Abstract: The valve controller is driven by a motor. The valve controller has a control circuit and a driving circuit. The driving circuit drives a motor based on a control signal generated by the control circuit and a rotational position signal generated by a rotational position sensor. The driving circuit generates a rotation number signal representing an actual rotation number of the motor according to the rotational position signal, and transfers the rotation number signal to the control circuit.

Abstract: A VCT phaser having a mechanical feedback in which no elaborate sensors and its concomitant electronic control loop is required. The phaser has centerly mounted spool valve controlling the flow of control fluid such that when a command positions the same at a predetermined position, passages within the phaser adjusts to a desired position through the mechanical feedback.

Abstract: In an engine valve train device in which a crankshaft sprocket 25b provided on a crankshaft 8 and an intermediate sprocket 38a disposed in the vicinity of camshafts 36, 37 are connected by means of a timing chain 40 and an intermediate gear 38b fixed to the intermediate sprocket 38a is made to mesh with camshaft gears 41, 42 fixed to the camshafts, the intermediate gear 38b is made smaller in diameter than the intermediate sprocket 38a and is disposed behind the intermediate sprocket 38, and furthermore, an inspection hole 38c? is formed in the intermediate sprocket 38a for visualizing the meshing portion between the intermediate gear 38b and the camshafts gears 41, 42.

Abstract: A cylinder head assembly for an internal combustion engine houses a camshaft position sensor for determining an angular position of a camshaft. A cylinder head upper is disposed between a cylinder head and a cylinder head cover, covering a part of a top opening of the cylinder head. The cylinder head is softly mounted, while the cylinder head upper is rigidly mounted on the cylinder head. The cylinder head upper includes a sensor boss for the camshaft position sensor, so that the camshaft position sensor is facing downward toward a signal plate attached to the camshaft.

Abstract: An air intake system for an automobile minimizes the induction of foreign particulates into the engine intake. Air flowing into the engine intake opening is caused to flow in substantially an “S” pattern, thereby, minimizing particulates, such as snow and water, from entering the engine intake with engine intake air.

Abstract: An air intake structure of a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine. The air intake structure includes an intake air collector having first and second end sides which are longitudinally opposite to each other. An intake air inducting pipe is connected to the intake air collector. A plurality of branch pipes are connected to the intake air collector. Each branch pipe is connected through a junction section of the branch pipe to the intake air collector. The intake air inducting pipe has an opening section which is located between a first branch pipe located at the first end side of the intake air collector and a second branch pipe located adjacent to the first branch pipe in a longitudinal direction of the intake air collector. The opening section has an axis directed to a third branch pipe located at the second end side of the intake air collector.

Abstract: An intake arrangement for an internal combustion engine, including an intake manifold including an intake collector and a plurality of branch pipes connected with the intake collector. The branch pipes extend in substantially same direction. The intake collector includes an inlet opening through which an intake air flow is introduced into the intake collector, and branch openings to which branch pipes are connected. The branch openings are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the intake collector such that as a distance thereof from the inlet opening decreases, an amount of offset thereof from a reference streamline of the intake air flow extending through substantially a center of the inlet opening along the longitudinal direction of the intake collector increases.

Abstract: An intake arrangement for an internal combustion engine, including an intake manifold including an intake collector disposed above the engine body, a plurality of branch pipes extending from the intake collector to an intake side of the engine body over above the engine body in a curved state, and a connecting wall disposed between the branch pipes. The branch pipes extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the intake collector and are arranged with space between adjacent ones of the branch pipes. The connecting wall covers the space between the adjacent ones of the branch pipes and coextends with the branch pipes. The connecting wall has an outside air introducing opening opposed to the intake side of the engine body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-piece valve for reciprocating piston engines in which the valve stem is connected to the valve head in a manner resistant to both tension and compression. In the area of a center through-opening the valve head has an annular bearing surface for a stem-side flange. In addition, the center opening widens on the combustion chamber-side of the valve head, the head-side end of the valve stem being plastically expanded so that it fills this enlargement, forming a positive interlock. In order to improve the service life of the connection between valve head and valve stem, according to the invention the combustion chamber-side enlargement of the center opening and accordingly also the conformed, end-side expansion of the valve stem are of non-circular design so that a positively interlocking torsionally fixed connection is produced between the valve stem and the valve head.

Abstract: A cylinder block structure with a small number of ribs is provided which can favorably prevent the deformation of a crankshaft bearing portion and the like. In a cylinder block 1 having bolt holes 3 formed on the upper surface for connecting a cylinder head with bolts, arc-shaped coupling surfaces 5 formed on the rear end surface for mounting a housing, such as a transmission housing, and a crankshaft bearing portion 6 formed in the central part between the lower ends of the coupling surfaces: the upper parts of the coupling surfaces 5 are joined into an arch-shape by an arch-shaped rib 7; the lower ends of right and left bosses 4 respectively having bolt hole 3 formed therein, are extended and connected to the lower parts of the arch-shaped rib 7; and right and left main radial ribs 10, respectively extend from the outside of the lower end of the bolt hole boss 4 to the center of the crankshaft bearing portion 6.

Abstract: To provide a power transmission system for a vehicle wherein a starter is simplified, the number of component parts is small, and a reduction in cost can be contrived. Thus, an excellent operationality at the time of starting is achieved. A power transmission system for a vehicle, including a clutch and a fluid transmission through both of which the rotational torque of a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine is transmitted to a load-side transmission mechanism, wherein the clutch and the fluid transmission are both provided on one side of the crankshaft, and a drive force of a starter is directly inputted to the other side of the crankshaft.

Abstract: Blower forces fuel/air mixture into bore of cylinder head against small diameter piston of compound piston assembly, forcing assembly down in engine cylinder, permitting fuel/air mixture to enter main cylinder of engine in which it is ignited. Exhaust forces assembly to bottom of its stroke. Roller bearings on large diameter piston engage sloping surfaces on swash plate causing rotation of drive shaft.

Abstract: In diesel engine, blower forces air into bore of cylinder head against small diameter piston of compound piston assembly forcing assembly down in engine cylinder, permitting air to enter combustion chamber. Diesel fuel injector introduces diesel fuel into combustion chamber where it mixes with injected air. Momentum of system forces compound piston assembly to the top of its stroke, compressing the air/diesel fuel mixture to the ignition point.

Abstract: Fuel/air mixture is introduced transversely through cylinder into combustion chamber where it is ignited by spark plug to drive compound piston assembly to bottom of its stroke to rotate drive shaft. In another embodiment, air is introduced transversely through cylinder into combustion chamber, and diesel fuel is injected into combustion chamber and ignited when compound piston assembly reaches the top of its stroke to drive down compound piston assembly and rotate drive shaft.

Abstract: Blower forces fuel/air mixture into bore of cylinder head against small diameter piston of compound piston assembly, forcing assembly down in engine cylinder, permitting fuel/air mixture to enter main cylinder of engine in which it is ignited. Exhaust forces assembly to bottom of its stroke. Roller bearings on large diameter piston engage sloping surfaces on swash plate causing rotation of drive shaft.

Abstract: An engine control system controls transitions between activated and deactivated modes in a displacement on demand engine. The engine control system includes an engine speed sensor that generates an engine speed signal and a controller that calculates a torque reserve of the engine based on the engine speed signal. The controller transitions the engine from the activated mode to the deactivated mode when the torque reserve is greater than a threshold torque. The controller transitions the engine from the deactivated mode to the activated mode when the torque reserve is lower than the threshold torque.

Abstract: An apparatus that can be utilized as an internal combustion engine, a compressor, a pump or the like has an indexer which defines a plurality of slots. A pinwheel has a plurality of pins which, when the pinwheel and the indexer are rotated, engage a respective slot to form a compression chamber. As rotation of these two components continues, each pin sequentially engages a slot to continuously form compression chambers.

Abstract: A rotary internal-combustion engine, comprising at least one fixed hollow body, and a movable body rotatable coaxially inside the fixed body, a chamber for a working fluid formed between the cylindrical bodies, at least one intake and at least one exhaust, at least one vane element associated with the outer surface of the movable body and extended in axial direction, at least one first and second partitions for dividing the chamber, the vane element, cooperating respectively with the intake to aspirate working fluid into the chamber, with the second partition to compress it, with the first partition to form a combustion chamber, and with the exhaust for working fluid expelling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of adaptively setting the idle speed of an internal combustion engine based on instantaneous power requirements of the engine. By adaptively setting engine idle speed based on instantaneous power requirements of the engine as well as the power requirements of any auxiliary devices, the noise and exhaust emissions of the engine may be reduced as well as improving fuel consumption efficiency. The engine's electronic control unit (ECU) is designed to regulate an idle speed controller based on current feedback received from sensors operationally connected to the engine as well as the various auxiliary devices. The ECU regulates the idle speed control such that the engine electronics are sufficiently energized to run the engine, but the engine idle speed is also set to a level that takes into account the instantaneous power requirements of the various system components and/or devices.

Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle of an engine used to inject fuel oil into the combustion chamber of each cylinder of a diesel engine and fixedly attached to a cylinder head (1) by a fuel injection nozzle retainer (15) supported by a valve arm shaft (11) for supporting a valve arm (14) and an energizing member (35) energizing the fuel injection nozzle retainer (15) in axial direction.

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

Abstract: A fuel injection pump includes a camshaft, an eccentric cam, a cam ring, a housing and plungers. The camshaft is rotated by an engine. The cam is provided separately from the camshaft and is formed with a connecting portion connected with the main shaft. The cam rotates with the camshaft. The cam ring revolves around the camshaft so that the cam ring rotates with respect to the cam along an outer periphery of the cam. The housing rotatably houses the cam and the cam ring and is formed with fuel pressurizing chambers. The plungers reciprocate in accordance with the revolution of the cam ring to pressurize and to pressure-feed fuel drawn into the fuel pressurizing chambers. Strength of the connecting portion is set to a value lower than damage strength of the housing.

Abstract: A fuel conditioning device and method for conditioning fuel includes at least one magnet with a lower side that is longitudinally disposed adjacent to a fuel line such that the magnet induces a magnetic field proximate the fuel line and into any fuel flowing through the fuel line. The invention further includes at least one metal plate disposed near an upper side of the magnet as well as appropriate means for securing the magnet and the metal plate to the fuel line. The invention may further include one or more focusing bars as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,369 (Melendrez).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for carrying out an internal exhaust gas recirculation to the combustion chamber of a Diesel internal combustion engine according to which the inlet valve is briefly opened during the exhaust cycle. According to the invention, the start (Hv1) of the inlet valve approach stroke (HEv) lies in the range of 180° to 210° crank angle (KW) after the upper dead center (OTZ) of ignition, thereby improving emission performance in the low speed range and in the medium and high speed range.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an intake device of an internal combustion engine, having a plurality of intake passages for introducing an intake gas into a row of engine cylinders, respectively; and a secondary gas passage for introducing a secondary gas into the intake passages. The secondary gas passage includes a main gas channel, an adjacent gas channel extending downstream from the main gas channel adjacently and substantially in parallel with the main gas channel, and branch gas channels branching off from the adjacent gas channel and continuing to the intake passages.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an intake device for an internal combustion engine, including a gas passage unit defining therein a secondary gas supply passage for supplying a secondary gas to an intake of the engine, and a thermal insulator disposed over at least one side of the gas passage unit so as to thermally insulate the secondary gas supply passage.

Abstract: An electronic timing system, a substitution of traditional timing belt and the mechanical parts relating to timing belt, and of the type can control correct timing of automobile engine. It helps to design smaller and efficient engine, save energy cost and save possible labor cost to replace timing belt.

Abstract: A crossbow bowstring drawing device which can be operated in two seconds, has one moving part, and is relatively simple and inexpensive to make. It reduces the necessary applied force so that any adult with normal motion capability can operate it. The basis for the device is a curved lever unit, appropriately curved to provide a pulling force on the bowstring as the lever is pulled up and back. The pivot point for the lever can be built into the bow during manufacture, or retrofitted on existing crossbows. It provides a balanced draw quicker and permits uncocking quicker without damage to the bow or string, than presently existing crossbow cocking devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting accessories onto a bow. Accessories are mounted onto a bow in a precise, repeatable manner so that an archer need only to position and calibrate or adjust a particular accessory for a particular bow once. Therefore, when the calibrated accessory is removed from the bow it can later be reattached to the archery bow in the precise previous location thereby eliminating the need for the archer to recalibrate the accessory. Likewise, the present invention requires only one mounting hole in the handle riser to minimize the negative structural ramifications of drilling multiple holes.

Abstract: The present invention involves a compound bow sound dampening, stabilization and rest device which mounts to the front of a compound bow through the standard stabilizer bar connector ({fraction (5/16)}-inch by #24 threaded bolt receiver). The bow stabilization device then connects to virtually all camera monopods, bipods and tripods using the camera mounting foot, which is attached through the standard camera connector (¼-inch by #20 threaded bolt). The mounting of the compound bow to the stabilization device through the camera monopod, bipod, or tripod enables freedom of movement and rotation on a variety of axes, while giving the archer the stability and support to make continued accurate placement of an arrow into a target.

Abstract: To provide a diamond compact die semi-manufactured product and a diamond compact die that do not crack during die processing. A diamond compact die semi-manufactured product includes a diamond compact and a holding ring. The holding ring is a cylinder composed of a tungsten alloy, and the inner diameter thereof is tapered. The diamond compact is tapered so as to fit to the taper of the cylinder and the diamond compact is press-fitted to the holding ring. For lower cost production, the tapered face of the diamond compact is formed by electric spark machining. The tungsten alloy contains 90% to 97% by weight of tungsten and 3% to 10% by weight of nickel.

Abstract: A method of using a fire starter includes providing a fire starter made of a calcium silicate hydrate with an inflammable liquid and a packaging at least partially surrounding the fire starter; removing a portion of the packaging to expose a portion of the surface area of the fire starter less than the entire surface area of the fire starter; and lighting the fire starter so that the inflammable liquid in the fire starter burns without significantly affecting the integrity of the fire starter and a flame burns from the exposed portion of the surface area of the fire starter.

Abstract: Burner assembly for a cooking range is provided. The burner assembly includes a gas-heat subassembly, and a radiant heat subassembly. An electromechanical interface is configured to detachably interconnect the subassemblies to one another. The electromechanical interface is further configured to pass electrical power to the radiant heat subassembly.

Abstract: A cooking oven includes a heatable oven chamber that can be loaded with product from the outside area through a loading port. An oven door serves to close off the loading port of the oven chamber from the outside area. An inner pane faces the oven chamber, an outer pane faces the outside area, and one or several intermediate panes are positioned between the inner pane and the outer pane. An outer cavity is between the outer pane and the neighboring intermediate pane and an inner cavity space is between the inner pane and the neighboring intermediate pane. A cooling system moves cooling air through the outer cavity while thermally insulating air can be held stationary in the inner cavity.

Abstract: A handle rack (100) includes an oven rack (102) moveable between extended and retracted positions within an oven cavity. In one embodiment, a handle (116) has a rear handle brace (118) interconnected to support members (110) of the oven rack (102). A pair of handle sides (122) are interconnected to or otherwise integral with the rear handle brace (118), and extend perpendicularly to the support members (110). The handle (116) also includes a front handle brace (120), being elongated and substantially parallel to the rear handle brace (118). The handle sides (122) are integral with or otherwise interconnected to the front handle brace (120). The handle (116) is provided for purposes of manual manipulation in extending and retracting the oven rack (102) relative to the oven cavity.

Abstract: A trimmable surround and methods for creating the surround for a heat generating device. The trimmable surround includes a molded portion having a ceramic fiber and a binder and an attachment portion. A portion of the molded member is removable to alter a size of the molded member. An attachment portion coupled to the molded portion allows attachment of the trimmable surround to the heat generating device.

Abstract: A multi-functional fireplace includes a housing for a removable firebox, a multiple burner assembly, a heat exchanger, a ventilator, an air conditioner, and an air exchanger/heat recovery unit. The firebox is removable by various ways from the housing allowing easy access to the internal contents of the fireplace. The multiple burner assembly can be a double burner assembly. One burner is an ambience burner for providing a decorative flame within the firebox and the other burner is the principal heating burner and can be positioned within or outside of the fireplace. A controller may also be linked to the various components of the fireplace to receive data therefrom and for control thereof. A sensor linked to the control can be placed at a heat outlet in order for the controller to detect temperature and accelerate the ventilator if need be. A bypass is also used to avoid cool air from the air conditioner from heating up when the decorative flame is lit.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser comprising: (i) a housing having an outlet; (ii) a medicament container locatable within said housing; (iii) an electronic dose counter associated with said outlet, wherein said dose counter comprises a first sensor for directly detecting a medicament release dispensible from said medicament container through said outlet is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide an integrated approach to respiratory and cardiac monitoring, diagnosis and/or therapy. A medical system includes one or more cardiac electrodes coupled to an external respiratory therapy device. The cardiac electrodes sense cardiac electrical activity that is used to generate an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. Cardiac events, such as arrhythmia, myocardial infarction and/or ischemia, may be detected based on the sensed cardiac electrical activity.

Abstract: A notification system monitors changes in air flow channeled between a positive air pressure generator and a CPAP mask supplying positive airway pressure to a patient during treatment of sleep apnea. An air flow sensor and/or pressure sensor is positioned to monitor air flow channeled to the mask. When a sensor detects a significant change in air flow and/or air pressure, a detection signal is analyzed by a controller unit microprocessor for comparisons with a preselected operating range for air flow and/or pressure. Upon verification the air flow and/or pressure is not within the preselected range, a remote transmission is transmitted to an alarm means proximal of the patient. The alarm means directs at least one stimulus to the patient for alerting and waking the patient. The alarm stimulus includes audio and/or vibratory stimuli of sufficient intensity to alert the patient that mask adjustments are required for proper CPAP treatment.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for delivering NO to a patient. The device utilizes a single controller that controls two separate flow controllers to deliver an oxygen-containing gas and a NO-containing gas to the patient. The flow profiles of the oxygen-containing gas and the NO-containing gas are controlled by the controller. In one aspect of the invention, the flow profile of the NO-containing gas is proportional to the flow profile of the oxygen-containing gas throughout patient inspiration. In this regard, the patient receives a steady concentration of NO. In another aspect of the invention, the flow profile of the NO-containing gas is quasi-proportional to the flow profile of the oxygen-containing gas. In this regard, the NO-containing gas flow profile is altered to provide an increased concentration of NO either at the beginning or end of inspiration. In one aspect, the delivery device is used with mechanically-ventilated patients.

Abstract: Various approaches to detecting arousals from sleep involve generating signals modulated by muscle tone, brainwave activity, and/or other nervous system activity associated with a patient's autonomic arousal response. Generating the signals and/or detecting autonomic arousals from sleep may be performed using an implantable device. Arousal information may be useful to identify sleep disorder events associated with arousals from sleep, for diagnostic purposes, and/or for therapy adjustment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting medical disorders through synergistic use of one or more medical devices are described. One or more medical devices are selected to sense one or more physiological parameters associated with a medical disorder. A presence of the medical disorder is assessed based on the sensed parameters. The medical devices used for sensing may be selected from a plurality of patient internal and/or patient-external medical devices.

Abstract: CPAP treatment apparatus is disclosed having a controllable flow generator (34, 38, 40) operable to produce breathable gas at a treatment pressure elevated above atmosphere to a patient by a delivery tube (32) coupled to a mask (30) having connection with a patient's airway. A sensor (44, 50, 56, 58) generates a signal representative of patient respiratory flow, that is provided to a controller (54, 62, 64). The controller (54, 62, 64) is operable to determine the occurrence of an apnea from a reduction in respiratory airflow below a threshold, and if an apnea has occurred, to determine the duration of the apnea and to cause the flow generator (34, 38) to increase the treatment pressure. In one preferred form the increase in pressure is zero if the treatment pressure before the apnea exceeds a pressure threshold.

Abstract: The invention includes a partial gas separator, which may include a housing and a movable divider in the housing. A method according to the invention may provide a partial gas separator and gas may be moved to or from the housing. While moving gas to or from the housing, the movable divider may be allowed to move with the flow of gas.

Abstract: A ventilation mask used for the ventilation of a patient has a mask base and a contour element that fits on the patient's face. At least one outflow channel for respiratory gas is provided in a transition zone between the base of the mask and the contour element. The outflow channel is bounded at least over portions thereof by a spacing ring arranged between the mask base and the contour element.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device, a headgear, and coupling member joining the interface device to a headgear assembly. In one embodiment, a spring biases the patient interface device against the patient's face when in use. In a further embodiment, the patient interface device is a nasal cushion that includes a formable support mounted to the nasal cushion for providing support and adjustment of the nasal cushion to improve fit and comfort. The headgear assembly in one embodiment is a semi-rigid, minimal contact harness assembly and includes an adjustment assembly that allows for a simultaneous adjustment of multiple straps. An adjustment assembly on the headgear provide a gross adjustment of the position of the interface relative to the patient and a biasing force to urge the patient interface device against the patient's face. In a further embodiment, a pair of rigid connecting members coupling the patient interface device to the headgear.

Abstract: An automatically operative medical insertion device (12) and method including an insertable element (18) which is adapted to be inserted within a living organism in vivo, a surface following element (20), physically associated with the insertable element and being arranged to follow a physical surface within the living organism in vivo, a driving subsystem (15) operative to at least partially automatically direct the insertable element along the physical surface and a navigation subsystem (274) operative to control the driving subsystem based at least partially on a perceived location of the surface following element along a reference pathway stored in the navigation subsystem.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel surgical instrument, and method of using same, designed for performing tracheotomy. According to specific embodiments, the subject surgical instrument comprises a novel foot plate that is anatomically curved to follow the contours of the inner wall of the trachea.

Abstract: A condom has a vasodilator active compound applied to its external surface, preferably disposed towards the open end of the condom whereby, in use during intercourse, the compound makes contact with the vaginal meatus or proximal region of the vagina, such that the vasodilator is absorbed though the lining of the vagina to stimulate and increase the flow of blood in the labia and through the clitoris to promote engorgement thereof to alleviate symptoms associated with female inorgasmia