Abstract: A starting method of an engine wherein a fuel is directly injected into a combustion chamber, the engine having a starter for starting up the engine, the starting method including the steps of actuating the starter and injecting a fuel in a compression stroke when the starter is actuated.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine includes a fuel injector which injects fuel into a combustion chamber delimited by a cylinder wall in which a piston is guided, and having a spark plug projecting into the combustion chamber, the fuel injector producing multiple injection jets in the combustion chamber. At least one gap is provided in the injection jets in an area remote from the spark plug.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine operable in a premixed charge compression ignition mode and a method for operating the engine, the engine including an engine body with a piston assembly, a combustion chamber formed in the engine body by the piston assembly, an intake system for delivering intake air to the combustion chamber during an intake stroke, a mixing device that mixes a first fuel with the intake air to provide a premixed charge of air and the first fuel, a direct fuel injector adapted to directly inject a second fuel into the combustion chamber, and a control system adapted to control the direct fuel injector in a manner to provide at least one early control injection, and preferably, a plurality of early control injections of the second fuel into the combustion chamber before start of combustion of the premixed charge.

Abstract: A device and a method for monitoring an interval between a first injection operation and a second injection operation of a combustion cycle in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine are described, in which it is determined whether an electrical actuator element has fully opened after the first injection operation and in which it is determined whether energizing sequences of the electrical actuator element overlap. Then, the interval between the first injection operation and the second injection operation is modified as a function of the determination results of the preceding determination operations.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, especially for a motor vehicle, is described which is provided with a combustion chamber wherein fuel can be injected directly by an injection valve in a first operating mode during an induction phase, in a second operating mode during a compression phase or in a third operating mode during the induction phase and during the compression phase and can be ignited by a spark plug. In the third operating mode, the mass of the fuel, which is injected during the induction phase, is reduced (32) by the control apparatus.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a spark ignition direct injection engine includes an injection having plurality of spray holes formed in a generally semicircular pattern wherein the spray holes have a L/D (length over diameter) ratio of not more than 2.0. In a preferred embodiment, the injector nozzle has an internal sac and an end wall with part spherical inner and outer surfaces formed with a common center, the pattern of the spray holes includes a semicircle formed by an arc having ends connected by a straight line wherein the spray holes have outlet openings that are spaced along the arc and slightly below the straight line, and the spray holes lying on the semicircle extend from the common center while the spray holes lying below the straight line have axes extending from above the common center. In an engine, the flat side of the spray is aimed toward the near side of a piston bowl recess.

Abstract: A direct injection engine capable of direct injection of fuel into a combustion chamber characterized in that discharge of gas containing hazardous gas component such as HC can be reduced and fuel economy can be improved by stratified charge combustion in the operation range of low to high speeds. Spray fuel from the fuel injector is fed to the ignition plug by tumble air flow generated in the combustion chamber and formed between the fuel injector located on the side of the combustion chamber and the ignition plug installed on the top of the combustion chamber. This engine (a tumble guide direct injection engine) is configured to ensure that fuel reaches the ignition plug at the time of its ignition.

Abstract: A feed back control system and method for direct injected engines useful in a start up operation that utilizes a fuel pressure condition sensor. At the commencement of cranking, the feed back control system adjusts at least the initiation of fuel injection based upon the output from the fuel pressure condition sensor. This removes a great shift in the fuel pressure between before and after starting of the engine and eventually promotes operator's feeling and also improves exhaust emissions.

Abstract: A water-cooled multi-cylinder engine, includes a control system in which an engine revolution number is reduced to a level less than a restriction revolution number on the basis of at least one condition of misfire and fuel stop for all the cylinders of the engine, at a time of an occurrence of an overheat, so as to restrict an increasing of a temperature of the engine. In a case when the engine revolution number is less than the restriction revolution number after the overheat occurs, or the engine revolution number is lowered to be less than the restriction revolution number on the basis of the revolution number restriction control, a specific cylinder is controlled to be stopped by at least one of misfire and fuel stop.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an automotive internal combustion engine having NVH feedback uses NVH signals which are processed and compared with human threshold values to determine whether an engine control parameter such as idle speed needs to be adjusted so as to mitigate unwanted noise, vibration, and harshness.

Abstract: A method of controlling the idle speed of an internal combustion engine including, in response to the engine speed being below a predetermined level: determining the rate of change of the speed of the engine; selecting an idle entry set-point as a function of said rate; and initiating idle speed control of the engine on the basis of said idle entry set-point to thereby control the engine speed to a base idle speed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting a throttle of a vehicle engine. The apparatus comprises an input sensor configured to provide an input signal having a value that approximately corresponds to an operating level of the vehicle engine requested by an operator and a memory configured to store a maximum input value for the input sensor. The maximum input value provides the value of the input signal that approximately corresponds to a maximum operating level of the vehicle engine. The apparatus is further configured to receive the input signal and access the memory to retrieve the maximum input value and further configured to update the maximum input value with the value of the input signal if the value of the input signal is greater than the maximum input value.

Abstract: The arrangement for mounting a sparkplug of an internal combustion engine includes mounting the sparkplug so that all of the outside electrodes are arranged at an intake port side area and/or an exhaust port side area. Alternatively, in the case where at least one of the outside electrodes is located outside of the above-mentioned areas, no other remaining outside electrodes are arranged at a position that faces that outside electrode across the central electrode.

Abstract: In a method for operating a four-stroke internal combustion engine with a homogeneous, lean basic mixture of air and fuel and with compression ignition, the fuel/air ratio formed in the combustion space is variable by means of a controllable inlet member. In order to achieve as rapid adaptation as possible to varied combustion sequences, a measurement of the respective combustion is carried out and the time of closing of the inlet member of the combustion space is regulated, for a next successive cycle, as a function of the signal obtained from this measurement.

Abstract: A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders, determine whether a torque of the internal combustion engine is above a torque threshold value. If the torque is less than the torque threshold value, all the cylinders of the engine are operated in a lean operating state. If the torque is greater than or equal to the torque threshold value, a first number of cylinders of the engine is operated in a homogeneous operating state, and the remaining cylinders of the engine are operated in the lean operating state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injection apparatus for an internal combustion engine, having an injection valve that protrudes into the combustion chamber of the engine. This valve communicates with a valve chamber in that a control part closes and opens inlet bores for fuel that is at high pressure. The control part is actuatable by means of a hydraulic-mechanical booster. The pump part, valve part and nozzle part of the fuel injection apparatus are disposed in a vertical arrangement, hydraulically in line with on another in terms of the fuel flow.

Abstract: A high-pressure fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine is provided which includes a high-pressure pump driven by the engine and operable with a cycle consisting of an intake stroke and a discharge stroke. The high-pressure pump includes a valve selectively placed in an open position to allow the fuel to be introduced into the pump and in a closed position to allow the fuel to be fed under pressure to a high-pressure portion located downstream of the high-pressure pump. A controller of the fuel supply system generates commands for closing the valve to the high-pressure pump during starting of the engine before the cylinders are discriminated from each other, such that a period of the generated commands is shorter than a half of the cycle of operation of the high-pressure pump during starting of the engine.

Abstract: The fuel injection apparatus has one fuel pump for each cylinder of the engine, which pump has a pump piston, driven by the engine in a reciprocating motion, that defines a pump work chamber, which communicates via a line with a fuel injection valve, disposed on the engine separately from the fuel pump, which valve has an injection valve member, by which at least one injection opening is controlled, and which is movable in the opening direction, counter to a closing force, by the pressure generated in the pump work chamber, and at least one first electrically triggered control valve is provided, by which a communication of the pump work chamber with a relief chamber is controlled, and which is disposed near the fuel pump.

Abstract: In a system and a method for purging a vapor storage canister having adsorbed fuel vapor (or hydrocarbon vapor) by drawing air through the storage canister the storage canister being coupled with an engine having a system for controlling the amount of fuel provided to the engine, the amount of fuel vapor in the purge is determined by subtracting from a known total flow rate of air and vapor from the canister a measured air flow rate of air into the canister. The total flow rate of air and vapor from the canister may be obtained, for example, by knowing the intake manifold vacuum, by using a pump at a given flow rate capacity to draw the air and vapor through the canister, or by using a valve having a given flow rate that limits the flow rate of the air and vapor mixture drawn from the canister. An ECM or PCM can use the information of fuel vapor flow from the canister obtained in this way for better fuel control.

Abstract: The singlet delta energy levels of molecular oxygen (SDO) are generated to enhance the performance of internal-combustion engines, diesel engines in particular. In the preferred embodiments, this control takes place just prior to, and in the initial stages of, fuel injection. The SDO can be generated using different methods according to the invention, including thermal means, optical/laser energy, electrical/electromagnetic excitation, or a combination of these approaches. SDO may also be generated through reactions of a chemical fuel additive or a laser-excited chemical additive. A system for improving the performance of an internal combustion engine according to the invention includes a source or energy operative to generate singlet delta oxygen (SDO) from molecular oxygen, and apparatus for mixing the SDO with fuel prior to, or during, combustion. In the preferred embodiment, the SDO is delivered with air through an air-intake port, and a laser is used in a multi-pass absorption cell.

Abstract: To augment the durability of a turbocharger. A hull and a deck of a personal watercraft are formed watertight and an opening of the deck is closed with a seat to form a body internal space. An intake duct for introducing atmospheric air from outside the body is provided in the space. An engine and a turbocharger connected to an exhaust manifold of the engine are provided in the space and the turbocharger is disposed higher than a body internal opening of the intake duct. A water jacket is formed in a casing of a turbine portion of the turbocharger and an oil jacket is formed in a bearing casing of the turbocharger, and cooling water is supplied to the water jacket and cooling oil is supplied to the oil jacket. The cooling water to the water jacket is supplied by a different turbocharger cooling water passage independent of any other cooling water passage.

Abstract: A system for providing exhaust gas recirculation in a multi-cylinder compression ignition internal combustion engine include an EGR valve in communication with an exhaust side of the engine to selectively direct exhaust gases to the EGR system. Charge air is directed through the engine and/or EGR system to purge exhaust gases from the EGR system. Charge air may be supplied to the EGR system by maintaining the intake manifold pressure above the pressure in the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: The goal is to reliably diagnose and compensate for a change in the gas flow passing through an exhaust gas recirculation line. For this purpose, according to a first method, the mass flow passing through the exhaust gas recirculation line is derived as a function of the position and the flow characteristic of the exhaust gas recirculation valve, and, according to a second method, the mass flow is derived from the fresh-air mass flow in the induction pipe and from the induction pipe pressure. Then the difference is determined between the mass flows as ascertained in accordance with the two methods, and from the difference one or plurality of correcting quantities is generated for the mass flow that is derived as a function of the valve position and of the flow characteristic.

Abstract: A bypass venturi assembly for recirculating exhaust gas in an internal combustion engine, and particularly suitable for use in a vehicle, is provided with a housing having an outlet, a combustion air inlet and an exhaust gas inlet. A center piece is positioned within the housing and in communication with the combustion air inlet. The center piece defines a combustion air bypass section therein. An annular venturi nozzle positioned between the housing and the center piece is in communication with the combustion air inlet and defines a combustion air venturi section. The venturi nozzle is in communication with the exhaust gas inlet and defines an exhaust gas venturi section. A combustion air bypass valve is positioned in association with the combustion air bypass section. An exhaust gas valve is positioned in association with the exhaust gas inlet. The venturi nozzle is separate from the housing and allows a nozzle with a particular configuration to be utilized, depending upon the application.

Abstract: A system for treating blow-by gas in a PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system of an internal combustion engine is provided, which comprises a cut-off valve assembly for selectively opening or closing an air duct, a blow-by gas collecting assembly for collecting blow-by gas inside an air intake passageway and ejecting the collected blow-by gas into an intake manifold such that the blow-by gas is re-burned in a combustion chamber, and a controller for controlling operations of the cut-off valve assembly and the blow-by gas collecting assembly.

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: A method for controlling an engine during sensor degradation uses a remaining active sensor. The engine has an exhaust gas recirculation system utilizing pressure sensors upstream and downstream of an orifice. The downstream pressure sensor is coupled to the engine intake manifold and is also used for engine air-fuel ratio control.

Abstract: A split-buss-cable single-cam compound archery bow substantially reduces torque exerted on the bow by the buss cable as the bow is drawn. An adjustable-width and adjustable-position splitter holds split buss cable ends in a substantially parallel spaced-apart configuration. The splitter is adapted to enable attachment at varying positions along the split buss cable and to enable adjustment of the splitter distance. The splitter may be positioned so as to substantially eliminate interference between the split buss cable and an archer's arm as the bow is drawn and released.

Abstract: A decorative tile set of nonuniformly-shaped tiles (tiles with non-parallel sides and/or non-perpendicular comers) is manufactured for interlocking installation adjacent uniformly-shaped tiles, i.e., adjacent to tiles having parallel sides and/or perpendicular corners, as in standard flooring tiles such as laminate flooring planks. A sacrificial bed having a planar upper bed surface is provided, and trenches are cut in the sacrificial bed to define areas on the upper bed surface which at least substantially correspond to tile boundaries. At least one workpiece from which the tiles are to be cut is then provided atop the sacrificial bed with its finished face closely held against the sacrificial bed. The workpiece is then cut to produce tile blanks bounded by tile blank boundaries, with the tile blank boundaries being outwardly spaced from the desired tile boundaries by an offset distance.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus comprising a rotary shaft which is detachably fitted with a rotary tool including a cutting blade. The rotary tool itself or a storage case storing the rotary tool has an indicator which may be a bar code and shows the characteristic properties of the cutting blade. A reading means such as a bar code reader for reading the above indicator showing the characteristic properties of the cutting blade is installed on the cutting apparatus.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing non-seamed stone corners for use on outside edges formed by joining thin stone walls at right angles. Thin stone is used to lay the field of the walls. Then first and second cuts are made in a building stone, removing a residual piece and leaving a corner stone with sides ½ inch to 3 inch thick to match the thickness of the thin stone on the field of the walls. These corner stones are laid on the corner formed by the right angle joint between the walls, giving the illusion of a thick building stone wall with nearly the low cost and easy laying of thin stone. Where the residual piece is large enough, it is used to cut a second corner stone in the same manner.

Abstract: A hand-held breathing device for use by patients having respiratory problems creates a sealed backpressure in the airways of the patient by creating resistance to exhalation. A peep valve is mounted inside a hollow body, and a pre-set compression spring is mounted between the valve and an adjustable cap or cam lever in the main body of the device. A pair of valve openings extend through the wall of the main body, one opening serving as an intake port for inhaling of air by the patient and the second port—for exhalation of carbon dioxide. An intake valve is mounted inside the body between a normally open end of the device and the exhalation valve. In one of the embodiments, the device is attached to a nebulizer to facilitate buildup of positive pressure and delivery of medication to the patients' lungs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining leak and respiratory airflow are disclosed. A pressure sensor (34) and a differential pressure sensor (32) have connection with a pneumotach (24) to derive instantaneous mask pressure and airflow respectively. A microcontroller (38) estimates a non-linear conductance of any leak path occurring at a mask (12) as being the low pass filtered instantaneous airflow divided by the low pass filtered square root of the instantaneous pressure. The instantaneous leak flow is then the conductance multipled by the square root of the instantaneous pressure, and the respiratory airflow is calculated as being the instantaneous airflow minus the instantaneous leak flow. The time constants for the low pass filtering performed by the microcontroller (38) can be dynamically adjusted dependent upon sudden changes in the instantaneous leak flow.

Abstract: An oxygen mask filter system for preventing the transmission of a disease from a patient to medical personnel. The oxygen mask filter system includes a face mask having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a plurality of vent apertures, a disk member movably attached to the exterior surface of the face mask about the vent apertures, and a filter member attached to the interior surface of the face mask for filtering gases prior to expulsion from the interior of the face mask to the exterior through the vent apertures.

Abstract: An earplug includes a body of soft elastomeric material such as a soft resilient foam for insertion in the ear canal, and a stiffener of more rigid material than the body. The stiffener is in the form of a tube rather than a solid rod, so while the stiffener is resistant to column-like collapse, it is easily radially compressed to facilitate compression of the body as it enters the ear canal. The stiffener tube can be filled with soft resilient foam material, to block the passage of sound through the tube. The tubular stiffener can have a slot extending parallel to the length of the stiffener, to allow soft foam material to flow into the tube to fill it, as the foam material that surrounds the tube is molded. Such molding can be accomplished by extruding foam material while the tubular stiffener passes with the extruded foam through the extrusion head.

Abstract: A spine board is equipped with a cervical spine restraint comprising a lower pad, which is adapted to overlie a portion of the spine board and which has a central portion and two lateral portions, and further comprising two lateral pads, each of which is attached to one of the lateral portions. The lower pad has a positionable pad, which is hinged to the central portion of the lower pad and which is positionable in a position wherein the positionable pad overlies the central portion of the lower pad and a position wherein the positionable pad overlies a portion of the spine board but does not overlie the central portion of the lower pad.

Abstract: A device and method for treatment of a tissue specimen disposed in surrounding tissue has a tissue specimen isolating tool and a tissue specimen damager. The tissue specimen isolating tool isolates the tissue specimen from the surrounding tissue. The tissue specimen damager damages the tissue, with a possible end result being necrosis. The severing tool may have a cutting member that is extendable to an outwardly radially bowed position about device. The tissue specimen is isolated by rotating the cutting member about the tissue specimen. The cutting member may be functionally connected to a cutting member radio frequency generation source. The tissue specimen damager may damage the tissue specimen using ionizing radiation, cutting devices, thermal treatment devices, chemical treatment devices, or sealing an outer boundary of the tissue specimen.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head and neck of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the ear, nose and throat. In one aspect, a method is provided for reducing the volume of enlarge swollen tissue in the patient's nose, such as swollen nasal tissue, mucus membranes, turbinates, polyps, neoplasms, cartilage (e.g., the nasal septum) or the like. In particular, the turbinates are treated by positioning one or more electrode terminal(s) adjacent to the turbinates, and delivering electrically conductive fluid, such as isotonic saline, to the nasal cavity to substantially surround the electrode terminal(s) with the fluid.

Abstract: Donor material from a xenogeneic source is modified to enhance its survival time in a recipient by treating the donor material using low-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT). The donor material, such as an organ or cell suspension, is treated with a photosensitizer and irradiated in a low-dose protocol before transplantation into a xenogeneic recipient.

Abstract: A hair curler having a spool for receiving a lock of human hair for wrapping thereabout a core disposed between a rim of the spool and a clip having a first portion and a second portion joined together by a hinge, for clamping the spool and the lock of human hair together for producing a curl in the lock of human hair is disclosed. The spool and the clip of the hair curler, in combination, produces a curl in the lock of human hair when the clip is placed on, and releasably secured to the spool with the lock of human hair sandwiched therebetween the spool and the clip without the clip directly contacting the lock of human hair. The first portion and the second portion of the clip are pivotally connected together by a hinge. The first portion and the second portion being biased toward each other when in use by fabricating the clip from a flexible material which inherently allows the material to flex and to bow when the first portion and the second portion of the clip are gently urged toward each other.

Abstract: A powder puff device containing a powder receptacle which includes a puff unit having a cover, and a receptacle unit having an outlet channel for exhausting the powder from a receptacle which contains powder to the cover of the puff unit whereby a composite unit of the puff unit and the receptacle unit can be easily and conveniently used to make up the user's face anywhere and anytime.

Abstract: A method of removing organic impurities from a surface of a substrate that is used for feeding or processing web material, wherein a jet of an atmospheric plasma is directed onto the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A cleaning gas includes HF gas whose concentration is greater than or equal to 1 vol % and oxygen containing gas whose concentration ranges from 0.5 to 99 vol %. The oxygen containing gas includes at least one of O2 gas, O3 gas, N2O gas, NO gas, CO gas and CO2 gas. The cleaning gas is employed to remove a deposited material generated in a vacuum treatment apparatus for producing a thin film of at least one of Ti, W, Ta, Ru, Ir, a compound thereof and an alloy thereof.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the air circulation line of a jetted bathtub uses a conduit that has one end received within water in the tub and the opposing end received within the air intake nozzle of the tub. Upon activation of the motor, water circulates through the air circulation line in order to clean the line, the water being picked up from the tub via the conduit. If desired, a cleaning solution can be placed into the water or into a housing that is fluid flow connected in series with the conduit, in order to enhance the cleaning process.

Abstract: A grit washer is disclosed having a bearing assembly which supports a conveyor and which is removably mounted to the exterior of the grit washer tank. With the bearing assembly being mounted to the exterior of the tank, the bearing assembly is easily accessible without the need to drain the tank or lift the screw conveyor out of the tank. The bearing assembly can therefore be easily inspected, repaired and/or replaced as necessary. The external placement of the bearing assembly also isolates the bearing assembly from the abrasive grit in the tank thereby minimizing the damage to the bearing assembly caused by the grit.

Abstract: An automated kitchenware washing tank has a pump system with a pump and fluid conduits to couple the pump between an intake opening through one of the walls and discharge openings in the wall of the tank. At least some of the discharge openings are preferably formed in at least one angled portion of the tank wall that faces downwardly into the tank, and, more preferably, on two opposed angled portions that face downwardly into the tank. A control system may be coupled to the pump for controlling the speed with which the pump supplies cleaning fluid to the discharge openings. The control system comprises a speed selector that is adapted to allow a user to activate the speed selector to select between at least two different speeds for pumping the cleaning fluid to the discharge openings. In operation, the automated washing tank pumps cleaning fluid from within the tank through the intake outlet through the fluid conduits and out of the discharge openings into the tank to create turbulence within the tank.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cleaning and sterilizing machine for small articles such as closure elements for pharmaceutical containers consisting of a treatment tank (1) which is supported by a horizontal shaft (3) in a carrier (2) and is mounted so it can rotate about the axis of the shaft (3) and has a funnel-shaped upper part (6) with a loading and unloading opening (8) arranged in it, said treatment tank being closeable by a valve (7) and having inlet and outlet lines (13, 14) for at least one treatment medium such as water, steam or compressed air connected to it and supported by the shaft (3).

Abstract: A system for rinsing and cleaning a wafer carrier and a semiconductor wafer mounted thereon during a polishing process is provided. The system comprises a head spray assembly that includes a spray nozzle and a spray cavity. At least a part of the head spray assembly is moveably positionable between a park position and a spray position. The spray position is proximate to the wafer carrier such that liquid discharged from the spray nozzle is in liquid communication with the wafer carrier and the semiconductor wafer. The liquid as well as the materials rinsed from the wafer carrier and semiconductor wafer may be retained in the spray cavity and channeled out of the head spray assembly.

Abstract: A method of using a fluid injector in fluid communication with a fluid flow line where flow is transferred from the flow line into the fluid injector and back to the fluid flow line. An inlet flow is used to pressurize the storage tank and provide a solution to mix with injection solutions in the tank.

Abstract: A system and method for conveying flowable material through a conduit that creates a strong laminar flow of the material surrounded by a boundary layer flow of the same or a different flowable material, such that long transport distances through dramatic elevation and directional changes can be achieved. Some embodiments of the system include a blower assembly, an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a mixing chamber, wherein the mixing chamber includes an outer barrel, an inner barrel and an accelerating chamber. Low pressure air is supplied to the system by the blower assembly and mixed with particulate material. The air/material mixture is transported through the mixing chamber into the accelerating chamber and through the outlet conduit. In other embodiments, the particulate material is mixed with the air in the accelerating chamber.