Abstract: The vessel includes a lifeboat, a housing positioned at the side of the vessel and defining a recess in which the lifeboat is stowed, hatch access to the lifeboat from a boat deck of the vessel, and an element for deploying the lifeboat from its stowed position.

Abstract: A display device for use on a moving vehicle, said display device comprising: (i) a flexible, inflatable tube with a mouth and a tail end, said tube being adapted such that air currents can flow through the tube and in doing so cause the tube to inflate; (ii) a reinforced collar region around the mouth of the tube; (iii) a first attachment means being an integral part of or adapted to attach to a vehicle; (iv) a second attachment means adapted to attach the collar region of tube to the first attachment means on the motor vehicle; and wherein the sides of the tube are adapted to display advertising or other display material.

Abstract: A fuel level indicator system includes a housing member that is couplable to a fuel tank. The housing member is positionable adjacent to a vent opening in the fuel tank. The housing member defines an interior space. The housing member has a lower aperture facilitating environmental communication between the interior space and an interior of the fuel tank. The housing member has an upper aperture. A vent portion is coupled to the housing. The vent portion is in environmental communication with the interior space of the housing member via the upper aperture. The vent portion facilitates air flow from the interior of the fuel tank through the housing and out of the system. A whistle assembly is positioned substantially within the housing. The whistle assembly produces an aural indication of airflow through the housing member.

Abstract: A wear indicating foot for use on the bottom of a leg of a mobility assisting device having a coupler for coupling the foot to the leg. A ground engaging base opposite the leg has a bottom surface for contact with the ground. An upper surface extends laterally from the coupler opposite the bottom surface. At least one void opening on the upper surface extends into the ground engaging base in a direction towards the bottom surface. The at least one void opening has a predetermined depth so that excessive wear of the bottom surface is indicated by the bottom surface contacting the void opening.

Abstract: A pizza-topping apparatus for dispensing automatically various toppings for pizzas at a pizzeria. The pizza-topping apparatus includes a conveyor assembly. including a housing having side, back, and bottom walls and also having an open top, and also including a conveyor belt movable through and along the open top of said housing; and also includes a storage assembly including a cabinet being mounted in the housing; and further includes a condiment dispensing assembly being securely mounted above the conveyor belt and including a plurality of dispenser members; and also includes an assembly for cleaning the dispenser members.

Abstract: A hay saver insert is adapted to be removably positioned on and within a conventional cylindrical hay feeder. The insert includes an upper end portion which rests upon the upper end of the conventional feeder and a conical-shaped portion which extends downwardly into the interior of the feeder. Hay is placed within the insert and the animals have access thereto. Hay being pulled from the insert by the animals may fall into the area between the conical-shaped portion of the insert and the interior of the feeder which prevents the hay from being trampled.

Abstract: The first skirt portion has an outward extension in the form of a substantially smooth upper circumferential edge, wherein the upper edge itself has an extension in the form of a second skirt portion extending downwardly and outwardly to a lower circumferential edge. The bottom portion has on its lower face an adhesive member such as a two-sided adhesive. The ratio of the average inner diameter of the first skirt portion to the inner height of the bowl is at least about 3, and advantageously ranges from about 3.5 to 7.5, and preferably, from 4 to 6.

Abstract: An extended hummingbird feeder tube is provided which has a tubular shaft length of at least about six times the length of the internal diameter of the tubular shaft, and which extends to substantially a bottom portion of an upright reservoir to facilitate efficient and effective feeding for hummingbirds. Preferably, the hanging, upright tube has an annular lip which can take the form of various flower blossoms in order to replicate the external and internal characteristics of a typical flower.

Abstract: New and improved molded magnetic geometrical components are used as underwater ornamentation to form the scenery in aquariums and other aquatic displays. These modular imitation rocks and/or other shapes, when added to an aquarium will create a natural setting for the fish. These rocks, gravel, reefs, and other water icons are constructed, in various shapes, sizes, and colors, out of magnetizable materials, having north and south magnetic poles. To form the display, a two-dimensional background structure of the display is constructed from a ferromagnetic material. A first layer of the shaped molded magnetic components are then placed on the background structure, with the magnetic component's north and south poles properly aligning to firmly hold the components on the background structure. Then the various molded magnetic components are stacked on to the first layer of molded magnetic components to construct a three-dimensional scene.

Abstract: A method for drying slurry, comprising the steps of: providing an air-permeable drying bed with a suitable carrier material, arranging, for instance spraying, on the drying bed the (semi-liquid) slurry, drawing in and/or blowing drying air and guiding this air through the drying bed; removing thus dried (semi-liquid) slurry, shuffling the carrier material at chosen times, measuring quantities of the drying air; measuring quantities of air guided through the drying bed; and arranging the (semi-liquid) slurry, shuffling the carrier material and removing dried (semi-liquid) slurry on the basis of the measured quantities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pet chew composition that is ductile and holds inclusions, such as fibers, hard components, and mixtures thereof. Any of a variety of polymeric materials can be used, as long as the resultant pet chew is sufficiently ductile and can hold the tooth-cleaning components in contact with a tooth, while a pet's teeth penetrate the polymer, or as the pet rubs its teeth on the polymer, while gnawing or chewing on the resultant pet chew.

Abstract: A dog toy (10) comprising a gyroflier disk (12) having a convex upper surface (22), a concave lower surface (24), and a circular rim around the circumference (26). Through the radial center of the disk (12) is an aperture (14). Inserted vertically into the aperture (14) is a short length of rope (16). The top end of the rope (16) is tied in a knot (18) that is positioned close to, and above, the upper surface (22) of the disk (12). The lower end of the rope (16) is tied in a knot (20) that is positioned close to, and below, the lower surface (22) of the disk (12). The lower knot (20) is large enough to cause the lower edge of the circumferential rim (26) to be positioned sufficiently above a relatively flat surface upon which the toy (10) rests that a dog may be able to insert its mouth under the rim (26) in order to pick up the toy (10). If the toy (10) is at rest on the ground or other relatively flat surface, the dog may pick it up by grabbing the upper knot (18) in its mouth.

Abstract: A moisture actuated imaging device comprising a base sheet having a latent image provided on the surface of the sheet, a water soluble colorant material adapted to expose the latent image and an attractant for inducing a pet animal to lick the base sheet whereby the water soluble colorant is caused to render the latent image visible.

Abstract: A flue gas energy transfer system for increasing the efficiency of hot-water and/or steam boiler. They system utilizes an arrangement of heat transfer ducts with damper elements for the selective diverting exhaust combustion gases. The heat transfer ducts transmit the exhaust gases for contiguous contact with the boiler for conductive heat transfer. The heated gases are retained within the transfer duct after boiler shutdown for maintaining an elevated water temperature.

Abstract: A trefoil for a rotary kiln is provided that has at least three spoke-like refractory legs. Each one of the legs extends radially outwardly from a center of the trefoil; spans approximately from the kiln shell to the center of the kiln; is pre-formed outside of the kiln for installation as a single-leg unit; and has a mating surface that preferably is uniform and even, thereby lacking interlocking features. The mating surfaces of the legs abut one another at the kiln center to provide mutual support. An alignment member, such as a pair of longitudinal angles, are welded to the kiln shell to position the legs. A corresponding method of installing the trefoil is disclosed that includes positioning and shimming the first two legs at the 4 o'clock position and 8 o'clock position, and installing the third leg at the 12 o'clock position.

Abstract: An upper bundle steam generator cleaning, inspection, and repair system including a deployment support device receivable within the steam generator to raise a cleaning device, an inspection device, and/or a tool up to the upper bundles of the steam generator.

Abstract: An intermediate heat exchanger-incorporated type steam generator having an intermediate heat exchanger tube 20 and a steam generating heat exchanger tube 22 disposed separately in a vessel 10 storing a secondary coolant 14 therein. A pump mechanism is made of an electromagnetic pump mechanism formed by an electromagnetic driving coil 24 provided on an outer circumference of the vessel and a magnetic core 26 attached to an inner cylinder 12 disposed in the vessel. At least one porous plate or slotted plate 18 is preferably disposed between the intermediate heat exchanger tube and steam generating heat exchanger tube.

Abstract: A method for positioning superheaters (2, 3, 4, 5) in biomass burning steam generators, and a steam generator. The steam generator comprises a combustion chamber (1), a flue gas duct (6), a steam circuit (7), and the superheaters (2, 3, 4, 5) positioned for minimizing corrosion at a high temperature. The steam generator is fitted with at least two superheaters (2, 3, 4, 5), whose positioning in the flue gas duct (6) and serial arrangement in the steam circuit (7) are effected in such a way that the superheater's or superheaters' heat transfer surface has its surface temperature remaining below the melting point of KOH, 406° C. (corresponds to a steam temperature of about 350-380° C.) down to the point in the flue gas duct (6), at which the flue gases' temperature has fallen to 750° C. While the flue gases are within the range of less than 750° C.

Abstract: An improved support for a tube bundle of a nuclear steam generator has a pair of plates separated by spacers and holding slotted disc springs used to mount tubes through tube holes of the pair of plates. The slotted disc springs deform upon installation and substantially eliminate tube vibration during use, thereby extending the useful life of the tubes. At the same time, the springs limit the pressure drop between sides of the support and enhance the heat transfer from the tubes.

Abstract: An arrangement for cooling a piston in a combustion engine of piston and cylinder type with a nozzle installed in a crankcase in order to spray cooling oil towards the underside of the piston including devices for supplying oil to the nozzle. The outlet end of the nozzle exhibits an elongate curved and preferably substantially U-shaped or C-shaped outlet aperture cross-section.

Abstract: A cooling nozzle in accordance with the invention cools the piston of an internal combustion engine. The nozzle includes a nozzle body with a penetrating part shaped to engage in a bore of the engine and to receive a cooling fluid. The nozzle includes an internal valve consisting of a piston guided and sliding in a guide bore of the nozzle body. The piston includes a head oriented in the upstream direction and bearing against an annular seat. The piston is urged towards the annular seat by a compression coil spring. The cooling nozzle for high-pressure engine cooling circuits and incorporating an internal valve obtained therefore has greater durability.

Abstract: A rotary engine, pump or compressor with a intake/exhaust ports in end plates and a rotatably mounted block mounted in a framework. In an embodiment cylinder sets are mounted in the block and each includes opposing cylinders with ends which include transfer ports disposed to alternately form passageways with the intake and exhaust ports as the cylinders rotate with the block. A novel crankset operatively connects the block to the driveshaft.

Abstract: A first stopper device is arranged between an output element of a planetary gear unit and a drive rotation member driven by an output shaft of an engine. The first stopper device stops a relative rotation therebetween when a relative rotation angle therebetween comes to a first predetermined degree. A second stopper device may be arranged between a free element of the planetary gear unit and an input element of the planetary gear unit. The second stopper device stops a relative rotation therebetween when a relative rotation angle therebetween comes to a second predetermined degree.

Abstract: In a valve timing control system, an intermediate rotator is rotated with respect to a driving plate and a lever shaft to make radial displacement of a ball engaged with a spiral slot of the intermediate rotator along a radial slot. The radial displacement is converted into relative rotation of the driving plate and the lever shaft through a link. A bottomed cylindrical guide member which is rotatably supported by a front end of the link has a base engaged with the spiral slot. The ball engaged with the spiral slot, a retainer for supporting the back of the ball, and a coil spring for biasing the ball through the retainer are accommodated in a hold hole of the guide member. Disengagement of the ball from the spiral slot is prevented by an abutment of an end face of the retainer and a bottom wall of the hold hole.

Abstract: A sheet metal rocker arm manufactured by the steps of punching one metal plate to form a blank having a predetermined contour and through holes, and subjecting this blank to a bending work based on a press work to form a pair of side walls parallel to each other and a connecting portion for connecting the both ends of the side walls in the width direction thereof. This rocker arm is also provided with at least a pair of though holes formed at positions which are aligned with each other on the both side walls and at least one engagement portion provided in a part of the connecting portion. The thickness of at least one engagement portion, is formed to be greater than the thickness of the both side walls.

Abstract: An engine-starting apparatus includes an electric motor and an overrunning clutch that transmits a rotational torque of the electric motor to an internal combustion engine. A coupling speed for re-coupling the clutch for re-cranking the engine while it is still rotating by the inertia is set to a point where an inertial speed of the engine becomes equal to or a little higher than an inertial speed of the electric motor. The electric motor is switched on again when its speed decreases to the coupling speed or lower. In this manner, shocks and noises generated in the re-coupling of the clutch are avoided, and the engine can be smoothly re-cranked while it is still rotating by its inertia.

Abstract: An engine with an electromagnetic driving valve reduces a loss during a cranking operation to shorten a starting time, reduce an electric power consumption for a starter motor, and prevent an interference between a valve system and a piston. Intake and exhaust valves are sequentially excited and started such that, after starting the cranking operation by a starter motor, a first cranking rotating speed can be reached, and the valves can be all closed at a predetermined cranking angle. All intake and exhaust valves are closed and the cranking rotating speed reaches an ignition point by the supply of a fuel and the continuous operation of the engine can be performed at more than a second cranking rotating speed, and the intake and exhaust valves can be switching controlled in the normal cylinder process.

Abstract: An automatic compression release mechanism for implementation in an internal combustion engine, and a method of assembling such a mechanism, are disclosed. The mechanism includes a camshaft assembly including a cam gear, a cam lobe with a notch positioned along a first side of the gear, a tube passing through the gear and aligned with the notch, and a support on a second side of the gear. The mechanism additionally includes an arm including a weight and shaft coupled to one another, where an end of the shaft includes a recess, and where the shaft is rotatably positioned within the tube and the end of the shaft with the recess extends into the notch. The mechanism further includes a retaining member positioned onto the support so that the weight is positioned between the retaining member and the tube and retained with respect to the gear.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having one or more power pistons reciprocating in one or more cylinders has at least one fuel inlet valve of the piston type at each cylinder. An inlet valve sleeve has an open end at the top of the cylinder and has fuel inlet ports situated away from the cylinder. A valve piston in the sleeve is movable towards the cylinder and away from the cylinder by an actuator system to open and close the valve. The actuator system varies timing and duration of the open periods of the valve to control engine power output thereby eliminating any need for a throttle valve and its attendant power losses. Valve piston movement also varies the effective compression ratio in the engine cylinder as a function of power output thereby further increasing fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A crankshaft support structure for an engine. An inner race forming a part of a main bearing is loosely fitted onto a bearing seat of a shaft. A direction of thrust is fixed by a flange of a timing sprocket which is press-fitted onto the shaft. The outer diameter R1 of the timing sprocket and the outer diameter R3 of the flange are respectively set so that they are smaller than the outer diameter R4 of the inner race. An outer race of the main bearing is press-fitted and fixed to the side of a left crankcase and a roller is integrated. When the shaft enters the inside of the roller, the timing sprocket and the flange pass through the inside of the roller, and the inner race is fitted to the roller. As a result, the inner diameter R2 of the inner race can be made smaller than the outer diameter R1 of the timing sprocket. Thus the main bearing supporting the crankshaft is miniaturized and lightened.

Abstract: Modern internal combustion engines require the provision of an electrical connection to electrically controlled devices disposed within a cylinder head cover. Prior mechanisms for providing such electrical connections have been complex and awkward to assembly while maintaining the desired sealing characteristics and, in many instances, have not provided a ready way to remove the cylinder head cover without breaking the electrical connection to the electrically controlled devices. To address these deficiencies, a readily usable and fluid-tight connection arrangement and path through the cylinder head cover can be provided by way of a first connector that is moveable by a suitable tool to engage the internal surface of the head cover adjacent an aperture in the head cover. A second connector can be mated with the first connector from the exterior and engages the exterior of the head cover.

Abstract: In a handheld type four-cycle engine, a valve operation mechanism includes a camshaft rotatably supported in a cylinder head so as to open and close an intake valve and an exhaust valve and a timing transmission placed on one side outside an engine main body and providing association between a crankshaft and the camshaft, and a centrifugal clutch for power output is mounted on the crankshaft on the opposite side outside the engine main body. The timing transmission and the centrifugal clutch being positioned at the two ends of the crankshaft improves the weight balance, the centre of gravity of the engine can be made as close to the central part of the crankshaft as possible, which, together with the reduced weight, can enhance the operability of the engine.

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine has a housing and a working wheel mounted rotatably in the housing. At least one working piston is provided on the working wheel for taking in and compressing air or a fuel-air mixture and for converting gas pressure resulting from combustion of the fuel-air mixture into mechanical energy. A counter wheel with a working piston recess is provided. A combustion chamber for combusting a fuel-air mixture is formed in operation continuously anew between working piston, working wheel, counter wheel, and housing. First air vanes form spokes of the working wheel and take in the fuel-air mixture or the air through the working wheel for pre-compression of air or of a fuel-air mixture. The wheel is pulley-shaped and has an annular channel extending in a circumferential direction. The working piston is arranged fixedly in the annular channel.

Abstract: A rotary machine having a housing with rotary components disclosed within. The rotary machine is configurable as an internal combustion rotary engine, an external combustion rotary engine, a gas compressor, a vacuum pump, a liquid pump, a drive turbine, or a drive turbine for expandable gases or pressurized liquids. The combustion engine employs a new thermal cycle—eliminating the Otto cycle's internal compression of the combustion products as part of the cycle. The new combustion thermal cycle is intake, expansion and exhaust.

Abstract: A direct fuel injection engine has a fuel injection valve that injects fuel toward a cavity formed in a top of a piston, and a spark plug that ignites the fuel-air mixture resulting from the fuel injection. The direct fuel injection engine is configured to strengthen the penetration of the fuel streams, to improve the directionality of the fuel streams and to stably form an agglomerate fuel-air mixture close to the spark plug. The cavity preferably has a bottom surface, a curved surface, and a flat surface. In a plan view taken along the center axis of the engine cylinder, cavity C is shaped like an ellipse whose foci are located at the tip of fuel injection valve and the spark discharge gap of spark plug, respectively. The fuel injection valve has a plurality of injection vents that spray solid-core fuel streams.

Abstract: During stratified-charge combustion operation of a direct-injection spark ignition engine, at the cylinder compression stroke, a tumble is generated which flows between a spark plug electrode and a piston crown surface toward an injector. A fuel is injected from the injector in correspondence with the cylinder ignition timing by controlling the penetration of fuel spray from the injector to correspond to the tumble flow rate so that the fuel spray may go against the tumble, become a flammable mixture at the cylinder ignition timing and stay near the spark plug electrode. In the late stage of the compression stroke, diffusion of the flammable mixture is suppressed with squishes. Thus, fuel spray behavior in the combustion chamber is controlled to allow suitable mixture stratification over a wide engine operating condition range. This improves combustion quality and extends a stratified-charge combustion zone thereby providing enhanced fuel economy and power output.

Abstract: A device and a method for controlling an internal combustion engine. At least one first partial injection and one second partial injection are provided per injection cycle. One of the two partial injections is shifted in response to certain operating conditions being active. A correction value for a variable characterizing the delivery period is determined as a function of the shift of the partial injection.

Abstract: A common-rail injection system includes a first accumulator of high pressure and a second accumulator of low pressure. The common-rail injection system includes a post injection control device for injecting additional low-pressure fuel from the second accumulator through a fuel injection nozzle after main fuel is injected. The post injection control device injects the additional fuel the injection terminates at a first timing when the fuel pressure in either fuel passage or second accumulator lowers to a predetermined value lower than that of the high-pressure fuel or at a second timing when an exhaust stroke of the engine is completed, whichever earlier.

Abstract: An electronic throttle body uses a spring and an insert to generate a force tending to oppose the motion of opening a throttle. The insert locates and centers the coils of the spring and also acts during assembly to place the proper amount of torsion on the spring and the throttle body system. Once a throttle body motor or other force ceases to exert force against the spring, the spring causes the throttle to close.

Abstract: An electronic enhanced mobility control interface of a mobility enhancement system implemented in a motor vehicle having a conventional electronic throttle control system. The electronic enhanced mobility throttle interface includes an auxiliary electronic throttle sensor in duplication of the conventional throttle pedal electronic throttle sensor, wherein the driver's selection of either the auxiliary or throttle pedal position throttle sensor is interfaced transparently to an engine electronic controller, as for example an engine control module (ECM/PCM) for processing to the electronic throttle control (ETC) subsystem. The electronic mobility enhancement throttle interface further includes an auxiliary throttle control by which the driver executes throttle commands to the auxiliary electronic throttle sensor, a data switch for connecting one or the other of the throttle pedal position and auxiliary electronic throttle sensors processing electronics to the ECM/PCM.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a throttle of an electronic throttle control-equipped engine including providing a throttle position feedback signal as a function of integer counts, each of the counts representing a resolution of a predetermined angle of actual throttle position, providing a desired throttle position command as a setpoint value being a function of half counts and generating an error signal representing a difference between the desired throttle position command value and the throttle position feedback signal value. A relay output signal is generated in response to the error signal, the relay output signal having one of two values depending upon a sign of the error signal and a direction of change of the error signal. A throttle actuator command is then generated as a function of the relay output signal value having a half count resolution.

Abstract: A four-cycle engine for a marine drive has an air induction device introducing air to a combustion chamber. The air induction device defines an intake port next to the combustion chamber. An intake valve is movable between open and closed positions of the intake port. A valve actuator is journaled on the engine body for rotation to actuate the intake valve at a set angular position. A setting mechanism is arranged to set the valve actuator to the angular position between advanced and delayed angular positions. A sensor is arranged to sense an amount of the air within the induction device. A control system is configured to control the setting mechanism based upon the signal of the sensor. The control system controls the setting mechanism to set the valve actuator to an angular position that is closer to the first angular position than a present angular position when the signal indicates that the amount of the air increases and a change rate of the amount is greater than a preset change rate.

Abstract: When control conditions are satisfied, an A/F value is estimated from an average value of rotation speed Ne and an increasing rotation speed &Dgr;Ne calculated. The estimated A/F value as a base is obtained from the average value of the rotation speed Ne, and a correction value for the estimated A/F value is obtained from the increasing rotation speed &Dgr;Ne. Then, a fuel increment/decrement correction coefficient &ggr; and an air increment/decrement correction coefficient &bgr; are calculated, and used in the control of A/F ratio toward a target A/F value based on a final estimated A/F value.

Abstract: A HEUI system uses a fixed displacement, radial piston pump to provide a generally constant pump flow of high pressure hydraulic fluid over the operating speed range of the radial piston pump to minimize parasitic power drains on the engine. The radial piston pump includes an orificing suction slot to vary the pump displacement over the operating speed of the pump. A throttling valve at the pump inlet may be provided to starve inlet fluid feed if reduced flow to the injectors is additionally required.

Abstract: A fuel rail that forms a conduit for pressurized fuel to be delivered to at least one fuel injector. The fuel rail includes an elongated member that is corrugated such that the fuel rail acts as a pressure damper. A method of reducing pressure pulsation in a fuel system is achieved by configuring a fuel of a second configuration from an initial configuration, the second configuration having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having at least three points defining a virtual plane, the first portion including a continuous surface that intersects the virtual plane at a plurality of positions.

Abstract: In fuel rail/fuel conduit connecting structure in an engine for an outboard engine system, a first connecting bore opens into an end face of a fuel rail, and a second connecting bore opens into an end face of a terminal member having a connecting pipe portion which is projectingly provided on one side thereof and to which an end of the fuel conduit is connected. One of halves of a joint collar is fitted to an inner peripheral surface of the first connecting bore with a first seal member interposed therebetween, and the other half of the joint collar is fitted to an inner peripheral surface of the second connecting bore with a second seal member interposed therebetween. Thus, it is possible to connect the fuel rails and the fuel conduits to each other, while providing reduction in number of parts and number of assembling steps for the connecting structure and moreover, the connecting structure is excellent in corrosion resistance.

Abstract: In a feed unit for delivering fuel from a supply tank (10) with a filter cup (13) having a central chamber (14) and an annular chamber (15) enclosing the latter, with a filter cover (30) which closes the annular chamber (15) and which contains an inlet duct (36) to the annular chamber (15) and an outlet duct (37) from the annular chamber (15), and with a feed pump (22) which is inserted in the central chamber (14) and which projects with a suction connection piece (26) through an opening (20) into a suction space (19), assembly is simplified and manufacturing costs are reduced in that the clearance diameter of the central chamber (14) is dimensioned so as to be greater than the outer diameter of the pump housing (23), and an axially projecting pressure connection piece (27) is formed at the other end side of the housing (23) remote of the suction connection piece (26) and a mounting cap (38) which engages over the pressure connection piece (27) is formed at the filter cover (30).

Abstract: A micro-pulsation fuel injection system with underpressure stabilizer, comprising a fuel supply system, a fuel tank, a micropump, and a compression pump. The micropump ejects fuel into an intake pipe. The compression pump is connected with a fuel supply pipe of the micropump, for keeping underpressure of the inlet of the micropump against the intake pipe stable. Incoming fuel passes through a fuel chamber, separated by a membrane from a pressure chamber, which in turn is connected to the intake pipe. The membrane deforms according to pressure in the intake pipe, changing volume of the fuel chamber and generating underpressure of fuel therein. Additionally, a regulating valve is installable between the compression pump and the micropump for stabilizing the difference of pressures at the inlet of the micropump and in the intake pipe. Thus the quantity of fuel ejected by the micropump is precisely controlled.

Abstract: The fuel premetering device has a valve controlled by an electromagnet and located between a delivery conduit of a high-pressure pump supplying fuel to a common rail, and a drain conduit for draining surplus fuel. The valve is normally closed by a spring, and the electromagnet is energized to open the valve in opposition to the spring. The electromagnet is energized by a current varying in response to the operating conditions of the engine, and which is varied by a control unit from zero, at which the valve is closed completely by the spring, to a predetermined value, at which the electromagnet opens the valve completely, so that premetering is self-adaptive.

Abstract: A vapor purge system that permits evaluation of the system with a minimum number of hoses and connections, and without the use of additional components. The system includes a valve having first and second ports in communication with a first chamber and a third port in communication with a second chamber, the first and second chambers being defined by a metering member that divides an internal volume of a housing. A first conduit connects a diagnostic member having first and second operative states with the first chamber, the connection being made through the second port. The first operative state prohibits communication with an exterior of the valve, and the second operative state permits communication with the exterior. The diagnostic member provides the ability to reliably measure flow through the valve. The system can use three (3) hoses including five (5) connections from a vapor supply port connected with the first port to the third port operatively connected with a manifold.