Abstract: The multiple applicator (1) includes a support (2) and a plurality of N specific cosmetic products applicators Ai (3), typically makeup applicators, solidarised to the said support. In this applicator (1): a) the said support (2) has a two-dimensional configuration comprising a central part (23) and a peripheral part (24) delimited by a border (20), each of the said N applicators being fixed to the said peripheral part (24), b) the said N specific applicators (3) are longitudinal applicators spaced along the said border (20), such that the said support (2) can be gripped manually between the fingers, c) the said support (2) has a maximum thickness E typically varying from 5 to 20 mm, so that it can typically be placed in a case. Advantageously these applicators, intended to be housed in a powder case, offer a wide variety of application possibilities in a very compact form, and advantageously replace the conventional powder puff.

Abstract: A getter device is shaped like a substrate used in a deposition process. Embodiments of the device include a powdered getter material coated onto one or both sides of a support with a narrow rim portion left uncoated so that the device can be manipulated by automatic handling equipment. A method for using the getter device includes providing a vacuum chamber and automatic handling equipment, loading the device into the chamber, reducing the chamber pressure to a desired value by using the getter device in conjunction with an external pump, removing the getter device and replacing it with a substrate, and depositing a thin film on the substrate. The getter device can be in an activated state when loaded into the chamber, or it can be activated after being loaded by employing heating equipment ordinarily used to heat substrates placed in the chamber. The getter material of the device may also be activated in a separate activation chamber before the getter device is loaded into the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention provides a sublimation system employing guidance structures including certain preferred embodiments having a high surface area support medium onto which a solid source material for vapor reactant is coated. Preferably, a guidance structure is configured to facilitate the repeated saturation of the carrier gas with the solid source for a vapor reactant. Methods of saturating a carrier gas using guidance structures are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate processing apparatus useful for plating a substrate or processing a substrate by dipping a substrate in a processing liquid. A substrate processing apparatus of the present invention includes: a loading/unloading area for carrying in and out a substrate; a cleaning area for cleaning the substrate; and a plating area for plating the substrate, wherein the loading/unloading area is provided with a substrate transfer robot having a plurality of hands of dry-use design, a loading port mounted with a cassette for housing substrates, and a reversing machine of dry-use design for reversing the substrate from face up to face down.

Abstract: A mask frame assembly for depositing a thin layer of an organic electroluminescent device is taught. The mask frame assembly may include the following: a main mask formed with patterns corresponding to a plurality of unit cells; an icon mask (having icon patterns) disposed on the main mask to correspond to one or more openings formed in the main mask; and a mask frame formed with an opening corresponding to the main mask and connected to the main mask and icon mask.

Abstract: The method by which a small amount of gaseous organic metal is loaded in a vacuum atmosphere, the gaseous organic metal is decomposed by irradiation with an electron beam, and metal components are deposited on a beam-irradiated portion has the problem that the deposited portion is rendered amorphous by hydrocarbon contamination, so that the conductivity and strength of the deposit considerably deteriorate. The invention solves the problem by a method by which the gaseous organic metal is decomposed by irradiation with the electron beam and the metal components are deposited on the beam-irradiated portion, wherein the deposited portion is irradiated with a laser, heated by a heater, or irradiated with infrared rays during deposition, thereby allowing the molding of a crystalline metal deposit with excellent conductivity and strength.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for uniform coating of a substrate at high deposition rates by evaporating a coating material in a vacuum chamber. The system includes an evaporator having a heating crucible for containing a coating material to be evaporated and a generally planar heat source disposed so as to heat a surface of a coating material contained in the heating crucible. Preferably, the heat source is manufactured from a ceramic or intermetallic material and includes a first layer defining a first set of openings and a second layer defining a second set of openings wherein the second layer overlies the first layer and is spaced apart therefrom. The first and second sets of openings allow the evaporated coating material to pass therethrough for dispersion of the coating material in a deposition zone defined by a containment shield disposed above the heat source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a milking machine comprising at least one teat cup for application to a teat of an animal to be milked, a teat cup liner, mounted in said teat cup, defining a teat receiving space inside said liner, and a pulsating chamber between said liner and said teat cup, said liner having a teat receiving end portion, a vacuum source for applying a vacuum level to the teat receiving space for drawing milk from said animal, a pulsator for application of a pulsating vacuum to the pulsating chamber for moving the teat cup liner between a closed position and an open position, thereby massaging said teat of said animal, and a vacuum sensor for sensing the vacuum level in said teat receiving end portion. The invention is further characterized in that said milking machine is arranged to initiated take off of said at least one teat cup, if a vacuum level sensed by said vacuum sensor indicates that the vacuum level in said teat receiving end portion is rapidly increasing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for milking livestock, which apparatus has a milking box; a milking robot disposed close to or in the milking box; and a holder for receiving therein teat cups which during use are arranged on an animal for milking by the milking robot, and a holder for such an apparatus. The holder has a guard, a carriage with an engaging mechanism for engaging the teat cups and with a displacer for displacing the carriage between a first position, in which at least the teat cups are protected by the guard in the situation engaged by the carriage, and a second position, in which the teat cups are released for removal by the milking robot.

Abstract: A pet rest and recreation apparatus is disclosed which provides a clean, relaxing and fun space for a pet. The pet rest and recreation apparatus comprises a storage space with a door, steps, adjacent to the storage space, which lead to a rest area. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the rest area is atop the storage space. Finally, the rest area is sufficiently elevated to allow a pet to look outside a window.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding poultry kept in an animal shed, comprising a feed conveyor pipe which is maintained above the floor of the shed in such a way that it can rise and be lowered, said pipe having a series of branched openings, whereby each branched opening thereof is associated with a basin-type device which is suspended on the conveyor device and which comprises a downpipe descending from the branched opening and a feeding basin located underneath said downpipe having a dome-shape structure formed by lattices exending in a spoke-like manner. The downpipe consists of an inner cylinder (7) departing from the branched opening and an outer cylinder encompassing said inner cylinder and on which the basin hangs by virtue of the lattices, whereupon it rests upon the bottom of the shed when the downpipe is lowered.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pet food feeder, comprising a connecting member coupled to a support rod, a first connecting surface vertically disposed on the connecting member, a second connecting surface vertically disposed on a containing member of a food bin, a pivotal axis and an axial hole respectively disposed on the first and second connecting surfaces respectively, such that the entire pet food feeder passing through the pivotal axis and the axial hole to combine the containing member and the support rod, and a positioning latch on the second connecting surface being extended into a fixing hole on the first connecting surface to fix an angle of elevation for the opening of the food bin. The positioning latch can be extended into other fixing hole to adjust the angle of elevation of the opening of the food bin to collect the food towards the utmost bottom of the food bin and facilitate the feeding of pets.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the reproductive performance of poultry is provided.

Abstract: A device for cultivating and maintaining aquatic crustaceans and the method for the same are provided, whereby aquatic crustaceans are cultured in a culture tank having at least one effective resting and/or hiding area that provides visual only or both visual and tactile sensations for aquatic crustaceans. The present invention creates effective resting and/or hiding areas by utilizing the sensitivity of aquatic crustaceans to physical environment, thereby allowing aquatic crustaceans to live within confined spaces in high densities without cannibalizing those fall outside the effective resting and/or hiding areas (the non-effective habitat areas). The device of the present invention can cultivate and maintain aquatic crustaceans successfully in shallow waters and a plurality of which may be vertically incorporated into a multi-layered culture system to bring about higher culture and maintenance densities per unit floor area.

Abstract: A terrarium adapted to be immersed in an aquarium containing water, the terrarium comprising a shaft means having a first end and second end and a receptacle defining at least one wall, the at least one wall having a length, presenting at least one opening, an air exhaust and an interior wherein the receptacle is connected to the shaft means at the first end wherein the shaft means at the second end is adapted to anchor the receptacle in the aquarium and wherein the interior of the receptacle is adapted to receive air from an air supply means so as to define a dry zone in the interior.

Abstract: A birdhouse that has separate multi-unit, compartmentalized nesting chamber towers that can easily be removably mounted together. Having multiple units removably attached allows for easy cleaning and removal from the pole, and decreases the spread of disease. Also, having multiple ventilation areas within the nesting chambers of the birdhouse allows for greater air movement within the towers. The ventilation will help decrease the suffocation of young birds during the hot and humid months.

Abstract: An elevated-beam cow stall assembly employs angle brackets each installed on a respective vertical post. Support stanchions formed of a vertical rail, with upper and receiver members affixed at upper and lower ends of the rail, are attached to the back plates of the angle brackets, and the back plates also support the horizontal support beam. Tubular stall dividers each have an upper and a lower horizontal rail, the ends of which are mounted into the receivers of the stanchions. Additional stanchions may be affixed, i.e., with U-bolts, at intermediate locations along the horizontal beam, and these stanchions also support associated stall dividers. Neck rails may be attached to the upper rails of the dividers, and brisket rails or brisket pipes may be supported on the lower rails of the dividers. This construction permits an unobstructed space below the horizontal beam to give the cow some freedom of movement for lying down and rising.

Abstract: Long term removal of hair is achieved by delivering a collagen cleaving agent intradermally or subdermally. This is thought to disrupt the fine collagen network anchoring the hair follicles within the dermis and additionally by altering the normal functioning of the dermal papilla cells located in the base of the hair follicle. The method of removal is applicable to animal husbandry methods such as maintaining the breech of sheep hairless and thus has application as a substitute to mulesing. The method is also applicable for cosmetic hair removal.

Abstract: Animals have been domesticated and kept as a source of milk for tens of thousands of years. When humans keep animals for their ability to produce milk, the animals are usually kept in confined spaces. As a result of this confinement the animals are exposed to high levels of urine and fecal matter which originated with the animals which are being kept. This exposure contaminates the animal and in particular the udder and teats of the animal, with bacteria. In the milking process this bacteria can further contaminate the milk which is destine for human consumption. The bacteria can further cause mastitis in the bovine. The above set forth problems are eliminated in the subject invention wherein the udder and teat areas of the bovine are sanitized with a solution which contains both Cl+ and I+ ions wherein the I+ ion is produced by the oxidation of a solution of a dry iodine salt, without an N-chloro organic compound. The iodine salt may be an alkali metal iodide, an exemplary oxidizer is tricholormelamine.

Abstract: A pet-washing glove including a flexible first side having a first scrubbing texture and a flexible second side having a second scrubbing texture, the sides associated in a manner providing a sheath for a hand and generally defining a first palm portion on the first side, a second palm portion on the second side, a thumb portion, and at least one finger portion. The glove also includes a palmar receptacle that receives and retains a washing material, and releases a solution of the washing material. The glove may conform to both hands of a wearer, accommodating use on one hand with the first scrubbing texture proximate to the palm side of the wearer's hand and use on the other hand with the second scrubbing texture proximate to the palm side of wearer's other hand. A scrubbing texture may be provided by a nap or by a plurality of loops.

Abstract: A teeter-totter base for training canines may be coupled to the middle of an elongated plank. The base has a pair of legs that can be rotated in order to change the height of the plank off of a ground surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses pet accessories such as pet packs and coats which attach easily and allow a pet to carry its belongings. In one embodiment of the invention, pet pack comprises a top side with a plurality of pockets, a hook and eyelet fastener which attaches to existing pet harnesses. In another embodiment, a pet coat which at least substantially covers a pet is comprised of a durable, water resistant material. The pet coat also comprises a pocket and a hook and eyelet fastener which attaches to exiting harnesses.

Abstract: The animal wrap for touch training is a combination of a front body portion harnessing the lower neck, forelegs, and the chest, and a rear body portion that has rear leg loops. The two wrap segments can be joined to each other by hook and loop fastening, and the leg loops are wrapped around the forelegs and hind legs and secured by hook and loop fastening material. No leash is used, as touch training is designed to apply gentle pressure to the animal's body. The front and rear portions are made from elastic fabric. The animal wrap kit includes a tail wrap and a face wrap in addition to the body portions. The face wrap is wrapped around on the head or face to bring awareness to the head region. The tail wrap is worn to either raise or lower a tail and bring awareness to the rear region of the animal.

Abstract: A combination direct/indirect liquid heating heater comprises a tower, a cold water inlet conduit causing water to fall in said tower, a hot water reservoir in communication with said tower, a gas burner, a hot gas inlet manifold encased in the reservoir and, by means of a vertical section, directing the gas into the tower. The hot gas manifold vertical section is capped by a cap impeding water flow into the manifold. Also, the vertical section comprises a baffle impeding gas flow from the tower into the reservoir.

Abstract: A boiler designed or retrofitted to produce less greenhouse gasses by using a substantially pure oxygen atmosphere in which to burn fuel. The boiler having a primary burner and water tubes is provided. The boiler further comprises at least one secondary burner located as needed in a zone above the primary burner area and below the boiler steam outlet. The secondary burner providing heat or energy to increase the temperature and quality of the steam. The secondary burner providing the heat or energy lost through the diminished flow rate of exhaust gases through the boiler as a result of the use of oxygen rather than pressurized air.

Abstract: A feedwater control system considering a pressure drop of feedwater control valve in a nuclear power plant and a control method therefor are provided. In the feedwater control system, a first detection unit includes: a flow error signal generator for generating a flow error signal corresponding to a difference between a steam flow signal and a feedwater flow signal; and a water level correction error signal generator for generating a water level correction error signal corresponding to a sum of a water level measurement signal and the flow error signal.

Abstract: When a patent search for any matches for the steam generator utilizing hydrogen/oxygen-no air combustion process, revealed no matches found since 1976, the search was further reduced to: steam generator hydrogen oxygen combustion process, with the same result: ‘no matches found.’The inventor, not wanting to give up, and not believing that somebody before him had not thought of something like this already, just entered ‘steam generator’ in the PTO 1976 quick search. With 6,132 matches for ‘steam generator’ coming up, the inventor thought: ‘well that's a lot but out of fairness we must check them all.’The inventor wants to point out at this time that he could find nothing remotely similar to his invention, in part it's due, he feels, to the fact that no one else ever discovered the type of heat engine cycle that bares his name, consequently they would not have had the thermodynamic principles available to them, allowing for the creation of the inventors unique steam generator.

Abstract: A steam generator boiler for generating steam is connected to a supply conduit for supplying water to the boiler with a supply valve for controlling the supply of water through the supply conduit. A heater supplies heat to the boiler for generating steam with a discharge conduit for discharging excess impure water therefrom. A metering device is operatively connected to the supply conduit for regulating the flow of water to the boiler by calculating the amount of water required based on wattage or BTU's generated by the heater. A pressure switch or thermostat is provided for operating the boiler and the supply valve on the supply conduit for supplying water to the boiler to permit water to be added every time the heater is energized. In addition, a heat exchanger is provided for receiving discharged heated water from the steam generator and preheating water supplied to the steam generator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing steam for a test chamber is provided. The apparatus includes a heating element contained within a vessel which is fluid communication with an exterior reservoir wherein the heating element provides heat to generate steam from the water entering the vessel from the reservoir. The method for generating steam includes providing a chamber configured to contain a fluid insetting water into the chamber from a reservoir external from the chamber, controlling an amount of water inlet into the reservoir substantially equalizing the water level in the reservoir with the water level in the chamber. The method also includes heating the water in the chamber to turn at least some of the water into steam and venting at least some of the steam out of the chamber.

Abstract: More efficient engines produce about 10% more horsepower per compression ratio number increase. Until now, these engines required premium fuel which costs $0.08-$0.16 per gallon more. Our idea is to use a blend of fuels, where 87-octane gasoline or diesel is the primary fuel used under light loads and 10% ethanol (EtOH)/90% gas or diesel is used under heavy loads. This will reduce fuel costs under light loads and the EtOH/gas or diesel will reduce emissions and prevent toxic chemicals in premium fuels. Fuel blending can also be used in large diesel trucks or off road equipment to bring those engines into compliance with future environmental laws. Our experiments verified a 30% reduction in carbon monoxide. Required use of 10% EtOH/90% gas will reduce lawn mower emissions 30% and result in lower ozone concentrations. Manufacturers have already approved the use of this fuel in their products.

Abstract: A cooling water circuit system for an engine includes a radiator bypass passage through which cooling water of the engine bypasses a radiator, a heat exchanger disposed in the radiator bypass circuit to perform heat exchange between the cooling water and lubricant oil of an automatic transmission, and a radiator downstream passage through which the cooling water from the radiator flows into the heat exchanger. Further, a flow adjusting unit is disposed at a join portion where the radiator bypass passage and the radiator downstream passage are joined, to adjust a flow ratio between the cooling water flowing from the radiator downstream passage to the heat exchanger and the cooling water flowing from the radiator bypass passage to the heat exchanger. The flow adjusting unit is controlled by a control unit in accordance with the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit.

Abstract: A cooling channel cover for a one-piece piston of an internal combustion engine, the piston having a closed cooling channel that runs around inside the piston crown, at the level of the piston ring band, and a ring-shaped recess provided between the piston ring band and the piston shaft. The piston shaft is connected with the piston hubs suspended on the piston crown. In such a piston, an easy to assemble cooling channel cover is achieved by a one-piece plastic ring that is U-shaped in cross-section, having a ring bottom and an outer shank around the circumference, molded onto the ring bottom and angled off radially to the outside, and an inner shank around the circumference, angled off radially to the inside. The plastic ring has a first radial division having a mouth width and a second radial division, opposite the first division, which does not separate the radially angled outer shank that runs around the circumference, to form a film hinge for radial deflection of a ring shank formed by the film hinge.

Abstract: A cooling channel cover for a one-piece piston of an internal combustion engine, the piston having a closed cooling channel that runs around inside the piston crown, at the level of the piston ring band, and a ring-shaped recess provided between the piston ring band and the piston shaft, wherein the piston shaft is connected with the piston hubs suspended on the piston crown. In such a piston, an easy to assemble cooling channel cover is achieved in that a one-piece, plastic ring, U-shaped in cross-section, having radially angled outer and inner shanks around the circumference, has at least one film hinge running around the circumference of the ring. The film hinge allows at least one radial deflection of at least one of the shanks, in such a manner that in order to close off the cooling channel, the shanks engage in a stepped conical recess on the inner edge of the cooling channel.

Abstract: A two-stroke engine (1) has a combustion chamber (3) configured in a cylinder (2). The combustion chamber (3) is delimited by a reciprocating piston (5) and drives a crankshaft (7) which is rotatably journalled in a crankcase (4). The two-stroke engine (1) has an outlet (10) out of the combustion chamber (3) and at least one transfer channel (12, 15) which connects the crankcase (4) to the combustion chamber (3) at pregiven piston positions. The transfer channels (12, 15) open with transfer windows (13, 16) into the combustion chamber (3). To obtain a good start and good idle performance and low exhaust-gas values, an ancillary channel (14) is provided which is connected into the combustion chamber (3) at one end (37) and into the transfer channel (15) with the other end (36). During operation, the ancillary channel (14) opens into the combustion chamber (3) during the downward stroke of the piston (5) while the transfer window (16) to the combustion chamber (3) is still closed.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a humidity sensor with an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is described. Specifically, information from the humidity sensor is used to adjust a desired air-fuel ratio to reduce engine misfire while improving vehicle fuel economy. Further, such information is also used to adjust timing and/or lift of the valve in the engine cylinder. Finally, diagnostic routines are also described.

Abstract: A variable valve lift mechanism for an engine, wherein the valve lift can be varied in real time and in a simple construction in response to the operating state of the engine, thereby enabling maximum engine efficiency and improving the output and fuel consumption rate of the engine.

Abstract: A lead frame disposed within the confines of an engine cover, having an insulating portion and an electrically conducting portion. The conducting portion has at least one electrically conducting interconnect. Both the insulating portion and the electrically conducting portion form an integral piece for retaining and accurately positioning devices within an internal combustion engine. The lead frame includes a plurality of retaining elements for retaining or positioning of at least some of the devices; and an electrical connector member extending outside the confines of the internal combustion engine, the electrical connector member having a plurality of electrically conducting terminals in electrical communication with at least some of the devices within the internal combustion engine by means of the at least one electrically conducting interconnect, whereby at least some of the devices are retained and accurately positioned within the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An air intake system for an internal combustion engine includes a manifold defining a chamber in which air is distributed to a plurality of engine cylinders. The chamber includes an inlet and a plurality of outlets, each outlet providing fluid communication between the chamber and an engine cylinder. Each of the plurality of outlets is substantially the same distance from the inlet to provide more consistent gas flow rates through the outlets. The air intake system preferably includes a plurality of runners. Each of the plurality of runners defines a passageway that interconnects one of the outlets to a respective engine cylinder. Each passageway is characterized by the same length and the same cross sectional area.

Abstract: An gas directing/exhaust system and method are provided. The gas directing system has an gas directing mechanism. The gas directing mechanism has different embodiments. In some embodiments, the gas directing mechanism has a first pathway and a second pathway. In other embodiments, the gas directing mechanism has a second pathway and one or more first pathways located inside of the second pathway. In other embodiments, the gas directing mechanism has the first and second pathways and a third pathway inside of the second pathway.

Abstract: A cooling channel cover for a one-piece piston of an internal combustion engine, the piston having a closed cooling channel that runs around inside the piston crown, at the level of the piston ring band, and a ring-shaped recess provided between the piston ring band and the piston shaft, wherein the piston shaft is connected with the piston hubs suspended on the piston crown. In such a piston, an easy to assemble cooling channel cover is achieved by means of a one-piece plastic/spring steel ring that is U-shaped in cross-section.

Abstract: A method for producing a cast combination of cylindrical hollow profiles and for casting said combination into a cylinder block or crank housing of an internal combustion engine, wherein cylindrical hollow profiles consisting of a light-metal alloy and containing inlaid hard phases that have been manufactured by successive stages of spray compacting, hot extrusion and hot forming are arranged in a row, the distance between the axes of the hollow profiles corresponding to the cylinder bore center distance of the cylinder block and a light-metal alloy without inlaid hard phases is cast around said profiles. The cast combination is then positioned in a mould that forms the cylinder block and a light-metal material is cast around said combination.

Abstract: An oil filter assembly includes a filter housing, an oil filter unit, and a drain valve unit. The filter housing is provided with an oil inflow passageway through which oil is supplied into the filter housing from an oil pan, an oil exhaust passageway communicating with a main oil gallery, and an oil drain passageway through which oil is drained to the oil pan. The oil filter unit is disposed within the filter housing to filter the oil flowing into the filter housing. The drain valve unit is configured to selectively close the oil exhaust passageway and the oil drain passageway in response to whether the oil filter unit is disposed within the filter housing or whether the oil filter is removed from the filter housing.

Abstract: A control device for at least one consumer of a motor vehicle, having an engine and at least one pump for supplying a medium via at least one pressure line to the at least one consumer, is configured to supply the medium to the at least one consumer before the engine is started. The pump can be driven by an electric motor or by the engine of the motor vehicle or alternatingly by the electric motor and the engine.

Abstract: The “Positive Displacement Turbine” engine (PDT) presented herein conforms to the classical definition of a heat engine. It operates in a thermodynamic cycle approximating the Otto, Diesel and Muller cycles but the primary motive force is developed at the pressure face of a blade rather than at the head of a reciprocating piston. The machine is therefore truly rotary with turbine-like characteristics, nevertheless, a fixed mass of air and fuel is compressed, ignited and expanded in a truly positive displacement process. Improvements offered by the present invention arise from the novel application of compression and expansion cycles being executed in adjacent and isolated chambers dynamically linked via internally mounted rotating combustion chambers hither too unseen as prior art. The means provided by this unique aspect of the present invention place it into a class of prime mover all of its own.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling auto-ignition timing in an internal combustion engine cylinder in which the timing of auto-ignition in prechambers that are coupled to the cylinder is precisely controlled. The auto-ignition in the prechambers produces hot gas jets that are introduced into the charge space of the cylinder and rapidly induce a second auto-ignition of the mixture in the cylinder. By precisely controlling the timing of the auto-ignitions within the prechambers, the timing of the auto-ignition within the cylinders can, in turn, be precisely controlled.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling auto-ignition timing in an internal combustion engine cylinder in which the timing of auto-ignition in prechambers that are coupled to the cylinder is precisely controlled. The auto-ignition in the prechambers is produced by a compression stroke using pistons situated within the prechambers. Hot gas jets produced by the prechamber auto-ignitions are introduced into the charge space of the cylinder and rapidly induce a second auto-ignition of the mixture in the cylinder. By precisely controlling the timing of the auto-ignitions within the prechambers, the timing of the auto-ignition within the cylinders can, in turn, be precisely controlled.

Abstract: A method and a device for fuel injection in a supercharged four-stroke combustion engine of piston-and-cylinder type with compression ignition (1), whereby a controlled fuel quantity is supplied to the combustion chamber (2) for each work cycle, a first portion of said controlled fuel quantity is injected during the compression phase to initiate ignition before the upper dead centre point, and a second portion is supplied (6) to the combustion chamber (2) as injected fuel for conventional initiation of ignition.

Abstract: The present method and apparatus employ a signal indicative of cylinder pressure within the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine to control combustion phasing or start of combustion (SOC) in subsequent cycles of the engine where the engine is driven by combustion of both a fuel/air premixed charge and a directly injected quantity of fuel. A ratio of signals indicative of pre-combustion pressure and post-combustion pressure within a cycle are employed to estimate SOC and then, based on a predetermined target SOC, an ignition lever is employed to adjust subsequent SOC. A preferred ignition lever is, in a pilot fuel ignited engine, pilot fuel quantity.

Abstract: A throttle device which prevents the entry of foreign compounds into a slidable contact portion between a brush and a commutator is provided to prevent the malfunctioning of a motor. A first shielding portion is integrally formed in a brush holder, which is attached to a yoke of a motor for holding a brush. The plate-shaped first shielding portion covers the vicinity of the yoke in the outer periphery of the yoke. Accordingly, the first shielding portion covers a gap left between the yoke and the brush holder, and a slidable contact portion between a commutator and the brush on a throttle gear side. Therefore, the first shielding portion prevents a foreign compound, generated in an engagement portion between the throttle gear and a reduction gear and falling onto a motor, from moving to the slidable contact portion, so that it is possible to prevent poor contact between the commutator and the brush.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a humidity sensor with an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is described. Specifically, information from the humidity sensor is used to adjust a desired air-fuel ratio to reduce engine misfire while improving vehicle fuel economy. Further, such information is also used to adjust timing and/or lift of the valve in the engine cylinder. Finally, diagnostic routines are also described.