Abstract: The invention relates to a cup tappet for an internal combustion engine, having a skirt which has a radial recess, into which an anti-rotation element (6) is inserted. The anti-rotation element protrudes from the skirt in the radial direction, in order to be accommodated in a corresponding groove of the cylinder head as an anti-rotation safeguard. According to the invention, the anti-rotation element (6) has an outer contour in longitudinal section with a head (20) and a stem (21). The stem has a reduced dimension compared with the head (20) and a thickened portion (32), and can be clipped into the recess of the skirt of the cup tappet under elastic deformation of the thickened portion (32). In this way, an anti-rotation safeguard is possible which can be assembled particularly simply, can be manufactured cheaply and is reliable.

Abstract: The invention provides a valve train for an internal combustion engine, comprising an elongate anti-rotation bridge (16) acting as a retention device and a mounting aid and comprising receptions (18) for valve lash adjusters arranged spaced behind one another. A valve adjuster configured as a roller tappet (17) is arranged in each reception (18) while being directed through a tappet roller (22) toward a cam of a camshaft. The roller tappet (17) is retained for longitudinal displacement in the reception (18) and is secured against rotation through flat key surfaces arranged on its outer peripheral surface that bear against corresponding inner surfaces of the anti-rotation bridge (16).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for managing the vehicle warm-up phase in a cold start situation. The vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic retarder upstream of the set of gears of the transmission that dissipates heat in the engine coolant. Said method is based on the use of the hydraulic retarder, with the vehicle at a standstill, to accelerate the vehicle warm-up phase, in particular the warming of the cabin, the transmission oil, the oil of the brake cooling system and the engine cooling water.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, a starter motor is energized in response to a request for an engine start to perform a cranking of the internal combustion engine. Thereafter, an electric variable valve motor is energized to control a valve opening/closing characteristic to a condition designed to promote the cranking. The start of the energization of the electric variable valve motor is delayed from the start of the energization of the starter motor at least by a predetermined delay period.

Abstract: A working angle (lift amount) of an intake valve is set to a predetermined first set value A1 during a period from when starting of the engine is initiated until when the engine is shifted to an initial combustion state, and the working angle is changed to a second set value A2 (=previous value (initial value is A1)+?) that is larger than the first set value A1 during a period from when the engine is shifted to the initial combustion state until when the engine is shifted to a perfect combustion state. When an engine rotational speed becomes equal to or higher than a reference rotational speed n1, it is determined that the engine has been shifted to the perfect combustion state, after which an engine starting routine ends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle's air intake device. In an embodiment, the intake device comprises an intake pipe, an air cleaner case in fluid communication with the intake pipe, a connection pipe in fluid communication with the air cleaner case, a carburetor attached to the connection pipe, and a plurality of resonators. In an embodiment, the intake device comprises an intake pipe, an air cleaner case in fluid communication with the intake pipe, a connection pipe in fluid communication with the air cleaner case, a carburetor attached to the connection pipe, and means for reducing intake sound levels.

Abstract: An engine is constructed such that respective centers of gravity of a crank shaft, a balancer shaft and a cylinder are positioned close to one another and the mass of the engine is thus centralized. The engine includes a shaft center of a cylinder that is offset to one side with respect to a shaft center of a crank shaft, and a balancer shaft is disposed on a side of the engine where the cylinder shaft center is offset with respect to a first parallel line which intersects with the crank shaft center and extends substantially parallel to the cylinder shaft center.

Abstract: A split connecting rod includes a fracture start groove that extends in an axial direction X and is located at the approximate center of each of opposing positions on an inner surface of a crank pin opening. A bearing securing groove is provided on either or both of the opposing positions on the inner surface of the crank pin opening. Notches are provided, respectively, at both ends of each of the opposing positions in the axial direction X on the inner surface of the crank pin opening. The fracture start groove has a stress concentration factor that is greater than those of the notches and the bearing securing groove. Preferably, steel for use as the material of a connecting rod has a carbon content of about 0.05% to about 0.45% by weight, more preferably about 0.10% to about 0.35% by weight.

Abstract: A combustion method for a supercharged four-stroke engine having at least four cylinders includes a combustion cycle during which a cylinder of the engine is in the exhaust phase while another cylinder is in the supercharged air intake phase with a burnt gas scavenging stage. The start of the exhaust phase of the cylinder in the exhaust phase is shifted in relation to the start of the burnt gas scavenging stage of the cylinder in the intake phase.

Abstract: A system and method for stopping an internal combustion engine. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a shutdown sequence of the engine includes retarding ignition timing relative to ignition timing prior to initiation of the shutdown sequence, and then advancing ignition timing relative to ignition timing prior to initiation of the shutdown sequence.

Abstract: A engine control device for a construction machine of the present invention is configured so that the engine control device comprises a first switch for selecting effectiveness/ineffectiveness of an automatic deceleration control by a controller and a second switch for selecting effectiveness/ineffectiveness of an automatic stop control, and that when a predetermined automatic stop condition is met even if the ineffectiveness of the automatic deceleration control is selected by the controller, the automatic deceleration control which reduces an engine speed is caused to be operated for a fixed period prior to the automatic stop control.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control having a piezo actuator that, when energized, will deliver a force to the throttle gear sufficient to free it from a stuck condition.

Abstract: To easily carry out change pulling directions of opening and closing wires in a link type throttle valve control device, a throttle valve operation dram 61 and a first link lever 62 are mounted at a throttle valve operation shaft 3, the throttle valve operation dram 61 has opening and closing valve end inserting holes 61a, 61b, the throttle valve operation shaft 3 is rotatably provided at a stay plate 1 having first and second cable guide inserting holes 1d, 1e, and rotatably provided coaxially with a throttle valve shaft 52, first and second link levers 62, 56 mounted at the throttle valve shaft 52 are linked by a connection lever 63a, the stay plate 1 is rotated to a desired position around the throttle valve shaft 52, and in this state, the stay plate 1 is fixed at a throttle body 50 by screws 5.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an in-cylinder injector injecting a fuel into a cylinder and an intake port injector injecting a fuel into an intake port. In the internal combustion engine, when a fuel injection ratio between the in-cylinder injector and the intake port injector is changed such that the ratio of fuel injection from the in-cylinder injector is increased, ignition timing is retard-corrected for a prescribed period after that change.

Abstract: In control method and apparatus for a direct injection spark ignited internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine comprising a fuel injection valve configured to perform an injection of fuel through an engine cylinder and a spark plug, a super retard combustion comprising: an ignition through the spark plug at a timing after a compression top dead center; and at least once fuel injection in which the injection of fuel is started at a timing after the compression top dead center and before the ignition, during a cold start of the engine, is executed, and an execution of the super retard combustion is inhibited for a predetermined interval of time immediately after the cold start of the engine.

Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including the step of detecting an engine coolant temperature (THW), the step of selecting a map for a warm state as the map for calculating a fuel injection ratio (or a DI ratio) (r) when the engine coolant temperature (THW) is equal to or higher than a temperature threshold value (THW(TH)), the step of selecting a map for a cold state as the map for calculating the fuel injection ratio (or the DI ratio) (r) when the engine coolant temperature (THW) is lower than the temperature threshold value (THW(TH)), and the step of calculating the fuel injection ratio between the in-cylinder injector and the-intake manifold injector (or the DI ratio) (r) based on the engine speed, load factor, and the selected map.

Abstract: A system for an engine of a vehicle, comprising of a cylinder of the engine, a first injector configured to inject a first fuel to said cylinder, a second injector configured to inject a second fuel to said cylinder, and a controller configured to, during a first operating condition, commence combustion in the engine by injecting fuel into said cylinder from only said first injector during a first start, and during a second operating condition, to commence combustion in the engine by injecting fuel into said cylinder from only said second injector during a second start.

Abstract: A precision fuel rail assembly for direct fuel injection comprising a plurality of formed parts first assembled and positioned loosely on a precision fixture, then joined (e.g. tack welded), by applying a BFM on all joints forming a “green” assembly and firing in a brazing oven, to produce a precision assembly formed from stainless steel parts. A bracket defining a sole plate for the assembly may be formed as a continuous element or a plurality of individual fuel rail brackets. Flanged sockets are attached to the bracket at locations corresponding to the fuel injector locations on an engine bank. Bolt holes are provided along the centerline of the sockets and fuel injectors. The bracket supports a fuel distribution tube via saddle elements disposed between the bracket and the tube. A jump tube supplies fuel from the distribution tube to each socket.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system arrangement is provided which includes a clip having an inner circumferential surface which engages the fuel injector body but has an outer circumferential surface which is inserted within the fuel rail injector cup outlet. Therefore an inadvertent torque placed upon the fuel injector will cause the outer diameter of the clip to engage the interior of the cup and thereafter be prevented from opening.

Abstract: In a method for detecting reverse rotation when starting an internal combustion engine having a sensor disk which is coupled to a crankshaft of the engine, the sensor disk having a marking via an alternating arrangement of teeth and tooth spaces, and a first sensor and a second sensor each capable of generating an electric signal which may assume at least two signal levels, being associated with the sensor disk, one of the signal levels being associated with a tooth and the other signal level with a tooth space, a rising or falling signal edge of the one signal and the signal level of the other signal being used for determining the direction of rotation and increment of the angle of rotation of the crankshaft, the start characteristics are improved by determining the direction of rotation during the start of the engine as early as at the first signal edge.

Abstract: If it is determined that the present engine startup is a high-temperature startup, immediately fuel injection in concert with start of cranking is prohibited. After a delay time elapses following the start of cranking, or when THC<THCh is satisfied, fuel injection is started. Therefore, the cranking during the delay time cools interior of the combustion chambers. Since fuel injection starts after the cooling, pre-ignition can be prevented.

Abstract: A fuel feed apparatus includes a grounded conductive resinous sub tank, a conductive fuel inlet pipe integrally formed with a bottom section of the sub tank and a conductive resinous jet nozzle included in a jet pump. The jet nozzle is welded on the bottom section of the sub tank, and has a nozzle port for jetting fuel. Here, the jet nozzle, the jet pump and the fuel inlet pipe are grounded via the sub tank without individual wiring member. Even if static electricity is generated due to friction between the jet nozzle and fuel jetted from the nozzle port, electrical charging can be prohibited. Thus, dielectric breakdown due to the electrically charging and cracking resulting from the dielectric breakdown can be also prohibited.

Abstract: A fuel feed apparatus includes a sub-tank and a fuel pump that are received in the fuel tank. The sub-tank has an inner space that is partitioned into at least a first chamber and a second chamber. The fuel pump is arranged in the first chamber to discharge fuel received in the sub-tank to the outside of the fuel tank. The second chamber has an opening, through which the second chamber communicates with the outside of the sub-tank such that fuel accumulated in the second chamber is exhausted to the outside of the sub-tank through the opening. The fuel tank has a first tank space and a second tank space. The sub-tank is received in the first tank space. A first jet pump is disposed in the second chamber of the sub-tank. The first jet pump draws fuel accumulated in the second tank space into the first tank space.

Abstract: Surplus fuel returns from an engine into the sub-tank through a bellows pipe. A downstream end of the bellows pipe is supported by a sub-tank lid that closes an opening of a sub-tank. One ends of arms engage with the top of a pump module, which includes a fuel pump. The other ends of arms engage with the outer peripheral wall of the sub-tank. Thereby, the arms connect between the pump module and the sub-tank. Surplus fuel flows into the sub-tank through the bellows pipe, and strikes against the arm. Thereby, return fuel, which comes back into the sub-tank, decreases in kinetic energy. Thus, sound and vapor generated from fuel in the sub-tank can be reduced when return fuel comes back into the sub-tank.

Abstract: A fuel feed apparatus includes a lid module that includes a canister accommodated in a fuel tank. The canister defines a space in the vicinity of a lateral periphery of the canister in the fuel tank. The fuel feed apparatus further includes a pump module that is located in the space. The fuel feed apparatus further includes a connecting member that is axially slidable with respect to the lid module and the pump module along the lateral periphery of the canister and a lateral periphery of the pump module. When the lid module is connected to the fuel tank by moving the lid module toward the pump module along the connecting member, the connecting member hooks to the pump module, so that the connecting member is restricted from moving in a direction, in which the lid module moves toward the pump module.

Abstract: A stationary fuel storage system that includes a stationary fuel tank that defines a tank volume adapted to store a quantity of fuel. An evaporative emission device is disposed outside of the tank volume and defines a device volume that is in fluid communication with the atmosphere. A mass of fuel vapor adsorbing material is disposed within the device volume and a vent conduit provides fluid communication between the fuel tank and the evaporative emission device.

Abstract: A fuel delivery module assembly for a vehicle which includes a fuel delivery module for supplying fuel from a fuel tank, a flange for attachment to a fuel tank and an emissions canister for controlling evaporative emissions. The fuel delivery module includes a reservoir for retaining fuel and a fuel pump for supplying fuel from the reservoir. The emissions canister is coupled to the fuel delivery module in a sliding relationship and is arranged such that the emissions canister can be displaced along a slide axis relative to the fuel delivery module between an installed position, in which the reservoir and emissions canister overlap parallel with the slide axis, and an installation position, in which the reservoir and emissions canister substantially do not overlap parallel with the slide axis. The invention also provides a fuel tank assembly comprising such a fuel delivery module assembly and to a method of positioning such a fuel delivery module assembly within a fuel tank.

Abstract: An emissions control canister including an insert tube and a final scrubber inside the tube. Because a scrubber formed as a carbon monolith is relatively fragile and easily damaged, a flexible, porous, resilient sling is provided for installing and retaining scrubber within cylindrical tube in lieu of either seals or elastomeric gaskets. An end of the scrubber is placed on a center portion of the sling, and the straps are folded alongside the cylindrical surface of the scrubber to form a sub-assembly. The sling is die-cut from planar stock of either a loose, thick, woven polyester fabric or an open-cell resilient foam. Advantages of the sling over a resilient elastomeric gasket are cost, ease of assembly, and the outer surface of the scrubber is made available as additional vapor adsorption area.

Abstract: A failure diagnosis apparatus for diagnosing a failure of an evaporative fuel processing system wherein a pressure in the evaporative fuel processing system is detected, and a purge control valve and a vent shut valve are closed when stoppage of the engine is detected. A determination is made as to whether there is a leak in the evaporative fuel processing system based on the detected pressure during a predetermined determination period after closing of the purge control and vent shut valves. The determination result is decided according to a parameter indicative of an amount of evaporative fuel generated in the fuel tank after stoppage of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling recirculation of part of the exhaust gas of an internal-combustion supercharged engine with a combustion cycle during which at least one cylinder (10) of the engine is in the intake phase simultaneously with at least one other cylinder (14) in the exhaust phase, the cylinders comprising at least one intake means (18) with an intake valve (20) and at least one exhaust means (24) with an exhaust valve (26), said engine further comprising an exhaust manifold (32) connecting said exhaust means. According to the invention, the method consists, when the engine works with a lean fuel mixture, in controlling opening of the exhaust valve (26) of cylinder (10) in the intake phase so as to introduce part of the exhaust gas coming from cylinder (14) in the exhaust phase and contained in manifold (32).

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine for a vehicle having a drive clutch, a blowby control system includes a fresh air introducing channel, for introducing fresh air into a crankcase, and a blowby gas return channel for returning blowby gas from the crankcase to an air-intake system. A blowby control valve is provided in the fresh air introducing channel or the blowby gas return channel, for selectively restricting gas flow through the blowby system. A controller is also provided on the vehicle for controlling operation of the blowby control valve. The controller is programmed to switch the blowby control valve from the closed state to the open state, with the drive clutch connected, when the vehicle starts traveling. The blowby control system and method hereof can reduce variations in the engine speed occurring during engine idling and before clutch engagement, to improve ride quality of the vehicle.

Abstract: Drive current stabilization is achieved through the management of a drive current. The drive current may include a control current that is provided to a control terminal of a switch, a current limit input current that is provided to a current limit circuit associated with the switch and a stabilization current. The switch carries a load current responsive to a control signal on the control terminal. The magnitude of the control current is monitored and a magnitude of the stabilization current is increased responsive to a decrease in the magnitude of the control current to substantially maintain a magnitude of the drive current.

Abstract: The airgun firing mechanism of the present invention has a rotary magazine 1 with a plurality of bores 11 made from a material through which magnetic force can pass, and a magnet 10 is provided in the center of the magazine 1. Also, the airgun firing mechanism of the present invention has inner diameters of respective bores 11 of the rotary magazine 1 having a plurality of bores 11 formed to inner diameters capable of having pellets 91 inserted into them, with the magazine 1 being formed from a material that can pass magnetic force, and with a magnet 10 being provided in the center of the magazine 1. In this way, it is possible to repeatedly fire two different types of bullets, namely BB bullets 90 and pellets 91, using one magazine 1 of one airgun G.

Abstract: A pneumatic assembly for a compressed gas gun having a hammer chamber including a hammer conduit, and a hammer with an aperture surrounding at least a portion of the hammer conduit. A compressed gas gun has a breech, a bolt moveable within the breech from a loading position to a firing position, a pneumatic assembly in communication with the breech, the pneumatic assembly comprising a high pressure chamber, and a hammer chamber. A discharge valve is disposed in the pneumatic assembly between the high pressure chamber and hammer chamber. A solenoid valve is provided for selectively supplying compressed gas to the hammer conduit.

Abstract: The cutting apparatus of the present invention includes a frame with first and second side members that lie parallel to one another. It also includes two or more cross-members that connect the first and second side members together as well as a cantilever member that lies mounted to one of the other members and extends outwardly of that other member. A tray movably mounted on the frame holds an object for cutting; and a motor and block assembly mounted to the cantilever member cuts the object. The method of forming this apparatus includes forming openings in the side members and inserting end portions of the cross-members into the opening to form a frame in which the cross-members are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the side members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vent assembly suitable for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment. In one embodiment the vent is made of a thin air permeable membrane. Generally, the membrane is thinner than 0.5 mm. The membrane can be made of a hydrophobic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The membrane can also be fabricated from expanded PTFE. The expanded PTFE membrane is mounted on a polypropylene scrim. The pores of the membrane have a reference pore size of 10 to 15 microns. In an alternative embodiment, the vent assembly includes a vent constructed from stainless steel. In another embodiment the membrane has a superficial cross-sectional area of approximately 500 mm2. In another embodiment the vent assembly comprises a membrane attached to a vent frame, the vent assembly forming an insert which can be removably attached to a mask frame.

Abstract: In a respiratory apparatus for treatment of sleep apnea and other disorders associated with an obstruction of a patient's airway and which uses an airflow signal, an obstruction index is generated which detects the flattening of the inspiratory portion of the airflow. The obstruction index is used to differentiate normal and obstructed breathing. The obstruction index is based upon different weighting factors applied to sections of the airflow signal thereby improving sensitivity to various types of respiration obstructions.

Abstract: The disclosed laryngeal mask airway device includes a mask portion and an airway tube. The mask portion includes an inflatable cuff, which defines a central opening when the cuff is inflated. The airway tube defines an internal passage extending from a proximal end of the tube to a distal end of the tube. The airway tube further defines two or more tabs disposed near the distal end of the tube. The mask portion is coupled to the airway tube near the distal end of the airway tube, and the tabs extend from the airway tube into the central opening defined by the cuff when the cuff is inflated.

Abstract: A tube for insertion into a trachea having a germicidal light source that is positioned above a cuff that holds the tube in place in the trachea. Activation of the germicidal light source causes an radiation emission that kills undesired bacteria that is fostered by the tube and the cuff, reducing the patient's risk of associated disease, and reducing the need for antibiotics.

Abstract: The invention provides for a prefabricated appliance for correcting many types of malocclusions particular useful for young children. The appliance for use for adults is called a mandibular advancement appliance. The appliance engages the front upper teeth of a patient in a box. There are lateral occlusions extending to the back of the appliance, Below the retention box there are two independent from each other and depending inclines which engage to the rear of the front teeth. The inclines are hinged in a friction fit. The appliance can be used by an adult for improved breathing as well as by a child with malocclusions. There is a C-shaped bridge, bridging the two lateral occlusions to thereby form a channel into which the adult's tongue or a child's tongue can extend for a comfortable swallowing fit. The adult's appliance does not exert any tension to the interior of the lower teeth.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for direct coronary revascularization wherein a transmyocardial passageway is formed between a chamber of the heart and a coronary blood vessel to permit blood to flow therebetween. In some embodiments, the transmyocardial passageway is formed between a chamber of the heart and a coronary vein. The invention includes unstented transmyocardial passageways, as well as transmyocardial passageways wherein protrusive stent devices extend from the transmyocardial passageway into an adjacent coronary vessel or chamber of the heart. The apparatus of the present invention include protrusive stent devices for stenting of transmyocardial passageways, intraluminal valving devices for valving of transmyocardial passageways, intracardiac valving devices for valving of transmyocardial passageways, endogenous tissue valves for valving of transmyocardial passageways, and ancillary apparatus for use in conjunction therewith.

Abstract: A method of protecting an upper body and a lower body of a patient from high venous pressures comprising implanting a first stented valve at the superior vena cava and a second stented valve at the inferior vena cava, wherein the first and second valves are configured to permit blood flow towards a right atrium of the patient and prevent blood flow in an opposite direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the selecting out of winnowings in the manufacture of smokable products, in particular cigarettes, wherein the current size distribution of a stream of tobacco particles passing a measuring point, per unit of time, is detected and compared with a settable nominal size distribution, and wherein an arrangement for separating the winnowings is continually adjusted, depending on the result of said comparison, and to a corresponding device comprising a sensor for detecting the current size distribution, an arrangement for inputting a nominal size distribution, an arrangement for comparing said current size distribution with said settable nominal size distribution, and lastly an adjusting arrangement for setting the arrangement for separating the winnowings, depending on the output signal of said comparing arrangement.

Abstract: A padded receiving device for nail care devices comprising a pad, a pad holder with a pad, or a padded base engaging case, individually or in any combination with each other. The pad holder for supporting the pad has a front slit and an optional rear slit. The pad holder has a top member and a bottom member molded or attached together. A hook from a rear end of the bottom member attaches the pad holder to the nail care device. The pad has a top piece and a bottom piece joined together by a center piece. The center piece situates at an opening bored on the nail care device. The padded receiving device may consist of the pad independent of the pad holder. If the nail care device has a base, the padded receiving device further comprise a padded base engaging case.

Abstract: Provided is a floss dispenser comprises a housing defining at least a receiving chamber with a floss bobbin rotationally received therein. A floss fork is arranged at an end of the housing for bracing a section of floss thereon. A first tension-controlling device is arranged on the housing controlling a tension of the floss after the floss fork. And a tensioner is arranged adjacent to the feeding device controlling the tension between the floss bobbin and the floss fork. By the provision of the tensioner, the tension of the floss can be properly controlled during the flossing process, and the tension of the floss can be released after the flossing process.

Abstract: A process for removing unwanted deposition build-up from one or more interior surfaces of a substrate processing chamber after depositing a layer of material over a substrate disposed in the chamber. In one embodiment the process comprises transferring the substrate out of the chamber; flowing a first gas into the substrate processing chamber and forming a plasma within the chamber from the first gas in order to heat the chamber; and thereafter, extinguishing the plasma, flowing an etchant gas into a remote plasma source, forming reactive species from the etchant gas and transporting the reactive species into the substrate processing chamber to etch the unwanted deposition build-up.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for cleaning a tank through the use of a pair of spray heads arranged in operable communication with a pump via a pair of hose lines. One of the spray heads is operable to disperse a heated mist of cleaning solution, while the other spray head is operable to dispense a jet stream of the cleaning solution. The spray heads can be arranged in a closed loop, recirculating flow of the cleaning solution between the pump and the spray heads, or an open loop. Each hose line has a valve to control the flow of the cleaning solution therethrough so that the spray heads can operate independently from one another.

Abstract: A method of a single wafer wet/dry cleaning apparatus comprising: a transfer chamber having a wafer handler contained therein; a first single wafer wet cleaning chamber directly coupled to the transfer chamber; and a first single wafer ashing chamber directly coupled to the transfer chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for scarifying the interior surface of a sewer pipe. The apparatus consists of a chassis, with an outer frame coupled to the chassis and an inner frame slidably coupled to the outer frame. Two extendible arms are attached to opposite sides of the inner frame. Each arm has a nozzle assembly mounted on the end, each nozzle assembly having a plurality of fluid jets for spray water onto the interior surface of the pipeline. The nozzle assembly may be pivotally mounted to allow for greater control of the fluid jets. The apparatus further includes a propulsion system for movement of the apparatus along the pipeline.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least two panels, with each of the panels having a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, and a fabric for partially covering the loop member. The loop members of two adjacent first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along first edges of the loop members, and at a second overlapping point along second edges of the loop members, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the two loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable.