Abstract: Apparatus for brewing coffee having a heating compartment provided with water at various predetermined levels depending upon the number of cups of brewed coffee desired. A U-shaped syphon tube is provided in the heating compartment and is arranged so that the water level in the heating compartment is always below the top of the bight portion of the tube prior to being heated to a predetermined temperature. When the pressure within the heating compartment reaches a predetermined discharging value, water at the proper temperature in the heating compartment is caused to discharge through the syphon tube and out of the compartment. A pressure vent, having an orifice exposed to the pressure within the heating compartment, serves to delay the attainment of the discharging pressure until the water reaches the proper temperature.

Abstract: An automatic food frying and vending system having a refrigerated storage chamber for storing food material to be fried and a frying chamber for frying material in cooking oil are installed in the main body of the automatic food frying and vending system in discrete sections designated for their respective purposes. The refrigrated chamber includes a stocker unit for receiving and keeping a number of packed containers, each sealed by a lid. A feeding device is provided with a holder for receiving from a conveying device the sealed container and inverting the container.

Abstract: A combination table and cooking grill comprising a substantially horizontal table top having a centrally disposed aperture formed therethrough with a table support surface formed about the periphery thereof mounted on the upper portion of a substantially vertical hollow pedestal, an inner grill housing to operatively house a heat source therein and a cooking grate disposed in operative alignment with the heat source and the centrally disposed aperture such that persons around the periphery of the substantially horizontal table top can cook on the cooking grate as well as place food, drinks, condiments and the like on the table support surface.

Abstract: A reciprocally vacuumized and pressurized multipurpose food processing apparatus provided with a meshy basket in which all kinds of to-be-processed food can be received and that is plunged into the oil or other kinds of special fluid received in a frying pan for soakage or blanching especially applied to green vegetables or fruits; during the process a reciprocally applied pressure and vacuum are exerted thereto so as to make the soakage process faster and better; and in the meanwhile, the meshy basket can be moved in an up and down manner by a pneumatically operated cylinder and can be continually rotated in one direction for stirring purpose via a motor, making the soakage even. The soaked food is then fried with oil with the meshy basket moved up and down and turned continually under a vacuum state; afterward, the fried food is reciprocally subject to a pressure and vacuum state and de-oiled via a centrifuge.

Abstract: A portable rotisserie is disclosed which can be readily assembled and disassembled. The rotisserie includes front and back walls and two side walls each of which includes at its extremities complementary connecting means so that the walls can be assembled in the form of a rectangular frame. The front wall includes two plates between which are mounted a plurality of engaging idler gears and a drive gear for rotating the idler gears. Notches are provided in the upper surface of the plates of the front wall for receiving a sprocket gear attached to a skewer, the other end of which is supported in the back wall. A drive gear engages the idler gear so that when it is rotated, either manually or by motor, rotation of the idler gears causes the skewers mounted in the notches to rotate.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cutting out of vegetable heads, in particular cauliflower, fruits or parts thereof which have on their underside a central part (stipe), which is to be cut out from the surrounding part along a hemispherical or ogival face. The diameter of the cauliflower is established and the value determined is used for setting and controlling the cutter which is guided on a circular path, for adapting the diameter of the cutter circular path and the penetration depth of the cutter. In addition, the height of the cauliflower to be worked is also sensed, and the values for diameter and height are converted into electric signals and then processed to form setting signals. These setting signals are used for electromechanical control of the cutting operation in such a manner that the adjustment of the diameter of the cutter circular path is carried out independently of the adjustment of the cutter penetration depth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating fat from a formed ground meat product while maintaining desireable texture and other eating qualities, comprising the steps of placing the product on a support member configured to promote the flow of fat away from the product; bringing the product to a temperature at which a substantial proportion of the fat contained in the meat is liquified; and compressing the product against the support member only after the product has reached the temperature at which a substantial portion of the fat contained in the meat is liquified, by applying a rolling pressure which repeatedly traverses the product in a plane parallel to the support member for a period and at a pressure level sufficient to exude a substantial portion of the liquified fat from the product. During at least part of the time when rolling pressure is applied, a non-fat liquid is supplied to the top surface of the product.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for slicing broccoli and the like into relatively uniform spears suitable for packing and freezing by grasping the stem end of the broccoli in clamping jaws with the main portion of the broccoli head depending vertically, moving a plurality of slicing knives upwardly to slice through said main portion, and severing the stem portion from the sliced portion to provide spears of similar size and shape. The heads of broccoli move along a feed conveyor and erecting means to a transfer station where their stem ends are grasped by clamping jaws carried on a rotary turntable in vertical alignment with a slicing knife assembly reciprocable vertically in response to the rotation of the turntable. A rotary knife severs the stem ends from the spears which drop onto a discharge conveyor. All of the described actions occur as the broccoli moves at a constant uniform speed through the slicing machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for peeling fruits and vegetables comprises a plurality of rotatably driven peeling elements having predetermined axes of rotation that are generally horizontal and substantially parallel to one another. The peeling elements have a provision for engaging the peel of the fruits and vegetables. A plurality of flexible, elongate, peeling enhancement fingers, each having a first end and a second end, are mounted to the apparatus above the peeling elements by their first ends. The first ends lie in a generally horizontal row that is generally parallel to the axes of rotation of the peeling elements. The fingers extend generally toward the peeling elements with the second end of each finger being proximal at least two peeling elements, so that the finger engages the item of fruit or vegetable being engaged by the adjacent peeling elements. A support structure provides support for the peeling elements, fingers and drive mechanism.

Abstract: A platen for a line printer has a polymer wear resistant strip on a base support. To reduce frictional drag on the band which is in sliding engagement with the wear strip, the leading edge of the strip is slanted against the direction of motion of the band and is provided with grooves that run perpendicular with the leading edge.

Abstract: A printing mechanism sub-module for postage meters of the flat-bed type includes a meter housing with a print meter slogan aperture. A first and second print element each includes a plurality of radially locatable print faces around the center of the respective print elements. A first and second brackets is mounted to the internal of the meter housing and a shaft is rotatively mounted between the first and second brackets having a first and second shaft section. The first printing element is mounted radially around the first shaft section such rotation of the shaft causing corresponding rotation of the first printing element. The second printing element is rotatively mounted around the second shaft section such that the second printing element may be rotatively positioned independently of the shaft position. A first gear fixably mounted around the shaft. A second print element has a second gear formed at one end and aligned opposite the first gear.

Abstract: A screen printing method comprises an aligning process for fixing a master plate (10) to a fixing frame (20) in aligned relation thereto, an exposure process of exposing a screen printing plate (50) through the master plate (10) fixed to the fixing frame (20), a developing process for developing the thus exposed screen printing plate (50), and a printing process for printing a workpiece (80) by using the thus developed screen printing plate (50). In the aligning process, the positioning pins (22a, 22b, 22c) of the fixing frame (20) abut against the positioning protuberances (62a, 62b, 62c) of a fixing block (61). In the exposure process, the positioning pins (22a, 22b, 22c) of the fixing frame (20) abut against the positioning protuberances (32a, 32b, 32c) of a positioning block (3), while the positioning pins (52a, 52b, 52c) of the printing plate (51) holding the screen printing plate (50) abut against the positioning protuberances (62a, 62b, 62c) of the fixing block (61).

Abstract: An inking unit uses circumferentially offset elongated flexible doctor blades to form an ink chamber into which the screened surface of an ink roller immerses itself. Free ends of the spaced flexible doctor blades can be forced into or out of contact with the screened roller surface in accordance with the pressure of the ink in the ink chamber.

Abstract: An auxiliary apparatus is provided to supply ink to a printing press upon failure of a main ink pump assembly in the printing press. The auxiliary apparatus includes a portable auxiliary ink pump assembly which is maintained separate from the printing press during normal operation of the main ink pump assembly. Upon failure of the main ink pump assembly to properly supply ink, the auxiliary ink pump assembly is moved to a location adjacent to the failed main ink pump assembly. The failed main ink pump assembly is disconnected from the ink rail of the printing press. The auxiliary ink pump assembly is connected in fluid communication with the ink rail. A motor connected with the auxiliary ink pump assembly then drives the auxiliary ink pump assembly to supply ink to the ink rail.

Abstract: To securely attach a printing cylinder sleeve (3, 16, 28, 38, 38') over a cylinder core structure (2, 15, 27, 37), the core structure has grooves (4, 23, 29) located in the vicinity of axially remote end regions, which grooves are closed off by expansion rings (12, 25, 35, 38, 38'), which can be expanded by applying a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure medium, such as grease, or compressed air, between the core structure and the expansion ring. Connecting ducts, filled with grease, or connectable to a source of air pressure, are formed in the cylinder, connecting with the grooves therein.

Abstract: A turning device for a sheet-fed rotary offset printing press for first form and perfector printing having a storage drum disposed between a turning drum and a transfer drum, the storage drum having a diameter triple that of the respective turning and transfer drums, comprising a sheet run-up lock disposed at the storage drum before a sheet transfer point between the transfer drum and the storage drum, and projecting into a travel path of a sheet having an improperly gripped at its trailing edge; and device for performing the method.

Abstract: A plate adjusting mechanism for a leaf-type printing machine is provided to shift a plate wrapped around a plate roller. The top side plate clamp is pivoted about a fulcrum located at one end, and an actuator is mounted on the end of the plate roller. The actuator is arranged to move the top side plate clamp and thereby pivot the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which one or more positive temperature coefficient thermistors heat air for application to printed stock in a printing press. The apparatus is preferably mounted on the press, located a short distance above stock traveling from a printing station to a delivery station. The apparatus directs air flow downward over or through the PTC thermistors and into contact with the printed stock. Preferably, variable-speed fans provide forced airflow for this purpose. The rate of heat output of the apparatus may be varied. The preferred PTC thermistors are supported on a frame of adjustable or variable length adapted to span the width of various transfer beds or printing presses to facilitate installation of the apparatus on presses of varying dimensions and configurations.

Abstract: An ink cleaning apparatus for a rotary printing press includes a blade shaft, a rewind roller, a take-up roller, a hygroscopic band member, and a doctor blade. The blade shaft is pivotally supported to be parallel to an ink roller near the ink roller. The rewind roller and the take-up roller are respectively supported in parallel to the blade shaft. The hygroscopic band member is rewound from the rewind roller and taken up by the take-up roller after being brought into contact with the blade shaft. The doctor blade is fixed on the blade shaft. The distal end portion of the doctor blade is brought into contact with an outer surface of the ink roller upon pivotal movement of the blade shaft in one direction. The flat surface of the doctor blade which is attached with a waste liquid is brought into tight contact with the band member upon pivotal movement of the blade shaft on the other direction.

Abstract: A method of processing a lithographic printing plate which comprises the steps of exposing, developing and baking the plate, in which a pre-baking liquid is applied to the plate prior to the baking step, and which is not tacky, has a long storage life, and does not require rinsing with water after baking. The pre-baking liquid includes one or more of a sulphosuccinamate or sulphosuccinate and a type and present in an amount sufficient to form a non-water soluble baked coating on the developed plate which acts as an effective barrier to contaminating material tending to come into contact with the developed areas of the plate during the baking step, and which has no adverse reaction with the image and non-image areas and allows the plate to be baked, and thereby to improve the durability of the processed plate for use on a press. The baked coating is removed subsequently by an alkaline solution.

Abstract: A feeding device for feeding a recording medium having a predetermined printing area on one of its opposite ssurfaces. The printing area extends in a printing direction. The feeding device includes a pair of feed rollers which holds the medium therebetween in rolling contact with the opposite surfaces of the medium. At least one of the pair of feed rollers is driven so as to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the printing direction, to feed the medium in the printing direction. One of the feed rollers which contacts the above-indicated one surface of the medium has an outer circumferential surface which includes a small-diameter portion whose diameter is smaller than that of the other portions. The small-diameter portion is aligned with the printing area in a direction of width of the medium perpendicular to the printing direction, so that the small-diameter portion is prevented from contacting the printed image. The feed rollers may be replaced by a platen roller of a printer.

Abstract: A railroad car moving vehicle has a main frame on which are mounted front and rear axles with steel wheels for engaging the railroad track. Front and rear coupler assemblies have a set of coupler arms with a cross rail member extending between one end of the arms. A coupler is reciprocally mounted on the cross rail member and adapted for coupling with the railroad car. The other ends of the coupler arms are rotatably mounted on a pivot shaft supported by the main frame. The pivot shaft extends between opposed sides of the main frame at its center line. Each set of front and rear coupler arms are mounted on a common pivot shaft such that the horizontal portion of any shock load imparted to one coupler will pass directly through the pivot shaft to the other coupler and not to the main frame. Each end of the pivot member is supported by an isolator assembly. Each isolator assembly is mounted on the main frame and includes a resilient mount.

Abstract: A sludge car for hauling sewage lagoon sludge comprising a rail undercar having a car body mounted thereon which includes opposite ends and sides. The car body is provided with a plurality of individual hoppers each of which have sludge discharge ports at the lower ends thereof. A valve is associated with each of the discharge ports to permit the selective removal of sludge from the individual hoppers. A manifold is mounted beneath the car body and is in communication with each of the valves so that the sludge may be discharged from either side of the car body.

Abstract: An improved pallet is provided that has a support surface sloped from the outside edges or perimeter to the center of the pallet so that boxes stacked on the pallet will tend to lean toward the center of the pallet. The pallet also is provided with ventilation holes arranged in the surface of the pallet to be aligned with ventilation holes in fruit and vegetable boxes stacked thereon so that cooling air may be circulated through the bottom of the pallet and up through the boxes. Racking members are also provided on the underside of the pallet to offer structural integrity when the pallet is resting on racks.

Abstract: A liquid-cooled boiler door for use with a boiler having a flooded liquid section and a storage liquid section. The liquid-cooled boiler door includes an interior wall having an interior surface and an exterior surface and an exterior wall having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The exterior wall is spaced from said interior wall to define a circulation space therebetween. A first connector fluidly connects the flooded liquid section of the boiler to the circulation space defined between the interior wall and the exterior wall of the liquid-cooled boiler door. A second connector fluidly connects the storage liquid section of the boiler to the circulation space defined between the interior wall and the exterior wall. Liquid contained within the boiler circulates from the flooded liquid section, through the circulation space defined between the interior wall and the exterior wall, and into the storage section of the boiler.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling the wall of a fluidized bed hearth in a middle join region of generally upsidedown V-shaped vertical right cross-section between the upsidedown truncated pyramid-shaped bottom portions of the furnace above two parallel floors and a top portion of rectangular right cross-section, having a front face and a rear face parallel to the ridge of the upsidedown V-shape and having side faces perpendicular to said ridge, said wall being provided with heat exchanger tubes conveying water or an emulsion of water and steam, wherein the heat exchanger tubes are essentially horizontal and disposed in the flanks of the upsidedown truncated pyramid-shaped lower portions in line with the upsidedown V-shape and open out into tubes lining the side faces perpendicular to the ridge thereof. This makes it possible to perform cooling by natural circulation.

Abstract: In a process for the production of clinkers from sludges containing heavy metals, especially electroplating sludges, river and/or harbor sludges, in which the sludges are mixed with clay, especially brickyard clay, and optionally lean materials and fluxing materials and then are burned to clinkers especially at temperatures between 750.degree. and 1150.degree. C., zeolites are admixed with the sludges and the clay before the burning.

Abstract: In threading an eyelet of a looper of a sewing machine, a slide member is displaced until a positioning portion of the slide member comes into contact with the looper. In this contact condition, a thread pushing projection for pushing a looper thread is displaced to penetrate into the eyelet of the looper so that the looper thread pushed by the thread pushing projection passes through the eyelet of the looper. The looper thread having passed through the eyelet is grasped by a grasping portion of the slide member. Thereafter, the thread pushing projection is retracted from the eyelet of the looper, and the slide member is returned to an original position, thus completing the threading operation.

Abstract: Elementary patterns are sewn in a sewing machine wherein the work can be fed by increments T. The making of a pattern involves repeatedly moving the work in and counter to the feed direction between starting the final needle penetration points which are spaced apart a distance nT wherein n is a whole number exceeding one. This results in the making of several continuous thread legs each having a length nT which can exceed, at least slightly, the maximum bight range of the needle and each extending all the way between the starting and final penetration points. In order to form a second elementary pattern which intersects the first pattern, the work is fed to move the needle to an intermediate penetration point, for example, midway between the starting and final penetration points, and the work is then fed to position the needle at the starting penetration point of the second pattern.

Abstract: A transportable remote-controlled mooring apparatus and method for water craft is disclosed. The mooring of the present invention employs a relatively large hoop of flexible material through which a water craft activation line travels. The mooring attaches to an anchor or similar secure point off-shore and allows the water craft to be unloaded at shore and then pulled to and retrieved from a safe mooring off-shore. The mooring unit is of minimal size and weight, highly reliable, and not susceptible to fouling problems from waterborne debris.

Abstract: A hydrofoil suspension system which maintains a watercraft in a desired attitude relative the water's surface. Pitching and rolling forces are automatically controlled while the system is resistant to destabilization by localized surface irregularities.

Abstract: A portable, adjustable seat for suspension between the gunwales of a canoe, when used in a first orientation as a canoe seat, of a rigid construction that permits its use in a second, reverse orientation as a camp stool, when camping. The seat comprises a pair of cross members spaced from one another by a pair of braces to form a generally rectangular platform, a fabric sheet extending from one cross member to the other within the rectangular platform to provide a seating area, and left and right pairs of legs shaped to attach to the left and right ends of the pair of cross members (in the gunwales of the canoe) to suspend the seating area below and within the gunwales in the first orientation and to act as stool legs in the second orientation, the entire construction being sufficiently rigid to support the weight of a person when used in either orientation.

Abstract: An axis of a needle is inclined with respect to an imaginary plane perpendicular to an axis of a lower shaft. The lowermost position of the needle where it comes closest to a loop taker is spaced from the loop taker in the axial direction thereof in proportion to the degree of inclination of the axis of the needle. As a result, the length of a bobbin accommodated in the loop taker can be extended along the axis thereof, thereby permitting the amount of thread loaded on the bobbin to be increased. The amount of thread drawn by a needle thread take-up may remain the same and need not be changed.

Abstract: The signaling device (20) has a signaling body (21) and a holding device (22). The signaling body (21) is designed as a cornet-like hollow body which has four wall regions (24; 27) adjoining one another in the circumferential direction, of which two diametrically opposite wall regions (24) form the wide sides of the signaling body (21) and of which the other two likewise diametrically opposite wall regions (27) form the narrow sides of the signaling body (21). The wall regions (27) on the narrow side have the form of a conical shell. The wall regions (24) on the wide side are preferably flat. Between the signaling body (21) and the holding device (22) there is a coupling device (23). The wall regions (27) on the narrow side have above the foot (28) of the signaling body (21) in each case a recess (33; 34), which has a certain height and which extends in the circumferential direction up to the transitional point with the neighboring wall region (24) on the wide side.

Abstract: The Flag is attached to an ornamental halyard tube which is raised and lowered along a weather capped flagpole. A spring disposed within the tube limits the displacement of a ring which encircles a flag furling cord. A line for hoisting and lowering an appealing flag sheltering house along the flagpole is attached to the ring. Initial pulling upon the free end of the line displaces the ring furling the Flag. Continued pulling upon the line hoist the housing, the furled flag being received into an opening at the top of the housing, the housing finally mating with the cap of the weather capped flagpole. A second flag may be displayed by attaching the top corner thereof to the line and the bottom corner thereof to a weight which encircles the line.

Abstract: An animal cage that is a one piece rotational molded polyethylene composition housing with an electropolished stainless steel door and a CAD/CAM laser cut electropolished double self-latching mechanism that utilizes a unique stacking system for multiple cage or ward-like arrangements to provide comfortable humane housing for small animals larger than rodents.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved birdhouse or birdfeeder having a microphone attached to the birdhouse or birdfeeder. The birdhouse or birdfeeder attracts birds. The birds sing and make other sounds. The microphone picks up the sounds and songs of the birds and transmits them to a receiver. The birdsongs can then be heard through one or more speakers attached to the receiver, thereby, allowing one to view and hear the birds simultaneously.

Abstract: A sheet of flexible transparent material that is coated on both sides with non-permanent adhesives. The coating on one side is designed to adhere to typical coverings, such as tile and carpet, and yet be easily removable at will. The coating on the other side is preferably stronger, designed to stick to the paws of an animal stepping over it and require a forceful and unpleasant effort for the animal to free itself from its grip. After repeated encounters with the device, the animal is trained to stay away from it and from the location associated with it. The sheet of adhesive material can be cut to the desired shape to conform to the particular needs of the area or object selected for protection.

Abstract: This device relates to a frame adapted for use as a chicken brooder conditioned air system comprised of a pressurized water supply, a supply hose through which the water from the pressurized water supply flows, an air permeable frame through which the water from the supply hose flows, with the frame being comprised of a first air permeable wall and a second air permeable wall, between which is positioned at least one water retaining porous material. The frame is also comprised of a drain to allow for the exiting of excess water such that water flowing between the first and second walls of the air permeable frame flows through and onto the water retaining porous material, wherein air flows through the first wall, the water retaining porous material and the second wall and is directed towards the chicken brooder, thereby regulating the temperature of the chicken brooder.

Abstract: A dog grooming kit includes a handle mounting in a replaceable manner a first head including a plurality of "U" shaped cleaner rods mounted to the head radially displaced relative to one another, with a second head arranged to define a fluid permeable generally cylindrical sheath, including a plurality of massaging combs mounted to an exterior surface of the sheath, and a combing head. The organization is arranged for selective use in combination with a conduit rod, including a matrix of apertures therethrough to permit selective fluid flow of various deodorizers and pesticides relative to a pet animal, such as a dog.

Abstract: A litter handling system that includes two receptacles, each of which is capable of holding particulate litter and the juxtaposed edges of which are shaped to be releasably clamped to opposite surfaces of a separator that has elongated openings, to separate reusable particulate litter from clumps therein as the clamped assembly is rolled over to transfer the particulate litter, which has clumps in it, from a first one of the receptacles to the other.

Abstract: A water or fluid-cooled device consists of a plurality of exhaust tubes of uniform cross-section, similar to the tubes in a boiler. The tubes are connected to an elongate combustion chamber into which a combustible mixture is aspirated via one or a series a non-return valves. The fuel is initially ignited, and subsequently follows the conventional pattern for pulsating combustion. This pulsating combustion burner can be used as an instrument for making a series of shockwaves at a frequency of oscillation between 200 and 2000 Hz, and thus can be used in the conditioning of fine dust particles by agglomerating them. An alternate use is that of a burner for a boiler or a space heater, where suitable action is taken to silence the exhaust noise, and where the scrubbing action of the generated shockwaves inside the exhaust tubes improves the heat transfer to the surrounding medium by minimizing the laminar surface film or "stagnant layer" inside and outside the exhaust tubes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an emission control system including an air pretreatment system for enhancing the ability of air passing therethrough to absorb moisture, a humidification chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being attached to the air pretreatment system, the pretreated air passing from the air pretreatment system into the inlet and through the humidification chamber so that it is humidified at a consistently controllable rate in its passage through the humidification chamber to and out of the outlet.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a work apparatus having a fan wheel driven by a motor mounted in a housing. A fan cover covers the fan wheel and defines a plurality of air-inlet openings arranged in a grid-like pattern forward of the fan wheel through which a first component flow of cooling air passes to the fan wheel. The fan cover has an inside wall surface and a collar formed on the inside wall surface. An air-conducting wall is mounted on the inside wall surface and defines cooling channels communicating with the space within the collar for conducting a second component flow of cooling air to the fan wheel. The fan cover and the collar together with the air-conducting wall conjointly define a single unitary piece devoid of any fasteners which are separate from the fan cover, collar and air-conducting wall.

Abstract: An induction system for use in a V-shaped engine having a forward bank and a rearward bank each provided with a row of cylinders, the induction system includes intake runners individually extending from the cylinders of each bank, the intake runners being convergedly connected at upstream end portions respectively. To upstream ends of thus converged connection portions are connected common intake passages, which are connected to a junction portion at a further upstream side, whereby the respective common intake passages are connected. The lengths of the intake runners from the cylinders up to a center of the converged connection portion are set equal to one another. The respective converged connection portions are arranged vertically above the rearward bank. A communicating passage is provided for communicating the center portions of the respective converged connection portions with each other.

Abstract: An engine induction system includes intake passages connected to inlet ports of an engine, an injector provided in the intake passage for injecting fuel in an intake plenum between the injector and the inlet port, the injector being disposed in such a position that the volume of the intake plenum is greater than the predetermined stroke volume. This ensures improved vaporization and atomization of fuel and mixing of fuel and air, and improves the combustibility and increases the charging efficiency of use of latent heat of vaporization.

Abstract: A hydraulic engine valve actuator utilizes a highly thermally expandable material in the damping piston to control the damping of the piston when the engine valve is closing. The expandable material is retained in the upper piston and as the temperature of the hydraulic fluid increases, the material expands to extend a plunger into a passageway to restrict the flow of hydraulic fluid from one chamber to the other. In the preferred embodiment the thermally expandable material is paraffin wax. The extent of the extension of the plunger is approximately 4.0 mm.

Abstract: A tappet for an internal combustion engine comprises a tappet main body and a ceramic seat plate. The tappet main body is constituted by axially separated first and second parts which are made of different metallic materials. The first part is for installation in a hole of a cylinder block for sliding therein. The second part is for installation between a push rod and a cam. The metallic material for the second part is more wear-resistant than that of the first part. The ceramic seat plate is brazed to the second part, and the first and second parts are joined together by welding such as electron beam welding, laser beam welding, etc.

Abstract: A spark plug wire harness which includes a plurality of brackets having base portions which are secured to the valve cover of conventional internal combustion engines utilizing existing bolts and which have longitudinally and vertically aligned openings through which the spark plug wires are retained to thereby both space the wires from the engine and each other and to organize and align the wires between the distributor and the spark plugs. In some embodiments the brackets include adjustable sections.

Abstract: Disclosed is a poppet valve for an internal combustion engine. The poppet valve includes an internal port which provides a second flow path for fuel-air mixture entering the combustion chamber. The valve body includes two annular seals which cooperate with two annular seats in the cylinder head of the engine to seal the valve when the valve body is in a closed position.