Abstract: A HCCI engine includes a cylinder block with a cylinder head closing off a cylinder, a power piston slidably contained within the cylinder, and a boost piston for initiating timed combustion of fuel within a combustion chamber. The boost piston is housed within a wall of the combustion chamber such that when the boost piston moves from a base position to an extended position, the heat increase within the combustion chamber is sufficient to cause fuel within the combustion chamber to ignite.

Abstract: Method for controlling the supply of electrical energy to an electromagnetic device and use of a sliding mode controller. Control devices are known in which, in order to obtain a desired movement of an electromagnetically activated gas exchange valve, the supply of electrical energy is controlled as a function of a measured position of the gas exchange valve. The novel method is intended to optimize the control with respect to the movement forms to be obtained, the formation of noise and/or the required use of electrical energy. In a control device according to the invention, a differential signal is generated using the movement signal or a signal generated from the movement signal, and using a desired signal. The supply of electrical energy to the activating device of the gas exchange valve is controlled by means of a sliding mode controller using the differential signal.

Abstract: In a device for actuating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine, which actuating device includes an electromagnetic actuator and is floatingly supported on the cylinder head so as to provide for a play compensation structure, axially spaced valve opening and closing magnets having opposite pole faces are arranged in spaced relationship and an armature is axially movably disposed between the opposite pole faces and connected to the valve shaft of the gas exchange valve, and valve closing and opening springs are disposed at opposite sides of a spring support plate mounted for movement with the valve shaft, wherein the valve closing spring is supported on the actuating device and means are provided for biasing the actuating device into a valve closing direction.

Abstract: In a VVA apparatus for an internal combustion engine wherein the position of contact of a cam face of a VO cam with respect to the top face of a valve lifter is changed in accordance with a change in a rocking fulcrum of a rocker arm to alter the valve lift, the maximum valve lift is obtained in a first rotated position of a control shaft where an axis of a control cam is adjacent to a driving shaft. The minimum valve lift is obtained in a second rotated position of the control shaft where the axis of the control cam is positioned near a first pivotal point of the rocker arm and a crank arm with respect to a first line connecting the axis of the control shaft and the axis of the control cam upon the maximum valve lift.

Abstract: A valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine allows an actual valve timing (Ta) for an intake valve (17) and/or an exhaust valve (18) to converge speedily to a desired valve timing (To) even when control quantities for the engine are initialized immediately after power-on or restoration of a normal operation state from an abnormal state, to thereby suppress degradation of engine performance and exhaust gas quality.

Abstract: A method for improving efficiency and reducing emissions of an internal combustion engine. Variable displacement engine capabilities are achieved by disabling engine valves during load changes and constant load operations. Active cylinders may be operated at minimum BSFC by intermittently disabling other cylinders to provide the desired net torque. Disabling is begun by early closing of the intake valve to provide a vacuum at BDC which will result in no net gas flow across the piston rings, and minimum loss of compression energy in the disabled cylinder; this saving in engine friction losses is significant with multiple disablements.

Abstract: In a valve movement control system of an internal combustion engine, a hydraulic operational characteristic variable mechanism with no operational lag or a shortened operational lag on re-starting of the engine is provided. The valve movement control system comprises a camshaft having a cam journal supported for rotation by a support member, a hydraulic operational characteristic variable mechanism provided on the camshaft, an oil pressure control valve, and a control oil passage for supplying operating oil to the operational characteristic variable mechanism through a plurality of members including the camshaft and the support member. An operating oil reserve chamber is provided above the cam journal for supplementing operating oil flowing out through a minute gap between the cam journal and the support member when the engine is stopped.

Abstract: A power steering fluid reservoir is provided which is formed integrally with an intake manifold. The intake manifold includes an inlet channel for allowing ambient air into the manifold. A plenum is fluidly connected with the inlet channel and the plenum provides a gaseous reservoir. A plurality of runners are fluidly connected with the plenum for distributing air to the cylinders of an engine. Integrally formed with the inlet channel, plenum, and runners is a power steering fluid reservoir. The power steering fluid reservoir is fluidly separated from the intake plenum by a common wall. The common wall allows for continuous cooling of the power steering fluid by an induced flow of ambient air through the plenum.

Abstract: A three plenum air distribution manifold for intake air to internal combustion engine with long, narrow runners leading from first and second spaced side plenums for delivery of air and recirculating exhaust gases into corresponding combustion chambers of the engine. One end of the spaced side plenums are connected by an acoustically balanced cross over passage selectively closed by a manifold tuning valve for improving engine output torque during low engine speed. A third plenum is positioned intermediate the two side plenums to communicate with the combustion chambers in bypass relation to the side plenums thereby directly supplying air to the combustion chambers through short runners which are selectively opened by valves to optimize engine torque over a higher range of engine speeds. The manifold tuning valve and short runner valves are controlled by an onboard electronic controller responsive to signals from the engine corresponding to parameters such as engine speed.

Abstract: An engine starting device for an internal combustion engine, includes an energy storing mechanism including at least one elastic member, an input element engageable with the elastic member and movable into contact with a rotatable engine member of an engine to load the elastic member, an output element that is movable in response to unloading of the elastic member, at least one manual actuator to enable unloading of the elastic member, a locking mechanism engageable with the energy storing mechanism to prevent the elastic member from unloading from a loaded state, a sliding member, a cam member mounted to the sliding member, a pivot link pivotably mounted to the sliding member, and a key device coupled to the pivot link. In operation, rotation of the key device in a locking direction causes the pivot link to move the sliding member, thereby causing the cam member to engage the locking mechanism when the locking mechanism is positioned in engagement with the energy storing mechanism.

Abstract: A valve seat insert includes a ring bounded by surfaces including an inner wall circumferentially disposed about an imaginary central axis passing through the insert. The inner wall includes a plurality of grooves oriented diagonally with respect to the central axis. This and other disclosed valve seat designs impart a vortex to an air-fuel mixture as it enters the combustion chamber, improving combustion efficiency.

Abstract: A valve seat insert 10 for use in combination with a cylinder head 12. Insert 10 is disposed within a cavity 24 formed within cylinder head 12 and includes several notches 40 which cooperate with surface 26 within cavity 24 to form a plurality of passages or channels 50 which allow fuel 18 to freely pass between surface 26 and insert 10. Channels 50 are effective to substantially prevent fuel 18 from becoming trapped between insert 10 and cylinder head 12, thereby preventing the formation of corrosive acids and byproducts.

Abstract: Poor full power engine performance in variable compression ratio engines resulting from small valve overlap periods, necessary for preventing piston-to-valve strike at high compression ratio, is prevented by phase shifting of the intake and exhaust valves with change of compression ratio. The crankshaft is rotatably mounted in eccentric main bearing supports for adjusting the position of the crankshaft rotational axis relative to the engine housing. A drive gear is mounted on the crankshaft and a first driven gear is mounted on a secondary shaft mounted in the engine housing. The secondary shaft drives the intake camshaft drive. The mesh direction between the drive gear and the first driven gear points generally away from the cylinder head of the engine. A second driven gear is mounted on a third shaft, the second driven gear being in mesh with a drive gear mounted on the crankshaft. The third shaft drives the exhaust camshaft drive.

Abstract: An oil passageway structure for an internal combustion engine which provides a greater degree of freedom in design, prevents oil leakage outside the engine, and avoids the need to change the respective shapes of a cylinder block and a cylinder head, with a concomitant reduction in plant investment. The oil passageway structure includes an oil pipe laid between a passage extending on the downstream side of an oil pump on the side of the cylinder block and an oil control valve on the side of the cylinder head. The oil pipe is positioned inside a chain chamber.

Abstract: The invention describes an oil-pickup system for an internal combustion engine, especially a one-cylinder diesel engine with at least three oil-pickup tubes (26, 27, 28), which are in communication with the oil pump via a suction tube (29) and which are disposed in the oil pan (24) in such a way that, if the internal combustion engine is in inclined position, intake of air is prevented by the control valves associated with the oil-pickup tubes.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for the controlled shutting-off of an internal-combustion engine. The engine system includes a fuel injection timing gear, an ignition control, an electric machine in the form of an electric motor and/or generator coupled directly or indirectly with the internal-combustion engine, and another control unit. In order to ensure a controlled shutting-off the control unit is operable to detect a shut-off signal for the internal-combustion engine, to interrupt the fuel injection while the ignition is simultaneously maintained, to maintain a defined rotational engine speed for a defined time or a defined number of crankshaft revolutions by means of the electric machine, and finally to stop the internal-combustion engine by means of the electric machine.

Abstract: An intake passage device is provided for an internal combustion engine having carburetor communicated with a connecting projection of an intake port of a cylinder of the engine, wherein the diameter of the connecting projection becomes smaller toward the inside of the intake port. A connecting pipe is provided for communicating the carburetor with the intake port. An inner end of the connecting pipe is engaged in the connecting projection. There is formed a plurality of one communication passages formed in the connecting pipe for communicating an inside of the connecting pipe with a space between an inside wall of the connecting projection and an outside wall of the connecting pipe.

Abstract: An intake manifold assembly includes an improved air intake manifold receiving novel side feed fuel injectors. A fuel rail is integrated as a common part defining a common fuel passage integral with the air intake manifold. The common fuel passage supplies the side feed fuel injectors through openings that are spaced away from the injector nozzles toward an opposite connector end of each injector. The injector design concentrates an actuating coil, armature and nozzle valve in a lower or nozzle end of the injector. The fuel is fed from the side feed opening through an axially centered fuel passage that extends through the coil and the associated armature to the injection valve in a manner identical to corresponding top feed injectors. Thus, the performance advantages of top feed injection systems are provided while gaining the reduction in cost attributable to elimination of the separate fuel rail and subassembly. Various arrangements are disclosed for retaining the injectors in the manifold assembly.

Abstract: A fuel system comprising a fuel pump having a pump outlet which communicates with a fuel volume, the volume communicating with the inlets of a plurality of fuel injectors. The fuel flow paths between the pump outlet and the inlet of each injector form substantially equal restrictions to the flow of fuel.

Abstract: A control device and a control method capable of eliminating a torque variation in changing an air/fuel ratio and establishing a compatibility of promotion in fuel economy with promotion in drivability is provided. The device includes an outer environment detector for detecting an outer environment in running a vehicle, a running environment determining device for predicting a current running environment in accordance with the outer environment, a data storage device for storing data for changing a driving characteristic, a selecting device for selecting the data, a control quantity calculator for calculating a control quantity based on the data, and a control actuator for controlling a control object.

Abstract: A fuel supply system is provided with a static discharge circuit (30) placed on the surface of a cover (3) fitted in the opening (2a) of a fuel tank (2) and used to discharge the static electricity generated because of the intense friction between fuel and the filter element (5a) of a fuel filter (5) when the fuel passes through the filter element (5a). The static discharge circuit (30) is fitted with output terminals (38c) so arranged as to externally output an operation confirming signal for an operation confirming display lamp (37) by making use of a pulse signal at the time of charging-discharging. Therefore, the static electricity can surely be discharged and a decrease in the amount of fuel supply to and engine can also be recognized beforehand by detecting the fact that the filter element (5a) is clogged with foreign matter and/or the malfunctioning of a fuel pump (4) occurs.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster is provided for interfacing between a piezoelectric element and a control valve in a piezoelectric actuated fuel injector. The hydraulic lash adjuster includes an inner plunger having an axial passage for storing a working fluid therein, and an outer body having a socket dimensioned to receive the inner plunger. The inner plunger is movably coupled into the socket of the outer body so as to form a working chamber between a bottom outer surface of the inner plunger and a bottom surface of the socket in the outer body. The hydraulic lash adjuster further includes a feed valve assembly disposed in the passage of the inner plunger for providing the working fluid from the passage to the working chamber, thereby minimizing the volume of the working chamber.

Abstract: In a fuel supply system with a main tank (1), with a splash pot (4), with a pump (7) fed from the splash pot and with connecting lines (5, 18) for the pump, according to the invention the latter is arranged in the main tank (1) outside the splash pot (4) and is connected to the latter via at least one suction line (5) integrally formed fixedly onto an inner wall (3) of the main tank. It is particularly advantageous if that portion of the forward-run line (18) which is to be connected to the pump is also integrally formed fixedly onto the inner wall, because the pump can then be fluidically connected very simply and quickly by being plugged on. As a further option, the electric connection (24-27) of the pump can also be made in one operation with the fluidic contacting.

Abstract: A fuel delivery module with an integrated fuel filter is disclosed. The fuel delivery module can be mounted in a fuel tank for supplying fuel from the fuel tank to an engine. The fuel delivery module includes a fuel reservoir, a sealed main fuel filter housing, a fuel pump, a pressure regulator, and a jet pump. The main fuel filter housing is mounted to the fuel reservoir and defines a main fuel filter chamber that contains a main fuel filter. The fuel pump is located within the fuel reservoir for pumping fuel from the fuel reservoir through a fuel pump outlet conduit and into the main fuel filter chamber. A filter housing outlet conduit is provided for routing fuel from the main fuel filter chamber to the engine. The pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the main fuel filter chamber and a jet pump fuel inlet conduit for routing a portion of fuel from the main fuel filter chamber and to the jet pump fuel inlet conduit when a threshold pressure is reached in the main fuel filter chamber.

Abstract: A low fuel vapor emissions fuel system which reduces the need for FVCS and further obviates both the fuel pump and its return fuel line, composed generally of a rigid tank, a flexible fuel bladder within the tank, a filler pipe connecting between the fuel bladder and an exterior body location, a filler cap which removably seals the filler pipe, a fuel line from the fuel bladder to the engine, an air compression system for selectively pressurizing the cavity between the fuel bladder and the tank, and a fuel level sensor. In operation, when the ignition key is turned on, the air pump pressurizes the cavity between the tank and the fuel bladder. A program of the vehicle computer monitors the air pressure to provide a nominal fuel pressure for the engine. The air pump system further includes a vent valve, which also includes an over pressure relief valve.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a combustion heater is capable of surely effecting an ignition of the combustion heater. In the engine having the vaporization type combustion heater operated at a cold time to raise a temperature of engine cooling water, the combustion heater has a glow plug for forming a latent flame by igniting a combustion fuel, a combustion camber for growing the latent flame formed by the glow plug into flames, an air supply pipe for supplying the combustion chamber with the air for combustion, a combustion gas discharge pipe for discharging the combustion gas from the combustion chamber, and a communicating passageway for connecting the air supply passageway to the combustion gas discharge pipe. A valve means provided in the communicating passageway controls the connecting passageway so as to open and close.

Abstract: A supplemental nitrous oxide and fuel injection system for use with an internal combustion engine, which includes the unique properties of variable flow-rate control of the supplemental injection system and direct cylinder injection methods. Where an engine is normally controlled by the driver with the (0-100%) throttle control of the existing air/fuel system, this supplemental nitrous oxide and fuel injection system is linked to the existing throttle control and controlled in the same manner. In addition, this system also provides a direct cylinder injection method that completely bypasses the existing intake manifold and carburetor/fuel injection.

Abstract: A controller is interposed between the O2 sensor and electronic control unit of a motor vehicle to modify the O2 sensor signals before they are received by the electronic control unit so that a richer fuel mixture is introduced into the internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle than would otherwise be the case.

Abstract: An improved gas operated fireplace module is provided having a ceramic support base with a plurality of irregularly-shaped and spaced protruberants on the upper surface of the base. Ceramic fuel logs are disposed on the upper surface of the ceramic support base and are preferably fixedly connected thereon. A gas burner, which is preferably elongated, is disposed in close proximity to the ceramic support base so that flames emitted therefrom play onto the upper surface of the ceramic support base to interact with the various protruberants and the underside surfaces of the fuel logs. The module may further include a plurality of artificial coals disposed integrally with the ceramic support base and the underside of one or more of the fire logs. The base preferably also includes a plurality of irregularly-shaped secondary combustion openings to provide additional combustion airflow and to randomly redirect flames for a more naturally appearing flame picture.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for dispensing medication in the respiratory system, with provision for breath-activation; open and closed-mouth technique; recording and control of dosage; and enhanced atomization of liquid medication. This is accomplished with a device that uses a medication canister with an integral battery and circuitry, the battery providing power for electro-mechanical activation, counting medication dosage used or remaining, and controlling device activation. The invention has capability for use with dry and wet medication, and is easily cocked with a simple manual action.

Abstract: A respirator with an inhalation line (5) connected to a gas supply device (2) and with an exhalation line (7) connected to an exhalation device (3), with a Y piece (8) connecting the inhalation line (5) to the exhalation line (7), and with a patient connection (9) going out from the Y piece (8). Partial rebreathing of CO2-containing exhaled air is made possible in a simple manner by providing a switchover device (4) between the inhalation line (5) and the gas supply device (2) as well as between the exhalation line (7) and the exhalation device (3). The switchover device is designed such that the flow connection is established between the inhalation line (5) and the gas supply device (2) as well as the exhalation line (7) and the exhalation device (3) in a first switching position and there is at least a flow connection between the gas supply device (2) and the exhalation line (7) in the second switching position.

Abstract: A post-mortem adjustable mandibular/maxillary lock. The apparatus permits easily position on a cadaver, even ones that have jaw problems such as dentures, diseased bones, brittle bones, trauma as well as deceased having normal teeth and bones. The apparatus locks the jaws bones in a correct anatomical position during the embalming process and provides a natural mouth closure appearance of the remains for viewing by the bereaved during the funeral ceremony.

Abstract: A method and implantation tools for placing a transventricular splint including a tension member. The method includes gaining access to the patient's hearts and identifying entry or exit points for the tension member, marking those locations and delivering the tension member. Anchors for the tension member are also delivered. The length of the tensions member is measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. The pads are secured to the tension member and the tension member is trimmed to length. The pads are secured to the heart surface.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating/preventing positional plagiocephaly.

Abstract: A self-extinguishing pipe is described for use with tobacco or other smoking material. The pipe is made in two parts, a body and an endpiece, and holds a filter internally. The endpiece includes a reservoir for the tobacco or other smoking material at one end which has an adjustable base for changing the depth of the reservoir. The two-part construction and adjustable base facilitate cleaning of the pipe, replacement of the filter, and removal of ash without needing additional tools. The depth of the reservoir is adjusted by rotating an inner component of the endpiece in relation to a surrounding cowl. Various bores through the body of the pipe and the components of the endpiece communicate with each other so as to form an air passage from the smoking material to the mouth end of the pipe, thereby allowing smoke to be drawn into the user's mouth.

Abstract: A braid and ponytail holder consisting of a panel formed from flexible material such as leather. Pairs of rivet-on lacing studs are attached to the panel near its opposing edges of the panel so that, when the panel is curled to form a tubular sheath, the two studs are adjacent to one another. A lacing strand which is captured by the outwardly extending hook portion of each of the lacing studs draws the studs together so that the sheath surrounds and firmly retains the hair. A clasp, such as a small ring or ferrule, secures the free ends of the lacing strands to secure the holder in place around the braid or ponytail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anhydrous compositions for bleaching keratin fibers, in particular the hair, containing at least one alkaline agent, at least one peroxygenated salt, at least one anionic and/or nonionic amphiphilic polymer including at least one fatty chain, and at least one cationic or amphoteric substantive polymer, to the use of these compositions to prepare ready-to-use bleaching compositions by mixing with an aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition, and to a process for bleaching the hair using these anhydrous compositions.

Abstract: A hair colorant applicator in the form of a hollow comb 1 with a threaded receiver top 2 that accepts standard plastic bottles 8 of hair colorant in the inverted position. The teeth of the comb are in the form of tubes. A hollow channel 5 in each tube 3 of the comb terminates in an orifice 4a at the tip of each tube. Hair colorant 9 flows from the bottle, through the body of the comb 6, through the channels in the tubes, and exits the tips of the tubes. This applies the colorant at the base of hair near the scalp to maintain uniform hair coloring as the hair grows. Newly emerged uncolored hair near the scalp can be colored without deepening the color of the rest of the hair. The user squeezes the bottle of colorant as it is applied to control the flow rate.

Abstract: A brush-type cosmetics applicator is provided that has bristle characteristics that vary at regular intervals along the length of the applicator. A plurality of annular members (e.g., disks, sleeves, rings, beads, etc.) are each individually formed by, for example, molding. Each annular member has a central bore. At least some of the plurality of annual members are flocked, preferably on an outwardly directed surface, with fibers of a desired diameter, hardness, flexibility, length and composition (material). The remaining annular members may not be flocked, or may be flocked with fibers having one or more characteristics different from the fibers used on the first group, e.g., a different diameter, hardness, flexibility, length or composition, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, each annular member of the second group may be flocked on a surface different from the surface flocked on each annular member of the first group.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for hair styling is disclosed that allows a user to bind or retain hair in a particular orientation while allowing the user to then braid, twist or wind the hair as desired. The hair styling apparatus includes a wire center core spirally wound with a fabric strip such that the fabric strip acts as a sheath to substantially cover the wire center core. The wire center core is sized to be flexible so a user may bend or wind the hair styling apparatus as desired while having sufficient stiffness to retain the desired shape. The hair styling apparatus may be further enhanced by the addition of an elastic loop at one end to allow grouping a bundle of hair as in a pony tail. Additionally, the ends of the hair styling apparatus may be adorned with beads or other ornaments that are interchangeable with use of threaded end connections. Several methods of use for such a novel hair styling apparatus are shown.

Abstract: For the purpose of cleaning and/or disinfecting endoscopes having a plurality of channels, each channel is connected to a feedline, which is provided with a shut-off valve, for a cleaning and/or disinfecting agent, and each channel is flushed with a cleaning and/or disinfecting agent. If necessary, before flushing the channels, separating means are arranged in the endoscope in order to separate channels from one another, in such a manner that during flushing only single channels are present in the endoscope. Each single channel is connected to a feedline for a cleaning and/or disinfecting agent and is flushed separately. The single channels which merge in the endoscope into a common channel part are flushed one after the other. Advantageously, if single channels of mutually different passage width are flushed simultaneously, an additional flow restriction is arranged in at least the feedline connected to the channel with the greater passage width.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the interior surfaces of a receptacle holding a body of water comprises providing the receptacle, providing an aqueous solution having from about 1 to about 100 weight percent of an aliphatic amine or salt thereof, adding the aqueous solution to the water within the receptacle. The aliphatic amine is selected from among the following: CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2NH2, R—O—(CH2)3NH2 and R—O—(CH2)3NH(CH2)3NH2 wherein R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having from 8 to 10 carbon atoms, R optionally having additional ether linkages such as CnH(n+1)—(O—CH2CH2)n′, and wherein n is an integer from 8 to 10 and n′ is an integer from 1 to 5. When the aqueous solution is added to the water, flocculus or precipitants are substantially not formed in the water proximate to the point of addition. Also disclosed is a swimming pool having a liner and a body of water within the liner.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus includes a spin support for supporting and spinning a substrate, a nozzle for discharging a cleaning liquid with a given cleaning condition from a discharge opening, a moving mechanism for moving the nozzle at least between center and edge of the substrate, a cleaning condition adjuster for adjusting the cleaning condition, and a controller for controlling the cleaning condition adjuster to vary the cleaning condition according to a cleaning liquid supply position movable over the substrate surface.

Abstract: In high speed strip pickling and other treatment such as rinsing and cleaning, the acid or other liquid treating medium tends to be carried along with the strip, which reduces the efficiency of contact of the acid with the strip. The invention addresses this problem by providing a segmented bath, each segment having a deflector over the strip to cause a flow reversal of the acid, which is then guided by an inclined separator panel to the upstream end of the segment and deposited again on the strip. The exit of the segment also includes a constriction to cause the acid to accelerate, creating turbulence, and, on the exit side of the constriction, causing a decrease in pressure, whereby acid is drawn down from above the separator panel, which in turn assists the circulation of acid through the flow reversal.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is a device for closing a tank (1) containing a corrosive product closed by at least two successive lids (5) whose two longitudinal sides (6) engage, upon closing, into two corresponding gutters (7) of the tank (1) which are filled with water in order to constitute a tight seal, so-called ‘water seal’. According to the invention, at least one additional medial, also U-section, transversal gutter (12) is interposed between both longitudinal gutters (7) of the tank (1) at a sealing plane (P) between two successive lids (5) whose opposite transversal sides (8) engage into the said transversal gutter (12) in order to form a water seal on at least three sides of each lid.

Abstract: A dishwasher cabinet has a front wall, a rear wall, and opposite sidewalls. The cabinet has an intermediate wall for forming the cabinet into a first compartment and a second compartment. The front wall has a first opening and a second opening providing access into the first and second compartments respectively. First and second doors are in covering relation over the first and second openings and are movable between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A canopy for a child's wagon including a canopy support structure selectively removably secured to the wagon and extending upwardly therefrom. A canopy is supported on the support structure for shading a child positioned in the passenger seating area of the wagon.

Abstract: A mission adaptive inlet (42) for an aircraft (40) has a rigid lip panel (56) pivotally attached to an inlet (42) of the aircraft (40). An actuation mechanism is coupled to the rigid lip panel (56) and causes the rigid lip panel (56) to pivot from a first position to a second position. A reinforced elastomer system (48) is connected the rigid lip panel and the inlet (42).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for supplying uninterrupted gas by using an automatic switching gas supply system are provided. In the apparatus, a main gas supply source and at least one back-up gas supply source are provided which are connected by a plurality of conduits to a process tool. The conduits further include pressure regulators such that a gas pressure from the main gas supply source is always regulated at about 0.5 Kg/cm2˜1 Kg/cm2 higher than a gas pressure from the back-up gas supply source. The apparatus operates by pneumatic means so that no electric power is required. The apparatus further operates automatically by switching from the main gas supply source to the back-up gas supply source when the pressure drop in the main gas supply source exceeds the pressure differential that is preset in the system, e.g., between about 0.5 Kg/cm2 and about 1 Kg/cm2. Any other suitable range of pressure differential may also be used depending on the type of gases transported and the conduits used.

Abstract: A safety system for a fluid conduit comprising a flexible fluid conduit having first and second ends, a first valve seat disposed at the first end of the conduit and a second valve seat disposed at the second end of the conduit. The first and second valve seats are positioned a first predetermined distance from each other. A first plurality of valve bodies are disposed at the first end of the conduit and a second plurality of valve bodies are disposed at the second end of the conduit. The first and second valve seats are disposed between the first and second plurality of valve bodies, with the first and second plurality of valve bodies positioned a second predetermined distance from the first and second valve seats, respectively.