Abstract: A warhead which may be integrated, for example, in a bazooka, is capable of shooting through a wall protecting an enemy. For that purpose, a tandem charge includes a hollow charge which produces in the wall a firing passage for a follow-up charge. The follow-up charge is in the form of a fragmentation projectile which produces fragments behind the wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving through the linear and non-linear segments of piping systems. The apparatus comprises a front leg assembly, a rear leg assembly, a mechanism for extension and retraction of the front and rear leg assembles with respect to each other, such as an air cylinder, and a pivoting joint. One end of the flexible joint attaches to the front leg assembly and the other end to the air cylinder, which is also connected to the rear leg assembly. The air cylinder allows the front and rear leg assemblies to progress through a pipe in "inchworm" fashion, while the joint provides the flexibility necessary for the pipe crawler to negotiate non-linear piping segments. The flexible connecting joint is coupled with a spring-force suspension system that urges alignment of the front and rear leg assemblies with respect to each other.

Abstract: A substructure of the body of a vehicle such as a railroad car is formed by linking first and second beams with each other. The first beams are formed of first and second members each having locking grooves, and the second beams are arranged at intervals perpendicular to the first beams, thus realizing, for example a thin-walled substructure. By virtue of the locking grooves formed thereon, the first members allow the attachment of seats or the like, and the second members allow the suspension of underfloor equipment.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for creating a temporary grass playing field. The system includes a plurality of substantially identical pallets, each pallet having a base with a top surface and a bottom surface. The pallets are polygonal in shape and are adapted to abut against each other to form the playing field. Reinforcing brackets are secured to the bottom surface of the base to elevate the base above a ground support surface by a distance sufficient to enable the fork of a forklift truck to be inserted under the base and the lift the pallet. Grass sod corresponding in shape to the base is then supported on the top surface of the base. This grass forms the temporary grass playing field when the pallets are nested together so that the sides of the pallets abut against each other.

Abstract: A movable table having two yokes mounted one above the other so as to be movable in two directions perpendicular to each other. Stage guides are provided on top surfaces of the yokes to extend in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the yokes. The upper yoke is formed with a through hole having a length determined by the length of the stage guides thereof. A stage is mounted above said yokes at the intersection of the yokes. On the bottom surface of the stage, there are provided slide bearings held in engagement with the stage guides of the upper yoke and slide bearings extending through the through hole in the upper yoke and held in engagement with the stage guides on the lower yoke.

Abstract: A reversible, wear-resistant ash screw cooler section is provided with a carbon steel inner liner having a high chrome, high carbide overlay emplaced thereon to improve its wear and erosion resistance. To facilitate obtaining the maximum wear out of the section, the replaceable section is made symmetrical about its vertical and longitudinal centerline and provided with suitable compatible flanges and symmetrically placed cooling water hookups on the ends of the section to allow the section to be reversed, end for end, and reconnected to the ash screw cooler.

Abstract: A sludge drying system using exhaust air from a furnace in a direct heat, rotary drum dryer to simultaneously dry and pelletize the sludge. The dried sludge particles exiting the dryer is entrained in the exhaust air. The sludge particles are separated from the exhaust air and then classified according to size. The exhaust air is treated in a treatment section, and then divided into two exhaust air streams or portions. A first portion of the exhaust air is discharged into the environment, while the second, larger portion of the exhaust air is recycled back to the furnace to be used to dry the sludge in the drier. In one embodiment, the exhaust air treatment section is provided with a spray condenser and a bio-filter. In another embodiment, the exhaust air treatment section is provided with a heat exchanger for exhaust air.

Abstract: A closed combustion system is used to incinerate hazardous wastes and vitrify ash. An incinerator is provided with pure oxygen, hazardous waste and fuel for incinerating the hazardous waste. Slag from the incinerator is treated separately. Combusted products from the incinerator such as flue gases, liquids, solids and ash are channeled through the system and recirculated back to the incinerator for incineration. A dust collector is used to collect ash from the combusted product and recirculate back to the incinerator. A condensing heat exchanger is used to collect and dispose of waste liquids. Filters are used for filtering particulates from the combusted product. A CaO pebble bed is provided for causing reactions with the flue gases. Remaining insert gas in the system are bled into the atmosphere. Flue gases from the system are recirculated back into the pure oxygen for entry into the incinerator in order to provide temperature control.

Abstract: The present invention involves a regenerative thermal oxidation apparatus for purifying gases by thermal oxidation and for exchange of heat between inleting and outleting gases. The apparatus has a plurality of thermal chamber units, each such unit having a gate with at least one gate orifice movably located in a linear fashion against a base surface so as to alternatively align with various inlet and outlet openings. The improvement involves the use of a plurality of seals located between the gate and the openings with sufficient sealing capabilities between the gate and the openings to maintain each chamber at an elevated pressure, i.e. above atmospheric pressure, and so as to reduce leakage of gases from each of the chambers and reduce condensation during operation. The invention is also directed to the method utilizing this apparatus.

Abstract: A seed drill includes a novel planting assembly combining press wheels for packing angular sides of a furrow and a runner immediately behind and longitudinally aligned with the press wheel. The runner extends rearwardly from beneath the press wheel and is transversely guided on the press wheel structure to maintain it in longitudinal alignment within an open longitudinal slot cut through the soil and intersecting the base of the packed furrow. Seed is dropped into the open slot prior to being covered with soil. Moist soil can be packed along the sides of the furrow to maintain the furrow in an open condition during seed germination and plant emergence. Highly accurate planting depth control can be achieved, with provision for upward relative movement of the runner as required by encountered field conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic positioning of stockings in a pantyhose-sewing machine, with detection of the garter line 17, and including two binate stocking-holding shapes 13, each of which has two horizontal articulated arms 10 extended ends joined by a nylon bow 7, wherein the stems 71, 72 of the bow 7 are slidingly housed within the arms 10, 30 of the clamp 13, a driving and guiding device being provided inside the arm 10 of the clamp 13, with a bored rod 4 on top of which one stem 71 of the bow 7 is fixedly engaged; the foot of the other stem 72 being loosely received in a hole 11 of the other arm of the clamp 13; with a hose 1 fixedly fitted on a second hose 2 internally gauged for guiding the shoe 5 of the rod 4, on top of the hoses a bush 3 being fixed for guiding the end of the rod 4; with a thrust spiral spring 5 fitted on the rod 4 inside the hose 2 and suitably pressed between the bush 3 and the shoe 5 of the rod 4; and with a device for driving the retraction or withdrawal of the stretching bow 7 o

Abstract: The invention comprises improvements to sewing machines for increasing the throat clearance of the machine. The improvements relate to 1) modifications to mechanical components of the machine to increase the throw and upper travel limits of the presser foot, upper feeding foot, needle and spreader, 2) an adjustment for allowing the speed of the upper walking foot to be variable relative to the speed of the lower walking foot, and 3) an improved biasing spring for biasing the presser foot downward.

Abstract: In a submarine weapon, particularly for combating submarines, a rocket engine with continuous rocket thrust is utilized as the submarine drive unit. An actively locating, acoustic target seeking device is provided for target detection and target pursuance, the ranging frequency of which is selected so that the echo level to be expected from its detection range lies above the noise level of the rocket engine.

Abstract: A small watercraft of the type designed to be ridden by a single rider and powered by a jet propulsion unit. The hull is designed so as to assist stability in the straight ahead running condition and also to permit a wide variety of turning conditions including spin and edging turns. The rider may achieve the different types of turns depending on whether he shifts his weight forwardly or rearwardly and the hull is designed so as to provide good stability under all of these conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for reducing the extent of heel of a nautical vessel by applying a buoyant righting moment on the leeward side of a hull of the vessel. Supports are coupled to and extend laterally beneath the hull and carry hollow bulbs on their extremities. The bulbs on both sides of the vessel are each divided by fore and aft partitions into inboard and outboard chambers. A passage is defined between the inboard chambers and a separate passage is defined between the outboard chambers. A first fluid fills the outboard chambers and the passage therebetween, while a second fluid having a specific gravity different than that of the first fluid fills, the inboard, chambers and the passageway therebetween.

Abstract: A steering device for sailboats comprises a bracket (11), a rocker (12) pivotally mounted on the bracket and including means for connecting it to a rudder, a servo oar (13) rotatably mounted in the rocker (12), a steering lever (17) mounted on the bracket (11) and pivotable in response to a steering signal, and a linkage (17A/18/23) coupling the steering lever (17) to the servo oar (13) to rotate it in response to the steering signal. The linkage comprises a link rod (18) which extends generally transversely of the axis (L) of rotation of the servo oar (13) and generally forwardly from the servo oar to a lever arm (17A) of the steering lever (17).

Abstract: A hydrofoil sailboard comprising a conventional sailboard, without the usual tail skeg, equipped with two hydrofoils arrayed in a canard configuration, the combined lift of the foils being sufficient to hold the board clear of the water at operational speeds. The main foil, mounted beneath the rear of the board is designed to ride fully submerged and to support the bulk of the weight of the board and sailor. The much smaller canard foil, mounted beneath the front of the board is designed to ride at or near the water surface, and its purpose is control and balance. The main foil is connected to the board by a supporting foil which is provided with ventilation fences. The canard is rigidly connected to the board by a support comprising a rod about which a streamlined fairing is free to swivel. A seal between the fairing and the rod prevents airflow to the canard along the inside of the fairing.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible hinge for mounting a first panel to a second panel with both the first and second panels having a complex contoured surface. In the disclosed embodiment, the panels are a door panel and the windshield of a boat. The hinge includes brackets mounted to the door panel and the windshield. A flexible pin is inserted into adjoining sockets on the brackets to interconnect them and permit them to pivot with respect to one another. The flexible pin bends as the brackets pivot permitting the brackets to deflect with respect to one another along the longitudinal centerline of the sockets. The preferred flexible pin includes a coil spring and a core pin with the core pin being inserted into the coil spring to increase the shear strength of the coil spring.

Abstract: A shock absorbing seat is provided in a personal watercraft or boat. The seat has an elongated configuration and is mounted at the front end thereof to the hull or other structural member of the watercraft for limited pivoting motion relative to the hull or structural member. A shock absorber assembly which includes a fluid filled cylinder, a piston therein, and a coil spring externally mounted to the cylinder piston combination, is mounted for limited motion relative to the hull or other structural member of the watercraft, and to the seat so as to support at least a substantial portion of the weight of the seat and occupant thereof, and to absorb forces generated between the hull and the seat while the watercraft is in motion.

Abstract: A flag holder for attachment to a standard highway sign, for holding a pair of symmetrically arrayed warning flags at the top of the sign, and for permitting the flags to be folded downwardly for transport and storage. When used on roll-up highway signs the flags may be rolled up along with the roll-up sign. The holder includes an elongated rigid holder body which is adapted for attachment adjacent the top of a standard rigid or roll-up highway warning sign. Attachment is by means of bolts in the case of a rigid sign, or at least one clamp attached to the body for fixedly securing the body to the strut or brace of a roll-up sign. A pair of elongated flag staffs are pivotally attached at one end to the holder body and each has a flexible warning flag at the other end.

Abstract: A fire safety interior door marker including a plate with a front side and a rear side. The front side has a reflective surface area and a tactile surface area. The rear side of the plate is provided with an adhesive backing, normally covered by a release sheet, for securing the plate to an exit door or beneath a window Also disclosed is a method for visually and tactually indicating the location of an escape door or window for use during a fire in a building.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding animals, particularly for feeding livestock, includes a plurality of individual feeding stalls (2) each having a feeding trough (24), a feed container (25), and a door (21) with a locking device (23). Feed is deposited in the troughs from the containers by operation of a flap (26) at the bottom of each container operated by a common operating device (27, 29). A shuttle feeding station (3) is movable along rails (12) to positions adjacent to each feeding stall and deposits feed therefrom into each feeding container. An identification label (50) is attached to each animal for generating a unique code for each animal in an electromagnetic interrogation field. A transmitter/receiver (37) on the feeding station generates an electromagnetic interrogation field and receives the unique code from each animal and transmits this identification to a computer (1) which has stored therein data relating to each unique code.

Abstract: A bird feeder of tube shape has all components critical to providing delivery of seed to wild birds of metal construction. The bird feeder comprises a metal cylinder oriented vertically and suspended from a nearly circular metal hoop, the free ends of which attach near the top rim of the cylinder. The underside of the cylinder is plugged with a metal disc and the top of the cylinder is protected with a removable metal cover. A plurality of smaller metal cylinders oriented horizontally intersect the vertically oriented cylinder on its center line in a staggered vertically spaced relation, the intersecting points being round apertures equal to the outside diameter of the horizontal cylinders. These vertical and horizontal cylinders, being metal, are joined by a series of welds.

Abstract: An animal treatment and handling device which is a flexible enclosure or case into which the animal can be placed. The animal is secured up to its neck by means of hook-and-loop type fastening strips located on either side of the front opening and which provide a quick closure. Only the head of the animal extends without the case. A second closing means adds strength and helps to seal the case so that it can be used for bathing or dipping the animal. The case has a reclosable slit along the top through which medication can be introduced or the animal can be treated. Means are provided to affix a carrying strap to the case for transporting the animal.

Abstract: A squirrel-proof bird feeder device with a metallic feed containment cavity having spaced and parallel side walls, a front wall spaced and parallel to a rear wall, a retaining plate attached to the inside of the front wall, a floor mounted perpendicular to and between these walls, and a movable roof which can be secured to the front wall with a latch. Nourishment flows through a gap between a retainer plate and the floor into a feeding cavity in the forward section of the feeder. An opening on the front wall exposes the feeding cavity and its contents. A fence created by the lower edge of the opening keeps the feed with the boundaries of the feeding cavity. A balancing perch assemblage having a wooden platform, a gate plate, a metal frame, and a metal bar that serves as a weight surrounds the front, side, and rear walls. This perch mounts to left and right supporters that pivot on respective left and right trunnions located on the lower sections of the side walls.

Abstract: A container for live marine animals which have a lower metabolic function comprising a housing formed by outer walls of sheet metal and inner walls of thermal resistant material. Ice boxes formed around the inner walls to cool the interior of the containers at an inner temperature of between about 2.degree. C. and about 10.degree. C. The ice box being provided with a water receiver, and nozzle means connected with the water receiver and a blower for spraying a mixture of water and air in the form of a heavy fog into the interior housing and method of transporting same.

Abstract: Cattle stanchion apparatus in which a plurality of fixed and release stanchions define a row of head openings for animals, the release stanchions tending to pivot to open positions. Double latch fingers at the upper extremities of the release stanchions are engagable with notches carried by a rotatable and axially moveable positioner rod. An operating mechanism is actuable to move the positioner rod and engage the notches into and out of possible engagement with the latch fingers The arrangement gives the operator the capability of moving all of the release stanchions to closed positions to lock the animals in the feeding stalls, or allowing the animals individually to actuate the system to lock themselves in, or allowing the animals to enter and leave the stalls as they wish. The latch fingers are manually manipulatable to quickly and safely release downed cattle from individual feeding stalls.

Abstract: A cooling system for a motor vehicle engine includes a heat exchanger, ducting connecting the engine and the heat exchanger in a closed circuit, and a pump for circulating coolant fluid in the circuit. The heat exchanger is arranged to act as a condenser when required, and the pump is an electric pump which circulates the coolant fluid between the engine and the heat exchanger. The system includes a three-way thermostatic valve, which causes the fraction of the cooling fluid delivered into the heat exchanger, in relation to the constant flow passing through the engine, to be varied progressively from 0 to 100%. When the engine is working at its highest power, the fluid vaporises in the engine and condenses in the heat exchanger, while at lower power levels the heat exchanger operates like a conventional cooling radiator.

Abstract: An exhaust for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust valve rotating within the cylinder block to communicate with successive cylinders. An exhaust conduit rotates with the valve and is of smaller diameter than the valve. Combustion products are initially exhausted thorugh the conduit to attain high velocity. Continued rotation of the valve closes the duct and directs combustion products through the valve. The conduit terminates within the valve to induce flow of gas through the valve.

Abstract: The portion of the profile of an asymmetric cam which controls the closure of a valve in an internal combustion engine is steep enough to ensure that, when the engine speed exceeds a threshold value, the valve closes, without contact between the valve and the cam , within a period of time which is substantially fixed as the engine speed varies, so that the angle of the cam upon closure increases with increases in the rate of rotation of the cam. The active surface of a bucket-type tappet interposed between the cam and the valve has a flat portion substantially perpendicular to the line of movement of the tappet and a curved portion which is connected to the flat portion and has a uniform radius of curvature so as to have a convex region facing the cam.

Abstract: A valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine is provided. This system comprises a sprocket assembly connected to a crankshaft of the engine, a camshaft assembly connected to the sprocket assembly for driving intake and/or exhaust valves of the engine, a ring gear assembly disposed between the sprocket assembly and the camshaft assembly, and a fluid power source for providing fluid pressure to a pressure chamber to axially displace the ring gear assembly to vary a phase angle relation over a range of first to second phase angles. A fluid pressure supply and drain lines are defined in the system which communicates between the fluid power source and the pressure chamber and between the pressure chamber and a drain port of the system respectively.

Abstract: A powertrain component (10) for use in an internal combustion engine, the powertrain component comprising a coating system including an amorphous or nanocrystalline ceramic film (30). The powertrain component (10) also includes an interlayer (42) formed between the film and the component. The interlayer (42) accommodates stresses engendered by formation of the film (30), and thereby improves adherence of the film (30) to the substrate (10). To enable engineering of desired surface properties, the film (30), the interlayer (42), or both may be provided with a graded composition profile.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a carburetor including a float bowl that is internally vented through a venting path that extends from the carburetor bore to the headspace above the fuel in the bowl. An external bowl vent passageway extends through the carburetor body to permit air communication between the atmosphere external of the carburetor and the headspace. A thermally actuated valve is secured to a sheet metal cowling on the engine. A flexible tube is secured from the external vent passageway to the valve. While the engine is cold, the valve is open to permit the float bowl to be externally vented to the atmosphere, thereby providing a relatively rich fuel mixture which aids in starting the engine. Upon sustained engine operation and the attainment of a predetermined temperature, the valve closes the external vent passageway, thereby causing the float bowl to be internally vented only, thereby leaning out the fuel/air mixture to a desired emissions level during engine operation.

Abstract: An automatic variator for use in an internal combustion engine and other engines which use valve-type distribution systems, to operate a twin set of double-effect distribution sequential valve shafts for the purpose of regulating the valve overlap and the valve opening section while the engine is running. A motor reducer advances a spindle against the valve shaft with a grooved screw at one end of same, causing the shaft to turn and move, thereby varying the valve overlap and the valve section.

Abstract: An outboard engine assembly for use on a boat has an engine mechanism including in an upper region thereof an engine having a substantially vertical crankshaft and a vertical array of substantially horizontal cylinders. The engine mechanism is mounted on the stern of the boat by an attachment. The attachment includes a stern bracket adapted to be fixed to the stern of the boat, a swivel case supported on the stern bracket for vertical angular movement, a substantially vertical swivel shaft supported on the swivel case for horizontal angular movement, and a pair of upper and lower supports mounted on the swivel shaft and supporting the engine mechanism. The engine has joint members coupled to the upper support at a position between adjacent two crankshaft counterbalances which correspond to adjacent two cylinders, respectively, as viewed in side elevation, the joint members having respective portions located within a path of the two crankshaft counterbalances as viewed in plan.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a camshaft journalled in a bearing for rotational movement therein. The camshaft includes a main oil passageway extending axially therethrough and is in flow communication with the oil sump. The camshaft further includes an auxiliary passageway extending from the main passageway to a sidewall outer surface of the camshaft. A first lubricating passageway is formed within the crankcase and extends from the camshaft bearing to the cylinder head, and a second lubricating passageway is formed within the cylinder head and extends from the first passageway to the upper portion of the valve rocker mechanism of the engine. As the camshaft rotates upon engine operation, the auxiliary passageway in the camshaft is in periodic flow communication with the first passageway to provide a pulsed flow of oil to the first passageway. The oil then flows through the second passageway and lubricates the valve rocker mechanism.

Abstract: A four valve, double overhead camshaft diesel engine (10) has a precombustion chamber (30) with an angled and tapered transfer passage (60) leading to the main combustion chamber (44). The transfer passage (60) is tapered to provide a larger lower end (62) facing the main chamber (44) and smaller upper end (64) facing the pre-combustion chamber (30). The pre-combustion chamber is spherical, located on one side of the main combustion chamber. Air passing through the passage (60) during the compression stroke undergoes heating and swirling within the pre-combustion chamber. The piston has a domed upper surface with recessed lobes (20) and (22). Each recessed lobe functions as a valve pocket for the intake and exhaust valves (32) and (42).

Abstract: A multicylinder reciprocating internal combustion engine with a dual induction system having at least one exhaust poppet valve and a single intake poppet valve for each cylinder, with the intake valve being located so as to control the flow of charge into the cylinder, and with each valve being operated by a rocker arm driven by a pushrod. Each intake port has a vertical dividing wall separating the port into primary and secondary passages, with the primary passages being oriented so as to cause rotational flow about the outermost portion of the cylinder, and with the secondary passages being oriented so as to cause flow directed about a radially inward portion of the cylinder. Flow through the secondary passages is controlled by a number of secondary throttle valves mounted upon a common shaft which extends through the secondary passages, but not through the primary passages.

Abstract: An engine brake for a multicylinder internal combustion engine includes valves that can be periodically opened briefly, in each case outside the exhaust stroke. In the vicinity of the applicable valve drive, a hydraulic piston is provided that is triggered synchronously with the engine rpm via an associated control line by a hydraulic pressure distributor fed by a pump. To improve the accuracy of control over the entire engine rpm range, the various valves are assigned a central positive displacement pump that runs synchronously with the camshaft rpm and whose outlet line leads to the hydraulic pressure distributor, which has a distributor disk. In engine braking operation, an alternating connection of the applicable control line to either the pump outlet line or a low-pressure region of the hydraulic control circuit is effected synchronously with the engine rpm by means of the distributor disk.

Abstract: A control system for the ignition system of an internal combustion engine for providing faster idle speed when the engine is at a low temperature by advancing the spark timing. A first temperature sensor which senses actual temperature is mounted in the engine ignition control circuit which is, in turn, mounted in proximity to the engine so as to approximate its temperature. A on/off temperature switch is mounted directly in the engine so as to sense when engine temperature is above a predetermined value. The system is operative to provide ignition control by the actual engine temperature unless the second on/off switch is turned on to indicate that the engine temperature has not returned ambient temperature after a running period. If the engine temperature switch is on, normal ignition timing is employed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of operating an internal-combustion engine, in particular a vehicle engine, in which air is fed to the combustion chambers through an induction manifold in which different induction-pipe lengths and/or volumes for resonance-mode or pulse-mode supercharging can be included, a switchover unit monitoring operation and initiating corrective measures in the event of an out-of-adjustment condition occurring.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus capable of detecting occurrence of abnormality in the ignition coil with high reliability. The apparatus includes an initial detection level hold device for holding an initial level (In) of a detected ion current value I, and an ignition coil diagnosis device for generating an abnormality decision signal of the ignition coil in dependence on the initial level of the ion current. By positively utilizing noise produced in an initial phase of the ignition cycle instead of eliminating it, the abnormality decision signal is generated, on the basis of which an appropriate engine protection measure is taken.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising an engine block including a combustion chamber, a fuel vapor separator, a fuel supply mechanism for introducing fuel to the combustion chamber, a conduit communicating between the fuel vapor separator and the fuel supply mechanism for introducing fuel, and a cooling jacket for cooling the fuel vapor separator.

Abstract: The supercharged internal combustion engine is so adapted as to set the air-fuel ratio to become a lean air-fuel ratio which is leaner than stoichiometric and lean enough to maximize improvements in a rate of consumption of fuel, for example, to the A/F ratio of 16, when the supercharger exists in such a supercharging region as demonstrating its sufficient degree of supercharging capability. When the air-fuel ratio is made lean in the supercharging region, exhaust gases are recirculated into the intake system of the engine, in addition to a mixed fuel. Preferably, the exhaust gases having lower temperatures are recirculated at the time of a high load of the engine in the supercharging region, while the exhaust gases having higher temperatures are recirculated at the time of a low load of the engine therein.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation control system including an exhaust gas recirculation passage connected to an exhaust pipe and an intake pipe of the engine and an exhaust gas recirculation control valve disposed in the exhaust gas recirculation passage for selectively closing and opening the exhaust gas recirculation passage, a method and an apparatus for diagnosing the exhaust gas recirculation system as to occurrence of an abnormality on the basis of a change in pressure or air flow rate within the intake pipe which is brought about by actuation of the exhaust gas recirculation control valve. By actuating the exhaust gas recirculation control valve in a diagnosis enabling operation state of the engine, it is determined whether the change in the pressure or air flow rate reaches a preset value within a predetermined time.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an ignition system with an ignition dwell signal (207) having charge and discharge states for driving at least one energy storage device (105) and at least one spark plug (103). This system applies an essentially periodic switching device (107, 209, 211, 215) for discharging excess energy in the energy storage device (105).

Abstract: Flow passage lines are used to connect the float chamber of a conventional carburetor both to the engine's intake manifold and to a tube positioned downstream of the radiator fan. The air flow produced by the fan provides a continuous source of positive pressure to the float chamber, while the engine's suction and the corresponding vacuum in the intake manifold provide a continuous source of negative pressure. The flow in the positive pressure line and in the negative pressure line is regulated by means of two control solenoid valve. The two valves operate cyclically and off-phase, so that when the pressure valve is closed the vacuum valve is open, and vice versa. The pressure in the float chamber reflects the net impact of the positive and negative pressures transmitted through the lines. The solenoid valves are responsive to a control signal generated by an electronic circuit as a function of deviations in the oxygen content of the exhaust gases from a desired set point.

Abstract: There is disclosed a furnace having an air flow path for heated air and combustion products that passes through a condensing heat exchanger. Condensate forming in regions of negative and positive pressure is separately conducted to a unitary condensate trap of minimal vertical height incorporating therein separate traps for handling the high and low pressure gaseous environments. The condensate is drained through a common outlet port into the atmosphere or into a drain pipe.

Abstract: A direct ventilation gas fireplace having co-linear air intake pipe and gas outlet pipe. The pipes are separated from each other so that the fluid flowing in one pipe does not come in contact with the other pipe. The gas outlet pipe may comprise a safety release valve that allows any excess pressure, in case of explosion, to exit through a lateral spring-actuated door into an enclosure closed around the combustion chamber. This safety release valve allows to build fireplaces having pipes longer than the usual length allowed for respecting specific safety tests in case of gas explosion.

Abstract: An upflow or downflow furnace comprising a housing; a heat exchanger section in the housing, a blower section in the housing, and a blower deck in the housing having an upward side and a downward side. The heat exchanger section includes at least one heat exchanger and the blower section includes a blower for moving air through the heat exchanger section. The blower deck separates the blower section and the heat exchanger section. The blower deck includes an aperture and means, in proximity to the aperture, for either mounting the blower to the downward side of the blower deck for an upflow furnace configuration or mounting the blower to the upward side of the blower deck for a downflow furnace configuration.