Abstract: A floating dock including many buoyant wharf modules having approximately the same exterior size and shape, as well as density properties, relative to a pile extending through a vertically extending passage in one of the modules. The passage has four straight walls defining a square in the horizontal plane. A roller is at each corner of the square. The roller which is normally spaced from the cylindrical pile, contacts the pile as the dock bobs. A bracket mounted on a carrier having fixed tabs encased in a concrete deck of the module can be moved to different radial positions relative to the center, vertical axis of the passage, to accommodate different diameter piles. A permanent mold form for the concrete includes the lips extending upwardly from the passage side walls and lips extending upwardly from exterior side walls of a closed shell having foam therein. The shell has a roof forming the permanent mold form floor. The roof extends between the lips.

Abstract: A floating offshore structure for use in oil or gas drilling or production operations, having apertures in its sides in order to reduce the movement of the structure as a result of undersea currents is disclosed herein. The structure contains a production platform extending above the ocean's surface, a series of buoyancy tanks providing the structure with the ability to float, apertures, surrounded by coamings, located around the structure such that ocean currents are allowed to flow laterally through the center of the structure and such that oil and gas can dissipate from the center of the structure if a rupture occurs, a fluid retention tank and ballast in order to lower the center of gravity of the structure and make it more stable, and a centerwell running through the longitudinal center of the structure which allows one or more risers to run from the ocean floor to the operating platform. The structure can then be moored to the sea floor through the use of a catenary or other mooring system.

Abstract: A deep ocean, mid-water farming apparatus, for propagating bi-valves, kelp and sea weed comprising a plurality of air-containing tanks arranged in a frame and including a lower frame element and an upper frame element, a device for anchoring the tanks in deep water and including connectors to connect the anchor to the lower frame element for holding the device in deep water, a plurality of upwardly directed elongated tubular substrates, on which to grow the bi-valves, the substrates arranged about a vertically-oriented center strut, each substrate defined by a first, lower terminal end, for connection to the upper frame element, and a second, upper terminal end, spaced-apart from the first end and, a top hat centered about the strut for connecting to the upper ends of the tubular substrates for holding them in a fixed configuration thereabout.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a radar unit by which the unit is mounted to the three ropes of a backstay of a yacht. There is a mounting plate having three connecting openings which connect to the free ends of a main line from the mast and two bow lines. The lines are tensioned to hold the mounting plate in a position above the deck. A mounting platform is connected by a rotary connection to the back plate, and the radar unit (by the force of gravity) remains level.

Abstract: A versatile motor boat having front and rear casting platforms and side platforms, a center console and oppositely facing, front and rear seat assemblies. Both seat assemblies can be opened to provide maximum seating when the boat is to be used for cruising. The front seat assembly may be collapsed to provide an extended front casting platform when it is desired to use the boat as a bay or striper boat. Both seat assemblies can be folded down to extend the front and rear casting platforms for use of the boat as a bass boat. When the seat assemblies are collapsed, supports are provided for a rigid back member forming part of each seat back and latches secure the seat backs in their collapsed position so that the rear surfaces of the rigid members provide stable extended casting platforms.

Abstract: A monitoring cooking thermometer includes a shape memory alloy activated probe for entering into food being cooked. A clockwork mechanical mechanism in a body fits to the top of the probe. When the food reaches a predetermined temperature a mechanical bell is sounded and a flag is exposed outside the body.

Abstract: An improved chemical vapor deposition or etching is shown in which cyclotron resonance and photo or plasma CVD cooperate to deposit a layer with high performance at a high deposition speed. The high deposition speed is attributed to the cyclotron resonance while the high performance is attributed to the CVDS.

Abstract: A plasma processing system for plasma processing of substrates such as semiconductor wafers. The system includes a plasma processing chamber, a substrate support for supporting a substrate within the processing chamber, a dielectric member having an interior surface facing the substrate support, the dielectric member forming a wall of the processing chamber, a gas injector fixed to, part of or removably mounted in an opening in the dielectric window, the gas injector including a plurality of gas outlets supplying process gas into the chamber, and an RF energy source such as a planar or non-planar spiral coil which inductively couples RF energy through the dielectric member and into the chamber to energize the process gas into a plasma state. The arrangement permits modification of gas delivery arrangements to meet the needs of a particular processing regime. In addition, compared to consumable showerhead arrangements, the use of a removably mounted gas injector can be replaced more easily and economically.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for an upgraded CVD system that provides a plasma for efficiently cleaning a chamber, according to a specific embodiment. Etching or depositing a layer onto a substrate also may be achieved using the upgraded CVD system of the present invention. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides an easily removable, conveniently handled, and relatively inexpensive microwave plasma source as a retrofit for or a removable addition to existing CVD apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the remote microwave plasma source efficiently provides a plasma without need for liquid-cooling the plasma applicator tube. In another embodiment, the present invention provides an improved CVD apparatus or retrofit of existing CVD apparatus capable of producing a plasma with the ability to efficiently clean the chamber when needed.

Abstract: Water bowl for pets with a water retaining vessel having a bowl shape, a cooling disk, a device for retaining the cooling disk to the bottom of the bowl, a device for easily removing the cooling disk, and a non-skid ring at the bottom of the bowl, the cooling disk being comprised of a rigid shell and having a freezable material within the shell so that the disk can be brought to a low temperature in a standard freezer compartment of a refrigerator and then placed in said bowl to keep said water cool on hot days.

Abstract: A synthetic structure is used to simultaneously provide food, shelter and reproductive support for many aquatic species. Synthetic seagrass may be produced in the form of flexible mats with a plurality of ribbons. The lower ends of the ribbons are anchored to the benthos. The other ends of the ribbons are buoyantly supported in the photic zone. The ribbons may be economically produced in plural coextensive layers, with one layer providing buoyancy and the other layer being structured to enhance biological growth. The system may be tailored for use in desired applications by selecting the surface area structure, ribbon spacing and density, and other parameters. The system may be used to remove nutrients and/or toxic materials from water. The invention may be used to simultaneously promote aerobic and anaerobic reactions to control water quality. The invention also relates to artificial plants, including seagrass mats, for aquariums. The artificial plants may be flexible and buoyant.

Abstract: A locking assembly for securing a cage door, such as a bird cage door, wherein the locking assembly includes a substantially M-shaped wire support, which may be made of a resilient material, such as a plastic or a metal, having two bottom ends which are each attached to a pivot support of the cage door. The opposite end of the M-shaped wire locking device has two foot-shaped locking feet, which may be engaged under two locking slots, or loops, provided in the bird cage adjacent to the cage door. The locking device further includes a pair of finger grips which, when squeezed together by a user, cause inward displacement of the locking feet, such that they are removed, or displaced from, the locking slots or loops of the cage. In this “squeezed” position, the door of the bird cage can be pivoted to an “open” position for allowing entry into the cage.

Abstract: A pet carrier (20) includes a cage like enclosure (22) having a top (24), a bottom (26), a front end (28), and an opposite rear end (30). Two spaced wheels (32) are connected to the cage like enclosure at the bottom rear end so that when the front end is lifted off of a support surface (500), the pet carrier can be rolled. A handle (34) is pivotally connected to the cage like enclosure at the top near the front end. The handle is selectively lockable in a plurality of angular positions allowing the height of the handle to be adjusted to accommodate users of different heights.

Abstract: An examination table for animals and other heavy or uncooperative objects has an examination surface supported by a lift and surrounded by a shroud. The lift moves the examination surface in a vertical direction, thereby allowing an animal to be led, rather than lifted, to the examination surface. The shroud pens the animal in the table, thereby preventing it from leaving the examination surface. In the described embodiment, the lift comprises a motorized scissor lift, and the shroud is attached to the apparatus and includes a hinged door to allow ingress of the object or animal to be examined. Wheels are also provided for the ease of moving the apparatus.

Abstract: A free stall divider which eliminates the need for structural elements in front of each free stall, thereby increasing the space in front of each animal and minimizes the structural elements at the side of each animal thoroughly allowing each animal to position its head comfortably to either side while lying in the stall. The free stall divider comprises a base, at least one mounting member, and at least one dividing element. All of the structural elements required to retain the dividing element upright are mounted to the base. When an animal is in a stall, therefore, all of the mounting members are located to the side of the animal. Therefore, no obstructions prevent the animal from moving in a forward direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for grooming fur-bearing animals with a body having an integral base with a leading edge having a plurality of spaced apart tines attached and at least one sleeve proximate to the base contacting a portion of at least one of the plurality of tines.

Abstract: Insects on an animal includes a reservoir for holding one or more ingredients including one or more chemicals. Also included is a delivery system for discharging the one or more ingredients on an animal. A water encapsulation member is mountable on the delivery system for applying water on an animal. A detection device that is selectively positionable on the delivery system is provided for detecting the location of an animal in relationship to the apparatus.

Abstract: An electronic containment system for use with animals and/or humans. The system has a transmitter for transmitting a radio signal, a receiver for receiving the radio signal from the transmitter and a power source separate from the receiver. The system also includes a collar or a belt to attach the receiver and the battery to the animal and/or human. The receiver is attached to a first position on the collar and the power source is attached to a second position on the collar.

Abstract: A method of transporting and lifting a large immobile animal for treatment of the animal includes transporting the animal with a transport cart and lifting the animal with a lift. The transport cart includes a generally rectangular collapsible frame having a front frame member pivotally attached to a rear frame member. A set of wheels are attached to the rear frame member for rolling movement of the cart. A handle is pivotally attached to the front frame member. A removable support sheet is carried by the frame. The lift includes a base supported by wheels for rolling movement of the lift, a lowered generally rectangular support frame, a generally rectangular support sheet carried by the generally rectangular support frame, a frame lifting mechanism disposed between the base and the frame, and a driving mechanism coupled to the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A quick release leash assembly for releasable attachment to an animal collar. The leash assembly comprises an elongate, flexible strap having opposed first and second ends. Attached to the second end of the strap is a latch mechanism which is releasably engagable to the animal collar. The latch mechanism has a latch member which is moveable between a locked position whereat the latch mechanism is maintainable in attachment to the animal collar, and a release position whereat the animal collar is detachable from the latch mechanism. Mechanically coupled to the latch mechanism is a release mechanism of the leash assembly which is operative to selectively move the latch member from the locked position to the release position subsequent to the application of a tensile force thereto.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for supplying air to a fluidized bed boiler are disclosed. In the method, the air is supplied from all comers of the fluidized bed boiler substantially parallel to two opposite walls and from the middle of said walls toward the center of the fluidized bed boiler whereby the air flows cause the formation of four vortexes in the fluidized bed boiler. The arrangement comprises nozzles that blow air jets towards each other parallel to the opposite walls of the fluidized bed boiler and nozzles in the middle of the walls arranged to blow air toward the center of the fluidized bed boiler.

Abstract: A water heater including a water tank, a combustion chamber beneath the tank, a gas burner in the combustion chamber, an air plenum upstream of the combustion chamber, a flame arrestor located such that air in the air plenum passes through the flame arrestor to reach the combustion chamber, and a flue extending upwardly from the combustion chamber and through the water tank.

Abstract: A vaporizer for vaporizing liquid anesthetic has a chamber for liquid anesthetic, a gas flow passage, a throttle in the gas flow passage, a first connection between the chamber and the gas flow passage upstream from the throttle and a second connection between the chamber and the gas flow passage downstream from the throttle. The vaporizer is more accurate and usable with different liquid anesthetics by having an outlet valve arranged by an outlet in the vaporizer, this outlet valve being regulated by the pressure upstream from the throttle.

Abstract: The apparatus is an enclosed engine generator assembly with air intake and air discharge openings into the enclosure in which the engine is installed and the radiator for engine cooling moved from the conventional vertical position in front of the engine to a horizontal orientation above the generator. The arrangement permits an assembly with a shorter overall length, but no significant increase in the height, and thereby facilitates installation aboard vehicles.

Abstract: A cooling system (10) for a turbocharged locomotive engine (12) including a two stage intercooler (20) for conditioning the combustion air (16). A first coolant loop (32) includes a first stage intercooler (38), the engine coolant passages (22), a radiator (34), a first tank (36), an oil cooler (30), and a first pump (40). A second coolant loop (42) includes a second stage intercooler (44) a subcooler (48), a second tank (46), and a second pump (50). A fluid connection is provided between the first coolant loop (32) and the second coolant loop (42) to provide heat there between during conditions of overcooling of the second coolant loop (42). Flow control valves forming a portion of first coolant loop (32) may be embodied in a single rotor-sleeve flow control valve (130).

Abstract: In a heat transfer system (10), an upper coolant chamber (31) and a lower coolant chamber (24) of a typical engine, such as an internal combustion engine, fuel cell, boiler, or other engine for converting fuel to thermal energy, are formed adjacent to the heat-rejecting components of the engine and are hermetically sealed to prevent exposure of heat-transfer liquid within the chambers to the engine's ambient atmosphere. The heat-transfer liquid is preferably a substantially anhydrous, boilable liquid having a saturation temperature higher than that of water, and the heat-transfer liquid is pumped at a predetermined flow rate, and distributed through the heat-transfer fluid chamber so that the liquid within the chambers substantially condenses the heat-transfer liquid vaporized by the heat-rejecting components of the engine.

Abstract: A mechanical fuel cell, in which a novel two cycle type, six cylinder, twin cam, internal combustion rotary engine, operable generally at constant speed, drives a plurality of magnets over a stationary wire coil to generate electrical energy.

Abstract: A variable compression and asymmetrical stroke internal combustion engine includes a cylinder, a drive piston reciprocally disposed in the cylinder, an auxiliary piston reciprocally disposed in the cylinder, apparatus for reciprocating the auxiliary piston at twice the speed of the drive piston and in a manner wherein the relative reciprocation is asymmetrical, an intake port communicably connected to the cylinder, an exhaust port communicably connected to the cylinder, and an ignition device operably connected to the cylinder.

Abstract: To provide a two-cycle internal combustion engine capable of preventing the blow-by phenomenon to improve fuel economy and attain a high exhaust gas purifying performance, and increasing the responsiveness of fuel injection volume. In a two-cycle internal combustion engine, a chamber is disposed in scavenging passages for communicating a crank chamber to a combustion chamber, sealable control valves are respectively disposed in an inlet and an outlet of the chamber, and a fuel feeding system for the supply of fuel into the chamber is provided. The chamber is communicated to one scavenging passage out of a plurality of parallel scavenging passages. The combustion chamber side control valve disposed at an outlet of the chamber on the downstream side of the crank case side control valve provided at an inlet of the chamber, is positioned at the bottom portion of a scavenging passage communicated to the chamber.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve for use in an internal combustion engine has a valve body movable upwardly for closing an exhaust or intake passage and movable downwardly for opening the exhaust or intake passage, a valve stem extending upwardly from the valve body, a pair of upper and lower solenoids spaced from each other in an axial direction of the valve stem and confronting each other vertically, the valve stem extending through the upper and lower solenoids, a movable plate mounted on the valve stem and disposed between the solenoids, the movable plate being movable between the solenoids to cause the valve stem to open and close the valve body in response to being magnetically attracted by the solenoids, a first spring for normally biasing the valve body to open the exhaust or intake passage, and a second spring for normally biasing the valve body to close the exhaust or intake passage against the first spring. The first spring has a resilient force greater than a resilient force of the second spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetically driven valve suited for use in an internal combustion engine and aims at achieving appropriate operating characteristics in accordance with operating conditions of the internal combustion engine at the time of opening or closing a valve body. An armature moving together with the valve body is provided and upper and lower cores are disposed on opposed sides of the armature. The upper core and the lower core accommodate upper and lower coils, respectively. An annular protrusion, formed not on the upper core but on the lower core only, has an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the armature.

Abstract: In a valve lift control system for engine intake valves which selectively changes an intake valve lift of an engine, and a phase angle relationship of a timing of opening the engine valve in relation with a crankshaft angle depending on the operating condition of the engine, an arrangement is made to limit the advancing of the opening timing of the engine valve when a large valve lift is selected. It is thus possible to limit the advancing of the timing of opening the engine intake valve only when the valve lift is increased, and the advancing of the timing of opening the engine intake valve may cause an interference between the engine intake valve and the corresponding engine piston. The valve opening timing is otherwise optimized, and the maximum performance of the engine can be attained under all possible circumstances.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a central mounting shaft and a rocker arm rotatably mounted to the central shaft wherein the rocker arm has a generally planar main body with a valve contacting end and a push rod contacting end. A convex surface is formed on a lower edge of a valve contacting surface and the push rod contacting end includes a generally semi-spherical recess that creates generally semi-spherical outer projections on the sides of the rocker arm main body. The central mounting shaft according to one embodiment of the present invention is a generally hollow, tubular shaft having spaced apart lubrication apertures for providing lubricant to each rocker arm. A second embodiment of the present invention has a central mounting shaft that includes a plurality of relatively short, hardened shafts connected together at respective adjoining ends by a spacer sleeve to provide a rocker arm assembly having greater stiffness.

Abstract: Duct structure (22) is disposed in an engine compartment (10) of an automotive vehicle and comprises a main air passageway (32) that runs from an intake (34) at one end to an outlet (36) at an opposite end. A section of the length of passageway (32) is disposed to run alongside a vertical wall of the casing of a battery (24) that is toward an engine (12). Heat impinging on the duct structure is dissipated to the airflow through the passageway. Various features are integrated with the duct structure including resonators (38, 40), a deflector (48), and a battery enclosure (50) for containment of electrolyte that is accidentally spewed or leaked from the battery casing so that the liquid does not entrain with the intake airflow to the engine.

Abstract: An engine starting and stopping device for an internal combustion engine includes an energy storing mechanism having at least one elastic member such as a spring, an input element engageable with the elastic member and movable during engine coast down to load the elastic member, and an output element that is movable in response to the energy storing mechanism. The output element is movable in response to the energy storing mechanism as the elastic member unloads from the loaded state, to thereby move a rotatable member (i.e., a crankshaft and/or flywheel) of the engine during starting of the engine. An input control device is also provided for positioning the input element into engagement with the rotatable member of the engine such that rotation of the rotatable member moves the input element to load the elastic member during engine coast down and also to brake the engine.

Abstract: A valve stem seal assembly includes a resilient seal member mounted to a shell body having a downwardly extending skirt. At least one alignment pad or tang is provided in the skirt of the shell body for improved gripping of an outside diameter of a valve guide. In one embodiment, the alignment pad includes an inwardly projecting ramp portion connected to a generally longitudinally extending land portion and terminates in an inwardly projecting tang adjacent the land portion. In another embodiment, a valve stem seal assembly includes at least one tang having a generally arcuate end portion with a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending shoulders for gripping a valve guide.

Abstract: Highly reliable lubrication and cooling of four-stroke cycle motorcycle engines are achieved by an oil pump and three check valve assembly delivering oil continuously to tappets at the upper end of the cylinders. Engine operation at idling speed or higher produces oil pump pressure exceeding about 12 psi, and the crankshaft bearings are thus continuously lubricated as well. “Wet sump” collection of oil in the crankcase is avoided, and effective cooling of return oil in an external oil tank promotes cooler engine operation.

Abstract: A rotor-piston internal combustion engine comprised of a body with two intersecting circular cylinders with pistons therein, two diametrically located ignition chambers and two cylindrical cavities, driving shaft and piston synchro mechanism with two hinges is provided.

Abstract: A combustion engine has a line (20) for feeding exhaust gases back from the outlet system (3, 3) to the inlet system (2), an EGR valve (17) in the line (20), an exhaust brake valve (50) in the outlet system to increase the pressure in the outlet system upstream therefrom, and a control system (32) for controlling the degree of opening and closing of the valves (17, 50) on the basis of signals which represent the engine's operating state. The control system (32) holds the EGR valve (17) open and the exhaust brake valve (50) in a position which substantially throttles the exhaust gas flow so long as a first signal indicates that the engine has, during its starting, not yet reached a steady operating state. The result is a particularly simple way of appreciably shortening the time the engine takes to reach a steady operating state from a cold start and a corresponding reduction in discharge of emissions.

Abstract: A premixed charge compression ignition engine, and a control system, is provided which effectively initiates combustion by compression ignition and maintains stable combustion while achieving extremely low nitrous oxide emissions, good overall efficiency and acceptable combustion noise and cylinder pressures. The present engine and control system effectively controls the combustion history, that is, the time at which combustion occurs, the rate of combustion, the duration of combustion and/or the completeness of combustion, by controlling the operation of certain control variables providing temperature control, pressure control, control of the mixture's autoignition properties and equivalence ratio control. The combustion control system provides active feedback control of the combustion event and includes a sensor, e.g. pressure sensor, for detecting an engine operating condition indicative of the combustion history, e.g.

Abstract: A common rail delivers fuel to a fuel injection valve for injecting fuel directly into each combustion chamber of a direct injection type gasoline engine. A connected accumulator incorporates a gas-sealed type damper. A body portion of the damper can stretch and shrink by being constructed of a metallic bellows, and gas is sealed in the metallic bellows. The pressure at which the gas is initially sealed within the damper is set for 4 Mpa or more, more preferably, for 8 Mpa or more. Further, to secure suppression of a variation in normal operation fuel pressure (for example, 10-12 Mpa), the pressure at which the gas is initially sealed within the damper is set to be lower than the normal operation fuel pressure, more preferably, lower than the normal operation fuel pressure by 1 Mpa or more.

Abstract: A fuel system damper is provided having a housing which is separated by a diaphragm into first and second chambers. The first chamber is sealed and contains a spring biased toward the diaphragm. The second chamber has an opening to allow fuel from a fuel rail to enter the damper and contact the diaphragm. The second chamber includes a radial shoulder that maximizes an effective area of the diaphragm. A spacer is disposed in the second chamber that engages the diaphragm to prevent the diaphragm from contacting the radial shoulder. The spacer maintains the diaphragm in a position to provide the maximum effective area of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines, having a cylindrical valve body whose outside diameter decreases, forming an annular shoulder, in the direction of an injection opening. The valve body is braced axially against a holding body by means of a tension nut engaging the annular shoulder. The fuel injection valve is inserted into a stepped receiving bore in the housing of the engine, and the bore is sealed off via a sealing ring fastened between an annular end face of the tension nut and a housing shoulder of the receiving bore. The sealing ring disposed in axially secured fashion on the reduced-diameter shaft portion of the valve body, is characterized in that the sealing ring has a central circular opening, which is deformed in a defined way after being slipped onto the shaft part of the valve body.

Abstract: A method for fuel injection for starting an internal combustion engine, whereby upon closure of a starting contact, fuel injectors are operated simultaneously to deliver a first amount (IDi) of fuel to a number of cylinders (Ci) and, after a synchronization signal (Scyl, Srep) has been recognized, the injectors are operated sequentially. An angle of rotation (ANG) separating the angular position (START) of the engine upon closure of the starting contact from the angular position (SYNC) reached upon recognition of the synchronization signal is measured. This angle is compared with a predetermined value (THR), and when the angle of rotation is greater than the predetermined value, an additional amount (CMP) of fuel is injected into a cylinder (C2) determined on the basis of the cylinder (C3) in respect of which the synchronization signal was recognized.

Abstract: A process and system for generating and delivering high-pressure fuel to a high-pressure storage chamber of a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine. The system includes a low-pressure pump as a pre-feed pump by which fuel is supplied from a tank and is delivered to the intake side of a high-pressure pump and a part of the fuel delivered by the low-pressure pump is used to lubricate the high-pressure pump. In order to reduce the temperature level in the return and to increase the overall efficiency of the motor, the system is embodied so that the delivery quantity of the low-pressure pump or the delivery pressure on the delivery side of the low-pressure pump is controlled as a function of the currently required fuel quantity determined by sensors and a control device.

Abstract: Four-stroke diesel engine with unit injectors and a catalytic converter in the engine exhaust system for catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust, the unit injectors have pump pistons, each driven by an individual cam element with a cam curve, which has a first cam ridge effecting injection of fuel during the ordinary injection phase of the engine, and a second cam ridge which achieves so-called post-injection in the engine combustion chamber during the exhaust phase of the engine, for supplying vaporized fuel to the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A subtank is connected to a bracket fitted in an opening of a fuel tank via a L-shaped sliding plate. The L-shaped plate is movably supported by the bracket, and the subtank is rotatably supported by the L-shaped plate. A spring force is applied to the subtank toward the fuel tank by a spring via the L-shaped plate. Accordingly, a fuel supply apparatus is easily installed in a flat fuel tank without enlarging the opening of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A secondary fuel pump assembly for a fuel tank in a vehicle includes a reservoir adapted to be disposed in the fuel tank having a top defining an overflow fuel level of the reservoir. The secondary fuel pump assembly also includes a conduit conducting return fuel from an engine of the vehicle to the reservoir and a jet pump having a discharge outlet in the reservoir and an inlet operatively connected to the conduit. The secondary fuel pump assembly includes an overflow fuel member defining a flow path for overflow of fuel in the reservoir and a guide member extending into the overflow fuel member and having at least one aperture extending therethough. The secondary fuel pump assembly further includes a guide disposed over the guide member and movable relative thereto to open and close the at least one aperture and a float connected to the guide to move the guide as a fuel level rises and falls in the reservoir.

Abstract: A fuel tank fabrication, a fuel system and a method for refueling a vehicle each employ a fuel tank having contained at least in part therein a liquid fuel and a fuel vapor. The at least one of the liquid fuel and the fuel vapor is then cooled while employing a Stirling cooing apparatus such that upon refueling the fuel tank there is attenuated an escape of the fuel vapor from the fuel tank.

Abstract: An auxiliary canister operates with a storage canister of an evaporative emissions control system to reduce the amount of fuel vapor emitted from a vehicle to very low levels. The storage canister contains a first sorbent material and has a vent port in communication therewith. The auxiliary canister comprises an enclosure, first and second passages, a heater and a connector. Inside the enclosure, a second sorbent material is in thermal contact with the heater. Attached at one end to the bottom of the enclosure, the first passage is connectable at its other end to the vent port to allow flow between the storage and auxiliary canisters. Attached at one end to a top of the enclosure, the second passage is connectable at its other end to a vent valve of the control system to allow flow between the auxiliary canister and the vent valve. Incorporated into the enclosure, the connector is used to convey electrical power from the vehicle to the heater.