Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating combustibles by slagging combustion, such as municipal wastes, plastic wastes, sewage sludges, or automobile wastes. Combustibles and oxygen-containing gas are supplied to a slagging combustion furnace (3), and the combustibles are partially oxidized under a reducing atmosphere in a primary combustion chamber (8) to obtain combustible gas and convert ash content in the combustibles into molten slag which is discharged from a slag separation chamber (10), and then the combustible gas is completely combusted in a secondary combustion chamber (9) by supplying oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically changing a bobbin case on a quilting machine having a hook drive operatively supporting the bobbin case during a stitching operation. The apparatus includes a staging station adapted to support at least one bobbin case normally having a full spool of thread, and a carriage movable between the staging station and the hook drive. A finger is movably mounted on the carriage, and the finger moves a release lever on the bobbin to an unlock position and clamps the release lever at the unlock position. A method of using the above apparatus in an automatic bobbin changing operation is also provided. A controller determines the need for a bobbin change, for example, by counting stitches and calculating the thread remaining on the bobbin. The bobbin change can be carried out between patterns or during a pattern by cutting the bobbin thread or both the top and bottom threads. The sewing of tacking stitches may also be done in sequence with the thread cutting and bobbin changes.

Abstract: A unitary double-acting piston thread cutter assembly having a housing including an integrated cutter section and drive section forming a single unitary device. The thread cutter assembly includes a universal tension mount for releasably securing the thread cutter assembly to the top plate of a variety of different types and models of sewing machine. A V-shaped moveable blade has two sides with a pivot point defined at the intersection of the sides. Along one side of the moveable blade is disposed a cutting or knife edge. A double-acting piston and drive link are disposed longitudinally in the housing and connected so that they are both displaced at the same time.

Abstract: A multi-needle zipper tape stitching mechanism includes a bottom needle plate having two parallel guide grooves for the passing of two chains (rows of teeth, a guide plate with two needle holes mounted on the bottom needle plate, a guide bar for guiding two zipper tapes over the chains being delivered through the bottom needle plate, an upper needle plate covered on the bottom needle plate and defining with the bottom needle plate two zipper tape passage ways for the passing of the zipper tapes and the chains, and two stitching needles reciprocated through respective needle holes on the upper needle plate and the needle holes on the guide plate to fasten the chains to the zipper tapes with three lines of stitches respectively, the stitching needles each having three needle rods arranged in parallel and spaced from one another at a different pitch, the needle rods each having a point and an eye on the point for the insertion of a respective thread.

Abstract: A baffle system for mitigating thruster wake deficit is provided in the environment of an underwater vehicle. The baffle system includes at least one baffle member initially housed within a thruster housing of the underwater vehicle and an actuating member for selectively positioning the at least one baffle member into a fluid flow over an outer surface of the underwater vehicle. The baffle members deflect the fluid flow from the thruster into surface contact with the outer surface of the underwater vehicle aft of the thruster housing on a discharge side thereof and directs the fluid flow into the thruster housing on an intake side thereof. The baffles may be as few as two and as many as four, and are selectively introduced into the fluid flow passing over the outer surface of the vehicle to direct the fluid flow accordingly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a boat including a hull having an interior region. The boat also includes an insert mounted within the hull. The insert includes a bottom piece having a bottom side that complements and nests within the interior region of the hull. The insert also includes a top piece secured to the bottom piece. The top and bottom pieces cooperate to define an inner foam chamber. The insert further includes a volume of foam positioned within the foam chamber.

Abstract: A camper back assembly for attachment to a boat includes a plurality of strut members having one end anchored to the transom of the boat, with the end opposite ends of the strut members anchored to the awning or boat structure. The length of the strut members is greater than the linear distance between the anchor points on the boat transom and the awning to provide a dome-like support for a cover portion which is releaseably secured to the boat.

Abstract: A cap assembly is shown for a right of way line marker which includes a cap body with a conical exterior and an end opening. A mounting assembly including a lower, stationary disk and an upper, sliding disk are received within the end opening of the cap body. The lower disk has an aperture therein for receiving the upper end of a vertical support member. The upper sliding disk is positionable within the cap open interior upon contact with the upper end of the support member to thereby securely mount the cap assembly about the right of way line marker.

Abstract: The present invention provides an HDP-CVD tool using simultaneous deposition and sputtering of doped and undoped silicon dioxide capable of excellent gap fill and blanket film deposition on wafers. The tool of the present invention includes: a dual RF zone inductively coupled plasma source; a dual zone gas distribution system; temperature controlled surfaces within the tool; a symmetrically shaped turbomolecular pumped chamber body; a dual cooling zone electrostatic chuck; an all ceramic/aluminum alloy chamber; and a remote plasma chamber cleaning system.

Abstract: The chamber 1 of the spattering apparatus has a gas introduction port 2 provided at one side in a direction orthogonal to the opening/closing direction of a door 11 of chamber 1, and a vacuum evacuation port 3 provided on the other side of chamber. A substrate holder 4 is fixed on door 11, and a cathode 31 is arranged on a wall face facing door 11 of chamber 1. A shield 41 is arranged in close proximity to and so as to cover the peripheral part of substrate holder 4. A hole 42 is formed in shield 41 in a location facing vacuum evacuation port 3, whereby rapid vacuum evacuation can be achieved even though shield 41 is arranged in a condition close to sealing with respect to the peripheral part of substrate holder 4.

Abstract: A device for reducing the contamination of a disc being coated during an ion beam deposition process. The ion beam deposition process is performed in a chamber having an upper portion and a lower portion with the disc being disposed in the lower portion of the chamber. An ion source is introduced into the lower chamber for generating an ion beam for depositing ions on the disc. In the upper portion of the chamber is a pump for creating negative pressure in the chamber. A portion of the ion beam contacts the pump forming contaminants on the pump which cause the contamination of the disc. A baffle assembly is disposed in the chamber between the pump and the ion source. Said baffle assembly includes a baffle that reduces the portion of the ion beam contacting said pump thereby reducing the forming of contaminants on the pump.

Abstract: A plasma process device capable of forming homogeneous plasma and coping with a large size substrate less costly can be obtained. The plasma process device includes a processing chamber, microwave guiding device, a shower plate and a reaction gas supply passage. The microwave guiding device guides a microwave into the processing chamber. The shower plate has a gas inlet hole to supply to the processing chamber a reaction gas attaining a plasma state by the microwave, and a lower surface facing the processing chamber and an upper surface positioned on the opposite side of the lower surface. The reaction gas supply passage is a positioned on the upper surface of the shower plate and supplies the reaction gas to the gas inlet hole. A wall surface of the reaction gas supply passage includes an upper surface of the shower plate and a conductor wall surface opposing the upper surface.

Abstract: A multi-site in ovo injection apparatus and related methods for treating live eggs is disclosed. The multi-site injection apparatus includes one or more injection delivery devices which are configured to deliver multiple treatment substances to predetermined areas of eggs. The treatment substances can be provided so that they are spatially and/or temporally separate. The devices and methods enable the effective use of a plurality of treatment substances even those that are effective when used alone but can be noxious if mixed.

Abstract: A pet bed or similar article which is designed to be comfortable for the pet, consisting of a cushion, a frame which elevates the cushion and provides a suspension system providing the pet with a furniture feel, an easily cleaned skirted slipcover which covers the cushion and frame with a method for securing the slipcover to the perimeter of the trampoline frame, and method of making the same. The method of making the pet bed comprising the steps of: making the cushion by cutting the three panels, joining the peripheral portions of the top and bottom panels to the side panel, stuffing the cushion casing, and closing up the access opening left for the stuffing steps, making the slipcover by cutting the pieces of the slipcover, joining the pieces of the slipcover and attaching the skirt and method for attaching skirt to frame, placing cushion on flexible support surface of the frame, and covering the cushion and frame with the slipcover and securing to frame.

Abstract: A self-cleaning cat litter box has the ability to automatically filter and separate clumped soiled litter and fecal matter from clean litter. The apparatus includes a rotatable drum, a spiral filter within the drum, and a stationary back plate. The drawn has front and back walls, and the front wall has a front opening which permits access and egress by a domestic pet. The back wall has a first opening for both the removal of soiled litter and the addition of clean litter. The spiral filter is slotted, and is mounted on the inner surface of the drum. The stationary back plate is parallel to the plane of the back wall and has a second opening which permits the passage of soiled litter away from the drum, and a third opening to permit the passage of clean litter into the drum. The drum is rotated by a suitable drive, which can be electively actuated by a switch.

Abstract: Housing for a domestic animal is in the configuration of furniture. Within the housing or enclosure is a litter box. A shelf support may be used to hold the litter box or the litter box may be disposed below the shelf support. The use of the shelf support prevents litter from being thrown out of the enclosure during use. A flap covers an opening at one end of the enclosure and the animal moves into and out of the enclosure through the flap covered opening. This hides the contents of the litter box and helps to eliminate odor. This furniture provides a more sanitary approach to the litter box problem for indoor cats and their owners. Also within the enclosure is a storage area for items which pertain to the animal.

Abstract: A circular cat litter container where a sieving mechanism is attached to a rotatable ring atop the container. The circular motion of the ring moves the sieve throughout the entire contents of the litter container capturing any solid waste that is too large to pass through the sieve. The sieve mechanism has axis of movement such that the sieve can be folded out of the way of the contents of the container when the sieve is not in use. The container and sieving mechanism are designed such that the sieve automatically moves into a scooping position when the ring is rotated in a clockwise motion. Conversely, when the ring and sieve are rotated counterclockwise, the sieve automatically is placed in an “out of the way” or resting position. The sieving mechanism is removably attached to the rotatable ring such that the sieve serves to act as a litter scoop to remove and discard the solid waste material found in the litter container.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for underwater self-contained and remotely controllable tagging of marine fauna involves emplacement of a tagging unit that can be used for example in a fishing trawl and establishment of communications with the unit through a cable wire that may be conventional. Numerous types of information can be recorded in relation to the tagging, including two- and/or three-dimensional images of the animal, to be used at a later date when the tagged animal is recovered. The method decreases tagging mortality and the biological effects of tagging on the animals, since they are not exposed to temperature and pressure changes, human handling and, at times, anesthesia. The embodiment makes it possible to tag deep-sea species that have never been tagged due to the fact that they would not survive the ambient changes of coming to the water's surface.

Abstract: A portable animal carrier is provided which is of a size to comfortably hold a small pet, such as a cat or dog, and may be placed under an airline seat. Carrier straps are included to provide a versatility of to table options, which include carrying the portable animal carrier as a backpack, shoulder bag, or hand tote. The portable animal carrier may preferably have a tapered contour to facilitate it smoothly lying against the user's body when being transported as a backpack or shoulder bag.

Abstract: A pet carrier for use in transporting pets within the passenger compartments of aircraft includes selectively closeable windows formed from mesh fabric, a fully openable end and a fully openable side for providing access to the interior of the pet carrier, an access port in the top having a full length double zipper closure and a rotatable locking member for securing the access port in the closed condition, a multi-function strap securable to the opposite ends of the pet carrier for use as a shoulder strap and securable to one end of the pet carrier for use as a pulling strap; individually removable rollers supporting the pet carrier for rolling movement over an underlying surface; a removable floor; and a closeable window in the top.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices for animals that either include magnets or are made of magnetic material and are usable with an animal restraint. Also, a magnetic animal identification tag.

Abstract: A water heating system in which the output water temperature is regulated by a mixing valve which allows the temperature of the water contained within the water heater to be maintained at a much higher temperature without compromising safety. Significantly more hot water is therefore available for use yet the maximum temperature supplied to the various points of usage are within the safe limits. The system can be additionally configured to supply unmixed hot water to points of usage where a higher temperature is needed and a user is not exposed to the water such as for example in a dishwasher.

Abstract: A water heater includes a water tank, a combustion chamber below the tank and communicating with the flue tube, and a flue system. The flue system includes a flue tube, and a cruciform fin metallurgically bonded to the flue tube wall and dividing the flue tube into four flue chambers extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flue tube. The flue system also includes a removable baffle hanging in each flue chamber. The baffles include adjustable turbulation surfaces to control the quality of combustion in the water heater.

Abstract: A piston internal-combustion engine has a control system for controlling the number of strokes of the combustion process taking place inside a combustion space. As a function of operating parameters, the control system controls the engine operating process such that the process has a variable cycle of at least four strokes. A pushing of a charge out of a combustion space of the piston internal-combustion engine does not take place before one or several operating parameters have reached one defined limit value, respectively.

Abstract: A method is provided for converting a conventional four stroke internal combustion engine having four cylinders into a two stroke engine. The camshaft assembly including the camshaft having cams thereon and the drive assembly which couples the camshaft to the crankshaft are replaced with a modified camshaft assembly such that the inlet and exhaust valves are each opened once per revolution of the camshaft. The resulting two stroke engine includes two pairs of pistons, each pair of pistons having a first and second piston which are fired synchronously. The pairs of pistons being spaced 180 degrees apart such that two pistons are fired synchronously for every half rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: The addition of volume reducing piston 28 to a “Two stroke engine with a plunger” through cylinder head 4 so that volume reducing piston 28 can get between cylinder head 4 and plunger body 11 and reduce the amount of fluid sucked into the engine. Also added to the engine is spring 34 to move volume reducing piston 28, and electro magnet 38 so that volume reducing piston 28 does not move at selected times. When electro magnet 38 is energized, volume reducing piston 28 is caught by electro magnet 38, so that volume reducing piston 28 does not move from cylinder head 4 when plunger body 11 goes to the bottom of its stroke, the amount of fluid to be compressed is not reduced, and the engine operates in a greater power output mode.

Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine having a compressed air assisted fuel injection system. The injection system has an accumulator that uses scavenged air from the crankcase as the compressed air source. The injection system has a valve connected to an exit from the accumulator. The valve is connected to a diaphragm with two diaphragm pressure chambers on opposite sides of the diaphragm. Both diaphragm pressure chambers are connected to pressure in the crankcase; one of the diaphragm pressure chambers by a flow restrictor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for starting an internal-combustion engine of a vehicle is provided, having a starting device for starting the internal-combustion engine in which the rotational starting speed can be controlled or automatically controlled. For minimizing starting energy, shortening the starting time, increasing the starting safety and reducing the emissions during the start, the rotational speed generated by the starting device is adjusted to a defined maximal rotational starting speed.

Abstract: A field replaceable unitary manifold housing for providing combustion air and combustion fuel to an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The housing includes an air purification cavity having a spaced apart air intake and air discharge. The housing also includes a filter for purifying air disposed in the air purification cavity intermediate the air intake and the air discharge. The housing also includes a hollow elongate member having a first end coupled to the filter and a second end coupled to a plenum chamber for directing the air, the plenum chamber being integral with the air purification cavity. The housing also includes a plurality of channels, each channel integral with the housing and having a first end integral with the plenum chamber and a second end coupled to a cylinder head of the engine.

Abstract: A four stroke engine having at least two cylinders spaced vertically relative to each other. Each cylinder includes a cylinder body having a cylinder bore extending generally horizontally. Plurality of air intake ducts are provided for connecting a common plenum chamber and respective air intake passages which extends to respective combustion chambers. Each of the air intake ducts has a generally straight section extending generally horizontally and parallel to each other. The distance between the straight sections is less than the distance between the axes of the cylinder bores. Also, in another feature, throttle body means are interposed between duct members, which are upstream components of the air intake ducts, and the intake passages for controlling the flow of air to the combustion chambers.

Abstract: A control strategy for use in combination with a hybrid electric vehicle 10 including a propulsion system 12 having an engine 14 and a starter/alternator 16 which is operatively coupled to crankshaft 18 of engine 14. The control strategy utilizes the starter/alternator 16 as an “active” flywheel and implements a variable parameter notch filter and a lead compensator to attenuate crankshaft speed oscillations.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a crankshaft having a helical spur gear mounted for rotation therewith and a balancer. The balancer includes a balancer housing and first and second balance shafts rotatably carried in the balancer housing about laterally spaced parallel axes. A first gear is mounted on the first balance shaft and driven by the helical spur gear at a speed determined by the crankshaft. A second gear is mounted on the second balance shaft for meshing engagement with the first gear for rotation in a direction opposite to the first gear. The helical spur gear and the first and second gears have teeth yielding an involute contact ratio of approximately 3 and a total contact ratio of approximately 5 to thereby reduce gear rattle. One of the balancer gears is aluminum and the other balancer gear is grey cast iron.

Abstract: An engine block is described having at one end a lateral flange 12 formed with an aperture for mounting of an ancillary unit such as a pump 16. An adapter plate 30 is mounted on the end face of the lateral flange to overlie the aperture for the ancillary unit 16, the surface of the adapter plate facing the aperture being machined to mate, when in use, with an ancillary unit 16 disposed on the other side of the flange 12 and secured to the adapter plate 30 through the aperture in the lateral flange.

Abstract: A lubricating system is disclosed for an engine arranged such that the crankshaft is vertically oriented. The crankshaft rotates within a crankcase chamber defined by the cylinder block and a crankcase cover connected thereto. First crankshaft support members which support half-bearings extend from the cylinder block. Mating half-bearings are supported by second crankshaft support members positioned opposite the first crankshaft support members. A baffle plate is positioned in the crankcase chamber between the crankcase cover and the crankshaft. At least one oil flow passage is defined through the crankcase chamber from a top end to a bottom end of the chamber. In one embodiment, oil is supplied through a main passage in the crankcase cover and a branch passage through each second crankshaft support members for lubricating the bearings.

Abstract: A stratified-charge combustion chamber system for a direct-injection spark-ignited (DISI) engine with a swirl-type airflow. An asymmetrical combustion bowl design in the top wall of the piston provides a wide area on the downstream side of the swirl flow and a harbor area upstream of the swirl flow in a direction further away from the fuel injector. The edge of the combustion bowl is comprised of smoothly-connected curves with large radii, except for the curve connecting the wide and harbor areas, which has a small radius. The vertical cross-sections of the bowl also have large radii in order to guide the air-fuel mixture and rebounded fuel droplets toward the spark plug and prevent dead regions for the fuel. The precise position of the spark plug in the harbor area can be adjusted as desired within a certain range to improve ignitability of the air-fuel mixture.

Abstract: A control device employing a computer readable program code, for an engine is provided with an electromagnetic actuator controlling opening and closing operation of an intake valve in response to an electric driving signal. The device determines a target A/F based on a signal corresponding to a requested engine output value and a signal representing a driving condition of the engine, determines a requested intake air flow of a cylinder of the engine based on the signal representing a driving condition of the engine and the target A/F, and determines control values for opening and closing operation of an intake valve based on the requested intake air flow and the target A/F. The control values include at least one of a valve opening timing, a valve opening time and a maximum valve lifting amount of the intake valve. Electric driving signals are generated according to the control values.

Abstract: A method and system for determining degradation of fuel pump performance in a locomotive having an internal combustion engine is provided. The method allows for monitoring a signal indicative of a fuel value delivered by the fuel pump and for adjusting the value of the monitored signal for deviations from an estimated nominal fuel value due to external variables to generate an adjusted fuel value. The method further allows for comparing the value of the adjusted fuel value against the nominal fuel value to determine the performance of the pump.

Abstract: A fuel injection timing control system for diesel engines operating at high altitude includes a barometric sensor coupled to an altitude timing controller, and a throttle position sensor coupled to the engine and the altitude timing controller. The altitude timing controller adjusts fuel injection timing in response to the sensed pressure and sensed throttle position by advancing or retarding fuel injection timing by predetermined values as barometric pressure and/or throttle position changes. The predetermined values are selected to reduce exhaust emissions and/or increase engine efficiency and performance under various barometric pressure conditions so that the engine may be operated continually and optimally under various barometric conditions.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system having a housing 22 with a motor 40, throttle valve 60, gear mechanism 100, and failsafe mechanism. A main spring member 130 positioned between the housing 22 and a gear mechanism 104, which in turn is attached to the throttle valve shaft 62, biases the throttle plate 60 towards the closed position. A spring-biased default mechanism 132, 134 biases the throttle plate 60 from its closed position to a default or “limp-home” position.

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 oxides of nitrogen 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 fuel injector including a delay device, the fuel injector having an electric controller for controlling the flow of a high pressure actuating fluid responsive to initiation and cessation of a pulse width command, the pulse width command defining the duration of an injection event, and an intensifier being in fluid communication with the controller, the intensifier being translatable to increase the pressure of a volume of fuel for injection into the combustion chamber of an engine; the delay device includes an apparatus, shiftable between a first disposition and a second disposition over a certain period of time after initiation of the pulse width command, the period of time effecting a delay in initiation of fuel injection after initiation of the pulse width command. In one embodiment, a bias against shifting the apparatus from said first disposition to the second disposition is effected by the actuating fluid to reduce variations in the delay period under variable actuating pressure conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel injection device for combustion engines, preferably Diesel engines, with at least one pilot valve by means of which a control piston is displaceable by a pressure medium in order to convey fuel through at least one line/channel toward a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, whereby at least one accumulator is provided in the flow path of the fuel or the pressure medium, and an accumulator space is connected to the connecting line/channel for the fuel or the pressure medium.

Abstract: A distributor arrangement is disclosed which comprises a distributor member rotatable within a bore formed in a sleeve, the sleeve being provided with a supply port through which fuel under high pressure can be supplied to the distributor member, in use, and a plurality of delivery ports, the distributor member being provided with a delivery passage registrable with the delivery ports, in turn, upon rotation of the distributor member whereby fuel under pressure supplied through the supply port flows to a selected one of the delivery ports, in use, the distributor arrangement further comprising a porting arrangement whereby, when the distributor member occupies a position in which the delivery passage is not registered with any of the delivery ports, cooling fluid is able to flow through the delivery passage.

Abstract: A fuel system that comprises a tank, a pump, a flow-through pressure regulator, and piping connecting these components and an internal combustion engine. The flow-through pressure regulator can maintain a substantially constant noise output from low fuel flow rates to high fuel flow rates. Further, the pressure of fuel in the regulator at a maximum fuel flow rate can be made substantially equal to or less than the pressure of fuel in the regulator at a minimum fuel flow rate.

Abstract: An improved fuel compensation method for a variable cam phase engine which predicts the phase of the cam at the midpoint of valve overlap and uses the predicted cam phase to compensate a base fuel pulse for the corresponding amount of diluent. If the cam phase is in transition to a desired value, the cam phase for purposes of compensation may be predicted based on the desired cam phase, current cam phase and its rate of change; otherwise, the cam phase is predicted based on the current cam phase. In a first interval of cam phase transition characterized by nonlinear change in cam phase, the cam phase is predicted by applying a nonlinear offset to the measured cam phase. In a second interval of cam phase transition characterized by substantially linear variation of cam phase, the cam phase is predicted by linear extrapolation of the measured cam phase, and limited to range bounded by the measured cam phase and the desired cam phase.

Abstract: A start assist device for an engine having a means for supplying fuel to fewer than all of the cylinders of the engine at engine cranking speeds that are less than the speed wherein the fuel injection system provides fuel to all of the cylinders. In one embodiment for a diesel locomotive engine, fuel is supplied to two cylinders beginning at 45 RPM to assist the engine starter in achieving an engine cranking speed of 90 RPM wherein the fuel injection system begins to provide fuel to all of the cylinders.

Abstract: An improved method and system for controlling exhaust gas recirculation on an internal combustion engine broadens the operating range. The system includes a plurality of combustion chambers, a recirculation combustion chamber, fuel delivery device, engine condition sensing device, and controller. The system measures engine condition to determine a total fuel mass to meet engine condition. The system then uses the recirculation manifold to set volume of recirculated air and adjusts fuel delivery to the recirculation manifold to set quality of the recirculated gas. The remainder of fuel is divided generally equally among the plurality of combustion chambers.

Abstract: In an ignition system for an internal combustion engine, with at least one spark plug/ignition coil unit inserted into a spark plug shaft of the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, said unit being connected by electrical leads with the vehicle electrical system, a sealing body is located between the unit and the mounting opening, said body holding the ignition coil so that it does not rotate and in turn being held nonrotatably in the mounting opening. The sealing body is a molded body of elastic material.

Abstract: A mesh structure portion is provided at a part of a stripe structure IGBT chip, gate resistance of a respective minute IGBT is reduced and in a gate portion chip a filter is constituted by a resistor and a condenser. Under a severe environment such as an integrated ignition coil, a small size and a low cost ignitor which can use without a necessity for a protection circuit by a peripheral circuit can be provided. An ignition apparatus having IGBT which is strong against serge resistant performance and noise resistant performance can be obtained.

Abstract: An engine includes an electronic controller which samples the pressure in the induction system once per rotation of the crankshaft. The controller is configured to determine the minimum voltage signal output by the pressure sensor. The controller then uses the minimum pressure sensed by the pressure sensor to control the fuel injection of the engine. The controller may include two and/or three dimensional maps for predicting the appropriate timing for sampling the pressure sensor. Optionally, the controller may include a bottom hold device for holding a minimum value of the signal output from the pressure sensor, thus corresponding to the minimum pressure sensed by the pressure sensor.