Abstract: A band saw is disclosed to includes a holder frame, which is movable along two vertical guide rods above the machine base and holds a saw blade and a saw blade driving mechanism, a nut fixedly provided at the top of the holder frame, a vertical motor mounted on a connecting frame at the top of the guide rods, and a screw rod threaded into the fixed nut and rotatable by the vertical motor to move the holder frame along the guide rods to the desired elevation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hair gripping device to be mounted on a hair accommodating tube to grip a bundle of hair in a proper friction force during hair braiding by a hair braiding machine. The present hair gripping device comprises a tapered head portion having a nozzle for the bundle of hair to pass through; and a body portion, extended from the head portion in one piece, having a plurality of inner partition walls to give the bundle of hair a zigzag, spiral, or helical bends, thereby tensioning the bundle of hair properly during a braiding and/or releasing it smoothly at the end of braiding. Accordingly, a uniform and tidy, style of braided hair is obtained.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved recoil control device comprising a bolt head and an inertia block or slider for use in a variety of firearms. In one embodiment, the bolt head and inertia block are articulated so that the displacement of the bolt head results in a force component outside the firing axis of the barrel of the firearm. The device can be incorporated into firearms of a variety of sizes and configurations to produce recoil reduction and/or weight reduction advantages.

Abstract: A fluid drive system that can be used to drive a vehicle and has energy regeneration and storage capabilities. The fluid drive system includes an electrical energy supply source mounted on the vehicle, at least one electrical motor electrically connected to the electrical supply source, and a hydraulic pump driven that may be of the variable displacement type by the electrical motor. The fluid drive system may also include a low pressure hydraulic fluid supply tank supplying fluid to the hydraulic pump, at least one pneumatically charged accumulator tank for storing pressurized hydraulic fluid, a combination hydraulic motor and pump that may also be of the variable displacement type being alternately driven by the hydraulic pump and the pneumatically charged accumulator tank; and an electrical regeneration system for regenerating the electrical energy supply. The electrical regeneration system may be powered by hydraulic fluid from the combination electrical motor and pump.

Abstract: A linear motor is provided including a stator having at least one electromagnetic coil and a rotor having at least one permanent magnet. The rotor is movable toward at least a first position when least one electromagnetic coil is energized and solely magnetically biased to a neutral position when the at least one electromagnetic coil is de-energized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diaphragm pump for pumping aggressive and/or abrasive media, such as slurries, comprising a diaphragm housing mounted in a substantially vertically disposed pipe system, which substantially vertically disposed pipe system comprises at least one inlet and at least one outlet positioned some distance above the inlet, as well as at least one substantially circular, flexible diaphragm, which diaphragm is movable within the diaphragm housing under the influence of a working liquid to be pressurised, in which the circular outer edge of the diaphragm is clamped down in the diaphragm housing by means of a circular clamping member. According to the invention, the diaphragm pump is characterized in that the circular clamping member is provided, on the circumferential edge thereof, with a flange that extends parallel to the plane formed by the clamping member.

Abstract: This invention discloses an electric automatic-drip coffee maker with grinder, including a casing, an automatic coffee grinding device, a coffee basket assembly, a carafe for collecting coffee, a water reservoir, a heater for heating the cold water inside the water reservoir, and a water supply tube for supplying hot water to said coffee basket assembly; wherein, said grinding device further includes a coffee grounds discharge passage with its outlet positioned right above said coffee basket assembly; a partition assembly is installed between said coffee grounds discharge passage and said coffee basket assembly, said partition assembly can be rotated relative to said coffee basket assembly around a vertical axis. The coffee maker of the present invention can be used to grind and brew coffee effectively, to reduce or eventually eliminate the need for displacing the filter basket, so as to be convenient for use.

Abstract: A device and system for monitoring food is described. The food monitoring device has a temperature sensor and a temperature sensor base. The temperature sensor base has a transmitter and a microphone. The temperature sensor base is electrically coupled to the temperature sensor. A monitor having a speaker and a receiver communicates with the transmitter of the temperature sensor base. The transmitter of the temperature sensor base transmits a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor and an audio signal produced by the microphone.

Abstract: A baler utilizing gas springs for controlling the movement of a loading door. Also disclosed is a baler for paper recycling having a control system responsive to switches and digital timers, and an electromagnetic interlock coupling a loading door and a chamber door, said control system including a programmable relay having outputs to motor starter, control valves, and electromagnetic interlock. A mode selection switch enables automatic, manual down, and manual up modes, the latter of which is used to eject a bale. The electromagnetic interlock performs multiple functions reducing the number of components needed in the system, improving reliability and reducing maintenance.

Abstract: A punch includes a jig having four punching regions, each punching region having a pattern hole and a concave embossment; guide columns extended upward from a border of the punching regions on the jig; a base for fixing the jig; a punching member punching and embossing the rectangular corner of a sheet member with vertically moving against the jig by guidance of the guide columns; and an elastic body to elastically bias the punching member upward.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method according to which print data determine the image elements of a printing format to be printed on a substrate. According to the inventive method, the surface tension of a printing liquid (30, 34) is influenced depending on the printing date that pertains to the respective image element.

Abstract: A method of initiating explosive charges ignites an explosive charge by the heat and/or explosion of a laser due to self-destruction or overheating of the laser source, and not by the radiation emitted from the laser. The laser source is assembled and/or embedded within the explosive charge. The laser source melts down or explodes and thereby initiates the explosive. With the disclosed method, it is possible to use even very small laser sources of the mini or micro type for triggering explosive charges rather than conventional approaches using powerful laser sources for the same purpose.

Abstract: A sabot and a firearm round for a firearm. The sabot includes a compression section defining a payload receiving chamber. The payload chamber receives a slug to form the firearm round. Additionally, the sabot includes a solid section connected to the compression section. The solid section can include a powder cup section for sealing ignition gasses. Typically, the sabot is formed from a high density polyethylene.

Abstract: Guided devices are connected to the front and rear ends of the main body of a moving body. Each guided device is connected in a relatively rotatable fashion about a lateral axle to the lower part of a vertical shaft. A lateral roller supporting body is connected to the vertical shaft, and guide rollers supported and guided by guide bodies disposed in prescribed positions in a fixed path are provided on the right and left-hand ends of the roller support body. During movement, the roller supporting body connected to the vertical shaft too rotates integrally, and the axis of a lateral axle supporting the pair of right and left-hand guide rollers can be orientated orthogonal to the fixed path, whereby the guide rollers are able to rotate smoothly without causing slipping or frictional resistance. Thereby, the supporting unit can always be supported and guided smoothly in curved path sections.

Abstract: A hydrostatic hi-rail system for use with a railway maintenance vehicle to allow travel along railway rails by raising the vehicle off of road-engaging tires onto rail-engaging flanged rail wheels. The operator controlled system includes front and rear lift assemblies, which are mounted to the front and rear of the vehicle. The assemblies include hydraulic motors, couplers and fail-safe brakes. The system is powered by the vehicle's power source such as an engine and a hydraulic power source such as the vehicle's hydraulic pump.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an assembly having a movable portion and a fixed portion. At least a portion of the movable portion comprises a work surface. The assembly further includes a storage device having a material holder that moves from a first position in a substantially covered configuration to a second position that uncovers or exposes at least a portion of the material holder so that a user can access the material holder and contents therein. A connection component connects the material holder to the movable portion and moves the material holder from the covered configuration to the uncovered, at least partially accessible, configuration by utilizing a translation of force from the movement of the movable portion.

Abstract: Table (10) with variable configuration comprising at least a frame (11) and a movement assembly (12), associated with said frame (11), for a main plane (13) and a service plane (14); such movement assembly (12) comprises two mechanisms (18, 19): a first mechanism (18) that acts on the main plane (13) to take it from a lowered position to a raised position, and a second mechanism (19) that acts on the service plane (14) to take it below the main plane (13) in such lowered position and adjacent to the main plane (13) in such raised position.

Abstract: A generally conically-shaped collapsible grain chute removably affixed to the bulk seed distributor of an agricultural planter to provide an effective and efficient apparatus for emptying the bulk seed bin. The chute may include a cinch cord to selectively open and close the chute to control the flow of seed therethrough.

Abstract: A portable hatch-mounted fan that is removably mounted to an existing hatch of a boat or a recreational vehicle by a pair of fast action spring-type vertically adjustable clamps, which adjust to fit various hatch frame thicknesses. The clamps, clamp guide plates and guides are also horizontally adjustable on the fan frame to fit various sizes of hatch openings.

Abstract: Boat hulls or assemblies have sequences of groups of downward-facing sections such as planing sections. A sequence includes a lowermost group and supplemental groups above it. Each group could, for example, be a pair, and the pairs could be port-starboard symmetrical. The lower surface is shaped so that the boat hull, in a series of speed ranges, planes on successively lower groups, planing on the lowermost group in the highest range. The trim angle can be between 3.0° and 6.0° in a speed range. The boat hull can be structured so that, when planing on one of the groups, the next higher group dries out. For example, each pair of sections can have an outward angle not smaller than the next inward pair's. The lowermost group can have a maximum width approximately equal to an ideal beam width for a set of displacement characteristics and its target maximum speed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an apparatus, such as a board, is provided where a shell is formed in a forming mold cavity and the shell is substantially filled with a core in a filling mold cavity that substantially prevents distortion of the shell during filling.

Abstract: Apparatus and for providing controlled addition of a first aqueous solution having a first concentration of an aqueous chemical species at a first flow rate to a second aqueous solution having a second flow rate to provide a diluted first solution of a desired selected concentration of the chemical species, the apparatus having a second solution sensor to obtain data on the second solution selected from the second flow rate and the temperature of the second solution; a first solution sensor to obtain data on the temperature of the first solution; a pump to effect addition of the first solution to the second solution to provide the diluted first solution; and a CPU (i) to receive the data selected from the second flow rate and temperature data from the second solution sensor; (ii) to receive the temperature sensing data on the first solution from the first solution sensor; (iii) to effect algorithmic treatment of the data from the first and second sensor, to provide pump control data; and (iv) to control t

Abstract: Apparatuses for directing the displacement of aquatic crustaceans are provided and are particularly used to carry out the methods for attracting the motion of aquatic crustaceans after feeding by utilizing their biological tendency responding to a bright and dark contrast. These apparatuses generate the visual effect of bright and dark contrast at a predetermined place within the water body of culture and comprise a container for carrying the water body of culture and a predetermined place inside said container expressing an effect of bright and dark contrast. Light emitters themselves or protrusions and/or painted patterns/figures and/or filtration of light filters, under the existence of illuminating light, are used for generating visual effect of the bright and dark contrast.

Abstract: A birdcage watering device is provided with a no-spill valve and method of attachment. The watering device comprises a valve attached to a water chamber comprising an extended leg such that when the watering device is completely assembled the valve may be displaced to fill trough. Particularly, the extended leg of the valve produces an angled opening to permit flow of water from the water chamber without clogging or getting “stuck” in the valve opening. The water chamber is easily removed for refilling and the valve is designed to prevent the spilling of water during the process. A method of attachment is also described that allows the device to be on the outside of the birdcage while being secured from the inside of the cage, thus allowing for easy refilling of the water chamber of the device.

Abstract: A foldable/collapsible structure that folds or collapses between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The structure includes a top and a bottom panel, and a pair of opposing sidewalls extending between the top and bottom panels. The opposing sidewalls each include a wall panel and an upper wall panel connected to one another by a hinge. Each of the wall panels and the upper wall portions has an external surface, and the hinged connection between the first and second wall panels allows the external surfaces of the respective all panels and upper wall portions to define an angle equal to or greater than 180 degrees. Upon collapse of the structure, the hinged connection between the wall panel and upper wall portion on one of the opposing walls maintains the external surfaces of the wall panel and upper wall portion at an angle equal to or greater than about 180 degrees.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the risk that a thrown toy will injure an animal. The apparatus consists of a toy which when thrown bounces erratically, which compressively elastically deforms, which includes a soft fabric outer surface that compresses to absorb blows, and which can withstand being bitten or chewed by a dog.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine having a piston-cooling arrangement (1) which has at least one spray device (2, 27; 2, 39) which is supplied with a coolant/lubricant via at least one supply passageway (3). The supply passageway (3) is arranged in a module (4) composed of a crankshaft-bearing structural element (6) and a crankshaft-bearing cap (7). The spray device (2, 27; 2, 39) is coupled to the crankshaft-bearing cap (7), a crankshaft-bearing shell (14) in the region of the supply passageway (3). Supply passageway (3) also connect to through-opening (16), so that coolant/lubricant can be directed via the supply passageway (3) to both the spray device (2, 27; 2, 39) and a crankshaft (17). The spray device (2) is designed as an oil-spray nozzle (27) or alternatively as a spray hole (39) integrated in the crankshaft-bearing cap (7).

Abstract: A vehicular power unit including a drive-side transmission sprocket wheel provided on an end of an output shaft that protrudes from one side of a crankcase, an endless transmission belt for transmitting power to a driving wheel wound the sprocket wheel. The endless transmission belt transmits power from the crankshaft to a transmission housed in the crankcase. A water pump is arranged on the same side of the crankcase in a position between the crankshaft and the output shaft. Further, the water pump is disposed inside the drive-side transmission sprocket wheel in a direction along the axis of an output shaft. This configuration enables the vehicular power unit to be formed in a compact size in a direction along an axis of a crankshaft.

Abstract: A two-cycle engine having a piston reciprocalbly mounted in a cylinder in which a combustion chamber is formed. In prescribed positions of the piston, the combustion chamber communicates with a crankcase via at least one transfer channel. A portion of an intake channel for supplying fuel/air mixture and combustion air is formed in a carburetor, in which is pivotably mounted a butterfly valve for controlling the flow cross-section of the intake channel. A fuel opening opens into the intake channel portion, and downstream of the carburetor the intake channel is divided into a mixture channel and an air channel. A mechanism is disposed on the butterfly valve to increase the speed of flow in the carburetor in the vicinity of the fuel opening.

Abstract: Engines and methods of controlling an engine may involve one or more fluidically driven actuators associated with engine intake and/or exhaust valves. In some examples, the actuators may be placed in flow communication with high pressure fluid from one source and/or low pressure fluid from another. Timing of valve closing/opening and use of an air supply system may enable engine operation according to a Miller cycle.

Abstract: A device for controlling the variation of the opening and closing times and durations of a valve (8) comprises an elastic means (18) acting upon an assembly consisting of a lever device (1) and a valve stem (11) not in the closing direction but in the opening direction of the valve (8). The assembly consisting of the lever device (1) and of the opening cam (5) and the closing cam (6) fulfils a dual function, one for opening the valve (8), the other for moving it back for its closure. The control device, which comprises a device for offsetting the angular position of the cam position relative to the crankshaft, allows to control the opening and closing duration of the valve (8) over a very wide range extending, for opening, from 210° to 350° of crankshaft rotation approximately, by varying the valve opening and closing times independently of each other. It is applicable to a wide range of engines.

Abstract: A method and a device for operating an engine of a vehicle, which allow a power demand of a steering device supported by the engine To be dynamically compensated for. In this context, a derivative-action signal for adjusting an output variable to be output by the engine is generated as a function of a steering action.

Abstract: A phase displacement device (1) having a drive (2) with a drive shaft (4) and a transmission (5) for displacing the phase between a camshaft (9) and a crankshaft (12) is provided. The phase displacement device (1) has a sensor device (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) with which the rotational speed or the position of a component (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) of the phase displacement device (1) is measured. In this way, a higher resolution is achieved with respect to the position of the camshaft.

Abstract: A valve train for an internal combustion engine is provided, with the valve train having a switchable rocker arm assembly (1) with a plurality of rocker arms (6, 7, 8) for activating at least one gas exchange valve (2), and also having at least one camshaft (3) with differently contoured cams (4, 5) through which different adjusting displacements can be imparted to individual rocker arms of the rocker arm assembly (1). The assembly further includes a switching device (9) for selectively activating the rocker arms for driving the gas exchange valve (2) with a varying valve lift.

Abstract: An adjustable valve rocker lever (1) of a valve timing gear of an internal combustion engine, having an inner lever (3) and an outer lever (4) enclosing the former with its arms (2), the levers (3, 4) running on a common axis (5) so that they can swivel relative to one another and being connectable to one another by way of coupling links (6) in such a way that a large valve lift is generated when coupled and a comparatively smaller or zero valve lift is generated when decoupled, the inner lever (3) on an underside (7) at one end (8) of the axis (5) having a seating face (9) for an exhaust and refill valve and at the other end (10), a complementary face (11) for a support element, and at least the outer lever (4) having a lifting face (12) for a lifting cam, and a lost-motion spring (13) being provided between the levers (3, 4), the axis (5), viewed in the longitudinal direction of the valve rocker lever (1), being arranged between the seating face (9) for the exhaust and refill valve and a section directly in

Abstract: A method of initially operating an internal combustion engine including operating the engine in a start-up mode is provided. The start-up mode includes injecting at least two fuel pre-shots wherein a first of the fuel pre-shots is smaller in quantity than a last of the fuel pre-shots. An engine is provided including an electronic controller with a computer readable medium having a control algorithm recorded thereon, the control algorithm including means for commanding injection of a main fuel shot and at least two fuel pre-shots wherein a first of the fuel pre-shots is smaller in quantity than a last of the fuel pre-shots.

Abstract: In a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine with direct fuel injection including a fuel supply pump and, downstream thereof, a high pressure pump for supplying high pressure fuel to a plurality of injectors and, parallel to the high pressure fuel pump, a hydraulic transmission operated by the low pressure fuel of the fuel supply pump for generating initially high pressure fuel to the fuel injectors so as to permit instant engine startup upon actuation of a valve disposed in the fuel supply line from the fuel supply pump to the hydraulic transmission.

Abstract: An intake pipe includes a plurality of passages that join in a section upstream of the throttle body. The intake pipe includes an interference prevention member that prevents air passing through a specific one of the passages from flowing into the other passages. The interference prevention member is a thin plate and is formed in a confluence portion of an adjacent pair of the passages.

Abstract: A recoil starter enabling a power-driven device to be coupled to a crankshaft of an engine in a state where the recoil starter is mounted to the crankshaft on the same side of the engine as the crankshaft is disposed on. A starter housing is provided on an inside thereof with a reel support shaft which projects coaxially with the crankshaft. A rope reel having a recoil rope wound thereon and a cam, which transmits rotation via centrifugal ratchets to the crankshaft, are rotatably mounted on the reel support shaft while they are rotatingly coupled to each other via a damper spring. An opening is formed in the reel support shaft so as to extend from a distal end thereof near the crankshaft to the outside of the starter housing. A drive shaft of the device is coupled to the crankshaft inside the opening. An annular plate is secured to the starter housing to prevent the cam and rope reel from being detached from the reel support shaft.

Abstract: In a cover plate for obturating a crankcase of an internal combustion engine at the bottom end thereof, which cover plate includes suction areas for collecting engine lubricant and on which a balancing shaft is rotatably supported and driven by the crankshaft of the engine via a gear structure, a first gear pump is arranged at one end of the balancing shaft for pumping lubricant from a collection area at the one end of the balancing shaft and a second gear pump is disposed at the opposite end of the balancing shaft for pumping lubricant from the other collection area at the other end of the balancing shaft, each pump having one of its gears mounted on the balancing shaft.

Abstract: To provide an internal combustion engine of a vertical shaft type, in which leakage of an oil from a crankcase and an oil pan is effectively prevented, which has high mounting rigidity relative to a working machine and, also, which is capable of being easily serviced, the combustion engine includes a vertically extending crankshaft (9) having a pair of upper and lower crank webs (14A and 14B), a crankcase (1) accommodating the crankshaft (9) and including an oil pan (2), and a crankcase cover (3) mounted on an upper surface (1a) of the crankcase (1) to cover the crankcase (1). The upper surface (1a) of the crankcase (1) is positioned above the upper crank web (14A).

Abstract: A device for transforming an alternating motion of a piston into a circular motion of a shaft is provided. The device includes an assembly of two pistons connected by two racks alternatively in mesh with a toothed cam set on a shaft. Movement in one direction of the assembly formed by piston and racks, following an explosion in one of the cylinders, causes one of the racks to mesh with the toothed sector and to rotate the shaft. At the end of this meshing period, the cam cooperates with a roller of one of the pistons so as to ensure continuity of the drive. Then, the explosion occurs in the other cylinder causing movement of the assembly in an opposite direction and so meshing of the other rack with toothed cam set, continuing the transformation of power to the shaft.

Abstract: This rotary engine is made up of three parallel encased rotors; a male rotor, flanked by a female compression/combustion rotor, and a female separation rotor, all three coupled for synchronous rotation. The male rotor has lobes projecting from it, which mesh with complementary cavities in the female rotors during rotation. These cavities have hollows so that as the lobes mesh with them a combustion chamber is formed in the compression/combustion rotor cavities and compression zones formed in the separation rotor cavities. A passage connecting the lobe and combustion chamber provides more opportunity to convert combustion energy into rotational mechanical energy. The separation rotor serves as a pump and separates intake from exhaust gases. Passages connecting the compression zone to the combustion chamber, and that to the exhaust port, help purge residual combusted gases from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an internal combustion engine having an engine housing with at least one cylinder that has diameter less than about 3 inches. A fuel injector is provided and disposed at least partially within the at least one cylinder, and includes a plurality of outlet orifices having a diameter between about 50 microns and about 110 microns. The disclosure further provides a method of operating an internal combustion engine. The method includes the steps of rotating an engine crank shaft of the engine at a speed greater than about 5000 revolutions per minute, injecting a quantity of fuel into each of the cylinders, and burning at least every fourth piston stroke a sufficient quantity of the injected fuel to yield a brake mean effective pressure of at least about 200 lbs. per square inch.

Abstract: A fuel delivery injector for an internal combustion engine is provided. A fuel injector forms part of a device which provides a combined injection and ignition. The fuel delivery injector comprises first and second portions adapted to be detachably connected together. The first portion incorporates a valve structure having a valve member movable with respect to a valve seat for opening and closing a delivery port, and an actuating member operatively connected to the valve member. An actuator is provided in the second portion. When the first and second portions are connected together, the actuator is operably associated with the actuating member to provide an actuating assembly. Typically, the actuating assembly comprises an electromagnetic device in which the actuating member comprises a solenoid armature and the actuator comprises a solenoid coil, whereby connection of the first and second portions together completes assembly of the electromagnetic device.

Abstract: A method of mixed mode operation of an internal combustion engine includes the steps of controlling a homogeneous charge combustion event timing in a given engine cycle, and controlling a conventional charge injection event to be at least a predetermined time after the homogeneous charge combustion event. An internal combustion engine is provided, including an electronic controller having a computer readable medium with a combustion timing control algorithm recorded thereon, the control algorithm including means for controlling a homogeneous charge combustion event timing and means for controlling a conventional injection event timing to be at least a predetermined time from the homogeneous charge combustion event.

Abstract: A control system used with an engine determines a fuel injection timing according to a detected engine operating condition and fuel injection is executed through a fuel injection valve. The target ignition timings of the fuel are set according to the detected engine operating condition and stored in a memory. An ignition delay of the actual ignition timing relative to the target ignition timing and a cetane number of the fuel are calculated. Control values of the recirculation amount of exhaust gases are set according to the detected engine operating condition and stored in the memory. The stored control value is retrieved and the recirculation amount of exhaust gases is controlled using the retrieved control value. A correction amount of the recirculation amount of exhaust gases is calculated according to the estimated cetane number and the recirculation amount of exhaust gases is controlled using the corrected control value.

Abstract: A device for controlling an internal combustion engine, comprising a variable valve mechanism for varying opening areas (valve lift) or the working angles (valve-opening periods) of at least either the intake valves or the exhaust valves, wherein a pressure in the cylinder is calculated based on the opening area or the working angle of at least either the intake valve or the exhaust valve varied by the variable valve mechanism, and the internal combustion engine is controlled based on the pressure in the cylinder. Upon calculating the pressure in the cylinder based on the opening areas or the working angles of the intake and exhaust valves, it is possible to more suitably control the internal combustion engine based not only upon the peak combustion pressure in the cylinder like when a combustion pressure sensor is used but also upon a pressure in the cylinder at a moment other than the peak combustion pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for operating at least an intake and exhaust valve in a cylinder with a piston of an engine in a vehicle are described. In one aspect, the method comprises maintaining at least one of the intake and exhaust valves in a closed position during a period. Further, during said period where said at least one valve is in said closed position, the method may also include opening the other of the intake and exhaust valve, then closing the other of the intake and exhaust valve, and then opening the other of the intake and exhaust valve.

Abstract: A throttle body for an automobile includes a housing defining a plurality of bores separated by a central wall. A passageway is defined through the central wall. A shaft is rotatably received within the passageway. A plurality of plates is coupled with the shaft. A contacting preventing means is configured to selectively engage the shaft upon deflection of the shaft in the region of the central wall to prevent contact between the shaft and the housing.