Abstract: A work surface device has an upper member with a substantially planar top surface. A support is secured to the upper member for supporting the upper member on a support member with the planar top surface in a generally horizontal orientation. The support has a fastener or clamping device at its lower end for releasable engagement with a portion of the support member. A work board of shape and dimensions generally matching the shape and dimensions of the top surface may be placed on the top surface. The work board and upper member have aligned openings in which a receptacle may be seated or through which waste may be discarded into a container beneath the work surface. In one arrangement, the clamping device is secured to the upper rim of a container with the work surface spaced above the open upper end of the container.

Abstract: A folding table and method for folding the same are provided. The folding table can include a body, a first panel adapted to rotate about a first end of the body, a second panel adapted to rotate about the body; a third panel adapted to rotate about the body; and a fourth panel adapted to rotate about a second end of the body. The first panel can include at least two sections adapted to be supported by a first end of the second and third panels, and a second end of the second and third panels can be adapted to support the fourth panel thereon.

Abstract: A tray adapted for suspension from a railing edge includes a base panel having a pair of integral side panel tabs positioned on opposing sides of the base panel. An attachment panel, integral with a top portion of the base panel, is positioned between the pair of side panel tabs and folds along an attachment panel crease between a flat configuration and an angled configuration with respect to the base panel. The side panel tabs engage receiving slots located on the attachment panel to lock each tab in a fixed configuration for holding the attachment panel in an angled configuration to the base panel. A pair of generally J-shaped attachment tabs, integral with the attachment panel are positioned on opposing sides of a top portion of the attachment panel and fold along a crease between a flat configuration and a downwardly extending configuration from the attachment panel to form a hook adapted to engage a railing edge for suspending the tray therefrom.

Abstract: A desk system with power and/or communication capability includes a series of interconnected desk sections. Each desk section includes a pair of leg that support a worksurface, and one or more stanchions extend upwardly from the worksurface. A primary power distribution system is located below the worksurface. The primary power distribution system includes receptacles mounted to a beam that extends between the pair of legs. Openings are formed in the legs for enabling the primary power distribution system to pass from one desk section to another. Each stanchion defines an open interior and is mounted above an opening formed in the worksurface. Each stanchion includes a mounting plate, and one or more power and/or communication supply blocks are adapted for securement to the mounting plate. Flexible cords or cables extend from each mounting block through the opening in the worksurface, and are plugged into the receptacles or the primary power distribution system located below the worksurface.

Abstract: A robust multi-wall tray which is easily retrofitable to a wheelchair. Due to the structural design, the tray is lightweight but yet more rigid than conventional solid wheelchair trays. The multi-wall tray can be secured to a wheelchair with conventional means or with several novel means that provide a smooth work surface free of screws or Velcro™. A novel prior art adjustable tray support structure can also be integrated into the multi-wall tray to allow the system to mount robustly to the frame of a wheelchair and also allow the tray to fold away to the side of the wheelchair when not in use. Additionally, the multi-wall tray can have a sealed perimeter to create an enclosure for protecting electronic devices. The design can support electronic devices for computer assisted living while also providing a tray work surface for reading, writing or eating.

Abstract: A port-installed damper for trimming a flow of a substance through a pipe, the pipe having a port formed therein, that includes a fitting that attaches to the pipe about the port, a port assembly that attaches to the fitting and includes an actuator, and means for trimming the flow of a substance through the pipe. The actuator may be connected to the means for trimming by one or more connectors. The port may have a predetermined size such that, during installation of the port-installed damper, the means for trimming may pass through the port. In some embodiments, the port may not extend beyond half of the circumference of the pipe.

Abstract: A method for co-producing electric power and urea from carbonaceous fuels such as coal, by pyrolizing the coal with oxygen to produce a raw rich gas and a hot char which is gasified with air to produce a raw lean gas. Subsequent to the cleaning of the two gases, the cleaned rich gas is made up of CO and 2H2, and the clean lean gas is made up of N2+CO. The CO in the rich gas is separated from the 2H2 and is added to the lean gas to enrich it with CO to become a lean fuel gas which fuels a gas turbine and is part of a combined cycle system which efficiently generates electric power while exhausting an off-gas (flue gas) made up of N2+CO2. The 2H2 separated from the CO, and the N2+CO2 of the exhausted flue gas are together synthesized to produce urea —CO (NH2)2.

Abstract: A safety system is provided for an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank (4) pulled by a tractor (1) with a tool bar applicator (2). The system includes a safety valve (10), and a breakaway coupling or connector (12) along a flexible hose (11) from the nurse tank to the applicator. The safety shutdown valve (10) closes in response to a break in the electrical connector in the event of a pull away or manual activation of a safety switch.

Abstract: A textile pattern includes at least one motif element having an irregular peripheral edge, at least one interior discontinuity, or any combination thereof that facilitates alignment of a textile along seams and conceals patterns of wear.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a hull, a deck disposed on the hull, a bin, and hood. The hood is operatively connected to the deck and is movable between an open position providing access to the storage bin and a closed position preventing access to the storage bin. An opening having a contour is provided in the deck forwardly of the watercraft's steering handles. The storage bin is disposed in the opening. The storage bin has a container disposed in the opening and a lid operatively connected to the container. The lid is movable between an open position providing access to an interior of the container and a closed position preventing access to the interior of the container. A storage bin to be used in combination with a personal watercraft is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a watercraft control apparatus according to the present invention includes a control member that operates a power-consuming unit or load. The control member is operably connected to the power-consuming unit or load through a drive member that transmits a control force and/or a displacement from the control member to the power-consuming unit or load. The watercraft control apparatus further includes an actuator for actuating the power-consuming unit and a magnetic unit for transducing the force and/or the displacement of the control member into a corresponding electric/electronic signal for a corresponding operation of the actuator.

Abstract: A bowsprit or davit assembly is for raising and lowering, and for firmly securing, an anchor. The assembly includes an elongate frame member, of a substantial U-shape in cross-section, adapted to be mounted on a surface (deck of a vessel), the frame member including respective front and rear U-shaped sections (2) and (1), wherein the front section (2) includes respective first and second rotatable means (10) and (15) for receiving and guiding a rope or cable, the rotatable means (10) and (15) being displaced from one another in both the vertical and horizontal directions. An elongate member (20) extends between opposed wall members of said front section (2), at or in the vicinity of the uppermost free edges thereof. Opposed flaps (7) extend laterally normal of the outermost free end of opposed wall members of the front section (2).

Abstract: A dock fender support bracket includes a cup-like holder section having a sidewall and a bottom wall and a pair of axially aligned holes through the sidewall. In one embodiment, the support bracket includes a clevis section having a body with spaced flanges oriented inside of the cup-like holder section and extending in parallel planes. In another embodiment, the support bracket is integrally molded. An elongate section of the support bracket is configured to be attached to a dock and to elastically flex in all directions transverse of a longitudinal axis thereof. The elongate section can be formed of a hollow or solid resin, and can include spring or metal reinforcement. The support bracket is configured to support the dock fender at the cup-like holder section. A resilient insert can support a rod-mounted fender.

Abstract: A deep ocean gas storage system for storing compressed gas, the system comprising an inflexible thin walled storage vessel anchored to the sea floor having an axis located in water substantially perpendicular to and on a sea floor below sea level, a gas intake for admitting and discharging compressed natural gas to and from the vessel; a water port for admitting and discharging water to the vessel using hydrostatic pressure to discharge compressed gas from the vessel at a substantially constant discharge pressure as the volume of the gas in the storage vessel decreases when water content of the vessel increases; a conduit fluidly connected with the water port oriented substantially parallel to the axis having a discharge opening above the level of sea water in the vessel; and a valve disposed at the gas intake to the vessel for controlling compressed gas admission and discharge.

Abstract: A spar platform for use in the offshore drilling or production of fossil fuels includes a hull having a centerwell. An airtight and watertight barrier traverses the centerwell, forming a variable buoyancy compartment in the centerwell. In certain embodiments the centerwell is open at the bottom to the sea, while in certain other embodiments the centerwell is sealed at the bottom. At least one sleeve for accommodating a riser extends through the barrier and the variable buoyancy compartment to the bottom of the centerwell. The sleeve has an open upper end to provide a drain for water accumulating in the centerwell and it forms an airtight and watertight seal at its juncture with the barrier. In some embodiments, two or more airtight and watertight barriers are provided across the centerwell, defining an airtight and watertight fixed buoyancy chamber between each adjacent pair of barriers.

Abstract: An unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) (V) includes a steering unit (10) for directional control of the UUV (V) with an exterior surface (12) and at least one interchangeable module component (14) for housing a desired operational unit (16) appropriate for a chosen mission profile. The interchangeable module (14) has an exterior surface (18) preferably impervious to the intrusion of water (20). A frontal portion (22) may be adapted for fluid flow. The exterior surfaces (10, 18, and 24) of the steering unit (10), the interchangeable module component (14) and the frontal portion (22) form a substantially smooth surface envelope (26).

Abstract: An encapsulated module (14) for an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) (V) is formed with an operational component (16) and encapsulating material (60). The encapsulant (60) forms a rigid capsule surrounding the operational component (16). The capsule (14) has a least one exterior surface (18) that assists in forming the exterior surface (26) of the UUV (V) when the capsule (14) is combined into the UUV (V).

Abstract: A folding kayak includes fore and aft subassemblies which are joined together and are covered by a water-impermeable skin to provide a watercraft with the favorable attributes both hard shell and skin on frame kayaks, with none of the disadvantages. In addition, one or more hydraulic adjustment mechanisms provide the kayak with characteristics of a plurality of different rigid body kayaks, with different operational characteristics, suitable for open-ocean or closed-water environments as desired. Ribs which are part of the kayak assembly have a relatively flat profile, making the kayak perform more favorably in adverse water conditions, and also giving the kayak some resilience and flexibility when encountering obstructions in the water. In one aspect, the kayak subassemblies may be joined, at least in part, by corrugated splines. By rotating these corrugated splines within elongate tubes that form part of the respective subassemblies, it is possible to remove crystalline, corrosive, and other build-up.

Abstract: A configuration for the deck of a marine vessel, wherein parallel and perpendicular travel paths, for movement of individual OBS unit storage baskets, are formed along a deck utilizing, in part, the storage baskets themselves. A portion of the deck is divided into a grid defined by a series of low-to-the-deck perpendicular and parallel rails and each square in the grid is configured to hold an OBS unit storage basket. Around the perimeter of the grid is an external containment wall which has a greater height than the rails. Storage baskets seated within the grid are configured to selectively form internal containment walls. Opposing internal and external containment walls define travel paths along which a storage basket can be moved utilizing a low, overhead gantry. A basket need only be lifted a minimal height above the deck in order to be moved along a path. The containment walls and the deck itself constraining uncontrolled swinging of baskets, even in onerous weather or sea conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides for apparatus and related methods for alerting other people that are nearby to the automobile to dangerous driving conditions or accidents comprising. One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides one or more sensors for an automobile that detect dangerous driving conditions or an automobile accident. The sensors communicate with a computer or microprocessor which communicates with one or more devices that release one or mores signals from the automobile to release the one or more signals. Releasing the one or more signals from the automobile alerts those nearby the automobile that there are dangerous driving conditions or an automobile accident allowing them to reduce their speed, change their driving behavior and potentially avoid accidents or significantly reduce the severity of any accident that they encounter. The present invention provides these and other vehicle safety advantages.

Abstract: A substrate with protected temperature sensing coating layer comprises a substrate; a temperature sensing coating layer having at least one color and being formed with patterns; and a plastic protection layer upon the temperature sensing coating layer. The plastic protection layer is applied to the temperature sensing coating layer by coating at liquid form, or pouring or molding. Material of plastic protection layer is selected from one of PU (polyurethane), POLY, silicon and TPU. The temperature sensing coating layer is printed upon the substrate.

Abstract: Gages allowing for removable and replaceable dial, indicator needle, crystal and bezel.

Abstract: A high quality single-crystalline polyalkylthiophene structure can be easily prepared by the inventive method which comprises: (i) dissolving polyalkylthiophene in an organic solvent at a temperature ranging from 50 to 100° C., sequentially quenching the polyalkylthiophene solution at a temperature ranging from 25 to 40° C. and then at ?5 to 15° C., to obtain a self-seeding polyalkylthiophene solution; and (ii) applying the self-seeding polyalkylthiophene solution obtained in step (i) to one surface of a nano-template having a hydrophobic supramolecule coating layer formed thereon to induce self-assembly and crystallization of polyalkylthiophene on the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous processing system for processing continuous flexible substrates (17S), comprising: two winding stations (10; 10?) for unwinding and winding up the substrate; at least one processing station (B) situated, in the running path of the substrate, between both winding stations, and; lock valves (18), which are each located between a winding station (10; 10?) and the at least one processing station and which serve to maintain different pressure levels in the winding stations and in the at least one processing station. The winding station is mounted on a base (11) and can be retracted, i.e. for changing the substrate. According to the invention, the winding stations (10; 10?) and the processing station (B) are mounted in or on different bases that can move relative to one another.

Abstract: A paint application element for connection to a handle has a flexible carrier, and a smoothing device present on it. The smoothing device comprises a smoothing layer, and a liquid absorbing layer that is present between the smoothing layer and the carrier. The carrier is formed by a pliable strip and is provided with a free end that during the paint application presses the smoothing device against the surface to be painted. The smoothing device is stretched over the free end of the carrier, so that the liquid absorbing layer is pressed together by the free end and the smoothing layer there is present at a shorter distance from the carrier than by adjacent parts of the smoothing device.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for masking a portion of an envelope near the envelope's perimeter is disclosed. The system may include a supply mechanism configured to support an envelope, and provide the envelope to a first position. The system may also include a transport mechanism configured to move the envelope from the first position to a second position. The system may further include a masking apparatus configured to adhere a masking element to a portion of the envelope near the envelope's perimeter.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for making coated articles with one or more layers by dip, spray or flow coating. In one aspect, this invention relates to an apparatus and method for making coated containers, preferably comprising polyethylene terephthalate, from coated preforms. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus and method permit the coated container or preform to be made in an energy-efficient manner that reduces the danger of coating damage and thus increases the efficacy of the final container.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus including a die having at least one applicator slot for translating an applicator liquid through the die. The slot is in flow communication with a die cavity. An expansible chamber device is disposed within the die cavity and changes volume in response to changes in fluid pressure within the expansible chamber device, which may be regulated by a means for controlling the volume of the expansible chamber device. The applicator liquid is translated through the die and delivered from the applicator slot at intervals corresponding to actuation of the expansible chamber device. In some embodiments, the die has a single rectangular applicator slot, and the expansible chamber device is an expandable cylindrical tube disposed within the die cavity. In other embodiments, the fluid within the expansible chamber device is an incompressible liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing defining a chamber in which an electric field is generated, and an internal member provided in the chamber. At least one part of the internal member is formed of a dielectric material. A process is executed in the chamber so that a dielectric deposit is formed on the at least one part of the internal member. An m1(d?1/dm1) value of the dielectric material and ?n m2(d?2/dm2) value of the dielectric deposit are set so that production of particles from the deposit is properly controlled. The term m1 is a mass density of the dielectric material, ?1 is a permittivity of the dielectric material, m2 is a mass density of the dielectric deposit, and ?2 is a permittivity of the dielectric deposit.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention describe a process chamber, such as an ALD chamber, that has gas delivery conduits with gradually increasing diameters to reduce Joule-Thompson effect during gas delivery, a ring-shaped gas liner leveled with the substrate support to sustain gas temperature and to reduce gas flow to the substrate support backside, and a gas reservoir to allow controlled delivery of process gas. The gas conduits with gradually increasing diameters, the ring-shaped gas liner, and the gas reservoir help keep the gas temperature stable and reduce the creation of particles.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus and related cleaning method are disclosed. The apparatus includes a stage heater disposed in the reaction chamber, serving as a first electrode during the generation of in-situ plasma, and supporting a substrate, a shower head disposed in the reaction chamber opposing the stage heater, serving as a second electrode during the generation of the in-situ plasma, and supplying a reaction gas into the reaction chamber, a remote plasma generator disposed external to the reaction chamber and configured to supply a cleaning gas to the reaction chamber following activation of the cleaning gas, and a gas transmitter disposed between the reaction chamber and the remote plasma generator and configured to transmit the reaction gas and the cleaning gas to the shower head.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a silicon manufacturing apparatus that suppresses a silicon deposition to the bottom end portion of the reaction vessel and to a section other than the inside face of the reaction vessel except for the bottom end portion, thereby enabling a stable operation for a long time, for a silicon manufacturing apparatus that introduces a reaction gas to the inside wall of the heated reaction vessel to deposit silicon and that withdraws the deposited silicon from an opening at the bottom end portion of the reaction vessel. A first gas supply port 31 that is formed by a circular slit and that supplies a sealing gas and/or an etching gas to the bottom end portion is formed on the peripheral side around the bottom end portion of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: Vaporizable material is supported within a vessel to promote contact of an introduced gas with the vaporizable material, and produce a product gas including vaporized material. A heating element supplies heat to a wall of the vessel to heat vaporizable mateiral disposed therein. The vessel may comprise an amoule having a removable top. Multiple containers defining multiple material support surfaces may be stacked disposed within a vessel in thermal communication with the vessel. A tube may be disposed within the vessel and coupled to a gas inlet. Filters, flow meters, and level sensors may be further provided. Product gas resuting from contact of introduced gas with vaporized material may be delivered to atomic layer deposition (ALD) or similar process equipment.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide ampoule assemblies to contain, store, or dispense chemical precursors. In one embodiment, an ampoule assembly is provided which includes an ampoule containing a first material layer disposed on the outside of the ampoule and a second material layer disposed over the first material layer, wherein the first material layer is thermally more conductive than the second material layer, an inlet line in fluid communication with the ampoule and containing a first manual shut-off valve disposed therein, an outlet line in fluid communication with the ampoule and containing a second manual shut-off valve disposed therein, and a first bypass line connected between the inlet line and the outlet line. In some embodiments, the ampoule assembly may contain disconnect fittings. In other embodiments, the first bypass line has a shut-off valve disposed therein to fluidly couple or decouple the input line and the outlet line.

Abstract: [Object]To provide a stage for plasma processing apparatus, the stage being capable of improving uniformity of electric field strength in a plasma so as to enhance an in-plane uniformity of a plasma process to a substrate, and to provide a plasma processing apparatus provided with this stage. [Means for Solving the Problem] A stage 3 for a plasma processing apparatus 2 comprises: a conductive member 31 connected to a radiofrequency power source, the conductive member serving as an electrode for generating a plasma and/or an electrode for drawing ions from a plasma; a dielectric layer 32 covering a central part of an upper surface of the conductive member, for making uniform a radiofrequency electric field applied to a plasma through a substrate to be processed wafer W) placed on the placing surface; and an electrostatic chuck 33 laminated on the dielectric layer 35, the electrostatic chuck having an electrode film embedded therein.

Abstract: Embodiments as described here provide an apparatus and a method for performing an atomic layer deposition process. In one embodiment, a deposition chamber assembly contains a substrate support having a substrate receiving surface, and a chamber lid containing a tapered passageway extending from a central portion of the chamber lid and a bottom surface extending from the passageway to a peripheral portion of the chamber lid, the bottom surface shaped and sized to substantially cover the substrate receiving surface. The system also includes one or more valves coupled to the gradually expanding channel, and one or more gas sources coupled to each valve. In one example, the gas source is an ampoule assembly which is attached to the deposition chamber by at least one disconnect fitting and contains an inlet tube directed away from the gas outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a vacuum coating to workpieces positioned on a rake unit, including: a substantially rectangular central chamber; a first chamber located adjacent the central chamber on a first side, wherein the rake unit is positioned in the first chamber after workpieces are loaded thereon; a second chamber located adjacent the central chamber on a second side, wherein workpieces on the rake unit are heated to a predetermined temperature; a third chamber located adjacent the central chamber on a third side, wherein workpieces on the rake unit are coated in a desired manner; a fourth chamber located adjacent the central chamber on a fourth side, wherein workpieces on the rake unit are unloaded; and, a mechanism for transporting the rake unit from the first chamber to each of the second, third and fourth chambers in a desired sequence via the central chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum source for providing vacuum to at least a first vacuum drain through conduits, comprising at least a first and a second vacuum pump. The vacuum source comprises a control system adapted to detect the consumed airflow, and to control the operation of each of the first and second vacuum pump based on the detected airflow.

Abstract: Each pet litter tray of the nested disposable pet litter trays includes a rear portion and a front portion. The front portion includes a pair of front sidewalls, with each of the front walls having a plurality of slits formed therethrough. Following a pet's deposit of excretory waste in pet litter contained in the topmost tray, the user may grip front gripping edges of the front sidewalls and squeeze them together to form a funnel- or spout-shaped dry pet litter dispenser, the user angling the tray so that the pet litter and the excretory waste enter the dry pet litter dispenser, with dry, reusable pet litter falling through the plurality of slits into the next lower tray in the nested stack for reuse, with wet pet litter and the excretory waste being trapped within the front portion for transport and disposal.

Abstract: A method for processing bioresponse signals coming from organisms living in a well-defined living space, which are each comprised in a microenvironment, wherein these signals are obtained in online measuring of bioresponse variables, and wherein these signals are at least real-time processed in a signal processor, wherein, on the one hand, these organisms are monitored in the said microenvironments, and wherein, on the other hand, these variables can be adjusted by corresponding signal control apparatuses in accordance with a living space control model, wherein the living space comprises an incubator for hatching out hatching eggs, wherein the bioresponse variables are measured and controlled in a physical and/or chemical manner, for instance in the form of optical, electrical, magnetic, acoustic or mechanical bioresponse signals, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is a combination bed and restraint for a pet. The pet is contained in a soft flexible blanket type device that is closed over the animal in such a way that only the head is exposed. The restraint is secured by the use of an attachment means. The device has a built in bottom that prevents escape and allows for fast, easy, one step wrapping of the pet. When not in use, it serves as a bed for the pet which makes it a familiar object to the pet, thus facilitating the process of using the device as a restraint when necessary.

Abstract: A disposable wet nonwoven implement that is retained on a user's hand during use is provided. The disposable wet nonwoven implement can be associated with a composition.

Abstract: A dog chew made of extruded, edible material has a brush-shaped head at one end and a tail at the other. The brush-shaped head and tail are connected to the head by a shaft. The brush-shaped head is provided with segments (for example six segments) with spaces between the segments adapted to be more easily manipulated in a dog's mouth, so that smaller pieces break off when a dog bites and chews the article. Thus, the brush-shaped head may contain individual segments having an elliptical cross section, so that a dog's tooth can work between the individual segments or “bristles.” Elsewhere on the profile of the dog chew, stepped surfaces are avoided in favor of smooth, rounded surfaces, so that the dog chew is more easily handled in the dog's mouth and has an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A cheating dummy for repelling deer and similar animals from forbidden site is invented. In addition to cheating ability, the dummy also equipped with sensor for detecting approaching animals and capable of triggering actions such as spreading water toward approaching animals, generating ultra-sound to scare them and even making a gunshot sound to repel them. By combining cheating and scaring functions, the repelling effect is expected to be much better than those devices using only sprinkling water or ultra-sound repelling alone. The cheating dummy is user decoratable by dressing with customized outfits for decoration or increasing cheating ability.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device and method for removing ash from an interior surface of a radiant synthesis gas cooler. The device for removing ash includes a rapper actuator, a striker pin coupled to the rapper actuator including a proximal end and a distal end, and a striker target assembly disposed such that a proximal surface of the striker target assembly is in contact with the distal end of the striker pin and a distal surface is in contact with the surface of the radiant synthesis gas cooler.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an Atkinson cycle engine having at least one cylinder, a crankshaft, and an air intake system that provides selective fluid communication between the at least one cylinder and the atmosphere. A motor is in hybrid combination with the engine, and a compressor is configured to selectively pressurize air in the air intake system. The powertrain provides the fuel efficiency of an Atkinson cycle engine while compensating for the reduced torque output of an Atkinson cycle engine.

Abstract: A breather device disposed in a timing-gear chamber of an engine includes an oil separator rotatable with a camshaft, and a tubular breather housing that removes the oil mist by working in cooperation with the oil separator. The oil separator has a plurality of fins arranged annularly around an axis line of the camshaft at fixed intervals. The tubular breather housing has openings in a periphery wall thereof and surrounds the oil separator.

Abstract: A disc valve system for a piston driven internal combustion engine. The disc valve system comprises at least one rotating disc valve and an intermediate seal member. The disc is mounted between a cylinder head manifold having exhaust and intake ports and an engine cylinder housing the piston and defining a combustion chamber. The disc comprising sequencing ports to be brought into periodic communication with the exhaust and intake ports at cyclic intervals of the rotating movement thereof, thereby providing for the exhaust and intake ports to be brought into periodic communication with the combustion chamber. The intermediate seal member is mounting between the disc and the cylinder so as to seal the combustion chamber at a junction of the disc and the cylinder. The intermediate seal member comprising a dynamic seal for contact with the disc and a stationary seal for sealing contact with the engine cylinder.

Abstract: A finger lever of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said finger lever comprising two side walls that are connected to each other by a crossbeam that acts through an underside at one end on at least one gas exchange valve and is mounted at a further end through a concave cavity on a head of a support element, a clip through which the finger lever is fixed in position on said head for displacement in a direction of pivot being applied to said further end, wherein a central section of the clip made of flat material is supported at the further end on the underside of the crossbeam and comprises an opening under the cavity, the head of the support element being retained behind an edge of said opening, each side wall being surrounded on an outer surface by a tab-like extension that starts laterally from the central section and is snapped at an end onto one of an upper side or a support surface substantially parallel to the upper side, so that the end of the extension engages over more than at least on

Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine of a hybrid-electric vehicle having a controller, the engine having a plurality of cylinders, each with at least an intake and exhaust valve, each of which may be held in a position for a cycle of a cylinder, the method comprising of deactivating a plurality of cylinders in said engine in response to a signal from the controller of the hybrid-electric vehicle by mechanically deactivating valves in each cylinder of the engine, the deactivation in response to a request from the controller of the hybrid-electric vehicle and to reduce a number of operating valves in each cylinder of the engine.