Abstract: A power management system for a combustion engine is disclosed. The power management system has a fuel injector, a sensor, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the fuel injector. The fuel injector is operable to inject multiple shots of fuel into the combustion engine during a single injection event. The sensor is configured to sense a speed of the combustion engine and generate a signal indicative of the sensed speed. The controller is configured to limit the number of shots per injection event in response to the signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to the operation of an internal combustion engine, a first model value or a second model value of the exhaust gas counter pressure is determined upstream of the exhaust gas catalytic converter of the internal combustion engine as a function of at least one operating variable of the internal combustion engine, which is representative of the exhaust gas counter pressure in a current operating mode of the internal combustion engine, assuming a low valve lift or a high valve lift.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation system is disclosed for providing exhaust to at least one component downstream of an engine. The system includes an exhaust valve disposed in an engine cylinder and a hydraulic actuation system. The system also includes a braking control valve, a supply of hydraulic fluid operably connected to the hydraulic actuation system, and an exhaust valve actuating device operably connected to the valve actuation system. The exhaust valve actuating device is operable to affect the exhaust valve to open within the engine cylinder. The system further includes a device for controlling a position of the exhaust valve actuating device relative to a position of the exhaust valve. The controlling device is operably connected to the supply of hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: An ignition timing control apparatus and method for an internal combustion engine, and an engine control unit are provided for more rapidly and effectively restraining knocking as the entire internal combustion engine, and extending the lifetime of the internal combustion engine. The ignition timing control apparatus comprising an ECU. The ECU determines a basic ignition timing on a cylinder-by-cylinder basis, calculates a knock intensity on a cylinder-by-cylinder bases based on a detected signal of a cylinder inner pressure sensor, and updates a correction coefficient learning value for a corresponding cylinder when the knock intensity is larger than a predetermined first determination value and is smaller than a predetermined second determination value larger than the predetermined first determination value, and updates the knock intensities for all the cylinders when the one knock intensity parameter is equal to or larger than the predetermined second determination value.

Abstract: To reliably prevent knocking in all of the cylinders of a multicylinder engine by detecting an output signal from a knock sensor provided for only one of the cylinders. A cylinder barrel is formed with a knock sensor base on the side surface of only the third cylinder and a vibration type knock sensor is mounted on the knock sensor base. A water jacket is formed in an upper portion of the wall of the cylinder barrel. The knock sensor base is formed below the water jacket so as to prevent a problem such that knocking vibrations may be absorbed by the cooling water in the water jacket to cause a reduction in sensitivity of the knock sensor.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition device for an internal combustion engine including: idling time advance angle control permission condition determination means for determining whether an idling time advance angle control permission condition is met that is a condition for permitting control to advance an ignition position during idling immediately after completion of the start of the engine in order to stabilize idling immediately after completion of the start of the internal combustion engine; and idling time advance angle control means for advancing the ignition position during idling immediately after completion of the start of the internal combustion engine when it is determined that the idling time advance angle control permission condition is met.

Abstract: A fuel system for an engine is disclosed. The fuel system has a first source configured to pressurized fuel to a first pressure, and a second source configured to pressurized fuel to a second pressure. The fuel system also has a fuel injector configured to receive fuel at the first pressure and the second pressure, and a valve disposed between the fuel injector and the first and second sources. The valve is configured to modify the pressure of fuel from the first source based on a pressure of fuel from the second source.

Abstract: A control system for a fuel injector is disclosed. The control system has a nozzle member with at least one orifice, and a needle check valve. The needle check valve is recipratingly disposed to open and close the at least one orifice. The control system also has a control chamber located at the base end of the needle check valve, and a control valve movable to selectively drain and fill the control chamber. The control system further has an injector body, a first piston located within the injector body, and a second piston located within the injector body. The first piston is operatively connected to the control valve to move the control valve. The second piston is located a distance from the first piston to form a coupling chamber. The control system additionally has a partial-ball check valve associated with the coupling chamber to selectively replenish the coupling chamber.

Abstract: A high-pressure radial piston pump for common rail injection systems has a pump housing (1), a drive shaft (2), at least one pump piston (3) which can move in a radial direction in relation to the drive shaft (2) and a high pressure accumulator (4) integrated into the high-pressure radial piston pump. The high pressure accumulator (4) is embodied in the form of a ring.

Abstract: A fuel system for an engine is disclosed. The fuel system has a source of pressurized fuel, a plurality of fuel injectors, and a common manifold configured to distribute pressurized fuel from the source to the plurality of fuel injectors. The fuel system also has a first sensor located upstream of the common manifold, and a second sensor associated with the engine. The first sensor is configured to generate a first signal indicative of a fuel temperature. The second sensor is configured to generate a second signal indicative of a speed of the engine. The fuel system further has a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The controller is configured to estimate a fuel temperature at each of the plurality of fuel injectors based on the first signal, the second signal, and the position of the plurality of fuel injectors along the common manifold.

Abstract: A method for controlling fueling of an engine, the method comprising during an engine cold start and before the engine is warmed to a predetermined level, transitioning from open-loop fueling to closed-loop fueling, where during closed-loop fueling feedback from an exhaust gas oxygen sensor is utilized and where said closed-loop fueling generates a cycling of delivered fuel in maintaining exhaust air-fuel ratio at a desired level; and providing a fueling adjustment to a subsequent engine start in response to fueling information, said fueling information obtained over at least a complete cycle of closed-loop fueling following said transition from open-loop fueling.

Abstract: A high-density evaporated fuel gas adsorbent and process for forming such capable of preventing temperature rise and temperature fall caused with adsorption and desorption of an evaporated fuel gas, capable of stably maintaining adsorbing and desorbing properties of the adsorbent, and capable of preventing a heat storage component from leaking out therefrom. The adsorbent is formed by mixing together microcapsules in each of which a substance that absorbs or releases heat in response to phase change is encased and activated carbon in which pore volume in an average pore diameter of 50 nm to 1000 nm is 0.3 mL/g or more and in which half-value width of a D-band peak in the vicinity of 1360 cm?1 and half-value width of a G-band peak in the vicinity of 1580 cm?1 are both equal to 100 cm?1 or more in a Raman spectroscopic analysis, and by molding these integrally.

Abstract: In a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, wherein a fuel injection quantity calculated by fuel-injection-quantity calculation means is corrected with a purge-air-concentration learnt value calculated by subjecting a purge air concentration to purge-air-concentration filtering, and wherein fuel in the corrected fuel injection quantity is injected from an injector; a filtering effect in the purge-air-concentration filtering is changed in the direction of enhancing exhaust gas purification, between in a case where the purge air concentration is thick and in a case where it is thin, whereby an air/fuel ratio which is introduced into the internal combustion engine is precisely controlled to a target air/fuel ratio so as to enhance the exhaust gas purification.

Abstract: A vapor fuel air mixture supply system for a combustion engine, whereby the mixture of air and fuel is elevated in temperature prior to combustion. The air to fuel mixture may result in an improvement in fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A vapor fuel air mixture supply system for a combustion engine, whereby the mixture of air and fuel vapor is elevated in temperature prior to combustion. The liquid fuel may be vaporized in a fractionation process and further heated to enhance flame speed combustion and improve efficiency of the system.

Abstract: A system for a virtual liquid sensor is disclosed including a method for operating the liquid sensor. The method includes determining a rate of generating condensation with respect to the component. The method also includes determining a rate of purging condensation with respect to the component. The method further includes determining an amount of accumulated condensation with respect to the component as a function of the rate of generating condensation and the rate of purging condensation over a given period of time.

Abstract: A method of operating a reciprocating, four stroke internal combustion piston engine system with an external compressor so that the air prior to internal compression is cooled, making it possible to attain a higher compression ratio. This can result in less heat input and the same work per stroke output, thereby saving fuel. Or it can result in more work per stroke output for the same heat input. A form of dynamic braking can be used with its operation. The only modifications to the engine are adding an external compressor, increasing the internal compression ratio, and changing the timing of the inlet valve closing.

Abstract: A fuel tank for storing an alternate fuel and providing the fuel to an internal combustion engine includes: an inner shell with an internal cavity designed to store fuel; an outer shell configured and positioned relative to the inner shell such that an interstitial volume is created between the inner and outer shells; and a heating unit positioned in the interstitial volume. In some embodiments, the interstitial volume is filled with air; in other embodiments, the interstitial volume is filled with a thermally insulative material.

Abstract: An ignition coil, which is adapted to being mounted to a sparkplug, includes a coil body having a primary coil and a secondary coil. The ignition coil further includes a plug cap provided to an axial end of the coil body. The coil body is adapted to being mounted to the sparkplug via the plug cap. The plug cap has a plug-fitting hole adapted to being axially fitted to an insulator of the sparkplug. The plug cap has an end surface defining the plug-fitting hole. The end surface includes circumferential portions respectively located at axial positions each being different from each other with respect to a circumferential direction.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a cylinder block 20 and is provided with an electrical equipment box A disposed outside the cylinder block 20. A plurality of electrical parts including an ECU 52, a relay box 53 and couplers 54, 55 and 56 are held in the electrical equipment box A. The ECU 52, the relay box 53 and the couplers 54, 55 and 56 are arranged in layers in the electrical equipment box A. The electrical equipment box A has a bottom wall 61 holding the relay box 53, and is provided with a stay 80 holding the ECU 52 and the couplers 54, 55 and 56. The electrical equipment box A facilitates securing a space in which the electrical equipment box A is disposed outside the engine body of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A rock pulverizer device based on a superconducting linear motor. The superconducting electromagnetic rock pulverizer accelerates a projectile via a superconducting linear motor and directs the projectile at high speed toward a rock structure that is to be pulverized by collision of the speeding projectile with the rock structure. The rock pulverizer is comprised of a trapped field superconducting secondary magnet mounted on a movable car following a track, a wire wound series of primary magnets mounted on the track, and the complete magnet/track system mounted on a vehicle used for movement of the pulverizer through a mine as well as for momentum transfer during launch of the rock breaking projectile.

Abstract: A gas-powered gun for firing balls has a bolt slidable within a breech section to advance a ball to a firing position. A hammer is slidable in a first chamber formed in the gun body and a coil spring biases the hammer to a forward position for firing the gun. A sear member is movably mounted in the gun body and can hold the hammer in a rear, cocked position until the trigger is pulled. The gun has a pressurized gas circuit which includes a regulator capable of providing gas at a pressure not exceeding 300 psi. A second chamber formed in the gun body has an inlet connected to the regulator. A gas valve includes a valve body fixably mounted in the gun body between the first and second chambers. A valve stem is slidably mounted in a central passage of the valve body. The valve includes an elongate valve guide connected to the valve stem and having a valve seal mounted on a seat section formed on a rear end of the valve guide.

Abstract: A combination oven that is operable with convection air, impingement air and microwave energy in various combinations thereof. The oven has an oven chamber and a fan box that are located front to back. A fan in the fan box circulates heated air by discharging via openings in a top and a bottom and taking in via an intermediate opening of a baffle plate. Impingement plates are easily installed and removed in the oven chamber to provide impingement air upwardly or downwardly. At least one of the impingement plates is installed and removed by a sliding motion. Microwave energy is provided through the side walls of the oven chamber. Intake ports for cooling air are located in a bevel between the side walls and bottom wall of the oven's outer enclosure so as to allow the oven to be located right next to other structures, such as a wall. An interlock assembly is also provided for the oven door.

Abstract: A barbecue has a body, a charcoal bracket and at least one food drawer. The body has a front wall with a mouth and multiple vents defined in the front wall, a central cavity and at least one side cavity. The charcoal bracket is received inside the central cavity in the body. The charcoal bracket has a barbecue grill mounted on the charcoal bracket. The at least one food holder is received in the at least one side cavity. When the barbecue is in use, the heat conducting from the charcoal bracket may bake foods inside the food holders.

Abstract: A cooking device includes: a base unit including a bottom wall, and a surrounding wall extending from a periphery of the bottom wall, cooperating with the bottom wall to confine an accommodating space, and having a top flange extending therefrom; a tray unit including a bottom wall formed with a recess and a through-hole, a surrounding wall extending upwardly from a periphery of the bottom wall of the tray unit, and a top flange extending from the surrounding wall of the tray unit and seated on the top flange of the surrounding wall of the base unit; a perforated supporting ring mounted in the recess in the bottom wall of the tray unit and protruding outwardly of the accommodating space; and a burner mounted in the accommodating space, and extending through the through-hole and into the supporting ring.

Abstract: A cookware safety lock device for installation on a stovetop, wherein a heat-resistant base is secured to the stovetop with height-adjustable, pivotable arms extending therefrom, wherein the heat-resistant movable arms accommodate virtually any size pot or pan by locking into position thereabout, and wherein handle ports are defined therein for directing and retaining cookpot handles in a selected position, thereby preventing unintentional and/or unauthorized access thereto.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a heater comprises a fluid opening configured to communicate with a source of fuel. In some embodiments, the heater further comprises a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a fluid flow controller in communication with the fluid opening. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to selectively permit flow of fuel to either the first flow channel or the second flow channel. In some embodiments, the heater further comprises at least one of a nozzle and an oxygen depletion sensor coupled with at least one of the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus including a heat source, a covering, and a transportable case. The a transportable case may be sized and shaped to enclose the heat source and the covering in thermal transfer relation to warm the covering while the covering is in a first state. The covering may also have a second state, after being heated by the heat source in the first state wherein it may be at least partially wrapped around a user to partially warm the user from the heat provided thereto in the first state. The covering may be formed into a canopy-like form, in the second state, being substantially enclosed at a top and wherein the heat source may be positioned in relation to the canopy-like form to provide heat to within the canopy-like form.

Abstract: A portable barbecue box is disclosed. The portable barbecue box of the present invention comprises a cooking chamber, a heating tube, food supporting element(s), a control compartment and a motor. The food supporting element(s) may be a plurality of sticks. The heating tube is disposed inside the cooking chamber. A plurality of slots are provided on one side of the chamber so as to hold the sticks in place The motor may be turned on so that the sticks with food on may be rotated around. The output axle of the motor is connected with a set of cogwheels. The cogwheels may mesh with each other or a transmission wheel may be provided between each pair of the cogwheels. Hence, the motor may be turned on to rotate the food supporting element(s).

Abstract: To provide a heat generating pad which is able to relax symptoms such as stiff shoulder, low-back pain, muscular fatigue, menstrual pain, a symptom of poor circulation and in particular, can be suitably used for relaxation of a symptom of menstrual pain and a method of use of the same.

Abstract: A stovetop grill having a rotatable turbine to diffuse and spread heat that is carried by hot gases across a cooking area of a grill platform so that food on the platform will be evenly cooked. The turbine includes a disk body that is mounted for rotation around an axis established by a turbine shaft. A plurality of relatively short impeller blades are spaced from one another around the circumference of the turbine body. A plurality of relatively long propeller blades are spaced from one another around the turbine body at a location that is radially inward from the impeller blades. The impeller and propeller blades are punched or cut out and bent upwardly from the turbine body to establish gas passages therethrough. The turbine is adapted to rotate relative to the grill platform in response to the hot gases that are generated by a heat source (e.g.

Abstract: A spark arresting incinerator apparatus for burning combustible solid materials without the release of hot embers or ash capable of igniting materials outside the incinerator includes a firebox to contain the combustion, a grate disposed across the bottom of the firebox to support materials to be burned, an ash box disposed below the firebox and grate and connected to the firebox, the ash box having at least one screened and shielded combustion air inlet, a generally pyramidal cupola disposed above and connected to the firebox, and a chimney disposed above and connected to the cupola for the exit of combustion gases from the incinerator. The chimney includes a plurality of baffle plates each extending partially across the interior of the chimney, with the baffle plates disposed in staggered offset relation to each other, and also preferably includes a spark arrestor connected to the top of the chimney.

Abstract: A portable cooking utensil having self-contained heating features for cooking food without requiring gas or electric includes a handle having a chamber for storing therein batteries, the handle projecting from a cooking body that has heating coils embedded within the body, and the coils forming an electrical circuit with the batteries that are controlled by an on/off switch mounted on the handle so that switching the switch to the on position causes food placed within the utensil to be cooked from the heat generated in the coils and conducted through the body of the utensil to the food.

Abstract: The invention provides a solar panel having a panel front and a panel back, comprising an array of solar cells and an element comprising a visually distinguishable feature. Each of the solar cells has a front and a back, wherein at least the front is capable of converting at least a portion of solar light incident thereon into electrical energy. There are spacings between at least some of the solar cells. The element comprising the visually distinguishable feature is located at at least one position selected from the group consisting of between the panel back and the panel front, on the panel front, on the panel back, at the panel front, and at the panel back, such that the visually distinguishable feature is at least partially distinguishable on viewing the panel front. The nature of the visually distinguishable feature and/or the location of the element relative to the solar cells does not completely prevent solar light incident on the panel front from being incident on at least a portion of the array.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling ventilation air for a building, includes a radiating panel having an emissive surface for use on the building such that the emissive surface of the panel is directed skyward and exposed to ambient air. The radiating panel defines an air collection space between itself and the building and has a plurality of air openings for the ambient air to pass through the openings to the air collection space. A passageway extends between the air collection space and an interior of the building and is located for passage of cooled ambient air from the air collection space into the interior of the building. A fan is located for moving the cooled ambient air from the air collection space through the passageway to the interior of the building.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a pressure regulating device for selectively coupling with a first source or a second source includes a housing defining at least a portion of a first input channel, a second input channel, and an output channel. In some embodiments, the device further includes a first connector configured to couple with the first source such that the first source is in communication with the first input channel. The device also includes a second connector configured to couple with the second source such that the second source is in communication with the second input channel. The device further includes a first regulator configured to regulate flow from the first input channel to the output channel and a second regulator configured to regulate flow from the second input channel to the output channel.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of a nozzle are configured to dispense a first gas, liquid, or combination thereof at a first pressure in a first mode of operation and dispense a second gas, liquid, or combination thereof at a second pressure in a second mode of operation. In some embodiments, the nozzle is integrated in a heat-producing device, such as, for example, a heater, a fireplace, or a stove. In some embodiments, the heat-producing device including the nozzle can operate with a first combustible fuel at a first pressure, or alternatively, can operate with a second combustible fuel at a second pressure. In some embodiments, the nozzle is used in applications other than heat-producing devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lecithinated sugar composition wherein lecithin is present in the sugar composition at not more than about 200 parts per million. Also disclosed is a process for increasing the yield of raw sugar from a clarified sugar juice stream. Further disclosed is a process for increasing the yield of refined sugar from raw sugar.

Abstract: A medical assembly includes a platform which is securely mountable to an operating room fixture, and a plurality of arms or arm modules coupled to the platform and each with a grasper for holding a surgical instrument or port. The medical assembly is particularly applicable for laparoscopic surgery although it is not limited thereto.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes a piezoelectric transducer for aerosolizing a drug solution in a disposable cup module disposed above the transducer. Acoustic waves generated by the transducer propagate sequentially through transmitting medium, a first barrier, coupling medium, and a second barrier that forms part of the cup module, and into the interior of the cup module. The transducer at least partially comprises silver. The silver fluidly contacts the transmitting medium to discourage bacteria growth in the transmitting medium. The device includes electronics components that drive the transducer and measure an electrical characteristic associated with the transducer during operation. The electronics components measures changes in the electrical characteristic to determine when the drug solution level falls below a predetermined threshold, and deactivates the device accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) system, comprising a transparent or partially transparent canister which permits a patient to view the amount of medicament remaining in the pMDI system. The system of the present also comprises a dose counter which counts a dose when a dose is dispensed. The present invention provides a pMDI system which is improved over those currently used for treating respiratory diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for treating obstructive sleep apnea by using negative oral pressure to a patient. The present apparatus includes a vacuum unit for controlling and maintaining negative pressure of an oral cavity of the patient, a tube with one end thereof connecting to the vacuum unit to suck out air in the oral cavity to generate the negative pressure therein, and a mouthpiece connecting to the other end of the tube and fitting into and sealing the patient's mouth to prevent the oral cavity from air leakage. By using negative pressure in the oral cavity, the patient's soft palate is pulled toward the oral cavity and the patient's tongue is pulled toward an upper palate so as to maintain the patient's nasal air passageway open.

Abstract: A safety device integrated into a respiratory system that includes an oxygen mask having a cup-shaped rigid portion overlying a face mating portion to define a respiratory envelope that is adapted to sealingly engage over the mouth and nose of a user. An integrated control circuit includes an externally mounted connection block and a circuit looping through the respiratory envelope. A hands-free, mouth-activated switch is located within the cup-shaped rigid portion and is electrically coupled to the control circuit.

Abstract: Dry powder blister packages include sealed blisters that incorporate or cooperate with a piezoelectric active layer that flexes to vibrate the dry powder in a blister to facilitate active dispersion.

Abstract: An inhaler for preparations in powder form, comprising a first body (2), which is provided with an inhaling channel (3), and a second body (4), which is provided with at least one reservoir (6), which is open toward the 5 outside and is preset to contain at least one dose of preparation in powder form.

Abstract: The disclosure details methods and gas mixtures which are useful for washing nitrogen out of the body and mitochondria following acute cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) or myocardial infarction (heart attacks) and allow the reuptake of oxygen into mitochondria of ischemic tissues following re-flow, thereby reducing the severity of reperfusion damage and cell death.

Abstract: A patient interface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is configured to be at least partially carried by a patient and to receive gas exhaled by the patient. The patient interface includes first and second cannula tubes each having a first end and a second end, the first ends are configured to be inserted into the nostrils of a patient, the first and second cannula tubes are configured to direct exhaled gas from the patient from the first ends to said second ends. The patient interface also includes first and second sensors positioned near the second ends, and the first and second sensors are configured to provide first and second signals based upon the gas, wherein the first and second signals are indicative of a physiological parameter of the patient. The patient interface also includes a communications link configured to provide the signal to a physiological monitor.

Abstract: Hose connection system for narially sensitive diagnostic devices. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a test device and a nasal cannula. The test device comprises a first outlet port configured to sense an attribute of airflow, and a second outlet port configured to sense an attribute of airflow. The nasal cannula comprises a first hose configured to fluidly couple on a device-end to the first outlet port (and the first hose configured to fluidly couple between the first outlet port and a first naris of a patient), and a second hose configured to fluidly couple on a device-end to the second outlet port (and the second hose configured to fluidly couple between the second outlet port and a second naris of the patient). The nasal cannula is configured such that the first hose only couples to the first outlet port and the second hose only couples to the second outlet port.

Abstract: The present inventions provide respiratory therapy apparatus that introduce water into the pressurized air delivered to a user during various positive airway pressure therapies and corresponding methods. The respiratory therapy apparatus may be configured to administer one or more positive airway pressure therapies, including: continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP), bi-level positive airway pressure therapy (BPAP), auto positive airway pressure therapy (autoPAP), proportional positive airway pressure therapy (PPAP), and/or other positive airway pressure therapies. The respiratory therapy apparatus may include a user interface that defines an interface passage to communicate pressurized air to the user for inhalation and a humidifier that introduces water into the pressurized air generally at the interface passage. Methods according to the present inventions may include introducing water into the interface passage at one or more humidifier ports disposed about the interface passage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for modulating a person's autonomic function comprises interfacing a valve system to the person's airway, the valve system being configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event. The person is permitted to inhale and exhale through the valve system, wherein during inhalation the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to transiently decrease intrathoracic pressure and thereby modulate the person's autonomic function.