Abstract: Edge faces with level differences are formed by assembling blocks constructing a coating head, and level difference variances in the width direction of a web are measured by a level difference variance measurement device. Then, the level difference variances are adjusted with reference to measured results, so that the level difference variances can be reduced. Therefore, coating layers can be uniformly formed on the web.

Abstract: A shuttle feed passage 7 is provided in each functional processing station from a coating booth 1 to an after-heating booth 6 for performing a series of operations from coating to baking and drying. A conveyance frame 12 is fed to each of the booths 1-6 using a shuttle feed method, and conveyance of the workpiece W is stopped to perform the coating operation and the like. An empty conveyance frame 12 from which the coated workpiece W is removed is circulated through a self-propelled feed passage 9. A carriage 39 of the conveyance frame 12 is caused to travel outside the booth 1, and the supporting arm 13 of the conveyance frame 12 is caused to travel inside the booth, wherein the supporting arm is caused to rotate around the axis.

Abstract: An electrostatic powder coating system that comprises a booth, the lower part of which is designed in the shape of a V, and a collecting channel (13), connected to a suction device (2) underneath, the booth having two ends, each of which has a pass-through opening for the workpieces. The collecting channel (13) is covered by floor plates (17), which can be walked upon or swung up into a vertical position, and which are provided with exhaust slots (18, 19, 20) extending in the longitudinal and transverse directions, it being advantageous for the total area of the slots be a function of the discharge of exhaust air and the velocity of the exhaust air.

Abstract: A chambered doctor blade apparatus provides an automatic system for cleanup and replacement of coating substance, as well as operating a hydraulic head loading system that includes hydrostatic compensation, and integrates the head loading mechanism into the automated cleaning, flushing and replacement cycle. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is connected to a touch screen display that presents an interactive graphical user interface for control purposes. The PLC is programmed to carry out sequentially the required steps for cleaning, refilling, and running the chambered doctor blade assembly, and to alternate water-based and non-water-based coatings without necessitating removal of the doctor blade head from the transfer roller. Each coating run begins with a purge step in which a new coating material is pumped through the system to waste to remove any residual material from the previous coating run.

Abstract: In the chemical vapor deposition apparatus, a substrate stage for mounting a substrate is provided inside a reaction chamber of the apparatus. A source gas inlet for introducing a source gas and exhaust outlets and for exhausting the source gas are provided. Exhaust outlet valves provided for exhaust outlets are open and shut successively with time. The direction of the flow of source gas relative to the fixed substrate varies with time. The present chemical vapor deposition apparatus allows the improved evenness of film thickness, the composition ratio, and the like within the substrate surface as well as the reduction of particles of foreign substance generated inside the reaction chamber.

Abstract: One discharge tube assembled from divided three sections is constructed by connecting between a first discharge tube element of metal material and a second discharge tube element of metal material with an insulator for forming a discharging gap and vacuum-sealing interposed between connecting flanges of both discharge tube elements in a state of sealing hermetically with an O-ring and also by connecting between a first discharge tube element of metal material and a third discharge tube element of metal material in a similar manner, and a discharge gap is formed between adjacent discharge tube elements. A high-frequency power supply is connected to each discharge tube element. Respective discharge tube elements are provided with cooling medium flow paths separately each other.

Abstract: A wafer chuck for semiconductor wafer manufacturing has a surface for the accommodation of a semiconductor wafer. The surface has a concave shape. The wafer, especially with a diameter of more than 300 mm, normally has a concave or convex warpage according to tensile strength from deposited layers. By appropriate size of the concaveness of the chuck surface the perimeter edge of the wafer always touches the hot surface of the chuck first, so that the wafer is flattened, thereby avoiding a movement of the wafer on the hot chuck surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting fluid substances into eggs is disclosed, comprising a plurality of injectors, needles disposed within each of the injectors moveable between a retracted position and an extended injecting position with respect to the injectors, and a bridge assembly for positioning the injectors in alignment with a corresponding plurality of eggs in an egg flat. The injectors rest substantially vertically in openings in a horizontal plate. The openings in the plate are slightly larger than the cross-section of the injectors for permitting the injectors to move vertically within the openings in the plate with respect to the plate. An egg nesting cup is pivotally secured to the lower end of each injector. The injectors are lowered to engage the eggs. When the plate and the injectors are lowered the nesting cups seat against the eggs and the injectors move vertically upward with respect to the plate.

Abstract: Groups of cows are transported by wheeled conveyances to and from a milking station in a dairy parlor. Cows are loaded onto the conveyances, and are discharged therefrom, at locations on either side of the milking station. This avoids having to herd cows into and out of the milking station, maximizing milking equipment utilization.

Abstract: A method of increasing seafood production in the oceans comprises testing the water at the surface of the ocean in order to determine the nutrients that are missing, applying to the surface of the ocean a first fertilizer that comprises an iron chelate, and harvesting the increased production of seafood that results. The method may further comprise applying a microorganism that fixes nitrogen such as phytoplankton, applying additional fertilizers, and seeding the ocean with fish. Each fertilizer releases the nutrient(s) over time in the photic zone and in a form that does not precipitate before use by the phytoplankton.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting in an air-conditioned environment animals. The apparatus uses crushed ice to air-condition an insulator animal container at approximately 74 degrees Fahrenheit in ambient temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 hours on one twenty pound charge of ice. The preferred embodiment is self-contained providing storage for the animal, ice, and electric power for a ventilation fan plus food and water. The device operates on 12 volts DC and may serve to transport animals in enclosed motor vehicles and common carriers including airline. A intrinsically safety backup system will keep the animal cool, provided ice is present, upon failure of the ventilation fan. An alternate embodiment is described for use by animal handlers in min-vans and the like.

Abstract: A leash has an elongated and flexible arrangement for defining first and second longitudinally opposite ends, whereby the first end can be connected to a movable object and the second end can be used as a handgrip. A handgrip arrangement is intermediate the ends for defining a handgrip, whereby to define a first segment of the elongated and flexible arrangement between the first end and the handgrip arrangement. Another arrangement adjusts a length of the first segment between the first end and the handgrip arrangement.

Abstract: A water-cooled V-type engine includes: a crankcase in which a crankshaft is rotatably disposed; two cylinders disposed on the crankcase so as to form V-shape; a starter disposed below one of the two cylinders; and a cooling system for cooling the engine with a cooling water. The cooling system includes: a radiator for cooling the cooling water; water jackets disposed on the two cylinders; and a thermostat disposed in a supply line having one end connected to a water outlet formed in a lower end part of the radiator and the other end connected to inlets of the water jackets. The thermostat is disposed below the other of the two cylinders. The engine can be formed in compact construction and the piping of the cooling system can be simplified since the starter and the thermostat are disposed below the tilted cylinders, respectively.

Abstract: An efficient and powerful engine is obtained by incorporating within an engine housing at least one cylinder which is rotatable along the inner circumferential surface of the housing. The cylinder is mounted to a crank case. A piston rod extends from the piston and is moveable longitudinally within the cylinder. The piston rod in turn is connected to a crankshaft. Thus, when the engine is powered, both the cylinder and the crankshaft can rotate, either in the same direction or in opposite directions. An exhaust opening is provided at a location substantially at the top portion of the cylinder. A corresponding exhaust port is provided in the housing, so that when the cylinder is rotated to the particular location along the housing, its exhaust opening comes into alignment with the exhaust port of the housing so that the exhaust gases resulting from the combustion in the cylinder are evacuated directly outside of the housing.

Abstract: An internal combustion free-piston pump-engine provides pressurized fluid for a hydrostatic powertrain. The free-piston is reciprocably mounted in a piston bore and transfer combustion pressure directly into pressurized hydraulic fluid. Fast, computer controlled hydraulic two-way valves initiate the stepwise pressurization of the smaller face, the larger face, or both faces of the hydraulic end of the free-piston, controlling the piston movement and especially its top-end and bottom end positions. The control concept can be applied to a two-stroke, or four-stroke compression or spark ignition engine. A pressure wave charger, transfers the energy of the exhaust pressure wave into an air intake pressure wave. A cylindrical piston is reciprocally mounted in a piston bore of a housing. The exhaust pressure wave moves the piston from the top-end position to the bottom-end position, against the pressure of the intake air and the force of a return spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a four cycle outboard internal combustion engine for driving a watercraft with a cylinder housing having cylinders arranged in at least two rows, wherein a piston is reciprocating in each cylinder, said pistons driving an approximately horizontally accommodated propeller drive shaft by way of an approximately vertically arranged crankshaft, each cylinder bank being provided with cylinder head sealing surfaces for a cylinder head housing receiving gas shuttle valves and wherein the cylinder head sealing surfaces of all of the cylinders are arranged in one single cylinder head sealing plane and an exhaust main manifold for all of the cylinders is arranged approximately parallel to the crankshaft in the cylinder head housing in the area of a central plane of the motor which is configured parallel to the crankshaft.

Abstract: A two stroke combustion engine, equipped with fuel injection apparatus and ignition timing controlled by throttle position, has a charge forming device which delivers a rich fuel mixture from an integral float-type fuel chamber. The fuel injection apparatus typically comprises a tuned injector tube that communicates between a crankcase injector port and a cylinder injector port. The vast majority of fuel mixes with air in an injector mixing passage of the charge forming device where it is subsequently delivered to the tuned injector tube which directly injects the rich fuel mixture into a cylinder of the engine. The rich fuel mixture supplied by the charge forming device injects into the combustion chamber through the cylinder injector port via a reflected pressure wave generated from the previous combustion cycle.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with two cylinder banks, each cylinder bank having a cylinder head mounting thereon a valve operating device enabling both valve timing and valve lift characteristic to be varied, each valve operating device drives an engine valve through an eccentric cam, a substantially ring-shaped link, a rocker arm, a rod-shaped link, and a rockable cam, by rotation of a drive shaft. A control shaft varies the attitude of the rocker arm via a control cam by rotary motion thereof, in order to change a valve lift characteristic of the engine valve. As viewed in the same axial direction, a lifting direction of the rockable cam relative to a rotational direction of the drive shaft is the same in the two cylinder banks.

Abstract: A variable valve timing system includes a hydraulic pressure circuit for controlling an operation fluid supply/discharge of the relative rotation controlling mechanism and for controlling an operation fluid supply/discharge of each of the advanced angle chamber and the retarded angle chamber. The hydraulic pressure circuit, upon initiation of the internal combustion engine, discharges the operation fluid from the relative rotation controlling mechanism and the advanced and retarded angle chambers until a pressure of the operation fluid reaches a controllable pressure value.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an intake valve control device for controlling at least intake valves. The control device comprises a first mechanism which varies a working angle of the intake valve; a second mechanism which varies an operation phase of the intake valve; and a control unit which controls both the first and second mechanisms in accordance with an operation condition of the engine. The control unit is configured to carry out controlling variation in the open timing of the intake valve effected by the first mechanism to be larger than variation in the open timing of the intake valve effected by the second mechanism.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a variable valve control device for controlling intake and exhaust valves thereof. The control device comprises an IVWAV or EVWAV mechanism, the IVWAV mechanism varying a working angle of the intake valve and said EVWAV varying a working angle of the exhaust valve; an IVOPV mechanism which varies an operation phase of the intake valve; an EVOPV mechanism which varies an operation phase of the exhaust valve; and a control unit which controls the IVWAV or EVWAV mechanism and the IVOPV and EVOPV mechanisms in accordance with an operation condition of the engine.

Abstract: In a current supply circuit for starters, an inductance coil is connected in series or a capacitor is connected in parallel with a starter motor to slow down the rise of a current supplied to the starter motor. The current, which flows in a magnet switch upon occurrence of bouncing of the magnet switch, is lowered. Thus even if the time of occurrence of bouncing delays due to increased inductance of a pull-in coil, the magnet switch turns on and off a small current by bouncing and hence generation of noise arising from bouncing can be suppressed. Generation of arc in the magnet switch due to bouncing can be suppressed, and the reliability of the magnet switch can be increased.

Abstract: A fuel supply device is mounted to a motorcycle engine between two substantially identical air intake connections. The air intake connections each include a body portion with a projection and a flange, each extending radially from the body portion. Fasteners inserted through apertures in the flanges hold the air intake connections to the engine. The protrusion is preferably made of a resilient material, such as rubber. The flange is preferably made of a non-resilient material, such as aluminum. An aperture having an annular recess extends through the projection. The aperture is adapted to receive an internally threaded metal sleeve having an annular protrusion that surrounds the metal sleeve. A threaded fastener preferably extends through the metal sleeve and couples the fuel supply device to the projection. In the event that the fastener is excessively torqued during tightening the metal sleeve can spin in the aperture without damaging the projection.

Abstract: An engine starting and stopping device includes a first roller selectively abutting the flywheel of an engine for rotation on a first shaft in response to rotation of the flywheel. A second roller abuts the first roller and rotates in response to rotation of the first roller. A second shaft and an overwind clutch couple the second roller with a third roller such that the third roller rotates in response to rotation of the second roller. The third roller abuts a spring housing and causes rotation of the spring housing in response to rotation of the third roller. A spring is housed within the spring housing and is loaded in response to rotation of the spring housing. The overwind clutch slips when the spring is loaded to a preselected level to protect the spring from overwinding. The spring is selectively unloaded to rotate the spring housing in an unloading direction. Rotation of the spring housing in the unloading direction causes rotation of the engine's crankshaft and startup of the engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a spring housing rotatably mounted to the engine's engine housing for rotation about an axis of rotation. An energy storing mechanism including at least one elastic member is housed within the spring housing. A spring loading mechanism includes at least one roller movable into and out of engagement between the engine's flywheel and the spring housing, such that rotation of the flywheel is converted through the at least one roller to cause rotation of the spring housing in a direction that loads the elastic member. An engine starting mechanism includes a helically threaded member interconnected with the spring housing and a starter pinion threaded onto the helically threaded member. Rotation of the spring housing in response to unloading of the elastic member causes the starter pinion to move into engagement with the flywheel, thereby rotating the flywheel and starting the engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston 1 for a four-stroke internal combustion engine, comprising a piston head 2 with a piston top 3 on the side of the combustion space, and a first groove 5 next to the piston top 3 holding a compression ring 9 and a second groove 6 further apart from the piston top 3 holding an oil scraper ring 22 being formed in the wall 4 of the piston head 2, and a piston ring land 7 being formed between the two grooves 5, 6, and further comprising a piston skirt 10 adjacent to the piston head 2, whose wall 11 includes first guide faces 12 for guiding the piston 1 in a cylinder, as well as a piston pin bore 13 carrying a piston pin 14. To reduce oil consumption and diminish frictional losses, it is provided that the ring land 7 between the two grooves 5, 6 be designed as second guide face 17 for guiding the piston 1.

Abstract: Provided is a compact generator mounting arrangement for vertical engines and outboard marine drives. The generator is mounted via brackets integrally cast with the crankcase of the engine. The brackets can be conveniently reinforced by a hollow ridge which is integrally cast with said crankcase to define an oil gallery therein. Thus, sturdy generator mounting brackets can be formed without increasing the cost and weight.

Abstract: Metal products are taught that comprise integrally formed resin seals. The fastening strength of a rubber or synthetic resin seal is increased because the resin seal is formed during a casting operation. For example, an unvulcanized rubber or unhardened resin seal member (9′) may be temporarily secured to a metal mold (A1) and heat from the molten metal vulcanizes or hardens the seal member (9′), thereby integrally forming a rubber or synthetic resin seal and a metal molded body. Resin seals can be integrally formed on metal products having a variety of shapes, because the resin seal will melt and integrally form with the metal product during the die casting operation. That is, the resin seal is adhered to the metal product by a diffusion or seamless bond. In one representative embodiment, an engine head cover is die cast and a plurality of bolts protrude from the engine head cover.

Abstract: An oil module for an internal combustion engine including a carrier element (10), an oil pump (12) integrated in the carrier element, an oil filter (21) which is flange-mounted to the carrier element, and at least one pressure control valve (17). The carrier element (10) is made of synthetic resin material and covers a flange area of the internal combustion engine. The housing for the oil pump (12) is arranged on the carrier element (10) in the flange area of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A 4-cycle engine includes an oil tank mounted to one side of an engine body, and an oil slinger accommodated in the oil tank and adapted to scatter an oil stored in said oil tank to generate a lubricating oil mist. In the 4-cycle engine, a timing transmitting case is interposed between the engine body and the oil tank, so that heat transmission from the engine body to the oil tank is shielded. Thus, the oil tank can be disposed at a location spaced apart from the engine body without bringing about an increase in size of the engine, thereby suppressing the heat transmission from the engine body to the oil tank to the utmost to prevent overheating of the oil in the oil tank.

Abstract: An assembly for an internal combustion engine comprising an oil filter in a first housing structure 11 and, for instance, an oil separator in a second housing structure 12. The two housing structures can be combined to form a modular assembly. The assembly includes duct structures 20, 21 which are combined to form a common line segment 22 to reduce the material and manufacturing costs for the assembly. The different duct structures may include, for example, an oil drain 20 for the oil filter, which simplifies service (changing the filter element). The duct structure of the second housing structure can serve, for example, to transport crankcase gases to an oil separator in the second housing structure or to return separated oil from the oil separator to an engine crankcase. The oil drain of the oil filter housing may be combined with the drain the oil from the oil pan of the internal combustion engine, and the two drains may optionally be closed by a single drain plug.

Abstract: In a method for the operation of an internal combustion engine either on all cylinders (as full engine) or with only some cylinders in operation (cylinder cut-off), the cylinders are divided, in the firing order, into two groups of alternating cylinders which are selectively operative with an angular ignition spacing twice that of the cylinders of the engine when operating as full engine, the two groups of cylinders being activated alternately during engine operation with cylinder cut-off.

Abstract: The invention is an improved power transmission drive, for an internal combustion engine. The drive is of the type having a flexible link medium for transmitting power between a crankshaft of said internal combustion engine and drive components not associated with a primary purpose of the internal combustion engine. The drive is improved by the inclusion of a drive frame, a camshaft sprocket releasably mounted upon the drive frame, a crankshaft drive-wheel releasably mounted upon the drive frame, an engine accessory mounted upon the drive frame, an accessory drive-wheel mounted upon a shaft of the engine accessory, and the camshaft sprocket, the crankshaft drive-wheel, and the accessory drive-wheel each entrained by the flexible link medium.

Abstract: Provided is a hanger arrangement for V-type vertical engines which not only allows the engine to be hoisted in a stable manner but also enhances the freedom in the design of the engine without interfering with other accessories and a hanger arrangement for outboard marine drives equipped with such an engine. A first and second hanger bracket are attached to outer sides of the cylinder heads, respectively, and a third hanger bracket is attached substantially centrally on an outer side of the crankcase. In particular, the third bracket is preferably located within the loop of an endless belt passed around a generator which is fixedly attached to the outer side of the crankcase.

Abstract: An internal-combustion engine, which is suitable for being installed in a motor vehicle, has auxiliaries including a generator and a water pump which are arranged on an exterior side of a housing structure of the internal-combustion engine. In order to construct the auxiliaries in an easily mountable manner and to advantageously accommodate them on the housing structure of the internal-combustion engine, the generator and the water pump form a constructional unit which is connected with the housing structure of the internal-combustion engine.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine comprising a gas recirculation passage connecting a first member to an intake manifold, a compression release means, and at least one gas pulse created during a first event, a method for retarding the engine comprising the steps of opening the compression release means, releasing at least one gas pulse into the gas recirculation passage after a first event, redirecting the at least one gas pulse into the intake manifold, and using the at least one gas pulse to increase air charge in a cylinder.

Abstract: An air intake device for an internal combustion engine with at least two intake pipes, wherein each intake pipe can be closed by at least one throttle valve and wherein the throttle valves are connected to one another. The throttle valves are soft in at least one area in such a way that unevenness in the distribution of the supplied air is reduced.

Abstract: In a device for controlling the speed of an internal combustion engine driving a utility unit with a speed control circuit for the internal combustion engine and with a load control circuit for the utility unit, the device includes sensors and an evaluation unit for detecting and evaluating the state of the system as a whole, and an arrangement for an intervention in the speed control circuit and/or the load control circuit depending on critical relevant system states in order to achieve a reduction in the system complexity and thus a better control of the dynamics of the system as a whole.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and an apparatus for a fuel injection system with a piezoelectric element for controlling the amount of injected fuel by charging and/or discharging the piezoelectric element, wherein the fuel injection system comprises a current flow controller for charging and/or discharging the piezoelectric element based upon the gradient of a voltage across the piezoelectric element due to a charge the piezoelectric element is carrying.

Abstract: The following conditions are used as requirements for executing a fuel property detection: an intake air temperature is lower than a restart judging value; a water temperature is in a predetermined range; and it is in an idle operation. In a case that the requirements are established, an injection amount of fuel and a combustion amount of fuel are calculated. After that, the injection amount is corrected by using a learned value for correcting an error of system, and the combustion amount is corrected according an intake pressure. A fuel property parameter for evaluating the fuel property is calculated based on a ratio of an accumulated value of the combustion amount relative to an accumulated value of the injection amount during a predetermined time. A command value of the injection amount for a fuel injection valve is corrected according to the fuel property parameter calculated above. As a result, the fuel property is reflected in the command value of the injection amount.

Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic fuel system having an integrated and internally mounted oil circuit for providing high pressure in a hydraulically operated electronically controlled fuel injector fuel system. There is provide an internally mounted high pressure pump in a pump housing in the crankcase and connected to internally routed high pressure lines that deliver the oil to high pressure oil rails. There is provide an integrated low pressure oil reservoir in the crank case that comprises a low pressure oil cooler and reservoir. The oil cooler is preferably immersed inside the low pressure oil reservoir to optimize available engine space and improve heat transfer. There is also provided a high pressure pump filter that covers a high pressure pump inlet feed passage to prevent debris from passing into the high pressure oil pump and other components on the high pressure oil circuit.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing, an engine valve having a valve stem, an armature, and two solenoids. The valve housing has a first end and an opposing second end. The valve stem is located within the valve housing. The engine valve is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The armature is coupled to the valve stem. The armature is moveable between a first and second positions. The first solenoid is adjacent the first end of the valve housing and is operable to move the armature to the first position and the engine valve to the closed position in response to a first digital pulse. The second solenoid is adjacent the second end of the valve housing and is operable to move the armature to the second position and the engine valve to the open position in response to a second digital pulse.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for an internal combustion engine, including a valve housing having a pressure chamber. A piston seperates the pressure chamber into a first subchamber and a second subchamber. A first port is coupled the first subchamber and a second port is coupled to the second subchamber. A valve is coupled to the piston and moveable between an open position and a closed position. The valve is moved from the closed position to the open position by supplying a high pressure working fluid to the first port and coupling the second port to a drain. The valve is moved from the open position to the closed position by supplying the high pressure working fluid to the second port and coupling the first port to the drain.

Abstract: An improved fuel delivery and injection system for a small watercraft engine reduces the heat effects within an enclosed engine compartment upon a fuel pump of and the fuel within a fuel injection system. The fuel delivery system includes a vapor separator and a high-pressure fuel pump. The fuel pump is at least partially located within the vapor separator. The fuel within the vapor separator cools the fuel pump. The vapor separator also is positioned between a pair of air ducts such that an air stream between the ducts cools the fuel within the vapor separator. This arrangement consequently improves the consistency of the air/fuel ratio in the fuel charges delivered to the engine cylinders, provides a compact structure between the fuel pump, and the vapor separator and improves the durability of the fuel pump.

Abstract: A methane gas control system, including a blower having an inlet for generating an air stream and a discharge section for expelling the air stream from the blower, a fuel collector attached to the blower at the discharge section for collecting methane gas contained in the air stream, a heated dryer connected to the fuel collector for eliminating moisture from the methane gas, and an engine connected to the heated dryer that is at least partially fueled by the methane gas. In operation, the methane gas control system removes methane from a borehole by generating and collecting an air stream from the borehole using a blower, collecting methane contained in the air stream using a fuel collector, removing moisture from the methane using a heated dryer, and transporting the methane from the heated dryer to an engine that is at least partially fueled by the methane gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for gas recirculation in an internal combustion engine in which recirculation is effected via a connecting line (2) in which a filter element (4) is arranged between the exhaust duct and the connection on the intake device of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: There is provided an intake manifold module that integrates an intake air manifold with an exhaust gas recirculation system resulting in a compact design that optimizes vehicle engine compartment space, and results in reduced engine manufacturing time and cost. The intake manifold module comprises an integrally cast intake air manifold having an EGR valve aperture, an EGR cooler mounting, an EGR gas-out passage, and an EGR coolant-out; an EGR valve operatively mounted in the EGR valve aperture, and an EGR cooler cooperatively attached to the intake air manifold. Further, the EGR cooler comprises a gas outlet attached to the EGR gas-out passage, an exhaust gas inlet, a coolant inlet passage, a coolant outlet attached to the EGR coolant-out passage, and an EGR cooler mounting bracket. In operation, exhaust gases enter the EGR cooler, are cooled by EGR coolant, pass through the EGR valve and into the intake manifold.

Abstract: In a valve-operating device with a breather system in an engine, in which a breather passage is defined in a cam shaft, a bearing cap is detachably secured to the engine body for supporting an outer peripheral surface of one end portion of the camshaft with a bearing. A breather chamber is provided in the bearing cap in order to communicate with the outlet of the breather passage. A pipe-connecting portion is integrally formed on an outer peripheral surface of the bearing cap; and a breather pipe connected to an intake system is connected to the pipe-connecting portion. Thus, a blow-by gas can be drawn through the breather passage in the valve-operating camshaft to the outside by utilizing a portion of a valve-operating camshaft supporting structure. It is thus possible to simplify the structure of the valve-operating device with the breather system.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10) has a plurality of cylinders which are arranged in two cylinder banks. A sensor (131, 132) is assigned to each of the two cylinder banks for determining the composition of the exhaust gas. A control apparatus is provided with which a control factor (fr1, fr2) can be determined for each of the two cylinder banks in dependence upon the output signals generated by the two sensors (131, 132). The fuel mass (ti1, ti2), which is to be injected into the two cylinder banks, can be influenced by the control factors. The two control factors (fr1, fr2) of the two cylinder banks can be compared to each other via the control apparatus. The control apparatus can distinguish between a cylinder-bank independent fault and a cylinder-bank dependent fault in dependence upon the two control factors (fr1, fr2).

Abstract: An improved ball pitching apparatus for a ball pitching machine of the type having an upper and lower wheel, said wheels rotating on substantially parallel shafts and having generally aligned and spaced rims carrying peripheral ball gripping bands; independent speed controlled drive motors; a ball feeder for feeding the ball between the spaced rims so that the ball will be gripped and accelerated in a trajectory tangential to the rims; a head frame carrying the wheels, drive motors, and ball feeder; and, a stand carrying the head frame.