Abstract: A pet carrier having a substantially round footprint. The pet carrier comprises a carrier bottom, a cover, and a plurality of fastening devices for attaching the cover to the carrier bottom. The carrier bottom has a flat surface, a straight wall, and a curved wall. The cover of a preferred embodiment preferably has a hemispheric shape. The cover further comprises a handle and at least one air vent. In one embodiment, a hinge is provided along the top of the straight wall to join the cover. In another embodiment, the hinge is removable, such that the cover may be completely separated from the carrier bottom. In still another embodiment, the pet carrier further comprises a padded mat that rests on the flat surface. The padded mat is preferably removable and machine-washable.

Abstract: A large pet exerciser utilizes but two readily available major components. One is a galvanized pipe or post embedded in concrete. The other major component is an extension or tension spring having a loop or ring on each end. The spring is anchored in the top of the post by means of one loop while a leash is connected to the other or extending top loop. The spring not only elongates when subject to tensile forces, but being mostly free of the post flexes or bends laterally of the post axis in any azimuth or direction. Both actions of the spring exert a bias on any pull by a pet secured to a leash in turn secured to the top or projecting end of the spring. This provides significant decelerating strain relief.

Abstract: A multi-ring animal training collar that can be used to restrain the animal or to choke the animal. The unit may be made from a plurality of materials including steel, leather and nylon.

Abstract: A heating system for heating liquids, stored in a tank at low ambient temperature, has a heating chamber with an inlet and an outlet for convectively flowing liquid past a flameless heater. Cold liquid is drawn through an inlet line, from the tank near its base and into a heating chamber, absorbs radiant energy from the heater as it travels therethrough. Heated liquid is circulated into the tank through an upper outlet from the heating chamber and back into the tank. Preferably, the heated liquid reenters the tank through a floating discharge flexibly connected to the upper outlet so as to remain dynamically in contact with the liquid at all times, thus avoiding airlocks which would interrupt the convective flow of liquid through the heating system.

Abstract: An improved cooling system for a turbo charged internal combustion engine is disclosed. A conduit connects a pressurizing engine air intake to the cooling system to raise the pressure in the cooling system thereby enabling an increase of the maximum temperature which coolant in the cooling system can reach.

Abstract: An oil cooling system is disclosed in the environment of an over the road vehicle having a transmission and an internal combustion engine. A primary liquid to liquid heat exchanger is connected to the engine cooling system and connected to a selected on of, or both, an engine lubricant system and the transmission for cooling circulation of oil. An auxiliary heat exchanger is connected in parallel with the primary heat exchanger for selective additional cooling circulation of the oil.

Abstract: A vehicle radiator device having a radiator with a first tank and a second tank coupled through a heat radiation core. The radiator is mounted onto an engine in a power unit supported by a vehicle body frame. The first and second tanks of the radiator are made of synthetic resin. The radiator is mounted onto the engine through a shroud made of elastic material for conducting cooling wind of the radiator in such a manner that vibrations of the engine are absorbed by the elasticity of the shroud to thereby prevent excitation to the radiator. The resulting radiator device is a simple, low-priced structure with reduced weight, which is supported by the engine in such a manner as to isolate vibrations.

Abstract: A two-stroke engine having charge stratification for portable, manually guided implements is provided. Formed in a cylinder is a combustion chamber that is delimited by a reciprocating piston that by means of a connecting rod drives a crankshaft in a crankcase. The combustion chamber has an exhaust port for exhaust gases and an intake port for rich mixture. The intake port forms one end of a feed channel, the other end of which opens into the crankcase. Between its ends, the feed channel is connected with a mixture-forming device. The crankcase has an air inlet for pure combustion air, which passes via a transfer channel from the crankcase into the combustion chamber. The intake port of the feed channel into the combustion chamber is, in the stroke direction of the piston, provided above the air inlet into the crankcase. At least a portion of the feed channel is embodied as an external component of the engine.

Abstract: So that an actuator drive which holds an actuator element for actuating, for example, a charge cycle valve of an internal combustion engine, in a limit position by a coil, can be switched at the correct time into the other limit position, the energization of the coil is switched off a certain time period before the time at which the actuator element is to be released from the limit position. Here, the time period is selected as a function of the supply voltage of the actuator drive and/or of the coil current during the holding in the limit position. It is also possible to adapt the time period.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a camshaft with an adjustable phase position relative to the crankshaft. Upon starting the internal combustion engine, the phase position is derived from a crankshaft angle detected by a crankshaft sensor and a camshaft angle detected by a camshaft sensor. If the phase position is within a predetermined threshold of a predetermined phase position, a correction value is calculated based on the deviation of the phase position, otherwise, the actual phase position is equated to the phase position derived from the crankshaft angle and the camshaft angle in an emergency running mode. During normal operation the actual phase position is calculated based on the phase position, derived from the crankshaft angle and the camshaft angle, and the correction value. In the emergency running mode, at least one control signal for an actuator is determined as a function of the actual phase position.

Abstract: A valve cover assembly comprising a valve cover (21) wherein the valve cover has a mating surface (26) adapted to be attached to a cylinder head (20) of an internal combustion engine having a continuous bead of adhesive (22) disposed on the mating surface (25). An engine assembly comprising one or more valve covers (21), which has a mating surface (26) and one or more cylinder heads (20) having mating surfaces (25) adapted to fit to the mating surfaces (26) of the valve covers (21) wherein each valve cover (21) is adhesively bonded to a cylinder head.

Abstract: A sheet metal rocker arm manufactured by the steps of punching one metal plate to form a blank having a predetermined contour and through holes, and subjecting this blank to a bending work based on a press work to form a pair of side walls parallel to each other and a connecting portion for connecting the both ends of the side walls in the width direction thereof. This rocker arm is also provided with at least a pair of though holes formed at positions which are aligned with each other on the both side walls and at least one engagement portion provided in a part of the connecting portion. The thickness of at least one engagement portion, is formed to be greater than the thickness of the both side walls.

Abstract: An adjustment screw assembly (10) having an adjustment screw (11) engaged to a rocker arm (14) of a combustion engine (12) is disclosed. The adjustment screw (11) comprises a lower member (26) and a vertical member (28) wherein the vertical member (28) threads to the rocker arm (14) and the lower member (26) secures pivotally and rotatably to the vertical member (28) forming a pivotal connection (31). The pivotal connection (31) has a male connector (38) which snap fits through an engagement lip portion (46) of a female socket (35) and is thereby held together for combustion engine assembly purposes. Once the adjustment screw (11) is assembled and placed within the combustion engine (12), internal springs (24) of the engine (12) resiliently hold and secure the lower member (26) to the vertical member (28).

Abstract: A composition for forming an electrode for use in a torch jet spark plug is provided. The composition comprises a ceramic material, ceramic particles, and an electrically conductive material. The ceramic particles are dispersed within the ceramic material. At least some of the ceramic particles have a predetermined size. This predetermined size is at least as large as the thickness of the finally formed electrode. The electrically conductive material is capable of being manipulated to form ribbons around the ceramic particles and of being sintered to form the electrode. The resultant electrode has good resistance to explosive erosion mechanisms, which consequently increases the life of the torch jet spark plug.

Abstract: A neutral safety switch (NSS) is described for use with a remote engine starting system. The NSS may be attached to each of an emergency brake on, door open, engine running and motion sensor. By sensing the state of the sensor inputs, the NSS determines that the emergency brake has been set, that the vehicle transmission is in neutral and that the driver and passengers have left the vehicle, and if these conditions are not met, disables the remote starting system. The NSS may be used with automatic or manual transmission vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle engine starting apparatus that allows a driver to start an engine easily. The apparatus has a plurality of operation modes. The apparatus includes a starter motor, an ignition switch, and a control circuit. The ignition switch is pressed to generate an operation signal. The control circuit is connected to the starter motor and the ignition switch, The control circuit changes the current operation mode or activates the starter motor to start the engine depending on the nature of the operation signal.

Abstract: In a decompression unit including a decompression arm, a decompression unit for internal combustion engine is provided in which the followability in the opening-and-closing operation of the air intake valve or the exhaust valve with respect to the cam at high-revolution speeds is satisfactory without increasing the equivalent inertia weight of the valve driving system, and for lowering the cost. A decompression unit includes a first decompression cam that takes the operating position when the number of revolutions of the engine is not more than the predetermined number of revolution during startup. A second decompression cam is provided that takes the operating position by manual operation. A decompression arm includes first and second abutting portions that abut against first and second decompression cams, respectively.

Abstract: A main bearing case has a bearing holder for holding a bearing so as to support a crankshaft, and a crankcase mounting section at which it is joined to a crankcase. Rib walls are provided so as to surround the bearing holder between the bearing holder and the crankcase mounting section. The rib walls are formed in a side of the crankcase, and in a neighborhood of each inner side face of the bearing holder and the crankcase mounting section. These rib walls receive a force exerted in a radial direction from the crankshaft. Thereby, an improvement of rigidity of the main bearing case can be achieved, and also the lubrication to a valve-operating system can be always ensured by preventing an oil surface from lowering even when an engine is located with inclination.

Abstract: The invention provide a control system for a direct fuel injection engine employing a valve varying mechanism, which can suppress mixing of burned gas and fresh air to maintain the combustion stability, can accelerate vaporization of sprayed fuel at the beginning of fuel injection to reduce the emission rate of HC, and can realize a reduction of NOx based on the effect of exhaust return. The control system for the direct fuel injection engine comprises a fuel injector for directly injecting fuel into a combustion chamber, and valve varying drivers for variably controlling the opening/closing timing of each of an intake valve and/or an exhaust valve. A control unit controls the valve varying mechanism unit to introduce burned gas from an exhaust port into the combustion chamber and to inject the fuel during a compression stroke for effectuating stratified charge combustion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intake port configuration (1) for an internal combustion engine, where the swirl (D) of at least one intake flow entering the combustion chamber via an intake port controlled by an intake valve (5) can be varied, two or more flow paths being associated with at least one intake port, which paths join in the valve region (4), and the flow rate (Q) in at least one of the two flow paths being variable by means of a control element (9), and the two flow paths being constituted by two completely separate intake passages, i.e., a primary passage (2) and a secondary passage (3), said primary passage (2) having a helical form. In order to obtain a high flow rate (Q) at a high swirl level in addition to a wide range over which the swirl D may be varied, it is proposed that the intake valve axis (5a) should intersect or be tangent to the secondary passage (3) at least at one point.

Abstract: A watercraft has a throttle position sensor, an engine speed sensor, and a start switch. The sensors communicate with a controller. The controller can regulate engine speed. The controller regulates or limits the engine to a low speed when the throttle angle is above a predetermined value during startup, and/or when the engine temperature is too low.

Abstract: A method of controlling an internal combustion engine during a warm-up period thereof including controlling at least one operational parameter of the engine as a function of at least a certain measure of the energy delivered to the engine since the start of the warm-up period of the engine to thereby provide improved combustion stability during said warm-up period. Preferably, the measure of the energy delivered to the engine is based on the amount of fuel delivered to the engine during the warm-up period.

Abstract: An air induction system is arranged to introduce air into a plurality of combustion chambers. The air induction system includes intake passages through which the air flows to the combustion chambers. Throttle valves are arranged to regulate an amount of the air flowing through the intake passages. Auxiliary runners communicate with the intake passages at a location positioned downstream of the throttle valves. The respective runners are unified with each other to form a common chamber. A single conduit has an end communicating with the common chamber and another end communicating with a location that generally is at atmospheric pressure. The air flowing through the conduit, the common chamber and the auxiliary runners also is supplied to the combustion chambers. The common chamber can be positioned next to the intake passages. A control valve can be provided at a location along the single conduit.

Abstract: In a fuel high pressure accumulator for fuel injection devices an intersecting region between a storage chamber and a connection opening of a connection pipe, as well as a region of an outer wall which is opposite to the connecting region are designed to improve pressure strength.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a plurality of fuel injectors (22), each of which may have a different performance characteristic. After the performance characteristics have been determined, an internal, energizable voltage or current source (28) is provided within the injector housing (23). Each time the vehicle ignition is turned on, a controller (26) queries each injector (22) to obtain a signal from the individual, internal, energizable voltage or current sources (28). The controller (26) then uses the output of the internal voltage or current source (28) as an indication of the performance characteristics of each injector (22). The controller then customizes the power signal supplied to each injector to accommodate for different performance characteristics.

Abstract: An improved engine fuel control detects combustion instability due to the use of high DI fuel during cold start and warm-up and compensates the fuel control for detected combustion instability through temporary enrichment of the delivered air/fuel ratio. When the engine idle speed error magnitude is less than a calibrated threshold, usage of high DI fuel is detected by identifying a surge signal based on the engine speed error fluctuation in a predetermined frequency range attributable to combustion instability due to the presence of high DI fuel in a cold engine. The speed error fluctuation content in the predetermined frequency range is identified with a Butterworth bandpass filter, and the bandpass filter output is low pass filtered to identify an average amplitude of the surge signal. When the engine speed error magnitude exceeds the calibrated threshold, the inputs of bandpass and low pass filters are set to zero.

Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus includes a main tank and a fuel supply module. The fuel supply module includes a sub tank disposed inside the main tank, a supporting bracket attached to an inside of the sub tank to thereby support a fuel supply pump therein, and a jet pump which includes a jet pump nozzle and sucks a fuel inside the main tank into the sub tank from a bottom thereof by utilizing a generated negative pressure. The supporting bracket includes a jet pump passage, which is connected to the jet pump nozzle in case the sub tank is attached to the supporting bracket. The fuel in the sub tank is supplied to an engine by driving the fuel supply pump, and a part of the fuel is supplied to the jet pump through the jet pump passage to thereby generate the negative pressure therein.

Abstract: A device including an internal combustion engine, an engine control device coupled to the internal combustion engine and manually operable to stop operation of the engine, a fuel tank for providing fuel to the engine, and a fuel vent closure device automatically operable in response to the manual operation of the engine control device to substantially seal the fuel tank when the engine is stopped, thereby substantially preventing emissions from the fuel tank. The device also preferably includes a fuel shutoff device automatically operable in response to the manual operation of the engine control device to substantially block the supply of fuel to the engine when the engine is stopped.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel tank isolation valve and a canister vent valve. The fuel tank isolation valve has a first port, a second port, an electric actuator, and a valve body. The first port is in fluid communication with a fuel vapor collection canister. The second port is in fluid communication with a fuel tank. The electric actuator moves the valve body to control fluid communication between the first and second ports. And the canister vent valve controls ambient fluid flow with respect to the fuel vapor collection canister.

Abstract: A fuel evaporation control system is connected to an engine control system in which an air-fuel ratio in mixture gas supplied to an engine is controlled to an optimum level. Fuel evaporated from a fuel tank is absorbed by a canister, and the absorbed fuel is purged into the engine. Deterioration of the canister in its air-permeability is detected based on measured pressure in the fuel evaporation control system or calculated density in the purge gas, both the pressure and the density being measured or calculated under two different amounts of purge gas flow. Deterioration of the canister in its fuel-absorbing ability is also detected based on the purge gas density.

Abstract: A novel flow sensor that includes a valve responsive to a pressure differential or pressure drop across a selectively sized restriction orifice. The flow sensor may be incorporated into a high-pressure fuel injection system for sensing the opening and closing of high pressure fuel injector for injecting gaseous fuel.

Abstract: An air assist fuel injector system having an air assist fuel injector. The air assist fuel injector includes an integral projection having a recess therein for receiving a fuel injector. The air assist fuel injector also includes a conduit for receiving pressurized gas from a channel of a head of an engine.

Abstract: That this device is a state altering interface device intended to safely apply engine heat for increasing the vaporization rate of liquid gasoline, Diesel, and alcohol fuel in Fuel Injected conventional internal combustion engines, using computer controlled Electronic Fuel Injection and hot fuel to resolve the existing defect/problem of fuel condensation on Intake manifold runners, intake ports, combustion chamber and cylinder walls so as to enhance engine combustion efficiency, emissions control and fuel economy.

Abstract: A flow modifier for insertion into the chamber of a large pintle valve to change the apparent flow range of the valve to that of a smaller valve. The flow modifier includes a perforated cup-shaped restrictor disposed within the valve on the valve pintle and sealingly surrounding the valve seat such that all flow through the valve must pass through the passageways in the restrictor. The restrictor is held in place by a compression spring surrounding the pintle. The total open area of the passageways may be varied by varying their number and/or size and is preferably substantially less than the open area of the valve seat. The restrictor thus acts as a flow choke or fixed throttle to reduce the flow range of the valve. Different restrictors may be provided as required to size a single large valve having a large inherent flow range to a plurality of applications requiring valves having smaller flow ranges.

Abstract: A fluid feed duct, which may be used for feeding a stream of recirculated exhaust gas into a stream of intake air for an internal combustion engine. The feed duct includes a hollow structure (10) into which a feed connection (12) is introduced via a joint structure (34). A ceramic pipe (16) is used to prevent heat from the exhaust gas stream from being conducted to mounts in the hollow structure (10) which represents the intake duct of the engine. Consequently, the intake duct can be manufactured of a thermoplastic synthetic resin material, since the risk of thermal overstressing is avoided. The feed connection also has a deflecting segment (19) which is provided in its sides with outlet openings (20). This enables the exhaust gas to be introduced in the direction of flow of the intake air, so that optimal mixing is assured and the hot exhaust gas stream is prevented from passing directly to the wall of the thermoplastic intake duct, thereby preventing the intake duct from being melted.

Abstract: An EGR valve control apparatus is provided which is capable of controlling an amount of exhaust gas to be recirculated in a precise and proper manner by using a step motor, as well as improving the durability of an EGR valve. The EGR valve control apparatus adjusts an opening of the EGR valve for opening and closing an exhaust gas recirculation passage connecting between an exhaust passage and an intake passage by means of the step motor.

Abstract: An engine air-oil separator provided in a head cover for separating oil contents in blow-by gases that are recirculated to an intake system, wherein a centrifugal separation chamber for generating swirl flows in the blow-by gases is formed integrally with the head cover by a rib-like wall protruding inwardly from an internal surface of an external wall of the head cover, whereby since the centrifugal separation chamber can be embedded in the head cover, the space saving can be attained.

Abstract: A rotor has teeth on a rotor body. The teeth indicate fixed ignition timings for both of normal and reverse rotations. The teeth also indicate beginning positions of a calculation ignition sequence and an excess advanced ignition sequence for both of the normal and reverse rotations. One of the teeth is longer than the other teeth to provide a signal for determining a rotating direction based on a detected signal from a timing sensor. In a stable rotating condition, a countdown process begins when the beginning position located on the forward side in the rotating direction from the cylinder to be ignited is detected, and the spark plug of the target cylinder sparks when the counting process finished.

Abstract: A target throwing device, particularly for throwing two frangible targets, such as “clay targets”, comprises a magazine for holding targets having a circular top portion and a depending wall, portion, an essentially planar throwing plane, and an elevator for moving targets from the magazine onto the throwing plane. A throwing arm is mounted above the throwing plane for moving the targets from first positions to second positions and for subsequently throwing the targets when in the second positions. A positioning element is protruding upwardly from the throwing plane within the wall portion of an inner target when it is lowered onto the throwing plate so at to impart to the target a movement in a direction from an outer target during movement of the targets from the first to the second positions. The targets are thereby less prone to breaking and more accurate target trajectories are achieved.

Abstract: A ball feeding device for a for connection to a separate and independent ball propelling machine, such as those used to propel softballs, tennis balls, and baseballs. The preferred embodiment includes a lower chute connected to the feed port of a ball machine. Balls are delivered to the lower chute from a hopper by a tumbler which revolves below the exit hole of the hopper, dispensing one ball at a time. The tumbler has a tumbler hole or plurality of tumbler hole cut onto its body leading to a separate and distinct chamber or chambers. The tumbler revolves within a tumbler casing which has an entry hole on its upper wall and a load hole on its opposite wall. A collar surrounds the entry hole. The collar is placed within the exit hole of the hopper. A turnstile ring with two vertical posts surrounds the collar causing the balls to be mixed, sorted, and dispensed into the exit hole as the ring rotates.

Abstract: A paint bullet feeder for a paint ball gun includes a cartridge, a vibration means mounted within the cartridge, and a resilient means for absorbing vibration to the cartridge, whereby bullets can be smoothly fed to a gun without influencing the aiming of the gun

Abstract: This invention is an improved structure for saw clip. On the working desk, there is a lead trough. On the pivot of this working desk, there is a block section for items to wait to be sawed. A top pusher block, when moved onwards, can be used to fix the items so that the sawing process can go smoothly. Among the parts of this invention, there is a sliding trough on top of the block and the sliding trough and the lead trough go across each other. Moreover, a lead screw goes through both the sliding trough and lead trough. The lead screw can be adjusted to be at any position in the lead trough to change how the block is placed. Then, the block can be screwed tightly so that it will not turn upon receiving the pushing force from clipping.

Abstract: A smoke cooker with a chimney has a base, a cover detachably connected with the base, a chimney detachably connected with the cover and a lid assembly mountable on the chimney. The smoke cooker is able to be separated into an oven portion and a chimney portion so as to function differently. When the oven and the chimney portions are assembled, the smoke cooker is able to be used to roast food or cure food with smoke.

Abstract: The present invention is a multifunctional portable barbecue grill that is designed and configured to expand in order to increase and/or decrease the total size the cooking surface of the particular grill. The grill includes a mainframe that supports the housing. Located in the housing is a grate. The mainframe, housing and grate include a slideably extension system for increasing or decreasing the length of the grill. In addition, for convenience and added comfort, the mainframe of the grill can be altered in height to provide for a comfortable height for the cook as well as provide for an easy means for storage and transportability.

Abstract: The present invention is a frame assembly for a barbecue grill that provides rigid support for a cooking chamber and a work surface disposed adjacent to the chamber. The frame assembly comprises at least two U-shaped frame members, each formed of a bended contiguous tubular material, with at least one support member disposed transverse to the U-shaped members attached thereto, such that the two U-shaped frame members are in a spaced relation to each other to create a space therebetween to accommodate a cooking chamber and a work surface.

Abstract: A solar energy system comprises a solar absorber in the form of a solar boiler tank with a lower working liquid region having a liquid inlet and filled with a working liquid capable of boiling under a predetermined pressure, and an upper vapor accumulation region having a vapor outlet for withdrawing from the tank a vapor created in the tank. The system further comprises vapor utilization means associated with the vapor outlet. The solar boiler tank has at least one transparent window to receive and pass towards the working liquid highly concentrated solar radiation. The system also comprises means for controlling the pressure of vapor in the vapor accumulation region to make the working liquid boil at the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: This invention covers a nebulizer for aerosol systems comprised of a non-spill system (25) at the opening (21) conveying the nebulized medication towards the user, thus preventing the liquid medication from spilling if the nebulized is inclined or dropped.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for breathing in a Kayak with a mouth piece and a flexible tube including positioning the mouth piece adjacent the Kayaker's head, positioning the tube so that it extends downwardly into the Kayak interior and freely communicates with hull interior air, inserting the mouth piece when necessary into the mouth and breathing Kayak interior air.

Abstract: An improved therapy for both clearing the blood of unwanted carbon monoxide and anaesthetic chemicals and for rapidly re-oxygenating blood suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning or smoke inhalation. It also includes a therapy delivery device for carbon dioxide and oxygen metering and mixing apparatus for gases under pressure particularly for respirators and medical devices which has a plurality of compressed gas supply lines which are connected to a mixing device for delivery into a demand regulator (respirator or face mask). It includes a gas selection device, an automatic shut off of the carbon dioxide, a purging system, metering of the gases and a mixing chamber to promote a homogeneous mixture of gases and sized for field use by emergency care operators. The therapy is a mixture of carbon dioxide and oxygen for promoting the rapid oxygenation of the patient's blood supply for cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation or other cases where the blood oxygen level is low.

Abstract: A portable air temperature controlling device useful for warming air surrounding an aerosolized drug formulation. Warming the air of an aerosol makes it possible to reduce the diameter of aerosol particles produced by an aerosol generation device. Additionally, warming the air forces the diameter of the aerosol particles to be in the range required for systemic drug delivery independent of ambient conditions. Smaller particles can be more precisely targeted to different areas of the respiratory tract.