Abstract: A vehicular linear propulsion system for use along a track, comprising: a tubular drive line (3) divided lengthwise into a plurality of mutually-sealed sectors connected end-to-end by sector gate air valves (SG); at least one main supply pipe running adjacent, preferably parallel, to the drive line for the supply of air to the drive line or the evacuation of air from the drive line; at least two main air valves (V1, V2 or P1, P2) near respective ends of each sector for selective communication with the main supply pipe; and two exhaust air valves (I1, I2 or E1, E2) near respective ends of each sector for selective communication with the atmosphere for exhausting air or taking air in.

Abstract: A logo patch arrangement for a piece of garment includes a background patch made of non-fabric materials, an affixing element, and a logo patch. The logo patch is overlapped on the affixing element to cover the affixing element, wherein the affixing element is hidden by the logo patch for enhancing an aesthetic appeal thereof while the logo patch is securely affixed on the garment via the background patch. The present invention also discloses a method of the logo patch arrangement.

Abstract: An improved quilting machine includes a table having a carriage for supporting a sewing machine on the table and translating the sewing machine in two axes, a quilting rack for supporting one or more layers of fabric in a substantially planer orientation relative to the sewing machine, and foldable legs. The quilting rack is suspended above the table on a rotatable vertical support, and is easily adjustable without tools for positioning the fabric in a convenient orientation for machine quilting, hand sewing, or access to the table. A lamp is attached through a flexible assembly to the carriage for directing illumination to the sewing machine. The lamp moves with the carriage so that illumination tracks the sewing machine. The quilting rack and legs are foldable and, combined with the rotatable vertical support, provide for convenient transportation and storage of the quilting machine.

Abstract: An upper looper control mechanism for sewing machines includes a control member and an end member connected between an active shaft for driving the upper looper and a connection member which is connected with the upper looper. The control member has one end connected to the active shaft or the connection member, and the other end of the control member is connected to a fixed part of the sewing machine. The users operate the control member to transfer the power of the active shaft to the connection member or to disengage the power of the active shaft from the connection member, so as to activate the upper looper or to stop the upper looper.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a cord to a piece of material. The material has a first side and a second side. The apparatus has a frame, a punch pin, a spear, and a comber. The comber is movably mounted to the frame. The comber is adapted to create slack in the cord. The punch pin is movably mounted to the frame. The punch pin is adapted to receive the cord and penetrate the material. The punch pin pulls the cord from the first side of the material through to the second side of the material. The punch pin is adapted to form an open loop on the second side of the material and the spear draws the cord through the open loop.

Abstract: An embroidered patch and manufacturing method thereof is disclosed. The method is performed by providing a filler, embroidering the desired embroidering figure on the filler to entirely wrap up an embroidering portion of the filler. During embroidering, a periphery of the embroidering portion being perforated by the needles of the embroidering machine and a plurality of sewing threads. The embroidering portion is then pulled to remove a leftover portion, resulting in the embroidered patch without any cutter.

Abstract: An underwater scooter includes a watertight vessel enclosing an engine disposed in the fore part of a cylindrically shaped main frame, a propeller disposed in the aft area, and a driveshaft passes through the interior of the main frame and transmits the output of the engine to the propeller. An operator rides upon air tanks disposed between the engine and the propeller on the main frame, so the burden on the operator can be reduced in comparison to that of conventional types that tow the operator. In addition, the propeller is disposed aft of the operator and also the exhaust gas from the engine is exhausted aft of the operator, so there is no risk of either the jet of water ejected by the propeller or the exhaust gas reducing the field of view or causing articles (goggles, etc.) worn by the operator to come off.

Abstract: A boarding ramp for entering a boat from the surrounding water. The boarding ramp is vertically swingable from a raised position and a lowered position. The boarding ramp is designed such that the ramp portion is supported against the boat during use in both calm and rough water.

Abstract: A device and method of making a device for indicating a change in condition is disclosed. A first embodiment is a device for indicating a transition from a frozen condition to a thawed condition is disclosed. The device includes a housing and a capsule. A first reactant and a liquid are included within the capsule. The liquid is chosen such that it expands upon freezing. The capsule is sized such that when the liquid freezes and expands, the capsule fractures. A second reactant is provided within the housing. The location of the second reactant and the method of attaching (if any) the second reactant to the housing may take various forms. When the liquid within the capsule freezes, it expands and fractures the capsule. Upon thawing, the reactant within the capsule escapes and mixes with the reactant located outside the capsule. A second embodiment is a time-temperature indicator. A flexible housing is used, allowing the user to manually deform the housing to fracture a capsule enclosed therein.

Abstract: A food breading machine includes a lowerable cage carrier grate of two grids between which the cutlet resides. The cage supports a meat, fish or vegetable cutlet thereon, which descends into a first basin having a bath of raw egg fluid. The egg saturated product is then lifted and horizontally rotated in a plane to an adjacent basin having bread crumbs. The device can have a manually rotatable knob at the top to control flipping, or it can be automated. A protective transparent domed hood is also included. The parts are disassembled so that they can be washed.

Abstract: A multi-purpose chamber that can be configured for a variety of processes, including deposition processes and etch processes, for example, by installing one or more removable chamber liners. The multi-purpose chamber provides uniform plasma confinement around a substrate disposed in the chamber for various processing conditions. The multi-purpose chamber also provides efficient and uniform exhaust of processing gas from the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide rotation of avian enclosures. In a first mode of operation, the apparatus automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a slow speed when a bird is detected, and automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a faster speed when a larger animal, such as a squirrel, is detected. In a second mode of operation, the apparatus may be controlled using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action. In a third mode of operation, the apparatus sends one or more signals via wireless transmission to a wireless notification device, which notifies a user of the presence of a bird or a larger animal. The user then has the option of using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action, which may include rotating the avian enclosure at a desired speed, stopping rotation of the avian enclosure, activating a beeper or vibrator, etc.

Abstract: A self cleaning birdbath with a bowl (10) which is shaped for easy cleaning and fixed to a support pole (14) that has a water supply pipe (13) inside it, connected to a gear driven lawn sprinkler (12) with a converter nozzle (11), that will produce a cleaning water jet (15) aimed downward into the bowl (10) which quickly empties the bowl (10) then the cleaning water jet (15) strikes the water holding surface of the bowl (10) directly and pressure washes it, the entire water holding surface of the bowl (10) is cleaned as the gear driven lawn sprinkler (12) rotates a full 360 degrees for as long as is needed for satisfactory cleaning. When the cleaning is done the water pressure is reduced so the water coming from the converter nozzle (11) will not have enough inertia to go over the rim, the bowl (10) will refill until the water is turned off.

Abstract: A high walled litter box having a high entry platform which forces an animal to climb up onto the platform to enter/exit the box, the high walls blocking soiled litter and misdirected waste from being thrown from the box. The entry platform includes a grate with apertures therethrough which allows any litter clinging to the animal to drop through to a sloping floor which returns the litter to the interior of the litter box. A scoop rack has a similar design which returns any litter clinging to the scoop to the interior of the box. A bag clip at the top of one of the walls hold one side of a bag so that a user may hold the bag open with only one hand to facilitate the removal of animal waste or soiled litter to the bag.

Abstract: Apparatus and assemblies for dulling animal claws using corrugated material and abrasive surfaces. An animal, such as cat, will instinctively claw at the corrugated material and contact the abrasive surfaces, thereby simultaneously dulling or trimming its claws. Methods are also provided to dull animal claws, including inducing the animal to claw at the corrugated material with an organic substance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning station comprising a glass enclosure (2) in which the animals are prepared before and after washing. The glass enclosure (2) comprises the actual washing enclosure (1) and a control panel (3) which are controlled by a controller or PLC. According to the invention, the interior of the enclosure (1) is disinfected with each washing procedure. Moreover, the invention comprises: safety a mechanism for the hydraulic circuit and the electronics which are actuated when the door (72) of the enclosure (1) or the switchboard is opened, a frequency variator/converter which can be used to adjust the flow of air and water, and moisture and unpleasant odour extractors.

Abstract: A generally horizontal platform has connected to a first end thereof a sloping ramp that extends into the water of a swimming pool. The ramp is provided with traction enhancing ribs to enable a pet to extricate itself from a pool should it accidentally fall in or tire from swimming. In a first embodiment, adjustable legs sit on the bottom of the pool and support a first end of the ramp while the horizontal platform is secured to decking to prevent its horizontal and vertical movement relative to the upper edge of the pool. In a second embodiment, a second ramp is connected to the opposite end of the horizontal platform and legs support the second ramp on a ground portion external to the pool. In a third embodiment, the ramp is cantilevered over the pool and buoyancy within the submersed sloping ramp provides support.

Abstract: A device for automatically collecting loose pet hair, debris and allergens from a pet as the pet enters or leaves the device where the pet is fed, thus keeping the pet owner's house cleaner. The device is a container consisting of three interconnected compartments. Loose particles are removed from the pet by air suction as the pet passes through collector plate assemblies in the first compartment to reach its food in the second compartment. A fan that induces the air suction in the first compartment and the filter that removes the hair from the air stream are both located in the third compartment. A sensor in the second compartment signals a receiver associated with the fan to turn the fan on and off based on the presence of an animal within the device. An optional second exit with a one way door can be provided in the second compartment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cleaning a surface within a vessel. A fuel/oxidizer charge is provided within a combustion conduit. An initial deflagration commenced in a first portion of the charge produces a final detonation at least in another portion of the charge to expel a shockwave from the conduit which impinges upon the surface. The deflagration-to-detonation transition may be encouraged by mechanical enhancements and/or by making the first charge portion more detonable than the second.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dissolving gas or gases in liquid fuel to improve combustion of the liquid fuel when injected into a combustion chamber is provided. A gas-charger unit is provided to dissolve the gas into liquid fuel at a first pressure. The pressure of the fuel/gas solution is raised to a second pressure before injection of the atomized fuel into a combustion chamber. In one embodiment, a high pressure gas or gasses is/are introduced into the gas charger at a crosscurrent to the liquid fuel. In another embodiment, a gas charger for dissolving gas into a liquid fuel is provided including a plurality of highly porous baffles to increase the contact surfaces between the gas and the liquid.

Abstract: A method for cooling a motor vehicle engine consists in regulating the volume and the flow rate of a coolant fluid in a hydraulic circuit provided with a degassing bypass hose equipped with an electronically controlled proportional actuator and with means forming direct return of fluid or bypass. The method comprises a step of determining the temperature of the cooling liquid, a step of comparing the temperature of the cooling liquid with a first and second threshold temperature, and a step of controlling the opening of the actuator such that, when the fluid temperature is between the first and the second threshold temperatures, the degree at which the actuator is opened is at least temporarily proportional to the cooling fluid temperature. The invention also concerns a device for cooling a motor vehicle engine.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electronically controlled thermostat provided in a cooling system of an internal combustion engine includes predicting a thermal radiation amount of a radiator when a water temperature of engine cooling water is stabilized at a second set temperature or at a first set temperature without detecting the water temperature not to cause temperature hunting, when the water temperature is controlled from a first set temperature to the second set temperature lower than the first set temperature or from the second set temperature to the first set temperature. The electronically controlled thermostat is controlled in accordance with the predicted thermal radiation amount.

Abstract: The hybrid comprises a two-cycle engine, boosted by the engine power compressor and a hydraulic pump. The pump plunger fastened to engine piston and located coaxially with the compressor piston and pump rotor, provide direct energy transmission to the compressor and pump. The plunger and compressor piston, each connected to one of two diametrically opposite axial push rods, of the rotor. The push rods synchronize and balance the pistons, which move opposite directions into underside of the engine piston space. The reducer synchronizes the separate rotors motion, activate engine and compressor camshafts and conventional accessory units. The engine can be high power started and restarted irrespective of parking time. Because of direct energy transmission the hybrid increases efficiency and specific power, while minimizing the weight, installation space and fuel consumption necessary in particular for automobile hydrostatic transmission.

Abstract: An adjustable crank shaft for a pump or engine allows the stroke of the piston to be varied. The piston rod has a circular bushing that engages an outer diameter portion of an outer crank member. The outer crank member has an inner diameter portion with a circular crank surface that is eccentric to the outer diameter portion of the outer crank member. An inner crank member has an outer diameter portion in sliding engagement with the crank surface of the outer crank member. The inner crank member is rotatable about a main drive axis that is eccentric relative to the outer diameter portion of the inner crank member. The outer crank member has a set of gear teeth on an inner diameter portion that are eccentrically offset from the crank bushing surface. An adjustment gear is in engagement with the gear teeth and mounted on a gear shaft that is coaxial with the main drive axis. The outer crank member revolves about the adjustment gear as the piston strokes and the adjustment gear is stationary.

Abstract: A controller supplies a predetermined constant current as a drive current to an electromagnetic actuator in response to detection of a non-normal state including an abnormal signal system and an abnormal engine start state, and a force that keeps an intake valve of an engine is appropriately controlled with this drive current. As a result, engine start characteristics are improved and an engine operation is maintained even when the signal system is abnormal.

Abstract: Either associated process control or discrete process control is selected for valve timing control according to the engine operation state. Under the associated process control, the target displacement angle INP of an intake camshaft (22) is computed according to the engine operation state, and the actual displacement angle INR of the camshaft (22) is brought closer to it. Further, based on the target valve overlap amount OVP computed according to the engine operation state and the actual displacement angle INR, the target displacement angle EXP of an exhaust camshaft (23) is computed, and the actual displacement angle EXR of the camshaft (23) is brought closer to it. Under the discrete process control, the target displacement angles INP, EXP are computed according to the engine operation state, and the actual displacement angles INR, EXR are brought closer to them.

Abstract: A centric phase of an operating angle of an engine valve is detected on the basis of an interval between a reference rotational position of a crankshaft and a reference rotational position of a camshaft, and on the other hand, the centric phase is detected at a period shorter than a period between the reference rotational positions, and one of those detected results is selected on the basis of a predetermined regulation, and an opening characteristic of the engine valve is operated on the basis of the selected centric phase.

Abstract: The invention concerns a variable timing device for reciprocating engines with, at least two cam shafts (AC1, AC2) comprising, at least an intake valve (A) and at least an exhaust valve (E) actuated by said shafts, and means for shaft angular offset D1, D2). The invention is characterised in that at least a common valve (A) is actuated by hydraulic transmission means (4, 9, 10) adapted to transmit to said valve the movement of at least two cams (A1, A2) belonging to the shafts with distinct cams (AC1, AC2) capable of being offset relative to each other. The invention also concerns engines comprising said timing system and a timing and turbocharging method capable of using said distribution.

Abstract: A centric phase of an operating angle of an engine valve is detected on the basis of an interval between a reference rotational position of a crankshaft and a reference rotational position of a camshaft, and on the other hand, the centric phase is detected each predetermined time, and a Variable valve Timing Control mechanism is feedback-controlled on the basis of a value which has been updated more recently between both detected results.

Abstract: A valve timing adjusting device including a first rotor, a lock pin for locking a relative rotation between the first rotor and a second rotor at the most advanced position, and operating by fluid control pressure to release the lock, wherein rotor start-up delaying means is provided for operating the lock pin by the fluid control pressure in the lock releasing direction, and then rotating the second rotor in the lagged direction when the second rotor starts rotating from the most advanced position to the lagged direction.

Abstract: In a camshaft adjuster having a 4/2-way valve which rotates with the camshaft and includes a hydraulic control valve with a hydraulic control spool or piston, which is actuated in a control cylinder against the force of a compression spring between two end stops by a magnet armature of an electromagnet which is fastened to a control casing, the electromagnet is a repelling proportional magnet, whose magnet armature is seated fixedly on an armature plunger whose free end face is in contact with the control spool or with a part fixedly connected to the latter for moving the control spool against the force of the compression spring to actuate the hydraulic control valve so as to control fluid admission to the camshaft adjuster, the working stroke of the electromagnet exceeding that of the control spool.

Abstract: In a structure in which an opening-and-closing timing of an intake valve and/or an exhaust valve is varied due to a rotational phase of a camshaft with respect to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine being varied, the rotational phase is detected at each rotational period of the camshaft on the basis of a reference rotational position of the crankshaft and a reference rotational position of the camshaft which have been detected, and on the other hand, the rotational phase is detected in an arbitrary timing regardless of the rotational period of the camshaft. Further, a correction value for correcting the rotational phase detected in an arbitrary timing is learned with the rotational phase detected at each rotational period of the camshaft as a reference.

Abstract: There is provided a rocker arm of a kind in which even though the rocker arm is manufactured by the use of a press working technique the arm width can be minimized while the flat outer surface region of a required width is secured on an outer surface of the connecting wall, thereby contributing to reduction in size and weight of the rocker arm. This rocker arm 1 is capable of being driven by a cam 2 for selectively opening and closing a valve 3 of an internal combustion engine. This rocker arm 1 includes an arm body 4 prepared by bending a single plate material to represent a generally inverted U-shaped section including opposite side walls 5 and a connecting wall 6 bridging between the opposite side walls 5. A roller 10 engageable with the cam 2 is rotatably mounted on a portion of the arm body 4 generally intermediate of the length thereof.

Abstract: To attain downsizing and weight reduction of a starter motor and starting power transmission in an engine starting apparatus. The starting power transmission decelerates rotation power of the starter motor and transmits the power to a crankshaft, even in a multi-cylinder engine. The starting power transmission is provided between the starter motor that starts rotation by electric power supplied from a battery and the crankshaft. An exhaust valve is depressed and opened by actuation of an actuator in accordance with actuation of the starter motor. The actuation of the actuator is continued until the number of revolutions of the crankshaft detected by a revolution detector reaches a predetermined number of revolutions.

Abstract: The speed of rotation and the angular position of the rotating part (2, 3) of the engine (1) are measured continuously, and the fuel injection is cut off at predetermined speed and angular position values of the rotating part (2, 3) in order to stop the engine in a predetermined position that facilitates restarting the engine. In order to restart the engine, using a starter (4), fuel is injected into at least one cylinder of the engine when the piston moving in the cylinder is in a determined position. The spark ignition and/or fuel injection is interrupted at predetermined speed and angular position values of the rotating part (2, 3) of the engine (1), and fuel is injected into at least one cylinder of the engine (1) during the last revolution of the engine before stopping. In order to restart the engine, ignition is carried out in at least one cylinder, the piston of which is in the compression position at the moment when the engine (1) stops.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an air intake for an engine (19) of a motor vehicle. In particular, the present invention concerns a detachable connection between an air collector module (10) and an intake duct module (11) of the air intake. The invention also concerns a method for installing the air intake to the engine (19) of the motor vehicle. A preferred embodiment of the air intake comprises a detachable connection comprising at least one releasable connection arrangement (17) and at least one interlock arrangement (18). The at least one releasable connection arrangement (17) comprises a releasable connector (25) inserted through the air collector module (10) and arranged to secure the air collector module (10) to the intake duct module (11). The at least one interlock arrangement (18) comprises a bracket (31) mounted on one of the air collector module (10) and the intake duct module (11), and an opposing piece (32) mounted on the other of the air collector module (10) and the intake duct module (11).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified intake manifold having short runner valves in the manifold tuning valve. Anti-chatter devices are disclosed for reducing shaft chatter without placing friction on the shafts. A lost motion linkage is used to ensure closure of the short runner valves. Radiused seating surfaces are used for seating of the manifold tuning valve.

Abstract: A valve (10) for use in an internal combustion engine comprises a base metal. The base metal is covered with a thin, dense chromium coating.

Abstract: An accessory mounting structure has an accessory bracket holding accessories thereon and attached to the engine body of an internal combustion engine, to provide a shortest possible overall length. The accessory mounting structure includes an end part, with respect to a direction parallel to a crankshaft, of the engine body, provided with a passage, a part of the engine body, provided with a recess extending along the passage, and the accessory bracket partly sunk in the recess and fastened to the engine body. At least one accessory, such as an automatic tensioning device is held on the accessory bracket.

Abstract: An oil supply system for an engine includes a pump body provided with a first outlet port and a second outlet port. The oil supply system further includes a hydraulic-oil-delivery passage, a first oil passage, a second oil passage and a return hydraulic passage. The valve body divides a hydraulic-oil receiving portion for receiving the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic-pressure control valve chamber into a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber. When the hydraulic pressure oil delivered to the hydraulic-oil-delivery passage is in a predetermined value, the hydraulic oil discharged out of the second outlet port is delivered to the hydraulic-oil-delivery passage via the first valve chamber. When the hydraulic pressure delivered to the hydraulic-oil-delivery passage exceeds the predetermined value, the hydraulic oil discharged out of the second outlet port is delivered to the hydraulic-oil-delivery passage via the second valve chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus generate turbulence and impact on soot rich zone within a burning fuel jet within a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. A reservoir accumulates charge and projects the charge into a combustion chamber and into and around the burning fuel directly injected into the combustion chamber. A ring or the fire deck define one or more reservoirs with an orifice for accumulating, directing and ejecting the charge. The method and apparatus are particularly beneficial when employed with gaseous fuels.

Abstract: An internal boost system integrated to an engine is provided which includes a blanking plate; a plenum chamber disposed within the oil sump having an exit flange disposed through a side of the oil sump; at least one one-way valve disposed through the blanking plate adapted to allow compressed air flow into the plenum chamber; a plurality of one-way valves disposed through the lower-end of the engine to allow fresh air to be drawn internally into the engine; a fresh air manifold in communication with the plurality of one-way valves disposed through the lower-end of the engine; and an internal boost supply pipe in communication with the plenum chamber exit flange and an air intake manifold of the engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including an air intake manifold having a rotary valve for regulating air flow within the manifold. The valve comprises a cylindrical shaft formed of stainless steel and butterfly vanes formed of plastic overmolded onto the shaft. The composite valve has a natural frequency of about 300 Hz and can resonate with engine noise. In accordance with the invention, the valve shaft is additionally provided with one or more sound-absorbing elastomeric dampers, formed preferably of a silicone rubber, that make contact with saddles in the intake manifold for extinguishing harmonic frequency response of the valve below 660 Hz. Preferably, the plastic butterfly vanes also are overcoated with the elastomer to further damp harmonic flexure and wave propagation in the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a throttle valve housing, particularly for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, comprising a tubular housing part whose flow-through channel can be closed off from a gaseous medium by means of a throttle valve mounted on a throttle valve shaft. A tubular inlet area and a tubular outlet area are situated at the ends of the housing part, have flow-through openings that extend the flow-through channel, and can be detachably connected to a supply tube and a discharge tube. The inlet area and the outlet area can be produced as separate parts and can be connected to the housing part in a fixed manner.

Abstract: A sensor for a throttle control device. The throttle control device includes a throttle body. A throttle valve is disposed within an intake air channel defined within the throttle body. A speed or gear reduction mechanism is coupled between a motor and the throttle valve. A sensor detects the rotational position, i.e., the rotational angle, of the motor and has a movable section and a fixed sensing section. The movable section is attached to a rotary shaft of the motor, so that the movable section rotates as the rotary shaft rotates. The fixed sensing section is mounted to the throttle body and is disposed within the movable section. By detecting the rotation of the motor a computing section can accurately determine the degree of opening of the throttle valve. The sensor outputs the degree of opening of the throttle valve.

Abstract: A method for discontinuing combustion in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold and an emission control device coupled downstream of thereof, where the cylinder has at least one valve, the method comprising during a shut-down, holding the at least one valve closed for at least a cycle of the cylinder to reduce a flow of gasses from the engine to the emission control device.

Abstract: A solenoid for use in valves used in evaporative emission control systems, such as canister purge valves or vent solenoid valves. The solenoid includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. The housing further includes a guide element having a bobbin section. A valve shaft is slidably mounted to the guide element, wherein the valve shaft includes a permanent magnet and a valve element. The valve element is movable between a closed position wherein the inlet port is closed and an open position wherein the inlet port is opened. A coil is formed on the bobbin adjacent the magnet. In use, the coil generates directional magnetic fields oriented to cause the magnet to be repelled to move the valve element to the open position and oriented to cause a magnetic attraction with the magnet to move the valve element to the closed position.

Abstract: A fuel system and a method of method of managing fuel vapor pressure in the fuel system. The fuel system a fuel tank having a headspace, a fuel vapor collection canister in fluid communication with the headspace, a purge valve, and a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus. The method includes performing leak detection on the headspace, and preventing a flow of fluid through an elastic diaphragm during leak detection. The elastic diaphragm includes at least one opening through which passes the flow of fluid. And the preventing the flow of fluid includes a first portion of the elastic diaphragm sealingly engaging a second portion of the elastic diaphragm. The method further includes relieving excess negative pressure in the headspace and relieving excess positive pressure in the headspace by fluid flow in different directions along the same flow path that includes the opening in the diaphragm.

Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine (1) is provided with one pair or plural pairs of C-shaped scavenging passageways (31, 32) of a reverse flow system where scavenging inlet ports (31a) as well as scavenging outlet ports (31b, 32b) are both opened to a cylinder bore (10a), wherein a scavenging introducing passageway (40) for introducing an air-fuel mixture (K) from a crank chamber (18) into the scavenging inlet ports (31a) is provided between the cylinder bore and the piston adapted to reciprocatively move up and down in the cylinder bore (10a), and an effective opening area of the scavenging inlet ports (31a) is gradually decreased due to the piston (20) in the course of descending stroke of the piston (20).