Abstract: A chew toy holding apparatus is provided. The holding apparatus includes a base platform and means coupled to the base platform for detachably securing a chew toy in a fixed position relative to the base platform during chewing of the chew toy by a pet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a variable intensity static stimulation. The variable intensity static stimulation increases in intensity if the animal continues to require correction. By varying the duty cycle of a periodic signal having constant amplitude and a constant duration, the intensity of the static stimulation is varied.

Abstract: A headgate apparatus comprises a pair of vertically oriented shoulder bars separated by a space that is wide enough to accommodate the neck and narrow enough to prevent passage of the shoulders therebetween. A pair of vertically oriented head bars is mounted in front of the shoulder bars and separated by a space that is wide enough to accommodate the neck and narrow enough to prevent passage of the head therebetween. The head bars and shoulder bars are separated by a head separation distance sufficient to restrain backward and forward motion of the animal. A method of restraining an animal comprises maintaining the head separated from the shoulders by a distance substantially equal to the length of the neck.

Abstract: In a case where no malfunction occurs in a water temperature control valve the temperature of the pump water is controlled to accurately follow a target water temperature. In contrast, in a case where the rotational opening degree of the water temperature control valve is accidentally fixed, the pump water temperature can no longer follow the target water temperature. In this instance, a control water temperature error between the target water temperature and the pump water temperature is calculated. When the control water temperature error is greater than a certain error range, a counter is incremented, and a malfunction judgment flag is set when the value of the counter exceeds a certain judgment threshold value at another time. Thereby, the temperature of the cooling water for the engine is feedback controlled while malfunction of the water temperature control valve can be accurately detected.

Abstract: An outside control type fan coupling apparatus has a double valve structure with plural oil supply adjustment holes. Temperature of engine coolant, acceleration of the engine, an air conditioner, vehicle speed and so on are parameters for controlling opening and closing valves of the oil supply adjustment holes. This rotation of the fan is fluctuated so that fan noises at the time of fan rotation fluctuation are suppressed. Also, if engine rotation accelerates to more than a certain level, the fan coupling apparatus is turned Off, and fan noise due to coupling rotation is prevented. Further, if engine rotation is less than a constant rotational speed, the fan coupling apparatus is turned Off, Middle, and fan noise due to coupling rotation of the fan at the time of acceleration and fan noise due to coupling rotation at the time of startup of the engine are prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder block of the closed-deck type, which can be produced by die-casting. The cylinder block includes a water jacket surrounding the cylinders adapted to be open to the side. The lateral opening can be closed by a cover, which is additionally shaped on its inside in such a way as to promote flow distribution or heat dissipation.

Abstract: A pressure reservoir is used to exert pressure on a hydraulic system. With the hydraulic system, a gas exchange valve, for instance, of an internal combustion engine can be actuated. The pressure reservoir (62) includes a housing (64, 68) and a piston (72) that is prestressed in operation by a device (88, 90). To enable making the pressure reservoir (62) as small as possible, it is proposed that the device (88, 90) which prestresses the piston (72) of the pressure reservoir (62) has a characteristic force-travel curve, in one range of motion of the piston (72), that has a slope which differs from the slope in a different range of motion of the piston (72).

Abstract: A variable valve actuation (VVA) mechanism includes a partial wrap output cam assembly and a partial wrap frame assembly. Each of the partial wrap cam assembly and the partial wrap frame assembly include a respective body and a respective shaft engaging means coupled to the body. The shaft-engaging means are configured for engaging an input shaft with a snap fit to thereby pivotally dispose the output cam assembly and the frame assembly upon the input shaft.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation (VVA) mechanism includes an output cam having a first output cam lobe and a second output cam lobe. A body portion adjoins and axially separates the first and second output cam lobes. The body portion includes an outer surface. A portion of the outer surface is configured for being pivotally engaged by a cam support bearing.

Abstract: A variable valve timing control apparatus is provided which comprises an operation angle control mechanism capable of varying an intake operation angle, a phase control mechanism capable of varying an intake maximum lift phase, and a control unit that controls the operation angle control mechanism and the phase control mechanism in accordance with an engine operating condition, wherein the control unit has an engine temperature estimating section that estimates an engine temperature and controls the intake operation angle so that when the engine is operating in an extremely low-load range including idling, the intake operation angle when an engine temperature is extremely low is set larger than that when the engine is cold, the extremely low-engine temperature being lower than the engine temperature when the engine is cold. A method of controlling a variable valve timing of an internal combustion engine is also provided.

Abstract: a generally conventional lash adjuster is modified by incorporating a coaxially oriented hydraulic control piston assembly within the guide body. The control piston normally fixes latch means, such a plurality of hard spheres, in multiple detents loaded in compression with the other components, to provide a rigid stop, but when the control piston is hydraulically pressurized, the detents are overcome and the piston assembly provides a resilient or soft stop that accommodates extended displacement (retraction) of the lash adjuster within the guide. The hydraulic actuation is preferably implemented with a three-way solenoid valve or the like, for controlling high-pressure oil to a gallery and associated inlet ports for the control piston assembly. In the typical implementation of the invention, the piston need have only two operational positions-denergized to establish the detent or hard stop condition, or fully energized to establish the valve deactivation position.

Abstract: Described herein is a multicylinder internal-combustion engine provided with an electronically controlled hydraulic device for controlling variable actuation of the valves of the engine. The final phase of the movement of closing the intake valves is slowed down by a hydraulic braking device of an improved type.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a technology capable of increasing a heat quantity of a combustion gas discharged from a combustion heater in an internal combustion engine having the combustion heater. To accomplish this object, the internal combustion engine having the combustion heater comprises a combustion chamber (17d) for combusting a fuel, an engine cooling water circulating between the combustion chamber (17d) and an engine-related element, a heat exchange unit (17a, 17c, 150) for performing a heat exchange between the engine cooling water and a combustion gas produced in the combustion chamber (17d), and heat exchange rate decreasing means (149, 205) for decreasing a heat exchange rate in said heat exchange unit (17a, 17c, 150).

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a variable displacement engine during cranking and starting include a hybrid operating mode to allow intake/exhaust valve operation while preventing fuel delivery and/or spark to at least one of the subsequently deactivated cylinders or bank of cylinders during cranking and starting. The system and method provide advantages to starting the engine relative to either pure variable displacement mode or full activation mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a start method and a start arrangement for an internal combustion engine (10) of motor vehicles having a crankshaft (11) connected to an electric machine (14) for cranking the engine. Crankshaft position and rotation are detected by a start control apparatus (19) and evaluated for controlling each start operation of the engine. The crankshaft (11) is first brought by the electric machine (14) into a start position during a positioning phase for each start operation.

Abstract: An intake manifold includes a manifold body and a joint. The joint is made of metal and includes an upstream-side portion and a downstream-side portion that are joined to each other. The upstream-side portion is joined to a manifold body on the upstream-side of the manifold body. The downstream-side portion is joined to the manifold on the downstream-side of the manifold.

Abstract: A self-cleaning valve for removing hydrocarbon deposits from pressure responsive automatic air intake valves in an internal combustion engine. The self-cleaning valve assembly of the present invention removes soot which naturally accumulates on the surface of the valve as a result of the heat generated by the combustion event when hydrocarbon fuel sources are used. A reciprocating slider is seated within a bushing. The bushing is fluted with small relief passages along its length. The fluted relief passages run more or less parallel to the direction of the movement of the slider, and provide channels for removing soot from the surface of the valve. Repeated closing of the slider hammers soot upwardly into the relief passages, thereby maintaining the valve free of potentially fouling hydrocarbon deposits.

Abstract: A piston for use with a direct injection, spark ignition engine includes a piston body with a top face having a piston deck and a shallow bowl. Furthermore, the shallow bowl has a maximum depth that is in the range of one to five millimeters below the piston deck.

Abstract: An oil feed system for an internal combustion engine with a variable camshaft timing mechanism includes a bracket attached to the front structure of the engine at a final location which is determined in part by the interaction of the bracket and the camshaft adjuster to which it is furnishing oil. An oil feed spud which engages the adjuster will be ablated when the engine is initially operated, so as to provide a running clearance between the VCT mechanism and the oil supply spud, while the same time allowing piloting of the oil supply spud within the variable camshaft timing mechanism.

Abstract: An implement is provided having a motor housing in which is disposed an internal combustion engine as a drive for a tool. The implement also includes a carburetor and an air filter. An air filter chamber is provided with a cover element that includes two cover portions, a first cover portion of which extends over the air filter chamber, and a second cover portion of which extends over a ventilated hollow space of the motor housing that is adjacent to the air filter chamber. At least one in-flow passage for the combustion air is provided and in the first cover portion opens into the air filter chamber. At least one further passage is provided for connecting the hollow space with the in-flow passage.

Abstract: A portable hand-guided work apparatus (1), such as a motor-driven chain saw, cutoff machine or the like, includes an internal combustion engine (2) and an air filter (10). At least one air channel (8) and an intake channel (7) are provided which fluidly connect the internal combustion engine (2) to the clean side of the air filter (10). The intake channel (7) is configured at least partially in a carburetor (9). The air channel (8) opens at an air channel opening (13, 13′, 13″) and the intake channel (7) opens at an intake opening (12) at the clean side of the air filter (10). Air channel opening (13, 13′, 13″) and intake opening (12) open spatially separate from each other at the clean side of the air filter (10).

Abstract: A strategy and control system for a variable displacement engine in which cylinder deactivation is obtained by intake cam phasing and exhaust valve deactivation. Fuel control for the engine and spark deactivation are sequenced with valve deactivation to avoid transferring engine exhaust gases to the intake manifold of the engine during a transition between full cylinder operation and partial cylinder operation. Excess air flow through the exhaust system for the engine is avoided during a transition from partial cylinder operation to full cylinder operation. These features achieve stable engine performance during the transition.

Abstract: Fuel is injected directly into at least one combustion chamber (12) in a method for operating an internal combustion engine (10), especially for a motor vehicle. Furthermore, air is supplied to the combustion chamber (12) via an intake manifold (14). Injection and supply take place at least from time to time so that the mixture of fuel and air in the combustion chamber (12) is stratified. Furthermore, a temperature (tmot) is determined which is specific for the internal combustion engine (10). The pressure (pss) in the intake manifold (14) is changed in dependence upon the determined temperature (tmot) in order to guarantee an optimal operating performance of the internal combustion engine (10) in all operating ranges of the engine (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a direct-injection internal-combustion engine comprising at least a cylinder (10), a cylinder head (12), a piston (22) sliding in this cylinder, intake means (14, 18) for at least one gaseous fluid, a multijet fuel-injection nozzle (24) comprising a fuel jet angle (&bgr;) and a fuel jet nappe angle (a1), and a combustion chamber delimited on one side by the upper face of piston (22), said face comprising a teat (36) pointing towards the cylinder head and arranged in a concave bowl (34).

Abstract: A method of controlling the speed of an engine whilst the engine is operating in a crank or idle state, including the steps of (a) determining when the engine is operating in said crank or idle state; (b) determining whether the engine speed is above an upper threshold speed, and (c) controlling the engine when the engine speed is above the upper threshold speed so as to effect a reduction in the engine speed to avoid an engine speed runaway event.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling an operating variable of a drive unit is suggested. A controller is provided, which has at least one changing parameter. A switchover from a first parameter value to a second parameter value takes place in dependence upon a switchover signal. A filter is initialized with a value at the switchover time point and this value corresponds to the magnitude of the change of the output signal of the controller at this time point and, with this value, a continuous trace of the controller output signal is achieved at the switchover time point.

Abstract: A returning spring 7 of the electronic control throttle and a default spring 8 for securing an initial opening degree (default opening degree) of the throttle valve 3 have diameters different from each other, and both of the springs 7, 8 are held around a shaft of the throttle valve shaft 3 and arranged between a gear 43 attached to the throttle valve shaft 3 and a wall portion of the throttle body 100. A shaft supporting gap of the throttle valve shaft 3 is filled with an air leak preventing material, and a minimum opening degree on control purpose of the throttle valve is set to a value larger than an amount of overshoot of the throttle valve occurring when opening degree of the throttle valve is changed from a maximum opening degree on control purpose of the throttle valve to the minimum opening degree.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling an accelerator pedal (1) provide a signal to the driver of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine the entry into an uneconomical driving pattern via the accelerator pedal. A reset force (FPED) is applied to the accelerator pedal (1). A desired value (FPEDSOLL) for the reset force is increased in dependence upon a drop below a pregiven value for a degree of efficiency of the engine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method in connection with engine control, wherein a combustion feedback signal is derived by measuring one or more combustion related parameters during a chosen time period of a first combustion cycle, for control of a possible fault, wherein at least one reference feature for said parameters has been determined previously, and comparing said measured combustion feed back signal with said reference feature for automatic adaptation of at least one combustion related variable during a forthcoming combustion cycle wherein at least one reference features for each one of at least two different fault situations having been determined previously, and that a diagnosis 3 of said first combustion cycle is performed on the basis of said combustion feedback signal being processed and compared (T1-Tn) with each one of said reference features, the result of which is analysed by a decision logic, whereafter a diagnosis (D) is established by means of which one or more variables in a forthcoming co

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

Abstract: 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 three-legged iron core. An ignition transformer (L3/L4), a triggering coil (L2) and a charging coil (L1) are arranged on the legs of the core. The triggering coil is arranged either on the first or second leg in the direction of rotation of the flywheel, and the charging coil on the final leg. A time-constant circuit (an RC net) and a control switch (T2) are arranged between the charging coil and a main switch (T1) that opens/blocks triggering pulses whereby limitation in the speed of revolutions is achieved by means of adjustment of the time-constant circuit.

Abstract: A fuel injection system having a high-pressure source and an injection valve having a pressure chamber communicating with the high-pressure source, and a valve member controlling at least one injection opening when acted upon by the pressure in the pressure chamber in an opening direction counter to a closing force. A control piston movable with the valve member in the closing direction defines a control pressure chamber which communicates with the high-pressure source and which has a communication controlled by an electrically actuated valve, with a relief chamber. The control valve is opened for fuel injection, so that the control pressure chamber communicates with the relief chamber. The valve member and the control piston move in the opening direction when the control valve is opened, and a limitation in the opening motion of the injection valve member and of the control piston is effected only by a pressure increase in the control pressure chamber from closure of the control valve.

Abstract: In a structure or method of installing an injector in a delivery pipe of a common rail, the injector on which a seal memberandaclipmemberaremounted is inserted into an interior of the delivery pipe in such a manner that the clip member comes in contact with the delivery pipe after the seal member comes in contact with an interior wall of the delivery pipe. This structure or method has an advantage of preventing the foreign material, which is a part of the protection layer peeled off from the delivery pipe due to contact between the clip member and the delivery pipe, from being lodged between the seal member and the inner wall of the delivery pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides an evaporated fuel system diagnostic apparatus. The evaporated fuel system diagnostic apparatus includes a malfunction determination unit which determines whether a malfunction occurs in an evaporated fuel system, by introducing a negative pressure of an intake passage into a fuel tank. An operating condition setting unit sets, when the malfunction determination unit has started the introduction of the negative pressure of the intake passage into the fuel tank, an operating condition of an internal combustion engine in a predetermined condition that causes the negative pressure of the intake passage to be within a predetermined pressure range. Further, the present invention provides a vehicle control apparatus for an automotive vehicle equipped with the evaporated fuel system diagnostic apparatus.

Abstract: An intake system (3) for an internal combustion engine (1) including an engine block (2), as well as an exhaust manifold (7) leading from the engine block (2), the intake system (3) including an intake tract (5) leading to the engine block (2), and having an air filter (4) and a throttle member is arranged in the intake tract (5). The intake system (3) also includes a secondary air system (8) which includes a turbine (10) and a compressor (11). The turbine (10) is subjected to the pressure difference before and after the throttle member in order to drive the compressor (11) which conveys air into the exhaust manifold (7) through a secondary air line (15) to oxidize the exhaust gases at least in the cold start phase of the internal combustion engine. To reduce the number of components and the space required, the compressor (11) and/or the turbine (10) is integrated into a housing (26) of the air filter (4).

Abstract: A control system for controlling an engine (10) of an automotive vehicle has an air charge sensor (47) generating a first signal indicative of an air charge, a purge flow valve (74) generating a second signal indicative of purge flow. A controller (42) is coupled to the air charge sensor and the purge flow valve. The controller (42) is configured to determine a first amount of fuel to deliver to the cylinder based on the first signal and a desired air-fuel ratio. The controller is configured to calculate a first air-fuel ratio change value based on the first signal and is configured to calculate a second air-fuel ratio change value based on the second signal. The controller is configured to deliver a second amount of fuel to the cylinder based on the first amount of fuel and the first and second air-fuel ratio change values.

Abstract: A dampening assembly is provided for an archery bow component. The dampening assembly includes a first constraining layer formed from a portion of the component. The dampening assembly also includes a second constraining layer formed from the remaining portion of the component. The first constraining layer is coupled to the second constraining layer. In addition, the dampening assembly includes a dampening layer positioned between the first and second constraining layers for absorbing vibrational energy and noise as a load bears upon the component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for cutting a stone workpiece to make a pair of stone veneer products which are capable of being handled without breaking, and which are advantageously used as a decorative product on all types of outside and inside wall surfaces in the construction industry.

Abstract: A portable machine, for example a saw, has a light construction using composite materials such as fiber reinforced resins and a closed cell foam. The saw may have a housing formed from multiple skins of the composite materials in which in the closed cell foam. Metallic inserts may be used to bond to either or both of the foam and the composite skin to accept working components. A saw is also described which uses gears sharing the same support element.

Abstract: The cutting apparatus of the present invention includes a frame with first and second side members that lie parallel to one another. It also includes two or more cross-members that connect the first and second side members together as well as a cantilever member that lies mounted to one of the other members and extends outwardly of that other member. A tray movably mounted on the frame holds an object for cutting; and a motor and block assembly mounted to the cantilever member cuts the object. The method of forming this apparatus includes forming openings in the side members and inserting end portions of the cross-members into the opening to form a frame in which the cross-members are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the side members.

Abstract: A rack oven includes a cooking air flow path that, in one embodiment, is generally horizontal and/or that flows along an axial length of a plurality of heat exchange tubes. Air flow may be driven by a plurality of vertically spaced axial fans.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge for a stove door, comprising a housing (1) in which a plug-in part (2) is rotationally (10) mounted. In order to be able to easily influence the torque produced by the spring, a spring guide (3) which is loaded by a spring (6), preferably a pressure spring, is provided, said spring guide being fitted with roller (15) that is guided through a curved section (9) of the plug-in part (2).

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a coated steel wire oven rack. The preferred coated steel wire oven rack includes a plurality of elongated steel wire members joined together to form an oven rack having an outer surface. The plurality of elongated steel wire members are made from a steel rod material containing from about 80 to about 99.9% by weight of iron, from about 0.001 to about 0.08% by weight of carbon and from about 0.001 to about 0.2% by weight of a carbon stabilizing transition metal, preferably selected from the group consisting of Vanadium, Tantalum, Titanium and Niobium. The plurality of elongated steel wire members are preferably made from the steel rod material by drawing the steel rod material to form steel wire; wherein the diameter of the cross-sectional area of the steel rod material is reduced by at least about 20% when the steel rod material is drawn to form the steel wire.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism (11, 11A) associated with a solar panel assembly (10, 10A) whereby effort required to tilt panel assemblies (12, 13, 14) comprising the solar panel assembly (10, 10A) is reduced or minimized by appropriate placement of first and second tilt axes (18, 18A) with respect to the centre of mass and/or centre of pressure of the panel assemblies (12, 13, 14) due to wind. These arrays are suitable for use on mobile or static installations. The tilt mechanism is suited for harnessing wind energy if the panels are suitably shaped.

Abstract: A hernial truss securely and constantly applies pressure to the herniated abdominal area of the patient while minimizing the pain and skin irritations during use. The hernial truss is formed with a front member applied to the abdominal area of the patent, a rear member applied to the back of the patient, left and right waistbands attached to the front member, left and right crotch bands attached to the rear member, and a pressing pad attached to the inside of the front member. The front and rear members are fitted with the patient body by the waistbands and the crotch bands, and each crotch band connects the rear member and the front member through the bottom of the patient to press the pressing pad against the herniated abdominal area.

Abstract: A multiple dose delivery device for delivering a medicament into an oral cavity of a patient is provided. The device includes a sachet pack including a plurality of unit doses of a medicament enclosed between a first strip and a second strip. The device further includes a sachet advance mechanism and a mouthpiece. Upon actuation by a user, the sachet advance mechanism, which is engaged with the sachet pack, separates the first strip from the second strip to release one of the plurality of the unit doses from the sachet pack. The mouthpiece includes an opening, and each released unit dose passes through the opening.

Abstract: The disclosed method of monitoring the cuff pressure of an LMA provides an estimation of a patient's anesthetic state. Cuff pressure tends to rise and fall during IPPV and spontaneous breathing. One of the disclosed methods activates an alarm if an instantaneous value of the cuff pressure exceeds selected levels. This method may also automatically adjust the selected levels. One of the disclosed methods activates an alarm if activity of the cuff pressure as observed over a period of time exceeds a selected level.

Abstract: An inhaler for producing an inhalable aerosol of a powdered medicament comprises a cyclone (1) with a tangential air inlet (3) and an axial air outlet (4). The cyclone (1) aerosolises and retains an aerosol of powdered medicament in an airflow circulating between the inlet (3) and the outlet (4). The cyclone (1) has an exit port (2) which is open to atmosphere. When the aerosol is to be inhaled, the pressure in the cyclone (1) is increased by increasing the airflow to the inlet (3) which causes the aerosol to discharge through the exit port (2). The inhaler has the advantage that the rate of discharge of the aerosol can be controlled independently of the rate of airflow required to aerosolise the medicament.

Abstract: A dose tape for use in a dry powder inhaler has blisters formed in a formpack layer. A lidstock layer is permanently attached over the formpack layer, to seal a dose of dry powder within each of the blisters. A tear strip is attached to the lidstock layer over each of the blisters. The dose tape is provided in a coil within an inhaler having a breath actuated tape advance blister opening system. Moving a dustcap off of a mouthpiece into an open position places the tape advance/blister opening system into a ready condition. When the patient inhales on the mouthpiece, the tape advance/blister opening system is triggered. The blister or dose tape is advanced by one increment, and a blister is automatically opened. Pulling on the tear strip shears out an area of the lidstock over the blister, unsealing the powder contents. Airflow through an air path in the inhaler, generated by inhalation, carries the powder to a disbursion chamber, or directly to the mouthpiece, for inhalation by the patient.

Abstract: An inhalation device for dispensing medicament comprising a body; a medicament carrier; a mouthpiece, reversibly movable from a storage position wherein said mouthpiece is within said body to an in-use position wherein a portion of the mouthpiece protrudes from the body and wherein the mouthpiece is in communication with said medicament carrier to allow passage of medicament therebetween; and a mouthpiece actuator coupled to the mouthpiece by a coupling mechanism comprising a rack and pinion mechanism or a hinged lever mechanism such that actuation of said mouthpiece actuator moves the mouthpiece towards said storage position and deactuation of the mouthpiece actuator moves the mouthpiece towards said in-use position,