Abstract: Exhaust gas re-circulation is achieved internally in an internal combustion engine having intake and exhaust valves actuated by a camshaft. A controller monitors at least one engine parameter and automatically actuates an electrically actuated fluid operated brake actuator at a predetermined timing of movement of an engine piston to cause the actuator to maintain the exhaust valve at an intermediate position between a full open position and a closed position of the exhaust valve and cause exhaust gasses to be delivered from the exhaust manifold to the combustion chamber of the engine.

Abstract: An integral lash adjustor for an engine braking system is provided for quick and easy access to adjust and maintain a lash. The integral lash adjustor is located on the top portion of an engine brake stand to eliminate additional steps of removing engine components to access the lash adjusting site. An adjusting screw is threadably fixed inside a plunger body and secured to a plunger. The adjusting screw may be turned in a first direction a predetermined number of turns until abutment against a valve bridge pin, which is in contact with an engine exhaust valve. Next, the adjusting screw is turned in the opposite direction a predetermined number of turns to set the lash, and is then mechanically fastened. In certain embodiments, a pin running from the plunger body into the plunger prevents rotation of the plunger but allows the adjusting screw to turn.

Abstract: A circuit for extracorporeal treatment of a body fluid, the circuit including in serial fluidic communication an inlet for receiving the body fluid from a patient, a first pump, a first treatment device for processing the body fluid, a second pump, an outlet for returning processed body fluid to the patient; and a shunt. The shunt is upstream from the first pump and downstream from the second pump.

Abstract: A fixture for disposing laser blocking material on the interior of an airfoil is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which allow for the repetitive disposition of the laser blocking material in one airfoil after another. In one embodiment, the fixture includes a tool member and a nozzle adaptor for providing a sealing surface to a nozzle which extends into the tool member.

Abstract: The present invention finds application in engines using mechanically actuated electronically controlled fuel injectors having direct control needle valves. In valves such as these, a spill control valve member controls fuel pressurization within the injector while a needle control valve member controls the timing and duration of the injection event. However, when the momentum of fuel exiting the fuel injector past the spill valve is greater than that of the tappet and plunger moving toward their downward positions, engine components upstream of the tappet can briefly separate and re-engage, which can result in increased mechanical noise levels. Therefore, the present invention is directed to maintaining sufficient contact force in the various engine components to reduce the mechanical noise levels by positioning a flow restriction between the fuel pressurization chamber of the fuel injector and a fuel source.

Abstract: Compression brake systems using “back-fill” between combustion cylinders or requiring an exhaust valve to be opened twice during a braking cycle require brake actuation systems able to maintain control over the exhaust valve during different loading conditions. In a first opening event where a piston is at or near bottom dead center, pressures in the combustion cylinder are low. During a second opening event near top dead center pressures are higher. Movement of the exhaust valve may be slowed during the first opening event by controlling fluid leaving a second actuator volume opposite a first actuator volume providing opening force on an exhaust valve.

Abstract: A number of engine operating strategies have been developed that allow for engine braking when combustion is not needed. In these strategies, air within the engine cylinder is compressed by the cylinder piston; however, rather than introducing fuel into the cylinder to facilitate a combustion event, the cylinder is opened to an exhaust manifold and the compressed air is vented, and the energy is released by the engine. However, it has been learned that the venting of this compressed air from the engine can produce undesirable noise emissions. Thus, the present invention employs a dual exhaust valve lift strategy to reduce noise produced during engine braking while still allowing relatively high engine braking horsepowers to be achieved.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling combustion engine compression braking having the variable timing of the dwell period of at least one exhaust valve by an electronic control module within each one of the engine cylinders during a braking event as well as the variable timing of the commencement or onset of the braking event. The system and method thus facilitate the proper performance of the braking event as a function of engine speed and prevents interference or physical impact with the cam driving elements used for achieving the normal or regular exhaust valve event.

Abstract: Compression brake systems using “back-fill” between combustion cylinders or requiring an exhaust valve to be opened twice during a braking cycle require brake actuation systems able to maintain control over the exhaust valve during different loading conditions. In a first opening event where a piston is at or near bottom dead center, pressures in the combustion cylinder are low. During a second opening event near top dead center pressures are higher. Movement of the exhaust valve is controlled by delivery of fluid to a brake actuator piston. Fluid delivery is slowed as the brake actuator piston moves to cover a first cylinder port and uncover a second cylinder port.

Abstract: Apparatus and method, particularly suited for a work machine, provides EGR to an internal combustion engine without the addition of special EGR hardware. The invention provides a controlling of a timing of the closing of a first exhaust valve during the exhaust stroke of a first cylinder to trap exhaust gas in the first cylinder for mixing with combustion air in the first cylinder during the intake stroke.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling combustion engine compression braking has the variable timing of the opening of at least one exhaust valve by an electronic control module within each one of the engine cylinders and within a time range of 15°-150° before the top-dead-center position of each cylinder piston during each compression stroke such that variable compression braking power levels, and attendant noise levels, can be obtained as required or desired dependent upon various road, vehicle, and vehicle location parameters. The system and method facilitate a wide range of braking power levels or values, the braking power is smoothly modulated as a result of all of the designated exhaust valves of the cylinders being activated, and the braking power levels can also be generated as a function of engine speed.

Abstract: The invention is a CDMA spectral shaping technology that attenuates the out-of-band signal power in the CDMA signal. The in-band CDMA signal is attenuated near the corner frequencies to reduce components that provide a disproportionate contribution to the out-of-band signal power. The power amplifier in the CDMA base station can then operate at higher power levels without exceeding out-of-band signal power limitations. As a result, the power amplifier operates more efficiently and extends the range or capacity of the base station. In some examples of the invention, spectral shaping digital filters are placed between the cell site modem and the digital-to-analog converter in the base station. In other examples of the invention, spectral shaping analog filters are placed between the digital-to-analog converter and the low-pass filter in the base station.

Abstract: Compression brake systems using “back-fill” between combustion cylinders or requiring an exhaust valve to be opened twice during a braking cycle require brake actuation systems able to maintain control over the exhaust valve during different loading conditions. In a first opening event where a piston is at or near bottom dead center, pressures in the combustion cylinder are low. During a second opening event near top dead center pressures are higher. Movement of the exhaust valve may be slowed during the first opening event by controlling fluid leaving a second actuator volume opposite a first actuator volume providing opening force on an exhaust valve.

Abstract: Compression brake systems using “back-fill” between combustion cylinders or requiring an exhaust valve to be opened twice during a braking cycle require brake actuation systems able to maintain control over the exhaust valve during different loading conditions. In a first opening event where a piston is at or near bottom dead center, pressures in the combustion cylinder are low. During a second opening event near top dead center pressures are higher. Movement of the exhaust valve is controlled by delivery of fluid to a brake actuator piston. Fluid delivery is slowed as the brake actuator piston moves to cover a first cylinder port and uncover a second cylinder port.

Abstract: A method for disposing laser blocking material 52 on the interior of an airfoil 10, such as a rotor blade or stator vane, includes shear thinning the material. Various steps are developed which promote decreases in viscosity of the blocking material. In one detailed embodiment, the material is passed through an injection molding machine 54 to provide shear thinning.

Abstract: A tool 12 for disposing laser blocking material 52 on the interior of an airfoil 10 is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which speed the process. In one detailed embodiment, the tool has reciprocatable jaws 92, 94 which open and close to urge a mask 78 into engagement with the airfoil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling an actuation of a compression brake associated with a combustion engine. The engine includes a fluid circuit for delivering a fluid to the compression brake. The engine also includes a cylinder having an associated exhaust valve. The method includes the steps of establishing a desired timing of an actuation of the brake, determining an air pressure of the engine, and determining a desired fluid pressure in response to the timing and the air pressure.

Abstract: An injector system for a vertical furnace which has a pedestal and a semiconductor article support within a process container. The injector system includes an injector which is an elongate tube extending into the process chamber. The tube includes a circuitous section in the area of the pedestal to increase residence time for the contents of the tube prior to introduction to the semiconductor articles. A substantially direct section leads from the circuitous section to a discharge end located above the semiconductor article support. The injector system further includes a vertical column heater arranged with the vapor outlet at the upper end of the heater connected via a coupling to the injector in an arrangement to reduce thermal loss.

Abstract: A method for orienting an airfoil 10 during filling of an airfoil with laser blocking material 52 prior to a laser machining operation is provide and includes making a mask 78 for the airfoil.

Abstract: A grout dispensing system that includes an injector having a number of user selectable dispensing nozzles that allow an individual to select a desired dispensing opening diameter for a particular job and which includes a piston/plunger for forcing grout out of the nozzle under pressure into the gap between tiles to ensure that a proper amount of grout is within the gap. The injector includes a hand grip assembly that is gripped by a user with one hand while simultaneously pushing the plunger/piston into the injector cylinder.