Abstract: The invention relates to a method for depositing mechanically and thermodynamically stable amorphous carbon layers using a low-pressure plasma deposition method, especially a PE-CVD or combined PVD-/PE-CVD method. According to the invention, the average kinetic energy per deposited carbon atom is lower than 20 eV, preferably lower than 10 eV, and the ionic current density j is smaller than 0.2 mA/cm2, and preferably smaller than 0.1 mA/cm2.

Abstract: A vapor phase deposition method and apparatus for the application of thin layers and coatings on substrates. The method and apparatus are useful in the fabrication of electronic devices, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), Bio-MEMS devices, micro and nano imprinting lithography, and microfluidic devices. The apparatus used to carry out the method provides for the addition of a precise amount of each of the reactants to be consumed in a single reaction step of the coating formation process. The apparatus provides for precise addition of quantities of different combinations of reactants during a single step or when there are a number of different individual steps in the coating formation process. The precise addition of each of the reactants in vapor form is metered into a predetermined set volume at a specified temperature to a specified pressure, to provide a highly accurate amount of reactant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for coating at least one substrate with one or more layers in a process chamber, in particular of a CVD installation. According to said method, starting materials, in particular in the form of organometallic reaction gases are introduced into the process chamber and their mass flow is controlled. In said chamber, the starting materials or reaction products thereof are deposited on layers on the substrate that is held by a temperature controlled substrate holder. During a coating cycle, which begins with the charging of the process chamber with the substrate or substrates and ends with the removal of the same according to a predetermined formula, the desired values of the process parameters, such as mass flows of the starting materials and temperature of the substrate holder, are set and the actual values for each substrate that correspond with the desired values of the process parameters are individually determined at intervals and are stored in a memory.

Abstract: A mass flow controller

Abstract: A method of growing a thin film onto a substrate placed in a reaction chamber according to the ALD method by subjecting the substrate to alternate and successive surface reactions. The method includes providing a first reactant source and providing an inactive gas source. A first reactant is fed from the first reactant source in the form of repeated alternating pulses to a reaction chamber via a first conduit. The first reactant is allowed to react with the surface of the substrate in the reaction chamber. Inactive gas is fed from the inactive gas source into the first conduit via a second conduit that is connected to the first conduit at a first connection point so as to create a gas phase barrier between the repeated alternating pulses of the first reactant entering the reaction chamber. The inactive gas is withdrawn from said first conduit via a third conduit connected to the first conduit at a second connection point.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for and method of cooling and positioning a translating substrate tape during a continuous high-throughput deposition process such as IBAD that is characterized by a long deposition zone where the substrate tape comes into contact with a substrate assembly as it translates the length of the deposition zone. A chilled liquid passes through the substrate assembly, maintaining the temperature of the substrate assembly below a specified level. Also passing through the substrate assembly is an inert gas that exits at an interface between the translating tape and the substrate assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a high-throughput ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD) system and method of utilizing such a system that enables continuous deposition of thin films such as the buffer layers of HTS tapes. The present invention includes a spool-to-spool feed system that translates a metal substrate tape through the IBAD system as the desired buffer layers are deposited atop the translating substrate tape using an e-beam evaporator assisted by an ion beam. The system further includes a control and monitor system to monitor and regulate all necessary system parameters. The present invention facilitates deposition of a high-quality film over a large area of translating substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vapor deposition method and a vapor deposition apparatus as one of manufacturing apparatus that promotes an efficiency of utilizing an EL material to reduce a manufacturing cost and is excellent in uniformity or throughput of forming an EL layer. In a deposition chamber, according to the present invention, an evaporation source holder to which a container encapsulating an evaporation material is set is moved (or shuttled) at a constant speed only in one direction (Z direction) with respect to the substrate. The substrate is transported in a direction (X direction) orthogonal to the movement direction of the evaporation source holder (Z direction) at regular intervals.

Abstract: Processing apparatus is disclosed, that comprises substrate container holding table that can hold substrate container that contains plurality of target substrates, first transferring chamber, disposed adjacent to the substrate container holding table, that maintains the interior at first pressure, first processing unit group, disposed around the first transferring chamber, that processes target substrate at the first pressure, first transferring mechanism, disposed in the first transferring chamber, that transfers target substrate, second transferring chamber, disposed adjacent to the first transferring chamber, that maintains the interior at second pressure, second processing unit group, disposed around the second transferring chamber, that processes target substrate at the second pressure, and second transferring mechanism, disposed in the second transferring chamber, wherein the first transferring mechanism and/or the second transferring mechanism has at least two transferring arms.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a process gas onto a wafer includes a plurality of nozzles integrated with an electrode plate of an upper electrode. The nozzles are configured so that the flow rate of the process gas towards the wafer is greater at locations across from the outer peripheral portion of the wafer than from a location across from the center of the wafer. The plurality of nozzles thus can distribute the gas so that the density of the gas is uniform across the entire upper entire upper surface of the wafer.

Abstract: In a plasma processing apparatus that executes plasma processing on a semiconductor wafer placed inside a processing chamber by generating plasma with a processing gas supplied through a gas supply hole at an upper electrode (shower head) disposed inside the processing chamber, an interchangeable insert member is inserted at a gas passing hole at a gas supply unit to prevent entry of charged particles in the plasma generated in the processing chamber into the gas supply unit. This structure makes it possible to fully prevent the entry of charged particles in the plasma generated inside the processing chamber into the gas supply unit.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a plasma deposition facility includes a current comparator comparing a sense current with a reference current to generate an error signal and/or a voltage comparator comparing a sense voltage between a cathode electrode and a body of the vacuum chamber with a reference voltage to generate an error signal. A gate unit may be provided to logically combine error signals generated by the current comparator and the voltage comparator to generate a system error signal indicating the presence of contaminate gas within a vacuum chamber in the plasma deposition facility.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a chamber for loading a substrate therein, a plasma creation area in the chamber, first and second electrodes installed in the chamber, and a power source for supplying a radio frequency to the first electrode. The first electrode includes a plurality of areas having different resistances for varying the radio frequency applied to the plasma creation area. The upper electrode makes a plasma density uniform to enhance a process uniformity.

Abstract: A display device fabricating apparatus includes a radio frequency generator and a vacuum chamber. A first electrode and a second electrode that receive power from the radio frequency generator form a plasma using a gas inside the vacuum chamber. A power supply line supplies power to the first electrode from the radio frequency generator. A refrigerating part uses a refrigerant other than air in order to remove the heat generated from the power supply line. The refrigerant is circulated through a system that cools the refrigerant below the ambient external temperature before the refrigerant is used to cool the power supply line and re-cool or re-liquefy the refrigerant that has been heated by the power supply line.

Abstract: A deposition film forming apparatus has a reaction vessel the inside of which can be evacuated. In the reaction vessel, a gas supplying unit for supplying a raw material gas is arranged, and a plurality of cylindrical substrates are arranged at equal intervals on a common circumference. A high-frequency electric power introducing unit is arranged outside the reaction vessel. A deposition film is formed on the cylindrical substrates by exciting and dissociating the raw material gas by means of high-frequency electric power. The deposition film forming apparatus has a grounded and conductive cylindrical member placed in an area surrounded by the cylindrical substrates arranged on the common circumference.

Abstract: A machining device includes first branched waveguides (71A-71C) and second branched waveguides (73A-73C) connected perpendicularly to an axial (Z) direction of a cylindrical waveguide (14) and having one end which opens in the cylindrical waveguide (14) and the other end which is electrically short-circuited. The first branched waveguides (71A-71C) are arranged at a predetermined interval in an axial (z) direction of the cylindrical waveguide (14). The second branched waveguides (73A-73C) are arranged in positions which make an angle of 90° with positions of the first branched waveguides (71A-71C) when viewed from the axis (Z) of the cylindrical waveguide (14), and arranged at a predetermined interval in the axial (Z) direction of the cylindrical waveguide (14). With this arrangement, it is possible to accurately and easily control the impedance matching between the supply side and load side of the cylindrical waveguide (14).

Abstract: Provided are a plasma source coil for generating plasma and a plasma chamber using the same. The plasma source coil receives power from a power supplier to generate uniformly plasma in a predetermined reaction space. The plasma source coil includes m (here, m≧2, and m is an integer) unit coils, each of which has a number n of turns (here, n is a positive real number). The unit coils extend from a coil bushing, which is located in the center of the plasma source coil and has a predetermined radius, and are arranged in a spiral shape around the coil bushing.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for achieving substantially damage-free material deposition using charged particle (e.g., ion, electron) or light beams for generating secondary electrons to induce deposition in a gas deposition material. Among other things, some of the methods can be used to deposit, with satisfactory throughput, a protective layer over a semiconductor feature without significantly altering the feature thereby preserving it for accurate measurement. In one embodiment, the beam is directed onto an electron-source surface next to the target surface but not within it. The beam is scanned on the electron-source surface causing secondary electrons to be emitted from the electron-source surface and enter the region over the target surface to interact with deposition gas for depositing a desired amount of material onto the target surface.

Abstract: A high-density plasma processing apparatus includes a processing chamber, having a susceptor for supporting an object to be processed positioned therein and a dielectric window positioned on the processing chamber to form an upper surface of the processing chamber. A reaction gas injection device injects a reaction gas into an interior of the processing chamber. An inductively coupled plasma (ICP) antenna, which is installed on a center of the dielectric window, transfers radio frequency (RF) power from an RF power supply to the interior of the processing chamber. A waveguide guides a microwave generated by a microwave generator. A circular radiative tube, which is installed on the dielectric window around the ICP antenna and is connected to the waveguide, radiates a microwave toward the interior of the processing chamber via a plurality of slots formed through a bottom wall of the radiative tube.

Abstract: A substrate support useful for a plasma processing apparatus includes a metallic heat transfer member and an overlying electrostatic chuck having a substrate support surface. The heat transfer member includes one or more passage through which a liquid is circulated to heat and/or cool the heat transfer member. The heat transfer member has a low thermal mass and can be rapidly heated and/or cooled to a desired temperature by the liquid, so as to rapidly change the substrate temperature during plasma processing.

Abstract: A multi-thermal zone shielding apparatus provides a multi-zone temperature profile for the shield while shielding a portion of a hot workpiece in a high temperature processing system. The apparatus keeps the workpiece temperature hot at the shielded area and maintains the rest of the shield at a lower temperature. The apparatus includes a multi-thermal zone shield having a low thermal transmissivity section for preventing heat loss from the shielded portion of the hot workpiece due to less thermal energy being transmitted through the shielding portion of the shield, thus maintaining a more uniform temperature at the shielded portion of the workpiece, and a high thermal transmissivity section in the rest of shield for allowing more thermal energy from the hot workpiece to be transmitted through the shield without heating the shield, thus maintaining a lower temperature at the portion of the shield that is not engaged with the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of automatically milking animals, which are allowed to move in an area (3, 5, 6) intended therefore, the area including a resting area (5) and a feeding area (6) and housing a milking station (9), which the animals are allowed to visit individually and which a selected group of said animals have to visit in order to move from the resting area to the feeding area, comprises the steps of establishing a condition for low utilization of the milking station; and feeding the animals by means of a feeding device (38) when the condition for low utilization of said automatic milking machine is met to thereby entice animals in the resting area to move to the feeding area and to therewith present themselves at the milking station.

Abstract: A frame supports a bundle of natural logs providing nooks, crannies or crevices attracting lepidoptera and like insects as a nesting site. The frame may be affixed to a wall, tree or post at an elevation and in a location for ease of viewing and examination. Two flexible rods or supports emulating antennae support shallow dishes disguised as flowers above and in front of the bundle. These may contain water and nectar, respectively. The bundle may be collected naturally and over time replaced. The habitat provides an attractive and natural setting to observe lepidoptera insects substantially year round.

Abstract: A method of storing pet food, birdseed, cat litter or animal bedding including providing a container wherein the container includes a bottom wall and a sidewall and wherein the sidewall is flexible and is initially in a collapsed state, and a top wall that is movable between an opened and closed position to provide access to the interior of the container. For use, the sidewall is distended to a substantially taut position. The sidewall is supported by a spring disposed therein. Storing pet food, cat litter, birdseed or animal bedding within the distended container.

Abstract: A bird feeder for preventing squirrels and other type rodent animals from consuming the bird food includes a top convex surface, a bottom convex surface and a concave middle surface. The top and bottom convex surfaces are inverted bowls having equal diameters and depths. The concave middle surface is a non-inverted bowl having a diameter less than the top and bottom inverted bowls, and has a greater depth. The middle bowl holds the bird food for birds to consume. The rim of the middle bowl may serve as a perch for the feeding birds to light upon. The top and bottom inverted bowls serve as protective shields that prevent rodent animals, such as squirrels from reaching the middle bowl. These shields are constructed from a substantially rigid material, having a substantially smooth surface. The smooth surface and the convex shape prevent squirrels or the like from establishing a foothold so that they may consume the bird food.

Abstract: An animal litter box is to be provided that can be cleaned easily and can reduce the number of time to change an animal litter, particularly an animal litter box that allows liquid such as urine evacuated onto the granular materials to move to a liquid-absorbing sheet efficiently. An animal litter box includes a granular material container having an opening for an animal going in and out, and a liquid penetrating bottom part on which granular materials are dispersed; and a liquid-absorbing sheet holder placed under the bottom part of the granular material container on which a liquid-absorbing sheet is placed, wherein the bottom part of the granular material container has a liquid leading part formed by connected arches on a side facing the liquid-absorbing sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an insulation wrap for a water heater tank including a strip of nonflammable fibrous material having an opening therein and a fibrous material element outlining at least a portion of that opening. In addition the present invention relates to a hot water heater incorporating the insulation wrap.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a steam generation apparatus that is liquid fuel fired and addresses conversion of gaseous fuel SIB units to operate with liquid fuel. The invention also relates to a conversion unit for a steam injection boiler, a method for converting a steam injection boiler from gas firing to possible liquid fuel firing and a method for generating steam from a liquid fuel source. The invention employs a fired heater for heating the liquid fuel to a temperature suitable for firing and preheats the water to compensate for the shortfall in heat liberation when a gas boiler is converted to use liquid fuel. In another aspect of the invention, production of steam is achievable consistently by employing step-up heaters with a steam injection boiler. The heaters being connected in parallel to continue heating the water/steam to achieve a higher quality steam over that produced in the boiler while minimizing consideration as to the adverse effects of coil fouling in the boiler.

Abstract: A cooling system for an engine wherein a cylinder block side is mounted with a stagnation chamber for stagnating a temperature sensing unit of a sub-thermostat portion of cooling water discharged to a high temperature passage via an outlet of a cooling water passage of the cylinder block side, enabling opening and closing of the sub-thermostat only via the temperature of the cooling water at the cylinder block side. The cooling system includes a main thermostat and a sub-thermostat for individually controlling the flow of cooling water in a cylinder block and a cylinder head. The stagnation chamber, where a cooling water discharged from the cylinder block is stagnated, is installed inside a sub-thermostat housing where a sub-thermostat is mounted. The stagnation chamber is positioned therein with a temperature sensing unit. The stagnation chamber communicates with a cooling water discharge passage of the cylinder head via a confluence passage.

Abstract: An internal combustion rotary engine comprising a casing, end covers and a rotor including a number of chambers, an output shaft as the rotor axis, planet gears each mounted on a small shaft which is a part of planet gear fixing support and the supports being fixed on one or both side(s) of the rotor, rotationally reciprocating pistons in piston chambers, piston pins as the axes of rotation of the pistons and piston rods connecting the pistons to planet gears.

Abstract: The reciprocating internal-combustion engine comprises at least one hollow cylinder, with a chamber inside a working fluid, the chamber has an end closed by a head and an opposite end closed by a piston that reciprocates by rectilinear motion in the chamber between a bottom dead center and a top dead center, and a device for converting the reciprocating rectilinear motion into a rotary motion of a driving shaft. The conversion device comprises at least one push rod substantially perpendicular to the shaft with a first end associated with the piston and a second end provided with pusher elements, and at least one contoured eccentric element keyed on the shaft on which a circuit element is provided which is crossed by the pusher elements and adjustment elements for adjusting sliding of the pusher elements along the circuit element so as to keep the rod and the piston in a substantially stationary configuration for a presettable rotation angle of the driving shaft.

Abstract: An adjustable connecting rod system includes a reliable, rapidly responsive mechanism for varying effective connecting rod length to vary the compression ratio of the engine. The mechanism may employ the momentum of connecting rod components during operation of the engine to provide actuation force to vary connecting rod length. Connecting rod length is preferably controlled by manipulation of fluid-actuated locking members. In a preferred embodiment, hydraulic pressure is applied through the use of engine oil or other hydraulic fluids. The connecting rod preferably employs one or more movable compression members such as roller members or other mechanical components that may be shifted from one position to another with relatively little friction in order to vary the effective length of the connecting rod. The movable compression members may engage surfaces of both the crankpin bearing retainer and the connecting rod body, loaded in compression to transmit forces therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for providing an efficient and powerful engine for internal combustion four stroke engines using a single valve per cylinder as the intake and exhaust valve. Outside air emerging from an air filter is forcibly pumped into the engine head using a blower which then is drawn into the combustion chamber during the intake stroke. The timing for opening and closure of the single valve is controlled by the camshaft which is provided with a cam lobe profile capable of prolonging the valve timing thus enabling the valve to remain open for a longer duration to cater for evacuation of air in the exhaust stroke and the intake of air in the intake stroke thereby permitting the use of only one single valve per cylinder.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for recording the movement of an armature on an electromagnetic actuator for operating a control element, in particular for operating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine, has an axially displaceable bar-like sensor piece, made from a soft magnetic material, having a ring of electrically conducting material of low ohmic resistance. The sensor piece is connected to the control element and to a fixed coil arrangement surrounding the bar-like sensor arrangement at least over a partial length, the coil arrangement comprising at least two coils, arranged one behind the other and connected to a voltage supply and a signal recorder in the form of a carrier frequency measuring bridge, whereby the bar-like sensor piece reduces interfering voltages.

Abstract: Methods of controlling a camless engine to prevent interference between engine valves and engine valves and pistons. The methods utilize one or more safe trajectories for the valves versus engine crankshaft angle. In normal operation, an engine valve control system monitors crankshaft angle and controls the engine valve so as to stay on the safe side of a safe trajectory. In the event the actual valve motion deviates excessively from the intended trajectory so as to reach or cross the safe trajectory, preventive action is taken, typically to command the engine valve to close. Safe trajectories may be stored in lookup tables, in equation form or both. In some cases a single safe trajectory for a valve may be sufficient, though in other cases, safe trajectories as a function of some engine operating conditions and environmental conditions, and in some cases may include crankshaft acceleration. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation mechanism includes a control shaft assembly and a body. The control shaft assembly is pivotable relative to a pivot axis. The body is pivotally disposed on the control shaft assembly, and includes an input cam follower and at least one output cam surface. The input cam follower engages an input cam lobe, and the output cam surface engages a corresponding output cam follower. A spring engages the body and biases the input cam follower into engagement with the input cam lobe.

Abstract: When it is detected that any one of a plurality of variable valve characteristic mechanisms disposed for every cylinder groups is failed, an effective opening degree (valve lift amount, valve operating angle or the like) in a valve characteristic in the failed state, is obtained. When the effective opening degree is judged to be a predetermined value or above, the valve characteristic of the normal variable valve characteristic mechanism is controlled to be coincident with the valve characteristic in the failed state. When the effective opening degree is judged to be less than the predetermined value, there is performed a control for limiting the control to coincide the valve characteristic of the normal variable valve characteristic mechanism with the valve characteristic in the failed state.

Abstract: A rocker arm comprises an arm body, a shaft and a roller. The arm body formed substantially in a U-shape in section by effecting drawing on a metal plate, includes a connection wall connecting a pair of side walls, an aperture formed through the connection wall, and through-holes at positions where the pair of side walls are aligned with each other. A peripheral edge of the aperture is so formed as to be finished by inserting a first finishing die into the aperture from between the pair of side walls. The shaft is fitted in the pair of through-holes and extended between the pair of side walls. The roller is rotatably supported on the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control device for continuously variable time and cross section which is added the throttle control valve 10, the element 8 of throttle control valve and the relevant drive mechanism 1 in the regular intake and exhaust system of internal combustion engine. The throttle control valve 10 is fixed in the cavity, which is composed of the fluid flow passage 11 in the cylinder head 7, the valve seat 12 and the valve 9. The throttle control valve 10 is cylindrical, and its axis of motion is just the same as that of the valve guide or is parallel with it. Through controlling the relative movement between the valve 9 and the throttle control valve 10 it is flexible to adjust the cross-section area of fluid flow passage, effective valve phase, working time, effective lift and swirl intensity of fluid movement in the course of periodic opening and closing of valve.

Abstract: A carburetor start pump circuit, for starting an engine has an auxiliary fuel pump mounted on a relatively standard carburetor body, a start pulse passage extending through the carburetor body to the auxiliary fuel pump, and a fuel circuit having an intake side which extends from a metering chamber of the carburetor body to the auxiliary fuel pump and a discharge side which is interconnected to the intake side and extends from the auxiliary fuel pump to a throttle bore in the air intake of the carburetor body. To prevent the engine from stalling, a restriction jet is placed within the start pulse passage to prevent the auxiliary fuel pump from discharging fuel into the throttling bore when the engine transmits pulses at high frequencies.

Abstract: A starter mounting structure for a starter for cranking an engine (1) has a transmission case (2a) surrounding the transmission (2) and having an engine side end surface (200) facing an engine side. The engine block (1b) has a transmission side end surface (110, 120) facing a transmission side and partially overlapping the engine side end surface (200) of the transmission case (2a). An outer periphery (140) of the transmission side end surface (110, 120) of the engine block is partially equipped with a recess which extends on a crankshaft (5) side with respect to an inner periphery (240) of the engine side end surface (200) of the transmission case. An opening portion (13) is formed in correspondence with the recess. The starter mounting structure has a starter mounting member (9) closing the opening portion (13) and supporting the starter (8).

Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine coupled with a cranking motor, which is coupled with an electrical battery, includes connecting a capacitor with an electrical system of another engine or battery, wherein the capacitor is disconnected from the cranking motor coupled with the first engine, and charging the capacitor with the electrical system of the other engine or battery. The method further includes connecting the capacitor with the cranking motor coupled with the first engine, at a time when the first battery has insufficient charge to start the first engine, and starting the first engine with the cranking motor and the capacitor. A portable rapid-delivery power supply apparatus for providing a supplementary source of power to an electrical system includes a capacitor having connectors adapted to be connected to the electrical system and a charging device coupled to the capacitor, wherein the charger is powered by alternating current.

Abstract: A decompression device is provided for an internal combustion engine having a cylinder head provided with a pair of left and right camshaft bearings sandwiching intake valves and exhaust valves with a structure that is both simple and small. A camshaft is provided having cam projections for at least a pair of intake cams between camshaft side bearings corresponding to the pair of left and right bearings, and a decompression member with a decompression cam with a centrifugal weight arranged at a camshaft end passing through the bearing close to the camshaft end so that a tip thereof is arranged in the vicinity of the cam projections, with the decompression member comprising the centrifugal weight, the decompression cam, and a rotatable shaft coupling the centrifugal weight and the decompression cam in an integral manner.

Abstract: An intake manifold is provided that comprises a plurality of intake ducts, a surge tank, a vacuum chamber, and a negative pressure check valve. The negative pressure check valve enables negative pressure induced in the surge tank to flow into the vacuum chamber. Each upstream end of the intake ducts protrudes into the inside of the surge tank. Further, a pressure inlet formed inside the surge tank, to lead the negative pressure induced inside the surge tank to the negative pressure check valve, is positioned on a side closer to an engine than the respective upstream ends of the intake ducts.

Abstract: A composite lightweight engine poppet valve (10, 110, 210) that has a valve head portion (12, 112, 212) and at least a portion of the stem portion (14, 114, 214) made from a titanium intermetallic material attached by way of a solid state attachment to a nickel base alloy transition piece (16, 116, 216) that is heat treated for high creep resistance. The tip portion (18, 118, 218) made from conventional material is first attached to one end of the transition piece. The transition piece (16, 116, 216) is cut to a desired length and then attached preferably by friction welding to the titanium intermetallic stem portion (14, 114, 214) at a preselected distance (d1, d2, or d3). The tip portion (18, 118, 218) made from conventional material is then attached to the other end of the transition piece. In another embodiment, a second hollow stem portion (215) is attached to the transition piece (216) and the tip portion (218) is then attached thereto.

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. A 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: Methods and apparatus to flush residual used oil from the lubrication system of an engine during an oil change. The method includes draining used oil from a tank of the lubrication system and then adding fresh oil to the tank. An adaptor or fitting is used to provide an outlet in the lubrication system to flush any residual used oil that may not have been drained along with used oil in the oil tank. The engine may be started such that a scavenging pump of a lubrication system pumps residual used oil out of the system through the outlet. Once a user observes that residual used oil has been substantially flushed from the system, the engine is stopped to terminate the flushing process.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided wherein the crankcase is sealed from the oil pan to provide an airtight compression chamber wherein the air is compressed by action of the pistons. Air is withdrawn from the atmosphere through one-way valves on the engine block. The compressed air is then passed from the compression chamber into, optionally, a compressed air storage means where it is regulated through a valve for mixture with the air-fuel mixture from the carbureting means, thereby providing a boost in the air-fuel charge entering the combustion chambers. Lubricating modifications are also provided to lubricate the crankshaft and camshaft bearings located within the compression chamber.

Abstract: A device for transforming an alternating motion of a piston into a circular motion of a shaft is provided. The device includes an assembly of two pistons connected by two racks alternatively in mesh with a toothed cam set on a shaft. Movement in one direction of the assembly formed by piston and racks, following an explosion in one of the cylinders, causes one of the racks to mesh with the toothed sector and to rotate the shaft. At the end of this meshing period, the cam cooperates with a roller of one of the pistons so as to ensure continuity of the drive. Then, the explosion occurs in the other cylinder causing movement of the assembly in an opposite direction and so meshing of the other rack with toothed cam set, continuing the transformation of power to the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting rod and piston pin assembly for an internal combustion engine to improve wear of the piston/connecting rod pivot point and reduce deformation of the pin bore. To this end, the assembly includes a piston having a pin bore, a connecting rod having a bore adapted to be aligned with the piston pin bore and piston pin interconnecting the piston and the connecting rod through engaging their respective bores. The piston pin has a profiled outer circumference that is substantially circular in cross-section with a larger diameter at the distal ends than at the center portion. One end of the connecting rod includes a phosphatized coating and is adapted to facilitate movement between the connecting rod bore and the profiled piston pin.