Abstract: A method for operating a boiler using oxygen-enriched oxidants includes introducing oxygen-enriched air, or oxygen and air, in which the oxygen concentration ranges from about 21% to about 100% by volume. Fuel and oxygen-enriched air are introduced into the combustion space within the steam-generating boiler. The fuel and oxygen-enriched air is combusted to generate thermal energy. At least a portion of the flue gases are collected and at least a portion are recirculated through the boiler. In the steam-generating boiler, the oxygen-enriched oxidant is introduced at one or more locations within the radiation zone and the convection zone of the boiler. Additionally, flue gas is collected and recirculated into one or more locations within the radiation zone and/or the convection zone of the boiler.

Abstract: According to the present invention, in a sewing machine, a cylindrical frame for retaining tubular objects is mounted integrally on a cylindrical drive ring that is reciprocally driven in a rotational direction around a cylinder bed and that is linearly reciprocally driven along an axis of the cylinder bed; the drive ring is rotatably supported by a support member that is arranged to contact the outer periphery of the drive ring at three or more positions. By utilizing this construction, not only the drive ring, but also the frame that is mounted thereon may have a small diameter, and the drive ring can be stably supported by the support member so that it smoothly rotates. As a result, the frame can retain tubular objects having a small diameter, such as golf club covers and wrist bands, and a sewing operation, such as an embroidery operation, can be suitably performed along the periphery of the tubular object.

Abstract: A sewing machine with pattern stitching function is disclosed, wherein pattern data may be optionally selected to control the swinging movement of the vertically reciprocating needle and the work feeding amount of the work feeding mechanism, thereby to form a pattern composed of a plurality of pattern elements, the selected pattern data being modified with respect to each of the pattern elements.

Abstract: High speed electric watercraft of various configurations are provided that utilize at least one submerged enclosed hull containing an electric motor and at least one other parallel float positioned higher that the enclosed hull to provide buoyancy for a platform that can carry one or more individuals above a water surface. The watercraft optionally include features of (1) a rounded front end on the platform, (2) a platform length that is shorter than the float for stability against tipping, (3) entryways that do not require stepping over a vessel hull, (4) dimensions fore and aft that minimize spray onto the rear of the platform, (5) shock absorbers to provide a smoother ride, and (6) adjustable struts that connect floats with the platform to allow control of the platform height above the water surface. These and other features are made possible by a fast electric design that avoids certain problems of vessel type watercraft.

Abstract: A mooring device for mounting freely around a mooring post for making fast a boat, the device comprising a collar for mounting around the post in a manner that the collar can move up and down according to the tide along the post, with one stem connected to the collar and freely movable around the collar and a buoy in the stem for keeping the collar and stem floating in the water, the stem including a distal ring for connecting a rope for making fast the boat.

Abstract: A system of sensors and weapons in the form of individual cells forming a multi-functional cellular skin is provided to cover the outer surface of an underwater vehicle. The cells are engineered to have specific functional capabilities, e.g., acoustic sensing cells, communications cells, munitions cells, control cells and motive cells, and are electromagnetically attached to the vehicle. The functional arrangement of the cells types and the number of layers will be dependent on the desired capabilities and the overall mission of the vehicle. Cells may be deployed from the vehicle individually or in functional groups by decoupling appropriate cells from the vehicle. Once decoupled, motive cells can transport themselves and other cells as necessary, to positions remote from the vehicle. Groups of cells can be deployed to specific locations and arrayed in specific configurations by motive cells, allowing the vehicle to remain in a standoff position.

Abstract: A system for providing pressurized fluid for a small device launch system is shown. The system includes a piston housing an air source aperture, a launcher bore, and a shaft aperture. A piston and piston shaft slide in the chamber with the piston shaft extending out the shaft aperture. A hydraulic control cylinder is connected to the piston shaft and a controller is joined to control the cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, the controller controls flow through a variable restriction valve positioned in hydraulic communication between sides of the hydraulic cylinder. A position indicator can also be provided for communicating the position of the piston shaft to the controller.

Abstract: Featured is a fuel spill containment device that collects fuel being spilled from the vent of a fuel tank. The fuel spill containment device includes a first member having a through aperture, a flexible container being attached to the first member so an interior volume of the container is in fluid communication with the through aperture and an adhesive layer. The first member through aperture also is configured and arranged so as to be larger than a structure of the vent as it passes through a surface of a tank support structure. The adhesive layer is applied to a portion of a surface of the first member at an angle to an axis of the through aperture. This portion is set so the first member is removably secured to the tank support structure surface. Also featured is a fuel spill containment device for use in containing spills s from the vent of a motorized water vessel and methods related thereto.

Abstract: An aluminum boat is provided having a stringer assembly with curved stringer to support the boat. The boat further includes a keel box for encapsulation of foam at high pressure to strengthen the boat. An integral trim tab is provided to control the shingle angle of the boat. Also, a multi-piece knee brace assembly is provided to support the transom of the boat.

Abstract: A speed indicator for a shifting device of bicycle. The speed indicator is operated by a shifting device which has an arresting face. The speed indicator includes a housing disposed on the bicycle handlebar and provided with a slide portion. A rotating member is pivoted with the housing and provided at one end with a first long hole and at other end with a second long hole. An actuation set is disposed slidably on the housing and provided with an urging rod urged by an elastic member to press against the arresting face of the shifting device. A guide pin is inserted into the first long hole of the rotating member. A display member is disposed slidably in the slide portion of the housing and provided with a guide pin which is inserted into the second long hole of the rotating member. As the shifting device is turned to shift gear, the arresting face urges the actuation set member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating nematodes from an aqueous suspension is provided.

Abstract: A method for recognizing and determining the position of at least one teat of a milking animal, including the steps: moving a scanning head including a light source to a region containing the teat or teats, capturing at least one image formed by said light, evaluating the image or images so as to determine if each image describes said teat or teats. The scanning head (1) is moved to a fixed initial position (A) in the room which is under the animal and clearly in front of an udder and thereby the teats of all known relevant animals, thereafter the scanning head is moved in determined steps (A-J) under the animal: upwards towards the animal, downwards, backwards towards the udder, upwards, downwards etc., while carrying out the scanning procedure. The invention also concerns an apparatus carrying out the process and a milking robot including such an apparatus.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device which is arranged to carry a set of teatcups arranged to be attached to a respective teat. The device includes a carrying member, which is displaceable between at least a first inactive position beside the animal to be milked and a second active milking position and on which the teatcups are mounted via a respective flexible conduit member. The conduit member includes at least a milk conduit and is designed to permit a certain movability of the teatcup in relation to the carrying member. Each conduit member extends upwardly from the carrying member and connects to a side portion of the respective teatcup.

Abstract: An anti-squirrel device for pole mounted bird feeders consisting of a section of tubing slidably mounted around the pole suspended by an elastic band.

Abstract: The invention concerns a feed pan for poultry, especially chickens and hens, for use in connection with a tube feeding system. The feed pan comprises a feed cone (1) under which a bottom pan (10) is mounted, and the feed cone (1) has mounting elements for mounting on a feed tube (20), so that feed from an outlet hole (21) in the feed tube (20) can pass through the feed cone (1) and down into the bottom pan (10). The mounting elements for the feed cone are configured so that the feed cone (1) and the feed tube (20) can be turned in relation to each other around the axis of the feed tube. The mounting elements comprise adjustable means which can co-operate with driving elements (6, 7) on the feed cone (1), so that the feed cone can also be turned together with the feed tube (20), which among other things is used in connection with the dosing of feeds and cleaning of feed pans.

Abstract: A bird feeder comprises a generally rigid tube and a flexible bag. The tube has a bottom and a top and a wall therebetween. The bottom and top are open. A ledge is integrally connected to the outside surface of the wall close to or at its bottom. Feeding holes and perch holes are formed through the tube wall. A conventional wire hanger is used to hang the bird feeder. A cap removably slides onto the top of the tube to cover the tube. The bag has a mesh wall. The top of the bag is open and the bottom of the bag is closed. A band is located in the top of the bag. The bag is removably securable to the tube above the ledge on the outside surface of the wall. The band is tensioned to pull the bag tight around the outside surface of the tube.

Abstract: A sanitary device for domestic animals comprises a container and at least one liquid absorbing unit which is arranged to be placed in the container and which after use is arranged to be removed from the container in order to be replaced by a new liquid absorbing unit. The liquid absorbing unit comprises at least a first liquid absorbing material which, at a procurement occasion, is substantially sheet-shaped and comprises at least one stamped out form. When the liquid absorbing unit is arranged to be used, at least one area of the stamped out form is gripped and lifted upwards whereafter the area is mixed with other areas of the stamped out form, such that an airy layer is formed in the container.

Abstract: A mobile aquarium includes a display tank mounted on a wheeled cart and a system for lowering the center of gravity of the aquarium. In one embodiment, the system for lowering the center of gravity uses a storage tank that is lower than the display tank. The system transfers water from the display tank to the storage tank for moving. The lower water level in the display tank is kept high enough to provide a livable habitat for fish in the display tank. A background lighting system for the aquarium includes a light source and a semi-opaque sheet with a first image on a first side and a second image on a second side. The light source illuminates the sheet so that the second image shows through the first side of the sheet and appears behind the first image. In one embodiment, the first image has a graduate color that is lighter at one end than the other.

Abstract: An aquarium accessory allows captive amphibious animals such as turtles, salamanders and frogs to follow their instinct to sun themselves in a location which provides quick access to the safety of the water. An upper platform stage is supported by an upper ramp which inclines upward from an edge of a lower platform stage. An inclined lower ramp extends downward into the water from the same edge of the lower platform stage to enable the animals to climb out of the water. The accessory attaches to a wall of the aquarium. Upward facing surfaces of the platform stages and ramps are coated with high traction material. The configuration of the accessory minimizes obstruction of the body of water in the aquarium.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a conical tray formed with a central opening, a connecting member extending through the central opening and connected to the conical tray, and a cleaning unit mounted rotatably on the connecting member. The cleaning unit includes a plurality of tubular members, each of which is disposed above the conical tray, each of which is formed with an ejection open end, and each of which confines an ejection channel. The ejection open end opens in an ejection direction so as to permit rotation of the cleaning unit via a counteracting force resulting from ejection of water from the ejection open ends of the tubular members when water is supplied into the ejection channels of the tubular members.

Abstract: An animal monitoring system comprises a plurality of sensors positioned in a containment area and emitting infrared light across the containment area. A plurality of infrared light-detecting sensors receive said infrared light from said transmitters and provides a signal indicating such reception to a controller. The controller monitors the presence of interruptions in said light beams and infers that, in the presence of said interruptions, the animal is standing. If no interruption is present for a predetermined amount of time, an alarm may be generated to alert an individual monitoring the animal.

Abstract: A duck shooting resort layout having a body of water, a peripheral embankment encircling the water, a duck hunting region within the resort, and duck hunting blinds within the hunting region from which hunters may shoot ducks. The resort includes trained ducks taught to fly only within the hunting region. Multiple embodiments, with islands, piers, or embankment fingers, are described that safely allow a high density of hunters within a given land area. A method of training ducks to fly only within the hunting region is described. A construction method for the resort layout is described that allows a terrain to be sculpted into the structure of the invention at a minimum of cost and movement of dirt. The water depth may increase toward the channel ends for harvesting fish by partial draining, and fish grading screens may be provided at the ends for harvesting fish.

Abstract: A locking system for pets. The system includes a locking leash assembly comprising a leash with a pet-securing region and a handle region. The handle region is adapted to be held by a user. The pet-securing region includes a lock assembly having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration the lock assembly is adapted to secure together spaced-apart portions of the pet-securing region, thus defining a closed perimeter. The closed perimeter is sized to extend around a portion of a pet and configured to prevent removal of the leash from the pet. The lock assembly in the unlocked configuration is adapted to permit the release of the spaced-apart portions of the pet-securing region. In some embodiments, the leash includes a coupling structure adapted to be removably interlocked to a pet collar.

Abstract: An adjustable collar for an animals neck, compromised of a semi-flexible material (10). The exterior side covered with loop material 14. The interior side comprising of alternate pillows and valleys 16, the valleys having sufficient flexibility to permit the collar to be rolled into the interior side which encircles the animals neck 12. To secure the collar in place a strap of hook material 18 is used for engaging the loop material. A plurality of ventilation holes 20 passing through the collar have been added and scored lines 22 traverse to the pillows and valleys are used for trimming the collar for the custom fit of the animal.

Abstract: A circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler has one or more bubbling fluidized bed enclosures containing heating surfaces and located within a lower portion of the CFB boiler to provide a compact, efficient design with a reduced footprint area. The heating surfaces are provided within the bubbling fluidized bed located above a CFB grid and/or in a moving packed bed below the CFB grid inside the lower portion of the CFB boiler. Solids in the bubbling fluidized bed are maintained in a slow bubbling fluidized bed state by separately controlled fluidization gas supplies. Separately controlled fluidization gas is used to control bed level in the bubbling fluidized beds or to control the throughput of solids through the bubbling fluidized beds. Solids ejected from the bubbling fluidized beds can be returned directly into the surrounding CFB environment of the CFB boiler, or purged from the system for disposal or recycle back into the CFB.

Abstract: A water heater includes a storage tank communicating with a cold water supply pipe and a hot water supply pipe for the respective supply of cold water to, and removal of hot water from, the tank. The water heater also includes an insulated heat recovery module communicating between the cold water supply pipe and the tank. The heat recovery module defines a cavity, and the cold water supply pipe communicates with a lower portion of the cavity. The heat recovery module has a smaller surface area-to-volume ratio than the cold water supply pipe. When water in the tank is heated, some water is thermally displaced from the tank and into the cavity. Consequently, water is displaced out of the lower portion of the cavity and into the cold water supply pipe. Therefore, only the coldest water is displaced out of the cavity, and thermal energy loss is reduced.

Abstract: A jacket (1) is shaped to enclose at least partially a liquid storage vessel (2; 200), the jacket comprising a skin (5) arranged as a plurality of folds (20) which are capable of opening out to permit expansion of the jacket in the event of liquid escaping from the storage vessel, securing means (9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b; 35) are provided to secure the upper part (32) of the jacket in position with respect to the vessel and to maintain the upper part of the jacket in position in the event of liquid escaping from the vessel. The jacket may be fitted to existing oil tank or new oil tank installations, or may be used with cold or hot water tanks.

Abstract: An engine starter for a reversible engine includes a drive device rotatably mounted on the reversible engine. The drive device includes a flywheel connected to a motor and a positioning seat selectively attaching the flywheel to the reversible engine. The positioning seat releases from the reversible engine when the reversible engine is started. An ignition device is adapted to be connected to the reversible engine. The ignition device includes a rotor rotated with the reversible engine. A sense member is mounted on an outer periphery of the rotor and a magnetic sensor is separately mounted in close proximity to the sense member and corresponding to the sense member. The sense member is adapted to make the magnetic sensor providing an ignition signal to a spark plug that is mounted on the reversible engine when the rotor rotates.

Abstract: An engine cooling module 10 includes a shroud 12 having at least one fan opening 15 and at least one additional opening 18 in the wall generally adjacent to the fan opening to permit air to pass though the shroud 12. A fan 14 is coupled to the shroud to permit air moved by the fan to pass through the shroud 12. An electric motor drives the fan. Closure structure 20 is movable to prevent and permit air flow through the additional opening 18. An actuator 28 moves the closure structure 20 from a closed position, covering the additional opening 18, to an opened position, uncovering the additional opening 18. A sensor 34 detects ram air at the shroud 12. A controller 32 receives a signal from the sensor 34 indicating the initial presence of ram air and, in response thereto, sends a signal to the actuator 28 to move the closure structure 20 to the opened position.

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: According to an internal combustion engine of the invention, release operation of an antitheft device is selected as an event generating by necessity prior to the starting of an engine, and the pre-heat is started based on the generating timing of the selected event. The start timing of the release operation of the antitheft device is high in terms of both necessity as an event generating prior to the starting of the engine and reproducibility of the time length from its start timing to an arbitrary starting timing of the engine. The pre-heat completed state can be secured by starting the pre-heat synchronously with this timing or at a predetermined timing based on the timing, even when the engine is started at an arbitrary timing. Exhaust characteristics and fuel consumption performance can be improved by optimizing the temperature distribution of the engine at starting.

Abstract: A piston cooling system is provided for an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft, a plurality of pistons connected to the crankcase shaft, and a crankcase housing partitioned by a plurality of partition walls into a plurality of partitioned sections, and a pressurized lubrication fluid circuit integrated with the crankcase housing for the circulation of lubricant therethrough. The piston cooling system includes a plurality of bores each formed in a respective partition wall and communicated with the pressurized lubricant fluid circuit. The piston cooling system also includes a plurality of spray nozzles, each spray nozzle being mounted in a longitudinal bore formed in a respective partition wall. Each spray nozzle is oriented for spraying lubricant onto the underside of a piston. Each spray nozzle is formed by a lathe process.

Abstract: Modern internal combustion engines produce high temperatures and pressures in the combustion chamber of the engine that place immense stresses on the engine's pistons. These temperatures and pressures can cause pistons to deform or wear and prematurely fail. One of the primary means of overcoming these detrimental effects on a piston is increasing the efficiency of heat rejection from the piston. One method of increasing the amount of heat drawn away from the piston is increasing the surface area of the inner surface of the piston crown so that a cooling medium, such as oil, can contact the inner surface and draw heat therefrom. Installing or forming an annular fin in the underside of the piston increases the surface area for oil to contact and permits precise targeting of piston locations from which heat is to be evacuated. Such annular fins can be quickly and easily installed or formed for use with any type of pistons, such as forged, cast, composite or mechanically joined pistons.

Abstract: A four-cycle engine includes a cylinder block defining a cylinder bore. A piston is reciprocally disposed within the cylinder bore. A cylinder head member closes an end of the cylinder bore to define a combustion chamber together with the cylinder bore and the piston. The cylinder head member defines an inner passage having a first end communicating with the combustion chamber and a second end terminating at an outer surface of the cylinder head. A valve assembly having a valve section and an actuateable section is provided. The valve section is selectively placed at an open position and a closed position to connect and disconnect the inner passage with the combustion chamber, respectively. The actuateable section is formed oppositely from the valve section. A valve actuation mechanism is arranged to actuate the actuateable section to move the valve section between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: An improved sealing arrangement 40 is provided for a replaceable cylinder liner 10. The sealing arrangement 40 includes a seal 26 in the form of a band that is positioned in an annular groove 28 under a flange seat 20 of the cylinder liner 10. The annular groove 28 includes a first and a second undercut 30,34 that provides a relief area for the seal 26 to deflect into lessening the opportunity of damage to the seal 26. The first and second undercuts 30,34 also relieve stress in the axial direction improving the fatigue life of the cylinder liner 10.

Abstract: A piston/cylinder internal combustion unit has opposed pistons connected to a common rod and driven in an oscillatory and reciprocating movement. The pistons operate out of phase with each other, such that the power stroke of one drives the compression stroke of the other, and a spring acts on the rod storing energy or exerting a restorative force as the rod is displaced with piston movement. Preferably, the moving rod carries a coil assembly near a stationary magnet (or a magnet near a stationary coil assembly) to produce electricity at the oscillatory frequency. The engine may employ a mechanical spring, an electromagnetic or a magnetic spring, or combinations thereof to stabilize or establish oscillation of the piston and rod assembly. The coil itself may fill this function and act to exert restoring force by coupling to an external control system that applies a control a signal to the coil in accordance with piston position to create an electromagnetic restoring force of appropriate level.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation a portable, internal combustion engined power tool including a combustion chamber (1), at least one suction/discharge valve (34)associated with the combustion chamber (1), and an operational piston (8) the method including inquiring a displacement position of the operational piston (8) of the power tool when it is being displaced to its initial position after having performed an operational stroke upon ignition of a fuel gas mixture filling the combustion chamber, and releasing the at least one suction/discharge valve (34) upon the piston (8) reaching its initial position; and a power tool which is controlled by the method.

Abstract: A method and a device for the lubrication and for the simultaneous fuel supply of a vegetable oil-rated internal combustion engine is described in which the internal combustion engine is operated exclusively with vegetable oil thereby that during operation an additive-treated vegetable oil is continuously supplied as lubricant and the used vegetable oil lubricant is combusted in doses as engine fuel together with fresh vegetable oil fuel in the engine.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve actuator (EVA) for actuating movement of a valve in a vehicle engine includes a valve assembly operatively connected to the valve for movement therewith. The valve assembly includes a shaft connected to the valve. Two armature plates are operatively associated with the shaft, and each armature plate includes a permanent magnet. An electromagnetic coil is positioned between the two armature plates for selectively electromagnetically pushing and pulling the armature plates. Two springs are engaged with the two armature plates, respectively, for biasing the armature plates in opposing directions. The permanent magnets are operative to assist the electromagnetic coil in holding the valve in a desired position to reduce power consumption or assisting in repelling the armature for accelerating valve opening or closing.

Abstract: A multiple lift position rocker arm 307 is provided which includes a body 10 and a pivotally mounted lost motion arm 44. A latch 120 is connected on one end of the body to prevent pivotal movement of the arm 344 with respect to the body 10 in a first given angular direction. The latch 120 has a second position to allow the arm 344 to pivot relative to the body to activate a valve stem 18 in a second state of activation. Preferably a roller 356 is connected with the arm 344 and rollers 162 are connected with the body 10. Roller 356 makes contact with a cam lobe in the first state of activation of the rocker arm assembly 307. The rollers 162 make contact with a cam lobe when the rocker arm assembly is in a second state of activation.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a continuously variable valve timing adjusting device to improve valve timing advance response for an internal combustion engine. The device, capable of continuously and variably controlling the intake valve timing phase, includes: an advance chamber which hydraulically rotates a vane rotor and a camshaft on the advance side relative to the timing rotor; a retard chamber for rotating the camshaft on the retard side relative to the timing rotor; an advance-retard oil pressure control valve; an oil communicating passage for fluid communication between the advance chamber and the retard chamber; a hydraulic piston, flow control valve which controls the oil in the communicating passage according to the retard chamber pressure when the engine is running at a low speed and a high oil temperature; and a ball valve check valve which checks the oil flow from the advance chamber to the retard chamber.

Abstract: A variable valve timing control device includes a relative rotation control mechanism restricting relative rotation between the housing member and the rotor member at an intermediate phase position between a most advanced angle phase position and a most retarded angle phase position, and a hydraulic pressure circuit which controlling supply and discharge of operation fluid with respect to advance and retarded angle hydraulic chambers while also controlling supply and discharge of operation fluid for the relative rotation control mechanism. The hydraulic pressure circuit includes a variable type spool valve adapted to discharge the operation fluid from the advance and retarded angle chambers and from the relative rotation control mechanism. The variable type spool valve has different discharge opening widths at a both drain function region in which the operation fluid can be drained from the advanced and retarded angle hydraulic chambers.

Abstract: An adjustable camshaft sprocket assembly for attachment to a camshaft. A camshaft sprocket is removably securable to a camshaft sprocket hub and moveable, independent of the camshaft sprocket hub when the camshaft sprocket assembly is mounted on the camshaft. An adjustment tool is used to adjust the camshaft sprocket comprising at least two extensions. The first extension is of a size to fit within one a corresponding opening in the camshaft hub. The second extension is of a size to pass though a different corresponding opening in the camshaft hub and fit within a corresponding opening in the camshaft sprocket. A handle extension is used for turning the adjustment tool about the second extension, which serves as a pivot.

Abstract: A variable valve actuating mechanism includes an output cam pivotally disposed upon an input shaft. A first link arm is pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the output cam. A rocker arm is pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to a second end of the link arm. A frame member is pivotally disposed upon the input shaft. Lash adjusting means include an eccentric pin and a force applying means. The eccentric pin pivotally couples together a first end of the frame member and a second end of the rocker arm. The force applying means applies a force upon the eccentric pin causing the eccentric pin to pivot which, in turn, adjusts the position of the rocker arm relative to the input shaft and thereby removes lash from the mechanism.

Abstract: A bias element which urges the valves in an internal combustion engine into their closed positions and includes a pair of arms and a bight portion connecting the two arms. Each arm has an aperture therein with at least one arm having an aperture that is keyhole-shaped, or having a first portion and second portion that is larger than the first portion. The arm which has the keyhole-shaped aperture is in operative biasing engagement with the end portion of a valve stem and the keyhole-shaped aperture engages the valve stem in that the first portion of the aperture lockingly engages the neck portion of the valve stem. The other arm is engages the shank portion of the valve stem.

Abstract: An engine automatic start stop control apparatus for controlling an engine of a vehicle to be automatically stopped or started in response to driving conditions of a vehicle, which is equipped with a manual transmission, an automatic transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The apparatus makes a determination whether or not to allow stop (or idle stop) of the engine in consideration of a relationship between outside air temperature and engine water temperature. This prevents a catalyst from being deteriorated in performance as a result of a temperature reduction of the catalyst occurs when the engine idling is carelessly stopped. Thus, it is possible to effectively reduce discharge gas of the vehicle. The outside air temperature can be estimated based on intake air temperature which is detected after the vehicle runs for a prescribed time. The idle stop of the engine is inhibited in response to a request from an air conditioner or to avoid cool-down of the engine to be restarted.

Abstract: A valve cam mechanism for a four-cycle engine includes an improved construction. The engine includes at least one camshaft having cam lobes to activate at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve. The camshaft defines an aperture next to at least one of the cam lobes. The aperture extends generally normal to an axis of the camshaft. A decompression mechanism is provided for manual starting of the engine. The decompression mechanism includes a shaft extending through the aperture. An actuator is affixed to the shaft for pivotal movement about an axis of the shaft. The actuator has a first section arranged to hold the intake or exhaust valve in an open position when the actuator exists in an initial position. A second section is arranged to initially retain the actuator in the initial position and to release the actuator from the initial position when the camshaft rotates. The shaft is rigidly supported by an inner surface of the aperture in part.

Abstract: In an intake manifold for a vehicle, including a plurality of branch pipes connected at their one ends to a surge tank, bent at substantially 90 degrees, and horizontally arranged in parallel to one another, and an engine mounting flange connected to the other ends of the branch pipes, particularly in that including a pair of joining members made of a synthetic resin and welded to each other, among welding margins set before welding in at least one joining member along a joining line, the welding margin in a pressing direction for a portion corresponding to an inclined portion is set larger than the welding margin in the pressing direction for the remaining zone excluding the inclined portion of the joining line.

Abstract: A fastener for venting gas around the shank of the fastener. The present invention includes various embodiments for venting gases such as combustion gases that seep from a head gasket of an internal combustion engine to the area around the shank of a cylinder head bolt, as one example. The various vent paths include vent paths directly through the bolt, past the bearing surface of the bolted member, or past a washer between the fastener and the bolted member. These vent paths prevent gases from building up in the chamber between the fastener shank and the clearance hole of the bolted member.

Abstract: Camshaft sprockets are fixed to ends of an intake camshaft and an exhaust camshaft supported between a lower camshaft holder and an upper camshaft holder, and a timing chain is wrapped around these camshaft sprockets. A variable cam phase mechanism is provided on the intake camshaft sprocket, and an oil jet that issues a jet of oil for lubricating the timing chain is disposed between the exhaust camshaft sprocket and the lower camshaft holder. The jet of oil issued by the oil jet is directed toward the section where the intake camshaft sprocket is meshed with the timing chain. The oil jet that issues a jet of oil for lubricating the timing chain can thereby be arranged in a compact manner.