Abstract: A hook module assembly for a tufting machine is provided that allows for broken and damaged hooks of a level cut loop tufting machine to be replaced. The hook module assembly includes modular blocks having a series of slots in which level cut loop hooks are received. Locking mechanisms secure the hooks within their respective slots in the modules and allows for removal of individual hooks from the module as needed for repair and replacement.

Abstract: A method of providing an article to meet an actual or anticipated demand including the steps of: providing an article having an exposed surface defined by at least one substrate layer; tack stitching a first adornment layer fixedly to the at least one substrate layer with thread at first and second discrete locations so that the article has a first appearance; stocking the article with the first appearance to meet an actual or anticipated demand; changing the article to have a second appearance; and making the article with the second appearance available to meet demand for the article. The step of changing the appearance of the article involves: releasing the tack stitching to allow the first adornment layer to be separated from the article; separating the first adornment layer from the article; providing a second adornment layer; and attaching the second adornment layer to the article.

Abstract: A support structure for auxiliary machinery in a seagoing vessel, the support structure comprising a trussed frame supporting a mounting plate at an elevated height above the bottom or deck of the vessel, the mounting plate being adapted to support auxiliary machinery, the trussed frame comprising beams arranged in triangles along the sides and ends of the frame, whereby the frame elevates the machinery and provides ready access to the underside of the machinery.

Abstract: An amah for a high speed seagoing multi hulled vessel, the amah having sides extending upwardly and outwardly from a base line, the sides having longitudinally extending vertically spaced stiffeners, the bow of the amah including a plate field comprising a plurality of sub plates each comprising a vertical plate secured along the centre line of the amah and supporting a horizontal plate secured to each side of the amah, whereby the planes of the horizontal plates of the sub plates step upwardly as the base line rakes upwardly towards the bow and the longitudinal stiffeners terminate and are secured to the horizontal plates.

Abstract: An electronic control system is provided to permit one-person loading and unloading of a vessel from a trailer. The control moves the vessel using bow, stern and fore/aft thrusters that are supplied by the boat manufacturer. Operator inputs to the system controller of the instant invention consist of one or more multi-axis joysticks and a multi-axis foot pedal that are mounted onboard the vessel and a hand-held remote control that permits owner control of the vessel while standing on shore. For one-person unloading and loading of the vessel from and to a trailer, the owner may, using the remote control, drive the vessel off of the trailer to a remote location in the water, park and have the vessel maintain its position with respect to GPS satellites, and call for the vessel to return to the launch point using location data that was previously recorded by the system control.

Abstract: A boat bumper for use on a boat dock includes a bumper body and a frame. The frame includes uprights and connectors that interconnect the uprights and permit the frame to deflect when a force is applied to the boat bumper. The body includes a base and a roller insert that is rotatably received within the base. The base and roller insert are plastic and include a phosphorescent material that permits the bumper body to be viewed in low-light conditions.

Abstract: A protective platform is disclosed that includes a panel that moves from a first position to a second position. In the second position, the protective platform may protect swimmers from the rotating propeller of the boat and provides a way for swimmers to enter and/or exit the boat. The protective platform may also cover the swim platform in its entirety.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a specific target odour comprises: a detector unit adapted to have removably associated therewith a holding unit for housing at least one insect in a predetermined position; means for exposing an insect in a holding unit associated with the detector unit to a sample of gas to be tested; and means for enabling monitoring of a response of the insect to the sample thereby to detect a response indicative of the target odour. In use of the apparatus, a holding unit housing at lest one insect that responds in a detectable manner to the target odour is associated with the detector unit. A sample of gas to be tested is supplied to the apparatus, for exposure to the insect or insects in the holding unit. The insect is monitored for a response indicative of the target odour, thus enabling determination as to whether or not the target odour is present in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of avian reproduction. In particular, the present invention provides a method of activating an egg in a shell. The invention also provides a method of activating an egg in a shell, whereby a live chick is hatched.

Abstract: An animal furniture bed having one side open to allow for storing of objects in an area of the bed below the sleeping surface. The bottom of that open side has a lip element that extends the complete length of that side to prevent objects from rolling out of the furniture bed. Lips can also extend upward from each side to create an area in which to place a sleeping pad for an animal. The pad serves as the animal bed.

Abstract: A selective bird feeder is provided. The selective bird feeder includes a selective housing having a side wall and a base. A cover supported by the side wall of the selected housing and a seed holder is contained within the selective housing. The selective housing restricts access of relatively large birds and predators, while allowing access of smaller birds, such as song birds, to the interior space in which the seed holder is disposed.

Abstract: A tube-type bird feeder comprised of a plurality of tube sections joined together and angularly disposed with respect to one another. A level feed disk is provided within the feeder at the juncture of the angularly disposed tube sections.

Abstract: An animal habitat and display system provided in a frame supporting at least one drawer with first and second air filled environmental compartments separated by a common divider wall capable of conducting heat directly between the compartment environments with each environment having a corresponding selectively operable heat transfer element and temperature sensor that are in communication with an environmental control unit such that, upon receipt of temperature signals from the sensors, the control unit may transmit a command signal to one or both of the heat transfer elements to selectively regulate the temperatures within the compartment environments.

Abstract: A moble cattle hospital that is adapted to be located near a pen of cattle for treatment operations. A gooseneck trailer forms a platform upon which various gates, fence panels, a squeeze chute, a squeeze pen and supplies are located for the treatment, or working, operations. The trailer is further configured to selectively raise and lower, sitting on the ground during working operations to make easier the movement of the cattle on and off the trailer.

Abstract: There are provided a radiator passage, a thermostat to open and close the radiator passage according to an engine temperature, a heater passage, a flow adjusting device to adjust a flow amount of the coolant that flows in the water jacket according to the engine temperature at an engine start. The flow adjusting device is configured so as to adjust the flow amount of the coolant flowing in the water jacket to be a normal amount when the engine temperature is in an extremely-cold condition, to be zero or smaller than the normal amount when the engine is in a mild-cold condition, and to be the normal amount when the engine is in a warm condition. The heater passage is in opened sate at least when the engine is in the extremely-cold condition.

Abstract: To provide a cooling structure which can effectively cool a controller for controlling a drive of a motor in an electric vehicle. A controller cooling structure of an electric vehicle is provided with a motor for supplying power to the rear wheel as the drive wheel, a motor driver for controlling a drive of the motor and a cooling plate for circulating the cooling water into the internal side of the motor driver in order to cool the same. In this controller cooling structure, one surface of the cooling plate is arranged adjacent to the motor driver and the other surface of the same is arranged adjacent to the rear swing arm.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle, having a cylinder head and an engine block, each with a coolant inlet port and a coolant outlet port which is common to the cylinder head the engine block, a main coolant pump having an intake side connected to the coolant outlet port and a pressure side connected to a first control valve via which coolant reaches the inlet port of the cylinder head and the inlet port of the engine block depending on the temperature of the coolant, and to a method for operating such an internal combustion engine, wherein the main coolant pump is selectively actuated to pump the coolant through at least one of the cylinder head and the engine block or is shut down depending on the engine operating state.

Abstract: A cooling structure is a separate member from a structural portion of an engine. An oil injection pipe includes cooling oil injection holes for injecting cooling oil into cylinder bores and is mounted across an engine at a somewhat upper position with respect to a crank shaft and in parallel with the crank shaft. Both ends of the oil injection pipe are fixed through mounting members to right and left side walls of the engine, whereby the pipe is mounted. Two left and right pipe portions are joined together at a central position between the two to constitute the oil injection pipe as a single pipe. At the connection in the central position, the oil injection pipe is connected to an oil supply path. Oil supplied through the oil supply path flows into the left and right pipe portions and is injected from the injection holes into the cylinder bores.

Abstract: A combustion-type power tool having a cooling arrangement for cooling a cylinder. The tool includes a housing, a cylinder head at one end of the housing, a push lever disposed at another end of the housing, and a combustion chamber frame including a base section and a head section. The head section has a disc like connecting portion extending from an end of the base section and a sleeve like abutment section extending from the connecting portion toward a cylinder head. A fan is disposed in a combustion chamber and is fixed to a rotation shaft of a motor supported to the cylinder head. The fan has fan blades. The fan blades define a widthwise center line in the axial direction of the rotation shaft. The center line is offset from the connecting portion and toward the push lever. The fan blades define widthwise edges in confrontation with the cylinder head. The widthwise edge is positioned in alignment with the connecting portion or offset therefrom toward the cylinder head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an actuator which can be displaced between two end positions, said actuator being impinged in one end position and being capable of displacement to the other end position by an electromagnetic part. The actuator is first supplied with an electromagnetic current using a pulse-duration modulation in a retaining mark space ratio. Once the application of current has ended, an oversaturation of the electromagnet is taken into consideration, either by influencing the application of current in the mark space ratio in an appropriate manner, or the oversaturation is completely prevented by a suitable configuration of the application of current.

Abstract: In a camshaft adjuster for an internal combustion engine comprising a control valve having a control piston slidably supported in a valve housing, an operating unit for adjusting the angular position of the camshaft relative to a crankshaft of the engine and a drive unit with an electric motor and a transmission structure for actuating the control piston, the transmission is non-self-locking so that backward movement of the valve piston can be achieved by a backward force on the valve piston.

Abstract: An oil supply passage of a cylinder head increases design freedom of cylinder heads. The oil filter variously sets the oil supplying position through which oil enters into an oil filter. This improves fuel consumption by simplifying the oil supply passage of the cylinder head, reduces power loss of an oil pump, and decreases the size and weight of the cylinder head.

Abstract: A rocker arm is adapted for use with an engine including a push rod, a valve unit and a pivot ball disposed on a supporting frame. The rocker arm is connected pivotally to the supporting frame, and includes a main plate having a central opening defined by an upper edge, a horizontal lower edge disposed under the upper edge, and two curved lateral edges interconnecting the upper and lower edges. The lower edge has an intermediate portion formed with an outwardly flared recess that defines an upwardly facing socket engaging the pivot ball. A first arm plate is connected integrally to a lateral side of the main plate and is driven by the push rod. A second arm plate is connected integrally to an opposite lateral side of the main plate and operates the valve unit.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve-lash-adjusting element (HVA) for the valve train of an internal combustion engine, wherein: a housing (1) has a blind bore (2) in which a piston (3) is guided with sealing clearance and is in pressure contact with a valve-actuating element (6) and its cam; the piston (3), together with the blind bore (2), defines a high-pressure space (4) while a low-pressure space (5) is located above the piston (3); the pressure spaces (4, 5) are connected by at least one central axial bore in the piston (3), this axial bore being controlled by a control valve arranged in the piston (3), wherein the control valve is designed as an exchange valve (11), with a valve body (12) which is guided in a smooth-running manner in the interior of the piston (3), serves to control an upper and a lower central axial bore (14, 15) and the closing movement in both directions of which is the relative movement of the piston (3) in relation to the valve body (12), which is virtually at a standstill because of its mass mo

Abstract: An engine starting method includes maintaining a rotation speed of a crankshaft of an engine rotated by a motor at a first rotation speed, supplying fuel to the engine and igniting the fuel while the crankshaft is rotated by the motor at the first rotation speed, determining whether the fuel has been ignited in the engine, and maintaining the rotation speed of the crankshaft rotated at least by the motor at a second rotation speed that is greater than the first rotation speed upon determining that the fuel has been ignited.

Abstract: An intake system for a combustion engine includes an intake passage (12), a suction duct (22) protruding into the intake passage (12) to communicate therewith and having front and rear wall areas (22a and 22b), and a fuel injector (21) positioned upstream of the intake duct (22) for injecting fuel (F) into the suction duct (22). The rear wall area (22b) has a height greater than that of the front wall area (22a).

Abstract: An intake air crossover arrangement for an internal combustion engine having two cylinder banks in a V-shaped arrangement in which air compressed by at least one, and preferably two, turbochargers, is delivered via air ducts to respective intake manifolds for each cylinder bank wherein the air ducts twist at least in the crossover region and have a cross-sectional shape such that they sit in flat contact with one another, preferably by use of an integrally formed crossover pipe containing portions of both ducts. The crossover pipe may further include integral connections for exhaust gas recirculation respectively for each duct.

Abstract: Combustion devices described herein comprise a compliant combustion chamber wall or segment. The compliant segment deforms during combustion in the combustion chamber. Some devices may include a compliant wall configured to stretch responsive to pressure generated by combustion of a fuel in the combustion chamber. A coupling portion translates deformation of the compliant segment or wall into mechanical output. One or more ports are configured to inlet an oxygen source and fuel into the combustion chamber and to outlet exhaust gases from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A component (100) for an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of as-cast features (e.g. 116) formed thereon, and a plurality of machined features (e.g. 120). The component (100) also includes at least one witness mark (128), the witness mark (128) including a cavity (202) surrounded by a first lateral surface (204), a first inclined surface (208), a second inclined surface (210), and a valley surface (212). The at least one witness mark (128) is formed during a casting operation, and is used to locate the component (100) on a fixture (300). The plurality of machined features (120) do not encroach onto an area of the at least one witness mark (128). The first inclined surface (208) and the second inclined surface (210) are at an angle (?) with respect to each other.

Abstract: The invention concerns an internal combustion engine with at least one engine member, the engine member including a combustion chamber (4) of a combustible mixture with fuel and oxidant components fitted with a compression system (9), an ignition system (7) of the combustible mixture by an igniter, sequential let-through devices for the fuel and oxidant components and for the combustion products. According to the invention, the ignition system includes a closed head (6)(12a) substantially spherical enclosing the igniter in a precombustion chamber, the head including a set of orifices (5) intended to communicate the combustion chamber and the precombustion chamber so that combustible mixture may flow into the precombustion chamber, and at least one of the let-through devices is a direct injector in the combustion chamber for the fuel and/or oxidant components, in all or in part. A method and an application are also described.

Abstract: A fuel injector comprising a head which has a free outer face and a main orifice designed to spray a fuel jet in a main direction and a secondary orifice designed to spray a fuel jet in a secondary direction, the main and secondary orifices opening into the outer face and communicating directly with a common injection chamber which is selectively placed in communication with a supply chamber. The secondary direction forms an angle ? between 10° and 80°, with the main direction so that the secondary jet intercepts the main jet in a burst zone which starts at a distance d of between 1 and 15 mm, and the flow rate of the secondary jet is between 80% and 100% of the flow rate of the main jet. The invention also relates to a spark ignition engine and to a method of manufacturing the injector.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder engine for driving a vehicle is provided. The multi-cylinder engine includes a plurality of cylinders. The engine also includes a multi-throttle valve device having a plurality of air-intake passages, each of which being configured to lead air to the respective cylinder, and a plurality of throttle valves, each of which being configured to open and close the respective air-intake passage. At least one of the throttle valves is configured to be opened and closed independently of at least one of the other throttle valves.

Abstract: A throttle valve positioning device is disclosed, The device has a housing with a bearing for a throttle valve shaft and a throttle valve support, within which a throttle valve pivots which sits on the throttle valve shaft, running into a shaft passage in the support. With the device, air leakage may be avoided, such that the periphery of the throttle valve is arranged at a separation from a passage for the throttle valve shaft in. the throttle valve support.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine provided with a fuel vapor treatment system according to the invention includes a controller that discharges fuel vapor into an intake passageway by using the intake negative pressure, and which adjusts the amount of the intake air through the cooperative control of a variable control of at least one of the lift amount of an intake valve and the working angle of the intake valve, and a control of the degree of opening of a throttle valve. In addition, the control apparatus executes the variable control so that at least one of the lift amount and the working angle of the intake valve changes in accordance with the fuel vapor concentration in the fuel vapor treatment system.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for a power source is disclosed. The valve arrangement has a first valve element and a second valve element. The valve arrangement also has an actuator configured to drive the first and second valve elements. The valve arrangement further has a planetary gear arrangement interconnecting the actuator and the first and second valve elements.

Abstract: A multicylinder homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine with a control system designed to maintain stable HCCI combustion during engine speed/load transitions by: (1) determining “combustion parameter” values such as the maximum rate of pressure rise for each cycle of each cylinder, (2) adjusting engine operating parameters (such as charge-air intake temperature, intake pressure (boost), or charge-air oxygen concentration) to effect a change in the combustion parameter value, (3) thereafter adjusting an engine “control parameter” (e.g., commanded fuel quantity) to each cylinder to maintain a desired target for the combustion parameter value (such as 10 bar/crank angle degree, or a smaller value, such as 6 bar/crank angle degree), and (4) individually adjusting cooling, heating and/or fuel command to deviating cylinders to achieve uniform combustion.

Abstract: An arrangement in a fuel injection system for controlling the fuel injection includes a body part having a space, through which the fuel to be injected during operation flows, and a fuel inlet opening and an outlet opening opening into the space. A piston is arranged movably inside the space, the piston having a channel arranged therein for creating a flow connection between the fuel inlet opening and the outlet opening, whereby the piston divides the space into a first part connected with the inlet opening and a second part connected with the outlet opening. A spring creates a force acting on the piston in a direction opposite to that of the main fuel flow. The piston and the body part are formed so that when the piston is in the end adjacent the fuel inlet opening it delimits a third space, the volume of which depends on the mutual positions of the piston and the body part.

Abstract: A vehicle is capable of improving layout flexibility for a fuel injector to an intake passage and preventing fuel from sticking to the inner wall surface of the intake passage. The vehicle includes an engine, an intake passage arranged to supply air to the engine, and a fuel injector mounted on a midsection of the intake passage and arranged to supply fuel to the engine. The intake passage is arranged to continue from the inlet opening of the engine. The intake passage includes an intake passage portion having an upper section extending upward substantially in the vertical direction and an intake passage portion arranged to continue from the upper section of the intake passage portion and have a section bent in the lateral direction of the vehicle body. The fuel injector is mounted to the intake passage portion having the section that is bent in the lateral direction of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a position control characteristic that is represented by an N-th order polynomial equation includes a valve housing a valve element, and a valve characterization circuit. The valve housing has at least a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a flow passage between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet. The valve element is mounted on the valve housing, is disposed at least partially within the valve housing flow passage, and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The valve characteristic circuit is mounted on the valve housing, and includes a plurality of resistors. Each resistor has a resistance value representative of at least one digit in the N-th order polynomial equation.

Abstract: In a method for ascertaining the position of a mobile closing element of an injector valve in a motor vehicle engine, in which the closing element is driven by a piezoelectric element for opening or closing the injection valve and a voltage signal allocated to an electrical voltage recorded on the piezoelectric element, the position of the closing element is ascertained from the ascertained voltage signal. Through a two-way valve arranged on the injection valve, a change in the voltage signal is brought about based upon a change in the electrical voltage on the piezoelectric element as a function of the position of the closing element.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present technique, a method of reducing pollutant emissions from a compression-ignition engine is provided. The method includes adjusting timing of fuel injection into a combustion chamber of a piston-cylinder assembly of the compression-ignition engine. The method of adjusting timing of fuel injection includes indexing a drive mechanism intercoupling a camshaft to a crankshaft by at least one tooth away from a standard position. The method of adjusting timing of fuel injection further includes adjusting a pre-stroke of a plunger of a fuel injector assembly.

Abstract: A modular fuel delivery assembly for a fuel tank of a vehicle includes a mounting flange, a common support member adjustably engaged with the mounting flange, and a plurality of accessories attached to the common support member.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fuel system of an internal combustion engine. The method is employed with a fuel system having a source of alcohol-containing liquid fuel, at least one fuel injector, a heat source for heating the liquid fuel in the at least one fuel injector, the heat source capable of heating the liquid fuel to a level sufficient to convert at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and a metering valve operable to achieve a range of flow rates characterized by a valve open versus valve closed duty cycle. The method includes the steps of metering a predetermined amount of fuel based on engine operating conditions, controlling power supplied to the heat source of the at least one fuel injector to achieve a target temperature, determining alcohol concentration of the fuel and adjusting the power supplied to the heat source of the at least one fuel injector based on the alcohol concentration determination.

Abstract: A method for actuating one or more exhaust valves in an internal combustion engine during positive power operation is disclosed. The expansion stroke of an engine cylinder is effectively lengthened and the exhaust stroke is effectively shortened by delaying the opening and/or advancing the closing of the exhaust valve relative to conventional exhaust valve timing during the exhaust stroke. Selective variation of the exhaust stroke during positive power operation of the engine may reduce NOx production.

Abstract: An intake assembly includes an intake manifold comprising several interfitting sections attached to each other to define a plurality of air passages, and an EGR conduit within the intake manifold including openings in communication with each of the plurality of air passages. The EGR conduit is in communication with a source of exhaust gases and provides for the proximate and decentralized injection of exhaust gases into the intake manifold assembly. The intake manifold assembly also includes a passage that is in communication with a positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV) and a purge gas system. Gases from the PCV system and the gas purge system mix in the passage and then are communicated to the each of the air passages through individual opening passages.

Abstract: The invention concerns a combustion engine comprising a cylinder and a piston which is displaceably guided in the cylinder, the piston having a piston head facing a combustion chamber and being coupled to a crankshaft via a connecting rod, wherein a second piston which is displaceably guided in the cylinder is provided opposite to the piston, the second piston also having a piston head, wherein the combustion chamber is disposed between the two piston heads, and the second piston is coupled to a crankshaft via a connecting rod.

Abstract: A toy gun comprising a bullet chamber, a gas bottle container, a regulation valve, a regulation chamber and a control valve in a magazine shell, at least one partitioner is installed inside the regulation chamber, the partitioner subdivides the regulation chamber into several small chambers in series, several small holes are on the partitioner to interlink these small chambers, the small holes are made in conical shape with smaller diameter toward first chamber side. In real application, the gas flows from the gas bottle to the first chamber then to next chambers through those small holes, the gas entering the first chamber cannot flow into the next chamber completely as the gas flow reservation and buffering effect, the gas pressure variation is minimized at the regulation valve close moment and offer a stable, safe shooting power source.

Abstract: An electro-pneumatic paintball gun preferably comprises a bolt assembly and a firing valve assembly that can be readily removed from the paintball gun. A bolt assembly preferably comprises a bolt sleeve. The bolt assembly is preferably removed by turning the bolt sleeve a predetermined rotational distance and then retracting the bolt assembly from a rearward opening in the paintball gun. The firing assembly preferably comprises a pneumatic piston rod and cylinder and a firing valve. A firing mass is preferably arranged on a rearward end of the piston rod. The forward end of the piston rod preferably engages the firing valve. The firing mass can include a groove for receiving a bolt linkage from the bolt assembly.

Abstract: A compressed gas-powered projectile accelerator is disclosed having an improved means of gas distribution, a valve locking mechanism, an improved combined bumper/seal, and self-contained modular components to improve efficiency, manufacturability, and reduce size and weight.

Abstract: The formation of a ball throwing machine is facilitated and the accuracy of the direction in which balls are thrown by the ball throwing machine is improved. The ball throwing machine (1) comprises a support body (4) mountable on the ground (3), a pair of rotary shafts (6, 6) supported by the support body (4) so that they are rotatable around their own parallel axes (5), and a pair of rotary wheels (7, 7) fixed on the rotary shafts (6) concentrically with the latter. A ball (2) fed between the outer peripheral surfaces (10, 10) of the two rotary wheels (7, 7) rotating in opposite directions (C, D) is nipped between the outer peripheral surfaces (10, 10) and accelerated and thrown outward.