Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus for printing images onto a three dimensional surface of a substrate. The apparatus includes a screen formed of a flexible mesh material and having porous image portions that allows passage of a printing medium through it. A shaping assembly including a plurality of shapers that are movable between retracted and extended positions. In their extended positions, the shapers are engaged with the screen assembly and generally cause screen to generally conform to the three dimensional surface of the substrate. A squeegee, that is flexible and conformable to the three dimensional surface, is drawn along screen and forces at least some of the printing medium through the porous portion of the screen and onto the three dimensional surface.

Abstract: A web is guided in a processing machine by the use of a device which includes a regular device and at least one further web guiding element. These cooperate to subject the web to an offset or to a change in direction. The regular device and the at least one further web guiding element are arranged for mounting on a common guide in a direction that is transverse to the direction of travel of one incoming web.

Abstract: A printing plate material product, is provided with a printing plate material including a substrate and a image forming layer provided on the substrate; and a wireless memory tag mounted on a part of the printing plate material and including a semiconductor memory and an antenna coil through which data is written in or read from the semiconductor memory. The semiconductor memory stores product data written in at the time of the manufacturing process of the printing plate material product.

Abstract: A device is used to store blankets or dressings which are to be supplied to a cylinder of a printing machine. A plurality of such blankets or dressings, which are to be applied to the cylinder adjacent each other and axially spaced, are stored next to each other. These blankets or dressings are stored vertically above a supporting surface, in at least two vertically offset planes. The offset planes form a first storage position and the supporting surface forms a second storage position once at least one of the blankets or dressings has been stored in the different planes.

Abstract: A guideway structure for the high-speed track-bound transportation is composed of the lower-layer main load-bearing girders and the guideway-surface structure elements. The structural elements are connected by the steel elements at the functional zones and the reinforced concrete plates on the guideway body to form an integral. The invention is one of the guideway structures especially suitable for the guideway structure across a river of medium- or small-width.

Abstract: A flexible rail section on which a carriage can be transported may include a longitudinal slot that is essentially parallel to a direction of carriage travel, wherein the flexible rail section can connect two misaligned rails. The flexible rail section may include transverse slots intersecting the flexible rail section in one or more directions. A flexible rail section on which a carriage can be transported may be made from an elastomer, wherein the flexible rail section can connect two misaligned rails.

Abstract: The specification discloses a robot for inspection adapted to travel virtually unlimited distances through small-diameter enclosed spaces such as conduits or ducts, preferably using a fluid-driven screw-drive propulsion system. The robot preferably includes a plurality of wheels inclined at an angle greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, a plurality of wheels aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, and a power system for causing relative rotation of the sections bearing the pitched and non-pitched wheels. The robot may include internal fluid flow passages, notched wheels, multiple retractable wheels, and is configured so as to have an operating diameter less than six and preferably less than two inches.

Abstract: A pallet which is made from elongate steel members of arcuate cross section which are welded together to form a frame, and plastic slats which are engaged with a snap action with the steel members and which form a planar upper surface for the pallet.

Abstract: A deal drawer apparatus (16) is used in carrying out transactions by transporting items between a service provider and a customer. The deal drawer apparatus includes a movable drawer (92). Movement of the drawer is operative to open and close a door (22). When the drawer is extended, a customer is enabled to access the interior area of the drawer. When the drawer is retracted, a service provider accesses the interior area of the drawer through an opening (40). Access through the opening is controlled by at least one movable panel (42). A panel interlock (158) may enable movement of the panel to an access position responsive to movement of the drawer. A drawer interlock (226) may operate to prevent movement of the drawer when the movable panel is in the access position.

Abstract: A system for the pyrolization of waste has a combustion chamber with a fuel inlet and a hot gas outlet, a pyrolization chamber separated from the combustion chamber, and a conveyor means positioned within the pyrolization chamber for moving waste from the waste inlet through the pyrolization chamber. The pyrolization chamber is connected to the hot gas outlet of the combustion chamber. The pyrolization chamber has a waste inlet and pyrolized waste outlet. A plurality of radiant tubes are positioned within the pyrolization chamber adjacent to the conveyor so as to heat the waste on the conveyor.

Abstract: An inductor assembly includes an inlet configured to receive a forced air stream in a path to engage a flow of product so as to generate a combined stream of forced air and product for conveyance to a remote receiver or planting unit for application in an agricultural field. A series of inductor segments each defines a first and a second conduit to communicate the combined stream of forced air and product from the inductor housing to the remote receiver for application in a field. Each first and second conduit includes a bypass opening located to receive a bypass portion of the forced air stream in a manner that enhances the flow of the combined stream of forced air and product to the remote receiver. A vane is located to enhance guidance of the forced air stream in a path toward the mass of product received in the inductor housing.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for use in stabilizing a watercraft such as a kayak or canoe during boarding and exiting the watercraft. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced pontoons having above-water surface areas, below-water surface areas, inner sides, and lengths equal to from about 0.25 to about 1.0 times the length of the watercraft. The pontoons are joined in a spaced, parallel relationship by horizontal supports having lengths approximately equal to the width of the watercraft. The supports are transverse to the longitudinal axes of the pontoons and having opposed outer ends attached to the pontoons, e.g., to the below-water areas of the pontoons, whereby the supports are below water level when the apparatus is resting on the surface of the water. The apparatus preferably also includes rollers or support saddles mounted on the supports to facilitate movement of the watercraft onto and off of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention offers a conversion kit for all terrain vehicle, which is adjusted for driving both on the terrain and in the water. For that purpose, pontoons to lengthen the front and rear side of the all terrain vehicle have been constructed, the height whereof in respect of the vehicle in working position can be adjusted according to one's needs. The pontoons can be turned in such position that does not disturb the movement of the all terrain vehicle on dry land.

Abstract: A new and improved clamp tool device and method of using the device is disclosed for use in holding a boat in a relatively stationary position while the boat is floating in shallow water. The clamp tool device comprises: a first C-clamp having a top edge; and a second C-clamp orthogonally attached to the first C-clamp, wherein the back edge of the second C-clamp is attached to the top edge of the first C-clamp. The method of using the clamp tool device comprises the steps of getting, obtaining, positioning, ramming, securing, and tightening.

Abstract: A self-contained marine propulsion device is disposed within a container, or pod, that is removably attachable to an undersurface of a deck of a pontoon boat. An engine is contained within the container and connected in torque transmitting relation with the marine propulsion device which can be a sterndrive device or a jet drive device. The marine propulsion system is dirigible, with a portion that is rotatable about a generally vertical steering axis and is supported by the container which is attached to the deck of the pontoon boat.

Abstract: The docking system of the invention comprises: at least one docking unit having an axis to which at least two boats may be docked offshore; at least one buoyant members coupled to docking unit; and at least one anchoring member adapted to anchor the platform to a substrate; wherein the docking unit is adapted to directionally adjust to changes in prevailing wind and water flow.

Abstract: A boat slip step assembly (10) for being mounted proximate the corner of a boat slip (16). The step assembly (10) includes at least one tread member (24) for being mounted in a corner of the boat slip (16) below the level of the upper surface of the boat dock (14) that defines the boat slip (16). The tread member (24) has a first edge portion (26) for being secured to a first dock section (20), and a second edge portion (28) for being secured to a second dock section (22).

Abstract: A shock mitigation system for a hydrofoil marine craft is provided, the shock mitigation system includes a pair of stacked lifting bodies, where an upper lifting body is used to provide initial lift for the craft. To mitigate the wave effects on the craft when operating at cruise speed, the distance between the upper lifting bodies and the waterline is proportionally related to the operational wave height. When operated within the selected operational parameters, the distance between the upper lifting bodies and waterline prevents the upper lifting bodies from becoming wetted and producing sudden increases in lift from wave impact.

Abstract: A removable marine propulsion attachment for a non-self-propelled marine vehicle includes a frame structure and a propulsion unit removably mounted on a transom board disposed at the rear end of a body of the frame structure. The frame structure also includes a handle disposed at the front end of the frame body for holding by a person riding on the marine vehicle, and connecting devices provided on the frame body for removably connecting the frame body to the marine vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustably slidable windshield assembly for a boat having a window (6) mounted within channels (8) in frame members (4) attached to T-top supports (3) on a boat. At least one clamp mechanism (14) proximate each channel is provided which can be used to secure the window at any desired open or closed position. Handles (13) are provided to assist in raising and lowering the window.

Abstract: A striker mechanism 21 which clangs a bell 21 is made up of a support member 31 which projects radially outward of the bell, a striker 41 pivotably mounted on the support member so as to be rockable in a direction toward and away from the outer peripheral surface of the bell, and a leaf spring member 41 for maintaining the striker at an intermediate position as viewed in the rocking direction which is by a given distance spaced from the bell. The striker is formed at its one end with an impactor 42 which impacts the bell and an operator 43 which operates the striker for rocking motion and is formed at the other end with a spring abutment 46 against which the leaf spring member resiliently abuts, an intermediate portion between the opposite ends being pivotably mounted on the support member so as to be rockable.

Abstract: A personnel location control system for controlling and guiding a group of individuals in a selected path to a waiting point and then to an activity in advance of that waiting point. The system in one embodiment relies upon a plurality of disks or like guide path-forming elements which define the edges of a desired guide path for a line of individuals waiting to reach the activity or destination. These elements may be physically mounted on a ground cover substrate where a single substrate or a plurality of similar substrates in combination, could form a desired guide path. Thus, some of the ground substrates may define arcuate guide path sections and others may define straight guide path sections, etc., but which when combined will form a total guide path. Thus, modular carpet substrates or sections could be provided and each of these carpet sections would be capable of being secured to a ground or floor surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for raising marine fish in freshwater. The methods involve adding at least one Polyvalent Cation Sensing Receptor (PVCR) modulator to the freshwater in an amount sufficient to increase expression and/or sensitivity of at least one PVCR; and adding feed for fish consumption to the freshwater, wherein the feed comprises an amount of NaCl sufficient to contribute to a significant increased level of the PVCR modulator in serum of the marine fish.

Abstract: A self-latching hinge mechanism (14) and apparatus (10) for applications where access to a pole mounted device is required. The hinge comprises a top section (28) with a cantilevered tail piece (38) which extends beyond a pivot (36) connected at the top (40) of a lower section (30). A latch consists of an encircling slide (32) which binds the tail piece (38) to the lower part of the pivot section (30) when in the lowered, locked position and allows the top section piece (28) to rotate relative to the lower section (30).

Abstract: An animal grooming tool (10, 10?, 10?) that allows a user to spray an animal with a liquid and squeegee excess water from the animal. Spraying and squeegeeing may be performed substantially simultaneously with one another in one motion, if desired. The grooming tool includes a tubular body (14) having a plurality of liquid outlets (22) located along the length of the tool. The body defines a central passageway (18) for conveying liquid to the outlets. Scrapers (42) for providing the tool with its squeegee capability are located adjacent the liquid outlets. The grooming tool further includes a handle region (54) and a grip (58) adjacent one end of the body. A portion of the body is curved to form a concave region (20) so that the tool better conforms to the curved surfaces typically found on the animals groomed with the tool.

Abstract: An animal control arrangement in which there is provided a plurality of leashes which may be attached to the collars of animals to be controlled while walking, exercising, training or the like and which reduces the likelihood of the leashes becoming tangled.

Abstract: A series of upright boiler tubes periodically exposed to the abrasive action of a stream of blowing fluid cleaning medium. Vertically spaced shields mounted on the boiler tubes for protection from the fluid cleaning medium. A split ring casting located between the protective shields to maintain the boiler tubes in an aligned and fixed spaced relationship. The split ring casting is sized to overlap adjacent portions of the protective shields thereby covering any gaps exposing the boiler tubes to the action of the fluid cleaning medium.

Abstract: A reciprocating internal combustion engine is based on Homogenous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) that occurs in a deformable, resonant combustion chamber and that is coupled mechanically to efficient, resonant, electro-mechanical transducers acting as motors and generators. The mechanical coupling also implements fuel/air intake valves and exhaust valves. Embedded sensors allow an electronic control system to start the engine and thereafter to maintain operational configuration of the moving components in response to the effects of imperfect mechanical fabrication and/or assembly and dynamic changes in mechanical properties of the materials with run-time temperature and engine life.

Abstract: A cooling system for an internal combustion engine mounted within a vehicle includes a radiator for rejecting heat to ambient air and an axial fan mounted within a fan shroud associated with a radiator. The fan has a stationary hub equipped with louvers which may be controlled so as to either block off or allow airflow through the hub, and consequentially through the radiator. In this manner, the airflow past the fan may be greatly increased when the vehicle is operated at a higher groundspeed, while decreasing the amount of power consumed by the fan.

Abstract: In a cooling system of an internal combustion engine, coolant flowing through a radiator and bypassing the radiator are mixed in a flow control valve controlled by ECU on the basis of signals provided by sensors such as a coolant temperature sensor, so that the coolant is circulated by an electric pump to control the coolant temperature for the internal combustion engine. A desired coolant temperature is changed according to the operating condition of the internal combustion engine, the traveling condition of a vehicle and the ambient condition. Thus, the temperature of the coolant flowing into the internal combustion engine is changed properly so that frictional resistance in the engine and exhaust gas may be reduced and the internal combustion engine may be kept at its most efficient temperature near a detonation limit temperature.

Abstract: Cooling device for a retarder of a vehicle engine, comprising a coolant circuit with a coolant cooler and a retarder cooler, and at least one further coolant circuit with a further coolant cooler and a further cooler. To allow more cooling capacity to be released for the retarder when the latter is activated, the cooling device has valves arranged to connect the coolant circuits together upon activation of the retarder so that at least two coolant coolers are then used for cooling the retarder, and to disconnect the coolant circuits from one another so that they revert to being separate circuits upon deactivation of the retarder.

Abstract: The invention is intended to provide improved emission-cleaning performance by use of a three-way catalyst alone, without the need for a lean NOx catalyst, while ensuring a fuel economy improvement effect of lean burn operation. A multicylinder spark-ignition engine is constructed such that, in a pair of preceding and following cylinders whose exhaust and intake strokes overlap each other, burned gas discharged from the preceding cylinder (2A, 2D) which is currently in the exhaust stroke is introduced directly into the following cylinder (2B, 2C) which is currently in the intake stroke through an intercylinder gas channel (22) and gas discharged from only the following cylinder (2B, 2C) is led to an exhaust passage (20) provided with a three-way catalyst (24) in a low-load, low-speed operating range.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve actuator for internal combustion engines, equipped with a polarized electromagnet and with a magnetic plate switches between a first position close to the electromagnet and a second position remote from the electromagnet, the switching times between these positions being determined depending on the operating state of the engine. The actuator supplies the electromagnet with a variable attracting current in the course of the approach of the plate to the electromagnet.

Abstract: A shoe housing receives a driving force from a crankshaft and a vane rotor rotates with a camshaft in combination. The vane rotor is received in the shoe housing in such a way as to freely turn. Each of the vanes of the vane rotor partitions each of three receiving chambers into a retard hydraulic chamber and an advance hydraulic chamber. A check valve is disposed in an advance supply passage. The check valve allows a working oil to flow from an oil pump through the advance supply passage to the advance hydraulic chamber and prohibits the working oil from flowing back from the advance hydraulic chamber through the advance supply passage to a drain.

Abstract: In a camshaft adjuster including a camshaft driven by a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine via an adjustable drive mounted on the camshaft by a mounting screw having a hollow shank with an axially movable control piston disposed in the hollow shank and an electromagnetic device for operating the control piston, the control piston is axially movable by the electromagnetic device for controlling the supply of oil to, and its release from, the camshaft adjuster for controlling the relative angular position of the crankshaft and the camshaft, the electromagnetic device operated piston also forming an oil pump for providing a supply of oil to the camshaft adjuster.

Abstract: In a valve drive for a piston internal combustion engine with a first rocker lever which is in operative contact with at least a first cylinder valve, wherein a cam structure including a first cam and at least one additional cam is in active contact with a second rocker lever, which can be placed in force transmission contact with the first rocker lever by an actuator element for transferring the pivot motion generated by the first and second cams selectively from the second rocker lever to the first rocker lever and at a rate depending on an idling angle determined by the actuator element.

Abstract: An improved remote car starter shielding apparatus consisting of a hard, durable, quadrangular convexly shaped shielding component with a plurality of holes in it near the top edge thereof through which a key-ring component, also affixable to a remote car starter unit through a hole in the car starter unit, is inserted and with an elongated elastic banding component, the ends of which are insertable through each of two laterally positioned holes in the shielding component and thereafter respectively affixed to respective remnant portions of the body of the elongated elastic banding component, serving to facilitate affixation of the shielding component about and above the frontal aspect of the remote car starter unit by way of the elastic banding component being fitted about the body of the remote car starter unit.

Abstract: A poppet valve for use in an internal combustion engine. The poppet has a partially-inverted perimeter shape which nevertheless substantially maintains the curtain area of the valve. These improved valves pack more efficiently into the combustion chamber roof area than would conventional, circular-perimeter poppet valves. For the same size combustion chamber, significantly greater total curtain area is achieved, improving engine performance. Valve weight is greatly reduced, enabling the use of lighter return springs, camshafts, desmodromic actuators, and so forth.

Abstract: A cylinder head of an internal combustion engine is provided with an improved intake port configuration, that improves the efficiency of air intake into a combustion chamber. The engine includes an intake valve which covers an opening of a combustion chamber and which has a valve stem supported by a valve guide. The valve guide is fixed to a curved wall of an intake port leading from a hole in the side of the cylinder head to the intake opening of the combustion chamber. An intake port is configured so that the cross-sectional area thereof reduces with an increasing distance from the intake opening of the combustion chamber, and so that the passage cross-sectional area at a distance equal to about 10% of the total length of the intake port from the intake opening of the combustion chamber is 0.8 times the area of opening of the combustion chamber or smaller.

Abstract: A multi-use gasket assembly includes at least two lobes each having a fluid-conveying opening with an associated axis. Four mounting holes are formed in each of the lobes about the openings. The gasket has symmetry across a plane of symmetry containing the axes of the openings.

Abstract: An oil pump mechanism is incorporated in a chain saw having a centrifugal clutch and a saw chain adapted to be driven through the centrifugal clutch and activated in synchronization with the centrifugal clutch to supply a lubricating oil to the saw chain. The mechanism includes a crankshaft, a clutch shoe being mounted on the centrifugal clutch and being connected in driven relation to the crankshaft, a clutch drum disposed coaxially around the crankshaft, a worm fitted on the crankshaft by insertion in a freely rotatable manner and connected in driven relation to the clutch drum to be integrally rotated with the clutch drum, a driven gear engaged with the worm, and a movable pumping element for pumping the lubricating oil. The worm has an inner portion located opposed to the crankshaft and an outer portion including a tooth region. The inner portion is made of self-lubricating resin and the outer portion is made of wear-resistant metal.

Abstract: An intake box having an appropriate size to reduce intake noise is mounted at an upper portion of an engine by using the structural feature of a V-type engine, thereby minimizing the intake noise. The cross-sectional area of a relative intake passage is further expanded to decrease the intake resistance, resulting in an improvement of the engine output.

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine comprising at least one but preferably a plurality of two operating chambers each having a toroidal path of travel on an interior thereof and an interactive piston assembly comprising a pair of first or driven pistons connected to a power take-off and a pair of second or driving pistons concurrently movable along the toroidal path of travel relative to said pair of first pistons. In each chamber, the pair of second pistons is periodically positionable, during each revolution, in driving relation to the pair of first pistons and is cooperatively structured therewith to accomplish the various phases of an engine cycle during forced travel of the pair of first pistons along the toroidal path of travel, thereby causing forced rotation or driving of the power take-off.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an injection of an internal combustion engine. The invention provides that after the internal combustion engine is started, the injection and/or the ignition is carried out according to a signal of an absolute position sensor device, particularly according to an absolute position sensor of a camshaft or according to an absolute position sensor of a crankshaft and to an angular range sensor. When a synchronization signal is detected by a sensor wheel of the crankshaft, the following control processes are carried out according to the synchronization signal, i.e. according to the position of the crankshaft. The inventive method is advantageous in that immediately after the internal combustion engine is started, a relatively precise signal for controlling the injection and/or the ignition is available. This enables a more precise combustion shortly after the internal combustion engine is started.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system is described. The system includes a non-contacting sensor stator integrated into an electronic throttle body and is aligned to the sensor rotor attached to the shaft to properly set sensor air gap by assembly aids or by close fit to the throttle body. A motor and vehicle connector is electrically connected to the sensor stator but is allowed to be positioned separately from the sensor stator by means of a flexible interconnect.

Abstract: A method for closed-loop speed control of an internal combustion engine that is provided as a generator drive or a marine propulsion unit, including the steps of: computing a first control deviation (dR1) from a speed variance comparison; computing a first set injection quantity (qV0) from the first control deviation (dR1) by a speed controller; determining a second set injection quantity (qV) from the first set injection quantity (qV0) and another input variable (E) by a minimum value selector for the closed-loop speed control of the internal combustion engine, wherein in a first, steady operating state of the internal combustion engine, the input variable (E) corresponds to a first injection quantity (qV1) (E=qV1), which is computed via a first characteristic curve, and in a second, dynamic operating state of the internal combustion engine, the input variable (E) corresponds to a second injection quantity (qV2) (E=qV2), which is computed via a second characteristic curve; and changing from the first charact

Abstract: A method for selectively adjusting an amount of fuel to an engine in a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an electric machine operatively connected to the engine and capable of controlling a speed of the engine. The method includes providing an amount of fuel to the engine based at least in part on a desired output of the engine, which is based at least in part on a driver input. The electric machine is commanded to control the engine speed based at least in part on the driver input. An output error of the engine is determined based at least in part on the command to the electric machine. The amount of fuel provided to the engine is adjusted when at least one predetermined condition is met, including the output error of the engine being greater than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1) generates power by burning a mixture of fuel and air in each combustion chamber (3). The internal combustion engine (1) is provided with an in-cylinder pressure sensor (15) disposed in the combustion chamber (3) and an ECU (20). The ECU (20) calculates control parameters each of which is a product of an in-cylinder pressure detected by the in-cylinder pressure sensor (15) and a value obtained by exponetiating an in-cylinder volume at timing of detecting the in-cylinder pressure with a predetermined index at two predetermined points during a period from opening timing of an intake valve (Vi) to closing timing thereof, and calculates a quantity of air aspirated into each combustion chamber (3) based upon a difference in the control parameter between the two predetermined points.

Abstract: The injection system (1) includes a pump (7) for supplying high-pressure fuel to a storage volume, defined for example by a common rail (6), for supplying a number of injectors (5). The pump (7) has at least one reciprocating pumping member (18) with a sinusoidal compression stroke (24). The injection system (1) includes at least one bypass solenoid valve (14) controlled by a control unit (16) having a chopper unit (28) for producing multiple deliveries (29, 31) at each compression stroke (24), so that the pressure in the common rail (6) is substantially level. Each pumping member (18) may be associated with a corresponding bypass solenoid valve (14).