Abstract: A balance system and method for balancing piston forces within a single cylinder internal combustion engine are disclosed. The balance system includes a crankshaft, a counterbalance assembly and a groove. The crankshaft includes a crankshaft portion, a crank arm, a crank pin, and a eccentric flange adjacent to the crank arm. The counterbalance assembly has a counterbalancing mass portion and a coupling arm that are fixed with respect to one another, and a pin that protrudes from a side of the counterbalancing mass portion. The coupling arm is supported by the eccentric flange. The groove is capable of receiving the pin, where the pin is capable of sliding along the groove and also rotating within the groove, so that the counterbalance assembly is capable of rotating while moving toward and away from the crankshaft.

Abstract: To provide a lubricating oil supply structure for an internal combustion engine, which requires no lubricating oil passage to be defined in a crankshaft, is capable of ejecting lubricating oil to a lubrication object, is free of limitations on the layout of the generator and peripheral devices, is capable of cooling generating coils of the generator, and allows the area of the lubrication object to which the lubricating oil is applied to be set with large freedom. A lubricating oil supply structure for an internal combustion engine has a generator having a stator with generating coils and a rotor. A one-way clutch is disposed opposite to the stator across the rotor. The lubricating oil supply structure includes a first nozzle disposed on a stator support of a generator cover for continuously ejecting lubricating oil. The lubricating oil is ejected from the first nozzle to the one-way clutch through holes which are disposed in a position confronting the one-way clutch in an ejected direction.

Abstract: A method and system for introduction of nitrogen enriched air into the crankcase of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The introduction of the nitrogen-enriched air operates to extend the oil life of the oil present in the engine crankcase due to decreased oxidation of the engine oil.

Abstract: The plenum of an engine air manifold, coupled to engine cylinders, is provided with a fuel injector. A solenoid prevents supply of fuel to the plenum fuel injector during normal operation of the engine. Upon failure of the primary fuel system, solenoid opens to provide a fuel/air mixture via the manifold, to the engine cylinders, converting the manifold from a dry manifold to a fuel/air mixture manifold. The fuel bus of the primary fuel system preferably receives fuel from, and returns fuel to, a header tank, rather than directly from and to one or more fuel tanks.

Abstract: A spark plug guard can be switched between a spark-plug covering position to protect a spark plug and a spark-plug opening position. An operator displaces the spark plug guard from the spark-plug covering position to the spark-plug opening position, thereby obtaining a wide working space to perform the maintenance and inspection of the spark plug efficiently. The spark plug guard has a function of fixing a predetermined part in the spark-plug covering position. Consequently, the need for a part fixing member which was conventionally required for fixing the predetermined part to the engine body is eliminated, thus contributing to a decrease in the weight of the whole internal combustion engine and to cost reduction.

Abstract: On the reciprocating bane of a reciprocating vane type rotary internal combustion engine (vane engine), big centrifugal force is generated by a high-speed rotation and is opposed to combustion pressure, and force equal to or more than seal action force to be necessary for vanes tip is added to the case inside, and friction loss becomes big.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a direct injection engine having an intake valve, an exhaust valve and a fuel injection valve for injecting fuel directly into a cylinder of the engine and in which fuel injection by the fuel injection valve is performed during intake stroke or during compression stroke of the engine, has combustion stabilizing device for stabilizing combustion in the cylinder. The combustion stabilizing device has next operation mode determination device for selecting either an operation mode of recovering the combustion stability by fuel injection during intake stroke or an operation mode of recovering the combustion stability by fuel injection during compression stroke when a deteriorated state of combustion is detected in fuel injection during compression stroke.

Abstract: An engine control system utilizes the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas present in the exhaust pipe and determines a moving average engine speed from at least two actual engine speeds determined from a speed sensor located on the crankshaft of the engine. The control system also includes a map that uses the moving average engine speed and the actual engine speed to retrieve a solenoid duty cycle to alter the BSFC of the engine at certain RPM to increase the maximum power output of the engine.

Abstract: An intake control system has intake control valves disposed in intake passages of cylinders of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. ECU controls the opening degrees of the intake control valves of the respective cylinders based on signals from sensors to converge rotation speed of the engine in a lower limit rotation speed above which the engine does not stall during an idling operation of the engine.

Abstract: A one piece slide in place “butterfly” valve plate for a short runner manifold of a vehicle. A method of reducing friction in an anti-chatter device.

Abstract: Maximum braking torque timing in an internal combustion engine can be determined by calculating the net pressure change in an engine cylinder during combustion. The second derivative of the net pressure change is then calculated. The spark timing of the engine is then varied until the maximum acceleration point of the net pressure change is aligned with top dead center.

Abstract: A controlled variable and a target in each of a variable valve event and lift control apparatus and a variable valve timing control apparatus are input, to calculate target opening timing of an intake valve corresponding to the target and also to calculate actual opening timing of the intake valve corresponding to the controlled variable, to correct ignition timing based on a deviation between the target opening timing and the actual opening timing.

Abstract: Although injection timing accuracy is sensitive to rail pressure, injection quantity of the fuel injection event is strongly a function of rail pressure. Thus, delivery accuracy of each injection event depends strongly upon the accuracy of a rail pressure estimate used in determining the injection control signal characteristics. These injection control signal characteristics include a calculated delay between a start of control current and start of injection, as well as the duration of the control signal. The present invention takes a rail pressure measurement substantially before an injection event, and then utilizes a rail pressure predictor model to predict what the rail pressure will be at each injection event in a succeeding injection sequence. This estimated rail pressure is then used as the means for determining the fuel injection control signal characteristics for that succeeding injection event.

Abstract: A pump control valve contained in a high-pressure fuel pump is closed when an engine is stopped, so that the pressure of a common rail is prevented from becoming too high when the engine speed NE is not less than a predetermined value &agr;. The pump control valve is opened when the engine speed NE is decreased to a predetermined value &agr;. Consequently, a predetermined amount of fuel is stored in the pump because the high-pressure fuel pump sucks fuel but does not deliver the fuel to the common rail. Therefore, a lack of fuel being delivered at early stage of startup is prevented because the fuel stored in the pump can be delivered to the common rail in a subsequent startup of the engine. Thus, the pressure of fuel necessary to start the engine can be obtained in a short time, and the time for startup can be decreased.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for internal combustion engines is proposed, having a fuel pump (1) that can be driven both by an electric drive (19) and by the engine (15). The result is good starting performance of the engine (13) and low demand for driving power on the part of the fuel pump (1) during operation of the engine (13).

Abstract: A high-pressure pump for supplying internal combustion engines with fuel includes a housing, on which a timing unit for displacing the point of injection is accommodated. The timing unit includes an injection timing piston having inlet bores, and a regulating slide, whose face facing a cold-start accelerator piston has a prestress force applied to it, is movably accommodated in the injection timing piston. A spring element, which is applied directly to the injection timing piston, as well as a spring assembly, which is independent of the spring element and accommodated on a carrier and act on the regulating slide, are positioned between the cold-start accelerator piston and the opposing face of the injection timing piston.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.

Abstract: An economiser for combustion devices, consisting of a preferably steel tube around which at least two coils set side by side are wound, said coils being traversed by electric current and being capable of inducing an electromagnetic field inside the tube. The coils are enclosed in a preferably metal casing and then possibly resin-potted. The device is preferably designed for improving combustion in engines, boilers, and burners in general.

Abstract: A speed increasing gear used in a supercharger has a center roller connected to an output shaft, an outer wheel arranged eccentric to the center roller, and a plurality of intermediate rollers arranged within an annular space in which a width of the center roller with respect to a diametrical direction is uneven with respect to a circumferential direction of the center roller. The annular space is provided between the center roller and the outer wheel, and a pivot of at least one intermediate roller is movably arranged in a circumferential direction and a radial direction of the center roller.

Abstract: Intake manifolds for an internal combustion engine and methods of using the same are disclosed. The intake manifolds accommodate the introduction of exhaust gas that has been recirculated from the main exhaust gas stream. The exhaust gas can be introduced into the intake manifold through aerodynamically shaped members that are located inside the manifold. Alternatively, the exhaust gas can be introduced into the manifold at or near the intersection of the primary runners and the plena, or the exhaust gas can be introduced into a mixing chamber located between the primary runners and the plena.

Abstract: An ignition system and a method for operating an ignition system provides reliable suppression of a closing spark ignition at relatively small expense and to achieve a reliable ignition by the ignition spark. To assure a high energy supply to the spark plug, an ignition system is created having a functional device for receiving a drive signal and for producing a pulse signal, an ignition transistor for receiving the pulse signal, an ignition coil, whose primary winding connections are connected in a primary current circuit that is fed by a vehicle power supply source and that can be switched using the ignition transistor, and whose secondary winding connections are connected in a secondary current circuit for receiving a spark plug.

Abstract: A device for reducing vibration and shock in an archery bow includes a base and an integral body formed of a flexible material. The body includes a non-uniform cross-section as the body extends away from the base and terminates in a peripheral mass positioned on a distal portion of the body opposite the base. As a result of such an arrangement, including the alternative of positioning two devices in axial alignment on an archery bow limb, vibration and shock following discharge of an arrow are greatly reduced in the archery bow.

Abstract: A method for dividing a semiconductor wafer into chips according to the present invention is a method for dividing a semiconductor wafer into a large number of semiconductor chips, the semiconductor wafer having a semiconductor layer formed on a substrate. A first method includes the step of forming a blast-resistant mask on a surface of the semiconductor wafer, the blast-resistant mask having a pattern for leaving a grid-like exposed portion as it is and the step of blasting a fine particular blast material to thereby form dividing grooves reaching a predetermined depth of the substrate in the grid-like exposed portion.

Abstract: A wok support for use in a wok range incorporates a refractory insulating material into its structure. The wok support includes a tubular support structure having internal space in its wall. The refractory insulating material is disposed in the internal space.

Abstract: A balanced building ventilation system that employs a fireplace as an element of the ventilation system. The fireplace includes a firebox, and an exhaust gas flue is connected to the firebox for exhausting gas from the firebox to the outdoor ambient. A ventilation channel conveys outdoor ambient air into the building interior. A motor-driven draft inducer is connected to the exhaust gas flue for forcing exhaust gas flow out to the outdoor ambient. A motor-driven blower is provided for forcing ventilation airflow through the channel to replace building interior air lost to exhaust gas flow.

Abstract: A method and system is described for controlling a solar collector. A microprocessor receives inputs from one or more sensors in the system and determines the level of operation of an energy conversion device. If the level of operation reaches a predetermined setpoint below a maximum level at which the device is to operate, a variable focus solar concentrator is defocused to reduce energy input into the energy conversion device. When the system cools down and operates at a second predetermined level, lower than the first predetermined level, the concentrator is then refocused to increase the power input to the energy conversion device.

Abstract: A loop counter-thermosyphon heat pipe solar collector includes a capillary in a loop heat pipe. The capillary has a top opening end with a damper attached thereon. Working fluid may be ejected through the top opening end and deflected by the damper and sprayed on the loop heat pipe wall located on a heating side to generate film evaporation for increasing thermal conduction effect. A partition is provided at an bottom opening end of the capillary to separate and balance working fluid to resolve the problem of liquid reversed flow carrying away heat energy at night time.

Abstract: A method for separating sucrose and a second dissolved component from a sucrose-containing solution, preferably a beet-derived sucrose-containing solution, wherein the solution is subjected to a first fractionation by a continuous or sequential chromatographic simulated moving bed process to yield a sucrose-enriched fraction and a fraction enriched with the second dissolved component. The resulting fraction enriched with the second component is subjected to a second chromatographic fractionation that is a simulated moving bed or batch type process, to yield a second sucrose-enriched fraction and a second fraction enriched with the second dissolved component wherein both fractions have an improved yield or purity.

Abstract: A portable, handheld medicine delivery device capable producing atomized agents that are adapted to be inhaled through a nebulizer by a patient suffering from a respiratory condition. In addition, the present invention provides a means wherein the dose of the inhaled agent can be remotely monitored and, if required altered, by a physician or doctor. Finally, the present invention embodies an apparatus and method for reducing a high-pressure delivery gas into a lower pressure gas suitable for atomizing a medicinal agent and for inhalation.

Abstract: Personal Humidifier with a horseshoe shaped headset made of plastic and being hollow in construction, the headset having an integral centrally located accordion type connection that allows each end of the headset to flex outward to snuggly fit on a user's head, the headset terminating at one end in a flexible tubular member, the tubular member terminating in a wicking material, the wicking material being covered by a removable, replaceable screen cover, the tubular member and the wicking material being supported by a hand bendable metal wire, the metal wire allowing the user to position the tubular member and the wicking material in close proximity to the user's nose, the wicking material penetrating into one end of the hollow headset and traveling the entire length of the headset, the hollow headset capable of retaining water or the like, the water capable of traveling along the wicking material to provide moisture in close proximity to the user's nose, the water retaining headset being refillable by removin

Abstract: A system including methods and apparatus for treatment of a medical disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or congestive heart failure. The system involves applying a gain to flow rate of pressurized gas delivered to a patient during inspiratory and/or expiratory phases of a respiratory cycle to deliver the pressurized gas in proportion to the respective gains during inspiration and/or expiration. A base pressure may be applied in addition to the gain-modified pressures and an elevated pressure profile may be employed to assist or control inspiration. The system may be fully automated responsive to feedback provided by a flow sensor that determines the estimated patient flow rate. A leak computer can be included to instantaneously calculate gas leakage from the system. The system may be utilized in connection with conventional continuous positive airway pressure treatments, such as CPAP or bi-level positive airway pressure equipment to effect various beneficial treatment applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mouthpiece to be used in association with nCPAP systems to prevent leakage from the mouth during nCPAP treatment. The mouthpiece is comprised of a thin flexible disk that fits between the user's lips and teeth and seals the mouth around the interior of the lips to prevent air from escaping. The mouthpiece does not need to be custom-fitted by to the user. In a preferred embodiment, the mouthpiece of the present invention further comprises a bite block, affixed to the interior surface of the disk, configured to position the user's lower jaw to open the user's airway. In a most preferred embodiment, the disk of the mouthpiece of the present invention contains a one-way valve which allows the user to breathe air in through the disk, but prevents air from flowing out through the disk when the user exhales.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube and a method for using an endotracheal tube are disclosed. In one embodiment, the endotracheal tube includes a tubular member including a distal end and a proximal end. The endotracheal tube also includes a plurality of visually distinct regions that is closer to the proximal end than the distal end. Each visually distinct region is spaced from other visually distinct regions, and each of the distinct region comprises a respectively different color.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a surgical drape having a base sheet and an absorbent sheet with at least one opening. A transparent or clear sheet is attached to the edges of the opening and has at least one fenestration for performing surgery when the drape is covering a patient.

Abstract: A semi-custom intraoral discluder device for preventing chronic tension and common migraine headaches and temporomandibular disorders that are caused or perpetuated by chronic activity of the temporalis muscle. The discluder includes a trough, contoured to encompass at least one maxillary or mandibular incisor, from which extends a protrusion, typically of a dome shape. The trough can be retained on the teeth by any adaptable material which can flow around the teeth and then maintain its shape. The adaptation of the retentive material can be performed by the end user, health care provider, or anyone trained in the art. Once in place in the wearer's mouth, one or two opposing incisor teeth will come into contact with the protrusion prior to the upper and lower posterior and/or canine teeth coming into contact, regardless of the position of the mandible, thereby reducing the intensity of the activity of the temporalis muscle.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method of use thereof, for storing, transporting and deploying multiple restraint system components is provided. The inventive apparatus consists of two trays composed of flexible materials. The first tray is configured for storing wrist and ankle restraint systems, the second tray, smaller than the first tray, includes a top-mounted compartment for storing a multi-point restraint connection system. The storage compartment of second tray is secured to the tray by releasable connectors, and is at least partially disengaged to receive the various components of the multi-point restraint connection system, and releasably secured thereafter. The connection system is stored in such a manner as to partially display a portion of each system component outside of the storage compartment, with each portion oriented toward its eventual deployment area once the second tray is placed on the structure on which the EDP will be restrained.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly restraining a person's limbs are disclosed. The inventive apparatus includes a pair of cuff modules, each with three rigid loops positioned on their outer surface, and a cuff interconnect having a flexible elongated body sized and configured to fit through the rigid loops, that is attached to one of the rigid loops on one of the cuff modules. When the cuff modules are applied to the person's limbs, the interconnect body is threaded through the other rigid loops and around the person's midsection, such that the interconnect body surrounds the person's midsection from front and back and forms two tension zones, one at each of the cuff modules to significantly restrict the range of motion of the person's first and second limbs. Optionally, the cuff modules may include releasable connectors to releasable connect to corresponding external stationary restraints.

Abstract: A hair clip made of plastic that has a first portion and a second portion connected by a hinge. The hair clip is circular in shape when in a closed position. Both the first and second portions each have a latch member extending from the inner surface of the hair clip at the distal or free end of each portions. The latch member of the first portion has a body with a stem and a chamfered edge that define a recess. The second latch member of the second portion engages the recess of the first latch member. The inner surfaces of both the first and second portions are provided with pairs of teeth to secure hair of the wearer.

Abstract: In order to clean a semiconductor device having a dielectric layer deposited on a top surface of a lower metal wiring of the semiconductor device, and a contact hole or a via hole formed in the dielectric layer to expose the lower metal line therethrough, the semiconductor device is located within a radio frequency (RF) cleaning chamber. A gas mixture of HCl and H2O is introduced into the RF cleaning chamber and Ar gas plasma is generated in the RF cleaning chamber to excite HCl gas so that the HCl gas and an excited HCl gas are used to remove carbon radicals and metal particles.

Abstract: A method for removing a slurry from a silicon wafer after chemical-polishing whereby the wafer is subjected to at least 2 or more chemical megasonic baths for a short duration of time. The pH of the first megasonic bath matches the pH of the slurry to be removed.

Abstract: A semi-aqueous solvent based method using non-aromatic, halogen-free organic solvent compositions for the effective removal of flux residue from electronic component surfaces after high temperature solder interconnections in the presence of rosin based flux compositions. Rosin flux residue can be removed using hydrophobic, essentially water insoluble, propylene glycol alkylether solvents in conjunction with a surfactant, preferably an ionic and/or a mixture of a non-ionic and an ionic surfactant in the first step, then a second step involving immersion with agitation in a hydrophobic solvent with no added surfactant. This is followed by a third step of hydrophilic solvent immersion with agitation/spray, rinsing off the hydrophilic solvent with water, and then a drying step.

Abstract: A disposable dish care and hard surface cleaning wipe is disclosed. In one embodiment, the wipe is comprised of a water insoluble substrate that includes a partially hydrophobic nonwoven first layer, and a low density nonwoven second layer that is adjacent to the said first layer and has melded onto the side facing away from the said first layer an abrasive coating of thermoplastic material nubs or hooks, and a cleaning paste containing a surfactant.

Abstract: A cleaning station for a vertical nozzle plate of an ink jet printer includes a cylindrical cleaning roller that has an outer surface, and has a substantially vertical central axis and a substantially vertical rotational axis. The roller is spaced from the nozzle plate to form a cleaning cavity between the roller and the nozzle plate. The roller has a top end above the nozzle plate and a bottom end below the nozzle plate. A drive element is connected to the roller to rotate the roller about its rotation axis. A fluid outlet near the top of the roller directs cleaning fluid onto the outer surface of the roller, and into the cleaning cavity between the roller and the nozzle plate. A fluid reservoir stores cleaning fluid, and a fluid conduit conducts cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir to the fluid outlet.

Abstract: The disclosure encompasses composition, method and apparatus that provide improved and convenient removal of biofilm from surfaces. Surfaces cleaned according to the invention comprise the inner wall of conduits such as those employed in dental clinics, food and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting semiconductor wafers between processing steps that can also be used to support the wafers during various processing steps. The apparatus minimizes the obstruction of fluid flow in the process tank, reduces the amount of devices that will fail due to edge exclusion, and reduces processing times. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a wafer carrier comprising a wire frame having three load supporting members, the load supporting members having a plurality of wafer engaging elements adapted to support a plurality of wafers.

Abstract: An apparatus for supercritical processing of multiple workpieces comprises a transfer module, first and second supercritical processing modules, and a robot. The transfer module includes an entrance. The first and second supercritical processing modules are coupled to the transfer module. The robot is preferably located with the transfer module. In operation, the robot transfers a first workpiece from the entrance of the transfer module to the first supercritical processing module. The robot then transfers a second workpiece from the entrance to the second supercritical processing module. After the workpieces have been processed, the robot returns the first and second workpieces to the entrance of the transfer module. Alternatively, the apparatus includes additional supercritical processing modules coupled to the transfer module.

Abstract: An apparatus for supercritical processing of multiple workpieces comprises a transfer module, first and second supercritical processing modules, and a robot. The transfer module includes an entrance. The first and second supercritical processing modules are coupled to the transfer module. The robot is preferably located with the transfer module. In operation, the robot transfers a first workpiece from the entrance of the transfer module to the first supercritical processing module. The robot then transfers a second workpiece from the entrance to the second supercritical processing module. After the workpieces have been processed, the robot returns the first and second workpieces to the entrance of the transfer module. Alternatively, the apparatus includes additional supercritical processing modules coupled to the transfer module.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a washing device constructed by a conveyer of a carrying-in side arranged in a frame, a reservoir lower portion having plural rails for holding the work and an ultrasonic generator arranged in this frame, each reservoir upper portion united with this reservoir lower portion, a raising-lowering device for raising and lowering each reservoir upper portion, an arm mechanism for work conveyance, a moving device for controlling advancing and retreating movements of the arm mechanism, a movable device for controlling a swinging return of the arm mechanism, and a conveyer of a carrying-out side for conveying a processed work. The conveyer and the rail of each reservoir lower portion are approximately arranged on the same face. The work is horizontally moved through this conveyer and the rail and is washed and dried by utilizing the union of each reservoir lower portion and each reservoir upper portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diffuser for wet processing systems involved in the manufacturing of semiconductor wafers. The diffuser includes a plenum section and a slitted section. Pressurized fluid from the plenum section is forced through the slitted section and across a plurality of wafers mounted in the wet processing system. One advantage is that by “diffusing” pressurized fluid through the slitted section, a generally uniform and/or laminar flow is achieved. Desirably, the diffuser provides a more reliable, and hence more cost-effective, technology for wet processing fabrication of semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for locally removing any material, such as a refractory metal, in particular tungsten, from any desired area of a wafer, such as an alignment mark area of a silicon wafer in process during the formation of integrated circuits thereon.