Abstract: A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for fabricating FRP parts. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for forming FRP parts without the use of forms or molds. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method for fabricating an FRP part comprises the steps of: programming a readable definition of a part into a machine, wherein the machine moves an extrusion head mounted to the machine in a controlled pattern; and wherein the machine regulates the speed of extrusion from the extrusion head; feeding a fiber reinforcement to the extrusion head of the machine; impregnating the fiber reinforcement with a radiation-initiated resin; extruding the impregnated fiber reinforcement from an orifice in the extrusion head; and exposing the extruded fiber reinforcement to curing radiation.

Abstract: A continuous vacuum pan includes a cylindrical housing having a vertical axis, at least one liquid heating pan within the housing, and a vertical tube, floating calandria within the liquid heating pan. The vertical tube floating calandria has a downcomer between its periphery and the periphery of the liquid heating pan, and a gap is provided between the bottom of the calandria and the bottom of the liquid heating pan. Radially extending baffles in the liquid heating pan define a plurality of compartments located in series with one another, the compartments ranging from a first upstream compartment to a downstream output compartment. Ports are provided in all of the baffles except in the baffle between the output compartment and the first compartment. The ports are spaced from the bottom of the liquid heating pan, permitting communication between the compartments.

Abstract: A system and method for storing personal, medical, and insurance related information on a wireless device are disclosed. The information may be stored by sending it from a remote personal computer to a central database using the Internet. The information may be temporarily stored on the central database and password protected. The information is thereafter downloaded from the central database to the wireless device, where it is permanently stored. The information then may be deleted from the central database so that it is secured on the wireless device. All or portions of the information stored on the wireless device may be password protected as well. The information may be accessed on the wireless device (e.g. on a display) or sent from the wireless device to remote locations, such as a doctor's office or hospital.

Abstract: Devices for modifying engine valve lift during an engine valve event are disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises: a housing having a hydraulic fluid dump port formed therein; a sleeve slidably disposed in a bore formed in the housing, the sleeve having a cavity formed therein; a piston slidably disposed in the sleeve cavity; and a clip passage formed in the piston, the clip passage in selective communication with the dump port.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of residential emissions trading and a residential emissions trading commodity. In particular, an embodiment of the present invention is a method for identifying, quantifying, and aggregating reductions in residential emissions into a tradable commodity. The step of quantifying the emissions reduction may further comprise the steps of measuring an energy savings resulting from the energy savings opportunity and calculating the emissions reduction resulting from the energy savings. The method may further comprise the steps of verifying the quantification of the emissions reduction and monitoring the residential energy savings opportunities and the quantification of the emissions reduction.

Abstract: Lost motion systems and methods for providing engine valves with variable valve actuation for engine valve events are disclosed. The system may include a master piston hydraulically linked to a slave piston, and a dedicated cam operatively connected to the master piston. The slave piston may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the master piston in a common housing. The slave piston is adapted to actuate one or more engine valves. The slave piston may incorporate an optional valve seating assembly into its upper end. A trigger valve may be operatively connected to the master-slave hydraulic circuit to selectively release and add hydraulic fluid to the circuit.

Abstract: A system and method of accurately predicting and reporting a value of a property based on a weighted average of values predicted by at least two prediction models. The system and method include the steps of accessing predicted values, determined by the prediction models, for the property; determining property-specific proportional prediction error distribution information for each predicted value determined by each prediction model; assigning a weight to the predicted value determined by each prediction model by using the property-specific proportional prediction error distribution information; and generating a property-specific weighted average value based on combination of the weight and the predicted value determined by each prediction model and reporting the property-specific weighted average value to minimize prediction error during prediction of the property value.

Abstract: A gas recirculation system is disclosed for improving engine braking in an internal combustion engine having an intake valve, an exhaust valve, and a cylinder. The system includes an exhaust manifold operatively connected to the cylinder through the exhaust valve; an intake manifold operatively connected to the cylinder through the intake valve; and a gas recirculation passage adapted to recirculate gas from the exhaust manifold to the intake manifold during an engine braking event.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an engine braking assembly and method for producing a bleeder braking event in an engine having at least one engine valve, at least one engine cylinder, and intake and exhaust manifolds. The engine braking assembly comprises an engine housing, having a hydraulic circuit formed therein; a high-pressure fluid source adapted to store high-pressure fluid therein; a valve for controlling the flow of the high-pressure fluid, in communication with the high-pressure fluid source through the hydraulic circuit; a control device for selectively controlling the valve; and a valve actuation assembly in communication with the valve through the hydraulic circuit, wherein the valve actuation assembly receives the high-pressure fluid through the valve and wherein the hydraulic force created by the high-pressure fluid actuates and holds open the at least one engine valve to produce the bleeder braking event.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical guide line assembly (10) for use during a surgical procedure. The surgical guide assembly (10) permits the manipulation of a surgical component with a vessel during a surgical procedure, such as for example an intravascular procedure. The surgical guide line assembly (10) includes a guide line component (11) having a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one suture (12) secured to the distal end of the guide line component (11). The present invention is also directed to a surgical separator assembly (60) for use in separating at least two surgical components during a surgical procedure in a vessel.

Abstract: In a method of forming an article of footwear, a shell is formed between at least two die portions. The shell has a flash line defined proximate an interface of the die portions and along a perimeter of the shell. The method may include coupling a component directly to the shell so that the flash line is at least in part disposed proximate or below an upper edge of the component, with the component selected from the group consisting of a midsole and an outsole. The flash line may be positioned to coincide with an edge of a ridge on the shell.

Abstract: In a turbocharged diesel engine, the charge air is cooled in a charge air cooler designed as an injection intercooler. The water which has been introduced into the working medium of the diesel engine in the charge air cooler, after the working medium has been expanded, is condensed out of the exhaust gas by means of a condenser and a separator and is returned to the charge air cooler. According to the invention, the engine is started without injection of externally supplied water into the charge air cooler. Water which forms during the combustion in the diesel engine is condensed out of the exhaust-gas stream and returned to the charge air cooler. Additional water vapor formed continuously during operation through combustion of diesel fuel is likewise condensed out and introduced into the charge air cooler. In this way, the working medium is laden with moisture until the water mass flow that can be separated out of the exhaust gas is sufficient for the set cooling power of the charge air cooler.

Abstract: The invention is related to a coating delivery system that includes at least one pressure vessel operable in sealed and unsealed conditions, a deliverable substance including a coating component interspersed with at least one of liquefied carbon dioxide and supercritical carbon dioxide, and a pressurizing fluid. The deliverable substance is disposed in a first pressure vessel of the at least one pressure vessel, and the pressurizing fluid directly exerts a pressure on the deliverable substance to effect transport thereof when the pressure vessel is in the unsealed condition. The deliverable substance may be spray discharged.

Abstract: A system and method for actuating one or more engine valves to produce one or more internal exhaust gas recirculation events is disclosed. The method of the present invention is a method of providing exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in a multi-cylinder engine, each engine cylinder having at least one engine valve, intake and exhaust manifolds, and a valve actuator. The method comprises the steps of: imparting motion to the value actuator; actuating the engine valve of a first engine cylinder responsive to the imparted motion; determining a first and a second engine parameter level; modifying the imparted motion responsive to the level of the first engine parameter level and the second engine parameter level to produce an exhaust gas recirculation event.

Abstract: An assembly has a vertical guide including a base part provided with spaced-apart holes, raised edge portions and legs turned towards each other on the edge portions. The assembly also includes supporting arms that are movable within the vertical guide and securing members by which supporting arms can be secured within the vertical guide. The securing members can be placed in the holes with a stub and will come to bear against the inner side of the guide with their cams by rotation, in which a supporting arm will come to bear on the securing member through an obliquely extending contact surface.

Abstract: The invention is related to a menstrual cycle monitor for a human female which includes indicators representing a first day of menstrual bleeding, early infertile days, fertile days, and later infertile days in the menstrual cycle. The indicators together form an ordered set. One indicator of the ordered set is provided with different indicia from indicia provided to other indicators, so as to alert the user of the monitor that she should consult her health care provider if particular circumstances arise. A movable marker also may be provided for indexing with the indicators.

Abstract: The present invention is a valve opening mechanism which has been designed so as to be able to open an actuator pin (30), on which a stop (31) is provided that is through-mounted to slide freely facing in a vertical direction in relation to the top of a rocker arm (7) and which is restrained by the bottom of the rocker arm (7) tip at a specified uppermost position, and the engine valves (4), by pushing downward during the exhaust stroke of a rocker arm (7).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved assembly for operating at least one exhaust valve and at least one intake valve in a cylinder in an engine. The assembly includes a rocker shaft, an intake rocker arm pivotally mounted on the rocker shaft for operating at least one intake valve of the engine cylinder, an exhaust rocker arm pivotally mounted on the rocker shaft for operating at least one exhaust valve of the engine cylinder. The improved assembly includes a lash adjusting assembly for adjusting a lash between at least one of the intake rocker arm and the at least one intake valve, and the exhaust rocker arm and the at least one exhaust valve. The improvement further includes a fluid supply assembly for supplying fluid to the lash adjusting assembly to operate the lash adjusting assembly. The improved assembly further includes a control assembly for controlling the operation of the supply assembly in response to predetermined engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A process for treating contaminated fluid is disclosed. An apparatus for treatment of contaminated fluid comprises: an integral tank; an inlet for introducing a mixture of flocculent polymer and contaminated fluid; a mixer in the bottom of an innermost cylinder that has first stage aerating means; a rotary skimmer above the fluid level of the innermost cylinder and a second stage aeration cylinder that has second stage aerating means surrounding the innermost cylinder; a de-aeration baffle on the same plane as the rotary skimmer and extending around an outermost cylinder; fluid level control means between the second stage aeration cylinder and the outermost cylinder, directing fluid flow from the second stage aeration cylinder out of the tank; means for powering the mixer and the rotary skimmer; and an outlet permitting clear fluid to exit the tank and an outlet permitting waste effluent to exit the tank.