Abstract: Described are methods and systems for powering an Otto-cycle engine using gasoline and compressed natural gas (CNG). The Otto-cycle engine can be powered by determining a quantity of the gasoline and a quantity of the CNG to deliver to a cylinder of the engine during an engine cycle such that combustion within the cylinder occurs at a pre-determined air-fuel ratio; delivering the quantity of the gasoline to the cylinder via a gasoline injector and delivering the quantity of the CNG to the cylinder via a CNG injector such that the gasoline and the CNG combust during the same combustion event; and combusting the gasoline and the CNG within the cylinder. Delivering CNG and gasoline to the cylinder using separate injectors allows the quantities of CNG and gasoline to vary in response to engine operating conditions, which allows the fuel mixture to be adjusted to satisfy engine power and emissions criteria.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for powering an Otto-cycle engine using gasoline and compressed natural gas (CNG). The Otto-cycle engine can be powered by determining a quantity of the gasoline and a quantity of the CNG to deliver to a cylinder of the engine during an engine cycle such that combustion within the cylinder occurs at a pre-determined air-fuel ratio; delivering the quantity of the gasoline to the cylinder via a gasoline injector and delivering the quantity of the CNG to the cylinder via a CNG injector such that the gasoline and the CNG combust during the same combustion event; and combusting the gasoline and the CNG within the cylinder. Delivering CNG and gasoline to the cylinder using separate injectors allows the quantities of CNG and gasoline to vary in response to engine operating conditions, which allows the fuel mixture to be adjusted to satisfy engine power and emissions criteria.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for providing therapy to a living body. In one embodiment, an implanted permeable container has living cells provided therein, and various nutrients and/or agents are provided into the container to promote cell life.

Abstract: An oil separator for a fluid compressor is disclosed. The oil separator includes a housing having a generally cylindrical cavity formed therein. A wall is disposed in the cavity to form an inlet side of the cavity and an outlet side of the cavity. A conduit extends through the wall and provides a fluid communication path between the inlet side and the outlet side of the cavity. The inlet side of the cavity facilitates the separation of an oil from a fluid, wherein the separated oil is returned to an oil reservoir formed in the housing, and the fluid is provided substantially free of oil to an associated refrigeration circuit.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to data warehouses. In aspects, mapping information is received that maps elements of a data warehouse to types of a type system. A type system defines a hierarchy of data types of data in a data source from which the data warehouse obtains data. The mapping information also indicates whether subtypes of the data are mapped to the elements. Using this mapping information, the elements of the data warehouse may be automatically created, maintained, and populated. When the type system is changed, mapped elements in the data warehouse may be updated or created and code to extract and load the data from a data source associated with the type system may be created based on the mapping information. In addition, reports based on the mapped elements may continue to work without change.

Abstract: A swash plate type compressor is disclosed, wherein a shoe, having a first surface slidably disposed on a swash plate and a second surface received in a pocket formed in a piston, is formed from a copper alloy.

Abstract: A variable displacement compressor includes a housing and a rotatable shaft supported within the housing. A pin extends generally outward from the shaft and includes a generally cylindrical distal end. A sleeve is slidably mounted about the shaft and rotates with the shaft. A swash ring is pivotally supported on the sleeve by a pair of bearing pins that extend radially outward from opposite sides of the sleeve and pivotally engage the swash ring. The swash ring is rotatable with the shaft and includes a radially inwardly open spherical pocket. A spherical bearing insert is positioned within the pocket and the cylindrical distal end of the pin slidably engages the spherical bearing insert. The swash ring defines an adjustable angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A biasing member engages the sleeve and biases the sleeve along the shaft.

Abstract: An oil separator-muffler for a compressor includes an inner chamber with an oil accumulation region and a wall positioned in the inner chamber. The wall defines a separator region and has an impingement surface. The arrangement of the wall in the inner chamber defines flow channels of varying cross-sectional areas. A mixture inlet for the separator-muffler provides a passageway for an oil gaseous refrigerant mixture to flow from the exterior of the separator-muffler into the separator region. The oil is separated from the mixture as the mixture impinges against the impingement surface and flows into the oil accumulation region. A channel in fluid communication with the oil accumulation region provides a passageway for the separated oil from the accumulation region to the exterior of the separator-muffler.

Abstract: A powertrain controller of a vehicle provides fuel injection pulses based on gasoline operation. The pulse widths of the fuel injection pulses are modified with reference to air temperature, engine speed, and exhaust gas oxygen (EGO) content to control fuel injectors for an alternative fuel such as natural gas. The EGO content, based on alternative fuel operation, is detected and compared to a desired air-fuel ratio or desired fuel trims to provide error information that is used to adjust the modification of the pulse widths. In response to the error information, a neural network (as an example) dynamically adjust the pulse widths of the alternative fuel injection based on the weights of measured, detected engine speed, EGO, universal exhaust gas oxygen, or air temperatures. The engine operating on alternative fuel is provided with the proper mixture of alternative fuel and air to respond to various engine loads and meet emission standards.

Abstract: A powertrain controller of a vehicle provides fuel injection pulses based on gasoline operation. The pulse widths of the fuel injection pulses are modified with reference to air temperature, engine speed, and exhaust gas oxygen (EGO) content to control fuel injectors for an alternative fuel such as natural gas. The EGO content, based on alternative fuel operation, is detected and compared to a desired air-fuel ratio or desired fuel trims to provide error information that is used to adjust the modification of the pulse widths. In response to the error information, a neural network (as an example) dynamically adjust the pulse widths of the alternative fuel injection based on the weights of measured, detected engine speed, EGO, universal exhaust gas oxygen, or air temperatures. The engine operating on alternative fuel is provided with the proper mixture of alternative fuel and air to respond to various engine loads and meet emission standards.