Abstract: A number of embodiments of a piston may have a shape that provides enhanced piston guidance. In such embodiments, the piston shape may include an axial profile that is configured to provide certain thrust load characteristics.

Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system for small internal combustion engines, including a charcoal canister which is in fluid communication with the air space above the liquid fuel within the carburetor of the engine and the air space above the liquid fuel within the fuel tank of the engine. The charcoal canister contains charcoal media, and when the engine is not running, fuel vapors from the carburetor and the fuel tank migrate to, and are trapped within, the charcoal media of the charcoal canister. The charcoal canister may comprise a separate component, or may be integrally formed with an engine component such as the air cleaner, the carburetor, or the body of the fuel tank, for example. During running of the engine, vacuum within the carburetor induces a flow of atmospheric air through the charcoal canister to purge the collected fuel vapors from the charcoal media, and the fuel vapors pass into the engine for consumption.

Abstract: A restoration process for restoring surface porosity defects in engine blocks cast using a high pressure die cast method. The areas of an engine block having surface porosity defects are identified and the areas not containing surface porosity defects are masked using an adhesive, reusable, rubberized mask. The masked surface is subsequently cleaned and a metal spray is applied to the surface porosity defects. The mask is removed and the restored surface porosity defects are hand finished to create an engine block having less than 0.05% surface porosity.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of preventing or treating cardiac arrhythmia. In one embodiment, the methods include administering to an amount of at least one polynucleotide that modulates an electrical property of the heart. The methods have a wide variety of important uses including treating cardiac arrhythmia.

Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system for small internal combustion engines. The system generally includes a charcoal canister and a carburetor with a fuel circuit shutoff valve. The charcoal canister is in fluid communication with the air space above the liquid fuel within the engine fuel tank, and optionally, with the air space above the liquid fuel within the fuel bowl of a fuel bowl-type carburetor. The charcoal canister contains charcoal media which absorbs fuel vapors when the engine is not running. During running of the engine, vacuum within the carburetor induces a flow of atmospheric air through the charcoal canister to purge the collected fuel vapors from the charcoal media, and the fuel vapors pass into the engine for consumption. The carburetor of the engine, which may be either a fuel bowl-type carburetor or a diaphragm carburetor, includes a fuel circuit shutoff valve controlled either by a vacuum signal produced within the engine or by a user-actuated mechanical linkage.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method that facilitates a structured contract negotiation between two parties, such as parties to a real estate transaction. A series of predefined milestone negotiation steps are executed on a computer that couples two parties through a network, such as the Internet. The negotiators answer predefined questions regarding a proposed transaction in such a manner that certain aspects of the transaction can be agreed upon early during the negotiation process while others are deferred to later phases. In each phase, each party selects from a predefined list of actions associated with a particular aspect of the negotiation (e.g., sale price). Third-party service providers such as brokers and architects can be automatically pulled into the negotiations using computer-issued requests for services.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for refining primary silicon present in a hypereutectic aluminum silicon alloy. The method contemplates the controlled application of pressure to refine the primary silicon during the casting of articles. The application of pressure decreases the primary silicon particle size to improve the machinability and wear resistance of the final cast articles.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method that facilitates a structured lease negotiation between two parties to a real estate transaction, and subsequent steps to occupy the leased premises and evaluate the transaction process. A series of predefined milestone negotiation steps are executed on a computer that couples two parties through a network, such as the Internet. The negotiators use a web browser to answer predefined questions regarding a proposed transaction in such a manner that certain aspects of the transaction can be agreed upon early during the negotiation process while others are deferred to later phases. In each phase, each party must select from a predefined list of actions (e.g., agree, defer, identify, mediate, etc.) associated with a particular aspect of the negotiation (e.g., rent to be charged, term of the lease, etc.). Tools are provided to facilitate transnational aspects of the negotiation (e.g., conversion between currencies, metrics, or languages).

Abstract: A method of cleaning and of heat treating lost foam castings utilizing a heated, fluidized sand bed is disclosed. The fluidized action of the sand, the movement of the casting through the sand and the heat of the bed, combine to remove residue coating resulting from the lost foam casting process from the casting.

Abstract: A hypoeutectic aluminum silicon casting alloy having a refined primary silicon particle size and a modified iron morphology. The alloy includes 10 to 11.5% by weight silicon, 0.10 to 0.70% by weight magnesium and also contains 0.05 to 0.07% by weight strontium. On cooling from the solution temperature, the strontium serves to modify the silicon eutectic structure as well as create an iron phase morphology change. Such changes facilitate feeding through the aluminum interdendritic matrix. This, in turn, creates a finished die cast product with extremely low levels of microporosity defects. The alloy may be used to cast engine blocks for marine outboard and stern drive motors. Furthermore, when the magnesium levels are adjusted to approximately 0.10 to 0.20% by weight magnesium, propellers having a highly advantageous ductility may be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of preventing or treating cardiac arrhythmia. In one embodiment, the methods include administering to an amount of at least one polynucleotide that modulates an electrical property of the heart. The methods have a wide variety of important uses including treating cardiac arrhythmia.

Abstract: The present provides methods and compositions that enable effective delivery of nucleic acids to desired cells, including to a solid organ such as a mammalian heart. The methods and compositions enable effective gene transfer and subsequent expression to a majority of cells throughout a solid organ such as the heart. Methods and compositions of the invention preferably provide enhanced vascular permeability that enables increased gene transfer to targeted cells, but without significant degradation or injury to endothelial cell layers. Global delivery of nucleic acid to an intact heart has been achieved with as little as 2 minutes of intracoronary exposure to the administered nucleic acid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to delay the application of pressure on a molten metal front to equalize a pressure gradient present at the molten metal front during pressurized lost foam casting processes, or other pressurized casting processes. A pressure equalization member is placed over a pouring cup to divert the direct application of pressure to molten metal present in the pouring cup. The pressure equalization member allows for increased pressurization rates in such processes, facilitating interdendritic feeding while reducing microporosity and metal penetration defects.

Abstract: A method for casting of metal articles using external pressure and having particular application to lost foam casting of metal articles. A polymeric foam pattern having a configuration corresponding to an article to be cast is placed in an outer flask and the pattern is connected through a polymeric foam gating system to a pouring cup located at the upper end of the flask. The pouring cup has a volume equal to 5% to 75% of the combined volume of the gating system and the pattern. A finely divided inert material, such as sand, is placed in the flask surrounding the pattern and fills the internal cavities within the pattern. The flask containing the pattern is then positioned in an outer pressure vessel having a removable lid and a molten metal is fed into the pouring cup.

Abstract: An exhaust treatment device is provided for an internal combustion engine of a marine propulsion system. An outer chamber contains a first inner chamber within it and slidably supports the inner chamber. An exhaust inlet conduit directs a stream of exhaust gases from a cylinder of the internal combustion engine directly into the inner chamber. The inner and outer chambers are supported relative to each other to allow relative movement of these two components in response to changes in the differential temperature between the two components. A rail system slidably supports the inner chamber relative to the outer chamber. The exhaust treatment device comprises a liquid cooled housing surrounding the inner and outer chambers. Exhaust gas is directed through the inner chamber and then into the outer chamber at a closed end of the exhaust treatment device. Exhaust gases then flow through the outer chamber to an exhaust conduit of the marine propulsion system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for handling a solution. The apparatus comprises a housing and a vial assembly positioned within an enclosure of the housing. The vial assembly maintains at least one vial within the enclosure of the housing. A valve manifold extends within the enclosure of the housing for connection to the vial. A rotation mechanism, also extending within the enclosure of the housing, is operatively connected to the vial assembly for rotating the vial assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for teaching a user with a communications device linked to a computer system containing a database with a plurality of lessons wherein each lesson has a number of lesson elements with educational components and assessment components. The method compiles a first subset of lesson elements based upon a profile of the user, presents the first subset of lesson elements to the user, obtains user responses to assessment components in the presented first subset of lesson elements, compares the user responses to predetermined assessment responses, and adaptively modifies the first subset of lesson elements to obtain a unique second subset of lesson elements based upon the comparing step.

Abstract: An end of line seat tester for adjustable seats, comprising an array of optical sensors for sensing and measuring the physical adjustment of seat components such as a headrest, seatback or seat cushion. In a preferred form the optical sensor array is combined in closed-loop fashion with an internal function tester connected through a powered seat control module by tether to monitor the internal function of the power adjustment mechanisms. The external, optical sensing of the seat adjustments can be used to verify the internal testing of the seat adjustment mechanisms, both as to static adjusted positions and real time adjustment motion.