Abstract: An improved combustion chamber configuration for a direct injected internal combustion engine. The cylinder head recess and piston head are configured so as to provide a small clearance volume and accordingly high compression ratios while the shape of the piston head and the arrangement of the cylinder head recess permits a portion of the injected fuel to be directed toward the exhaust valves to cool them and reduce smoke and increase fuel efficiency.

Abstract: An engine has an injector, which directly injects fuel into a combustion chamber. When the coolant temperature during the cranking of the engine is low, an ECU controls the injector such that the engine is operated in a compression stroke injection mode. When the engine is operated in the compression stroke injection mode, the ECU controls the injector to advance the fuel injection timing in accordance with an increase of the coolant temperature. As a result, the engine reduces the amount of unburned discharge gas, provides improved ignition and combustion, and provides stable idling.

Abstract: A fuel-injected engine is operated in a compression stroke injection mode or an intake stroke injection mode. The intake flow rate appropriate for the compression stroke injection mode is greater than that of the intake stroke injection mode. When the engine is cold, the ECU determines the amount of fuel injected in accordance with the actual intake flow rate. The ECU controls a throttle valve such that the intake flow rate is appropriate for the selected fuel injection mode before the fuel injection mode is actually switched. As a result, fluctuations of the engine speed caused by switching the fuel injection mode are reduced.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel engine, having at least two cylinders, the fuel injection system having at least two actuator elements and at least one actuator element being assigned to each cylinder in order to inject fuel into the cylinder, and the fuel injection system having an injection control system for monitoring and/or resolving a conflict in triggering of the actuator elements.

Abstract: In an automatic transmission which comprises: a starter motor for starting an engine and a hydraulic pressure source having a main pump driven by the engine and an assist pump driven by an electric motor, when an idling stop control unit outputs an idling stop signal to an engine control unit, an engine and an assist pump are stopped. When the idling stop control unit receives an OFF signal from a brake switch, the idling stop control unit outputs a cancellation command for canceling an idling stop operation to the engine control unit to drive a starter motor and the assist pump.

Abstract: Flow amount calculation controller controls a certain subject based on a flow amount of fluid, passing through a variable throttle portion provided in an air passage, calculated from an upstream pressure Pu, an upstream density &rgr;u, a downstream pressure Pd, an opening area Ad and a specific heat ratio k by the following formula.

Abstract: A method for determining the control voltage for a piezoelectric actuator of an injection valve in which at first the pressure in a hydraulic coupler is measured indirectly, before the next injection process. The pressure is measured since the piezoelectric actuator is mechanically coupled to the hydraulic coupler, so that the pressure induces a corresponding piezo voltage in the actuator. This induced voltage is used before the next injection process for correcting the control voltage for the actuator. Too low an induced voltage is valued as a fault for recognizing an intermittent injection operation. The injection valve may be used for a common rail system for fuel injection in a gasoline or diesel engine.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system comprises a fuel conduit having a gas permeable wall. A gas conduit is in communication with the fuel conduit. Gaseous fuel and liquid fuel are communicated through fuel conduit. Gaseous fuel permeating through the gas permeable wall is captured and channeled by gas conduit. Gaseous fuel may be passed to an air intake manifold and consumed by engine combustion.

Abstract: A fuel rail is formed by a lost core process. The core is formed of metal, and then over-molded with plastic. The plastic over-molded metal core is immersed in a hot bath of glycolitin oil. The metal core melts, leaving the plastic overmold fuel rail. Attachment features can be formed in the fuel rail to attach fuel injectors by a snap fit connection, a threaded connection, or a twist and lock connection.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine is provided that includes a fuel injector having an injector housing with first and second opposing portions. An injector passage extends between the first and second portions. A valve is disposed in the injector passage for selectively permitting fuel to flow from the first portion to the second portion. A fuel rail having a fuel passage includes a first opening receiving the first portion with the injector passage and fluid communication with the fuel passage. An intake manifold has a second opening receiving the second portion. A polymer layer extends from the fuel rail and intake manifold about at least a portion of the fuel injector sealing the first and second portions respectively to the fuel rail and intake manifold for preventing fuel from leaking from the fuel injection system. The injector wiring may also be integrated into the fuel injection system.

Abstract: A fuel injector including a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis extending between a first end and a second end, a seat secured at the second end of the tube assembly and defining an opening. An armature assembly is movable along the longitudinal axis between first and second positions with respect to the seat. The armature includes a first set of passages permitting fluid flow therethrough and a second set of passages permitting vapor flow therethrough. Additionally, a method of dissipating fuel vapors in a fuel injector includes providing the armature with a first set of passages permitting fluid flow therethrough and a second set of passages permitting vapor flow therethrough.

Abstract: A fuel pump suctions fuel from a fuel tank and discharges it into a pressure tank. Then, the fuel pump suctions the fuel from the pressure tank and pressurizes it. Then, the fuel pump discharges the pressurized fuel toward an engine side through a fuel discharge pipeline. A pressure control valve is opened to communicate an inside of the fuel tank and an inside of the pressure tank when a pressure in the pressure tank becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure. A canister receives activated carbons for absorbing vapor fuel from the fuel tank. A pressurizing pump suctions the vapor fuel from the canister and pressurizes it. The pressurized vapor fuel is then discharged from the pressurizing pump into the pressure tank, so that the vapor fuel is dissolved into the fuel in the pressure tank.

Abstract: In a method for operating an internal-combustion engine, a fuel/air mixture is fed to a combustion chamber of the internal-combustion engine and is ignited therein. At least for a defined period during the starting and/or warm-up of the internal-combustion engine, at least some of the liquid fuel is replaced with fuel which is in vapor form and is ignited in the at least one combustion chamber of the internal-combustion engine. The fuel which is in vapor form is taken from at least one fuel tank, which is connected to the internal-combustion engine, above a liquid-fuel level and/or from a charcoal canister which is connected to the fuel tank.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a system for operating an internal combustion engine capable of performing auto-ignition combustion as well as spark-ignition combustion. In auto-ignition combustion mode, inlet and outlet control devices are adjusted to retain a portion of exhaust gas for subjecting the retained exhaust gas to compression. In one preferred embodiment, a parameter indicative of engine-surrounding environment is monitored. Closing timing of the outlet control device is adjusted in response to the monitored parameter, thereby to vary an exhaust gas retaining duration when there is a change in the monitored parameter.

Abstract: The invention provides an electronic control device for an internal combustion engine and a control method thereof in which more stable control is attained on the internal combustion engine in association with change in EGR amount due to change in atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A supercharged internal combustion engine with crankcase ventilation, comprising a first evacuation channel for evacuating blow-by gas from the engine crankcase to its intake channel downstream of the throttle, and a second evacuation channel for evacuating blow-by gas from the crankcase to the engine intake channel on the suction side of the compressor. Each evacuation channel is connected to an individual oil separator, a pressure regulator and a non-return valve. Each non-return valve permits free gas flow in the direction from the crankcase, but prevents or limits flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine with a breather apparatus, has: a cylinder head cover having a top wall and a circumferential wall which define an internal upper space within the cylinder head cover; and a bottom plate closing an opening at a lower end of the circumferential wall of the cylinder head cover to form a gas-liquid separation chamber. The bottom plate is inclined when the engine is set in a normal posture. A recessed portion for holding oil and serving as an oil return port is formed in a lowest portion along an edge portion of a lower side of a circumferential edge portion of the inclined bottom plate in such a manner as to straddle the circumferential wall from below. Thus, a lower end portion of the circumferential wall is brought into contact with oil held in the recessed portion to thereby close the oil return port airtightly.

Abstract: In an engine ignition system having a fail-safe function, a battery, a coil and a transistor are connected in series. A capacitor is connected to the coil by way of a diode. The capacitor, a primary winding of an ignition coil and a transistor are connected in series. A transistor and a diode in serial connection are connected in parallel to the coil and diode in serial connection. A drive circuit turns on and off the transistor to charge the capacitor and operates the transistor to implement the ignition operation. The drive circuit, in the event of system failure, turns on and off the transistor, while retaining the transistor in the on state, thereby to feed energy of the battery to the primary winding.

Abstract: In an independent ignition type ignition coil for an internal combustion engine which is used being directly coupled to a corresponding ignition plug, a center core 1, a secondary coil 3 wound around a secondary coil bobbin 2 and a primary coil 5 wound around a primary coil bobbin 4 are arranged concentrically in a coil casing 6 in this order from the inside thereof and such as epoxy resin 8 and soft epoxy 17 are filled between these constituting members, wherein on the outer surface of the primary coil 5 a cover film which promotes peeling off thereof from the epoxy resin 8 is formed, and because of existence of these peeling off portions between the primary coil 5 and the epoxy resin 8 and between the layers of the primary coil 5, a stress component induced inside the secondary coil bobbin 2 due to heat contraction difference between the primary coil 5 and the secondary coil bobbin 2 among thermal stress induced inside the secondary coil bobbin 2 is reduced.

Abstract: A secondary stage regulator is disclosed wherein a piston-type configuration is utilized to regulate an input working pressure as high as 1,200 PSI, to an output delivery pressure from 50 PSI to 900 PSI. The secondary stage regulator can be used on paintball guns, markers and similar devices powered by compressed gas.

Abstract: An improved paintball marker bolt and bolt head uses a curved gas inlet ramp and geometrically designed outlet holes to provide pressurized gas flow with decreased turbulence and more uniform distribution over the paintball surface. The improvements in gas flow and pressure distribution are combined with other mechanical improvements related to drive transfer, friction reduction, and bolt assembly, resulting in a significantly improved marker bolt. Improvements are realized in increased gas flow efficiency, increased paintball velocity (by 30 feet per second or more), increased range, improved shot consistency (less than a 2-1/2% variation in shot-to-shot paintball velocity), decreased jamming, and decreased premature paintball breakage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stove for cooking food with a viewing window, and a viewing window for household appliances, such as cooking stoves or ovens, which window can be mounted in a wall of the housing of the stove for cooking food or the household appliance such as a cooking stove or oven, and which window is comprised of at least two transparent panes arranged at a distance from one another, whereby between the two transparent panes there is contemplated a screen, or blind, which covers, or closes, the viewing area, and which screen is adjustable from the exterior of the appliance.

Abstract: Dosages of inhaled insulin are controlled within a narrow range by controlling the total volume of air inhaled by a patient. By repeatedly delivering aerosolized insulin with the same total inhaled volume of air, the amount of insulin delivered to the patient each time is consistent. A device for delivering insulin by inhalation is disclosed which device comprises a means for measuring inhaled volume and for halting inhalation at a pre-determined point. The device also comprises an adjustable means for applying various amounts of force to a container of formulation to expel different amounts of drug from the container based on the force applied.

Abstract: A nasal inhaler for introducing a substance to a nasal cavity of a user. The nasal inhaler comprises a chamber having an interior and an exterior, an outlet comprising an air exit passageway in flow communication with the interior of the chamber, a one-way air inlet valve in one-way flow communication with the interior of the chamber, and a dosage inlet passageway in flow communication with the interior of the chamber. A container includes a dispensing portion disposed in the dosage inlet passageway. In preferred embodiment, an adapter defines the dosage inlet passageway and is connected to the chamber. A mask also can be connected to the outlet. A method for dispensing a substance into the nasal cavity of the user comprises inserting the outlet into the nasal cavity, dispensing the substance into the chamber and inhaling through the outlet. A method for assembling a nasal inhaler assembly also is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus having a face mask removably attachable to a firefighting hood is provided. The face mask used in cooperation with a breathing apparatus such as a self-contained breathing assembly or a respirator. The face mask has a rim supporting a seal member that operatively sealingly engages the user's face providing a breathing chamber between the user's face and the face mask that is sealed off from the external environment. The firefighting hood has a compliant material enclosing the wearer's head and a support frame surrounding a front opening in the firefighting hood exposing the wearer's face. The firefighting hood matingly engages the face mask such that a perimeter portion of the firefighting hood around the front opening is nested behind the rim of the face mask so as to prevent gaps between the firefighting hood and the face mask.

Abstract: An intermittent positive pressure breathing device for neonatal infants is disclosed. The device is adapted to be connected to a supply of pressurized substantially pure Oxygen which is supplied through a first conduit of the device. Said first conduit terminates inside the device in a venturi nozzle by virtue of which ambient air is entrained so that a mixture of Oxygen and ambient air at a desired concentration is delivered along a second conduit of the device towards the mouth of the neonate. The second conduit terminates in a mask having a first aperture which is adapted to be disposed adjacent the mouth of the neonate in sealing relationship therewith, and a second aperture approximately the size of a thumb which can be repeatedly and rhythmically covered by the operator of the device to initiate a conventional breathing pattern for the neonate.

Abstract: A face mask is disclosed that includes a mask portion, a resilient member (e.g., a pillowed web), and, optionally, an adhesive portion. The resilient member and the adhesive portion are alternately positionable between the mask portion and the wearer to inhibit the passage of vapor between the mask and the wearer, which prevents fogging of the wearer's eyewear. A method for using the face mask is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for supplying a gas e.g., oxygen—to a person's respiratory tract, especially the upper nasal airways. According to a first aspect of the invention, a device for supplying gas to the airways of a person is provided, the device having at least one inlet opening for receiving a gas and at least two outlet openings adapted for supplying the gas to the person's nostrils. The device is configured such that the position of the outlet openings can be adjusted relative to each other. According to a second aspect of the invention, the device comprises at least one inlet opening for receiving a gas and at least first and second tubular members having first and second outlet openings at the distal ends thereof. The tubular members are adapted for placement in the person's nostrils for supplying gas thereto, are inclined towards each other, and adapted to elastically engage each side of the nasal septum as they are urged apart by the nasal septum in their inserted position.

Abstract: An improved system for monitoring the status of an IMD such as a medical electrical lead during an implant procedure is provided. The system includes a signal generator for supplying a first signal such as a constant current or voltage to the IMD. A resulting voltage or current signal is generated, respectively, and may be sensed as an indication of the impedance of a portion of the body that is proximal to one or more electrodes carried by the lead. This impedance indication is converted to an audible signal having a frequency that is proportional to the amplitude of the impedance indication. The pitch of the audible signal therefore rises when measured impedance increases, and drops as the impedance decreases. These pitch changes allow a user to determine positional information associated with the IMD, including the degree of lead tissue contact and extent of fixation of a device to tissue.

Abstract: In a cleaning treatment of a substrate using an aqueous solution of ammonium fluoride or a mixture of an aqueous solution of ammonium fluoride and hydrofluoric acid as a cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid is replenished by at least one liquid selected from the group consisting of water, ammonia, aqueous ammonia, and an aqueous solution of ammonium fluoride with the lapse of time during the use of the cleaning liquid, in which the required amount of the liquid to be added according to the time lapse is calculated based on the measurement date and controlled, or the component concentration of the cleaning liquid is detected and the liquid is added according to the obtained result, so that not only can the substrate be cleaned uniformly and stably, but also a resource saving and a reduction in waste can be achieved.

Abstract: A self-service car wash provided with coin-operated time-controlled wash and rinse spray capability includes an integrated exit air drying apparatus controlled by the coin-operated controller.

Abstract: A self-service car wash provided with coin-operated time-controlled wash and rinse spray capability includes an integrated manually operable, air drying spray nozzle and associated pressurized air supply controlled by the coin-operated controller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a semi-conductor handling equipment cleaning method and apparatus configured for use with wafer carriers. The cleaning apparatus comprises a base portion having a first aperture and a second aperture. The base is configured to support the wafer carrier in sealing contact about the first aperture. A first fluidic circuit is provided for introducing a first cleaning fluid to the inner surface of the carrier. A second fluidic circuit is provided for introducing a second cleaning fluid to the outer surface of the carrier. The carrier forms a barrier with the base so that the cleaning media is isolated so as to substantially prevent the second fluid used to clean the exterior from communicating with the first fluid used to clean the interior of the carrier.

Abstract: An umbrella skeleton comprises a runner controlling device which is formed of a first plastic plate and a second plastic plate. The runner controlling device is located in a receiving slot of the top end of a shaft of the umbrella skeleton. The first plastic plate is provided with a rachet pillar, an arcuate locating plate, a movable ratchet wheel movably located between the ratchet pillar and the locating plate, and a pulley on which an activation cord is wound such that one end of the activation cord is fastened with the runner, and that other end of the activation cord is fastened with an activator located in proximity of the bottom end of the shaft.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module including a couple formed between two bismuth telluride thermoelectrodes. The first thermoelectrode is doped with palladium, selenium, or a combination of the two. The second thermoelectrode is doped with antimony, gold, or a combination of the two. Multiple thermoelectric modules may be used in series and parallel to achieve the desired voltage and current outputs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for beaming power from one location to another are provided. Energy is used to power one or more lasers to provide a coherent, wide-aperture beam, which is directed to the receiving platform. Photovoltaic cells on the receiving platform convert energy of the laser beam into electrical energy. Receiving platforms are provided that take advantage of the higher energy density in the laser beam.

Abstract: A flexible solar power assembly (2) includes a flexible photovoltaic device (16) attached to a flexible thermal solar collector (4). The solar power assembly can be rolled up for transport and then unrolled for installation on a surface, such as the roof (20, 25) or side wall of a building or other structure, by use of adhesive and/or other types of fasteners (23).

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell produced by adhering a material for masking layer to a surface of a semiconductor substrate in pattern state to form the masking layer, and forming a dopant layer on the portion having no masking layer by gas phase diffusion or solid phase diffusion is high in photoelectric conversion efficiency and is effective for preventing lowering of minority carrier lifetime of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising an amorphous silicon-containing i-layer that is more efficient at elevated operation temperatures than at lower operation temperatures.

Abstract: To reduce the level of oxygen concentration in the waste gases emitted by the stack of such installations, according to the invention, connecting means (15) connect the respective internal spaces of a chamber (13), for discharging an inert gas miscible with oxygen and of lower density than air, such as nitrogen, and of the stack (2); thus, this inert gas is mixed with at least the oxygen flowing through the stack and the mixture obtained is discharged with a velocity at least equal to approximately 7 m/s at the exit of the stack.

Abstract: A fitting including a housing (2), a rotatable body (4) which is situated in the housing and which may advantageously be constructed in the form of a conical plug, a bushing (18) provided in the housing to floatingly mount and seal the rotatable body (4), a cover (14) connected to the housing (2), a shaft (12) coupled with the rotatable body (4) and extended out through the cover (14), and at least one sealing element (30, 44) associated with the shaft (12). The fitting is configured in such a way that the bushing (18), the at least one sealing element (30, 44), and the cover (14) can be positioned and mounted centrally and free from transverse forces in relation to the axis (10) of the floatingly mounted rotatable body (4).

Abstract: A divider combiner valve using only one spool without any springs. The correct holes open and close by check valves. These are simple and reliable. There is no chance of the holes not being in the correct location. Since there is only one spool, contamination cannot keep the spools from shifting into their correct relationship with each other. The extra pressure drops, needed to overcome the spring forces in the earlier designs, have been eliminated all together. Also, the number of spools has been reduced from two or three down to a single spool, thus reducing the cost to manufacture the finished valve. Because there is only one spool, clearances are closer. There is less internal leakage, more accuracy while the cylinders are in motion. This closer clearance tends to lock the loads rather than transfer oil from one cylinder to the other.

Abstract: A valve for preventing fuel leaking from a fuel tank includes a housing that has a passage that communicates with the outside. In the housing there is a float that is used to open and close the passage by being moved axially along the housing. The valve is provided with a device to guide the float to close the passage. The device includes a gap formed between the housing and the float that increases in size with increasing distance from the passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in a vacuum sewer system, which comprises a sewer network having a sewage source and sewer piping adapted for receiving sewage from the sewage source. A liquid driven ejector device functions as a source of vacuum for the vacuum sewer system. In order to improve the efficiency of and to ensure the function of the ejector device, the ejector device forms a primary circuit, which is separated from a secondary circuit formed by the sewage collecting process.

Abstract: By a universal valve connector for inflation valves of vehicle tires (Sclaverand, Dunlop-Woods, or Schrader), whose connector consists of a connector housing (368), which partly is connected to a pressure source, preferably a hand or foot pump, and which partly has a coupling hold (5) with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the valve, which is to be connected, where the coupling hole is equipped with a securing means for securing on the valve, plus a sealing means against valves of different sizes.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus for transporting compressed gas includes a gas storage system having a plurality of pipes connected by a manifold whereby the gas storage system is designed to operate in the range of the optimum compressibility factor for a given composition of gas. The pipe for the gas storage system is preferably large diameter pipe made of a high strength material whereby a low temperature is selected which can be withstood by the material of the pipe. Knowing the compressibility factor of the gas, the temperature, and the diameter of the pipe, the wall thickness of the pipe is calculated for the pressure range of the gas at the selected temperature. The gas storage system may either be modular or be part of the structure of a vehicle for transporting the gas. The gas storage system further includes enclosing the pipes in an enclosure having a nitrogen atmosphere. A displacement fluid may be used to offload the gas from the gas storage system.

Abstract: A fluid diaphragm valve and interconnected pilot valve apparatus for control flow of fluid discharge from a pressurized fluid distribution system. The apparatus has a primary valve with an inlet adapted to receive fluid under pressure, and an outlet adapted to discharge fluid to an outlet conduit. A diaphragm chamber is provided in the primary valve that is responsive to fluid pressure controlled by a pilot diaphragm valve. Upon release of fluid pressure in the pilot diaphragm valve, the primary valve allows passage of fluid to the outlet conduit. Bleed fluid from the pilot valve is also discharged into the outlet conduit and is thus saved for use. Upon closure of the pilot valve, a bleed port in the primary diaphragm in the primary valve allows repressurization and seating of the primary diaphragm, thus terminating fluid flow through the primary valve.

Abstract: A gas panel for use with a tool for manufacturing a semiconductor includes a one-piece manifold body having an inlet for receiving a process gas. The manifold body has at least one lateral wall- extending in the general direction of gas flow. The lateral wall includes at least one active device site having an active device thereon. The active device is in gas communication with a gas carrying path formed within the one-piece manifold. The active device may be a manual valve, a pneumatic valve, a pressure regulator, a pressure transducer, a purifier, a filter or a flow controller. The gas is received from the active device at a continuation of the gas flow path in the manifold body and is conveyed to a manifold outlet for ultimate to the tool.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus and method, and a tubular product and a pipe made of several different materials.

Abstract: A shedding device in a weaving machine comprises one or more motor groups including a plurality of motors provided in every heald frame and directing their output shafts in the forward and backward direction of the weaving machine. The motors of each motor groups are arranged in the upward and downward, rightward and leftward directions, and two or more motors operating as at least part of the motor group are arranged in the longitudinal direction of a connecting member connecting the motors with support mechanisms of the heald frames to form one or more motor rows opposing to one or more connecting members, and adjoining motors in the motor row or rows are related to non-adjoining heald frames among the heald frames corresponding to the support mechanisms.