Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a cylinder chamber, a crankcase in fluidic communication with the cylinder chamber, and a scavenging conduit insert providing for the communication between the cylinder chamber and the crankcase. The scavenging insert may form a part of a surface against which a piston slides.

Abstract: A cold advance device for advancing the injection beginning in cold condition diesel engine with single plunger pumps, by means of which the injection onset is adjusted in cold conditions and also in normal conditions. A piston is provided in the roller tappet and the roller tappet moves up and down in response to lubricating oil pressure through a plate valve. The lubricating oil lifts the hydro tappet piston enabling the pump plunger to be in the advance position. The pump plunger is lifted an amount corresponds to 8° to 10° crank angle depending upon the cam profile. The stroke of the piston is limited by a stopper and is designed according to the cold advance requirements of the engine. The plate valve is provided with a throttle hole.

Abstract: A valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine is provided, which includes: a crank angle sensor detecting a crank angle corresponding to an internal combustion engine crank shaft rotational angle; an actuator relatively modifying phases of a cam angle with the crank angle; a cam angle sensor detecting the cam angle modified by the actuator; an oil control valve driving the actuator; a target value detection unit calculating a target value according to the internal combustion engine operation state; a cam angle control unit controlling the detected cam angle to coincide with the calculated target value; a learning unit learning a control signal to the oil control valve when the cam angle substantially coincides with the target value; and a failure detection unit detecting failure of the actuator. The failure detection unit modifies a failure detection condition according to whether learning is performed in the learning unit.

Abstract: A valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of accurately and delicately controlling an amount of intake air, and thereby maintaining excellent combustion state and reduced exhaust emissions. The valve timing control system variably controls the valve-closing timing of an intake valve with respect to valve-opening timing of the same as desired via a variable intake valve actuation assembly. The ECU of the engine determined a basic value of a target auxiliary intake cam phase according to the demanded drive torque of the engine. The ECU calculates a control input to the variable intake valve actuation assembly such that the cylinder intake air amount converges to a target intake air amount and at the same time the auxiliary intake cam phase is constrained to the basic value of the target auxiliary intake cam phase.

Abstract: A first camshaft (24) operates the exhaust valves (18) and a first intake valve (12) for each cylinder (8), and a second camshaft (38) operates the second intake valve per cylinder (14), the second camshaft further having a phase adjuster (62) for adjusting the timing of the second camshaft (38) relative to the first camshaft (24). Both the exhaust valves and the first intake valve arc actuated by rocker arms (30),(36), for providing a short and light-weight first intake valve rocker (36) having a high maximum operational speed capability and low friction. The first camshaft (24) is located above the rockers, the cam followers are located generally in the middle of the rockers (30),(36), and the rocker mounts (33),(35) are located on the inboard ends of the rockers, providing rockers that have both light-weight and a small pivot angle for providing low valve stem to rocker friction.

Abstract: A finger lever (1) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said finger lever (1) being switchable to different valve lifts for at least one gas exchange valve and comprising an outer lever (2) having two arms (3a, 3b) between which an inner lever (4) is arranged for pivoting relative to the outer lever (2), which outer and inner levers (2, 4) can be coupled to each other by a coupling means (15), the outer lever (2) comprising on one closed end (5), a support (5a) for a gas exchange valve and the finger lever (1) comprising on an opposite end (6), a complementary surface (7, 30) for a support element, the inner lever (4) having a fulcrum (10) in a region of the opposite end (6), and at least this inner lever (4) comprising a contact surface (11) for a cam whereby in the finger lever (1), the outer lever (2) has a substantially open fork-like configuration, the contact surface (11) for the cam on the inner lever (4) is configured as a rotatable roller (12) and the coupling means (15) comprises at le

Abstract: A VA apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a pair of VO cams disposed on both sides of a crank cam and having inside end faces opposed to each other, wherein the inside end faces have therebetween an annular portion of the crank arm supported in a sandwiched way from the axial direction of a driving shaft.

Abstract: An actuator for actuating a linearly translatable member, such as an engine valve includes a unit trigger actuator, the unit trigger actuator having a trigger being electrically actuatable, a hydraulic cartridge having a selectively translatable component and being operably coupled to the trigger for receiving actuation commands therefrom, the unit trigger actuator being an open loop system. A pivot element is operably coupled to the translatable component and to the engine valve, the pivot element amplifying motion imparted to the pivot element by translatory motion of the piston at the engine valve. A lash adjuster is operably coupled to the pivot element for decoupling the hydraulic cartridge from lash inherent in a plurality of components and assembly of an engine valve arrangement. A method of actuation is further included.

Abstract: An apparatus that may be utilized as a glow plug connector (1401) includes a retainer (1601) disposed between retainer flanges (2415), advantageously in a groove (2413). The retainer (1601) is capable of compressing to fit, for example, within a passage of a rocker carrier (820) of an internal combustion engine, and capable of subsequently expanding to prevent the connector (1401) from being dislodged from the passage.

Abstract: A bypass passage for bypassing a check valve is connected with a vacuum introducing passage of a brake booster. The bypass passage is provided with a switching valve. Just before the start of an engine, the switching valve temporarily opens the bypass passage whereby to equalize a remaining pressure of the brake booster substantially becomes equal to an atmospheric level. As a result, the pressure in the brake booster at the starting time is set to substantially the atmospheric level so that the airflow to be sucked from the brake booster into the intake pipe at the starting time is made substantially contact every times. Thus, the fuel injection rate can be set considering the airflow to be sucked from the brake booster into the intake pipe at the starting time, even if that airflow cannot be detected.

Abstract: An engine starting device includes an air-intake flow channel in which air sucked by an engine flows. A throttle valve is provided in the air-intake flow channel for controlling airflow. An air channel bypassing the throttle valve and communicating the air-intake flow channel between an upstream side and a downstream side of the throttle valve is also provided. The air channel includes a first channel portion and a second channel portion. A first opening-closing valve opens and closes the first channel portion of the air channel and a control device controls the first opening-closing valve. The engine starting device also includes a second opening-closing valve opening and closing the second channel portion and the first channel portion. The control device determines a starting state of the engine, controls the first opening-closing valve to open the first channel portion when the engine is not in the starting state and to close the first channel portion after the engine has started.

Abstract: An intake system for an internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold adapted to be attached to a side wall of the engine, and an air cleaner for supplying intake air to the intake manifold. The air cleaner is disposed opposite to the side wall of the engine while interposing therebetween the intake manifold. The air cleaner has an air cleaner main body joined with the intake manifold to constitute a single unit. The air cleaner main body is made of a material lower in the strength than a material which the intake manifold is made of.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a semi-rotating valve assembly that may be used in conjunction with an internal combustion engine. The semi-rotating valve of the present invention comprises a valve shaft disposed substantially within a valve housing, wherein the valve shaft is configured to rotate less than 360 degrees with respect to the valve housing to selectively open and close the valve. The reduced rotation of the valve shaft reduces friction, heat and wear. An interlocking sealing mechanism that may be used in conjunction with the semi-rotating valve of the present invention, along with means for cooling the valve, also are disclosed. Further, means for varying an aperture size associated with the valve also are provided, wherein the means for varying is configured to compensate for differences in engine speed to further improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Abstract: A snowmobile provided with a water-cooling type engine has a body, half of which is covered by an engine hood so as to form an engine room therein. The water-cooling engine is transversely mounted in the engine room, and the engine includes a crank case, a cylinder block disposed above the crank case, a cylinder head disposed above the cylinder block, and a crank shaft rotatably supported in a manner inclined rearward. The cylinder head is covered by a head cover so that a mating surface thereof is inclined forward such that a front side of the cylinder head is lower, in level, than a rear side thereof.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is adapted for operation with homogeneous combustion and compression ignition. The engine includes plural cylinders with the piston in each cylinder defining the main combustion chamber and connected to a crankshaft for reciprocating motion rotatably driving the crankshaft. An auxiliary combustion chamber and an inlet passage are formed in the engine head for each of the cylinders with a control valve for controlling communication between the main combustion chamber and the auxiliary combustion chamber and an inlet valve for controlling communication between the main combustion chamber and the inlet passage. The inlet valve is driven with rotation of the crankshaft, while the drive for the combustion control valve is independent of angular position of the crankshaft and has its own controller for timing its opening and closing to provide controlled homogeneous combustion.

Abstract: A direct injection fuel injector includes a nozzle tip having a plurality of passages allowing fluid communication between an inner nozzle tip surface portion and an outer nozzle tip surface portion and directly into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. A first group of the passages have inner surface apertures located substantially in a first common plane. A second group of the passages have inner surface apertures located substantially in at least a second common plane substantially parallel to the first common plane. The second group has more passages than the first group.

Abstract: A fuel injection device is provided which can inject fuel by very high injection pressure and can realize favorable combustion and exhaust characteristics, and moreover, enables performance of fuel injection with arbitrary fuel injection patterns. In the fuel injection device 30, the protrusion 61 is provided at a distal end portion of the piston control valve 60 which is provided at the pressure intensifier 54, can change a practical opening area of the fuel flow path 57 to the cylinder 56 in accordance with movement of the piston control valve 60, and can control inflow amounts of liquid fuel that is flowed into the cylinder 56 by the piston control valve 60 (does orifice control). Thus, control of injection rates and injection pressures of fuel that is injected from the fuel injection nozzle 34 is enabled, and fuel injection patterns can be realized with an extremely high degree of freedom.

Abstract: To maintain a favorable combustion states, the quantity and quality of a fuel-air mixture to be supplied to cylinders in an internal-combustion engine having multi-cylinder combustors, is where motor-driven fuel spraying mechanisms are provided corresponding to respective cylinders, is controlled with a high response. For this purpose, a mixture supply device has a motor-driven exhaust recirculating mechanism for collecting part of the exhaust generated by combustion in the internal-combustion engine and then remixing the exhaust into the mixture, and an integrated controller for transmitting control signals simultaneously to the above-mentioned three types of mechanisms which are built into a motor-driven multiple-throttle mechanism.

Abstract: Valve mechanism in an internal combustion engine, includes a valve play-take up mechanism in the form of a piston in a cylinder chamber at one end of an exhaust rocker arm, and a hydraulic circuit with valve elements for supplying or draining off pressure fluid to and from the cylinder chamber. A second cylinder chamber with a piston acting in an opposite direction is arranged in the rocker arm and communicates with the first-mentioned cylinder chamber. A brake rocker arm is mounted on the same rocker arm shaft as the exhaust rocker arm and has an outer end, which acts against the piston in the second cylinder chamber. The brake rocker arm has its own cam element with brake cam lobes to one side of the exhaust rocker arm cam element.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ignition circuit for a two-stroke engine in a portable handheld work apparatus. A spark plug (2) is connected via a switch (14) to a voltage source (16). The ignition switch (14) is actuated by an electronic control circuit (15) which closes the ignition switch (14) in dependence upon the crankshaft angle and additional operating parameters such as the rpm of the engine (1) in order to trigger an ignition spark per revolution of the crankshaft (10). To limit rpm, the ignition switch (14) is held open when a pregiven end rpm is exceeded in order to suppress an ignition spark over at least one crankshaft revolution.

Abstract: A throttle body for controlling a plurality of throttle valves in a multi-cylinder engine. The throttle valves of at least two of the cylinders are structurally connected to each other.

Abstract: There is provided an ignition timing control system for a variable-cylinder internal combustion engine, which is capable of optimally reducing torque before the start of fuel cut-off operation, irrespective of whether the engine is in an all-cylinder operation mode or a partial-cylinder operation mode, thereby reducing shock caused by the fuel cut-off operation. When the internal combustion engine is operated under deceleration operating conditions, the start of cut-off of fuel supply is delayed for a predetermined time period, and ignition timing is corrected when the cut-off of fuel supply is being delayed for the predetermined time period. The amount of correction of the ignition timing is set to a different value depending on the operation mode.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel injection controlling apparatus for an engine that reduces NOx amounts in an exhaust gas of a Diesel engine conducting lean combustion. An inter-cylinder injector (20a) is arranged in each cylinder of an engine (1). An intake port/manifold injector (21a) is arranged at an inlet of each cylinder of an intake manifold (5). A speed sensor (32) for detecting the engine speed is provided to the engine. A controller (31) is connected to the speed sensor (32), the inter-cylinder injector (20a) and the intake port/manifold injector (21a), and calculates an engine load. The intake port/manifold injector (21a) injects the fuel when the engine load is low, and the inter-cylinder injector (20a) injects the fuel when the engine load is high.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is operated according to a method, in which the fuel is pumped from a first fuel pump to a second fuel pump and from there into a high-pressure region. The fuel passes therefrom into at least one combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, by means of at least one fuel injection device. In certain operating conditions of the internal combustion engine, the pressure in the high-pressure region is lowered by means of a release device. According to the invention, the reliability and security of operating the internal combustion engine may be increased by monitoring the functioning of the release device (58 through 68).

Abstract: To provide a fuel supply device for an internal combustion engine including an ECU (22), in which, when the pressure in the fuel rail (2) is a high pressure greater than a maximum pressure (Pm) that can drive the injector (1) and the stopped engine (100), the ECU (22) opens the injector (1) to inject high pressure fuel in the fuel rail (2) into the stopped engine (100).

Abstract: Any specific member for fixation is omitted from a fuel injection device so that number of parts is reduced and the fuel injection device is constructed at a reasonable cost. The fuel injection device for use in an internal combustion engine is provided with a fuel distribution pipe 1, plural connecting pipe members 4, and plural fuel injection valves 2, and each of the fuel injection valves 2 is inserted into a connecting pipe member 4. A band-shaped protrusion 7 extends in the radial direction from a flange portion of the connecting pipe member 4 and further extends in parallel to the axis of the fuel injection valve 2. The band-shaped protrusion 7 is provided with a fitting hole 8, and each fuel injection valve 2 is provided with a protrusion 9 fitted into the fitting hole 8.

Abstract: Method for operating an internal combustion engine in which fuel is injected into a combustion chamber by an injector. The injector has a drivable piezo-actuator. A setpoint value is generated for driving the piezo-actuator. A setpoint charge quantity (QCsetpoint) is determined from the setpoint value, and an actual charge quantity (QCactual) supplied to the piezo-actuator is determined. The setpoint charge quantity (QCsetpoint) and the actual charge quantity (QCactual) are combined, and the combined result (Son) acts upon the drive circuit of the piezo-actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel module for the introduction of fuel from a fuel tank 91) to an internal combustion engine, comprising a supply pump (9), through which fuel is taken up and supplied to a container (2) and a main pump (3), which takes up fuel from the container (2) and supplies the internal combustion engine at high pressure. The supply pump (9) is a low-pressure pump, the outlet of which feeds into the container (2) through a fine filter (11).

Abstract: In the case of a fuel tank (1) for a motor vehicle having a plurality of surge chambers (6, 6′) for collecting fuel, two surge chambers (6, 6′) are closed in a manner essentially forming a seal and are connected to each other. Fuel conducted by a pressure regulator (12) and by suction jet pumps (16, 16′) into the surge chambers (6, 6′) is distributed to the surge chambers (6, 6′) as required. When the surge chambers (6, 6′) are completely filled, a pressure is produced, as a result of which a further filling by the suction jet pumps (16, 16′) is avoided.

Abstract: A self air-bleeding fuel supply system for a diesel engine with gravity primed fuel feed pump to facilitate automatic priming of fuel feed pump and to completely eliminate manual operations involved for removal of entrapped air and to prime the fuel feed pump on refueling after complete utilizing fuel from the fuel tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for managing fuel vapor pressure in a fuel system that supplies fuel to an internal combustion engine. The fuel vapor pressure management apparatus performs leak detection on a headspace of the fuel system, performs excess negative pressure relief of the headspace, performs excess positive pressure relief of the headspace, and performs a diagnostic on the purge valve. The apparatus includes a housing, a pressure operable device, and a printed circuit board. The housing defines an interior chamber. The pressure operable device separates the interior chamber into first and second portions. And the pressure operable device includes a poppet that moves along an axis and a seal that is adapted to cooperatively engage the poppet. The printed circuit board is supported by the housing in the interior chamber.

Abstract: A vapor collection canister for an on-board fuel vapor emission control system. The vapor collection canister includes a housing having a first port and a second port. An adsorbent is disposed in the housing. A temperature sensor is exposed to the adsorbent.

Abstract: In an engine with a supercharger, there is provided an evaporated fuel processing apparatus for collecting vapor generated in a fuel tank into a canister and purging the collected vapor into an intake passage. The supercharger includes a compressor. The evaporated fuel processing apparatus comprises a purge passage through which the vapor is purged from the canister into the intake passage upstream of the compressor, a second purge passage through which the vapor is purged from the canister into a surge tank, two electromagnetic valves which are operated to open and close the two purge passage, various sensors which detect an operating condition of the engine, and an electronic control unit (ECU) which controls the electromagnetic valves respectively on the basis of values detected by the sensors.

Abstract: The apparatus has a pneumatic controller, which controls the pressure in a gas conduit (1) in dependence on the pressure in an air conduit (2). Provided downstream of the regulator is a mixing device (4), which has a venturi-like mixing chamber (7). Extending into the inlet opening of the mixing chamber (7) is a nozzle (8), which is connected to the air conduit (2). Defined between the nozzle (8) and the edge (9) of the inlet opening of the mixing chamber (7) is an annular gap (10), which is connected to the gas conduit (1). Also operating in the air conduit (2) is a conical member (11) which is actuated by a linear motor (12). The mixture is withdrawn from the mixing chamber (7) by a fan (5), whose speed is controllable, and fed to the combustion device. The adjusting motor (12) for the conical member (11) operates in dependence on a signal from a sensor, which detects changes in the gas quality, the air pressure and/or the combustion air temperature.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a system for vaporizing liquid fuel which utilizes photonic energy and minimal thermal energy. The system generally comprises a fuel delivery system for delivering liquid fuel and a vaporization system for vaporizing liquid fuel delivered by the fuel delivery system. The vaporization system provides a vaporized fuel temperature of at least about 5 degrees cooler than the ambient temperature of air adjacent to the vaporization system. Another aspect of the present invention relates to systems for altering and controlling the chemical makeup of fuels and chemical processing of fuels and other compounds.

Abstract: A supercharger of an engine comprises a motor/generator, a compressor provided in an air intake system of the engine, and a planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear mechanism includes a sun gear connected to a driving shaft of the engine, planetary gears connected to the motor/generator and a ring gear connected to the compressor. The controller drives the motor/generator to control a rotational speed of the planetary gears. Through the control of the rotational speed of the planetary gears, a rotational speed of the compressor is controlled independently of a rotational speed of the engine. Thus, the rotation speed of the compressor can be continuously changed over a range from zero to a higher rotational speed than the engine rotational speed. Any desired supercharged pressure can be generated independently of the engine rotational speed.

Abstract: The invention is a method for controlling ignition parameters of a spark plug (16) for an internal-combustion engine whose ignition is controlled by an engine control calculator, with the spark plug receiving a high voltage (U_HT) and a current (I_HT) from an ignition emulator (E). The method establishes a target current and/or voltage values (Ucible_HT, Ucible_Boost, Icible_HT, Icible_Boost) to obtain the desired electric arc at the spark plug electrodes, stores the target values in a parametering unit (32), measuring at regular intervals, after an ignition command by the calculator, at least one of a voltage (U_HT, U_Boost, U_Batt) and current (I_HT, I_Boost) parameter coming from the emulator, comparing the parameters with the target values, and when variation occur between the measured parameters and the target values, adjusting the parameters to reach the target values for controlling the ignition parameters of a spark plug for an internal-combustion engine.

Abstract: Fuel properties estimating apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a controller to determine an estimated component concentration of a component such as alcohol in a fuel. The controller calculates a new value of the estimated component concentration in accordance with a component concentration variation and a stored previous value of the estimated component concentration. From an air-fuel ratio correction quantity calculated from an actual air fuel ratio, for correcting a fuel injection quantity, the controller calculates the component concentration variation by using a conversion function determined by the previous value of the component concentration.

Abstract: The airgun firing mechanism of the present invention has a rotary magazine 1 with a plurality of bores 11 made from a material through which magnetic force can pass, and a magnet 10 is provided in the center of the magazine 1. Also, the airgun firing mechanism of the present invention has inner diameters of respective bores 11 of the rotary magazine 1 having a plurality of bores 11 formed to inner diameters capable of having pellets 91 inserted into them, with the magazine 1 being formed from a material that can pass magnetic force, and with a magnet 10 being provided in the center of the magazine 1. In this way, it is possible to repeatedly fire two different types of bullets, namely BB bullets 90 and pellets 91, using one magazine 1 of one airgun G.

Abstract: An airgun comprising a valve (7) intended to be in contact with a compressed air cartridge, a barrel (2), into which a bullet (10) is insertable, and a passageway (8) connecting the valve (7) with the barrel (2). Moreover, the airgun has a flow-controlling element (23) with a plurality of through holes (24) of different diameters, which element is arranged in the passageway (8) so that a part of the element comprising at least one of said holes (24′) extends transversely of the passageway. The diameter of the hole or holes which is/are positioned in the passageway thus defines the effective cross-section of the passageway and, consequently, the flow through the passageway. This means that the invention offers a better possibility of controlling the air flow.

Abstract: An electro-pneumatically operated paint ball gun operates without the use of a mechanical sear, and includes a pneumatically operated hammer assembly effective to bump open a discharge valve and fire the gun. A programmable, microprocessor-based controller allows default values for time intervals of operation of the gun to be programmed, and also allows a user of the gun to access and change default values so that the operation of the gun can be modified to better meet the user's preferences. A cyclic rate of fire of as much as 30 paint ball shots per second or more is possible with a paint ball gun according to this invention. Further, a retrofit kit assembly provides for conversion of a conventional “autococker” type of paint ball gun into a gun embodying the present invention.

Abstract: A method and system for constructing a barbeque island includes providing a block module with a grouping of individual structural blocks, such as landscape retaining wall blocks, having a number of block configurations in a single package of blocks. A hardware module includes a grill insert, various counter tops, and other accessories. The blocks are assembled into a variety of unique and non-unique courses and the grill insert, which has an enclosed firebox and cooking surface is mounted upon the assembled courses of blocks.

Abstract: Grill comprising a spherical bowl (1) for fuel as well as a tripod socket (2), the tripod socket (2) being formed with a U-shaped or circular arcuate portion (21) in which the bowl (1) may rest freely tiltable and that one leg (22) of the three legs carrying the tripod socket (2), protrude outwardly from the arcuate portion (21) in the symmetry plane (X-X) of the same and outwardly from the arc plane, whereas the other legs (23, 24) protrude outwardly from said portion and outwardly from the plane of the arc, at a distance from the first leg (22) and on each side of said symmetry plane (X-X).

Abstract: A burner comprising a fuel reservoir, a primary combustion zone located at the lower end of the fuel reservoir, a secondary combustion zone located underneath the primary combustion zone, a passage providing communication between the primary and secondary combustion zones, a flue for discharging products of combustion from the secondary combustion zone, the primary combustion zone having a peripheral wall incorporating air hole means to provide combustion air to the primary combustion zone, wherein the cross-sectional area of the air hole means is substantially equal to the combined minimum cross-sectional area of the passage and the minimum cross?sectional flow area of the flue.

Abstract: A cleaning fluid heating reservoir and motor assembly for a range hood having a motor housing enclosure mounted within the enclosure defined by the hood body. The heating reservoir is shaped and dimensioned to be in abutment with, or is integral with, the motor. The motor is mounted within the motor housing. The reservoir may occupy space between the top of the motor and the hood body, between the perimeter of the motor and a fan attached to the motor, or between both. Conduits connected to the heating reservoir inlet and outlet pass through the motor housing to an intermediate reservoir located within the range hood. Fluid from the intermediate reservoir is pumped to the heating reservoir and back to the intermediate reservoir thereby drawing heat energy from the motor when in operation. Cleaning fluid may also be pumped from the intermediate reservoir to areas requiring cleaning.

Abstract: A cooking utensil constructed with two or more layers. Differing rates of thermal expansion occur between the layers during cooking. Contact points convert the differing horizontal expansion into vertical movement, displacing the layers. The vertical displacement causes an insulating air gap to form at an engineered temperature. The air gap protects the food from burning at high temperature. The absence of the air gap at lower temperature increases efficiency of cooking and heating at non-burning temperatures.

Abstract: This invention provides buildings with a modular air conditioning system that utilizes solar energy for heating air. This invention contains a solar collector assembly, an inlet assembly and an outlet assembly. The solar collector assembly further comprises a transparent panel, a heat-absorbing set and a support base, and forms paths for heating the air, wherein the heat-absorbing set is made of several simple, light-weight modular heat-absorbing units to form several heat-absorbing channels. Such a design not only can fully utilize the heat-absorbing space on the roof and save the cost for being displayed in marketing channels, but also can be constructed by the users in accordance with their own needs, so as to save cost in modularization. The inlet and outlet assemblies communicate to the heat-absorbing channels in the solar collector assembly and are respectively connected to the pipes and paths leading into and out of the buildings.

Abstract: A device for use with metered dose inhalers includes a housing configured with a void to receive a metered dose inhaler, an actuator assembly which is configured to selectively apply force to the metered dose inhaler to cause the metered dose inhaler to release medicament, and a carriage for moving the metered dose inhaler into and out of the housing.

Abstract: A personal breathing device for filtering, diffusing, and conditioning air inhaled by a person. The device includes an eyewear frame with an attached nose piece and air-permeable membrane which is positioned to surround the nose and permit normally inhaled volumes of air to pass through the membrane as the air is inhaled, and thereby filter and condition the inhaled air. The device can be conveniently placed on and removed from the face, does not obstruct speech, and is suitable for wearing during a variety of normal daily activities to filter and condition inhaled air. The air permeable membrane can be impregnated with various liquids or other agents to enhance filtering and antimicrobial functions, or to provide cooling, moisturizing, or scenting of the inhaled air. The device can be provided with a detachable air permeable membrane which can be easily replaced as needed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the treatment of cardiac failure, Cheyne Stokes breathing or central sleep apnea are disclosed. A subject is provided with ventilatory support, for example positive pressure ventilatory support using a blower and mask. Respiratory airflow is determined. From the respiratory airflow are derived a measure of instantaneous ventilation (for example half the absolute value of the respiratory airflow) and a measure of longterm average ventilation (for example the instantaneous ventilation low pass filtered with a 100 second time constant). A target ventilation is taken as 95% of the longterm average ventilation. The instantaneous ventilation is fed as the input signal to a clipped integral controller, with the target ventilation as the reference signal. The output of the controller determines the degree of ventilatory support. Clipping is typically to between half and double the degree of support that would do all the respiratory work.