Abstract: The present invention is a method suitable for heat treatment, or a heat treatment method for growing single crystal silicon carbide by a liquid phase epitaxial method, wherein a monocrystal silicon carbide substrate as a seed crystal and a polycrystal silicon carbide substrate are piled up, placed inside a closed container, and subjected to high-temperature heat treatment, by which very thin metallic silicon melt layer is interposed between the monocrystal silicon carbide substrate and the polycrystal silicon carbide substrate during heat treatment, and single crystal silicon carbide is liquid-phase epitaxially grown on the monocrystal silicon carbide substrate. The closed container is in advance heated to a temperature exceeding approximately 800° C.

Abstract: This method for supplying hydrogen gas in silicon single-crystal growth is characterized by including feeding hydrogen gas at a hydrogen gas concentration of less than X1 into a single-crystal pulling furnace during growth of a silicon single-crystal by the CZ process in a hydrogen-containing inert atmosphere, wherein the hydrogen gas concentration X1 is defined as, in a triangular diagram of a ternary system of hydrogen gas, oxygen gas and inert gas having vertices A, B and C where K1 is a mixed gas dilution limit for detonation and D is a composition of air on a side BC representing a volumetric ratio of the oxygen gas and the inert gas, hydrogen gas concentration at a point S1 where a straight line from D toward K1 intersects a side CA representing a volumetric ratio of the inert gas and the hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip including a semiconductor substrate provided with a semiconductor device region and a porous single crystal layer, where the semiconductor device region is formed on the main surface portion of the semiconductor substrate, and the porous single crystal layer is formed in an inner region on the backside of the semiconductor substrate, and is comprised of erosion holes extending continuously from the backside of the semiconductor substrate in an inward direction of the semiconductor substrate, oxide films formed on inner surfaces of the erosion holes, and a single crystal portion.

Abstract: The disclosed tool includes a process chamber, a communications network, a pressure sensor, a tool controller, and a pressure controller. The communications network is configured to transmit messages to and from a plurality of devices coupled to the network. At least some of the messages include a header portion and a data portion. The header portion of a particular message indicates a sender of the particular message and at least one intended recipient of the particular message. The pressure sensor is configured to measure a pressure within the process chamber. The pressure sensor, tool controller, and pressure controller are all coupled to the communication network. The pressure controller is configured to control the pressure within the process chamber in response to measurements of the pressure within the process chamber provided by the pressure sensor and in response to a set point provided by the tool controller. The set point represents a desired pressure within the process chamber.

Abstract: A reactor configured to subject a substrate to alternately repeated surface reactions of vapor-phase reactants is disclosed. The reactor includes a reaction chamber, a plurality of inlets, and an exhaust outlet. The reaction chamber includes a reaction space. The reactor also includes a gas flow control guide structure within the reaction chamber. The gas flow control guide structure resides over the reaction space and is interposed between the plurality of inlets and the reaction space. The gas flow control guide structure includes a plurality of channels, and each of the channels extends from one of the inlets to an upstream periphery of the reaction space. Each of the channels progressively widens as the channel extends from the inlet to the reaction space. The reactor further includes a substrate holder in the reaction space.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) cure chamber enables curing a dielectric material disposed on a substrate and in situ cleaning thereof. A tandem process chamber provides two separate and adjacent process regions defined by a body covered with a lid having windows aligned respectively above each process region. One or more UV bulbs per process region that are covered by housings coupled to the lid emit UV light directed through the windows onto substrates located within the process regions. The UV bulbs can be an array of light emitting diodes or bulbs utilizing a source such as microwave or radio frequency. The UV light can be pulsed during a cure process. Using oxygen radical/ozone generated remotely and/or in-situ accomplishes cleaning of the chamber. Use of lamp arrays, relative motion of the substrate and lamp head, and real-time modification of lamp reflector shape and/or position can enhance uniformity of substrate illumination.

Abstract: A wafer heater is provided, including a body also serving as a heat source, a ceramic ring on the body, and a buffer ring on the body. The buffer ring contacts with the ceramic ring, and has a top surface higher than that of the ceramic ring so that a wafer can be placed on the top surface of the buffer ring without contacting the ceramic ring. The thermal conductivity coefficient of the buffer ring is smaller than that of the ceramic ring. The product of thermal conductivity coefficient and top surface area of the buffer ring is also smaller than that of the ceramic ring.

Abstract: A silicon shelf tower for batch thermal processing of silicon wafers in a vertical furnace. The tower includes at least three silicon legs joined to bases and having a vertical arrangement of slots. Silicon shelves are detachably loaded by sliding therm through the slots in the side legs and into the slot of the back leg. A interlocking mechanism detachably locks the shelves to the back leg while the slots in the two side legs laterally constrains the shelves. The shelves include cutouts to allow a robot paddle to load and unload wafers to the shelves. Circular holes in the shelves relieve stress and prevent wafer sticking Preferably, the shelves are formed from randomly oriented polycrystalline silicon. The shelves and towers can alternatively be made of other materials such as quartz and silicon carbide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for depositing at least one layer on at least one substrate in a process chamber. Said layer comprises several components and is insulating, passivating or electrically conductive. The components are vaporized in a tempered vaporization chamber by means of non-continuous injection of a liquid starting material or a starting material dissolved in a liquid using a respective injector unit. Said vapor is guided to the process chamber by means of a carrier gas. It is important to individually adjust or vary the material flow parameters, such as injection frequency and the pulse/pause ratio and the phase relation of the pulse/pauses to the pulse/pauses of the other injector unit, determining the time response of the flow of material through each injector unit. The pressure in the process chamber is less than 100 mbars, the process chamber is tempered and several series of layers are deposited on the substrate during one process step.

Abstract: A method for counting somatic cells or fat droplets in milk on-line during milking by an automated or semi-automated milking system comprising the steps of: flowing milk as milked by the milking system through a measuring chamber (59); illuminating milk that flows through the measuring chamber; and recording multiple two-dimensional digital images of illuminated milk that flows through the measuring chamber, wherein the images are recorded through a lens system (49) to preferably obtain a spatial resolution better than about 5 microns in the images. Finally, a somatic cell or fat droplet count score of the milk is determined from the images by means of digital image processing, preferably including the use of neural networks.

Abstract: An arrangement for housing a large number of milking animals, each of which belongs to one of a plurality of groups, comprises a resting area (1) wherein the milking animals are allowed to rest; a feeding area (3) wherein the milking animals are fed; and a milking area (5) housing at least one milking robot for milking the milking animals, wherein the resting area (1) or the feeding area (3) is partitioned in sections (7, 9, 11, 13; 41, 43, 45, 47), the number of which corresponds to the number of the groups; and a device (19; 53) is provided for directing each of the milking animals moving towards the resting area (1) or the feeding area (3), which is partitioned in sections, into one of the sections depending on the group, to which the respective milking animal belongs, so that that each of said sections will house milking animals belonging to one of said groups.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a milking machine comprising one or more teat cups and a vacuum source providing a vacuum in the teat cups, for collecting a small volume of liquid for cold storage, the apparatus comprising: a) a fluid collection receptacle (15) having an opening (17) for collecting fluid, b) a housing for the fluid collection receptacle (15) comprising an inlet (12) for receiving the liquid from the one or more teat cups and a port for providing a vacuum within the housing from said vacuum source, and c) means for retaining (14) the opening (17) of the receptacle (15) to receive liquid via the housing inlet (12). A milking system incorporating the apparatus is also claimed.

Abstract: An animal furniture bed having one side open to allow for storing of objects in an area of the bed below the sleeping surface. The bottom of that open side has a lip element that extends the complete length of that side to prevent objects from rolling out of the furniture bed. Lips can also extend upward from each side to create an area in which to place a sleeping pad for an animal. The pad serves as the animal bed.

Abstract: A multi-purpose furniture structure and system can be used for caring for an animal throughout the life of the animal. For small animals such as puppies, this furniture system can be used as a dwelling in which the owner can train the animal to behave in a desired manner. Animal toys are stored in-the animal living space as well. A removable barrier such as a grate or plastic ventilated sheet could cover a front opening to prevent undesirable movement of the animal in and out of the furniture structure. Animals can use a detachable ramp member to climb to the top of the furniture structure. For larger or older animals, the furniture structure can serve a bed or as a means to help the animal get into the bed of the owner. The furniture structure can form a bed for animals of all ages. The bed can be positioned adjacent an owner's bed.

Abstract: A multi-purpose furniture structure and system can be used for caring for an animal throughout the life of the animal. For small animals such as puppies, this furniture system can be used to train the animal to behave in a desired manner. Animal toys are stored in the animal living space as well. Animals can use a detachable ramp member to climb to the top of the furniture structure. The ramp is extendable allowing for the ability to vary the length of the ramp. This feature enables the owner to change the angle of inclination of the ramp to accommodate animals that may have difficulty climbing steeper ramp inclines. For larger or older animals, the extendable ramp can serve a bed or as a means to help the animal get into the bed of the owner. The furniture piece can be positioned adjacent an owner's bed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an animal identification, feeding and entry control system based on a radio frequency identification (RFID) system including an animal collar-mounted RFID tag, and RFID circuitry including a single antenna housed within a bezel placed forward of and surrounding the entry aperture to optimize signal reception. The bezel shape allows only one animal to enter at a time. To conserve power, the circuitry is only activated when an animal pushes against a door within the device, triggering a switch mechanism. A circuit-controlled latch prevents animals from opening the door unless a code match is detected between the programmed code in the tag and a stored code in the circuit controlling the system. Multiple codes may be stored for identifying multiple animals wearing collars tagged with unique identifying codes. The system's applications include but are not limited to controlling animal entry to feeding enclosures, human housing and animal housing.

Abstract: A spill-proof pet dish has a rigid mounting shaft with one of several height adjustable attaching means. A threaded lag bolt end of the shaft attaches to a flat support surface, such as a floor, deck, or patio. A corkscrew device at the end of the shaft for outdoor use screws into the ground. An L-shaped shaft with a clamp on the horizontal leg mounts to vertical elements, such as fence posts. A square Y-shaped shaft with two ramped locking mechanisms supports two pet bowls. A ramped locking mechanism at the top of the shaft removably locks in place a T-shaped locking post attached to the recessed bottom of the pet bowl for removable cleaning or remote refilling of the bowl.

Abstract: In view of the aforementioned considerations, a pet toilet comprises a stooling floor for receiving thereon animal waste in the form of feces and urine, the stooling floor having first and second ends. A trough is provided at the second end of the stooling floor for receiving waste from the stooling floor, the trough being connected to a sewer system for disposal of the waste. A squeegee is provided having at least one blade with a first edge in contact with the stooling floor. The blade extends across the stooling floor and is movable from the first end to the second end of the stooling floor to move the waste into the trough. A fluid dispenser for dispensing liquid onto the stooling floor facilitates removal of the waste and washes the floor. The squeegee is advanced from the first end to the second end of the stooling floor to move the waste and liquid toward and into the trough.

Abstract: A screening device has elongate sheet of a thin non-transparent material windably mounted at one end to a spring-activated rotatable rod within a portable housing having a longitudinal slot through which the sheet is movable for winding and unwinding purposes while being prevented from passing entirely into said container through said slot. The container is provided at one end thereof with means for readily and releasably connecting the same in an upright position with a stationary object, while a supporting post is connectible to said sheet at the free end thereof and adapted to be secured to a stationary object at a distance from said first mentioned stationary object to thus support the unwound sheet in a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: Animal waste is removed from a barn floor by moving a trolley in a first direction adjacent a first trough in the floor. As the trolley moves in the first direction: a blade extending from the trolley scrapes the waste into a region adjacent the trough; rotating paddles on the trolley drive the waste from the region into the trough; and a plow on the trolley that extends into the trough drives the waste toward one end of the trough for removal. Alternatively water drives the waste in the trough in the first direction. When the trolley moves away from the one end, the blades scrape the waste toward the region and the paddles drive the waste into the trough, but the plow is idle because the plow pivots to ride on top of the waste.

Abstract: An animal shelter includes a housing, a heating compartment, a cooling device and a control device. The housing defines a shelter cavity therein. The shelter cavity is sized to accommodate one or more animals. The housing has an opening therein permitting ingress and egress from the shelter cavity of the housing. The heating compartment is positioned within a portion of the housing so as to provide unrestricted access to the shelter cavity. The heating compartment is sized and dimensioned to accommodate at least one heating element for heating the shelter cavity. The cooling device is positioned within a portion of the housing for cooling the shelter cavity. The control device is operably connected to the at least one heating element and the cooling device for selectively activating the at least one heating element or cooling device to provide a thermally controlled environment within the shelter cavity.

Abstract: The patent search disclosed many self-cleaning pet brushes. Most use a perforated pad over the bristles. Our method has a wire grill that sits flush with the base. It is held in place by hinges. A flipper button next to the handle flips the hair off into a waste container. This principle is applied to both the pet cleaner and the horse brush cleaner. Both the work grill for pet brush cleaning and the plate over the serrated blades for horse brush cleaning are held in place by a magnet (ear ring) type. This holds the grill and the plate in a firm position while in use. We found no self cleaning brushes for horses—only a hair shredder issued to a Allen Simon . . . U.S. Pat. No. D481-8365 Dated Nov. 14, 2003. The combination of a pet brush and a horse brush is unique and no patent has been found using this design.

Abstract: An improved equestrian jump pole for use in equestrian sports. The pole comprises an elongate section of tubing, which is preferably formed from a fiberglass material. The tubing is filled with a filler material, which preferably comprises a polymer foam material, such as polyurethane or latex-based foam rubber and the like. The respective ends of the pole further are preferably provided with cap members to prevent dirt, water and the like from infiltrating the interior of the tubing. The poles advantageously can be formed to have an exact length, shape and weight, and are substantially more durable than conventional jumping poles.

Abstract: A pet toy that produces sounds or lights when a sensor disposed in the pet toy detects motion or vibration. The sensor is highly sensitive such that the toy will produce sound or lights when the sensor senses that the toy housing has moved, even over a very short distance. The highly sensitive pet toy reacts more like a live creature than prior art pet toys, thereby creating a more interesting toy for pets.

Abstract: An automotive safety harness for pets is disclosed, the harness including first and second closed loops formed by a length of webbing joined at opposite ends and secured at an intersection. The opposite ends at the second closed loop are permanently secured with the first closed loop at a position opposite the first closed loop from the intersection, a first fastener secured to an exterior surface at the position. A securing webbing is configured with first and second interface loops to slidably maintain the first and second closed loops at the position at one interface loop and receive the vehicle seat belt in the other, respectively. A second fastener is secured to the interior of the first interface loop surface, the first and second fasteners releasably engagable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in a recovery boiler, into which spent liquor to be combusted and combustion air are fed, the arrangement comprising superheaters in the upper part of the recovery boiler for recovering heat. Instead of screen tubes the invention is provided with a superheater formed of horizontal elements.

Abstract: A compact gas fired steam generator comprises a water tank with designated steam separation zone, boiling zone and a solids separation zone, a burner for burning gaseous fuel with air for producing combustion products and a flat tubular type heat exchanger immersed in water in the water tank. The combustion products are passing through the heat exchanger in an indirect heat transfer relationship with water in boiling zone thereby boiling, circulating and evaporating the water in boiling zone and in an indirect heat transfer relationship with cold make up water passing upwardly through solids separation zone thereby preheating cold make up water and cooling combustion products and recovering latent heat and condensing moisture present in combustion products. The cooled combustion products are discharged to outdoors and the collected condensed moisture is discharged to drain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the conveyance of fine-grained solids in a fluidized bed reactor and also to a corresponding plant. It is proposed to introduce a first gas or gas mixture from below through a central tube (3) into a mixing chamber (7) of the reactor (1), the central tube (3) being at least partly surrounded by a stationary annular fluidized bed (10) which is fluidized by supplying fluidizing gas. The gas velocities of the first gas or gas mixture as well as of the fluidizing gas for the annular fluidized bed (10) are adjusted such that the particle Froude numbers in the central tube (3) are between 1 and 100, in the annular fluidizied bed (10) between 0.02 and 2 in the mixing chamber (7) between 0.3 and 30.

Abstract: A steam generator includes at least two successive combustion hearths with at least one burner supplied with fuel and oxidizer, a vaporization zone comprising a vaporization exchanger, a superheating zone comprising a superheating exchanger, a preheating zone comprising a preheating exchanger and a collecting drum, Each hearth includes at least one vaporization exchanger.

Abstract: A water injection control system includes a control unit adapted to receive one or more of a plurality of sensor signals from sensors provided as standard equipment in a vehicle, and to provide one or more control signals configured to control the operation of a water injection system associated with an engine of the vehicle. The received sensor signals may include signals from sensors such as an O2 sensor, an engine coolant temperature sensor, a mass air flow sensor, a manifold absolute pressure sensor, a crankshaft position sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an intake air temperature sensor, and a throttle position sensor. The control signals provided by the controller may include signals for controlling functions such as water injector pulse rate and pulse width, water pump operation, water heater power, dashboard indicators, and PCU O2 sensor input.

Abstract: This invention produces a variable compression ratio in internal combustion engines, based on a sliding concentric piston which moves up by an internal spring and down by the different changing pressures over the concentric piston head, within the combustion chamber. This invention changes the compression ratio in an instantaneous and continuous way, depending directly on the pressure of the fuel mixture load in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for guiding media in a cylinder block and crankcase of a reciprocating piston in-line combustion engine having a number of cylinders. To this end, the media guide comprises, among other things, at least one cross-channel that leads from one longitudinal side to the other longitudinal side of the cylinder block and crankcase. A structurally advantageous and simple design is provided by virtue of the fact that the cross-channel runs inside a free space, which is formed by recesses of two adjacent pistons in the lower area of the piston skirts and above the crankshaft bearing of the combustion engine.

Abstract: A wet-style cylinder liner (16) for a diesel engine is provided with a surface texture (28) to combat the effects of cavitation-induced erosion. The surface texture (28) can be formed as a coating (30) of manganese phosphate applied about the outer surface (26) of the cylinder liner (16) within the coolant flow passage (20) of the engine. The manganese phosphate is applied in such a manner that a crystalline structure of 2-8 ?m average grain size, blocky in nature, clearly faceted, with no cauliflower-like formations and a discernable channel network surrounding the crystals is formed. This crystalline structure works with the natural adhesion and surface tension effects within the liquid coolant to create a stagnant fluid layer about the outer surface (26) of the cylinder liner (16). The stagnant fluid layer functions like a self-healing armor plate.

Abstract: A suspension system for a motor of a combustion-powered hand tool includes a motor retaining ring defining a space for accepting the motor, an outer ring radially spaced from the retaining ring and configured for attachment to a cylinder head of a combustion chamber, and at least one resilient suspension element configured for dampening vibrations between a motor support and a tool frame, and having a plurality of resilient beams connecting the retaining ring and the outer ring.

Abstract: A combustion-type power tool includes a frame comprising a housing having one end, and a head portion disposed at the one end, and a piston reciprocally movably disposed in the housing. A combustion chamber is provided in the housing and has one end movable toward and away from the head portion and another end defined by the piston. A motor is provided and has a motor case disposed opposite to the combustion chamber with respect to the head portion, a buffer member is provided which supports the motor and has a part located between the motor case and the head portion.

Abstract: A system and method to control engine valve timing of an internal combustion engine. Electromechanical valves are controlled to improve engine fuel economy. Further, the method can adjust valve operation to provide air-fuel charge motion and increase combustion stability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a variable valve mechanism 10 for changing the lift amount and operating angle of an internal combustion engine valve disc 12.

Abstract: A two-step roller finger follower having a high-lift follower portion that rotates relative to a low-lift follower portion about a pivot shaft, including a lost-motion compression spring disposed in a linear bore formed in the high-lift portion to exert force against an curved pad on the back side of the valve pallet of the low-lift portion. The spring is retained and guided in its bore by a spring retainer having a planar bottom for engaging the curved pad. Preferably the retainer is a cup positioned in the spring bore such that the stroke of the cup is limited, to prevent leak-down of the associated hydraulic lash adjuster. Driving the spring by a linear-acting retainer in a linear bore causes the spring to be compressed linearly, resulting in a highly stable and predictable spring rate.

Abstract: A lift-variable valve-operating system for an engine, includes a subsidiary cam swingably carried on a movable support shaft. A cam follower is operatively connected to an engine valve and follows the subsidiary cam. The lift amount of the engine valve is varied by displacing the movable support shaft. The subsidiary cam has an oil sump provided in an upper surface and opens upwards to store oil. The subsidiary cam is provided with an abutment face abutting against the cam follower. The abutment face includes a lift portion for turnably driving the cam follower; and a base circle portion connected to the lift portion and which retains the cam follower in a rest state. The subsidiary cam is also provided with a lubricating oil bore for guiding the oil in the oil sump to the base circle portion.

Abstract: An improved cam shaft configuration for internal combustion engines is provided wherein the oil is efficiently diverted from the camshaft cap to adjacent camshaft lobes. A reorientation of the camshaft oil diverter improves the distribution and increases the quantity of oil flow without building in additional oil passages to supply oil to cams, that would introduce additional expense without substantially alleviating existing prior art lubrication deficiency problems. The invention obviates the known prior art configurations that suffer from the drawback of insufficient distribution of lubricating oil to adjacent camshaft lobes that is effected by oil diverter configurations.

Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable cam follower (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said cam follower comprising two elements (2, 3) telescoped into each other and, axially displaceable relative to each other. A bore (4) comprising at least one piston (5) extends in the inner element (2). The piston (5) has, on a portion of its outer peripheral surface (7), a stepped entraining surface (8) that starts from the first front end (6) of the piston (5) facing the outer element (3). For achieving coupling, the piston (5) can be displaced with this entraining surface (8) onto a flat counter surface (10) of the other element (3). The entraining surface (8) of the piston (5) extends, starting from the first front end (6), toward a second front end (11) of the piston (5) while tapering into a conical shape generally in the direction toward a longitudinal axis of the piston (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction device for an internal combustion engine provided with a first manifold (1) having a slot (3). A first suction line (5) is extended from an input orifice (7) which enters the first manifold (1) to an output orifice (9) which connects the first suction line (5) to the suction line of a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine. The inventive device also comprises a second suction line (11) and a second manifold (13) provided with a second slot (15) which are orientable and interconnectable. When the second suction line is in the first pivoting position, intake air passes through the first slot (3) to the first manifold (1) and afterwards, flows to the first suction line (5).

Abstract: A raised portion is formed at a predetermined location on an inside surface of a wall portion of an intake manifold. A gas introduction hole for introducing gas containing water vapor is formed in another predetermined location, other than in the raised portion, in the inside surface of the wall portion. An intake air negative pressure outlet hole for releasing intake air negative pressure within the surge tank to the outside is formed in the raised portion. A guide groove which catches moisture that trickles down the inside surface of the wall portion above the raised portion and guides it to a location away from the intake air negative pressure outlet hole, is formed in a region above the intake air negative pressure outlet hole in a rising surface of the raised portion.

Abstract: The disclosed multi-cylinder, poppet-valved engine, has replacement cylinder sleeves larger than the original sleeves, and laterally supported near their upper ends by an aluminum alloy plate having a continuous flange or boss projecting into the cylinder block. The flange has an inner perimeter surface having a profile fittingly engaging upper exterior cylindrical surfaces of the sleeves providing lateral support to the sleeves and heat transfer from the sleeves to coolant and to the block. The flange further provides a coolant groove that circulates coolant around the perimeter of the cylinder sleeves to further the heat transfer from the sleeves to the coolant and to the block. The plate is sealed to the block and head with a spacing and gasketing to accommodate thermal expansion while avoiding combustion gas leakage at the cylinder sleeve tops.

Abstract: A small internal combustion engine having user interfaces which are formed at least in part of at least one glow-in-the-dark or luminescent material. The user interfaces may include, for example, the carburetor choke and throttle controls, the carburetor primer bulb, the carburetor primer bulb base, the engine ignition key switch, the ignition key, the fuel shut-off valve member, the recoil starter handle, the fuel tank cap, and the oil fill cap.

Abstract: The invention is an improved internal combustion engine having a crankshaft, an accessory, a motor/generator, and a belt-drive system. The belt drive systems includes a crankshaft pulley, an accessory pulley, a motor/generator pulley, a belt tensioner, a belt tensioner pulley, and a power transmission belt trained about the crankshaft pulley, the accessory pulley, the motor/generator pulley, and the belt tensioner pulley. The belt tensioner pulley contacts the belt at a start-slack-side span. It is improved by the tensioner being asymmetrically biased in a direction tending to cause the power transmission belt to be under tension.

Abstract: A four-stroke reciprocating piston internal combustion engine with an intake valve an exhaust valve and a valve drive assembly (18) driven by the crankshaft (4) for actuating the intake valve (8) and the exhaust valve (10). A mixture-preparation device (15) supplies an air/fuel-lubricant mixture to the crankcase, which together with the piston functions as a pump for the mixture charge. A valve drive assembly housing (19, 20, 21, 22) comprising one or more sections (19, 20, 21, 22) and the intake channel (16) is supplied with a connecting duct (17) communicating with the crankcase volume (12) either by being connected to the crankcase or the cylinder, or by being connected to the valve drive assembly housing (19, 20, 21, 22), which communicates with the crankcase volume (12), and the communication from the intake channel (16) to the crankcase volume is arranged through at least one valve.

Abstract: Fuel to be supplied to fuel injectors (31A-31D) of an internal combustion engine is pressurized using a plunger pump (14) which operates in accordance with the rotation of the internal combustion engine. Each of the injectors (31A-31D) injects the supplied fuel into each of a plurality of cylinders at a predetermined crank angle. At a predetermined calculation timing which is prior to a fuel injection timing of each fuel injector (31A-31D), an engine controller (41) predicts a fuel pressure (Pest) at the fuel injection timing with a high degree of precision (S15). When the predicted fuel pressure (Pest) reaches a predetermined injection permission pressure, the fuel injector (31A-31D) is controlled to execute fuel injection (S17, S23), and thus delays in a fuel injection start timing during cranking are prevented.

Abstract: A fail-safe control system for controlling valves in power generation systems is presented. The AC-coupled, rectified signal supplied to one valve is disabled in the event that the other valve fails. This failure is sensed, for example, through the use of power sensing circuitry configured to sense and multiply the voltage and current applied to the valve. Components such as capacitors and transformers are used exclusively such that only AC power (and not DC power) is transferred, ensuring that, in the worst case, the valves are disabled in the event of a failure.

Abstract: A fuel control system for regulating fuel to cylinders of an internal combustion engine during an engine start and crank-to-run transition includes a first module that determines a raw injected fuel mass based on a utilized fuel fraction (UFF) model and a nominal fuel dynamics (NFD) and a second module that regulates fueling to a cylinder of the engine based on the raw injected fuel mass until a combustion event of the cylinder. Each of the UFF and NFD models is calibrated based on data from a plurality of test starts-that are based on a pre-defined test schedule.