Abstract: A device for controlling the operating state of a system for the automatic starting/stopping of a heat engine of a vehicle. The invention is characterised in that the device comprises at least one operating state indicator (F1, F2) which is associated with an operating mode of the system and which can adopt a first position (B1, P1) in an operating mode inhibition state, a second position (B2, P2) in an operating mode activation state and a third position (B3, P3) in an operating mode intermediate state.

Abstract: An engine assembly including a piston for rectilinear reciprocation within a cylinder. Rectilinear reciprocation of the piston allows for a sealing off of a fuel chamber such that fuel may be maintained and delivered to a combustion chamber independent of any lubrication oil to be employed at the interface of the piston and an inner wall of the cylinder. Additionally, the piston may be considered self-lubricating or monolithic in nature due to the presence of passageways for transferring engine fluids therethrough.

Abstract: A double-layer lubrication coating composition is made up of an upper-layer coating composition and a lower-layer coating composition. The upper-layer coating composition is made up of 5o to 70 wt % of an epoxy resin or a polyamide-imide resin, 5 to 20 wt % of boron nitride, and 15 to 30 wt % of silicone nitride or alumina. The lower-layer coating composition is made up of 50 to 70 wt % of an epoxy resin or a polyamide-imide resin, 15 to 30 wt % of polytetrafluoroethylene and 5 to 20 wt % of molybdenum disulfide and may include graphite as required.

Abstract: In an engine, blow-by is substantially eliminated and friction is significantly reduced using one or more combinations of non-metallic rings. By substantially eliminating blow-by and by reducing friction, certain engine parameters may be changed. In addition, by substantially eliminating blow-by and by reducing friction, pollution may be reduced, fuel economy may be increased and power may be increased.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided having an accessory drive system. A high-pressure fuel pump assembly is mounted with respect to the engine and driven by the accessory drive system. Additionally, the internal combustion engine includes an engine block and at least one cylinder head mounted thereto. The engine block and the at least one cylinder head delineate a plane. The high-pressure fuel pump assembly includes a high-pressure fuel pump that is mounted substantially behind the plane. The high-pressure fuel pump is driven by a drive shaft which is configured to collapse and/or telescope in the presence of an axial force of sufficient magnitude.

Abstract: An oil filter mounting structure in an internal combustion engine in which the outside a crankcase in the direction of a crankshaft is covered by a case cover. A spacer is interposed between the crankcase and the case cover. The spacer is formed with a lubrication system. An oil filter is mounted to an oil filter mounting surface of the spacer which is flush with a mating surface with respect to the crankcase. A part of the crankcase to which the oil filter mounting surface of the spacer faces is formed with a recess opening on top to which the oil filter is mounted. The resulting configuration provides an oil filter mounting structure in which an oil filter is reliably protected from stones. Further, oil channels are shortened to achieve a compact light-weight internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A headed piece having a crown defining an opening into which a wearer's head can be directed and a brim/bill projecting away from the crown. The crown has an inside surface for engaging a wearer's head, directed into the opening, to thereby maintain the headed piece in an operative position upon the wearer's head. The crown and brim/bill further have an exposed outside surface to which ornamentation is applied. The ornamentation includes bullion wire that is applied to the exposed outside surface so as to define at least a part of a viewable component that consists of at least one of: a) a scene; b) a logo; c) a design; d) a word; e) a letter; and f) a depiction of a: i) person; ii) place; and/or iii) thing.

Abstract: A method of substantially removing, or reducing the occurrence of, injector deposits in a diesel engine operated using a diesel fuel containing a minor amount of a metal-containing species is disclosed. The method comprises adding to the diesel fuel a salt formed by the reaction of a carboxylic acid with di-n-butylamine or tri-n-butylamine, wherein the diesel engine is equipped with fuel injectors having a plurality of spray-holes, each spray-hole having an inlet and an outlet, and wherein the fuel injectors have one or more of the following characteristics: (i) spray-holes which are tapered such that the inlet diameter of the spray-holes is eater than the outlet diameter; (ii) spray-holes having an outlet diameter of 0.10 mm or less; (iii) spray-holes where an inner edge of the inlet is rounded; (iv) 6 or more spray-holes; (v) an operating tip temperature in excess of 250° C.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine including at least one cylinder and a piston disposed within the cylinder, the method comprising during a first condition, injecting fuel into the cylinder and subsequently operating the piston to perform one compression stroke before combusting the injected fuel, and during a second condition, injecting fuel into the cylinder and subsequently operating the piston to perform at least two compression strokes before combusting the injected fuel.

Abstract: A fuel injection method for internal combustion engines with gasoline direct fuel injection systems comprises receiving a crankshaft position signal from a crankshaft position sensor. A position of a crankshaft is determined from the crankshaft position signal. Fuel is commanded at a first rate when the position of the crankshaft is within a first selectable range during a combustion cycle of an engine cylinder and fuel is commanded at a second rate when the position of the crankshaft is within a second selectable range during the combustion cycle of the engine cylinder.

Abstract: A method for improving engine starting for an engine having a variable event valvetrain is described. According to one aspect of the description, valve timing is adjusted during a start to reduce engine emissions and fuel consumption.

Abstract: Fuel management system for efficient operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder of the engine. A fuel management microprocessor system controls injection of the anti-knock agent so as to control knock and minimize that amount of the anti-knock agent that is used in a drive cycle. It is preferred that the anti-knock agent is ethanol. The use of ethanol can be further minimized by injection in a non-uniform manner within a cylinder. The ethanol injection suppresses knock so that higher compression ratio and/or engine downsizing from increased turbocharging or supercharging can be used to increase the efficiency of the engine.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a throttle of a vehicle during a virtual bumper event is provided. The system includes: an enable module that selectively enables torque reduction based on at least one of a torque reduction request and an object detection signal; a throttle override module that overrides a pedal request by commanding a throttle position to reduce torque when the torque reduction is enabled; and a throttle learn module that commands the throttle position to gradually increase torque based on a position indicated by the pedal request when torque reduction is no longer enabled.

Abstract: During a process of increasing the throttle opening when the accelerator pedal is depressed while the vehicle is in a decelerating condition, first throttle opening holding control for holding the throttle opening substantially constant is performed. During the process of increasing the throttle opening after the first throttle opening holding control is finished, second throttle opening holding control for holding the throttle opening substantially constant again is performed.

Abstract: A method for controlling spark timing in an internal combustion engine. The method includes determining, in response to a knock sensor mounted to the engine, a spark offset to the scheduled spark timing for the engine at relatively low engine speed which is applied to the scheduled spark timing at relatively high engine speeds. This offset is applied in conjunction with a time-varying spark retardation bias. The offset is removed at a rate proportional to the time varying spark retard bias. The bias increases if either a relatively large torque is demanded from the engine or the engine is at the relatively high speed and relatively high air charge condition; otherwise, the bias is decreased with time.

Abstract: In order that the acceleration mode hydrogen adding rate “RAcc” used during acceleration increases above the hydrogen adding base rate “RBase” predefined according to a particular operating state, the acceleration mode hydrogen adding rate “RAcc” is set to be the value obtained by adding the hydrogen adding base rate “RBase” and an acceleration incremental value “a”. During acceleration, at least hydrogen is supplied on the basis of the acceleration mode hydrogen adding rate “RAcc”.

Abstract: A fuel injection start timing is determined based on the engine revolution or the engine load, and a common rail pressure is detected simultaneous to this fuel injection start timing. The fuel injection duration is then calculated based on the detected value of the common rail pressure. By doing this, it is possible to obtain a fuel injection duration that is suited for the common rail pressure at the actual fuel injection start time, resulting in an appropriate injection amount.

Abstract: A vapor separator tank for which the separate connection to a canister is not necessary. The inside of a chassis, made of resin, of the vapor separator tank is divided by a wall into a fuel accumulating chamber and a canister chamber. A communication passage is integrally provided on the upper lid of the chassis, and the communication passage communicates the fuel accumulating chamber with the canister chamber. A check valve is provided in the communication passage at the portion thereof connecting to the fuel accumulating chamber. Fuel is supplied from a fuel tank to the fuel accumulating chamber, and when the pressure of evaporated gas in the fuel accumulating chamber reaches a prescribed value, the check valve opens, and the evaporated gas is ejected to the canister chamber. A first outlet connected to an intake pipe of an engine is provided on the uppermost surface of the canister chamber.

Abstract: A fuel vapor generator disposed in the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The vapor generator enriches air passing through the manifold to the individual cylinders to enhance engine starting capability, especially at low ambient temperatures. A dedicated fuel injector dispenses atomized fuel onto the surface of an electrically-heated element spaced apart from the nozzle of the fuel injector. The element is positioned within the manifold such that evaporated fuel is immediately swept from the generator by intake air and mixed with air in the manifold. In one aspect of the invention, the location for the heating element is immediately downstream of the manifold air intake throttle valve. The invention is especially useful for spark-ignited engines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a diesel engine for running on alternative fuels in which the a fuel heater is attached to the stock filter mount and the stock fuel-in and stock fuel-out lines of the stock filter mount carry fuel into the fuel heater and out of it.

Abstract: A fuel injector for heating fuel to be injected into an internal combustion engine. A cylindrical barrel extends between a solenoid and an injection tip for passage of fuel. The outer surface of the barrel supports a suitable circuit pattern formed of an electrically resistive material for generating heat which is passed through the wall of the barrel to warm the fuel which may be stationary or flowing. The electrically resistive material has a positive thermal coefficient, permitting voltage to be applied continuously across the heater causing a current to flow through the heater, the current being inversely proportional to the temperature of the heater. Thus, the heater is self-regulating, the current automatically increasing under cold conditions and diminishing as the fuel injector warms up after starting of the engine. Desirably, the heater is outside both the engine firing chamber and the flow path of the fuel.

Abstract: A positive displacement supercharger includes a housing defining a rotor cavity with a pair of positive displacement rotors operative to carry air axially from an inlet end to an outlet in the cavity wall near an outlet end of the cavity. The outlet communicates with an outlet plenum partially defined by the cavity wall. The cavity wall includes a stiff portion defining a plurality of lightening recesses, such as a waffle pattern, limiting distortion of the wall by pulsations in the plenum. The recesses may be time and cost efficiently converted to Helmholtz tuners by covering the recesses with a cover plate, which may be perforated to include at least one tuning opening (perforation) into each tuning chamber (recess) and forming tuning volumes of the tuning chambers and their associated tuning openings effective to attenuate selected frequencies of pulsations in the plenum and thereby reduce undesired noise emanating from the air system of the supercharger.

Abstract: A positive displacement supercharger includes a housing having a rotor cavity. A pair of positive displacement rotors carry air from an inlet end to an outlet end of the cavity. A gear case adjacent the rotor cavity drives the rotors. The gear case includes an external surface, and an internal end surface facing the rotor cavity. Heat passing from compressed air in the cavity through the internal surface to the gear case oil is at least partially removed by ambient cooling air blown against the external surface of the gear case by a cooling fan. The fan is driven by a rotor drive member and directs the cooling air against the gear case external surface so that the cooling airflow varies with supercharger rotor speed. The fan may have blades extending radially from the drive member axis and may be mounted on a drive pulley or an associated drive shaft.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle, comprising of a diesel engine having an intake system and an exhaust system, a first EGR loop coupled between said intake system and said exhaust system and having a first valve and a first cooler located therein, a second EGR loop coupled between said intake system and said exhaust system and having a second valve and a second cooler located therein, and a control system operating the first and second valves in a first condition where both valves provide EGR flow to the engine, and at least temporarily increasing flow in the first EGR loop and decreasing flow in the second EGR loop when EGR flow is decreased to a condition where buildup in one of said coolers is increased.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine is provided. The engine may include a housing having a combustion chamber, a piston disposed adjacent the combustion chamber, a crankshaft connected to the piston, an intake valve associated with the combustion chamber, and an exhaust valve associated with the combustion chamber. The method may also include opening the intake valve after a power stroke of the piston begins and closing the intake valve before the exhaust stroke ends. Furthermore, the method may include causing the exhaust valve to be open for part of an intake stroke of the piston and closing the exhaust valve at least about 30 degrees of crankshaft rotation after the intake stroke begins.

Abstract: A fuel selection device is provided for allowing a user to connect the cylinders of an internal combustion engine to a user-selected fuel source. The fuel selection device includes a housing that defines a cavity for receiving a moveable selector therein. The selector defining first, second, third and fourth flow paths. The first and second flow paths are used for flowing a first type (e.g., natural gas) of fuel from a fuel source to the cylinders of the engine. The second and fourth flow paths are used for flowing a second type of fuel (e.g., liquid propane vapor) from a fuel source to the cylinder. The selector is movable between a first position wherein first and second cylinders communicate with the first and second flow paths, respectively, and a second position wherein the first and second cylinders communicate with the second flow path and fourth flow paths, respectively.

Abstract: Fuel management system for enhanced operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder. It is preferred that the direct injection occur after the inlet valve is closed. It is also preferred that stoichiometric operation with a three way catalyst be used to minimize emissions. In addition, it is also preferred that the anti-knock agents have a heat of vaporization per unit of combustion energy that is at least three times that of gasoline.

Abstract: An engine assembly including a piston for rectilinear reciprocation within a cylinder. Rectilinear reciprocation of the piston allows for a sealing off of a fuel chamber such that fuel may be maintained and delivered to a combustion chamber independent of any lubrication oil to be employed at the interface of the piston and an inner wall of the cylinder. Additionally, the piston may be considered self-lubricating or monolithic in nature due to the presence of passageways for transferring engine fluids therethrough.

Abstract: A trigger assembly has a housing, a trigger, a string holder, a bowstring catch biasing member, a safety pin, a safety lock, a pushing arm, a block, a block biasing member and a string stop. The housing has a mouth. The trigger has a trigger element and an actuating lever combined with the trigger element by dovetailed recess and protrusion. The bowstring catch has a string hook and a leg selectively engaging the hook on the actuating lever. The safety pin is moveably mounted in the housing and is supported on the actuating lever. The safety lock is moveably mounted in the housing and has a push rod. The pushing arm has a protrusion abutting the push rod. The block has a transverse rod selectively engaging the front end of the pushing arm. Accordingly, a trigger assembly with two safety features is provided.

Abstract: A compact paintball marker having an internal paintball holding mechanism, internal compressed gas holding mechanism and distributed striker mechanism. The strike mechanism is divided between two compartments with the striker in a proximal compartment and a biasing mechanism in the distal compartment. The striker is coupled to the biasing mechanism by a striker shaft that may be disposed at least partially external to the housing of the marker.

Abstract: A dust collector is provided for use with a SLAB saw, especially suited for dry-cutting a channel within pavement or similar exterior surface. The collector includes telescoping upper and lower housings, an open front and lower base to receive a portion of a circular saw into the interior of the housing, and an exhaust outlet, for attaching to a vacuum duct, so as to exhaust dust-laden air from the interior of the housing. The housing includes a pivot mount, pivotally mounting the unit to a slab saw. Also provided is a system, including the dust collector with a circular saw and optionally a vacuum source and dust filter unit or units. Also provided is a method for dry-cutting a trench or channel within pavement or similar hard outside surface, which is particularly suitable for laying of cable such as fiber optic cable. The method may include the step of cutting through the pavement into the underlying hard-packed substrate.

Abstract: A portable pellet fired heating element for mounting to a grill or stove and comprising a gravity fed pellet holder, a unitary tubular structure having a burner, an air intake and an exhaust chute. Fuel may be supplied to the pellet holder by various supply means such as a conveyer, ramp, scooped, held in bulk in a hopper, and like pellet supply structures and methods. Fuel is fed to the air-cooled insulated burner area onto a decomposer grate, which defines the primary combustion area and which is partially open to the atmosphere for air intake. An adjustable high-pressure flow of gas or vapor is introduced to the primary exhaust chute below the decomposer grate to create a low pressure flow above the grate and which upon ignition, cause flames to be pulled into the pellet mass on the grate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooking apparatus that includes a bottom portion for containing a heat source. The bottom has walls defining an upward-facing opening for supporting a food-supporting surface. A top is movable between an open position allowing access to the food-supporting surface and a closed position cooperating with the bottom to define an interior volume. The top includes an inner heat-retaining layer and an outer layer spaced-apart from the inner layer. The outer layer of the top has apertures formed therein for allowing a convection flow of heat-dissipating air between the outer and inner layers of the top to cool the outer layer.

Abstract: A griddle is disclosed. The griddle comprises a coating on a bottom surface to improve heat transfer performance of the griddle.

Abstract: A solar air heating system for a building having a vertical, south-facing wall. The system has a perforated panel covering the wall. Vertical frame members fasten the panel to the wall to space the panel a short distance away from the wall and to form an air channel between the wall and panel. There is an air collecting space at the bottom of the channel, adjacent the wall. An air inlet in the wall connects the air collecting space to the interior of the building. A fan in the inlet draws outside air into the channel through the perforations in the panel, from the channel into the air collecting space, and from the air collecting space into the building through the air inlet.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system includes a solar concentrator operative to direct a concentrated solar beam onto a solar receptor. A shutter plate is positioned between the solar concentrator and the solar receptor and is movable from an open position adjacent to the solar beam, to a closed position wherein at least a portion of the solar beam contacts a front face of the shutter plate and is blocked from contacting the receptor. A cooling circuit is operative to circulate a cooling fluid to remove heat from the shutter plate. A shutter drive is operative to move the at least one shutter plate from the open position to the closed position, and a shutter control is operative to stop movement of the shutter plate at a plurality of locations between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an installation for improving isolation and extraction of constituents from sugar beets (Beta vulgaris).

Abstract: The invention relates to removing crystallization inhibitors from a solution comprising one or more reducing sugars by nanofiltration, hydrolysis and/or chromatography. The reducing sugars are typically selected from fructose and xylose.

Abstract: “AIR CHAMBER FOR APPLYING AEROSOL DRUGS WITH GEOMETRIC VALVE” particularly an air chamber (A) indicated for aerosol drug application that stands out for having a geometric valve (1) of variable cross-section, optimized constructive layout consisting of two parts (2), forming an aerosol deceleration sub-chamber (3) and another mix sub-chamber (4), in addition to a sealed compartment (C) for receiving the aerosol container (5) run by a driving shield (6) coupled to the main assembly.

Abstract: The inhalation therapy device comprises an aerosol generator (2) and a mixing chamber (3). The introduction of ambient air is achieved by means of supply channels (9) under the control of an inspiration valve (20), including an aerosol passage (22), a region with inspiration air through openings (23) and a valve element (21). The aerosol passage (22) surrounds the membrane (6) of the aerosol generator (2), whereby a front face edge (22a) of the tubular aerosol passage (22) lies along a sealing line (20a) on a surface of the aerosol generator (2).

Abstract: A nebulized fluid, generated by vibrating an aerosolization element, is introduced into a breathing circuit during a certain interval of a patient's breathing cycle. In some embodiments, the fluid comprises an antibiotic that is selected to treat a pulmonary infection resulting from mechanical ventilation.

Abstract: An inhaler (1) for dispensing doses of medicament from a container under user activation said inhaling which comprises a body (7) which includes a mouthpiece (5) through which the medicament is dispensed and a cap (2) which can be place in a position to substantially occlude the mouthpiece (5). The cap (2) is attached to said body (7) by a strap (3) which pivots from said body (7), said cap (2) being arranged to slide on the strap (3) such that the cap (2) must translate away from the mouthpiece (5) prior to the pivoting of the strap (3).

Abstract: Inhaler device (10) comprising an actuator body (20) and an inhaler canister assembly (70), the inhaler canister assembly (70) is comprised of a canister (30) with a metering valve at a valve end and a dose counter unit (60) attached to a base end thereof. Further, the inhaler canister assembly (70) comprises first position ensuring means (110, 230), the actuator body comprises second position ensuring means (120,210), wherein the first and second position ensuring means being complementary mating means, and the first and second position ensuring means being so arranged that the inhaler device (10) cannot be fired, nor the counter unit (60) count unless the first and second position ensuring means are in a mating relationship. There is also provided an inhaler canister assembly (70) and an actuator body (20).

Abstract: The need for the delivery of insulin by injection can be reduced or eliminated by delivering aerosolized insulin. Repeatability of dosing is obtainable by using either regular human insulin or monomeric or analog insulin. When delivering insulin (not monomeric) by inhalation, the total inhaled volume should be about the same at each delivery to obtain repeatable results, preferably a high volume is used, but a consistent low volume can be used as well. The patient can be coached by teaching to inhale a given amount of air and can also be coached by teaching to inhale at a given flow rate. Further, the rate at which blood glucose is lowered is increased by the use of monomeric insulin. Particles of insulin and monomeric insulin delivered to the surface of lung tissue will be absorbed into the circulatory system. A dry powder or a liquid insulin formulation is delivered to the patient from a mechanical or electronic hand-held, self-contained device.

Abstract: Dry powder pharmaceutical compositions having improved stability comprising a bronchodilator drug in combination with a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, dry powder inhalers comprising the same and their use in the treatment of respiratory disorders by inhalation.

Abstract: A method of operating a ventilator assembly having inhalation and exhalation passages communicating with one another, and a respiration assembly that can perform repetitive respiratory cycles. The method includes (a) connecting the conduit with an open end of an endotracheal tube positioned within the trachea so that the open end leads into the airway below the vocal cords, (b) repetitively cycling the respiration assembly so that during the inhalation phase, gas in the inhalation passage flows through the endotracheal tube and into the airway, and during the exhalation phase, an exhalation valve is maintained relatively closed and the exhaled gases flow pass the vocal cords and out of the mouth thereby facilitating the patient's ability to speak, and (c) monitoring ring the pressure within at least one of the passages during both phases for determining the pressure within the patient for use in operating the ventilator assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods delivering a breathing gas are provided. The methods include, for example, generating a first pressure level of breathing gas, increasing the pressure level of the breathing gas from the first pressure level to a second pressure level over a duration greater than one night's sleep, and maintaining the second pressure level over a duration of at least one night's sleep.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical mask includes a rigid sealing portion configured to cover and seal around at least a portion of a user's nose including the user's nostrils and a rigid stabilizing frame coupled to the rigid sealing portion. The rigid stabilizing frame includes a generally horizontal upper support member configured to bear against the user's forehead, a generally vertical support member coupled between the rigid sealing portion and the upper support member, and lower left and right support members coupled between the rigid sealing portion and the upper support member and configured to bear against the user's cheeks. The rigid stabilizing frame defines two openings configured to allow the user to see through the medical mask when the medical mask is positioned on the user's face.

Abstract: An air delivery system for providing a supply of air from a source of air at positive pressure to an interfacing structure located at the entrance to the airways of a patient includes a manifold adapted to connect with the supply of positive air pressure and at least one tube connected to the manifold and adapted to deliver the supply of air to the interfacing structure. Each tube is structured to allow movement between an open phase in which the tube allows the passage of air and a collapsed phase in which the tube is collapsed. Each tube is structured such that weight of a typical patient's head against bedding apparel is sufficient to collapse the tube from the open phase to the collapsed phase.

Abstract: A patient interface is described which is reduces the pressure of the mask on the users face. The patient interface has a sealing interface having an inner sealing member and an outer sealing member. The inner and outer sealing members are adapted to seal around the facial contours of a user providing a sealed fluid communication to the user's respiratory tract. The inner and outer sealing members are at least continuously in contact with each other around the portions where the sealing interface contacts the users facial contours. The inner sealing member may be provided with cut outs to provide additional flexibility to particular areas, such as the nasal bridge, upper lip or cheek regions and may be provided with a contoured edge to better fit the facial contours of a user.