Abstract: A switchable drag lever (1) of a valve timing mechanism of an internal combustion engine having an outer lever (2), and inner lever (5) extending in the cut-out (3) of the said outer lever (2) between its side walls (4), the drag lever (1) having a rest (9) for a gas exchange valve on an underside (7) at one end (8) and a pivoting bearing (11) for supporting element at the other end (10) with the levers (2,5) extending at the end (8) on a common pin (12).

Abstract: A manifold gasket assembly includes a steel carrier fabricated with a plurality of air intake openings. Rubber material is molded to the carrier body to provide a seal about the openings when the gasket assembly is clamped between a cylinder head and intake manifold. Pushrod guides are provided on the carrier body and are fabricated of a material different than that of the carrier body, namely the same material as that used to form the elastomeric sealing beads.

Abstract: In one aspect of this invention, a battery power transfer device connected or connectable to establish an electrical path between a battery and a starter motor of an internal combustion engine. A coil of conductive hollow tubing having a plurality of complete loops is connectable between a positive (+) terminal of the battery and a positive (+) input terminal or contact of the starter motor. In another aspect, a battery power transfer device is connected to connectable to establish an electrical path between a battery and an electric motor of a battery-powered vehicle. The coil of conductive hollow tubing, having a plurality of complete loops, is connectable between a positive (+) terminal of the battery and a positive (+) input of the electric motor. Both aspects of this invention enhance performance.

Abstract: Proposed is a two-part piston 1 for an internal combustion engine, having an upper part 2 that has a pin 31 having an outside thread 32 on the underside of its piston crown 4, and having a lower part 3, which is connected with the upper part 2 by means of a nut 29 screwed onto the pin 31. The lower part 3 has an elastically resilient upper base part 25, onto which an expansion sleeve 26, elastic in the axial direction, is formed, which has an opening 27 having a collar 28, which is directed radially inward, into which the pin 31 is introduced. An elastic compression sleeve 30 is formed onto the nut 29, which sleeve rests against the collar 28. In this connection, the elastic resilience of the base part 25, the expansion sleeve 26, the compression sleeve 30, the pin 31, and the piston crown 4 has the result that the screw connection has a flat characteristic line despite a low compression height of the piston 1, thereby imparting great strength to the screw connection.

Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including the step of detecting an engine coolant temperature (THW), the step of selecting a map for a warm state as the map for calculating a fuel injection ratio (or a DI ratio) r when the engine coolant temperature (THW) is equal to or higher than a temperature threshold value (THW(TH)) (YES in S110), the step of selecting a map for a cold state as the map for calculating the fuel injection ratio (or the DI ratio) r when the engine coolant temperature (THW) is lower than the temperature threshold value (THW(TH)) (NO in S110), and the step of calculating the fuel injection ratio between the in-cylinder injector and the intake manifold injector (or the DI ratio) r based on the engine speed, load factor, and the selected map.

Abstract: To improve an air bypass device in bypass air flow and designing freedom, a locking stepped part 3, a bush inserting hole 4, and a valve body drive mechanism inserting hole 5 are provided above an upper end 2a of a valve body guiding hole 2 of an air control valve main body 1, an air flow-in hole 6 is provided below a lower end 2b of the valve body guiding hole 2, and an inner peripheral wall 2c of the valve body guiding hole 2 includes a plurality of air control grooves 7a . . . extending downwardly from the locking stepped part 3 and being closed by an annular bush 11 on the locking stepped part 3 to form independent air distribution chambers 12a . . . , which are connected to intake passages 8b1 . . . at the downstream side from the respective throttle valves of multiple throttle bodies T1 . . . through bypass air passages 15a . . . .

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a single shaft with cam-actuated control valves and one linear solenoid for control of air flow control vales in the air induction system for a V-type engine. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the single shaft and one sensor are utilized to activate all control valves. Additionally, the present invention can also be used in in-line engines. Advantageously, the present invention utilizes one moving shaft and sensor to activate all control valves on both sides of the intake manifold without restricting air flow by locating the shaft in the middle of the manifold—lower housing. Further, the control valves are not attached with screws, thus eliminating a tolerance stack-up at assembly problem. The air induction sub-system can be manufactured with metals or plastic, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A spring to ensure default opening is constituted by a single piano wire where a return spring with a larger coil diameter and a default spring with a smaller coil diameter are connected via a connection arm formed with a spring hook. The spring with a smaller coil diameter is inserted in the spring with a larger coil diameter thereby the springs are overlapped in an axial direction as a duplex-winding spring structure. Further, a magnetic sensor is provided in a position inside the both spring with a larger coil diameter and spring with a smaller coil diameter.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and mitigating preignition for a multi-cylinder engine is provided. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a method is provided including identifying a preignition event at an affected cylinder; deactivating the affected cylinder during a deactivation period; initiating an accommodation system for one or more unaffected cylinders; and activating an indicator system.

Abstract: A method for controlling engine operation of an engine having a cylinder receiving fuel from a first and a second fuel injector, the first injector having a first relationship between a first input signal and a first amount of injected fuel, and the second injector having a second relationship between a second input signal and a second amount of injected fuel; the method comprising of varying injection from the first injector into the cylinder, varying injection from the second injector into the cylinder, purging fuel vapors from a fuel system into the cylinder, and adaptively learning said first and second relationships based on sensed operating conditions.

Abstract: An air-cooled engine is hung and fixed under a rear part of a backbone of a body frame. The engine is disposed so that the center axis of a cylinder in its cylinder block extends approximately horizontally and so that its cylinder head is directed toward the front. A fuel injection device is located between an intake valve and an intake port in the cylinder head. An injection nozzle of the fuel injection device and an intake valve opening are placed at a short distance. While the vehicle is idling or running at low speed, the vicinity of the tip of an injector of the fuel injection device is cooled by assist air supplied from a throttle body through a secondary passage, and when the vehicle runs normally or at high speed, the fuel injection device is cooled by the wind that hits the cylinder head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine comprising a fuel pressure accumulator, in order to provide fuel at a nominal pressure, pressure in a fuel pressure accumulator being generated by means of a high-pressure pump. According to said method, the high-pressure pump is supplied with a fuel flow via a volume flow control valve. In a first operating mode, the pressure in the fuel pressure accumulator is set to the nominal pressure, by regulating the fuel flow of the fuel delivered to the high-pressure pump by means of the volume flow regulating valve. In a second operating mode, the pressure in the fuel pressure accumulator is set to the nominal pressure, i.e. more specifically, the pressure in the fuel pressure accumulator is reduced to the nominal pressure.

Abstract: A line system (1) for fluids having volatile components, which comprises at least one fluid line (2,3,4), each having a separate inlet (10) and outlet (11), the fluid lines (2,3,4) being enclosed by a first line wall (12) and extending jointly over a section (A) of the line system (1) close-fitting to one another, but being separated from one another at least by the first line wall (12) over the entire length of the fluid lines (2,3,4). The line system (1) is implemented as a plastic hollow profile at least over the section (A) and comprises a further fluid line (8), which is enclosed by a second line wall (13), and comprises one or more line chambers (8?,8??), which are at least partially separated from one another by support webs (7), whose totality at least essentially encloses the fluid lines (2,3,4). In addition, the first and second line walls (12,13) and the support webs (7) of the plastic hollow profile being implemented from the same polymer material.

Abstract: A fuel control system for regulating fuel to cylinders of an internal combustion engine during an engine start and crank-to-run transition includes a first module that determines a plurality of step-ahead cylinder air masses (GPOs) for a cylinder based on a plurality of GPO prediction models. A second module regulates fueling to a cylinder of the engine based on the plurality of step-ahead GPOs until a combustion event of the cylinder. Each of the plurality of GPO prediction models is calibrated based on data from a plurality of test starts that are based on a pre-defined test schedule.

Abstract: A mechanical returnless fuel system comprises a fuel pump having an output for supplying fuel to fuel injectors of an automotive engine. The fuel system includes a pressure regulating valve that returns a portion of the pump output in excess of engine fuel usage to the fuel supply. The pressure regulating valve results in a fuel pressure that varies as a function of engine fuel demand. During operation, a controller determines a projected engine fuel demand, then determines an estimated fuel pressure based upon the projected engine fuel demand. The controller utilizes the estimated fuel pressure to provide a more accurate calculation of the opening time for the fuel injectors and thereby improve engine control.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine employs exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in combination with directly injected gaseous fuels that are burned within the engine in a stratified combustion mode. An engine that employs EGR includes an injector adapted to provide a high pressure quantity of fuel into a combustion chamber within a given pressure range, at a given angle and through a nozzle hole size to help provide for EGR tolerance and, consequently, reduce emissions.

Abstract: A position sensor is disclosed having a transducer formed by a Hall-effect device and permanent magnet secured within a housing on either side of a low permeability gap. A target secured to an active member, such as an EGR valve plunger moves within the gap. The target has a flux modulating property that varies with position along a direction of travel. In one embodiment, the reluctance of the target varies with position. Variable reluctance is achieved in some embodiments by varying the cross section of the target with position. In some embodiments, a second target having substantially constant reluctance secures to the active member and moves within a gap defined by a second transducer. The output of the second transducer is used to normalize the output of the first transducer and compensate for anomalies such as drift and movement other than in the direction of travel of the active member.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to the invention includes a control unit that makes a correction to the fuel injection amount using the air-fuel ratio learned value when calculating the fuel injection amount, and that changes the guard value that places a limitation on the degree of correction to the fuel injection amount made by using the air-fuel ratio learned value, based on the degree to which lubricating oil has been diluted with fuel.

Abstract: A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine make it possible to monitor a temperature sensor or a lambda sensor in an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine for functionality in the entire operating range of the internal combustion engine. To that end, the plausibility of the signal of the temperature sensor is checked with a signal of the lambda sensor for a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: A pneumatic gun firing ram for firing one or more paintballs. The paintball gun includes a body defining a bore, with the bore being in communication with a valve for selectively releasing compressed gas to fire a paintball. A piston is located within the bore, and a rod is mounted within the piston for sliding movement. A hammer is mounted on an end of the rod opposite the piston, the hammer being movable between a first position and a second position relative the piston. A clamp substantially surrounds the rod at a region adjacent the hammer, and a pneumatic valve is adapted to move the pneumatic ram from a first position in the bore at a distance from the poppet valve to a second position in the bore proximate the poppet valve.

Abstract: A ball sizer for a paint-ball gun includes a bore having an entrance. In the preferred embodiment, the bore has a chamfer, which in turn has a smooth transition from the entrance to the bore of the sizer. The transition may define a section of a parabola, a section of a circle, or a combination of a straight line with a transition to a curve, such as a section of a parabola or circle. Similar transitions may be provided at the exit of the ball sizer, and at the entrance to the barrel attached to the exit of the sizer, or both.

Abstract: A compound archery bow with an adaptor device for carrying the bow. The adaptor device includes a cylindrical body portion, having a rear extension piece having holes to receive a carrier ring, connected to a harness, which is held or worn by an archer. The cylindrical body portion includes a longitudinal open portion, intended to receive a cable guard rod of the compound archery bow. Locking grooves are disposed on each side of the longitudinal open portion. A C-shaped locking device is provided, having a locking lip to engage with the locking grooves; the locking device movable from an open non-locked position to a closed locked position, to retain the cylindrical body portion on the cable guard rod.

Abstract: A scarifier assembly including a generally rectangular shaped case with a hollow interior, a resilient generally rectangular pad located in the hollow interior of the case, and a removable work performing surface insert having work surfaces for grinding, cutting or abrading materials. The work performing surface insert includes a generally rectangular shaped flat mounting plate member having two oppositely located end portions with connected projecting securing means for removably securing the work performing surface insert in the case. The case also has two end portions and these end portions that have securing means for cooperating with the projecting securing means on the end portions of the mounting plate member for securing the work performing surface insert to the case. The mounting plate member has an upper surface and a lower surface with a series of elongated mounting blocks having work performing surfaces firmly secured to the upper surface.

Abstract: A cutting machine includes a cutting supporting frame, a cutting head arrangement and a motor air flow arrangement which includes a driving motor to drive a cutting blade to rotate, a motor case defining a motor cavity within an open end inlet end, an open outlet end and a circumferential wall, and an air intake hood sheltering around the motor case to define an air intake passage between the air intake hood and the motor, an air intake window communicating an air intake passage with the air intake hood, an air discharging slot communicating with the open outlet end, and a sidewall defining an air chamber between an inner side portion of the air intake hood and the open inlet end. When air is sucked through the air intake window, the air is detoured to enter into the motor cavity through the air intake passage and the air chamber to generate a circulated motion of air cycle in the air intake hook for enhancing a sucking effect of the driving motor.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device comprising a body defining a cavity and a dispensing nozzle. A fluid discharging device is housed in the cavity. The fluid discharging device has a hollow casing defining a reservoir for containing a volume of fluid and a plunger slidingly engaged within the hollow casing. The plunger has a tubular portion which is arranged to extend from a first end of the hollow casing for co-operation with the dispensing nozzle. A biasing means is interposed between a second end of the hollow casing and an end wall of the cavity to bias the hollow casing towards the dispensing nozzle. A locking means holds the biasing means in a compressed state. Upon release of the locking means, the force stored in the biasing means is applied to the hollow casing thereby causing fluid to be ejected from the reservoir into the dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: An improved humidifier which may be used with a nasal cannula for high-flow respiratory gas therapy wherein a sterilized liquid is drawn from a sterilized liquid container by a high-flow driving gas passing adjacent to an aspirator tube orifice through which the sterilized liquid is drawn into contact with the driving gas for fracturing the liquid into a mist which is warmed and delivered to the patient or user, and the driving gas is also passed adjacent a condensate return orifice which draws any condensate formed in the humidified respiratory gas delivery system away from the cannula and back into the system for re-use.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly adapted to be connected to a gas supply pump to deliver breathable gas to the inlet of a patient's respiratory system comprises a supply conduit, a patient interface, a branch swivel connector including a Y-piece and an elbow that swivels relative to the Y-piece, the branch swivel connector being adapted to be located to the rear of a patient's head in use and being connected to the supply conduit. A pair of inlet tubes each have a first end positioned in use near a mouth of a patient and are connected to the nose mask, a middle portion arranged to pass across a cheek of a patient and an end portion being joined to the Y-piece of the branch connector. The inlet tubes have a flat configuration and are provided with a plurality of internal ribs which prevent the tubes being crushed. A strap is secured to the patient interface and adapted to pass around the sides and rear of the head to hold the patient interface in position on the head.

Abstract: A unidirectional valve, wherein the valve comprises a valve body including a frame, a valve opening through the frame, and a valve seat extending from the frame and at least partially surrounding the valve opening. The valve further includes a valve flap having a first portion attached to the frame and an adjacent second portion free to move from a first position where the second portion is in contact with at least a part of the valve seat to a second position where at least part of the second portion is spaced from the valve seat, wherein the valve flap has a nonuniform thickness. The thickness variations may occur between sides of the valve flap, and may also occur between the ends of the valve flap.

Abstract: Device and process for conveying filter elements to a filter element magazine. The device includes a rotatable drum comprising at least one seat for receiving a filter element and a detection device that controls a rotation of the drum and detects the filter elements. The process includes conveying at least one filter element in a lengthwise axial direction to a drum that includes seats, wherein at least one of the seats is adapted to receive the at least one filter element, guiding the at least one filter element past a detection device, generating a start signal as soon as an end of the at least one filter element has passed the detection device, rotating the drum in a crosswise axial direction after receiving the start signal, and moving the at least one filter element into the filter element magazine.

Abstract: In a built-in ashtray, when the cigarette lighter is fitted into a swiveled-up holder, without any special locking mechanism for the holder, an automatic sliding of the ashtray into its closed position is avoided. A spring has a progressive characteristic spring curve such that the spring force, which acts upon the ashtray in its moved-out operative position and presses the ashtray toward the outside, is greater than the oppositely directed force component of the operating force acting in the plane of the spring force during the inserting or operating of the cigarette lighter.

Abstract: To a constitutive element of a tobacco (a leaf-tobacco component or a filter) is added a proanthocyanidin or a proanthocyanidin-carrying porous material (such as an active carbon) to obtain an element for tobacco smoke. The proanthocyanidin may be at least one extract selected from a grape seed or pip, a grape rind or pericarp and squeezed dregs of a grape fruit.

Abstract: Selectively tobacco shortened cigarettes are disclosed, which have a multiplicity of components including a shortened butt and an inner tube for reinforcing a casing of the selectively tobacco shortened cigarette. Selectively tobacco shortened cigarettes have an extinguishing gap region to limit burning of the selectively tobacco shortened cigarette. Selectively tobacco shortened cigarettes are either filtered or unfiltered. Selectively tobacco shortened filtered cigarettes include a filter covering, which is contiguous with a casing. Selectively tobacco shortened unfiltered cigarettes have a perforated intake cover to prevent tobacco from spilling into other interior portions of the selectively tobacco shortened unfiltered cigarette. Selectively tobacco shortened filtered cigarettes with vents having a multiplicity of holes are suitable for lessening the desire to smoke.

Abstract: Dispensing device of washing agents for a dishwashing machine, of the type comprises a body (2) to be fastened to a surface or wall delimiting a washing tub, having at least a portion of said body (2) protruding inside the washing tub; said dispenser (1) has at least a tank (11) for containing a liquid washing agent, means for dosing and/or dispensing a dose of liquid washing agent, a filling port (10) through which the liquid washing agent can be introduced into the tank (11), and closing means (15) of the filling port (10). According to the invention, the closing means (15) are capable of at least two different operating positions, where in one position they are apt to receive the liquid washing agent and direct it or convey it to the filling port (10), in order to fill the tank (11).

Abstract: The self-erecting and collapsible shade device is provided in the form of a portable collapsible shade assembly. The assembly includes a self-erecting and collapsible canopy, a self-erecting and collapsible canopy shade pivotally mountable to the erected canopy, at least two ground stakes, anchor lines and a storage bag for conveniently carrying the components of the assembly. The erected shade assembly may be secured directly to the ground or affixed to an outdoor chair or seat having a backrest. When the storage bag is empty it is usable as a seat cover to protect the clothing of a user seated beneath the assembly from being soiled by the ground. The assembly may also be used as a hunting blind.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating tank farm systems, which are interconnected with pipes in a fixed manner and which have pipe systems for liquids, particularly for use in systems which are subject to high microbiological quality requirements and which are used for processing and transferring products in the foodstuffs and beverage industry, pharmaceutical industry, and biotech industry. The invention provides that the supply and discharge of liquids into and out of the respective tank ensues from underneath, and that the liquids that are being supplied or discharged flow through a space which is directly connected to the respective tank contents and which is situated underneath the respective tank in a switchable manner, and in a manner that ensures mixing, from the pipes of the pipe system that lead to this space.

Abstract: A low-power, wireless, inflatable bladder damper device for controlling the flow of air through an airflow channel, and a method of operation for the same. Rather than requiring power supply and/or control wiring for operation of a wireless damper device, a low-power inflatable bladder damper device that requires no external wiring for operation can be used. A completely wireless damper device can reduce the cost of installation of damping devices in airflow channels, as well as the complexity of installation, while at the same time providing improved control of airflow throughout an airflow system.

Abstract: A valve (10) comprises a housing (12) with a valve element (14) which normally fluidicly couples a low pressure operating device, such as a transducer (30) and tubing (34) to be coupled to a patient (36) along a first flow path (42) including a flexible control wall (58) which normally interrupts a second flow path (72) between a high pressure generating source such as an injector syringe (32) and the tubing (34), but which flexes, in response to high pressure excursions from the syringe (32) to allow the second flow path (72) to open as it flexes into the first flow path (42) to thereby restrict same thus providing protection to the transducer (30) during the high pressure excursion from the syringe (32).

Abstract: A surge relief valve comprising a main valve body having a dome port and an inlet port. The inlet port is in fluid communication with a first fluid. The invention further includes a dome reservoir connected to the main valve body via the dome port and arranged to hold a second fluid, a piston located in the main valve body, the piston in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a dampening ring positioned around the circumference of the piston operatively arranged to dampen the piston, wherein the first fluid exerts an upward force on the piston, the second fluid exerts a downward force on the piston, and the piston is arranged to move in response to a differential in the upward and downward forces, wherein the first and second fluids are isolated from one another.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve (12) for relieving air pressure from a passenger compartment (14) of a vehicle (10) includes a base (18) having a peripheral portion (30). A central opening (42) extends through the peripheral portion (30). The pressure relief valve (12) also includes a plurality of flaps (74) for closing the central opening (42) of the base (18). Each flap (74) has an outer end (82) connected with the peripheral portion (30) of the base (18) and an inner end (80) that is movable relative to the peripheral portion (30) and the other flaps (74) for enabling airflow through the central opening (42). Each flap (74) has opposite surfaces (76 and 78) against which air pressure acts. Differential air pressure acts on the opposite surfaces (76 and 78) causing the flap (74) to move to enable airflow through the central opening (42).

Abstract: A mobile draining station for motor vehicles is disclosed, comprising a container whose side wall and upper wall can be lifted up and in which carrier arms for receiving a vehicle are arranged in a stationary manner. Pivoting arms for removal devices are pivotably connected to the rear wall of the container and at least one door element is embodied in the rear wall and can be folded downwards in order to extend the base of the container. Collectors are positioned in the container in the region in front of the door element. The collectors can move through the door opening onto the folded-down door element.

Abstract: A housing and a method of using a liquid for controlling vapor flow through a valve apparatus between a canister and atmospheric conditions. The housing includes a container and a first partition that projects from the housing into the liquid and divides the vapor chamber into first and second vapor sub-chambers. A second partition projects from the container into the first vapor sub-chamber. And a third partition projects from the container into the second vapor sub-chamber. The housing contains the liquid in an upright arrangement of the valve apparatus, and prevents the liquid from flowing out of the container in a non-upright arrangement of the valve apparatus.

Abstract: A saddle tap to be mounted on a resin pipe, includes a saddle, a branching barrel including a straight piping portion having an internally threaded hole longitudinally extending therealong, and a branch portion extended from the middle of the straight piping portion, the straight piping portion standing at one end thereof on the saddle, a hole-drilling cutter with a rotating tool detachably connected thereto, and having, at one end thereof, a cutting edge integrally formed therewith, the hole-drilling cutter having an externally threaded barrel portion and being screwed into the internally threaded hole of the straight piping portion so that the hole-drilling cutter is longitudinally movable, and a cap detachably mounted on the other end of the straight piping portion of the branching barrel for closing the internally threaded hole.

Abstract: A flow control valve includes a body having a fluid passageway therethrough and first and second openings each adapted for receiving or discharging fluid from the passageway. A piston is slidably disposed in the passageway between the first and second openings of the body. The piston has a conduit portion that defines a bore therethrough for conducting fluid through a portion of the passageway. The bore has a reduced flow area. A plug is carried within the body and is equipped with one or more annular seals for sealably engaging the reduced flow area of piston bore so as to close the bore upon translatory movement of the piston, the plug, or a combination thereof. The flow control valve has particular application in downhole tools for communicating fluid into, out of, or through the downhole tool when disposed in a subsurface borehole.

Abstract: A reverse flow preventing device arranged in a flow path of fluid formed by a fan and an electronic apparatus equipped with the same. The reverse flow preventing device has a frame, a plurality of support shafts arranged about the center of the frame and mounted on the frame, and a plurality of pivotable plate members supported by the support shafts. The plate members can move between the first position (reverse flow preventing position) in which they lie in a substantially single plane and the second position (normal operating position) in which they move. The support shafts and the plate members are arranged substantially concentrically or radially.

Abstract: A flow diffuser adapted to be fitted to the exit end of the fill tube of a fuel tank having slot like apertures which are arranged to extend substantially at right angles to the axis of the fill. A deflector is fitted into the base of the diffuser and is formed with an opening to allow the passage of a dipstick.

Abstract: A first valve body is disposed in a first opening defined in a valve housing, and a second valve body is disposed in a second opening defined in the valve housing. The first valve body is fastened to a first shaft by screws, and the second valve body is fastened to the first shaft by screws. The first valve body and the second valve body are coupled to the first shaft substantially perpendicularly to each other.

Abstract: A micro liquid delivery device includes a flow channel for flowing a liquid, at least two pressure-generators for generating pressures provided in the flow channel, and a variable member placed between the pressure-generators and capable of transforming between a first stable state and a second stable state by a generated pressure. A branch of the flow channel is selected by transforming the variable member into the first stable state or the second stable state. A valve for changeover of flow channel branches includes a variable member placed between a pressure-generator and transformable between a first stable state and a second stable state by a generated pressure, with the valve serving to select a branch of flow channel branches by the variable member.

Abstract: An umbrella valve includes an umbrella-valve body having a stem, a flexible umbrella, and a flange. The umbrella and the flange are each attached to, and extend radially outward from, the stem. The flange has at least one fluid passage. The umbrella valve can be placed in a valve housing having a sealing-surface portion. The umbrella, when the umbrella-valve body is placed in the valve housing, is pushed away from the sealing-surface portion under a forward fluid flow and is pushed against the sealing-surface portion under a reverse fluid flow. An umbrella-valve assembly includes the umbrella valve and the valve housing.

Abstract: A water supply line includes a cylindrical and ductile outer tube that has a centrally aligned axis. An inner tube is concentrically spaced about the axis of the outer tube and has a length coextensively sized therewith. The inner tube is equidistantly spaced inward from the outer tube, defining a cavity therebetween. Fingers are intercalated between the inner and outer tubes and seated within the cavity. The fingers extend outward from the inner tube and are positioned along the entire length of the tubes, defining isolated air chambers which act as a thermal blanket, preventing cold air from passing into and hot air from exiting the inner tube. A coupling is provided with a bore and is in fluid communication with the inner tube and conjoinable therewith. The coupling has an outer surface provided with barbs such that the coupling can be connected to the inner tube.

Abstract: A reinforced flexible pipeline (1), which has an inner liner (3) whose inner side engages an inner reinforcement layer (2) that may be formed by a so-called carcass, and on whose outer side at least a strength-imparting reinforcement layer (4, 5, 6, 7) is provided, has an additional barrier layer (9, 10, 11) which is arranged between the inner liner and the inner reinforcement layer. The additional barrier layer is thermally insulating and/or chemically protecting. The additional barrier layer may be formed as a tape (9) which is wound around the inner reinforcement layer, or may be composed of locking profiles (10, 11) which are wound around the flexible pipeline in a helix. The additional barrier layer (9, 10, 11) may be made completely or partly of a polymer which may be thermoplastic, or is cross-linked completely or partly. Hereby, the pipe may be protected against temperatures above e.g. 13° C. and may also be protected against attacks from methanol that contains water.