Abstract: A compression-ignition internal combustion engine for conducting pilot injection and main injection beyond the top dead center, wherein pilot injection quantity and timing are optimized. A compression-ignition internal combustion engine, comprising a fuel injection valve for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber in a cylinder, the quantity and timing of the fuel injected through the fuel injection valve being controlled based on engine operating conditions; wherein pilot injection is carried out prior to the top dead center of compression, main injection is then carried out beyond the top dead center of compression, and fuel injection quantity and fuel injection timing of the pilot injection are set such that the maximum rate of heat release induced by the pilot injection is 60 kJ/s or less.

Abstract: In each of the soundproofed engine generators, the position at which the power generator body is coupled to the crank shaft is located at the end part on the crank shaft. In the soundproofed engine generator of the inverter type, the inverter unit is opposed to the power generator body at a position just upstream of the power generator body. Accordingly, when the inverter unit and the power generator body are removed, a continuous, long and large space for receiving the power generator body can be secured within the soundproof cover.

Abstract: A frame type engine generator having an engine, a generator connected with the engine and driven by the engine and a supporting frame for supporting the engine and generator therein is closed at the front surface of the supporting frame with a control panel, closed at the rear surface thereof with a muffler cover and closed at the top surface thereof with a fuel tank. To raise a noise reduction performance of the engine generator, the left side surface of the supporting frame is closed with a left panel and the right side surface thereof is closed with a right panel. The left and right panels have a double-walled structure comprising an inner panel and an outer panel, respectively. The left and right panels are detachably attached to the supporting frame through a rubber seal, respectively.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fuel injection control system and method for an internal combustion engine as well as an engine control unit, which are capable of accurately determining a fuel injection period such fuel pressure and fuel deposition are reflected therein, thereby performing accurate and optimum control of the actual fuel injection amount. Operating conditions of the engine are detected. An amount of fuel demanded by the engine is determined according to the detected operating conditions of the engine. An amount of fuel deposited on walls downstream of the fuel injection valve, out of an amount of fuel injected from the fuel injection valve, is determined according to the detected operating conditions. A net amount of fuel to be injected from the fuel injection valve is determined based on the determined demanded amount of fuel and the determined deposited amount of fuel. Pressure of fuel to be injected from the fuel injection valve is determined.

Abstract: Air induction noise of a throttle apparatus caused by interference between flowing air and an opening for a bypass passage is reduced because a protrusion formed on an interior surface of the throttle apparatus changes aerodynamic features of the throttle apparatus.

Abstract: A method for controlling a positioning device of an internal combustion engine includes the steps of: providing an electric motor for actuating the positioning device with the positioning device applying a torque to the motor which changes sign over the positioning range; generating a drive signal for the motor in the context of a position control based upon a commanded position, whereby the drive signal controls the current through the motor; and, changing the drive signal to abruptly change the motor voltage when the position command is in the region of the torque reversal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for determining a driver command and especially a kickdown command. This driver command is only detected when the pedal position or a desired value derived therefrom exceeds a pregiven threshold value and when the gradient of the pedal position or the desired value derived therefrom exceeds a pregiven threshold value.

Abstract: The throttle valve control device of the present invention comprises a structural body 24 in which a throttle valve 21, a throttle shaft 22 and a throttle lever 23 are integrally connected, a return spring 26, one end of which is latched to the structural body 24, and which urges the throttle valve so as to rotate in the closing direction, a free lever 25 which is engaged with the other end of the return spring, and which can contact and move away from the structural body, and an actuator 30 which drives the free lever. The driving of the free lever by the actuator causes the structural body to pivot, so that the throttle valve is opened and closed in a specified range, thus controlling the idle speed. As a result, a throttle valve control device which has a simple structure and which can be made compact is provided.

Abstract: An injection module assembly includes a fuel rail defining a passageway through which a fuel can flow, and a plurality of fuel injectors for delivering the fuel in the passageway to a respective plurality of combustion chambers in an internal combustion engine. The fuel injectors are coupled to the fuel rail such that an interface between the fuel rail and each fuel injector is substantially sealed to substantially prevent leakage of both liquid fuel and hydrocarbon emissions from the interface. The injection module assembly further includes an electrical connector coupled to the fuel rail and to each of the injectors for providing electrical power to each injector, and an overmolding covering at least a portion of the fuel rail, at least a portion of the electrical connector, and at least a portion of each fuel injector.

Abstract: an intake pipe injection type engine, in which even if the air flow is generated in the intake pipe, the fuel is prevented from adhering to the inner wall of the intake pipe to aim at the decrease of the amount of the hydrocarbon exhaust, thereby the response of the fuel supply of the demanded air fuel ratio is improved. In an intake pipe injection type engine, in which the fuel injection valve is installed in the intake pipe, and the fuel is injected into the intake pipe, the fuel injection valve injects a main spray of which the spray angle is wide and the spray penetration is weak, and a lead spray of which the spray angle is narrow and the spray penetration is strong.

Abstract: An assembly 10 which includes primary and secondary hydrocarbon material reception and storage devices 22, 24 in a cascaded and communicative relationship. Particularly, the device 24 receives and stores hydrocarbon emissions 20 which emanate from the device 22. Device 24 further includes a filter 50 through which purging air is communicated to the devices 22, 24. Further, device 24 includes a condensation removal portion 52 which allows condensation 92 to be vented from the device 24 and a selectively closeable vent portion 54 which allows the device 24 and the assembly 10 to be periodically tested.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breather device for a water-cooled V-type engine with a breather device in which a breather chamber effectively utilizes the available space in an engine. A water-cooled V-type engine includes a crankshaft that extends into a crankcase in the widthwise direction of the motorcycle. On a side wall of the crankcase that connects with the end of the crankshaft, there is a side cover that is located over a clutch mechanism in the rear of the crankcase. A breather chamber is formed within the space contained between the side cover and an oil separator and is positioned in front of the clutch mechanism. A shaft that rotates with and is parallel to the crankshaft is located between a set of front and rear cylinder assemblies and is right above the crankshaft. This shaft drives a cooling-water pump which is located outside the side cover.

Abstract: A system for treating blow-by gas in a PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system of an internal combustion engine is provided, which comprises a cut-off valve assembly for selectively opening or closing an air duct, a blow-by gas collecting assembly for collecting blow-by gas inside an air intake passageway and ejecting the collected blow-by gas into an intake manifold such that the blow-by gas is re-burned in a combustion chamber, and a controller for controlling operations of the cut-off valve assembly and the blow-by gas collecting assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for powering an electronic circuit in a vehicle provided with an AC-CDI starting system is described herein. A power converter is connected to the magneto to tap some of the high voltage electricity produced thereby. The power converter converts this voltage to a voltage suitable to be used by an electronic circuit. Another aspect of the present invention consists in powering the interrogator circuit of a transponder system to prevent unwanted starting of the engine of the vehicle.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus includes a high resistivity ferrite central core with a secondary winding disposed directly thereon. The ignition apparatus also includes, in a progressively coaxial fashion, a primary spool, a primary winding disposed on the spool, a case, and an outer core or shield of magnetically permeable material. The ignition apparatus exhibits reduced capacitance, and eliminates radial partial discharge at the inside diameter of the secondary winding.

Abstract: A “pencil” ignition coil includes a seal member having features that cooperate with complementary features provided on the engine cam cover/spark plug well into which the coil is inserted to provide a retention and tactile feel insertion feature. In particular, the cooperating features are configured to longitudinally align and position the ignition coil in the spark plug well in a predetermined relationship. In one embodiment, the seal member includes a circumferentially-extending rib on an outside diameter thereof, while the cam cover/spark plug well includes an undercut groove portion on an inside diameter portion thereof. The rib has an increased diameter relative to the surrounding, outside diameter surface of the seal member, while the undercut groove portion has an increased diameter relative to the surrounding land portions.

Abstract: A fuel injection control system for an internal combustion engine is capable of expanding a correction allowable range employed in correcting a fuel injection quantity when refueling is detected. The fuel injection control system estimates a fuel property of fuel injected into the internal combustion engine after the correction allowable range is expanded and sets the correction allowable range on the basis of the estimated fuel property.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine having at least one control device that affects an air-fuel ratio of an air-fuel mixture to be supplied to the engine, is disclosed. An air-fuel ratio correction coefficient is calculated for correcting an amount of fuel to be supplied to the engine so that the detected air-fuel ratio coincides with a target air-fuel ratio. An air-fuel ratio affecting parameter indicative of a degree of influence that an operation of the control device exercises upon the air-fuel ratio, is calculated. A correlation parameter which defines a correlation between the air-fuel ratio correction coefficient and the air-fuel ratio affecting parameter is calculated using a sequential statistical processing algorithm. A learning correction coefficient relating to a change in characteristics of the control device is calculated using the correlation parameter. The air-fuel ratio is controlled using the air-fuel ratio correction coefficient and the learning correction coefficient.

Abstract: A high impact bow for firing an elongate arrow is provided. The system includes a high impact bow having a grip member, an upper arm extending outwardly from an upper end portion of the grip member and having a first predetermined length, and a lower arm extending outwardly from a lower end portion of the grip member and having a second predetermined length that is substantially shorter than the first predetermined length of the upper arm to thereby define the upper arm as a longer upper arm and the lower arm as a shorter lower arm. The high impact bow also includes a draw string connected to distal end portions of the longer upper arm and the shorter lower arm.

Abstract: A finger grip is retrofittable to the riser of a compound bow to enhance gripping thereof and reduce the potential for dropping of the bow. The finger grip accommodates at least three of the archer's fingers and is equipped with an adhesive strip that permits the archer to attach the finger grip to her/his favorite bow quickly and easily by simply removing the release strip and pressing the finger grip in place on the bow riser.

Abstract: A method of forming a stone inlay in an abrasion-sensitive substrate, such as wood, by forming a depression in the substrate, mounting stone on a damping material capable of absorbing the abrasive energy applied to the stone in reducing the dimensions of the stone to fit the depression, cutting the inlay to size and inserting it into the substrate. The cut inlay/damping material composite may be sold separately as an article of manufacture.

Abstract: A method of forming a stone inlay in an abrasion-sensitive substrate, such as wood, by forming a depression in the substrate, mounting stone on a damping material capable of absorbing the abrasive energy applied to the stone in reducing the dimensions of the stone to fit the depression, cutting the inlay to size and inserting it into the substrate. The cut inlay/damping material composite may be sold separately as an article of manufacture.

Abstract: An outdoor condensing furnace is provided with a condensate drain line which passes through the heat exchange compartment and to a location within the building where it can be discharged at temperatures above freezing. During heating operation, the drain line is maintained at temperatures above freezing such that the condensate will not freeze, and if condensate is trapped in the drain line and freezes during periods of nonheating operation, then it will be quickly thawed when heating operation is resumed. In an alternate embodiment, a drain pan is placed in direct contact with the primary heat exchanger and the condensate is routed to drain pan to be vaporized. Another embodiment provides for routing of the condensate from the condensing heat exchanger, through a flue pipe, and to a drain site which is at above freezing ambient conditions.

Abstract: An improved corn wet milling process is disclosed in which a first stream comprising water, starch, and protein (e.g., gluten) is generated by separating fiber from wet milled de-germed corn particles (e.g. fiber separation step). Membrane filtration (e.g. starch-protein stream thickening) is performed on the first stream, producing a first retentate and a first aqueous permeate. The first retentate (e.g. thickened starch-protein stream) is separated into a second stream and a third stream (e.g. primary starch separation step). The second stream comprises water and a majority of the starch present in the first retentate, and the third stream comprises water and a majority of the protein (e.g., gluten) present in the first retentate. This process provides an economical means of recovering a higher percentage of the available cornstarch for inclusion in high value products.

Abstract: The administration of aerosolized nitric oxide donors or type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor in controlled doses to horses during high intensity exercise is described. Aerosolized nitric oxide donors (in conjunction with intravenous type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor) and type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor are beneficial to prevent exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage by reducing transmural pulmonary artery pressure with a concomitant decrease in pulmonary capillary stress failure. The administration of aerosolized nitric oxide donors and type V phosphodiesterase inhibitors is viewed as a novel therapeutic modality in the alleviation of capillary stress failure and EIPH in performance horses.

Abstract: A lightweight oxygen delivery device for a patient comprising an elongated bendable tube capable of maintaining a shape. The tube to carry oxygen and releasably connectable to an oxygen delivery source. A rigid elbow having an oxygen delivery passageway extending between its ends and secured at one end of the tube. An oxygen diffuser connected to the other end of the elbow. The diffuser comprising a body having a wall and the interior surface of which wall is of generally concave configuration, circumscribing a centrally positioned oxygen outlet to receive oxygen from the elbow and direct the flow of oxygen delivered from the elbow generally towards the patients nose and mouth. A flexible attachment surface secured to the tube, the attachment surface carrying a skin adhesive for releasable attachment to a patient's chin or cheek so as to position the diffuser proximal to the patient's nose and mouth.

Abstract: Devices and related methods are directed to altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of, for instance, an individual having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. More particularly, conduits maintain collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that air is able to pass directly out of the lung tissue to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and/or to decompress hyper-inflated lungs. The conduits include a center section with a passageway extending through the center section. The conduits further include a distal cage structure which has a passageway and at least one opening in fluid communication with the center section passageway. The medical kits disclosed herein are also directed to maintain collateral openings through airway walls.

Abstract: The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. Microdroplets are metered into defined volumes and are subsequently incorporated into a variety of biological assays. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.

Abstract: The present invention includes a non-rebreathing circuit coupled with computer-controlled gas adjustments. Ambient air is diluted with nitrogen on a breath-by-breath basis to provide precise control over the inspired concentration of oxygen/nitrogen mixture, thereby simulating selected altitudes on an almost instantaneous basis. Carbon dioxide and water vapor exhaled by the subject are released into the environment and absorption is not necessary. In addition, the mixed gas can be administered through a standard aviator's oxygen mask, increasing the realism of the simulation and removing obvious external cues on the nature of the experiment. Maintenance on the mixing loop is low when compared to re-breathing units, since no consumable items are necessary to absorb water vapor or carbon dioxide. A mixing device provides a homogenized mixture of nitrogen/oxygen fluid to the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to capsules for inhalation (inhalettes) made from specific capsule materials with a reduced moisture content, which contain the active substance tiotropium in the form of powdered preparations and are characterised by increased stability.

Abstract: A method of making thin-walled permeable tubing using air blown extrusion, and of using the tubing in a device which enables a substantial humidification or drying of patient breathing gases in the breathing lines for patient monitoring or anesthesia results in cost savings and increased efficiency.

Abstract: A dosing system has a dosing unit for delivering an amount of an additive into an inspiration gas from a mechanical ventilator an introducer arrangement for introducing an indicator material into the inspiration gas at an onset time within an inspiration phase, and a control arrangement which monitors a level of a component of the expiration gas related to the indicator material during a successive expiration phase and to control the dosing unit to vary the timing of delivery of the additive dependent on both the monitored level and the onset time.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for regulating fluid flow to and from a region of a patient's lung, such as to achieve a desired fluid flow dynamic to a lung region during respiration and/or to induce collapse in one or more lung regions. An identified region of the lung is targeted for treatment, such as to modify the flow to the targeted lung region or to achieve volume reduction or collapse of the targeted lung region. The targeted lung region is then bronchially isolated to regulate airflow into and/or out of the targeted lung region through one or more bronchial passageways that feed air to the targeted lung region. The bronchial isolation of the targeted lung region is accomplished by implanting a flow control device into a bronchial passageway that feeds air to a targeted lung region.

Abstract: An implantable flow control element is provided which prevents air from entering an isolated portion of a patient's lung. The element may permit air to escape from the isolated portion so that the element acts like a valve. Systems for implanting pulmonary devices are also provided.

Abstract: An endotracheal intubation assistance device is disclosed. The device is placed under the head and shoulders of a patient in a supine position. The device comprises a first chamber being inflatable to raise the shoulders of the patient relative to the head of the patient thereby facilitating insertion and proper placement of a laryngoscope blade into the mouth of the patient. The device also comprises a second chamber coupled to the first chamber, the second chamber being inflatable to raise the head of the patient relative to the shoulders of the patient thereby facilitating visualization of the patient's glottis for insertion of an endotracheal tube. The device may also comprise a pressure applicator to apply pressure to a cricoid cartilage of the patient. The pressure applicator may comprise a pressure chamber which may be inflated to apply additional pressure.

Abstract: A method of reducing the symptoms of an individual having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) comprising: displaying an image, having a level of obscuration, to an individual with the symptoms of ADHD; sampling the peripheral skin temperature of said individual to provide sampled peripheral skin temperature data; and reducing the level of obscuration of said image as a function of said sampled peripheral skin temperature data in order to minimize said symptoms.

Abstract: A cigarette filter includes a multiple section filter which reduces the level of predetermined smoke constituents. The filter includes a fibrous filter plug section, a selective adsorbent section, and a general adsorbent section co-axially aligned in tandem. The selective adsorbent section includes a selective absorbent material which is a phenol-formaldehyde resin matrix surface-functionalized with mainly primary and secondary amine functional groups which removes specific smoke constituents from the tobacco smoke. The general adsorbent section is a material capable of adsorbing a range of chemical compounds without a high degree of specificity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an encapsulated material for use in chewable compositions. The encapsulated material is formed by blending an encapsulating solution with essential oils or other hydrophobic or amphipathic compounds flavoring solution to form a homogenous coating solution. The homogenous coating solution is contacted with a substrate to provide a flavored composition.

Abstract: Tobacco preferably contains powdery basic calcium phosphate, particularly, powdery calcium-defective basic calcium phosphate, adsorbed on or mixed with the tobacco, for decreasing the amount of side stream smoke rising from the burning site. In the case that tobacco is used in the form of a cigarette, the paper sheet surrounding the tobacco may contain powdery basic calcium phosphate.

Abstract: In order to remove or decrease fine granular sulfide of Mn, Cr, Mo, etc. (Mn—S, Cr—S, Mo—S, etc.) left on a machined workpiece surface of sulfur free-cutting alloy steel without affecting form and dimensional accuracy thereof, there is provided a method for treating the sulfur free-cutting alloy steel which comprises a soaking process of the machined workpiece in a solvent and an ultrasonic cleaning process by applying ultrasonic wave of 1.0 to 2.0 W/cm2 in watt density at frequency of 40 kHz or multi frequency in the solvent.

Abstract: A method for treating an object is provided. The method comprises supporting the object above a level of a process liquid and applying megasonic energy to said process liquid to form a vapor from the liquid. The vapor reacts with a surface of the object to process the object. The level of the process liquid is generally maintained below the bottom of the object while processing the object with the vapor. An alternative embodiment of the method employs an acoustically generated vapor and ultraviolet (UV) light for processing objects. The UV light passes through the vapor to treat the object. The vapor and UV light react with a surface of the object to process the object. In a particular example of this embodiment, the vapor includes ozone, which reacts with the UV light to form an oxide at the surface of a semiconductor wafer. UV may also be used in conjunction with ammonia (NH3) to facilitate substrate cleaning.

Abstract: Antimicrobial solutions formed by ozonating a liquid containing organic precursor molecules. The preferred organic precursor molecules include carboxylic acids, most particularly octanoic acid with or without acetic acid, and alcohols, most particularly at least about 70 weight percent ethanol. The ozonating step is preferably performed on the liquid containing the, organic precursors before diluting with water or other solvent to form a use solution for contacting and cleaning a microbially contaminated surface or other medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for cleaning or sanitizing carpet or upholstery. Powder, other solid, or agglomerate compositions include active oxygen compound, surfactant, and builder. The methods of cleaning or sanitizing carpet or upholstery include applying to the carpet or upholstery such a solid (e.g., powder) or agglomerate composition or a use solution of one of these compositions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of using a dry ice blasting system to clean injection molds in and out of an injection molding machines characterized in that it is easy to use and is particularly well suited to cleaning small mold features such as the vents on molding inserts.

Abstract: An air or liquid handling device access and cleaning method and apparatus which allows the cleaning operator to clean the interior of the air or liquid handling device while the device is operational, thus negating the conventional need to shut down the system. The apparatus contains a flexible cleaning hose which delivers a cleaning agent through a nozzle connected to the distal end of the hose. The hose is subsequently inserting into a hose sealing mechanism which ensures and air-tight seal around the periphery of the hose while still allowing rotational and longitudinal movement of the hose. The preferred embodiment also connects, in seriatim, a pipe “T” junction with a pressure relief valve, a pipe bell reducer, a pipe extension and an access control valve, thus permitting controlled access to the pressurized interior of the air or liquid handling device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing an edge bead from a substrate. The apparatus includes rotatable substrate support member configured to support a substrate thereon and at least one fluid distribution nozzle positioned to distribute an edge bead removal solution onto the substrate. A conically shaped shield member is positioned above the substrate support member, the shield member having a fluid conduit formed therein and an annular gas distribution nozzle positioned on a lower portion of the shield member, the annular gas nozzle being in fluid communication with the fluid conduit. The method includes rotating a substrate on a substrate support member, dispensing an edge bead removal solution onto an exclusion zone of the substrate with at least one fluid nozzle, and dispensing a gas flow from at least one gas nozzle positioned above the substrate radially inward from the at least one fluid nozzle, the gas flow radiating outward across the exclusion zone.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly decontaminant solution, which may be disposed of after use without posing significant environmental hazards, is formulated without molybdenum-based corrosion inhibitors and preferably is free of all heavy metals. A zeolite-based buffering system optionally replaces phosphate buffers for maintaining the pH of the decontaminant solution at an appropriate pH for effective antimicrobial decontamination. Molybdenum-free decontaminant solutions containing peracetic acid retain their peracetic acid levels, and thus their antimicrobial effectiveness, for longer periods than comparable solutions formulated with a molybdate corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a hard floor surface with a surface maintenance vehicle including the steps of generating a foam-like aerated cleaning liquid, selectively conveying the foam-like aerated cleaning liquid to the hard floor surface and a scrubbing medium operatively coupled to the surface maintenance vehicle, scrubbing the hard floor surface with said rotating scrubbing medium and said foam-like aerated cleaning liquid so as to loosen soil from the hard floor surface leaving behind a soiled solution of cleaning liquid and soil, and removing at least a portion of the soiled solution from the hard floor surface through a fluid recovery device. Additional aspects of the present invention include devices for performing the cleaning method.

Abstract: An umbrella support including an elongated post and a pivot plate secured to one end of the elongated post. A support tube has a slot at one of its ends that snugly receives the pivot plate. A threaded fastener penetrates the tube and the pivot plate to pivotally attach the tube to the elongated post.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a plurality of wooden ribs for supporting a canopy. Each rib has a groove for insertion of a first portion of a corresponding tightening member. A sleeve member is sleeved on each rib and is formed with a through hole registered with the groove. The tightening member further includes a second portion with a shaft which passes through the through holes in the canopy and the sleeve member and which is formed with an externally threaded surface that engages threadedly an internally threaded surface of the first portion to secure the canopy and the sleeve member on the respective rib.