Abstract: Calender and process of calendering a web in calender. The calender includes a frame, an upper roll, a lower roll, an intermediate roll arrangement that includes an intermediate roll that is fixed in the frame, and a load limiting device coupled to the intermediate roll. The process includes loading the intermediate roll in two directions in a pressing plane direction via the upper and lower rolls, monitoring pressures exerted in the two directions on the intermediate roll in the pressing plane direction, and releasing the load on the intermediate roll when a difference between the pressures exerted in the two directions on the intermediate roll is greater than a predefined amount.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a drive arrangement for a large rectangular baler includes hydraulic pump and motor sets, and second and third embodiments include only gear and shaft arrangements, for driving the plunger for compressing the crop being baled, and for driving all of the auxiliary functions. In all embodiments, power delivered by a main shaft is divided between an auxiliary function drive shaft and a plunger drive shaft. In the first and second embodiments, a flywheel is located for smoothing the power flow to the plunger drive arrangement, and in the third embodiment the flywheel is located for smoothing power flow to both the plunger drive arrangement and the auxiliary function drive arrangement. In all embodiments, the rotation of the shaft carrying the flywheel due to the inertia of the flywheel is ineffective for driving the plunger and auxiliary function drive arrangements when power to the main drive shaft is cut off.

Abstract: A method for producing precise, complex patterns on a glass or plastic substrate using a writing system capable of dispensing high viscosity materials at a volume rate synchronous with the rate of movement of a flexural member relative to said substrate, is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing a printing-machine drive system having a plurality of drives with drive motors, includes assigning to the drives local drive control units and a central operating and control unit with a data processing system having components connected to communicate with one another. The drive motors are operated decentrally by prescribed drive data via the respectively assigned drive control units. Respective drive data are calculated, with at least one of the components of the data processing system of one of the drive control units, in dependence on computing operations required in other components of the data processing system. System-induced differences between the drives or system-induced differences between the components of the data processing system are compensated, in a resulting calculation. A printing machine is also provided for performing the method.

Abstract: To stably transport an elongated web-like print paper so as not to move in the widthwise direction of the print paper, a first sensor is disposed at a first position in a paper conveying path and a second sensor at a second position downstream of the first position with respect to the paper conveying direction. Both the first and second sensors detect a position of a side edge or the print paper. A difference between the outputs from the first and second sensors is computed while taking a travel time of the edge detected by the first sensor to reach the second sensor into account. A main controller generates a drive signal based on the difference computed and controls a mechanism for moving the print paper in the widthwise direction in accordance with the drive signal.

Abstract: An engraved ink transfer cylinder for a flexographic printing press, wherein the roller body (12) is clamped detachably on a continuous axle (22) and surrounds this axle (22) at a distance.

Abstract: A printing tool comprising a raster formed of a grid of intersecting raster lines which raster lines form raster points between them. The raster comprises at least one region in which each raster point is connected to at least one other raster point adjacent via an interruption in the raster line separating the raster points.

Abstract: A gripper drum device comprising a drum body rotatable about a central axis, an actuating shaft rotatable within the drum body, a box cam follower connected to the actuating shaft for moving the actuating shaft, a gripper seat connected to the actuating shaft, a gripper connected to the actuating shaft, and a box cam, the box cam follower being located within the box cam for following the box cam. Also provided is a method for gripping printed products including the steps of rotating a drum about a central axis, moving a cam follower within a box cam, and gripping a printed product with a gripper attached to the cam follower.

Abstract: A sheet discharge unit has a transfer passage 3 for transferring a sheet of printed paper 2 toward a sheet receiving tray 20, and a pair of left and right jump wings 11, 11 located at both sides of the transfer passage 3 and moveable between a guide position in which the jump wings protrude upward from a bottom wall of the transfer passage and await position in which the jump wings are retracted below the bottom wall. In one embodiment, each of the jump wings 11, 11 comprises divided wing components laterally spaced in a direction S perpendicular to a sheet transfer direction T. In an alternative embodiment, each of the jump wings comprises a unitary body having a plurality of convex segments and a plurality of concave recesses which are alternately located in the direction S.

Abstract: A process for treating a used or unused printing plate with an erasing composition to clean the printing plate, laser imaging the printing plate with a polymeric substance, and to provide art image thereon, and fixing the image on the printing plate. Further, the printing plate has applied thereto any one of a heat-curable and water-soluble substance, if desired, immediately after the laser imaging, or a water-soluble substance immediately after the laser imaging, followed by warming of the printing plate. The water-soluble substance or the heat-curable and water-soluble substance is washed off using a solution essentially consisting of water before printing.

Abstract: A method for removing ink-accepting areas of a lithographic printing master is disclosed which enables to recycle the lithographic substrate of the printing master. The method comprises the following step which is preferably carried out on-press: applying a cleaning liquid to the printing master, the cleaning liquid being an emulsion of an organic compound in water, further comprising a compound according to formula (I): wherein X=OH, O−, a polymer backbone.

Abstract: A method for placing an image onto an object is described. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes obtaining a first image. At least one region of the image may then be defined. Each defined region may then be manipulated as desired. After manipulating each region, a desired color may be added to each region to produce a second image. The second image may then be transferred onto a desired object.

Abstract: A print system receives an image file and a print order file from a customer, the image file having an image data area and an order data area. The print system copies information of the received print order file into the order data area of the received image file. The print system produces a print of the image data in the image file according to the information in the order data area of the image file. The print system has a printer capable of producing a print of a predetermined image data provided by a third party as well as that of the image data of the customer. The print system delivers to the customer the print ordered by the customer as well as the print of the predetermined image data. The print system selects a group of orders among all the orders in accordance with the destination of delivery for controlling the printer to give priority to the group of orders in producing the prints.

Abstract: A holographic stereogram print order receiving system and method wherein an order receiving server which, upon completion of a connection and user inquiry, receives a two-dimensional image and the parameter information indicating a zooming zone from a user terminal and sends this information to an image processing server. Zooming image processing is executed relative to the two-dimensional image using the parameter information such that the zooming image can be observed when viewed by changing its viewpoint. This zooming image processed data is sent to the user terminal as preview image data. Then, the zooming image processed data is sent from the image processing server to the image storing server. A printout device supplied with the zooming image processed data from the image storing server generates a holographic stereogram.

Abstract: A method of varying the ink density of the full tone in printing within a rotary printing machine with an ink application system which can provide a constant quantity of ink which, in spite of constant ink supply from the inking unit, permits control of the full-tone density or adaptation of the raster tonal values in the print. The method includes setting the binary image on a printing plate. A basic raster of raster points, which determines the area coverage of the binary image, is produced on the printing plate for the variable-area image information. The basic raster is then superimposed on a fine microraster in such way that the area coverage of the basic raster is reduced by a percentage which can be set between 0% and 100%.

Abstract: An anti-personnel canister includes a generally cylindrical container having side walls, the side walls defining an enclosure with a generally concave surface at one end and an opening at another end; the side walls having an outer surface, the outer surface including a plurality of longitudinal grooves formed therein and, below the plurality of longitudinal grooves, a circumferential obturator groove; a plurality of submunitions disposed in the enclosure; a spacer disposed in the enclosure between the plurality of submunitions and the opening; and a cap disposed on the opening of the container, the cap having a top surface and including a pair of orthogonal grooves formed on the top surface.

Abstract: An inflator (10) for inflating an inflatable device includes a housing (20). A primary propellant (240) in a primary chamber (200) in the housing (20) is ignitable to provide inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable device. A secondary propellant (250) in a secondary chamber (180) in the housing (20) is ignitable to provide inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable device. The inflator (10) includes initiator means (130, 154) for selectively igniting either the primary propellant (240) alone or both of the primary and secondary propellants (240, 250). The inflator (10) also includes a secondary propellant cap (260) for closing the secondary chamber (180) and for maintaining the secondary propellant (250) in the secondary chamber. The secondary propellant cap (260) has a first position blocking flow of combustion products of the first propellant (240) into the secondary chamber (180) when only the primary propellant is ignited.

Abstract: A friction wedge assembly for use in a suspension system of railroad car trucks. The friction wedge assembly comprises a cast metal wedge having a bottom face, a vertical face that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom face and a sloped face for contacting a mating surface on a bolster of such railroad car truck. There is a metal backing plate that has a first side removably engageable with the vertical face of the cast metal wedge, a means for securing the metal backing plate to the cast metal wedge and a composition liner disposed on a second side of the metal backing plate for engaging such metal wear liner on such side frame of such railroad car truck.

Abstract: A height-adjustable, tiltable stand for a laptop computer or reading material. The stand contains two side legs, each of which contains an upper surface made of a distal section parallel to the bottom and a proximal section which is at an angle to the distal section. The legs contain a centrally located hole near the upper surface. The top contains a lip for maintaining material on the top when the top is tilted. The top contains a plurality of holes for allowing heat generated by a computer to dissipate. Each side edge of the top contains depending supports having centrally located slots. Tightness controllers made up of a knob, a bolt, and a nut pass through the holes in the legs and the depending support to hold the top to the legs and to allow the top to be tilted on the legs.

Abstract: A collapsible multi-level pallet having a collapsed position and an erected position includes a lower goods-supporting platform, an upper goods-supporting platform, a goods-supporting leaf and a plurality of legs. In the collapsed position, the upper goods-supporting platform, leaf and legs lay flat against the horizontal lower platform. The footprint of the collapsed apparatus is no greater than the footprint of the lower goods-supporting platform. In the erected position, the substantially vertical legs support the upper platform in a horizontal position above the lower platform, and the leaf is pivoted from the upper platform into a fixed position over the lower platform. The extended leaf is supported by a pair of deployable legs. A locking mechanism is used to lock the apparatus in the erected position. Goods may be loaded onto the upper and lower platforms of the erected pallet.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tables having a tabletop whose height is adjustable. A table according to the present disclosure is useful among other employments as a coffee table whose height can be varied to suit the needs of persons using the table for various purposes, including game playing. A table with adjustable height top portion according to the disclosure attractive and functional. Various structures for maintaining the selected height at which the table top is set are disclosed.

Abstract: A detonator is intended to be installed in a chamber equipped with a blockable access opening. The detonator includes a member for initiating a pyrotechnic chain and a casing for confining the initiation member. The casing includes, facing the initiation member, a port for igniting a pyrotechnic charge placed in the chamber outside the casing. The detonator also includes a shutter for blocking the port which can be moved between a retracted position clear of the port and a position for blocking the port. A device for operating the shutter keeps the shutter in the retracted position when access to the chamber is blocked, and in the blocking position when access to the chamber is open.

Abstract: A process for the pyrolysis of waste materials, particularly medical waste, is provided. In the pyrolysis process, waste material is placed in a sealed container. The sealed container is placed in a load chamber and the waste material is subjected to pyrolysis. The process generates pyrolysis gases containing volatile organic compounds which are fed to an oxidation chamber containing tangential and radial air inlet ports. The pyrolysis gases are combusted and hot gases are produced in the oxidation chamber. In the operation, at least a portion of the generated heat and hot gases is fed to the load chamber which holds the pyrolysis container.

Abstract: A device is attached to a vehicle, such as a tractor, to deliver slurry into soil. The device has a hinged connector allows side-to-side movement between the vehicle and the main frame. There is at least one coulter attached to the main frame, a retaining wheel and slurry applicator attached to the main frame; and a closure wheel attached to the main frame. The at least one coulter preferably is a double coulter system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting the down pressure exerted by an actuating device on a seed channel opener of a planting implement in order to maintain the seed channel opener at a predetermined depth. The method and apparatus includes a depth control device which senses the load on the depth control wheel of the planting implement and transmits a sensed load output to an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit includes a micro-controller which receives, monitors and analyzes the sensed load output and compares it to the predetermined depth value. When the micro-controller detects a change between the predetermined depth value and sensed output value, a signal is transmitted to a regulating control valve which adjusts the down pressure exerted by the actuating device on the seed channel opener to maintain the proper cutting depth.

Abstract: A device to introduce the upper thread into the eye of the needle (7) of a sewing machine which includes two guide clips (49, 51) having two inlet sections (53, 55) ending in a narrow point. The two guide clips (49, 51) are generally identical and can spread evenly when encountering the needle. The grasping hook (57) that lies in a plane in the center of the two guide clips (49, 51) is always guided exactly centered into the eye (25) of the needle (7). In addition, the two guide clips (49, 51) are mounted for tilting movement about a horizontal axis (B).

Abstract: Disclosed is a personal watercraft comprising an engine capable of achieving a high power without increasing the diameter of an output shaft where a crankshaft-side sprocket is attached, and thus without increasing the diameter of the sprocket. The engine is configured such that an extended shaft that is separable from the crankshaft and has a diameter smaller than that of the crankshaft is connected to one end portion of the crankshaft so as to be coaxial with the crankshaft, and a sprocket is provided on the extended shaft. With such a structure, by forming the extended shaft of a material having relatively high strength, the diameter of the extended shaft can be made smaller than that of the crankshaft, and hence, the diameter of the sprocket provided on the extended shaft can be reduced. Since the diameter of a camshaft-side sprocket can be reduced, the size of the entire engine can be reduced.

Abstract: A fender (1) has a fastening end (2) and a shock-absorbing end (3) and, arranged therebetween, at least one deformation portion (4). The deformation portion (4) is made of an elastically deformable material, especially elastomeric material, and is arranged to fold during deformation of the fender (1), so that surface portions of the deformation portion (4) are folded towards each other. The deformation portion (4) has on at least one surface projections (5) and recesses (6) of such a shape and location that they can engage with each other in a comblike manner when said surface portions of the deformation portion (4) are folded towards each other during deformation of the fender (1).

Abstract: A semi-submersible floating production vessel which has a ring pontoon. Three main columns extend upwardly from corners of the pontoon and three secondary, minor columns. extend upwardly from centers of the triangle sides. The columns are surrounded with fenders for protecting the columns from impact with floating bodies. The columns support an open frame deck, on which production modules are positioned. The vessel is adapted for semi-permanent mooring with pre-tensioned mooring lines that are attached to swivel padeyes secured on the main columns below the water line. Production and export risers are connected to the vessel below the water line. Compressed air ballast system allows selective emptying of ballast compartments located in the ring pontoon and eliminates the need for a conventional pump room.

Abstract: A jet propulsion system for a submersible vehicle, such as a submarine includes a propulsion unit mounted away from the stern of the submersible. Generally, the propulsion system consists of a set of blades secured to a hub within a shroud. Combining such a propulsion system with a surface texture treatment greatly reduces overall drag while improving the submersible's efficiency. Further, such an arrangement contributes to the submersibles stealthy characteristics. An additional hub and set of high-speed blades capable of generating a supercavity may be added to achieve supercavitation. The propulsion system can be varied to include a pumpjet and/or a centrifugal force blade system.

Abstract: A watercraft has a collapsible privacy compartment that accommodates an adult when the compartment is opened. The privacy compartment includes a cover that is movably connected to the deck and a flexible curtain that is connected to the cover. When the privacy compartment is closed, the cover at least partially conceals the privacy compartment within the deck. When the privacy compartment is opened, the cover at least partially supports the deployed privacy compartment. The cover may simultaneously function as an engine cover.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a residual life indicator. The residual life indicator comprises a solid, surface active, waterproof support medium having a concentric pattern imprinted thereon. The concentric pattern comprises a center pattern and at least one outer pattern. An indicator dye spot is disposed within the center pattern of the concentric patter. When the indicator dye is exposed to contaminants, the indicator dye spot visually moves toward the outer pattern.

Abstract: A milking inflation fits over the upper end of a teat cup shell, with a peripheral shoulder and cuff adapted to surround and sealingly engage the upper rim of the shell. A substantially flat, relatively thin section (mouthpiece) extends radially inwardly from the shoulder and toward a center portion which defines a circular central opening or mouth for receiving a teat of a lactating animal. A plurality of geometrically-shaped indentations are aligned in a circumferentially extending pattern around the mouth. The indentations are formed integrally in a broad surface of the mouthpiece and extend radially inwardly from the shoulder and cuff toward the center portion and central opening. The inward tips of the geometrical indentations leave a substantially raised portion around the center opening, and due to the alignment of the geometrical indentations there is an immediate raised portion around the central opening of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: An automatic feeding apparatus for pets includes a housing with an elevated bottom plate. A slide is mounted below an opening in the bottom plate and located above a food pan for pets. A hopper is mounted in the housing and above the bottom plate for receiving food particles. A dispense plate is rotatably supported between the bottom plate and the hopper. The dispense plate includes at least one hole for receiving a dispense cylinder therein. The food particles enter a through-hole of the dispense cylinder via a feed outlet of the hopper when the dispense cylinder is moved to a position below the feed outlet. The food particles in the dispense cylinder falls into the food pan via the opening of the bottom plate and the slide when the dispense cylinder is moved to a position above the opening of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A birdfeeder is made up of two subassemblies, one of them having a protective top and a lock rod extending downward from the center of the top and the other having a base with a cavity for receiving and holding bird feed, along with a reservoir, a tubular support member attached to the base and a locking mechanism attached to a reservoir wall and to the tubular support member. The lock rod, which extends only partially down the tubular support when engaged, has a groove near its lower end for receiving a spring-biased rod from the locking mechanism, connecting the two subassemblies together. A space between the lower end of the lock rod and the base allows any feed that has been spilled into the top of the tubular member in the course of loading the reservoir to fall downward away from components of the locking mechanism. Openings may also be provided in the base or in the tubular support member at location near the bottom for the same purpose.

Abstract: A self-cleaning cat litter box apparatus comprises a litter tray for containing a quantity of cat litter, a waste bin, and a mesh basket sized for having lower regions received into the litter. A supporting frame and the basket form a basket assembly that is hinged relative to the litter tray for pivotal movement between a lowered position in which the lower regions of the basket are immersed in cat litter contained in the litter tray and an upright position in which cat waste-containing clumped litter picked up from the tray by the basket is gravity dumped into the waste bin. A basket motor is connected for causing the pivoting of the basket assembly between the lowered and upright positions and for simultaneously opening and closing a waste bin door. Operation of the basket motor is responsive to a cat entering and subsequently leaving the litter tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cattle management method utilizing a franchised cattle management system licensed to contract cattle producers. The contract grower contract producers manage cattle according to given production guidelines from the franchiser that increases the carcass value at sale. The cattle producer retains a profit from the increased market value of the cattle produced according to the franchisor's cattle production method. The franchiser receives a royalty from the contract cattle producer with little or no capital expenses or costs associated with the maintenance and production of the cattle herd operated by the contract cattle producer.

Abstract: An animal habitat for use within a terrarium or aquarium with at least one transparent side wall consisting of a simulated rock having two portions that have corresponding faces that register with one another for visually creating an image of a single rock. The faces are flat enabling them to be positioned in registration with one another on opposite sides of the terrarium transparent side wall. The animal habitat includes a habitat cavity for one or more animals in one portion of the rock to be placed inside the terrarium with the cavity open to the flat face for enabling a party outside of the terrarium wall to view the cavity and any animals disposed therein. Magnetically attracting components are disposed in each portion of the rock for releasable holding the two portions in registration with one another on opposite sides of the transparent side wall of the terrarium. An access to and from the cavity from outside of the rock is provided in one portion of the rock surface other than the flat face.

Abstract: An animal transport system is provided, having a wall defining an interior space and a top opening. At least a portion of the wall is constructed so as to restrict the passage of claws there through. The system also comprises a protective covering and means for releasably securing the cover over the interior space. Carrying means are provided, as are means for allowing the transfer of air into and out of the interior space. Preferably, the system is of a construction which biases an animal provided therein away from a prone position, protects the animal from environmental conditions, and obstructs the animal's view of the exterior, to calm the animal and reduce any increase in anxiety as the animal is moved from a dangerous area to a safe area.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising a curious animal such as a housecat comprises a laser pointer mounted on a shaft driven by a geared motor mounted on a pedestal. The rotatable shaft is preferably generally vertically disposed and the direction of the pointer is preferably obliquely downward so that activation of the motor causes the spot beam of the laser to track around the pedestal with a vector of motion to attract a cat into interaction with the spot beam. In a further specific embodiment, the laser pointer may be mounted on the head of an oscillatory air circulation fan with a pedestal. The oscillation of the spot beam, together with the air movement of the oscillatory fan, further stimulates activity in a cat while conveniently inducing convective cooling.

Abstract: A dog run and apparatus adapted to accommodate more than one dog. The apparatus includes a spring-tensioned run line. One end of a primary leash line is mounted on the run line via a swivel connection and pulley. One end of a secondary leash line is mounted on the primary leash line via a swivel connection and pulley. A second end of the primary and secondary leash lines is connected to a respective dog's collar. The elevation of the run line above grade and the linear dimensions of the run line and leash lines have been chosen to afford ample run area for the dogs and to provide room for maneuvering without causing the leash lines to tangle and snarl.

Abstract: A system in accordance with the invention includes a thermo-electric device that is physically proximate with a thermal energy source, where, in operation, the thermo-electric device generates a voltage potential. The system further includes a power conversion circuit connected with the thermo-electric device, to modify the generated voltage potential. Also included in the system is a controller circuit connected with the power conversion circuit, where the thermo-electric device powers the controller circuit via the power conversion circuit. The system additionally includes a valve-control circuit connected with the controller circuit and the power conversion circuit, such that the thermo-electric device powers the valve control circuit, at least in part, via the power conversion circuit. The system also includes one or more sensing devices connected with the controller circuit.

Abstract: A piston cooling system and associated piston are provided which effectively cools and lubricates the upper crown portion of a piston and the connecting rod/piston pin area using a single cooling nozzle. The piston cooling system includes a piston having a cooling gallery, a cooling nozzle positioned to direct cooling oil through a flow path to the entrance of the cooling gallery, and a deflecting surface positioned in the flow path to deflect a portion of the cooling oil into a deflected flow path toward the connecting rod and piston pin area. The deflecting surface may be formed on a baffle plate positioned as the bottom wall of the cooling gallery or may be integrally formed on the piston body.

Abstract: An electromechanical engine valve actuation system 10 is provided including a control element 16, a first actuator 18, a second actuator 20, an armature element 26 and a motion detector 32. The control element 16 controls the first actuator 18 and the second actuator 20 in response to the motion detector 32 in order to reduce the impact of the armature element 26.

Abstract: The invention concerns a control device for adjusting the relative angular position of a driven shaft, particularly a camshaft of an internal combustion engine, said device comprising a drive pinion that is rotatably connected to the shaft, an adjusting element (1) for the angular adjustment of the drive pinion relative to the shaft, two chambers (2, 3) that are alternately supplied with hydraulic fluid and a control valve (6) for actuating the adjusting element (1), said control valve being connected to the chambers (2, 3) of the adjusting element (1) through pressure medium channels (4, 5). The control valve (6) comprises a valve body (7) that has two working connections A and B for the pressure medium channels (4, 5), a delivery connection P for the supply of hydraulic fluid and a discharge connection T for the discharge of hydraulic fluid, and the control valve (6) further comprises a sliding valve control piston (8) for setting different hydraulic resistances W between the individual connections.

Abstract: A variable valve timing device includes a rotation transmitting member rotated integrally with a rotation shaft of an engine, a rotor member disposed in the rotation transmitting member to be rotated relative to the rotation transmitting member and rotated integrally with an intake and exhaust valves controlling member, a fluid chamber defined between the rotor member and the rotation transmitting member, a vane radially equipped to one of the rotor member and the rotation transmitting member, and a covering member fixed to the rotation transmitting member for covering the fluid chamber. An axial edge surface of the biasing member discontinuously comes in contact with at least one of the rotor member and the covering member.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having at least one combustion cylinder that includes a combustion chamber provided with gas-exchange valves, and an electrohydraulic valve control device having valve actuators that actuate the gas-exchange valves. To reduce manufacturing costs and/or the installation space required for the electrohydraulic valve control device, at least two synchronously controlled gas-exchange valves are connected using a coupling element to a common valve actuator, and the connection sites of the gas-exchange valves are flexibly formed on the coupling element.

Abstract: 15 A method and an assembly 61 for use with a vehicle 10 having a high voltage battery 42 and an internal combustion engine 12 of the type having a selectively rotatable crankshaft 13 After the high voltage battery 42 receives a donor charge, the assembly 61 causes the crankshaft 13 to be rotated at a slow speed for a predetermined period of time before electrical energy is transferred to the internal combustion engine 12 and before combustion occurs within the engine 12.

Abstract: The object of this invention is that a suction device for an internal combustion engine is to be compact. The suction device comprising a casing having an air inlet and a plurality of outlets, a filter in the casing for filtering air from said air inlet, a collection chamber in the casing for receiving air from the filter, at least one throttle valve in the casing for controlling the flow of air from said filter to said collection chamber, and a plurality of suction pipes. According to the present invention, the suction device can be made compact to thereby effectively use an engine room of an automobile.

Abstract: A surface coating of the working surface of a cylinder of a combustion engine is disclosed, having the combination of the following characteristics: The coating is applied by plasma spraying; the surface of the coating comprises a plurality of open pores; the degree of porosity of the surface of the coating amounst to between 0.5 and 10%; the statistic mean pore size amounts to between 1 and 50 &mgr;m, whereby at least nearly exclusively pores with a size of less than 100 &mgr;m are present; the pores are stochastically distributed in the surface of the coating, both as far as the area and the size is concerned; the coating comprises a content of bound oxygen of between 0.5 and 8% by weight; the coating comprises inclusions of FeO and Fe3O4 crystals, serving as solid lubricants; and the roughness of the surface of the coating is adjusted by mechanically finishing to an arithmetic mean roughness Ra of between 0.02 and 0.4 &mgr;m and to a mean peak-to-valley distance Rz of between 0.5 and 5 &mgr;m.