Abstract: An engine is transitioned from a first combustion mode to a second combustion mode. Phase and lift of the intake and exhaust valves are sequentially adjusted corresponding to intake air cylinder volume and residual gas cylinder volume corresponding to the first and second combustion modes.

Abstract: An engine control system includes an active fuel management (AFM) control module that selectively enables and disables an AFM mode using at least one AFM valve. The engine control system further includes a solenoid fault correction module that selectively opens and closes at least one AFM valve when AFM mode is disabled.

Abstract: Fuel is evacuated from a fuel rail upon vehicle shut-off by directing fuel from a fuel pump to provide a motive flow for an ejector to pump fuel from the fuel rail to a fuel tank.

Abstract: Fuel is evacuated from a fuel rail by directing liquid fuel from the fuel rail to a fuel tank and then by directing gaseous fuel from the fuel rail to a fuel vapor canister.

Abstract: A fuel pump module, in which an in-tank filter and a fuel pump are installed at respective locations and held by a pump retainer, thereby allowing fuel to easily flow in the fuel pump module and realizing smallness and improved filtering performance of the fuel pump module.

Abstract: A fuel pump module flange assembly includes a flange member with an outer surface, an inner surface, and an external boss protruding from the outer surface. The external boss defines an external cavity, and the flange member is monolithic. The assembly also includes an electrically conductive wire that extends through the flange member. The wire has a first portion that protrudes away from the inner surface, and the wire also includes a terminal end that is disposed within the external cavity of the external boss. The wire is monolithic from the terminal end to the first portion.

Abstract: A flange for a fuel pump module and a manufacturing method thereof, in which the passage communicating a first valve seat with a second valve seat in the flange can be easily and simply formed by inserting a passage forming piece in a mold without requiring an additional process during an injection-molding process of manufacturing the flange.

Abstract: Mixture ratios of fuel oils, which are arbitrarily combined and mixed to generate an oil mixture, are set to be mixture ratios that satisfy a predetermined viscosity condition. Based on the mixture ratios, a CPU (49) generates an oil mixture by controlling flow regulating valves (23, 24) in a blender (13). When the oil mixture is supplied to the engine (14) as a pressurizing pump (32) operates, the viscosity is detected by a viscometer (33). The CPU (49) adjusts the mixture ratios based on the detection result, such that the viscosity of the oil mixture satisfies the viscosity condition and that the content of a fuel oil having the highest viscosity among the fuel oils in the oil mixture is maximized.

Abstract: A system for supplying fuel under pressure to an internal combustion engine, and to control fuel delivery to a fuel injection system in an internal combustion engine having a low pressure pump formed integrally as at least part of a main housing of a vapor separator assembly. The low pressure pump lifts fuel into a cavity of a reservoir, which is drawn from a high pressure pump into the internal combustion engine. Due to the integrated nature of the low pressure pump, leak paths and assembly costs are reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a hydrocarbon concentration of a gas stream in a line includes at least one sensor for measuring a hydrocarbon concentration, the position of said sensor being set off in relation to the line.

Abstract: A method and system for fuel vapor control in a hybrid vehicle (HEV). The HEV fuel vapor recovery system includes a fuel tank isolation valve, which is normally closed to isolate storage of refueling from storage of diurnal vapors. The method for fuel vapor control includes selectively actuating the fuel tank isolation valve during interrelated routines for refueling, fuel vapor purging, and emission system leak detection diagnostics to improve regulation of pressure and vacuum the HEV fuel vapor recovery system.

Abstract: A fuel activation catalyzer for an energy saver of an internal combustion engine is provided, which including nanometer negative ions and far infrared materials, and carrier of the nanometer negative ions material selecting from the following material's: cordierite ceramic material and/or limestone, wherein the weight of the nanometer negative ions and far infrared materials to the total weight of the nanometer negative ions and far infrared materials and the carrier is 5 wt %-30 wt %. And a manufacture method of the catalyzer for an energy saver of an internal combustion engine and an energy saver of an internal combustion engine using the catalyzer are also provided. By using the energy saver, the oil circuits and gas circuits are improved, the combustion is promoted and the heat value of the fuel is enhanced.

Abstract: A device for cooled recirculation of exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine charged with the aid of an exhaust gas turbocharger, the internal combustion engine having a fresh gas system and an exhaust gas system, which are connected to a two-stage exhaust gas cooler via an exhaust gas recirculation line. A device by way of which a sufficient amount of exhaust gas may be recirculated by simple means is provided. This is achieved in that exhaust gas recirculation line 8a, 8b is connected to an exhaust gas collecting line 7a, 7b of the exhaust gas system upstream from turbine 6 of exhaust gas turbocharger 5 in the direction of flow, an exhaust gas recirculation valve 9a, 9b being connected upstream from first stage 10a, 10b of the exhaust gas cooler in exhaust gas recirculation line 8a, 8b, and a nonreturn valve 11a, 11b is inserted into a continuation line 12a, 12b leading to the second stage of the exhaust gas cooler.

Abstract: A method for providing intake air to an engine in a vehicle includes forming a mixture of fresh air and treated exhaust, and compressing the mixture upstream of a first throttle valve coupled to an intake manifold of the engine. The method further includes, during a higher engine-load condition, admitting the mixture to the intake manifold via the first throttle valve, and, during a lower engine-load condition, admitting fresh air to the intake manifold via a second throttle valve.

Abstract: The conventional spark plug (or plugs) of a spark-fired gasoline engine are removed and replaced with a high-power spark plug (or plugs) capable of delivering very high power (e.g., one megawatt) over a relatively-narrow time interval (e.g., 20 nanoseconds). Next, the gasoline is replaced with a readily-available non-volatile fuel (e.g., JP-8). The gasoline—and its transportation, storage, handling and/or use—is eliminated altogether, thereby removing a strategic and tactical threat from enemy and terrorist forces who otherwise would be targeting the gasoline tanks or transports. Additionally, or alternatively, the fuel in the line (or the fuel injector) may be heated to start a cold engine or under cold ambient temperatures. The invention is also applicable to consumer products (e.g., lawnmowers) where the extra expense of occasional use is a tradeoff for safety and convenience.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to enable the convergence of the discharge path length of an ignition plug to a target value irrespective of the condition in a cylinder in an ignition control system for an internal combustion engine equipped the ignition plug that can change the discharge path length. To achieve the object, in the present invention, in an ignition control system for an internal combustion engine equipped with a changing device that changes the path length (or discharge path length) of a spark discharge occurring in the discharge gap of the ignition plug, an actual discharge path length or the path length of a spark discharge that actually occurs in the discharge gap is detected, and the changing device is controlled in such a way that the detected actual discharge path length converges to a target discharge path length.

Abstract: A triggerless back tension archery release device to assist archers in pulling a bow string to a fully drawn position and then releasing the bow string to fire an arrow. The surprise release timing is dependent upon a bowtie cam which is a bowtie shaped member containing various size corner edge notches. The bowtie cam may be rotated and then fixed at the desired orientation for pulling the arrow to the fully drawn position. The depth of the notch in the bowtie cam determines the surprise release timing. The bowtie cam is designed with a notch on each of the four corners. The bowtie cam may be reoriented to place any one of the four corner edge notches in the active position thus providing various degrees of flexibility for the surprise release timing.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that is operable between a raised and lowered position for lifting an object without pivot or rotational joints. The apparatus may include an arrow rest for use with an archery bow, wherein the arrow rest has arrow support members operable to form a v-shaped arrow supporting notch, wherein the support members slide in a non-pivotal, non-rotational manner to vary a depth of the v-shaped notch. The support members are oriented to slide between a raised and lowered position. The arrow rest is suitable for coupling to the bow in a manner so that as the bow string is drawn the support members raise the arrow into a shooting position, and when the bow string is released the support members slide away from the arrow to avoid contact between the arrow and support members. Further, the arrow rest is adjustable to accommodate various diameter arrow shafts and to adjust the lateral and vertical orientation of the arrow shaft relative to the riser.

Abstract: An arrow rest for supporting an arrow shaft with respect to an archery bow. A support element is moveably mounted between a first position or a load position and a second position or a launch position. In the launch position, the arrow shaft can be forced into, such as by the forces of gravity, a centered location or a preferred shooting position.

Abstract: A toy gun assembly has at least two, first and second independently operable toy guns. Each of those guns has a body and a shooting mechanism in the body. The toy guns are connectable with each other by means of a connector. The shooting mechanisms of the toy guns are independently operable when the toy guns are connected by the connector.

Abstract: A reconfigurable toy gun includes a handle portion, a guide member coupled to the handle portion, and a barrel portion. The barrel portion is slidably coupled to the guide member and movable along the guide member between a first end portion of the guide member and second end portion of the guide member.

Abstract: A bow stabilizer/vibration dampener incorporating one or more attachment rails for mounting a variety of accessories to the stabilizer for use in conjunction with the bow or other target sighting device. The rails are adjustable side to side at their ends and are preferably of the picatinny or weaver rail configuration. Anywhere from one to four (or more) accessory rails may be positioned symmetrically or asymmetrically on the stabilizer. In addition, the invention anticipates application of the adjustable rail structures positioned in other locations on the bow.

Abstract: A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece. The resulting masonry block has features that provide the masonry block with a weathered appearance.

Abstract: A method for operating a wood fired appliance, in one aspect, generally includes automatically moving a baffle to a lowered closed position from the raised open position in response to a top loading door being moved to a closed position to close the opening in a top wall. The baffle may also be automatically inhibited from being maintained in the raised opened position when the top loading door is disposed in the closed position. For example, a cam may be tripped or activated by lowering of the top loading door to cause the baffle to rotate about an axis and fall under the force of gravity to the lowered closed position, and the cam may inhibit the baffle from being raised when the top loading door is closed.

Abstract: Door packing (35) having a base (36), a first lip (37), and a second lip (38) is stretched around periphery of a back surface cover (31) of a door (30). When the door (30) is closed, the second lip (38) is inserted into a heating chamber (22), the first lip (37) pivots in directions of arrows (A) once an extremity of the first lip (37) comes into contact with a front face panel (40), and an extremity of the second lip (38) is then brought into close contact with inner wall surfaces of the heating chamber (22). Thus both the front face panel (40) and the inner wall surfaces of the heating chamber (22) are sealed, so that smoke, steam and the like produced by objects to be heated are reliably prevented from leaking out of the heating chamber (22).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grill pedestal assembly which allows the grill portion to be selectively removed, whereby the grill remains usable for grilling purposes. The present invention further allows the pedestal portion to be collapsed into itself to require a much smaller volume for shipping and storage by rotating the neck portion and telescopically lowering the neck and shelf into the body. The required volume is reduced further by lowering the side shelves from a generally horizontal to a generally vertical position. Finally, the present invention may include a body formed from a single piece of material, and likewise, the neck may also be formed from a single piece of material.

Abstract: The cooking appliance using solid fuel, of the barbecue type, includes a brazier as a box for containing the solid fuel, a grill support capable of supporting at least one preferably removable rack and an igniting device. The igniting device includes a very high frequency electromagnetic energy generator or magnetron capable of generating a microwave generation and a waveguide connecting the magnetron to the brazier for directing the microwaves into the brazier.

Abstract: Devices and methods for accelerating the combustion of non-gas cooking fuels used in barbequing. The devices include a starting fuel for preparing, or starting, a cooking fuel, such as charcoal briquettes, for use to cook food. The starting fuel is contained in a kindling chamber beneath an upper chamber containing the cooking fuel. A powered air delivery mechanism may provide an airflow to the fuels to increase combustion and heating thereof. In some embodiments, the device is a breach-loading device. In some embodiments, the air delivery mechanism is battery-powered. The device may be configured to provide, and/or may be automated to provide, different operating states responsive to the degree of ignition and/or combustion of the fuels in the device. In some embodiments, the device is adapted to automatically be transitioned between forced-air and natural-draft operating states, which may be controlled responsive to sensed operating parameters of the device.

Abstract: A temperature indicator for an outdoor barbeque is disclosed. The temperature indicator may include a controller, a sensor and a visual indicator. The sensor may measure the temperature of a cooking area of the barbeque and communicate the measured temperature to the controller. The visual indicator may be coupled to the controller and may indicate the range of the measured temperature of the cooking area.

Abstract: A thermocline storage tank is presented, which includes a barrier member that floats between the two fluids stored at different temperatures, physically separating and insulating them. The floating barrier includes a number of design features that broaden its application scope, enabling it for use in fields like thermal storage systems of solar power plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar energy concentrator-collector device including a stationary reflector-concentrator with reflector-concentrator modules joined to a stationary structure forming a matrix. Each reflector-concentrator module includes a frame and at least one reflective surface portion configured to reflect the sun's rays and concentrate them in a linear focus. The stationary structure is formed by frames fixed to supporting profiles. A mobile receiver includes a mobile structure supporting receptor elements parallel to the linear foci. A tracking mechanism is connected to several the supporting profiles and to the mobile structure in order to support and move the mobile structure on the stationary reflector-concentrator so that the receptor elements follow a path of maximum confluence of the sun's rays reflected by the reflective surfaces as the relative position of the sun changes.

Abstract: A solar trough field system according to the invention comprises multiple parabolic reflectors; a thermal receiver tube, center of which coincides with the focus of the parabolic reflectors and which consists of a metal heat receiving pipe (1) and a glass tube (2) which are nested (the glass tube surrounds the metal heat receiving pipe from outside); a ‘vacuum seal and glass tube connector system’ (E) which connects the glass tubes (2) and the thermal heat receiving pipe (1) to each other; a rotating support unit (21), which connects the parabolic panel to the glass tube connector system (E) and provides the thermal receiver tube (1) to stay stationary while the parabolic panel is rotating around it; ‘flexible expansion unit’ (29) located at the end of each parabolic trough unit which provides vacuum seal while the Heat Receiving Pipe (1) is moving due to heat expansion; and a vertical loop (52) located at the discharge side of the parabolic unit, which can be used instead of water separator and which also pr

Abstract: A relatively simple, inexpensive, and easily manufactured device for accurately tracking the daily and seasonal movement of the sun anywhere, and in any climate, without the need for human and/or computer intervention. This sun tracker can be made to any size, out of common materials, and using standard assembly line techniques. Said sun tracker can be installed for any application by an unskilled person. Once installed, it will use a simple electro-mechanical configuration instead of a complex mechanical or costly computer control, as all prior art required.

Abstract: The present invention describes enhancement of non-solar water heating systems (such as systems that operate on gas, diesel fuel, or electricity energy) to work with solar heating panel as well. The retrofitable system addresses the need to provide a simple to install, cheap, and clean add-on solar panel and parts to existing non-solar based heating systems. The hot water extracted from the system has homogeneous temperature, and when water is not taken from the system the hot water are being collected in the existing boiler.

Abstract: A system for releasing and capturing gases from a regolith material has a frame that is movable to define a capture space on a regolith material. A mirror captures solar energy, and focuses energy through a lens and on a regolith defined within the captured space. Apparatus is provided for capturing released gas. A method of operating such a system is also disclosed and claimed. In addition, a method of forming structural material is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A structure and method of solar energy collection use a building roof acting as a heat collector, conductor, and convector passing thermal energy to air in a volume below. The air may stratify according to temperature, with flow controls maximizing temperatures by operating dampers, valves, or both in the air and a liquid working fluid, respectively. A finned heat exchanger may be a hydronic baseboard-type heating unit operating to transfer heat in the opposite direction, into water inside the central pipe. A thermo-mechanical actuator, such as a wax motor may provide passive control, and heat may be collected in an open circuit of culinary water, a closed loop, or a double loop system. Ducting aids stratification, temperature maximization, and heat exchange to enforce pre-selected temperatures in the air and water working fluids.

Abstract: A solar collector panel which can also be utilized to display information and/or images and/or messages and having an external frame, with a transparent upper panel securely positioned within the frame. A lower panel is positioned within the frame and spaced in relation to the upper panel so as to provide a closed chamber between the upper panel and the lower panel, an upper surface of the lower panel having applied thereon heat conversion means for converting solar radiation to heat energy, the heat conversion means providing thereon information, an image or message which is visible above the upper surface of the upper panel. A back panel is positioned within the frame, so as to define a closed volume of air space between the lower panel and the back panel through which air may flow. Intake and exhaust pipes introduce air into the frame, and transfer heated air from the frame.

Abstract: A solar concentrator includes an optical member having a focal point. The optical member is configured and disposed to direct incident solar radiation to the focal point. A support member is positioned adjacent to the focal point of the optical member. A solar energy collector is supported upon the support member. The solar energy collector is positioned at the focal point of the optical member. A base member is positioned in a spaced relationship from the support member. The base member and the support member define a chamber section that is in a heat exchange relationship with the solar energy collector. The chamber section is configured to absorb and dissipate heat from the solar energy collectors.

Abstract: A collapsible unit for supporting food items over a heat source comprises a collapsible frame enclosure wherein at least one side of the frame is reconfigurable to enable various types of cooking and heating arrangements.

Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fixed diverter and a movable fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected with an actuator for responding to an inhalation or a manual actuation and beginning the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected to an actuator so that the fluid orifice or fluid pathway reaches a nebulizing position during inhalation.

Abstract: One embodiment describes an insulin formulation that is specifically adapted for aerosolization. The formulation comprises a major amount of water and a minor amount of insulin. Further, the formulation is preservative free, without meta-cresol, cresol or phenol, to permit the formulation to be aerosolized using a vibrating aperture plate without substantial foaming of the insulin formulation.

Abstract: A nebulizer capable of supplying oxygen gas of high concentration by increasing the flow rate of the oxygen gas and capable of forming minute aerosol irrespective of a change in the flow rate of the oxygen gas. A nebulizer (A) has a nozzle member (11) for discharging oxygen gas from an orifice (11b), an aerosol forming member (12) mounted at a position corresponding to the orifice, sucking water by suction created by flow of the oxygen gas discharged from the orifice, and forming the sucked water into minute aerosol, and a window (9) and a slit (10) which suck air as the oxygen gas is discharged from the orifice of the nozzle member. The nozzle member (11) has, in addition to the orifice (11b), an oxygen gas outflow section formed in a direction different from that of the orifice and causing supplied oxygen gas to flow thereout according to the pressure of the oxygen gas.

Abstract: An aerosolization system includes a squeezable container having a resilient container body. The container is configured to deliver a unit dosage of a liquid when squeezed a single time. The system also includes an aerosolizer that is constructed of a housing defining a mouthpiece, and an aerosol generator disposed in the housing. The aerosol generator comprises a vibratable membrane having a front face and a rear face, and a vibratable element used to vibrate the membrane. Further, the housing includes an opening that is adapted to receive a unit dosage of the liquid from the container. The opening provides a liquid path to the rear face of the vibratable membrane.

Abstract: A snorkel for users floating or skin diving on the sea is disclosed. The snorkel includes an inlet tube, a mouthpiece chamber and a mouthpiece. A comber impermeable cap with a first valve is arranged on a top end of the inlet tube while a bottom end of the inlet tube is sleeved with an inlet end of the mouthpiece chamber. A baffle is disposed inside the mouthpiece chamber so as to form an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A second valve is arranged on the inlet end of the mouthpiece chamber so as to make air flow into the mouthpiece chamber or the upper chamber. At least one third valve is arranged on a corresponding outlet end so that air or water is exhausted from the mouthpiece chamber. A mouthpiece is sleeved on top surface of the mouthpiece chamber. The exhaled waste air is unable to enter the inlet tube and is exhausted only through the third valve. Therefore, users can breathe in/out easily without water inhalation or hypoxia.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, NO2 absorbents, NO2 scavengers and NO2 recuperator for generating nitric oxide are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, an apparatus for converting nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide can include a receptacle including an inlet, an outlet, a surface-active material coated with an aqueous solution of ascorbic acid and an absorbent wherein the inlet is configured to receive a gas flow and fluidly communicate the gas flow to the outlet through the surface-active material and the absorbent such that nitrogen dioxide in the gas flow is converted to nitric oxide.

Abstract: An inhaler including a pre-inserted cartridge (100) is proposed. The cartridge contains liquid (103) which is preferably pressurized to a low pressure. The cartridge is connected via an aerosol valve (106) with the inhaler. The liquid is further pressurized by a pump (117) of the inhaler to a high pressure and atomized.

Abstract: A pneumatic connection for connecting two modules (6) with one another into a simple and reliable pneumatic connection of modules (6) of the respirator or anesthesia apparatus (5). A small installation space needed is provided in a respirator or anesthesia apparatus (5), including at least two modules (6), e.g., a blower, a breathing system, a mixer and/or an anesthetic evaporator (11, 12, 13, 14). The at least one pneumatic connection includes a connection tube (1), which is surrounded with a first end (9) by a first module (7) and with a second end (10) by a second module (8), so that there is a pneumatic connection through the connection tube (1) between the first module (7) and second module (8). The reliable pneumatic connection is also established when the modules (6) have an offset in their alignment in relation to one another.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and software are disclosed for simulating and controlling anesthesia delivery and for implementing automatic closed-loop anesthesia with an inhaled anesthetic agent. The methods involve using a physiological simulation to forward calculate the effects of an inhaled anesthetic agent, and searching for gas administration characteristics, such as fresh gas flow rates and anesthetic concentrations or partial pressures, that will achieve a desired physiological anesthetic concentration or effect with minimal use of anesthetic agent and minimal fresh gas flow rate.

Abstract: A powder inhaler comprising: a body (10) that is provided with a dispenser orifice (15); a plurality of predosed reservoirs each containing a dose of powder for dispensing; and reservoir-opening means (80) for opening a reservoir on each actuation, said opening means being perforator means comprising a needle that is adapted to perforate a predosed reservoir on each actuation; the inhaler further comprising a dispersion channel (70) including an inlet (710) that is connected to said perforator means (80) and that receives the dose of powder from said open reservoir, and an outlet (720) that is connected to said dispenser orifice (15), said perforator means being controlled by the user inhaling, such that a predosed reservoir is simultaneously perforated and emptied, the powder driven by the inhalation flow passing through said dispersion channel before being expelled through the dispenser orifice, said dispersion channel (70) including two bent channel portions (71, 72), a first bent channel portion (71) that

Abstract: An emergency pulmonary resuscitation device is described. The device of the present invention provides emergency breathing for use in techniques such as CPR, and is preferably capable of interaction with an automatic external defibrillator. The device is easy to operate and provides feedback so that it may be used by persons without medical training. The device also works through a simple action, making it possible for it to be inexpensively manufactured and widely disseminated.