Abstract: A bird feeder wherein a hopper is carried by a housing, such as a wire cage, with a hanger attaching the housing to a support for the bird feeder, the hopper being removably secured to the base of the housing so that the base and hopper assembly can be separated from the remainder of the housing to refill and/or clean the hopper without removing the hanger from its support. The hopper can be separated from the base, as well, to facilitate cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a feed apparatus for automatic milk feeding of young animals comprising a feed supply device (6, 6b, 43) comprising a milk line (23, 23b, 23c) connectable to said feed supply device and further connectable to a milking machine (14) arranged for milking of a plurality of animals, wherein said milk line is adapted to automatically transport milk from at least a selected one of said plurality of milk producing animals to said feed supply device. The invention relates further to an arrangement comprising the feed device and to a method for milk feeding of young animals.

Abstract: An absorbent mat useful for treating pet excreta has a flat shape and comprises

Abstract: A self contained tropical rainforest vivarium system has an enclosure and a system for creating and maintaining environmental conditions found in a natural tropical rainforest habitat, which at the same time eliminate unnecessary build-up of anaerobic bacteria so as to prevent accumulation of stench and resulting need for frequent disassembly for cleaning and removal of the bacteria and contaminants.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns an apparatus for testing pain sensitivity in an animal. The apparatus can be used to evaluate pain sensitivity in response to a disease state, drug, surgical procedure, or other intervention. The subject invention also pertains to methods for testing pain sensitivity in an animal, using the apparatus. The apparatus of the subject invention can be automated and used in conjunction with software for control of experimental conditions, response measurements, and data analysis.

Abstract: The specification discloses a mobile cattle hospital that is adapted to be located near a pen of cattle for treatment operations. A gooseneck trailer forms a platform upon which various gates, fence panels, a squeeze chute, a squeeze pen and supplies are located for the treatment, or working, operations. The trailer is further configured to selectively raise and lower, sitting on the ground during working operations to make easier the movement of the cattle on and off the trailer.

Abstract: An automated cleaning system, where dairy cows pass through a foot bath region. The foot bath is periodically changed by implementing an agitation phase where high velocity water jets agitate the waste material in the foot bath and causes these to be discharged, followed by a drain phase where the liquid flows out an outlet. Then, a flushing phase removes the further debris, with the foot bath then being refilled with water and chemical disinfecting liquid for a subsequent cycle where another group of cows would pass through the foot bath region.

Abstract: A pet toy that projects a moving light beam in various directions to entertain a pet is provided. The pet toy includes a housing having an opening. A cover is connected to the housing. The cover is movable between an open position and a closed position wherein the cover substantially closes the opening. A light source is received within the housing and capable of producing a beam of light directed toward the opening. A motor is received within the housing and capable of providing a motion to the light source. A power source is within the housing for powering the light source and the electric motor. A switch is located on one of the cover and the housing. The switch has an on position allowing the power source to power the light source and the motor. The switch has an off position preventing the power source from powering the light source and the motor. The switch is generally biased toward the on position but is maintained in the off position when the cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: An animal restraint system for a vehicle has a vest having leg holes for front legs of an animal. The vest is symmetrical about the leg holes allowing the vest to be rotated 180 degrees and placed on the animal in either orientation. The vest is removably couplable to a seat belt of the vehicle by a tether strap that has at least one loop through which the seat belt of the vehicle is passed through. The tether strap clips to a top strap of the vest that extends from one side of the vest to the other side of the vest across the back of the animal.

Abstract: An animal restraint system for a vehicle has a vest having leg holes for front legs of an animal. A top strap is extended across the top of an animal wearing the vest and is looped through a buckle tongue and a webbing adjuster defining top and bottom portions of the top strap. The vest is secured to a seat belt of a vehicle by passing the seat belt between the top and bottom portions of the top strap. The top portion of the top strap can be pulled through the webbing adjuster to shorten the bottom portion to adjust the top strap. In an embodiment, the top strap is rotatably coupled to the vest.

Abstract: An Elizabethan collar is circular in shape having an outer periphery. A central aperture forms an opening for the animal's head. The collar is inflatable, either having a valve filling the collar or a circular bladder placed within the collar and having a valve extending through the cover of the collar for access by the user. In addition to being inflatable, a foam layer may be provided in the collar or the collar may be permanently preinflated without a valve. With the provision of a valve, the foam can be compressed and the valve closed. With the valve closed, the foam will not re-expand until the user opens the valve. This allows the collar to assume a compact configuration when not in use. The collar can be split from the inner periphery formed by the central aperture to the outer periphery of the collar. The two edges formed by the split are joined to one another. The split allows the collar to be put around the animal's neck without sliding the collar over the animal's head.

Abstract: A dog training aid for use with a collar and leash is adapted to assist in controlling and promoting desired behavior. The training aid includes a generally bone-shaped body provided with openings at each end for receiving the collar therethrough, and correction posts projecting rearwardly from the body for contacting the dog's neck and indicating a need for behavior correction when tension is applied with the leash.

Abstract: A stratified vapor generator (110) comprises a first heating section (H1) and a second heating section (H2). The first and second heating sections (H1, H2) are arranged so that the inlet of the second heating section (H2) is operatively associated with the outlet of the first heating section (H1). A moisture separator (126) having a vapor outlet (164) and a liquid outlet (144) is operatively associated with the outlet (124) of the second heating section (H2). A cooling section (C1) is operatively associated with the liquid outlet (144) of the moisture separator (126) and includes an outlet that is operatively associated with the inlet of the second heating section (H2).

Abstract: An explosion proof gas-tired water heater is comprised of a housing having a water reservoir provided with a sealed combustion chamber thereunder. A flue pipe is disposed above the combustion chamber and extends through the reservoir. A gas burner and pilot are provided in the combustion chamber. At least one air supply channel is provided to supply fresh air to the combustion chamber. The air supply channel has an intake disposed a predetermined height above the floor to prevent combustible vapors from entering the combustion chamber. Vapor detectors and/or pressure sensors may be provided as added features to detect the presence of combustible vapors as well as the production of harmful carbon monoxide in the combustion chamber and to actuate the gas supply cut-off valve.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus for a boiling water nuclear reactor steam dryer is provided. The steam dryer includes at least one discharge plenum. In an exemplary embodiment, the flow control apparatus includes a support member, an elongate perforated plate member coupled to the support member, and at least one positioning member coupled to the support member.

Abstract: A cooling system for an internal combustion engine includes a radiator provided in a coolant circulation path of the internal combustion engine, and an actuator that controls a flow rate of a coolant that passes through the radiator. In the cooling system, the actuator is controlled so that a coolant temperature of the engine becomes substantially equal to a target coolant temperature. The cooling system calculates a cooling loss as a quantity of heat removed from the engine by the coolant, based on an operating state of the engine, and calculates a required radiator flow rate, based on the cooling loss, the target coolant temperature, and a temperature of the coolant that has passed through the radiator. The required radiator flow rate represents a quantity of the coolant required to pass through the radiator so as to achieve the target coolant temperature. The cooling system then controls the actuator based on the required radiator flow rate.

Abstract: An improved cooling system for a turbo charged internal combustion engine is disclosed. A conduit connects a pressurizing engine air intake to the cooling system to raise the pressure in the cooling system thereby enabling an increase of the maximum temperature which coolant in the cooling system can reach.

Abstract: A cooling system for an internal combustion engine with two-stage supercharging, includes a charge-air line in which are provided a first compressor of a first turbocharger and a second compressor of a second turbocharger downstream of the former, a first charge-air cooler being provided between first and second compressor, and a second charge-air cooler downstream of the second compressor. At least one of the two charge-air coolers is disposed upstream of the coolant cooler as seen in flow direction of the cooling air, wherein the second charge-air cooler is disposed above or beside the first charge-air cooler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crankshaft (1) for a reciprocating internal combustion engine, in which the connecting rods are mounted, with an eccentric sleeve (4) connected in between, on the crankshaft journal (3) of a crankshaft (1). A rotation of the eccentric sleeve (4) with respect to the crankshaft journal (3) therefore leads to a change in the effective length of the connecting rod. The rotation of the sleeve (4) is brought about via an electric or hydraulic motor (7) which drives a worm (6) which engages in an outer toothing (5) of the sleeve (4). By means of the active drive, rotation of the sleeve (4) is ensured even if the auto-rotation is impaired due to the occurrence of wear. Furthermore, a self-locking design of the worm gear has the effect of the sleeve (4) being retained in its set position when the drive (7) is switched off.

Abstract: A five-cycle internal combustion engine in which a plurality of first cylinders and a plurality of second cylinders, having axes disposed in annularly spaced relation about the longitudinal axis of the housing assembly, and in annularly spaced relation with respect to one another. The inlet and outlet end portions of the first cylinders are arranged in axially opposite relation with respect to the inlet and outlet end portions of the second cylinders respectively. The first and second inlet and outlet cams associated with the first and second cylinders respectively are related to each other so that the transfer cycle movements of the inlet and outlet pistons in the first cylinders are accompanied by a generally equal and axially opposite transfer cycle movement of the inlet and outlet pistons in the second cylinders so that all transfer cycle movements of the first and second inlet and outlet pistons and the associated first and second inlet and outlet cam followers are axially balanced.

Abstract: The control device for a control motor of an engine has: a control information output unit for detecting an operational state of the engine as control information; target value computing unit for obtaining a target value of the motor corresponding to the control information; current value detecting unit for detecting a current value of the motor; motor control signal determining unit for generating a motor control signal for controlling a drive of the motor based on the target value and the current value; drive unit for driving the motor based on the motor control signal; and control state information determining unit for generating control state information indicating a change in the operational state of the engine based on a change in the control information. The target value computing unit corrects the control information based on the control state information so as to obtain a suitable target value.

Abstract: The operational state of the engine is detected and the target value of the motor is computed corresponding to the operational state (step S1); a current value of the motor is obtained (step S2); and the width of a stop target area that is a determination parameter is selected based on the target value and the current value (step S3). The stop target area is obtained based on the selected width of the stop target area and the target value (step S4). If the current value falls within the stop target area, then a motor control signal is determined so as to maintain the current value, and if the current value is beyond the stop target area, then the motor control signal is determined so as to draw the current value toward the target value (steps S6 and S7).

Abstract: The cams (2) of the inventive camshaft, which is configured from an assembly of individual parts, are provided with foot strips (2.2, 2.3) that border the shaft (1). Said cams are welded to the shaft along and through these foot strips. This produces a weld joint (3.1) with a virtually optimal weld cross-section (3.1), whose width corresponds approximately to the width of the foot strips and thus produces an extremely good joint overall which is strong and permanent. As the shaft and the cams are put under only minimal strain by the welding process, they can be machined almost to their final dimensions before being assembled. The cams can be welded efficiently to the shaft in one single time-saving work operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for electromagnetically actuating engine valves to obtain soft seating. The magnitude and duration of current pulses applied to the armature attracting coils are determined based upon a total mechanical energy and a total energy loss of the armature obtained from the armature position.

Abstract: A pressure pulse generator comprising a circuit (12) filled with a pressure iluid, and at least one communication channel (15) that is connected to the circuit and via which the pressure fluid can flow into and out of the circuit. The pressure pulse generator comprises a first pair (8, 9) and a second pair (10, 11) of electrically controlled valves that are connected in series, and the first pair of valves (8,9) is arranged in said circuit (12) upstream the at least one communication channel (15), and the second pair of valves (10, 11) is arranged in said circuit (12) downstream the at least one communication channel (15).

Abstract: A remote start control system may include an engine speed data bus reader at the vehicle for reading the engine speed signal on the vehicle data communications bus, and a remote start controller at the vehicle and connected to a receiver and the engine speed data bus reader for operating the engine starter based upon a remote start transmitter and based upon the engine speed signal. In some embodiments, the engine speed signal may include a digital code, and the engine speed data bus reader reads the digital code and converts the digital code into a pulsed tachometer emulation signal for the remote start controller. In other embodiments, the engine speed data bus reader generates an output level based upon the digital code exceeding at least one threshold, such as an engine started or engine overspeed threshold. The remote start control system is readily interfaced to a vehicle having a data communications bus to thereby be able to operate using an engine speed signal.

Abstract: An automatic engine start and stop system for vehicles automatically stops and then starts an engine of a vehicle when predetermined automatic stop condition and start condition are satisfied, respectively. The system determines whether a fuel tank is being refueled after the engine is automatically stopped. If the refueling is detected, the engine is prohibited from being automatically started even if the predetermined automatic start condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A piston for use in an internal combustion engine is manufactured by forming a blank (10, 50, 70) from a first material, providing a region (20, 60, 80) of a second material in a surface portion (12, 52, 54) of the blank (10, 50, 70), the second material being secured to said first material, and forming a recess (14, 28, 56, 68, 86) so that the recess has a bounding surface at least part of which is formed by the second material.

Abstract: In conventional pistons for internal combustion engines made from aluminum, magnesium, or the like, protection must be provided in the area in and around the ring grooves due to the wear and resultant microwelding between the piston ring groove and associated piston ring. One solution has been to cast the piston head around a separate protective ring made from steel or a similar material, which is costly and can negatively effect reliability and durability. In accordance with this invention, a hard ceramic reinforcing layer is provided on the outer surface of the piston in the area within the ring groove using a plasma electrolytic oxidation process. In this manner, the complexity and cost of the piston assembly is reduced while improving the reliability and durability. A piston according to this invention can be used to improve existing engine design that use a separate protective ring or can be used in new, cleansheet engine designs.

Abstract: A compression-ignition internal combustion engine for conducting pilot injection and main injection beyond the top dead center, wherein pilot injection quantity and timing are optimized.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for controlling the drive unit of a vehicle is suggested wherein a limiter is provided to limit the engine rpm to a pregiven limit value in at least one operating state. The limiter is controlled to be ineffective in this at least one operating state in dependence upon at least one additional operating variable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for varying the fuel-air mixture flow to an engine, and more particularly, to a device for varying the fuel-air mixture flow to the engine that can change the fuel-air mixture reaching the combustion chamber, thus improving fuel combustion and reducing pollution. A preferred embodiment of the invention delays spark timing based on engine speed and fuel-air mixture flow to further improve engine performance. The device comprises an actuator and a manipulator for changing the fuel-air mixture flow through an intake manifold into the engine in response to control signals transmitted from an electronic control unit.

Abstract: An electronic throttle apparatus permits aggregating of various parts and rationalization of installation, and can simplify assembling operation and wiring operation to an engine room for rationalization of an installation space. The throttle apparatus for an engine includes a throttle body housing therein a throttle valve and disposed in an air intake of the engine, a throttle actuating motor, a throttle position sensor detecting a throttle valve angle and an air flow sensor located on upstream of the throttle valve and measuring an intake air flow rate. The throttle actuating motor, the throttle position sensor and the air flow sensor are mounted on the throttle body.

Abstract: The ignition timing control system for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition device and a control unit. The control unit is programmed to execute steps including: determining if a predetermined condition for ignition timing retardation control; calculating a basic ignition timing value based on a knocking learning value, an engine speed, an intake air pressure, and an intake air temperature, if it is determined that the predetermined condition exists; calculating an ignition timing retardation value based on engine speed and intake air pressure; calculating an ignition timing retardation coefficient based on engine coolant temperature; calculating a final ignition timing value based on the basic ignition timing value, the ignition timing retardation value, and the ignition retardation coefficient; and controlling ignition timing according to the final ignition timing value.

Abstract: In a method for operating a diesel engine and a diesel engine, wherein engine emission control is provided by switching between a lean mode with superstoichiometric combustion air ratio &lgr;>1 and a rich mode with substoichiometric combustion air ratio &lgr;<1, the engine-torque fluctuations during the switching are determined and engine parameters which influence the engine torque, are adjusted so as to keep the engine torque constant during the switchover.

Abstract: By setting a switching timing of switching means that connects either one of a high pressure fuel source and a low pressure fuel source to an injector earlier than a point of time when an injector finishes a high pressure fuel injection, leak fuel or return fuel is reduced and an engine load is reduced and therefore mileage is improved.

Abstract: A fuel injector (1) for the direct injection of fuel, especially into the combustion chamber of a mixture-compressing internal combustion engine having external ignition, is located in a cylinder head (2) of the internal combustion engine in a receiving bore (8) of the cylinder head (2), and includes a nozzle body (10) and a sealing ring (14) which seals the fuel injector (1) from the cylinder head (2) of the internal combustion engine. At an end (12) on the discharge side of the fuel injector (1), an at least partially spherical body (13) is formed which abuts at least partially against a wall (9) of the receiving bore (8), a groove (15) being circumferentially formed on the body (13) in which the sealing ring (14) is positioned.

Abstract: A fuel injection apparatus for an engine includes various sensors (10), a control unit (20) and an injector (30). The control unit (20) includes a basic fuel injection quantity arithmetic means for determining a basic injection quantity conforming to the operation state, a data map (21) holding data for determining a regulating correction quantity in accordance with specific engine parameters (Th, Ne), and a correcting arithmetic means for determining the injection quantity by correcting the basic injection quantity with the data. The data map (21) includes plural areas for holding the data. Intermediate areas holding no data are provided between two adjacent data holding areas. The correcting arithmetic means includes a search means for determining interpolation data corresponding to the intermediate area through interpolation based on the data stored in two adjacent areas. The injection quantity for the intermediate area is determined by correcting the basic injection quantity with the interpolation data.

Abstract: A method of triggering a piezoelectric actuator which controls the injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine via a valve is described in which the operating situation of the engine is determined and the derivative with respect to time of the voltage, which can be picked off at the piezoelectric actuator, is selected as a function of the operating situation. Furthermore, a control unit for controlling a fuel injection system is described, in which a piezoelectric element is triggered in such a way that the derivative with respect to time of the voltage, which can be picked off at the piezoelectric actuator, is adjusted to the operating situation of the engine. Additionally described is a fuel injection system, having at least one piezoelectric actuator which is triggered accordingly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for starting an internal combustion engine and to a corresponding starter device. The aim of the invention is to improve the carburetion in the range of the desired idle speed. To this end, the internal combustion engine is brought to a high speed (>800 rpm) using a crankshaft-starter generator (KSG). The throttle valve is adjusted to a defined value, preferably it is kept closed. Due to the higher air mass flow of the internal combustion engine the suction pressure (MAP) decreases quickly. Fuel injection is only released when the suction pressure (MAP) has fallen below a predetermined threshold value (MAP_SW).

Abstract: An air intake device of an internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder head having therein two intake ports that are adapted to connect to a cylinder of a cylinder block; and a single partition plate that extends across both the two intake ports so that each of the two intake ports is divided into first and second air passages.

Abstract: A canister purge valve, and an emission control system, for regulating a fuel vapor flow between a fuel vapor collection canister and an intake manifold of an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The canister purge valve includes a body having a passage extending between a first port and a second port, a seat defining a portion of the passage, a member movable with respect to the seat, and an actuator that moves the member. The first port of the body is adapted to be in fluid communication with the fuel vapor collection canister, and the second port of the body is adapted to be in fluid communication with the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine. The member moves generally along an axis between a first configuration that prohibits fuel vapor flow through the seat and a second configuration that permits fuel vapor flow through the seat. And the actuator includes a piezo-electric element that moves the member from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: An air induction system (10) for use with an internal combustion engine (E) including an intake is disclosed. The system (10) includes a supercharger (12) and a valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a valve (14) and a valve control mechanism (16). The supercharger (12) receives air through a supply opening (18), pressurizes it, and discharges it through an exhaust opening (20). The valve (14) is in communication with the supply opening (18) to control air supply thereto. The control mechanism (16) is coupled to the valve (14) and causes it to vary the air supply to the opening (18) in response to air pressure conditions downstream from the supercharger (12). In one embodiment, the control mechanism (16) varies the air supply responsive to air pressure in the intake in order to both throttle the supercharger (12) as well as substantially eliminate undesirable surge conditions therein.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation cooler (1) with a coolant chamber (14), a bypass tube (50) and means (70) to selectively direct exhaust gas through the coolant chamber (14) or bypass tube (50). The bypass tube (50) may be used to direct hot exhaust gases to the engine under low engine temperature/load operating conditions and during start up of the engine; the coolant chamber (14) may be used to cool very hot gases under high engine temperature/load conditions and direct the cooled gas to the engine. The bypass tube (50) is integrally formed with the coolant chamber, reducing space required for the cooler and making for easier installation.

Abstract: A method of operating a control system to move an EGR valve (24) toward its seat (32), in which the control system includes an actuator (16) operable in response to an electrical position command signal (84, 86). The method comprises the steps of determining (102) if the valve is being commanded toward a closed position, and determining (106) if the valve is still at least a predetermined distance (X) from a Stage 1 Position. If both answers are affirmative, the valve is commanded toward the Stage 1 Position, then the logic determines when the valve is within a predetermined tolerance (T) of the Stage 1 Position, and when it is, the logic provides a position command signal corresponding to an unchanging position of the valve for a predetermined period of time (Y), while any overshoot of the valve position settles out, and the valve position stabilizes before the logic proceeds with the rest of the closing operations.

Abstract: The invention concerns an oil separator (2) for crankcase gases of an internal combustion engine, comprising a preliminary separator (28), a cyclone separator (30), a fine separator (32) and, if necessary, a valve device (36) that are provided in a cascade arrangement on a cylinder-head cover (4) of the internal combustion engine; in order to simplify the design of the oil separator and obtain easier installability, it is provided that the preliminary separator (28), the cyclone separator (30), the fine separator (32) and the valve device (36) provided, if necessary, are located on the outside (20) of the cylinder-head hood (4) and are covered by a housing half-shell (6) which, together with the outside (20) of the cylinder-head hood (4), forms a housing for the oil separator (2).

Abstract: To provide a breathing device for an internal combustion engine, wherein the structure around the check valve is simplified so that the engine as a whole can be manufactured compact, the breathing device includes a check valve (34) for fluid connecting, a crank chamber (27) and a rocker arm chamber (31) in the combustion engine. The check valve (34) is disposed in a head gasket (35) that is interposed between a cylinder block (6) and a cylinder head (7). The check valve (34) is in the form of a reed valve separate from the head gasket (35) and is supported by the head gasket (35) by means of a rivet (36).

Abstract: To provide a four-cycle overhead valve engine wherein the breather passage is defined to avoid an undesirable increase in size of the engine as a whole and also to avoid increase in length of the breather passage, a four-cycle overhead valve engine is provided which includes a cylinder block (6), and push rods (16 and 17) for driving intake and exhaust valves (14 and 15), respectively, that are mounted above the cylinder block (6). A breather passage (28) connecting a crank chamber (27) and a rocker arm chamber (31) with each other is made up of a first passage portion (28A) defined in the wall of the cylinder block (6) at a location adjacent a flywheel (9) and the push rods (16 and 17), and a second passage portion (28B) extending from one side adjacent the push rods (16 and 17) in a direction away from the push rods (16 and 17). A check valve (34) for the breather passage (28) is disposed at a junction between the first and second passage portions (28A and 28B).

Abstract: A vortex generator is adapted for use with an engine so as to enhance combustion efficiency of the engine. The vortex generator includes a tubular body and a plurality of curved blades. The tubular body is adapted to be disposed anterior to an air intake port of the engine and is formed with an air inlet, an air outlet, and an inner wall surface that defines an air passage extending from the air inlet to the air outlet. A plurality of curved blades are mounted in the air passage on the inner wall surface of the tubular body, and cooperate to direct air that flows through the air passage from the air inlet to the air outlet to form a vortex which is supplied to the air intake port. As such, the vortex can mix with fuel in the engine to enhance the combustion efficiency.

Abstract: In an ignition coil having an outer coil unit, an inner coil unit, a coil case in which the outer and inner coil units are housed and a tower case accommodating lower parts of outer and inner spools, the outer spool is made of resin material whose bonding strength to resin insulating material, with which the tower case is filled, is weak and an axial leading end of the outer spool is positioned axially away from a reference position by a distance equal to or shorter than 60% of a reference length or by a distance equal to or longer than 90% of the reference length. With this ignition coil, cracks hardly occur on the resin insulating material opposed to the axial leading end of the outer spool by thermal stress.