Abstract: A piston carrier supports an elongated, slender piston rod for reciprocation in a pump cylinder to pump fluid into and out of the cylinder. The piston rod is made of a material such as sapphire or zircon and has a diameter less than about ten millimeters, and the pump can provide flows of from about 50 nanoliters to about 250 microliters per minute at pressures of several hundred bars. A drive motor rotates a threaded screw and a drive nut of a drive system applies a linear drive force to the piston carrier. A ball and socket connection between the drive system and the piston carrier avoids the need for precise alignment to prevent breakage of the fragile piston. A magnet in the socket holds the ball in place and avoids the need for a spring or other mechanical holder. The socket also includes a ring of a low reluctance material surrounding the ball to increase the magnetic retention force.

Abstract: A portable food handling system for transporting,preparing and storing food. The portable food handling system includes a trailer assembly comprising a body portion, at least one wheel and a tongue portion. The wheel is rotatably coupled to the body portion whereby the wheel is designed for rolling across a support surface to facilitate transporting of the body portion across the support surface. The tongue portion is coupled to the body portion. The tongue portion is designed for being selectively coupled to a vehicle to facilitate transporting of the body portion across the support surface. At least one food handling assembly is selectively coupled to the body portion of the trailer assembly. The food handling assembly is designed for handling food received by the food handling assembly.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously and evenly toasting articles of differing contours and dimensions arranged upon a heated griddle. A clamshell plate, positioned in stand-off relationship above said griddle-arranged articles, has a plurality of slideably moveable fingers or pins mounted therein which float, that is, are brought into contacting and resting relation with the upper surfaces of said articles to provide a gentle pressure thereon to urge the lower surfaces into more intimate contact with the griddle until the toasting process is completed, thereby accelerating the toasting process without undesirable side effects such as distortion of, and condensation on, the upper surfaces and caramelization of the lower surfaces of said articles.

Abstract: A structurally reinforced, durable baking tray for use in high-volume industrial baking applications. The baking tray of the present invention includes a baking surface, the perimeter of which is encircled by a band of material that is partially rolled down and away from the baking surface to define the outer edge of the tray. At least one lengthwise support rib is formed in the baking surface and connects with the band of material at both ends of the baking tray. At least one widthwise support rib is also formed in the baking surface. This widthwise rib intersects the lengthwise support rib and connects with the band of material on both sides of said baking tray. The intersecting support ribs pass completely through the length and width of the baking tray and join with the band of material encircling the baking surface, thereby conferring structural stability, rigidity, and durability to the tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically producing at low cost a paste food product resembling in appearance a crab's leg meat tissue causing a sensation of a crab's leg meat upon eating, comprises: a first feed device (1) for feeding a cooked paste sheet; a sheet cutter assembly (4) constructed of parallel rotary cutters disposed under the first feed device (1); a convergent roll assembly (9) having an H-shaped cross-section for forming the paste sheet into a folded sheet (10), disposed under the first feed device (1); a conveyor (12) for conveying the folded sheet (10), disposed under the convergent roll assembly (9); a second feed device (14) for intermittently or continuously feeding the folded sheet (10), disposed in front of the conveyor (12); a slitting machine (17) for forming rows of parallel oblique slits in the folded sheet (10) so as to have the parallel oblique slits symmetrically arranged about a longitudinal axis of the folded sheet (10); and, a cutter for cutting the folded sheet into a block

Abstract: A screw press provided with a rear excess fluid outlet is described herein. The rear excess fluid outlet includes a circular screen provided at a longitudinal end of the screw press body, near a material inlet. Scraper blade assemblies are provided to prevent the screen from clogging. The efficiency of excess fluid removal is thereby increased by the increased screen surface near the material inlet of the screw press.

Abstract: A method for finishing a golf ball comprising the steps of providing a golf ball having a three-dimensional dimpled surface; preparing the surface for receiving at least one indicia; providing a digital image having at least one color; transferring the image to the surface with an inkjet head; and treating the surface with a coating comprising a clear coat, a top coat, a primer, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A manual ink applicator for use in screen printing which uses a squeegee that is mounted on a pair of pivoting links. The links in turn are mounted on a pair of shuttle blocks. The pivoting links raise the squeegee from the screen surface when the shuttle blocks make contact with the top and bottom ends of the screen frame or adjustable stops mounted to the sides of the screen frame, and the operator continues in the same direction as the squeegee was moving just prior to the blocks making said contact. The operator then changes the direction of movement of the squeegee. There is a handle and a brace attached to the shaft. The user places his or her arm through the brace and grasps the handle. By applying the force to the squeegee through the handle, brace and shaft, the force to the squeegee is substantially greater than if just applied to the squeegee by the user's hands.

Abstract: A device for supporting the corner of a silkscreen frame during the stretching and attachment of the silkscreen, including a unifying plate to support the various elements. The plate is removably secured to a table and includes a position defining corner support flanked by a pair of spaced torsion absorbing pads and a calibrated tower to capture the stretching tool and assuring proper and constant tension.

Abstract: Method for screen printing a continuous structure on a substrate wherein the screen printed structure extends from at least a first level to at least a second level. The disclosed method is particularly suitable for the fabrication of microelectronic devices and components thereof including the fabrication of field emission display devices. Preferably, a print screen of a preferred thickness having a preconfigured print pattern formed therethrough, in combination with a squeegee having a hardness within a preferred range, are used to force a screen printable substance onto a substrate while maintaining a portion of the print screen within a preferred reference angle. The resulting screen printed structure extends from at least one lower level to at least one upper level in a continuous “uphill” manner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for making bas-relief surfaces applied to downy fabrics such as bedspreads, carpets and blankets, the proposed process being part of the proper logical sequence of the steps for making a downy fabric through the use of silk screen techniques and the equipment known as “tufting machine” and shredding machine, the proposed process being basically defined by the replacement of ink in at least one of the silk screen printing frames with a glue solution homogenized with a dye and the insertion of an intermediate step for drying the thus-printed fabric in the dryer after it leaves the vaporizer and before it is moved to the washer.

Abstract: A printing unit is comprised of at least three rotating members, such as an impression cylinder, a forme cylinder that cooperates with the impression cylinder in a printing position, and a roller that cooperates with the forme cylinder. The two, cylinders and the roller may gave a zero rotational speed or a production rotational speed. At least two of the rotating member also have a set-up rotational speed that is different from the zero rotational speed and the production rotational speed of these rotating members.

Abstract: A signature transfer device includes a rotating arm rotating about a first axis and a first gripper rotatably mounted on the rotating arm about a second axis, the first and second axes being parallel, the first gripper having a first gripper finger and a second gripper finger. An actuator is connected to the first gripper for opening and closing the first gripper as a function of the angle of the rotating arm about the first axis, and a compression spring connects the first gripper finger and the second gripper finger, the compression spring being compressed when the first gripper and the second gripper finger are apart.

Abstract: A conveyor system (10) for a sheet of printing material (12) in a printing material processing machine (14), including a running member (16) which can be moved through the machine (14) along a transport path (18) using a drive (22), and including a number of encoders (24) which are arranged along the transport path (18) and used to sense the position of the running member (16), the conveyor system having the feature that the encoders (24) are connected to an evaluation unit (26) for progressive sampling of the encoder signals; it being possible for an active encoder (28) and a passive encoder (30) of the number of encoders (24) to be specified in the evaluation unit (26) so that a drive signal can be generated in a signal processor unit (32) on the basis of a change in amplitude of the signal of the active encoder (28) and a change in amplitude of the signal of the passive encoder (30).

Abstract: At printing time, a blanket cylinder gear is meshed with a plate cylinder gear, whereby a first plate cylinder is rotatable by a drive motor. At image-recording time, the blanket cylinder gear is separated from the plate cylinder gear. In this state, a different motor drives the plate cylinder gear to rotate the first plate cylinder at low speed.

Abstract: A distribution drive for a roll in a processing machine, and particularly in a press which has an improved axial motion distribution mechanism and which requires little installation space. This is achieved by an input drive mechanism coupled to a drive having at least one pinion gear 8 which is coupled to a gear 10. Arranged on a side face of the gear 10 is a first pin 17 which, together with a second pin 22, forms a rotary joint 20 by the first pin 17 penetrating the second pin 22. Together with a bearing arm 23, the second pin 22 forms a sliding joint 21, with the second pin 22 being accommodated at the ends in the bearing arm 23, and the bearing arm 23 being coupled to the roll 3.

Abstract: A plate-mounting member to be attached to a plate front end of a flexible plate in order to mount said flexible plate having a plurality of fixing holes onto a plate cylinder including a plate front end clamp mechanism having upper and lower teeth and at least two positioning pins disposed between upper and lower teeth, said plate-mounting member comprising a base and a plurality of fixing pins disposed on said base to be respectively inserted into said plurality of fixing holes formed in said plate front end, wherein said base is to be attached to said positioning pins disposed in said plate front end clamp mechanism to thereby position said plate front end. Also disclosed are method and apparatus for mounting a flexible printing plate.

Abstract: In an exposure device for exposing thermal printing plates having a plate drum holding the printing plates and a pressure roller pressing the pressure plates onto the plate drum during the clamping and unclamping of the printing plates, a device for eliminating combustion residues in an exposer for printing plates includes a pick-up roller in contact with the pressure roller and picking up the combustion residues adhering to the pressure roller. The pick-up roller preferably has an adhesive surface and the pressure roller has a non-adhesive surface.

Abstract: A limited edition stamp and method for printing limited edition stamps from a plurality of different printers and locations. The limited edition stamps each having a unique ID not visible under normal viewing conditions. The unique ID number is allocated to different printers by a single computer that is communication with all of the printers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an initiating element for use in a detonator to cause a base charge arranged in the detonator, to detonate. The initiating element comprises an ignitable initiating charge which upon ignition generates combustion gases by means of which the base charge is intended to be caused to detonate. The initiating element comprises a compression means which is arranged to be acted upon by said combustion gases to be moved towards the base charge for compression of the same. The invention further relates to a method of igniting a compressed base charge in a detonator, the base charge being further compressed during an initiation phase to increased density. In addition, the invention relates to a detonator provided with a base charge which at a moment of detonation has increased density.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for generating energy by using exothermic reaction of metal, comprising the steps of reacting an oxidant containing mostly water with combustion substances mainly containing light metals to generate hydrogen; reacting generated hydrogen with nitric acid, sulfuric acid, chlorine peroxide, metal nitrate, metal perchlorate, metal sulfate, and hydrogen peroxide to generate water and heat; continuously repeating the above two steps with the use of water to gradually increase explosive power, and to a method for utilizing generated energy. The method can generate increased amounts of energy by repeatedly reacting oxidants such as water, liquid acid, and metal salt with combustion substances containing mostly light metals, and has economic advantages in that inexpensive substances such as light metal and oil are used as combustion substances.

Abstract: A specialty bullet is disclosed that is adapted to transmit a tranquilizing fluid upon impact with a target for purposes of immobilizing the intended target without causing great harm to the target or the surrounding area. The specialty bullet is sized and shaped like that of a conventional bullet so that it can be fired from a conventional firearm; however, the concept could work with innumerable types of ammunition. The disclosed invention includes a so-called “Collapsule” bullet, which is a molded, hollow cavity fabricated of a high-strength malleable plastic polymer that is filled with a tranquilizing fluid. The bullet is fitted with a so-called “Injectile,” which is a hypodermic injection spike (to transmit the tranquilizing fluid) that is backed and driven by an inertia base mass (i.e., lead core or other suitable) located at the base of the bullet.

Abstract: An integral intermodal train is provided for carrying standard over-the-highway semi-trailers. The intermodal train can include a standard locomotive pulling one or more train segments. Each segment can have a plurality of platforms and may be loaded or unloaded independently of any other segment using a self contained, roll-on/roll-off system. At least one platform should be equipped with a standard knuckle coupler at standard height to permit the segments to be pulled by any existing locomotive. Each segment can consist of three platform types, articulated together, an adapter platform coupled behind the locomotive, an intermediate platform having a truck at only one end and the other end supported by the end of the adapter platform and a loading ramp platform also having a truck at only one with the other end supported by the truck end of the intermediate platform. The truck end of the ramp platform can have a hinged ramp assembly which can be raised or lowered to load the platforms.

Abstract: A sliding door is provided for a rail car of the type having a floor, a side wall along one side of the floor and standing upwardly from the floor and an opening in the side wall. The sliding door is mounted on top and bottom rails at the opening extending parallel to a plane of the opening with the door movable from a closed position at the opening to an open position spaced along the rails from the opening. The sliding door is formed of modular panel sections which are replaceable independently of one another when damaged. The sliding door includes a flexible portion being movable between a relaxed position and a flexed position in which the flexible portion is deflected in a direction transversely to the plane of the opening in relation to the relaxed position in order to minimize damage to the, door when impacted.

Abstract: A portable work station having a work surface, a leg assembly operably coupled to the work surface and a clamp coupled to the work surface, for mounting the portable work station to an upright support. The work surface and leg assembly may be foldable into a compact unit for storage and transportation. The portable work station is particularly well-suited for use in conjunction with wheeled luggage having an extendable handle.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a lightweight support member or article prepared from corrugated paper which is utilized as a replacement for wood articles such as logs, boards, planks and the like. The support members have a high strength to weight ratio and save on transportation and fuel costs. The support members are constructed as a continuous or semi-continuous, flattened or elongated wind of corrugated paper around a core or central area.

Abstract: A trade show booth that includes a plurality of base members that are removably fastened in a geometric shape. A plurality of inner base members are removably fastened to the base members. At least one countertop is removably fastened to the base members and the inner base members. A plurality of vertical support members extend upwardly from the countertops. A plurality of top members are removably fastened to the upper ends of the vertical support members.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a folding wooden table is disclosed wherein the table retains the attractiveness of traditional wooden tables by having hidden hinges and leg supports, yet which folds flat for storage and requires no tools for assembly and disassembly. The underside of the table top has a side skirt pivotally secured adjacent to each side with at least one hinge so as to enable them to fold inward. End skirts are pivotally secured to the table top at each end with at least one hinge, and a pair of legs are secured to opposite ends of each end skirt to form a pivoting leg assembly. The legs preferably have an “L”-shaped cross-section to hide the support hardware yet provide an attractive exterior. The hinge is offset sufficiently inward from end skirt to allow legs to fold flat against the table top. An “L”-shaped support bracket is secured to each end of the side skirts with an appropriately positioned pivot.

Abstract: A presser foot assembly is disclosed which is operable to adjust the pressure applied to a fabric by a presser foot in a stitching machine. The presser foot assembly includes an adjustment element, a linkage and a presser foot. A connecting end of the presser foot is connected to the linkage. The adjustment element is operable to be adjusted while the stitching machine is operating, and adjusts the linkage such that the travel distance of a foot end of the presser foot changes. The adjustment element can include an adjustment eccentric, which adjusts the location of a cam. The linkage can include a cam follower, the height of a second end of which is changed when the cam is adjusted. The connecting end of the presser foot engages with the second end of the cam follower, and thus the height of the foot end is adjusted, allowing for more or less pressure to be applied to the fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for feeding and slitting mattress covers, quilts and other soft goods supported on a table. The apparatus has a first slitting wheel rotatable by a motor. A second slitting wheel is rotatable by the motor and contacts the first slitting wheel to provide a cutting action. The apparatus further includes upper and lower conveyors operable by the motor for conveying the soft goods past the slitting wheels. The upper conveyor is resiliently vertically movable and applies a compression force against the soft goods as they are moved between the upper and lower conveyors and past the slitting wheels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding curtain hooks, which each consists of a strip and a hook part connected thereto, to a sewing machine which can sew the strip of a supplied curtain hook to a curtain, comprising: a supply holder for the curtain hooks, displacing means for displacing one curtain hook at a time in a straight line to a desired position for sewing on the strip, and adjusting means for automatically adjusting the mutual position of strip and hook part connected thereto. The invention also relates to a method for feeding curtain hooks.

Abstract: A seagoing vessel having a length of between 45 and 175 meters and designed to operate at speeds of between 25 and 70 knots, the vessel comprising a single main hull with stabilising amahs positioned on either side, wherein the hydrostatic value of GM determined in the transverse plane lies between 0.5 and 5 meters, the vessel being shaped above the designed waterline such that the righting lever (GZ) curve as the vessel heels meets the following requirements: the area (b) bounded by the GZ curve plotted on the heeling axis between the angle of flooding and the heeling lever associated with a specific gust of wind is greater in value than the area (a) bounded by the GZ curve plotted on the heeling axis between the heeling lever associated with the specific gust of wind and an angle associated with the amount of roll of the vessel to windward under the action of the waves.

Abstract: A bilge management and control system for a vessel having a full port through-transom threaded pipe fitting located near the lowest point of the interior of a vessel and ending in a flange mounted against the exterior transom wall, with the means for sealing the interior area of the transom from both sides, with hose barb to male plug adapters (or garden hose adapters) and/or solid threaded plugs threaded into one or both ends of the threaded through-transom pipe, at the entry point and at the exit terminus, such that substances may be prevented from entering a bilge, may be introduced into a bilge and/or forward compartments of a vessel, retained and controlled within a bilge and/or forward compartments of a vessel, or directed out of a bilge and/or forward compartments of a vessel by gravity flow, differential pressure or other mechanical means when the solid threaded plugs at one or both ends are removed or back-threaded to unseal the pipe wall's opposing ingress and egress portholes, if they are pres

Abstract: Procedure for retrieving an insertion of an underwater buoy (12, 50) in a well (11) at the bottom of a dynamically positioned vessel (10), at which a pulling line (16, 34) for interconnection with the buoy (12, 50) is lowered through the well (11) and hoisted to the deck (13) of the vessel (10), and the buoy (12, 50) is interconnected with the pulling line (16, 34) and hoisted into the well (11) by use of a winching device (15, 65) on the vessel, comprising the steps of attaching the pulling line (16, 34) to the connection unit (19, 32) on the deck (13) of the vessel (10), to lower the connection unit (19, 32) with the pulling line (16, 34) towards the buoy (12, 50) by use of a hoisting device (18, 30, 39) on the vessel (10) under possible guidance by use of the dynamic positioning system of the vessel, to place the connection unit (19, 32) on a cooperating device (20, 51, 52) on the top of the buoy (12, 50), whereby a terminal end on the pulling line (16, 34) is connected to the cooperating device (20, 51, 5

Abstract: A low centroid canoe seat support is provided which is mountable to a canoe and that receives a boat seat having standard three-quarter inch post pin. The canoe seat support holds the weight of the boat seat and a canoe rider in a position below the gunwales of the canoe and above the hull of the canoe, thus providing stability and reducing the likelihood of a capsizing event. Moreover, because the canoe seat support is compatible with standard post boat seats, the apparatus allows the rider to customize the canoe to meet his or her individual comfort and mobility needs.

Abstract: A seat for a watercraft provides a separately adjustable thigh support and back support. The seat includes a pelvis support and a separately positionable thigh support pivotally mounted on the pelvis support. An adjustable back support includes a post pivotally mounted to the pelvis support and a backrest that moves vertically on the post. Means are provided for adjusting and setting the thigh support and back support at desired positions for optimal support and comfort. Preferably, a person can adjust the seat while fully seated in the seat.

Abstract: An indicating device for indicating the number of times in which a surgical fitting has been autoclaved, the device including a body which includes first and second sets of teeth and a bimetallic indexing ring having teeth thereon, the arrangement being such that on thermal expansion and contraction of the indexing ring, its teeth engage those of the body so as to rotate the ring in a step wise manner relative to the body so as to thereby indicate the number of heat cycles to which the indicating device has been subjected, the indexing ring being the only movable part of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is a temperature measuring device for insertion into food which audibly signals the user when the temperature of the food reaches a predetermined level. The stem of the device contains a coiled temperature sensitive bi-metallic spring. As the internal temperature of the substance increases, the temperature sensing material slowly rotates, causing a pointer and triggering disk to rotate. When the rotation achieves a predetermined position, a pre-wound coil spring is permitted to engage a drive gear which operates a hammer device so as to provide an audible signal. Thus, the user is audibly alerted when the internal temperature of the substance reaches the desired threshold level.

Abstract: The present invention is a device used to take the milk samples from each milking cow without slowing down the milking, and the milk samples taken are analysed in order to determine the protein, fat content, carbohydrate, mineral matter and vitamin rates.

Abstract: A caged-animal entertainment assembly that chimes or rings in response to animal engagement of an attractant suspended in the animal cage wherein the attractant may be separated or decoupled from a chiming assembly so the movement of the attractant by the caged animal no longer generates a chiming sound. When the attractant is attached or coupled to the chiming assembly, the animal generates the chiming sound by moving the attractant which, in turn, moves a support that is connected to a striker. The striker strikes the chimes or a bell to create the chiming sound.

Abstract: A controller determines and adjusts system parameters, including cleanliness levels or sootblower operating settings, that are useful for maintaining the cleanliness of a fossil fuel boiler at an efficient level. Some embodiments use a direct controller to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower operating settings. Some embodiments use an indirect controller, with a system model, to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower settings. The controller may use a model that is, for example, a neural network, or a mass energy balance, or a genetically programmed model. The controller uses input about the actual performance or slate of the boiler for adaptation. The controller may operate in conjunction with a sootblower optimization system that controls the actual settings of the sootblowers. The controller may coordinate cleanliness settings for multiple sootblowers and/or across a plurality of heat zones in the boiler.

Abstract: An engine valve device, wherein an opening part (7) smaller in area than the end surface of a piston (5) is provided in the end surface of a cylinder (3) to form a valve seat (8), and a valve disc (9) in contact with the valve seat (8) is disposed on the outerside of the valve seat (8) so that the cylinder (3) can be moved away from and toward the valve disc (9) and, in a compression stroke when the piston (5) rises, the valve seat (8) is in press-contact with the fixed valve disc (9) because upward force is applied to the upper end surface of the cylinder (3) and the cylinder (3) is urged toward the valve disc, and the area of the opening part is increasable up to the ultimate diameter of the piston, providing a highly airtight, simple-structured valve device yielding high engine energy efficiency.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio control system for an internal combustion engine includes a lubrication system for selectively providing lubricating oil to connecting rods within the engine at either a lubrication pressure or at a control pressure. The oil is provided to compression ratio adjusters so as to cause the adjusters to move from one compression ratio to another, to achieve a desired change in compression ratio. A lubricating pump provides lubricating oil to the connecting rods through the lubrication system. The lubricating pump is selectively operable at one of a lubricating pressure and a control pressure by means of a control valve which is integral with the lubricating pump.

Abstract: In an internal-combustion engine equipped with an electronically controlled hydraulic system for variable actuation of the inlet and/or exhaust valves of the engine, the hydraulic system for actuation of the valves includes, for each engine valve, a solenoid valve for controlling the corresponding hydraulic actuator. Each solenoid valve is controlled according to a pre-set control criterion according to the operating parameters of the engine, said pre-set control criterion corresponding to reference operating conditions of the hydraulic fluid and, in particular, to the value of viscosity of the hydraulic fluid, which varies with temperature. The aforesaid control criterion is, however, adjusted according to an estimated deviation between reference operating conditions of the hydraulic fluid and actual operating conditions of the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A device for controlling at least one gas-changing valve (10) of an internal combustion engine includes a valve adjuster (20) with an adjusting piston (16) limiting two pressure chamber (17, 18). The lower pressure chamber (18) is permanently acted upon by fluid pressure and the upper pressure chamber (17) can be interchangeably pressurized or depressurized with the fluid pressure. The braking of the adjusting piston (16) before reaching its upper end position affecting the closing position of the gas-changing valve, the return (22) of the upper pressure chamber (17) is divided into at least two axially spaced run-off openings (221, 222), of which the lower run-off opening (222) can be closed by the adjusting piston (16) and the upper run-off opening (221) is connected with the lower run-off opening (222) via a throttle opening (23) controllable in an opening cross section.

Abstract: A method that uses a dither signal for reducing hysteresis effect in a variable cam timing system is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a dither signal having at least two switchable frequencies; b) determining the frequency characteristics of an engine speed; c) determining at least one frequency beating point in relation to a neighborhood of an engine crank RPM values; and d) changing the dither signal frequency when the engine is operating within the neighborhood of the engine crank RPM values. Thereby frequency beating effect is reduced.

Abstract: An output cam for a variable valve mechanism includes a body configured for being pivotally associated with and driven by an input shaft. A lift profile of the output cam includes a base circle portion, a cam portion and a fixed radius portion. The base circle portion is adjacent to and continuous with the cam portion, and the cam portion is adjacent to and continuous with the fixed radius portion. The base circle portion has a base radius, the cam portion has a cam radius and the fixed radius portion has a fixed radius. The base and fixed radii are substantially constant. The fixed radius is a predetermined amount greater than the base radius. The cam radius increases from a value approximately equal to the base radius adjacent the base circle portion to a value approximately equal to the fixed radius adjacent the fixed radius portion.

Abstract: A variable valve actuating (VVA) mechanism includes a frame member and a rocker. The rocker includes a first end and a second end, with the first end being pivotally coupled to the frame. A link includes a first end and a second end. A first pin pivotally couples the first end of the link to the second end of the rocker. A second pin pivotally couples an output cam to the second end of the link. At least one of the first and second pins is an eccentric pin.

Abstract: In a variable phased valve lifter of an internal combustion engine, a roller lifter is allowed to move along a constraining member of a constraining mechanism, and the constraining mechanism is allowed to move freely in a direction substantially parallel to a line perpendicular to the flat surface machined onto the roller lifter. As the roller lifter moves through its arcuate path, the parallel flat surface(s) of the roller lifter will slide across the constraining member(s) of the constraining mechanism, and end members of the constraining mechanism slide fore-and-aft within stationary blocks. The roller lifter is thus prevented from rotating about its longitudinal axis as it moves in arcuate fashion in cooperation with the constraining mechanism, maintaining line contact between the roller and cam lobe of the camshaft.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling the heating of the glow plugs in a diesel engine, wherein the engine temperature is determined, independently of initialization of the engine control system and following a signal for starting the engine, by a sensor communicating with the glow control system. A glow command is generated if the engine temperature is below a predetermined value. Commencement of the heating procedure is automatically determined by the glow control system independently of initialization of the engine control system, and heating of the glow plugs can start prior to completion of initialization of the engine control system. The time required for the completion of initialization of the engine control system can be saved during heating of the glow plugs.