Abstract: In a crystal preparing device, a crucible holds a mixed molten metal containing alkali metal and group III metal. A container has a container space contacting the mixed molten metal and holds a molten alkali metal between the container space and an outside of the container, the molten alkali metal contacting the container space. A gas supply device supplies nitrogen gas to the container space. A heating device heats the crucible to a crystal growth temperature. The crystal preparing device is provided so that a vapor pressure of the alkali metal which evaporates from the molten alkali metal is substantially equal to a vapor pressure of the alkali metal which evaporates from the mixed molten metal.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional shaped product in which a powder and a shaped article are loaded on a base plate, a frame body is installed upright on a table, a support projecting from the frame body and/or a projected streak provided at the top of the frame body are used to support the base plate, the base plate is supported by arranging the center of gravity of the base plate so as to be present, two or more recesses provided at the back of the base plate are fitted into two or more supports which cross each other and/or projected streaks, and projected parts provided on supports and/or wall parts of the frame body are contacted with horizontally surrounding parts of the base plate on both sides in the longitudinal direction of at least one recess among the recesses, thereby attaining the above object.

Abstract: A wet-coating apparatus includes a main body, a cleaning agent bin, a coating agent storage bin, a hot-air injector, a heater, and a transport. The main body defines a coating chamber. The coating chamber includes a first sub-chamber, a second sub-chamber, and a third sub-chamber located between the first and second sub-chambers. The cleaning agent storage bin is received in the first sub-chamber. The coating agent storage bin is received in the first sub-chamber and located adjacent to the third sub-chamber. The hot-air injector is received in the third sub-chamber. The heater is received in the second sub-chamber. The transport is located over the cleaning agent storage bin and the coating agent storage bin, and configured to transport a substrate from the first sub-chamber to the second sub-chamber.

Abstract: The vacuum heating and cooling apparatus can rapidly heat and cool only the substrate after film-forming treatment while maintaining high vacuum. The temperature rise of members in the chamber with time caused by accumulation of heat is suppressed, and the variation of temperature between substrates is decreased.

Abstract: A spin coating device includes a container and a rotating member. The container is used for holding a first solution and includes a sidewall which a plurality of substrates are arranged on. The rotating member is rotatable within the container and includes an inlet and at least one outlet. A second solution flows into the rotating member through the inlet, and flows into the container through the at lease one outlet. A mixture of the first solution and the second solution is spread onto the substrate by centrifugal force of the rotating member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluid agent applying multi-vent nozzle capable of densely disposing ejecting vents, and the multi-vent nozzle comprises a main body configured in a casing block, a raised surface provided at a distal end of the casing block, and contoured and dimensioned corresponding to a target area to apply fluid agent to, and a plurality of ejecting vents defined in the raised surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for forming a composite membrane with a porous coating layer. At first, a filling process is carried out to fill the pores of a porous substrate with a liquid. Next, a raw material is transformed into melt or incomplete melt droplets by a heating source and the droplets are sprayed to the surface of the porous substrate filled with the liquid. The liquid is evaporated by the high temperature droplets and plasma flame to become vapor and the vapor breaks through the droplets to have the droplets sputter into different blocks to thereby form random and dispersed flat particles after cooled. Flat particles are formed and stacked continuously so as to form a composite membrane with a porous coating layer. Moreover, the invention provides an apparatus for forming a composite membrane with a porous coating layer.

Abstract: A dip coating apparatus includes a container, a separating plate, an air intake, at least one driving module, and at least one carrying base. The separating plate separates the container into a first chamber and a second chamber, and defines a through opening communicating the two chambers. The first chamber is configured for drying workpieces, and the second chamber is configured for carrying coating liquid to coat the workpieces. The air intake takes drying air into the first chamber. The driving module is mounted on the separating plate. The carrying base carries the workpieces, and is connected to the driving module and positioned in the second chamber. Driven by the driving module, the carrying base is able to dip the workpieces into the coating liquid for coating, and is able to cover the through opening and expose the workpieces to the first chamber for drying.

Abstract: A method of processing a substrate includes physically contacting an exposed conductive electrode of an electrostatic carrier with a conductor to electrostatically bond a substrate to the electrostatic carrier. The conductor is removed from physically contacting the exposed conductive electrode. Dielectric material is applied over the conductive electrode. The substrate is treated while it is electrostatically bonded to the electrostatic carrier. In one embodiment, a conductor is forced through dielectric material that is received over a conductive electrode of an electrostatic carrier to physically contact the conductor with the conductive electrode to electrostatically bond a substrate to the electrostatic carrier. After removing the conductor from the dielectric material, the substrate is treated while it is electrostatically bonded to the electrostatic carrier. Electrostatic carriers for retaining substrates for processing, and such assemblies, are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the nozzle includes a first body having an open lower surface and a plurality of buffer spaces to store a processing solution therein. A first shutter is disposed at a lower part of the first body to selectively open and close lower surfaces of the buffer spaces, and a driving unit configured to move the first shutter or the first body so that a position of the first shutter is varied relative to the buffer spaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that may be utilized for chemical vapor deposition and/or hydride vapor phase epitaxial (HVPE) deposition are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a processing chamber that includes a showerhead with separate inlets and channels for delivering separate processing gases into a processing volume of the chamber without mixing the gases prior to entering the processing volume. In one embodiment, the showerhead includes metrology ports with purge gas assemblies configured and positioned to deliver a purge gas to prevent deposition thereon. In one embodiment, the metrology port is configured to receive a temperature measurement device, and the purge gas assembly is a concentric tube configuration configured to prevent deposition on components of the temperature measurement device.

Abstract: A plastic-laminating machine for the coating of paper or similar materials with a plastic coating and only to the exact dimensions of the paper eliminating the need for trimming and offering the option to laminate on one side of the material or on both sides. The inventive elements combine to create a Liquid Laminating Machine which will not only deliver beautifully laminated sheets but do so without the drawbacks of existing laminating machines on the market. The present invention offers economy, low supervision and maintenance, low-energy operation, low toxicity due to elimination of VOCs and elimination of the labor and waste of trimming the laminated materials.

Abstract: A gas distribution system for a reactor having at least two distinct gas source orifice arrays displaced from one another along an axis defined by a gas flow direction from the gas source orifice arrays towards a work-piece deposition surface such that at least a lower one of the gas source orifice arrays is located between a higher one of the gas source orifice arrays and the work-piece deposition surface. Orifices in the higher one of the gas source orifice arrays may spaced an average of 0.2-0.8 times a distance between the higher one of the gas source orifice arrays and the work-piece deposition surface, while orifices in the lower one of the gas source orifice arrays may be spaced an average of 0.1-0.4 times a distance between the higher one of the gas source orifice array and the work-piece deposition surface.

Abstract: A system and method for improved thin film deposition is described. One embodiment includes a perimeter mask for thin film deposition, the perimeter mask comprising an at least one mask surface, the at least one mask surface comprising a mask edge, wherein the mask edge is configured to be positioned proximate to a deposition surface; and wherein the at least one mask surface undercuts away from the mask edge. In various embodiments, the perimeter mask may comprise a bezel shape, a parabolic-curve shape, or a segmented curve shape. In some embodiments, the perimeter mask may partially surround a deposition source, such as a heated-pocket deposition source, a PECVD deposition source, or a sputter deposition source. The perimeter mask can assist in achieving more uniform layers of deposition material and improve processing by containing deposition material and reducing cleaning time.

Abstract: A wafer holder including a wafer stage and a wafer stage outer-ring surrounding the wafer stage wherein the wafer stage has a diameter smaller than the diameter of a wafer loaded on the wafer stage, the wafer stage outer-ring has an inner diameter at the upper side of the outer-ring which is larger than the diameter of the wafer loaded on the wafer stage, and the upper surface of the outer-ring lies above the upper surface of the wafer loaded on the wafer stage.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor processing apparatus comprising a processing tube for housing a substrate support member that supports a plurality of substrates stacked at a prescribed pitch in a vertical direction; a gas supply part that extends in a direction in which the substrates are stacked in the processing tube and that has a plurality of gas supply openings; an exhaust part that opens onto the processing tube; a gas rectifying plate that is disposed in a space between a penumbra of the substrates supported on the substrate support member and an inner wall of the processing tube, and that extends from the gas supply part in a circumferential direction of the processing tube and in the direction in which the substrates are stacked; and a gas flow regulating part disposed in a space in the processing tube that is above a top-most gas supply opening and a top-most substrate and in a space in the processing tube that is below a bottom-most substrate and a bottom-most gas supply opening.

Abstract: This invention is a new disinfecting and immunizing system for fertilized and unfertilized avian eggs that, by manipulating the ambient air pressure, creates an environment that causes the pores of the eggshells to open, allowing disinfectants and inoculants to be delivered to the eggs in such a manner that the liquid material penetrates through the pores into the shell to a specified depth but does not go beyond the shell to the embryo. The system is designed such that it performs similar but separate processes for disinfection and immunization; each process includes changing the air pressure, spraying appropriate product, and returning the air pressure to initial condition.

Abstract: A detecting arrangement is provided for a teat cleaning device including a teat cleaning cup in which teats of milking animals are contained during cleaning thereof. The detecting arrangement comprises a measuring device provided for automatically measuring a teat related parameter in or adjacent to the teat cleaning cup at completion of a teat cleaning process, and a processing device operatively connected to the measuring device and provided for automatically comparing the measured teat related parameter with a reference value and for automatically determining whether the teat of the milking animal has been contained in the teat cleaning cup unfolded during the teat cleaning process based on the comparison.

Abstract: An improved livestock feeder provided with an adjustable feed dispensing mechanism including control levers which are operatively connected to the feed metering gates to control the flow of feed to livestock. The dispensing mechanism features a control lever which engage an array of indexing holes formed in the feeder to position the feed gate within the opening to adjust the amount of feed dispensed from the hopper. The dispensing mechanism includes a graduated scale corresponding to each of the index holes to provide a standard setting for the feeder which can be utilized by an animal producer to supply of feed flow at a given stage in the animal's life cycle to obtain a desired growth rate.

Abstract: Devices for providing feed to farm animals, particularly large farm animals are disclosed. In the invention, an enclosure for the feed is provided. In one embodiment of the invention the feed rests directly on the ground. In another embodiment of the invention, the feed is placed on a rack or grate a distance above the ground. The feed is surrounded by a fence that denies access to the feed except as will be described hereafter. At least one pivoting access grate is moved into contact with the feed to prevent the feed from being blown around by the wind or scattered by the animals and also to limit access to the feed. The access grate is a series of bars that are preferably spaced at desirable distances to provide optimal access to the feed by the animals. In one embodiment of the invention, this access grate may be limited in movement to control the amount of feed that an animal or animals is allowed to eat during a given time.

Abstract: A vessel assembly for holding and presenting solids, liquids or both, including a vessel body having a base portion and at least one wall member extending from the base portion and defining at least one cavity for containing solids, liquids or both; a stabilizer including a stabilizer body for ground engagement; and a fastener assembly for releasably retaining the body and the stabilizer in a mated relationship, the fastener including a first fastener portion operatively associated with the vessel body and a second fastener portion operatively associated with the stabilizer in a configuration for mating with the first fastener portion for stabilizing the vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides animal litters and methods of making and using such litters. The animal litters comprise (a) a plurality of absorbent particles comprising (i) a non-swelling particle and (ii) a clumping material coated on the non-swelling particle and (b) a plurality of one or more filler particles that are not associated with the absorbent particles. The filler particles provide additional functionality to the litters, e.g., controlling odor, absorbing moisture, releasing fragrance, controlling microorganisms, controlling dust, reducing density, reducing weight, and combinations thereof. The litters are made by producing the absorbent particles using conventional means and combining the absorbent particles with one or more filler particles that impart the desired characteristic to the litters.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a lighting system and apparatus that may be utilized with aquariums. The features and functionality of the lighting system and apparatus provide easy access to the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaning and maintenance. In addition, the features and functionality of some embodiments provide a lighting system that does not require ballasts, light sockets, or a multitude of wiring, and includes a modular design. Further, for some embodiments, features of the present invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate the aquarium, while simultaneously limiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a lighting apparatus that may be utilized with aquariums having features and functionality enabling a person to easily access the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaning and maintenance. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lighting apparatus comprises two or more panels; one or more joints that join at least two adjacent panels together; and one or more light elements disposed on the aquarium lighting apparatus such that at least one lighting element illuminates a side common to all of the panels. For some embodiments, features of the present invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate the aquarium, while limiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium.

Abstract: A safety bypass gate is provided for use with a livestock management system having a sorting scale arranged between watering and feeding areas. The safety bypass gate changes from a closed position to an open position to provide an emergency exit from the watering area when a condition exists that prevents animals from passing over the sorting scale. The safety bypass gate includes a pair of pivoting gate members and a channel member that fits over the top edges of the gate members to secure them closed. The channel member is attached to a pneumatic actuator that uses air pressure to hold the channel member in its locked position, and a spring return that moves the channel member to its unlocked position upon a drop in air pressure. Springs bias the gate members from their closed positions to their open positions when the channel member moves to its unlocked position.

Abstract: This invention involves a multi-function pets training tool, in particular, it could allow pets to maintain vitality, a tool both enhancing training and entertainment, and to utilize different designs and purpose-made accessories for different results, users could use these accessories in making out different training tools. The training aim of this invention is mainly through a hide-and-seek process to find out the hiding articles as may be pre-concealed by the trainer in the base platform, and the training pets have to use skills of topple over, drive and pull to find out these articles, through these trainings to enhance the agility of pets' muscle, concentration and smelling capabilities.

Abstract: A pet scratching apparatus including a base defining a top face and a scratching element extending vertically from the top face of the base, the scratching element including an internal member the top face of the base and defining an exterior surface and a scratchable sleeve removably mounted on the exterior surface of the internal member. In some examples, the pet scratching apparatus includes two bases. In some further examples, the pet scratching apparatus includes a connection system.

Abstract: A toy with catnip and pet treat dispensers and method for using are disclosed. The catnip dispenser, the third center wall, contains four small circular openings in the enclosure from which the catnip can either exit or be smelled. The treat dispenser, the first center wall, contains a ¾ inch circular opening in the enclosure from which random amounts of pet treats filter out upon exiting from a container enclosed by an interior wall with a ¾ inch circular opening opposite the first center treat dispenser wall. The pet is encouraged to roll the toy. The forward, backward and sideward rolling motion of the catnip dispenser and treat dispenser causes it to release catnip and/or pet treats through the openings at the bottom of the dispenser walls. The catnip and/or pet treats roll out the openings, encouraging the pet to further interact with the dispensers for fun and exercise.

Abstract: A edible rawhide-based molded chew with a hollow core is described. The chew is formed by cutting a rawhide sheet into multiple small rawhide pieces. The small rawhide pieces are mixed with a binding agent and water to form a rawhide-based mass. The rawhide-based mass is introduced to mold with a pin to form a molded chew having a hollow core therethrough. The molded chew is removed from the mold. Finally, a flavor basting is applied to the hollow core of the molded chew. The flavor basting provides a smell and flavor to entice a dog to begin and continue chewing on the chew. Thus, the resulting item is a rawhide-based molded chew with a hollow core that is coated with a flavor basting.

Abstract: An animal toileting system including a device (10) having a zone (19) into which an animal may urinate, defecate or both. The zone (19) has an aperture (18) through which animal waste may pass. A number of inserts (30, 32, 34) are provided that reduce or block the size of the aperture (18).

Abstract: An equine mask and sun visor combination that protects the face and eyes of the horse against several environmental insults simultaneously, including insects, water-born particulates and direct sunlight. A second layer of UV-opaque material is added to a first UV-retarding screen layer to form a sun visor disposed to protect the horse's eyes from direct sunlight and precipitation without blocking the horse's vision. The two distinct mask layers are joined in a manner that forms a single equine mask assembly which neither irritates nor discomforts the horse during long-term continuous wear.

Abstract: A device for protecting the skin of an animal from damage, abrasion and/or moisture is provided. A first version includes an elastic portion band attached to a protective sheet. The elastic band in combination with the protective sheet encircles an animal limb above a hock. The elastic band is optionally detachably attachable to the protective sheet by means of a hook and loop fastener, a zipper assembly, a button and buttonhole combination, or other detachable attachment means. A moisture absorbent material may be attached to and disposed between the protective sheet and the animal limb. The absorbent material may be a wicking material, such as a moisture wicking fleece. The protective sheet may be asymmetric as positioned about a sagittal plane central to the hock. The protective sheet may be partially curved to form a cup shape for at least partially enclosing the hock.

Abstract: A method for a flame boiler with multi-stage combustion with multi-ejection, includes the steps of ejecting inner and outer secondary air flows with speed of 35-65 m/s to guide a fuel-rich pulverized coal flow with speed of 10-20 m/s into a lower chamber to provide first and second combustion stages, ejecting lower secondary air flows with speed of 35-65 m/s into the lower chamber to further guide the pulverized coal so as to provide a third combustion stage. The system includes a lower chamber, an upper chamber, a combustion chamber, fuel-rich pulverized coal flow nozzles, fuel-lean pulverized coal flow nozzles respectively provided at the front and rear boiler arches, and lower secondary air nozzles provided at the front and rear water cooled walls. The combustion of the pulverized coal flow with W-shaped flowing path within the boiler is adapted to reduce NOx emission and minimize the content of combustible substance in ash.

Abstract: A pipe fitting is connected in a conduit from a source of fluid under pressure. The pipe fitting comprises a tubular body defining an elongate interior chamber open at both an upstream end and a downstream end. The wall of the body defines a plurality of radial passages opening into the interior chamber and extending through the wall at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body. The passages open to the atmosphere through the wall axially spaced upstream from the passage openings into the interior. Fluid flows through the body from the upstream end to the downstream end without escaping through the passages. When fluid flow is blocked downstream of the body, backflow of fluid is directed radially outwardly and angularly upstream through the passages to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Water heaters are described that are user-powered, such that external sources of power are unnecessary. The water heaters include a heating device and a generator coupled to a crank such that power is generated as the crank is rotated, which can be used to power the heating device.

Abstract: A stationary internal combustion engine comprising a combustion engine and at least one compression device is disclosed. The combustion engine and the at least one compression device are connected to each other without vibrations being transmitted therebetween.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator for apparatus for use in an internal combustion engine of a vehicle for increasing the efficiency of the engine and decreasing emissions from the engine has stainless-steel electrolysis plates that are close-spaced in the generator housing. The hydrogen unit is configured to inject hydrogen after the throttle body and the carburetor using a spacer located between the intake manifold and the throttle body or carburetor. Alternative, a modified spark plug equipped with a tube and a check valve is mounted on the engine, while being controlled by the generator's PCB controller.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for on-board refining of fuels within motorized vehicles. On board fuel refining is a finish-refining step that allows a fuel to be more precisely tailored to a particular vehicle and internal-combustion engine and to the current conditions under which the fuel is being used. In one embodiment, the fuel is subjected to fluid-shear forces and cavitation.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for a controlling a flow of reformate fuel in a fuel system which includes a reformer and a storage tank coupled to an engine in a vehicle. The system includes a pump located between the reformer and the storage tank that is selectively operated in order to reduce parasitic losses on the system.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system and method of its operation are described. As one example, the method includes: repeatedly opening a first intake valve of a combustion chamber of the engine once every four piston strokes; transitioning operation of the combustion chamber from a four stroke cycle to a two stroke cycle by activating a second intake valve of the combustion chamber to repeatedly open once every four piston strokes during a different intake stroke than the first intake valve; and transitioning operation of the combustion chamber from the two stroke cycle to the four stroke cycle by deactivating the second intake valve in a closed position. In this way, the engine may be selectively operated in a two stroke cycle or a four stroke cycle by activating or deactivating or activating one of the intake valves while another of the intake valves continues to operate.

Abstract: A locomotive diesel engine emissions control suite includes retarding fuel injection timing and heating the diesel fuel. Switch locomotives are now required to comply with USEPA emission standards under 40 CFR Part 1033 regulations. Retarding the fuel injection timing reduces peak temperatures during combustion which in turn reduces production of Nitrogen oxides (NOx) but also increases emissions of particulate matter (PM), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Hydrocarbons (HC) in the exhaust. Unrelated efforts to reduce the smoke in diesel exhaust by pre-heating the diesel fuel showed an unexpected reduction in PM, CO, and HC. Such heating of the diesel fuel did not affect the reduction in NOx but reduced emissions of PM, CO, and HC to acceptable levels. Further experiments showed that two degrees of fuel injection retarding and fuel heated to 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit resulted in meeting the 40 CFR Part 1033 regulations.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to ensure appropriate cooling amounts for two exhaust ports, respectively, in an internal combustion engine in which an exhaust port that communicates with an inlet of a turbine of a turbocharger and an exhaust port that does not communicate with the inlet of the turbine are formed in a cylinder head. A cooling apparatus for an internal combustion engine of the present invention has a first exhaust port and a second exhaust port formed in a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine. The first exhaust port communicates with an inlet of a turbine of the turbocharger. The second exhaust port does not communicate with the inlet of the turbine. Each cylinder of the internal combustion engine includes a first exhaust valve that communicates with the first exhaust port and a second exhaust valve that communicates with the second exhaust port.

Abstract: A cooling device of an outboard engine unit includes a cooling water passage for delivering cooling water from a water pump. The cooling water passage branches into a first passageway for cooling a cylinder block and cylinder head of an engine and a second passageway for cooling a case of a supercharger. Thus, the supercharger and the engine can be cooled to and kept at their respective appropriate temperatures.

Abstract: A double-acting electromagnetic device for transmitting movement to/from a driven/driving member in a vehicle and including a shaft that rotates about a longitudinal axis of rotation and that has, mounted relative thereto a first rotor of a first coupling including a pair of concentric annular electromagnets mounted on a fixed support, a coaxial bell member, a coaxial cup member, a first bearing, a first armature connected to the coaxial bell member, a second armature concentric with the first armature and connected to the coaxial cup member which is mounted idle with respect to the shaft via the first bearing and which has a first pulley formed on a side surface, wherein the support for the electromagnets is attached to a fixed structure part which has a load-bearing function, and wherein the bell member includes an outer annular edge extending in an axial direction towards the electromagnets and mounted axially over the first rotor.

Abstract: An engine cooling system incorporates a cooling fan module having a motor and a fan driven by the motor. The motor has a motor housing and two end caps disposed at respective ends of the motor housing. Each of the end caps has at least one axial hole to allow air to flow through the motor to dissipate heat from inside the motor. The motor also has a dust screen disposed inside the motor and adjacent each of the axial holes for preventing external particles entering the motor through the axial hole. Each dust screen has a plurality of apertures to allow air to flow through the motor but prevents dust particles entering the motor.

Abstract: In a method for operating an internal combustion engine, a crankcase of the internal combustion engine has a vent into the intake section of the internal combustion engine, and upon outgassing of fuel out of engine oil present in the crankcase, the operating point of the internal combustion engine is modified so that the air-fuel ratio does not fall below a definable value.

Abstract: A composite intake manifold coupled to a V-engine is provided. The composite intake manifold includes a supporting member overmolded in an unsupported region of the composite intake manifold.

Abstract: A barrel engine has a housing with a longitudinal bore with a pair of spaced apart bearing surfaces. An output shaft is disposed in the bore and has an outer surface with engagement elements. A cam plate has a central portion and a cam portion. The central portion has an outer surface with a pair of spaced apart bearing surfaces and a bore with an inner surface with engagement elements. The cam plate is received on the output shaft with the engagement elements on the inner surface of the cam plate bore being mechanically coupled to the engagement elements on the outer surface of the output shaft such that the shaft and cam plate are coupled for rotation and the cam plate is longitudinally slidable with respect to the shaft. The cam plate is disposed such that the bearing surfaces are generally aligned with the bearing surfaces of the bore.

Abstract: A barrel engine has a longitudinal output shaft defining a longitudinal axis. A plurality of cylinders is disposed about the output shaft and are each generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. A cam plane is defined perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and disposed between the open ends of the cylinders and a second end of the engine housing. A cam plate is disposed in the engine housing and supported for rotation about the longitudinal axis. The cam plate has a central portion and an outwardly extending cam portion. The cam portion has a cam surface that undulates from one side of the cam plane to the other. A flywheel has a plurality of lobes, each lobe being disposed generally in alignment with an area where the cam surface undulates closest to the open end of a cylinder.

Abstract: A drive configuration for driving one or more rotating sprockets (e.g., of an engine drive train), including a flexible force transmitting member forming a closed curve enclosing an area; a drive sprocket situated outside the area and driving the force transmitting member; first and second pulleys situated at least partially within the area and on opposing sides of the drive sprocket so as to urge the force transmitting member against the drive sprocket; and one or more driven sprockets each coupled to the force transmitting member. The drive configuration may include a cartridge including a base, one or more secondary pulleys being situated on opposing sides of the first pulley such that a timing belt is urged into contact with a drive sprocket and each of the pulleys. Accordingly, a timing belt may be rapidly installed or removed by inserting or removing the cartridge according to the present invention.