Abstract: An internal combustion engine intake system 10 having a flange area 12 with a first inlet channel 14 and a second inlet channel 13 for each cylinder of the engine and a flap arrangement for closing the second inlet channel 14 arranged in the flange area. The flap arrangement includes an actuating shaft 15 on which flaps 33 are provided for closing each of the second inlet channels 14 when the actuating shaft 15 is operated. The actuating shaft 15 is integrated into the flange area 12 of the intake system 10 and supported by bearing elements 16, which are inserted in mating receptacle profiles 18 formed in the flange area 12, so that the actuating shaft 15 is surrounded by the individual bearing elements 16 over an angular range of substantially greater than 180°.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a combustion engine and an electric propulsion system. The combustion engine includes a camshaft and a crankshaft. The control system improves NVH by deactivating the compression pulses during a cranking phase of the combustion engine. A first control module generates a minimum torque, a second control module generates an actual torque and a third control module generates a reference torque. A timing control module generates a timing control output based on the minimum torque, the actual torque and the reference torque. The minimum torque is based on an RPM of the combustion engine, a spark angle and an air per cylinder of the combustion engine. The actual torque is based on an RPM of the combustion engine, a spark angle and an air per cylinder. The reference torque is based on an output of a pedal position sensor.

Abstract: A governor system is provided for limiting a degree of throttle travel of a throttle as a function of rotational speed of a drive axle. The governor system includes a governor shaft rotatably supported by the drive axle and operably interconnected to internal components of the drive axle for varying a feedback torque, a governor arm fixed for rotation with the governor shaft, a throttle cable interconnected with the governor arm for applying a first pulling force to the throttle and an accelerator cable resiliently interconnected with the governor arm to apply a second pulling force to the governor arm. The second pulling force induces rotation of the governor arm for applying a torque on the governor shaft. The torque balances with the feedback torque of the governor shaft for limiting the second pulling force as a function of the rotational speed of the drive axle.

Abstract: An engine control device can include a throttle valve for adjusting an amount of air supplied to an engine, operation amount detecting sensors for detecting an operation amount of a throttle lever, a motor for driving the throttle valve between open and closed positions according to detection values of the operation amount detecting sensor 21a or the like, and throttle opening detecting sensors for detecting an opening of the throttle valve is provided with a limp-home mechanism for keeping the throttle valve in a mechanically neutral position when an abnormality occurs. When the throttle valve is in the mechanically neutral position, an ignition timing control can be switched in a stepwise manner over a predetermined time period from a regular ignition timing control to a limp-home ignition timing control.

Abstract: A method and device control a volumetric flow in a common rail injection system of an internal combustion engine by producing a rail pressure with a high pressure pump, setting the rail pressure with a high pressure control valve and determining the volumetric flow by a valve position of a volumetric flow control valve controlled by a precontrol characteristic field and a two-dimensional adaptation characteristic field having adaptation values for the valve position predefined as a function of two operating parameters of the engine. This overcomes the problem in current common rail injection systems of the adapted valve position of the volumetric flow control valve often being subject to error, for instance because the valve position is controlled as a function of the rail pressure only using a one-dimensional adaptation characteristic field. This can lead to unwanted ambiguities, which can result in injecting fuel in incorrect quantities.

Abstract: A method for adjusting fuel injection, the method comprising during an engine start from a non-warmed-up condition, identifying a fuel quality of fuel supplied to the engine during said start based on a performance of said start, and after said start is completed and during a transient fueling condition, adjusting a fuel injection amount based on said identified fuel quality from said start.

Abstract: A fuel system for an internal combustion engine comprises a fuel injection apparatus (16) including at least one fuel injector (18), the fuel injection apparatus (16) being arranged to inject fuel at high pressure into an associated combustion space, and a primary supply line (11) through which fuel is supplied from a low pressure reservoir (10) to the fuel injection apparatus (16). The system also includes a return flow line (20) for a return flow of fuel from the fuel injection apparatus (16) to the low pressure reservoir (10), and a filter arrangement (32) including a primary filter (14) arranged within the primary supply line (11) for filtering contaminants in the fuel flow through the primary supply line (11) and a secondary filter (30) arranged within the return flow line (20) for filtering contaminants from the flow through the return flow line (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation system for a fuel tank of an internal combustion engine, the device comprising a filter. The aim of the invention is to functionally improve one such device, simultaneously reducing the structural volume thereof by saving filter volume. To this end, the inventive device is characterized by at least one of the following features: a first stop valve leading to the atmosphere communicates with the same via an air intake filter of the internal combustion engine; and the inner chamber of the tank and the air-guiding region located between the tank and the stop valves are connected to a pump which sucks air from the atmosphere into said region via the air intake filter of the internal combustion engine, if one such pump is available.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, to, e.g., eliminate condensation build-up in the intake manifold and power cylinders, a charge-air cooler (CAC) and/or EGR cooler “bypass” system is provided that can, e.g., control the intake manifold temperature (IMT) above the dew-point temperature of the boosted air. Preferably, a two-port, single valve-body type valve is provided that proportionally controls the amount of charge-air that is “bypassed” (e.g., not cooled), while simultaneously diverting the charge-air cooler return, preferably, inversely proportionally.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block (2) defining a plurality of cylinders (5) reciprocably accommodating respective pistons (7), which are connected by respective connecting rods (9) to a common crankshaft (11), which is accommodated in a crankcase. Each cylinder communicates with a common inlet manifold (21) via one or more inlet valves (19). The crankcase communicates with the inlet manifold via a pathway which includes a droplet separator comprising a labyrinthine pathway. The crankshaft (11) carries a drive gear (13), which is in mesh with a plurality of driven gears (15) accommodated in a gearcase (6), which is connected on one end of the cylinder block (2), whereby the crankcase and the gearcase have adjacent opposed surfaces. The labyrinthine pathway is defined at least in part by the said opposed surfaces of the crankcase and the gearcase.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of optimally controlling fuel injection by an injector even in a transient state of the engine. An ECU 2 of the engine provided with an EGR system (14) controls the amount (Fa) of air drawn into cylinders (3a) via an intake system (4). An air flow sensor (27) detects the intake air amount (Fa). The ECU 2 estimates a flow rate (Fe_hat) of EGR gases according to response delay of recirculation of the EGR gases by the EGR system (14), estimates the amount (mo2) of oxygen existing in the cylinder (3a), based on the detected intake air amount (Fa) and the estimated flow rate (Fe_hat) of the EGR gases, determines a fuel injection parameter (Q*) based on the engine speed (Ne) and the estimated in-cylinder oxygen amount (mo2), and controls an injector (6) based on the determined fuel injection parameter (Q*).

Abstract: A valve, possibly for use in a paintball marker, has a longer threaded portion that insures a canister that engages the valve must undergo many twists to become unscrewed from the valve. Alternatively, the valve has an elongated threaded portion with gas bleed channels that extend along a substantial portion of the threading. Still alternatively, the valve may use visual markings along the length of the threaded portion to indicate to a user that the canister is being unscrewed.

Abstract: A toy gun for launching a foam projectile includes a housing having an outlet, an inlet, and a passage sized to receive the projectile. A launch station disposed in the housing and is arranged to receive the projectile, a crank rotates a resilient actuating paddle. The paddle is shiftable between an undeflected position and an energy storing deflected position, and moves along a path in response to rotation of the crank and extends into the launch station. A post is disposed in the path and is positioned to shift the paddle to the deflected position in response to rotation of the wheel, with the paddle arranged to disengage the post in response to continued rotation of the wheel thereby releasing stored energy as the paddle returns to the undeflected position and travels through the launch station.

Abstract: A skid plate for a concrete saw is integrally cast having two end mounting portions and a middle portion with a slot in the middle portion. A horizontal slot in a leading end mounting portion cooperates and a vertical slot in the trailing end portion releasably engage pins on the saw to allow the skid plate to be easily fastened to and removed from the saw. A spring loaded latch mechanism holds the pins in the slots.

Abstract: A gas grilling apparatus includes a cart, a grill housing attached to the cart, and a grill and a main grill burner contained in the grill housing. An auxiliary burner unit is also attached to the cart, and the auxiliary burner unit is located, or is placeable at a level below the main grill burner. The auxiliary burner unit may be made height-adjustable, and enhances the ability of the user to view or remove the contents of a pot or pan having high side walls.

Abstract: A diving snorkel assembly includes a snorkel tube and a casing. The snorkel tube includes a first portion and a second portion telescopically disposed relative to each other. The snorkel tube further includes an inner surface that defines an air passageway. The air passageway extends through the first portion and the second portion between a first end and a second end of the snorkel tube. A casing surrounds at least part of the first portion and the second portion. An interior of the casing is in fluid isolation from the air passageway. Due to the fluid isolation between the air passageway and the interior of the casing, mechanical mechanisms are sufficient to secure the casing in place such that the diving snorkel assembly may be made without the use of glue.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the nasal or oral delivery of a medicament, comprises: (a) a sealed flexible container (3) containing the medicament and a gaseous propellant for the medicament; and (b) a delivery device (5), comprising: (i) a main body part (5a) which, at least in use, holds the sealed flexible container (3); and (ii) a compressive part (5b) which, when actuated in use, causes the sealed flexible container (3) to be ruptured and the propellant to expel the medicament from the container, thereby delivering the medicament.

Abstract: A disposable aerosol generator for use with an inhaler device, which includes a heater adapted to volatilize liquid stored in the disposable aerosol generator and a method of using the inhaler, is provided. The disposable body includes a sealed chamber and an openable outlet. The chamber is located between first and second layers of material. The chamber holds liquid, which is expelled through the opened outlet when the fluid in the chamber is volatilized by the heater. The disposable body can include a series of spaced apart aerosol generators, each of which can be advanced to a release position at which the heater can heat one of the fluid containing chambers. Prior to heating the liquid, the outlet can be opened and the volatilized fluid can be expelled from the opened outlet into a passage of a dispensing member.

Abstract: An electrically heated cigarette smoking system includes a cigarette that is formed with a tobacco rod portion, a filter tube portion, a tobacco mat layer wrapped around the tobacco rod portion and the filter tube portion with opposite ends of the tobacco mat layer abutting along a seam parallel to the central axis of the cigarette and cigarette paper wrapped around the tobacco mat layer and bonded to itself along an overlapped seam that is offset from the seam of the tobacco mat layer. The method of manufacturing the cigarette includes wrapping the tobacco mat layer and the cigarette paper around the tobacco rod portion and the filter tube portion on a single, high-speed machine.

Abstract: A dispenser for material including an applicator, an elongated housing member with a well at one end thereof for receiving the applicator to shield the applicator, a laterally opening receptacle carried by the housing member for holding a coherent body of the material to be dispensed and applied, and structure carried by or forming a part of the housing member for closing the receptacle to shield the material.

Abstract: A method for etching a polysilicon layer comprises the steps of providing a semiconductor wafer substrate assembly having at least first and second features therein in spaced relation to each other which define an opening therebetween. A blanket polysilicon is formed over the wafer assembly and within the opening. A patterned photoresist layer is formed over the polysilicon layer, then the polysilicon layer within the opening is etched with a first etch. Subsequent to the first etch, the polysilicon with the opening is etched with a second etch comprising a halogen-containing gas flow rate of from about 35 sccm to about 65 sccm and an oxygen-containing gas (for example He—O2) flow rate of from about 12 sccm to about 15.6 sccm.

Abstract: Methods of preventing air-liquid interfaces on the surface of a wafer in order to prevent the formation of particle defects on a wafer are presented. The air-liquid interfaces may be prevented by covering the entire surface of the wafer with liquid at all times during a cleaning process while the surface of the wafer is hydrophobic. Methods of preventing the formation of silica agglomerates in a liquid during a pH transition from an alkaline pH to a neutral pH are also presented, including minimizing the turbulence in the liquid solution and reducing the temperature of the liquid solution during the transition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cleaning and drying a semiconductor structure in a modified conventional gas etch/rinse or dryer vessel. In an embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor structure is placed into a first treatment vessel and chemically treated. Following the chemical treatment, the semiconductor structure is transferred directly to a second treatment vessel where it is rinsed with DI water and then dried. The second treatment vessel is flooded with both DI water and a gas that is inert to the ambient, such as nitrogen, to form a DI water bath upon which an inert atmosphere is maintained during rinsing. Next, an inert gas carrier laden with IPA vapor is fed into the second treatment vessel. After sufficient time, a layer of IPA has formed upon the surface of the DI water bath to form an IPA-DI water interface.

Abstract: A stick mounted with casters, a lower end of a stick main body in which extensible vertical rods are connected to both ends of a grip extending in a horizontal direction is connected to a rectangular horizontal loading table. The vertical rods are self-standing through casters fixed at four corners of a lower face of the horizontal loading table, and a bag is detachably attached on the horizontal loading table. The outer diameter of a wheel of the caster is 30 to 60 mm, and the caster is attached to the horizontal loading table such that a rotational shaft can rotate in the horizontal plane. The grip of the stick main body extends along a longitudinal direction of the horizontal loading table. The vertical rods are curved or tilted so that the grip is located at a central section of the horizontal loading table.

Abstract: An anchor peg includes a pointed body and a collar with an open recess and having an open-sided slot extending from the recess to the body midsection. An impact member occupies the body slot and is retained on the body by a pivot adjacent to the collar which passes through an open-sided member slot in the impact member. The member slot is closed at its opposite ends so that the impact member is deployable from the body slot into a position normal to the longitudinal axis of the body for twisting or pulling to extract the peg. A rounded end of the impact member mates with a rounded body slot end so that impacts at the opposite end of the impact member are applied directly to the body at its midsection.

Abstract: A connector apparatus designed for use in a bioprocessing assembly, and a method for coupling a piece of bioprocessing equipment to a media source in a sterilized environment. The connector apparatus includes a coupler including an end and at least one outlet, and a connector valve connectable at a first end to a fluid source, the connector valve including a valve member, the valve member being partially disposed within the coupler. The connector apparatus further includes a flow passage being actuatable from a closed configuration to an open configuration when the coupler and the connector valve are engaged, as well as being actuatable from an open configuration to a closed configuration. A clip member attached to the coupler allows the valve member to be moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration, and from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

Abstract: A float assembly for a multifunction fuel vapor vent valve with a float having a recess formed in the upper surface of the float with a slot formed in the side of the float and communicating with the recess. A raised surface portion is formed in the bottom of the recess and downwardly extending projections are formed in the slot at the recess. A flexible wafer like valve disk is inserted in the slot and deformed or curled to pass under the projections and over the raised surface and into the recess. When fully received in the recess the disk returns to its flat configuration; and, the downward projections prevent removal without distortion. Radially inwardly projections about the recess retain the disk for limited lost motion in the direction of float movement.

Abstract: There are provided a flow control valve and a flow control device suitable for allowing flow control of a fluid with high accuracy. Diaphragms 8 and 9 are mounted to upper and lower openings, respectively, of an air chamber 6. The upper diaphragm 8 and the lower diaphragm 9 are connected by a connecting shaft 10 and have pressurized surfaces with different areas that receive pressure of the air chamber 6. This causes a difference between forces applied to the two diaphragms 8 and 9, and the difference causes the connecting shaft 10 and a valve body 2 mounted to an outer surface of the lower diaphragm 9 to slide and be separated from a valve seat 23.

Abstract: A vacuum regulating valve which is simplified in structure and where the flow rate characteristic in evacuating a vacuum vessel is improved, comprises (i) a main valve 1A of a large size which has: a principal body 4 having two main ports 11, 12 connected to a vacuum vessel 7 and a vacuum pump 8, respectively, a valve seat 14 disposed in a fluid passage connecting the ports 11, 12, a valve element 15 seated on and separated from the valve seat 14, and a shaft 20 extending from the valve element 15; and a valve element operating unit 5 for operating the valve element 15 via the shaft 20, and (ii) a sub valve 2A of a small size similar in structure to the main valve 1A. The sub valve 2A is attached to an outer side surface of a casing 10 of the main valve 1A.

Abstract: A valve unit and a fluid control chip include: a valve chamber having an inlet and an outlet for a fluid; a valve element accommodated in the valve chamber; a piezoelectric element for applying vibrations to the valve chamber; and a driver for driving the piezoelectric element, wherein the piezoelectric element varies the opening by varying a frequency and/or an amplitude of the vibration applied to the valve chamber and by varying the amplitude of the valve element by the varied vibration.

Abstract: An air tap assembly includes a mounting seat, a gasket, a connecting member, and an end cap. Thus, the sealing portion of the first mounting cap of the connecting member is rested on the gasket to interrupt the connection between the vent holes of the first mounting cap of the connecting member and the passage of the mounting seat, thereby preventing the air contained in the air cushion from leaking outward from the air tap assembly, so that the air tap assembly has an anti-reverse effect to prevent the air from leaking outward from the air cushion, thereby facilitating a user inflating the air cushion.

Abstract: A multipurpose plumbing tool has a body at one end, a head at an opposite end and an intermediate neck portion connecting the body and head. The marginal end portion of the body is cut back to form a reduced section, a shoulder being formed at the junction of the reduced section and a non-reduced section of the body. The reduced section is internally and externally threaded. An inwardly tapered seat for an O-ring is formed in the shoulder. An O-ring positioned in the tapered seat is compressed and contained within the tapered seat to provide a water tight seal when the externally threaded end is threaded into a female fitting. The free end of the head is formed with an internally threaded socket. A washer seated at the bottom of the socket provides a water tight seal when the socket is screwed onto a male plumbing fitting.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid conduit includes a mono-layer of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic material that has a hardness of between 50 and 65 Shore D and a modulus at 150° C. of at least 60 MPa. The semi-crystalline thermoplastic material may be used for making a mono-layered pressurized fluid conduit via an extrusion molding process, such as an extrusion blow-molding process.

Abstract: A duct structure (510), includes lengths of double wall square/rectangular duct (532) manufactured by pre-forming the duct in round cross-section (51) and then transforming the round cross-section into square and rectangular cross-sections utilizing expandable die structures (58). The duct (532) may be connected together end to end by flanged connectors (510, 520) formed from strip stock (71), that is notched at locations that correspond to the corners of the formed flange connector. The cross-sectional profile of the flanged connector is then formed by roll forming and/or bending and/or other techniques. Thereafter, the strip stock is bent at its notched locations to define the corners (80) of the flange connector outer and inner portions (511 and 512) and then the free ends of the strip stock are fixed together. Thereafter, the outer and inner flanged connector portions (511 and 512) are fastened together.

Abstract: An automated bulk dispensing system and a method of use including selectively receiving a predetermined amount of radioactive liquid from a second container into a third container, selectively receiving a predetermined amount of nonradioactive liquid from a first container into a fourth container or directly into the third container depending on whether kits or multi-dose containers of medicine are desired. Preferably, this is for nuclear pharmaceuticals. Displacement mechanisms that are connected to the third container and fourth container are for mixing and dispensing liquid. There is at least one control valve, preferably three control valves, which are each controlled by drive mechanisms. The mixed liquid from the third container can be transferred to a recipient container. There is also a gas vent and bubble detector to eliminate bubbles with a processor that is also utilized to control the displacement mechanisms and the drive mechanisms.

Abstract: The developer cartridge 24 is mounted in the holder 101 of the toner filling device 100 with the toner injecting through-hole 70 of the developer cartridge 24 on top. At this time, the axis of the developer roller 31 is vertical. The slide nozzle 110 is inserted into the toner injecting through-hole 70, such that the nozzle tip is positioned near the bottom of the toner accommodating chamber 34, and the toner expulsion device 120 injects toner into the developer cartridge 24. The toner is introduced with pressure, while the nozzle tip is gradually raised to match the amount of toner introduced.

Abstract: A substrate bonding apparatus for a liquid crystal display device panel includes an upper chamber plate, a lower chamber plate opposing the upper chamber plate, an upper low vacuum chamber provided on the upper chamber plate, a lower low vacuum chamber provided on a rear surface of the lower chamber plate, a sealing member provided on the lower chamber plate, the sealing member projecting from a top surface of the lower chamber plate at a predetermined height to contact the upper chamber plate to form a high vacuum chamber therein, at least two holes provided in each of the upper and lower chamber plates, at least two flow shut-off systems shutting off each of the holes, vacuum pumping system for reducing pressures of the upper and lower low vacuum chambers to low vacuum states, and reducing the high vacuum chamber to a high vacuum state, and upper and lower stages provided to upper and lower chamber plates, respectively, within an inside space of the high vacuum chamber to affix first and second substrates o

Abstract: A portable fluid transfer apparatus for handling volatile fuels or other chemicals comprises a jug-like container of a convenient volume having a removable cap that can be screwed or clamped onto the neck of the jug and mounted atop the cap is a manually operable rotary vane pump having a first inlet/outlet port disposed within the container when the cap is in place and a second inlet/outlet port external of the jug or container. An elongated, suction/discharge hose having a tether for anchoring the end of the hose in place is affixed to the second inlet/outlet. Manual actuation of the vane pump is then used to transfer a liquid from or into the portable container.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an automated medication preparation system including automated syringe preparation that involves reconstitution of the medication is provided. The system includes: an automated device for delivering a prescribed unit dose of medication to the syringe by delivering the medication through the uncapped barrel. One exemplary automated device for delivering a prescribed unit dose of medication to the syringe is in the form of an automated device having a fluid delivery device that is movable in at least one direction. The fluid delivery device is adapted to perform the following operations: (1) receiving and discharging diluent from a diluent supply in a prescribed amount to reconstitute the medication in a drug vial; and (2) aspirating and later discharging reconstituted medication from the drug vial into the syringe. The system further includes a sensor for detecting any foreign matter (e.g., undissolved drug, pieces of septum, etc.

Abstract: In a method of delivering high purity fluorine to a processing system, an on-site fluorine generator supplies high purity fluorine to a fixed storage tank, from which the high purity fluorine is supplied to the processing system. To provide a back up to the fluorine generator, high purity fluorine is also provided in a transportable gas storage vessel, for example, a multi-cylinder pack at a relatively low pressure, typically less than 35 psig. The transportable storage vessel is selectively connected to the fixed storage tank as required to enable the amount of fluorine within the storage tank to be maintained at a desired level.

Abstract: A capless filler tube closure door has a pair of spaced axles or pins which are guided by slots to initially upon being opened by a refueling nozzle move in translation away from the nozzle orifice seat and then pivot out of the way so as not to obstruct the nozzle. Upon nozzle removal as the door approaches the seat, it moves in linear translation to close on the seat to ensure uniform sealing.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for end squaring and/or dividing elongated materials by determining an actual orientation of the elongated material, or an actual position of an associated pair of positioning mechanisms that are contactable with the elongated material, and changing the actual orientation to correspond with a desired orientation through independent movement of the positioning mechanisms prior to or during the end squaring and/or dividing operation.

Abstract: A high-performance tire for a motor vehicle includes a carcass and tread band. The tire may be, for example, of the asymmetrical or directional type. The tread band includes a pattern including a central region, first and second shoulder regions, and first and second circumferential grooves. The first circumferential groove divides the first shoulder region from the central region, while the second circumferential groove divides the central region from the second shoulder region. The shoulder regions include shoulder blocks, separated from each other by transverse grooves, but joined to each other along axially inner ends of the shoulder blocks by respective circumferential portions. The central region includes rows of blocks and first and second annular projections or a central annular projection. The blocks of the central region, the shoulder blocks, the circumferential grooves, the transverse grooves, and the one or more annular projections help define the tread pattern.

Abstract: A transfer tape dispenser comprises a housing and a supply spool and a take up spool disposed within the housing. A carrier ribbon has a first end and a second end, with the first end connected to the supply spool, and the second end connected to the take-up spool. An applicator tip is partially disposed within the housing and includes a platform with a front edge, a rear edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top surface, a bottom surface. A first wall is adjacent to the first side edge and a second wall is adjacent to the second side edge. At least one protuberance extends from the applicator tip and is adapted to maintain outer edges of the transfer tape adjacent to the top surface of the platform.

Abstract: A tool is provided for assistance in removing and installing tires on wheel rims. The tool can be provided with a handle having a tool head disposed at each end. Each tool head is designed to fit between a tire bead and an associated wheel rim so that when the handle is levered, a force is applied to the bead and rim that moves the bead over the rim. Each tool head has a substantially flat portion which can be easily fit between opposing tire and wheel rim surfaces. One tool head has a slightly hooked distal tip to enable axial engagement with a flange of the wheel rim, and thus can be used either for installing a tire on a rim or for removing a tire from the rim. Another tool head has a protrusion disposed near the tool midpoint to engage a flange of the wheel rim. The protrusion can be a roller member having a pin axis perpendicular to an axis of the tool handle. This roller can be fabricated from a soft polymer or rubber material so that the tool will not damage soft-metal wheel rims such as aluminum.

Abstract: An adjustable dustproof sunshade arrangement includes a wall base, a supporting arm and an adjustable joint including a supporting seat mounted at the wall base and an adjustment member pivotally connected with an inner end of the supporting arm in a longitudinal direction, wherein the adjustment member is pivotally connected to the supporting seat in a transverse direction such that the supporting arm is adapted to longitudinally and transversely shift with respect to the wall base. A fabric shelter has an inner edge attached to the wall base and an outer edge extended to attach to an outer end of the supporting arm to define a shading area under the fabric shelter, wherein the supporting arm is adapted to longitudinally and transversely shift with respect to the wall base to selectively adjust a position of the fabric shelter so as to maximize the shading area thereunder.

Abstract: A vertical window blind includes a headrail, a plurality of carriers, a plurality of vertical slats, a decorative curtain, and a plurality of connecting devices. The curtain includes a curtain body having a plurality of mounting portions and covering portions that are alternately arranged along a longitudinal direction of the headrail. Each of the connecting devices includes a first connecting unit disposed at a respective one of the carriers, and a second connecting unit disposed at a respective one of the mounting portions of the decorative curtain and connected removably to the first connecting unit. Gaps between the slats are completely screened by the covering portions of the decorative curtain.

Abstract: A roller shade assembly includes a drape bar extending adjacent a rotatably supported roller tube to suspend a portion of a flexible shade fabric windingly received by the roller tube. The drape bar includes a fabric-receiving portion that is shaped along at least a portion of its length to be non-linear so that the suspended portion of the shade fabric defines a curve across its width. The fabric-receiving portion of the drape bar may be continuously curved. Alternatively, the fabric-receiving portion may include substantially straight segments each longitudinally misaligned with adjacently located segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to A method and apparatus for making a sand core (112) utilizing purge air through a core box (100 and 100?) to harden the binder in the sand core (112) proximate the ejection pins (106 and 106?). The sand core (112) may be removed from the core box (100 and 100?) prior to drying the binder completely thereby resulting in an improved production rate of the sand core (112).

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention is an injection molding apparatus of a type adapted to cool a molten metal under shearing by an extrusion screw in a substantially vertical chamber into a semi-solidified slurry and then inject the semi-solidified slurry discharged from a discharge port at the lower end of a channel into molding plates, in which a clamping device is adapted to open or close a movable plate relative to a stationary plate in the horizontal direction, and a connection member having, at the inside, a vertical first channel and a second channel extending in the horizontal direction from the lower end of the first channel and in communication with the stationary plate is connected to the discharge port at the lower end of the chamber. Since this can inject and mold light metal molding products of high quality with less pore or shrinkage without excessively enlarging the size for the height of the apparatus, casting products of high quality can be obtained at a reduced cost by injection molding.