Abstract: A method for operating an engine having at least a first and second cylinder [group], the first cylinder having a first electrically actuated valve and the second cylinder having a second electrically actuated valve, comprising of operating the first cylinder with a spark timing more retarded than a spark timing of a second cylinder, where during said operation, said first cylinder operates with a first operation of said first electrically actuated valve and said second cylinder operates with a second operation of said second electrically actuated valve, where said first operation is different from said second operation.

Abstract: An ambulance cot is disclosed and the ambulance cot has, if desired, a wheel supported base and a litter raisable and lowerable by a powered elevating mechanism oriented between the base and the litter. The ambulance cot also has wireless communication capability to facilitate communication between the ambulance cot and a loading system on an ambulance as well as facilitating wireless troubleshooting via a handheld wireless unit. The ambulance cot also has a longitudinally extendable head section. The ambulance cot also has several accessories, such as an accessory hook mounted to the underside of the fowler, and a collapsible pouch accessory fastened to the retractable head section and the litter frame.

Abstract: A powered wheeled carriage includes a patient support and a wheeled base. An auxiliary wheel mechanism includes an auxiliary wheel spring support for biasing an auxiliary wheel into contact with a floor. Operating a control apparatus moves the auxiliary wheel away from the floor. A drive handle pivots about a single axis to control a drive motor that powers the auxiliary wheel. The drive handle controls driving of the wheeled carriage in forward and rearward directions. A decision/drive circuit ramps the speed of the wheeled carriage for a few second after start-up to prevent a jerking motion. A display/control panel displays the condition of the carriage brake and the condition of the auxiliary wheel to assist an operator.

Abstract: A method for operating an engine in a vehicle, the engine having at least a cylinder, is described. The method comprises decreasing rotational speed of the engine; and when said engine speed falls in a specified region, adjusting a valve timing of the cylinder to generate one of expansion or compression braking torque to stop rotation of said engine in a desired range.

Abstract: A power assisted wheeled carriage includes a patient support having a length, a wheeled base supporting the patient support, and an auxiliary wheel mechanism including an auxiliary wheel spring support for biasing an auxiliary wheel into contact with a floor. The carriage further includes a control apparatus for moving the auxiliary wheel away from the floor. The auxiliary wheel spring support can be a spring steel member having an opening and biased to move the auxiliary wheel into contact with the floor. The control apparatus can include a foot pedal for turning a rotatable shaft that enables a cam apparatus to apply an upward force to the auxiliary wheel. The wheeled carriage also includes a drive handle pivotable about a single axis to control a drive motor for the auxiliary wheel. The drive handle controls driving of the wheeled carriage in forward and rearward directions. Safety sensors on the drive handle require grasping thereof at a specific location to operate the carriage.

Abstract: A power assisted wheeled carriage includes a patient support having a length, a wheeled base supporting the patient support, and an auxiliary wheel mechanism including an auxiliary wheel spring support for biasing an auxiliary wheel into contact with a floor. The carriage further includes a control apparatus for moving the auxiliary wheel away from the floor. The auxiliary wheel spring support can be a spring steel member having an opening and biased to move the auxiliary wheel into contact with the floor. The control apparatus can include a foot pedal for turning a rotatable shaft that enables a cam apparatus to apply an upward force to the auxiliary wheel. The wheeled carriage also includes a drive handle pivotable about a single axis to control a drive motor for the auxiliary wheel. The drive handle controls driving of the wheeled carriage in forward and rearward directions.

Abstract: A power generator system (10) is provided having a power generator (15) and an exciter (20) for excitation of the power generator (15). The exciter (20) preferably includes a diode wheel (30). The diode wheel (30) has an a rotating support structure (31), a plurality of diodes (35) mounted to the rotating support structure (31), and a plurality of a diode support and rupture containment devices (40) each positioned adjacent a respective one of the plurality of diodes (35) to support the diode (35) and contain the diode (35) within the confines thereof in the event the diode ruptures. Each of the diode support and rupture containment devices (40) includes a pair of insulative spaced-apart containment members (42, 47) having the diode (35) positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A power generator system (10) is provided having a power generator (15) and an exciter (20) for excitation of the power generator (15). The exciter (20) preferably includes a diode wheel (30). The diode wheel (30) has an a rotating support structure (31), a plurality of diodes (35) mounted to the rotating support structure (31), and a plurality of a diode support and rupture containment devices (40) each positioned adjacent a respective one of the plurality of diodes (35) to support the diode (35) and contain the diode (35) within the confines thereof in the event the diode ruptures. Each of the diode support and rupture containment devices (40) preferably includes a pair of spaced-apart containment members (42, 47) having the diode (35) positioned therebetween. Each of the containment members (42, 47) is preferably formed of an insulating material and has a substantially annular shape to thereby define an insulative disc.

Abstract: An improved rotor retainer housing for a rotatable rotor body and a relief sealing mechanism for a gas flow rate regulator. The retainer housing having structural features equivalent to the essential corresponding features of a conventional metal part is formed of molded plastic. A thin metallic layer is provided on the exposed surfaces of the molded plastic part to enhance surface conditions for maintaining an effective seal between the retainer housing and associated parts. The relief sealing mechanism utilizes a separate relief valve and relief valve seal to prevent premature failure of the seal during normal operating pressures. The seal is a metal retaining ring having a polymer O-ring integrally formed within the retaining ring. The O-ring provides sealing surfaces between the relief valve and the gas inlet on the regulator.

Abstract: A petroleum alcohol test kit and a method of testing petroleum for alcohol content both as to volume and type. The volume of alcohol present is determined by mixing a petroleum sample with a first colorimetric solution whereby the volume of alcohol can be visually determined. The type of alcohol present is determined by mixing the components of a second colorimetric solution for impregnation of a visual indicator. A petroleum sample is mixed with an acidified potassium permanganate solution and the resultant vapors contact the visual indicator whereby the color the indicator turns is indicative of the type of alcohol present. The kit has the necessary containers, support and solutions to carry out the testing.