Abstract: A control apparatus for a cylinder injection type internal combustion engine in which the fuel injection mode of the engine is switched between a compression stroke injection and an intake stroke injection. When the engine is cold, the compression stroke injection is selected for the fuel injection mode so that injected fuel collides with the top surface of a piston and is directed toward the vicinity of a spark plug. When the fuel injection mode is switched from the compression stroke injection to the intake stroke injection, the ignition timing is delayed during the execution of the intake stroke injection from when the fuel injection mode is switched until a predetermined period elapses compared with a case when the fuel injection mode is not switched.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine is comprised of an engine condition detecting unit and a control unit. The control unit is arranged to calculate a target engine torque on the basis of an engine operating condition, to calculate a target EGR ratio, a target excess air ratio and a target intake air quantity on the basis of the engine operating condition and the target engine torque, to calculate a target equivalence ratio on the basis of the target EGR ratio and the target excess air ratio, to calculate a target injection quantity on the basis of the engine operating condition and the target equivalence ratio, and to control an air-fuel ratio by bringing a real intake air quantity to the target intake air quantity and by bringing a real fuel injection quantity to the target fuel injection quantity.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine. The latter has at least one combustion chamber, one induction pipe, and one throttle value. From the actual position of the throttle value, a gas charge of the combustion chamber is defined. To improve the emissions and fuel consumption characteristics of the internal combustion engine, the minimum gas pressure is measured that exists in the induction pipe assigned to the combustion chamber at the end of the intake stroke. From this gas pressure, a value is determined which more closely approximates the actual gas charge of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for maintaining the alignment of a fuel injector during shipping and normal use. In one embodiment of the invention, a clip for retaining a fuel injector to a fuel rail cup that has an annular flange is provided. The clip has a substantially flat base to at least partially surround an end of the fuel injector and a plurality of upstanding tangs to receive and substantially surround the annular flange. An alignment protrusion is also provided on the clip to interface with the annular flange to prevent axial rotation of the fuel injector relative to the fuel rail cup.

Abstract: A vapor separator in an outboard machine which can continuously inject an accurate and stable fuel toward an intake pipe without sucking bubbles discharged from a pump chamber in a high pressure fuel pump and bubbles within the vapor separator by the high pressure fuel pump, structured such that a filter (2) is arranged in a bottom portion (1A) of a fuel pump receiving case (1), an upstream chamber (10) of the filter (2) is connected to a vapor separator (V) via a fuel inflow passage (1C), a fuel inflow passage (PA) of a high pressure fuel pump (PH) received and arranged within the fuel pump receiving case (1) is connected to a downstream chamber (5) of the filter (2), a vapor discharge chamber (9) is formed so as to face to a bottom portion (PF) of the high pressure fuel pump (PH), a vapor discharge port (PE) of the high pressure fuel pump (PH) is open to the vapor discharge chamber (9), the vapor discharge chamber is communicated with an annular chamber (11) formed by an outer periphery (PG) of the high pre

Abstract: A fuel injection control system and method for trimming an internal combustion engine during a fuel injection event based upon engine operating conditions, the control system including an electronic controller in electrical communication with the engine, the controller being operable to detect the operating mode of each injector of the engine and alter each injector operating mode as desired.

Abstract: A preheat fuel delivery system includes a fuel processor and a bubbler fuel tank. The bubbler tank includes a fuel container, container cover, inlet supply line, and vapor outlet line. The inlet supply line and outlet line extend from the container cover. The vapor outlet line is attached to the inlet fuel port of the fuel processor. An outlet fuel port of the fuel processor is connected to an intake port of a combustion source. An exhaust port of the combustion source is attached to an exhaust intake port of the fuel processor. An exhaust outlet port of the fuel processor is connected to a muffler. The heat from the exhaust gases of the combustion source heat the vaporized fuel inside the fuel processor. Some of the exhaust gases may also be fed into the air inlet line of the bubbler tank to further increase fuel efficiency. A first embodiment of the fuel processor contains a plurality of plates. A second embodiment of the fuel processor utilizes a plurality concentric tubes.

Abstract: A method for controlling an internal combustion engine having an EGR circuit including an exhaust gas recirculation valve for diverting exhaust gas from an engine exhaust to an engine intake includes ascertaining a predefined threshold based on at least one engine operating condition and preventing the EGR valve from opening if the at least one engine operating condition is below the predefined threshold to reduce or eliminate visible black smoke which may occur during transient conditions. In one embodiment, the engine operating condition represents EGR boost pressure.

Abstract: A process and system are provided for automatically controlling the fraction of the exhaust gas quantity returned to an internal-combustion engine with respect to the mixture quantity fed on the whole to the internal-combustion engine, which mixture quantity is formed by the returned exhaust gas quantity and a fresh air quantity. The actual fraction of the returned exhaust gas quantity with respect to the mixture quantity fed on the whole to the internal-combustion engine is determined by sensors from measurements of the temperature of the fed fresh air quantity, the temperature of the returned exhaust gas quantity and the temperature of the mixture quantity fed as a whole. This actual fraction of the returned exhaust gas quantity is adapted to a predetermined desired fraction.

Abstract: An EGR valve position control system includes an EGR valve manager responsive to an EGR valve command to drive an EGR valve actuator. The EGR valve manager is operable to schedule control gains as a function of valve actuation direction to provide for faster response during valve closing events. Valve closing events are also staged such that a large valve position step is followed by a steady ramp to the valve closed position to thereby prevent damage to the valve and/or valve seat. The EGR valve manager further includes a prioritized switching feature for strategically switching between closed and open loop control modes, and a forward gain adjustment feature responsive to battery voltage to maintain constant system DC gain under changing battery voltage conditions.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for estimating the mass flow of recirculated exhaust gas (EGR) from an exhaust manifold to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine via an EGR conduit disposed therebetween and a fraction of EGR attributable to a mass of charge flow entering the intake manifold. An engine controller is responsive to current values of various combinations of the engine exhaust temperature (ETE), intake manifold pressure (IMP), differential pressure (&Dgr;P) across an EGR valve, and EGR valve position (EGRP) to determine an estimate of EGR mass flow. The controller is further operable to estimate EGR fraction as a function of the estimated EGR mass flow value, mass flow of charge entering the intake manifold, and engine speed.

Abstract: A flat panel filter element is provided for a diesel engine crankcase ventilation filter having a flat low profile filter housing extending in a horizontal plane. The flat panel filter element has media, including coalescing media, spanning a horizontal supporting and sealing perimeter border frame and passing flow downwardly therethrough.

Abstract: A device to deoil crankcase ventilation gases of an internal combustion engine with at least one oil mist separator is provided which has a gas inlet connected to a first pressure area and is directly or indirectly connected to the crankcase of the engine. The separator also has a gas outlet connected to a second pressure area and is directly or indirectly connected to the air intake section of the engine and an oil outlet connected to the oil sump of the engine. The separator further has a bypass channel, which has a gas inlet connected to the first pressure area and a gas outlet connected to the second pressure area as well as at least one device which, depending on the pressure difference between the two pressure areas, opens or closes the bypass channel continuous or gradually to allow the crankcase ventilation gases to flow through.

Abstract: An equivalence ratio-based system for controlling transient engine fueling includes an engine controller responsive to a number of engine operating conditions to estimate a mass of oxygen trapped within a number of cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The engine controller is further operable to map current values of engine speed and commanded fueling to one of a number of predetermined maximum fuel-to-oxygen, or equivalence, ratio values (&PHgr;MAX). The engine controller is then operable to determine an oxygen/fuel control (OFC) limited fueling command (FOFCL) as a function of the estimated oxygen mass value and the maximum equivalence ratio, and to limit engine fueling based on the OFC limited fueling command FOFCL. In one embodiment, the engine controller is operable to fuel the engine according to a minimum of the OFC limited fueling command FOFCL and a default fueling command FDEF, although other fuel limiting strategies are contemplated.

Abstract: A system is provided for estimating engine exhaust temperature in accordance with an exhaust temperature model based on a number of engine operating parameters. In one embodiment, the engine exhaust temperature model is based on current values of engine speed, intake manifold temperature, mass charge flow, default fuel command parameters, and a first set of model constants. In an alternative embodiment, the engine exhaust temperature model is based on current values of engine speed, intake manifold temperature, intake manifold pressure, mass charge flow, default fueling parameters, and a second set of model constants including a lower heating value of fuel constant.

Abstract: A substantially conically shaped arrow rest having a substantially centered aperture through which the shaft of the arrow is adapted to extend. The arrow rest possesses several slits extending from the aperture so that when the arrow is shot, the aperture may distend to accommodate distortions of the arrow shaft and to allow the arrow vanes to pass substantially freely therethrough. Also preferably the arrow rest resiliently deflects radially outwardly in the region of the aperture so as to produce a biasing force that dampens the oscillations of the arrow upon being shot.

Abstract: An abrasive wire provides an efficient cutting operation with high accuracy and a longer service life. Abrasive grains are provided around a core wire. The abrasive grains are bonded to the core wire by a light curing resin or an electron beam curing resin which can be cured within a few seconds. Accordingly, the curing operation can be performed while the core wire is moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the core wire. Thus, a long abrasive wire can be fabricated at reduced time and cost.

Abstract: Device for the indirect radiant heating, by means of the combustion of gaseous or liquid fossil fuels, of running products, such as bars, tubes, strips and parts for example, kept under a protective atmosphere, characterized in that it is produced in the form of a radiant cassette (1) of essentially parallelepipedal shape, with a continuous radiating surface whose cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the said cassette, is delimited by a continuous line which falls inside a rectangle whose height/width ratio is greater than 1.5.

Abstract: A device for drawing dilution air into a flue pipe extending from a furnace toward a chimney is disclosed. The device comprises first and second members. The first member includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connectable to a furnace side of the flue pipe to receive flue gas therefrom. The outlet of the first member discharges the flue gas out of the first member. The second member include a body, a base, an outlet, a mixing chamber, and at least one louver. The base extends from the body toward the first member and has an opening fitted around the first member so that the outlet of the first member is positioned within the body of the second member and a flow passage is formed between the first member and the body of the second member. The outlet of the second member is connectable to a chimney side of the flue pipe. The mixing chamber receives the flue gas discharged from the outlet of the first member and the dilution air from the louver(s).

Abstract: A device for use with metered dose inhalers includes a housing configured with a void to receive a metered dose inhaler, an actuator assembly which is configured to selectively apply force to the metered dose inhaler to cause the metered dose inhaler to release medicament, and a cocking mechanism for placing the actuator assembly in an armed configuration. The device is configured to actuate the metered dose inhaler as the user inhales, thereby ensuring improved medicament delivery. Additionally, the device is configured to prevent the metered dose inhaler from remaining in a vented position.

Abstract: A breath actuated inhaler for delivering medicament by inhalation, comprising a housing having a mouthpiece and defining an air flow path extending from the mouthpiece through the housing; the housing holding a replaceable canister of medicament actuatable to deliver a dose of medicament into the air flow path, wherein the housing defines an opening in the air flow path and the opening is closed by a closure element connected to and replaceable with the canister. The closure element acts as a safety feature because it is only closed when the inhaler is used with a canister to which a closure element is connected the closure element carries an indication of the type of medicament in the canister to allow the user to recognise the type of medicament. A plurality of inhalers may be provided in which each given inhaler has an opening with a different shape and has a closure element with a shape which conforms with the opening of the given inhaler but which does not conform with the openings of the other inhalers.

Abstract: An improved respiratory flow sensor with a tubular housing (1) in the form of a venturi tube and with a measuring insert (5) that can be inserted into same with at least one hot wire (2, 3). The tube and insert are components of long durability which can be autoclaved and consequently reused. The measuring insert (5) is replaceable fastened in the housing (1) by means of a snap connection and is formed of a high-temperature plastic that can be autoclaved by use of hot steam.

Abstract: A resuscitation device for providing a barrier between a rescuer and a patient requiring mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This resuscitation device includes an inflatable portion which when inflated extends in the breathing direction between the rescuer and the patient so as to be placed around at least one breathing organ of the victim. An inflation member receives airflow from the rescuer to inflate the inflatable portion. In this resuscitation device, a valve assembly permits airflow from the rescuer to the patient and diverts the exhalation and body fluids of the patient from reaching the rescuer. An additional barrier member can also be provided for shielding the rescuer from the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of a patient having a pulmonary disease involving chronic obstruction of the airways includes a container having therein a chamber containing a composition of L-tartrate in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; an opening connected to the chamber so as to provide an outlet therefor, the opening sized for producing droplets of a predetermined size range responsive to the composition being motivated from the chamber through the opening; and a source of motivating force connected with the chamber so as to motivate the composition through the opening to thereby cause nebulization of the composition. A treatment kit comprises the container described and a mouthpiece connectable to the container so as to be in fluid connection with the opening and downstream therefrom to thereby convey the nebulized composition into a patient's mouth to thereby facilitate oral inhalation of the nebulized composition by the patient.

Abstract: Patients may operate a CPAP system to deliver appropriate airway pressure at their home. A patient's apnea problem ca be diagnosed at home without supervision with a CPAP device which delivers a continuously minimum appropriate pressure for substantially the entire period of therapy.

Abstract: A pressure regulating device for use with a breathing assistance apparatus which conveys gases to a patient requiring breathing assistance. The device includes a valve member disposed within a valve housing which when gases flowing through the regulator reach a predetermined level at least a portion of the gases are permitted to flow through a vent aperture externally, similar to known pressure relief valves. The present invention includes an adjustment mechanism engaged with the valve member and for adjusting the predetermined level, and a locking mechanism for permanently preventing access to the adjustment mechanism once the predetermined level has been factory set.

Abstract: A seal and a mask having a seal adapted for confronting engagement with a surface of a user to form an interface therewith. The seal includes a first portion defined by a gel substance and a second portion associated with the first portion. The second portion includes a selectively formable substance adapted to be molded from a first pattern into a second pattern and to retain the second pattern responsive to being so molded. The seal and mask having the seal is tailored to patient by causing the formable portion of the seal to be placed in a malleable state, applying the seal to the patient while the formable portion is in the malleable state, and causing the formable portion to be placed in a fixed state to retain a shape generally conforming to the portion of the patient underlying the seal.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by imposing a secondary shape on a resilient structure, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. The resilient structure is then restrained by the walls of the fallopian tube, imposing anchoring forces as it tries to resume the secondary shape.

Abstract: An eye shield (1) for retaining an eye (2) of an anaesthetized subject closed during a surgical procedure for protecting the eye from injury comprises a patch (3) of substantially oval shape having a rear major surface (7). An upper adhesive portion (14) and a lower adhesive portion (15) of the rear major surface (7) are coated with a self-adhesive coatings (11,12) for securing the patch (3) to an upper eyelid (9) and a lower eyelid (10), respectively. An adhesive tab (16) extends downwardly from the lower adhesive portion (15) for securing the patch (3) to a portion (17) of the face of the subject below the eye (2). A non-adhesive portion (18) extends along a major axis (5) between borders (37,38) of the upper and lower adhesive portions (14,15), respectively, for preventing adhesion of the patch (3) to eyelashes of the upper and lower eyelids (9,10).

Abstract: A method for closed-chest cardiac surgical intervention relies on viewing the cardiac region through a thoracoscope or other viewing scope and endovascularly partitioning the patient's arterial system at a location within the ascending aorta. The cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia can be induced, and a variety of surgical procedures performed on the stopped heart using percutaneously introduced tools.

Abstract: A non-destructive method for evaluating the strength of cancellous bone, includes the steps of performing at least two of the following test on each cancerous bone of a population of cancellous bones, namely, a manual compression test, an apparent density test, and an appearance test; determining a compressive strength for each cancellous bone based on the two tests performed; comparing the determined compressive strength of each cancellous bone against a predetermined compressive strength requirement; and eliminating a subset of cancellous bone from the population of cancellous bone, which subset of cancerous bone fails to meet the predetermined compressive strength requirement.

Abstract: Described herein are various methods and apparatuses for delivering stents or conduits and other devices into the myocardium of a patient. One preferred stent delivery system provides access to the insertion site in the myocardium by advancing a delivery catheter through a blockage in a coronary artery, or around the blockage through a coronary vein or through a channel or tunnel formed around the blockage. In one embodiment, once the distal end of the delivery catheter is adjacent the myocardium, an angled bend is created in the catheter by actuating expandable steering guides mounted to the catheter which cooperate with the walls of the blood vessel to cause the catheter to turn. Then, a guidewire is advanced through the delivery catheter and into the myocardium. In another embodiment, a tip-deflecting pull wire extends from the distal end of the delivery catheter which may be actuated to turn towards and then inserted into the myocardium.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for accessing the interior of the heart and performing procedures therein while the heart is beating. In one embodiment, a tubular access device having an inner lumen is provided for positioning through a penetration in a muscular wall of the heart, the access device having a means for sealing within the penetration to inhibit leakage of blood through the penetration. The sealing means may comprise a balloon or flange on the access device, or a suture placed in the heart wall to gather the heart tissue against the access device. An obturator is removably positionable in the inner lumen of the access device, the obturator having a cutting means at its distal end for penetrating the muscular wall of the heart. The access device is preferably positioned through an intercostal space and through the muscular wall of the heart.

Abstract: A system for magnetically assisted surgery includes a magnetic support structure, a patient support structure and a magnet having at least four poles attached to the magnetic support structure so that the magnet provides a near-field magnetic field in an operating region of a patient supported by the patient support structure. The magnet is moveable so that the direction of the magnetic field lines in the operating region is adjustable. The magnet may include a pair of essentially semicircular half-segments permanently magnetized and joined in an extremely stable disk configuration. The magnetic field and gradient field provided by the magnet is such that movement of the disk in one plane combined with rotation of the disk is sufficient to orient the magnetic field during surgical use, thereby reducing interference to medical imaging devices needed during surgery.

Abstract: A lighter integral with a smoking article includes a gas burner and a tube for receiving a smokable material, such as a cigarette. The gas burner generates a stable pre-mixed flame that is used to heat the material to be smoked. The smokable material may be separated from the heat source, such as a flame or a catalyst bed, by a barrier that allows heat to flow between the heat source and an interior portion of the tube. Various configurations of barriers are provided. Furthermore, an attachment is provided that allows for the conversion of a conventional lighter into a lighter that may be integrally combined with a smoking article.

Abstract: A brush includes a self-contained ion generator that subjects material being brushed to an outflow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises at least one metal pin spaced coaxially-apart from a metal ring-like structure. Alternatively, the first array may comprise one or more wire electrodes spaced staggeringly apart from a second array comprising hollow “U”-shaped electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. The outflow of ionized air and ozone is directed between the brush bristles onto the material being brushed.

Abstract: A headband, for use by a person having a length of hair, using a device comprising synthetic hair fibers joined to an elastic band to form a closed loop. The synthetic hair fibers are joined to the elastic band with a pair of connectors. The hair is inserted into the closed loop, and the device is tensioned around the hair with the synthetic hair fibers exposed in front of the person's head, and the elastic band extending around the back of the person's head, hidden beneath the person's hair.

Abstract: A kit for promoting oral hygiene while away from home, for example, while at the office or when travelling, includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, oral floss, and breath spray contained in a housing which outwardly resembles a fountain pen.

Abstract: A dental floss comprises a plurality of polyamide monofilaments joined together; and a plurality of abrasive particles integrated into each monofilament.

Abstract: A method of cleaning airfoils and related turbine engine components that have a crust-like debris deposited on the surface thereof. This method involves subjecting at least the portion of the component having the deposit of the crust-like debris to sufficient laser shock peening to cause the debris on the surface thereof to be loosened therefrom so that the loosened debris can be removed from the component. This loosened debris can then be removed from the component, such as by passing a cleaning fluid through the portion of the component that is subjected to the laser shock peening.

Abstract: A method for selectively removing oxide material from the surface of a substrate or coating disposed on the substrate is disclosed. The method includes the step of contacting the oxide material with an aqueous treatment composition having the formula HXAF6, wherein A can be Si, Ge, Ti, Zr, Al, and Ga; and x is 1-6. The composition can sometimes include an additional acid, such as phosphoric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and mixtures thereof. A method for replacing a worn or damaged protective coating applied over a substrate, utilizing the treatment composition, is also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for inducing an electric charge in a cleaning sheet for cleaning and removing particles from a surface are disclosed. The systems include a cleaning sheet for collecting and retaining the particles and a charging surface configured to frictionally engage the sheet. The cleaning sheets typically have a basis weight of at least about 30 g/m2. The system may include a container for housing and dispensing the cleaning sheet. When the sheet is passed across the charging surface, the electrical charge in the sheet is generally increased by at least about 500 V. Methods of and kits for cleaning surfaces and collecting and retaining debris are also disclosed.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning containers such as flat media carriers has inside and outside arrays of nozzles arranged to spray a cleaning solution onto containers supported on a spinning rotor in a chamber. The cleaning solution, a mixture of water and a detergent or surfactant, is prepared by drawing out surfactant directly from a surfactant bulk storage vessel by means of a metering pump. The flow rate of the water is measured by a flow meter and in combination with the metering pump, a proper amount of surfactant is injected into the water line to produce a mixture with a desired surfactant concentration for removing contaminants. The mixture is injected into the water line at a mixing control valve to ensure that the water and surfactant are thoroughly mixed before being injected into the media carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning wafers includes one or more rows of receptacles for receiving cleaning agents or water The wafers are moved through and downward into the receptacles one by one for allowing the wafers to be cleaned by the cleaning agents first and then cleaned by the water. A vacuuming device may be used for drawing the air of the cleaning agent out of the apparatus. The wafers may be grasped between two grasping arms and separated from each other and moved through the receptacles. About 50 wafers may be cleaned once at a time.

Abstract: A folding flat umbrella including a pair of plates each having an inner edge, an outer edge, and a span therebetween. The pair of plates are aligned along their respective inner edges to form a foldable central crease whereby the pair of plates can be extended to an extended position and can be collapsed to a collapsed position. The pair of plates are fabricated of a waterproof material. A pair of brackets extend between the pair of plates in a spaced relationship. The pair of brackets facilitate the extending and collapsing of the pair of plates with respect to one another. A handle portion is coupled with respect to the pair of plates.

Abstract: A canopy support assembly comprises two major sections: a drive-on anchoring assembly and a canopy support assembly. The anchoring assembly provides a device wherein a vehicle tire can be driven thereon thereby preventing movement of the assembly. Pivotally attached to the anchoring assembly is the canopy support for at least three telescoping poles. The support assembly can be pivoted onto the anchoring assembly for storage purposes. The pole support member of the support assembly can be pivoted to vary the vertical angle of the upstanding supports for the poles to accommodate different canopy sizes and shapes depending upon the specific application. In use, pairs of the assemblies will be used, one under each front or rear tire to provide a canopy for recreational use or a cover when, for example, one is working on a vehicle engine.

Abstract: Thermoelectric material of (Bi, Sb)(Te, Se) system is produced through a liquid quenching method and an extrusion from a die unit having an inlet portion and an outlet portion crossing each other at 30-150 degrees so that the crystal grains have an average grain size equal to or less than 30 microns and (001) planes mostly oriented in parallel to a direction in which electric current to flow, thereby achieving the figure of merit equal to or greater than 3.0×10−3/K.

Abstract: A method and system for treating crude oil to improve its flowability includes operating an internal combustion engine to produce exhaust gas, reducing the temperature of the exhaust gas, injecting cooled exhaust gas into a separator in which water is extracted to provide dry exhaust gas, pumping crude oil at an elevated pressure into a treatment vessel, compressing the dry exhaust gas to provide pressurized exhaust gas that is introduced into the treatment vessel and intimately mixing the crude oil and the pressurized exhaust gas in the treatment vessel to provide treated crude oil having a substantial portion of the exhaust gas absorbed therein to thereby provide crude oil having improved flowability.

Abstract: In some prior art Blowout Preventer (BOP) operating systems, high velocity fluid flows and low differential pressures induced vibration in the system. This vibration may result in collapse and failure of hydraulic hoses in the system. A quick dump valve has been added at or near the open port on the BOP assembly to reduce vibration and other problems. The dump valve has a vent position and an open position. Several alternative embodiments add a ball check valve assembly to the shuttle in the quick dump valve.

Abstract: A system for servicing a fluid system can employ a pressure-reducing source to perform the desired service. The fluid system can be an engine cooling system or other fluid system.