Abstract: A methodology of computing a combustion stability value and using the combustion stability value to control engine operation is provided. The combustion stability value is determined by monitoring engine operation. The combustion stability value is compared to an expected combustion stability value. Where the combustion stability value is greater than the expected combustion stability value, combustion of the internal combustion engine is controlled as a function of the combustion stability value. Where the combustion stability value is not greater than the expected combustion stability value, combustion of the internal combustion engine is controlled as a function of an O2 sensor value. In either case, engine control is accomplished by modifying a target fuel injection value.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated fuel injector includes an injector body that defines an actuation fluid cavity and a nozzle outlet, and further defines a low pressure area and a fuel pressurization chamber in fluid communication with a spill passage. A pumping element is positioned in the injector body and moveable between a retracted position and an advanced position. The pumping element has a first end exposed to fluid pressure in the actuation fluid cavity and a second end exposed to fluid pressure in the fuel pressurization chamber. An electronic spill valve attached to the injector body is moveable between an open position in which the spill passage fluidly connects the fuel pressurization chamber to the low pressure area, and a closed position in which the spill passage is closed. Opening and closing of the spill valve during an injection event produces various rate shaping injection effects.

Abstract: A controller for cylinder injection type injectors is constructed so that current detection element for detecting currents flowing through injector coils are inserted between a connection point of first switching element and the nodes of reverse current blocking diodes and current commutation diodes, respectively, and over-current detection element do not include circuits for temporarily interrupting over-current detection operations based on output signals of over-excitation signal generation element. That is, the current detection element are arranged at paths not admitting the flow of over-excitation currents, so that power dissipations at the current detection element can be reduced. Further, the circuits for temporarily interrupting the operations of the over-current detection element while over-excitation currents are being supplied are dispensed with.

Abstract: To protect a plastic intake manifold of an internal combstion engine from heat possessed by exhaust gas recirculation gas, a cooling device is arranged between the plastic intake manifold and an exhaust gas recirculation valve. The cooling device cools the exhaust gas recirculation gas by means of a coolant. A gas discharge part of the cooling device constitutes a pipe portion which penetrates through an exhaust gas inlet hole of the intake manifold keeping a given space between an outer wall of the pipe portion and an inner wall of the exhaust gas inlet hole. The pipe portion may be a leading end portion of an exhaust gas recirculation pipe extending from an exhaust system of the engine.

Abstract: A wall member is on its side facing a combustion chamber provided with a hot-corrosion-resistant material made from a particulate starting material of an alloy containing nickel and chromium which by a HIP process has been unified to a coherent material substantially without melting the starting material. In terms of percent by weight the corrosion-resistant material comprises from 38 to 75% Cr, at the most 0.15% C, at the most 1.5% Si, at the most 1.0% Mn, at the most 0.2% B, at the most 5.0% Fe, at the most 1.0% Mg, at the most 2.5% Al, at the most 2.0% Ti, at the most 8.0% Co, at the most 3.0% Nb and a balance of Ni, the aggregate contents of Al and Ti amounting at the most to 4.0%, and the aggregate contents of Fe and Co amounting at the most to 8.0%, and the aggregate contents of Ni and Co amounting at the least to 25%. The corrosion-resistant material has a hardness of less than 310 HV measured at approximately 20° C.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control apparatus for an internal combustion engine calculates a purge rate from a purge amount and an engine operating state, calculates a purge air density from the purge rate and an air-fuel ratio correcting coefficient, and calculates a purge air density correcting coefficient based on the purge rate and the purge air density. Further, the air-fuel ratio control apparatus calculates a learned air-fuel ratio feedback correction value from the air-fuel ratio feedback correcting coefficient, calculates a fuel injection amount based on the air-fuel ratio feedback correcting coefficient, the learned air-fuel ratio feedback correction value and the purge air density correcting coefficient, and alternately switches over the learning of the air-fuel ratio feedback correction and the learning of the purge air density.

Abstract: A system for purifying exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine having a catalyst in an exhaust system of the engine, said catalyst reducing nitrogen oxide when exhaust gas generated by the engine is in an oxidizing state. An EGR mechanism is provided for recirculating a part of the exhaust gas to an intake system of the engine, and is controlled such that a ratio of unsaturated and/or aromatic hydrocarbon concentration to nitrogen oxide concentration in the exhaust gas is at or above a predetermined value. The EGR mechanism is further controlled such that oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas is below a prescribed value. An injection timing mechanism is controlled for the same purpose. With this arrangement, the system improves the NOx purification rate of the catalyst.

Abstract: A support device for attaching a trap shooter to a vehicle, particularly a pick-up truck in, which a frame is affixed to a conventional square receiver located below the bumper on the pick-up truck, the frame projecting away from the truck and upwardly, and terminating in a platform upon which the trap shooter is located. The platform is capable of rotation and its spacing from the tailgate can be controlled to allow easy access by an operator for easy loading of disks carried on the pick-up truck body.

Abstract: A breech device for assisting in drawing and releasing an archery bow string, the device having an elongated body, a trigger pivotally mounted on the body and extending generally upwardly beyond the top of the body, a latch arrest roller on the trigger and having an arc segment, a latch arm pivotally mounted at one end on the body and having a latch point at its other end, the latch arm being pivotal for engaging its latch point with the arrest roller within the arc segment and preventing pivotal rearward movement of the latch arm in its firing direction until the trigger is manually, forcibly, rearwardly pivoted toward its firing position, a bowstring keeper on one end of the latch arm whereby tension applied to the keeper by drawing of the bowstring will tend to pivot the latch arm in a direction tending to forcibly maintain engagement of the latch point with the arrest roller, and wherein the keeper has a non-typical large bowstring contact area.

Abstract: An archery bow forearm brace and guard comprises a pair of spaced apart elongate arms which secure respectively to the conventional overdraw arrow rest and stabilizer attachment points of a conventional compound or long bow, and extend rearwardly therefrom. One or more interconnecting cross members extends between the two longitudinal arms and serve as a guard to hold the bow holding forearm of the archer clear of the bowstring path when it is released. The crossmembers may be permanently affixed, or adjustably secured to the longitudinal arms to provide adjustment for the length of the archer's forearm and other variables. The crossmembers include a forearm attachment assembly which secures about the archer's forearm, to secure the apparatus and bow to which it is attached, positively to the archer's forearm. The forearm attachment and bowstring guard are easily and quickly attachable to and detachable from the remainder of the device, by quick release attachments.

Abstract: A gas burner mounting assembly includes a gas injector having a main body portion positioned between a chassis member of a gas cooking appliance and a ceramic based cooktop of the appliance. The gas injector also includes an upper body portion which extends through an aperture formed in the cooktop. A burner retention bracket is interposed between the main body portion of the gas injector and an underside of the cooktop. A resilient support preferably acts between the gas injector and the cooktop, although no rigid attachment is made between these elements. The gas injector is mechanically, fixedly secured to the cooktop in order to allow the gas injector to flex with the cooktop.

Abstract: There is provided a portable gas cooking stove, including (a) a mixture gas pipe having an open end through which a mixture gas of combustible gas and air is exhausted, (b) a burner head connected to the mixture gas pipe in a hermetically sealed condition and having at least one opening at a surface thereof, the mixture gas blowing out through the opening, (c) an igniter igniting the mixture gas blowing out through the opening of the burner head, and (d) a windscreen surrounding the burner head and formed with a flame hole facing the opening of the burner head, the igniter being located outside the windscreen in facing relation to the flame hole. The portable gas cooking stove makes it no longer necessary to provide a net to an inner wall of a burner head, which was necessary to do in a conventional gas cooking stove, ensuring reduction in a period of time necessary for fabricating a flame hole and simplification in steps of fabricating a flame hole.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a kitchen comprises air extraction means (4) arranged above a kitchen appliance (102) such as an oven or the like. An air distribution means (6) arranged to form a downwardly flowing curtain air (62) outwardly of the air extraction means (4).

Abstract: A respiratory assistance device, includes an inhalation branch (2) which is permanently connected, at its upstream end, to a first source (1) of a flow of pressurized gas and, at its downstream end, to a user's airway; at least a first (9) and a second (3) exhalation valve, these being arranged on the respiratory branch (2) and controlled so that they are closed during the inhalation phase; a detection unit (10) which, in proximity to the downstream end of the inhalation branch, detects the user's respiratory activity and sends a respiratory-activity data item to drive element (12), the drive element (12) controlling the first gas flow source (1) in such a way as to deliver a gas stream with substantially constant non-zero flow rate to the inhalation branch (2) throughout the exhalation phase.

Abstract: A disposable mask is provided having a body with an opening sized to cover the nose and mouth of a wearer and a fastening system to secure the body to the wearer's face. The body has top and bottom edges with the top edge operable to extend across the nose and cheeks of the wearer and the bottom edge to extend below the mouth of the wearer. The body includes a first portion which generally contacts the face of the wearer and is formed from a material that is shapeable around the face of the wearer. A second portion is attached to and extends from the shapeable material and is formed from a disparate material that filters aerosol particles from the air that passes through it.

Abstract: An eye patch construction method for constructing an eye patch that adheres to the skin surface surrounding the eye to be covered but which leaves no residue on the skin surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A surgically enlarging method of microcaulia by which length and circumference of micropenis are simultaneously enlarged and expanded without incurring any deformation or side effect thereto, enabling the microcaulia patients to overcome the physical defect, shame and inferiority complex and thereby providing them with increased sexual self confidence.

Abstract: An anatomical marker uses a permanent magnet to indicate a selected location within a patient. The magnet is enclosed within a non-degradable envelope and is coupled to a retention member that is preferably manufactured from a biodegradable material, such as a polyglucuronic acid based material. The retention member may include one or more barbs to retain the anatomical marker in the selected location. An insertion tool, usable with an endoscope, can insert the anatomical marker. A retention magnet is fixedly attached to the insertion tool and holds the anatomical marker in place due to the attractive magnetic forces between the retention magnet and the marker magnet in the non-biodegradable envelope.

Abstract: A density inspection apparatus and method. The apparatus is disposed downstream of a wrapping section of a cigarette manufacturing machine. In accordance with pulse output signals generated by a rotary encoder in synchronism with the travel of a cigarette rod, a zone of the rod is subjected to density inspection. An actual density signal indicating the tobacco shred filling density in the inspected zone is intermittently supplied from a density detector, and a group of reference density signals indicative of a change in density of a low-density portion of a dummy cigarette is supplied from a storage device. A difference between each actual density signal and a corresponding reference density signal is calculated, and the square sum of the signal differences in respect of all the density signals is calculated to determine a nonconformity degree between the actual and reference density signals.

Abstract: Methods of permanent shaping and volumizing hair that are gentle and prevent overcurling are described. In one method using curlers to curl the hair, an alkaline permanent shaping composition having a pH of 7.6 to 11 and including a hair keratin-reducing substance is applied to the hair and allowed to act on the hair for 5 to 30 minutes at room temperature or for 2 to 20 minutes at an elevated temperature. Then the hair is optionally rinsed with water and subsequently with an acidic aqueous intermediate rinse, which has a pH of 2 to 6.5 and includes an aliphatic organic acid. Next the hair is wound onto curlers, after which the hair is allowed to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature or 20 minutes at an elevated temperature. After the resting period the hair is treated with an oxidant-based fixative, which can be a solution of hydrogen peroxide, and the curlers are removed. The hair is subsequently rinsed with water or washed with a shampoo to remove the fixative and combed into a hair style.

Abstract: A hair styling iron A is provided comprising: a body 1 which includes a grip portion 4, a plate portion 6 including a heater H and a plate 8, and a fulcrum portion 5; and a sandwiching member 2 which includes a lever portion 15 opposed to said grip portion 4, a plate portion 17 equipped with a heater H and a plate 18 and opposed to the plate portion 6 of the body 1, and a fulcrum portion 16 located between the lever portion 15 and the plate portion 17 and pivotally supported by the fulcrum portion 16 of the body 1. Between the rearward portions of the fulcrum portions of the body 1 and the sandwiching member 2 is interposed a spring 12 which biases the plate portions 6 and 17 normally in the direction away from each other. Each of the plate portions 6 and 17 is provided with ridges 14 along the perimeter, and has been subjected to a flocking treatment from its perimeter to the outer surface.

Abstract: The case (1) comprises a cover (2) and a bottom (3) fixed and hinged by means of a first hinge (21), a first closing device (20) for the said cover (2), and contains a sealed receptacle (4) comprising a bottom (7) and side wall (6) fitted with a an airtight cover (5) fitted with a second hinge (51) and a second closing device (50), characterized in that: a) the said receptacle (4) is a receptacle that can be click fitted/separated in the said case (1) by clipping means; b) the said receptacle (4) can be clipped such that the said second closing device (50) can be in two different orientations from the said first closing device (20); such that the user of the said case can orient the said receptacle himself or herself with respect to the said case depending on whether he or she is right handed or left handed, to make it easier to open the said receptacle later.

Abstract: Semiconductor substrates are contacted with a deionized water solution containing an acidic material.

Abstract: A patio umbrella has a pole that has an opening extending therethrough. The patio umbrella has a plurality of ribs for supporting and umbrella covering, and a runner adapted to slide along the pole and coupled to the ribs. The patio umbrella further includes a pulley system that has a first pulley member secured to a first side of the pole, a second pulley member coupled to the runner on the first side of the pole, a wheel positioned inside the opening of the pole, and a pulley rope. The pulley rope has a first end secured to the second pulley member and passes through the first and second pulley members, and then through the wheel inside the opening of the pole, to a free end that is positioned on a side of the pole that is opposite to the first side.

Abstract: A simplified pulling rope system used in multiple collapsible umbrellas comprises a mounting block and a pulley arranged on the upper portion of an umbrella rod, two rollers individually disposed on two sides of an umbrella runner, and a pulling rope one end of which is connected to a bullet-shaped element and the other end extends through the aforesaid pulley, rollers and mounting block and is finally attached to the bottom of an umbrella cap. The pulling rope system according to the invention used in a fully automatic umbrella has excellent efficiency.

Abstract: A skeleton for umbrellas includes an elongated shank, a runner slidably mounted on the shank, a sleeve slidably fitted on the shank and arranged above the runner, a spring disposed between the runner and the sleeve, and a joint fixedly secured to an upper end of the shank, characterized in that a plurality of primary stretchers are pivotally connected with the sleeve, a plurality of secondary stretchers having an end pivotally connected with an upper end of the runner and having another end pivotally connected with an intermediate portion of a respective one of the primary stretchers, a plurality of reinforcing arms pivotally connected at a first end thereof with another end of a respective one of the primary stretchers, and a plurality of ribs pivotally connected at an end with the joint and pivotally connected with a second end of a respective one of the reinforcing arms.

Abstract: A windproof umbrella comprises a lower umbrella including a plurality of ribs, a lower canopy having a plurality of substantially trapezoidal sectors, and a center vent hole; and an upper umbrella including a plurality of rigid ribs, and an upper canopy having a plurality of sectors, wherein each rib of the upper umbrella is integral with each rib of the lower umbrella by means of a connection of a securing device for forming a gap between a corner of two adjacent sectors of the upper canopy and a corner of two corresponding adjacent sectors of the lower canopy, and the upper canopy is in covering relation to and capable of elastically separating from the main umbrella for exhausting the air from the space between the lower canopy and the upper canopy.

Abstract: A canopy is formed of an oval flexible sheet of solar radiation and wind resistant material held in extended position by a resilient band and sized so that the band and sheet material are pulled into a saddle shape. Support for the canopy is provided by two flexible supports attached to the canopy at its edges and to a base structure, such as a wheel chair, stroller, patio rail or lawn chair. The supports are long enough so that the canopy can be adjusted to various positions above and alongside the occupant of the base structure for overhead and lateral shelter. The supports are nonresilient and are stiff enough to hold the canopy in the selected position into which it is placed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-side shelter that may assume a collapsed configuration or an erected configuration. In particular, the present invention is directed to a truss that may assume a collapsed configuration or an erected configuration, and that may be used in the shelter.

Abstract: A remote control system for automatic sprinkler control systems includes remote conductor lines for attachment to an automatic sprinkler control system, a remote processor for selectively applying power through one or more of the remote conductor lines so as to activate a portion of the automatic sprinkler control system, and a remote control for controlling the processor. The remote control system enables the use to operate the automatic sprinkler control system independent of the processor of the automatic sprinkler control system, and allows the user to conduct such control from a location adjacent to the actual sprinkler stations, as opposed to the central control unit of the automatic sprinkler control system.

Abstract: A switching valve (50) for a hydraulic power steering system (10) includes a longitudinally movable valve spool (80). A spring (86) biases the spool (80) to a neutral position. The switching valve (50) is configured to direct hydraulic fluid from a primary pump (34) to a steering control valve (14) when the spool (80) is in a primary position, and to direct hydraulic fluid from an auxiliary pump (38) to the control valve (14) when the spool (80) is in an auxiliary position. The spool (80) is movable against a bias of the spring (86) from the neutral position to the primary position under the influence of a hydraulic fluid pressure differential between the opposite ends of the spool (80). The switching valve (50) defines a flow path for directing hydraulic fluid from the primary pump (34) to an end of the spool (80) when the spool (80) is in the neutral position. The flow path extends axially over a flat portion (124) of an outer surface of the spool (80).

Abstract: A switch-over device which is useful for a gas insufflation device using liquid gas includes at least two inflow channels each blockable by a valve and at least one outflow channel for alternate removal of a fluid medium from a plurality of containers. The device has a switch-over piston movably mounted in a housing and comprising a base member which has at each end a valve closure member in a form of a body of rotation. The switch-over piston is driven by a pressure difference between the fluid media and connects one of the inflow channels to the outflow channel in each of two switching positions. A working chamber accommodates the switch-over piston, with sealing elements being provided for closing off the inflow channels in a pressure tight manner when the switch-over piston is in the correspondingly closed position and for dividing the working chamber into two portions sealed off from each other.

Abstract: A valve (60) for use in a brake system (10) through which a source (32) of fluid charges an accumulator (24) to a desired fluid pressure level and through which fluid pressure present in a conduit (52) is communicated to a reservoir (33) in the absence of the flow of fluid from the source. The valve (60) has a housing (62) with a bore (64) therein with an entrance port (66) connected to the source of fluid (32), an exit port (68) connected by a flexible conduit (52) to the accumulator (24) and exhaust port (70) connected to the reservoir (33). A sleeve (72) which is located in bore (64) has an internal bore (74) with a first diameter (82) for retaining a first ball (90), a second diameter (80) for retaining a linkage member (94) and a third diameter (86) for retaining a second ball (92). A first spring (93) urges the first ball (90) toward a first seat (84′) formed between the first (82) and second (80) diameters.

Abstract: An electrofluidic modular system (1) is made up of modules which are secured to a bar (5) and may be mounted one after the other, in particular fluidic modules (9) having collecting channels (10, 11, 12) for actuator ports (26, 27, 28), electric modules (7) including bus terminals (8) and electric terminals (44) for actuators (15), and function modules (30). Two interface modules (18, 19) each have on one connecting side (23) a first connecting configuration with electric (8) and fluidic (10, 11, 12) terminals and with a contour (24) which are adapted to the modules (7, 9) of the modular system (1), and have on the opposite connecting side (22) a second connecting configuration which is different from the first and has electric (25) terminals and a contour (20) which are adapted to modules (2, 3) of a modular system of a different provider secured to the same bar (5).

Abstract: A chemical feeding system for adding either liquid or 100% water soluble solid chemicals including fertilizer, insecticide and a herbicide to a lawn sprinkler system either above or below ground level. The system has one or two vertically oriented mixing chambers containing a removable sponge filter. An effluent tube is attached to the bottom of the mixing chamber for recycling through an adjustable flow meter valve. A drain tube with a shutoff valve and a one-way check valve leads to the main sprinkler system.

Abstract: An enclosure for a fluid flow control device of the type comprising a first valve positioned substantially vertically in a fluid flow pipe and a second valve positioned horizontally in a fluid flow pipe to form a compact backflow prevention device configuration. The enclosure comprises a front wall panel, a back wall panel, at least one removable side access panel and a top panel hingedly attached to the front wall and the back wall to open from a side of the enclosure for enabling unrestricted access to the components of the fluid flow control device contained therein. The enclosure includes at least one lift support device operably attached to the top panel and one of the wall panels to retain the top in an upright position when the top is opened to enable full access to the fluid flow control device. Locking devices are provided to prevent unauthorized access to the enclosure through the top panel and the at least one side access panel.

Abstract: A mechanical leak arresting valve is disclosed in which fluid through the valve is limited to a range between a predetermined minimum flow rate and a predetermined maximum flow rate, and where both a small or large downstream leak mechanically causes the valve to lock closed. The present invention uses a locking mechanism triggered by a pressure differential resulting from the downstream leak to block the flow of fluid through the valve until the fluid source upstream is stopped. Reduction of the upstream pressure by the stopping of the fluid source automatically resets the valve without further manipulation.

Abstract: A pilot-operated, pressure-loaded, movable diaphragm-type gas-flow regulator valve is shown which is used in flow control applications. A regulator body internal port arrangement interconnects two independent throttling mechanisms in series. Two throttle plates are located within the regulator valve body relative to an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. A movable diaphragm is positioned relative to a throttle plate by a separate pilot control system to vary the area of throttle plate exposed to flow, and thus, the flow rate of the regulator valve. The throttle plates each have drilled flow apertures which control flow through the valve. Smaller flow apertures are opened before larger flow apertures as the valve diaphragm lifts, thereby ensuring stability at low-flow conditions, while providing high capacity at maximum diaphragm lift.

Abstract: A diaphragm/spring operated pressure relief valve having a sensing passage of substantially the same flow area as the outlet orifice of the valve whereby failure of either diaphragm results in “fail open” configuration with the addition of a sensing inlet shroud located to capture the total pressure at the inlet and channel it to the sensing chamber to allow the valve to relieve full rated capacity in the event the sensing diaphragm is ruptured.

Abstract: A bidirectional flow control valve for use in a hydraulic system to regulate fluid flow in either direction of flow through the valve. The valve includes a housing, a slidable sleeve, two opposite springs, and two opposite cap nuts. The housing has a bore and a sidewall with first ports located adjacent to one end and second ports located adjacent to the other end. The slidable sleeve has an interior wall disposed therein to form a first chamber and a second chamber. The interior wall has an axial port to permit flow of fluid therethrough. The first spring is disposed within the first chamber of the slidable sleeve and constrained therein by the cap nut. The second spring has the same tension as the first spring and disposed within the second chamber of the slidable sleeve and constrained therein by the cap nut. The slidable sleeve is self-adjustable to an equilibrium position within the valve housing to at least partially open the first and second ports of the valve housing.

Abstract: In a pressure maintenance valve for pneumatic apparatus including a valve housing having inlet and outlet passages, a valve member is disposed in the housing and includes a membrane having at one side thereof an annular valve structure disposed opposite an annular valve seat which divides the space adjacent the membrane into inner and outer concentric chambers when the valve structure is seated on the valve seat. A valve spring is disposed at the other side of the membrane for biasing the membrane into engagement with the valve seat. One of the concentric chambers is in communication with the inlet passage and the other with the outlet passage, whereby the membrane is held in an open valve position as long as the pressure in the inlet and outlet passages is greater than a certain value but the membrane closes the valve to maintain the predetermined pressure in the outlet passage when the pressure falls below that certain value.

Abstract: Addow's FDC is different from current FDCs, because it is a FDC and a check valve in one. Addow's FDC saves labor and time when compared to the current FDC, because with current FDC, one has to install a check valve and then install the FDC. With Addow's FDC, it is a one step process. Addow's FDC is equipped with swivels which don't allow debris, garbage or trash to be deposited in the FDC and this makes Addow's FDC debris proof. Addow's FDC allows back flushing test to be performed by removing the 4 inch cap and reversing the FDC. Addow's FDC, unlike current FDCs, comes with three different styles of outlets, which are grooved, flange, and threaded. This gives the consumers more selections to suit their needs. Current FDCs come only with one style of outlet, which is threaded outlet.

Abstract: A fluid-actuated valve control actuator, comprising a body in which two mutually opposite pistons are accommodated, each piston being provided with a rack and being adapted to engage a shaft for actuating a stem of a valve, wherein an end of the actuation shaft that lies opposite to an end adapted to engage the stem of valve is octagonal for engagement with an indicator for indicating the opening/closure of the valve.

Abstract: A pressure compensating valve is configured as a pressure control valve for a fuel tank. The valve body is operatively connected to a membrane via a two-arm valve lever so that, when there is an underpressure in a control chamber, which is bounded by the membrane, the membrane is displaced in the direction toward the lever. The lever is then pivoted and opens the valve for pressure compensating the fuel tank by allowing air to flow in.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling for use in undersea drilling and production operations is disclosed, having a male member with radially extending projections or fins configured to be received in a female member having corresponding grooves in its receiving chamber. Relative rotation of the members urges the male member inwardly and preferably compresses axially a metal seal between the leading face of the male member and an internal shoulder. This preloads the seal before the coupling is pressured up with hydraulic fluid. The rotation of the male member may be done manually or by remote actuation.

Abstract: A distributor for liquids including a two-diameter (1a, 1b) base body (1) provided with the inlet (4) for the liquid in the upper portion (1a) having the bigger diameter and with several outlets (5) in the lower, compartmented portion (1b), a rotatable obturator bell (3) inferiorly resting on said lower portion through the intermediary of a doubly annular seal (20, 21) provided with radial lengths (21′) and partially inlaid in respective grooves (22, 23, 23′) provided in the lower edges of said bell with which this latter comes to rest on said lower portion.

Abstract: A piezoelectric bending element is sealingly insertable into a chamber in a housing and controls with its free end at least one sealing seat corresponding to an applied control current. The bending element has a covering made of partially elastic insulating material and which also seals off the chamber at the proximal end. The bending element is electrically insulated and sealed off against the medium to be controlled, and electrical contacts lie outside of the working area of the valve.

Abstract: In a manifold solenoid valve drive-controlled by serial signals, control systems for a single valve and a double valve are achieved by simple switching of a single control system. For this purpose, in order to transmit serial signals to solenoid valves through manifold blocks 30 on which solenoid valves 20 are mounted and which are connected, a printed circuit board 45 having connecting terminals 46a and 46b for transmitting serial signals, a slave chip 47 for extracting operation signals for the solenoid valves from the serial signals, a feeder terminal 49 for supplying power to the solenoid valves 20 based on the operation signals, and a switching device 48 for switching the slave chip between a single solenoid valve mode and a double solenoid valve mode is detachably accommodated in an electric circuit section 41 of each manifold block 30.

Abstract: A method for weaving fabrics with a two-sided rib structure, such as false boucl{acute over (e)} fabrics, comprises forming a fabric on a weaving machine from weft threads and warp threads of a series of warp thread systems, with sets of at least two weft threads running one above the other. Each warp thread system comprises at least three pattern warp threads of which two opposite each other, respectively along the upper side and the lower side of the fabric, form a number of ribs. The pattern warp threads are alternately rib-formingly passed around over one or several sets of weft threads and are interlaced in the fabric, while each additional pattern warp thread is inwoven in the fabric between weft threads of the sets over which other pattern warp threads are rib-formingly passed around.

Abstract: A collar actuatable air valve for air powered strap tensioning tools, and methods therefor, including a collar rotatably coupled to a housing, an air valve disposed at least partially in the housing and having an actuator portion biased to protrude therefrom and into engagement with an actuator surface of the collar. A collar biasing member rotatably biases the collar relative to the housing to close the air valve, whereby the collar is rotatable against the bias of the collar biasing member to open the air valve.