Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine is provided which comprises a compression ratio control mechanism and a control unit for controlling the compression ratio control mechanism. The control unit including an acceleration parameter obtaining section for obtaining an acceleration parameter corresponding to a change of an engine speed, an acceleration determining section for determining whether the engine is in a slow or fast acceleration state on the basis of the acceleration parameter, and a control section for controlling at least one of a compression ratio change speed at which the engine compression ratio during engine acceleration is changed and a compression ratio change start time at which a change of the engine compression ratio during engine acceleration is started, on the basis of whether the engine is in a slow or fast acceleration state. A control method is also provided.

Abstract: A device (1) for changing the control times of gas exchange valves in an internal combustion engine including a crankshaft driven component (4), and a camshaft component (5) driven by a camshaft (3) and fixed to the camshaft is provided. The crankshaft driven component (4) is connected to the camshaft component (5) for power transmission with the help of at least two pressure chambers formed within the device (1). The pressure action causes a relative rotation or a hydraulic adjustment of the camshaft component (5) relative to the crankshaft driven component (4). In addition, the device (1) has an impulse generator wheel (12) fixed to the camshaft component (5), for ascertaining the position of the camshaft (3), and a spring (13) attached to the two components, i.e. the camshaft component (5) and the crankshaft driven component (4), for rotating the camshaft (3) to a preferred position for starting the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is disclosed. The engine includes a camshaft carrying a plurality of cams, the camshaft being mounted in a cylinder head or cam carrier; and a valve control mechanism comprising: (a) first means for effecting a limited degree of axial movement of the camshaft; and (b) second means for varying the rotational phase of said camshaft, characterised in that said first and second means comprise a pair of concentric pistons housed within a cylinder and under independent hydraulic control, whereby the concentric pistons can be moved independently of one another. This arrangement enables the valve lift, duration and timing to be varied when the camshaft carries 3-D profiled cam lobes (i.e. valve lift varies tangentially with cam angle in end view and varies along the camshaft linearly at each cam angle in side view).

Abstract: The present invention provides a means to reduce holding current and driving current of EMVD's effectively and practically and to provide soft landing of a valve. The invention incorporates a nonlinear mechanical transformer as part of an EMVD system. The nonlinear mechanical transformer is designed for the spring and the inertia in the EMVD to have desirable nonlinear characteristics. With the presently disclosed invention, the holding current and driving current are reduced and soft valve landing is achieved. The nonlinear characteristics of a nonlinear mechanical transformer can be implemented in various ways. The concept of the invention can be applied not only to EMVD's but also to general reciprocating and bi-stable servomechanical systems, where smooth acceleration, soft landing, and small power consumption are desired.

Abstract: The invention proposes a switching element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said switching element comprising an outer element (2) and an inner element (4) that is arranged for axial displacement in a bore (3) of the outer element (2), each of the outer element (2) and the inner element (4) comprising at least one reception (12, 9) aligned to each other in an axially distant relative position which is achieved through a lost motion spring (8), at least one piston (10) being arranged in at least one of the receptions (12, 9) for sliding toward the other of the receptions (12, 9) to couple the inner element (4) to the outer element (2) in said relative position, and a high-position stop for defining said relative position being arranged between the inner element (4) and the outer element (2).

Abstract: In a switching element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine for switching to different valve lifts, said switching element (1) comprising an outer element (2) having an inner element (4) arranged for axial displacement therein, each of the outer and the inner element (2, 4) comprising a reception (11, 9) aligned to each other in a relative position, at least one piston (10) being arranged in at least one of the receptions (11, 9) for sliding toward the other of the receptions (9, 11) to couple the inner element (4) to the outer element (2) in said relative position, and a high-position stop for defining said relative position being arranged between the inner and the outer element (4, 2), at least one part of the high-position stop is configured as an adjustable, separate element (13). This element (13) cooperates through a preferably conical section (15) of its outer periphery with a complementary chamfer (18) on one end (17) of a guide (16) in the outer element (2).

Abstract: A system for cranking an internal combustion engine includes an electric starter and a current supply circuit having a key switch. By turning on the key switch, the starter is rotated to crank the engine. To avoid an inadvertent restart of the starter while the engine is running, a locking device that prohibits the inadvertent turning-on of the key switch is provided in the system. A starter relay may be included in the current supply circuit. The starter relay is kept open even if the key switch is turned on when the engine is running to prohibit the inadvertent restart of the starter.

Abstract: If it is determined that the present engine startup is a high-temperature startup, immediately fuel injection in concert with start of cranking is prohibited. After a delay time elapses following the start of cranking, or when THC<THCh is satisfied, fuel injection is started. Therefore, the cranking during the delay time cools interior of the combustion chambers. Since fuel injection starts after the cooling, pre-ignition can be prevented.

Abstract: A combined air intake manifold and fuel delivery rail for an internal combustion engine which decreases manufacturing and assembly costs, as well as the weight of the engine. An air channel formed in a hollow portion of the manifold registers with air intake ports in the engine head which lead to the individual cylinders of the engine. An elongated recess in the underside of a mounting flange forms a fuel supply channel which communicates with fuel inlet openings in the engine head leading to fuel injectors for the engine cylinders. Seals may be provided between the manifold and the engine head to seal the air channel and the fuel supply channel.

Abstract: A piston for diesel engines includes a piston body having a closed oil gallery and a pair of pin bosses with axially aligned pin bores. The inner faces of the pin bosses are separated from one another by an intervening space between the pin bosses for receiving the upper end of a connecting rod, which has associated outer faces adjacent the inner faces of the pin bosses. Oil passages extend from the gallery and open to the inner faces of the pin bosses for providing direct lubrication to the inner faces.

Abstract: A removable timing chain cover is mounted to a fixed frame. The removable cover may contain a harmonic balancer seal retainer for quickly replacing the harmonic balancer seal and a removable cam timing cover for adjusting the cam timing. A timing marker may be positioned for different harmonic balancer sizes as well as being circumferentially adjustable for precise positioning. Further, a timing chain tensioner may be mounted to the frame.

Abstract: A method for predicting soot content in diesel engines includes generating a look-up table of the rates of soot introduction into the engine oil based on one or more engine operating conditions. A control module monitors the engine operating condition and determines the soot content in the oil based thereon. When the soot content exceeds a predetermined critical soot content value, the control module sends a signal to an output device to indicate that the engine oil must be changed to avoid damage to the engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling system for an OHC type four-stroke cycle internal combustion engine in which a valve chamber is lubricated by oil mist. This cooling system includes an accommodating space accommodating a transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotational movement of a crankshaft to a camshaft in the valve chamber, a blower fan rotatably driven by the crankshaft, and a cooling air channel extending between a combustion chamber and the valve chamber disposed above the combustion chamber. The cooling air channel includes a primary air channel formed between intake and exhaust ports. The cooling air channel extends toward a spark plug located on the downstream side of the cooling air channel. The cooling air channel also includes an air guide channel for guiding the air to an upstream inlet of the primary air channel. The air guide channel is defined by a wall which faces the upstream inlet of the primary air channel and extends laterally.

Abstract: A device for and method of decarboning a combustion chamber and compression rings in an internal combustion engine. The device is a squid shaped container with a cylindrical body, a screw cap, and conduits depending from the body for transmitting cleaner to the combustion chambers on the engine. Once cleaner is transmitted to the combustion chambers, the engine is bumped to work the fluid into the compression rings. When the engine is bumped, the device allows the cleaner to be vented to the device to avoid hydrolocking the engine. The device also contains the cleaner so that it is not splashed outside the engine.

Abstract: In an ignition electrode arrangement for a cyclinder in an internal combustion engine, for example at Otto engine, a cyclinder head (3) bears a first electrode (7) and a second electrode (8) which interact with one another. At least the first electrode (7) is arranged on an ignition means (6) fastened in the cyclinder head. According to the invention, the second electrode (8) is movable relative to the cyclinder head (3) and the first electrode (7) in order to make it possible to change the spark gap. The second electrode (8) can be mounted on the cyclinder head (3) itself or on the ignition device (6). The size of the spark gap is controlled during operation by the ignition system of the engine.

Abstract: The injector has an injector body having a seat for a metering valve in turn having a control chamber for controlling a control rod. The control chamber has an inlet conduit and a drain conduit controlled by a shutter, and is defined by two parts, one of which is defined by a bush having a through opening for guiding the control rod, and the other of which is defined by a plug member for closing the control chamber. The inlet conduit is located on the bush, and the drain conduit on the plug member. The bush is of such a diameter as to interfere slightly with at least one cylindrical portion of the seat, and is driven in fluidtight manner inside the seat so that an end edge rests on a shoulder of the seat. The plug member is fixed in fluidtight manner to the opposite end of the bush by means of a ring nut having a projection which acts along the centerline of the thickness of the bush.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1), especially of a motor vehicle, is described. The engine (1) is provided with a combustion chamber (4) into which fuel can be injected in a first operating mode during a compression phase and in a second operating mode during an induction phase. The engine (1) is provided with a control apparatus (18) for switching over between the operating modes. The engine (1) includes an exhaust-gas recirculation having an exhaust-gas recirculation valve (14). The engine (1) is switched by the control apparatus (18) into the first operating mode when the exhaust-gas recirculation valve (14) is jammed in the open state.

Abstract: A direct cylinder injection-type spark ignition internal combustion engine is disclosed. The engine comprises a spark plug, a cavity formed in the top surface of a piston, and a fuel injection valve for injecting fuel into the cavity in nearly the shape of a fan having a relatively small thickness. When the fuel injected in nearly the shape of a fan from the fuel injection valve is considered by being divided into a plurality of fuel segments in a radial direction, a side wall of the cavity has a first fuel deflection passage 82a and a second fuel deflection passage 82b for so deflecting at least two of the plurality of fuel segments as to pass near the spark plug. The side wall of the cavity is at least partly provided with a return portion 83 that protrudes toward the inside of the cavity.

Abstract: A direct-injection type diesel engine comprises a cylinder head (1) with a fuel injection nozzle (2) and a glow plug (3) attached thereto. The fuel injection nozzle (2) has a leading end opposed to a cylinder mid portion (4) and the glow plug (3) extends through an intake port wall portion (6) between the fuel injection nozzle (2) and an intake port (5). The glow plug (3) is inclined with respect to the fuel injection nozzle (2) by a predetermined angle (&thgr;1) and has a leading end inserted into the cylinder mid portion (4).

Abstract: A multi-valve engine comprises a plurality of intake and exhaust valves on a cylinder. Depending on use, one of the valves is made of higher heat-resistant material, and another is made of lower heat-resistant material, thereby decreasing cost and improving durability and reliability.

Abstract: A control system for a throttle valve actuating device is disclosed. The throttle valve actuating device includes a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine and an actuator for actuating the throttle valve. At least one model parameter of a controlled object model which is obtained by modeling the throttle valve actuating device is calculated. A learning value of a throttle valve opening at which an actuating characteristic of the throttle valve changes, is calculated. The throttle valve actuating device is controlled using the learning value so that an opening of the throttle valve coincides with a target opening.

Abstract: The invention is relative to an ignition unit for internal combustion engines that comprises a primary circuit with a first switch for a primary winding for generating inductions in a secondary winding of a secondary circuit with a starter gap and that comprises a load circuit with the primary winding and comprises a second switch for a load.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for GDI internal combustion engines, which has a second injection valve in the intake tube, and a method for operating this fuel injection system. By injecting fuel into the intake tube at intervals by means of the second injection valve, the formation of deposits in the intake tube and on the inlet valve, which are produced due to the recirculation of exhaust gas through the exhaust recirculation tube, can be prevented and possibly existing deposits can be broken down.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unite, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.

Abstract: A fuel injection control method using a system comprising a high-pressure pump for pumping fuel, a fuel-pressure control valve disposed in a fuel bypass line communicating an output port and an input port of said high-pressure pump, and a controller for regulating fuel pressure, is provided. The method comprises: monitoring engine operating conditions; determining an optimal fuel injection pressure on the basis of said monitored engine operating conditions; determining on/off timing and on/off duration of said fuel-pressure control valve such that fuel pressure inside a fuel rail approaches said optimal fuel injection pressure; and opening and closing said fuel-pressure control valve according to said determined on/off timing and on/off duration of said fuel-pressure control valve.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for mixing air and fuel in an internal combustion engine comprises at least two throttle bodies (2a, 2b) having an inlet and an outlet and at least two air chokes (8), each located at the inlet of one of the throttle bodies (2a, 2b) and coaxial with the throttle body (2a, 2b). Each air choke (8) has a portion (9) that is fixed and a portion (10) that moves coaxially relative to the fixed portion (9) between a first position in which the air choke (8) presents a first height (L1) and a second position in which the air choke (8) presents a second height (L2) that is greater than the first height (L1). The apparatus (1) further comprises at least two independent actuators (13) each moving one of the mobile portions (10) between the first and second positions, and at least two fuel injectors (11) located above the air chokes (8).

Abstract: A GPL fuel system for an internal combustion engine, including a GPL fuel tank and a pump immersed in the fuel tank and driven by an electric motor, the pump being kept constantly running when the temperature is below 0° C. or above 80° C., whilst the supply voltage of the electric motor driving the pump is chopper-controlled when the temperature is between the two said values.

Abstract: A subassembly module including a pintle bearing, bearing retaining spring, and bearing splash shield for an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve for an internal combustion engine. The bearing is provided with a circumferential flange for sealing with an outer surface of the valve body, and with an annular step in the flange for receiving the rolled or crimped skirt of the bearing splash shield. The bearing retaining spring surrounding the valve pintle is compressed and captured within the splash shield as the skirt is formed onto the annular step to form the module. The axial length of the module is slightly greater than the assembled distance between the valve body and the actuator of the EGR valve, such that the module is compressed by installation of the actuator onto the valve body, allowing the compressed spring to urge the bearing face sealingly against the valve body. Advantageously, the subassembly module may be pre-assembled offline by known methods to reduce complexity during assembly of the valve.

Abstract: A ferrous cylinder liner for use in diesel engines having exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is protected from corrosive attack from the EGR environment by first final machining the inner running surface of the liner and thereafter plating the finished inner surface with a thin, non-porous, continuous coating of chromium which serves as a barrier to the EGR gases. The liner is installed and used in its as-coated condition with no post-coating finishing of the coated surface.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant piston for use in an exhaust gas recirculation diesel engine. The piston includes a crown portion having ring grooves formed around a periphery of the crown portion. The ring grooves are separated by ring lands. The piston also includes a piston rod connecting portion that extends from the crown portion. The piston is made of steel and includes an electroless coating of nickel having a maximum thickness of 8 micrometers.

Abstract: An improved method of operation for an electro-mechanical purge valve of a vehicle evaporative emission control system reduces the activation level of the purge valve below a nominal minimum level by a variable offset amount under specified operating conditions to lower purge flow. Specifically, the low flow control is permitted when the fuel in the purge vapor being drawn into the engine exceeds a calibrated percentage of the engine fuel requirement and the activation level of the purge valve has been reduced to the nominal minimum, provided that the system voltage level is at or above a specified value. When low flow control is permitted, the offset amount is incrementally increased so long as the engine fuel control is able to maintain the air/fuel ratio error at or below a calibrated amount, and incrementally decreased when the low flow control is no longer permitted or the air/fuel ratio becomes lean enough to potentially degrade combustion stability.

Abstract: A method is for controlling a tank venting valve between an internal combustion engine and a fuel vapor storage unit, with the stored fuel vapor being supplied from the fuel vapor storage unit to the internal combustion engine when the tank venting valve is open. A distinction is made between active and inactive tank venting phases, and the purge rate is preset during active tank venting by a purge rate setting arrangement as a function of operating parameters of the engine and/or the tank venting system. If the duration of the inactive tank venting phase exceeds a minimum duration, the purge rate in the subsequent active tank venting phase is temporarily limited to a value below the rate preset by the purge rate setting arrangement.

Abstract: An automatic functioning device for distributing compressed gas comprises a jack and a distributor.

Abstract: A method is provided for profiling pitches of an actual pitcher using a programmable pitching simulator of the type having at least two wheels and a video display component.

Abstract: A launcher is configured to launch a plurality of ring airfoil projectiles. The launcher includes a body defining a launch passage. Ring airfoil projectiles are mounted on a magazine loaded into a first end of the passage. Movement of a trigger causes the magazine to be moved forward in the passage into engagement with a drive element, such as a pair of drive disks. Movement of the trigger also causes the drive element to be driven, and when engaged with a ring airfoil projectile on the magazine, to be launched from the second end of the passage. In one embodiment, the drive disks are driven by an electric motor and impart both a propelling and spinning force upon the ring airfoil projectile. Multiple ring airfoil projectiles may be loaded on the magazine and launched in succession without the need to reload.

Abstract: A tile cutter (10) comprises a cutting wheel, a motor which drives the wheel in use, and a main housing body (MB) and a worktop (WT) mounted on the main housing body (MB) to define a cutting surface (14) upon which tiles may be supported when being cut. The main housing body (MB) comprises a first compartment (12) for housing the motor and a second compartment (13) for housing the cutting wheel. The second compartment (13) defines an open topped water compartment. The worktop (WT) has a main body (BM) fixedly secured to the main housing body (MB) and has an access opening closed by a movable access lid (24) overlying the second compartment (13) to close the open top of the water compartment. The access lid (24) provides access to the water compartment. The worktop (WT) further includes one or more open topped drainage channels (15) communicating with the cutting surface (14) and the water compartment to permit, in use, water to drain from the cutting surface (14) to the water compartment.

Abstract: A cooking oven includes a cooking chamber in fluid communication with respect to a heat exchanger and a conveyor extending through the cooking chamber. A plurality of louvers are connected both above and below the conveyor and adjustably control the air flow between the top of the conveyor and the bottom of the conveyor.

Abstract: A cooking oven manifold system includes a conveyor extending through a housing and a plurality of air manifolds positioned above and below the conveyor, each air manifold having a pair of sidewalls extending between a back wall and an inlet. A pair of outlet nozzles extend along a length of each air manifold. An angled surface between each pair of outlet nozzles extends along a length of the air manifold. Each air manifold is additionally spaced apart from each adjacent air manifold to create an air gap between sidewalls of adjacent air manifolds.

Abstract: A cooking oven includes a housing that encloses a chamber having an inlet and an outlet. A conveyor extends between the inlet and the outlet and through the chamber. The cooking oven additionally includes an air distribution system positioned in fluid communication with the chamber and a curved heat exchanger positioned in fluid communication with the chamber, the curved heat exchanger directing air from the air distribution system through the chamber.

Abstract: Five burners are arranged in the form of an “x.” The units are covered by a grate including two side sections, each covering two burners, and a central section covering the center burner. The side sections have concave inner side edges that mate with a circular segment of the center grate.

Abstract: This invention provides a portable extractor hood comprising a base, a support column and a primary housing acting as an extractor hood supported by the support column above the base. The unit may reside on a tabletop and allow cooking underneath the extractor hood on a table by small cooking appliances. The primary housing supported at the top of the support column may be able to be disassembled with the electrical components such as the motor and similar contained in a separable secondary housing so that all the primary housing surfaces in contact with grease-laden air can be washed.

Abstract: A process for the oxidation of starch to obtain carbonyl-substituted starch using V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co or Cu, wherein Fe and/or Cu are preferred as catalyst. The oxidation of the starch proceeds in quasi-dry form by spraying the dry starch with solutions containing hydrogen peroxide and/or the catalyst and mixing the moistened powder. Oxidized starch containing up to approx. 10 carbonyl groups per 100 glucose units is obtainable.

Abstract: The subject matter relates to an overcap (10) containing a desiccant (30) for use with a metered dose inhaler (12) to adsorb moisture. The overcap advantageously reduces the amount and rate of moisture ingress into the metered dose inhaler. The operation of metered dose inhalers containing agroscopic drug particles is improved by reducing moisture ingress.

Abstract: A method and device are provided to generate an aerosol having a desired particle sizes, i.e., from molecular to about 10 microns, which can be used to effectively deliver a physiologically active compound to organs and tissues such as the lung, eye, mucosa and skin. The aerosol is formed through vaporization of the compound while simultaneously mixing the resulting vapor with air or other gas. The purity of the compound is maintained meet FDA requirements by closely controlling its degradant levels during vaporization.

Abstract: A manual inexsufflator including a standard mechanical ventilator, a medical suction unit, and a piston-like sliding valve mechanism which connects a patient ventilation interface with either the ventilator or the suction unit. By sliding the valve mechanism in and out the user selectively connects the patient to either the ventilator, for purposes of insufflation, or the suction unit, for purposes of exsufflation. The ventilator may generate expiratory positive airway pressure between inexsufflation cycles.

Abstract: A demand flow oxygen valve for use with low pressure oxygen sources (about 5 to 75 psi). The inlet of the valve is provided with a diameter index safety system (DISS) oxygen-specific connector. The DISS connector is capable of connecting the inlet of the valve to any oxygen source having a male DISS connector at its outlet. Alternatively, a quick-disconnect connector could be provided to the valve. A single valve may be interchanged among multiple oxygen sources. A method of retrofitting existing oxygen supplies includes steps of providing the demand flow valve having a connector and connecting the valve to the existing oxygen source via the connector. An additional step includes providing a connector adapter if the existing oxygen source does not have a corresponding connector at its outlet.

Abstract: An inexuflator including a patient interface unit, a source of negative fluid pressure, a source of positive fluid pressure, and a manual valve connected to the source of positive fluid pressure and the source of negative fluid pressure, the valve being adapted to selectively connect the patient interface unit with the source of positive fluid pressure and the source of negative fluid pressure.

Abstract: A nasal mask is disclosed which is more comfortable for the user to wear and reduces side leakage as compared to masks of the prior art. In a first form headgear for securing a mask to the user's face is disclosed where a section of at least one strap securing a mask to a user's face is substantially more elastic then the remainder of the strap. Headgear of this type allows the user to tilt the head backwards without lateral movement of the mask. In a further aspect, headgear tensioners are disclosed which provides a preset fitting of the mask and ensures that a user cannot over tighten the straps. The tensioners are recalling tension devices attached to the straps and/or mask on either side of the mask. In another form the headgear tensioner is a strap attachment on either side of the mask that allows the straps to move back through the attachment to a predetermined position that provides an appropriate tension between the back of the user's head and mask.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, devices and kits for assessing the level of pulmonary disease in individual lung compartments. A lung compartment comprises a subportion of a lung, such as a lobe, a segment or a subsegment, for example. By measuring individual lung compartments, the level of disease of the pulmonary system may be more precisely defined by determining values of disease parameters reflective of individual subportions or compartments of a lung. Likewise, compartments may be separately imaged to provide further measurement information. Once individual compartments are characterized, they may be compared and ranked based on a number of variables reflecting, for example, level of disease or need for treatment. Such comparison may be aided by simultaneous display of such variables or images on a visual display. Further, the same tests may be performed on the lung as a whole or on both lungs and to determine the affect of the diseased lung compartments on the overall lung performance.

Abstract: A laryngeal-mask airway device including provision for drainage of the oesophagus comprises an inflatable main-cuff and a backplate having a laryngeal-side and a pharyngeal-side. The backplate also has an external tube-joint adjacent to the proximal region of the main-cuff. The backplate is hermetically bonded to the periphery of the main-cuff establishing separation between a laryngeal-chamber region and a pharyngeal region. An distally open evacuation tube includes a distal portion which longitudinally traverses the interior of the distal region of the main-cuff in sealed relation therewith for operative engagement and communication with the inlet of the oesophagus. The evacuation tube traverses the laryngeal-chamber region generally adjacent to the laryngeal-side of the backplate and passages through a proximally located tube-joint to the pharyngeal region.