Abstract: (c) This invention relates to the converting of linear combustion force into rotational force within an internal combustion engine. Most internal combustion engines have a crankshaft, but due to the rotational friction loss and combustion force on a crankshaft at TDC, the current engine configuration has limited efficiency. The current engine takes the full thrust of combustion at TDC whilst trying to rotate a crankshaft. A further disadvantage, is the pistons exert piston slap on both sides of the cylinder bore. The crankshaft also causes friction loss from indirect alignment of the connecting rods. The present invention, by using central half-shafts linking two opposing pistons, greatly reduces friction loss, whereby lineal force is converted into rotational power by means of sliding cam followers, whereby an outer captive thickwalled tube with machined high lead cam-screws receives this power, which in turn is transferred by a central gear to the drive train.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for and a method of controlling a variable valve timing mechanism. The valve timing mechanism changes over between a first cam for which the closing timing IVC of the intake valve is after intake bottom dead center, and a second cam for which the closing timing IVC is closer to intake bottom dead center than the closing timing IVC with the first cam. Here at the time of stopping the internal combustion engine, the valve timing mechanism changes over to the first cam, and the initial intake stroke performs operation at low effective compression ratio. In the second and subsequent intake strokes, the valve timing mechanism changes from the first cam to the second cam.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed which comprises an SCP camshaft 130 and a phaser mounted at one end of the SCP camshaft. The phaser has a stator 112 driven by an engine crankshaft and two output members 114, 116 each fast in rotation with a respective one of the inner shaft 140 and the outer tube 126 of the SCP camshaft 130. Two timing features 160, 172 are provided for enabling respective sensors to determine the angular positions of the inner shaft and the outer tube of the SCP camshaft. In the invention, both timing features 160, 172 are located on the side of the stator 112 remote from the camshaft 130.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder, said engine operating according to a four stokes cycle. The engine includes at least one controlled intake port to control communication of the combustion chamber with an intake line. The intake port is controlled to achieve a main open phase mainly during the intake stroke. The intake port is controlled to achieve an auxiliary open phase during the power stroke in view of heating the engine at cold start.

Abstract: An engine includes a hydraulic pressure lash adjuster (HLA) pivotally supporting an end of a swing arm and having a valve supporting the other end of the swing arm, wherein the hydraulic pressure lash adjuster includes a housing, a plunger of which one end portion thereof may be slidably inserted into the inside of the housing, the other end portion of which extends outwards and supports the end of the swing arm by selectively moving upwards or downwards in a length direction of the housing, a stopper pin slidably mounted in a chamber of the plunger so as to selectively lock the plunger to the housing such that the plunger cannot move in the housing, and a hydraulic pressure supply portion that selectively supplies one side of the stopper pin with a hydraulic pressure in the chamber of the plunger to move the stopper pin toward the housing.

Abstract: An engine that may be provided with a variable valve device may include an hydraulic pressure lash adjuster pivotally supporting one side of a swing arm, a valve supporting the other side of the swing arm, and an operating portion pushing a portion of the swing arm downwards so as to pivotally move the valve based on the hydraulic pressure lash adjuster, wherein the hydraulic pressure lash adjuster includes a housing in which an insertion hole may be formed therein, a slave piston that may be slidably inserted into the insertion hole, a master piston of which an end thereof may be placed into the insertion hole with a predetermined gap from the slave piston, wherein the other end of the master piston protrudes out of the housing and may be engaged with the one side of the swing arm, and an oil control valve that opens or closes a passage communicating with a master chamber that may be formed between the master piston and the slave piston in the housing.

Abstract: A valve-mechanism-equipped engine having increased combustion efficiency is disclosed. The engine includes intake and exhaust rocker arms having a swing center line inclined relative to a rotation center line of a cam, and an intake valve and an exhaust valve inclined relative to a cylinder. A cam surface is inclined relative to the rotation center line of the cam. Slippers of the intake and exhaust rocker arms are in sliding contact with the cam surface.

Abstract: A clutch or brake with an electrically actuated switching coil and an armature that axially moves toward the switching coil and forms a connection with the switching coil and can rotate relative to the switching coil, in an adjustment system for camshafts of a combustion engine. A superposition transmission has an input driven by a crankshaft of the engine, a drive output element that drives a camshaft of the engine and a control element, by which relative rotation between the input and the output can be produced by applying a braking torque. The armature is rotationally fixed and axially slidable, and centered on or at a transmission component, and the switching coil is rotationally fixed and centered coaxially with the armature by a membrane spring on a further transmission component, relative to which the armature is braked or to which the armature is coupled.

Abstract: Primer apparatus and methods are described herein. An example primer apparatus includes a flexible body defining an internal chamber to be fluidly coupled to a fuel system. The body includes a first layer material having a low permeation characteristic to substantially prevent diurnal emissions from escaping the fuel system, a second layer material adjacent the first layer material having a relatively high resiliency compared to the first layer material to enable the body to return to an uncompressed shape when the body is deflected and released by a user, and a third layer material adjacent to the first layer material such that the first layer material is disposed between the second layer material and the third layer material and having a relatively high resiliency compared to the first layer material to enable the body to return to the uncompressed shape when the body is deflected and released by the user.

Abstract: An anti-cogging apparatus improves rotation of a rotatable shaft about an axis. The shaft has a cyclical cogging torque acting thereon in a first direction. The anti-cogging apparatus includes a first anti-cogging member and a second anti-cogging member that rotate relative to each other in concert with rotation of the shaft, and the anti-cogging members interact to provide an anti-cogging torque to the shaft in a second direction to at least partially offset the cogging torque.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes an engine configured to expel an exhaust from combustion chambers of cylinders in a cylinder head through exhaust ports. Each of the cylinders is provided with a recessed portion provided in an exhaust passage wall surface in a central portion of an exhaust passage of a corresponding exhaust port. This makes it possible to maintain flow rate and flow velocity of the exhaust gas, and to decrease exhaust loss. As a result, it is possible to increase engine torque by use of a simple structure. In addition, no restriction is imposed on the layout of parts around the engine, because the recessed portions are provided in the exhaust ports.

Abstract: A windage tray, for an engine having a crankshaft and a sump, includes a tray that is generally shaped to be located at least partially between the crankshaft and the sump. The tray has at least one tail extending from the tray generally toward the sump to direct oil from the crankshaft toward the sump.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a crankshaft, a variable flow rate oil pump apparatus including oil pumps having a drive shaft thereof operatively connected with the crankshaft, and a rod-shaped oil passage switching valve operatively connected with the oil pumps. The oil passage switching valve and the drive shaft of the oil pumps are arranged such that axial directions thereof are parallel to an axial direction of the crankshaft. Also, the oil pumps and the oil passage switching valve are disposed so as to overlap each other in the axial direction of the crankshaft. With such configuration of the engine, the effect on various components around the pump can be reduced, while downsizing the oil pump and the engine.

Abstract: A technique which is capable of suppressing a deterioration of lubricating oil used in an internal combustion engine in a more suitable manner. The present invention is provided with an oil pump, oil pressure control means to control the oil pressure of the oil pump, and a determination means to determine whether the degree of deterioration of the lubricating oil is higher than a predetermined level. When it is determined that the degree of deterioration of the lubricating oil is higher than the predetermined level, the oil pressure of the oil pump is made lower, by means of the oil pressure control means, than that at the time when the degree of deterioration of the lubricating oil is equal to or lower than the predetermined level.

Abstract: A vibration damped enclosure comprises side walls and a vibration damping plate structure which extends across the enclosure and is attached to internal surface portions of a first and a second side walls. The vibration damping plate structure (2) comprises a non-rigid layer (12) sandwiched between two rigid layers (13, 14), wherein each rigid layer between the first and second side walls (5, 6) comprises at least one cut (15, 16) through the rigid layer (13, 14) which makes the extension of each rigid layer between the first and second sidewalls (5, 6) discontinuous.

Abstract: A filter assembly, including an air cleaner assembly for an internal combustion engine in an underhood engine compartment, includes a mounting bracket with a flow passage therethrough. In one form, a combination air filter element and base is provided for an air cleaner assembly. In a further form, a filter assembly includes a filter element integrally and permanently mounted to the base for removal and replacement as a single unit.

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine having a single toroidal cylinder and a set of orbital pistons attached to a rotating head or toroidal cylinder cover. The toroidal cylinder is divided into two chambers by two rotating disk valves perpendicular to the toroidal cylinder. Each rotating disk valve has a piston slot or opening that allows the orbital pistons to pass through the rotating disk valves while maintaining sealed chambers within the toroidal cylinder. The rotating disk valve that seals the compression chamber has a void within it that forms a pre-combustion chamber, which receives the compressed fuel-air mixture and releases it on the opposite side of the disk valve into the combustion chamber. The two orbital pistons and rotating disk valves allow the four cycles of the toroidal internal combustion engine to occur simultaneously within the toroidal cylinder.

Abstract: A reciprocating internal combustion engine (10) which comprises a tank (23), at least one cylinder (11), a piston (12) that can perform an axial reciprocating movement housed within this cylinder, this piston including a head and an arm hinged to this head, and at least one intake valve (19) and one exhaust valve (20) provided on the cylinder above said piston (12) and above two injectors (21a and 21b). The engine (10) is equipped with a device (27) for producing, by electrolysis of water, gaseous dihydrogen that is fed in the cylinder (11) and an explosion starts moving the piston (12) beyond a top dead center (TDC). A predetermined volume of water is then injected and instantaneously vaporized by the heat produced by the explosion of the gaseous dihydrogen. The hot steam pushes the piston (12) towards the bottom dead center (BDC) where the steam is then discharged through the exhaust valve (20). This engine only produces steam and thus is clean.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine that is structurally similar to a four-stroke engine. The engine comprises at least one cylinder unit, in turn, comprising a cylinder, a piston head that reciprocates within the cylinder, a combustion chamber defined between the cylinder and the front of the piston head, a fuel injector, an oxygen injector, and an exhaust port. The IC engine further comprises a piston rod, one end of which is connected to the piston head and the other end to the crankshaft. The combustion within the combustion chamber is initiated upon the injection of the fuel and the oxygen into the combustion chamber when the piston is at the top dead center. The spent gases are expelled through the exhaust port as the piston returns to the top dead center.

Abstract: A lubrication torque limit module includes a temperature module that determines a temperature of an engine and generates an engine temperature signal. A limit module generates a torque limit signal based on the temperature signal and a speed of the engine. The torque limit signal identifies an indicated torque maximum limit. A torque arbitration module limits indicated torque of the engine based on the indicated torque maximum limit. The indicated torque of the engine is equal to an unmanaged brake torque of the engine plus an overall friction torque of the engine.

Abstract: For a pressure relief device of an injection system of an internal combustion engine, for an injection system of an internal combustion engine having a pressure relief device and in a pressure relief method of an injection system of an internal combustion engine, a defined fuel pressure of the injection system is reduced to a defined fuel residual pressure upon exceeding a pressure limit above a defined fuel pressure, permitting emergency operation of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An efficient control wave form is utilized to actuate the solenoids of a fuel system to reduce boost power/energy consumption. The solenoid is initially energized by applying a boost voltage from an electronic controller across a solenoid coil circuit. The electronic controller monitors the current level in the solenoid coil circuit, and changes to a reduced battery voltage when the current level in the solenoid coil circuit reaches a predetermined trigger current. The controller then maintains a pull-in current based upon battery voltage for a pull-in duration that initiates movement of the solenoid armature from an initial air gap position toward a final air gap position. After the pull-in duration, the current level is dropped to a hold in level for the remaining duration of the actuation event. The solenoid may be used for fuel injector control and/or pump control, such as to control fuel injection and pumping events respectively.

Abstract: An intake system for an internal combustion engine comprises an exhaust driven turbocharger configured to deliver compressed intake charge, comprising exhaust gas from the exhaust system and ambient air, through an intake charge conduit and to cylinders of the internal combustion engine. An intake charge cooler is in fluid communication with the intake charge conduit. A cooling system, independent of the cooling system for the internal combustion engine, is in fluid communication with the intake charge cooler through a cooling system conduit. A coolant pump delivers a low temperature cooling medium from the cooling system to and through the intake charge cooler for the transfer of heat from the compressed intake charge thereto. A low temperature cooler receives the heated cooling medium through the cooling system conduit for the transfer of heat therefrom.

Abstract: A power system comprising an engine, an intake air system, and an intake air bypass system. The intake air system delivers compressed air to the engine and the intake air bypass system diverts the compressed air away from the engine in response to the operation of an engine brake.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system comprises an exhaust driven turbocharger to deliver a compressed intake charge through an intake charge conduit and to an engine. A compressed intake charge cooler receives, cools and transits the compressed intake charge. A cooling system, independent of the engine cooling system delivers coolant to the compressed intake charge cooler to transfer heat from the compressed intake charge thereto and to a cooler. Exhaust gas conduits extend between the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine, from locations upstream and downstream of the exhaust driven turbocharger, to the intake charge conduit. Exhaust gas coolers receive, cool and transit the exhaust gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oven door opening and closing device comprising at least one hinge, which is connectable to an oven door and to an oven housing for realizing a predetermined pivoting opening and closing movement of the oven door relative to the oven housing between an open and a closed position; at least one closing force generating means for generating a predetermined closing force; kinematic means, which are coupled to the hinge and to a moveable element in such a manner, that the predetermined pivoting opening and closing movement of the hinge is converted into a predetermined reciprocating opening and closing movement of the moveable element; and at least one damping system having a damper for generating a damping force which counteracts the closing movement of the movable element within a predetermined section, which corresponds to a predetermined angle section of the pivoting closing movement of the hinge shortly prior to the closed position.

Abstract: Provided is a cooking appliance including a heat accumulation section in an inner surface of a cavity. Therefore, heat generated by a heater may be accumulated in or emitted from the heat accumulation section, and thus food can be cooked through gradual heating of the cooking appliance.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for heating service water with a solar collector, comprising a service water tank (7) with a partly cylindrical jacket (8) as an absorber and an enclosure (1) which covers the service water tank (7) and forms a translucent cylindrical jacket (3), the axis of which extends parallel to the axis of the jacket (8) of the service water tank (7). In order to provide advantageous heating conditions, it is proposed that the service water tank (7) is connected in a thermally conductive manner with an absorber plate (4) forming a bottom part of the enclosure (1) and that the absorber plate (4) and the jacket (8) of the service water tank (7) are covered with a wide-meshed, thermally insulating fabric (11).

Abstract: An adjustable device for supporting a sun-tracking unit includes a framework and first and second supporting elements. The framework includes lower and upper portions. The lower portion of the framework includes two transverse long tubes and a longitudinal long tube for interconnecting the transverse long tubes. The upper portion of the framework includes two vertical tubes each extending from a related one of the transverse long tubes, two transverse short tubes each extending from a related one of the vertical tubes, and a longitudinal short tube for interconnecting the transverse short tubes. The first supporting element is connected to the transverse short tubes. The second supporting element is adjustably connected to the first supporting element.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a structure comprises a plurality of reflective panels secured to the structure. Each reflective panel has an axis of rotation. A processing element controls an orientation of each reflective panel about its axis of rotation to direct solar energy within the structure.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion system includes a solar collector having a protective cover having a closed position and an open position, wherein a surface of the protective cover adjacent to the solar collector includes a reflective surface configured to reflect solar radiation at the solar collector when the protective cover is in the open position. The solar collector further includes a plane angle modifier configured to allow adjustment of the solar collector relative to the sun.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a structure comprises a plurality of reflective panels secured to the structure. Each reflective panel has an axis of rotation. A processing element controls an orientation of each reflective panel about its axis of rotation to direct solar energy within the structure.

Abstract: Passive solar wire screens mount vertically on an edifice. The screens have rods vertically arranged parallel to one another and have wires horizontally arranged parallel to one another. The wires attach to the rods and have first surfaces facing away from the edifice in an upward direction from vertical. The wires also have second surfaces facing toward the edifice in a downward direction from vertical. When the sun has a summer elevation on the horizon, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto away from the wire screens. When the sun has a winter elevation on the horizon, however, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto toward the second surfaces, which in turn passively reflect the solar energy toward the edifice. A concave surface on the wires can also reflect thermal energy back to the edifice.

Abstract: A heater having first and second oxygen depletion sensors and a main burner injector and configurable for the delivery of at least first and second types of fuels.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for completely dissolving and rapidly hydrolyzing cellulose, and uses thereof. Cellulose is placed in an acidic aqueous solution with a [H+] concentration of 10?7˜1 M or an alkaline aqueous solution with a [OH?] concentration of 10?7˜1 M as sample A, wherein the volume ratio of solid to liquid is (0.003˜1.05):1. The acidic aqueous solution with a [H+] concentration of 10?7˜1 M or the alkaline aqueous solution with a [OH?] concentration of 10?7˜1 M is heated up to 261˜352 as sample B. Sample A and sample B obtained from step 1 and step 2 are mixed in a reactor to a concentration of cellulose of 0.1%˜35%, the concentration of the mixed solution is adjusted to an acidity of 10?7˜1 M [H+] or an alkalinity of 10?7˜1 M [OH?], and a water density of 587˜997 kg/m3, pressure is set at 6˜584 MPa. The mixture is rapidly heated up to 261˜352 at heating rate of 7.8˜14.8 /s, and then cellulose is dissolved completely in 0.8˜2 sec and hydrolyzed in 5 sec.

Abstract: Described here are compositions and methods for the treatment of respiratory conditions using glucocorticosteroids delivered by a next generation nebulizer. The methods administer a therapeutic dose with nebulization time of 2 minutes or less. The faster nebulization time improves patient compliance.

Abstract: A respiratory mask for artificially ventilating a patient, having: a nose receiving chamber; first and second fastening tabs each being arranged on respective nose wing portions of the nose receiving chamber and a third fastening tab being arranged on a nose root portion of the nose receiving chamber. A respiratory mask arrangement can include such a respiratory mask; a hat arranged on the head of the patient; and fastening means which cooperate with the fastening tabs and with the hat in order to fix the respiratory mask to the head of the patient. A respiration system can include such a respiratory mask arrangement; and a respiration device for producing a continuous positive airway pressure. A packaging unit can include such a respiratory mask having a border with a peripheral groove; a sealing means which is arranged in the peripheral groove and a protective film for covering the sealing means.

Abstract: A nasal dilator adapted to stretch facial skin, including a resilient layer and attachment means. The resilient layer has an equilibrium configuration and a plurality of nonequilibrium configurations. Portions of the resilient layer are disposed upon a plurality of points upon the facial skin. The facial skin may be stretched by attaching the nasal dilator in a nonequilibrium configuration to the facial skin by the attachment means and allowing the nasal dilator to stretch the facial skin as the resilient layer moves towards the equilibrium.

Abstract: A method for reducing the spread of bacterial infections includes identifying a group of individuals at risk of an infection that colonizes in the nose, determining whether any individuals can be exclude, designating an individual or group of individuals who will receive treatment, providing a strip, the strip having an effective amount of antimicrobial agent capable of being delivered to the colony of bacteria in, on, and around the nose, the strip is applied to the nose of the individual or group so to allow the agent to migrate to eradicate the colony; in an embodiment, a surgical mask, or a similar mask that covers the nose and mouth, is provided, said mask having a portion of the mask that contacts the nose, and said portion containing an antimicrobial agent capable of being delivered to eradicate the colonization of bacteria within the nose.

Abstract: A fan unit that forms part of a gases supply unit used as part of a breathing assistance system for providing heated gases to a user. The fan has an impeller surrounded by an upwardly sloped surface to facilitate improved airflow performance under surge conditions.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus includes a breathing gas container array comprising a plurality of separate containers adapted to contain pressurized breathing gas and a manifold in fluid connection with the containers. The manifold includes at least a first section that is movable relative to a second section of the manifold so that at least one container in fluid connection with the first section is movable relative to at least one other container in fluid connection with the second section. In a number of embodiments, each of the containers comprises a plurality of cells in fluid connection via a passageway.

Abstract: A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a sealing portion (210) including a nose tip engagement portion (212) adapted to form a seal with the patient's nose tip, an upper lip engagement portion (213) adapted to form a seal with the patient's upper lip and/or base of the patient's nares, and nostril engagement flaps (214) adapted to form a seal with the patient's nares. The nose tip engagement portion (212), the upper lip engagement portion (213), and the nostril engagement flaps (214) are all structured to extend or curve outwardly from a supporting wall defining an air path.

Abstract: A cushion to reduce prevent nasal skin breakdown and bridge soreness while preventing Continuous Positive Airway Pressure mask leaks is made from a tacky polymeric gel material and uses a unique shape overlying and conforming to the bridge of the nose and cheekbones to provide a comfortable soft seal between the mask and the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: A chin strap assembly that easily helps in keeping the mouth closed in conjunction with a respiratory machine. The chin strap assembly includes a main body having a center, a first strap protruding from a first side of the center, and a second strap protruding from a second side of the center. The first strap and the second strap are separated by a gap. The main body is made of an inner layer surrounded by an outer layer. The outer layer is made of a soft material and the inner layer is made of a stuffing material.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for performing gynecological procedures. According to one embodiment, there is provided a device for occluding a fallopian tube, the device including an outer member and an inner member. The outer member may be a hollow, frusto-conical structure shaped to include an open proximal end, an open distal end, and a side wall. The outer member may be self-expandable such that the distal end is biased radially outwardly. In addition, the side wall may have a porous structure to permit the ingrowth of tissue therethrough. Tines may be provided on the outer surface of the side wall to promote the anchoring of the outer member in a fallopian tube. The inner member, which may be structured to induce scarring, may comprise an elongated fibrous body fixed at its proximal end to the proximal end of the outer member. A bore may extend distally from the proximal end of the inner member to receive a delivery rod.

Abstract: A device for facilitating stretching of the posterior shoulder includes a brace portion having a shoulder opening and a wedge-shaped scapula stabilization pad, an anterior strap extending from one side of the brace portion, a posterior strap extending from another side of the brace portion, a ring at the end of said posterior strap to facilitate coupling the anterior strap to posterior strap, and a hook-and-loop attachment on said anterior strap effective to secure the end of the strap to a portion of the strap nearer the brace portion.

Abstract: A remote-center three degree-of-freedom gimbal (20) includes: a support (21); a first link (24) mounted on the support for pivotal movement about a first axis (z-z); a second link (25) mounted on the first link for pivotal movement about a second axis (x-x); and a member (26) mounted on the second link for pivotal movement about a third axis (y-y); wherein said axes intersect at an imaginary point (28); and wherein said first and second links are configured as arcuate segments.

Abstract: A device and method for the performance of lower extremity surgery through the use of a bilaterally fenestrated drape with an operative side having an open fenestration and a nonoperative side having an extremity tube sealed over a fenestration, the extremity tube being closed at one end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting teeth. The apparatus preferably is sold as a kit preferably comprises a generic flexible tray, a securing element such as adhesive, and a quick setting dental impression material. The apparatus preferably enables the rapid and simple taking of dental impressions. The apparatus preferably can rapidly be assembled and used by someone who is not a dental professional and is thus particularly suitable for use by hospital personnel prior to a surgery. The apparatus can protect the patient's teeth and surgical instruments which are inserted into the mouth during surgery.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hookah accessory comprising: a top tray configured to hold tobacco; a bottom tray configured to hold hot coal; a hollow tube in fluid communication with the top tray; and attachment means for attaching the accessory to the hookah.