Abstract: The collection of aquatic animal eggs during hatchery production is a critical step in the successful rearing of these animals. Currently, the equipment and culture methods do not allow large numbers of animals to be spawned at the same time without several people handling the process. The disclosed invention solves the problem of collecting large quantities of released aquatic animal eggs after spawning many adults at the same time. The apparatus is simple to build, maintain, and repair, and the method of its use requires only one person to handle the spawning of many adults.

Abstract: A pivoted piston for an internal combustion engine. The piston has a pivot pin and an arcuate first sealing surface (12) which describes a circumferential path about the pivot pin which forms a removable and replaceable skirt to the piston. The piston also includes a second arcuate sealing surface which also describes a circumferential path about the pivot pin and which is connected to the first arcuate sealing surface (12) by a piston floor (21). The second arcuate sealing surface is composed of at least two arcuate sealing components (24) which are located on a bed (20) with the components (24) being located on the bed (20) so they will have limited transverse movement on the bed (20). The components (24) have mating faces which restrict the path of combustion gases between the mating faces. The piston further includes side seals which are located in grooves (63) in the side of the piston.

Abstract: A method to control valve patterns in a cylinder operating in a multi-stroke cylinder mode. Valves are controlled to improve drivability and emissions.

Abstract: An engine is cooled using high pressure water injected into the piston with the water converted to high pressure steam by the heat from combustion with heat transfer taking place in passages in the piston and in and between grooves in the piston and the cylinder sleeve. The high pressure steam is conducted between the piston and cylinder walls to lubricate, so there will be no need for piston rings, with a part of it passing into the crankcase, and a part of it going into the combustion chamber where it contributes to power production. The piston body has a spring-loaded valve in a passage to balance pressures and control steam flow into the upper piston and combustion chamber.

Abstract: A snow vehicle includes an engine, a track belt arranged on a rear side of the engine, and a cooling water path for cooling the engine, in which the engine includes a cooling water inlet portion and a cooling water outlet portion provided on a front surface side of the engine and connected with the cooling water path. The snow vehicle is capable of improving the turning ability of the vehicle, while simplifying a cooling water path and reducing the size of the structure for cooling the engine.

Abstract: The disclosed multi-cylinder, poppet-valved engine, has replacement cylinder sleeves larger than the original sleeves, and laterally supported near their upper ends by an aluminum alloy plate having a continuous flange or boss projecting into the cylinder block. The flange has an inner perimeter surface having a profile fittingly engaging upper exterior cylindrical surfaces of the sleeves providing lateral support to the sleeves and heat transfer from the sleeves to coolant and to the block. The flange further provides a coolant groove that circulates coolant around the perimeter of the cylinder sleeves to further the heat transfer from the sleeves to the coolant and to the block. The plate is sealed to the block and head with a spacing and gasketing to accommodate thermal expansion while avoiding combustion gas leakage at the cylinder sleeve tops.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide an opposed piston, opposed cylinder (OPOC) internal combustion engine. The OPOC engine comprises two cylinders opposed at 180 degrees. A linking element connects two outer pistons so that they move in tandem. A central piston is disposed between and moves in opposition to the outer pistons. The linking element is adapted to drive secondary mechanisms in accordance with embodiments of a drive shaft, electric generator, hydraulic pump, pneumatic pump, and gear-driven mechanisms, among others.

Abstract: An apparatus useful in a two-stroke cycle engine or in a pump as a piston disposed within a piston cylinder. The piston cylinder has an intermediate piston cylinder head disposed transversely across the interior of the piston cylinder. The piston has at least one upright extension member extending upwardly from the lower portion. A piston top wall is disposed transversely to the piston cylinder side wall and is attached to the upper portion of the upright extension member of the piston. An upper chamber is defined above the piston top wall. An intermediate chamber is defined immediately below the piston top wall and a lower chamber is defined below the intermediate piston cylinder head. A tube connects the upper chamber with the lower chamber.

Abstract: In a two-stroke internal combustion engine (1) using an internal cooling piston (2), the piston (2) has in-piston scavenging passages (19) defined therein by partition walls (18), and lower-end inlets (20) of the in-piston scavenging passages (19) are opened downward and narrowed in opening area by piston pin bosses (16). In-cylinder scavenging passages (14), which are opened and closed as the piston (2) moves, are supplied with an air-fuel mixture from the narrowed lower-end inlets (20) through the in-piston scavenging passages (19). Thereby, a fresh air-fuel mixture is increased in flow rate when flowing from the in-cylinder scavenging passages (14) to the combustion chamber (10), and the scavenging efficiency of the engine is improved.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve actuator having a beginning of stroke damper to damp the impact between the armature stem and the valve stem as the valve is opened. The beginning of stroke damper includes an armature stem defining a stem passage and a valve stem including a lash compensator defining a cavity communicating with the stem passage. An oil pocket may be provided within the cavity to absorb the impact of the armature stem before the armature stem contacts the valve stem as the valve is opened. The lash compensator is configured so that the cavity has a discharge rate sufficient to ensure that the cavity completely drains at approximately the time the engine valve reaches the full open position.

Abstract: A linear EMV actuator uses a permanent magnet and an electromagnet in which EMV operation for opening/closing an exhaust valve and an intake valve makes valve operations linear. As a result, the valve undergoes a soft landing and active control of an amount of opening of the valve. The linear EMV actuator includes an upper core and a lower core, an armature, an actuator spring and a valve spring. Also included are a permanent magnet, an upper coil and a lower coil connected to each other in series thereby forming one electromagnet, a displacement sensor, and a position controller.

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. An intake valve is moveable between a first position to prevent a flow of fluid and a second position to allow a flow of fluid. A cam assembly is connected to move the intake valve between the first position and the second position. A fluid actuator is configured to selectively prevent the intake valve from moving to the first position. A source of fluid is in fluid communication with the fluid actuator. A directional control valve is configured to control a flow of fluid between the source of fluid and the fluid actuator. A control valve is disposed between the source of fluid and the directional control valve. The control valve is moveable between a first position to prevent the flow of fluid between the source of fluid and the directional control valve and a second position to allow the flow of fluid from the source of fluid to the directional control valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variable valve lift apparatus for vehicle engines. A low-speed arm is installed in a high-speed arm to overlap the high-speed arm. A compression pin, a center pin, and a return spring are installed in a roller shaft of the low-speed arm and both cylinders of the high-speed arm. Further, an oil passage extends through a rocker arm shaft boss and a side body of the high-speed arm to the cylinder having the compression pin. Such a construction reduces the overall width of the apparatus, allows respective valves to be independently controlled, reduces design limitations due to the interference with a cam journal, and easily ensures an oil path. Further, a latching pin (the compression pin and the center pin) is supported at two places, thus enhancing the reliability and stability of a latching operation.

Abstract: A variable camshaft timing phaser for an internal combustion engine having at least one camshaft comprising a plurality of vanes in chambers defined by a housing and a spool valve. The vanes define an advance and a retard chamber. At least one of the vanes is cam torque actuated (CTA) and at least one of the other vanes is oil pressure actuated (OPA). The spool valve is coupled to the advance and retard chamber defined by the CTA vane and the advance chamber defined by the OPA vane. When the phaser is in the advance position, fluid is routed from the retard chamber defined by the OPA vane to the retard chamber defined the CTA vane. When the phaser is in the retard position, fluid is routed from the retard chamber defined by the CTA vane to the advance chamber defined by the CTA vane.

Abstract: A resin cylinder head cover for an internal combustion engine includes a resin cover main body and a resin oil passage that is integrated with the cover main body. As a result, the problems of increase in the number of components and deterioration of the oil sealing performance in a resin cylinder head cover are solved.

Abstract: A flanged cover assembly includes a cover having a wall portion, a lateral attachment flange surrounding the wall portion extending outwardly therefrom and a plurality of spaced flange bores extending through the flange from a upper surface to a lower surface. The bores are adapted to receive a corresponding plurality of fasteners which are adapted to be inserted through the bores and secure the cover to a base. The invention also includes a spring retainer which is adapted to extend along at least a portion of the outer surface of the lateral attachment flange. The spring retainer has a plurality of spaced retainer bores corresponding to at least two of the spaced flange bores and at least one shaped spring portion that is adapted to contact the upper surface of the lateral attachment flange mediate the spaced flange bores. The assembly may also include a cover gasket having a plurality of bores corresponding to the plurality of spaced flange bores and spaced retainer bores.

Abstract: A system for an engine of a vehicle, comprising of at least one combustion chamber located in the engine, a delivery system configured to deliver a fuel and a fluid to the combustion chamber, an ignition system including a spark plug configured to ignite the fuel within the combustion chamber, a spark plug heating system configured to supply heat to the spark plug, and a control system configured to vary an amount of heat supplied to the spark plug by the spark plug heating system responsive to a condition of the ignition system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for charging at least one combustion chamber (12) of a spark-ignition combustion engine (10) with fuel and air. At least one combustion chamber charge is produced during a shutoff phase of the internal-combustion engine (10) and is ignited when the internal-combustion engine (10) is subsequently started. The methods are characterized in that, during the shutoff phase, at least one measure is taken to produce a high percentage of fuel vapor in the combustion chamber charge. The present invention also relates to a control unit for controlling the methods.

Abstract: Rotary valve system for controlling communication with a port in an internal combustion engine which, in one disclosed embodiment, has a crankshaft, compression and expansion pistons connected to the crankshaft for reciprocating movement within compression and expansion chambers, a combustion chamber in which air from the compression chamber is combined with fuel and burned to produce an increased gas volume.

Abstract: A sliding structure for an automotive engine includes a sliding member with a sliding portion and a lubricant applied to the sliding portion so that the sliding portion can make sliding contact with a counterpart member via the lubricant. The sliding member is either of a piston ring, a piston pin, a cam lobe, a cam journal, a plain bearing, a rotary vane and a timing chain. The sliding portion has a base made of a steel or aluminum material and a hard carbon film formed on the base to coat the sliding portion. The hard carbon film has a thickness of 0.3 to 2.0 ?m, a Knoop hardness of 1500 to 4500 kg/mm2, a surface roughness Ry (?m) satisfying the following equation: Ry<{(0.75?Hk/8000)×h+0.07/0.8}, where h is the thickness (?m) of the film; and Hk is the Knoop hardness (kg/mm2) of the film.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion motor has a skirt with a surface, which is at least partially polished and thereafter coated with a coating having a hardness of greater than 8 GPa and having a coefficient of friction of less than 0.20. The piston has an increased performance, a longer lifetime and a reduced friction.

Abstract: A timing cover for an engine includes a plurality of dome-shaped embossed portions formed at positions of the timing cover that are most susceptible to vibration, based on an analysis of vibration modes of the timing cover.

Abstract: The invention can be used for transport means, sports cars and power plants. The inventive engine comprises a hollow toroidal working cylinder provided with a continuous circular slot embodied along the small diameter thereof, a nozzle or a spark plug and arc-wise extended input and output orifices embodied in the wall thereof for admitting air or air-fuel mixture and exhausting combustion gases. The transmission gear is provided with four eccentrics whose crankshaft necks are fixed to the axial holes of the pinions and arranged in the four bores of a fly wheel, whose axes are circumferentially disposed at an even pitch. The crankshaft necks are connected to the bearing elements through connecting rods each of which is arranged by the ends thereof in such a way that they are rotatable about the crankshaft neck and an axis disposed in the wall of one of the bearing elements.

Abstract: A method for controlling an injection system of an internal combustion engine having at least one injector, the fuel metering being divided into a first partial injection and at least one second partial injection, and a control signal which determines the fuel quantity to be injected with the aid of the at least one injector being corrected as a function of a pressure wave influencing the at least two partial injections, the pressure wave correction being performed on the basis of a periodic model which models the quantity wave as a sum of periodic functions.

Abstract: An engine control system includes pressure sensors (73, 74), position sensors (75, 76), pressure sensors (77, 78), a target revolution speed modification value computing unit (90), and a modification value adder (70r). A target revolution speed NR2 for use in control is computed based on changes of status variables such that the target revolution speed NR2 increases from the target revolution speed NR1 applied from an input unit (71), and then moderately returns to the target revolution speed NR1. In accordance with the computed target revolution speed NR2 for use in control, a target fuel injection amount FN1 is computed and a fuel injection amount is controlled. As a result, a drop of an engine revolution speed attributable to an abrupt increase of an engine load can be suppressed without sacrificing the work efficiency, and lowering of durability caused by an excessive increase of the engine revolution speed can be prevented.

Abstract: A determination is made as to whether or not knocking is actually occurring inside a combustion chamber (5), and on the basis of the knocking detection result, a knocking-correlated parameter (octane number, alcohol concentration, compression ratio of the engine), which is a parameter having a correlation with knocking, is estimated. A knocking occurrence timing in the combustion chamber (5) is then predicted on the basis of the estimated knocking-correlated parameter. A knocking limit ignition timing, which is the ignition timing furthest toward the advanced side at which knocking does not occur, is calculated on the basis of the predicted knocking occurrence timing, and an ignition device (11) is controlled to perform spark ignition at the knocking limit ignition timing.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a plurality of combustion cylinders configured to operate in a compression ignition mode. A pressure sensor is provided to sense pressure within a combustion cylinder of the engine. A combustion control system, including an electronic engine controller, is configured to receive electrical signals from the pressure sensor and, based on such signals, determine a maximum rate of pressure increase occurring in the combustion cylinder during a first time interval. Based on the determined maximum rate of pressure increase, the combustion control system is configured to control one or more charge inputs to the combustion cylinder during a second time interval.

Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The fuel injector has a plunger, an electronically controlled check valve, and a controller in communication with the electronically controlled check valve. The controller is configured to receive a indication of a desired start of injection timing relative to an angular position of a crankshaft of the engine, and a desired injection quantity. The controller is also configured to determine a displacement of the plunger based on an angular position of the crankshaft; to determine a start of current for the electronically controlled check valve relative to plunger displacement that results in the desired start of injection timing, and to determine an end of current for the electronically controlled check valve relative to plunger displacement that results in the desired injection quantity. The controller is further configured to affect the determined start and end of current for the electronically controlled check valve.

Abstract: A flange 10 is provided for a fuel pump module for a vehicle. The flange includes a first portion 12 of acetal material and a second portion 14 of an acid resistant material provided directly over at least certain regions of the first portion 12.

Abstract: Pressure detection means detects the pressure of an evaporation purge system that includes a fuel tank and a communicating tube, which connects a canister for adsorbing and retaining fuel vapor to an intake pipe. Shutout means shuts out the evaporation purge system from atmospheric air. A pump is driven for pressurization or depressurization purposes while the shutout means shuts out the evaporation purge system from atmospheric air. The pump is stopped when the pressure detected by the pressure detection means reaches a predetermined level. A leak judgment is formulated in accordance with pump drive time and a pressure change after pump stoppage.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel system includes a fuel vapor recovery canister containing a carbon bed configured to capture hydrocarbon material associated with fuel vapor discharged from the fuel tank into the canister. A purge vacuum is applied to the canister to draw fuel vapor carrying reclaimed hydrocarbon material from the canister into an intake manifold coupled to an engine so that the reclaimed hydrocarbon material can be burned in the engine.

Abstract: In an engine in which a first portion of engine cylinders operate in HCCI combustion mode only and a second portion of engine cylinders operate in SI combustion mode only, two EGR ducts and valves are provided: a first EGR duct adapted to provide flow from an exhaust of HCCI engine cylinders to an intake of HCCI cylinders; a first EGR valve disposed in the first EGR duct; a second EGR duct adapted to provide flow from an exhaust of SI cylinders to an intake of HCCI cylinders via a first EGR valve; and a second EGR valve disposed in the second EGR duct. By adjusting the EGR valves, the intake temperature to HCCI cylinders is controlled. During cold start, the second EGR valve is opened to pull SI exhaust through HCCI cylinders for the purpose of preheating HCCI cylinders.

Abstract: There is provided a gas heat exchanger 101 comprising a coolant conduit 102 having a coolant inlet 103 and a coolant outlet 104, a gas cooling conduit 201, and a gas bypass conduit 203. At least a portion of the gas cooling conduit 201 is disposed between at least a portion of the coolant conduit 102 and a portion of the bypass conduit 203. During a first mode of operation, the gas cooling conduit 201 is configured to carry gas. During a second mode of operation, the bypass conduit 203 is configured to carry gas and the gas cooling conduit 201 is configured to reduce a heat exchange between the coolant conduit 102 and the bypass conduit 203.

Abstract: A method for increasing the performance of an automobile engine and apparatus thereof is provided, wherein both ends of a pipe interconnecting an idle motor and a throttle valve and an air filter are respectively connected to tubes made of rubber. The pipe is made of robust material. Air current resistance members are mounted in the pipe and each of the tube receives a spring. By using the method and apparatus, vortical flow is caused in the pipe so as to precipitate the flow of the air current and therefore enhance the performance of automobile.

Abstract: An engine emissions control system is provided. The system may include an exhaust producing engine and an exhaust system through which the exhaust produced by the engine may flow. The system may also include a NOx sensor configured to take a NOx measurement of the amount of NOx in the exhaust produced by the engine. The system may further include a charge density sensing system configured to measure the charge density of a combustion mixture of the engine. In addition, the system may include a controller configured to receive information related to the measurement of the amount of NOx. The controller may be further configured to control a charge density of the combustion mixture with which the engine operates based on the NOx measurement and the charge density measured by the charge density sensing system.

Abstract: A bow press for securing an archery bow having limbs. The bow press has a main frame to support other components of the bow press. The main frame includes a main frame cross member, an adjustment mechanism mounted to the main frame, a bow limb flexing assembly mounted to the main frame cross member adapted for receiving the archery bow, and a limb inside contact assembly adapted to secure the archer bow against the bow limb flexing assembly and mounted to the adjustment mechanism, whereby the limb inside contact assembly can be moved to due to actuation of the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: An electronically activated gas cooktop control system, responsive to a touch-sensitive user interface, and capable of providing a predetermined range of cooking and simmer levels of BTU output, has two complementary heating modes of operation A first heating mode of operation is provided to produce a wide selection of simmer levels of BTU output, by electronically sequencing a solenoid-operated modulating gas valve “on” and “off”, at a predetermined level of flame. A second cooking mode of operation is provided by electronically modulating the level of flame, through use of a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) output signal to produce a wide selection of cooking levels of BTU output. An igniter system capable of insuring proper ignition of gas without generating harmful electromagnetic interference is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a door, in particular, a cooking appliance door, through which a useful space can be closed, and having a stowage space, into which the door can be lowered at least partly, guided by a guide system that has a pivot axis and at least one guide element guided in a guide track, through which the door is guided in its movement along the guide track during a pivoting movement. The position of the pivot axis is fixed in the housing.

Abstract: A metered dose spray device administers medicine contained therein to the buccal cavity within a user's mouth upon actuation of the device. A metered dose spray device comprising an insulin solution is also provided.

Abstract: A ventilator device delivers ventilatory support to a patient in a back up timed mode when patient respiration is not detected or a spontaneous mode when patient respiration is detected. The timing threshold governing the back-up mode is chosen to deviate from normal expected respiration time for the patient to promote patient initiated ventilation in the spontaneous mode but permit back-up ventilation in the event of apnea. Automated adjustments to the timing threshold during the timed mode are made from the less vigilant timing threshold to a more vigilant threshold at or near a timing of normal expected breathing of the patient. Such adjustments may be made from a minimum to a maximum vigilance timing settings or incrementally there between as a function of time in the timed mode which is preferably the number of delivered machine breaths.

Abstract: A breathing gas supply system for supplying breathable gas in an aircraft includes an oxygen enriching apparatus which is operable in at least two modes to provide product gas with varying oxygen concentrations. A first feed line feeds more highly enriched product gas to one or more breathing gas outlets, and a second feed line feeds less highly enriched product gas e.g. to an aircraft cabin for breathing during normal high altitude flight. A control means controls oxygen enrichment apparatus to provide highly enriched product gas to the breathing gas outlet or outlets in the first mode of operation or less highly enriched product gas e.g. to the cabin for normal breathing, and controls a diverter valve. Which directs the product gas to the respective feed line.

Abstract: A system controls and manages administration of a therapeutic gas, such as NO, O2, or the like, to a patient. The system includes an equalizing valve and a reservoir.

Abstract: The invention describes an inhalation or breathing mask for therapeutic nebulisers, in which around a connecting socket 4 for the therapeutic nebuliser is arranged an exhalation valve consisting of exhalation openings and a flexible valve element. The exhalation openings 7 are formed by exhalation channels 8 and can be closed individually by closure devices, for example stoppers, in order to set a predefined exhalation resistance.

Abstract: A nasal mask assembly is configured to provide a direct flow of a fluid, e.g., breathable air, oxygen or anesthesia, directly into the patient's nasal cavity by combining the nasal prongs of a nasal cannula with a nasal cup. The nasal cup is made of clear plastic and has a general shape of a human nose such that it easily and comfortably fits over a patient's nose. An input port extends through the nasal cup into the internal cavity of the nasal cup and a fluid source is connected to the input port via a source tube system. The nasal cup can be molded to approximate the surface of a patient's face surrounding the patient's nose. The nasal prongs are extended in length. The source tube is rotatably connected to the external end of the input port of the nasal cup.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting or preventing the clenching action of the human jaw. A lightweight clamping appliance to be worn outside the mouth to inhibit the bite due to the placement of pressure at both sides of the face, beneath the maxilla and above the mandible. A two arm clamp, structurally sized for placement around the outline of the face, with a curved sliding mechanism for altering the length between said arms, and a soft cushioned pad at the end of each clamp arm that can be secured in the desired position. A mechanism for adjusting the applied pressure or tension of the device to individual comfort levels and locking the tension level in place positioned comfortably under the chin area. The elements of the appliance that come into contact with the face during application have cushioned surfaces. An attachable chin cushion provides additional support to the wearer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating snoring of a patient includes providing an implant for altering a dynamic response of a soft palate of the patient to airflow past the soft palate. The implant is embedded in the soft palate to alter the dynamic response. For example, the implant has a mass, stiffness or dampening sufficient to alter the dynamic response following the implantation without substantially impairing a function of the soft palate to close a nasal passage of the patient during swallowing.

Abstract: A patient's upper airway condition such as snoring and sleep apnea is treated by selecting a particulate material selected for limited migration within tissue and for encouraging a fibrotic response of tissue to the material. A bolus of the particulate material is injected into the tissue area to structurally stiffen the tissue.

Abstract: A dental floss applicator of this invention comprises a housing, a dental floss stick, a floss spool, a spring rack, a take-up wheel, and a rotary knob with a springy ratchet on the inside. The spring rack has a stop portion engaged with a gear wheel fastened to the floss spool to stretch the dental floss, and a press portion extending to the outside of the housing for pressing by the user to loosen the dental floss on the dental floss stick. The springy ratchet releases the stop portion of the spring rack step by step upon rotation of the rotary knob, allowing the used segment of the dental floss to be taken up.

Abstract: A process for removing colored stains from hydrophobic surfaces characterized in that the process involves the use of a formulation which comprises a salt of sulphophenyl alkyl carbonate is described. Also a process of removing color stains from a plastics material, characterized in that the stained plastics material is treated in a dishwashing machine with a formulation comprising a salt of sulphophenyl alkyl carbonate is described.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a wash and rinse system that operates to dislodge soil particles that adhere to internal surfaces of a washing chamber. During wash and rinse cycles, the washing chamber is initially filled to a first level with washing fluid. The washing fluid is drawn into a wash system through operation of a pump, that causes the washing fluid in the washing chamber to fall to a second level, and directed to a spray arm that sprays jets of washing fluid onto the kitchenware. Thereafter, the wash system enters a pause period during which the washing fluid is caused to return to the first level in the washing chamber to loosen particles from walls of the chamber. After the pause period, the trajectory of the jets of washing fluid is varied to further clean the kitchenware and the internal surfaces of the washing chamber.