Abstract: The present invention is relative with a water color ink suited for ink jet printing for plain paper. The dry viscosity, the dynamic surface tension at 10 ms and the dynamic surface tension at 1000 ms of the ink are prescribed to be equal to 100 mPa·s or less, equal to 45 mN/m or higher and equal to 35 mN/m or less to provide for reduced bleeding and superior drying performance and emission reliability.

Abstract: An ink is provided which meets the purpose of concurrently resolving the drawback <1>, drawback <2> and drawback <3>.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an improved marking fluid that contains a sugar and/or a sugar alcohol, as well as methods for their manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink set comprising at least three color inks, which are yellow ink whose hue angle H°, as defined in the CIELAB color space on a recording medium (PM-photographic paper; same below), is in a range of about 80° to about 110°, magenta ink whose hue angle H° is in a range of about 330° to about 360°, and cyan ink whose hue angle H° is in a range of about 230° to about 260°, and further comprising ink (A) and/or ink (B) described below. With the present ink set, it is possible to provide a highly reliable ink set that can be used in inkjet recording and can produce printed matter having a wide color reproduction range, high color saturation, good graininess, and an adequate glossy look.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibacterial colorant and a composition that includes the antibacterial colorant. The antibacterial colorant has at least one functional group and at least one antibacterial moiety bound thereto by an ester bond or an amide bond.

Abstract: A 2-methoxyphenol derivative and an ink composition containing the 2-methoxyphenol derivative, an aqueous medium, and a colorant enhance light resistance by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light, provide wettability and stabilize a colorant. The ink composition prepared using the 2-methoxyphenol derivative also has improved light resistance, wettability and stabilizes a colorant and does not require an additional light-resistant agent.

Abstract: There are provided an aqueous shellac coating agent comprising shellac, a basic amino acid and/or a basic phosphate, as well as a production process therefor; a coated food and a coated drug that have been coated with such a coating agent; a glazing composition for oil-based confectionary which is in a liquid form and comprises an aqueous shellac solution (A) containing shellac, a basic amino acid and/or a basic phosphate dissolved in water, a thickener (B), and/or a sugar (C); a process for glazing oil-based confectionary in which this glazing composition is applied to oil-based confectionary to be glazed, thereby generating a glaze; and glazed oil-based confectionary produced using this process for glazing oil-based confectionary.

Abstract: A method for forming an aqueous carbon black dispersion including providing a reaction mixture including carbon black having a DBP uptake of greater than 90 cc/100 g of the carbon black, a monovalent ion persulfate, an aqueous medium, and, in some embodiments, a strong acid; subjecting the reaction mixture to a first temperature of from 40° C. to 90° C. for from 2 hours to 24 hours; neutralizing the reaction mixture to a pH greater than 7.0, and, in certain embodiments, subjecting the neutralized reaction mixture to a second temperature of from 20° C. to 40° C. higher than the first temperature for from 2 hours to 12 hours is provided. In an alternative aspect carbon black having a particle diameter less than 18 nanometers in diameter and a DBP uptake of less than 70 cc/100 g carbon black is provided. The aqueous carbon black dispersion so formed and an aqueous inkjet ink containing the aqueous carbon black dispersion are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an antibacterial agent for concrete comprising a silver compound, a copper compound and an ion-retaining compound; a concrete composition comprising the antibacterial agent; and a concrete product produced from the concrete composition.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of water-soluble polysaccharide derivatives as dispersing agents for mineral binder suspensions. A partially hydrolyzed cellulose containing carboxyl groups and optionally hydroxyalkyl and/or sulfate groups and/or a partially hydrolyzed amylose-rich starch which also has sulfoalkyl groups with 1 to 4 carbon atoms is used as the polysaccharide derivative. These polysaccharide derivatives have a low viscosity and an excellent plasticizing effect in mineral binder suspensions, especially in those based on cement, lime and/or gypsum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable rack for assembling packages of building materials. The rack comprises a base having a proximal side, a distal side, a top, a bottom, and a pair of channels extending between the proximal side and the distal side, the channels being designed to receive the forks of a forklift, and a plurality of elongated members attached to the proximal side and projecting upwardly from the base. The process for using the rack comprises placing the building materials onto the base of the rack using the forklift, moving the building materials toward the elongated members until the building materials abut at least one of the elongated members, and pulling the forks out from under the building materials.

Abstract: A pallet for handling armatures (10) for electric motors on automatic production lines, having a shaft (12) on which an armature stack of ferromagnetic sheets (11) and a commutator (13) are driven. In particular, the pallet comprises a base (2) on which support means (5) are mounted for engaging with stack (11) of armature (10). The support means allow to gripping means (30) to pick it up in a workstation. The pallet can receiving armatures of a same family, with armature stack of diameter D +−#, with different shape and size and position of the shaft, or of the commutator, independently from whether the armature is wound or still to be wound. The pick up of the armature from the pallet can be made either from the above or from below. Also embodiments are provided for engaging with the shaft of the armature.

Abstract: A table adapted for a home appliance, such as a microwave oven, wherein the volume under the table is efficiently utilized to house the appliance. The table can be removed, used, and then returned and efficiently stored surrounding the appliance.

Abstract: In the case of a table with fold-away legs, the tubular legs (4) are connected in an articulated manner to articulation sockets (3) which are fastened on the underside of the table top (1). The articulated connection here is produced via a T-bolt (8) which has its crosspiece (23) mounted in a pivotable manner in the articulation socket (3), under the force of a spring (10), and which has its lower shank (26) screwed to a threaded ring (13) which has an external thread (21) of relatively large pitch, on which the tubular leg (4) can be moved by rotation in the longitudinal direction by means of a leg insert (14) fastened therein.

Abstract: The Sliding Tabletop consists of a tabletop made of wood which has sliding mechanisms attached to the bottom side. The sliding mechanism attaches the tabletop to the table frame. The sliding mechanisms are metal or wooden drawer type slides that attach to the tabletop and table frame with screws or glue and allow the tabletop to slide while the frame remains fixed in place. When in the closed position, the tabletop is centered over the frame. When slid open, the top extends to the edge of the frame exposing any storage space within the frame. The sliding mechanisms do not allow the tabletop to extend past the table frame. This prevents the possibility of the tabletop sliding all the way off the table frame and onto the floor. The sliders also support the tabletop when slid open.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cleaning of flue gases containing ash and sulfur dioxide produced by burning sulfur-containing coal in the combustion chamber of a circulating fluidized-bed firing system includes a system for delivering a particulate SO2 sorbent into the combustion chamber. A feed system feeds a mixture of the ash, the SO2 sorbent/SO2 reaction product, and unreacted SO2 sorbent from the combustion chamber to a mixing unit. A liquid supply system supplies water or an aqueous sodium-containing solution to the mixing unit, whereby the unreacted SO2 sorbent is converted into a hydration product. A discharge system returns the ash, the reaction product, and the hydration product from the mixing unit into the combustion chamber, where the hydration product is reactivated into an SO2 sorbent at a combustion temperature of 700° to 950° C.

Abstract: A gasification system that includes a gasification reactor chamber having perforated conduits or an inner lining that increases the exposed surface area of waste materials to gasification conditions, thereby decreasing gasification temperature, time, and cooling period between subsequent gasification procedures. After an aspirator withdraws and oxidizes fuel gas from the reactor chamber, a flare assembly combusts the mixed fuel gas to provide power or heat to at least one heat recovery device. The at least one heat recovery device recaptures thermal energy entrained in the exhaust, thereby reducing exhaust temperature and eliminating the need for an exhaust stack. An absorber purifies the exhaust and an extractor removes carbon dioxide. A portion of the removed carbon dioxide may be used for industrial purposes or for supporting vegetation. At least a portion of the remaining exhaust is returned to the reactor chamber as recycled process gas, thereby completing a closed-loop system.

Abstract: According to a conventional method for incinerating organic waste material, a fluidization device causes an oxygenous fluidizing gas to flow through the waste material, which is located in an incineration chamber, from underneath while forming a fluidized panicle layer and the waste material is incinerated. The resulting flue gas is withdrawn via an open space situated above the particle layer and is subjected to a secondary incineration in a secondary reaction zone or secondary incineration chamber. Expanding upon the prior art, the aim of the invention is enable a high throughput for the incineration material while resulting in a low level of nitrogen oxide production, and to increase the productivity for the incineration of organic waste material. To these ends, the invention provides that the fluidized particle layer (3) is concentrated with oxygen in such a manner that a mean oxygen content ranging from 0-3 vol. % is set in the open space (6).

Abstract: A sewing apparatus such as sewing machine includes a needle bar, a needle bar rocking mechanism for rocking the needle bar, a thread cassette having a thread accommodating section for accommodating a thread, a cassette mount to which the thread cassette is detachably attached, a threading mechanism for passing the thread drawn from the thread cassette through a hole of a sewing needle mounted on the needle bard, a detector for detecting the thread cassette ejected from the cassette mount, and a needle bar position control unit controlling the needle bar rocking mechanism so that the needle bar is rocked so as to occupy a predetermined zigzag position, when the detector has detected the thread cassette ejected from the cassette mount.

Abstract: A thread tensioning device or apparatus for a sewing machine enables accurate, repeatable measurement and monitoring of the compression forces applied to the thread tensioning discs thereof. The apparatus further includes a visual display or output corresponding to the actual amount of compressive force being applied. The device further includes a comparator, which compares the electrical signal to a predetermined reference value to control or regulate the normal operation of the sewing machine.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for the automatic tufting of upholstery units using tufts comprising a retaining link with a tuft element at either end and associated with further tufts is provided. The device comprises engagement device for a tuft device for separating the engaged tuft from the associated tufts; device for driving one tuft element and the retaining link of the engaged tuft through an upholstery unit and withdrawing the engagement device once the tuft is released; and device for automatically reloading the device with a further tuft. A method of automatically tufting upholstery units using such a device is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention over-comes the prior art deficiencies by, in part, defining a hull bottom that decreases the total resistance and thereby reduces the propulsion power needed to propel a boat of a certain weight to a given speed. The invention separates the functions of the planing process resulting in a hull with staged longitudinal steps wherein each step consists of a fully defined hull underbody with a chine and bow and stern. Each intermediate chine describes a supplemental planing surface which is designed to lift the hull dynamically and to position the hull on the next narrower step that supports the weight of the boat and creates the forces needed to further lift the hull to the next narrower chine in two or more stages depending upon the size and weight of the boat to lift the hull to the central planing surface to achieve the desired top speed. The hull for each step is described by its chine, hull bottom, deadrise angle, bow and stern dimensions optimized to the “ideal beam”(Ref.

Abstract: The method apply charge of air to the cargo hold space of the underwater transportation ship or submarine, the pressure hull of cargo hold can be replaced by non-pressure type to achieve lower cost to transport dry cargo and solve strength/seal problems raised by cutting large hatch under water. By adopting the method, various new types of air-charge cargo submarine (ACS) and underwater construction can be designed. The dive depth of ACS is not large. The pressure and volume of the charged air are limited. Therefore the problems of safety, equipment and technology can be easily solved.

Abstract: A tray which is easily attached to the rim of the cockpit of a kayak. The top surface of the tray is provided with recessed compartments for retaining various items therein. At least one recess is designed to retain a standard-sized beverage container. A clamp, formed on the tray, is designed to securely retain the kayak's paddle thereby freeing the rower's hands when desired. The tray is fabricated from molded plastic or a hard rubber.

Abstract: Access openings and ramps for boats are detailed. Collar assemblies may include segments split in one or more ways and adapted to unfold, or otherwise open, along the splits to form ramps extending outward from the hulls of associated boats. Alternatively, portions of the segments may be removable. Boats with rigid hulls and foam (or other) fenders may include hinged segments of the hulls and fenders that open both to expose access openings into the boats and create ramps.

Abstract: A method for growing stoichiometric lithium niobate and lithium tantalate single crystals is provided. A crystal growing apparatus that includes a long crucible with a separation member therein is used. A solid feed material is quenched from a molten state, solidified in batches or sintered before charged in the long crucible to obtain substantially stoichiometric solids. The separation member divides the long crucible into a melting zone and a feeding zone located under the melting zone, and it could effectively prevent bubble formation in the growing crystal. The stoichiometry of the axial and radial composition can be well controlled, and the control of the diameter of the crystal body is easily achieved as well.

Abstract: A process for modifying the surface of a quartz glass crucible and a modified quartz glass crucible produced by the process, where the crucible has a transparent coated layer containing a crystallization accelerator on the surface. The process includes coating a mixed solution containing a metal salt and a partial hydrolyzate of alkoxysilane oligomer on the surface of the crucible and heating to obtain a quartz glass crucible having a transparent coated layer. The crystallization accelerator contains a metal oxide or a metal carbonate dispersed in a silica matrix.

Abstract: A split-pan for a panning apparatus, a panning apparatus incorporating a split-pan, and a method of coating two distinct masses of centers simultaneously with the split-pan are described. The split-pan is formed as a hollow drum, having first and second ends, an interior volume, and at least one partition, positioned between the first and second ends. The partition divides the interior volume into a plurality of coating vessels that allow the simultaneous coating of a plurality of masses of centers in the respective coating vessels.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling triggering of spray guns in an automatic spray coating system, includes a hand-held pendant having input controls for entering spray gun “on” and spray gun “off” control parameters based upon observation of parts as they are conveyed past the spray guns by a conveyor. Gun triggering controls for optimized spray patterns, including extended and restricted spray patterns and combinations thereof, are entered and saved in a gun triggering controller according to an operator's inputs which include START SPRAY, STOP SPRAY, SAVE and SET PICKOFF controls. Multiple gun control parameters are stored as unique part coating recipes in the controller and are executable in look-ahead sequence based upon part identification as parts are conveyed toward the spray guns. The multiple gun control parameters are calculated by the controller from a fixed Pickoff distance from a part identification sensor to the spray guns.

Abstract: A gas distributing system and a method of operating the distributing system is provided. After setting a few control valve parameters, the gas distributing system automatically adjusts the distribution of plasma gas inside a wafer processing chamber during a dry etching or a film deposition process so that uniform single wafer is produced. First, a main gas conduit is redirected into two separate gas conduit inside a gas separator. One conduit connects with a gas nozzle near the central region of an upper electrode panel distributor and the other conduit connects with a gas nozzle near the peripheral region of the upper electrode panel distributor. An O-ring between the central region and the peripheral region prevents any mixing of gas from the nozzles in these two regions. Gas distribution inside the reaction chamber can be changed to meet the need of different processing conditions by adjusting the flow control valves mounted on the two conduits.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of coatings in a vacuum comprising a plasma duct surrounded by a magnetic deflecting system communicating with a first plasma source and a coating chamber in which a substrate holder is arranged off of an optical axis of the plasma source, has at least one deflecting electrode mounted on one or more walls of the plasma duct. In one embodiment an isolated repelling or repelling electrode is positioned in the plasma duct downstream of the deflecting electrode where the tangential component of a deflecting magnetic field is strongest, connected to the positive pole of a current source which allows the isolated electrode current to be varied independently and increased above the level of the anode current. The deflecting electrode may serve as a getter pump to improve pumping efficiency and divert metal ions from the plasma flow.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning the exterior of at least a part of a milking parlour. The milking parlour comprises a milking robot and a base on which an animal to be milked can stand. The cleaning device is provided with a source of cleaning foam. A method of cleaning the exterior of at least a part of a milking parlour is also disclosed. The method comprises the step of applying a cleaning foam on at least said part of the milking parlour.

Abstract: A method for automatic control of breeding of free-range animals is disclosed, wherein the feed consumed by each individual animal is uniquely identified and registered to enable full traceability between animals or products and the feed. In particular, the present method comprise active and automatic control of the living conditions of the animals based on the monitored and recorded data so that a minimal amount of human interaction is required in the normal operation of a breeding system controlled by use of the method. The invention further relates to a controlled system, typically comprising a general-purpose computer having a suitable computer program installed thereon, for controlling the operation of a breeding system according to the present method.

Abstract: A feed metering device for distributing fodder and/or drink in metered portions to an animal. The feed metering device is provided with a feed unit for containing fodder and/or drink, an entrance opening to the feed unit, and a feed supplying device for supplying an amount of fodder and/or drink to the feed unit. The feed metering device is provided with a closing means that is movable across the entrance opening in order to deter an animal visiting the feed unit from taking fodder and/or drink. The closing means rotates about an axis, the closing means being driven by a roll that contacts the closing means, which roll is driven by a motor.

Abstract: A feed metering device for distributing fodder and/or drink in metered portions to an animal. The feed metering device is provided with a feed unit for containing fodder and/or drink, an entrance opening to the feed unit, and a feed supplying device for supplying an amount of fodder and/or drink to the feed unit. The feed metering device is provided with a closing means that is movable across the entrance opening in order to deter an animal visiting the feed unit from taking fodder and/or drink. The closing means rotates about an axis, the closing means being driven by a roll that contacts the closing means, which roll is driven by a motor.

Abstract: A bird feeder includes a vessel for holding seeds. One embodiment comprises a removable access tunnel external to the vessel is coupled thereto at a seed opening in the vessel. The access tunnel, as well as a bar across a bottom portion of the access tunnel opening restricts access to seeds by other than birds. A removable seed cover for the opening held on by the access tunnel is made of a flexible material and includes a seed opening sized and shaped to restrict a number of seeds extractable on a given attempt.

Abstract: A bird feeder to be suspended from a support structure is provided, including a hanger member and a feeder member. The hanger member includes a bracket piece that engages the support structure and a frame piece connected thereto that forms an opening for receiving the feeder member. The feeder member has a body with an interior defining a reservoir and a mouth communicating with the interior. The feeder member also includes an outwardly extending flange structure operative to engage the frame piece, which may be shaped as four lobes configured as petals of a flower. The bird feeder may include a tube member with a hollow portion extending into the reservoir, which may be shaped to resemble the pistil of a flower. In addition, a fluid transport device, such as a wick, may be received by the hollow portion to facilitate the bird's access to the fluid in the reservoir.

Abstract: An animal litter consists of wood particles and wood shavings and baking soda. The wood particles and wood shavings are selected from the group consisting of pine and aspen, to thereby provide a litter with optimal absorbency and odor control characteristics.

Abstract: The invention is a fish tank comprising front and back panels, for hanging on a vertical surface. The manufacturing technique involves applying air pressure to molten material to form the panels of the fish tank into desired shapes.

Abstract: A small and compact boiler for providing hot water for indoor heating and domestic hot water and method of operation are provided. The boiler includes a three way valve configured to circulate boiler water through a heating circuit when indoor heat is required, and bypass the heating circuit and circulate the boiler water through the heat exchanger to enable production of domestic hot water.

Abstract: The apparatus has a housing with a main chamber in which a rotor is situated. A drive shaft drives the rotor about a longitudinal axis of rotation. The housing has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid inlet communicating with an inlet region and a fluid outlet communicating with an exit region. The outer surface of the rotor forms one boundary for the fluid heat generating region and is confronted by the inner surface of the main chamber which is the other boundary. At least one of these surfaces is angularly inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft and rotor. By bodily shifting the rotor in a direction along the longitudinal axis, an increase or decrease in the distance between the outer and inner surfaces is possible in order to adjust for wear or to change the degree of shear experienced by the passing fluid.

Abstract: The apparatus has a housing with a main chamber in which a rotor is situated. A drive shaft drives the rotor about a longitudinal axis of rotation. The housing has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid inlet communicating with an inlet region and a fluid outlet communicating with an exit region. The outer surface of the rotor forms one boundary for the fluid heat generating region and is confronted by the inner surface of the main chamber which is the other boundary. At least one of these surfaces is angularly inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft and rotor. By bodily shifting the rotor in a direction along the longitudinal axis, an increase or decrease in the distance between the outer and inner surfaces is possible in order to adjust for wear or to change the degree of shear experienced by the passing fluid.

Abstract: In order to provide a hand-held machine tool (100), especially a motor-driven chain saw, with a combustion engine drive (116) and a generator (102) for supplying voltage to electrical consumers, to which external electrical consumers can be connected in a simple fashion, it is proposed that the generator (102) has a connection for attachments (104) for external consumers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fractionating vaporized fuel system which provides a mixture of fresh air and vaporized lower boiling fractions of gasoline to the intake passage of an internal combustion engine. More specifically, the system uses hot engine coolant to vaporize the lower boiling fractions of a fuel such as gasoline for combustion as a vapor, and the higher boiling fractions are returned to the tank as a liquid for other uses. Intake air is heated by the exhaust manifold before being drawn through a vaporizing chamber and mixed with the vaporized fuel. The warm air/vaporized fuel mixture is then introduced to the engine prior to the choke plate of a carbureted or fuel injected engine. In this manner the vaporized fuel system is able to provide improved efficiency and reduced emissions throughout the entire range of engine requirements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for improving the combustion of diesel fuels within the combustion chamber of the engine. The invention is capable of reducing particulate matter emissions, nitrogen oxide emissions, and hydrocarbon emissions via electronically controlled injection of liquid solutions/emulsions containing water and a booster fuel into the intake air of a diesel engine. The booster fuel contained in the liquid solution/emulsion allows control of fuel ignition and enhances combustion causing a smooth thorough burning of the compressed mixture. Cooled air entering the combustion chamber allows the air exiting the combustion chamber to have an increased heat capacity. Increased heat capacity reduces flame temperatures within the cylinder. The combination results in a longer burn with a lower temperature and lower peak pressure in the combustion chamber. As a result PM, HC and NOx emissions are improved for a specified diesel engine power level.

Abstract: A premixed charge compression ignition engine, and a control system, is provided which effectively initiates combustion by compression ignition and maintains stable combustion while achieving extremely low nitrous oxide emissions, good overall efficiency and acceptable combustion noise and cylinder pressures. The present engine and control system effectively controls the combustion history, that is, the time at which combustion occurs, the rate of combustion, the duration of combustion and/or the completeness of combustion, by controlling the operation of certain control variables providing temperature control, pressure control, control of the mixture's autoignition properties and equivalence ratio control. The combustion control system provides active feedback control of the combustion event and includes a sensor, e.g. pressure sensor, for detecting an engine operating condition indicative of the combustion history, e.g. the start of combustion, and generating an associated engine operating condition signal.

Abstract: A method for operating a cooling and heating circuit of a motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine, the method has the steps providing a first cooling medium path through a bypass conduit, providing a second cooling medium path through a main cooler of the internal combustion engine, providing a third cooling medium through a heating heat exchanger, providing a fourth cooling medium path through a heat accumulator, subdividing cooling medium flows through the paths by an electrically operated valves, providing the cooling medium flows by at least one pump, controlling the valves by a control unit in dependence on operational and environmental parameters as well as nominal values, arranging a third control valve which is controlled by the control unit in the fourth cooling medium path and closing the third control valve completely or partially when a reference temperature of a remaining cooling and heating circuit exceeds a nominal value provided in the control unit, and opening the third control

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an active water pump system for control of engine temperature. The active water pump is an electric pump combined with control electronics. An “active water pump” is an engine cooling fluid pump whose source of power and control is not directly driven by the engine in combination with its control electronics. The active water pump is used as an auxiliary cooling system to a mechanical water pump system for overall cooling control. In the cooling system of the invention, under most driving conditions, mechanical water pump provides the coolant circulation. The active water pump is active primarily during deceleration and after the engine is shut down.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-stroke internal combustion engine with longitudinal scavenging, with at least one piston reciprocating in a cylinder, with at least one exhaust valve disposed in the cylinder head floor and with at least one intake slot per cylinder which can be passed by a control edge of the piston, with at least one exhaust gas recirculation conduit for the recirculation of exhaust gas into the combustion chamber and at least one exhaust gas recirculation valve for controlling the recirculated exhaust gas quantity. In order to enable exhaust gas recirculation in the simplest possible way, it is provided that the exhaust gas recirculation conduit starts out directly from the combustion chamber and the exhaust gas recirculation valve is arranged as a stroke valve which is disposed in the region of the entrance of the exhaust gas recirculation conduit into the cylinder head floor.

Abstract: An automatic priming system for internal combustion engines, which is operable at engine cranking speeds and which is automatically disabled at engine running speeds. The automatic priming system is driven by pressure fluctuations within the engine crankcase which are caused by reciprocation of the piston. At engine cranking speeds, fluid communication between the engine crankcase and a chamber is substantially equalized, such that positive pressure pulses from the crankcase air space pass from the chamber through a check valve to the carburetor for priming. At engine running speeds, communication between the crankcase air space and the chamber is restricted such that the pressure within the chamber is below atmospheric, positive pressure pulses are not present within the chamber, and the priming function is automatically disabled.