Abstract: The present invention is related to a valve lifter for use in an internal combustion engine. The valve lifter comprises a body adapted to be reciprocally slidable within a valve lifter bore of an engine. The valve lifter includes a rotably mounted cam roller engaging the cam lobe of a cam-shaft where the cam lobe operates to drive the valve lifter body towards a valve open position. The valve lifter may also include an auxiliary roller rotatably mounted in the valve lifter body and engaging the cam roller where the force from the cam lobe is transferred to the lifter body through both the cam roller and auxiliary roller. The present invention includes a method of making a valve lifter by creating grooves in the walls of the recess to aid in the lubrication of the rollers.

Abstract: A decompressing mechanism (D) included in an internal combustion engine has a flyweight (81) supported for swing motion by a pin (71) on the camshaft (15) of the internal combustion engine, a decompression cam (82) and an arm (83) connecting the flyweight (81) and the decompression cam (82) and having the shape of a plate. The flyweight (81) has a weight body (81c) and projections (81a, 81b) projecting from the weight body (81c) and engaged with a pin (71). The weight body (81c) is a block of a width along the axis (L2) of swing motion and a thickness (t2), along a radial direction, which are greater than the thickness (t1), along the axis (L2), of swing motion of the arm (83). The weight body (81c) overlaps the camshaft (15) as viewed from a direction perpendicular to a reference plane (P3). The decompressing means (D) is small, lightweight and is capable of concentrating most part of its mass on the flyweight (81).

Abstract: A decompressing mechanism (D) for an internal combustion engine (E) is incorporated into a camshaft (15) provided with a bore (54) extending in the direction of the arrow (A) along the axis (L1) of rotation of the camshaft (15). The decompressing mechanism (D) includes a decompression member (80) formed by metal injection and integrally having a flyweight (81), a decompression cam (82) for exerting a valve-opening force through an exhaust rocker arm (48) on an exhaust valve, and an arm (83) connecting the flyweight (81) and the decompression cam (82). The flyweight (81) is supported for swing motion by a pin (71) on the camshaft (15). The axis (L2) of swing motion of the flyweight (81) is included in a plane (P4) substantially perpendicular to the axis (L1) of rotation, and does not intersect the axis (L1) of rotation and the bore (54) of the camshaft (15). The fully expanded decompression member (80) revolves in a cylindrical space of a small diameter around the camshaft (15).

Abstract: A balancer housing of a balancer device disposed to face an oil pan below a crankshaft of an engine, includes oil discharge bores for discharging an oil accumulated in the balancer housing with the rotation of balancer weights. The oil discharge bores are covered by baffle plates for inhibiting the turbulence of a surface of the oil stored in the oil pan. Thus, it is possible to inhibit the entrance of the oil into the balancer housing through the oil discharge bores without provision of a special cover member for covering the oil discharge bores.

Abstract: An auxiliary drive is provided for an internal combustion engine and includes a shaft supported in a housing by means of radial and axial bearings and a gear having the shaft non-rotatably secured thereto. The gear is driveable by a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine via intermediary gearing. The auxiliary drive also includes a power take off flange non-rotatably secured to a free end of the shaft for transferring power to a working engine such as, for example, a cement mixer. The shaft with the radial and axial bearings and the gear are integrated into the crankcase of the internal combustion engine and the gear is located directly between the radial bearings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spark-ignition engine having direct fuel injection, the fuel injector (2) and the spark plug (3) being arranged centrally on the upper side of the combustion chamber (1). The fuel injector produces an asymmetrical injection volume, so that the electrodes of the spark plug (3) are not directly affected by liquid fuel. The electrodes are, however, situated in a region reached by evaporating fuel.

Abstract: A rotary throttle valve having a first cylindrical bore for flow of air between an inlet and an outlet and a second cylindrical bore orthogonal to the first bore and being substantially the same diameter as the first bore. A flow modulator rotatably disposed in the second bore has first and second cylindrical portions disposed respectively on opposite sides of the first bore and separated by a central plate such that when the modulator is rotated to place the plate transverse to the first bore, the edges of the plate are fully engaged with the wall of the second bore and the valve is closed. As the modulator is rotated from the closed position to open the valve, the edges of the plate become progressively less engaged with the wall of the second bore, the edge of the open area following the juncture lines of the first and second bores, and the open area of the first bore increases accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling idle speed of an internal combustion engine. The system includes an engine speed sensor producing an engine speed signal indicative of a rotational engine speed of an internal combustion engine, and a control circuit. The control circuit controls the rotational speed of the engine between an idle speed reference and a maximum speed reference. The control circuit also modifies the idle speed reference as a function of the engine speed. Additionally, the control circuit may determine an engine acceleration rate as a function of the engine speed, and modify the idle speed reference as a function of the engine speed and the engine acceleration rate.

Abstract: In order to provide an internal combustion engine control unit for a jet propulsion type watercraft which can control an internal combustion engine so that a rider can perform risk avoidance safely, a throttle open degree detector 22 which detects a state of the throttle operated by a rider, and a controller 300 which, when the throttle open degree detected by the throttle open degree detector 22 is a predetermined value or lower, keeps the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine 2 at a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time after the throttle open degree has reached the predetermined value or lower, are provided.

Abstract: In a device for restoring a rotary member into a defined normal position, with a spatially stationary fixed catch (13), which predetermines the normal position, and a driver catch (14), which is coupled to the rotary member and can be moved past the fixed catch (13), each of which has stop surfaces (131, 132, 141, 142) embodied on each of its opposing sides, and with a clamping spring (18), which encompasses the catches (13, 14) in a prestressed fashion with two bent spring legs (181, 182), in order to prevent a rotary play between the clamping spring (18) and the catches (13, 14) in the normal position, in at least one leg section of the spring legs (181) extending across the stop surfaces (141) of the catches (14), an elastic spring element (19) is provided, which is supported against the associated stop surface (141) with a spring force that is less powerful than the prestressing force of the clamping spring (18) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A circuit to achieve a large ignition advance, limitation of speed of revolutions and to prevent backfiring and reverse direction running in a magnetic ignition system that comprises a flywheel with two poles and a two-legged iron core. An ignition transformer (L3/L4), a charging coil (L1) and a triggering coil (L2) that may be connected in antiphase to the charging coil are arranged on the first leg in the direction of rotation of the flywheel. A time-constant circuit (an RC net) and a control switch (T2) are arranged between the charging coil and a main switch (T1) that open/block triggering pulses such that charging takes place one revolution later than triggering. Limitation of the speed of revolutions is achieved with a time constant that can be determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the start of combustion in the combustion chamber of an engine with autoignition. In the method, the profile of the cylinder pressure is measured and the signal which is obtained in this way is transformed using wavelet functions. A sudden rise in the absolute value of the wavelet coefficients which are obtained indicates the start of combustion. The simple and at the same time precise detection of the start of combustion which is possible in this way can be used within the framework of a feedback regulation—by changing engine operating parameters such as, for example, the start of injection of the fuel—to regulate the start of combustion in a desired way.

Abstract: A method is used for operating an internal combustion engine (10), in particular of a motor vehicle. In the method, at least one fuel pump (22, 32) delivers the fuel from a fuel tank (28) into a fuel line (20, 24, 26, 34). The pressure of the fuel, at least in a region (26) of the fuel line (20, 24, 26, 34), is increased as a function of an operating state. In order to assure a reliable starting of the engine (10), the pressure of the fuel, at least in the above-mentioned region (26) of the fuel line (20, 24, 26, 34), is at least intermittently increased (75) when the engine (10) is not running.

Abstract: A fuel injection system including at least one fuel injector having an inlet section and a fuel distributor line with a connecting piece for each fuel injector. For sealing a connection of each fuel injector to the respective connecting piece of the fuel distributor line, a ring-shaped seal support is provided for each, having an inner sleeve which is guided by a guide section of the inlet section, and having an outer sleeve which radially surrounds the inner sleeve and is elastically connected to the inner sleeve radially. The seal support together with the outer sleeve surrounds a sealing element. At the same time, the sealing element is peripherally in contact with an inside wall of the connecting piece and axially in contact with a radial end face of the inlet section of the fuel injector.

Abstract: A compensating element for mounting and supporting a fuel injector (1) in a cylinder head (2) of an internal combustion engine is designed in the form of a washer (8) and positioned between a valve housing (13) of the fuel injector (1) and a wall (10) of a receiving bore (9) of the cylinder head (2). The washer (8) has a round or oval cross-section and sets apart a shoulder (14) of the valve housing (13) from a shoulder (15) of the cylinder head (2).

Abstract: A device for fastening a fuel injector in the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine includes a fuel injector having the diameter d0, a fastening screw screwed into the cylinder head, and a forklike clamping pad, penetrated by this fastening screw, with two tines of length l2 and spacing d2. The shaft of the fuel injector narrows in the direction of the injection nozzle to a diameter d1, and the narrowed shaft is provided at one point with opposed extensions; the width l1 at this point does not exceed the original diameter d0 of the fuel injector.

Abstract: A method and a device for storing and/or reading out data of a fuel metering system, in particular a fuel pump or an injector, are described. Data on the fuel pump and/or the injector is assigned to at least one electronic component. The data is taken into account by a control unit in controlling the fuel metering system. The component is mechanically and/or electrically connected to the control unit during a first interval of time and is mechanically and/or electrically detached from the control unit and/or the fuel metering unit during a second interval of time.

Abstract: A drive shaft seal for a gasoline direct injection pump is configured as a solid but flexible barrier separating combustion fluid from lubrication fluid in the pump. Each drive shaft seal is generally disc shaped, defining a central shaft opening surrounded by a flexible corrugated portion that is in turn surrounded by a generally planar outer flange. The outer flange of each shaft seal is retained between pump housing sections and sealed by stationary o-rings. An axially projecting lip retained and sealed between a bushing and a shoe race defines the shaft opening. The bushing, shoe race and associated pump components move reciprocally in response to rotation of a shaft mounted eccentric. The corrugated flexible portion of each drive shaft seal flexes to accommodate relative movement between the inner lip and outer flange. No part of the drive shaft seal is in contact with the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A method of controlling combustion in an homogenous charge compression ignition engine through indirect mechanisms. The method utilizes a predictive model so that combustion can be controlled over a wide range of operating conditions while maintaining optimum operation with respect to efficiency and emissions. The methods include an adaptive aspect, which allows the predictive model to be updated if deemed necessary. Furthermore, the methods include a model with a plurality of control modes. A control mode can be chosen to optimize the engine for one of a plurality of output characteristics, including response time, efficiency, or emissions characteristics.

Abstract: The invention describes an internal combustion engine (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, in which fuel can be injected into a combustion chamber (4) in at least two operation types, and in which an air/fuel mixture can flow through a tank ventilation valve (17) and can be supplied to the combustion chamber (4). A control unit (18) can be used to determine a specific desired fuel rate for the air/fuel mixture flowing through the tank ventilation valve (17).

Abstract: An engine with an efficient valve actuator is disclosed. The engine employs a first force to hold a valve of the engine open during a normal valve event and a second force to hold the exhaust valve open during an exhaust gas recirculation event. The valve actuator may be operated using pressurized fluid adapted to extend an actuator plunger through a cylinder. The first force may be derived by a mechanically driven actuator, while the second force may be derived from a high pressure rail of the engine. A control valve may be employed to direct either low pressure or high pressure oil to the valve actuator cylinder.

Abstract: A pressure releasing valve capable of reserving air pressure is formed with a pressure reserving chamber to retain a proper amount of air pressure in the pressure releasing valve when the engine is changing from an accelerating and increasing pressure condition to a condition of running idly and releasing pressure, so that when the engine accelerates and increases pressure again, air of the condenser can be continually supplied for the engine to let it run comparatively smoothly in accelerating, not only economizing energy but ensuring safety as well.

Abstract: A self-contained non-lethal munition system is provided for use with a shoulder launcher. A barrel is coupled to a breech end of the launcher and is coaxially aligned therewith. A solid sphere having a hardness in the range of approximately 50 durometer is pressure sealed in the barrel. Launch pressure is supplied aft of the sphere. The launch pressure must overcome the sphere's pressure seal with the barrel and propel the sphere with a kinetic energy of between approximately 135-220 Joules/cm2 for distances up to approximately 30 meters.

Abstract: A method is described for repairing and consolidating a natural stone block (1), with internal fractures and structural discontinuities, in which around the block (1) a coating (2, 3, 4) is applied that wraps the block (1) below and along a vertical perimeter thereof and is higher than the block (1); the coating (2, 3, 4) is spaced from the block (1) and forms the liquid- and gas-tight housing and allows the resin to flow against the block (1). The containment of hydrostatic resin pressures and the control of resin consumptions are performed by an external formwork composed of the coating (2, 3, 4) and of structures (5) to a platform (11) for supporting and transporting the block (1).

Abstract: A burr is provided for dressing a grinding tool, such as the grinding surface of a pulpstone grinding tool used for mechanical preparation of wood pulp. The burr includes a cylindrical body portion, a plurality of teeth disposed on and protruding outward from the outer surface thereof, and at least one annular channel formed in the outer surface thereof. The burr may provide for a more uniform dress pattern in a grinding surface of a pulpstone grinding tool to provide improved consistency and quality of wood pulp produced thereby.

Abstract: A dressing wheel has a disk-shaped base body centered on an axis and formed with an annular groove also centered on the axis and having an inner surface. A multiplicity of abrasive elements distributed along the groove are in direct contact with the groove inner surface. Matrix powder fills the groove between the elements and between the elements and the groove surfaces. A hardened infiltrating agent, e.g. solder, fills interstices of the matrix powder.

Abstract: A wire saw and method for cutting wafers from a workpiece, in which a saw wire is guided multiple times around wire-guiding rolls. The wire-guiding rolls have a rotatable bearing arrangement and two adjacent wire-guiding rolls delimit a saw gate. The saw has ceramic sliding-contact bearings for rotatably bearing the wire-guiding rolls.

Abstract: A newly designed disposable ash pan made from metal foil consisting of a base with four walls to be positioned beneath a fire for capturing and retaining hot ash falling from burning material in a fireplace and stove having an attachable cover made from metal foil to secure the ash within the disposable ash pan for safe and clean disposal.

Abstract: A fuel pre-heating device for use with gas heaters to increase fuel efficiency including an orifice and a pre-heat tube. Fuel enters the device through the orifice and travels through the preheat tube and back to the orifice where it is then expelled and mixed with air to ignite into a flame that envelopes the entire pre-heat tube and heats the fuel within the tube to a very high temperature. Any air mixer known to those skilled in the art can be used with the heating tube. A heat conductor can also be used with the pre-heat tube. The pre-heating device can be easily added to standard heaters, is small in configuration, and inexpensive to manufacture. The small size of the heating tube allows for immediate preheating of the fuel, which is used by the heater in the same heating cycle, thereby yielding a more efficient preheat. This preheating system prevents the fuel from being wasted.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and to a method for cleaning a cooking appliance comprising a heater, a blower, a steam generator, a cooking chamber, a cooking chamber drain, a steam condenser and a cooking appliance drain, whereby the steam condenser is arranged between the cooking chamber drain and the cooking appliance drain.

Abstract: A mixture fitting for use in a combustible gas system, for example, a fireplace. The mixture fitting may include a first portion configured to be coupled to a combustible gas source and a second portion configured to be coupled to a burner assembly. The first and second portion together from a gas passage. The mixing fitting also includes an air orifice extending from an exposed surface of the mixture fitting to the gas passage. The air orifice is configured to allow primary air to travel through the air orifice and into the gas passage to facilitate mixing of air with the combustible gas. Alternatively, the air orifice may be angled, and multiple air orifice may also be provided.

Abstract: The methods and devices disclosed provides for the delivery of agents to an orifice cavity and subsequent aspiration of the agent and orifice contents from the orifice cavity and related areas. In one form, the delivery and aspiration system comprises an agent delivery sub-assembly, an aspiration sub-assembly and a device tip sub-assembly. The subassemblies operate to first deliver an agent contained within the device to an orifice cavity and after an optional time delay, subsequently aspirate the delivered agent and orifice contents from the orifice cavity and related areas. In another form, a removable reservoir is provided whereby the aspirated agent and orifice contents from the orifice are assayed either independent of or within the device itself.

Abstract: There is provided according to the invention a metered dose inhaler comprising an interfacial surface having a linear non-cross-linked polymeric compound disposed thereon. There are also provided processes for its preparation and its use in therapy.

Abstract: Commercial aircraft need means of thwarting hijackers. Hijackers may kill or disable the pilot and fly the aircraft directly into a target building. A method of preventing such hijacking is to provide a non-lethal gas to incapacitate the hijackers such that they can be overpowered. This non-lethal gas should be placed to access the air duct of the ventilation system and placed in an area such as the cargo space that is not accessible to the passengers This system can be adapted to home use and for watercraft.

Abstract: Methods and systems for supplying supplemental oxygen to patients for use in sub-acute care which maintains healthy blood oxygen content in the patients by controlled dosing of oxygen with a measured response to the patient's actual blood oxygen content are disclosed. The dosing can be provided by simple ON/OFF control over the delivery of oxygen or the amount of oxygen delivered to the patient with each inhalation can be varied in response to the patient's need as determined by a more sophisticated control scheme, such as a PID loop control algorithm, that utilizes the difference between the patient's actual blood oxygen content and a target blood oxygen content and/or trends in the blood oxygen content. The systems and methods are particularly directed at patients receiving supplemental oxygen in a sub-acute care environment.

Abstract: The gas-supply system entailing controlled dosing of at least one gas or at least one aerosol is characterized by a control means for a dosing whereby the feed of the gas or aerosol into a breathing gas starts at a defined point in time during the expiration of a patient.

Abstract: A care system and associated methods are provided for alleviating patient pain, anxiety and discomfort associated with medical or surgical procedures. The care system facilitates a procedural clinician's safely and efficaciously providing sedation and analgesia and in some measure, amnesia to a patient by providing a responsiveness monitoring system which monitors the responsiveness of the patient and generates a value representing the level of patient responsiveness. In further aspects of the invention, the responsiveness monitoring system is an automated system which includes patient query and response devices. Additional embodiments of the system and methods are directed to alleviating patient pain or discomfort while enabling safe drug delivery (automated, clinician-controlled or patient-controlled) in correlation with the monitoring of patient health conditions.

Abstract: A device and method of ventilating a patient reduces the bias flow relative to existing oscillatory ventilators. The device has a gas flow circuit comprising an oscillating line, a patient line and an exhalation or a return line. A gas supply line is and an outlet valve are in pneumatic communication with the gas flow circuit. One or more CO2 scrubbers and one or more check valves are provided in the circuit. A method of ventilating using such a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved methodology and systems for delivery of breathing gas such as for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea through application of alternating high and low level positive airway pressure within the airway of the patient with the high and low airway pressure being coordinated with the spontaneous respiration of the patient, and improved methods and apparatus for triggering and for leak management in such systems.

Abstract: A mask (10) for supplying gas under pressure to the nasal airway of a human includes a series of flexible stretchable straps (12, 14, 16) formed from an clastomeric material for locating the mask (10) against the human face. The straps (12, 14, 16) are integrally formed or joined to define a perimeter (18) enclosing an aperture (20) adapted to fit around the nasal area of a human. The straps (12, 14, 16) are configured to approximate to the three dimensional shape of the region around the nasal area of the human face as they arm strethed, to form a tight fitting seal. The mask may be used with or without a manifold.

Abstract: A dental mask which has two separate chambers, one for inhalation and the other for exhalation. The two separate chambers being separated by an elasticized strip across the philtrum area. The mask is designed to be disposable, yet also have the ability to accept, for increased protection, filter insertable pads which can be placed in the inner surface of the mask. An embodiment of the mask would allow the main frame to be reusable, by having means for snapping a disposable filter onto the frame. The mask utilizes semirigid fibrous filtration material in the primary filtering area and transitional semirigid to soft pleated materials in the secondary filtering areas. The mask has a color changing adhesive strip section for retaining captured particles away from the primary nasal area and also to indicate when the mask has reached a saturation level thereby requiring change.

Abstract: A nasal or full-face mask and headgear system for improving pediatric compliance of ventilation therapy, including CPAP or BiPAP, and sized for pediatric use is provided. Each mask has a shallow concave rigid shell bearing the visage of a caricature. Unique caricatures are predetermined to represent different sizes of masks. Further, headgear is provided in keeping with the caricature theme and having additional aspects such as ears, removably attached to it. Each mask has an inner inflatable cuff to improve fit and an outer replaceable cuff to facilitate cleaning as well as fitting. The headgear is attached to the mask at three contact points using straps having key slots attached to ends of the straps and raised buttons on the mask shell. The straps are adjustable for length using Velcro™ and are not adjusted each time the system is placed onto the patient, improving positioning of the mask when the patient is asleep or resistant.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems, devices, and methods for using surface energy to assist in fluid transport or separation. One example includes removing mucus from a subject's lungs during mechanical ventilation of the subject using a tracheal tube. At least one wicking fluid pickup port is located more distal than a sealing device between the tracheal tube and the trachea. Surface energy assists in introducing mucus into the port. A peristalsis or other pump is used to remove from the subject a substantially contiguous column of the wicked-in liquid. Ventilation of the subject is not impaired by the mucus removal. Safety venting reduces or avoids damage to tissue occluding the port. Other structures may assist in directing the mucus toward the port. Various illustrative examples include single lumen tracheal tubes, double lumen tracheal tubes, two-piece tracheal tubes (having outer and inner cannulas) and bronchial blockers.

Abstract: A sexual harness is disclosed which provides increased stimulation, comfort and support for both participants involved in tandem coitus, and which is of a construction utilizing a plurality of layers, one of which is of an elastically yieldingly compressible material having good deformation memory properties. The device further includes a pair of shoulder straps and leg stirrups for additional attachment to the user.

Abstract: A wedge pillow that is placed under the patient to reduce the risk of hypoxia or aspiration associated with endotracheal intubation. The wedge pillow raises the angle of the thoracic spine and provides a platform and pressure point relief for the back of the head. This allows excessive and redundant tissue to fall away from the head and neck, thereby allowing excellent positioning, easy access to the oropharynx, and perfect sniffing position for direct visualization of the glottic opening. An extended arm cushion is also provided that may be used in conjunction with the wedge pillow to prevent or minimizes the amount of hyperextension of the arm at the shoulder joint during surgery. The arm cushion also provides pressure point relief to the arms keeps the arm from becoming malpositioned during surgery.

Abstract: Methods and kits for conforming protective mouth guards to the teeth of athletes to improve retention while providing added comfort and soft-tissue protection. One preferred method for conforming a protective mouth guard to fit securely to one or more teeth within a mouth comprises applying a curable denture reline material into a mouth guard and then inserting the mouth guard into a mouth to form a dental impression in the denture reline material. The reline material is then cured to maintain its form. Preferred reline materials are silicone-based. The mouth guards may be non-custom fitting, thermally deformable, and custom-fitted.

Abstract: A non-invasive system and process for projecting sensory data onto the human neural cortex is provided. The system includes a primary transducer array and a secondary transducer array. The primary transducer array acts as a coherent signal source, and the secondary transducer array acts as a controllable diffraction pattern that focuses energy onto the neural cortex in a desired pattern. In addition, the pattern of energy is constructed such that each portion projected into the neural cortex may be individually pulsed at low frequency. This low frequency pulsing is formed by controlling the phase differences between the emitted energy of the elements of primary and secondary transducer arrays.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for performing less-invasive surgical procedures within an organ or vessel. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a method of closed-chest surgical intervention within an internal cavity of a patient's heart or great vessel. According to the method, the patient's heart is arrested and cardiopulmonary bypass is established. A scope extending through a percutaneous intercostal penetration in the patient's chest is used to view an internal portion of the patient's chest. An internal penetration is formed in a wall of the heart or great vessel using cutting means introduced through a percutaneous penetration in an intercostal space in the patient's chest. An interventional tool is then introduced, usually through a cannula positioned in a percutaneous intercostal penetration.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for operating a machine of the tobacco processing industry. The process includes guiding at least one wrapper strip along a conveyor path from a wrapping strip supply to a garniture device, and fixing the at least one wrapper strip in at least one preset position along the conveyor path The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A facility and method steps for air curing tobacco in an enclosure include hanging the tobacco in the enclosure having at least one vertically arranged air duct positioned in a central portion of the enclosure, at least one in-line fan positioned in a vertical portion of the at least one vertically arranged air duct, at least one ventilating fan located in an upper portion of the enclosure and at least one openable and closeable opening in at least one side wall of the enclosure. The humidity within the enclosure is lowered by opening the openable and closeable openings in at least one side wall of the enclosure and forcing warm air from the top of the enclosure down through the tobacco within the enclosure by operating the ventilation fans located in a top portion of the enclosure.