Abstract: A system and method are set for pyrolysis of waste feed material including a first retort segment disposed through a combustion chamber and a second retort segment disposed outside of the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber supplies the heat for pyrolysis to the material conveyed through the first retort segment, which pyrolysis is completed as it is conveyed through the second retort segment. A thermal oxidizer oxidizes off gases and a stack unit provides a draft to move the gases from pyrolysis from the retort segments and through the thermal oxidizer.

Abstract: An incinerator, capable of withstanding internal shocks from projectiles resulting from the combustion of energetic materials, is made of a primary combustion chamber where the material is burned, and a secondary chamber to reburn at a higher temperature the gases emanating from the primary chamber. The incinerator has a heating or separation plate, having a flowing-material funnel facilitating the removal of waste solids, to provide heat exchange between the primary combustion chamber and a heating chamber, to protect the heating elements against projectiles, and to restrain any projectiles from exiting the unit. To increase the level of safety of operation, this incinerator is remotely controlled, has a sequence of ignition and has overpressure apertures over the primary chamber.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention is configured to deposit a fluid, such as a hydrophilic polymer solution, into existing sod. The apparatus includes a frame, a cylindrical housing, spikes protruding perpendicularly away from the housing, two rotating hubs, a tank, tubing connecting the tank to the rotating hubs, tubing connecting the rotating hubs to the spikes, and a pump for pumping fluid from the tank to the rotating hubs where the fluid is forced into the spikes and ultimately into the earth. The apparatus is also configured such that the fluid is only expelled from the spikes while the spikes are in the earth.

Abstract: A pneumatic seed meter comprises a housing and a rotatable seed disc. The rotatable seed disc divides the housing into a reduced air pressure side and a seed side. The rotatable seed disc is provided with seed cells to which individual seeds are attracted by an air pressure. A double eliminator is located in the housing on the seed side so that the double eliminator knocks extraneous seeds from the seed cells of the seed disc. The double eliminator is provided with an adjustment knob extending outside the seed side of the housing for adjusting the position of the double eliminator relative to the seed disc. A transparent viewing window is mounted on the seed side of the housing opposite the double eliminator so that adjustment of the double eliminator can be monitored.

Abstract: A tufting machine includes a feed roller assembly formed of a plurality of coaxially aligned and detachable shaft members.

Abstract: A boat fender deployment device having a motor for deploying a fender along side of a boat at a desired height for engaging a dock or other object by operation of a motor and for retracting the fender into a housing for storage when not in use. The housings may be attached to the boat or internally molded into the hull of the boat. The fender deployment is controlled by a switch for supplying power to drive a motor in the forward or reverse directions for deployment and positioning of fenders without the aid of crewmembers. A number of fenders attached to the boat, each individually controlled, provide the captain with a safe and reliable means for deploying and retracting fenders for the safe operation of a boat. The fenders deployed to the proper height protect a boat from damage when alongside a dock or other object.

Abstract: The fender shaped specifically for pontoon boats, so that it may be readily attached to the pontoon boat decking and/or suspended from the pontoon boat rail. The pontoon boat fender is uniquely shaped to abut the decking and engage the pontoon to protect the decking and pontoon from damaging contact with a dock or another boat.

Abstract: A streamer cable connector including a cylindrical inner race and an outer race with a cavity formed therein to capture the inner race. The outer race has leading and trailing fairings to minimize abrupt structural changes along the longitudinal length of the connector in order to minimize self-generated noise as the streamer cable is pulled through the water. The fairings are fabricated of compliant material so that the connector can be wound around a reel while under tension to inhibit damage to the inner race or to the cable itself.

Abstract: A system for making closed vessels unsinkable. The separate parts of the system are at least one air compressor, a compression chamber, a compressor/propeller clutch, at least one airbag, heating elements, and a diameter restrictor/gauge track. Additional features of this invention include sonar equipment for warning to avoid potential harm to the vessel and a re-entry system which transfers air from the inflated airbags to the inside of a repaired vessel. Upon activation, the air compressor charges the compression chamber, which, by way of a timed valve, distributes compressed air into inflatable bags.

Abstract: An apparatus (12) for supporting a flag comprising a housing (26) having an opening (24) in a side face. A passage (30) extends trough housing (26). The housing (28) has a lower tubular part (40) that is mounted to the top of a flagpole (10). A cable (16) is attached to an arm (14). The cable extends from a winch (22) up through the flagpole and through the passage (30) in the housing (26). The cable is attached to the arm (14). In order to attach a flag to arm (14), winch (22) is operated to extend cable (16) and to lower arm (14) to the ground. Once a flag is attached to arm (14), the winch (22) is operated to retract the cable (16). This draws the arm (14) into the housing (26). Continued retraction of the cable (16) results in the arm (14) adopting an essentially horizontal position. The apparatus may rotate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydrant locator that facilitates the location of a hydrant by firefighters, particularly in an emergency. The low profile device wraps around the hydrant cylinder for mounting purposes and a switch in an emergency vehicle sets off strobe lights on the device upon activation to alert firefighters to the hydrant location. The locator device comprises a plurality of solar powered strobe lights that are strapped about the hydrant alternating with solar panels. A locked latch secures the locator belt of strobe lights and solar panels to the hydrant. A shatterproof shield is mounted over the strobe lights and solar panels. A receiver is also mounted within the locator to activate the strobe lights upon receipt of a remote signal. A remote switch located in an emergency vehicle is coupled to a transmitter to activate only those hydrant locators within a given range of approximately 1500 feet. The switch can activate a different color strobe light to indicate the closeness of the hydrant.

Abstract: A device for the coating of granulates and seeds, pellets and dragées with one or several coatings, whereby the seeds for coating are placed in a driven rotating drum, into which baffles fixed to the housing, in particular, spray and cleaning arms extend. Air supplies are connected to the drum by means of which the interior of the drum is subjected to an air stream. The air distribution in the drum is achieved by means of an air distribution plate fixed to the front side of the drum arranged opposite a non-rotating air distribution plate fixed to the housing, which is formed such that it may move in an axial direction towards and away from the drum and which may be connected to the drum by means of air. An improved cleaning of the housing and drum air feed is thus guaranteed.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for use within a terrarium for feeding insects such as crickets to reptiles and/or other animals in the terrarium. The apparatus consists of a structure having a chamber in which the insects can move about, a cover that provides access to the chamber for introducing insects and powder supplements to the chamber, and a small port and manually removable port plug for enabling the insects to exit the chamber to the terrarium when the plug is removed. The structure and cover may create the image of a simulated rock. The feeding apparatus has a substantially flat surface for maintaining the rock structure in a stable position in the terrarium.

Abstract: The bird feeder is a unique new birdcage attachment which provides bird owners the ability to automatically feed their birds at timed intervals. The unit could be manufactured in various sizes and colors and would consist of a hopper for storing birdseed, an exit funnel on the bottom, a user programmable electronic timing device, and a clear viewing panel on the side to determine when the seed reservoir had been depleted. The automatic feeder would also feature clamps or clips to make it easily attachable to the side of a birdcage. When the unit was enabled for feeding, birdseed would flow from the hopper, through the chute which would feature a motor driven rotating mill to ensure that the seed does not clump together, and out the exit funnel which is located above the bird's seed tray. The feeder would rely on battery power to drive the timer mechanism and the motor.

Abstract: A bird feeder wherein a hopper is carried by a housing, such as a wire cage, with a hanger attaching the housing to a support for the bird feeder, the hopper being removably secured to the base of the housing so that the base and hopper assembly can be separated from the remainder of the housing to refill and/or clean the hopper without removing the hanger from its support. The hopper can be separated from the base, as well, to facilitate cleaning.

Abstract: A flow control mechanism is provided for regulating the flow of fluid from a container or vessel, e.g., a plastic bottle containing a fluid such as water or the like. The flow control mechanism may be advantageously employed in a variety of applications where it is desired to dispense and/or access fluids in a controlled manner, e.g., applications wherein a liquid, colloidal system, suspension or the like is to be dispensed/accessed in a controlled manner. The flow control mechanisms are particularly advantageous as animal/pet drinking aids that provide animals/pets with convenient and controlled access to fluid refreshment, e.g., when away from a home-based water bowl. An exemplary control mechanism includes a cap member, overcap and ball captured therebetween. The cap member may be secured to a fluid-containing vessel and used to regulate or control the flow of fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A freeze resistant animal watering installation includes a trough and a substantially vertical flow tube which provides water under pressure to the trough upon a valve actuator being activated by an animal accessing the trough. Any excess water is drained to a storage reservoir installed underground below frost level. A venturi is positioned on the flow tube in fluid communication with the storage reservoir, such that the flow of water along the flow tube serves to draw water from the storage reservoir.

Abstract: A modular pet house includes a housing including a peripheral wall comprising a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The peripheral wall has an upper edge and a bottom edge. The front wall has an opening positioned therein extending upwardly from the bottom edge. A plurality of mountings is selectively mountable in the housing. A panel has an upper side, a lower side and a peripheral edge. The panel has an opening extending therethrough. The panel has the same shape and size as an interior perimeter of the housing. The panel is selectively positionable on the plurality of mountings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sootblowing a recovery boiler. Sootblowers of the recovery boiler are divided into sootblowing groups, and a sootblowing interval is determined for the sootblowers. A fouling index is produced for each sootblowing group of the recovery boiler, and relative frequency values are calculated.

Abstract: A frame type engine generator having an engine, a generator connected with the engine and driven by the engine and a supporting frame for supporting the engine and generator therein is closed at the front surface of the supporting frame with a control panel, closed at the rear surface thereof with a muffler cover and closed at the top surface thereof with a fuel tank. To raise a noise reduction performance of the engine generator, the left side surface of the supporting frame is closed with a left panel and the right side surface thereof is closed with a right panel. The left and right panels have a double-walled structure including an inner panel and an outer panel, respectively. The left and right panels are detachably attached to the supporting frame through a rubber seal, respectively.

Abstract: A multiple-cycle engine is provided that alternates between two-cycle and four-cycle operation in response to measured engine conditions. Each piston is ball and socket mounted to allow the piston to be trained to five positions by a training block within the cylinder wall. Intake and scavenging port runners and a piston port align to place a fuel charge in the combustion chamber in the first position, while the second position seals it for compression and ignition. A piston exhaust vent aligns with an exhaust port in the third position to discharge the exhaust for completion of four-cycle operation. In a fourth position, the intake port and a second scavage port runner align to fuel the combustion chamber, while exhaust leaves through a second piston exhaust vent in alignment with the exhaust port incoming charge is scavenged by the suction of a megaphone type exhaust pipe. In a fifth position, the chamber is sealed for compression and ignition for completion of two-cycle operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an engine cooling system of an automobile, and more particularly, to an engine cooling system having two thermostats which can alleviate engine friction by delaying the flow of cooling water in the cylinder block and as a result can also improve cooling and heating efficiencies in the automobile as the resistance of water passage jacket throughout the engine decreases.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of cooling an engine for an automobile, in particular to a method of operating a cooling system having a variable coolant flow control valve. The cooling system is operated in dependence upon the difference between a desired operating temperature and a measured operating temperature. If this difference falls within a first and a second predetermined threshold, the temperature control is effected by operation of the valve in dependence upon the difference. The method also includes operation of a variable speed fan and a variable speed pump, in dependence upon the difference between a desired operating temperature and a measured operating temperature.

Abstract: In an engine of a cylinder-head first cooling type, cooling performance for a cylinder head and a cylinder block is enhanced. Cooling water from a water pump is supplied via a water jacket in a cylinder head to a water jacket in a cylinder block. The water jacket in the cylinder head is defined to extend along opposite sides of a plurality of cylinders disposed in a row, and has a cooling-water inlet and a cooling-water outlet provided at lengthwise one end thereof and the lengthwise other end thereof, respectively. The water jacket in the cylinder block is defined to surround outer peripheries of the plurality of cylinders disposed in the row, and is shielded at one point by a shield member, and has a cooling-water inlet provided on one side of the shield member to communicate with the cooling-water outlet in the water jacket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating an internal combustion engine with a six-stroke process involving the following sequence of events: 1st stroke (I): air intake into the combustion chamber, 2nd stroke (II): compression of the air and injection (3a) of a first fraction of gasoline fuel into the combustion chamber, 3rd stroke (III): first working stroke after first ignition (5) of the mixture, said ignition (5) being initiated by an ignition device, 4th stroke (IV): new compression of the contents of the combustion chamber, 5th stroke (V): second working stroke after second ignition (6) of the fuel-air mixture contained in the combustion chamber, 6th stroke (VI): expulsion of the exhaust gases from the combustion chamber, a second fraction of gasoline fuel being injected (3b) prior to the second ignition (6).

Abstract: A hydraulic manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves in accordance with the invention includes oil flow galleries. Engine oil under pressure communicates with a global supply gallery in the manifold assembly, from which pressurized oil is supplied selectively via individual supply galleries to each variable actuator for each valve through the action of solenoid valves. At engine startup, all galleries may be empty of oil, or partially filled. A global relief valve at the end of the global supply gallery causes air to be purged immediately upon startup of the engine. Each solenoid and individual gallery is provided with a low pressure relief valve leading back to the crankcase when the solenoid supply valve is closed. A bleed orifice between the global supply gallery and each individual gallery continually bleeds oil under low pressure into the individual gallery, which purges initial air therein.

Abstract: Valve timing control apparatus for engine includes a cam phase actuator (1113) composed of a first rotor (1) rotatable with a crank shaft, a second rotor (6) mounted on a cam shaft (7) and a lock mechanism (15, 16, 18) for locking the second rotor to the first rotor, a pump (1118) for generating a hydraulic pressure, an ECU for computing a current value corresponding to a pressure for clearing a locked state at the first relative angle for shifting the first relative angle to a second angle, and an OCV (1114) for supplying a pressure for regulating a cam phase of the second rotor in dependence on the current value. The ECU computes a first current value for generating a first pressure for releasing the locked state. The first current value is supplied to the OCV for a predetermined time before shifting the first relative angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement over conventional engine controls by providing a method and system that operates a variable valve system immediately subsequent to engine start, and disengages the variable valve system when engine performance is unacceptable. If the variable valve system is disengaged after engine start due to poor engine performance, a time delay occurs to allow the engine to create a sufficient amount of oil pressure to operate the variable valve system.

Abstract: A valve timing control device for adjusting the timing of opening a valve of an internal combustion engine includes a torsion spring having one end engaged with a shoe housing and the other end engaged with a vane rotor to urge the vane rotor, relative to the shoe housing, toward the advancing side or the delaying side. The end of the torsion spring engaged with the vane rotor is rotatable together with the vane rotor and inwardly directed in the radial direction, referencing the torsion spring. The vane rotor has a hook groove with which the inwardly-directed end of the torsion spring is engaged. Thus, a driven member having the vane rotor can be made smaller. Also, there is no need to form the hook groove inside the vane, so vane strength is not compromised and sealing with the vane is attained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to control the rate of change of the variable cam phasing system during transient engine operating conditions. It does this primarily to maintain combustion stability. The invention controls the rate of change of the variable cam phasing system based upon the operating point of the engine, the desired operating point of the engine, and the rate of change of the variable cam phasing system necessary to maintain combustion stability.

Abstract: A roller finger follower includes a body having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end. A first side member and a second side member are generally parallel with the longitudinal axis and interconnect the first and second ends. A roller seat is defined at least in part by the first and second side members.

Abstract: A starter which is capable of smoothly and reliably starting an internal combustion engine even though an electric motor employed is relatively small in size and output, thereby making it possible to minimize power consumption of the electric motor, to miniaturize the capacity of battery, to reduce the total weight of the starter, to enhance the durability of the starter, and to suppress the generation of failure of the starter. This starter comprises a buffering/power-accumulating means disposed midway along a power transmission system between a driving member and a driven member, wherein the buffering/power-accumulating means is enabled, during the driving process, to accumulate the power supplied through the driving process while alleviating any impact to the driven member, the accumulated power being subsequently employed to drive the driven member, and wherein the driving member is an electric motor.

Abstract: A valve body of an intake controlling valve, which is selectively opened and closed to communicate and interrupt communications between chambers which are divided by a partition wall in a resin surge tank, may be used for internal combustion engines. A variable intake device for an internal combustion engine is manufactured such that the valve unit is integrally assembled to a resin surge tank body by installing the valve unit into an opening of an outer wall of the resin surge tank and an opening of the partition wall formed at the partition wall and fixing the valve unit. Between the frame and the opening of the partition wall, and the valve unit and the opening of the outer wall are integrally fixed at their contact portions through adhesion with an adhesive or by welding.

Abstract: A joint portion 33 of an oil pump shaft 19 and a balancer shaft (output-side balancer shaft 12) is provided in an open space between opposite surfaces of a sidewall 4b of an oil pump housing 4 and a sidewall 5c1-5c2 (a bearing portion) of a balancer shaft housing 5. The joint portion 33 of the oil pump shaft 19 and the balancer shaft 12 is comprised of a pair of engageable portions 33a, 33b provided at each end of the balancer shaft 12 and the oil pump shaft 19, respectively. The engageable portions 33a, 33b are disengageably engaged with each other in radial directions of the shafts 12, 19. The joint portion 33 can be seen from the outside, and thus a joining operation can be performed with ease.

Abstract: A peristaltic piston pump driven by a dedicated pump cam disposed on a camshaft of an engine. A plurality of valve-opening cams are also disposed along the camshaft. The pump cam has a plurality of lobes equal in number to the number of valve cams and each pump lobe is disposed at 180° from a valve cam lobe such that the camshaft valve torque and secondary oil pump camshaft torque partially cancel, reducing overall camshaft torque oscillation. The pump includes a lost-motion shuttle and spring to permit continuous response of the pump to the cam.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

Abstract: The cleaning arrangement (1) is provided for the combustion air (2) of an internal combustion engine (3) in a portable handheld work apparatus such as a cutoff machine. The cleaning arrangement is formed from a filter housing (4) which contains an air filter (5) in order to ensure a disturbance-free operation especially for a dust-laden ambient air of the work apparatus. The air filter (5) partitions the filter housing (4) into a contaminant space (7) and a clean space (8). The clean space side (8) is connected to a carburetor (9) of the engine (3). To minimize the dust deposit on the contaminant space side of the air filter (5), a centrifugal-force separator (11) is arranged in the filter housing (4) and is charged with combustion air (2) which is supplied under pressure by a cooling air fan (30) via a feed channel (24) to the separator (11).

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to determine an amount of aeration of fluids such as engine oil, thus permitting more aggressive operation of an oil-driven actuator, with fewer limitations in scheduling operation of the actuator. It includes monitoring engine speed and fluid temperature, and determining a first and second attitude of the engine relative to a first and second axis, and determines an amount of aeration of the fluid based upon those factors. The method determines an operating range of the fluid-driven actuator based upon the amount of aeration, and then permits the operation of the fluid-driven actuator within the operating range.

Abstract: An internal combustion rotary engine generating continuous torque throughout an entire combustion cycle by an inverse displacement of a moving chamber and stationary convex surface is described. A rotary engine having one or more of asymmetric chambers, asymmetric crank shaft placement, and a mechanical crank arm of varying length is disclosed. An engine having greater horsepower output per unit of engine displacement than traditional piston or rotary engines is described.

Abstract: When a large load is exerted during restraint control of an engine of a jet propulsion boat, the drop of the engine revolution frequency causes a feeling of harsh braking. An engine revolution frequency control apparatus provided to prevent this problem includes a engine revolution frequency detector for detecting an engine revolution frequency, and threshold value setting units for setting first and second engine revolution frequency threshold values. The second threshold value is set to be higher than the first threshold value. An engine control unit includes an overspeed governing capability that starts restraint control for restraining rotation when the engine revolution frequency detected by the engine revolution frequency detector is more than said first threshold value when the engine is accelerating, and terminates restraint control when the engine revolution frequency is less than a second thresholds value during deceleration.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling an output variable of a drive unit in the starting phase is described. A controller is provided, regulating the actual value of at least one output variable to a setpoint variable of this output variable which is specified as a function of time. When at least one condition marking entry into the starting phase exists, the setpoint value of the output variable is initialized with the actual value of the output variable.

Abstract: An intake manifold (10) includes an integral fuel rail (14) at least partially surrounded by a volume (22). The volume (22), being adjacent the fuel rail (14), minimizes the permeation of fuel out of the fuel rail (14). The volume (22) is also utilizable as a sealed storage space to contain an air induction component (26) to more effectively utilize the packaging space of the intake manifold (10).

Abstract: An intake manifold (10) includes a fuel rail cavity (30) which receives a metallic fuel rail (14) enclosed by a molded fuel rail cavity cover (32). The fuel rail (14) communicates with each of a plurality of engine cylinders (16) through a fuel module (18). An injector cup (28) fits upon each module cylinder to provide an interface between the fuel module and the fuel rail. Another intake manifold (10) includes a fuel rail (14) which directly interfaces with each fuel module (18) through a bellows (38) attached directly thereto.

Abstract: A super-chilled air induction apparatus includes a thermoelectric cooling device. The thermoelectric cooling device includes a passage for conducting air. A valve is provided to regulate the flow of cold air from the apparatus into a fuel-air mixture. A heat sink is positioned adjacent the cooling device to contribute to lowering air temperature in the apparatus. An insulator is included for maintaining the cold air temperature with in the cooling device. A temperature gauge allows an operator to determine the air temperature in the thermoelectric cooling device, and a controller allows the operator to control discharge of the super-chilled air into an air-fuel mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a parallel vaporized fuel system as well as a fuel vaporization apparatus for an internal combustion engine. More specifically, when the parallel vaporized fuel system is applied to vehicles, vaporized fuel is provided for general driving and liquid fuel is supplied as needed for immediate and heavy acceleration. The liquid fuel is generally gasoline, methanol or ethanol wherein the fuel vaporizes at a temperature of 425° F. or less. Fuel is delivered to the engine using the liquid fuel system until an adequate amount of vaporized fuel can be produced for operation of the engine. As vaporized fuel is produced liquid fuel being delivered to the engine proportionately reduced. Thereafter liquid fuel can be supplied to the engine when needed to compensate for the delay in vaporizing liquid fuel. This system can thereby provide improved fuel economy and reduced emissions over vehicles operating entirely from liquid fuel.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system includes a combustion chamber having at least one intake port in communication with the combustion chamber and a corresponding intake valve for controlling a flow through the intake port into the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber also has at least one exhaust port in communication with the combustion chamber and a corresponding exhaust valve for controlling a flow through the exhaust port from the combustion chamber. In addition, the combustion chamber has at least one exhaust gas recirculation port in communication with the combustion chamber and with the exhaust port external or adjacent to the combustion chamber. The exhaust gas recirculation port has a corresponding exhaust gas recirculation valve for controlling a flow through the exhaust gas recirculation port into the combustion chamber. The exhaust gas recirculation valve may be separately actuatable from the intake valve and the exhaust valve.

Abstract: An integrated intake manifold assembly including a poppet valve disposed at the air inlet to the manifold to regulate air flow into the manifold; a poppet valve disposed on the manifold to regulate exhaust gas flow into the air intake system; and a bi-directional camshaft with cams for operating simultaneously the manifold vacuum regulating (MVR) valve and the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. The valve bodies are integrally formed in the wall of the intake manifold. The camshaft is driven by a DC motor and gear train. The cams are arranged on the shaft to provide optimum synchronized opening and closing of the related valves. When used on a diesel engine, the assembly may further include a swirl valve plate disposed between the manifold and the engine head and having a plurality of ganged swirl valves actuated by levers connected to the camshaft for coordinated motion with the MVR and EGR valves.

Abstract: An apparatus is described to separate oil from a gas in an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a rotatable member adapted to be rotatably driven by the internal combustion engine and a housing affixed to the rotatable member. At least one inlet hole is disposed through one of either the rotatable member or the housing, permitting oil-containing gas to pass therethrough. At least one outlet hole is disposed through one of either the housing or the rotatable member, permitting the gas to exit therefrom. At least one labrynthine passage extends between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet so that, as the rotatable member and housing rotate, the oil-containing gas within the labrynthine passage is subjected to centrifugal forces. The forces cause at least some of the oil to be removed from the gas as the gas flows from the at least one inlet hole to the at least one outlet hole. A decompressor is also described.

Abstract: A method for determining the proper fueling of an internal combustion engine when nitrous oxide is being injected into the air intake of the engine determines an equivalent air per cycle (APCequiv) by calculating the effect of both the air and the nitrous oxide on the oxygen content of the gas stream flowing into the cylinders of the engine. After calculating the equivalent air per cylinder magnitude, the fuel per cylinder (FPC) is calculated as a function of the stoichiometric air fuel ratio and an equivalence ratio that modifies the stoichiometric air/fuel ratio.

Abstract: An ignition system employing a piezoelectric transformer having a drive side and an output side. The ignition system further includes circuit elements in electronic communication with the output side that tune output impedance in series with a breakdown gap to optimize power flow from the transformer to the breakdown gap after breakdown and a timing control circuit in electronic communication with the drive side that meters post-breakdown energy delivered to the breakdown gap by timing the duration of post-breakdown power flow.