Abstract: A structure to reduce the likelihood of flashover in a parallel plate electron beam array is disclosed. The structure may comprise a means for generating a low intensity electric field in the vicinity of a spacer separating the parallel plates of the array, and the anode. The presence of the electric field in the vicinity of the spacer is not conducive to the occurrence of a surface supported flashover on the gates and emitters. The electric field means may be provided by a conductive coating on one or more surfaces of the spacer. Alternatively, the electric field means may be provided by a conductive coating on a guard ring located within the array in the vicinity of the spacer. Methods of making the structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: An interferometric lithographic apparatus includes an arrangement for applying interfering laser beams to a part for producing a first interference pattern. The first interference pattern has a first fringe spacing. A mobile part holder stage is repositioned to change the interference pattern and produce a second fringe spacing. A control arrangement, automatically responsive to the repositioning of the part holder, re-aligns optical paths and optimally interferes the laser beams to produce the second fringe spacing.

Abstract: A variably timed internal combustion engine valve actuation system and method for opening valves in internal combustion engines. The system functions during both positive power and engine braking, to control the amount of "lost motion" between a valve and a means for opening the valve. In particular, the invention relates to a lost motion engine valve actuation system using a dedicated cam for effecting exhaust valve openings for compression release braking and exhaust gas recirculation ("EGR").

Abstract: A high performance novel electron emitter material for use in field emission devices is disclosed. The high performance electron emitter material of the invention may comprise a high Cr and SiO mixture. This material may be formed into high aspect ratio, low work function tips which maintain their shape, thus minimizing flash over risks and electron scattering problems, while at the same time permitting a high level of fabrication process flexibility, and minimizing film stresses. One or more impurities which are conductive oxides or will form conductive oxides may be added to the Cr--SiO composition so that a net low work function emitter may be maintained under oxidation. A class of semi-conductive and conductive metal oxides comprises another embodiment of the invention. These materials include oxides of Cr, Mo, Ni, Fe, and Sc, which have current emitting properties desirable for applications where improved electron emission infirmity is desired among emitters within a pixel.

Abstract: A high aspect ratio gated emitter structure and a method of making the structure are disclosed. Emitters may be provided in a densely packed array on a support. Two distinct layers of insulator material may surround the emitters. The lower layer of insulator material may be a non-conformally applied spray-on or spin-on insulator. The non-conformal insulator material may pool at the base regions of the emitters so that the tip regions of the emitters extend out of the lower layer of insulator material. The upper layer of insulator material is applied to the lower layer using a conformal process so that the tip regions of the emitters are covered by the upper layer of insulator material. Gate material is applied to the upper layer of insulator material. Holes are provided in the gate material over the tip regions and wells are provided in the upper layer of insulator material surrounding the tip regions.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has electrically controlled hydraulic linkages between engine cams and engine cylinder valves. If it is desired to skip a cam lobe or to modify the response of an engine cylinder valve to a cam lobe, hydraulic fluid is selectively released from the associated hydraulic linkage to permit lost motion between the cam and the engine cylinder valve. Electrically controlled hydraulic fluid valves are used to produce the selective release of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic linkages. The mode of operation of the engine can be changed (e.g., from positive power mode to compression release engine braking mode or vice versa), or more subtle changes can be made to modify the timing and/or extent of engine cylinder valve openings to optimize engine performance for various engine or vehicle operating conditions (e.g., different engine or vehicle speeds). The valves can be controlled to produce an exhaust gas recirculation event during various operating modes of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a start-up system for an engine valve actuation assembly. The start-up system may comprise a removal assembly for removing at least one of air and debris from the engine valve actuation assembly during an engine start up operation. The removal assembly may include a supply assembly for supplying fluid to the engine valve actuation assembly under high pressure to remove at least one of air and debris from the engine valve actuation assembly. The supply assembly may include a storage assembly for storing a supply of hydraulic fluid, and a fluid supply assembly for supplying fluid to the storage assembly. The fluid may be supplied under pressure from the storage assembly to the engine valve actuation assembly. Furthermore, the fluid may be supplied under an influence of gravity from the storage assembly to the engine valve actuation assembly.

Abstract: An exhaust restriction device for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The exhaust restriction device includes a main valve and a bypass valve for restricting the flow of exhaust gas. The main valve is located in a main passage and may be selectively closed. The bypass valve is located in a bypass passage and is biased into a position closing a port connecting the main passage and the bypass passage. Closing the main valve may cause exhaust back pressure to build against the bypass valve and an actuator therefor until the biasing force is overcome. When the biasing force is surpassed by the exhaust back pressure, the bypass valve opens to relieve the back pressure. The bypass valve closes when back pressure falls below the biasing force. A method of operating the exhaust restriction device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control system for controlling operation of an engine compression release brake for an engine. The control system includes a valve actuation assembly for actuating at least one valve during a predetermined engine operating condition. The control system also includes an energy supply assembly for supplying energy to operate the valve actuation assembly. The control system includes a control assembly for controlling the operation of valve actuation assembly.

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, pivoting bridge, an adjustable tappet, and a valve stem. The pivoting bridge may include a first end for contacting the adjustable tappet, a second end for contacting the valve stem and a pivot point between the first and second ends for contacting the valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the adjustable tappet relative to the pivoting bridge. Variation of the adjustable tappet position may be carried out by placing the adjustable tappet in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the adjustable tappet position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out variable timing exhaust gas recirculation is disclosed for use during both positive power and retarding operation of an internal combustion engine. Motion or energy is derived from an engine component and stored as potential energy. The stored energy is selectively applied to a valve actuator to carry out exhaust gas recirculation in an engine cylinder. The energy derived from the engine may be stored and selectively applied to the valve actuator with an electronically controlled trigger valve. The valve actuator may be a slave piston having an inner core and an outer sleeve capable of opening the valve of the cylinder in response to independent exhaust gas recirculation and compression release hydraulic systems.