Abstract: The invention concerns a pneumatic and/or hydraulic actuator. The pneumatic and/or hydraulic actuator is one in which the run of a driving shaft, which is pneumatically operated by a piston, can vary on the basis of the insertion in the body of the actuator or at least one cylinder, so that the body of the cylinder forms a barrier along the run of the driving shaft causing the stoppage of the shaft itself.

Abstract: A method for assembling a piston on a rod, and resultant piston and rod assembly, uses one or more lock rings that are mechanically deformed radially inwardly into respective locking grooves in the rod, thereby axially locking the lock ring to the rod. The lock ring can function as an axial stop for the piston or can be formed integrally with the piston. The method of assembly minimize unwanted strains and stresses in the piston and rod, while providing a secure and durable joint between the piston and rod.

Abstract: A pressure assembly including a cylinder, an end plug and a split ring band. The cylinder has an end, an inner surface and an outer surface. The end plug is inserted into the end of the cylinder, the end plug having an outer surface that is in partial contact with the inner surface of the cylinder. The split ring band is in contact with the outer surface of the cylinder, the split ring band being secured to the cylinder and to the end plug.

Abstract: A cylinder liner (2) for a cylinder block has a contouring (6) at one end. The contouring (6) serves to support the liner (2) on a sleeve (4) inside a die-casting tool. When the liner (2) is cast in, recesses (10) of the liner (2) are filled by the material of the cylinder crankcase whereby preventing the liner (2) from seating toward an oil chamber (14). The invention also relates to a method for producing a cylinder liner of the aforementioned type.

Abstract: A wine barrel having a rigid external reusable frame with replaceable wooden side panels and substantially identical upper and lower wooden ends assembled within the rigid external frame to provide a wooden enclosure for the wine. A liquid tight container is provided; the wine exposed only to wooden surfaces. Panels can be replaced in the frame with new panels or existing panels having an unused side can be removed, reversed, and reused. Assembly of the barrel is straightforward requiring only minimum tools and skills without the need for the hand-fitting expertise required in constructing a traditional barrel. When assembled, the rigid frame, and not the wood panels, supports all the external and internal loads of the wine barrel. For introduction of a caramel taste to the wine the wood panels can be initially placed in an oven with the degree of caramelization controlled by the oven temperature and exposure time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for infusing a liquid with a flavoring or a scent. The method and apparatus may be used to produce soups and beverages, including tea-based beverages which use various flavoring agents, and also scented products. Further, the method and apparatus allow for fine adjustments to infusion conditions such as submersion time and temperature, and preparation (such as chopping or grinding) of the flavoring or scent agents, to allow for the consistent, repeatable preparation of a high quality flavored or scented liquid.

Abstract: An improved coffee brewer and brewing method are provided for producing brewed coffee with improved flavor. The coffee brewer includes a brew basket having jet ports connected to a source of heated water and positioned to deliver hot water streams into the brew basket at a location beneath the level of coffee grounds contained therein. These hot water streams turbulently agitate and stir the coffee grounds to produce a substantially fluidized bed of water-borne coffee grounds for improved flavor extraction and enhanced aroma. This fluidized bed is directed against one or more mesh filter elements forming a wall portion of the brew basket for outward passage of the thus-brewed coffee which is then directed into an underlying carafe or the like. In one preferred form, a portion of the brew basket may incorporate a window to permit visual observation of the fluidized bed therein.

Abstract: A strapping machine feeds strapping material around a load, positions, tensions and seals the material around the load. The machine includes a work surface, a portion of which is upwardly pivotal. A conveyor mounted within the work surface has a friction belt drive. The conveyor roller closest to the strap chute has a middle portion that has a smaller diameter than the end portions. The portions are fitted together to rotate as a unitary element. A load compression assembly is mounted at the strap chute. A side squaring assembly aligns the load in the direction transverse to the load direction. A strap guide extends between a pre-feed assembly and the feed assembly and includes a fixed portion and a movable portion forming a guide path that is opened to access the guide path. An interlocked enclosure is mounted to the machine frame below the work surface to access the sealing head and the feed assembly.

Abstract: A method for driving a satellite offset press, and a satellite offset press which, with little expenditure, permits multicolor printing in one pass. A satellite offset press, in which form cylinders and associated transfer cylinders are driven synchronously, while in each case segments located in the circumferential direction of the form cylinders and of the transfer cylinders and also of the transfer cylinders and of an impression cylinder interacting with the latter roll on one another in accurate register with a sheet held thereon, following each full revolution. The speed of the impression cylinder is reduced and increased again, so that the transfer cylinders lead by at least one segment length in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A method for influencing lateral web spreading in a printing unit in a rotary printing press, the printing unit having first and second transfer cylinders contacting each other along a contact zone for receiving a web to be printed on therebetween and undergoing a deflection during operation, and at least one plate cylinder which is respectively settable against one of the first and second transfer cylinders for printing on at least one side of the web receivable in the contact zone.

Abstract: A self-dampening ink composition and methods for lithographic printing using a single fluid lithographic ink are provided in the invention in which the composition comprises glycerol in an amount greater than 0 to about 10 percent by weight, a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of about 8 to about 20 in an amount from about 0.25 to about 2 percent by weight, and water in an amount of about 20 to about 50 percent by weight.

Abstract: A dressing is pressed against a surface of a cylinder of a printing machine by the use of pressing elements. Several such dressings may be arranged next to each other in the axial direction of the cylinder. The pressing elements, used in connection with one of the plurality of dressings, are operable independently of other pressing elements that are used in connection with other ones of the dressings. These pressing elements may be provided as roller elements. Additional pressing elements are located, spaced in a circumferential direction of the cylinder, from the other pressing elements. Those additional pressing elements may be positioned before, in a direction of cylinder rotation, the other pressing elements.

Abstract: An arming system for a weapon, such as a missile, includes a pair of logic elements that output different types of signals upon the occurrence of different pre-arming events. The different types of signals may be, for instance, signals at different frequencies. The different signals are combined in a mixer. The mixed combined signal may be processed by passing it though elements such as a band pass filter and/or a pulse-width modulator/controller. An arming switch is configured to initiate arming when a predetermined condition in the combined signal is detected, such as the presence of a frequency in the combined signal at the difference between the frequencies of the individual signals from the logic elements. By basing arming on characteristics of a mixed combined signal from two logical elements, there are no credible single-point failure modes in the arming system.

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms and with nutrient for the microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide an identifiable bullet which is unduplicatable by a third party. The means is to place plural (two or more) kinds of identification codes onto or into a bullet and to make the identification codes mutually related. By this means the bullet remains identifiable. Next, the means is to make at least one kind of the identification code or codes ciphered. By this means the mutual relations among the identification codes become confidential to a third party, so that the bullet becomes unduplicatable. In one embodiment, each identification code is placed in a different kind of material, and this enables an investigator to detect and compare the identification codes more easily after shooting of the bullet. In another embodiment, each kind of identification code or codes is placed in a different kind of material.

Abstract: An equipment turnaround easily installs on a driveway or garage floor surface. The turnaround has a large support platform compared to the equipment footprint providing ease of loading or unloading the equipment. The turnaround is fastened to the surface by fasteners that allow the turnaround to rotate about the centerline of the drive mechanism surface contact plate. This changes the direction the equipment is facing, allowing equipment to be parked in a narrow space without having to back the equipment out of the space. Alternately the turnaround may be used for a rotatable equipment display. The turnaround may be turned manually or use a self-contained power supply.

Abstract: A personal lift device is disclosed having a motor having an output shaft. A gearing system is operatively connected to the output shaft for increasing torque. A strap for suspending a weight is wound onto a spool and rotating the spool extends and retracts the strap. A drive connection is made between the gearing system and the spool to permit said motor to drive said spool. A brake is associated with said spool to prevent unwanted extension of said strap from said spool, when a weight is suspended by said strap. In a preferred embodiment a clutch is provided between the brake and the drive train, and the greater the weight supported by the spool the greater the braking force. An emergency lift and lower device is also provided in the event of a failure of the motor.

Abstract: In a conveying cart, a front side wheel (a front wheel) for supporting the conveying cart is provided with a travel driving unit (a front wheel inverter and a travel motor), and a rear side wheel (a rear wheel) for supporting the conveying cart is provided with a travel driving unit (a rear wheel inverter and a travel motor). When the conveying cart travels in a curve portion of a travel path, the travel driving unit for the front wheel of the conveying cart on which the center of gravity is located is subjected to speed control, and the travel driving unit for the rear wheel of the conveying cart that tends to float up is subjected to torque control.

Abstract: The disclosure describes is a portable activity surface with foam construction with various utilitarian features and configurations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knife for and a method of zero till or minimum till seeding and fertilizing. The knife is particularly adapted for dry land conditions producing minimum solid disturbance and very shallow operation. The knife has a high penetration angle preferably of 45 degrees which permits the blade to enter high trash surface cover with little tendency to plug due to trash accumulation. The blade has a forward angle of attack, the lower cutting edge advancing before the upper cutting edge, serving to make a clean cut in the soil surface without accumulating trash. Seed and/or fertilizer conduits are attached to or incorporated in the trailing face of the blade in which the outlets may be spaced for controlled placement of the materials. By the method a furrow is cut having a substantial transverse component in an operation with a substantial forward component.

Abstract: A seed planting assembly is provided having a plurality of planting units supported by a tool bar, each of which being operable to form a seed trench in soil, plant seeds in the seed trench, and close the seed trench. The seed trench defines a depth that is achieved via a pair of gauge wheels. A press wheel assembly packs the trench after it has been seeded and closed. The planting assembly links the forward gauge wheels with the rear press wheel assembly for reciprocal motion to reduce the trench depth displacement when either a gauge wheel or a press wheel travels over an obstacle.

Abstract: A seed planting assembly is provided having a plurality of planting units supported by a tool bar, each of which being operable to form a seed trench in soil, plant seeds in the seed trench, and close the seed trench. The seed trench defines a depth that is achieved via a pair of gauge wheels. A press wheel assembly packs the trench after it has been seeded and closed. The planting assembly links the forward gauge wheels with the rear press wheel assembly for reciprocal motion to reduce the trench depth displacement when either a gauge wheel or a press wheel travels over an obstacle.

Abstract: A residue coulter apparatus that cleanly severs and clears crop debris from a planting row, causing minimal disturbance to the soil. The residue coulter apparatus comprises a pair of flat discs each having a plurality of back swept shark type teeth extending about their periphery. The teeth include a double beveled cutting edge on the outer edge of the teeth adapted to sever residue from the field. The clearing discs are oriented substantially vertical to the ground. Two clearing discs are used in combination to clear a pathway for planting seed. The clearing discs are angled toward each other so that the leading edges of the clearing discs are pointed in a toe-in orientation. The present design effectively removes crop debris without over discharge and causes minimal soil disturbance.

Abstract: A sewing machine including a needle being supplied with an upper thread, a loop taker which accommodates a bobbin for a bottom thread, and a drive unit, which forces the needle to perform a reciprocating movement. The needle, during its movement and in cooperation with the loop taker, executes a stitch on a sewing material being advanced between the upper thread and the bottom thread. A take-up lever, for each stitch, pulls tight a knot being formed in the sewing material by the upper thread and the bottom thread in cooperation. The sewing machine further includes a thread transfer member supplying the needle with an upper thread with either a thread portioner or a friction braking assembly for friction braking of the upper thread. A switch switches between thread supply with the thread portioner or with the friction braking assembly. A control unit controls the thread supply from the thread portioner or, alternatively, controls the friction braking assembly.

Abstract: A sewing machine that can be easily set up for minimizing selvedge includes a needle plate assembly and a reciprocating needle. The reciprocating needle is supported above the needle plate for joining at least two pieces of material together. A sew guide is spaced laterally from the reciprocating needle a predetermined distance corresponding to a selvedge length of selvedge extending from the joined material for guiding the pieces of material being joined beneath the needle. A spacer abutting the sew guide laterally spaces the sew guide at the predetermined distance corresponding to the selvedge length.

Abstract: A gyrostabilizer system that counteracts the natural rolling motion of a small boat or vessel. The invention constitutes an improvement in prior art systems of this type in that the system weighs less because it has a much lighter rotor made of composite materials spinning at much higher speeds. The gyrostabilizer system includes a lightweight rotor spinning at very high speeds to attain a large angular momentum. The mass of the rotor is concentrated away from the spin axis of the rotor to maximize angular momentum while minimizing weight. The rotor is mounted in a frame that, in turn, is mounted on gimbals so that the frame can be rotated about an axis that is normal to the longitudinal roll axis of the vessel. When the rotor is rotated about the gimbals, a torque is created that opposes the torque created by the sea and reduces the rolling motion of the vessel. The rotor may be mounted in an evacuated chamber to reduce air drag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing existing ballast water in a ballast tank of a ship while the ship is underway in the sea includes a seawater inlet port associated with the ballast tank in the sidewall of the ship's hull and admits water into the ballast tank when the ship is moving by producing a pressure that is greater than the pressure of the ballast water that is to be replaced. The incoming seawater from the inlet port is directed into the ballast tank, and an ejector located on a lower portion of the ballast tank discharges the existing ballast water via an outlet port coupled to the ejector that is located aft of the inlet on the side of the ship's hull.

Abstract: A personal watercraft having improved bottom hull shapes in general, and improved center keel shapes in particular. The center keel can have a substantial section over which the keel angle becomes sharper progressing from front to rear, and the concavities on either side of the center keel become deeper progressing from front to rear. The center keel can have a point of maximum downward slope on either side of the keel centerline, with the maximum vertically downward slope becoming greater with greater rearward distance over a section of the personal water craft bottom hull. The bottom hull can have keel troughs on either side of the keel centerline that become deeper over a section of the personal watercraft bottom hull, traveling from front to rear over that selected section of personal watercraft bottom hull. The center keel shape can provide a smoother ride and improved handling in rough water.

Abstract: An underwater chain stopper and fairlead apparatus for offshore structures, drilling platforms, ships or other vessels. The apparatus comprises a mounting member, a fairlead member and a chain stopper member. The mounting member is attached to an underwater surface of the offshore structure or vessel and includes a bracket for coupling the fairlead member. The bracket may comprise a hinge allowing the fairlead member to pivot in an approximately horizontal plane. The chain stopper member is coupled to the fairlead member through a hinge which allows the chain stopper member to pivot with respect to the fairlead member in an approximately vertical plane. The chain stopper member includes a chain stopper flapper having a horseshoe shaped opening at one end. The other end of the flapper is connected to the chain stopper member through a hinge which allows the flapper to swing between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A foldable rigid frame attachment system for portable, inflatable pontoon boats including first and second inflatable elongated pontoons arranged to be approximately parallel to each other. The pontoons include pairs of upwardly extending strips formed in a longitudinal direction on both sides of the centerline on the top of each of the pontoons. Transversal slats connect the pontoons, and the bottom of each slat includes engaging means to engage the strips of the pontoons. The pontoon boat is held rigid by first and second underbars. The first underbar is positioned in a longitudinal direction on the top of the first pontoon in between the pairs of strips and below the slats, the second underbar is positioned in a longitudinal direction on the top of the second pontoon in between the pairs of strips and below the slats. As the pontoon boat is inflated, the underbars are locked into position between the pontoons and the slats.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and a method for sampling of milk. The device includes a collecting member (15, 15?) arranged to receive milk samples from a milk line (1), which is arranged to transport milk from one animal (3) at a time, and a passage (8a, 12?, 13) arranged to allow a milk flow from the milk line (1) to the collecting member (15, 15?). The device comprises flow means (11, 19) arranged to provide a milk flow, from the animal (3), through at least a part of the passage (8a, 12?, 13) at least a time period before a milk sample is to be taken in order to rinse at least the part of the passage (8a, 12?, 13) from milk residues from a previously milked animal.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding a jetter cup having an opening, includes a peg having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion interposed between and larger than the first portion and the second portion, wherein the third portion is larger than the opening of the jetter cup.

Abstract: A fence-covering system for covering the openings in fence structures, such as an animal corral or arena. According to one aspect, a fence-covering system includes one or more removable fence-covering members that snap-fit onto the existing rails of a fence. Each fence-covering member can include an upper rail-engaging end portion that engages a horizontal rail of the fence, a lower rail-engaging end portion that engages another horizontal rail of the fence, and a generally flat panel member that covers the openings between the rails. According to another aspect, a fence-covering system comprises a sheet of a strong, flexible material, such as a fabric or fabric-like material, that is wrapped around the rails of a fence.

Abstract: An apparatus for training a dog to heel includes an elongated body adapted to be vertically positioned against an outside portion of a leg of a dog trainer. The body has a top end and a bottom end. The top end is adapted for positioning against the leg in the vicinity of the upper thigh of the dog trainer. The bottom end is adapted for positioning against the leg in the vicinity of a lower calf of the dog trainer. Straps are provided at intervals along the body. The straps are adapted for strapping the body to the leg of the dog trainer. More than one training strap coupling is positioned at spaced vertical intervals along the body. The dog trainer connects a short training strap extending to a collar of a dog being trained at a selected training strap coupling at a height of the collar of the dog.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor, comprising a furnace, a heat exchange chamber, a substantially vertical discharge channel connected to the lower part of the heat exchange chamber for removing particulate material from the heat exchange chamber to the furnace, and a substantially vertical auxiliary channel for transferring particulate material from the heat exchange chamber to the furnace and from the furnace to the heat exchange chamber, the lower part of said auxiliary channel being provided with nozzles for fluidizing gas and with a flow conduit for connecting said auxiliary channel to the furnace and a flow conduit in the upper part for connecting said auxiliary channel to said heat exchange chamber. The furnace, heat exchange chamber, discharge channel and auxiliary channel preferably form an integrated structure having the discharge channel and the auxiliary channel adjacently arranged between the furnace and the heat exchange chamber.

Abstract: A boiler plant, including a combustion section, a heat exchange section including heat exchange surfaces, arranged above the combustion section and having a flow direction from the bottom upwards, and a stationary supporting structure. The combustion section and the heat exchange section are separate chambers, flexibly joined with each other, and the chambers are each separately hung from their upper part to the stationary supporting structure.

Abstract: A hydrogen generating system is provided for use in internal combustion engines for increasing the efficiency of the engine and decreasing emissions from the engine. The hydrogen generating system has an electrolysis cell for generating hydrogen and oxygen gases by electrolysis of an aqueous solution, a power source for providing electrical power to the electrolysis cell, an outlet flow means for introducing the generated gases into the intake manifold system of an internal combustion engine, a monitoring means for monitoring the operating conditions of the hydrogen generating system, and a control means connected to the monitoring means for controlling the operation of the hydrogen generating system in response to the monitoring means. Various devices and systems are added to facilitate use and overcome previous problems with prior hydrogen generating systems.

Abstract: An air compressor includes a piston slidably received in a cylinder housing, and a motor coupled to the piston for moving the piston relative to the cylinder housing in a reciprocating action, in order to generate pressurized air. A cover is detachably secured on top of the cylinder housing, and includes an outlet tube having a compartment communicating with the cylinder housing, for receiving pressurized air from the cylinder housing, and includes an inlet blocked by a check valve device. The cover may be adjusted and secured to the cylinder housing, to adjust the inlet to different position relative to the cylinder housing, and to prevent the inlet from being blocked by objects.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an engine block having an oil rifle. A cylinder liner carried by the engine block includes a bottom end. A piston cooling nozzle coupled with the engine block includes an inlet in communication with the oil rifle, a tube, and a bracket coupled with the tube. The bracket engages the bottom end of the cylinder liner.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine cylinder head unit includes a number of gas flow ports extending upwardly from a fire deck. A common coolant passage extends between adjacent ones of the gas flow ports. A first coolant flow director includes a flow splitter extending downwardly into the common coolant passage so as to cause a coolant flow within the common coolant passage to remain attached upon an upper surface of the fire deck between adjacent ports. A second coolant passage runs about a radially outboard portion of the cylinder head unit, and flow in this passage is directed by a truncated bulk flow displacer extending from a rear wall of the second coolant flow passage. The second flow director causes the impingement of coolant upon both an upper surface of the fire deck and upon an outboard portion of at least one of the cylinder ports.

Abstract: The invention concerns an internal-combustion engine, the engine comprising a first combustion chamber, a first piston displaceably guided in the first combustion chamber, the first piston facing the first combustion chamber with a first piston surface in a first direction, a second combustion chamber, a second piston displaceably guided in the second combustion chamber, the second piston facing the second combustion chamber with a second piston surface in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction being opposed to each other, the first piston and the second piston being coupled to each other so that they move simultaneously.

Abstract: A power plant includes an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft to which a piston is connected and a variable compression ratio system for changing the position of the axis of rotation of the crankshaft. The power plant includes a transmission having a main shaft which is connected to the crankshaft through a first deceleration system. The variable compression ratio system includes a crankshaft holder, which rotatably supports the crankshaft and which is swingably supported on a main shaft, and a drive system which swings the crankshaft holder. Thus, the power plant retains unchanged the distance of shafts between the crankshaft and the main shaft, even when the combustion engine has a variable compression ratio system, by changing the position of the axis of rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A piston engine which has at least one dry-running piston-cylinder unit. It has a first housing (1), at least one cylinder arranged in or on the first housing (1) in which a piston is reciprocably arranged. The piston-cylinder unit further has a first crankshaft (4) and a second crankshaft (5), the first and second crankshafts (4, 5) being arranged parallel to each other and synchronously rotating in opposite directions. The axes of rotation (X, X?) of the crankshafts (4, 5) are arranged parallel to a center plane (Z) of the cylinder, and they are laterally offset relative thereto. First and second piston rods (6, 7) are pivotally connected to piston (3). The first piston rod (6) has a first end pivotally connected to piston (3) and a second end connected to a crank pin (40) of the first crankshaft (4). The second piston rod (7) has a first end that is pivotally connected to piston (3) and a second end that is pivotally connected to a crank pin (50) of the second crankshaft (5).

Abstract: A four-stroke radial engine comprises cylinders arranged radially with respect to a driving shaft of said radial engine and pistons associated with said cylinders, said pistons being connected to said driving shaft by means of respective connecting rods which are rotatably supported on a same crank pivot of said driving shaft.

Abstract: A rocker arm is swingably supported by a control shaft that has an eccentric control cam formed thereon. The rocker arm is swung by a torque of a crankshaft of the engine. Two swing cams are swingably supported by a drive shaft and actuate respective engine valves to make an open/close operation of the same by receiving the swinging movement from the rocker arm. The rocker arm comprises a cylindrical base portion through which the control shaft passes; a first projected end that is provided at a first radially outside part of the cylindrical base portion in the vicinity of one axial end of the cylindrical base portion, the first projected end receiving the torque from the crankshaft for carrying out the pivotal movement of the rocker arm; and two second projected ends that are spaced from each other and provided at a second radially outside part of the cylindrical base portion, the second projected ends actuating the two swing cams when the rocker arm is swung.

Abstract: A valve timing adjusting apparatus for an engine comprises a housing unit and a vane rotor rotatably housed in the housing unit. The housing unit comprises a front plate, a shoe housing and a sprocket, wherein those elements are fixed to each other. A position determination pin is inserted through a through hole formed in the shoe housing and into a tapered hole formed in the sprocket, to position the shoe housing at a desired position with respect to the sprocket. Since a forward end of the position determination pin is brought into contact with an inner surface of the tapered hole, the positioning of the shoe housing with respect to the sprocket can be surely attained.

Abstract: A variable cam-timing phaser, including a stator having a plurality of inwardly-extending stator lobes and a rotor having a plurality of outwardly-extending rotor lobes. The rotor is rotatably disposed within the stator so that the rotor lobes interleave with the stator lobes to form a first timing chamber and a second timing chamber between each of the stator lobes. The phaser further includes a hydraulic valve, where the phaser is configured so that, upon operation of the valve to selectively couple the second timing chambers to a hydraulic fluid supply and the first timing chambers to a hydraulic fluid sink, the rotor is caused to rotate toward a terminal position, in which at least one of the first timing chambers is at least partially sealed off from the hydraulic fluid sink, thereby producing a tendency toward pressure equalization between the first timing chambers and the second timing chambers.

Abstract: A switchable drag lever (1) of a valve timing mechanism of an internal combustion engine is proposed, having an outer lever (3) and an inner lever (4) which is arranged between the said outer lever (3). The drag lever (1) has a rest (7) for a gas exchange valve on an underside (5) at one end (6), and a pivoting bearing (9) for a supporting element on an underside (5) at the other end (8). The levers (3, 4) extend at one end (6) on a common pin (10). Receptacles (10a, 10b) for coupling means are provided which extend longitudinally at the end (8) facing away from the pin (10) and are aligned with respect to one another in the cam base circle. The side walls (2) of the outer lever (3) have contact faces (12) for lifting cams on their upper sides (11).

Abstract: A method is provided for assisting a start-up of a work machine having a battery assembly and a main engine. The method may include starting an auxiliary power unit, and using electrical power generated by the auxiliary power unit to condition the battery assembly. The method may also include adding electrical power generated by the auxiliary power unit to electrical power generated by the battery assembly for a main engine cranking event.

Abstract: An inventive engine valve assembly may comprise a rotatable shaft having a fluid passageway extending therethrough, preferably in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The shaft may be positioned such that the fluid passageway is in communication with an engine cylinder during selected portions of shaft rotation. The shaft may be arranged to rotate with the crankshaft. When used as an intake valve, the valve may be arranged to allow fluid communication with the cylinder during an intake stroke. When used as an exhaust valve, the valve may be arranged to allow fluid communication with the cylinder during an exhaust stroke.