Abstract: A seeding machine comprising a transversely extending main frame and left and right transversely extending wing frames. The main frame and the wing frames are provided with a plurality of planting units. Left and right main seed hoppers are mounted to the main frame. The left and right main seed hoppers are transversely separated from one another by a longitudinally extending gap located along the longitudinal centerline of the seeding machine. A pneumatic seed on demand delivery system automatically directs seed from the left and right main seed hoppers to the planting units. A walkway is positioned in the gap between the left and right main seed hoppers to facilitate operator access to the lids of the main seed hoppers.

Abstract: A yarn feed system, enabling the control of individual yarns to the needles of a tufting machine, and which system can be manufactured as a substantially standardized unit or attachment that can be removably mounted to a tufting machine. The yarn feed unit includes a series of yarn feed devices for feeding each of the yarns to the needles of the tufting machine, and a series of yarn feed controllers that monitor and control the operation of the yarn feed devices to control the feeding of the yarns to the needles according to programmed pattern instructions.

Abstract: A sewing apparatus such as a household sewing machine includes a needle bar, a needle bar vertically moving mechanism, a needle bar position changing operation unit operated via the needle bar vertically moving mechanism to change a vertical position of the needle bar, a thread cassette having a thread accommodating section accommodating a supply of thread, a cassette mount to which the thread cassette is detachably attached, a cassette detector detecting the thread cassette attached to the cassette mount, and a needle bar position changing control unit controlling the needle bar vertically moving mechanism so that in a case where the needle bar position changing unit has been operated, the needle bar is changed from an upper stop position to a lower stop position or vice versa according to a position of the needle bar at the time of operation of the needle bar position changing unit when the thread cassette is attached to the cassette mount according to a result of detection by the cassette detector, the nee

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for attachment to a multihull boat, the apparatus including a beam means substantially transversely associated with at least a first hull and a second hull, the first hull and the second hull being laterally opposed and each hull having a longitundinal axis in the direction of travel of the boat, the beam means being pivotably connected to a first hull or adjacent a first hull to allow for horizontal rotational movement of the first hull, the beam means being pivotalbly connected to a second hull or adjacent a second hull to allow for horizontal rotational movement of the second hull, and wherein the beam means is adapted to allow the first hull and the second hull to pitch independently of the other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remotely controlled, water-borne vessel to retrieve floating game on a given body of water, which water-borne vessel is sized, shaped and marked to resemble a waterfowl so as to encourage or attract game birds or waterfowl to the operating site of the water-borne vessel. The water-borne vessel, thus configured is further outfitted with either a grappling structure or ice-breaking member for retrieving or removing downed, floating waterfowl or other surface matter from a body of water. A user may thus propel the outfitted water-borne vessel into adjacency with downed, floating waterfowl, grapple the downed, floating waterfowl and steerably propel the grappled waterfowl to a recipient for retrieving the downed waterfowl. Alternatively, the user may steerably propel the water-borne vessel through skim ice for removing the skim ice or other surface matter from the water surface for alluring waterfowl to the resultant ice-free water surface.

Abstract: A snap assembly has a strap and a shank traversing the strap and provided with male and female snaps facing in opposite directions and engaging the strap therebetween.

Abstract: An offshore offloading system for hydrocarbon products from a storage station such as an LNG/FPSO to a shuttle vessel. The system includes a yoke mooring arrangement having a yoke and a connection assembly. One end of the yoke is selectively disconnectable to the shuttle vessel, while the other end of the yoke is rotatably connected to an end of the connection assembly which has its other end rotatably connected to a frame which extends from an end of the storage station. The yoke and connection assembly are arranged such that a transverse force in the lateral or y-direction moves the end of the yoke less than twice the movement of the yoke in response to an x-direction force. The system also includes arrangements for providing a hydrocarbon fluid flow path from the storage station to the shuttle vessel when the shuttle vessel is disconnectably moored to the storage station.

Abstract: A hydraulically activated device for spacing plural towed lines includes a toroidal and inflatable tube member defining an aperture in an opening of the toroid shape. A plurality of connectors each secure a corresponding one of the plural towed lines to the toroidal and inflatable tube member. The toroidal and inflatable tube member is inflated with sea water to a predetermined volumetric configuration suitable to an operating speed range of the towed lines and upon inflation will space the towed lines in a three-dimensional arrangement therearound. A sheath may also be formed around the toroidal and inflatable tube member, the sheath being formed in cross section as a tear drop or similar streamlined shape.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a towing bar that allows the tow line connection point to move with respect to the watercraft. This movement of the point of force application reduces moments created on the watercraft resulting in pitch, yaw, and roll. The towing bar can be formed as an inverted V-shape. The towing bar can also be formed as a flexible beam that bends in the lateral direction of the object being towed. The watercraft may also include a pylon that can be moved between an operative position and a stowed position. The pylon is selectively supported on one of two longitudinally and vertically displaced mounts and at an upper lateral support member formed by the grab handle.

Abstract: The stern unit (1) provides the movement and the steering of the marine craft. The stern unit (1) comprises a casing (2), a shaft (3), a shaft housing (4), water lubricated bearings (5), propeller (6), rudder (7), a rudder-stand (8) and a hydraulic piston (10). The stern unit (1) contains a fish-back shaped casing (2) acting as a tunnel and a propeller (6) near the outlet of said casing (2). The propeller (6) is connected to the inboard engine mounted in the marine craft, in a straight line by means of the transmission mechanism, using a shaft (3) borne in the shaft housing (4) and water bearings (5) without using any spiders and balls. The rudders activated by means of a hydraulic piston takes place in front of the propeller enable the marine craft to be guided.

Abstract: A personal watercraft and an outfitting system for a personal watercraft are disclosed. The personal watercraft includes a cockpit configured to be occupied by a user when using the watercraft; and an item of outfitting coupled to the watercraft at a location at least partially inside of the cockpit, the item of outfitting being configured to help secure the user in the cockpit. The item of outfitting includes a shaped portion configured to contact the user, and a fluid-holding bladder disposed adjacent the shaped portion, wherein the fluid-holding bladder may be selectively filled with a fluid to push the shaped portion against the user to secure the user in the cockpit more tightly.

Abstract: There is disclosed a support means, especially for mounting or dismounting an offshore platform, comprising an articulated bracket which is movable by horizontally swinging its two articulated arms. In the case of a rather rough sea a compensating movement in the horizontal direction can be effected by appropriately controlling the articulated arms, wherein the reaction forces acting in the horizontal direction are minimal.

Abstract: A flag extension and retraction system comprising an outer pole having a slot for receiving a flag, inner pole rotatably disposed in the outer pole, flag affixed to the inner pole, structure for securing the flag to the inner pole, retraction system for guiding the flag into the outer pole slot, guide sleeve for assisting with the alignment of the flag with the outer pole slot, rotation system for rotating the flag into the outer pole, and elevator system for raising and lowering the inner pole. The instant invention may also include an adjustable base, a plurality of prongs on the outer pole for assisting with guiding the flag into the outer pole slot, a cap attached to the top of the inner pole in a manner that receives the prongs into the cap and electronic controls.

Abstract: A personnel location control system for controlling and guiding a group of individuals in a selected path to a waiting point and then to an activity in advance of that waiting point. The system in one embodiment relies upon a plurality of disks or like guide path-forming elements which define the edges of a desired guide path for a line of individuals waiting to reach the activity or destination. These elements may be physically mounted on a ground cover substrate where a single substrate or a plurality of similar substrates in combination, could form a desired guide path. Thus, some of the ground substrates may define arcuate guide path sections and others may define straight guide path sections, etc., but which when combined will form a total guide path. Thus, modular carpet substrates or sections could be provided and each of these carpet sections would be capable of being secured to a ground or floor surface.

Abstract: A personnel placement and location control system for controlling movement of one or more individuals to a particular designation. In a preferred embodiment, the location control system functions as a personnel guidance and location control system for controlling and guiding one or more individuals in a selected path to a waiting point and then to an activity in advance of that waiting point or otherwise to a particular destination. The system relies upon a plurality of indicators or markers which may be secured to a floor or ground surface or which may be formed on, or secured to floor coverings on that floor surface and which define guide paths for the one or more individuals. Various floor covering segments can be also secured in desired combinations to achieve a desired guide path. In one embodiment, a pocket forming section is provided in the floor covering for receiving a substrate containing informational material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of phase equilibria as shown in the phase diagram of Cu—In—Se for the preparation of solid compositions. Further, a new method for directly obtaining &agr; CulnSe2 from a liquid phase, preferably as a single phase composition and novel single phase &agr; CulnSe2 compositions are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing a silicon wafer which, during the heat treatment cycles of essentially any arbitrary electronic device manufacturing process, may form an ideal, non-uniform depth distribution of oxygen precipitates and may additionally contain an axially symmetric region which is substantially free of agglomerated intrinsic point defects. The process including growing a single crystal silicon ingot from molten silicon, and as part of the growth process, controlling (i) a growth velocity, v, (ii) an average axial temperature gradient, G0, during the growth of a constant diameter portion of the crystal over a temperature range from solidification to a temperature of no less than about 1325° C., and (iii) a cooling rate of the crystal from a solidification temperature to about 1,050° C., in order to cause the formation of an axially symmetrical segment which is substantially free of agglomerated intrinsic point defects.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a hydrogen-doped silica powder that is useful in the formation of a quartz glass crucible that is capable of pulling a silicon single crystal without causing a state having dislocations in the silicon single crystal due to peeling of quartz glass segment. It is a further object of the invention to provide a quartz glass crucible for use in pulling a silicon single crystal whose inner surface is formed by use of the hydrogen-doped silica powder and a producing method of the silica powder.

Abstract: The compact chemical reactor includes a first substrate, a second substrate attached to the first substrate. A micro flow path is defined between the first substrate and the second substrate. A thin film heater provided in the flow path.

Abstract: The invention concerns a machine for simultaneously coating the inner surface of several hollow bodies (1). In order to increase the performance of said machine, the hollow body bearing plate (2) has fixing points (22) disposed next to one another in the form of a matrix and the tube support plate (3) has vertically disposed gas feed tubes corresponding with said fixing points (22). A dividing wall (15) that is also vertically disposed and having correspondingly matching holes placed next to one another in the form of a matrix with a quartz window is fixed on the frame (16) of the machine. The bearing (2) and support plates (3) are provided with a drive mechanism (23) for horizontal movement into the machine and for loading and unloading said machine. The dividing wall (15), the hollow body bearing plate (2), the tube support plate (3) and the functional accessories (10, 11, 23-25) thereof form a first module.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus comprises a reaction chamber which is to accommodate stacked substrates, a gas introducing portion, and a buffer chamber, wherein the gas introducing portion is provided along a stacking direction of the substrates, and introduces substrate processing gas into the buffer chamber, the buffer chamber includes a plurality of gas-supply openings provided along the stacking direction of the substrates, and the processing gas introduced from the gas introducing portion is supplied from the gas-supply openings to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method for depositing a film onto a substrate is provided. The substrate is contained within a reactor vessel at a pressure of from about 0.1 millitorr to about 100 millitorr. The method comprises subjecting the substrate to a reaction cycle comprising i) supplying to the reactor vessel a gas precursor at a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 150° C. and a vapor pressure of from about 0.1 torr to about 100 torr, wherein the gas precursor comprises at least one organo-metallic compound; and ii) supplying to the reactor vessel a purge gas, an oxidizing gas, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus having an evacuation ring with high plasma resistance and capable of minimizing abnormal discharge is provided. A processing chamber 100 includes a ceiling unit 110 at which an upper electrode 112 is provided and a container unit 120 having a lower electrode 122 provided to face opposite the upper electrode 112, on which a substrate can be placed. An evacuation ring 126 is provided around the lower electrode 122 so as to divide the space in the processing chamber 100 into a plasma processing space 102 and an evacuation space 104. At the evacuation ring 126, through holes 126a and blind holes 126b which are fewer than the through holes 126a and open toward the plasma processing space 102 are formed. An insulation coating constituted of Y2O3 is applied onto the surface of the evacuation ring 126 towards the plasma processing space 102.

Abstract: A metal CVD process includes a step (A) of introducing a gaseous source material containing a metal carbonyl compound into a process space adjacent to a surface of a substrate to be processed in such a manner that the metal carbonyl compound has a first partial pressure, and a step (B) of depositing a metal film on the surface of the substrate by introducing a gaseous source material containing the metal carbonyl compound into the process space in such a mater that the metal carbonyl compound has a second, smaller partial pressure. The step (A) is conducted such that there is caused no substantial deposition of the metal film on the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying cooling gas in semiconductor device manufacturing equipment prevents a wafer from being processed when the cooling gas supply line becomes clogged with plasma or the like. A final valve controls the supplying of the cooling gas through the line towards the back of the wafer positioned on an electrostatic chuck inside a process chamber. When the final valve is closed, cooling gas in the line is exhausted through a dump valve. The cooling gas supply apparatus is configured so that the dump valve closes either completely or to a significant extent before the final valve begins to open. Therefore, the cooling gas will not flow through the dump valve at the time the final valve opens even if the cooling gas in the line between the final valve and the process chamber is clogged with plasma.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively controlling a plasma in a processing chamber during wafer processing. The method includes providing process gasses into the chamber over a wafer to be processed, and providing high frequency RF power to a plasma generating element and igniting the process gases into the plasma. Modulated RF power is coupled to a biasing element, and wafer processing is performed according to a particular processing recipe. The apparatus includes a biasing element disposed in the chamber and adapted to support a wafer, and a plasma generating element disposed over the biasing element and wafer. A first power source is coupled to the plasma generating element, and a second power source is coupled to the biasing element. A third power source is coupled to the biasing element, wherein the second and third power sources provide a modulated signal to the biasing element.

Abstract: A more effective method of automatically milking animals in an automatic milking facility is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (i) assigning a respective threshold value (t.v.) to each of the udder quarters (1st u.q.; 2nd u.q.; 3rd u.q.; 4th u.q.) of an animal to be milked indicating when the milking of the corresponding udder quarter is to be ended; (ii) measuring the milk flow from each udder quarter of said animal during milking; and (iv) ending the milking of an udder quarter of the animal (end1; end2; end3; end4) in dependence on the measured milk flow from that udder quarter reaches the corresponding threshold value. According to the invention at least the threshold value for the udder quarter (4th u.q.) of said animal, for which the ending of milking very last remains, is raised (t.v.115%; t.v.inf; t.v.(t); t.v.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for milking milk residues to achieve the extraction of as much of the milk as possible that is preset in the udder. According to the method, a rubber teat element (10) in a teat cup (1) is displaced in a milking motion by a negative suction pressure caused by adjustable pulse phases consisting of alternating suction and pause phases and of a pulse intensity, in order to a volumetric flow of milk. Said volumetric flow is continuously recorded and if it decreases, the motion of the rubber teat element is modified in a targeted manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic milking plant comprising a teat cup connected via a flexible connection hose to a collecting piece for collecting extracted milk and for transmitting a vacuum required for milking, the collecting piece being provided with a connecting piece for the flexible connection hose. The plant is characterized in that the connecting piece and/or the flexible connection hose are implemented such that the flexible connection hose is stiffened in the connection zone of the connecting piece and that the stiffened region of the flexible connection hose extends beyond a milk-carrying area of the connecting piece in the axial direction, the end of a hose sleeve which faces away from the connecting piece being designed asymmetrically in the longitudinal direction, and said hose sleeve enclosing the flexible connection hose at least partially in the area of the connecting piece.

Abstract: An animal lift apparatus comprises a lift. The lift includes a rigid support sheet, wherein the rigid support sheet is capable of supporting an animal. A lifting mechanism is capable of raising or lowering the rigid support sheet to a desired position. The rigid support sheet is supported in a raised or lowered position by at least one lift arm. At least two wheels are connected to the lift to allow the animal lift apparatus to be rolled to a desired location. A release is capable of being engaged to enable the rigid support sheet to be raised or lowered to the desired position. At least one belt is capable of strapping the animal to the rigid support sheet. The rigid support sheet may also include a waste portal. A waste container may also be included, wherein the rigid support sheet is sloped such that waste from the animal may be directed toward the waste portal via the sloped rigid support sheet. Waste then flows through the waste portal into the waste container. At least two I.V.

Abstract: A feeder assembly for feeding birds of all kinds is provided in three separate embodiments. The feeder assembly of each embodiment is configured to provide for the welfare of birds as they feed from the feeder assembly by allowing the birds' breasts to conform to a rim member of the feeder assembly. The feeder assembly of two embodiments also provides for a lower feed gate to provide feed into a pan member of the feeder assembly. The lower feed gate is always open and can be raised or lowered as desired. The feeder assembly of one of the embodiments also provides for an upper feed gate to provide feed into the pan member of the feeder assembly. The upper feed gate can be opened or closed, and, when open, can adjust the height at which feed flows through the upper feed gate.

Abstract: A small litter box (1), particularly for cats, comprises an upper tray (2) with a perforated bottom wall (4) for carrying litter material, and a lower tray (10) for receiving urine and particles dropping from the first tray through the perforated bottom wall thereof. The first tray (2) is intended to contain litter material in the form of pellets that are disintegrated into smaller particles when the pellets absorb urine, and the perforated bottom wall (4) has holes (5) each of which is dimensioned such that smaller particles from a disintegrated pellet are able to pass through the hole while an intact pellet is prevented from passing through the hole. Normally, each hole (5) has a diameter f between 4 and 7 mm, preferably 5 mm. Litter material for one in the small animal litter box consists of wood-shavings compressed to pellets with a thickness of between 4 and 7 mm, preferably 6 mm.

Abstract: A litter composition comprising a substantially particulate primary absorbent material and a binding agent, the binding agent comprising approximately 0.01%-40% of the litter composition. In one embodiment, the primary absorbent material comprises silica gel and the binding agent comprises a galactomannan. In additional embodiments, the litter composition also includes at least one of the following components: fixing agent, colorant agent, anti-bacterial agent, fragrance and/or supplemental absorbent material.

Abstract: Described is a water distribution system (1) with a continuous main line (10). Drinking cups (20) are placed on drinking segments (11) of the main line (10). Between the drinking segments (11) the main line (10) has intermediate segments (13), which are situated at a higher level than the drinking segments (11). The drinking cups are situated at a level suitable for drinking, and the intermediate segments are situated at a level suitable for allowing the birds to pass through unhindered underneath them. The complete line system can be cleaned by means of flushing, and has no dead-end branches. Top edges (22) of the drinking cups (20) are advantageously fixed to vertically directed line segments (13).

Abstract: A pet toy formed from a section or sections of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe and/or tube, preferably white polyvinyl chloride PVC water sprinkler pipe, that is grooved longitudinally, at random intervals therearound, and its surface is heated, with an open flame such as a flame generated by a propane torch, to darken the surface to a shade or shades of brown and to roughen the surface. The pipe or tube is spot heated and bent at that heated spot into a desired toy shape, and one toy shape is has the pipe or tube ends aligned and are joined, providing a toy with an open center area that is suitable as a bird perch and is fitted with a hanger for suspending it and may be drilled to receive a cord or cords fitted therethrough that toy pieces, such as sections of colored wood, plastic or other materials, are threaded on.

Abstract: Aesthetically pleasing habitats and methods for safely housing and displaying small animals such as cats, each having cageless compartments stacked on top of one another and/or arranged in side-by-side arrangements. The compartments can include walls and doors formed from materials such as plastic, acrylic, laminate, glass, and the like. Hinged front doors, walls, and floors can include see-through materials, and/or colored materials, combinations thereof, and the like. Portals can allow travel access between the compartments. Various shapes such as letters that spell the word “CATS” can be mounted to rear wall portions of the compartments to form ledges, crevices, hiding spaces, and areas for the animals to sit, lay on, hide, and the like. Other shapes can include geometrical shapes such as circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, and the like.

Abstract: In an automatic milking installation including a robot arm (2) with a gripper (3) for attaching teat cups (4) to the teats of an animal, e.g. a cow, to be milked, for applying a teat dip to the teats after milking different members, such as spray nozzles (5a, 5b), dipping cups (5c, 5d) and sponge or cloth rollers (5e), are provided for applying different teat dip compositions. Under the control of a computer, the robot arm collects the member (5) appropriate for supplying the selected composition and takes it to a position appropriate for application of that composition. The selection can be effected in dependence upon the teat skin condition, e.g. detected by a camera (15) and/or environmental conditions.

Abstract: An animal chew toy for carnivorous animals and a method for making the animal chew toy. The animal chew toy is primarily for dogs, and is safe, entertaining, and satisfies their inherent and instinctive need to chew. The chew toy is particularly safe for older dogs, dogs with weak jaws, and puppies with relatively new teeth. The chew toy is formed into a desired shape from a rawhide bit mixture of rawhide bits or pieces and a bonding agent and/or adherent. A plurality of flavor chunks, for example jerky pieces, are interspersed in the rawhide bit mixture to provide an enticing flavor and aroma that encourages an animal to continue to chew to reveal more flavor chunks. The rawhide bit mixture can further include health affecting additives. One method of forming the chew toy includes extrusion molding which can be coupled with baking or heat-treating to destroy unhealthy pathogens and solidify the chew toy. An elongated jerky member may also be encased within the chew toy.

Abstract: An animal restraint apparatus is provided to restrain an animal. The restraint apparatus comprises a first loop that fits over the animal's head and a second loop that is formed about the animal's torso when two straps are routed behind the animal's forelegs and releasably connected to a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly is equipped with at least one anchor member that releasably connects with a restraint member. The restraint member may be freestanding such as a leash or it may be attached to an anchorage. A method of restraining an animal is also provided.

Abstract: Combustion method and apparatus for NOx reduction which are capable of achieving NOx reduction with the value of exhaust NOx under 10 ppm, as well as CO reduction at the same time. The combustion method for fulfilling NOx reduction and CO reduction by suppressing temperature of combustion gas derived from a burner comprises a NOx reduction step for suppressing combustion gas temperature in such a manner that suppression of NOx generation is preferred to reduction of exhaust CO value, thereby keeping NOx value not more than a specified value, and a CO reduction step for thereafter reducing exhaust CO value resulting from the NOx reduction step to not more than a specified value.

Abstract: A fuel fractionation device is provided for separating a low-boiling fuel fraction from a liquid fuel in an internal combustion engine, having a fuel tank which contains the liquid fuel and having a separator, to which an extracted fuel fraction mixture can be fed, and a reservoir to which the fuel fraction can be fed, and furthermore having a pump which extracts fuel vapor and air and has a pump drive. The pump and the pump drive are fixed in a housing and are accommodated removably in the fuel tank together with the separator and the reservoir, forming a structural unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of supplying fuel to a vehicle engine (32). The method includes the steps of electrolytically generating hydrogen in an electrolytic cell (12) containing an electrolyte and two spaced apart electrodes (24) on board the vehicle (30), and feeding the hydrogen to the engine (32). The invention extends to an apparatus (10) for supplying fuel to an engine (32), which apparatus (10) includes an electrolytic cell (12), the cell (12) having an outlet (18) which is connectable in flow communication with a fuel intake of the engine (32).

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a portable hydrogen generation system for operating a vehicle powered by either the hydrogen internal combustion engine or a fuel cell using active metals such as sodium potassium, magnesium, aluminum or iron in the form of an emulsion, and a method thereof. The emulsion comprises a metal powder pre-mixed with oil. In the case of sodium, potassium and magnesium, the metal is reacting with water at or near room temperature. However, in the case of aluminum and iron, the metal is reacting with alkali hydroxide solutions. The system is controlled and managed by a microprocessor in order to generate hydrogen on demand at or near room temperature with a very high efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding hydrogen into an intake (11) of an engine (1), including: an air inlet (23); a hydrogen inlet (21); a mixing chamber (20) for generating a fuel mixture from hydrogen and air introduced from the inlets, the chamber being adapted to couple to the intake of the engine, for introducing the fuel mixture thereto; and control means (26) for controlling airflow through the mixing chamber. The control means may include an air speed control for varying an effective cross-section of air flow through the apparatus. The air speed control is preferably in the form of an annular collar arranged in the chamber for radial expansion or contraction.

Abstract: An air cleaner system for small internal combustion engines, including a removable or replaceable air cleaner element detachably mounted within an air cleaner cavity which is defined at least in part by the shroud of the engine. The air cleaner element includes engagement structure for releasable engagement with a wall of the air cleaner cavity to permit mounting of the air cleaner element within the cavity, and removal of the air cleaner element from the cavity, without the use of tools. In addition, a cover is provided for releasably engaging the air cleaner cavity to cover the air cleaner element.

Abstract: A small internal combustion engine having user interfaces which are located proximate to one another and within a centralized portion of the engine which is easily accessible by a user, such that the user may readily identify and manipulate the user interfaces. The user interfaces include the carburetor choke and throttle controls, the carburetor primer bulb, the engine ignition key switch, the fuel shut-off valve, the fuel fill inlet and fuel tank cap, and the oil fill inlet and oil fill cap. The carburetor choke and throttle controls are configured as rotary members mounted within an upper front portion of the engine shroud, and are shaped for easy grasping by a user to control the running of the engine.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying air to radiators of motor vehicles and the like, comprising a fan (10) having a plurality of blades (12) each radially mounted by means of its own coupling device (31) on a central body (11) and able to be rotationally actuated about its longitudinal axis by means of actuating means (41,42,43) depending on the quantity of air required for correct cooling of the fluid, said apparatus comprising means (60;160;260;360;460) for engaging/ disengaging the transmission of the rotational movement from the means (23,21;321a,21;421a,21) generating said movement to the said fan (10).

Abstract: It is required to prevent a worker from hitting his head against an engine hood, a vehicle body, or the like, when he checks the level of cooling water remaining in a tank, or the like.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for generating a variable compression ratio within an ICE includes a piston-in-piston assembly having an inner piston that is slidably mounted within an outer piston and coupled to an actuator. The actuator is further coupled to a fluid source, and a volume of fluid is selectively channeled into and out of the actuator to move the inner piston to selected positions corresponding to desired compression ratios. At top dead center, a top face of the outer piston maintains a substantially constant distance from an engine head assembly to minimize squish area variations.

Abstract: An internal combustion cylinder head is comprised of a housing formed from three sections horizontally divided along the axis of two parallel horizontal gear shafts and a horizontal parallel camshaft located above them. The valve stems pass between the gear shafts and the valve faces are located below the gear shafts. Meshing the gear shafts together and driving them from the crankshaft form the gear compressor. Internal combustion passages are formed in the housing between the air compressor and an exhaust valve. The compressor is divided into four pumps, two outer oil pumps and two middle air pumps that pump air into the combustion passages. Two internal air intake passages surround the housing enclosing the air compressor and serve to cool the cylinder head as air is drawn through them into the air compressor.