Abstract: An air induction system of an automotive internal combustion engine comprises an evaporative emission control device inserted into an air intake tube connecting an air cleaner canister and an intake manifold of the engine. The evaporative emission control device comprises a rigid tubular body that includes an upstream end and a downstream end. A hydrocarbon vapor absorbing element is disposed within the rigid tubular body such that the upstream face is recessed from the upstream end of the rigid tubular body, and the downstream face is recessed from the downstream end of the rigid tubular body. The extended ends of the rigid tubular body thereby protect the recessed faces from incidental contact. The air intake tube is formed of elastomeric material that provides flexible support for the evaporative emission control device to protect against damage due to vibration.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards an air induction system in a motor vehicle and more specifically to an air filter in the air induction system. The air cleaner that functions to filter the ambient air before the air is delivered to the engine, is provided with a hydrocarbon adsorbing element. The hydrocarbon adsorbing element functions to act as a support screen for an air filter installed in the air cleaner and to adsorb hydrocarbons released by the engine. The hydrocarbon adsorbing element comprises a substrate coated with a hydrocarbon adsorbing chemical.

Abstract: An air induction system for an internal combustion engine comprises an air intake tube and a thermal pump coupled to the air intake tube. The thermal pump comprises a bladder that defines a variable volume gas chamber. Following engine operation, the bladder is inflated to draw air containing hydrocarbon vapors from the air intake tube and prevent their escape into the atmosphere. A preferred mechanism for the thermal pump comprises bimetallic springs that expand and contract in response to changes in temperature to inflate and deflate the bladder.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards an air induction system in a motor vehicle and more specifically to a methane storage device connectable to the air induction system. The methane storage device comprises a housing having an inner chamber. A reticulated material is located within the housing. The reticulated material is capable of trapping any hydrocarbon especially methane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrocarbon trap positioned in the air intake system of a vehicle, upstream from the engine and wholly in the airflow. The hydrocarbon trap comprises a holder and a material for adsorbing the hydrocarbons, inserted inside the holder. The holder comprises a screen that is added at the end facing the engine. The screen is held in place with the help of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a locking ramp on the holder and corresponding locking tab on a clamping ring surrounding the holder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for integrating high-speed DRAM in a computer system including guard bands on either side of each data signal path between a memory module and a memory controller on a circuit board. The data signal paths are routed to avoid intermediate contacts, such as perforations in the circuit board for connector pins, while maintaining a target impedance level within a specified tolerance. A connector between the memory module and the memory controller includes contacts that are arranged so that at least every other contact is assigned to a non-data signal. The routing located between the non-data signal pins are assigned to a data signal. Non-data signal paths on the circuit board are routed through the contacts on either side of each data signal path, thereby forming guard bands on either side of the data signal path. An air gap is also positioned on either side of the data signal path.

Abstract: A multi-layer circuit board includes several metallic layers. Each metallic layer includes a metallic ring surrounding a component pin hole formed through each layer of the board. The ring is isolated from its respective metallic layer by a concentric gap formed of non-metallic material. A plurality of metallic traces interconnect each ring with its respective metallic layer. The traces extend radially outwardly from the ring and segment the gap. Each trace has a width of about 0.010 mils and a length of about 0.050 mils.

Abstract: A chassis (200) having cable management features includes a frame (210) for holding communication modules (105) that have cables (305) coupled to front surfaces thereof. The chassis also includes cable tunnels (225) formed beneath the frame (210). The cable tunnels (225) are each defined by sidewalls and upper and lower surfaces that form an aperture through the tunnel (225), and the module cables (305) from a particular module (105) can be routed through its associated cable tunnel (225) beneath the frame (210). The chassis (200) also includes cable guides (230), each defining an opening associated with a particular communication module (105), wherein cables (305) coupled to that communication module (105) can be routed through its associated cable tunnel (225) and then through its associated cable guide (230).

Abstract: A sand art machine uses a plurality of storage bins for colored granular material, each bin having a discharge orifice and an metering valve connected to the orifice for each bin. The metering valve is connected at a dispensing station above a screen on which a receptacle is positioned such that stray sand passes through the screen into a reclaim hopper from which it can be returned to the supply bin. By using a plurality of variously colored sands a decorative art form in a transparent receptacle is easily fashioned and saved.