Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided in which fuel pressure is changed and fuel injection is controlled in accordance with engine operating conditions. The internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder, a direct injection injector, a detection unit, and a control unit. The control unit includes two maps describing two factors of a fuel injection characteristic coefficient and an invalid injection period with respect to the fuel pressure of the direct injection injector. A first calculating section calculates a required fuel injection quantity. A second calculating section calculates a required fuel injection period in accordance with the required fuel injection quantity and the two factors of the fuel injection characteristic coefficient and the invalid injection period with respect to the fuel pressure. A controlling section controls the fuel injection such that the fuel is injected for the required fuel injection period.

Abstract: An embedded igniter for internal combustion engines consisting of a multiple ignition system with separate control for individual pairs of igniters that has been designed to replaces the spark plugs of internal combustion engines. This device allows for a more complete burn of the fuel/air mixture within the combustion chamber. The embedded igniter system will consist of one or more igniter units consisting of a pair of rectangular tantalum bars with iridium electrode pins at the ends. The paired igniter pins are encased in alumina ceramic, a high dielectric/high temperature housing positioned around the combustion chamber holding and insulating the electrodes relative to their position in reference to the combustion chamber. One or more igniter units may be incorporated around each cylinder opening of a head gasket made from a composite of polyamide, carbon fiber and copper or equivalent material or may be incorporated into an internal combustion engine that does not require a head gasket.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an engine having an intake manifold and an outlet control device coupled to the manifold for controlling flow exiting the manifold and entering at least one cylinder of the engine. The engine further includes an inlet control device for controlling flow entering the manifold. The method includes providing an engine command; calculating a desired cylinder charge based on said command; and adjusting the outlet control device to provide said desired cylinder charge. The engine command may be, for example, a driver command, such as a driver torque command. Further, the outlet control device may be implemented in with a variety of mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment the outlet control device is a valve of the engine having a variable lift. In one embodiment the outlet device is a valve having variable timing. Likewise, the inlet device may be adjusted in response to a variety of parameters.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine intake device is configured to improve the uniformity with which purge gas or other introduced gas is distributed to the cylinders of an engine. The intake device basically has a throttle chamber, an intake air collector, an air induction pipe, a partitioning part and a gas introducing pipe. The air induction pipe is provided between the throttle valve and the intake air collector. The partitioning part divides the space inside the air induction pipe into first and second air induction spaces. The gas introducing pipe is configured and arranged to introduce purge gas into the space inside the air induction pipe at a position between the throttle valve and the partitioning part. In one embodiment, the partitioning part is configured such that an upstream portion thereof is slanted with respect to a rotary shaft of the throttle valve.

Abstract: When fuel supply is stopped while an engine is decelerating, pressure in each cylinder is detected using a pressure sensor, and the peak value of the pressure in each cylinder is determined. Also, an intake air amount is detected when the fuel supply is stopped, and the allowable range of the peak value is calculated based on the intake air amount. When the peak value of the pressure in a cylinder is in the allowable range, it is determined that a charged air amount in the cylinder is in a target amount range. When the peak value of the pressure in a cylinder is out of the allowable range, it is determined that the charged air amount in the cylinder is out of the target amount range, and a warning device is operated.

Abstract: A fuel injector control system and method provides precise fuel injection timing while eliminating the need for a voltage regulator by estimating or predicting ramp times between voltage application and actual fuel injection. In one embodiment, an estimated ramp time injection is calculated from a measured voltage and is used to delay or advance application of the voltage on the coil so that the load current reaches a desired current level at a desired injection start time. In another embodiment, an actual ramp time for a given injection is measured and used to predict future ramp times. A current regulator prevents excessive emissions from being generated when controlling the load current.

Abstract: A control device of a high-pressure fuel pump of an internal combustion engine capable of improving stability in controlling the drive of the high-pressure fuel pump by limiting the end timing of a drive signal of the high-pressure fuel pump and driving an actuator in a control effective range of the high-pressure fuel pump. The control device of the high-pressure fuel pump of the internal combustion engine has a fuel injection valve provided on a cylinder and the high-pressure fuel pump for pumping fuel to the fuel injection valve, wherein the high-pressure fuel pump comprises a pressure chamber, a plunger for pressurizing the fuel in the pressure chamber, a fuel valve provided in the pressure chamber, and the actuator for operating the fuel valve. The control device has means for calculating the drive signal of the actuator so as to realize the variable discharge of the high-pressure fuel pump.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system includes a filter 19 for filtering fuel. The filter 19 has an internal wall 20 defining a pocket 14. A fuel pump 12 is provided in the pocket 14 for pumping filtered fuel to an engine. A pump spacer structure 10 surrounds at least a portion of the fuel pump and positions the fuel pump within the pocket The pump spacer structure 10 has a portion 18 that engages the internal wall 20 of the filter 19. Dampening structure 22 is provided between the pump spacer structure 10 to dampen vibration generated by the fuel pump.

Abstract: A centrifugal supercharger includes a case presenting a compressor chamber and a transmission chamber. An impeller in the compressor chamber is mounted to a shaft that extends into the transmission chamber. The impeller shaft is drivingly connected to a power input shaft by intermeshing gears provided on the shafts. A portion of the transmission chamber defines a fluid reservoir in which lubrication fluid is held. The intermeshing gears, as well as the bearing assemblies supporting the shafts, are located outside the fluid reservoir portion of the transmission chamber. A rotatable fluid-propelling element partly submerged in the lubrication fluid contained within the reservoir portion ensures that sufficient but not excessive lubrication fluid is supplied to the intermeshing gears and the bearing assemblies. A dedicated lubricant reserve system ensures that the required operating level of fluid is provided to, and maintained in, the reservoir portion.

Abstract: A compression ignition engine (10) has an EGR loop (22) that contains a metallic DOC (30) for treating recirculated exhaust gas obtained directly from cylinder exhaust through an exhaust manifold (16) before the exhaust gas passes through a cooler (26, 28) and an EGR valve (24) to an intake system (18).

Abstract: A method and a system for improved control of fuel supply to an internal combustion engine are presented. The system, in addition to a liquid fuel injector, includes a fuel vapor injector disposed in an engine air intake manifold. The method includes determining the state of fuel in the liquid fuel line, and adjusting the amount purge fuel vapors injected into engine air intake manifold accordingly. Thus, improved engine performance is achieved.

Abstract: A device for transferring the drawn weight of a bowstring from a user's bowstring gripping hand to a user's bow gripping hand. The device includes a shaft and a means for releasably connecting the bowstring to the device, such as a trigger release. The device also includes a transfer grip which has a gripping portion configured to be grasped by the user's bow gripping hand together with the bow grip when the user draws the device and bowstring to the drawn position. In the preferred embodiment, a handle is used on one end of the shaft and the trigger release is attached to the handle so that the user can use their bowstring gripping hand to draw the device together with the bowstring to the drawn position and then actuate the release of the bowstring using the trigger of the trigger release. A receiver is also provided for receiving the shaft of the device when the device is drawn from the undrawn position to the drawn position.

Abstract: A gas powered gun has a gun barrel, a cylinder containing a primary piston moveable between a loading position and a firing position, a secondary piston moveable within the primary piston between a loading position in which the leading end of the secondary piston is sufficiently withdrawn in the barrel to permit a projectile to be fed into the barrel through an opening in the side thereof and a firing position in which the secondary piston has moved forwardly to cause the leading end of the secondary piston to engage the projectile and move the projectile forwardly in the barrel. A trigger is operable to cause the primary piston and the secondary piston to move simultaneously from the loading position to the firing position. The cylinder has a chamber through which the primary piston and the secondary piston extend.

Abstract: A springless shooting dart composed of a hollow cylinder, a shuttle, a rope, and a dart is provided. Inside the hollow cylinder is a shuttle. A dart can be disposed at the front end of the shuttle. The shuttle is connected to a rope having one end tied to the user's waist. A user can control the dart to be shot out by holding on to the cylinder and extending from his arm.

Abstract: Friendly fire archery bow, is the solution for the archery bow hunter to remain undetected while shooting at game animals. Or being detected without being recognized as the enemy. This archery accessory is a way to disguise the noise an archery bow makes when fired. The scope of this product is to make an artificial sound that is non threatening to game animals when the archery bow is fired. Or an added bonus is to call or attract more game animals while attempting to harvest the present animals. Edward Flanagan shows three examples of how this can be accomplished. One is the bellow type animal call (12) FIG. 1 activated by bow limb (28) movement when the bow (10) is fired. The call could be crow, turkey, squirrel, deer, fox, duck, and rabbit squealer etcetera. The second is a bellow type animal call FIG. 2 (46) activated by compound archery bow cable movement. The third is a air pump activated animal call FIG. 3 (62) that functions when the bow is fired.

Abstract: The gas manifold assembly (1) is adapted to a cooking appliance for supplying the burners (21) thereof, and is equipped with various taps (C1-C4) of the rotary type, installed on a elongated tubular-shaped manifold conduit (2), which is disposed parallel to the front wall (FP) of the appliance and supported on it. The taps (C1-C4) have a respective installation seat (7) with a built-in gas intake connected to the elongated conduit (2), and mounting is carried out by means of a one-piece mounting device (12), which in turn has an integral means (12b) for supporting and fastening the manifold assembly (1) to the front wall (FP), for which purpose the aligned tap drive shafts (16) stand proud of the front wall (FP) and the tap outlet conduits (8) face and adjoin their respective burner (21).

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a reservoir containing the fluid and a propellant; a metering valve mounted on the reservoir and including a metering chamber, and a valve member that is movable between a rest position and a dispensing position; and an automatic trigger system, the trigger system including an actuator element to displace one of the valve member and the reservoir relative to the other so as to bring the valve member into its dispensing position. The device also includes a brake system which co-operates with the reservoir or the valve member to slow down displacement of the valve member towards its dispensing position while the device is being actuated, and a valve-member release system that is actuated automatically when the valve member reaches its dispensing position, and which returns the valve member to its rest position independently of the position of the actuator element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel design for a metering valve that provides improved consistency of formulation delivery. Generally, the metering valve includes (a) a valve stem that generally defines a longitudinal axis and includes a body portion having a metering surface, wherein the longitudinal axis and a plane tangential to at least a portion of the metering surface define an angle from about 2° to about 90°; and (b) a valve body having an internal chamber defined at least in part by the body wall and includes a metering portion configured to substantially conform to the metering surface of the valve stem.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of increasing the carbon dioxide level in a patient in by administering to the patient an inhalant that comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide and atmospheric air. The method can be used to treat a patient suffering from asthma, allergies, muscle tension, pain, insomnia, and/or mental stress. The present invention also relates to a device that may be used in a method of an inhalant that comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide and atmospheric air to a patient.

Abstract: A urological drape is provided defining a vaginal aperture and a finger cot for accessing the rectum of a patient without making contact therewith. The drape includes an adhesive backing for fixing the drape relative to the patient. Preferably, a pouch is provided which is constructed and arranged to catch any fluids which might be discharged from the vagina during an examination or surgical procedure.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is of a composite material. The first internal layer is a nonsoftenable flexible framework which will permit the mouthguard to hold its shape during fitting as well as to absorb and dissipate significant impact conveyed to the upper teeth. The framework includes hard, durable bite plate wedges which lower the condyle from the temporomandibular joint in a fulcrum action to place the lower jaw in an optimum condition preventing impingement upon the nerves and arteries as well as spacing the upper and lower teeth apart. Elastomeric traction pads are on the bottom of the mouthguard and are grippingly engaged by the posterior teeth of the lower jaw. The elastomeric pads extend forwardly to form an anterior impact brace on the front of the mouthguard.

Abstract: An improved method of implanting cells in the body of a patient includes positioning viable cells on a support structure. One or more blood vessels may be connected with the support structure to provide a flow of blood through the support structure. A support structure may be positioned at any desired location in a patient's body. The support structure may be configured to replace an entire organ or a portion of an organ. An organ or portion of an organ may be removed from a body cells and/or other tissue is removed to leave a collagen matrix support structure having a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the organ or portion of an organ. Alternatively, a synthetic support structure may be formed. The synthetic support structure may have a configuration corresponding to a configuration of an entire organ or only a portion of an organ.

Abstract: A probe interface assembly for an automated medical imaging system is provided. The assembly comprises a platform including and inner frame for supporting an ultrasound probe in spaced apart relationship relative to a compression paddle arranged to apply a compression load to breast tissue being scanned during a medical imaging process. The platform is adapted to contactively engage the compression paddle during the medical imaging process. The platform may include a first resilient pivot connection at each side of a first set of mutually opposite sides of said inner frame to provide a tilt degree of freedom about a first axis. The platform may further include a second resilient pivot connection at each side of a second set of mutually opposite sides of the inner frame to provide a tilt degree of freedom about a second axis positioned orthogonal relative to the first axis.

Abstract: Cigars are released from a feed station onto first and second conveyor belts and directed along a predetermined feed path, part of which coinciding with a wheel interposed between the two belts and equipped with a set of needles serving to pierce the cigars by engaging at least one respective end portion; the wheel is also equipped with a set of clamp elements, each able to restrain a single cigar and caused to revolve in stable alignment with a relative needle. The single needle is fashioned from a resistive metal and connected to an electrical power source in such a way that it can be heated by applying a current and inducing the Joule effect.

Abstract: An improved hair clip and method of making a hair clip is provided. More particularly, the engaging members of a hair clip are provided with a cushioned surface that does not need to be attached to the external surface of the engaging member. Rather, the engaging members of the hair clip may be formed with holes and the outer cushion surface may be formed by material that protrudes through the holes in the engaging member. In one embodiment, the cushion material may be injection molded into the hair clip in a manner that results in the cushion material being forced through the holes in the engaging member in order to form a surface that may contact the hair.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dishwasher, by which the dishwasher is simply configured as well as the door is facilitated to open/close. The present invention includes a cabinet having an open front side, a door opening/closing the front side of the cabinet, a locker at the door, a coupling member inside the cabinet to be elastically coupled to or separated from the locker in opening/closing the door, and a switch in rear of the coupling member to sense opening/closing of the door.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus includes a spin chuck for supporting a substrate to be rotatable in a plane including a principal surface of the substrate, a motor for rotating the spin chuck, a circulating pump for circulating a removal liquid and transmitting the removal liquid to a first nozzle, and a heater for heating the removal liquid in circulation. When removing a reaction product, the spin chuck is rotated at a rotational frequency of at least 100 rpm and not exceeding 3,000 rpm, and the first nozzle supplies the removal liquid at a rate of at least 50 ml per minute to the surface of the substrate supported and rotated by the spin chuck.

Abstract: A personnel decontamination and containment system is disclosed. This system includes a plurality of components positionable on a selected location for establishment of a multi-station decontamination and containment facility to decontaminate personnel and to contain contaminants collected during the decontamination process. The components can include a plurality of collapsible frame and roof assemblies, wall and roof covers, a weapons clearing assembly, a weapons storage locker, a hanging bar, a signage assembly, collapsible containment hamper assemblies, a covered dispensing assembly, a shuffle box, a multi-wipe dispensing assembly, and a transportable containment enclosure. The enclosure is shaped and sized to removably retain the system's components for transportation or the like.

Abstract: The erectable shelter includes an awning assembly for a shelter that is removably mounted to two or more adjacent legs of the shelter. The awning assembly is mounted so that it can be moved between a downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, and to an intermediate horizontal position between the downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, allowing the awning to provide shade and to serve as a holder for signage.

Abstract: A foldable tent (1), wherein a covering is supported by a plurality of columns (2) and an outer peripheral frame (3) and reinforcement frames (4) connected to the columns (2), the reinforcement frames (4) are formed so as to pass through the inside of a polygon in plan view formed of the outer peripheral frame (3) and disposed so as to connect the columns to the center of the polygon to more increase the strength thereof over a conventional foldable tent, parts of unit pipe bodies forming the reinforcement pipe units (41, 42) of the reinforcement frames (4) are horizontal relative to an installation surface or downwardly titled toward the center thereof to smoothly fold the reinforcement pipe elements (41, 42) when the tent is dissembled, and the reinforcement frames (4) are supported on the columns (2) or on the columns (2) through play allowing the reinforcement frames (4) to move within a specified range from a center column (5) in a generally circumferential direction to smoothly fold the foldable tent.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relates in part to selectively shutting off the flow of water through a water supply pipe to a building, such as in the event of a broken water pipe. The embodiments disclosed herein also optionally discontinue electrical power to a water heater to minimize the risk of water heater elements burning out in the event a water heater is at the risk of being drained of water, such as due to a broken water pipe.

Abstract: A micropump check valve device which can be designed thin with good assemblability and applied with urging force. The micropump check valve device includes an upstream side member having a small-bore hole for passing therethrough a fluid, a downstream side member having a large-bore hole for passing therethrough the fluid, and a valve member having a valve mechanism sandwiched between the upstream side member and the downstream side member. The valve mechanism includes a passing hole formed in correspondence to a position and a size of the large-bore hole in the downstream side member, a contacting part formed inside the passing hole in correspondence to the position and size of the small-bore hole in the upstream side member thereby to close the small-bore hole, and supporting parts formed to bridge across the passing hole to support the contacting part. The valve member has a greater linear expansion coefficient than the upstream side and downstream side members.

Abstract: An inflation valve includes a main valve body having an outlet port, a rupture port, and a pull cord retainer. A puncture retainer body secures a puncture disc within the main valve body to seal the outlet port to gas flow. A slot in the puncture retaining body permits gas flow to the outlet port. A puncture pin received within the puncture retaining body includes a center bore permitting gas flow to the outlet port. A rupture disc breaks under high pressure conditions to permit pressurized gas to exit the rupture port. The rupture disc and puncture disc are interchangeable. A release assembly associated with the pull cord retainer permits manual release of the puncture pin. A vacuum washer is sealed between a vacuum retainer and the pull cord retainer to prevent gas from exiting the pull cord retainer when the inflation valve is activated under vacuum.

Abstract: A valve is provided for use on a control moment gyroscope (CMG) having a housing separating an internal environment from an external environment. The valve includes a valve housing, a valve element, and bellows. The valve housing is configured to couple to the CMG housing and includes an inner surface defining a cavity, an outer surface, and an opening extending therebetween. The valve element is disposed within the valve housing cavity and is movable between a closed position, in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the valve housing opening, and an open position, in which fluid may flow through the valve housing opening. The bellows is disposed within the valve housing and coupled to the valve element and has an internal chamber. The bellows selectively moves the valve element closed and open in response to a differential pressure between the bellows internal chamber and the valve housing cavity.

Abstract: An integrated microvalve has a substrate, a first function layer applied to the substrate, and a second function layer applied to the first function layer, the first function layer being designed as a diaphragm in at least one valve area, the second function layer being removed in the valve area and in a fluid discharge area, and an anvil connected essentially only to the diaphragm being exposed from the substrate in the valve area, a plate being applied to the second function area to form a valve space.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate in part to water flow sensors, and also to such water flow sensors in combination with a system used to selectively shut off the flow of water through a water supply pipe to a building, such as in the event of a broken water pipe. Such systems included in the combination can also optionally discontinue electrical power to a water heater to minimize the risk of water heater elements burning out in the event a water heater is at the risk of being drained of water, such as due to a broken water pipe.

Abstract: In order to prevent hydraulic fluid infiltrating out from a hydraulic fluid tank (1) when a vehicle is in operation, the invention provides for the tank to be compartmentalized by an anti-overflow partition (16). The anti-overflow partition is made in such a manner as to hold air captive inside the tank in the vicinity of a feed orifice (11) at a location placed in a top portion of said anti-overflow partition.

Abstract: A reservoir 10 is provided for mounting to a bottom of a fuel tank of a vehicle. The reservoir includes wall structure 13 coupled with a bottom to define an interior space 17. The bottom has an internal surface 27 within the interior space, an external surface 15, and an opening 12 in the bottom. A check valve 11 is associated with the opening. Valve protection structure 16 extends from the external surface and is provided continuously about the entire perimeter of the bottom to define a plurality of tortuous paths P for fuel flow from the tank to the opening. Feet structure 26 extend from the external surface to contact the bottom of the tank. A plurality of pockets 30 are provided in the internal surface 27 of the bottom for collecting foreign particles that may enter the reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is defined for regulating the level of liquid on a first side of a barrier (12) with respect to a moveable level of liquid on a second side of the barrier. The apparatus includes an inlet conduit (30) for positioning on the second side of the barrier and having an inlet (38) that is arranged for moving up and down with the liquid level, and an outlet conduit (16) for positioning on the first side of the barrier (12) and in liquid communication with the inlet conduit (30) across the barrier. The outlet conduit has an outlet (22) that can be located at a predetermined liquid level at the first side.

Abstract: A connector (1) connects an air-inflatable mattress (4) which alternately inflatable cells (11, 12) to a pump. Air-supply lines (13, 14) from the pump are attached to male parts (2) of connector (1). Air-supply lines (15, 16) from mattress (4) connect to passages (17, 18) of female parts (3) of the connector (1). When the male parts (2) and the female parts (3) are engaged, supply lines (13, 14) are in fluid communication with fluid lines (15, 16) via passages (17, 18) in the female part (3). When the male parts (2) are removed from the connector (1) to disconnect the air supply, one-way valves (7) seal the air-supply lines (13, 14) and expose a cross-connect port (8) in interconnecting the female part passages (17, 18). Thus cells (11, 12) are interconnected and the pressure is equalized throughout the mattress (4). The invention provides a self-sealing automatic transport mode connection system upon disengagement of the male parts (2) from the mattress (4), thus eliminating user error.

Abstract: A multi-position fuel valve includes a main body having an enclosed chamber with a number of inlet ports and an outlet port and associated seats in the chamber. Disposed inside the chamber is a revolving rotor that is connected to a selector handle located outside the chamber. The rotor provides a possible passageway between each of the inlet ports and the outlet port. The handle can rotate a maximum 180 degrees, and the valve has a pair of inlet sections and three-positions with an “off” position approximately midway between the other two positions. A pair of balls are positioned in the rotor and lodge in the plurality of seats or elsewhere in the chamber. When this occurs a certain portion of the passageway is cut off meaning there is no fluid flow from at least one of inlet ports through the outlet port. A compression spring with opposing ends bearing against the balls maintains the balls lodged in the seats, and releasably fixes the position of the rotor and handle.

Abstract: A gas-panel manifold for use in a gas-panel assembly mounted on a support is disclosed. The manifold includes (i) a plurality of two-port stations at which gas components, including one or more gas-valve components, can be mounted, (II) at least one station having a port for accommodating an overhead fluid connection, and (iii) internal fluid connections between individual stations in the manifold, for carrying a gas from one gas component mounted on the assembly to another, and for carrying gas from said one station to one of the two ports at a station which a valved gas component is to be mounted. The fluid connections have a cross-sectional area that is larger than can be accommodated by a three-port station of the type used for mounting a three-port valved gas component.

Abstract: A loom restarting method restarts a loom stopped due to a loom stopping cause without entailing a “wavy set mark”. When a loom is stopped due to a loom stopping cause entailing faulty picking, the loom restarting method provides a loom stopping command, withholds the loom from a picking operation during a braking period for braking the loom to stop the same in a weaving cycle subsequent to a weaving cycle in which the loom stopping cause occurred, reverses the loom to the weaving cycle in which faulty picking occurred, removes a weft yarn picked by faulty picking, and restarts the loom to resume a normal weaving operation. The main shaft of the loom is positioned, after removing the weft yarn picked by faulty picking, at an angular position at which a picking operation is possible in the weaving cycle in which the weft yarn picked by faulty picking was removed and the reed of the loom is not in contact with a weft yarn inserted in the cloth fell of a fabric on the loom, and then the loom is restarted.

Abstract: Stretch woven fabrics including plain, twill and satin constructions are disclosed. The fabrics include weft yarns and warp yarns. Polyester bicomponent continuous filaments including poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) having an after-heat-set crimp contraction value from about 20% to about 80% contribute to the stretch recovery properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically binding reinforcing rods including a case having a predetermined shape at which reinforcing rods are forwardly attached, a binding-wire supplying device formed at a rear part of the case, a binding-wire feeding device for advancing the binding-wire, a rotary binding-wire guiding device, a binding-wire cutting device, and a binding-wire twisting device.

Abstract: A cable tie installation tool tensions a cable tie about a plurality of elongated objects and severs an excess portion of the cable tie. The cable tie includes a head portion and a tail portion. The tool includes a housing having a blade guard having a front portion and an anvil portion, a tensioning mechanism operatively supported by the housing for tensioning the cable tie to a predetermined tension setting and retaining the cable tie head portion at least partially against the blade guard, and a severing mechanism including a linearly reciprocating blade for severing the excess portion of the cable tie near the head portion once the cable tie has been placed into the predetermined tension setting by the tensioning mechanism. The linearly reciprocating blade passes behind the front portion of the blade guard and in front of the anvil portion of the blade guard.

Abstract: In a first aspect, an automatic door opener is provided that includes (1) a platform adapted to support a substrate carrier; (2) a door opening mechanism adapted to open a door of the substrate carrier while the substrate carrier is supported by the platform; and (3) a tunnel. The tunnel is adapted to extend from an opening in a clean room wall toward the platform and at least partially surround the platform. The tunnel is further adapted to direct a flow of air from the clean room wall toward the platform and out of the tunnel. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A rotary filling machine is disclosed for filling containers, the machine including a rotating platform rotatable relative to a vertical rotating axis through a filling zone, and a conveyor configured to convey empty containers to be filled to the rotating platform for filling and to convey filled containers from the rotating platform. Various aspects and designs of the above elements are disclosed, as well as a related method.

Abstract: A filling valve apparatus having a body portion with an inner wall terminating at an aperture to define a sealing seat. The inner wall extends below the seat to define a trap for a fluid. A cage extends from the body portion with the cage having an inner wall mating with the inner wall of the body portion to define a continuous inner surface. A stem, having a seal, includes an outer surface that is complementary in configuration to the continuous inner surface to define a smooth passageway for the fluid as the fluid is directed into the container thereby ensuring a laminar flow of the fluid between the inner and outer surfaces and into the container. The filling valve apparatus also includes a pre-assembled body portion, valve assembly, cap assembly, lower vent tube assembly, and snift valve.

Abstract: A funnel assembly is provided for transferring material between two containers. The funnel assembly includes a funnel forming a reservoir and a spout of substantially circular cross-section that tapers along a longitudinal axis between an inlet end joined to the funnel and a distal outlet end. The spout includes an inside surface. The funnel assembly also includes a substantially spherical occluding element disposed in the spout. The occluding element has a periphery larger than the outlet end of the spout and smaller than the inlet end. The occluding element includes a resiliently flexible sealing member extending circumferentially therearound for selectively engaging and conforming to the inside surface of the spout at any of a plurality of angular displacements of the occluding element to establish an impervious seal within the spout between the inlet and outlet ends as a result of gravity and material weight acting upon the occluding element.