Abstract: A changeover is made between a so-called low-pressure starting with a homogeneous mixture and a so-called high-pressure starting with a stratified mixture as a function of an engine coolant temperature. Since, during the high-pressure starting of the internal combustion engine, injection is released only when a pressure in a high-pressure accumulator exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the injected fuel is better prepared. During such high-pressure starting, injection is predetermined by an injection quantity and an angle of an end of injection. Predetermining the angle of the end of injection, in contrast to predetermining an angle of commencement of injection during conventional low-pressure starting, ensures that there is an ignitable mixture present at the sparkplug, specifically irrespective of a duration of injection.

Abstract: A method of recognizing knocking combustion in an internal combustion engine involves sensing an ionic current in the combustion chamber and providing a corresponding ionic current signal, detecting the signal during a pertinent time window and band-pass filtering the signal for a pertinent frequency range characteristic of knocking phenomena, integrating the signal to provide a present integral value, and then comparing the present integral value to a lower knocking threshold and a higher knocking threshold. If the present integral value exceeds the lower knocking threshold but does not exceed the higher knocking threshold, the combustion is identified as a knocking combustion. If the present integral value exceeds the higher knocking threshold, the value is essentially disregarded as being implausible, and the combustion is identified either as non-knocking, or as the same combustion condition, i.e. either knocking or non-knocking, that had been determined in the previous combustion cycle.

Abstract: A control valve for an injection valve for injecting fuel into an internal combustion engine is described. The injection valve has a control chamber which is connected via an inlet throttle to a high-pressure accumulator, and which can be connected via the control valve and an outlet throttle to an unpressurized return line to a fuel tank. The pressure prevailing in the control chamber acts on a movable nozzle body which is provided with a nozzle needle which releases and seals injection holes as the nozzle body moves. The control valve is constructed adjoining the control chamber, with the result that the pressure prevailing in the control chamber at a first operating surface also acts on the valve body of the control valve. The control valve has a valve chamber which is disposed opposite the control chamber and is connected to the control chamber via the outlet throttle and has a second operating surface, which is smaller than the first operating surface.

Abstract: A fuel guidance system is provided for an internal combustion engine having in-line cylinders, inlet bores for connector pumps, high-pressure lines between the connector pumps and associated injection valves, as well as a fuel supply line that carries the fuel and communicates with the connector pumps. In the case of connector pumps having a solenoid-valve control, whose control valve controls the flow connection between the supply line and the high-pressure line, the supply line runs as a continuous fuel supply in the cylinder housing, intersecting the inlet bores, or being tangent to them, or running separately outside the cylinder housing. At least one further supply line that branches from the supply line leads to the low-pressure side of the control valve.

Abstract: A conversion system for converting a spark ignition engine to operate on gaseous fuel is disclosed. The conversion system includes an electronic controller which operates on several novel principles to provide superior performance/responsiveness and to reduce exhaust emissions. The controller in accordance with the invention assumes complete control of spark ignition timing when gaseous fuel mode is enabled and generates independent spark ignition signals tailored to the gaseous fuel. The controller also generates an independent pulse width modulated gaseous fuel injection signal that controls a high performance electronic solenoid injector valve to supply gaseous fuel to the engine. Variable injector speed is used to compensate for the dynamic range of the engine. A novel dual array block learn scheme is used to provide efficient fuel control in engines equipped with closed-loop monitoring systems and exhaust gas recirculation.

Abstract: A supplemental fuel regulator for diesel engines, and a system for adding supplemental fuel to diesel engines is provided. The fuel regulator has two chambers, one which receives fuel from the fuel tank through a fuel inlet valve, which also reduces the pressure of the fuel. The fuel at much reduced pressure is passed to a second chamber through a fuel control valve. Fuel is drawn from the second chamber into an outlet duct, directly into the airflow duct of the diesel engine. A vacuum line from the engine pulls fuel from the second chamber. As engine demand increases, the engine vacuum increases, and additional fuel is supplied by the regulator. A solenoid switch provides control over the system, which can be activated by a user when the supplemental fuel system is deemed desirable. The solenoid switch can be configured to shut off the supplemental fuel system whenever the diesel engine is shut off.

Abstract: A fuel injector has a shroud surrounding its valve orifice. The shroud carries a porous element spaced from the orifice to define a chamber. Air passages are provided through the shroud for injecting air under pressure into the chamber. The fuel sprayed onto the porous element from the orifice enters the pores of the element and increases the wetted surface area such that the air under pressure passing through the porous element shreds the fuel films and finely atomizes the fuel for egress from the porous element into the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for recuperating thermal energy in the oxidant air generated by an oxidant air compressor of an internal combustion engine is provided, which consists in taking thermal energy using a heat exchanger in which circulates a heat transferring fluid and which is located in the oxidant air circuit between the compressor and the engine, and transferring the thermal energy recuperated by the fluid to a thermal energy consuming group. The invention is characterized in that it further consists in: detecting the temperature of the surcharging air upstream of the heat exchanger; and when the detected temperature is lower than a first reference temperature, in short circuiting the heat exchanger and heating the heat transferring fluid up to approximately the reference temperature using an auxiliary heating device.

Abstract: An aftercooler apparatus that is connected to a turbocharger and to a reciprocating engine has a primary and a secondary saturation chamber, and a drying chamber. Turbocharged air from the turbocharger is directed into the primary saturation chamber. The incoming air is initially mixed with and cooled by water located at the bottom of the primary saturation chamber before being directed through a diffusion screen. The air exiting the diffusion screen enters the secondary saturation chamber where intense bubbling and foaming increases the air-water contact area to further cool the air and form an air-water mixture approaching the temperature and moisture level of saturation. The air-water mixture is then directed into the drying chamber where a majority of the moisture is removed from the air through the use of centrifugal force. The now cooler moist air is directed toward the engine intake manifold, whereby the moisture in the air stream acts to reduce the NOx formation during the combustion process.

Abstract: A cover for covering a processing chamber, in which a plurality of grooved rollers of a wire saw is arranged, is composed of an outside cover and an inner cover. The outside cover covers the plurality of grooved rollers, and the inner cover covers an ingot. This prevents slurry and cutting chips from scattering to the outside of the wire saw while it is slicing the ingot. When the ingot is attached and detached, a winch opens the outside cover and a cylinder apparatus opens the inner cover to expose the processing chamber.

Abstract: The heating device has a housing and a liquid containing compartment defined inside the housing. A heating chamber is disposed inside the housing and the compartment. A fire chamber is disposed inside the heating chamber that produces hot combustion gases. A separation channel is defined between an outer wall of the fire chamber and the outer wall of the heating chamber for conveying the air from the first air inlet into the heating chamber. The separation channel also creates an important insulation between the fire chamber and the compartment so that the combustion material in the fire chamber burns at a sufficiently high temperature to prevent the formation of tar accumulations on the inside walls of the various ducts. Also, the separation channel maintains a suitable temperature of the outer wall of the fire chamber to reduce the risk of cracking and to prolong the useful product life of the fire chamber.

Abstract: A burner system for a furnace (10) includes an in-shot burner (20) having an axially elongated tubular nozzle (40) having an inlet end (42), an outlet end (44) and a venturi transition section (46) therebetween. At least a portion of a catalyst body (50) is disposed within the outlet end (44) of the burner (40). The catalyst body (50) supports a partial oxidization catalyst operative to catalyze the fuel in the primary air/fuel mixture to intermediate combustion species, including hydrogen and carbon monoxide, thereby reducing emissions such as nitrogen oxides.

Abstract: A novel dual mode of operation gas fireplace of the type having a combustion chamber box and a heat exchanger is provided with a burner in the bottom of the combustion chamber box which creates exhaust gasses to be passed out of the combustion chamber box and into or through the heat exchanger portion of the fireplace mounted on top of or back of the combustion chamber box. The hot exhaust gasses leaving the combustion chamber box may be directed into an exhaust stack or diverted directly into the room to be heated by a blower motor which diverts hot exhaust gas products from the heat exchanger directly into a room area to be heated in a ventless mode of operation. When the blower motor which diverts the exhaust gasses into the room is deactivated, the novel fireplace may be operated in a vented mode of operation.

Abstract: A method and device for activating olfactory senses by drawing air and air-born aroma across the olfactory nerves. Creating airflow to activate olfactory sensation by pulling air and aromas over the olfactory nerves is accomplished by drawing air out throw a patient's mouth. Since the oral cavity and the nasal cavity are connected, this effectively draws air through the a person's nose in a manner simulative of natural breathing. A device has a mouthpiece with an air conduit therethrough, and a mechanism for drawing air through the mouthpiece. The mechanism may be an impeller driven by a motor, which may be locally powered by batteries. A filter may be provided in the mouthpiece or interposed between the mouthpiece and the air drawing mechanism to catch saliva drawn through the mouthpiece. The method and device allows patients with insufficient airflow, such as due to a tracheotomy, to experience olfactory sensations. These sensations, namely smell and taste, improve appetite and overall quality of life.

Abstract: A mask for preventing passage of a liquid type foreign material of the invention is formed of a liquid absorbing layer for absorbing the liquid type foreign material applied thereto, and a liquid transmission prevention layer disposed on the liquid absorbing layer at a downstream side of air flowing through the mask. The liquid transmission prevention layer prevents the liquid type foreign material, such as humor, absorbed by the liquid absorbing layer from contacting a wearer.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by imposing a secondary shape on a resilient structure, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. The resilient structure is then restrained by the walls of the fallopian tube, imposing anchoring forces as it tries to resume the secondary shape.

Abstract: A decorative penile wrap encircles a human male penis. The decorative penile wrap is in the form of a cylindrical sheath having a hollow interior and opposed, open, first and second ends. A fastener is provided in one embodiment for securing opposed side edges of the sheath together to form a planar sheet into a cylindrical sheath. Decorative indicia is formed on the exterior of the sheath to provide a stimulating appearance. Alternately, the sheath is formed with a continuous, closed side wall.

Abstract: A contraceptive device comprised of an abbreviated condom and an applicator therefor is disclosed. The abbreviated condom is adhesively applied to the glans penis of a male sex organ, leaving exposed the coronal sulcus for improved sensitivity. The adhesive coats only the peripheral area of the condom leaving a central area substantially adhesive-free, thereby forming a fluid receptacle in the area of the glans penis. A spermicide is contained within the fluid receptacle by a spermicide-releasing membrane for release after application.

Abstract: A comfort pillow is attachable to one leg of a person in order to keep the person's knees separated while resting or sleeping. The comfort pillow includes upper and lower pads which are located adjacent to the user's thigh and calf, respectively. A middle section made of batting material is located adjacent to the user's knee. A pair of straps fasten the comfort pillow to the leg of the user. The batting material of the middle section allows the comfort pillow to bend and follow the natural movements of the user's knee. The comfort pillow allows the user's spine to remain straight during rest or sleep, particularly for persons lying on their side, and the straps retain the comfort pillow between the user's knees throughout the sleeping period.

Abstract: A depth sensor is disclosed for sensing the position of a surgical device within a vessel wall during a surgical procedure. The depth sensor includes a housing, sensing assembly for sensing acoustic wave information generated during the surgical procedure, a processing assembly for processing the acoustic wave information received from the sensing assembly and a control assembly that receives data from the processing assembly thereby enabling operational control of the penetration device.

Abstract: A cigar extinguishing device which includes a circular top component for tightly holding a burning or smoldering cigar in a vertical position. On a side of the top component is a substantially horizontal ventilation slot having a sliding cover for controlling the burn rate of the cigar. This arrangement also allows the cigar to be extinguished without physically pressing the end into a typical ash tray; thus allowing the cigar to burn evenly and prevents it from unraveling. The ash tray has a removable, lower base unit allowing the ash collecting portion to be easily removed and emptied.

Abstract: A description is given of a filter cigarette, whose filtera) contains fibrous filter material,b) contains an additive with an antimutagenic action on the cigarette smoke in a quantity of less than 15 wt. %, based on the fiber weight of the filter andc) on smoking a similar unventilated filter cigarette, but not containing additive, has a nicotine retention R.sub.N (in %) (determined according to CORESTA recommended method No. 9) satisfying the following formula:R.sub.N .gtoreq.100*(1-D)in which:D=exp(A*B+C),withA=21 mm-filter length (mm) for filter lengths.ltoreq.25 mm orA=-4 mm for filter lengths>25 mm,B=9.3*10.sup.-3 (1/mm) andC=-(d.sup.4 *.DELTA.p*K+L)with d=filter diameter (mm),.DELTA.p=draw resistance of filter (mm hydraulic pressure),K=1.0228*10.sup.-6 (1/(mm.sup.4 *mm hydraulic pressure)) andL=0.2334.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aesthetically appealing nail file/buffer comprising a core with an abrasive surface on at least one side of the core and a durable, decorative pattern or design. Preferably, the tool has a core which includes a substantially rigid substrate and at least one layer of resilient material laminated to the substrate. Abrasive material is adhered to at least one side of the core. The tool preferably includes materials, such as substantially transparent plastics or gels, possibly with colored pigment, which create a unique, attractive nail file. The tool typically includes a colored pattern, preferably by embedding dyes into the hiatused abrasive surface of the tool using sublimation. Alternatively, the tool may incorporate a patterned sheet under the abrasive material, the abrasive material being composed of substantially clear materials allowing the pattern to show therethrough.

Abstract: A dispensing device for use as a hair dye applicator is provided having a manifold having a first end configured to receive liquid dye and an inside surface and an outside surface. The manifold has a conduit communicating with the inside surface and the first end which provides fluid communication between the first end and at least one orifice extending from the inside surface to the outside surface. The manifold further includes a first lip and a second lip on the outside surface with the first lip surrounding the orifice and the second lip surrounding the first lip.

Abstract: An interactive mascara applicator (10) comprising: a handle end portion (40); an opposite bristle/brush end portion (80); and a rotating disc (50) positioned about the handle end portion (40) which when moved causes the bristles to change positions with respect to the applicator (10), so that one may hold the handle end portion (40) and move the disc (50) with a single hand to apply mascara.

Abstract: A multi-color lipstick case includes a bottom base, a plurality of inner cases piled up vertically straight on the bottom base and a cylindrical cover. The inner cases have a through hole eccentrically located at one side to pivotally connected to a postion shaft to permit each inner case swing out to expose a hollow room filled with a kind of lipstick for use. The through holes of the inner cases and the position shaft have a position device to engage with each other so that any inner case can be positioned at a swung out position without moving at random. When all the inner cases are swung in to pile up vertically straight, the cylindrical cover covers all the inner cases on the bottom base. Thus the multi-color lipstick case have a small size, convenient to be carried out, with many different color lipsticks usable.

Abstract: A dental hygiene article, including a dental floss, and a microcapsule associated with a portion of the floss. The microcapsule includes a pigment encapsulated within the microcapsule for changing the color of a portion of the floss associated with the microcapsule upon rupture of the microcapsule as an indication of use or release of an active agent.

Abstract: A method of removing a solidified body of polyethylene from a Unipol reactor using a robotic apparatus extended through a porthole on top of the reactor.

Abstract: A system and method for removing a coating from an elongated metal part or a bundle of such parts is described. The disclosed system includes a soaking vessel that contains a solution suitable for degreasing the metal part and softening the coating thereon. An ultrasonic cleaning vessel containing an aqueous cleaning solution cleans the coating off of the metal part by ultrasonic agitation. The system further includes at least one rinsing vessel for rinsing the cleaning solution of the cleaned part, and a drying vessel for rapidly and thoroughly drying the part after it has been rinsed. In the disclosed process, the elongated metal part, or a bundle of such parts, is/are soaked in a solution that is maintained at an elevated temperature for a time sufficient to soften the coating. The elongated metal part is then subjected to ultrasonic agitation in an aqueous cleaning solution bath at an elevated temperature for a time sufficient to loosen and dislodge the coating from the elongated metal part.

Abstract: A semiconductor workpiece cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning arrangement that cleans a semiconductor workpiece by use of a cleaning liquid, a charging arrangement that brings into a chamber a drying liquid, and a discharging arrangement that discharges the cleaning liquid. The cleaning arrangement cleans the workpiece by spraying chemical liquid and/or pure water in the chamber, and by immersing the workpiece in the chemical liquid and/or pure water. The charging arrangement takes in the drying chemical liquid or vapor so as to contact the processing chemical liquid or pure water in which the semiconductor workpiece is immersed. The discharging arrangement discharges the processing chemical liquid or pure water while preserving an interface between the processing chemical liquid or pure water and the drying chemical liquid or vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus for the processing of substrates in a fluid tank is provided. The fluid tank has at least one fluid inlet opening and at least one overflow opening in the upper region of at least one side wall of the fluid tank. Optimum adaptation to fluid circulation rates is provided by at least one slide having a variable position relative to the overflow opening for varying the opening area thereof. This opening area is smaller during introduction of gas than during a preceding rinsing process.

Abstract: A cleaning mechanism for mold devices includes one or more rails for slidably supporting a slide. An actuator is coupled to the slide for moving the slide along the rails. The slide may be releasably coupled to the actuator by a latch. A heating device is disposed on the slide for supporting and for heating the mold devices. One or more nozzles are disposed in the housing for supplying water or cleaning agent or pressurized air into the housing and for cleaning the mold devices. A rotating device may further be used for rotating the nozzles.

Abstract: An opening mechanism of quadruple collapsible umbrellas, wherein the main improvements are two independent pulling ropes governing the movement of a runner and a stretcher system as well as the motion of the tubular elements of the umbrella stick. These improvements further include a hollow plug disposed in the umbrella stick, against the upper and the lower face of which plug two individual springs are respectively seated to provide sufficient resilient forces. A locating spring and a locating pin are arranged to prevent inadvertent triggering, which may cause damages to the umbrella.

Abstract: A spread position securing device for beach parasols includes a shank, a fixing base on an upper portion of the shank, and a runner fitted around slidably along the shank, plural ribs pivotally connected radially to the fixing base, and plural stretchers connected pivotally between the runner and intermediate portions of the ribs. Then the parasol can be spread from a collapsed position to a spread position. The feature of the invention is a cylindrical sleeve fixed in the runner and fitted around the shank to slide up and down so that the cylindrical sleeve may contact the fixing base to secure the contact points of the stretchers with the runners at a little higher position than the contact points of the stretchers with the ribs when the runner is pushed up to the spread position. Thus no other components are needed to secure the spread position of the parasol, convenient to handle.

Abstract: A walker for assistant people ambulating, particularly on stairs climbing, is a free standing frame comprising a pair of reverse U-shaped frame members that are interconnected by braces at its sides and front, having the walker open on its rear side to allow access by the user. The horizontal parts of the U-shaped members provide handles for gripping the walker. A pair of adjustable front legs are telescopically inserted in the frame and are held in fixed position relative to the frame by a spring lorded pin mounted on the frame passes through the hole on the frame and the front leg. In one embodiment, hand actuated controls mounted on the handles allow the user to pull the pin out of the holes whereby the front legs extend by falling under the force of gravity to the desired length where the pin re-locking the front legs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a shelter, particularly useful in servicing outdoor utility and telecommunications cabinets. A tent is detachably engageable with the cabinet through a set of flexible beads extending along tent flaps which slidably engage with a set of slotted rails mounted to the perimeter of the cabinet.

Abstract: A system for securing the fabric cover of a fabric covered building to the framework or foundation of the building. Along each side of the fabric cover, a tie-down member is fastened so as to extend substantially from one end of the fabric cover to the opposite end. This member is most conveniently a pipe inserted in pockets formed along the sides of the fabric cover, the member being exposed at intervals by cut-outs in the pockets. A plurality of individually adjustable tensioning devices, such as a winch or come-along, are positioned along each side of the fabric cover and attached at one end to the tie-down member where it is exposed by the cut-outs and attached at the opposite end to the framework or ground anchoring foundation. The tensioning devices exert an adjustable force on the tie-down members in the direction of the ground anchoring foundation.

Abstract: A flexible structure is described having one or more deformable, resilient poles and one or more tension webs associated therewith and coupled thereto to maintain the pole(s) in a selected shape under tension and to impart strength and rigidity to the structure. A flexible membrane may also be provided to define a sheltered space. Also disclosed is a method for making such a structure.

Abstract: A blind having a support system and a sheet material secured to at least a portion of the support system. The support system includes a number (n) of horizontal support members and a number (n+1) of vertical support members, wherein n corresponds to an integer of 2 or greater, and a plurality of flexible joints connecting each vertical support member to at least one of the horizontal support members, with at least one of the vertical support members connected by one of the joints to at least two of the horizontal support members.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the status of a plurality of steam traps includes sensing with a monitor at least one process condition in each of a plurality of steam traps, transmitting radio frequency signals responsive to the sensed process condition of each steam trap with transmitters associated with the steam traps, and receiving the signals generated by the transmitters with a receiver. In one embodiment of the invention, the signals from at least some steam traps are received and retransmitted by a repeater positioned between the steam traps and the receiver.

Abstract: A cap for venting a tank containing a fluid which expands in response to heat applied externally to the tank and which cap includes an outer annular nut, an inner circular central disc, and an intermediate annular ring of polymer-based material which softens in response to the externally applied heat to permit the inner circular central disc to be blown out of the outer annular nut thereby venting the tank and preventing the tank from exploding.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive valve includes a body having an interior area, a top end having an inlet and a lower end having an outlet. The top end is design and configured to be removably secured to an exterior faucet located for allowing water to flow when the temperatures are approaching extreme cold conditions, such as freezing, so as to prevent the pipes from freezing, and eventually bursting. Located within the body, between the inlet and outlet, is a resilient tube situated in a bent position. Affixed to the resilient tube an elongated rod fabricated from a temperature sensitive material. As temperatures approach freezing conditions, the rod will decrease in size and thus move away from the resilient tube, enabling it to move upward and thus, become slightly unbent. This will provide for an opening to exist within the bent region of the tube and enable fluid flow.

Abstract: A high flow rate fuel vapor vent valve assembly has a delayed fall away fill level control float responsive to the level of fuel in the fuel tank and constructed to control the closing of an outlet passage through which fuel vapors are vented from the fuel tank when a desired maximum fuel level is reached within the fuel tank during refueling of the tank. The fill level float is constructed to sink after refueling of the fuel tank is completed, and preferably several minutes thereafter, to control the opening of the outlet passage and permit fuel vapors to once again vent from the fuel tank. Staggered openings in the housing of the valve assembly permit the fuel vapor to vent from the fuel tank through the outlet passage when it is open but prevent splashing or sloshing fuel within the fuel tank from flowing through the outlet passage and to a vapor canister downstream of the outlet passage.

Abstract: An air release valve comprising a housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve plate within the housing between the inlet and outlet, the valve plate having a pair of apertures; a valve seal assembly including a seal engageable with the valve plate overlying the apertures; a float located in the housing upstream of the valve plate and connected to the seal, the float displaceable between first and second positions in the housing such that displacement of the float in one direction opens the apertures, the float having a tapered end remote from the seal, the tapered end having a truncated substantially flat bottom surface and a groove extending across the flat bottom surface.

Abstract: A valve guard for a water faucet with a manually operated control valve. The guard has two substantially identical sections that when joined together in a closed position form a generally spherical surface with a lower cut off opening portion. A spring hinge joins the sections together at facing side edges to normally maintain the sections together in a closed position. A child has insufficient hand strength to pry the two joined sections apart while an adult may easy separate them. The guard is placed over the valve to be controlled with the opened lower portion first. Due to the exposed spherical shape of the closed guard enclosure and the flat bottom opening edge, the guard is difficult for small hands to grasp and when touched may freely rotate about the enclosed valve. The guard is sized relative to the valve structure to be protected. Thus, it may be fitted over the hot water control valve of a two control valve faucet or over the one control valve of a single control valve lever.

Abstract: A priority valve for a compressed air system in a tire retreading plant includes a solenoid controlled, diaphragm operated valve connected at an inlet to an autoclave. A solenoid controls whether the valve is opened or closed. A switch has a pressure sensor connected to an inlet side. If the pressure falls below a low pressure limit, the switch activates the solenoid to close the valve, thus shutting off the air supply to the autoclave. With the inlet to the autoclave closed, the air compressor is able relatively quickly and easily to raise the pressure in the system above the low pressure limit. The valve remains closed until the sensed pressure rises to a value sufficient to supply both the other equipment and the autoclave.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a fuel supply system, having a pressure chamber that communicates with a fuel connection, and having a diaphragm built in on its outer peripheral region in a basic body which partitions off the pressure chamber, wherein the diaphragm is fastened in the peripheral region with a spring ring that is under initial tension and is retained on the basic body.

Abstract: A valve position indicator for visually indicating the open or closed position of a valve from a distance and from various angles includes a support; a hollow, elongated member rotatably mounted on the support; and an indicator member having indicia thereon representative of a valve-open position and a valve-closed position, the indicator member adjustably connected within the elongated member for selectively displaying either the valve-open or the valve-closed indicium.

Abstract: A flow control valve employing a step motor includes a valve housing having liquid inlet and outlet passageways, and a guide space which is communicated with the liquid inlet and outlet passageways, a spool which is connected to be movable up and down to the guide space of the valve housing so as to control an openness of the outlet passageway, a spool guide which is accommodated in an upper portion of the guide space so as to flow a refrigerant liquid downward by being moved together with the spool, an elastic support which elastically supports the spool guide in one direction, a seal member which is connected to a lower end portion of the valve housing, wrapping around a lower portion of the spool, so as to prevent a leakage of the refrigerant liquid, and a driving mechanism having a step motor to move the spool up and down, in which employing a dilatant liquid and a diaphram is eliminated and a proportional control is enabled, to thereby enhance the flow control performance and a durability of the valve.

Abstract: A coupling having two coupler halves, a female half a male half is disclosed. Pressure will be applied to either half but not both. The female half employs a balanced seal arrangement. Each elastomeric seal of the female half is supported, by a support seal. One elastomeric seal of the female is supported by a rectangularly shaped (in cross-section) Teflon support seal and the other elastomeric seal is supported by a t-shaped (in cross-section) Nylatron.RTM. support seal. When the female half of the coupling is pressurized, pressure will be applied equally to the seals and to the parts of female half such that the net separation force is minimized. Typically the user will select one half of the coupling disclosed herein for use with pressure applied thereto. However, the user may use both halves of the coupling disclosed herein if so desired.