Abstract: A pivot assembly is provided for attaching a closing wheel frame to a planter. The closing wheel frame has a pair of closing wheels attached at a rear end and a pair of mounting openings formed at a front end. The pivot assembly includes ball bearings having outer races fit loosely within each of the mounting openings of the closing wheel frame. The inner races of the ball bearings are secured to the planter frame using threaded nut and bolt assemblies. The closing wheel frame is pivotal relative to the planter frame during normal operation by relative movement between the inner and outer races of the bearing. Variations of the mounting openings in the closing wheel frame are disclosed, including a tubular part, heavy washer or other annular structure welded to an outside surface of the closing wheel frame, or a bearing housing formed integral with the closing wheel frame.

Abstract: A differential feeding mechanism of the front and rear translation gears of a transverse shuttle-type sewing machine can adjust the fabric feeding speeds of the front and rear translation gears. A main shaft coupled to the power source of the sewing machine is used to drive a front and a rear rocking shafts parallel to but not coaxial with the main shaft to swing up and down, which further drives the front and rear translation gears to feed fabric in. The front and rear rocking shafts are separately pivotedly coupled to front and rear swing arms to form a swing unit. Counter balance weights are pivotedly installed to the swing unit. Shift elements are pivotedly installed to the counter balance weights, which can control the ranges of the planar to-and fro travels of the front and rear translation gears and creates different effects of the sewing thread.

Abstract: A boat hull includes a dispersion tunnel extending fore and aft forming a channel within a hull bottom surface for receiving a flow of water. A gate is inserted into and out of the channel for affecting pressure on the hull bottom with movement between open and closed positions, wherein the gate is out of the channel and fully extended into the channel. By altering the depth of the gate into the channel, hull performance and wake shape are modified as desired.

Abstract: A modular watercraft capable of both surface and submersible accommodation and transport of passengers. In one embodiment of the submersible watercraft of this invention, the hull comprises air bladders, thereby avoiding the engineering complexity, weight and cost of constructing a pressure hull.

Abstract: An ROV comprising a topside, a fish and an umbilical cable for connecting the topside and the fish together. The fish is adapted to be powered by an onboard battery inductively coupled to the fish. The cable is of a fine diameter to reduce drag through the water. RF transmissions carry control and return signals to and from the fish and topside. The fish has two cameras. The front facing camera is located behind a dual layer flooded dome. A pan and tilt mechanism is fitted to one of the cameras and uses a pivotable gimbal frame driven by a lead nut moving along an arcuate bolt.

Abstract: A sport board for snow sledding or surf body boarding comprises a multi-layered laminated composite foam core coupled with stiffening elements for mechanical strengthening of the board. The composite foam core comprises laminates of polyolefin foam base and stiffening elements composed of substantially polymer foam and has substantial higher compressive strength and flexural strength than the foam base. A front section may be made of the same blank material as the low density polyolefin foam base and is bonded to the front end of the foam core complex to give a full frontal flexibility for a higher directional control by the rider and improved shock absorbing property. Upper and lower polyethylene foam sheets wrap the foam core complex subassembly and head section for sled integrity and graphic film finishes the sled top, the bottom is also finished with a polyethylene sheet for slickness.

Abstract: An electronic predator replica is disclosed for controlling pests, particularly unwanted birds, in a specific area. The predator replica may be an electronic owl. The replica senses motion by one or more of a plurality of spaced motion sensors, and the predator head rotates to the angle of the sensor that sensed the motion. A noise device in the predator may simulate predator sounds, and can be set to play when motion is detected. The owl head may stay at the angle from which motion is detected for a selected time period, and then rotate in opposite direction to its starting point.

Abstract: A method of determining temperature and temperature distribution over the surface of an object includes (a) applying a temperature sensitive film composed of material displaying change in color as a function of temperature on a surface of an object; and (b) comparing the color changes on the film with predetermined color and temperature data developed for the film. A related temperature indication device includes a temperature indication device for measuring the temperature and temperature distribution over a surface of an object comprising: a thin film composed of a plurality of fibers embedded in an inert binder wherein the plurality of metal or metal alloy fibers have a property whereby the fibers exhibit color change as a function of temperature, when the thin film is engaged with the surface of the object.

Abstract: A device for determining the teat positions of a dairy animal after milking. The device is provided with at least one position-measuring device for determining a position of a teat prior to the milking of the dairy animal and for emitting a position signal corresponding to the teat position. The position-measuring device generates individual teat position signals and a control unit determines on the basis of the teat position signals determined before the milking, planes of symmetry extending substantially parallel to the teats. The expected positions are calculated with respect to the planes of symmetry.

Abstract: A confinement and feeding stall for livestock such as horses, cows and the like with side frames spaced so that an animal can stand comfortably but not turn around and narrow enough to prevent other animals from crowding into an occupied stall. A gate is provided at one end of the side panels and a rear closure member may be provided at the other end. The side panels and gate prevent the animal from reaching over or around the side frames to disturb adjoining animals in adjacent stalls. The side frames are connected by elevated top members and flat bottom members to form individual stalls and stalls linked in side-by-side relationship.

Abstract: A curry brush for grooming an animal includes a flexible, elastomeric body portion that has a socket defined therein for receiving a relatively rigid container. A plurality of flexible tines extend outwardly from the body portion. The container may be removed from the socket when desired for purposes such as refilling and/or cleaning and is preferably used to store a liquid such as shampoo. The container provides added longitudinal stiffness to the curry brush but permits a limited flexure to occur that is advantageous to a user both in gripping the curry brush and in controlling the curry brush during grooming.

Abstract: A pet toy capable of dispensing catnip or similar substance. The toy comprises a compartment for holding the substance. The toy also comprises a movement-promoting element operative to move the compartment so the substance, or an aroma of the substance, may pass through a sifting hole of the compartment. One embodiment of the toy comprises a rotating element, such as a ball, rotating about a horizontal axis within a larger body as a result of propelling the toy across a horizontal surface. The rotating element includes the compartment holding the substance so that some of the substance escapes the compartment as a result of the rotation of the rotating element. Various alternative embodiments of the invention are also described.

Abstract: To provide a thrust fork to arrest a resisting criminal without danger of being stabbed by an edge tool, a thrust fork main body (2) attached to an end of a handle portion (1) is provided with a forked rod (21), movable opening and closing rods (23), which have base end portions respectively pivoted to leading ends of the forked rod and freely swivel only inside the forked rod without outward movement, a returning element (24) to return the opening and closing rods (23) by a spring to an original position, and a constraining rope (26), both ends of which are engaged with leading ends of the opening and closing rods (23) respectively to form a ring 44 having a suitable size inside the forked rod, whereby the end of the forked rod is opened and closed via swiveling of the opening and closing rods.

Abstract: A combustion-engined setting tool for driving fastening elements such as, e.g., nails, blots, etc. in constructional components includes a combustion chamber (13) for combusting therein an oxidant-fuel mixture, a turbulence generating element, arranged in the combustion chamber (13) for creating turbulence of the oxidant-fuel mixture, and a drive for at least partially driving the turbulence generating element (32) and including a mechanical device (30) for a pulsed acceleration of the turbulence generating element (32) and which is activated by the actuation switch (35) that actuates the setting process.

Abstract: A reciprocating piston engine has a cylinder with a transfer port and an exhaust port, wherein the transfer port and exhaust port are at least partially coincident and are provided with a port valve. The engine includes a pump having a divided chamber therein, one side of the chamber being connected to a crankcase via a connecting port, and the other side of the chamber having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a valve to ensure unidirectional flow therethrough. The chamber is divided by a moving member responsive to variations in pressure in the crankcase to cause flow through the other side of the chamber.

Abstract: A valve operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine, comprises a drive cam rotatable with and eccentric to a drive shaft; a link arm having a circular opening in which the drive cam is rotatably received, so that rotation of drive cam about an axis of the drive shaft produces a swing movement of the link arm; a pair of swing cams swingably disposed on the drive shaft at both sides of the drive cam, the swing cams being connected through a movement transmission mechanism to the link arm to be swung when the link arm is subjected to the swing movement; a pair of swing arms respectively actuated by the swing cams for carrying out an open/close operation of a pair of engine valves; a pair of spring retainers respectively provided by the pair of engine valves; and a pair of valve springs respectively held by the spring retainers and biasing the engine valves in a close direction. A lubricating oil passage is formed in the drive cam.

Abstract: An actuator for a valve lift controller comprises a case forming a first and second spaces therein. The first space is supplied with lubricating fluid. The actuator further comprises a feed screw mechanism including a cylindrical spindle and a screw, and converts a rotational movement of the spindle to a linear movement of the screw. The spindle includes a first end portion open to the first space and a second end portion closed to the second space therein. The screw straddles borders between an interior of the spindle, the first space, and an external space. The actuator includes a motor unit which is located in the second space and rotates the spindle. The actuator further includes a sealing member sealing a gap between the case and the spindle to separate the first and second spaces.

Abstract: A camshaft adjuster for motor vehicles has an oscillating motor having a rotor that is fixedly connected to a camshaft and further having a stator surrounding the rotor. The rotor is rotatable relative to the stator. At least one connecting part acting by at least one of positive engagement and force transmission is provided on a camshaft having cams. The rotor has a base member that is fixedly mounted on the connecting part. The base member has a diameter that is different from a diameter of a circle circumscribing the cams of the camshaft.

Abstract: A variable valve timing control apparatus employs a five-blade vane member fixedly connected to a camshaft end and rotatably disposed in a phase-converter housing formed integral with a sprocket driven by an engine crankshaft. Five phase-retard chambers and five phase-advance chambers are defined by five blades of the vane member and the housing, for creating a phase change of the vane member relative to the housing. A circumferential width of each of a first pair of blades, located on both sides of a first blade having a maximum circumferential width, is dimensioned to be less than a circumferential width of each of a second pair of blades, circumferentially spaced apart from the first blade rather than the first pair. The circumferential width of each of the second pair of blades is dimensioned to be less than the maximum circumferential width of the first blade.

Abstract: The rotational acceleration of an engine is calculated based on a detection value of an engine rotating speed, the inertia torque to be transmitted to a variable valve mechanism, such as a variable valve timing control mechanism or the like, is calculated based on the rotational acceleration, a correction amount of a manipulated variable for the variable valve mechanism, which is in compliance with the inertia torque, is calculated, and the manipulated variable for the variable valve mechanism is corrected with the correction amount according to the inertia torque, to thereby control the variable valve mechanism based on the corrected manipulated variable.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing malfunctions of switching valve lifters includes sensing variations in pressure of trapped oil in a drive chamber of a hydraulic camshaft drive, such as a cam phaser, comparing peak oil pressure readings in the drive chamber resulting from the increased torque of opening the valves of various cylinders of an engine and identifying cylinders having lower than normal valve opening pressure readings, indicating failure of an associated valve lifter to properly actuate a valve of the cylinder. Apparatus for indicating such malfunctions could include a cam phaser with pressure chamber, a pressure sensor connected to indicate pressure variations in the chamber; and a pressure indicator connected to the sensor and adapted to indicate actual pressure variations for comparison with normal variations to identify low pressure peaks indicating malfunction of a switching lifter. A computer could be used to receive and act upon the malfunction indications.

Abstract: A force-transmitting arrangement (4) for a valve train (1) of an internal-combustion engine (2) is provided with hydraulic valve play compensation device (6) with a hollow cylindrical compensation piston (13). This borders, on one end, a working space (28) of the valve play compensation device (6) and, on the other end, a hydraulic medium reservoir (29), which is used for supplying the working space (32) and which is connected to a hydraulic medium supply (18) of the internal-combustion engine (2). Here, a run-off safety device (27) at least partially prevents a hydraulic medium flow from the hydraulic medium reservoir (29) in the direction of the hydraulic medium supply (23). The hydraulic medium reservoir (29) includes an inner storage space (15) enclosed by the compensation piston (13) and at least one outer storage space (52) located outside the compensation piston (13).

Abstract: A deactivating hydraulic valve mechanism includes a hydraulic element assembly disposed within a pin housing slidably disposed within a bore in a body. A transverse bore in the pin housing contains selectively-retractable locking pins that engage a groove in the body to selectively lock together the body and the pin housing. A lost motion spring is disposed in an annular chamber between the body and the pin housing. An oil passage from an engine gallery to the hydraulic element assembly includes an axial component and bypasses the lost motion chamber. A ring holds the lifter assembly together and also sets mechanical lash. The ring may be provided as a standard-thickness ring and a shim selected to provided a predetermined amount of mechanical lash in the assembled mechanism to ensure facile engagement and disengagement of the locking pins in the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a wear-resistant coating and to a wear-resistant coating on predetermined surfaces of machine or engine parts, in particular for internal combustion engines, which are exposed to frictional wear, comprising at least one nanocrystalline functional layer (4) made up of at least two CrNx phases for reducing friction and increasing the wear resistance of the predetermined surface (2) of the machine or engine part (1).

Abstract: The invention proposes a deactivating element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The deactivating element (1) comprises a housing (2) and an inner element (4) that is axially displaceable in the bore (3) of the housing (2). According to the invention, the pistons (7) arranged in the inner element (4) for coupling into an annular groove (12) in the housing (2) possess two flattened regions (10, 15) arranged diametrically opposite each other in axial direction of the deactivating element (1). The height of the annular groove (12) is reduced by a measure of a height of the second, additional flattened region (15). Due to the reduction of height of the annular groove (12), its volume is also reduced. This results in advantages activation and deactivation times.

Abstract: An assembled camshaft (10) for engine includes: a cam lobe piece (12); and a hollow shaft member (11) having at least two shaft fixing surfaces (11A) formed by plasticity process on a portion of the hollow shaft member (11) corresponding to a position between cylinders of the engine.

Abstract: The invention proposes a valve train of an internal combustion engine comprising a tappet (7) and a tappet pushrod (1) that is actuated by said tappet (7), said tappet pushrod (1) being at least partly hollow and comprising on one end (3), a first support (4) for an at least indirectly contacting pressure piston (5) of a hydraulic lash adjuster (6) of said tappet (7) that follows a periodic driving element, typically a cam. A second support (9) for a follower member (2), typically a rocker arm, is arranged on a further end (8) of the tappet pushrod (1). The first support (4) comprises a passage (10) for hydraulic medium that can be routed out of the pressure piston (5) during operation of the internal combustion engine into an interior (11) of the tappet pushrod (1), wherein a pipette means (12) is installed in the tappet pushrod (1) for retaining a hydraulic medium column during a standstill of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention proposes a valve train (1) of an internal combustion engine comprising a tappet (7) and a tappet pushrod (1) that is actuated by said tappet (7), said tappet pushrod (1) being at least partly hollow and comprising on one end (3), a first support (4) for a pressure piston (5) of a hydraulic lash adjuster (6) of said tappet (7) that follows a periodic driving element such as a cam. A second support (9) for a follower member (2) such as a rocker arm is arranged on a further end (8) of the tappet pushrod (1). The first support (4) comprises a passage (10) for hydraulic medium that can be routed out of the pressure piston (5) during operation of the internal combustion engine into an interior (11) of the tappet pushrod (1), a one-way valve means (12) being installed in the tappet pushrod (1) for retaining a hydraulic medium column during a standstill of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: In an auto-choke system for a general-purpose engine, it is determined whether the operator has operated a combination switch to enable ignition in the engine and based on the result of this determination, the operation of a choke motor (actuator) is controlled to regulate the opening of the choke valve, specifically the operation of the choke motor is controlled to fully open the choke valve when ignition is found to be disabled. As a result, jetting of fuel is minimized and flooding prevented when the recoil starter is manipulated with ignition disabled. In addition, the operation of the choke motor is controlled to fully close the choke valve when ignition is found to be enabled, thereby enhancing the starting performance of the engine.

Abstract: An intake manifold is provided to an internal combustion engine including a first and second cylinder heads each having an intake port. The first and second cylinder heads are distant from each other, and defining a crank angle therebetween. The intake manifold includes a manifold body that defines intake passages each connecting with each intake port. Each intake passage has an interior divided into divisional passages. A butterfly valve communicates and blocks at least one of the divisional passages. Tanks are formed integrally with the manifold body for accumulating negative pressure in the manifold body. The tanks include a first tank, which is provided to the first cylinder head, and a second tank, which is provided to the second cylinder head. An actuator operates the butterfly valve by being applied with negative pressure from the plurality of tanks. The manifold body has a communication passage that communicates the first tank with the second tank.

Abstract: An intake module assembly for a vehicle engine is formed from a two-piece shell structure. First and second shells are aligned and joined together to form the entire air path from an air filter to an engine cylinder head. A throttle hose portion is formed as part of at least one of the first or second shells to conduct air to the throttle body and into the intake manifold. Other induction components such as an intake manifold, resonator, air filter holder, and throttle body components are also integrated into the first and second shells.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinder banks provides a cylinder cut-off using at least a reduced ignition angle retardation shift. In this context, at least one first cylinder bank is configured such that it is at least partially able to be cut off. Immediately before a cut off or immediately after a reactivation of at least one cylinder of the at least one first cylinder bank, a first output variable is set for the at least one first cylinder bank and a second output variable is set for at least one second cylinder bank. The first output variable and the second output variable are set differently from each other in such a way that an average of the first and second output variables is equivalent to a predetermined output variable of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a diesel engine having a plurality of cylinders, the engine including a first group of cylinders and a second group of cylinders, the method comprising of operating the first group of cylinders with a first intake and exhaust valve timing, the first group of cylinders inducting air and performing diesel compression ignition combustion of injected fuel; and operating the second group of cylinders with a second intake and exhaust valve timing, the second group of cylinders inducting air and performing diesel compression ignition combustion of injected fuel, wherein said second intake valve timing is retarded compared to said first intake valve timing or said second exhaust valve timing is advanced compared to said first exhaust valve timing.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine that has at least one fuel injection valve for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of the engine, and burns the injected fuel by compressing an air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. An operating condition of the engine and/or a refueling condition of a fuel tank for supplying fuel to the engine are/is detected. At least one operating parameter of the engine is changed when at least one of the engine operating condition and the refueling condition detected by the condition detecting means satisfies a predetermined condition in a predetermined low load operating condition of the engine. A cetane number of the fuel in use is estimated according to an ignition timing of the fuel detected after changing the at least one operating parameter of the engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling engine operation to compensate for effects of combustion chamber deposits (CCDs) on combustion in a controlled auto-ignition engine is presented. Control methodologies comprise operation of variable valve actuation, fuel injection, spark timing, and intake air and coolant temperature to dynamically compensate for the effect of CCDs. A sensitivity to core gas temperature and chamber wall thermal conditions is shown, which is correlatable to in-cylinder CCD formation. Intake charge or coolant temperature control can be used to compensate for CCD effects. An engine control scheme relies upon a parametric input that quantifies instantaneous CCD formation in the combustion chamber. The result is further applicable to control pre-ignition in a conventional spark-ignition engine.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal device is fixed through a housing to a car body. By pedaling on an accelerator pedal arm supported pivotally by the housing, the accelerator pedal arm and a interlocking member rotationally move integrally, and by a torsion spring provided between an accelerator pedal arm and a interlocking member, press force is applied to a detection part provided in the housing. The press force is output as an electric signal from the detection part through a controller to a drive part, whereby opening of a throttle valve is controlled.

Abstract: A method for determining the ignition angle is provided, in which modifications of manipulated variables which have an influence on the knock limit, and therefore on the optimum ignition angle as well, are dynamically taken into account. To this end, a base ignition angle is first determined, based on the instantaneous engine speed and load. As part of a downstream knock control, a first ignition angle adjustment in the retard direction is determined when knocking has been detected. As part of a knock limit control, a second ignition angle adjustment is also determined when at least one manipulated variable influencing the knock limit changes, with the type of the second ignition angle adjustment, i.e., advancing or retarding, depending on the manipulated variable and its modification.

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of: calculating a base timing of injection (INJB); determining whether an engine knocks; if the engine knocks, increasing a correction value INJK(I) applied to correct a timing of injection; and calculating the base timing of injection INJB plus the correction value INJK(I) to obtain a timing of injection INJ.

Abstract: A ring-shaped connecting portion is formed on a seat surface side of a pipe connector. The connecting portion is tapered so that thickness thereof gradually reduces toward a tip end thereof. A protrusion is formed on the tip end of the connecting portion. A ring-shaped groove is formed on a flat outer peripheral surface of a common rail. By fitting the protrusion into the groove, the connector can be positioned to a predetermined position of the common rail. In this structure, current can be concentrated to the protrusion and current density can be increased. As a result, sufficient bonding strength can be attained.

Abstract: A fuel supplying apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes a first fuel supply system, a second fuel supply system, and a pulsation propagation suppressing unit. The first fuel supply system pressurizes a fuel by a low-pressure pump, and supplies the fuel pressurized by the low-pressure pump to a first fuel injection mechanism. The second fuel supply system is branched from the first fuel supply system, further pressurizes the fuel, pressurized by the low-pressure pump, by a high-pressure pump that is driven according to an operating state of the internal combustion engine, and supplies the fuel pressurized by the high-pressure pump to a second fuel injection mechanism. The pulsation propagation suppressing unit is provided in at least one of the first fuel supply system and the second fuel supply system, and suppresses propagation of a pulsation generated in the high-pressure pump to the first fuel injection mechanism.

Abstract: A control unit calculates a quantity of air that is taken into an engine from an output current from an air flow meter that is located downstream from a throttle valve. The control unit then determines the quantity of fuel to be injected for this quantity of air. A value obtained by multiplying by two an integral value of the quantity of air from the rise point of the quantity of air until the quantity of air reaches a peak value is used for calculating the injection quantity. This value is taken as the total integrated air intake quantity of an intake stroke, and this is then divided by a predetermined air-fuel ratio so as to provide the quantity of fuel to be injected.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a humidity sensor with an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is described. Specifically, information from the humidity sensor is used to adjust a desired air-fuel ratio to reduce engine misfire while improving vehicle fuel economy. Further, such information is also used to adjust timing and/or lift of the valve in the engine cylinder. Finally, diagnostic routines are also described.

Abstract: An algorithm for use in an engine control module to control peak cylinder pressure in a diesel engine under high altitude operating conditions, including an initiation and entering routine configured to determine whether conditions are met for advancing a start of injection time used by the engine control module to cause an injection of fuel into a cylinder of the engine, an increment routine that is executed by the engine control module when the initiation and entering routine determines that the conditions are met to advance the start of injection time using a first increment when the first increment is less than or equal to an increment step and less than or equal to a second increment, and advance the start of injection time using the second increment when the first increment is greater than one of the increment step and the second increment, and an exiting routine that is executed by the engine control module when the initiation and entering routine determines that the conditions are not met to decrement

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a fuel return device whereby the residual amounts of fuel in a plurality of fuel tanks can be made approximately equal. According to one preferred mode of the present invention, the fuel return device comprises: residual amount detecting means for detecting the residual amount of fuel in respective fuel tanks; and fuel return distribution adjusting means for adjusting the distribution of the fuel returning to the respective fuel tanks, in accordance with the values detected by the residual amount detecting means, in such a manner that the residual amounts of fuel inside each of the fuel tanks are approximately equal.

Abstract: Prior art fuel line check valves remain closed after engine off and cool down. Diurnal heating and the resultant pressure increase in the fuel line causes fuel vapor emissions through small openings in the fuel line (e.g., at the injector tips). The invention provides a check valve for a vehicle fuel line which opens in response to engine cooling and remains open while the engine is off to relieve subsequent increasing pressure in the fuel line due to diurnal heating thereof.

Abstract: A fuel vapor processing apparatus includes a canister, a purge passage, a detection passage including an atmosphere passage and a restrictor, a passage changing valve for changing the connection passage of the detection passage between the purge passage and the atmosphere passage, a pump connecting with the detection passage on the opposite side of the passage changing valve across the restrictor, a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure between the restrictor and the pump, and an ECU for computing the concentration of fuel vapor. When the passage changing valve causes the purge passage to connect with the detection passage and the pump reduces pressure in the detection passage to pass the air-fuel mixture through the restrictor, the pressure sensor detects the pressure during a detection period of time that elapses after the air-fuel mixture passes through the restrictor until the air-fuel mixture reaches the pump.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having an exhaust system with an exhaust emission after-treatment device for exhaust gases from the cylinders, an air supply system for supplying fresh air to the cylinders, a fuel supply system for supplying fuel to each cylinder, and a controller to cut off the fuel supply and disable at least one cylinder, and preferably two cylinders in opposing pairs. A valve assembly is located between the cylinders to be disabled and the emission after-treatment device and is operable to divert gases from said the disabled cylinders via a recirculation conduit back to the air supply system.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head and rocker box assembly that includes a duct arrangement that removes blow-by gases. In a first embodiment, a duct is formed from the upper surface of the cylinder head aligned with an opening in the bottom of the rocker box and proceeds to horizontal sections leading to a fitting with a line leading to an intake manifold. In a second embodiment, a single straight duct includes a straight angled portion extending downward at an oblique angle to the upper surface of the cylinder head to an intake port in the cylinder head. Action of the engine draws the unwanted gases from the rocker box through the opening of the ducts to an intake of the engine.

Abstract: A blow-by gas ventilation system particularly suited for use with a small watercraft includes a oil separation chamber preferably disposed within a plenum chamber defined by an air intake box. An inlet tube permits blow-by gases to move from the crankcase chamber of the engine to the oil separation chamber. An outlet allows blow-by gases to move from the oil separation chamber to the plenum chamber. Desirably, an outlet tube connects the outlet to an opening in an intake port of the induction system to discharge blow-by gases into the intake port. The oil separation chamber may be defined by a cover member, along with a portion of the interior surface of the air intake box.

Abstract: An oil separator is provided for removing oil from crankcase ventilation gases of an internal combustion engine. The oil separator includes a housing and a spiral shaped wall. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet. The spiral wall defines a spiral path for guiding the ventilation gases between the inlet and outlet of the housing. The spiral path has a width that decreases at a predetermined constant rate between the inlet and outlet of the housing.