Abstract: A system for relative angle-of-rotation adjustment of a camshaft of an internal-combustion engine. An adjusting unit has an interior part connected with the camshaft, and a cell wheel with several cells distributed along the circumference. Interior part webs divide the cells into two pressure spaces. Hydraulic pressure admitted or relieved from the pressure spaces causes camshaft rotation between two end positions. A movable locking element in the cell wheel or the interior part opens up a hydraulic line to a pressure space when in an unlocked position. When in a locked position, bores in the interior part are closed off. The locking element can move into first and second unlocking positions, whereby the various bores are opened at desired intervals as the locking element moves. As a result, the useful life and the functionality of the locking device is improved.

Abstract: When a first motor MG1 cranks and starts an engine 150 that is in the cold, the revolving speed of the engine does not increase quickly 150. It is accordingly required to control the first motor MG1, in order to prevent electric power 194 stored in a battery from being wasted. A starting control apparatus does not cause the first motor MG1 to output a torque corresponding to a difference between a target revolving speed N* and an actual revolving speed Ne of the engine 150, but gradually increases a target torque STG by the open-loop control and restricts the magnitude of the target torque STG to a preset maximum torque STGMAX, which depends upon a cooling water temperature Tw of the engine 150. When the engine 150 is in the cold, the high viscosity of lubricant causes the revolving speed of the engine 150 not to quickly increase in response to the high target torque set to the first motor MG1.

Abstract: A cylinder head assembly and a method of providing an air-fuel mixture from a carburetor to a cylinder of an internal combustion engine are disclosed. The cylinder head assembly includes a cylinder head and a component coupled to the cylinder head. The cylinder head includes a first port having a first passage linking a first end to an intersection, and a second passage linking a second end to the intersection, where the intersection includes an abrupt transition between the first and second passages. The component includes a tongue that protrudes into the first passage from the first end to proximate the intersection, where the tongue is positioned along at least a portion of an inner side of the first passage, and where the tongue is gradually-reduced in thickness at least proximate the intersection.

Abstract: A combined air intake manifold and fuel delivery rail for an internal combustion engine which decreases manufacturing and assembly costs, as well as the weight of the engine. An air channel formed in a hollow portion of the manifold registers with air intake ports in the engine head which lead to the individual cylinders of the engine. An elongated recess in the underside of a mounting flange forms a fuel supply channel which communicates with fuel inlet openings in the engine head leading to fuel injectors for the engine cylinders. Seals may be provided between the manifold and the engine head to seal the air channel and the fuel supply channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of mounting a flange to an oil pickup tube uses a bracketed flange mounting (201, 203, and 205). The bracketed flange mounting includes a flange (203) with a flange extension (205) in connection with a bracket (201) that is mounted to an oil pickup tube (101) between its two ends. The bracketed flange mounting (201, 203, and 205) may couple to an engine crank case or oil pump inlet in the same way as prior assemblies without a bracketed flange mounting, thus no retooling of any other part of the engine is required.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lubrication system for small internal combustion engines. In a first aspect, a helical oil pump includes a helical insert which is disposed within a bore in the engine camshaft and is rotationally fixed with respect to the crankcase. During running of the engine, rotation of the camshaft draws oil from the oil sump upwardly through the bore in the camshaft and around the helical insert to provide lubrication oil directly to the upper camshaft bearing and to the upper crankshaft bearing. In another aspect, an impeller oil pump includes a pump chamber defined between the camshaft gear and a pump body which is rotationally fixed with respect to the crankcase and in communication with the oil sump. An impeller assembly mounted on the camshaft is disposed within the pump chamber, and draws oil from the oil sump into the pump chamber.

Abstract: In a diesel engine, heavy EGR lowers a combustion temperature, which greatly prolongs an ignition delay period and all fuel is injected within the ignition delay period, thereby performing a low-temperature premixed combustion. A crank angle from a fuel injection completion to an ignition start is made less than 15 degrees by advancing a fuel injection timing and/or prolonging a fuel injection period. As a result, an equivalent ratio distribution in a combustion chamber at an ignition start is controlled such that an equivalent ratio in the vicinity of a cylinder center is richer than in the vicinity of a cylinder wall and the equivalent ratio gradually changes from the cylinder center to the cylinder wall.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for internal combustion engines has at least one fuel injector which injects fuel into a combustion chamber delimited by a cylinder wall in which a piston is guided, and it has a spark plug which protrudes into the combustion space, and the fuel injector is designed so that a conical spray jet is produced in the combustion chamber. The conical spray jet has an angle cutout in the area of the spark plug.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating an internal combustion engine that relies for operation, in at least one operational range of the engine, on the autoignition of an at least almost homogeneous fuel-air mixture, the combustion being measured and at least one parameter for the combustion in the next cycle being set in function of a signal obtained from this measurement. In order to reduce fuel consumption and emissions and to achieve direct conversion of the load requirements, there is provided that the four cycle internal combustion engine relies for operation, in at least one second operational range, on the spark ignition of an at least almost homogeneous fuel-air mixture and that the combustion event is controlled, both in the first and in the second operational range of the engine, largely independent of the torque of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention comprises at least two independent intake ports 14a, 14b connected to a combustion chamber 15, two intake valves 12a, 12b, and two exhaust valves 13a, 13b. Upper and lower channels 22a, 22b which are defined by a partition wall, and an intake control valve 25 for opening and closing the lower side channel 22b are provided in the interior of the first intake port 14a. An intake control valve 26 for opening and closing the first intake port 14b is also provided. The invention further comprises a controller 50 for controlling the opening and closing of the intake control valves 25 and 26, and the degree of opening of these intake control valves 25 and 26 is controlled in accordance with the operating conditions.

Abstract: The butterfly valve of the invention is provided with a valve shaft to which a valve body is mounted, and a pair of slide bearings which rotatably support both ends of the valve shaft. Inner peripheral surfaces of the slide bearings being in contact with the valve shaft are formed in a convex curved surface protruding to an inner peripheral side, and the inner peripheral surfaces of the slide bearings are formed in a circular arc shape in cross section along an axial direction. The inner peripheral surfaces in the slide bearings in both sides being in contact with the valve shaft are formed in a convex curved shape protruding to the inner peripheral side, and the inner peripheral surfaces of the slide bearings are formed in a circular arc shape in cross section along the axial direction. Accordingly, the inner peripheral surfaces of the bearings are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the valve shaft in a substantially line contact manner.

Abstract: An engine speed control unit of an internal combustion engine for controlling an engine speed so that it can reach a target value, changes the engine speed so that it can reach a target value in a period of time from the completion of the initial combustion of the engine starting to the idling steady state. The after-start engine speed peak actual value “gnepk”, which is an engine speed in the idling state in a predetermined period of time from the start of the engine, is calculated, and the after-start engine speed peak target value “tnepk” is read in from the map, and the ratio “rnepk” is found. When the ratio “rnepk” is out of the target range, it can be considered that the burning state is bad.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine calculates a target indicated torque and determines operating degree for engine control actuators such as an air system, a fuel system and an ignition system. The target indicated torque for an idling condition of the engine is calculated based on a constant target indicated power, e.g. the constant target indicated power has a value that corresponds to or slightly overcomes internal and external loss when the engine is in the idling. Although an idling speed control with a feedback control method is inhibited during a transient condition of the engine, the constant target indicated power provides a self-stabilizing to maintain the engine speed constant. As a result, the apparatus maintain the engine speed constant during the idling even external disturbance is applied to the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to detect abnormal combustion conditions for use as a feedback control of a lean burn reciprocating engine using ionization signals is presented. The system receives a succession of ionization signals for successive cycles of a running engine and processes a plurality of related ionization signals for signal stability. The ionization signals are checked to determine if an abnormal combustion condition such as knock or misfire has occurred. The variation of an ionization signal that changes with respect to an engine parameter over a combustion event of the lean burn reciprocating engine operating with an air to fuel ratio corresponding to a lambda (&lgr;) greater than 1.4 is measured and a floating bounded space is associated with the ionization signal. An indication that the abnormal combustion condition has been detected is provided if a portion of the ionization signal is within the floating bounded space.

Abstract: A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine are provided, in which in at least one cylinder, combustion of a fuel in a fuel/air mixture introduced into the cylinder takes place. Upon the occurrence of knocking, a baseline ignition angle in the at least one cylinder is retarded in steps, using a knock control system, to an adjustment angle from the basic ignition angle. When the adjustment angle exceeds a definable threshold value, activation of the knock prevention operation mode occurs, in which context an additional action reducing the knock susceptibility of the fuel/air mixture is taken and the adjustment angle is decreased so that the baseline ignition angle is advanced.

Abstract: An inertia-related engine speed fluctuation is computed when the engine is rotated without ignition. A load-related engine speed fluctuation is computed when the engine is rotated with ignition and combustion. The inertia-related engine speed fluctuation is indicative of an inertia moment that is variable in accordance with equipments connected with the engine. The load-related engine speed fluctuation is indicative of an engine load. When estimating the engine load, the inertia-related engine speed fluctuation is considered for removing an influence of the inertia moment on the engine load. The estimated engine load is used for controlling the engine. It is possible to consider the inertia moment into an engine control.

Abstract: An improved method and system for the control of an engine system such as the spark timing. The control senses the speed variations either during a portion of a complete cycle and a complete cycle and/or from cycle to cycle in order to determine the load on the engine from preprogrammed maps based upon the engine characteristics. From this load and the speed reading, it is possible to obtain the desired engine control. In addition the timing is set in this method only under certain specified conditions and only in response to certain specific parameters. This not only reduces the costs of the system by reducing the number of sensors, but also permits adjustments to be made more rapidly.

Abstract: A fluid system for supplying low and high pressure fluid is provided. A first pump discharges a first pump flow. A filter receives a first portion of the first pump flow and discharges a filter flow. A first accumulator receives a first portion of the filter flow. A valve receives a second portion of the first pump flow and a second portion of the filter flow, and discharges a valve flow. The valve is movable between a first position, providing a first flow path between the second portion of the first pump flow and the valve flow, and a second position, providing a second flow path between the second portion of the filter flow and the valve flow. A second pump receives the valve flow and discharges a second pump flow. A second accumulator receives the second pump flow.

Abstract: A mechanical oscillator for attenuating pressure waves formed in a rail having a volume of fluid therein includes a rigid enclosed fluid cavity having a selected volume, the volume communicating with the rail actuating fluid though an orifice having a select volume for containing actuating fluid, the orifice having an aperture in fluid communication with the actuating fluid selected such that when an pressure wave impinges on the aperture of the orifice, the motion of the actuating fluid in the volume of the orifice is set to vibrating, the vibrating acting to excite the actuating fluid within the enclosed volume, a resulting amplified motion of the actuating fluid in the orifice, due to phase cancellation between the actuating fluid in the volume of the orifice and the actuating fluid volume in the enclosed cavity, causing energy absorption of the pressure wave due to frictional drag in and around the orifice. An pressure wave attenuator and a method of attenuation are also included.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, the fuel reaches a combustion chamber via at least one fuel-injecting device. The fuel-injecting device includes a piezo actuator. The drive energy (U), which is necessary for a specific stroke (h) of the piezo actuator, is determined from at least one function (34 to 40) which couples the stroke (h), the drive energy (U) and the drive time (t) of the piezo actuator with each other. In order to more accurately adjust the stroke of the piezo actuator, it is suggested that a function (34 to 40) be used for the determination of the drive energy (U). These functions (34 to 40) were previously determined for a typical collective load (L1, L2) to which a piezo actuator is subjected.

Abstract: A combustion engine having an exhaust-gas driven turbo compressor is provided with a device for recirculating exhaust gases to the engine, this device being connected to the exhaust system of the engine upstream of the turbo compressor and being provided with a cooling device for the recirculated exhaust gases. The engine is provided with at least two exhaust valves per cylinder and has divided exhaust gas flow, each cylinder being connected by a first exhaust valve to a first exhaust collector, which leads to the turbine of the turbo compressor, and each cylinder being connected by a second exhaust valve to a second exhaust collector, which is connected to the exhaust system of the engine downstream of the turbine. The second exhaust collector forms part of the device for recirculating exhaust gases to the engine and is also connected to the inlet of the engine.

Abstract: A compact and efficient rotary pressure swing adsorption (PSA) apparatus with laminated sheet adsorbers is used to supply enriched oxygen and/or nitrogen streams to an internal combustion engine, allowing for reduced noxious emissions and enhanced engine performance.

Abstract: An ignition circuit comprising storage means to store electrical energy, first and second switching devices, means for charging the storage means and means for switching each of the switching devices such that charge on the storage means is transferred to cause firing of an igniter in such a way that the voltage across each switching device is only a fraction of the total applied to the igniter. In this way, standard solid state switches may be employed rather than the more costly devices required to handle the full voltage to be applied to the igniter. More than one such ignition circuit may be combined to provide a scanning multiple spark system with a plurality of igniters, each in conjunction with a pair of switching devices and means for switching each of the switching devices as described above.

Abstract: An airfoil launching system having a rod with a structure attached to a first end of the rod. A pusher holds a ring airfoil and has a sufficient coefficient of friction that the ring airfoil will generally rotate with the pusher and is rotatably and slidably mounted on the rod. Propulsive force is provided by resilient bands connected to the structure outward from the rod and to the pusher outward from the central aperture of the pusher. A grip attached to the pusher is utilized to draw the pusher toward the second end of the rod, thereby stretching and energizing the resilient bands, and also to rotate the pusher and, consequently, the airfoil.

Abstract: A substantially conically shaped arrow rest having a substantially centered aperture through which the shaft of the arrow is adapted to extend. The arrow rest possesses several slits extending from the aperture so that when the arrow is shot, the aperture may distend to accommodate distortions of the arrow shaft and to allow the arrow vanes to pass substantially freely therethrough. Also preferably the arrow rest resiliently deflects radially outwardly in the region of the aperture so as to produce a biasing force that dampens the oscillations of the arrow upon being shot.

Abstract: An archer's silent running roller guide is taught. The roller guide Is rendered silent by providing a v-shaped arrow guide wherein the v-shape is formed by the outer perimeters of two low inertia silent running roller bearings with a sound-muffling material wrapping the outer perimeter of the bearings. The v-shaped guide acting in cooperation with a coil spring serves to respond to the forces of displacement present at the instant the arrow is launched and to return the guide to its original position after the arrow is gone.

Abstract: A paintball gun is disclosed, which includes at least one aiming and/or pointing device mount assembly connected to, affixed to or integral with a paintball gun's hopper, adapter, and/or feed tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to outdoor cooking. In particular, the present invention deals with outdoor cooking grills and a display of logos on the cooking grills and related items. With the advent of professional sports teams it has become increasingly fashionable to merchandise the logos of sports teams. As consumers typically back more than one sports team the merchandise utilized by consumers often reflects the diverse nature of the sporting activities.

Abstract: A burner apparatus for an outdoor cooking stove includes a hollow gas distribution ring, and an attached fuel conduit for sending fuel thereto. The gas ring has a hollow plenum formed therein. In a specific embodiment, the gas ring includes a base portion and an annular cap which is attachable to the base portion, and the annular cap has a plurality of primary apertures formed therethrough, as well as a plurality of secondary apertures which are smaller than the primary apertures. The secondary apertures are located at a level below the primary apertures. The fuel conduit has a hollow passage formed therethrough, which is in fluid communication with the plenum of the gas distribution ring. An outdoor cooking stove including the burner apparatus is also described, along with a kit for constructing same.

Abstract: This invention relates to an air extraction device (12) for a work station (14), especially one where food is subjected to heat, for example a grill. One air inlet (36, 38) each is provided on each side of the work station (14), said inlets being connected to a fan (26) and a filter system (28) and communicating with them and with an area (42) disposed above the work station (14) in a closed air cycle (48) that produces an air blast (44) in said area. About 75% of the air are continuously discharged from the air cycle via an air discharge (50) so that only 25% of the air form the air blast (44). The discharged portion of the air is continuously replaced by taking in ambient air via the down-stream air inlet (38) and/or via a separate, additional air inlet (63). The filter system (28) is provided with a grease trap filter (30) upstream of the fan and an odor filter (32) downstream of the fan.

Abstract: A balanced building ventilation system that employs a fireplace as an element of the ventilation system. The fireplace includes a firebox, and an exhaust gas flue is connected to the firebox for exhausting gas from the firebox to the outdoor ambient. A ventilation channel conveys outdoor ambient air into the building interior. A motor-driven draft inducer is connected to the exhaust gas flue for forcing exhaust gas flow out to the outdoor ambient. A motor-driven blower is provided for forcing ventilation airflow through the channel to replace building interior air lost to exhaust gas flow.

Abstract: A high-efficiency liquid oxygen, (LOX) storage/delivery system utilizes a portable LOX/delivery apparatus with a portable LOX container. A portable-unit LOX transfer connector is connected to the portable LOX container and is connectable to a main source of LOX in a primary reservoir LOX container. A portable-unit oxygen gas transfer connector is provided for transferring oxygen gas from the portable LOX container to an oxygen gas delivery device for delivering oxygen gas to a patient. An inter-unit oxygen gas transfer connector also is provided for connecting the portable apparatus to a stationary source of oxygen gas in the primary reservoir container, for transferring oxygen gas to the portable apparatus. A portable-unit primary relief valve is connected to the portable LOX container for venting oxygen gas out of the portable LOX container when pressure in the portable LOX container reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: An improved structure of respirator filter comprised of a laminated layers of fireproof fabric, static fibers, active carbon fibers and non-woven filter cotton; interlaced with airflow guides in among the layers of the filter; a hole or multiple holes being respectively provided at the center or in the peripheral of another airflow guide so to create air conduction for increasing area and time for the gas to contact the filter for improved smoke and toxicity filtration effects.

Abstract: A percutaneous tracheostomy assembly has a hollow needle carrying a cannula with a hub at its rear end abutting a hub on the needle. A channel-shape stop is clipped onto the cannula and needle so that its rear end abuts the hub of the cannula. The stop has a laterally-extending flange at its forward end. The length of the stop is such that the tip of the needle and the forward end of the cannula are positioned within the trachea when the flange abuts the skin of the neck, without the risk of the needle contacting the posterior wall of the trachea.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an intrauterine device comprising a support 41, and constituents 42, 43 releasing an active ingredient. In accordance with the invention, the active ingredient is constituted by copper with a surface area of 100 to 250 mm2 and by a steroid from the progesterone family with a release rate in the range 10% to 70% of the minimum release rate employed for the steroid concerned when it is used as a contraceptive active ingredient. With the device of the invention, contraceptive efficacy is very high and side effects are substantially reduced.

Abstract: A combination prophylactic and sanitizer that provides an expeditious, convenient and portable application for the hygienic, thorough, and effective cleaning and/or sanitization of one's genitalia prior to utilization of a condom and/or prior to and/or after any sexual contact, thus reducing and/or destroying any organic matter that may contribute to the proliferation of bacteria and disease.

Abstract: A surgical incise drape comprising a flexible film having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a film handle applied at the leading edge of the flexible film. A liner substantially covers the major portion of the flexible film, which is coated with an adhesive. The liner may include a liner handle at the leading edge, and one of the liner handle and film handle are of a size for wrapping about at least a portion of the drape when the drape is in a folded configuration. A tensioning strip may be applied to the liner at a position away from the leading edge of the liner to hold at least a portion of the flexible film lying between the film handle and the tensioning strip in a wrinkle-free state when the liner is being removed from the major portion of the flexible film. Further, the liner may be stiff relative to the flexible film such that the liner and the film handle hold the flexible film in a wrinkle-free state when the liner is being removed from the major portion of the flexible film.

Abstract: An ambulator for assisting an individual in walking or standing includes a three-sided base disposed in close proximity to a support surface and a three-sided support structure that is mounted to the base by a pair of transversely spaced apart support posts. The support posts are telescopically constructed so that the support structure is adjustable to the comfort of the individual. The individual is fitted with a harness and the harness is secured to the support structure by a plurality of straps. The harness and a brake for the ambulator ensures that the individual cannot fall even when the individual is supported only by the ambulator and the harness. The harness also provides a seat.

Abstract: A patient's upper airway condition such as snoring and sleep apnea is treated by selecting a particulate material selected for limited migration within tissue and for encouraging a fibrotic response of tissue to the material. A bolus of the particulate material is injected into the tissue area to structurally stiffen the tissue.

Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by rolling a sheet of material supplied by a roll or rolls (e.g. moistened tobacco leaves) and/or homogenized sheet tobacco about a slit mandrel to form a shaped tube. The shaped tube is then packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The shaped tube remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the shaped tube is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the tube with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the sheet or to the finished tube to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring. The tubes are unfilled when packaged and sent to a consumer/end user in tube form so that they have a “memory” that helps hold a tubular cigar shape after they are filled with selected tobacco fill material.

Abstract: A nail designer kit for holding and manipulating artificial fingernails while being polished or decorated comprising a container and a plurality of design sticks on which artificial fingernails are mounted. When separated from the container, each design stick is easily handled and manipulated to facilitate applying nail polish and other decorations to artificial fingernails mounted thereto.

Abstract: A bicomponent monofilament tape wherein the tape is made from the fusion of the sheaths of at least about 60 bicomponent core-sheath fibers and the bonding of the fused sheaths to the core fibers is disclosed. A process for preparing a bicomponent monofilament tape by providing at least about 60 bicomponent core-sheath fibers; fusing the sheaths; and bonding the fused sheaths to the core fibers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for recycling reusable resin mold products recovered from discarded apparatuses is disclosed. This recycling system includes a crushing system for crushing resin mold products one kind by one kind into crushed resinous pieces and packing the same in a bag, a classification system for irradiating a light beam to the resin in the bag and classifying the bags into respective kinds of resins based on a reflected beam therefrom, a cleaning system for separately cleaning the respective kind of crushed resinous pieces taken out of the bag to remove foreign matters adhered onto the surfaces of the crushed resinous pieces therefrom, and a recovery system for recovering the cleaned crushed resinous pieces.

Abstract: A process of cleaning of objects that relate to semiconductor fabrication processes, such as, for example, conductive paste screening in the production of multilayer ceramic substrates and composite solder paste by stencil printing in electronic circuit assembly. Specifically, the process removes a metal/polymer composite paste from screening masks and associated paste making and processing equipment used in printing conductive metal pattern onto ceramic green sheet in the fabrication of semiconductor packaging substrates. The process also cleans solder paste residue from stencil printing equipment used in electronic module assembly surface mount technology for SMT discretes, solder column attachment, and BGA (Ball Grid Array) attachment on ceramic chip carrier or for screening solder paste onto printed circuit board.

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink having a bowl defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid onto the dish rack to effect the cleaning of any dishes along the rack. A basket with a sprayer is disposed within the wash chamber. A self-aligning coupling fluidly connects a liquid conduit to the sprayer when the basket is seated.

Abstract: A cleaning container and method for using the same for chemically cleaning elongated members including quartz thermocouple sleeves including a first body member and a second body member said first body member and second body member respectively forming a first containing space and a second containing space including a first means for reversibly compressively sealing the first body member and the second body member to a form a combined containing space for sealably holding a cleaning solution level; a cap member disposed at a distal end of the first body member said cap member including a second means for reversibly compressively sealing a first opening in communication with the first containing space; and, a second opening centrally disposed in a distal end of the second containing space said second opening including a third means for reversibly compressively sealing around at least one elongated member penetrating through said second opening.

Abstract: An outdoor shelter comprising a sheet member (10) having a generally rectangular-shaped portion and a slit (26) extending from a first corner (62) of the sheet member (10) to the central region (50) of the sheet member (10). The slit (26) defines separated opposing edges, which are equipped with complementary means (30,32) for selectively securing the edges together. The edges define a first fold line (41) when secured together by the securing means (30,32). A third securing means (38) is disposed on a second fold line (42) extending from the central region (50) to a second corner (68) of the sheet member (10) adjacent the first corner (62). The third securing means (38) is complementary to the securing means (32) to enable the second fold line (42) to be secured to one of the edges of the slit (26). By selectively securing the securing means (30,32) to each other or the third securing means (38), the sheet member (10) can be configured to achieve a variety of shelter configurations.

Abstract: A method of damping surges in a liquid system includes providing in the system, a surge vessel in which there is trapped air or other gas, the surge vessel being positioned so that in the event of a surge in the system (10), the volume of trapped air or other gas within the surge vessel changes to damp the surge, the method including maintaining generally constant the mass of the trapped air or other gas in the surge vessel is maintained generally constant, irrespective of the liquid level within the surge vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of servicing fluid systems by draining, filling, or leak testing the fluid system can employ a pressure-reducing source to perform the desired service. The fluid system can be an engine cooling system, or other fluid system.

Abstract: A fuel vapor vent valve is formed of different plastic material than the fuel tank. A U-shaped or cupped attachment member formed of tank material is received over the valve with the upper end slotted to permit the hose fitting to extend outwardly through the slot for hose attachment within the tank. The rim of the attachment member is secured by weldment to the undersurface of the upper tank wall.