Abstract: A valve timing controller is provided with a first rotary element that rotates in response to a crankshaft, a second rotary element that rotates in response to a camshaft. Multiple link mechanisms are arranged adjacently in the rotational direction of the first rotary element to change a relative rotation phase between the first and second rotary elements. The link mechanism in each group is constituted by combining the first link linked to the first rotary element by a revolute pair with the second link linked to the second rotary element and the first link. The second link of the link mechanism in each group retains the first link of each of the link mechanisms in the same group and the other group in the rotational axis direction of the first rotary element between the second link and the first rotary element.

Abstract: A device for changing the control times of an internal combustion engine (camshaft adjuster) having a pressure medium distributor arranged within a camshaft is provided. The pressure medium distributor is provided at its front end with a radially extending shoulder, this shoulder forming part of the camshaft axial mounting.

Abstract: A valve timing control device includes a drive pulley driven by a crankshaft of an engine, and a driven camshaft. The camshaft has a cam that serves to open and close an intake port. An engine valve is spring-loaded by a valve spring, whereas the cam opens or closes the engine valve against the bias of the spring. Torque is transmittable between the drive pulley and the camshaft, and a rotation angle adjusting mechanism is provided therebetween. The rotation angle adjusting mechanism has a movable operating member being movable in a substantially radial direction.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a plurality of intake and/or exhaust valves associated with each cylinder includes a valvetrain having a fulcrum with a plurality of pivot ball sockets each associated with a rocker arm and pivot ball disposed between the fulcrum and the rocker arm with the fulcrum extending through apertures of the rocker arms and having a plurality of slots, each slot having generally parallel opposing lateral surfaces for receiving and guiding both sides of an associated rocker arm so the rocker arm pivots about the pivot ball in a plane of the rocker arm. The fulcrum can accommodate at least two rocker arms that may operate in non-parallel planes relative to one another and can include bearing and locating surfaces integrally formed to finish dimensions to eliminate machining.

Abstract: An engine starting device which makes fuel injected in preparation for ignition performed in a cylinder of an engine after starting drive of a starter motor in a forward rotational direction so as to start the engine, and makes ignition performed in a suitable ignition position at the time of engine start while the starter motor is driven in a forward rotational direction, the engine starting device being comprised so as to continue driving the starter motor in a direction for starting the engine, even when a crankshaft stops before a piston in a cylinder of the engine reaches a top dead center of a compression stroke.

Abstract: An accessories arrangement structure for an internal combustion engine for securing a banking angle, increasing a degree of the freedom of the layout, concentrating heavy accessories and an overhanging part of the internal combustion engine, enhancing the maneuverability of the vehicle and reducing the size of the engine. An accessories arrangement structure of an internal combustion engine for a motorcycle includes an oil cooler and an oil filter that are attached together with a balancer in a lower part wherein the front of a crankcase that journals a crankcase directed in a vehicular width direction, in which the oil cooler and the oil filter are attached to the front in a vehicular traveling direction of the crankcase project with a balancer, the oil cooler and the oil filter being adjacent in a front view of the vehicle and arranged abreast in parallel with a crankshaft.

Abstract: A crankshaft mechanism is disclosed that takes advantage of component makeup and orientation to cancel out inertial force. A crankshaft of the crankshaft mechanism includes at least one counterweight that is arranged in combination with the rest of the mechanism to cancel out the inertial force particularly at a timing in front of a bottom dead center of a piston where the inertial force becomes a maximum.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine having a plurality of combustion cylinders configured to produce an engine output, comprising of adjusting a condition of the engine to achieve combustion by each of spark ignition and homogeneous charge compression ignition, and varying the engine output by at least varying a number of cylinders carrying out combustion.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine operates on a four-stroke cycle and includes a housing defining: one or more generally wedge-shaped combustion chambers, and an internal cavity in which a wheel is mounted for rotation on a crankshaft. Arranged inside each combustion chamber is a gate, with each gate having a corresponding gate control assembly including a control shaft. Each control shaft is supported by bearings that engage and ride in a generally elliptical cam-cutout defined in the surface of the wheel. Movement of the gate control assemblies within and with respect to the elliptical cam-cutout controls the movement and operation of the gates, such that, as the wheel rotates, a fuel/air mixture is drawn into a combustion chamber; compressed by the rotating movement of a gate; and ignited, imparting a force on the gate, with the gate then rotating to expel combustion gases through an exhaust port.

Abstract: In a method and device for characterising the return stroke of injectors, in particular piezo-injectors of an internal combustion engine provided with a common rail system, when the internal combustion engine is switched off, a constant pressure is dropped in the rail, thereby making it possible to measure the rail pressure and to adjust the injectors by corresponding power. The actuating power is increased until a discontinuity in a temporal progression of rail pressure occurs. The actuating energy applied for said state and a pressure available in the make it possible to measure the return stroke of corresponding injector.

Abstract: Oil level detection sensor detects an oil level in a crankcase. First charging circuit includes a serial connection of a first charging capacitor for charging a reverse voltage produced in a primary coil, the detection sensor, and a first diode. Thyristor is turned on, in response to voltage-charging of the first charging capacitor, to disable an ignition operation of an ignition circuit. Second charging circuit includes a serial connection of a second charging capacitor for charging a forward voltage, produced in the primary coil, and a second diode. Transistor is turned on, in response to voltage-charging of the second charging capacitor, to disable a turning-on operation of the thyristor.

Abstract: In a fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines, having at least one valve member that is axially displaceable in a valve body and is guided on a guide sleeve and on its end toward the combustion chamber of the engine has a valve sealing face which cooperates with a valve seat face on the valve body, and having at least one injection opening, which is provided downstream of the valve seat face and opens into the combustion chamber of the engine, a thrust rod, which controls the motion of the valve member, is disposed in the guide sleeve.

Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle, generally relating to the field of internal combustion engine, comprises a nozzle body, a fuel valve and a guide cap, wherein when the fuel pressure in said nozzle body exceeds the predetermined level, said fuel valve opens and the fuel therein is injected out via said guide cap, featuring that said fuel valve comprises a valve body, a valve seat and a spring, wherein the space between the rear end of said valve seat and said nozzle body defines the fuel cavity, an intake port to introduce fuel into said fuel cavity is opened in said nozzle body, said spring is disposed between said valve body and said valve seat in the fuel cavity to keep said fuel valve normally closed, the volume between the front end of said valve seat and said guide cap defines a residual space, and one or more orifices communicated with said residual space are opened in said guide cap.

Abstract: A fuel injection equipment to control the instability of combustion when the airflow is weak, and improve the fuel cost. A fuel injection equipment for an cylinder injection type and spark ignition type internal combustion engine that injects gasoline directly to a combustion chamber, wherein the top angle at the point of fuel spray in the pressurized atmosphere of absolute pressure 0.5MPa is from ?10° to 10°. Further, the fuel is injected at the compression stroke of the internal combustion engine which installs the fuel injection equipment, and said internal combustion engine is started.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a common rail injection system for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes an injector body and a nozzle body with an injection valve member embodied in multiple parts received in the nozzle body. A hydraulic booster assembly connected downstream of a piezoelectric actuator. Control chambers are associated with the multi-part injection valve member for actuating it. The hydraulic booster assembly actuated by the piezoelectric actuator has booster chambers, which are each directly connected hydraulically with control chambers that actuate the needle parts of the injection valve member.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle propulsion system, comprising of an engine having at least one combustion cylinder configured to selectively operate in one of a plurality of combustion modes, wherein a first combustion mode is a spark ignition mode and a second combustion mode is a homogeneous charge compression ignition mode, an energy storage device configured to store energy, a motor configured to absorb at least a portion of an output produced by the engine and convert said absorbed engine output to energy storable by the energy storage device and wherein the motor is further configured to produce a motor output, a fuel tank vapor purging system coupled to the engine, and a controller configured to vary fuel vapors supplied to the engine during different combustion modes of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diesel engine and methods and apparatus for premixing diesel fuel and oxidant for combustion. The methods and apparatus may include a two stage vortex, each stage accommodating different flow rate ranges. The vortex pulverizes diesel fuel and optimally mixes the diesel fuel with an oxidant prior to introduction into a combustion chamber. The premixing results in more complete combustion and, consequently, fuel efficiency is increased and pollution is decreased.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus and methodology relate to an exhaust gas sensor and sensor heater associated with an exhaust passage of a vehicle engine. The exhaust gas sensor is selectively heated to an applicable activation temperature by the heater so that the sensor may output a normal and accurate sensing signal. The heating must take place, however, without causing damage to the sensor such as that resulting from condensation that may occur within the exhaust passage as a result of engine operation and environmental conditions.

Abstract: An action reciprocating structure of a toy gun an action part and a gear box of a loading mechanism, of a toy gun, wherein the action part is located at a top of the toy gun, the gear box is located at a bottom of the toy gun, and a reciprocating mechanism is located between the action part and the gear box. The reciprocating mechanism includes a pump mechanism, connected to a reciprocator which is provided with an elastic member and a small piston having an air-tight ring therein. When the pump mechanism is filled with gas to push an air-tight piston in the pump mechanism, it also pushes the elastic member and the small piston of the reciprocator, such that the action part which is connected on the small piston can achieve an emulated shooting effect of a reciprocate movement, at the same time.

Abstract: A cutting machine includes a bottom collecting tray, a cutting blade overhanging on a cutting table and having a cutting area defined at an outer circumferential portion thereof when the cutting blade cuts the work piece, and an environment control arrangement. The environment control arrangement includes an end collecting tray, which is upwardly extended from the bottom collecting tray, having a collecting chamber for collecting residual particles of the work piece while the cutting blade cuts the work piece, wherein the end collecting tray must be upwardly extended to a position above the cutting area of the cutting blade, and a suction source having a sucking inlet provided at a lower portion of the end collecting tray for collecting the residual particles within the collecting chamber by means of sucking effect.

Abstract: A device for connecting gas equipment to a valve of a gas cartridge, having a tap body fixed to the gas equipment, an axial coupling ring fixed to the body of the tap and having at least one elastic lug which can engage radially in a groove of a valve of the cartridge, a rotary locking ring which can occupy a locking position in which the rotary ring keeps each lug engaged in the groove and a release position in which the rotary ring allows each elastic lug to be disengaged from the groove, and a cylinder having a tube which can override the shut-off device of the valve, wherein the rotary locking ring has radial coupling means which can interact with complementary radial coupling means provided on the gas cartridge valve, so that the device can be moved from a locking position to a release position by the rotation of the cartridge

Abstract: An adjustable barbecue grill island frame, able to accommodate components of various sizes, both in width and height, without the need for custom fabrication and or modification involving any cutting or alteration of the frames length. The adjustment of specific frame sections provides the proper ranges of alignment needed for the installation of island components.

Abstract: The solid fuel stove includes a combustion chamber having an air inlet and a gas outlet and two blowers driven simultaneously by a single motor. A first one of the two blowers is upstream of the air inlet and propels a comburent air flow in the combustion chamber. A second one of the two blowers is downstream of the gas outlet and draws an exhaust gas flow from the combustion chamber. Both blowers can advantageously be driven by a single motor.

Abstract: A heater (12) includes a burner (16), a valve (20), and an inducer (18). A thermostat (24) is electrically coupled to the heater (12) and a control board (44) is disposed in the heater (12) and electrically connected to the thermostat (24). The control board (44) includes an inducer relay (50), a valve relay (52), and a control timer (54) for switching the valve (20) between a high flow stage and a low flow stage and the inducer (18) between a high speed stage and a low speed stage, respectively, wherein the inducer relay (50), the valve relay (52), and the control timer (54) are mounted to the control board (44) to define a singular and compact controller (30).

Abstract: A door assembly for an oven includes a door configured to open and close a heating chamber of an oven, and a glass substrate removably mounted to a surface of the door facing the heating chamber. An oven includes a housing having a heating chamber formed therein for irradiation of microwaves into the heating chamber. A door is configured to open and close the heating chamber, the door having a filter that prevents microwaves from leaking from the heating chamber. A glass substrate is removably mounted to a surface of the door facing the heating chamber.

Abstract: A pipe for feeding a gas into an oven, a furnaces, or the like (such as a CVI/CVD oven), and in particular into a reaction chamber structure inside the oven, is provided with a gastight tubular sealing device extending radially outside the pipe and defining a path that is practically gastight, along which there extends the as feed pipe. The tubular sealing device is preferably at least partially flexible in the transverse direction and/or the axial direction so as to accommodate positioning defects between a location situated in the reaction chamber and a location where the gas feed pipe penetrates into the oven (which defects may be due, for example, to asymmetrical thermal expansion/contraction).

Abstract: “Ring of Fire” is a simple device for insuring that electric stovetop burners are not left on inadvertently. It consists of a circular fluorescent light bulb that is either encased in Pyrex, or is itself constructed of Pyrex, and plugged, via a socket located underneath the stovetop, into a circuit that is completed whenever the corresponding burner is turned on. The bulb is recessed into a circular concavity in the stovetop, immediately surrounding the outer rim of the drip tray, and held in place by four metal clips. The bulb is covered by a flat circle of red, translucent Pyrex whose inner rim is attached to the outer rim of the drip tray by metal clips, and whose outer rim rests on a small “shelf” in the stovetop. Thus, whenever a burner is turned on, regardless of its setting, (e.g., high or low), it will be surrounded by a bright red, glowing, “Ring of Fire.” The Pyrex circle is easily removable to allow access for changing the bulb.

Abstract: A self-powered food heater. The food heater includes a burner with an electric fuel pump and an electric blower, a fire box, a water tank and electronic controls. The food heater also includes a set of thermoelectric modules compressed against a heat transfer surface of the tank. Hot exhaust leaving the burner enters the fire box. Some of the heat from the fire box passes through the thermoelectric modules generating sufficient electric power to power the fuel pump and the blower. Water in the tank is heated to its boiling temperature. Heat from the boiling water heats food also contained in the tank. In a preferred embodiment special compression frames provide substantially uniform compression, within desired ranges, of the modules between a portion of the heat transfer surface of the tank and a module cover plate.

Abstract: A container for housing and producing a liquid comestible product and in situ heating or cooling thereof is constructed for rotation of the lid to release a comestible powder into water. Rotation of the base causes a chemical reaction to be initiated for heating or cooling the comestible powder/water blend.

Abstract: This disclosure describes deck ovens including a cooking chamber, a heating chamber beneath the cooking chamber, a cooking surface between the heating and cooking chamber, and an infrared heating element in the heating chamber. It further describes a kit for retrofitting a deck oven to include an infrared heating element including a gas-fired infrared heating element, piping to bring the heating element in fluid communication with a gas supply, a mounting frame to secure the heating element in place, a mounting bracket to secure the heating element to the mounting frame, and an anchor bracket to secure the mounting frame to the heating chamber. Also described is a method for cooking food items including selecting a desired temperature range, emitting infrared radiation towards a cooking surface, and measuring the air temperature inside a cooking chamber.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning fans in range or stove hoods by spraying steam onto the fan impeller area on which soot and cooking fumes condense to clean the impeller and wash the accumulated condensates down a drain. By using steam above atmospheric pressure as the cleaning fluid, the device uses significantly less water that other devices that spray water or an aqueous solution to clean the fan blades.

Abstract: A kitchen exhaust air cleaning system includes a dispenser and a receiver, with a supply spool of grease absorbent material provided in the dispenser. Contaminated portions of the web can be selectively removed from the air flow path into the receiver while drawing uncontaminated portions of the web from the dispenser to the path of air flow.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning fans in range or stove hoods by spraying steam onto the fan impeller area on which soot and cooking fumes condense to clean the impeller and wash the accumulated condensates down a drain. By using steam above atmospheric pressure as the cleaning fluid, the device uses significantly less water that other devices that spray water or an aqueous solution to clean the fan blades.

Abstract: Food products are characterized by grill markings, wherein the grill markings are generated by a simulated grilling process. The simulated grilling process includes maintaining a food item on a grill rack, the grill rack including a plurality of substantially solid rods, each of the plurality of rods being substantially parallel to, and laterally spaced from, an adjacent rod to define a plurality of spaces between the plurality of rods. The plurality of rods each define a substantially flat top surface and include a non-stick coating over the substantially flat top surfaces. The process also includes disposing the food product as maintained on the plurality of rods in a convection oven. The oven is convectively heated at or above about 400 degrees F such that the plurality of rods impart the grill markings on the food product, the grill markings being substantially darker than surrounding portions of the food item.

Abstract: A fluid heating system includes a fluid receptacle having a fluid reservoir, and a heating control system configured to heat fluid retained within the fluid reservoir. The heating control system includes a processing unit, at least one fluid temperature sensor positioned on or within the fluid receptacle, a heating element configured to heat fluid within the fluid reservoir, and a power switch disposed within an electrical path between the heating element and the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to selectively activate and deactivate the heating element through the power switch based on the fluid temperature detected by the fluid temperature sensor.

Abstract: A gas cooking appliance for connection to a source of gas is provided, having a burner, a cooking surface, a frame adapted to support the burner and the cooking surface, and a first valve in communication with a second valve. The first valve selectively enables flow of gas from the source to the second valve, while the second valve is adapted to provide a variably controlled output to the burner.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fireplace system and method for facilitating changes in appearance of a fireplace are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary reconfigurable fireplace system comprises a fireplace having a plurality of design zones that are readily configurable for changes in appearance, with any one or more of the design zones being capable of design changes comprising one or more similar and/or different accents or design elements. As a result, a user can suitably choose a particular design appearance for the fireplace, and then if desired, alter or modify that appearance in numerous ways without having to replace the complete fireplace. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary fireplace comprises at least three zones, with each such zone being configured with one or more accents or design elements to alter the design appearance.

Abstract: A device for solar panels and method allows seasonal tilting by human assistance for changes in sun angle above equator, and unassisted daily positioning east to west to east. A primary support member is fixed to the back of a typical solar panel, generally from corner to corner along a line of balance. This support member is elongated and enabled for rotation, with attached panel by rotation sleeves or pivots. Extensions of the rotation sleeves in connection with two posts are positioned on a polar axis. The posts are solidly fixed in the earth or a base. The rotation sleeve covering the longer post, closest to the pole, is manually adjusted and secured to change the angle of the collector with the equator. Stops are provided. A linear actuator is pivotally attached at an edge or corner of the solar panel with the other end attached to a post, which is pivotally attached relative to the ground or base. An electric motor is powered by batteries to drive the linear actuator.

Abstract: The Solar Device uses magnified glass or perspex to enhance the productivity of any solar panelling. It can be set on a frame above the panel or tile. It can also be built into the panel itself it would allow solar panels/tiles or devices to be more energy efficient.

Abstract: Various apparatus are disclosed for controlling the combustion air vent of fuel-fired furnaces. For a first embodiment of the invention, a furnace-controlled air valve is placed in the combustion air duct. When the furnace begins a heating cycle, the valve is opened. When the heating cycle ends, the valve is closed and remains closed until the beginning of the next heating cycle. For a second embodiment of the invention, a positive-displacement air pump is placed in the combustion air duct. The air pump pumps air from the exterior into the mechanical room at a controlled rate during each heating cycle of the furnace. The air valve or the air pump is controlled directly or indirectly by the furnace thermostat.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus powered by a detachable electrical control, the apparatus having a cooking surface and a support member hingedly attached to the cooking surface. The support member has a folded position generally parallel to the cooking surface and an extended position generally perpendicular to the cooking surface. A barrier element extends generally perpendicularly from the support member. An inlet port is disposed on the cooking surface, defining an opening, and having a connector sized to fit the detachable electrical control. The inlet port is electrically connected to the heating element and disposed on the cooking surface proximate the barrier element such that the barrier element obstructs the inlet port's connector when the support member is folded under the cooking surface and the barrier element does not obstruct the inlet port's connector when the support member is unfolded and generally perpendicular to the cooking surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating breathing cycle of a patient using an aerosol delivery device. In one aspect, an aerosol delivery device includes a visual indicator that is moveable in response to a patient's breathing cycle and is positioned away from an inspiration path of the aerosol. In another aspect, a method of cycling a visual indicator between a first position and a second position in response to a patient's breathing cycle is described.

Abstract: An aerosol generating apparatus capable of stably generating an aerosol with controlled concentration, and a film forming apparatus using the aerosol generating apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus includes a powder containing chamber formed with an opening for leading out powder contained therein, an assist gas lead-in part for assisting lead-out of the powder when the powder is led out from the opening, and a dispersion gas lead-in part for supplying a gas for dispersing the powder led out from the opening. Further, the film forming apparatus includes the aerosol generating apparatus, a substrate stage for holding a substrate, and a nozzle for injecting the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating apparatus toward the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for treating a condition of a patient's airway. The condition is attributed at least in part to a spacing of tissue from opposing surfaces in the airway. In various embodiments, the base of the tongue including geometry and position of the tongue is altered.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a controlled flow of liquid directly to a user's mouth to alleviate dry mouth conditions. The apparatus consists of a liquid reservoir, a mouthpiece, and a fluid passage between the liquid reservoir and mouthpiece through which liquid from the reservoir is delivered by gravity feed at a controlled rate by a flow control means to the mouthpiece for release into a user's mouth. The mouthpiece is an open sided unitary construction, sized to seat over either the user's upper or lower dentures. Liquid from the liquid reservoir is delivered by the fluid passage to one or more openings within the mouthpiece, and subsequently flows into the user's mouth.

Abstract: The invention provides a tobacco smoking apparatus that enables a person to smoke, namely inhale and exhale smoke and other combustion products from burning tobacco, while isolating and protecting others from a substantial portion of the combustion products, including smoke, smoker's exhale and odor, that are produced from smoking tobacco.

Abstract: A smoking article, and a method and apparatus for producing a smoking article, in which a web material containing an adsorbent material such as activated carbon and a stabilised flavourant such as menthol is positioned adjacent an interior surface of a cigarette wrapper to deliver flavour to a smoker with minimal/insignificant migration of flavour to other parts of the smoking article or packaging. The web material may be a section that extends over only a portion of the smoking article to deliver flavour to a smoker at a specific point during smoking and if positioned at the mouth end of a smoking article will be able to deliver a flavour sensation in the final puff(s).

Abstract: Catalysts for the conversion, or oxidation, of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Cigarettes with filters containing the catalysts have acceptable resistance to draw. Additionally, the catalysts can be used to reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide from a vehicle exhaust emission, a gas used in a CO2 laser, a gas used in a fuel cell and/or ambient air undergoing air filtration.

Abstract: A process for styling a keratinous material involving providing a composition containing at least one silicone elastomer, at least one non-aqueous polar solvent, optionally, at least one styling polymer, optionally, at least one emulsifying agent; and a cosmetically acceptable co-solvent, other than the non-aqueous polar solvent; and applying said composition onto the keratinous material.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a mascara case having a case body and a cap. The case with a spring-loaded mascara brush, is constructed so that a brush stem (43) coupled to the cap moves downward by a predetermined length when the cap is separated from the case body (10) to open the case body, thus allowing a user to easily use a small amount of mascara remaining in a bottom of the case body without the necessity of completely closing the cap, and the brush stem coupled to the cap moves upward when the cap is put on the case body to close the case body, thus preventing a brush from touching the bottom of the case body.