide more torque and vice versa. During a transition in which liquid fuel supply is initiated, it may desirable to continue to provide some hydrogen, not leaner than 0.1 hydrogen equivalence ratio.

Abstract: An ignition coil includes a generally cylindrical center core having a plurality of cylindrical portions whose outside diameter is different from each other, a primary coil disposed around the center core; and a secondary coil disposed around the primary coil, wherein the secondary coil boosts voltage that is applied to the primary coil to high voltage.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy projectile launcher in the form of a role play accessory such as a belt. The belt assembly includes a strap, a launcher housing, and projectiles stored on the belt strap. The belt strap feeds through the launcher housing so that projectiles may be launched from the strap. In one embodiment the launcher is hand-held, and includes a handle which serves both as a means for holding the launcher during operation and as a power switch for the launcher. Projectiles may be discharged singly from the launcher or continuously in a rapid-fire mode.

Abstract: A mortar launching toy has an angularly adjustable firing barrel and a soft rocket-shaped toy mortar for being launched from the barrel in various modes of play. The toy includes a spring-activated launching pole to which the mortar is pre-loaded, the mortar/pole subassembly is loaded into the barrel to prepare for launching. A locking feature retains the subassembly in the barrel prior to launching. A trigger mechanism cooperates with a symmetrical dual-finger release mechanism to release the mortar during launching. The locking feature retains the launching pole in the barrel during launching.