Abstract: The liquid surface position of the melt in the crucible in the silicon single crystal growth process utilizing the Czochralski method is monitored using the melt surface position on the occasion of seeding as a reference position and an estimated melt surface position can be calculated according to every situation, so that the distance between the melt and the thermal shield or water-cooling structure can be controlled with high precision. When the estimated melt surface position passes a preset upper limit and approaches the thermal shield, an alarm goes off and, further, when the melt comes into contact with the thermal shield or approaches the water-cooling structure, an alarm goes off if desired and, at the same time, the crucible is forcedly stopped from moving, so that a serious accident such as steam-incurred explosion resulting from the melt coming into contact with the water-cooling structure can be prevented.

Abstract: A wafer having a silicon layer that is strained is used to form transistors. The silicon layer is formed by first forming a silicon germanium (SiGe) layer of at least 30 percent germanium that has relaxed strain on a donor wafer. A thin silicon layer is epitaxially grown to have tensile strain on the relaxed SiGe layer. The amount tensile strain is related to the germanium concentration. A high temperature oxide (HTO) layer is formed on the thin silicon layer by reacting dichlorosilane and nitrous oxide at a temperature of preferably between 800 and 850 degrees Celsius. A handle wafer is provided with a supporting substrate and an oxide layer that is then bonded to the HTO layer. The HTO layer, being high density, is able to hold the tensile strain of the thin silicon layer. The relaxed SiGe layer is cleaved then etched away to expose the thin silicon layer.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a single-crystal solid phase by solidification of a liquid phase, comprising: a crucible capable of containing the solid phase and the liquid phase, the liquid phase being in contact with the crucible and the solid phase being separated from the crucible by an interstice; and a heating mechanism for heating the liquid phase capable of creating a thermal gradient at the level of an interface between the liquid phase and the solid phase, electromagnetic field generation, distinct from the heating mechanism, for applying an electromagnetic pressure on the junction surface of the liquid phase at the level of the interface comprising at least one spiral surrounding the crucible, and placed opposite to the area in which the interface forms in operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photon source comprising an optical waveguide and a material having at least one colour centre. The or each colour centre is arranged for photon emission and the material is grown so that the material is bonded to the optical waveguide and in use at least some of the photons emitted by the or each colour centre are guided in the optical waveguide. The present invention also provides a photon source having an optical waveguide incorporating the material which has the at least one colour centre.

Abstract: Provided a method and an apparatus for growing high-quality GaN bulk single crystals without causing cracks. The method of growing GaN bulk single crystals includes providing a susceptor in a reaction chamber, providing a seed-accommodating portion having a given depth on an upper surface of the susceptor, providing GaN seeds on a bottom surface of the seed-accommodating portion so that only an upper surface of the GaN seeds is exposed, growing GaN bulk single crystals on the GaN seeds; and cooling the grown GaN bulk single crystals and separating the GaN bulk single crystals from the seed-accommodating portion.

Abstract: A film forming apparatus which can perform a film forming process to a base material while the base material is being mounted on a die for a molding process. The film forming apparatus is provided with a cylinder-shaped frame body (1h) having one end closed with a bottom part and the other end opened, a target (1a) arranged on an inner plane of the bottom part, and a port (3b) formed to penetrate a wall part of the frame body (1h).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a protective material to the girth weld of pipe. The apparatus is particularly suited for protecting a pipe that, except for the ends adjacent to the weld, is protected by layer of a semi-interpenetrating polymer network of epoxy and polyolefin resins. Using the apparatus and method, the protective material is firmly bonded to both the exposed steel end and the pre-existing protective layer.

Abstract: A system to form a dielectric layer on a substrate from a plasma of dielectric precursors is described. The system may include a deposition chamber, a substrate stage in the deposition chamber to hold the substrate, and a remote plasma generating system coupled to the deposition chamber, where the plasma generating system is used to generate a dielectric precursor having one or more reactive radicals. The system may also include a precursor distribution system comprising a dual-channel showerhead positioned above the substrate stage. The showerhead may have a faceplate with a first set of openings through which the reactive radical precursor enters the deposition chamber, and a second set of openings through which a second dielectric precursor enters the deposition chamber. An in-situ plasma generating system may also be included to generate the plasma in the deposition chamber from the dielectric precursors supplied to the deposition chamber.

Abstract: An atomic layer deposition system and method utilizing radicals generated from a high-density mixed plasma for deposition is disclosed. A high-quality oxide or oxynitride can be deposited by exposing a substrate to a first precursor which is adsorbed onto the substrate during a first phase of one deposition cycle. After purging the deposition chamber, the substrate is exposed to a second precursor which includes oxygen radicals and krypton ions formed from the high-density mixed plasma. The ions and radicals are formed by introducing a radical generating feed gas (e.g., O2) and an ion generating feed gas into a plasma chamber and exciting the gases to form the high-density mixed plasma. The radicals and ions are then introduced to the substrate where they react with the first precursor to deposit a layer of the desired film.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a substrate according to the present invention includes the steps of positioning a copper layer forming material including a constituent material of a copper layer and a base such that the base faces the copper layer forming material in a position vertically above the copper layer forming material; and vapor-depositing copper on the base by heating the copper layer forming material to a temperature range of 90 to 200° C. and heating the base to a temperature range of 120 to 450° C., thereby forming the copper layer. Thus, a method for manufacturing a substrate that includes a fine copper layer having a high copper purity with safety at low cost, which is suitable for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate, an electronic substrate, etc. is provided, and a vapor deposition apparatus used for the method is provided.

Abstract: According to the invention, an actuator is provided for a milking installation, wherein the actuator is fixed at a distance to a teat cup cluster and is mechanically coupled to the teat cup cluster via a flexible component so as to incite a stimulating movement of the teat cup cluster on the udder by means of an actuator element. The inventive actuator can also be used to adjust the angle of tilt of the teat cup cluster during milking. The invention also provides a retaining device for teat cups, comprising a fastening device for fixing the retaining device on a predetermined milking position, wherein the retaining device is furthermore formed to maintain, during a first operational phase, every teat cup of a plurality of teat cups in a fixed position relative to each other and to allow manual access to every retained teat cup in such a manner that during a second operational phase every teat cup can be manually moved in several directions relative to the retaining device and at least one additional teat cup.

Abstract: An automatic pet watering device is provided. The watering device includes a storage container with a pair of flow control devices linked together for simultaneous operation where when the filling flow control device is open, the dispensing flow control device is closed and vice versa. A muzzle guard may be provided in a drinking bowl portion of a dispensing tray arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed is an animal litter that includes a palm oil residue, possibly in combination with another absorbent material such as whole ground grain, virgin germ, seed meal, spent germ or clay. The palm oil residue may be palm kernel cake, palm oil sludge, or palm pressed fiber. Also disclosed are a method for removing animal waste and a process for preparing an animal litter. The method for removal of animal waste includes allowing an animal to excrete waste into a container that includes a litter, the litter comprising a palm oil residue. The process for preparing an animal litter comprises combining the materials that make up the litter to form the litter.

Abstract: A litter box including a housing having a curved floor and a plurality of walls extending from the curved floor.

Abstract: A disposable this waste/debris removal scoop comprising a replaceable head and a frame capable of receiving said replaceable head. The frame receives the replaceable head and holds the head into place by way of a snap feature comprising tabs. The tabs allow for the replaceable head to be snapped on or off as the user desires.

Abstract: A wildlife containment system is disclosed. A lid for the aquarium may be attached to a selectively extensible support member, which in turn may be attached to a base member. The lid may be selectively removable from the extensible support member to allow for improved maintenance and use of the aquarium.

Abstract: Provided is a floating structure for use in an aquarium or other aquatic setting, having a manufactured hollow body with a top side, a bottom side and sidewalls extending between the top side and the bottom side. The hollow body is weighted so as to have a stable floating position in water such that the hollow elongated body predominantly remains submerged beneath the water's surface, but an outer surface of the top side consistently remains above the surface of the water.

Abstract: “The Microcosm Terrestrial and Aquatic Landscape Habitat” is a free-standing, fired-clay Topiary structure with Upper Pool, Waterfall and Pond-Aquarium Hybrid. It is built of fired stoneware clay shaped into naturalistic, “para-geological” forms of “miniature mountains” by my art craft. There is an Upper Pool for water on the rear “miniature mountain.” From the Upper Pool, a Water Course leads to a Waterfall constructed of clay, simulated “rocks.” The Waterfall splashes into a Main Catch Basin, a Pond. The Pond is framed by three “miniature mountain” structures, connected together into a loosely horse shoe shape. It is important to note that the gradiently sloping, support structure provided by the “miniature mountains” is a plausible emulation of naturally occurring geologies. In place of a fourth “miniature mountain” to enclose the Pond, the Pond is enclosed in front by a pane of glass ? inch to ¼ inch thick. The pane of glass is adhered to the clay using silicon sealant. The Pond holds water.

Abstract: An animal containment system for use in housing animals, the animal containment system including a floor pan disposed in a first plane, first and second end walls, each said end wall oppositely disposed from each other and including a bottom edge and a top edge, a back wall including a bottom edge and a top edge, two doors, each including a bottom edge and a top edge, oppositely disposed from the back wall arranged to cover the open front portion of said animal containment system, a top panel oppositely disposed from the floor pan, a shelf disposed in between the floor pan and top panel, a wire ladder extending between the floor pan and said shelf, and a wheel base assembly comprising a base panel, four support tubes and at least four removable caster wheels.

Abstract: A device for use in connection with training a dog to retrieve a ball that allows the user to repeatedly launch the ball with a reduced amount of effort while also eliminating the need for the user to physically touch the ball. The device includes a ball receiving portion and a handle that extends outwardly therefrom. The handle includes an integrated treat storage compartment and a dispenser configured to deposit treats onto the ball receiving portion. The user launches the ball and then dispenses a treat onto the ball receiving portion so that upon returning with the ball, the dog can deposit the ball onto the ball receiving portion in exchange for the treat.

Abstract: A pet toy comprising two intersecting tires. The center of each tire occupies substantially the same point and the axis of one tire is perpendicular to the axis of the other tire.

Abstract: A safety bypass gate is provided for use with a livestock management system having a sorting scale arranged between watering and feeding areas. The safety bypass gate changes from a closed position to an open position to provide an emergency exit from the watering area when a condition exists that prevents animals from passing over the sorting scale. The safety bypass gate includes a pair of pivoting gate members and a channel member that fits over the top edges of the gate members to secure them closed. The channel member is attached to a pneumatic actuator that uses air pressure to hold the channel member in its locked position, and a spring return that moves the channel member to its unlocked position upon a drop in air pressure. Springs bias the gate members from their closed positions to their open positions when the channel member moves to its unlocked position.

Abstract: A receiver for an animal training system which includes a stimulation unit for providing at least one stimulus having a quantity of energy pulses and a stimulus pulse width; and a controller connected to the stimulation unit. The controller receives at least one transmitted signal and assigns amplitude information and rate information to at least one correction signal. The stimulation unit receives the at least one correction signal and outputs a corresponding stimulus having the quantity of energy pulses corresponding to the rate information. The stimulus has the stimulus pulse width corresponding to the amplitude information.

Abstract: A shock absorbing leash extension and a leash assembly having the same. The leash extension includes an elastic portion having a first end and a second end, a first loop disposed at the first end of the elastic portion and being connectable to a first hook on a leash, and a second hook disposed at the second end of the elastic portion and being connectable to a second loop on a collar.

Abstract: An oil pump system is provided for a motorcycle, and includes at least one oil pump, a water pump, a drive shaft, a support frame, a drive gear, and an oil collector lid. The oil pump is supported by a crankshaft case and is coupled to the drive shaft. The drive shaft has an end section on which the drive gear is mounted. The drive gear is coupled to a crankshaft of an engine by a chain. The oil collector lid is arranged outside the drive gear. The water pump is coupled to the end of the drive shaft. Mechanical power is transmitted from the crankshaft, through the chain, to drive the drive gear and the drive shaft to also drive the water pump. The support frame is provided to rotatably support the drive shaft at a location spaced from the oil pump so as to form an enhanced support to the drive shaft and improve stability of operation and durability of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle has an engine movably mounted on a frame, a fan mounted on an engine driven shaft, a radiator fixedly mounted on the frame, and a hollow shroud assembly which extends from the fan to the radiator. The shroud assembly includes an inner shroud member, an outer shroud member and a flexible annular seal member which interconnects the inner and outer shrouds. The inner shroud member is mounted to the engine and fixed with respect to the engine and the fan. The inner shroud member integrally forms an aspirator port. The outer shroud member is fixed with respect to the frame. The flexible seal member sealingly engages the inner and outer shroud members. The seal member has an annular gripping part and an annular lip which projects away from the gripping part. The gripping part grippingly engages an end of the outer shroud member. The lip engages an outer surface of the inner shroud member.

Abstract: A camshaft assembly including a target wheel is manufactured using an assembly process in which the camshaft is formed from a hollow tube. After the cam rings and a target wheel ring have been correctly positioned on the hollow tube, the tube is pressurized to expand its diameter, locking the rings into position on the tube. Locating the target wheel along the axis of the camshaft and spaced from the camshaft end allows the sensor to be located along the axis of the camshaft, and precludes the need to increase the overall length of the head to accommodate the target wheel and the sensor. In a dual overhead engine, the target wheels may be mounted on the two camshafts so that they may be read by a dual element sensor that is mounted between the two wheels.

Abstract: A hydraulic manifold assembly includes a manifold containing a plurality of hydraulic channels that direct fluid to a centralized location and a package disposed at the centralized location to measure fluid pressure at pressure ports corresponding to the hydraulic channels. The manifold assembly directs fluid to the single package rather than scattering fluid outputs to multiple sensor locations, simplifying the overall assembly configuration.

Abstract: A variable valve operating apparatus including a drive cam, a rocker cam swingably moveable about the swing axis so as to move an engine valve to open and closing positions, a motion transmission mechanism operative to convert a rotational motion of the drive cam to a swing motion of the rocker cam, and a control shaft operative to control an attitude of the motion transmission mechanism to vary a valve lift of the engine valve. A roller or a follower portion are disposed on one end portion of the motion transmission mechanism on a side of the drive cam and contacted with the drive cam. A biasing member is arranged to bias the roller onto the drive cam through a roller shaft or biases the follower portion onto the drive cam through a support for the biasing member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for shutting down at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The device (1) is connected to a rocker lever (2) which actuates an intake/exhaust valve (6) of the respective cylinder. In active cylinder operation, the rocker lever (2) executes an oscillating tilting movement about a pivot axle (10) which is situated in the area of the connection to the cylinder head (9), whereas when the respective cylinder is deactivated, the rocker lever (2) is lifted by the cylinder head (9) and therefore its pivot axle (10) is shifted in the direction of the connection of the rocker lever (2) to the valve of the respective cylinder. It is essential to the invention here that the device (1) is arranged essentially between the rocker lever (2) and the cylinder head (9) and the device has a guide element (11), a pivot axle element (12) displaceably mounted on the guide element (11) and a spring (15) stretched between two abutments (13, 14).

Abstract: A vane-type camshaft phaser for varying the timing of combustion valves in an internal combustion engine includes a seat formed in the sprocket at the appropriate position of intermediate rotation and a locking pin slidably disposed in a vane of the rotor for engaging the seat to lock the rotor at the intermediate position. A bias spring system disposed on a cover plate urges the rotor toward the locking position from any position retarded of the locking position. A first spring system embodiment comprises a pair of compression spring assemblies. A second spring system embodiment comprises an internal torsion spring. In each embodiment, the phaser may be assembled without having the spring system coupled to the rotor, thereby overcoming a rotor cocking problem inherent in prior art phasers, assuring reliable mounting of an assembled phaser onto an engine camshaft.

Abstract: A vane-type camshaft phaser for varying the timing of combustion valves in an internal combustion engine. The phaser includes a seat formed in the sprocket at the appropriate position of intermediate rotor rotation and a locking pin slidably disposed in a vane of the rotor for engaging the seat to lock the rotor to the stator at the intermediate position. A bias spring system disposed on a cover plate urges the rotor toward the intermediate locking position from any position retarded of the locking position but does not engage the rotor during valve timing-advance motion thereof from the intermediate locking position.

Abstract: A valve timing controller includes a driving circuit, a control circuit, and a signal line. The driving circuit controls electricity applied to the electric motor according to a control signal, and generates a rotation-direction signal which indicates a rotation direction of the electric motor by a voltage level. The control circuit outputs the control signal which is generated according to the rotation-direction signal. The rotation-direction signal is transmitted from the driving circuit to the control circuit through the signal line. The driving circuit outputs the rotation-direction signal of high-level during a predetermined period after the control signal is outputted.

Abstract: An outboard engine unit includes a single lubricating oil supply tube for supplying lubricating oil to a valve-operating chain. The valve-operating chain is suspended across a drive sprocket provided to a crankshaft and a driven sprocket provided to a camshaft. A supply tube is connected to a main gallery that is linked to a main oil channel positioned in an area adjacent to the crankshaft.

Abstract: A vertical internal combustion engine E is incorporated into an outboard motor or the like. The vertical internal combustion engine E includes a crankshaft 18 enclosed in a crank chamber 20, and a belt-drive transmission mechanism 50 including a rubber belt 53 for transmitting power of the crankshaft 18 to a camshaft 24, and held in a belt chamber 63. The belt chamber 63 is isolated from the crank chamber 20 by a lower case 61 of a transmission case 60 holding the belt-drive transmission mechanism 50 therein such that the flow of an oil-containing gas from the crank chamber 20 deviates from a direction toward the belt 53. The belt 53 is lubricated with oil injected concentratedly into the belt chamber 63 through jet nozzles 80 disposed in the belt chamber 63. Thus the excessive exposure of the belt 53 to the oil-containing gas from the crank chamber can be avoided, the life of the belt can be extended and the belt is lubricated properly.

Abstract: A vertical internal combustion engine E has a crankshaft 18 enclosed in a crank chamber 20, a belt-drive transmission mechanism 50 held in a belt chamber 63 and including a rubber belt 53 for transmitting power of the crankshaft 18 to a camshaft 24 in a valve train 23, and a transmission case 60 defining the belt chamber 63. The belt chamber 63 communicates with the crank chamber 20 by way of vent holes 70 and 71, the transmission case 60 is provided with an internal wall Wi disposed between the vent holes 70 and 71 and the belt 53 in the belt chamber 63 to deflect the flow of an oil-containing gas flowing from the crank chamber 20 into the belt chamber 63 such that the oil-containing gas flows in directions deviating from a direction toward the belt 53. The belt 53 is lubricated with oil in the oil-containing gas. The belt 53 is pre-vented from being excessively exposed to the oil-containing gas from the crank chamber 20 to extend its life.

Abstract: A roller pin for carrying a cam roller in a tappet assembly is provided. The roller pin providing reduced run in time and reduced peak and localized contact pressure between the cam roller and roller pin. The roller pin comprises a substantially cylindrical shaft having a length, a first end and a second end. The length extends from the first end to the second end. The shaft includes a plurality of grooves axially spaced apart and extending in a direction being transverse to the length. The plurality of grooves located proximate the first and second ends and extending only partially the circumference of the shaft.

Abstract: A spark plug having a protrusion amount t of not smaller than 0.3 mm and satisfying a relation ?1+?2?93° in which ?1 is an included angle between virtual lines s1 and s2, and ?2 is an included angle between virtual lines s3 and s4 when the virtual line s1 is taken as a line parallel to a direction of an axis and including the other end side edge on a leading end surface of a first precious metal tip, the virtual line s2 is taken as a line connecting the other end side edge and a point of intersection between an inner circumferential surface of a ground electrode body and the other end surface of the ground electrode body, the virtual line s3 is taken as a line parallel to the direction of the axis and including the other end side edge on a leading end surface of a center electrode, and the virtual line s4 is taken as a line including the other end side edge and tangent to an insulator.

Abstract: The invention concerns an internal-combustion engine, the engine comprising an engine housing having a first wall delimiting a first combustion chamber, a first connecting rod having a first piston and a second connecting rod having a second piston. The pistons also delimit the first combustion chamber. The first wall defines at least a section of a torus, and the pistons are guided along a curved path defined by the section of the torus. The connecting rods are coupled to an intermediate member, which travels bi-directionally between two end positions and the intermediate member is coupled to a crankshaft.

Abstract: An outboard engine unit has an intake manifold extending in a front-and-rear direction along one side of an engine block and comprised of a surge tank and a plurality of intake tubes communicating with the surge tank. Each of the intake tubes is arranged so as to be separated in a vertical direction. The shape of the channel cross section of each of the intake tubes is a flat shape in which the dimension in the vertical direction is less than the dimension in a crosswise direction.

Abstract: A switching drum seal (1) for a switching drum (11) for sealing an intake pipe in an intake manifold system of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, having two spaced-apart, circumferentially extending circumferential sealing sections (2) with circumferential sealing surfaces (3) and two spaced-apart, axially extending axial sealing sections (4) with axial sealing surfaces (5) and having at least one resilient element (7) to impart resilience to at least one circumferential sealing section (2) perpendicular to its circumferential sealing surface. The resilient element (7) extends in a region between the switching drum (11) and one of the circumferential sections (2) and is supported on the switching drum (11).

Abstract: A device for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle is disclosed. The device comprises an intake duct, a connecting pipe and a composite membrane. The intake duct is for feeding air to an engine intake port. A connecting pipe is connected to an interior of the intake duct. The composite membrane is positioned within the connecting pipe. The composite member blocks an interior passage formed in the connecting pipe. The composite member further includes at least two elastic membranes with one of masses and rigidities that different from each other. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sealing region where a valve seat and an outer peripheral surface of a enlarged diameter portion of a flare portion are contacted to each other is configured so that an end on a side opposite a combustion chamber is positioned at a position same as or on a side away from the combustion chamber than an end on a side close to the combustion chamber of a connecting region where a lid member and an inner peripheral surface of the enlarged diameter portion are connected with respect to the axis line direction.

Abstract: An axial flow rotary valve (1) for an internal combustion engine and method of manufacture thereof. The valve comprising a centre portion (5) having a cylindrical periphery, inlet and exhaust portions (9, 16) both smaller in diameter than the centre portion, and an inlet port (3) and an exhaust port (4) terminating respectively as an inlet opening (6) and an exhaust opening (7) in the periphery of the centre portion. The centre portion having at least one elongate passage (21) communicating between the inlet portion and the exhaust portion, the whole of the passage being disposed circumferentially outside the openings and radially outside at least one of the inlet and exhaust portions.

Abstract: A method for making cylinder liners and cast engine blocks having cylinder liners having a strong mechanical bond with the engine block. The method includes providing a cast metallic cylinder liner having an outer surface of the cylinder liner. The surface of the cylinder liner is preferably machined to remove surface effects or defects present from the casting process. Grit particles are directed at the outer surface of the cylinder liner with a grit blasting device at a predetermined angle of contact at a sufficient velocity to form cavities on the outer surface. The cavities that are formed have a geometry capable of forming a mechanical bond with the casting material of the engine block.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective cover structure for a rammer for which a guard cover plate of a power engine in a rammer is molded from a synthetic resin allowing any shape to be freely obtained and having small weight, high strength, and impact absorption ability. The cover plate is configured so that it can be assembled and disassembled by simple operations, has good endurance with respect to severe vibrations and can reduce the damage of the machine body due to the adequate impact absorption ability even when the rammer tumbles. Front end sections of guard covers disposed on both sides of a power engine are joined and fixed to the front surface section of the crank chamber, lower sections of the rear portions are supported by support frames of a protective stand provided at the lower surface of the power engine, and the rear sections of the rear portions are linked integrally by a linking transverse pole.

Abstract: In a method and a device for engine stop/engine start of hybrid vehicles, which includes an internal combustion engine and an electric machine which is coupled to the internal combustion engine and is selectively able to be operated regeneratively or motively, the engine speed can be detected and compared to a limit speed to initiate the stopping of the engine in a hybrid vehicle using an automatic start/stop mechanism, and if the engine speed drops to the threshold speed, the engine is stopped, the electric machine being switched over into the motive or the regenerative operation when the limit speed is reached; the electric machine assuming the limit speed, whereas the fuel supply of the internal combustion engine is shut down or remains shut down and the electric machine initiates the stopping of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a centrifugal turbine engine. The engine includes an engine block with a raceway comprising an inner diameter, a compression ramp, and an exhaust ramp and a rotor disposed within the engine block such that the rotor rotates within the inner diameter of the engine block. The rotor includes a plurality of vanes attached to the rotor such that the vanes retract as each vane sweeps across the compression ramp and the exhaust ramp and extend as each vane passes the compression ramp and the exhaust ramp. The extension is restricted such that the vane does not contact the inner diameter of the engine block during at least a portion of a combustion stroke. Beneficially, the engine is more efficient and reliable than existing engines.

Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling an internal combustion engine provide for a fuel combustion cycle that takes place in a combustion chamber of the engine. Injection of water into the combustion chamber during the fuel combustion cycle is controlled based on sensor input, such as temperature, extinguishment and pollution level input.

Abstract: A method for starting an engine having fuel injected directly into cylinders of the engine is presented. The method can use multiple injections of fuel to start the engine even when the absolute position of each piston is not known. Furthermore, once the engine is started the individual piston positions can be determined and then the engine can be operated in a conventional manner.