Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for actuating one or more valves in an internal combustion engine. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and method that may provide lost motion valve actuation of intake, exhaust, and auxiliary valves in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of improving engine braking of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine by variable valve actuation. One embodiment of the present invention enables independent two-valve actuation for each cylinder, and engine braking horsepower can be optimized using two-valve braking at high engine speeds and one-valve braking at low speeds. Another embodiment of the present invention enables better a sequential valve actuation to reduce engine braking load and compliance. Another embodiment of the present invention enables better engine starting and warming up by controlling timing and lift of each valve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for controlling an engine braking system having an engine with at least one intake and exhaust valve, intake and exhaust manifolds, a turbocharger connected to the intake and exhaust manifolds, and at least one pressure regulation valve. The method may comprise the steps of measuring a value of an engine parameter; adjusting the pressure of the exhaust manifold responsive to the measured engine parameter value; actuating the at least one exhaust valve; and adjusting a pressure gradient across the turbocharger.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an innovative, economical method or system disclosing a captive volume in a hydraulic circuit which can be selectively hydraulically or pneumatically locked, or vented in order to correspondingly maintain, or increase the total volume of the hydraulic circuit. The structural elements of an embodiment of the present invention may include an accumulator with or without a fixed solid stop, which limits its travel. The accumulator can either be a separate entity, or as an assembly within the master or slave pistons.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic actuator for operating an engine valve, which includes a means for controlling the seating velocity of the valve. The design allows for free, unrestricted movement of the actuator piston during opening of the engine valve, and an unrestricted return of the piston and valve until the valve is within a predetermined distance of the valve seat. Once within this predetermined range, the return velocity of the actuator piston and engine valve are limited by the rate at which a fluid may escape through a restriction. The restriction is calibrated to provide the desired maximum valve seating velocity. The invention also provides for automatic lash adjustment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for deicing, equipment, particularly aircraft. In one embodiment, the system of the present invention may comprise a vehicle frame; a boom having a first end mounted on the vehicle frame and a free end; a lightweight air source disposed above the first end of the boom; and a deicer air jet nozzle located at the boom and operatively coupled to the air source for receiving air and discharging the air for a deicer application, wherein the lightweight air source is located proximate to the deicer air jet nozzle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for winding strip material onto a drum is disclosed. Friction between the surface of the drum and the strip material wound there around, as well as friction between adjacent reels of strip material, may be selectively controlled by controlling the provision of a fluid bed between the strip material and the surface of the drum. Control over this friction allows the individual strips to slip to different degrees relative to the drum on which they are wound. The different amounts of slip permit the strips to be wound on the drum with uniform tension and at a uniform take up speed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an innovative, economical method or system disclosing a captive volume in a hydraulic circuit which can be selectively hydraulically or pneumatically locked, or vented in order to correspondingly maintain, or increase the total volume of the hydraulic circuit. The structural elements of an embodiment of the present invention may include an accumulator with or without a fixed solid stop, which limits its travel. The accumulator can either be a separate entity, or as an assembly within the master or slave pistons.

Abstract: A graft repair system for use in the repair of an aneurysm within a vessel is disclosed. The graft repair system includes a graft assembly and a support assembly for supporting the graft assembly within the vessel. The graft assembly may include a tubular portion having proximal and distal ends. The graft assembly may be bifurcated. The graft assembly may further comprise a distal graft assembly. The support assembly includes at least one attachment assembly for attaching the graft assembly to a vessel wall. The support assembly further includes a connecting assembly for connecting the attachment assembly to the proximal end of the graft assembly, such that the attachment assembly extends cephalad from the proximal end of the graft assembly. The support device further includes a securing assembly for securing the connecting assembly to the proximal end of the graft assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effectuating multi-cycle engine braking is disclosed. The present invention controls the operation of the engine valves to permit more than one compression release event during a single engine operating cycle. The apparatus includes an assembly for operating at least one exhaust valve of an engine cylinder during a positive power operation. The apparatus further includes an assembly for operating at least one intake valve of the engine cylinder. The apparatus further including an assembly for operating the at least one exhaust valve during an engine braking operation. The apparatus further including an assembly for selectively operating the at least one exhaust valve during an engine braking operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an actuator piston assembly for use in a rocker arm system. The actuator piston assembly is capable of actuating at least one engine valve during for example engine braking. The actuator piston assembly includes a piston body having a hollow interior, a screw assembly received within the hollow interior of the screw assembly, a biasing assembly for biasing the piston body with respect to the screw assembly, a cap assembly located within the hollow interior, wherein the biasing assembly interacts with the cap assembly and the screw assembly, and a securing assembly for movably securing the piston body to the screw assembly.

Abstract: A monitoring and alert system includes a wireless device that sends a monitoring request to a remote server. When the conditions specified by the monitoring request are met, the server generates an SMS alert message. The server determines the maximum length in characters of the SMS message and whether there is sufficient space remaining for an advertisement. If sufficient space is available, the server generates an advertisement and appends it to the SMS alert message. The alert message with appended advertising is then sent to the wireless device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for operating at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve in an engine cylinder. The apparatus includes an exhaust valve operating assembly for operating the at least one exhaust valve of the engine cylinder, wherein the exhaust valve operating assembly is capable of producing an exhaust gas recirculation event. The apparatus also includes an intake valve operating assembly for operating the at least one intake valve of the engine cylinder. The apparatus further includes an exhaust modifying assembly for modifying the operation of the exhaust valve operating assembly during a predetermined engine operating condition and an intake modifying assembly for modifying the operation of the intake valve operating assembly during a predetermined engine operating condition.