Abstract: A configuration of various chemical compound generators coupled to a furnace provides the environment for formation of extremely thin oxides of silicon on a wafer. Dichloroethylene is reacted with oxygen in a first heated reaction chamber and reaction products therefrom are diluted with a gas such as nitrogen and then introduced into a vertically oriented furnace maintained at an elevated temperature and having rotating wafers therein. Hydrogen and oxygen are catalytically reacted to form steam in a second heated reaction chamber, the steam is diluted with a gas such as nitrogen and introduced into the vertical diffusion furnace. In a further aspect of the present invention, MOSFETs having gate dielectric layers of extremely thin oxides of silicon are formed.

Abstract: A vapor phase growth apparatus capable of reducing adhesion of particles or formation of crystal defects caused during vapor phase growth is provided. The vapor phase growth apparatus (10) has a reaction chamber (11); a susceptor (12) for placing a silicon wafer (20) thereon, the susceptor being provided in the reaction chamber; a pocket portion (12a) formed in the susceptor, the pocket portion being provided with through holes (12b); and lift pins (13) each of which is inserted into each of the through holes, the lift pins being arranged so as to slide freely. Installation and removal of the silicon wafer on the susceptor are made by making the lift pins go up and down and making the lift pins be in contact with and separated from a rear surface (21) of the silicon wafer, and a surface of each of the lift pins that slides in contact with the susceptor is polished.

Abstract: A milk meter suitable for measuring a quantity of milk flowing through the meter including: a sealed holding chamber (1); entry means (3) for admitting liquid to be measured into the holding chamber; a foam bypass chamber (3); sensing means (5, 7a) for sensing when milk is at or above a predetermined level in said foam bypass chamber, an inlet (13b) arranged to allow communication of milk between the holding chamber and the bypass chamber, the inlet being provided at a level below the predetermined level; drainage means (4, 8) associated with a timer, the drainage means being arranged to allow the milk to drain from the holding chamber for a set period of time (t) in response to a signal from the sensing means; and measuring means (11) arranged to count the number of times (n), milk has been drained from the holding chamber and to display the milk volume and/or flow rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to pet beds, and particularly with pet beds with a wall and a base encased in a fabric overcoat. Known pet beds have the disadvantage of needing a rimmed section to allow use by e.g., heavy dogs, and the further disadvantage that rimmed sections on walls formed from resilient materials generate high levels of waste. The object of the invention is to avoid this disadvantage, an objective met by a pet bed comprising a peripheral wall formed from a resilient material, the wall having a regular cross-sectional shape that diminishes in width from its upper to lower end.

Abstract: A rodent repelling bird feeder having an elongated vertical hanging support, a motor and a rotatable dish coupled to the motor. The motor is reciprocatively mounted in a motor sleeve so when a rodent of excessive weight alights upon the dish the motor is pushed against a resistive spring and a switch is closed, thereby engaging the motor which rotates the dish to dislodge the rodent therefrom.

Abstract: Bird bath incorporates water reservoir and filter disposed above reservoir. Pump circulates water from reservoir to a bowl. Water from bowl received from water surface directed to filter. Agitator causes particles in bowl bottom to be directed to filter. Cascading shower aerates water. Filter captures particles and sanitizes water.

Abstract: A freestanding enclosure for temporarily retaining large animals has a frame including four upstanding corner posts with a plurality of vertical posts horizontally spaced between each upstanding corner post. A plurality of horizontal cross rails are vertically spaced and extend between each upstanding corner post and vertical post to form an area of retention. Connecting means releasably secure the horizontal cross rails to the upstanding corner posts and vertical posts such that the enclosure can be easily assembled, disassembled, transported and stored. A plurality of panels block the openings formed in the frame. A door provides access with the area of retention.

Abstract: A structure suitable for use by an animal having paws, said container comprising a housing including a base, substantially contiguous outer walls, and a top and defining an interior and an exit located above said base; a divider separating the interior into a litter region and an exit region, said exit region being located above and substantially beside said litter region and immediately below the exit; a foot cleaner surface within the exit region extending substantially from said litter region to the exit, said foot cleaner surface including a ramp portion, adapted to encourage the animal to extend and flex its paws when ascending the ramp; such that in operation, litter may be placed in the litter region for use by the animal, and the animal must walk along the foot cleaner surface ramp portion to exit the container, causing litter to fall from the paws, thereby reducing the amount of litter remaining on the animal's paws upon exiting the container.

Abstract: A gate assembly (1) for a passage way having two barriers (4, 5), wherein the barriers are in close proximity to each other when in a closed position, and can be moved in opposing directions to each other to be in an open position, characterised in that at least one barrier is configured so that when in the open position it does not intrude into the passageway.

Abstract: The present invention is accessory to U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,922, and proposes a multifunctional favor animal box. The present invention is characterized in that a first inner cup and a second inner cup, which are made of paper and can telescope with each other to form a unity, are provided to receive dung of favor animal. The first inner cup and the second inner cup can be discarded along with the dung of favor animal dung without the need of cleaning so that better sanitation can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water heater that sustains energy during the standby mode so that it can power energy saving devices while e minimizing energy loss and controlling the stored water temperature. The present invention may include an outer casing, an insulated tank containing flue tubes, a combustion chamber, a burner rack containing a pilot and thermopile assembly a flue collector, a damper and a draft diverter. These components are preferably arranged to enable heat from the main burners to be transferred in an efficient manner to the water when needed and heat loss from the water to be minimized when the main burners are not fired. This may be accomplished without the use of external electric power, and the energy producing and heat transferring components of the water heater are optimally balanced, resulting in a sustained energy level that minimizes heat loss, prevents unwanted increases in water temperature, and enables the use of a damper without external electrical power.

Abstract: A method for checking the accuracy of an oxygen sensor based determination of the alcohol content of the fuel of a flexible fueled vehicle. Following the addition of fuel to the flexible fueled vehicle two alcohol concentration possibilities are calculated. The two alcohol concentration possibilities are then used to calculate thresholds for the determining if the oxygen sensor based determination falls within the thresholds. If the oxygen sensor based determination does not fall within the thresholds then action is taken to counteract an inaccurate determination of alcohol concentration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of cooling an internal combustion engine, to an internal combustion engine assembly. The invention provides an internal combustion engine which has a primary and a secondary flow of coolant together with a method of cooling such and engine. The secondary flow of coolant is injected into the primary flow of coolant in dependence upon a variable provided by a sensor, which provides an indication of the temperature of the engine body in the region where the secondary flow of coolant mixes with the primary flow of coolant.

Abstract: A homogeneous or pre-mixed charge auto-ignition engine comprising two interconnected chambers (20, 30) one of which is the combustion chamber (20) and the other (30) containing the power transmitting member (31). Between the two chambers (20, 30) there is means to control the pressure movement (40, 41, 43, 46) therebetween when the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber (20) ignites so that the force of combustion is effectively applied to the piston (31).

Abstract: An odd-cylinder V-type internal combustion engine including 2n+1 cylinders (n is a natural number) arranged in two banks and pistons fitted in the cylinders has a crankshaft provided with n common crankpins (KC) each connected to the two paired pistons respectively belonging to the two banks, and one odd crankpin (KS) connected to the one unpaired piston. The common crankpins (KC) are disposed at the same phase. Bank angle &thgr; between the two banks meets &thgr;=cos−1(1/2n). The odd crankpin (KS) is disposed (180−&thgr;)° behind the common crank pins (KC) with respect to the rotating direction of the crankshaft when the unpaired piston belongs to the front bank with respect to the rotating direction of the crankshaft.

Abstract: An air-preintroduction type two-stroke internal combustion engine which is capable of minimizing the quantity of blow-by, thus making it possible to improve the fuel consumption and to reduce the content of poisonous components in the exhaust gas, and is also capable of reasonably and compactly arranging the peripheral components of engine, thereby making it possible to reduce the number of parts, to lighten the weight thereof, to save the manufacturing cost thereof, and to simplify the working and assembling thereof. Specifically, this internal combustion engine is characterized in that an air inlet passageway for introducing air into the scavenging passageways is provided inside a wall portion of the cylinder.

Abstract: Air-cooling of a piston in an internal combustion engine is provided. A passageway is configured to pass a portion of the combustion air as the piston reciprocates in the cylinder. The passageway includes a through hole in the wrist pin or mutually aligned openings in the skirt of the piston, preferably above the wrist pin, and a corresponding opening in the engine block to transfer air therethrough. The additional air supplied therethrough is sufficient to substantially reduce heat transferred from the piston upper surface portion to the skirt of the piston.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for changing the compression of a cylinder of a piston engine with a piston (6), which is mounted on an end of a piston rod (8), and whose other end is mounted on a crankshaft (10), whereby the piston rod (8) is mounted to the piston (6) by an eccentric (16), to which an eccentric swing component (24) is fixably secured, the eccentric swing component is connected with an adjustment assembly (26, 28) for effecting swing movement of the eccentric swing component, whereby the pivot position of the eccentric is adjustable for the change of the compression.

Abstract: An output from each of output rods is converted into an assisting force via a corresponding one of rollers, while an outer peripheral surface of each of the rollers moving together with a control shaft serves as a conversion plane. This output is applied to the control shaft. Hence, as the control shaft is moved in such a direction as to increase valve lift amounts of intake valves, the assisting force can be correspondingly increased. Thus, a suitable assisting force that can act against a thrust force can be applied to the control shaft. As a result, there is no apprehension that a minimum hydraulic fluid pressure will not be ensured on the side of a larger valve lift amount or that responding properties in movements of the control shaft will deteriorate.

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: In a constitution to control a valve lift amount of an intake valve to achieve a target intake air amount, a target valve overlap amount is calculated based on an engine load and an engine rotation speed, and target valve timing is calculated based on a target valve lift amount and the target valve overlap amount, so that the valve overlap amount is maintained at a requested value corresponding to operating conditions.

Abstract: A valve lifter assembly for deactivating a cylinder in an internal combustion engine. The valve lifter assembly is provided with a plunger movably disposed within a bore of a main body member to controllably isolate the cam lift from the rocker arm and valve of the engine. The plunger is normally locked in an extended position to transmit cam lift to reciprocatingly operate the valve. At least one locking pin is moveably disposed within the plunger to engage an inner annular groove of the main body member. Pressurized oil is provided to dislodge the locking pins from the annular groove and allow the plunger to move within the main body member, thereby isolating the cam lift from the rocker arm and valve. The deactivating lifter is preferably disposed within the recess conventionally provided for hydraulic valve lifters.

Abstract: A cam phaser assembly having an improved configuration of the C1 oil gallery in the camshaft supplying oil to the cam phaser. An axial bore in the camshaft is formed over its non-threaded outer portion at a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the bolt connecting the phaser to the camshaft. Upon assembly of the cam phaser to the camshaft, an annular, cylindrical gallery is formed between the bolt surface and the bore, which gallery replaces the plurality of axial bores required for the C1 gallery in the prior art camshaft. The prior art C2 gallery, which utilizes a second axial bore in the bolt itself, is substantially unchanged, and an O-ring around the cam bolt in the first axial bore seals the C1 and C2 pressure galleries from communicating with each other.

Abstract: An automatic valve clearance adjuster comprising an internally screw-threaded housing (1); an externally screw-threaded screw member (3) extending within the housing; the screw thread (4) of the screw member (3) having an external form which is complementary to the thread form of the internal thread (2) of the housing and fits therein with a predetermined axial clearance, the thread being trapezoidal in form, symmetrical in axial cross-section and exhibiting equal frictional resistance against movement in both axial directions; wherein the flank angles, helix angle and number of starts of the screw thread are selected to ensure that the screw member will rotate and advance axially out of the housing solely under the influence of an axial force on its end within the housing; and the emerging end (7) of the screw member is adapted to work in conjunction with an adjacent component to receive therefrom a frictional resistance to rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a working machine having an internal combustion engine. The working machine includes a single operation unit comprised of a rotatable body adapted to be selectively rotated between an engine-stop position, engine-start position and choke-activation position, a valve to be rotated about an rotation shaft, an arm attached to the rotation shaft and a link member adapted to be moved in its longitudinal direction to transmit the movement of the rotatable body to the arm. The link member has a distal end coupled with the arm and a proximal end coupled with the rotatable body, and extends between the distal and proximal ends. The rotatable body is formed with an elongated slot receiving the proximal end therein. When the rotatable body is rotated from the engine-stop position to the engine-start position, the proximal end is allowed to displace relative to the rotatable body along the elongated slot without causing any movement of the link member in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine (4) in a vehicle equipped with an electrodynamic drive system (2), which is comprised of an electric motor (24) and a planetary transmission (14) between the internal combustion engine (4) and a manual transmission (6) with an input shaft (28), provides that first the electric motor (24) is accelerated to a speed that is fundamentally sufficient to start the internal combustion engine (4); this is followed by a controlled closing of a brake (32) designed to halt the rotation of the input shaft (28) of the manual transmission (6) against a stationary housing component (34), whereby a level of torque that represents the sum of electromotive torque and rotational torque of the rotating components acts upon the internal combustion engine (4).

Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine coupled with a cranking motor, which is coupled with an electrical battery, includes connecting a capacitor with an electrical system of another engine or battery, wherein the capacitor is disconnected from the cranking motor coupled with the first engine, and charging the capacitor with the electrical system of the other engine or battery. The method further includes connecting the capacitor with the cranking motor coupled with the first engine, at a time when the first battery has insufficient charge to start the first engine, and starting the first engine with the cranking motor and the capacitor. A portable rapid-delivery power supply apparatus for providing a supplementary source of power to an electrical system includes a capacitor having connectors adapted to be connected to the electrical system and a charging device coupled to the capacitor, wherein the charger is powered by alternating current.

Abstract: An intake arrangement for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine of a vehicle which has a row of cylinders. The arrangement includes an intake manifold, which includes a collector extending along a direction of the row of the cylinders and a branch portion communicated with the collector, a fuel pipe extending along the collector, and a protector extending along the fuel pipe between the branch portion and the fuel pipe. The fuel pipe is disposed at a downstream end portion of the branch portion which allows air to be introduced into the cylinders. The protector is secured to the downstream end portion of the branch portion and deformable to cover the fuel pipe upon an impact load being applied to the branch portion.

Abstract: An engine including an engine oil return passage for returning engine oil from a cylinder head side to an oil pan (5) has: a balance shaft (13L, 13R) forming a balancing system (4) for said engine; and a housing (14U, 14L) disposed below a crankshaft (1) for accommodating rotatably therein said balance shaft (13L, 13R). A part (142) of said engine oil return passage is provided in said housing (14U, 14L).

Abstract: A monobloc piston has a piston head with a combustion bowl formed in its upper surface and a plurality of ring grooves formed in an outer surface of a ring belt. An oil cooling gallery is formed in the piston head which is defined in part by a wall of the combustion bowl and ring belt. The piston has a unitized, immovable piston skirt which is formed as one piece with the pin bosses and fixed at its upper end to the ring belt. Piston rings are disposed in each of the ring grooves, and the piston head is further formed with an oil drainage groove which is located below the lowest of the ring grooves. The oil drainage groove is closed in the vicinity between adjacent pin bores but is open across outer side faces of the pin bores such that oil collected in the oil drainage is drained to the crank case across the open side faces to better manage the flow of oil scraped from the walls of the piston cylinder during operation of the piston to reduce oil consumption and hydrocarbon emissions.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine with a hydraulically operated automatic transmission includes a crankcase that is divided on a plane perpendicular to a crankshaft and an outer face of the crankcase in a direction of the crankshaft is covered with a crankcase cover. A transmission gear ratio of the transmission is automatically changed over by control of oil pressures to remove a valve body for readily controlling oil pressures and for raising the accessibility of maintenance.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a crankcase and a crankshaft mounted vertically in the crankcase. The crankshaft has an end that extends outwardly from the bottom of the crankcase for attachment to a primary implement, such as a lawnmower blade, that is to be driven by the engine. Another end of the crankshaft extends outwardly from the top of the crankcase and has a coupling to engage an accessory device. The accessory device may be permanently or removably attached to the engine. Preferably, a cover extends over the top of the crankcase and has an exterior surface from which a well extends toward the crankcase. The coupling projects into the well, but does not extend outwardly beyond the exterior surface of the cover so that the well thereby shields the rotating coupling from inadvertent contact by the user of the equipment on which the engine is mounted. A cap also may close the well when an accessory device is not connected to the coupling to further safeguard against inadvertent contact.

Abstract: A method and an electronic control device for diagnosing the mixture formation in internal combustion engines including tank ventilation. The diagnosis is linked to the mixture adaptation and is performed only with active lambda control and, therefore, especially not in operating modes of the internal combustion engine in which lambda is merely controlled. In the method, outside of active lambda control, an indication of a mixture or probe fault is recognized in that, given active tank ventilation and non-active mixture adaptation, a fault suspicion is formed when a measurement for the influence of the tank ventilation on the mixture composition, the measurement is formed assuming an intact system, takes on implausible values. If this suspicion exists, the mixture adaptation is requested to verify the suspicion, if appropriate.

Abstract: A piston structure for a direct-injection, spark-ignition engine which properly stratifies a mixture adjacent to the spark plug in a stratified-combustion operation without impairing the reliable ignition of the spark plug. In the direct-injection, spark-ignition engine, the central portion of the roof of the combustion chamber is located at a higher level than its peripheral portion, the spark plug is disposed in the central portion, the fuel injector is disposed on the left side of the central portion, and the fuel injector injects fuel so that the fuel contacts the tumble flow produced in the combustion chamber in such a manner that the mixture is concentrated adjacent to the spark plug and ignited in the area in which the tumble flow turns clockwise.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of igniting a fuel charge of a Gasoline Direct Injection engine. The method of this embodiment includes providing an ignition pulse to an ignitor, the pulse having a duration of at least 1 &mgr;s and an average power of at least 500W.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising at least one rotating, oscillating or reciprocating piston (20, 21) in a cylinder (11, 12), each piston (20, 21) defining with the cylinder (11, 12) a combustion chamber (35), each combustion chamber (35) having at least one inlet valve (36) and one exhaust valve (37), and means (40) to periodically open the inlet and exhaust valves, characterised in that the valves are closed by a gas spring (80, 82) having a closing force proportional to the speed of the engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising at least one pair of pistons (20, 21) rotating, oscillating or reciprocating in cylinder assemblies (11, 12) joined by a crankcase (13), each piston (20, 21) being driven by a crankshaft housed in the crankcase (13), the crankcase (13) including an inlet port (63) for entry of an air fuel mixture and an outlet port (65) for transfer of compressed air fuel mixture, each cylinder (11, 12) having a combustion chamber (35) and at least one inlet (36) and at least one exhaust (36) valve port communicating with the combustion chamber (35), the inlet valve port (36) being in communication with the crankcase (13) via the crankcase outlet port (65) whereby the engine is adapted to run on a four stroke cycle with the underside of the piston (20, 21) pressurising the air fuel mixture in the crankcase (13) and causing transfer of the pressurised air fuel mixture to the combustion chamber (35) via the crankcase outlet port (65) and inlet valve port (36).

Abstract: An engine control unit, and method of use, uses a power curve or algorithm to pro-actively adjust fuel flow rate to an engine, optionally in combination with a reactive power curve or algorithm, thereby to adjust engine power, in anticipation of changes in loads being imposed on the engine, as well as to respond to engine speed changes. The ECU has a power curve or algorithm stored in memory which responds to certain predetermined operating conditions other than sensed engine speed, by providing a sequence of pro-active change inputs, at predetermined rates of change, in rate of delivery of fuel to the engine combustion chambers, independent of engine speed change, thereby to produce pro-active incremental changes in power output of the engine. Such pro-active incremental power changes are effected in anticipation of changes in load demand on the engine, and correspond generally with expected incrementally progressive changes in load demand on the engine.

Abstract: There is provided a throttle control system and method for an internal combustion engine as well as an engine control unit, which are capable of controlling a throttle valve without any trouble even when the throttle valve is frozen. The throttle control system controls the degree of opening of the throttle valve. The opening of the throttle valve detected during control of the throttle valve to a fully-closed position at a start of the engine is set to a smallest angle. A temperature of the throttle valve is detected. A lower limit value of the target degree of opening is set to a degree of opening larger than the detected smallest angle of the throttle valve, when the detected smallest angle is larger than a predetermined degree of opening and at the same time the detected temperature of the throttle valve is lower than a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: There is provided an air flow meter for detecting the flow rate of air, an electronically controlled throttle for opening and closing a throttle valve and a calculating device to which a target engine intake air flow rate, a value detected by the air flow meter, the position of a throttle valve detected by a throttle position sensor, and a value detected by an engine speed sensor are input. The calculating device calculates a time constant of a delay of response of the air flow rate into the engine, and a air flow rate passing through the throttle valve to compensate for the delay of response, and drives the throttle valve such that the flow rate of air passing through the throttle valve agrees with the calculated value.

Abstract: A totally closed value of the throttle valve of an engine having a fast idle function will be rendered capable of being correctly detected. The throttle valve can be opened and closed by the motor during a fast idle operation. The opening indicated value IACV to be supplied to the motor is a value obtained by adding the water temperature correction value and the atmospheric pressure correction value to the totally closed reference value. A value obtained by subtracting the water temperature correction value and the atmospheric pressure correction value from the actual opening to be detected by the throttle sensor is set to the totally closed value. At the totally closed value, there is provided a dead zone. When the value obtained by subtracting the water temperature correction value and the atmospheric pressure correction value from the actual opening goes out of the dead zone, the totally closed value is replaced with the value obtained by subtracting both correction values from the actual opening.

Abstract: A throttle valve control unit that can easily be assembled and has a simple molding die structure, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. There are a container shaped casing, a rotation detection portion provided at the outer surface of the casing, a sensor terminal led from the rotation detection portion, exposed in a connector housing provided at the casing by insert-molding, a motor feeding terminal with an exposed portion provided in parallel with the sensor terminal, having its one end exposed in the connector housing by insert molding, and its other end having an exposed portion extended into the casing, and a separate motor feeding conductor attached in the casing. One end of the motor feeding conductor is connected with the exposed portion and the motor terminal as it is held between a pair of first folded portions provided at the other end of the motor feeding conductor.

Abstract: A marine engine has an air intake device that includes an air regulator (e.g., a throttle valve) and fuel injectors. A control system controls an actuator of the air regulator. A first sensor detects an intake pressure in the intake device. A second sensor detects a state of the actuator. A third sensor detects an engine speed of the engine. A control device controls an amount of fuel sprayed by the fuel injectors relative to an amount of the intake air. The control device controls the amount of the fuel based upon a signal of the third sensor and a signal of the first sensor in a first actuation range of the actuator in which the intake pressure is variable. The control device controls the amount of the fuel based upon a signal of the third sensor and a signal of the second sensor in a second actuation range of the actuator in which the intake pressure is invariable.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine provided with a variable valve mechanism that varies at least a valve operating characteristic (valve lift amount, valve operating angle and the like) of an intake valve, a target volume flow ratio equivalent to a target torque of the engine is obtained to be converted into a valve opening area, and a target valve operating characteristic of the variable valve mechanism is set based on the converted valve opening area, to control the variable valve mechanism so that an actual valve operating characteristic reaches a target valve operating angle, thereby executing with high accuracy an intake air amount control mainly by the variable valve mechanism.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a spark ignition internal combustion engine having fuel injection at a cold start. The method retards the spark angle to a cold start value at least for the first combustion in at least one cylinder of the internal combustion engine during a cold start phase, the fuel injected into the cylinder being brought to combustion, and the method sets the spark angle to normal, to end the cold start phase.

Abstract: A control valve for a fuel injector generally includes a valve body and a spool positioned within a bore of said valve body. The spool is slideable between a first and second position. The control valve also comprises a first bore in fluid communication with a rail inlet of the fuel injector, a cross bore positioned within the valve body and offset from the first bore, and a groove located about the spool. The groove provides fluid communication between the cross bore and the first bore when the spool is in the first position, and seals fluid communication when the spool is in the second position. At least two solenoids are provided on opposing sides of the spool for moving the spool between the first and second positions, and a non-magnetic barrier is provided between the solenoids and the spool.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for internal combustion engines, having a high-pressure accumulation chamber (7), which contains high-pressure fuel, having at least one fuel injection valve (15), which is connected to the high-pressure accumulation chamber (7). The fuel injection valve (15) can inject the highly pressurized fuel through injection openings (41, 42) into a combustion chamber of the engine. The fuel injection valve (15) has a control chamber (62), which is defined by a longitudinally mobile piston (60) and is operationally connected to the fuel injection valve (15) so that the injection cross section of the fuel injection valve (15) is controlled as a function of the hydraulic pressure in the control chamber (62). A low-pressure accumulation chamber (72) is provided, which can be connected to the control chamber (62), in which a predetermined fuel pressure is maintained in the low-pressure accumulation chamber (72) that is lower than the pressure in the high-pressure accumulation chamber (7) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for operating an internal combustion engine wherein the vapor pressure curve is determined with a pressure sensor in the fuel metering pipe during the shutoff phase of the engine and the fuel injection quantity in a subsequent start of the engine is corrected in correspondence to this pressure curve.

Abstract: In a fuel vapor handling system of this invention, an ECU performs a leak check to check a leak of fuel vapor in a fuel vapor passage when the engine is at a stop. The ECU functions to detect the quantity of fuel during the engine stop. The ECU detects the quantity of fuel at the time of engine starting. Furthermore, the ECU compares the quantity of fuel measured at the time of engine starting with the quantity of fuel measured at the preceding engine stop, to thereby determine whether a filler cap was opened during the engine stop. When the filler cap was opened during the engine stop, a result of the leak check will be cancelled. When the filler cap was not opened, the result of the leak check will be determined.

Abstract: A flexible gas connection joint for use with an exhaust gas recirculation system is located between an engine exhaust manifold and a turbocharger. The flexible joint comprises a hot pipe for connection with an exhaust gas source. The hot pipe has a first end for connecting with the exhaust gas source, and has a second oppositely positioned end for connecting with an exhaust gas receiving member. The hot pipe second end includes a generally cylindrical outside surface. An adapter is coupled to the hot pipe second end for receiving exhaust gas therefrom. The adapter has a cylindrical inside diameter, and the hot pipe second end is disposed within the cylindrical inside diameter. The hot pipe second end has a radiused outside surface for enabling three-dimensional movement of the hot pipe second end within the adapter. The flexible joint can include a sealing ring interposed between concentric hot pipe and adapter surfaces for providing a leak-tight seal therebetween.