Abstract: A stress-distribution detecting semiconductor package group includes multiple stress-distribution detecting semiconductor packages each formed by resin-encapsulating a stress detecting semiconductor chip of the same size using an identical resin encapsulation structure. Each stress detecting semiconductor chip includes a piezoelectric element for stress detection and at least two electrode pads electrically connected to the piezoelectric element to measure an electrical property of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric elements of the stress detecting semiconductor chips are respectively disposed on the corresponding stress detecting semiconductor chips to be located at different positions from one another.

Abstract: A chip with resistive, metallic strain gauges distributed on surfaces on and buried within the chip. Also, vertically arranged vias and vertical thin film resistive strain gauges are described. The resistive strain gauges can be multiplexed wherein strain can be measured across the topology of the chip in each of the top, bottom and buried layers and any vertical strain. The resistive strain gauges may be in serpentine patterns and may be arranged on via or on vertical edges of grooves that extend from an upper or lower surface of the chip to buried layers. In this fashion, the distributed strain gauges may be used to map the strain throughout the body of a chip. A Kelvin bridge may be used to measure the strain, but other such measuring techniques and devices may be used.

Abstract: A measuring transducer of a flow measuring device for measuring the flow of a medium through an existing pipeline system, wherein, in a cost-favorable manner, an equalization of potential between medium and measuring transducer is effected. The measuring transducer includes a measuring transducer housing, a measuring tube integrated in the measuring transducer, two process connections of an insulating material, via which the measuring tube is connectable to the pipeline system, and, placed in one of the process connections, at least one electrode, which is exposed in an inner space of the process connection, through which medium flows during operation. The electrode is connected with the measuring transducer housing via an electrically conductive connection.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the run time of an ultrasonic pulse in the determination of the flow velocity of a gas in a breathing gas volume flow sensor (1). The breathing gas volume flow sensor (1) has a flow duct (3) with a measuring section, wherein the measuring section is arranged in parallel to or at an angle (?) smaller than 90° to the flow duct (3). The measuring section has an ultrasound transmitter (5) and an ultrasound receiver (7). The method determines the run time of the ultrasonic pulse from the receiving signal spectrum without the damping of the ultrasonic pulse having an effect on the run time measurement by an ultrasonic pulse being triggered by a transmitting pulse at the ultrasound transmitter (5). The ultrasound receiver (7) sends a receiving signal and the receiving signal is recorded as a first receiving signal data record as a function of time after the transmitting pulse.

Abstract: An insert meter can be run into an inverse venturi on wireline and make use of the existing pressure taps to allow accurate measurement of reduced flow rates that could not be accurately measured with the inverse venturi meter. The insert meter has seals and can lock into position with peripheral sealing to direct the new and lower flow rate into the throat of the insert meter that is preferably a standard venturi. The venturi devices can be in meter or eductor service and located downhole, subsea or on the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for collection and analysis of dry powder inhaler products to determine foreign particulate matter found therein. The apparatus includes a collection chamber that communicates directly with the mouthpiece of a dry powder inhaler device. The collection chamber is used to both collect product samples, as well as to mix the samples with a diluent that places the active pharmaceutical components and excipients in solution, while the foreign particulate matter remains suspended. Analysis of a sample is preferably conducted by light obscuration wherein a probe is inserted directly within the collection chamber of the apparatus. An integral magnetic stir-bar incorporated within the apparatus eliminates the need to transfer the collected sample to a secondary vessel for mixing or analysis.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus relate to a glass reference plate panel; to a modular glass reference plate assembly; and to creation of the modular glass reference plate assembly, which may include providing a plurality of glass reference plate panels, arranging the plurality of glass reference plate panels into an array of adjoining glass reference plate panels, and adhering together the adjoining glass reference plate panels. One or more embodiments may include 6.8 mm-thick borosilicate glass, ground, and polished, with reference marks on a top side and a PVD aluminum coating on a bottom side, perforated with holes, arranged in a 4×4 array of 16 glass reference plate panels, each approximately 810 mm2 in size, abutting at interfaces formed by lap joints, and bonded together with a UV-curable adhesive into a contiguous piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a starter device (1) for starting internal combustion engines, comprising an electromagnetic toe-in mechanism which is used to displace an axially displaceable pinion shaft (5), starter pinions (6) which are arranged in the front thereof, in addition to a start-stop mechanism which is embodied in such a manner that in a stop phase of the internal combustion engine, even when the internal combustion engine is stopped, said start-stop mechanism provokes a positioned state of the toe-in mechanism, such that during a subsequent starting of the internal combustion engine, the starter pinion (6) is already arranged in an advanced position, enabling power loss to be reduced. This is achieved by a maintaining mechanism (15) which maintains the electromagnetic toe-in mechanism in the advanced position and in a currentless manner during and/or after the stop phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device, especially for use in a throttle device, comprising a turning spindle rotatably mounted in the device housing. Said turning spindle is functionally linked via a transmission device with a drive device to displace an actuating element that is linked with the turning spindle. The aim of the invention is to provide an improved actuating device that is secure and has a simple design and that can be telecontrolled in a simple manner without major maintenance work, without losses of functionality of the actuating device and at reduced costs. To this end, the actuating device comprises at least two separately or synchronously operated motors and the transmission device has at least one self-locking transmission unit, said transmission unit being functionally linked with the two motors for turning the turning spindle.

Abstract: A ball screw device includes a screw shaft rotatably engaged with a ball nut, and a number of bearing members received between the ball nut and the screw shaft, and a circulating device for circulating the bearing members, the circulating device includes an elongate member having two end blocks for engaging into the ball nut and having a passage for receiving the bearing members, and includes a housing member and a casing member each having a portion of the passage of the elongate member for allowing the passage of the elongate member to be opened and exposed and for allowing the housing member and the casing member to be formed with molding procedures.

Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a rim connected to spokes. A covering material is provided to enclose at least a portion of the rim and/or the spokes. The covering material includes an outer cover and a light element positioned under the outer cover. The light element is configured to emit light through at least a portion of the outer cover. The light element is positioned over a casing that is provided to give shape to the steering wheel so that a vehicle driver may easily grasp the steering wheel. The light element may provide continuous, pulsed, or non-continuous lighting.

Abstract: The problem of reaching a work piece, such as a nut on a bolt, in a restricted space not permitting traditional means of applying torque is addressed with a powered wrench. The wrench translates motor power on one axis to an engageable socket on a perpendicular axis through an innovative gearbox. Means are provided to shift from a gear ratio for power to a gear ratio for speed by simple manipulation, while different size work pieces can be accommodated through socket change parts.

Abstract: A combination tool includes a first tool component and a second tool component. A ratchet system enables the first tool component and the second tool component to be pivotally oriented relative to one another in a desired direction, and to be locked at desired relative orientation. A release mechanism enables the first tool component and the second tool component to be disengaged from one another for individual use.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention includes an automated method of removing a stockinette from meat having an end, sides, and a length. The stockinette enveloped meat is conveyed in a first direction as the stockinette is cut proximate the end of the meat with a first knife. The stockinette enveloped meat is then conveyed in a second direction as the stockinette is cut proximate the sides of the meat with a second knife and a third knife. The cuts made by the second knife and the third knife intersect with the cut made by the first knife. The cuts in the stockinette create a flap in the stockinette between the cuts. The flap is engaged and peeled away from the meat, and the meat is removed from the stockinette.

Abstract: A magazine configured for use with a 22 caliber conversion kit and/or a non-converted 22 caliber firearm includes an elongate, hollow, rectangular housing for receiving an ammunition belt on a splined belt pulley. A slide of the firearm applies an impact force to a strike wheel to pivot a cam against a spring-loaded rack. The rack moves downward and causes a rack gear to rotate a drive gear freely in the slip direction of a unidirectional bearing. When the impact force is removed, the spring-loaded rack returns upward under the biasing force of the spring causing the rack gear to rotate the drive gear on the unidirectional bearing in the drive direction. The drive gear turns a drive axle, which turns the splined belt pulley to advance the ammunition belt sufficiently to position the next round of ammunition for entry into the firing chamber.

Abstract: A portable protection system including a selectively collapsible truss for supporting a protection member. The truss is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The protection member includes at least one layer of ballistic armor material for disrupting a projectile. The truss includes suitable connectors for releasably connecting the protection member to the truss, and also suitable connectors for releasably connecting the truss to an adjoining truss so as to form a protection wall.

Abstract: Fixed weapon emplacements include ballistic weapon stands having heights sufficient to protect standing gunners in combination with tripods, which are fixed thereto with welded connections. In a first embodiment, the tripod has two legs fixed to a weapon platform and to the base of the ballistic weapons stand and a third leg fixed to the weapon platform and to a weld plate on a front armor plate of the stand. In a second embodiment, the third leg of the tripod is provided by a strut that extends through a slot in the front armor plate and is welded to both a weld plate behind the front armor plate and to the weapon platform. In a third embodiment, the tripod has one leg fixed to the base of the weapon stand and two legs welded to a weld plate behind the front armor panel to support the weapon platform. In a fourth embodiment, a hood projects from the front armor plate with a front leg of the tripod fixed to the base at a location within the hood and rear legs of the tripod fixed to the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a firearm (10), in particular a single or multi-shot repeating rifle comprising a stock (11), a barrel (30) axially displaceable relative to the stock (11) and resting on or in a linear guide (20), a cartridge chamber to receive a cartridge being constituted in said barrel, further a breech (40) fitted with a breech cap (41) to seal the cartridge chamber and axially affixable in the barrel end (32) when the firearm (10) is closed, and further a locking unit (80) to lock the firearm into the closed position. The linear guide (20) comprises at least one guide rod (21), guide fork or the like linked or linkable to the barrel (30) and guided in sliding manner within the stock (11). This design leads to a compact and easily manufactured firearm with a slender and attractive appearance. The firearm (10) furthermore is made of fewer parts, resulting in simple disassembly and small shipping size.

Abstract: A black rifle configuration automatic or semi-automatic firearm having an indirect gas operating system. The firearm has a black rifle configuration receiver assembly having a bolt assembly enclosed within. The bolt assembly having a striking surface and a barrel assembly having a bore, the barrel assembly being coupled to the receiver assembly. A gas block is fitted to the barrel assembly, the gas block having a front folding sight. A rod assembly has a striking rod. Gas discharged from a fired cartridge displaces the piston and causes the striking rod displace the bolt assembly.

Abstract: A kebab machine (10) is disclosed for inserting sticks (12) into various food components (14a-f), such as meat, vegetables and the like, automatically. The food components are held within carriers (16) while the individual sticks are conveyed by a stick conveyor (22). A jet of air from air jets (24) drive a pair of sticks into an insertion device (400) where smooth belts (402) drive by rotating rollers (452) drive the sticks through the carriers (16) and food components therein to form the kebab.

Abstract: A food tray assembly includes a serving platter and a receptacle platter. The serving platter has a central aperture extending there through and a serving area defined between the central aperture and a perimeter thereof. The receptacle platter has a bottom and a peripheral wall extending from the bottom at a perimeter thereof. The serving platter and the receptacle platter are releasably coupled to one another.

Abstract: A printing press includes a form cylinder, a blanket cylinder, an impression cylinder, an adjusting apparatus having at least one first actuating drive for setting a printing pressure between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder, and a tracking system for setting a printing pressure between the form cylinder and the blanket cylinder in dependence on the setting of the printing pressure between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder. The tracking system has at least one second actuating drive coupled to the at least one first actuating drive in terms of control technology through an electronic control device, in such a way that the form cylinder is adjusted automatically.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a magnetic rotatable roller with a smooth even outer surface for aligning magnetic flakes in a carrier, such as an ink vehicle or a paint vehicle to create optically variable images in a high-speed, linear printing operation. Images can provide security features on high-value documents, such as bank notes. Magnetic flakes in the ink are aligned using magnetic portions of the roller, that can be formed by permanent magnets embedded in a non-magnetic roller body, or selectively magnetized portions of a flexible magnetic cover of the roller. In some embodiments, the roller is assembled for a plurality of interchangeable sections, which can include spinning magnets. Selected orientation of the magnetic pigment flakes can achieve a variety of illusive optical effects that are useful for decorative or security applications.

Abstract: At least several spaced apart storage compartments are provided in a plate storage device. These compartments can receive used printing forms from a printing cylinder or new printing forms that are to be supplied to the printing cylinder. At least one positioning assembly is utilized to adjust at least one mouth region of two of the storage compartments to the same spaced position, with respect to the printing cylinder, at different times in the operating cycle of the plate storage compartments. This mouth region is situated facing the printing cylinder. In another embodiment, at least one printing form, that is being received from the printing cylinder, can be stored in at least one storage compartment. At least one conveying apparatus is provided and includes an entraining mechanism for gripping the printing form that is to be removed.

Abstract: There is provided an explosives initiator with one or more identification means, and a system and method for tracking identifiable initiators. In the preferred embodiment the identification means is an RFID. A first identification means is disposed internally of the initiator and a second identification means disposed externally of the initiator. Advantageously, if the second identification means is removed from the initiator, the initiator may still be identified by the internally disposed first identification means.

Abstract: A projectile core is provided formed from a carrier and a colorant. The carrier and colorant are mixed into a core mixture, which is formed into a predetermined core shape. The core mixture is cured until substantially firm, such as by drying, heating or freezing. An outer layer may be formed adjacent the surface of the projectile core by heating. An outer coating may also be applied to the projectile core. A method of forming a projectile core comprises: (a) mixing a carrier and a colorant to form a core mixture; (b) forming the core mixture into a predetermined core shape; and, (c) curing the core mixture until a substantially firm projectile core is formed.

Abstract: A sub-caliber projectile is described for insertion into a projectile receptacle (8) having a projectile head (1) and a tail unit (2) forming guide vanes (4), which engages in a cavity of the projectile head (1). To provide advantageous construction conditions, it is suggested that the guide vanes (4) of the tail unit (2) extend up into the hollow projectile head (1) and the projectile head (1) be folded clamped into the groin area between the guide vanes (4).

Abstract: A sabot projectile with a subcaliber penetrator and a sabot, which has a propulsion element that acts on the rear end of the penetrator, a segmented, essentially cylindrical guide cage, which is connected to the front end of the propulsion element, and a segmented, disk-shaped metal guide element that extends radially inward in the front area of the guide cage and holds the penetrator. The disk-shaped guide element has a slightly convex contour in the direction of flight of the projectile and the material and the wall thickness of the guide element are chosen in such a way that convex area of the guide element is pushed back slightly when the sabot projectile is fired, so that the outer marginal area of the guide element rests against the inside wall of the gun barrel from which the sabot projectile is fired, and/or the inner marginal area of the guide element, which faces the penetrator, rests against the outer surface of the penetrator.

Abstract: A railcar positioning system operable as either an indexer or progressor is disclosed which includes a pair of spaced trackside railcar movers positioned outside and parallel to the rails of a railroad track. Each railcar mover includes a spaced trackside guideway located next to one of the railway rails, a plurality of spaced connected dog carriages mounted for operation together in the guideway, each dog carriage carrying a pusher dog mounted on the carriage, a reciprocating hydraulic cylinder associated with the plurality of spaced, connected dog carriages. A hydraulic power unit is connected to operate each of the cylinders individually or together and a control system is associated with the power unit for controlling the operation of the positioning system such that said positioning system may be optionally operated as an indexer or as a progressor.

Abstract: An axlebox-spring-unit of a railway bogie includes at least one hydraulic spring having a housing required for functionality of the hydraulic spring, and an axlebox. At least a part of the axlebox forms at least a part of the housing.

Abstract: Ergonomic workstations include devices with raising and lowering elements, such as tables and desks. The devices include one or more legs, and when more than one leg is present, each leg is substantially parallel to the other legs. Each leg is provided with a base for attaching the leg to another or to multiple other legs. The devices further include one or more sub-surfaces for connecting one or more of the legs and one or more top surfaces. The substructure is provided with more than one arrangement of hole patterns for attaching the top surface and/or the legs. In some aspects, the devices include two top surfaces which are raised or lowered by actuators in the legs. The plurality of legs can either maintain the second top surface at a constant height, or can raise and lower the second top surface independent of the first top surface.

Abstract: Installation to be applied to self-propelled or tow-type agricultural seeders that comprises a general command central unit (5) fed from an electric power source and controls a corresponding individual control unit (10) that regulates the operation of the electro-pneumatic unit (6) associated to the seed dosing devices within the seeder to perform the pneumatic action. Electro-pneumatic unit may be a motor suction or a motor compressor unit. The invention envisages the association of these units to all the dosing devices in a seeding body of the seeder, to pairs of dosing units in the seeder, or else, on an individual basis, to each seed dosing device of the seeder.

Abstract: Sewing machine includes a plurality of machine heads, and at least one sequin feeder apparatus provided for each of the machine heads. The sequin feeder apparatus of a desired number of machine heads of the plurality of machine heads are grouped into a group, and a sequin feed pitch is variably set independently for each of the grouped sequin feeder apparatus in that group. Such an arrangement allows sequins of different sizes (different feed pitches) to be set on all of the sequin feeder apparatus in the group. If the plurality of machine heads are controlled on a group-by-group basis in order to sew a sequin-contained embroidery pattern, it is possible to increase the variety of sizes of sequins that can be used in the embroidery pattern.

Abstract: A semi-submersible floating platform (10, 10A) for use in offshore applications has a semi-submersible hull structure (11) including support columns (12), a pontoon structure (13) adjoined to the lower ends thereof, and a deck structure (14) supported at an upper end of the columns for supporting the deck and equipment mounted thereon above the water surface. One or more passive damper weight members (15) are suspended below the hull by flexible connection members (16) at variable distances to provide hydrodynamic mass, damping, and in-water weight to the platform during operation, and the flexible connection members are maintained in tension by the damper weight(s) during operation.

Abstract: A gauge can include a face plate and an indication area disposed about a gauge center. The indication area can have a shape that can be defined by a bottom boundary, a top boundary, and first and second ends joining respective ends of the top and bottom boundaries. The top and bottom boundaries can be spaced apart from the gauge center by first and second radial distances. The indication area can be angled rearward relative to the face plate with the top boundary being spaced rearward from the face plate. A plurality of indicia can be disposed on the face plate. The gauge can further include a laser system disposed behind a rear side of the face plate and arranged to rotate and reflect a laser beam to a position adjacent or relative to a specific one of the plurality of indicia based on a signal output from a sensor.

Abstract: A batter applicator with an adjustable coating mechanism is disclosed which includes a frame, a main batter tank, a structure comprising a submerger or an overflow structure positioned proximate the main batter tank and actuatable means for positioning the structure vertically relative to the main batter tank. The actuatable means for positioning the structure vertically relative to the main batter tank includes a rotatable shaft operably coupled to a gear box, a screw lift assembly operably coupled to the gear box and a hand wheel operably coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: As adhesive applicator head for use on an assembly line apparatus dispenses adhesive in a non-contact manner to produce a wide band of adhesive on a moving substrate. The applicator head comprises an upper body secured to a lower body and at least one nozzle mounted therewithin. An adhesive manifold within the applicator head ensures a steady flow of adhesive to tips of the nozzles. An air manifold within the applicator head is in communication with opposed pin holes positioned alongside each nozzle and oriented so that high velocity air exits the pin holes and flows along a nozzle tip of the nozzle. The high velocity air encounters freshly dispensed adhesive at the nozzle tip and causes it to leave the tip in a back-forth manner to result in a scribble pattern on the substrate. The scribble pattern's width is well defined. It is determined primarily by side to side placement of the nozzles in the applicator head at about the adhesive band width desired.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coating plant for the coating of construction units with a coating medium, in particular a paint system for the lacquer finish of motor vehicle body parts, with a dosing pump, the coating medium supplied with a certain delivery (Fm) proportioned, and a pressure control valve arranged upstream before the dosing pump to adjust a coating medium pressure (p v) at the entrance of the dosing pump, as well as a control unit to adjust the pressure control valve a controlled variable of the pressure difference (?p) through the dosing pump independently of the delivery of the dosing pump and the changing viscosity of the lacquers to an essentially constant desired value (?pTARGET).

Abstract: An apparatus and method of preparing and coating a large structure such as a ship's hull while in a dry dock wherein a plurality of spray guns disposed in an array are positioned by a robotic arm in a spaced relationship along the surface to be treated so that their spray patterns overlap. The array of spray guns is traversed downwardly a thus painting a strip whereupon the spray guns are secured, move horizontally and then activated to be moved upwardly until another strip adjacent to and overlapping the first strip is painted. These steps are repeated until the surface area is substantially entirely painted. A shroud is provided for collecting paint oversprays and other excess paint is mounted in the array assemblage. An auxiliary spray gun may be positioned and its spray pattern adjusted to apply paint to areas which were missed by the original spray pattern emanating from the array of spray guns.

Abstract: Microwaves propagated through the waveguide 30, a plurality of slots 31 and the dielectric members 33 in this order are supplied into the processing chamber U where they are used to excite a gas to plasma to be used to process a substrate G. Alumina 50 fills an area inside the waveguide 30 near an end surface C thereof, and the remaining area inside the waveguide is filled with Teflon 35. Since the alumina 50 has a smaller guide wavelength ?g compared to the Teflon 35, the mechanical length measured from the end surface C of the waveguide 30 to the center of the closest slot is reduced compared to the mechanical length of a waveguide filled only with Teflon 35 while maintaining the physical characteristic length from the end surface C to the closest slot center at ?g/4.

Abstract: An installation for supplying liquid feed to an animal, such as a calf. The installation comprises one or more feed loading places (1) and one or more feed unloading places (2-5), and one or more vehicles (9) that are autonomously displaceable, controlled by a microprocessor or the like, between one or more feed loading places and one or more feed unloading places, each vehicle comprising a drinking nozzle (10), such as a flexible teat.

Abstract: A perch system for use by an animal such as a cat is disclosed. The perch system is attachable to a generally vertical wall, such as in a residence, and includes a plurality of wall mounts that each include a rigid wall mounting plate and at least one rigid mounting post projecting therefrom. The perch system further includes at least one perch that includes at least one post attachment means fixed thereto for selectively attaching the perch to each mounting post of the at least one wall mount. At least one connector is adapted for selectively fixing the connector between the mounting posts of two adjacent wall mounts. An inside corner section may be included for fixing to an inside corner of the wall, and an outside corner section may be included for fixing to an outside corner of the wall.

Abstract: A vivarium and assembly for maintaining an aquatic area, wetlands, and dry land. The assembly is an enclosure for adhering to a transparent sidewall of an aquarium tank to provide sidewalls, a dry wall and a dividing wall positioned between the dry wall and the aquarium tank wall to define an aquatic area by the aquarium tank wall and a wetlands area by the dry wall. The enclosure can be surrounded by dry land area. A filtering system includes a water passage between the aquatic area and the wetland area; a water pump connected for pumping water out of the wetland area and back into the aquatic area; a particulate filter between the wetland area and the pump; and an organic filter in the wetland area, the organic filter being a living wetland plant rooted in a growing medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for moderating the environment of a pet shelter is provided. The apparatus may include a climate control device which may be attached to the pet shelter in order to regulate the temperature and environment within the pet shelter. The apparatus may also include a photoelectric control element electrically connected to the climate control device and operable based on the ambient light input from outside the pet shelter. The apparatus may regulate the environment of the pet shelter based on the ambient light outside of the pet shelter.

Abstract: An access portal for a pet carrier allows a pet owner to insert a hand into the pet carrier but prevents the animal contained therein from escaping through the access portal. The access portal may be blocked by an elastic barrier with an aperture that stretches to allow the pet owner to gain access to the interior of the pet carrier. Doors covering the access portal on the inside and/or the outside of the carrier may also be used instead of, or in conjunction with the elastic barrier.

Abstract: Devices, methods and system for combustion of an intimate emulsion of water-in-fuel without the use of chemical additives in order to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy with little or no engine or boiler de-rating or modifications. Apparatus and method for producing, combusting, storing and reducing viscosity of a fuel comprised of water and oil or other hydrocarbons, which is constituted as an emulsion without the need for chemical stabilizers by exposure to constant cavitation.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine including cylinders arranged in a housing, a crankshaft, pistons disposed in the cylinders so as to be movable by the crankshaft, and a device for varying a compression ratio of the internal combustion engine wherein the device, for varying the compression ratio, includes an adjusting structure which varies the effective length of a connecting rod of the piston, the lift of the crankshaft or the position of the cylinder with respect to the center of the crankshaft, an operating structure is provided by rotation of which the position of the adjusting structure can be controlled, and a drive device for controlling the operating structures contains a coupling mechanism with an integrated brake function, whereby h the adjusting structure can either be placed in operative connection with the crankshaft or can be blocked.

Abstract: A valve-actuating system for an engine, in which left and right rocker arms are moved in axial directions of a rocker arm shaft to one of a first operating position in which the rocker arms are allowed to abut on first cams, and a second operating position in which the rocker arms are allowed to abut on second cams. The rocker arm shaft is slidably supported by an engine frame so as to be movable in the axial directions thereof. During an engine operation, when the left and right rocker arms are about to be selectively moved to one of the operating positions, the rocker arm shaft is moved in advance to the same side of the selected one of the operating positions, and thereafter the left and right rocker arms are moved to the selected one of the operating position.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a rocker arm assembly supported by the engine structure, a camshaft rotatably supported on the engine structure and engaged with the rocker arm assembly, and a valve member engaged with the rocker arm assembly. The rocker arm assembly may include a lever body having a first end engaged with the valve member and a second end defining a pivot point and having an opening therethrough, an arm assembly including a first end rotatably coupled to the first end of the lever body and a second end including a latch, and a locking mechanism located within the opening in the lever body and including a latch pin having a recess therein and a guide holder including a finger extending into the recess preventing rotation of the latch pin relative to the guide holder.

Abstract: A lubricant circuit of a camshaft adjuster is provided. In conventional camshaft adjusters, lubricant is supplied from a cylinder head to the camshaft adjuster via a supply channel (66) and a receiving channel (69), with an annular groove that encircles in a circumferential direction being located between the supply channel and the receiving channel in order to ensure a continuous lubricant supply. According to the invention, the lubricant is transferred from the supply channel to the receiving channel in a discontinuous manner. The omission of the encircling annular groove causes a discontinuous or cyclic flow of lubricant so that lubricant is transferred only when the supply channel (66) is at least partially aligned with the receiving channel (69).