Abstract: A tray assembly that includes an enlarged tray member, optional sorting boxes that can connect laterally to either side of the tray member, and detachable straps that allow support of the tray member by one or more automobile seats. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use by adult and child travelers to assemble jigsaw puzzles, create artwork, and play with model cars and other toys that are small in size or have multiple small parts associated therewith.

Abstract: A convertible shelving unit with adjustable shelves includes an adaptable shelving system which allows a user to arrange the shelving into horizontal and cradling positions.

Abstract: A fabric holder of the type that attaches to a carriage of an embroidery machine and positions an embroidery frame in position relative to an embroidery platform, including a base, and multiple fabric clamping frame sets, each of the clamping frame sets having a lower clamping member and an upper clamping member mounted for movement between a closed position and an open release position. The lower clamping member and the upper clamping member of a selected set are releasably attached to the fabric holder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric tensioning device for stretching fabric on a sewing machine. The fabric tensioning device includes a cylindrical frame having a window extending in a longitudinal direction. A fabric clamping member clamps down the cloth material against the frame for presenting the material to the embroidery needle at the window in a tensioned state. The clamping member opens and closes on the frame and has a pair of opposing fabric clamps on the left and right side of the frame that are oblong in the longitudinal direction with open front edges. The fabric clamps are tightened against the frame by belts in the front and rear thereof.

Abstract: A monohull marine platform is provided which includes a plurality of bows each having a flat lower keel. A transverse stern seal is connected to the bows using an inclined lift surface and a pair of outboard seals forming an air chamber. Pressurized air is forced into the air chamber to form a pressurized air cushion under the platform. Respective water flow channels disposed between each pair of the plurality of bows diminish wave energy during operation. As the platform passes through the water, the platform utilizes a combination of flotation, pneumatic, and hydrodynamic for reduced resistant and drag.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying powder coating material onto large objects such as automotive, truck or other vehicle bodies includes a powder spray booth defining a controlled area within which to apply powder coating material onto the vehicle bodies, a powder kitchen located at a remote position from the powder spray booth, and, a number of feed hoppers located proximate the booth which receive powder coating material from the powder kitchen and supply it to automatically or manually manipulated powder spray guns associated with the booth. Oversprayed powder coating material is removed from the booth interior by a powder collection and recovery system which transmits the oversprayed powder back to the powder kitchen for recirculation to the powder spray guns.

Abstract: A cassette table on which a wafer cassette is supported allows static electricity to be discharged from the cassette and hence, form the wafers disposed in the cassette. The cassette table includes a top plate, a cassette supporter that is mounted on the top plate and supports the cassette. At least part of the cassette supporter is made of a material that allows static electricity to be discharged to ground therethrough.

Abstract: A method for serving animals, such as milking dairy animals, allowed to go loose in an enclosed area, with animal stalls with a robot. The stalls have entrance and exit gates that are controlled. A service area includes at least three stationary animals stalls around a robot to form a central robot inner area. The robot is associated with the controller for the gates and is capable of moving to and serving each one of the animal stalls. A strolling area is arranged between the outer border of the enclosed area and the central robot area with animal stalls that is divided into subareas in various ways by the use of separators that may include controlled one-way passing gates for the animals.

Abstract: A bird feeding accessory comprising a collet, having a collar with a threaded cap, the collar housing a resilient sleeve; wherein the threaded cap may be tightened around a variety of resilient sleeves, each sleeve being adapted to grip a rod of varying size by use of a slit in the sleeve and co-operating tapered sections in the collar and sleeve.

Abstract: An easy to clean, flexible plastic mesh thistle seed containing sack provides a broad substantially planar surface for simultaneously viewing a surprisingly large number of colorful birds. Its mesh openings are configured to enable perching of small birds during feeding, and several substantially separated discrete centrally positioned feeding apertures are dimensioned to make it easy for the birds to feed, to keep them at the feeder, and yet without wasting of tiny thistle seed. An opening is formed within an upper portion of the flexible mesh thistle seed containing sack for inserting seed therein, and a closure member is seated over the opening, providing easy access for refilling of seed. The closure member remains seated upon the top of the sack by gravity and yet can be readily displaced upwardly for gaining access to the sack. The closure member at the same time also functions as a bird supporting perch.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus (10) which includes a plurality of selectively adjustable support straps (12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 52) which may be selectively attached to an animal (100), a pair of weight pockets (48, 58) which allow substantially any desired weight (65) to be removably disposed within the weight pockets (48, 58) effective to provide an animal (100) with resistance training.

Abstract: A device for safely tagging and releasing large fish includes a long pole to which is attached at its distal end a holder body for retaining therewithin an axially extending cutting blade and, at its tip portion, a tag applicator.

Abstract: The above discussed and other drawbacks and deficiencies are overcome or alleviated by a reductant injection system for an internal combustion engine including a selective reduction system communicated with the internal combustion engine, a vehicle sensor communicated with the internal combustion engine, a controller, wherein the controller is communicated with the selective reduction system and the vehicle sensor and a reductant storage device communicated with the selective reduction system.

Abstract: An engine cooling system controls a cooling degree of an engine 1 according to an operating condition thereof by circulating cooling water through the engine. This system is provided with a flow rate regulating valve 8 for regulating a circulation flow rate of the cooling water. An electronic control unit (ECU) 30 controls the valve 8 to open at a predetermined opening when determining the engine 1 as being stopped. In this opening control, the ECU 30 controls to bring a valve element into contact with a valve body once and then move the valve element to determine the predetermined opening with reference to a full-closed position of the valve element.

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 internal combustion engine includes a variable compression ratio apparatus, a field-sensitive fluid coupled to the variable compression ratio apparatus, and a circuit for applying a field to the field-sensitive fluid to configure the variable compression ratio apparatus in accordance with a selected compression ratio of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The valve driving apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes a valve element functioning as an intake valve or an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine, an electromagnetic actuator for driving the valve element, an actuator body having a plurality of electromagnetic actuators mounted thereto, and wiring for supplying electric power to each of the electromagnetic actuators. The actuator body has a flow path for allowing a cooling medium to flow therethrough. The wiring is provided near the flow path of the actuator body. This structure enables a reduction in space for power distribution while minimizing overheating of the wires.

Abstract: In an engine having an intake device provided with a solenoid valve, an amount of intake air is controlled on a basis of a duty control by means of a control unit, and the control unit includes an element for recognizing a state which is evidently different from a normal state to thereby stationarily hold a duty of the solenoid valve at a necessary set value.

Abstract: The invention relates to valve condition control system and method for an internal combustion engine including a first variable valve drive mechanism for changing a valve condition of one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve, a second variable valve drive mechanism for changing a valve condition of the other of the intake valve and the exhaust valve, and a controller.

Abstract: A valve actuation system is provided. The system includes an engine valve moveable between a first position where the engine valve prevents a flow of fluid relative to the engine valve and a second position where the engine valve allows a flow of fluid relative to the engine valve. A first cam is rotated to move the engine valve from the first position to the second position during a first lift period. A second cam is rotated to affect movement of the engine valve between the first position and the second position during a second lift period. A phase shifting device is operatively connected to the second cam and is adapted to adjust the rotational phase of the second cam relative to the first cam, thereby adjusting the relative timing between the first lift period and the second lift period.

Abstract: An arrangement for relative angle of rotation adjustment of a camshaft of an internal-combustion engine has an interior part non-rotatably connected with the camshaft and having at least approximately radially extending webs or blades. A driven cell wheel has several cells distributed along the circumference and bounded by webs. The cells are divided by the webs or blades into pressure spaces. Sealing bodies are arranged in recesses provided on faces of the webs or blades. For sealing off the pressure spaces by a hydraulic action, the sealing bodies are pressed against an interior wall of the cell wheel. The sealing bodies are constructed as rollers which, provided with an installation play, are received in the recesses. During operation of the adjusting unit, the rollers, for sealing purposes, form line contacts with the interior wall of the cell wheel and with the lateral walls of the recesses.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus is provided which comprises an intermediate rotary member rotatable relative to a driving rotary member and a driven rotary member and having a spiral guide of a single spiral. Rotation of the intermediate rotary member caused by a control force applying unit causes radial movement of the guided members which is in turn converted to relative rotation between the driving rotary member and the driven rotary member by the links. The spiral of the spiral guide is defined so that a rate of change of spiral radius per angle is not constant.

Abstract: The present invention prevents abnormal wear of the friction surfaces surrounding the rocker arm, prevents poor lubrication when the engine is started at low temperature after a long period of shutdown, and improves reliability. A bag-shaped oil sump (24) opening upward is provided in the middle part of the rocker arm main body (17). A roller (15) and a roller pin (16) are provided inside the oil sump (24) and when the engine stops, these are immersed in the oil in the oil sump (24). When the engine stops, the area between the roller (15) and the roller pin (16) is lubricated. Further, when the engine is re-started after a long period of shutdown, until the oil has risen, the area between the roller (15) and the cam (8) can be lubricated using the oil adhering to the roller (15). When the rocker arm (6) oscillates downward, the oil in the oil sump (24) is supplied from the oil exhaust (28) by spraying towards the valve shaft end.

Abstract: A manually guided implement having an internal combustion engine, especially one embodied as a two-stroke engine, is provided, and also includes a crankcase and a carburetor. The implement has a fuel-conveying system for supplying fuel to the carburetor. Downstream of the carburetor, via a power line and a metering device disposed in the primer line, the fuel-conveying system is connected to an area that in the intake phase communicates with the crankcase. The metering device is controlled by the pressure in the crankcase.

Abstract: A remote vehicle starter with a capacitor for starting a vehicle by electrically connecting the vehicle starter directly or via the vehicle battery. The vehicle starter capacitor may be connected to a power source during a starting procedure, thereby remaining in a charged state and more effectively starting the vehicle. Optional circuitry, e.g., activating lights and a buzzer, may be present to warn the operator that incorrect vehicular and capacitive polarities have been mated, before the capacitor is discharged.

Abstract: An improved DC electrical starting motor and method for starting internal combustion engines that reduces starter motor noise in the period after the engine starts by effecting breaking of the starter motor shaft at that time. Preferably the braking is accomplished by regenerative braking.

Abstract: A control system for automatically stopping and starting the vehicle's engine is disclosed, which performs the automatic engine-stop and start control while the negative pressure of the fuel tank is maintained at a suitable level. The system comprises a canister for absorbing evaporating fuel generated in the fuel tank and purging the absorbed evaporating fuel into an air intake system of the engine; a pressure control section for controlling the inner pressure of the fuel tank in a manner such that the internal pressure is maintained at a predetermined level lower than the atmospheric pressure at least while the engine is operated; and an engine stop/start determining section for stopping or starting the vehicle according to the driving state of the vehicle, wherein the engine stop/start determining section determines to prohibit an engine stopping operation when the internal pressure of the fuel tank is higher than the predetermined level.

Abstract: An improved air intake manifold for a V-style internal combustion engine comprising three individual injection molded sections joined by friction welding of flanged mating elements. Each section is formed of a high-melting temperature composite polymer. The welds are all on the exterior of the manifold. The mating surfaces are formed to be directly accessible to welding apparatus and are so oriented that friction welding may be carried out by relative motion between the components in the axial direction. When joined, the lower and middle sections form the individual air distribution runners from the plenum to the intake ports in the engine heads. The lower and middle sections are so configured that each such runner crosses the valley of the engine, providing great strength and rigidity to the module. All runners are identical, so that air flows from the plenum to the individual cylinders are substantially identical.

Abstract: Provided are starters for securely starting an internal combustion engine. The starters have a reel rotatably mounted in a case, a starting rope wound on the reel, a rotor rotatably mounted in the case, a spring for storing energy with rotation of the rotor in a predetermined direction, an engaging mechanism for engaging the reel with the rotor with pullout of the starting rope to transmit a torque of the reel to the rotor to store energy in the spring, and an engagement release mechanism for releasing the engagement between the reel and the rotor at the start of rewinding of the starting rope onto the reel to rotate the rotor by a restoring force of the spring. This arrangement permits the internal combustion engine to be started readily and securely.

Abstract: A recoil starter wherein unidirectional rotating means is enabled to sustain a larger magnitude of torque, obviating the employment of parts which are high in mechanical strength, in rigidity and in working precision, thus making it possible to reduce the weight and the manufacturing cost thereof. The recoil starter includes a driving member, a driven member, and buffering/power-accumulating means interposed between the driving member and the driven member. The buffering/power-accumulating means is enabled, during the driving process, to accumulate the power supplied through the driving process while alleviating impact to the driven member. The accumulated power is subsequently employed to drive the driven member.

Abstract: Conventional leaf blowers that are carried on the back of the operator have a starting device placed outside an engine and an fan which means that there position will be far from the back of the operator. This position of the starting device makes it difficult for the operator to reach it and results in that the center of gravity for the tool will be far from the back of the operator. The position also means that the operator must take the tool down from the back to be able to start the tool. In this application is a new arrangement that solves the above-described problem claimed. This is done by placing the starting device (20) for the engine (11) on the side of the fan that is facing towards the back of the operator when the leaf blower is in its right position on the back of the operator. This moves the center of gravity closer to the back of the operator and makes it possible for the operator to reach the starting device without removing the tool from the back.

Abstract: An intake and exhaust valve for an internal combustion engine is provided wherein the stem longitudinal axis is offset from the valve head center. Alternatively, the valve head may have an end having a planar surface wherein the axis and the surface are not perpendicular. Alternatively, the valve head may have an irregular perimeter having a straight edge, and another edge being rounded and generally radiused to the straight edge. Alternatively, the valve head may have a stepped, non-planar shape with respect to the plane of the face of the head. Alternatively, the valve head may have a shape that is pie-shaped. Alternatively, the stem longitudinal axis may be offset from the center point of the valve head, and the valve head may have an end having a planar surface, wherein the longitudinal axis and the planar surface are not perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: In a multi-cylinder engine, an inner space (17) is interposed between upper and lower female screws (9), (13) and an outer wall (14) of a cylinder block (6). Lower peripheral wall portions (15), (15) of a cylinder wall (1) continue with left and right both sides (2c), (2c) of a lower side portion (2b) of an inter-cylinder wall (2) in a front and rear direction and increase their thicknesses progressively as they approach the left and right both sides (2c), (2c).

Abstract: A control method comprises the steps of: selectively supplying fuel gas to some cylinders of an engine on the basis of the power required from it; selecting the quantity of fuel gas supplied to each of the cylinders; and selecting, in successive engines cycles, different cylinders to supply with fuel gas according to a predetermined scheme of rotation.

Abstract: A method of metering fuel with a fuel injector, in particular a fuel injector for fuel injection systems in internal combustion engines is described, having a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator and a valve closing body which is operable by the actuator with a valve lift, cooperating with a valve seat face provided on a valve seat body to form a sealing seat. The valve lift may be adjusted variably as a function of a variable control signal triggering an actuator to produce a variable fuel flow at the sealing seat. To produce afitted curve, the fuel flow of the fuel jet sprayed by the fuel injector is measured as a function of the control signal to produce a fitted curve, and a predetermined fuel flow is set with the control signal by using the fitted curve.

Abstract: An engine control system executes fuel injection and ignition in accordance with a detected engine rotational position. The engine control system has a crank sensor on a crankshaft and a cam sensor on a camshaft. The crank sensor generates a first reference position signal at intervals of 360 degrees CA. The cam sensor generates a second reference position signal at a rotational position different from the crank sensor. The engine control system also includes a means for controlling the engine on the basis of the first reference position signal and a means for controlling the engine on the basis of the second reference position signal. When the engine is started, either of the signals is detected so that it is possible to control the engine in accordance with a rotational position of the engine early. The cam sensor is also used in control of a variable valve timing unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a diesel engine under stoichiometric or slightly fuel-rich conditions, as is often necessary to maintain effective operation of certain post-combustion emission reduction devices, such as Lean NOx Traps, includes a readily vaporizable fuel injection nozzle disposed in the intake manifold system in communication with a combustion chamber of the diesel engine. The readily vaporizable fuel mixes with the intake air and produces a mixture of pre-mixed air and fuel when introduced into the combustion chamber. A diesel fuel, which is directly injected into the combustion chamber through a conventional diesel fuel injection nozzle. Combustion of the pre-mixed air and readily vaporizable fuel, with controlled injected of the diesel fuel, reduces the particulate matter (soot) emissions when operating the engine under the necessary stoichiometric or slightly fuel-rich conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement over conventional engine controls by adjusting engine air/fuel [AF] ratio, as a function of fuel volatility, during engine start and initial operation. It is comprised of three detection tests to determine the volatility of the fuel and provide compensation to the AF ratio in proportion to that volatility during engine crank and initial operation. The method includes compensating for incomplete fuel vaporization as a function of predicted intake valve temperature.

Abstract: A fuel sensor system for a vehicle includes a fuel pump adapted to be disposed in a fuel tank to pump fuel from the fuel tank to an engine of the vehicle. The fuel sensor system also includes a fuel sensor adapted to be disposed in the fuel tank to measure a property index of the fuel. The fuel sensor system further includes a jet pump connected to the fuel pump to fill the fuel sensor with a fuel sample of the fuel.

Abstract: A grounded fuel delivery module for a fuel system of a vehicle includes a fuel pump adapted to pump fuel from a fuel tank to an engine of the vehicle. The grounded fuel delivery module also includes a retainer contacting the fuel pump and a cover adapted to cover an opening in the fuel tank. The grounded fuel delivery module further includes at least one guide rod interconnecting the cover and the retainer to complete an electrical circuit used for grounding of components attached to either one of the cover and the retainer.

Abstract: An integrated air fuel module (10) for an internal combustion engine reduces or eliminates the escape of hydrocarbon evaporative emissions from the integrated air fuel module (10) system, sub systems and components. The integrated air fuel module (10) includes containment means (34), such as a valve (34) or carbon adsorber, that blocks the escape of evaporated hydrocarbon emissions from the air inlet (16) of an engine during engine off conditions. The module (10) provides a reduced number of potential external hydrocarbon leak and permeation paths to the surrounding atmosphere. Preferred geometries of the intake manifold (12) in the module (10) with the internal integration of other normally external systems, such as fuel injection (60) and positive crankcase ventilation (50) systems, accomplish the containment of evaporative emissions within or entering the air fuel module (10) between engine operating periods when the engine is shut down.

Abstract: To improve a freedom of layout within a narrow cowling of the outboard engine, achieve a reduction of manufacturing cost and an improvement of a maintenance performance of a filter member, a fuel supply apparatus in an outboard engine is structured such that fuel within a fuel tank is supplied into a vapor separator (V) via a low pressure fuel pump, the fuel stored within the vapor separator (V) is pressurized by a high pressure fuel pump (P) and is supplied to a fuel injection valve via a filter, a pump case (10) receiving the high pressure fuel pump (P) is arranged in a side portion of the vapor separator (10), an upper opening thereof is fixed by a cover member (14), a fuel discharge passage (15) connected to a pump discharge passage (PB) of the high pressure fuel pump (P) and a filter receiving recess portion (16) connected to the fuel discharge passage (15) are formed in the cover member (14), and a filter member (17) is detachably arranged in the filter receiving recess portion (16).

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: A fuel injector system according to the present invention has a housing (52) having a valve assembly (56) disposed therein. A solenoid (54) is also disposed within the housing (52). A valve assembly (56) is disposed between an inlet port (82) and an outlet port (80). The valve assembly has a valve seat (74) having an opening (84) therein. A drive pin (108) extends at least partially through valve opening (84). A stop (78) has a spring (86) thereon. A valve element (76) is urged against the valve opening (84) by spring (86). The drive pin is at least partially coated with a lubricating coating. In the preferred embodiment at least a concave surface (144) of drive pin (108) is coated. In addition, a concave surface (140) of stop (108) is also coated. In addition, spring seat (79) may also be coated with a lubricating coating as well.

Abstract: A mixer for a multicylinder gas engine is provided in which a plurality of intake passages extend to a plurality of cylinders. A plurality of gaseous fuel nozzles, each having a nozzle orifice opening in a venturi part of the corresponding intake passage, are provided in a mixer main body. The plurality of gaseous fuel nozzles are connected to a gaseous fuel supply device, wherein a common surge tank housing the plurality of gaseous fuel nozzles and having a fuel intake pipe opening therein is provided on the mixer main body. The fuel intake pipe extends to the gaseous fuel supply device. Intake pressure pulsations that have passed through the gaseous fuel nozzles are attenuated within the surge tank, thereby achieving uniform distribution of a gaseous mixture to each cylinder, minimizes the number of parts, and prevents fluctuations in the fuel concentration of the gaseous mixture.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine and a method of operating said engine, the engine having a plurality of cylinders (3,4,5) each respectively supporting a piston (6) therein, a fuel injection system (2) including a plurality of selectively operable delivery injector nozzles (10), and a gas supply system (7) for supplying gas to the delivery injector nozzles (10), each delivery injector nozzle (10) arranged to respectively deliver fuel by way of said gas directly into a said engine cylinder (3,4,5), the method including opening the delivery injector nozzles (10) of a first said cylinder and a second said cylinder such that gas within the first said cylinder is transferred through the delivery injector nozzle (10) thereof and into the gas supply system (7) resulting in gas being supplied to the delivery injector nozzle (10) of the second said cylinder to thereby effect the delivery of fuel by way of the gas to the second said cylinder.

Abstract: A manually guided implement having an internal combustion engine and a carburetor for supplying the engine with a fuel/air mixture is provided. A combustion air stream is drawn in through the carburetor by the engine. A warming medium heated up by the engine can be passed along the outer surfaces of the carburetor separate from the combustion air stream.

Abstract: An ignition system for use with a spark plug in an internal combustion engine comprising an ignition apparatus for producing a breakdown voltage on a first output thereof configured to breakdown a spark gap of the spark plug a power source having a second output configured for connection to the spark plug, said source being further configured to sustain power to the spark gap during discharge and an impedance having first and second terminals coupled between the first and second outputs, the impedance having an electrical characteristic configured to allow application of the breakdown voltage and suppress high voltage transient.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus includes a high resistivity ferrite central core with a secondary winding disposed directly thereon. The ignition apparatus also includes, in a progressively coaxial fashion, a primary spool, a primary winding disposed on the spool, a case, and an outer core or shield of magnetically permeable material. The ignition apparatus exhibits reduced capacitance, and eliminates radial partial discharge at the inside diameter of the secondary winding.

Abstract: A drive circuit for an ignition system includes an ignition coil and spark plug associated with each cylinder of an internal combustion engine. Each ignition coil has a primary winding with the first end connectable to a power source and a second end opposite the first end connected to a silicon-control rectifier (SCR). Each coil also has a secondary winding connectable to a respective spark plug. The SCR may be integrated with the coil. A main driver device is connected between the other end of the SCR and ground. The driver device is configured to conduct a primary current in response to a drive signal. The SCRs are controlled into conduction by a respective gating signal. A control circuit is configured to generate the gating signals and the drive signal in response to one or more ignition control signals. An SCR for each coil is used to select which coil is allowed to carry current when the main driver is turned on.