Abstract: This two-stroke cycle is applicable at classical internal combustion engines (piston-rod-crankshaft) as well as at engines with two-sided piston. The very systems has at least one pair of cylinders (1, 2) of which one (1) is compresor (pump) and other (2) is engine. The compressor and the engine pistons (3, 4) have such phase delay to each other that when one piston is in the midpoint between two “dead points” of the engine, other is in one of “dead points”. At the moment when the compressor piston (3) has passed half the way from LDP to UDP, it also has precompressed the sucked air, while the engine piston (4) is at LDP and has opened the exhausting channel (15), which leaves out the combustion gas. Because of the higher pressure in the compressing pipe relating to the pressure in engine cylinder (2), the inlet valve (7) of the engine opens and fresh air enters the engine.

Abstract: This invention concerns a two-stroke cycle engine, more specially it concerns a two-stroke cycle engine using a preceding air-layer for scavenging. It has a scavenger passage connected to a branching scavenger passage opened to said scavenging port. The engine has a connecting passage to link the air passage and the fuel passages so that negative pressure in the air passage forces the fuel-air mixture in the fuel passage into said air passage. Further, the engine according to this invention has a removable guide with a surface forming a curved smooth channel which is attachable to the scavenger passage in the crankcase from the mounting surface, and forms a portion of said scavenger passage with the curved channel. The blowup angle of the scavenger passage varies along the circumferential direction of the cylinder.

Abstract: A method for controlling the compression ratio &egr; in a supercharged combustion engine. The latter is provided with a control device in which a maximum final compression temperature T2,max is ascertained, and, within the framework of a precontrol, an optimum efficiency compression ratio &egr;opt is ascertained. The knock limit is determined from the compression ratio &egr;, to which it corresponds, and which is ascertained from the precontrol. As a function of the efficiency curve in the characteristics map &eegr;=f, a further change occurs in compression ratio &ggr; or a setting back of the change in compression ratio &egr;. The values learned for &egr; and the ignition angle as a function of the operating point are permanently stored in a characteristics map to which the engine control has access.

Abstract: An oil control valve (60) that controls a variable valve timing gear for adjusting operation timing of at least one of exhaust and intake camshafts mounted on a cylinder head (1) of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve mechanism with a variable valve opening cross section, in which the valve mechanism is disposed at an admission opening of an internal combustion engine and has a gas exchange valve, which is acted on by the force of a valve spring and is displaceable axially back and forth inside a guide by a valve control unit; the position of the sealing slide relative to the gas exchange valve in the axial direction is continuously variable by means of an adjusting unit.

Abstract: In an adjustable valve control device for an internal combustion engine with a drive shaft, with a camshaft 1 rotated by the drive shaft, and with at least one valve actuated by the camshaft 1 with a specific timing, the valve control device modifying the rotary phase of the camshaft 1 relative to the drive shaft in order to modify the timing of at least one valve, comprising a first rotor 2 which rotates synchronously with the drive shaft, comprising a second rotor 3 which rotates synchronously with the camshaft 1, and comprising a lock bolt 14 for locking the first rotor 2 and the second rotor 3 relative to each other, it is proposed that fluid be applied to the lock bolt 14 by way of a separate line 15. It is claimed for the invention that the lock bolt 14 may always be locked and released without problems.

Abstract: A variable camshaft timing phaser having a locking pin directly influenced by engine oil, which is not impacted by any intervening valves. The locking pin is comprised of a tapered pin, which fits into a tapered recess. The locking pin is biased towards engaging by a spring, and is retracted by oil from the engine oil supply. The locking pin remains disengaged from the tapered recess as long as the oil pump is on.

Abstract: A twin cylinder engine, includes a pair of cylinder members mounted to mounting surfaces of a crankcase, and cylinder heads mounted to the cylinder members. The cylinder members are modular components, which may be pre-assembled with components of the valve train as packaged units before the cylinder members are attached to the crankcase. Each cylinder member rotatably supports a cam gear which extends into the crankcase for driving engagement with the crankshaft. The cylinder members may be configured for either side valve-type (“L-head”), or overhead valve-type (“OHV”) engines, and the cylinder members may also be used in single cylinder engines.

Abstract: The invention here in described is a new type of oil filter utilizes a squared socket depression located top dead center of the oil filter which allows it to be removed with the typical rachet drive wrench making it a most efficient removal procedure. As with traditional sockets, contained within the socket depression are small wall depressions which allow the rachet to lock onto the filter for a better fit and handling. In essence, the oil filter is now an oil filter socket.

Abstract: An oil filter is provided which comprises a housing main body, a cover attached to the housing main body on the lower side thereof, an inner tubular member axially movably disposed in a recessed portion of the housing main body, a seal member interposed between the inner tubular member and the cover so as to provide a seal therebetween, a biasing unit for urging the inner tubular member in the direction to protrude from the recessed portion, and a filter element disposed in an oil flowing space between the housing main body and the cover, wherein when the cover is in a sate of being attached to the housing main body, the inner tubular member is pushed down into the recessed portion of the cover against a bias of the biasing unit.

Abstract: This invention enable a user to use two identical engines independently or to combine them with this specially designed gear box assembly into various configurations to satisfy users requirements for size, power, shape and firing sequence. This invention will provide the user with a smoother running engine and eliminates the power robbing torque by the unique application of the gear box assembly.

Abstract: An air cleaner system for small internal combustion engines, including an air cleaner element which is received within an air cleaner chamber formed within a cover member of the engine. A substantially transparent cover covers the air cleaner chamber and permits viewing of the air cleaner element therethrough, such that an operator may easily determine whether the air cleaner element needs to be replaced. In another aspect, a cover member for attachment to the cylinder head of an engine is provided to define a rocker chamber therebetween, the cover member including a wall portion extending therefrom along the engine cylinder to define an air cooling passage or duct between the wall of the cover member and the engine cylinder. The wall of the cover member directs cooling air downwardly and closely about the engine cylinder to aid in cooling the engine cylinder.

Abstract: An air intake apparatus for supplying air to an internal combustion engine comprises a unitary hollow enclosure, a motor vehicle battery and an air compressor for compressing air supplied to the engine. The enclosure is partly divided by a partition wall into a battery compartment and a compressor compartment, access to which is provided by a pair of covers. The battery compartment houses the battery and the compressor compartment houses the air compressor. An engine air supply path leads through the enclosure from an air inlet an air outlet, the enclosure inlet and enclosure outlet defining respectively an upstream end of the air supply path and a downstream end of the air supply path. The air supply path extends through the partition wall. The battery housing encloses an upstream part of the air supply path and the compressor housing encloses a downstream part of the air supply path.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10) is operated with a method wherein fuel is injected directly into a combustion chamber (12). The injection takes place at least from time to time so that, together with a corresponding supply of air into the combustion chamber (12), the air/gasoline mixture is present stratified in the combustion chamber (12). In order to reduce the gasoline consumption in the engine (10) via a higher compression ratio without the danger of knocking, it is suggested that the gasoline be injected exclusively and also at full load during the compression phase of the engine (12) by a multi-hole fuel injection device (22).

Abstract: A fuel system for use in an internal combustion engine comprising a fuel pump having a pumping cycle during which fuel is pressurised to a high level within a pumping chamber for delivery to an injector. The injector is arranged to provide a primary fuel injection event, and a secondary fuel injection event within the same pumping cycle, in use. The injector includes a valve needle which is engageable with a valve needle seating to control fuel delivery and an injection control valve arrangement for controlling movement of the valve needle so as to control the primary and secondary fuel injection events. The fuel system further comprises an accumulator volume for storing high pressure fuel for delivering the secondary fuel injection quantity, and additional valve arrangement for controlling the supply of fuel stored within the accumulator volume to the injector for the secondary injection event.

Abstract: An improved feed and control system for an internal combustion engine able to be fed with one or other of two fuels such as petrol and liquid gas or petrol and methane, said engine comprising a plurality of first members (26) for introducing a first fuel into corresponding explosion chambers and a plurality of second members (6) for introducing the second fuel into said explosion chambers, said first introduction members (26) being commanded and controlled by a control unit (8) which, on the basis of preselected parameters, acts on said first members (26) such as to achieve optimum engine operation. Said control unit (8) also commands and controls the plurality of said second introduction members (6) which feed the second fuel to the respective explosion chambers, said unit (8) hence being the only unit for controlling the engine operation, independently of whether it is operated with the first or with the second fuel.

Abstract: A fuel injector adapter for providing nitrous oxide to an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The nozzle has a central fuel injector passage that terminates at a first outlet end. Fuel from a fuel injector may be passed through the central fuel injector passage. The nozzle also has an inner annular passage arranged circumferentially around the central fuel injector passage. The inner annular passage terminates at a second outlet end. The nozzle also has an outer annular passage arranged circumferentially around the inner annular passage that terminates at a third outlet end. One or both of the inner and outer annular passages is adapted to pass nitrous oxide through it. The nozzle is adapted to fit between a fuel injector and an engine without substantial modification to the engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling device, especially for cooling components of the power electronics by means of a refrigerant which flows through a micro heat exchanger (10) that is provided with good heat contact to the component (1). The invention is characterised in that the refrigerant is selected in such a way that said refrigerant evaporates when the desired temperature in the micro heat exchanger (10) has been reached, whereby said temperature pertains to the component.

Abstract: A fuel injection system (1) for internal combustion engines (1) having a fuel injector (5) that injects fuel into a combustion chamber (7), which is delimited by a cylinder wall (13) in which a piston (6) is guided, and having a spark plug (4) that projects into the combustion chamber (7), the fuel injector (5) injecting a plurality of injection jets (10) into the combustion chamber (7). The injection jets (10) generate a cone-shaped mixture cloud (9) having an elliptical cross-section in the combustion chamber (7).

Abstract: In the case of a method for operating an internal combustion engine (10) installed in a motor vehicle having controlled intake and exhaust valves and that is coupled in fixed fashion with an electrical machine (16) charging an electrical energy accumulator (21), in order to enable recuperation on overrun or during braking operation of the internal combustion engine (10) while maintaining the braking or deceleration behavior of the motor vehicle expected by the driver, the drag or braking power of the internal combustion engine is regulated by intervening in the valve actuation process so that the sum of the braking power of the electrical machine and the internal combustion engine corresponds at any point during vehicle deceleration to the braking power produced by a conventional internal combustion engine having “conventional” valve actuation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an internal combustion engine during a cold start operation. The engine is supplied with a substantially constant, lean air/fuel ratio immediately after the engine is started, while the engine has an idle speed that is allowed to vary as a function of the difference between a target air/fuel ratio and an actual air/fuel ratio. The invention further relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine of the type having an intake manifold selectively fluidly connected to a combustion chamber and a bypass gas flow passageway having an inlet open to the intake manifold and an outlet open to the intake manifold downstream for the inlet is disclosed. The system includes an electronically controlled throttle valve operatively disposed in the intake manifold and movable between an open and a closed position to control air flow through the intake manifold. An idle speed control valve is operatively disposed within the bypass gas flow passageway, and the idle speed control valve is also movable between an open and a closed position to control air flow through the bypass gas flow passageway. A control system controls the actuation of both the throttle valve and idle speed control valve to control the delivery of a combustible charge to the internal combustion engine to maximize engine efficiency and minimize noxious emissions.

Abstract: A device for controlling an internal combustion engine, comprising a variable valve mechanism for varying opening areas (valve lift) or the working angles (valve-opening periods) of at least either the intake valves or the exhaust valves, wherein a pressure in the cylinder is calculated based on the opening area or the working angle of at least either the intake valve or the exhaust valve varied by the variable valve mechanism, and the internal combustion engine is controlled based on the pressure in the cylinder. Upon calculating the pressure in the cylinder based on the opening areas or the working angles of the intake and exhaust valves, it is possible to more suitably control the internal combustion engine based not only upon the peak combustion pressure in the cylinder like when a combustion pressure sensor is used but also upon a pressure in the cylinder at a moment other than the peak combustion pressure.

Abstract: A fuel injection and ignition system for an internal combustion engine adapted to apply a power source voltage to an injector, an ignition circuit, an electronic control unit and a fuel pump from a single voltage regulating power source circuit having as a power source a generator driven by the internal combustion engine through a power line and to control a drive current of the fuel pump in a pulse width modulating mode (PWM mode) so as to keep the power line voltage at a value higher than a reference voltage, which is set slightly higher than a voltage corresponding to one higher among the minimum operation voltages for the injector and that for the ignition circuit, in the course where the internal combustion engine starts.

Abstract: The fuel injection system has a high-pressure fuel pump (10) and a fuel injection valve (12) for a cylinder of the engine. The high-pressure fuel pump (10) has a pump work chamber (22), and the fuel injection valve (12) has an injection valve member (28) by which at least one injection opening (32) is controlled and which is movable in an opening direction (29) counter to the force of a closing spring (44); the closing spring (44) is braced on one end on the injection valve member (28) and on the other end on a displaceable storage piston (50) that is acted upon, on its side remote from the closing spring (44), by the pressure prevailing in the pump work chamber (22). The storage piston (50) is movable into a storage chamber (54) counter to the force of the closing spring (44), and the deflection stroke motion of the storage piston (50) into the storage chamber (54) is limited by a stop (53).

Abstract: The fuel injection system has least one magnet valve (50) for controlling the fuel injection. The magnet valve (50) is triggered by an electric control unit (52) and has a magnet coil (88), a movable pistonlike magnet armature (88) by which a valve member (56) is movable between at least two positions, a magnetic disk (74) by which the magnet armature (80) is attracted when current flows through the magnet coil (88), and a cup-shaped capsule (81) into which the magnet armature (80) dips. The magnet armature (80) is guided at least indirectly displaceably. The magnet armature (80) is guided displaceably via its outer jacket in the capsule (81).

Abstract: A fuel injection device (10) is used in internal combustion engines (94). It includes a housing (12) with an injection end (18). A recess (20) extends in the housing (12). An axially movable valve element (24) is disposed in the recess (20); it cooperates with a valve seat and has a pressure face (36), remote from the injection end (18), which axially defines a control chamber (38). A sleeve part (40) is also provided, which radially defines the control chamber (38). A device (55) puts the sleeve part (40) against a first housing portion (16) and the valve element (24) in the direction of the injection end (18) with prestressing. To improve the precision in operation of the fuel injection device (10), it is proposed that the device (55) include separate prestressing devices (46, 50); one prestressing device (50) acts upon the valve element (24), and another prestressing device (46) acts upon the sleeve part (40).

Abstract: A fuel injection system for internal combustion engines, with a fuel injector that can be supplied from a high-pressure fuel source and with a pressure booster device, is proposed in which the closing piston (13; 113) of the injector protrudes into a closing pressure chamber (12; 112), so that the closing piston can be acted upon by fuel pressure to attain a force exerted on the closing piston in the closing direction, and in which the closing pressure chamber (12; 112) and the return chamber (27; 127) of the pressure booster device are formed by a common closing pressure return chamber (12, 27, 41; 112, 127, 141), and all the portions (12, 27; 112, 127) of the closing pressure return chamber communicate (41; 141) with one another permanently for exchanging fuel, so that despite a low pressure boost by the pressure booster device, a relatively low injection opening pressure is attainable.

Abstract: A method for limiting the maximum allowable operating pressure at a cam-driven injection component, which component is actuatable by a magnet valve assembly. After assembly a magnet valve it is operated at a pressure source in the context of a function test, and at least one operating parameter defining a critical operating state is ascertained at which the valve just barely opens in response to a hydraulic force F3. The operating parameter ascertained is delivered to the respective magnet valve assembly and is written into a function control unit for individual triggering of each magnet valve assembly with its own operating parameter.

Abstract: The invention proposes a fuel injection device for internal combustion engines, with a fuel injector that can be supplied by a high-pressure fuel source, wherein a pressure intensifying device that has a movable piston is connected between the fuel injector and the high-pressure fuel source, wherein the movable piston separates a chamber connected to the high-pressure fuel source from a high-pressure chamber connected to the injector, wherein the fuel pressure in the high-pressure chamber can be varied by filling a return chamber of the pressure intensifying device with fuel or by emptying fuel from the return chamber, wherein a valve (50; 70) is provided with a valve body (51; 78), which can be moved as a function of the fuel pressure prevailing in the return chamber (38) so that the valve (50; 70) can connect (56, 53, 52; 76, 86, 88, 72) the high-pressure chamber (40) to the chamber (35). The invention also proposes a pressure intensifying device (30) that is suitable for this purpose.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for supplying pressurised fuel to a fuel injector, the fuel injection system comprising an accumulator volume for supplying fuel at a first injectable pressure level to the fuel injector through a fuel supply passage, a pump arrangement for increasing the pressure of fuel supplied to the injector to a second injectable pressure level, and a valve arrangement operable between a first position in which fuel at the first injectable pressure level is supplied to the injector and a second position in which communication between the injector and the accumulator volume is broken so as to permit fuel at the second injectable pressure to be supplied to the injector. The injection system may include a valve arrangement in the form of a three-position valve or may include a shut off valve for controlling the supply of fuel through the fuel supply passage.

Abstract: Fuel injection equipment is provided which realizes characteristics of fuel injection proper for all over the operation range of an engine, can further reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission, and is high in mechanical durability. The fuel injection equipment for an internal combustion engine comprises an injection pump having a plunger part and a fuel passage equipped with a main electromagnetic valve, a fuel supply part for supplying the fuel to the fuel injection pump, a fuel injection pipe for sending the fuel to an injection nozzle part, and a secondary electromagnetic valve attached to an overflow pipe for returning to said fuel supply part the redundant fuel not to be injected from said unit injector, wherein an orifice is attached to said overflow pipe.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel intake system (10) includes an intake manifold (14), an injector pack assembly (18) and an air cleaner assembly (16). The injector pack assembly (18) includes an encapsulated lead frame (36) that provides electrical communication to fuel injectors (26). The intake manifold defines a fuel rail (22) and a cavity (24). Fuel vapors permeating from the fuel rail (22) are trapped in the cavity (24) and channeled back into the air intake passages (20). The air cleaner assembly (16) includes a filter (28) for absorbing fuel vapor emissions from unburned fuel escaping a non-operating engine (12). An actuator (30) moves the filter (28) between an open and closed position. Once the engine begins operation, the actuator (30) opens the filter (28) to allow unrestricted airflow through the intake manifold (14).

Abstract: A system and method for controlling multiple fuel injections during a single combustion cycle for a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having a common rail fuel distribution system determine the beginning of injection for the pilot and main injections based on crankshaft position while post injections are based on the main injection timing and an injector turn off delay determined using actual rail pressure. A rail pressure setpoint is determined based on current engine operating conditions including one or more fluid temperatures and current operating mode to provide more accurate injection control.

Abstract: The fuel liquid level detection section 31 for detecting the liquid level of the fuel within the fuel tank 2 is provided within the housing casing 10 so as to cover the range from the full amount to the small remaining amount of the fuel within the fuel tank 2.

Abstract: With metered admixing of volatized fuel in an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine with a supercharger, the problem exists that depending on the respective operating state, different pressures prevail in the intake manifold. This problem is resolved in known devices, in that return valves are subsequently added and structurally separated from the tank aeration valve in the flow direction. The present invention proposes that the return valves (39, 40) are structurally integrated in a tank aeration valve (5), in order to reduce the assembly expense and the spatial requirements.

Abstract: A heating device is capable of efficiently heat a heated body as heating object. The heating device includes a heating body, a power source for supplying a current to the heating body, a current control element controlling current flowing through the heating body, and a heat conductive body to be thermally coupled with the heating body and the current control element for transmitting heat generated by the heating body and heat generated by the current control element to a heating object.

Abstract: Soot induced kinematic viscosity increase of lubricating oil compositions for heavy duty diesel engines equipped with EGR systems operating in a condensing mode can be ameliorated by selection of viscosity modifier, lubricating oil flow improvers, detergents and dispersants.

Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine has a housing, which includes a first case adjacent to the combustion chamber of the engine and a second case away from the combustion chamber. The first case has a flange formed at its end away from the combustion chamber. The second case has a flange formed at its end adjacent to the combustion chamber. The first case flange faces the side of the second case flange that is away from the combustion chamber. A bolt is screwed into the second case to engage the flanges with each other, substantially integrating the cases with each other.

Abstract: A product, product by process, and process according to the present invention integrates an ignition coil driver electronics or ignitor into a plughole coil housing. Electronic components are mounted directly to a printed circuit board serving as a direct connection to connector terminals and/or coil leads via plated-apertures. If required, at least one protective layer can be applied directly to an external surface of at least some of the electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board to compensate for differences in the coefficients of thermal expansion. The protective layer is selected from a group including a conformal coating, a soft buffer material, a hard epoxy globtop, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: In detecting a deterioration of an air-fuel ratio sensor, a sensor output change speed integrated value is calculated when an element temperature of a solid electrolyte is stabilized at a low temperature. Successively, a sensor output change speed integrated value is calculated when the solid electrolyte element is stabilized at a high temperature. Finally, a deviation between the change speed integrated values is calculated. By comparing the deviation amount with a predetermined determinant, presence or absence of the deterioration is determined.

Abstract: A method and a device for regulating the fuel/air ratio of an internal combustion engine having a first cylinder group, whose exhaust gases are guided through a first exhaust duct area, and having a second cylinder group, whose exhaust gases are guided through a second exhaust duct area. The first exhaust duct area contains a first catalytic portion and the second exhaust duct area contains a second catalytic portion. An exhaust gas analyzer probe, arranged upstream from the first catalytic portion, influences the fuel/air ratio of both the first and the second cylinder groups. A second exhaust gas analyzer probe, arranged downstream from the first catalytic portion, influences the fuel/air ratio of the first cylinder group, and a third exhaust gas analyzer probe, arranged downstream from the second catalytic portion, influences the fuel/air ratio of the second cylinder group. An additional exhaust gas analyzer probe upstream from the second catalytic portion may be eliminated.

Abstract: A film material is used to create a concrete control joint. A thin plastic film creates a plane of weakness in the concrete to control or induce cracking at desirable locations and directions. A tool for installing the film inserts the film material into fresh concrete.

Abstract: A portable grill that folds to a very compact configuration, with the legs folded underneath a firebox and a side table folded beneath the legs. The side table may be folded outward to present the handle for transporting the grill on wheels while the legs are folded underneath the grill. A charcoal grate assembly reconfigures to provide a very efficient and fast manner of removing charcoal from the firebox. An ash pan located below the firebox includes an ash pan lid that allows charcoal to be quickly extinguished, and the grill to be cooled in a very short period of time so that it is ready for transport. A hinge provides a convenient manner of keeping a lid for the grill in a raised position, even in windy conditions.

Abstract: A gas stove with a burner and gas container is configured such that the gas container is thermally conductively connected with a burner part that is heated during operation. The thermally conductive connection is achieved via a thermally conductive housing that accommodates the gas container. This ensures a reliable burner operation despite an endothermic gas expansion in the gas container.

Abstract: A gas grill assembly comprises a cooker adapted to operate on fuel supplied at a first fuel pressure. A grill is disposed substantially adjacent the cooker. The grill comprises a firebox and at least one burner disposed within the firebox. The burner is adapted to operate on fuel supplied at a second fuel pressure. A fuel supply is adapted to supply fuel to the cooker and to the burner. The fuel supply supplies fuel at a fuel supply pressure. The fuel supply pressure is converted to the first fuel pressure and the second fuel pressure for operation of the cooker and the grill.

Abstract: A vented burner shield for use with a burner element of a grill, the shield including a first and a second sloped surface, each of said first and second sloped surfaces having a proximal edge and a distal edge, the proximal edge being adjacent a central ridge and the first and second sloped surfaces sloping downwardly therefrom. Also included is a pair of opposed edges, each of the opposed edges are disposed at opposing ends of said central ridge, and at least one corner edge, the corner edge intersecting one of said proximal edges and one of said opposed edges.

Abstract: A barbecue grill is disclosed that includes a main grill body including a cooking chamber, the frame, and an improved shelf. The improved shelf includes a substantially planar portion and either a pair of tool hangers configured to receive barbecue instruments and tools and/or a hand pull. The tool hangers are attached to the substantially planar portion and project therefrom in a manner wherein the tool hangers oppose each other. The hand pull is configured to be accessed by a user from under the shelf, and maybe further configured to fit user's cupped and upwardly-turned hand. Additionally, the hand pull is preferably configured to be ergonomically shaped for a user's hand.

Abstract: A solar collector has a first plate for collecting solar energy, a second plate wherein there is an intermediate space between the two plates, and a quantity of liquid which is present between the plates for absorbing the energy collected by the first plate. The solar collector has a framework for fixing the plates at a mutual distance along the edges thereof so as to seal the space between the plates and to create space between the plates which comprises the liquid.

Abstract: An aerosol generator and methods of delivering aerosol to a user inhaling on a mouthpiece when a pressure drop is detected within the mouthpiece are disclosed. A medicated fluid passing through a capillary passage is heated to vaporize the fluid and form the aerosol by condensation or mixture of the vaporized fluid with admixed air. A metering chamber allows consistent delivery of precise doses of fluid to the capillary passage. Once the pressure drop is detected, aerosol can be quickly delivered to the user as the user begins to inhale on the mouthpiece. The quick delivery of aerosol provides more efficient use of the user's lung capacity.