Abstract: The invention provides a two-step rocker arm assembly for use in an internal combustion engine in which a plurality of two-step rocker arm assemblies enable the engine poppet valves to switch between two lift profiles. The two-step rocker arm assembly of the present invention has an inner rocker arm assembly and an outer rocker arm assembly. The outer rocker arm assembly is characterized as having two rail portions spaced from each other forming an open space within which at least a portion of the inner rocker arm is disposed. Each of the rail portions and the inner rocker arm assembly has a generally cylindrical roller cam follower rotatably affixed thereto. Preferably, each of the roller element cam followers will be shaft mounted, the shafts being welded to the respective inner rocker arm and outer rocker arm for increased structural rigidity.

Abstract: A method of performing a first start of an internal combustion engine of a hybrid electro-mechanical vehicle includes activating an auxiliary power module prior to the engine starting to direct power stored in a high voltage battery (used for powering the motor/generator(s) on the hybrid vehicle) through the auxiliary power module at a voltage level of a low voltage battery to assist the low voltage battery in powering a starter motor for starting the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intake apparatus which ensures the collision safety by having sufficient clearance margin to the engine hood by utilizing the space around the intake manifold which is not conventionally utilized, while achieving cost reduction by reduction in parts count and assembling time. The third member 14 covers the first member 10 in which the first room 24 is formed and the second member 12 in which the second room 38 is formed. The third room 54 which is formed in the third member 14 connects the first room 24 and the second room 38. With this structure, the second room 38 can be disposed adjacent to the first room 24 at almost the same height. Consequently, the height of the intake apparatus can be lowered, and the clearance between the intake apparatus and the engine hood can be enlarged. In addition, the intake air amount can be increased.

Abstract: In a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine for vehicles, having a plurality of air ducts leading to the cylinders and an associated engine control device situated in a housing, the air ducts are combined into a single unit, on the exterior of which the engine control device housing is situated on its lower part which forms the underside, and the lower part of the engine control device housing simultaneously forms a part of the air ducts.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an intake system of an engine in which an intake box that contains an intake passage, air cleaner, and a resonator chamber is positioned above the engine, in order to prevent the intake box and surrounding parts from being heated, thereby improving the output, driving, and noise reduction performance of the engine. In order to obviate the above-mentioned inconveniences, the present invention provides an intake system of an engine, having the engine mounted on a vehicle, which has a crankshaft oriented in a widthwise direction of the vehicle, and an intake box having an inner space divided by a partition wall into an air cleaner chamber, an intake passage, and a resonator chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a crankshaft provided with a first bearing and a second bearing. The apparatus further includes a first bearing seal positioned adjacent the first bearing and a second bearing seal positioned adjacent the second bearing. The apparatus further includes a preformed one-piece seal including a first endless loop, a second endless loop and a first intermediate seal portion connected between the first and second endless loops. The first endless loop engages a peripheral surface of the first bearing seal while the second endless loop engages a peripheral surface of the second bearing seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (and corresponding method) for reducing fuel consumption in a four-stroke trunk piston diesel engine, the system comprising: a replenishment system connected to receive engine oil from a four-stroke trunk piston diesel engine and to receive replenishment oil, where the replenishment system is configured for mixing the engine oil and the replenishment oil resulting in a mixed oil that is introduced into the engine.

Abstract: A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine having multiple cylinders allows for an operating state of the internal combustion engine to be switched over as quickly as possible following the receipt of a switchover request. For this purpose, at least one intake or exhaust valve of a cylinder is switched off or at least one switched-off intake or exhaust valve of the cylinder is switched on again in at least one operating state of the internal combustion engine in response to the switchover request. With the receipt of a switchover request, a delay time or a delay crank angle is ascertained which is required for switching off or switching on again the intake or exhaust valve of one of the cylinders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to control combustion in a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine operating in a controlled auto-ignition mode with minimum combustion phasing error using a least amount of fuel reforming. This comprises monitoring combustion in each cylinder, and determining a target combustion phasing. Fuel delivery to each cylinder is selectively controlled effective to achieve the target combustion phasing, and, effective to achieve the target combustion phasing further comprises controlling the fuel delivery effective to equilibrate combustion phasing of the cylinders.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine is disclosed. The system and method includes performing multiple ignitions during a single engine cycle. According to one embodiment, a first ignition takes place during a first stroke in the cycle and a second ignition takes place during a second stroke in the cycle. The system and method may further include performing multiple injections during the engine cycle.

Abstract: An intake apparatus includes housings each defining an intake passage therein. The intake apparatus further includes valve members each being provided to each housing for communicating and blocking the intake passage. A shaft extends through the housings. The shaft is rotatable integrally with the valve members. A bearing member extends together with the shaft through the housings. The shaft is rotatable in the bearing member. The bearing member includes exposed portions each being exposed to the intake passage. Each exposed portion has an opening that extends with respect to an axial direction of the bearing member. The opening corresponds to a rotatable range, in which the valve member is rotatable with respect to a circumferential direction of the bearing member.

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 control system having a housing with a bore formed within the housing. A valve member is associated with the bore for controlling the passage of a fluid medium through the bore. An induction sensor is aligned with the valve and facilitates determining the valve position. An inductor is connected to an end of the valve member that is in close proximity to the induction sensor. It is contemplated that this control system can be used in a number of different applications including throttle control systems, turbo actuators, canister purge systems and shift control mechanisms. However, it is within the scope of this invention to incorporate the control system on virtually any type of vehicle system where it is possible to determine the position of a valve utilizing induction sensor technology.

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

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1) provided with a valve mechanism (VM) able to change a valve opening characteristic of at least one of an intake valve (Vi) and exhaust valve (Ve), a cylinder pressure sensor (15) for detecting a cylinder pressure in a combustion chamber (3), and an ECU (20), wherein the ECU (20) calculates the amount of air sucked into the combustion chamber (3) based on an intake air pressure during valve overlap between the intake valve (Vi) and the exhaust valve (Ve), the exhaust gas pressure during valve overlap, a cylinder pressure during the compression stroke detected by a cylinder sensor (15), and a gas passage effective area during valve overlap.

Abstract: A fuel injector isolating and sealing member is provided having a sleeve portion defining a bore that is sufficiently configured to receive at least a portion of a fuel injector. Additionally, the fuel injector isolating and sealing member includes a flange portion extending inwardly from the sleeve portion. The flange portion is radially offset to bias the fuel injector within the bore. The fuel injector isolating and sealing member includes a core portion that is at least partially covered with an inner isolating and sealing layer and is at least partially covered with an outer isolating and sealing layer. The inner and outer isolating and sealing layers are preferably formed from fluorocarbon elastomeric polymer, while the core portion is preferably formed from stainless steel. An internal combustion engine and fuel injection system incorporating the disclosed isolating and sealing member is also provided.

Abstract: With reference to FIG. 1, the present invention provides an internal combustion engine (10)comprising a variable volume combustion chamber (13); an air intake system (18,20,21) for delivering charge air to the combustion chamber (13); an exhaust system (17) for relaying combusted gas from the combustion chamber (13) to atmosphere; and a fuel injection system (19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) for delivering fuel into the charge air for combustion therewith in the combustion chamber (13). The fuel injection system (19,21,22,23,24,25,26) comprises a fuel injector (19) which functions as a positive displacement pump and dispenses an amount of fuel which is fixed for each and every operation of the injector (19); and a controller (23) which controls the operation of the fuel injector (19). In response to an increasing engine speed and/or load the controller (23) increases in amount the fuel delivered per engine cycle by increasing in number the occasions the fuel injector (19) is operated per engine cycle.

Abstract: To enhance pump ability and freedom of a device, a fuel discharge passage 8 is connected to a fuel injection valve J with a first fuel pipe 13, a second fuel pipe 14 branched from the first fuel pipe 13 is connected to a regulator fuel flow-in passage 55 of a pressure regulator R, a regulator fuel control hole 56 is connected to a fuel tank T with a third fuel pipe 15, a fuel flow-in chamber 6 at a lower part of the pump case 1 is connected to an upper part of the pump case 1 through a cylindrical space 9, the fuel flow-in chamber 6 is connected to the fuel tank T through a fuel flow-in pipe 12, and a vapor discharge hole 10 opened on an upper space 7 is connected to the fuel tank T through a fourth fuel pipe 16.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an evaporative emissions control apparatus for minimizing fuel vapor emissions from a fuel storage system in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an evaporative emissions control apparatus comprising a canister filled with a hydrocarbon adsorbent. The present invention is also directed an evaporative emissions control apparatus comprising a support substrate, which is coated with a hydrocarbon adsorbent slurry.

Abstract: To decrease height of a center tank chamber of a fuel tank for a motorcycle, the tank is formed to have a center tank chamber, and one side and another side tank chambers comprising an inclined parts extending to lower sides of one side and another side from a bottom part of the center tank chamber respectively, a fuel supply unit, where a fuel pump having a fuel filter on the low pressure side is attached to a closing plate through a supporting body 2, is inserted into the fuel tank from a unit inserting hole at the bottom part, a longitudinal axial line of the fuel pump is arranged along the inclined part, and a pump suction passage is provided in the one side tank chamber positioned lower than the bottom part.

Abstract: A technique is provided for purging an adsorption canister in a fuel tank vent system. The technique provides a relatively high purge flow under conditions wherein the intake manifold vacuum is relatively low. A sonic nozzle is placed in the purge line between the existing purge valve and the adsorption canister. The sonic nozzle includes a tap at its throat for producing a vacuum in response to flow in the purge line. The vacuum is used to control a vacuum operated diaphragm valve in a parallel purge line. The system therefore supplements purge flow through the adsorption canister to the intake manifold.

Abstract: A paintball agitator for use with a paintball loader is provided. The paintball agitator includes a rotatable shaft having a drive end and a second end opposite the drive end. A base portion extends radially from the shaft adjacent the second end of the shaft. The base portion is rotatable in combination with the shaft. At least one fin is pivotally affixed to the base portion and extends radially from the shaft. The at least one fin is rotatable in combination with the base portion and the shaft. The paintball agitator further includes at least one sensor mounted to the base portion that detects movement of the at least one fin.

Abstract: A paintball gun utilizes pressurized air to fire a paintball to avoid using a spool protruding from a barrel to fire the paintball which may pinch the user's finger, accidentally. The paintball gun also uses a low pressure regulator to seal a port of the barrel to block pressurized air from entering into the barrel to prevent triggering the gun and damaging others.

Abstract: An improved paintball gun uses a low-pressure pneumatic sear to hold the firing valve closed against the high pressure gas occupying the other side of the valve. In this manner, only one operation is required between depressing the trigger and the firing of the paintball gun because a double-acting cylinder is not required as an interface between the trigger depression and actuation of the valve. The paintball gun is also substantially faster than existing electro-pneumatic paintball guns because it uses a blow forward bolt, in which higher-pressure gas is held directly behind the bolt and has only one direction to travel during the firing of the paintball gun.

Abstract: A support with a locking device for a barbecue grill cover has an upright base plate, a horizontal adjusting plate and a locking plate. The base plate has a channel defined in a lower end thereof and multiple parallel slots defined transversely in an upper end thereof. The adjusting plate has a slit defined transversely in a middle portion thereof. The base plate is inserted into the slit. A first wing of the locking plate is inserted into a slot so that the adjusting plate is securely connected to the base plate. The support with a locking device is mounted at a front end of a barbecue grill and a cover is leaned against the support so that the cover can be positioned at a desired height.

Abstract: A cooking griddle has a burner with a valve controlling gas flow to the burner. The valve is rotatable through an increased arc for controlling flow of gas to the burner. A knob for rotating the valve includes indicia for indicating a relative position of the valve.

Abstract: An air curtain-assisted exhaust method and a device thereof are provided. Air curtain generators are disposed on a worktable to enclose an encircled area in the worktable. A receiving hood is disposed above the worktable, wherein the vertical lower part of the outer edge of the receiving hood completely covers the encircled area. Then, the air curtain generators are started to blow out air curtains toward an opening of the receiving hood, and the receiving hood is started to suck an air flow. A shielding space is defined by the air flow sucked by the receiving hood and the air curtains, so that the air curtains may guide a smoke generated inside the shielding space to the receiving hood to be exhausted, thereby achieving the effect of auxiliary exhaust, and may restrict the smoke in the shielding space to prevent the smoke from diffusing laterally.

Abstract: The invention relates to removing crystallization inhibitors from a solution comprising one or more reducing sugars by nanofiltration, hydrolysis and/or chromatography. The reducing sugars are typically selected from fructose and xylose.

Abstract: A dispenser for a liquid or pulverulent, in particular a pharmaceutical medium with a medium reservoir, is provided for single-handed operation. The dispenser includes a dosing opening and is bounded in some sections by wall sections of flexible design, and by a dimensionally stable holding plate, which is provided as a handle for the application of actuating forces to the medium reservoir.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for and method for medical treatment of respiratory diseases. The system and method are particularly effective for the treatment of and protection from diseases associated with allergic inflammation, or infectious diseases. Suitable allergic diseases for treatment include atopic asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, and conjunctivitis.

Abstract: An active respiratory therapeutic device for clearing breathing passages, loosening and breaking up mucus plugs and phlegm in a patient's sinuses, trachea, bronchial passages and lungs while a patient is breathing normally through the device is disclosed. The apparatus preferably includes a C shaped curved hollow housing having a closed end portion and an open threaded end portion. The open end portion forms at least part of an acoustic coupling chamber. A generally funnel shaped tapered mouthpiece tapers to a small end portion sized to be inserted into a patient's mouth. The mouthpiece forms another part of the acoustic coupling chamber. An acoustic signal generator housed within the hollow housing generates and directs acoustic vibrations into and through the coupling chamber.

Abstract: A bite block intended primarily for use with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The bite block comprises a unitary fabrication that fits into the mouth between the teeth or dental ridges and has a central passageway large enough to accommodate a gastroscope. The bite block also has a surface which lies exterior to the oral cavity and extends around the outer surface of the lips. The bite block also has a suction device which can be attached to a standard suction machine via flexible tubing or with an intermediary hollow wand. The suction device extends through the bite block into the intra-oral portion thereof where it forms an angle and allows suction drainage of pooled oral fluids from the cheek cavity. The interior tip of the suction device has multiple slit like openings circumferentially arranged to allow suction drainage of oral fluids without becoming occluded by the oral tissues.

Abstract: A hood and respirator device including emergency lighting and locator features for aiding the wearer in escaping a dangerous circumstances and for enabling rescue personnel to more quickly locate the wearer, the lighting and locator features preferably being secured to the respirator device, and the respirator in addition forming the top of a sealed storage package for the device.

Abstract: A facepiece for use in a respirator for a pilot. The facepiece includes a separate mask and faceframe, each of which is individually fittable to the user. Once the two pieces are fitted, a mechanism may fixedly connect them to one another, thereby preventing further relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: A cannula receives i) first respiratory airflows and second respiratory airflows into separate chambers, and ii) ambient airflows. Another receives i) first respiratory airflows and second respiratory airflows into separate chambers, and ii) interface airflows. And another i) first respiratory airflows and second respiratory airflows into separate chambers from a subject, and ii) interface airflow from an area near a cannula. Corresponding respiratory monitoring methods receive the same.

Abstract: A cannula receives respiratory airflows, exhaled gases, and ambient airflows. Another receives respiratory airflows, exhaled gases, and interface airflows. And another receives i) respiratory airflows and exhaled gases from a subject, and ii) interface airflows from an area near a cannula. Corresponding respiratory monitoring methods receive the same.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a patient, that in one embodiment, comprises determining a flow of gas generated by respiration of the patient, identifying a respiratory event entry and a respiratory event exit based on the flow of gas generated by respiration of the patient, and identifying a respiratory event when the identification of the respiratory event entry is followed by the identification of respiratory event exit.

Abstract: A cannula receives respiratory airflows and ambient airflows and a differential pressure transducer determine pressures differentials between the respiratory airflows and the ambient airflows. Another receives respiratory airflows and interface airflows and a differential pressure transducer determine pressures differentials between the respiratory airflows and the interface airflows. And another receives i) respiratory airflows from a subject and ii) interface airflows from an area near the cannula; and a differential pressure transducer determines pressure differentials between the respiratory airflows and the interface airflows. Corresponding respiratory monitoring methods also receive and determine the same.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for detecting spontaneous respiratory effort of a patient receiving ventilatory support via a breathing circuit. A patient/breathing circuit interface is adapted to provide a closed connection between a breathing passage of the patient and the breathing circuit. A sensor is disposed at least partially in the breathing passage of the patient and arranged to sense flow of gas through the breathing passage. The arrangement and method individually or in addition to the airway pressure measurement promotes reliable and rapid detection of breathing efforts of a non-intubated patient to promote efficient augmentation of patient breathing.

Abstract: The “Snap-in Deflector for Respiratory Mask” is a one piece plastic deflector held in place by its integral supports and snap ring (FIG. 2). It is designed to fit inside of a respiratory mask (FIG. 1). The deflector prevents a direct flow of air/gas into the mask user's airways without inhibiting or impeding the set flow or pressure of the device. The shape is consistent (FIG. 2); the size varies slightly and is determined by the size of mask it is to be installed in, e.g. small, medium, large. This deflector greatly reduces the irritation and discomfort of the interior of the mouth and nostrils associated with the use of respiratory masks.

Abstract: The breathing mask comprises an annular band of flexible material, suitable for encircling the neck and at least a lower portion of the head of a user, a shell connected to the band, its concavity towards the interior of the band, and suitable for defining a chamber able to accommodate the user's nose and mouth, and at least one tube extending from an opening formed in the shell to a region remote from the shell, in such a way that during use the user inhales air from the said region through the said tube.

Abstract: A mask assembly (30) is provided with a filter assembly (48) to filter gas exhaled by a patient during the administration of ventilatory therapy, e.g. CPAP or bi-level treatment, to reduce or eliminate the possibility of cross-infection to other patients or the physician in a clinical setting.

Abstract: A respiratory apparatus includes a seal disposed within a port around a suction catheter so as to provide a sliding frictional sealing fit with the suction catheter. The seal is formed from a resilient material and is shaped to contain a radially outer flange section, an inner conically shaped skirt section defining an aperture through which the suction catheter passes, and a bridge section between the outer flange section and the conical skirt section. The outer flange section defines an inner diameter and the bridge section extends radially inward from the inner diameter at a first angle relative to the outer flange section. The conical skirt section extends radially inward from the bridge section at a second angle relative to the bridge section that is less than the first angle and a seal lip is defined at an end of the conical skirt section.

Abstract: A cannula receive respiratory airflows and ambient airflows. Another receives respiratory airflows and interface airflows. And another receives i) respiratory airflows from a subject and ii) interface airflows from an area near the cannula. Corresponding respiratory monitoring methods also receive the same.

Abstract: A medical ventilation device comprising a cannula having proximal and distal ends; an inflatable cuff adapted to be inflated to an inspiratory pressure, the cuff attached to and surrounding a portion of the cannula toward the distal end thereof; an inspiratory pressure inflation tube having first and second ends, the first end in communication with an interior of the inflatable cuff, the second end adapted to communicate with an inspiratory pressure source; and a pressure valve in communication with the inspiratory pressure inflation tube.

Abstract: A device for managing heating energy from a probe comprises a sleeve including a lumen sized to receive the probe therein, the sleeve defining a first window which, when the sleeve is in a desired position, faces target tissue to which the probe is to deliver energy and a shield element protecting non-target tissue from energy emanating from the surgical probe, the shield element being formed of one of a material reflecting energy delivered by the probe and a material absorbing energy delivered by the probe in combination with a positioning element which, when the sleeve is in the desired position, contacts an anatomical structure to position the sleeve relative to the target tissue.

Abstract: A medical drape is disclosed. The drape comprises a main portion having a front side, a back side, a first edge, a second edge, a top, and a bottom. The first and second edges are positioned opposite one another. The top and the bottom are positioned opposite one other. The drape further comprises a first and a second fenestration extending completely through the main portion and spaced generally equidistant from a vertical axis. The vertical axis is generally parallel to the first and second edges. The drape further comprises a third and a fourth fenestration extending completely through the main portion and are spaced generally equidistant from the vertical axis. The first and second fenestrations are closer to the top than the third and fourth fenestrations.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, devices, and/or systems for performing image guided surgery are described. In one particular embodiment, a tracking apparatus may be employed to perform one or more aspects of image guided surgery.

Abstract: A protective cap for a medical device comprising two cap parts, an inner and an outer cap part, which two cap parts can be assembled, one inside the other, to form a single integrated cap. When assembled, the inner and outer cap parts have a gap in-between, where a user defined object can be inserted. Interlocking means are provided to hold the cap parts together, and seals can be provided to assure a tight enclosure. Elevations may be provided to locally narrow the gap between the two cap parts in order to hold the inserted object in place and a template may be provided to cut out the objects to be inserted in appropriate dimensions. The outer cap part may be transparent to make the inserted object visual, whereas the inner cap part may be impenetrable by light, to protect the medical device.

Abstract: Cut filler compositions, cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for smoking cigarettes are provided, which involve the use of nanoparticle additives capable of reducing amounts of at least one constituent from mainstream and/or sidestream tobacco smoke, the at least one constituent being selected from the group consisting of aldehyde, carbon monoxide, 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, acrolein, acrylonitrile, hydrogen cyanide, o-toluidine, 2-naphtylamine, nitrogen oxide, benzene, N-nitrosonornicotine, phenol, catechol, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the nanoparticle additives are effective as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or catalyst for conversion of aldehydes such as acetaldehyde and acrolein, hydrocarbons such as isoprene and/or phenolic compounds such as catechol to carbon dioxide and water vapor.