Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated system includes a fix displacement variable delivery pump with a plurality of parallel disposed pistons that reciprocate in a pump housing the defines a high pressure portion and a low pressure area. A control device is attached to the pump housing and moveable between a first position in which the pistons displace fluid into the high pressure portion and a second position in which pistons spill fluid back to the low pressure area. The control device includes an electrically driven linear motion device, a linkage and a plurality of sleeves, one being disposed on each piston. Linear movement of the control device in turn causes linear movement of the sleeves. The position of the sleeves in turn determines the amount of output of the pump.

Abstract: A valve using a pressure control cavity to control valve position can implement a pressure to sensor to determine the pressure within the control cavity to determine whether pressure is presently acting upon the valve. The pressure sensor can provide a feedback signal to a control module allowing the control module to control timing of the valve.

Abstract: A common rail fuel injection system is proposed in which the pressure in the return line (27) is controlled as a function of the delivery pressure of the presupply pump (19). This improves the operating behavior of a high-pressure fuel pump (1) and the injectors, not shown, which are supplied with fuel by means of a common rail (3). The pressure in the return line (27) is controlled by means of a pressure control valve (31).

Abstract: For each cylinder of the internal combustion engine, the fuel injection apparatus has a high-pressure fuel pump and a fuel injection valve connected to it. A pump piston of the high-pressure fuel pump defines a pump working chamber, which is connected to a pressure chamber of the fuel injection valve, which has an injection valve member, which controls the injection openings and which the pressure prevailing in the pressure chamber can move in an opening direction, counter to a closing force. A first control valve controls a connection between the pump working chamber and a relief chamber, and a second control valve controls a connection between a relief chamber and a control pressure chamber connected to the pump working chamber. A control piston, which is connected to the injection valve member, divides the control pressure chamber into two separate partial chambers, which are connected to each other by means of a throttle restriction.

Abstract: A fuel injection system having a prefeed pump, through which fuel from a fuel supply container is pumped to a high-pressure pump, and by means of the high-pressure pump, fuel is pumped into a reservoir. Communicating with the reservoir is at least one injector, through which fuel is injected to the engine. A fuel filter is disposed between the prefeed pump and the high-pressure pump. A return line for uninjected fuel leads back from at least one injector into a region upstream of the high-pressure pump. A valve is provided, by which the return line, in a first switching position, at a low fuel temperature, leads to upstream of the fuel filter, between it and the prefeed pump, and by which the return line, in a second switching position, at a high fuel temperature, leads to downstream of the fuel filter, between it and the high-pressure pump.

Abstract: The fuel injection apparatus has a high-pressure fuel pump and a fuel injection valve connected to it for each cylinder of the engine. The high-pressure fuel pump has a pump piston, which is driven in a stroke motion by the engine and defines a pump working chamber, which is connected by means of a line to a pressure chamber of the fuel injection valve that is disposed separate from the high-pressure fuel pump in the engine and has an injection valve member, which is used to control at least one injection opening and can be moved by the pressure prevailing in the pressure chamber in an opening direction, counter to a closing force, in order to unblock the at least one injection opening. An electrically actuated control valve is provided in the fuel injection valve and at least indirectly controls a connection of the pump working chamber to a relief chamber, which can store pressurized fuel diverted by the control valve when this valve is open.

Abstract: A chamfering portion provided at an inlet corner of a port of an inside way-out in a governor shaft is effective to decrease energy loss of fuel flowing into the inside way-out to less than one half in comparison with that of a conventional art. A flow amount characteristic of the fuel into the inside way-out improves so that a hysteresis between a pump chamber pressure decrease characteristic on increasing a load (a retarding characteristic) and a pump chamber pressure increase characteristic on decreasing the load (an advancing characteristic) is lowered, resulting in securing a highly accurate control of fuel injection timing.

Abstract: A fuel rail that forms a conduit for pressurized fuel to be delivered to at least one fuel injector. The fuel rail includes an elongated member that is corrugated such that the fuel rail acts as a pressure damper. A method of reducing pressure pulsation in a fuel system is achieved by configuring a fuel of a second configuration from an initial configuration, the second configuration having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having at least three points defining a virtual plane, the first portion including a continuous surface that intersects the virtual plane at a plurality of positions.

Abstract: An internal damper element that is usable in a fuel rail of a fuel system, the fuel system having a pressurized fuel source coupled to the fuel rail that has at least one fuel injector. The damper element includes an elongated member having a longitudinal damper element axis generally parallel to the longitudinal rail axis, the damper element having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having at least three points defining a virtual plane, the first portion including a continuous surface that intersects the virtual plane at a plurality of positions.

Abstract: A fuel rail damper includes a hollow member having a first end and a second end, opposing first and second sides, a first face and a second face interconnecting and spacing apart the first and second sides, and a width. Each of the first and second ends are sealed in an air tight manner to thereby define a chamber in conjunction with the first and second sides and the first and second faces and wherein the widths of the ends do not substantially exceed the hollow member width.

Abstract: A method of providing engine timing information for an engine having a plurality of cylinders including detecting a fault for a crankshaft sensor generating engine timing information with a camshaft sensor, providing spark and fuel with the engine timing information generated by the camshaft sensor, and shutting off fuel to at least one of the cylinders.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated system includes a fix displacement variable delivery pump with a plurality of parallel disposed pistons that reciprocate in a pump housing the defines a high pressure portion and a low pressure area. A control device is attached to the pump housing and moveable between a first position in which the pistons displace fluid into the high pressure portion and a second position in which pistons spill fluid back to the low pressure area. The control device includes an electrically driven linear motion device, a linkage and a plurality of sleeves, one being disposed on each piston. Linear movement of the control device in turn causes linear movement of the sleeves. The position of the sleeves in turn determines the amount of output of the pump.

Abstract: In a fuel supply apparatus in which a drawing performance of drawing a fuel to a reservoir cup is not dropped down even at a time when a fuel residual amount is small and a vehicle is inclined, a filter formed of a mesh woven fabric is provided in a suction port of a jet pump via the suction pipe, and at least a part of the filter extends up to at least one end portion along a bottom surface of a fuel tank, a drawing performance of drawing the fuel into the reservoir cup obtained by the jet pump does not come down, and the fuel supply to the engine is not short, even in the case that the fuel residual amount is small and the vehicle is inclined.

Abstract: An engine is provided comprising an engine housing defining at least one cylinder. At least one engine auxiliary system is attached to the engine housing and has a different portion associated with each engine cylinder. Each different portion of the engine auxiliary system has a first electrical actuator coupled to a first valve and a second electrical actuator coupled to a second valve which are wired in series. For example, a fuel injection system is provided with a first electrical actuator operably coupled to a fuel pressurizer and a second electrical actuator operably coupled to a direct control needle valve. The electrical actuators are wired in series on an electrical circuit. A method of controlling a portion of the engine auxiliary system is also provided which consists of actuating a first electrical actuator with a relatively low current and actuating a second electrical actuator with a relatively high current.

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

Abstract: In a fuel gas mixer 1 comprising a throttle valve 4 provided in an air intake passage 2 connected to an engine for opening and closing the air intake passage 2 and a fuel gas supply passage 6 connected to the air intake passage 2 upstream of the throttle valve 4. A fuel gas control valve 5 is provided in the air intake passage 2 upstream of the connecting part of the fuel gas supply passage 6 for opening and closing the air intake passage 2, and a fuel gas control valve controlling means 11 is provided for varying the degree of the opening of the fuel gas control valve 5 depending upon the operating state of the engine.

Abstract: An assembly for an air assist fuel injection system have a rail configured to fluidly communicate pressurized gas to a fuel pressure regulator and to an air assist fuel injector of the system. The assembly further includes a cover configured to fluidly communicate fuel to the fuel pressure regulator and to a fuel injector of the air assist fuel injection system.

Abstract: A variable capacity modular venturi system for exhaust gas recirculation in a diesel engine having elements readily formed by die casting or injection molding. A throttle body controls the amount of fresh air being admitted directly to the engine intake manifold and variably diverts a portion of the air into exhaust gas mixing elements of the device. A mixing body connected to the throttle body receives the diverted air from the throttle body through an injection cone, receives exhaust gas diverted from the exhaust gas stream, and uses the diverted air stream to aspirate exhaust gas into a mixing chamber via a venturi element disposed concentrically within the mixing body. The mixed gases are combined with the stream of fresh air passing into the engine through a mounting base attachable to the intake manifold of the engine.

Abstract: A modular exhaust gas recirculation assembly includes a flow control body, a closing member movably mounted in the manifold conduit between a first position and a second position, and an actuator assembly coupled to the closing member and driving the closing member between the first position and the second position. The flow control body includes a manifold conduit having a recirculation opening, and an inlet conduit in fluid communication with the manifold conduit. The inlet conduit includes a wall common with the manifold conduit. When in the first position, the closing member closes the recirculation opening and blocks fluid communication between the inlet conduit and the manifold conduit. When in the second position, the closing member opens the recirculation opening and permits fluid communication between the inlet conduit and the manifold conduit and creates a pressure differential across the recirculation opening so that fluid is drawn from the inlet conduit into the manifold conduit.

Abstract: A control method adjusts fuel injection into an engine having a variable compression ratio. The method determines the cylinder air amount based on various sensors and the current compression ratio. The disclosed fuel injection method can perform both open loop and closed loop control. A method is also disclosed for putting the compression ratio to a base value during engine shutdown so that subsequent engine starts occur with a consistent compression ratio.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel control method and system for an internal combustion engine. The method includes: calculating an initial amount of fuel based on an amount of intake air, calculating a first cylinder bank air/fuel ratio matching coefficient and a second cylinder bank air/fuel ratio matching coefficient based on an engine speed and a volumetric efficiency, and controlling the amounts of fuel in the second and first banks, using the calculated second bank air/fuel ratio matching coefficient and the first bank air/fuel ratio matching coefficient, respectively. The system includes a control unit and a fuel injection system for implementing the method.

Abstract: A fan assembly for a convection cooking appliance defines a self-contained unit including a housing, an internal fan unit, and a cover. The cover is provided with a centrally located, unobstructed opening for directing air to an inlet for the fan unit. The area of the inlet opening is equal to or larger than the sum of the cross-sectional inlet area of fan unit. During operation, air is drawn into the fan housing through the opening, directed radially outwardly through housing, and lead out through radial, peripherally spaced holes of the housing. The overall construction of the fan assembly eases manufacture and assembly, while defining a high performance convection system by establishing an efficient recirculating airflow, with relatively high air flow, pressure and velocity operating parameters.

Abstract: A barbecue is illuminated by a light integrated into a shelf. The shelf may be hinged so that it folds into the barbecue for storage. A barbecue as is known in the art has an enclosing lid or cover. The shelves provide flat surfaces upon which food, plates, or other items may be supported. This provides additional work space to the chef. The shelves may be stationary or may fold into the barbecue. One of the shelves may have a lamp that articulates upwardly to illuminate the grill in times of insufficient light. The lamp also conforms to an exterior-interior circumference or perimeter of one of the shelves in order to provide convenient and unobtrusive means by which illumination can be provided when needed.

Abstract: A heater for burning fuel having a hollow enclosure with an air inlet, and a combustion gas outlet. The enclosure has an exterior heat exchange wall preferably directly exposed to ambient air and an interior surface defining a combustion chamber. The enclosure has a body with front and rear openings into which are fitted a front panel and a rear panel defining joints therebetween. The interior surface of the enclosure is coated and joints are sealed with heat resistant anti-oxidant material, for example: porcelain enamel, having a co-efficient of thermal expansion not substantially greater than the co-efficient of thermal expansion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A liquid heating cooker including a box-shaped vat having a bottom panel A, rear panel B, left panel C, right panel D, and holding panel E, which are separated by welding lines F to I. The welding lines F and G are provided on a front wall portion, a bottom wall portion, a front wall portion and upper bottom wall portions 12e and 12f of an oil sediment holding portion, and a rear wall portion, whereas the welding lines H and I are provided on the front wall portion and the rear wall portion of the oil sediment holding portion. The welding lines are not provided at the corner portions of the vat and the corner portions are rounded. Consequently, even if the fryer is repeatedly operated and stopped, cracking at the welded portions and/or the corner portions due to expansion and contraction of the panels does not occur easily.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuation device of a gas distribution valve connected to a burner provided with a control thermocouple of the flame presence, said valve (100) comprising: a gas inlet duct (1); two or more gas delivery ducts (2, 3, 4); gas interception means (8, 10) controlling selectively said inlet duct (1) and said delivery ducts (2, 3, 4), said means can be actuated through axial movement of a stem (5) belonging to said valve; electrical means (6, 7, 101) cooperating with said thermocouple and said interception means of the gas inlet duct. Said device comprises a flexible metal wire (14) sliding inside the sheath and fixed at one end (141) to said stem (5) of said valve (100) and at the other end (142) to a control lever (20) rotatable relative to a support plane (30) according to discreet positions (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) corresponding to the various positions of said interception means.

Abstract: A positive-pressure respirator hood assembly comprising, a gas-impermeable hood made of a flexible material, formed with at least a transparent visor portion; a gas treatment unit, comprising a filter and a power-operated blower to force air through the filter and generate a positive pressure within the hood; a one-way purge valve for facilitating the exhaust of exhaled gases and moisture from the hood; and a sealing portion for sealingly securing the hood over a body portion of the user; the respirator hood assembly is designed to be compactly received in a container and to be deployed into an operative state automatically, whereby a user is provided protection from toxic gases and particulate material.

Abstract: The invention provides a gas mask comprising a face piece including a transparent eye covering, and including a space to allow air to circulate around the nose and mouth of a wearer, and having an airtight seal to prevent contaminated air from entering the gas mask; a filtration apparatus containing an active stage and a passive stage, the passive stage for filtering out particles above a predetermined size, and including adsorbent media for removing toxic or harmful substances and fluids from the contaminated air, the active stage containing at least one agent to kill ambient bacteria and viruses; an intake vent permitting contaminated air to enter into the filtration system; at least one passageway connecting the filtration apparatus to the space around the nose and mouth of the wearer; and an exhalation port through which exhaled air may be expelled.

Abstract: An air and water hose apparatus for use in an air supply system for firefighters. The air and water hose apparatus has an air hose completely within the water hose. The air and water hose apparatus comprises only a single length of the overall water hose of the system. This ensures that no part of the air hose is exposed to possible damage. The system supplies high pressure air to the firefighters. The system allows for easy connect and disconnect of the air and water hose apparatus to the firefighter's mask and preferably can be used with standard self-contained breathing apparatus having a mask and a regulator. A branched conduit allows several firefighters to be attached to a single air and water hose apparatus.

Abstract: A system to provide inspiratory air to a patient having a humidification mechanism including an inspiratory gas inlet and an inspiratory gas outlet in fluid communication with the inspiratory gas inlet. The humidification mechanism may be adapted to humidify inspiratory air flowing into the inspiratory gas inlet and exiting the humidification mechanism through the inspiratory gas outlet. A patient inspiratory gas tube is provided to extend between the inspiratory gas outlet of the humidification mechanism and a patient, the patient inspiratory gas tube being adapted to provide inspiratory gas to a patient. A patient expiratory gas tube may provide a flow path for expiratory gas from a patient.

Abstract: The following is a description for the use of Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV).

Abstract: A pressure support system and method of treating disordered breathing that optimizes the pressure delivered to the patient to treat the disordered breathing while minimizing the delivered pressure for patient comfort. The controller in the pressure support system operates as a set of prioritized control layers, wherein each control layer competes for control of the pressure generating system to implement a unique pressure control process. The pressure support system also controls the pressure provided to the patient based on the variability of the monitored data and a trend analysis of this data, including an indication the skewness of the patient's inspiratory waveform.

Abstract: A improved interface is disclosed for delivering CPAP therapy to patients. The interface has a sliding engagement to the headgear. The sliding engagement allows substantial relative lateral movement eg: when face is distorted from sleeping on side, while still providing adequate compressive force to avoid side leakage. The sliding engagement also allows easy release from the headgear.

Abstract: A detachable nasal cannula assembly is described that provides oxygen to a patient or delivers carbon dioxide from a patient to a monitor for testing. A nasal and head portion of the cannula assembly is detachable from a main tubing that is connected to an oxygen supply or a carbon dioxide monitor. The detachable nasal cannula assembly provides significant cost savings over presently known nasal cannulae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aiding apparatus for treating sexually handicapped persons, which apparatus may be of a big help to conjugal life of sexually handicapped persons.

Abstract: A mouthguard has a flexible frame, and has bite tabs extending from the rear surface of the frame for engaging the wearer's teeth. The bite tabs include anterior bite tabs for engaging the wearer's front teeth. A narrow split may be provided between the anterior bite tabs that allows the bite tabs to maintain their flexibility. The flexible frame lays against the outer surface of the teeth and extends into the buccal folds superiorly and interiorly of the cheek where the muscles hold it in place. Grooves may be positioned lengthwise along the frame above and below the bite tabs for purposes of flexibility and to allow the muscles of the cheek to press the upper and lower extensions of the frame close to the bone for better retention and comfort. The teeth engage the bite tabs, thus preventing the teeth from clashing together and protecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). One or more air holes may be provided in the front portion of the mouthguard permit easy breathing.

Abstract: The success of tissue transplantation, when immunological conflict is minimized, depends on the vascularization process. This process is very complex and requires time. During this time, transplanted tissue often has difficulty obtaining oxygen and nutrients. These factors have a profound influence on the survival of the transplanted tissue, especially if the tissue has poor angiogenic properties. For new vessel formation, endothelial cells from existing recipient microvessels must proliferate and migrate through the extracellular matrix into the transplanted tissue. However, if transplanted tissue is irradiated with low-power laser, vascularization and acceptance of auto-, allo-, and heterotransplants is enhanced.

Abstract: This invention is a method for treating a patient diagnosed with atrial arrhythmia by forming a circumferential conduction block along a circumferential path of tissue in a pulmonary vein wall that circumscribes the pulmonary vein lumen and transects the electrical conductivity of the pulmonary vein such that conduction is blocked along the longitudinal axis of the vein wall and into the left atrial wall. The method is performed to treat a patient with a focal arrythmogenic origin along the pulmonary vein wall by either ablating the focal origin or by isolating the focal origin from the atrial wall with the circumferential conduction block. The circumferential conduction block is also formed in a pulmonary vein in order to bridge the adjacent ends of two linear lesions, wherein each linear lesion is formed to extend between the pulmonary vein and another adjacent pulmonary vein in a less-invasive “maze”-type procedure.

Abstract: A filter-attachment machine in the tobacco-processing industry is provided. The machine has a plurality of conveying devices for products in the tobacco-processing industry, and at least one main drive that drives the plurality of conveying devices. The machine also has a pull-off device for pulling a cover tape ribbon from a cover tape supply, a cover-tape cutting device for cutting the cover tape ribbon into sections of a predetermined length, and at least one secondary drive that drives the pull-off device and the cover-tape cutting device. The cover tape ribbon is conveyed from the pull-off device to the cover-tape cutting device, and the sections of cover tape ribbon are transferred to the products on one of the plurality of conveying devices.

Abstract: The components of cigarette smoke, known until now, do not explain the overwhelming hazardous effects of smoking; this invention describes the isolation, identification and procedures for determination of the structure, properties and assay of a relatively stable major harmful oxidant (cs-oxidant) present in the cigarette smoke, the content of which is about 190±10 &mgr;g per cigarette; the cs-oxidant alone almost quantitatively accounts for the oxidative damage of proteins produced by the aqueous extract of whole cigarette smoke, it is also responsible for the oxidative damage of DNA; since the cs-oxidant is relatively stable, it further explains the deleterious effects of the side stream smoke and passive smoking; a number of chemical compounds/agents including vitamin C have been found to prevent the cs-oxidant induced protein oxidation in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oral medication delivery device and a method of using the device to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking and/or treat a second dependency in a person. The device comprises a tubular chamber having a first end suitable for taking in liquid or gas from an external source and a second end suitable for the application of oral suction. The chamber contains nicotine, another drug, and a retainer for preventing release of the drugs from the first end of the chamber.

Abstract: A composite handle for grooming implements provides improved control during use. Such handle has a rigid and a flexible portion that facilitates use of the implement, especially when a user has a weak or impaired grip.

Abstract: A sheet of composite material for use in a process of treating hair with a treatment solution. The sheet includes a first layer formed of a first material, and a second layer formed of a second material. The two layers are co-extensive with one another such that each has a peripheral edge extending substantially adjacent the other. At least one of the first and the second layers is chemically resistant to the treatment solution.

Abstract: A composition of a vibrating wave type oral cleansing and hygiene appliance, more especially a hygiene appliance, utilizing the manner of vibrating and agitating wave to drive a cleansing floss material to provide rapid plague removing for the external surfaces on the gaps between the teeth and on the tooth root as well as to provide massage and hygiene for the tooth root and the gums, mainly comprises of a holder body with a working section disposed therein and an insert section situated at the front end for assembling a link rod, the free end of the said link rod is designed as a floss bow section to provide expansion of the cleansing floss material, one distal end of the said insert section is disposed for assembling a massage bar with horseshoe-shaped contact press end, thereby to achieve the effect of cleansing and massaging.

Abstract: A process tank and method for stripping photoresist from semiconductor wafers. In one aspect, the invention is a method for processing integrated circuits comprising: placing at least one wafer having an edge in a process tank having a lid; closing the lid; filling the process tank with a process liquid to a predetermined level below the edge of the wafer; and applying acoustical energy to the process liquid so as to form a mist of process liquid in the process tank.

Abstract: Brass articles having leachable lead are contacted with an aqueous caustic solution that contains a chelating agent. The brass article can optionally be post-treated by contacting them with an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained spray device and method for reaching and cleaning at least one optical surface having limited access. The spray device includes a fluid reservoir and a cover tube having an inner wall, an outer wall, a first end and a second end. A nozzle assembly at the first end of the cover tube includes a seal to provide substantially fluid-tight contact between the spray device and an optical surface. A delivery tube is located inside the inner wall of the cover tube, coaxial with the cover tube. The delivery tube coupled to the fluid reservoir directs fluid towards the nozzle assembly. An absorbent mounted adjacent to the outer wall of at least a portion of the cover tube collects liquid residues after application of fluid to an optical surface. The absorbent may be included in an absorbent cartridge that includes a detachable jacket surrounding the absorbent.

Abstract: In a scrubber adapted to clean a semiconductor wafer, the torque of a brush rotation motor is monitored while a scrubber brush is in contact with the wafer and is being rotated by the motor. The position of the brush relative to the wafer may be adjusted based on the monitored torque to regulate the pressure applied to the wafer by the brush. Open loop positioning or closed loop control may be employed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning treatment composition containers are disclosed which are capable of taking out photographic treatment compositions in the form of powder, granules, tablets or slurry from the containers without adhesion of the components to the inner wall of the container and residue of the coagulated and solidified substances and as well as cleaning the inside portions of the containers. The method and apparatus for cleaning the containers for the photographic treatment compositions have the steps of mounting containers filled with treatment compositions in the form of powder, granules, tablets or slurry and comprising as a resin, only high-density polyethylene (HDPE) having a density of 0.941 to 0.969 g/cm3 and a melt index of 0.3 g/10 min to 5.0 g/10 min to a cleaning apparatus; opening an opening portion of the container to inject the treatment material into a dissolving tank, and spraying cleaning water into the empty container from a nozzle.

Abstract: Thus use of a post detergent step for removing aqueous residue from ware combined with a subsequent step using a potable rinse or a dilute solution of an aqueous food grade rinse aid to rinse alkaline washed ware provides significant advantages. The two step rinse method insures complete and sanitary cleaning of ware while permitting the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and the subsequent rinse step. Such process conditions permit the use of differing times and temperatures in the post detergent step and in the rinse step and permits the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and in the rinse step.