Abstract: An adjustable valve control device for an internal combustion engine with a drive shaft, with a camshaft 1 rotated by the drive shaft, and with at least one valve actuated by the camshaft 1 with a specific timing. The valve control device modifies the rotary phase of the camshaft 1 relative to the drive shaft in order to modify the timing of at least one valve and comprises a first rotor 2 which rotates synchronously with the drive shaft, a second rotor 3 which rotates synchronously with the camshaft 1, and a lock bolt 14 for locking the first rotor 2 and the second rotor 3 relative to each other. Fluid is applied to the lock bolt 14 by way of a separate line 15 to lock the rotors and is removed to unlock the rotors.

Abstract: A device and method for the relative adjustment of the angle of rotation of a camshaft with respect to the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine that utilizes a hydraulically activated actuating element, through the adjustment of which the phase position of the camshaft can be directly or indirectly changed. The actuating element is bordered by two pressure chambers, which can be loaded with or relieved of hydraulic fluid via control lines. A control valve is provided, which, depending upon an operating state of the internal combustion engine, forces a flow of oil that is forced from an oil reservoir by an oil pump via a first control line to a first pressure chamber, while oil from a second pressure chamber is returned to the oil reservoir via a second control line, and vice versa. At least one controlled bypass is arranged between the two pressure chambers. In this manner, the speed of adjustment of the camshaft adjuster can be advantageously increased.

Abstract: A VCT phaser for an engine having a housing, rotor and a spool valve. The rotor having a bore comprising an open outer end, an inner surface, and inner end having a vent port and arranged along the bore, an advance port, a common port, a retard port, and a lock port. The spool valve comprises a spool with a first land, a first groove, a second land, a second groove, and a third land, with the area between the inner surface of the bore and the first groove defining a first chamber, the area between the bore and the second groove defining a second chamber, and the area between the bore and the inner end of the spool defining a third chamber. A passage between the first groove and the second groove for fluid passage provides fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber and lock pin.

Abstract: A twin cylinder engine, includes a pair of cylinder members mounted to mounting surfaces of a crankcase, and cylinder heads mounted to the cylinder members. The cylinder members are modular components, which may be pre-assembled with components of the valve train as packaged units before the cylinder members are attached to the crankcase. Each cylinder member rotatably supports a cam gear which extends into the crankcase for driving engagement with the crankshaft. The cylinder members may be configured for either side valve-type (“L-head”), or overhead valve-type (“OHV”) engines, and the cylinder members may also be used in single cylinder engines.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster (11) for an internal combustion engine, and an improved method of assembly of such a lash adjuster. The lash adjuster (11) is of the type having a body (13), a plunger (15), and a check valve assembly (17). In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the check valve assembly comprises a cartridge (17A;17B) comprising a member (27;41) separate from the plunger (15) and defining a valve seat (27S;41S). The check valve cartridge is capable of being assembled and tested for compliance with a predetermined relationship of flow versus pressure differential, prior to assembly into the plunger (15). In accordance with the improved method of assembly, a plurality of different bodies (13A;13B) and plungers (15A;15B;15C;15D) is provided, as well as a plurality of different, interchangeable check valve cartridges (17A;17B), and the assembly operator selects a body, a plunger, and a cartridge to provide an assembled lash adjuster having the predetermined, desired operating parameters.

Abstract: An auto-enrichener for an engine, including an enriching conduit for carrying fuel and air to an engine, and a valve disposed in the conduit. The valve is adjustable between at least an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration passage of fuel and air through the conduit is enabled, and in the closed configuration passage of fuel and air through the conduit is not enabled. The auto-enrichener also includes a thermal expansion element in communication with the valve. The thermal expansion element expands with increasing temperature and contracts with decreasing temperature to activate the valve. The auto-enrichener also includes a heater that hears the thermal expansion element when the engine is operated.

Abstract: A control system of an internal combustion engine controls the starting of an internal combustion engine, which has been stopped, based on the establishment of a predetermined starting condition. The control system is provided with at least two power sources, a low-voltage power source and a high-voltage power source, a starting mechanism that is driven by the power source so as to operate the internal combustion engine, and a switching mechanism for switching between a connection, of the starting mechanism, to the low-voltage power source and a connection, of the starting mechanism, to the high-voltage power source.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine (1) with at least one cylinder (2) with a reciprocating piston (4) coupled to a connecting rod (5) for rotating a crankshaft (6), with an engageable gear (8) that is comprised of a first gear shaft (12) that is driven by the crankshaft (6) through a belt-type stepless transmission (7) and of a second gear shaft (15) that is coupled to an intermediate shaft (18) for rotating a drive shaft (9), and with a balancer shaft (20) driven by the crankshaft (6), said crankshaft (6), first gear shaft (12), second gear shaft (15), intermediate shaft (18) and balancer shaft (20) being disposed in one common, multi-piece housing (24).

Abstract: In a general purpose engine, a crankcase is formed from a case main body and a cover secured to the case main body, and a bearing support member is disposed between a drive transmission wheel and a crank web that is at one end in the axial direction. The bearing support member is formed into a shape that allows oil held within the crankcase to flow between opposite sides of the bearing support member and is mounted on the case main body.

Abstract: An interbrace is provided for reducing torquing, twisting, and pivoting between a V-twin engine and a generally separate motorcycle transmission. A first embodiment of the interbrace includes a forward engine flange portion, a rearward transmission end cap portion which functions as a transmission end cap, and a connecting portion interconnecting the engine flange portion and the transmission end portion. A second embodiment of the interbrace includes a forward engine flange portion, a rearward transmission end plate flange portion, and a connecting portion interconnecting said engine flange portion and said transmission end plate flange portion.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes an elastic seal lid attached to an under cover to form a hermetic seal between the under cover and an exhaust release pipe while closing an opening of the under cover from which an outlet portion of the exhaust release pipe projects outwardly. The seal lid includes a tubular seal portion projecting from at least one surface of a plate-like body of the seal lid. The tubular seal portion has annular seal lips fitted around an outer circumferential surface of the exhaust release pipe. The tubular seal portion is elastically deformable relative to the lid body to thereby take up or absorb an offset between the exhaust release pipe and the opening of the under cover produced due to cumulative manufacturing and assembling tolerances of relevant parts of the outboard motor.

Abstract: A lubrication system for an engine including a sump for lubricant, a main pump operable to pump lubricant to first lubrication positions within the engine, and an auxiliary lubricant pump also operable to pump lubricant to second lubrication positions within the engine and wherein the auxiliary pump is an electrically driven pump which is controlled by a system controller the output of the auxiliary pump being controlled according to engine operating conditions, the main pump in use, pumping lubricant to the first lubrication positions within the engine along a main lubricant feed line, and the auxiliary pump when operated pumping lubricant to the second lubrication positions within the engine along an auxiliary feed line, and wherein the main and auxiliary feed lines, are connected via a communication passage which includes a closeable communication valve, the communication valve when closed preventing the flow of lubricant from the auxiliary feed line to the first lubrication positions, and when open permit

Abstract: A baffle plate is arranged between a crankshaft axially supported in a freely rotating manner by a cylinder block and a bearing cap and an oil pan storing lubricating oil supplied to each part of a vehicle engine. The baffle plate is fastened to the bearing cap using parent bolts for fastening the bearing cap and the cylinder block through screwing from the bottom surface of the bearing cap.

Abstract: In a snowmobile, a four-cycle engine has an alternator as a generator while the snowmobile body has heat exchangers through which the cooling water of the engine is cooled by heat exchange with external air and snow, in a front part and at the ceiling of a crawler house. The alternator is positioned between the four-cycle engine and the front heat exchanger. Further, an exhaust manifold is arranged at an upper position in front of the engine body while an approximately cylindrical oil filter is provided under the exhaust manifold and inclined forwards in the vehicle's direction of travel.

Abstract: In a fuel supply control system for an engine in which a valve housing is provided with a negative pressure working chamber, and a negative pressure responsive-type control valve operable to be opened and closed in response to generation and extinction of a negative pressure in the negative pressure working chamber, the control valve being incorporated into a fuel passage between a fuel tank and a carburetor, the negative pressure working chamber being in communication with a negative pressure generating section in the engine through a negative pressure conduit, an oil flow-out preventing device is provided in a connecting portion for connecting the negative pressure generating section and the negative pressure conduit to each other.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an improved air and fuel intake system for a high performance internal combustion engine for installing on a supercharger or the intake manifold of the engine. The air intake system is attached to the mounting surface of the supercharger or intake manifold such that the plurality of separate air passages of the intake system ensure the uniform distribution of intake air to all parts of the supercharger or intake manifold. Each air passage has a decreasing cross-sectional area along the direction of air flow to increase the velocity of the intake air. The air intake system includes a forwardly disposed air inlet, which faces in the direction of travel of a vehicle powered by the engine. The air passages are controlled by butterfly air valves in the air inlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an internal combustion engine during a cold start operation. The engine is supplied with a substantially constant, lean air/fuel ratio immediately after the engine is started, while the engine has an idle speed that is allowed to vary as a function of the difference between a target air/fuel ratio and an actual air/fuel ratio. The invention further relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling the drive unit of a vehicle make possible a central coordination of various reserve torque requests. A reserve for an output quantity of the drive unit is formed. Various reserve requests of different physical significance can be compared to each other and a resulting reserve request is selected in dependence upon the comparison.

Abstract: A combustion control system of an internal combustion engine is comprised of a specific gravity detecting section which detects a specific gravity of fuel used in the engine, and a combustion control section which controls combustion in the engine on the basis of the specific gravity.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a multicylinder internal combustion engine, where a cylinder-equalization control is performed to adjust cylinder-specific torque contributions to the overall torque of the internal combustion engine, a functioning monitoring is performed for the cylinder-equalization control, and, in response to disturbances in the area of the cylinder-equalization control, at least one error signal may be generated to indicate the existence of a disturbance.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine has an upstream fuel injector provided upstream from the throttle valve and a downstream fuel injector provided downstream therefrom. A device is provided for determining a fuel injection quantity of the upstream and downstream fuel injectors. A sensor detects the intake temperature TA on the upstream side from an injection area of the upstream fuel injector. A device is provided for seeking an intake temperature correction factor KTA on the basis of the intake temperature TA and a fuel injection quantity of the upstream fuel injector. At least one of the fuel injection quantities due to the upstream and downstream fuel injectors is corrected on the basis of the intake temperature correction factor KTA.

Abstract: An advance arrangement controls timing of fuel delivery by a fuel pump for use in an engine. The advance arrangement includes an advance piston, a servo piston, a light load piston, and an arrangement. The advance piston is slidable within a first bore and cooperates, in use, with a cam arrangement of a fuel pump to adjust the timing of fuel delivery by the pump. A surface associated with the advance piston is exposed to fuel pressure within a first control chamber. The servo piston is slidable within a further bore provided in the advance piston to control the pressure of fuel within the first control chamber. The servo piston is responsive to speed dependent fuel pressure variations within a servo control chamber, thereby to permit adjustment of the timing in response to engine speed. The light load piston is moveable relative to the advance piston against the action of a light load control spring in response to fuel pressure variations within a light load control chamber.

Abstract: A fuel system for supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine. The fuel system includes a fuel tank, an intake manifold, a fuel vapor collection canister, a purge valve, and a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus. The purge is in fluid communication with the intake manifold and is in fluid communication with the fuel vapor collection canister. The fuel vapor pressure management apparatus includes a housing, a pressure operable device, and a switch. The housing is coupled to the fuel vapor collection canister and defines an interior chamber. The pressure operable device separates the interior chamber into a first portion that is in fluid communication with the fuel vapor collection canister, and a second portion that is in fluid communication with a vent port. The pressure operable device includes a poppet that is movable along an axis, and a seal that is adapted to cooperatively engage the poppet.

Abstract: A purge valve includes an aperture, a member, and an actuator. The aperture defines a portion of a vapor flow path that extends between a first port that communicates vapor with a fuel vapor collection canister and a second port that communicates vapor with an intake manifold. The member is displaced with respect to the aperture between a first configuration wherein the member occludes the aperture and a second configuration that permits vapor flow along the vapor flow path. The actuator displaces the member between the first and second configurations and includes an armature and a stator. The stator includes a winding that extends along an axis. And the armature, which is coupled to the member, surrounds the winding and includes a permanent magnet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the temperature of a component of an internal combustion engine is provided. The apparatus may be used to cool the combustibles such as the fuel, gasoline, diesel or alcohol or the inhaled air that is mixed with the fuel before the air and fuel, charge, enters the combustion chamber of the engine. Moreover, the apparatus may be used to cool fluids of an engine or transmission.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine having at least one control device that affects an air-fuel ratio of an air-fuel mixture to be supplied to the engine, is disclosed. An air-fuel ratio correction coefficient is calculated for correcting an amount of fuel to be supplied to the engine so that the detected air-fuel ratio coincides with a target air-fuel ratio. An air-fuel ratio affecting parameter indicative of a degree of influence that an operation of the control device exercises upon the air-fuel ratio, is calculated. A correlation parameter which defines a correlation between the air-fuel ratio correction coefficient and the air-fuel ratio affecting parameter is calculated using a sequential statistical processing algorithm. A learning correction coefficient relating to a change in characteristics of the control device is calculated using the correlation parameter. The air-fuel ratio is controlled using the air-fuel ratio correction coefficient and the learning correction coefficient.

Abstract: A compound archery bow with a handle-providing rigid riser and flexible limbs on the riser mounting bow string pulleys has damping interconnection mechanism between the limbs and riser. A damper is carried by each riser inboard of a riser limb seat. A resilient limb cup for each limb seat has portions for engaging the bottom, side walls and inner end wall of a limb and a fastener extends from each limb through each limb cup and limb seat to secure the limb to the damper.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for releasably interconnecting a pressurized bottle with a paintball marker, wherein the adapter assembly includes a piercing pin moveable between retracted position and an extended position. The adapter assembly includes an internally threaded female socket for releasably engaging the pressurized bottle, and an externally threaded male head for releasably engaging a corresponding female connector on the paintball marker. The spacing of the threaded connections and the travel of the piercing pin are selected such that the piercing pin punctures a frangible seal of the pressurized bottle subsequent to fluid interconnection of both the pressurized bottle and the paintball marker with the adapter assembly.

Abstract: The facing machine for hard-fired ceramic tiles comprises: a structure for supporting, and setting the cutting depth of, at least one pair or rotary rollers at a grooving station, the axis of the rollers lying transverse to the infeed path of the tiles as carried on a belt transport; the rollers comprising a plurality of disks formed with diamond-tipped cutting teeth and a facing station comprising a plurality of vertical-axis grinding wheels with abrasive diamond-tipped tooling; the rollers are carried on a common supporting structure, being adjustable in height to set the tool cutting depth in the tile; the structure being pivotable about a parallel shaft to the work surface in a transverse direction to the feed direction of the surface, and being associated with a device for adjusting and inhibiting the pivotal movement of the structure in order to accommodate varying cutting diameters of the rollers at the station.

Abstract: A wire saw (10) for simultaneously slicing multiple, generally cylindrical monocrystalline ingots (14) into wafers. The wire saw includes a cutting head (16), an ingot support (12), and multiple generally parallel lengths of cutting wire (18) defining a cutting web (30). A slurry delivery system includes nozzles (34, 36, and 38) positioned for dispensing slurry along the wire web generally at lateral sides of each ingot. A process for simultaneously slicing at least two generally cylindrical semiconductor ingots into wafers includes mounting at least two ingots to a common ingot support, moving the ingot support relative to the cutting web so that the two ingots simultaneously press against the cutting web at cutting regions, and dispensing a liquid slurry to at least three locations on the wire web including two outermost sides of the cutting regions and a location between each pair of ingots.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus is provided which includes a base and a closure member. The base includes insulating material which at least partially defines a combustion chamber for holding a combustible material for providing heat in use. The closure member is arranged to be seated on the base and at least partially defines a cooking chamber heated by the combustible material. The base typically includes an upper section and a lower section with an air inlet defined between the sections to allow air flow into the combustion chamber. The apparatus includes a body portion which includes an elongate air inlet for feeding air to the combustion chamber in use, the inlet being defined between the upper and lower sections.

Abstract: A non-round charcoal grill system is provided. The system includes a pan including a perimeter, a generally vertical wall, a generally horizontal base including an aperture, and a slope from the wall to the aperture. A removable receptacle for catching ashes may be positioned under the aperture. The receptacle may be slidably positioned along a mounting attached to the pan or the receptacle may be removably positioned into the aperture by a removal fixture attached to the receptacle. The pan and receptacle may be installed in a cart. The cart may include a frame which has an interior perimeter and the interior perimeter of the cart is smaller than the perimeter of the pan.

Abstract: A chafing dish for rapidly bringing catered food items up to the temperatures required for safe food handling and optimal flavor enhancement, and even heating of the food items thereafter without a constant monitoring of the flame height. The invention utilizes butane gas as a heat source and a burner control mechanism with a butane burner integrated into the base of a chafing dish, a bracket to hold a butane can securely in place, an engaging apparatus to start the flow of butane from the butane can to the burner, a copper tube to transport butane from the butane can to the burner, an electronic ignition switch and insulated wiring to ignite the butane at the burner, a burner control mechanism and regulator to regulate the flow of butane to the burner for the purpose of allowing a range of flame height and temperature, and a series of ventilation holes in the base of the chafing dish.

Abstract: A fireback for use in domestic open fireplaces and which in use surrounds the fire bed and which extends upwardly to a throat (31) which in use connects with a chimney. The fireback (25) has walls with inner surfaces (26) that slope steadily inwardly from near its base (29) to the throat 31 decreasing the cross sectional area of the fireback, the larger area being at the level of the fire bed and smaller area being adjacent the throat 31.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for collecting liquid from exhalation gas from a patient. The device includes a first pipe conduit (5, 8) for the supply of inhalation gas to the patient, a second pipe conduit (6, 9) for the removal of exhalation gas from the patient and a container device (1) for collecting liquid from the exhalation gas. The container device includes a first space (2), which forms a portion of the first pipe conduit (5, 8) and through which the inhalation gas thus flows, and a second space (3), which forms a portion of the second pipe conduit (6, 9) and through which the exhalation gas thus flows. The second space (3) is arranged to receive the collected liquid. The first space (2) is separated from the second space (3) by means of a wall member (4), which has a good thermal conductivity and permits transfer of heat from the exhalation gas to the inhalation gas.

Abstract: An air and water hose apparatus for use in an air supply system for firefighters. The air and water hose apparatus has an air hose completely within the water hose. The air and water hose apparatus comprises only a single length of the overall water hose of the system. This ensures that no part of the air hose is exposed to possible damage. The system supplies high pressure air to the firefighters. The system allows for easy connect and disconnect of the air and water hose apparatus to the firefighter's mask and preferably can be used with standard self-contained breathing apparatus having a mask and a regulator. A branched conduit allows several firefighters to be attached to a single air and water hose apparatus.

Abstract: A unit dose dry powder inhaler has a dispersion chamber, optionally including one or more beads. A blister is supported adjacent to the dispersion chamber. A mouthpiece cover is removable from a mouthpiece, with movement of the mouthpiece cover causing the blister to open. An air flow path extends past or under the blister and into the dispersion chamber. As a result, the blister remains sealed until the inhaler is ready for use. The blister is then automatically opened when the mouthpiece cover is removed from the mouthpiece. Pharmaceutical dry powder is released from the blister and entrained in air flow through the inhaler, when the user inhales on the mouthpiece. The powder is dispersed in air within the dispersion chamber.

Abstract: A multiple dose delivery device for delivering a medicament into an oral cavity of a patient is provided. The device includes a sachet pack including a plurality of unit doses of a medicament enclosed between a first strip and a second strip. The device further includes a sachet advance mechanism and a mouthpiece. Upon actuation by a user, the sachet advance mechanism, which is engaged with the sachet pack, separates the first strip from the second strip to release one of the plurality of the unit doses from the sachet pack. The mouthpiece includes an opening, and each released unit dose passes through the opening.

Abstract: A disposable face mask includes a mask body covering substantially a nose, mouth, and chin of a wearer, and an extension provided with the mask body. The extension is configured to encircle a back of a wearer's head and to substantially cover a wearer's cheeks, jaw, and ears. A substantial portion of the extension is formed from a resilient material treated with a repellant agent to prevent contaminants from entering or exiting such treated portion of the extension.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for regulating fluid flow to and from a region of a patient's lung, such as to achieve a desired fluid flow dynamic to a lung region during respiration and/or to induce collapse in one or more lung regions. An identified region of the lung is targeted for treatment, such as to modify the flow to the targeted lung region or to achieve volume reduction or collapse of the targeted lung region. The targeted lung region is then bronchially isolated to regulate airflow into and/or out of the targeted lung region through one or more bronchial passageways that feed air to the targeted lung region. The bronchial isolation of the targeted lung region is accomplished by implanting a flow control device into a bronchial passageway that feeds air to a targeted lung region.

Abstract: A dynamic trunk positioning device comprises a frame adapted to be removably mounted to an operating table. A number of pads are provided for engaging the trunk of a patient. Each pad is independently adjustably mounted to the frame for movements along three independent directions in order to permit 3-D manipulation thereof by a surgeon either before the surgery while a patient is being positioned or during the surgery when additional corrective forces on the patient's thorax are needed, thereby providing not only for stable positioning of the patient on the operating table but also providing for active application of individual corrective forces at different locations on the patient's trunk.

Abstract: A mouthpiece assembly for use in detecting impact forces on the neck and head of a user is disclosed. The mouthpiece assembly includes sensors which determine linear and rotational impact forces on the user. The mouthpiece assembly includes a mouth guard having a channel sized to receive the upper teeth therein. A raised dome portion extends from the mouth guard and is adapted to be positioned adjacent the roof of the mouth. The sensors are located in the raised dome portion and the mouth guard or in other locations of the mouthpiece if mouthpiece sensors are required. An indicator is provided to provide a visual and/or audible indication when the magnitude of an impact exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A preformed catheter set for production of linear ablation lines in the left and right atrium for treatment of atrial fibrillation includes at least a first catheter including a pre-shaped distal segment having a distal linear ablation antenna and a U-shaped curve portion proximal to the distal linear ablation antenna.

Abstract: A fingernail protection device for preventing ultra-violet radiation from yellowing nail polish in a tanning bed includes a plurality of tabs. Each of the tabs is flexible and includes a plurality of adjacently positioned layers. A first layer of the plurality of layers comprises a ultra-violet radiation impermeable material. The first layer has a first side and a second side. A second layer of the plurality of layers comprises an adhesive positioned on the first layer. Each of the tabs may be removably attached to a fingernail such that the fingernail is substantially covered and protected from ultra-violet radiation.

Abstract: A hair iron device having a hair iron main body, which holds hair with a first iron and a second iron oscillating to open and close, in order to set the hair. Plural small protruding portions having a pyramid shape are disposed on corresponding faces, and mutually come close to each other when the first and second irons are moved toward each other, so as to mutually engage.

Abstract: A substrate treating method for treating substrates with a treating solution includes a step of heating a treating solution containing sulfuric acid, and treating, with the treating solution, the substrates coated with a film material including a high dielectric-constant material. The substrates with the high dielectric-constant material are treated appropriately by heating, before use, the treating solution containing sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A method including the step of providing a substrate having a contact pad, and an under bump metallurgy overlying the contact pad, and a photoresist layer overlying the under bump metallurgy, and wherein the photoresist layer has an opening defined therein down to the under bump metallurgy and aligned with the contact pad. Pretreating the substrate with the first wetting solution prior to plating a first seed layer over the under bump metallurgy. Thereafter, plating a first seed layer is plated onto the under bump metallurgy.

Abstract: An umbrella device which has a shank, an umbrella-like cap formed as a membrane and a driver. The membrane is connected to the shank and is caused by the driver to move from a position of rest where it droops limply around the shank to an open position where it is essentially horizontal due to the centrifugal forces of the membrane produced by the rotation of the membrane by the driver.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a shaft with a runner movably mounted thereto and a first cap and a second cap are respectively connected to a top end of the shaft. The first cap is located closer than the second cap to the second end of the shaft. A plurality of first ribs pivotably connected to the second end cap and a main panel is mounted to the first ribs. The main panel has a hole with a center at the shaft. Each first rib has a join connected thereto and each joint having a first passage through which the first rib extends and a second passage through which one of second ribs extends. Each second rib has a first end thereof pivotably connected to the first cap and a section of the second end of each of the second ribs is overlapped on the main panel. A sub-panel is attached to the second ribs and covers the hole in the main panel. A plurality of stretchers are pivotably connected between the runner and the joints.

Abstract: A runner lock device for umbrella includes a retainer attached onto an outer peripheral portion of a central post, a barrel slidably engaged onto the central post and having an opening to receive the retainer and to latch the barrel to the retainer and to the central post. A sleeve is slidably engaged onto the barrel and has an actuator arranged to engage with the retainer and to disengage the retainer from the barrel when the sleeve is moved relative to the barrel. The retaining device may be easily secured onto the central post, and no holes are required to be formed in the central post, and no spring members or latches are required to be engaged into the central post.