Abstract: Devices (10,110,150,200 and 250) include roller clutches for controlling rotational phase change of a camshaft between full advance and full retard positions and positions therebetween. Each of the devices includes sets of selectively operative rollers such as a set of rollers (36) for preventing phase retard and a set of rollers (34) for preventing phase advance. Devices (10,110,150 and 200) have pairs of rollers 36,34 acted on respectively by ramp surfaces (32d,32c) defined by a common flat surface. An annular member (32) defining ramp surface (32d,32c) is mounted with free play relative to an axis of the camshaft. Device (110) includes a splitter spring (112). Devices 150 and 200 include internal actuators (152,202).

Abstract: A fuel vapor processing apparatus of an internal combustion engine for a vehicle comprises a main canister, a sub-canister connected to the main canister in series and located closer to the atmosphere than the main canister is, a first one-way valve through which the fluid flows from the main canister to the sub-canister, and a second one-way valve through which the fluid flows in the reverse direction, the first and second one-way valves being provided in parallel between the main canister and the sub-canister.

Abstract: Several embodiments of engines and systems for fueling engines to reduce the emission of unwanted exhaust gas constituents and to improve the fuel economy of the engine. A catalytic converter is provided in the exhaust system and a gaseous fuel is used at least during starting so as to bring the catalytic converter up to its operating temperature rapidly without necessitating the provision of an enriched fuel/air mixture. An oxygen sensor is employed in the exhaust system and a feedback control system varies the fuel/air ratio of the engine during its running in response to the output of the oxygen sensor. In order to test that the oxygen sensor is at its operating condition before feedback control is initiated, a rich fuel mixture is supplied and this rich fuel mixture is discontinued immediately upon the receipt of a signal from the oxygen sensor indicating that a rich mixture exits. Applications of the principal to both air valve type of carburetors and conventional carburetors are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for the exchange of data between a transfer device and an "intelligent insertable object" that comprises an electronic memory associated with an access circuit and emulates a magnetic recording support with respect to a magnetic read/write head of the transfer device, the data exchange bit rate of the transfer device being greater than that of the circuit providing access to the memory of the insertable object, the system comprising means to limit the bit rate of useful elements in the apparent bit rate of data elements entering and leaving the transfer device, so that it is compatible with the bit rate leaving and entering the circuit providing access to the memory of the insertable object. The system can be applied notably to the exchange of data elements between a microcomputer and an electronic card that can be inserted into the disk drive of the microcomputer or into a memory card reader.

Abstract: A cooling manifold for large diesel engine systems, disposed between a lubrication oil cooler and the engine system coolant pumps. The manifold system provides an increased coolant flow area at the oil cooler outlet housing, with associated improvement in both the total coolant flow rate and the distribution of that flow in the oil cooler heat exchange tubes. The increased flow is provided by additional inlet ports, which also enhances the flow distribution. High velocity flow tubes direct a localized stream of high velocity coolant, obtained directly from the discharge of the engine coolant pumps via a recirculation line, to assure proper Net Positive Suction Head and prevent vortex void formation in the coolant pump suction during peak operating conditions. The manifold can be retrofitted on existing diesel engines, or installed in the engine system during manufacture.

Abstract: A combustion chamber for an engine is provided between a cylinder bore formed in a cylinder block, a generally conically-shaped wall formed in an under wall of a cylinder head, and a piston in the cylinder bore. The combustion chamber has a structure into which an intake port opens so as to introduce an intake air flow closer to a marginal portion than a central portion of the combustion chamber, thereby generating a swirl flow of intake air in the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber also includes a curved air flow guide wall formed in the generally conically-shaped wall which extends from near the intake port so as to approach the cylinder bore surface gradually, thereby generating what is termed a squish flow of intake air.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a superconducting circuit including a Josephson tunnel junction 1 and a load resistor 2 connected in parallel to the Josephson tunnel junction, in which a current source 5 is connected to the input terminal for the Josephson tunnel junction 1 and which has a pulse generator 3 in order to superimpose a pulse current to the current i from the current source 5.As the input signal, a current pulse is given to the current i within the range of below the critical current of the Josephson tunnel junction by means of the foregoing pulse generator 3 so that an excellent separation of the input and output is achieved without using any magnetic coupling circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a malfunction in an evaporated fuel purge system, includes a diagnosis control valve provided in an air inlet passage connecting an air inlet of a canister to the atmosphere, a pressure sensor provided at an intermediate portion of a vapor passage between a fuel tank and a purge control valve for sensing a pressure in the vapor passage, and a control part for controlling opening and closing operations of both the purge control valve and the diagnosis control valve.

Abstract: A motorcycle engine having an exhaust passage air introduction system. Each cylinder includes two exhaust passages which are joined at a point displaced from the engine. Air is introduced into one of the exhaust passages of the two so as to more fully combust the unburned gasses within the exhaust passage and then to more fully combust the unburned exhaust in the joined passage. The timing of the valves associated with each exhaust passage is such that the valve associated with the passage having the air inlet has advance timing. A chain tensioner for the timing chain includes a tensioner cylinder hydraulically actuated by the engine oil. A gasket having an orifice therein is positioned between components in the oil passageway extending to the tensioner cylinder. The oil cooling system of the engine includes an oil filter and an oil cooler which are displaced from one another and mounted to a common base which is in turn mounted to the engine.

Abstract: A control device controls intake and exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine. The device comprises a first flange provided by a cam shaft of the engine, which flange has a first radially extending elongate slit. A second flange faces the first flange with a certain clearance therebetween and is secured to a drive shaft to rotate therewith. The second flange has a second radially extending elongate slit. An annular member is disposed within the clearance and rotatable about an axis of the drive shaft. First and second pins are rotatably held by opposed sides of the annular member respectively. These pins are positioned at diametrically opposed positions with respect to a center of the annular member and slidably engaged with the first and second elongate slits respectively. A drive mechanism is employed for pivoting the annular member about a pivot axis eccentric to the axis of the drive shaft in accordance with an operating condition of the engine.

Abstract: A spool valve for controlling the valve operation timing of an Internal combustion engine has its spool moved in accordance with an output duty Td so that an actual relative rotational angle .theta. may approach the target relative rotational angle .theta.a which is determined in accordance with the operating conditions of the engine. Here, the output duty Td is a sum of a learning ignition advance duty Ta and a temperature correcting duty Tthw. When the output duty Td is outputted, the spool is moved to a position where an oil pressure passage starts to be opened. From this position, the spool is further moved toward an ignition advance by the duty according to a deviation (.theta.a-.theta.). When the relative rotational angle .theta. approaches the angle .theta.a, a learning holding duty Th is outputted in place of the duty Ta so that the spool is controlled to a position where the oil pressure passage is closed.

Abstract: A device to control a gas-fired appliance as a function of the composition of a gaseous fuel. The device includes a thermal conductivity sensor emitting a measurement signal dependent upon the thermal conductivity of the gaseous fuel. An analyzing unit receives the measurement signal and uses it to develop a control signal dependent upon the composition of the gaseous fuel. A control unit receives the control signal and uses it to control the operating parameters of the gas-fired appliance, in the case of a gas engine particularly the parameters of air/fuel ratio, output and angle of advance. The analyzing unit may include an input interface into which data on the type of gaseous fuel components may be entered, which are used for the generation of the control signal. Preferably the control signal is proportional to the available methane number of the gaseous fuel, whereby the operating parameters of the gas engine are controlled so that the methane number required is adjusted to the methane number available.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for detecting leaks in the evaporative emission control system utilized in automotive vehicles. Such control systems include a carbon filled canister having both a vent port and a fuel vapor port. The fuel vapor port, as well as a vapor line from the fuel tank, are connected through a purge valve to the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine. The present invention includes a vent valve which is fluidly connected with the canister vent port. An electronic control system closes both the vent valve and opens the purge valve thereby exposing the evaporative emission control system to the partial vacuum in the intake manifold. After a predetermined time period, the purge valve is closed thus entrapping the partial vacuum in the purge system while a pressure transducer thereafter monitors the partial vacuum in the purge system.

Abstract: A pressure actuated noise attenuation device for an air induction system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed, comprising a quarter-wave tube and a tuning body movably mounted within the quarter-wave tube. The quarter-wave tube has an open first end in fluid communication with an air intake passage of the air induction system. The tuning body is movable by vacuum developed within the air induction system during operation of the internal combustion engine. The tuning body is also optionally acted upon by a biasing force and/or gravity. The tuning body is movable between at least a first position establishing a first operative length for the quarter-wave tube for attenuating air induction system noise at a frequency which is significant for a first engine operating level, to a second position corresponding to a second engine operating level.

Abstract: A new emission control system is described herein that injects liquid catalytic compounds into fossil fueled combustion devices for the purposes of reducing unhealthful emissions. The invention of the micrometering valve and injection nozzle assembly allows for the accurate, adjustable and controllable injection of minute quantities of liquid catalytic compounds. This injection means and method eliminates the chemical phase change as an integral part of the metering process. Liquid phase injection increases the selection of deliverable catalytic compounds, simplifies control and delivery equipment requirements and increases the potential range and functions of the invention. Liquid phase injection also offers the ability to utilize the combustion air stream, liquid or gaseous fuel stream or an alternate path delivering matter to the combustion process.

Abstract: A mass airflow based control system for an internal combustion engine is provided which is capable of inferring cylinder air charge during non-steady state periods of operation of the engine. The control system infers cylinder air charge from values of rotational engine speed, air mass flow inducted into the engine, inlet air temperature, engine coolant temperature, and barometric pressure. The control system employs the inferred cylinder air charge value for air/fuel ratio control.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10) with intake valve (26) that may be kept open for a variable amount of time during the combustion cycle depending on operating conditions of the engine. Cam (22) rotates approximately 45.degree. clockwise to depress poppet (26) moving the intake valve to the open position. Cam (22) is held in the open position by lip (25) on seat (23) of the poppet valve. A step motor is used to rotate cam ( 22 ) to an open or closed position. The step motor may be deenergized while the poppet valve is in the open or shut position. In another embodiment the amount the valve is opened may be varied.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dual fuel engine cylinder with primary interest focused upon an injector valve for an alternate fuel in which the body of the valve is disposed into said cylinder through the head thereof and may be removed therefrom as for servicing without disturbing the remaining operation of the cylinder.

Abstract: An intake valve or an exhaust valve is lifted through a swingable cam by the rotation of a rotatable cam formed in the cam shaft. A surface at which the swingable cam abuts with the rotatable cam is tapered in the axial direction in which said cam shaft extends, and the valve shift timing is changed by transferring the cam shaft, that is, the rotatable cam in the axial direction in which said cam shaft extends. The power transmitting member such as a helical gear to be rotated with the output shaft of the engine is engaged with the cam shaft through a helical spline. The power transmitting member is so arranged as to be unmovable in the axial direction in which said cam shaft extends. The rotational phase of the rotatable cam relative to the output shaft of the engine is changed by displacement of the cam shaft relative to the power transmitting member in the axial direction in which said cam shaft extends.

Abstract: In accordance with preferred embodiments, a fuel injector has a gas accumulator of a volume that is at least ten times the maximum amount of fuel which would have to be injectable thereby, and a solenoid operated poppet valve with an end face that opens into the combustion cylinder and is shaped to deflect a portion of the fuel injected into direct contact with the ignition plug. In a first embodiment, using a variable fuel supply, an electronic control unit (ECU) controls the injection timing to inject the compressed gas into the cylinders as each's piston nears its top dead center (TDC) position to obtain diesel engine-like efficiencies (.eta.=45%) so long as the compressed gas supply pressure is sufficiently high (at least approximately 2,000 psi), and when the compressed gas supply pressure becomes too low for high efficiency operation (i.e.