Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle in engine braking mode, in which the internal combustion engine is operated with at least one unfired cylinder, and the internal combustion engine has variably controllable valve drives for intake and exhaust valves of each cylinder, and a turbocharger device for increasing pressure in the intake tract of the cylinder. The object of the invention is to improve the engine braking characteristic and the response of the turbocharger device. The object is achieved by controlling the intake valves and exhaust valves for setting a specified braking torque that may be set by compressing the air mass in each unfired cylinder.

Abstract: In addition to a knock detection filter, a plurality of optimal knock frequency detection filters (digital filters: BPFs) are provided which filter the signals output from a knock sensor and has mutually different filtering frequency bands. A presently optimal frequency is selected based on the signals extracted by the optimal frequency detection filters, and set as the center frequency of the filtering frequency band of the knock detection filter.

Abstract: When the first fuel injection is performed after reversion from the fuel cut, the fuel pulse width Ka·INJ.PW is set so that a fuel supply amount is greatly increased in relation to an intake air amount, and the ignition timing is set to the first retarded ignition timing ?a. When the second and subsequent fuel injections are performed, the fuel pulse width Kb·INJ.PW that is smaller in increase width of fuel is set, and the ignition timing is set to the second retarded ignition timing ?b that has a retardation amount smaller than that of the first retarded ignition timing ?a.

Abstract: A system for an internal combustion engine, the engine having an intake and exhaust manifold, the system comprising a heat exchanger configured to extract energy from at least a heat source that heats a first portion of intake air, a spark plug coupled to the engine, an intake passage configured to deliver said first portion of heated intake air to the engine and to deliver a second portion of intake air which bypasses said heat source, and a controller configured to direct said second portion of intake air to the engine at least when utilizing said spark plug to initiate combustion and flame propagation of an air-fuel mixture, and to at least temporarily cause said first portion of intake air to flow during said spark ignition combustion so that a temperature of said first portion of intake air is maintained above a selected value.

Abstract: A method of feeding fuel to an engine, comprising the steps of determining whether or not the engine is decelerating based on a time-lapse change rate of an engine speed of the engine, and reducing an amount of the fuel to be fed to air taken into the engine from outside to less than a reference amount preset according to the engine speed when it is determined that the engine is decelerating.

Abstract: A movable fuel valve lies within a housing at an end of a housing fuel passage. A fuel tube has a nozzle end inserted within a first end of the housing fuel passage while the movable valve element is situated at a second end of the housing fuel passage and controls fuel flow from the second end of the housing fuel passage. The nozzle end remains surrounded in fuel when the valve element is closed and sealed against the second end of the housing fuel passage. When the fuel pressure within the housing fuel passage is greater than a fuel pressure on the other side of the valve, the fuel flows from the housing fuel passage, through the part of the housing surrounding the valve, and into the reservoir. The movable valve element prevents fuel from flowing from the main-side of a fuel tank to the sub side of the tank.

Abstract: A fuel supply module may include a reservoir and a fuel filter carried by the reservoir. In one implementation, the filter assembly may be pivoted relative to the reservoir when the fuel pump module is inserted through an access opening of the fuel tank. Thereafter, when the fuel pump module is mounted to the fuel tank, the filter assembly may pivot to a second position angularly displaced from the first position. In another implementation, the position of the filter assembly is fixed relative to the reservoir.

Abstract: A recirculating valve according to the present invention comprises a fuel supplying passage in fluid communication with a fuel tank and an engine, a return passage in fluid communication with the engine and the fuel tank, a communication passage in fluid communication with the fuel supplying passage and the return passage. A temperature sensitive displacement portion that is provided in the fuel supplying passage and displaces in accordance with the fuel temperature. An on-off valve closes the communication passage when the fuel temperature in the fuel supplying passage is above a first prescribed temperature, and opens the communication passage when the fuel temperature in the fuel supplying passage is below a second prescribed temperature, in accordance with a displacement of the temperature sensitive displacement portion.

Abstract: An evaporative fuel treatment system is disclosed that includes a canister, a detection passage having a reduced area portion, and switching device that switches fluid communication. Also included is a depressurizing device for depressurizing the detection passage coupled to the detection passage on a side of the reduced area portion opposite to the switching device, and a pressure detecting device. Moreover, the system includes an evaporative fuel state calculating device for calculating an evaporative fuel state in the mixture based on a cutoff pressure, an air pressure, and a mixture pressure of a mixture of air and the evaporative fuel. In one embodiment, the cutoff pressure, the air pressure, and the mixture pressure are detected independently and discontinuously. In another embodiment, the cutoff pressure and the air pressure are detected on a continual basis during purge of the evaporative fuel.

Abstract: A system and a method operate a first motor of a vehicle which is fueled by a gellable fuel. The system and the method have a tank for storing the gellable fuel. One or more wires heat the gellable fuel to a temperature prior to injecting the gellable fuel into the first motor. One or more wires heat the gellable fuel in the tank, a fuel line, a fuel filter and an injector of the first motor. The system and the method have a second engine electrically connected to the first motor. The first motor and/or the second motor power the vehicle. One or more sensors detect and/or sense that the gellable fuel is purged from the first motor prior to disengaging the first motor. A pipe connects an exhaust pipe of the first motor to injectors for heating the gellable fuel and/or combusting unspent fuel.

Abstract: A method for heating up the intake air of an internal combustion engine (8) during the preglow phase or start-up phase by means of at least one electrically heatable heating element (12) in the intake line (10) of the internal combustion engine, the heating power being controlled by a control unit (13) of the engine electronics as a function of the operating data of the internal combustion engine, characterized in that during the preglow phase (1,2,3), the heating element (12) is initially supplied with full current (1) until the heating element reaches its reference temperature and in that after the reference temperature has been reached and until the start-up phase, a post-heating phase (2,3) begins in which the heating element (12) is kept at a constant temperature by means of a relatively low power, and in that during the start-up phase, in a first time period (4a), the heating element (12) is switched off, and in that in a second time period (4b) in which the speed of the internal combustion engine i

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a drive mechanism for superchargers on internal combustion engines. More particularly, the present invention concerns a gear drive which totally eliminates the need for a belt or chain to drive the supercharger. An important object of the present invention is to provide a robust and reliable gear drive which is simple and adaptable. This allows presently available standardized mass produced superchargers to be mounted to and driven by the crankshaft of a variety of engine families thereby totally eliminating the need for a belt in the drive system. A second object of the present invention is to minimize costs by replacing the presently used belts and pulleys with additional gears internal to and integral with the supercharger housing thereby allowing the supercharger input shaft to be driven directly from the engine crankshaft.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine can compensate for a variation of intake pressure resulting from various factors whereby a failure detection area can be expanded, and false detection can be prevented to enable failure determination for an EGR system with high reliability. The apparatus determines whether a vehicle is decelerating, forcedly opens and closes an EGR valve, and determines whether an EGR control device is in failure by comparing a pressure change index value based on intake pressures upon the forced opening and closing of the EGR valve with a failure determination value. The apparatus adjusts the intake pressure to a predetermined state before the EGR valve is forcedly opened and closed, whereby a failure determination can be always made based on the intake pressure whose variation was compensated for with the intake pressure becoming a predetermined characteristic to the number of revolutions per minute of the engine.

Abstract: The invention provides a breather structure of an engine which can improve strength of a cylinder and can prevent an increase of weight of the engine. The engine has a crank case and a cylinder fastened to an upper side of the crank case. The breather structure is provided with a breather chamber integrally formed with the cylinder in an outer peripheral wall of the cylinder, and the breather chamber separates an air including an oil mist within the crank case into oil component and gas component, returns the oil component into an oil reservoir of the engine, and discharges the gas component out of the crank case.

Abstract: A first series circuit having an energy storage coil 21, a first diode 3, and a capacitor 6 connected between a direct current power supply E and a ground terminal GND is arranged. A second series circuit of a switching element 5 and an ignition coil 4 is connected to both ends of the capacitor 6. The switching element 5 of the ignition device configured as above is controlled so as to perform a plurality of ON/OFF operations in time of the ignition operation of the ignition plug 8 connected to the secondary side of the ignition coil 4. As a result, the capacitive discharge and the inductive discharge are alternately repeated at the ignition plug 8. According to the present invention, a multiple discharge type ignition device in which the number of components is reduced, and the power consumption is suppressed is realized.

Abstract: An ignition circuit and a method of operating an igniter (preferably a traveling spark igniter) in an internal combustion engine, including a high pressure engine. A high voltage is applied to electrodes of the igniter, sufficient to cause breakdown to occur between the electrodes, resulting in a high current electrical discharge in the igniter, over a surface of an isolator between the electrodes, and formation of a plasma kernel in a fuel-air mixture adjacent said surface. Following breakdown, a sequence of one or more lower voltage and lower current pulses is applied to said electrodes, with a low “simmer” current being sustained through the plasma between pulses, preventing total plasma recombination and allowing the plasma kernel to move toward a free end of the electrodes with each pulse.

Abstract: A fuel supply assembly is provided that may allow for use of vaporized fuel to power an engine and enhance fuel efficiency. The fuel supply assembly may include a vaporizing tank, a heating source, a temperature control and a monitoring and control system configured to control intermixing of ambient air and vaporized gasoline to maintain a desired hydrocarbon level in an exhaust.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling an internal combustion engine are provided. A first quantity characterizing the actually injected fuel amount and a second quantity characterizing the desired amount of fuel to be injected are determined on the basis of performance characteristics. The first quantity is compared to the second quantity. This comparison is used to define a first correction value for correcting a fuel amount and a second correction value for correcting an air amount. The first correction value is limited to a maximum value.

Abstract: A feedback correction coeficient used to perform feedback-control of the fuel injection amount based on the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is calculated. A concentration updating based value is set based on the deviation of the oscillation center of the feedback correction coefficiect, and a vapor concentration correction coefficient corresponding to the fuel concentration of purge gas is updated using the concentration updating base value. During the period where the fuel concentration of purge gas is expected to sharply decrease, the concentration updating base value is increased.

Abstract: A drive system for a paintball loader has a motor driven shaft rotatable about a central axis, a drive mechanism attached to the drive shaft, a feed mechanism carrier adjacent the drive mechanism and rotatable about the drive shaft. The drive shaft and the feed mechanism are engaged through a slip clutch and a sensor detects any slippage between them, and sends a corresponding disabling signal to the motor.

Abstract: A paintball marker using a lightweight bolt design suing a composite bolt structure with a light weight body and precision sear release edge adapted for consistent sear over the life of the marker. The composite bolt structure also has a spring retention end with a sear access slot and sear retraction ramp for guiding the sear to the precision release edge.

Abstract: A protective cover for protecting a paintball gun gas canister is disclosed. The protective cover is preferably formed from an elastic rubber material such as neoprene. The protective cover has the ability to adapt its shape when placed over a canister, thus enabling use with canisters of various sizes.

Abstract: An electronic paintball marker has a breech having an opening that receives a paintball to be fired, the paintball having substantially two positions within the breech, a loaded position and a firing position, and a bolt with two corresponding rearward and forward positions that moves the paintball between the loaded and firing positions. The marker also has a sensor in communication with an electronic controller and positioned to detect a paintball in the loaded position within the breech, wherein, when the sensor detects the paintball in the loaded position, the sensor sends a detection signal to the electronic controller which in turn allows the bolt to move from the rearward to the forward position. Finally, the marker has a trigger that sends a firing signal to the electronic controller, the firing signal initiating a firing sequence comprising the sensor detecting a paintball within the breech, the electronic controller moving the valve from the closed state to the open state, and firing the paintball.

Abstract: A paintball marker using a gas combination chamber having multiple inputs for sealably connecting to multiple gas supply canisters. Multiple seals and piercing needles are provided to release the compressed gas from the separate canisters into the combination chamber. A single release valve is then provided for launching the paintball marker using the combined gas supply. A body including an alignment chamber and a screw on back cover is provided for aligning the canisters in position and then generating the pressure for sealing and piercing the multiple canisters. The multiple canister connection provides an increased gas capacity over known markers while still using the low supply capacity of the commercially available gas canisters. The simple guided alignment provided by the marker body and the screw on pressure cap provide for quick field replacement of the canisters in the rough playing environment associated with the game of paintball.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers are disclosed comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A Dynamic Natural Heater, Technology comprises an array of interconnected fan closed-loop tunnels (22) compressed air net structures (31), combined heat exchangers air compensation and bypassing devices all placed inside a common heat transferring casing (20) with its fan (34) system combined insulation, meters control. All power units of this Heater work in accumulative self-series manner, as self-boosters in closed combined circuits thus providing high efficiency and completely clean technology. The natural property of air to get hot under pressure is used in combined ways and can be applied in multiple versions for general heating in any structures, drying, water heating, others. This proposal can be used in any new or existing HVAC system with actual effectiveness and high power ratio providing real energy saving, pure ecology, and natural comfort.

Abstract: An indoor or outdoor cooking system with integrated downdraft or elevating ventilator uses cross-flow or centrifugal blower technology. The system is controlled by an electronic or mechanical controller through a touch device, a slide, or knob. These provide precise control and an efficient way of removal of gases/fumes. A cook top incorporates the heating elements and a downdraft. The ventilator's blower assembly has a fan and a filter. The system may use sensors to detect temperature, fire, effluent, filter change requirements, fan speed, power, and voltage. The system has programmable operations and numerous set points.

Abstract: A smokeless cooker includes a table located indoors, with a cabinet, which may include a plurality of individual boxes stacked and assembled together, below the table. A gas-discharge flow path leads from the cabinet to the outdoors. The cabinet includes an inner box with an open upper portion in an upper opening section of an outer box. An installed cooking means is located inside the inner box. A suction flow path is formed outside the inner box, with a suction hole in the inner wall of the suction flow path above a heating surface of the installed cooking means. The gas-discharge flow path includes a fat/oil filtering section, an absorption deodorizing section, a HEPA filter and a fan. A duct leading to the outdoors is present at the downstream side of the HEPA filter.

Abstract: A fryer unit includes a boil-out drain path that does not require boil-out fluid to pass through a pump.

Abstract: A tracking system for tracking an object, the system having a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The first axis is at an angle to the vertical such that the object (or equivalently its path) does not intersect the first axis.

Abstract: The invention features devices and methods for delivering drugs to the oral cavity in order to treat mucositis, stomatitis, and other disorders of the oral cavity.

Abstract: An atomizer for a fluid, in particular, a fluid for medical aerosol therapy. In order to allow simplified operation and improved safety in use, the atomizer has a counter device for counting the number of operations of the atomizer and the number of containers inserted. The atomizer is locked against further operation and/or against removal of the current container or insertion of a new container, if a certain number of operations of the atomizer and/or a certain number of containers inserted has/have been reached or exceeded.

Abstract: A nebulizer for a fluid, particularly for medicinal aerosol therapy. To allow easy operation, the nebulizer has a valve device, so that air supply openings in a mouthpiece can be blocked off to prevent backflow.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid medicine ejection device to eject liquid medicine into an inhalation flow path in the form of liquid droplets to thereby allow a user to inhale the liquid medicine through a suction portion, the liquid medicine ejection device including: an ejection means, which communicates with a liquid medicine storage section, for ejecting the liquid medicine in the form of liquid droplets from an ejection opening; and a pressure variable means for changing a pressure in the liquid medicine storage section in accordance with a change of pressure in the inhalation flow path connected to the ejection opening of the ejection means and the suction portion. According to the liquid medicine ejection device of the present invention, it is possible to prevent an ejection failure caused by a negative pressure applied to the ejection means, thereby enabling a reliable inhalation.

Abstract: An aerosol capacity indicator that utilizes a novel and inexpensive display that can be installed in the actuator of an aerosol can to display the amount of product remaining therein. The novel accumulative pressure indicator display is imbedded in the actuator which is attached to the valve of an aerosol can and activated by pressure applied directly by the user in the form of finger contact with the actuator. The total amount of pressure applied to the indicator and transferred to the aerosol valve by means of direct user contact both intermittent and continuous renders a relevant reading equivalent to the amount of product released from the aerosol can without any contact with the actual dispensed material.

Abstract: An inhalant dispenser has a cover 3 pivotally carried on a body 6. The cover has a cam arrangement for lifting a junction member 41 against the action of the spring in an inhalant can C. Lifting of the junction member cocks a breath actuated dose release mechanism. The latter includes a flap 61 in the breath path. The flap is carried on the junction member and is arranged to release a hinged member 48 by action of latches 70 on the flap and sears on the hinged member.

Abstract: An inhaler operable to control a temperature of a medicament of the inhaler includes a medicament reservoir being configured to store a medicament therein. A medicament ejector is operably coupled to the medicament reservoir and is configured to eject the medicament from the reservoir to deliver the medicament to a patient. A controllable thermal source is in thermal communication with at least an inside portion of the medicament reservoir and is operable to controllably affect a temperature of the medicament. A thermal control system is in operable communication with the controllable thermal source and is configured to control the thermal source to maintain the medicament within a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A diving helmet bubble diverter comprises a front skirt portion and a rear skirt portion attached to the front skirt portion at one end. The rear skirt portion is configured for mounting onto the diving helmet breathing regulator assembly. The attached front and rear skirt portions form side pockets that divert exhaust air bubbles away from the diver's mask when the rear skirt portion is mounted onto the regulator assembly. The mounted rear skirt portion forms a protective barrier between the exterior wall of the diving helmet and the exhaust whisker of the breathing regulator assembly that prevents air bubbles exiting the whisker from coming into contact with the diving helmet during diving activities.

Abstract: There is provided a medicament dispenser for use in the delivery of a combination medicament product. The dispenser comprises first and second medicament containers for containing first and second medicament active component; and first and second release means for releasing respective dose portions of the first and second medicament active component from the first and second medicament containers. The first medicament active component is kept separate from the second medicament active component until the point of release thereof for delivery in combination. The first medicament active component is selected from the group consisting of salmeterol, formoterol and any salts or solvates thereof. The second medicament active component is selected from the group consisting of beclomethasone ester, fluticasone ester and any salts or solvates thereof.

Abstract: A portable air temperature controlling device useful for warming air surrounding an aerosolized drug formulation. Warming the air of an aerosol makes it possible to reduce the diameter of aerosol particles produced by an aerosol generation device. Additionally, warming the air forces the diameter of the aerosol particles to be in the range required for systemic drug delivery independent of ambient conditions. Smaller particles can be more precisely targeted to different areas of the respiratory tract.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering a pharmaceutical gas to a patient. The method and system provide a known desired quantity of the pharmaceutical gas to the patient independent of the respiratory pattern of the patient. The preferred pharmaceutical gases are CO and NO, both of which are provided as a concentration in a carrier gas. The gas control system determines the delivery of the pharmaceutical gas to the patient to result in the known desired quantity (e.g. in molecules, milligrams or other quantified units) of the pharmaceutical gas being delivered. Upon completion of that known desired quantity of pharmaceutical gas over a plurality of breaths, the system can either terminate any further delivery of the pharmaceutical gas or can activate an alarm to alert the user that the known quantity has been delivered. The system also has alarm functions to alert the user of possible malfunctions of the system.

Abstract: A method for measuring lung collapse and for providing information regarding recruitment and successfulness of actions taken to recruit the lung is provided. Alveolar- and proximal pressures are determined at different lung pressures or volumes. Patient airway resistance is calculated combining these measurements with flow measurement. Plotting the resistance against the lung pressure or volume gives a within-breath distribution of the resistance. Increase of this resistance at end-expiration volume or pressure indicates lung collapse.

Abstract: A ventilator for ventilating a patient has means integrated therewith for carrying out a determination of the functional residual capacity of the patient using an inert gas wash in/wash out technique. To this end, the ventilator operates to alter the inert gas content of breathing gases provided to the patient. The amount of inert gas expired by the patient is obtained and used to determine functional residual capacity on a breath-by-breath basis. A graph of the functional residual capacities for a given number of breaths is produced. Thereafter, the inert gas levels in the breathing gases are returned to the original levels and further functional residual capacity determinations and a graph of same provided. The functional residual capacity information may also be provided in tabular form. A log of functional residual capacity determinations and ventilator settings or patient treatments affecting same may also be provided.

Abstract: A respirator for breath-supporting respiration has improved sensitivity of triggering breathing support. A pre-inspiratory inspiratory gas flow is set, which flows off via the expiration valve (9). The closing pressure pv of the expiration valve is measured with a pressure sensor (11) in the process. The gas flow is increased in case of an inspiratory effort of the patient to the extent that the closing pressure pv of the expiration valve (9) is restored. Breath support is generated when the difference between the preset gas flow and the gas flow that is needed to maintain the closing pressure pv at a constant level exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus to measure cardiac output (Q) and other parameters such as alveolar ventilation (VA), minute CO2 elimination from the lung (VCO2 ), minute oxygen consumption (VO2), oxygenated mixed venous partial pressure of CO2, (PvCO2-oxy), true mixed venous partial pressure of CO2(PvCO2), PaCO2, mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2), pulmonary shunt, and anatomical dead space, consisting of: a) a breathing circuit with characteristics that: i. on exhalation, exhaled gas is kept substantially separate from inhaled gas; ii.

Abstract: A ventilator for ventilating a patient also assists a clinician in determining a suitable PEEP for the patient. For this purpose, a graph or tabular display of a series of different value PEEPs and corresponding functional residual capacities of the patient may be provided. Or, the amount of the lung volume recruited/de-recruited at various levels of PEEP may be determined for use in selecting a desired PEEP. To this end, the functional residual capacity of the lungs is determined for a first PEEP level. The PEEP is then altered to a second level and a spirometry dynostatic curve of lung volume and pressure data is obtained. The lung volume on the dynostatic curve at a lung pressure corresponding to the first PEEP value is obtained. The difference between the functional residual capacity of the lungs at the first PEEP level and that determined from the dynostatic curve represents the lung volume recruited/de-recruited when changing between said first and second PEEPs.

Abstract: A ventilator for ventilating a patient also assists a clinician in determining a suitable PEEP for the patient. For this purpose, a graph or tabular display of a series of different value PEEPs and corresponding functional residual capacities of the patient may be provided. Or, the relationship between lung compliance and a series of different values of PEEP may be provided. Or, the amount of the lung volume recruited/de-recruited at various levels of PEEP may be determined for use in selecting a desired PEEP. To this end, the functional residual capacity of the lungs is determined for a first PEEP level. The PEEP is then altered to a second level and a spirometry dynostatic curve of lung volume and pressure data is obtained. The lung volume on the dynostatic curve at a lung pressure corresponding to the first PEEP value is obtained.

Abstract: A breathing circuit for use with a first gas set (FGS) and a second gas set (SGS), said circuit comprising means for keeping separate the FGS and SGS, and a means for sequentially delivering to a patient, first the FGS, and, on inspiration, when the patient inspires so as to deplete the supply of FGS into the circuit, subsequently delivers substantially SGS for the balance of inspiration.

Abstract: In a method and device for reducing the carbon dioxide content in a dead volume intended for connection to the respiratory system of a patient, and an anesthesia apparatus embodying such a device, a flow of gas is generated from an outlet associated with the dead volume and the gas is conducted through a carbon dioxide absorber, and the gas after passing through the carbon dioxide absorber is returned to an inlet associated with the dead volume.

Abstract: A mask (30) is disclosed that has a gas outlet (37) which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet (37) is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a users chin in use.