Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes a stator assembly mounted to a center pole formed of material having high magnetic permeability and functions as a return path for the magnetic field generated when current is passed through coils in the stator assembly. When current is applied to one or more coils within the stator assembly, a magnetic field is generated that interacts with a magnetic field generated by one or more magnets disposed within the armature assembly and causes the armature to move relative to the center pole thus, for example, opening or closing a valve.

Abstract: A cam 13 formed so that cam height and a cam operation angle continuously change, and constituted to be rotated integrally with a camshaft 11 and relatively movable in an axial direction thereof, a valve lifter 20 pressed by a cam surface of the cam 13 to advance and retreat a valve, and an accelerator shaft unit 40 for moving the cam 13 in the axial direction of the camshaft 11 are included. The accelerator shaft unit 40 includes an accelerator shaft 41 placed to be capable of reciprocating in the axial direction of the camshaft, and an accelerator fork 42 supported at the accelerator shaft 41 and engaging with the cam 13, and has an adjust mechanism 70 for finely adjusting a relative position in an axial direction of the accelerator fork 42 with respect to the accelerator shaft 41.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve lifter body, comprising an outer surface, enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, wherein the first cavity includes a first inner surface configured to house a cylindrical insert, the second cavity includes a second inner surface cylindrically shaped, and at least one of the cavities is fabricated through forging.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine's start-up torsional disturbances are reduced by drawing down intake manifold pressure prior to engine cranking. In a preferred arrangement, a secondary air injection reaction pump is adapted for evacuating the intake manifold to effect the desired draw down of the intake manifold pressure.

Abstract: An auto-choke control device maintains good startability at the time of restarting at high temperature without need of a thermostat specific for an auto-choke. An engine temperature detection device is drivably controlled by a control circuit in response to the engine temperature. A switching detection circuit detects ON or OFF operation of a main switch connected to the control circuit. A self-hold circuit automatically holds power to the control circuit when the main switch is changed from an ON state to an OFF state.

Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine of a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle, the internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor being mechanically linkable to an output shaft of the hybrid drive via a gear system. The output shaft of the hybrid drive is placed in rotary motion, and at least one of the electric motors is switched to a generator mode by the gear system and by a control system.

Abstract: An intake device for an internal combustion engine includes a throttle body (1) that forms an intake passage (1a). A throttle valve (2) is arranged within the intake passage. A pipe member (26) is connected to the throttle body, wherein the pipe member forms a communication passage (26a) communicating with the intake passage. An engagement device (53,63; 85,87; 92,63) is provided between the throttle body and the pipe member. The engagement device includes at least one engagement protrusion (53; 85; 92) and at least one engagement recess (63; 87M). When the engagement protrusion and the engagement recess are engaged with each other, detachment of the throttle body and the pipe member from each other is restricted. The assembly process is simplified by a lack of separate components such as clamps and bolts, relying instead upon a typical snap-fit connection.

Abstract: Chaotic air flow structures in internal combustion engine manifolds may lead to poor combustion performance and hence undesirable emissions such as visible smoke. Manifolds with flow characteristics compromised by other design requirements are especially prone to these poor characteristics. To overcome these, an engine air induction arrangement includes a feed passage having an end portion in a manifold with cylinder ports. The end portion is formed in such a manner that air exiting the end portion via an opening is hindered from travelling away from the cylinder ports. This improves the flow structure and evens air distribution to the cylinder ports, hence improving the combustion process and reducing emission levels.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing cutting of a spiral spring for an engine starter includes a rope reel to be rotated by a rope rounded thereon, a spiral spring to be wound up by the rope reel in order to accumulate a power therein, an engine starting pulley driven by the power accumulated in the spiral spring, and a device for preventing the spiral spring from being cut due to an overwinding. The device has a projection which projects from an outer peripheral surface of the engine starting pulley when the spiral spring is wound up fully by the rope reel and an outer diameter of the spiral spring is reduced, and an engaging device which is provided on the rope reel and which engages the projection.

Abstract: A recoil starter in which a side face of a rope reel is formed with a ring-like recess portion for containing a damping force storing member, a boss portion of a cam is contained at inside of the ring-like recess portion and the damping force storing member is contained between an inner peripheral face of the ring-like recess portion and an outer peripheral face of the boss portion of the cam, an inner side of the boss portion of the cam is formed with a ratchet mechanism for engaging and disengaging the cam to and from the rope reel, when the rope reel is rotated by traction of the recoil rope, the both members are disengaged from each other and when the rope reel is rotated in a direction of reeling back the recoil rope, the both members are engaged with each other.

Abstract: This invention is a fuel efficient, high torque power, offset piston engine. The basic invention is a 2-stroke 2-cylinder engine. A single idler gear provides ignition timing between a pair of out-of-phase power pistons as 1-way clutches transmit the power to the engine's power shaft. Displacing and replacing a special idler changes the engine between a 2 stroke and a 4 stroke. Power stroke overlap saves fuel. Deactivating pistons when not needed without load on the engine saves more fuel. Other benefits will be obvious upon perusing the disclosure.

Abstract: A method to control electromechanical valves in an internal combustion engine is presented. Electromechanical valves are controlled to improve the possibility starting an engine.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine. The method includes disabling at least one piston cylinder of the engine. While said at least one piston cylinder is disabled, turbulence is selectively varied in an air intake pathway of an enabled piston cylinder, so as to vary charge motion within the enabled piston cylinder. The selective variation of turbulence is effected at a location in the air intake pathway between a throttle of the engine and an intake valve of the enabled cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combustion engine (1) having a housing (2) with a chamber (3). A rotor (4) is arranged herein which is provided with a number of vanes (5A, 5B, 6A, 6B) which divide the chamber into a number of compartments (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D). Each of the compartments is intended for performing at least one of the following functions: a) drawing in and/or compressing gas required for the combustion; b) bringing the fuel to combustion; c) producing work; and d) discharging combustion gases. A first pair of vanes (5A, 5B) is mounted rotatably on a first rotation axis (5). A second pair of vanes (6A, 6B) is mounted rotatably on a second rotation axis (6). The rotation axes are arranged eccentrically in the chamber (3). The rotary engine has the characteristic that the vanes in each pair (5A, 5B; 6A, 6B) are rotatable independently of each other.

Abstract: A method for slowing the heat-release rate in homogeneous charge compression ignition (“HCCI”) engines that allows operation without excessive knock at higher engine loads than are possible with conventional HCCI. This method comprises injecting a fuel charge in a manner that creates a stratified fuel charge in the engine cylinder to provide a range of fuel concentrations in the in-cylinder gases (typically with enough oxygen for complete combustion) using a fuel with two-stage ignition fuel having appropriate cool-flame chemistry so that regions of different fuel concentrations autoignite sequentially.

Abstract: Part load operating point for a controlled auto-ignition four-stroke internal combustion engine is reduced without compromising combustion stability through negative valve overlap control operative to retain and compress combusted gases within the combustion chamber into which fuel is introduced. Combustion chamber pressures and temperatures are increased as engine load decreases. Various split-injection fuel controls are implemented during low and intermediate part load operation whereas a single-injection fuel control is implemented during high part load operation. Split-injections are characterized by lean fuel/air ratios and single-injections are characterized by either lean or stoichiometric fuel/air ratios. Controlled autoignition is thereby enabled through an extended range of engine loads while maintaining acceptable combustion stability and emissions.

Abstract: In a multi-cylinder engine having a compression ignition combustion mode, a vibration detecting sensor that is preferably mounted in a cylinder block or a cylinder head is used to detect a frequency and the detected frequency is appropriately analyzed to detect or estimate a cylinder pressure peak value and peak timing for each cylinder. An amount of internal EGR, a fuel injection condition, an engine speed and the like are then controlled so as to bring each of these parameters into an appropriate range thereof. The control apparatus suppresses variations in combustion states among different cylinders and different cycles arising from unit-to-unit variations or deterioration in the engine or part-to-part variations or deterioration in a component thereof.

Abstract: A flow guiding structure for guiding into a clockwise swirling flow pattern gas flowing into a gas passageway leading toward a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The structure includes a tubular peripheral wall having a base section for securing the structure to the gas passageway and an integrally extending guiding section. A plurality of guiding vanes extend radially inward from the guiding section each about a corresponding vane first edge. Each guiding vane includes a vane second edge extending in a geometrical plane perpendicular to the structure longitudinal axis. Each guiding vane further includes a substantially convex vane third edge. The guiding section is provided with a plurality of guiding bents formed therein and extending radially inwardly. The guiding bents are adapted to act as an auxiliary guide and as reinforcement for the structure.

Abstract: In an air intake apparatus for an engine, an intake port is connected to a cylinder of the engine and an intake valve opens and closes a downstream end of the intake port. The air intake apparatus includes a partition wall provided along a longitudinal direction of the intake port so as to cross-sectionally partition the intake port into two sections, and an intake control valve provided in a pipe forming the intake port, opening and closing a first flow path implemented by partition by the partition wall, and closing the first flow path and narrowing a second flow path. Assuming a sliding direction of a piston within cylinder as an up-down direction, the intake port is partitioned into two upper and lower sections.

Abstract: The amount of air to be introduced is controlled for each cylinder, whereby it is intended to make it possible to control the torque generated in each cylinder, perform an ultra-lean burn operation, purify the exhaust gas, and increase the output of an engine. An air flow control valve adapted to be on-off controlled in accordance with an operated quantity of an accelerator pedal is disposed in each branch pipe or intake port. The air flow control valve may be a throttle valve disposed in each branch pipe or it may be a variable intake valve for opening and closing the intake port.

Abstract: A method for operating an engine having at least a first and second cylinder [group], the first cylinder having a first electrically actuated valve and the second cylinder having a second electrically actuated valve, comprising of operating the first cylinder with a spark timing more retarded than a spark timing of a second cylinder, where during said operation, said first cylinder operates with a first operation of said first electrically actuated valve and said second cylinder operates with a second operation of said second electrically actuated valve, where said first operation is different from said second operation.

Abstract: The engine ECU executes the program including the step of starting a timer that counts the time elapsed from a start request, the step of detecting a temperature of the engine, and the step of calculating a DI ratio r such that the fuel is injected from the in-cylinder injector as well, when the engine is in the very cold or cold state, when there is no abnormality in the fuel system, and when starting of the engine is not yet detected even after a lapse of a predetermined period of time from the start request, only if the fuel pressure in the high-pressure system is not lower than a fuel pressure threshold value.

Abstract: The fuel injection system has a high-pressure pump, by which fuel is pumped at high pressure into a reservoir. By means of a feed pump, fuel is pumped from a fuel tank to the high-pressure pump. By means of a fuel metering device, disposed between the feed pump and the high-pressure pump, the inflow of fuel to the high-pressure pump is adjusted. From the connection between the feed pump and the fuel metering device, a bypass connection leads away to a relief region. An inflow of fuel from the feed pump to the fuel metering device and/or to the bypass connection is effected through at least one conduit in a housing part, and in the at least one conduit, at least one fuel filter is disposed upstream of the fuel metering device and/or of the bypass connection.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system is provided having a fuel rail with an outlet. A fuel injector is provided having a body with an outlet and a generally tubular inlet. The tubular inlet of the fuel injector is generally axially slideable into the fuel rail outlet. The fuel injector outlet has a generally noncircular cross-sectional shape and is torsionally restrained by the fuel rail outlet.

Abstract: To improve layout freedom, waterproof and dustproof, a lower cup opening upward side is integrally formed with a throttle body and an upper cup covers the lower cup to form a chamber, a fuel injection valve is fixed to throttle body by a fuel distribution pipe, the fuel injection valve, the fuel distribution pipe and a female type connector fitted to an external connecting connector of the fuel injection valve are arranged within the chamber, a takeout groove is formed in a side wall of the upper cup toward a lower attaching collar portion, and a fuel introduction pipe connected to the fuel distribution pipe and a lead wire connected to the female type connector are drawn out to the external via the takeout groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the quality of fuel for an internal combustion engine, comprising a pressure sensor (1) for determining the pressure (p) inside a fuel tank and/or comprising a temperature sensor (4) for determining the temperature (T) inside a fuel tank. According to the invention, an evaluation unit (5) is provided for determining a quality value (Q), which depicts die quality of the fuel, based on the temperature (T) and/or the pressure (p) inside the fuel tank. Said evaluation unit is connected on the input side to the pressure sensor (1) and/or to the temperature sensor (4).

Abstract: A control valve is constructed as a two-position three-way valve. A switching port of the control valve and a control chamber of a pressure intensifier are connected to the control valve through a reciprocation passage. Fuel pressure in the control chamber is controlled by the control valve. The reciprocation passage is formed of two fuel passages for connecting the switching port of the control valve with the control chamber in parallel. One fuel passage is provided with a check valve for preventing fuel from flowing from the control chamber to the control valve and the other fuel passage is provided with a hydraulic valve for preventing the fuel from flowing from the control valve to the control chamber and a restrictor.

Abstract: A device comprising an air intake duct and at least one passive one-way air intake valve disposed in the air intake duct. There is also an actuator coupled to the one-way valve for biasing the one-way valve in a closed position. During operation, the one-way air intake valve is opened via an air induction force created by operation of an internal combustion engine positioned downstream from the actuator. This one-way air intake valve is closed after the internal combustion engine has stopped operating to prevent emissions of evaporated hydrocarbons from the engine through the air induction system. The valve can also be moved into a fail-safe position if the actuator fails but the engine is operating.

Abstract: Arrangement for expanding liquefied gas. The arrangement includes a vaporizing element having a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has an impermeable enclosure containing a heating fluid and a vaporizing tube made of a heat conducting material through which the liquefied gas passes. The vaporizing tube includes an intake connected to a supply reservoir and an outlet supplying vaporized gas. An element is provided for regulating a flow rate and a pressure of vaporized gas. A tube connects the outlet of the vaporizing tube to the element for regulating a flow rate and a pressure of vaporized gas. The element for regulating a flow rate and a pressure of vaporized gas is connected to an engine. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A centrifugal supercharger is provided. One embodiment of the supercharger comprises a two-piece housing wherein a parting area is substantially aligned with a rotational axis of a drive- or impeller shaft. Another embodiment comprises a sleeve, or intermediate member disposed substantially between the housing and a bearing assembly(s) located within the supercharger housing. Another embodiment comprises a disengagement device located between the supercharger impeller and the engine. The disengagement device allows selective disengagement of the impeller from the engine. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for expanding the mid load range of a four-stroke gasoline direct-injection controlled auto-ignition combustion engine. The engine includes at least one cylinder containing a piston reciprocably connected with a crank and defining a variable volume combustion chamber including an intake valve controlling communication with an air intake and an exhaust valve controlling communication with an exhaust outlet. A system is employed for variably actuating the intake and exhaust valves. The valve actuating system is employable to operate the intake and exhaust valves with an exhaust re-compression or an exhaust re-breathing valve strategy. A reservoir chamber in communication with the combustion chamber is provided for temporary holding of residual burned gas. Residual burned gas in the combustion chamber and the exhaust outlet enters into the reservoir chamber and then loses thermal energy while in the reservoir chamber before being drawn back into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An exemplary method of controlling a gasoline engine operating unthrottled with homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion includes operating the engine with predetermined values of external EGR and internal EGR settings, and burned gas fraction set points for intake and exhaust gases. Repeated adjustments are made to the external EGR and internal EGR settings to move the exhaust and intake gases burned gas fractions toward their state set points. Effects of disturbances in actual operating conditions are thereby minimized.

Abstract: This invention describes a method which can be used to improve the output torque and resulting horsepower of internal combustion engines while lowering the overall pollution experienced with these engines. This invention will allow smaller displacement engines to be used in transportation vehicles without sacrifice of driveability. In some applications existing high horsepower engines can be boosted to even higher output levels. This invention describes an on board system that separates nitrogen (N2) from air leaving an oxygen (O2) enriched air that is used in combination with fuel to improve operation of the engine during its various modes of operation (start-up, acceleration, cruise, deceleration and idle).

Abstract: A method and a device are described for controlling an internal combustion engine. On the basis of the comparison of a setpoint value with an actual value for a variable that characterizes the supplied oxygen quantity, an actuating variable is predefined for controlling an actuating element that influences the fuel quantity conducted to the internal combustion engine and/or the oxygen quantity supplied to the internal combustion engine. The actual value and/or the setpoint value are/is normalized to a reference value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diamond tool having a metal plate inserted therein. Between abrasive layers containing diamond particles is inserted a ferrous or non-ferrous metal plate having a wear resistance lower than that of the abrasive layers such that a concave groove is spontaneously formed during a cutting process, thereby reducing the contact load with a workpiece to thereby avoid vibration (wobbling) of a shank, and providing a discharge path for smoothly removing cutting chips and the cooling water. In addition, the content of abrasives and the wear resistance of bonding material are uniformly constituted so that the shrinkage rate does not need to be considered during sintering and the manufacturing process can be simplified, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost and improving the productivity therefor. Furthermore, the area of the metal plate can be controlled, thereby enabling an easy design conforming to the working conditions with a workpiece.

Abstract: An aerosol is formed by supplying a material in liquid form to a flow passage and heating the flow passage such that the material volatizes and expands out of an open end of the flow passage. The volatized material combines with ambient air such that volatized material condenses to form the aerosol. An apparatus and method for generating such an aerosol are disclosed wherein the apparatus may include an electrically conductive sleeve at an open end of the flow passage, an electrically conductive flow passage and/or a spacer chamber. The volatilized material may contain a volatilized solute and vehicle such that the resulting aerosol particle sizes of the solute and the vehicle are either different or the same.

Abstract: A low-cost CPAP apparatus in which, upon detection of the transition from inhalation to exhalation, the blower motor is de-energized to allow it to freewheel. When the pressure in the patient mask (or whatever interface is utilized) reaches a minimum pressure level during exhalation, the motor is re-energized and its speed is controlled so to maintain the pressure at a level suitable for exhalation. Upon detection of the transition from exhalation to inhalation, the motor speed is increased to provide higher pressures in the patient mask suitable for inhalation.

Abstract: The invention relates to biological defense masks, and more particularly, biological defense masks designed for use by populations at risk of widespread biological attack via biological weapons of mass destruction. The present invention is also related to methods for using such biological defense masks wherein meteorological data is used to issue advisories with regard to the use of such biological defense masks to a population at risk of biological weapons of mass destruction.

Abstract: The disclosed laryngeal mask airway device includes a rigid airway tube, a mask portion, and one or more optical fibers. The airway tube extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The airway tube defines an internal passage and a first notch. The first notch extends along a length of the tube from a location on the tube towards the distal end of the tube. The mask portion is coupled to the distal end of the airway tube. The mask portion includes an inflatable cuff. The cuff defines a central opening at least when inflated. The mask portion is insertable through a mouth of a patient to an inserted location within the patient. The cuff surrounds a glottic opening of the patient when inflated and when the mask portion is at the inserted location. A sealed airway passage extends from the proximal end of the tube through the internal passage to the glottic opening when the cuff is inflated and when the mask portion is at the inserted location.

Abstract: A mouthguard has a flexible frame, and has bite tabs extending from the rear surface of the frame for engaging the wearer's teeth. The bite tabs include anterior bite tabs for engaging the wearer's front teeth. A narrow split may be provided between the anterior bite tabs that allows the bite tabs to maintain their flexibility. The flexible frame lays against the outer surface of the teeth and extends into the buccal folds superiorly and interiorly of the cheek where the muscles hold it in place. Grooves may be positioned lengthwise along the frame above and below the bite tabs for purposes of flexibility and to allow the muscles of the cheek to press the upper and lower extensions of the frame close to the bone for better retention and comfort. The teeth engage the bite tabs, thus preventing the teeth from clashing together and protecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). One or more air holes may be provided in the front portion of the mouthguard permit easy breathing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an occlusion device for use in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device includes an occlusion member and may also include a stabilizing member. The stabilizing member inhibits compression of the left atrial appendage, facilitating tissue in-growth onto the occlusion member. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for scarifying an interior surface of a sewer pipe, which includes a vehicle moveable along an interior of the sewer pipe and a scarifying assembly connected to the vehicle having a fluid nozzle assembly. The fluid nozzle assembly has at least one branch with a fluid nozzle coupled to a distal end of the branch. The nozzle is positioned proximate the interior surface of the passageway. The fluid nozzle assembly is operative to rotate or oscillate and to emit a jet of fluid from the one nozzle against the interior surface of the passageway and to scarify the interior surface of the passageway as the vehicle moves along the passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing parts includes a cleaning chamber including a spray portion and a reservoir portion. The spray portion includes a support for the parts and a spray bar having at least one orifice for distributing a cleaning solution. The reservoir portion stores and collects the cleaning fluid. A thermal energy source adjusts and maintains the operating temperature of the cleaning solution in the reservoir portion. The thermal energy source retains a transfer fluid and includes a heater for adjusting a temperature of the transfer fluid. A conduit extends through the thermal energy source and defines a passageway for the cleaning fluid. A pump draws the cleaning fluid through the passageway and discharges the cleaning solution through the spray bar, such that the operating temperature of the cleaning solution is increased.

Abstract: An automated canopy positioning system for providing solar protection is disclosed. The automated canopy positioning system orients the canopy of the umbrella in relation to the sun so that a shade at a predetermined location is provided thereunder. The system has a canopy for providing shade in response to light impacting the upper surface, a first photodetector for detecting the amount of light in the shaded area and for generating a photocurrent in response to the light incident thereon, a control circuit for receiving the photocurrent and for generating a control signal in dependence thereon, and a positioning mechanism coupled with the canopy for spatially orienting the canopy in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A tent ventilation structure includes a vent window in proximity to a tent floor, and an awning coupled to a top edge of the vent window configured to extend outward from the tent to a position above the base of the vent window. Advantages of the invention include the ability to ventilate the tent at locations that improve air circulation and the campers' comfort and enjoyment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tent pole assembly for shoring up, which comprises a bottom pipe made of iron, a top pipe made of fiberglass reinforced plastic, and a connecting portion for connecting said bottom pipe and said top pipe. Said connecting portion is provided with a insertion portion and a protruding ring disposed along with exterior surface thereof. When said insertion portion inserts into one end of said bottom pipe, said protruding ring shores up said bottom pipe.

Abstract: The waterproof structure of the present invention comprises a first receptacle 102 which is formed by folding the corner portions of a tent fabric 101 in the inner direction of the tent; a second receptacle 113 which is formed opposite the first receptacle 102 in the contact part where the first floor link 111 which is sewn to the outer wall surface of the corner portion of the tent fabric 101 and the second floor link 112 which is sewn to the outer floor surface meet; a waterproof-coated member 121 fixed firmly to the tent fabric 101 that provides the first receptacle 102 and the second receptacle 113 by a plurality of sewing lines, after both ends are inserted into the first receptacle 102 and the second receptacle 113; and a waterproof tape 103 which is attached to the sewing line 131 sewn to the first receptacle 102 while shielding the inner surface of the tent fabric 101.

Abstract: A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure gas cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve is provided with first and second valves located within a housing and integrating a pressurization orifice. The initial opening of the valve in an axial direction enables gas to flow through the pressurization orifice at a first flow rate. The full opening of the valve in the axial direction enables the gas to flow through the second valve at a second flow rate, which is much higher than the first flow rate. The controlled pressurization of the gas through the orifice delays the time during which the gas reaches full recompression. The valve may be further provided with a vent for venting pressurized gas away from a nominally closed top surface of the lower valve element.

Abstract: A freeze-thaw valve is provided using a Peltier heat pump where the thermal short-circuit path between a cooled thermal mass and a heated thermal mass is reduced or absent and the valve state transition time is minimized. The freeze-thaw valve comprises a Peltier heat pump mounted to a heat exchange surface that comprises a cross-drilled copper water jacket or manifold. The Peltier heat pump is operated to maintain a cooled thermal mass at a substantially constant low temperature. A resistance heating element is used to produce a heated thermal mass. The freeze-thaw segment of a fluid conduit is commutated to contact either the heated or the cooled thermal mass to thaw and therefore open the valve or cool and thus close the valve. The operation of the Peltier heat pump at a constant temperature avoids problems inherent in the use of a Peltier heat pump to both heat and cool a freeze thaw segment.

Abstract: A system for control of a fluid flow. The system includes an array of fluidic oscillators. Each fluidic oscillator carries an oscillating flow of the fluid and includes a throat, an input port connected to the throat, two control ports connected to the throat and two output ports extending from the throat. A feedback line is connected to each of the two output ports and each of the two control ports. The system further includes a plenum connected to the input ports of the fluidic oscillators to supply the fluid to the fluidic oscillators and a feedback chamber disposed along each feedback line of each fluidic oscillator to provide a feedback path for the control fluid to cause oscillatory fluid motion between the first output port and the second output port, the frequency of which may be modulated by adjusting the volume of the feedback chamber.