Abstract: A piston and scraper assembly (26) for a high-pressure liquid chromatography column (1) is provided with a snap lock between the piston (5) and the scraper (25). The snap lock comprises a groove (23) in the piston wall (17), a complementary groove (39) in the inner face of the scraper (25) and a locking, sealing and biasing means such as a resilient O-ring (43) which fits into said grooves.

Abstract: A beverage making system that includes a plurality of packs containing different beverage making ingredients and having different infrared reflectance spectra in a region thereof. A beverage making apparatus includes a station for receiving at least one of the packs; a source of liquid adapted to supply liquid into the at least one pack while the pack is located at the station; a system controller for controlling the supply of liquid from the source according to a beverage making program; and an infrared pack recognition system comprising an infrared light source for illuminating the region of the pack while it is located at the station. The apparatus also includes a detector for measuring an intensity of infrared light reflected from the region and for supplying an output signal to the system controller, whereby the beverage-making program is selected by the system controller in response to the output of the infrared pack recognition system.

Abstract: A foamed milk system for creating foamed milk from a source of milk, a source of air, and a source of steam. The system may include a milk inlet system for pressurizing the milk, an air inlet system for pressurizing the air, a mixing area to mix the pressurized milk, the pressurized air, and the steam, and an expansion area to expand the mixture of the pressurized milk, the pressurized air, and the steam.

Abstract: A body portion constructed of loosely interlocked solid metal interconnected members assembled adjacent to each other to form a receptacle. A top layer of the interconnected members is supported by a pair of wire frame members pivotably engaged at opposite ends to provide a way to open and close the body portion. An inverted U-shaped handle is attached to each frame member and each is offset from each other to close the body portion and each is disengaged to open the body portion.

Abstract: A food timing system is disclosed that includes a number of timer modules associated with food holding devices in a restaurant. The timer modules are connected in a network for communicating information about the food being held in food holding compartments of the food holding devices. Each timer module includes a plurality of timers, with each timer being associated with a food holding compartment of a food holding device. The timers measure the holding time of food in each food holding compartment and are capable of transferring the holding time to another timer when the food is transferred to a holding compartment associated with the other timer.

Abstract: The contact pressure between an adjustably mounted first cylinder and a second cylinder in a printing machine, and particularly in a web-fed printing machine can be adjusted. An actuator is usable to force the first cylinder toward the second cylinder with an adjustable force. A fixing device is usable to fix the first cylinder in a desired position relative to the second cylinder.

Abstract: An inking system of a flexographic printing press with an anilox roller and a printing plate roller involved in color transport is shown. The positions of these two rollers relative to each other and to the impression cylinder are set using positioning elements that include bearing blocks in which the axles of the two rollers are mounted and which are traversed by motors which turn respective spindles that engage through an inner thread mounted in or on the bearing blocks. The motors are mounted on the machine frame on sides of the two rollers turned toward or facing the impression cylinder.

Abstract: Drying equipment to aid drying of a web of freshly printed media, the equipment having a feed path along which the freshly printed web is fed by a drive means, and a drying fluid supply means that directs drying fluid across the web along the extent of the feed path, whereby the drive means drives the media at a speed that provides the desired degree of drying for the length of the feed path and particular drying fluid used.

Abstract: A safety and arming mechanism for a munition having a housing with a first detonator and an explosive mounted within the housing and in alignment with one another. A shaft is mounted within the housing. A first component is rotatingly fixed to the shaft and is moveable between a first and a second position. A second component is mounted on the shaft between the first detonator and the explosive. The second component is releasably fixed to the housing and is moveable between a safe and an armed position when it is released from the housing. The second component has a bore formed therethrough. The bore is aligned with the first detonator and the explosive when the first component is in the second position and the second component is in the armed position.

Abstract: A nipper-clipper assembly for lifting railroad ties and installing clip assembly springs to couple rails to a tie. The ties are disposed below the rails and extending in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal rails. The nipper-clipper assembly includes a main beam assembly, a right side clipping assembly, a left side rail clipping assembly, a right side nipper assembly having a pad assembly, and a left side nipper assembly having a pad assembly. The nipper assemblies and the clipper assemblies are coupled to the main beam assembly. The right side pad assembly and the side pad assembly are structured to act upon the tie by contacting the lateral ends of the tie.

Abstract: The inductor assembly of the present invention is configured with an agricultural implement to enhance conveyance of product from a storage hopper to a remote location. The inductor assembly includes an inductor chamber that defines an interior cavity configured to receive the supply of product from the storage hopper, an inlet tube configured to direct the stream of pressurized air so as to generate a combined stream of pressurized air and product, and an outlet tube configured to pass the combined stream of pressurized air and product from the inductor chamber to a distribution system application of the product in an agricultural environment. The improved inductor assembly can further include a selectively extendable outlet tube assembly, a trajectory control assembly coupled to the inlet tube, and an adjustable cover assembly configured to regulate agitation of the product and to purge deposits downstream of the inductor assembly.

Abstract: An attachment 52 comprises: a carriage connecting section 74 connected to a carriage 12 of an embroidery frame transfer device 4; and a metal fastener fixed to an attaching block 32 at the right-hand end portion of the carriage connecting section 74 and having a connecting section of a nonstandard embroidery frame 51 connected thereto. By connecting a connecting section 66 of the nonstandard embroidery frame 51 to the metal fastener 75 of the attachment 52 and by connecting the carriage connecting section 74 of the attachment 52 to the carriage 12, the nonstandard embroidery frame 51 can be mounted indirectly on the carriage 12. Thus, the nonstandard embroidery frame 51 of the type different in construction for attachment to the carriage 12 can be connected to the carriage 12.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a marine craft or other vehicle having a communication bus and a plurality of helm apparatuses. Each of the helm apparatuses includes a steering device. Additionally, each of the helm apparatuses is connected to the communication bus. Each of the helm apparatuses provides helm signals indicative of incremental and decremental movement, of the steering device thereof. The helm signals are transmitted over the communication bus. The steering apparatus further includes a rudder which has an actuator and a control means for receiving each of the helm signals and which provides rudder signals to the actuator to steer the rudder in accordance with movement of the steering devices of the helm apparatuses. The control means is connected to the communication bus. Each of the rudder signals are derived from each of the helm signals from one of the helm apparatuses which is steered fastest when a plurality of the helm apparatuses is simultaneously steered.

Abstract: A thermometer comprising a base sheet adapted to be secured to a window or other surface, the sheet includes distinct thermally actuated latent images thereon and each of which is adapted to reversibly depict a different article of clothing once a pre-determined temperature or temperature range is measured whereby a viewer is informed of the appropriate clothing items for the measured temperature conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for machine milking an animal, particularly a cow, according to which a stimulation phase precedes a main milking phase, whereby during the entire stimulation phase, essentially no milk is withdrawn, and the duration of the stimulation phase is determined according to the amount of expected cisteral milk and/or alveolar milk.

Abstract: A collapsible bird feeder having a tubular lower chamber with feed ports near the bottom of the lower chamber and side walls extending from the top of the lower chamber to the bottom of the lower chamber is disclosed. A lip extends inwardly from the side walls near the top of the lower chamber. A tubular upper chamber has feed ports near the lower end of the upper chamber and side walls extending from the top of the upper chamber to the bottom of the upper chamber. A lip extends outwardly from the side walls of the upper chamber near the bottom of the upper chamber. A fill tube extends from the top of the upper chamber through the bottom of the upper chamber to allow material to pass from near the top of the upper chamber into the lower chamber. The lower chamber has an inner perimeter and the upper chamber has an outer perimeter.

Abstract: The circular animal toilet enclosure of this invention has a bottom section removably coupled to a rotatable flywheel floorboard, a cover cylinder removably coupled to the bottom section, a top section removably coupled to the cover cylinder, and a controller for the enclosure. The rotatable flywheel floorboard has pivoting serrated portions for grinding excreta while the floorboard is rotating. The cover cylinder has fixed serrated portions aligned with the pivoting serrated portions for grinding excreta while said floorboard is rotating. The cover cylinder also has at least one door, and at least one shower head in fluid communication with a water supply, an upper ring, waste collection tube, and a second drive motor. The upper ring is in fluid communication with both the rotatable flywheel floorboard and the waste collection tube. The waste collection tube is in fluid communication with a sewer. The second drive motor is removably coupled to the rotatable flywheel floorboard.

Abstract: A litter box liner is provided. The litter box liner includes a bag with an open mouth portion and a resiliently deformable member is attached to the bag adjacent the open mouth with the resiliently deformable member circumscribing at least the majority of the fully extended perimeter length of the open mouth.

Abstract: A brush for grooming, brushing, cleaning, fluffing, and combing the tail, limb, or paw of an animal. The grooming brush has a pair of opposing semi-circular brushes on a scissors-like hand operated device. The semicircular brushes are placed around the base of the tail, limb, or paw of an animal and closed together with the scissors-like device to form a circular brush around the tail, limb, or paw. The brush is then moved to the extremity of the tail, limb, or paw to fluff, brush, clean, groom, and comb the hair.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for waterproofing game birds is provided. The game birds are sprayed with a waterproofing composition in amounts that prevent excessive water absorption by the feathers of the birds in wet weather, while still permitting the game birds to fly.

Abstract: A fuel-fired commercial water heater has upper and lower communicated tank portions which are separated by a plenum forming a vertically intermediate portion of a dual pass condensing type heat exchanger. A lower portion of the heat exchanger is defined by a series of vertical flue tubes extending through the lower tank and intercommunicating the plenum with a combustion chamber disposed beneath the lower tank and having a fuel burner with a discharge portion communicated therewith. An upper portion of the heat exchanger is defined by a vertical flue pipe, disposed in the upper tank, that extends upwardly from the plenum and then coils downwardly around itself and horizontally exits the upper tank. During firing of water heater the burner flows flue gases sequentially through the lower tank flue tubes, the plenum, and the upper tank coiled flue pipe structure.

Abstract: A compact cylindrical vaporizer for simultaneous reduction of a reformate stream temperature and generation of a process stream is disclosed. The vaporizer utilizes counter flowing nested tubular portions that spiral between an outer section of the vaporizer and a central section of the vaporizer. The return spiral has a larger cross-sectional area than the inward spiral to accommodate a higher volumetric flow rate of the water flowing there through as it vaporizes while keeping the fluid velocity below erosion design constraints. The counter spiraling flow provides a substantially uniform spatial temperature profile of a reformate stream flowing on the exterior of the tubular portions. The vaporizer can be sized to be substantially the same as that of an upstream reactor to minimize velocity losses and pressure drops in the reformate stream flowing there through. A plurality of fins are positioned between the opposing tubular portion to enhance the heat transfer.

Abstract: An oscillating-piston machine comprises a housing, in which a first and at least a second piston are arranged, which pistons can together revolve in the housing about an axis of rotation that is fixed with respect to the housing, and which pistons, as they revolve about the axis of rotation, execute oppositely directed reciprocating pivoting movements about a pivot axis running perpendicular to the axis of rotation and through the centre of the housing, the first piston having a first end face, and the at least second piston having a second end face facing the first end face, the end faces delimiting a working chamber, characterized in that the pistons are arranged in such a way that the axis of rotation runs through the working chamber.

Abstract: An integrated cooling system includes a housing and a pumping device disposed within the housing, configured to pressurize a fluid. The cooling system also includes a motor disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the pumping device. The cooling system further includes a first cooling circuit configured to receive the pressurized fluid and circulate the pressurized fluid through at least one component external to the housing. The cooling system also includes a second cooling circuit in fluid communication with the first cooling circuit, and configured to direct at least a portion of the pressurized fluid through the motor.

Abstract: A moving cylinder assembly includes an end ported moveable cylinder having a chamber for receiving and engaging a piston connected to at least one crank. A stationary housing embraces the cylinder and has at least one port for intermittent communication with the cylinder chamber. One or more ported seals are positioned within the housing and adjacent the cylinder to minimize leakage.

Abstract: A free piston engine has a pair of pistons opposing to each other and movable in a cylinder, to form a combustion chamber between the pistons. A mixed gas of air and fuel is supplied into the combustion chamber and the mixed gas is auto-ignited when it is compressed by the pistons. A temperature and/or an air-fuel ratio of the mixed gas, and/or a pressure in the combustion chamber is detected to control displacements of the pistons, so that the mixed gas is auto-ignited at an optimum timing to efficiently operate the free piston engine.

Abstract: A four-cycle, four-cylinder, premixed charge compression ignition internal combustion reciprocating free piston engine with a variable piston stroke and a compression ratio that varies as needed to provide charge ignition, to offer the potential of higher efficiency, lower emissions, and multi-fuel operation. The engine does not have a crankshaft, and therefore does not provide direct rotary output. Instead its free pistons oscillate, in a manner similar to a two cycle free piston engine. For many applications, such as piston pumps and compressors, the engine provides an output directly driven by the oscillating pistons. In other applications, such as but not limited to use as a gas generator for a power turbine, the engine provides an indirect means of producing rotary power. When the engine is used with high-speed power turbines, the power turbine may be directly coupled to a high-speed alternator for electrical power output.

Abstract: A two stroke engine of a particular configuration can have its power output increased by running bigger pistons and using ports in the piston skirt through which to conduct compressed air within the skirt through short passages in the cylinder housing that conduct the air from within the skirt to above the piston. As a result a larger piston can be used for the same spacing and opening size in the block to save the need to redesign the block and the crankshaft. A position adjuster for the piston moves it axially without rotation of the piston ports out of alignment with inlet ports in the housing. The piston rod is held in the crosshead using a flat to prevent rotation while an adjuster nut that is turned creates axial movement in the piston rod with a lock nut securing the final piston position.

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. The engine valve actuation system includes an intake valve that 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 configured 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 fluid passageway connects the directional control valve with the fluid actuator. An accumulator is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway. A restricted orifice is disposed between the accumulator and the fluid passageway to restrict a flow of fluid between the accumulator and the fluid passageway.

Abstract: A rocker arm mechanism opens and closes an intake valve. The intake valve is driven by cam of a cam shaft. The rocker arm mechanism is provided in each of bank. The rocker arm mechanism has a structure which changes a phase of the intake valve while displacing a portion driven by the cam to a circumferential direction of the cam shaft. A structure provided with an inversion mechanism inverts a rotating direction of the camshaft of one bank with respect to a rotating direction of the camshaft of the other bank. A variable valve unit having the simple and same structure can be used in both banks. A phase is varied so that a valve closing timing is set larger than a valve opening timing for each bank.

Abstract: An intake air amount control apparatus is mounted on a vehicle having an automatic transmission 30 that switches the shifting pattern for the gear ratio between two modes. The intake air amount control apparatus controls the intake air amount by cooperation of a variable valve lift mechanism 25 that changes the lift integration value of an intake valve 11 and a throttle valve 23 located in an intake passage 22. When the shifting pattern for the gear ratio is in a sport mode, which gives priority to acceleration performance, the intake air amount control apparatus executes a lift varying control such that the lift integration value of the intake valve 11 is greater than when the shifting pattern is in normal mode, which gives priority to fuel economy.

Abstract: There is provided a rocker arm of a kind in which even though the rocker arm is manufactured by the use of a press working technique the arm width can be minimized while the flat outer surface region of a required width is secured on an outer surface of the connecting wall, thereby contributing to reduction in size and weight of the rocker arm. This rocker arm is capable of being driven by a cam for selectively opening and closing a valve of an internal combustion engine. This rocker arm includes an arm body prepared by bending a single plate material to represent a generally inverted U-shaped section including opposite side walls and a connecting wall bridging between the opposite side walls. A roller engageable with the cam is rotatably mounted on a portion of the arm body generally intermediate of the length thereof.

Abstract: A signal is received (201, 301) via a wireless communication channel, which signal requests initiation of pre-cycle warm-up for one or more components of an internal combustion engine. It is determined (203, 303) whether at least one of the one or more components requires pre-cycle warm-up. When at least one of the one or more engine components requires pre-cycle warm-up, the at least one of the one or more components is warmed up (205, 207, 305, 307).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided with a roughly concave cylinder head, wherein a ridge descends into the combustion chamber. A first wall is formed from the ridge to a cylinder periphery to form a seat for an air intake valve. A second wall is formed from the ridge to the opposite cylinder periphery to form a seat for one or more exhaust valves. The valves must criss-cross to open/close. The result is a more efficient flow of intake air and exhaust air to and from the combustion chamber which creates more horsepower. A plug compatible cylinder head can be installed on an engine to get added horsepower without a supercharger.

Abstract: One or more component braces may be installed into the upper valley of a V-styled engine block to provide resistance to deformation of the block when used in an operating motor. The component braces include first and second mounting portions separated by a body portion, where the mounting portions may be constructed as arms extending from the body portion. An intermediate mounting portion may also be included that is centrally located with respect to the first and second mounting portions, but below a line defined by the first and second mounting portions. The securing of the component brace at the mounting areas provides rigidity to the upper portion of the engine block to resist deformation, such as would occur as relative movement between the cylinder banks. The resistance to such deformation aids in the prevention of cylinder bore wall distortion as well as engine block cracking.

Abstract: An oil supply apparatus for an engine includes an oil pan located beneath the engine to store oil therein, an oil pump mounted in the oil pan to pump the oil stored in the oil pan, and a chain-drive unit mounted between the oil pump and a crankshaft of the engine to transmit a rotating force of the crankshaft to the oil pump. The chain-drive unit is partially immersed in the oil stored in the oil pan. With this configuration, there is no need for separate elements for lubricating the chain-drive unit, whereby the overall structure of the oil supply apparatus can be simplified. This results in a reduction in the number of elements and manufacturing costs.

Abstract: The number of constituent parts for an oil filter fixing system such as a bracket, are reduced, and the oil leaks during filter element exchange are avoided. The oil filter fixing system comprises a V bank of a V type engine, a crankcase fixed with the V bank and an oil filter fixed with the crankcase. A horizontal fixing plane is formed at a part of an outer surface of the crankcase and the oil filter is directly fixed with and hung down from the horizontal plane. Further, the horizontal fixing plane is provided at an outer surface of the crankcase and moreover under a cam fixing portion provided in the crankcase. The oil filter is disposed in a space which is formed by the horizontal fixing plane and a lower vertical side surface of the crankcase.

Abstract: A crankcase (100) for an engine includes a first bank (102) of cylinders that has a plurality of cylinder bores (104) formed therein, and a second bank (102) of cylinders that includes an additional plurality of cylinder bores (104). The second bank (102) is at an angle with respect to the first bank (102). A valley structure (106) is located between the first bank (102) and the second bank (102). A gallery (122) is located between the first bank (102), the second bank (102), and the valley structure (106). The gallery (122) has at least one rear opening (118) that fluidly connects the gallery (102) to a rear portion (120) of the crankcase. At least one front opening (210) fluidly connects the gallery (122) to a front portion (116) of the crankcase (100). At least one breather opening (124) fluidly connects the gallery (122) to an outer valley surface (107).

Abstract: A vehicle mounted type fuel testing apparatus comprises a fuel chamber; a first fuel pump for supplying fuel in the fuel chamber to a sample holding container and an auxiliary fuel tank; an analyzing device for analyzing constituents of the fuel accommodated in the fuel chamber; the auxiliary fuel tank for storing the fuel when it is determined that the fuel is normal fuel; the sample holding container for keeping the fuel when it is determined that the fuel is not normal fuel; a second fuel pump for supplying the fuel in the auxiliary fuel tank to a main fuel tank when the fuel is normal fuel; a third fuel pump for supplying the fuel in the auxiliary fuel tank to the outside when the fuel is not normal fuel; and a controller for controlling the above component parts.

Abstract: Satisfactory restartability has not been obtained so far because the timing of opening an exhaust valve of a cylinder under expansion stroke is adjusted for improvement of startability and a valve adjusting mechanism is always controlled in the same manner regardless of the engine status at start. In the invention, control is performed to adjust the timing of closing an intake valve so that an effective compression ratio of a cylinder under compression stroke reduces. Also, the effective compression ratio of the compression stroke cylinder is decided based on a piston position at engine restart. By varying the intake valve closing timing in the expansion stroke cylinder to reduce the effective compression ratio depending on the engine status at restart, it is possible to lessen a load imposed on a starter when the engine is restarted, and to improve startability without complicating the engine system.

Abstract: A method for controlling the output of an internal combustion engine includes opening an intake valve on a cylinder; receiving air from an intake manifold into the cylinder during an intake stroke of a piston in the cylinder; returning excess air from the cylinder back into the intake manifold during the initial portion of the compression stroke of the piston, wherein a quantity of combustion air or air/fuel mixture necessary for a desired engine power output remains in the cylinder; and then closing the intake valve. A control device includes a control camshaft rotatively coupled to the crankshaft having a control cam with lobes that engage the intake valves for holding one or more intake valves open; a cam phaser to vary the phase of the controlled cam relative to the main camshaft; and a cam phase controller linked to the cam phaser, wherein advancing the phase of the control cam increases the power output of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An excess oxygen reduction system includes a fuel cut-off condition module, an injector module, and a valve module. The fuel cut-off condition module determines whether a fuel cut-off condition exists. The injector module prevents a fuel injector from fueling a cylinder when said fuel cut-off condition exists. The valve module closes an impulse charging valve when said fuel cut-off condition exists.

Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including the steps of: detecting an air-fuel ratio; calculating a learn value of a feedback correction amount for total fuel injection amount calculated based on the air-fuel ratio, for a plurality of learning regions obtained as a result of division corresponding to an intake air amount; interpolating the learn value at an intake air amount different from the intake air amount detected at the time of calculation of the learn value, based on the calculated learn value; and correcting an amount of fuel injection based on the obtained learn value.

Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including the steps of: when the port fuel injection ratio is 100% (YES at S200), sensing the engine coolant temperature THW (S210); when the engine coolant temperature THW is higher than a threshold value (YES at S220), monitoring fuel pressure P in a high-pressure delivery pipe (S230); and when fuel pressure P rises by the received heat (YES at S240), identifying that there is no error at the high-pressure fuel system.

Abstract: An intake and exhaust system for a dual mode HCCI engine, which provides superior intake temperature control and homogeneity for engine operation in SI and HCCI modes, as well as during transition between SI and HCCI modes and vice-versa. The system includes adjusted intake cam movement event lengths for intake valve operation at specified modes of operation. The system further includes at least one cam profile switching device operatively connected to intake and exhaust valves in an engine for controlling event length, maximum lift, and valve opening/closing timings for the intake and exhaust valves. The system yet further includes a bifurcated intake system and camless valve actuators for controlling intake valves for facilitating operation in SI or HCCI modes, as well as transition between SI and HCCI modes and vice-versa.

Abstract: A fuel injection system during operation of an internal combustion engine with at least two separately stored fuel types is supplied with at least one first fuel type. With the supply of a second fuel type or with the change from the supply of the first fuel type to the second fuel type, the fuel volume conveyed by the injection system is determined and dependent thereon the presence of a given fuel mixture ratio is verified.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine having fuel injection valves provided in a combustion chamber and an exhaust gas recirculation mechanism. Target maximum cylinder pressure change rates are set according to the operating condition of the engine. The maximum change rate of the detected cylinder pressure and a fuel injection timing correction amount are calculated wherein a difference between the calculated maximum change rate and the target maximum cylinder pressure change rate decreases. The fuel injection timing is corrected with the fuel injection timing correction amount. The recirculation amount of exhaust gases is controlled using the calculated control value. A correction amount of the exhaust gas recirculation amount is calculated when the fuel injection timing correction amount exceeds a predetermined amount. The exhaust gas recirculation amount is controlled using the control value corrected with the correction amount of the exhaust gas recirculating amount.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for controlling a two-stroke engine in correspondence with exhaust gas temperature. An engine control unit (ECU) receives an output from a temperature sensor mounted in the exhaust pipe. The engine control unit controls the operation of a fuel injector in fluid communication with the intake port of the engine in correspondence with the output from the temperature sensor. In one embodiment, correspondence is achieved by determining fuel injection parameters based on a plurality of maps, each corresponding to a different temperature range. The ECU references the map corresponding to the sensed temperature of the exhaust gas. Fuel injection parameters may include injection timing and the amount of fuel injected.

Abstract: A fuel injection rail has a rail body formed by joining together a first body member having the shape of a trough and a second body member having the shape of a flat plate. Edges of the side walls of the first and the second body members are joined in folded seams by folding the edges of the first body member so as to crimp the edges of the second body member, and the folded seams are brazed.

Abstract: A method for operating a fuel injection device, particularly of a motor vehicle. The fuel injection device is provided with an injection valve which has a piezoelectric element. In using the method, the piezoelectric element is activated in such a way that the injection valve goes over into an opened state. During the activation, an electrical voltage is ascertained and/or prespecified at the piezoelectric element and/or an electrical current is ascertained and/or specified via the piezoelectric element. From the path of the voltage and/or from the path of the current one may infer the point in time of opening of the injection valve.