Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, an actuator for driving a control shaft of a variable valve-operating mechanism is disposed in a space surrounded by a cylinder head having a plurality of intake ports, an intake manifold having a plurality of branch pipes connected to the intake ports, and a throttle body disposed at one end in a direction of arrangement of the branch pipes. Thus, the actuator can be disposed by effectively utilizing such an unused space surrounded by the cylinder head, the intake manifold and the throttle body, thereby reducing the entire length and the entire height of the internal combustion engine including the actuator.

Abstract: Novel rotary valve assemblies and valve components for use with an internal combustion engine are disclosed. Valve seal assembly anchors are also described. Selected valve port geometries and axial adjustment for variable valve area for desired engine efficiency and performance are described. Novel seal assemblies and arrangements for sealing and heat transfer are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement of a timing case cover on a reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine, having an engine block (ZKG), a crankshaft pivot-mounted in the engine block, an oil pan which tightly seals the engine block to the bottom, and a timing case cover which is located on the engine block on the front side, which adjoins the engine block via a second, end-side sealing surface, and which has a through opening to rout out the drive torque of the crankshaft for an accessory drive. To achieve reliable sealing and a short structure of the internal combustion engine, the sealing surface of the timing case cover or timing case covers, examined in a side view, is made to run obliquely down to the inside such that on the engine block-side a timing case chamber which decreases in its depth downward is formed.

Abstract: An engine for a vehicle including a crankcase having a crank room and a transmission room partitioned from the crank room by a partition wall, the transmission room housing a gear transmission having a gear train for backward movement and reserving oil of the engine. The gear train has a reverse drive gear provided on an input shaft of the gear transmission, a reverse driven gear provided on an output shaft of the gear transmission, and a reverse idle gear provided on a reverse idle shaft so as to be coupled with the reserve drive gear and the reserve driven gear. The input shaft and the reverse idle shaft are arranged so as to be divided into the upper side and the lower side of a reference line connecting an axis of the crankshaft and an axis of the output shaft. The reverse idle gear is arranged in a space surrounded by the reverse drive gear, the reverse driven gear and the partition wall.

Abstract: There is described a method and an installation for lubricating cylinder surfaces 6 in large diesel engines. The installation includes a lubricating apparatus 3 with a number of piston pumps 4 which via connecting lines 5 are connected with lubricating points 6 in the cylinder walls 7. In order to enable electronically controlled regulation of the lubricating oil portion, there is provided an electronic control unit 9 which is connected with a flow regulator 8. The flow regulator includes redirecting valves 12 which are inserted in connecting lines 5 between the lubricating apparatus 3 and the lubricating points 6.

Abstract: A method of transitioning a cylinder of an engine from a spark ignition mode to a homogeneous charge compression ignition mode, the cylinder having at least one electrically actuated intake valve and at least one exhaust valve, the method comprising of before a transition, operating the cylinder with at least some overlap between an opening event of the intake valve and an opening event of the exhaust valve in the spark ignition mode; in response to a transition request, operating the cylinder with at least some negative overlap between an opening event of the intake valve and an opening event of the exhaust valve, retarding the intake valve opening and closing timing by different amounts and retarding ignition timing; and further increasing negative overlap and performing the homogeneous charge compression ignition mode.

Abstract: A fuel composition containing a major amount of a fuel for an internal combustion engine and a minor amount of a fuel-compatible dendrimer containing from 4 to 64 terminal functional groups independently selected from amino, hydroxyl and carboxylate groups is disclosed. The use of such compositions as fuel in an internal combustion engine for controlling combustion chamber deposits is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine having at least one cylinder during a homogeneous charge compression ignition is provided. The method comprises: directing a first air stream to the cylinder via a first throttle; directing a second, separate, air stream to the cylinder via a second throttle, said first stream at a higher temperature than said second air stream; regulating a total air flow of a mixture of the first and second streams to a desired value by varying both openings of the first throttle and the second throttle in a same direction; and adjusting compression ignition combustion timing by increasing an opening of one throttle and decreasing an opening of the other throttle.

Abstract: A fuel control system for a cylinder direct injection internal combustion engine. A predetermined portion of the fuel spray is appropriately ignited regardless of the correction of the ignition timing, thereby always securing stable, satisfactory combustion. In the case where the ignition timing is corrected, the fuel injection timing is corrected in accordance with the ignition timing correction amount. The fuel injection timing is corrected also with the change in the internal cylinder pressure and the fuel injection velocity taking the intake pipe pressure and the fuel pressure into account, thereby maintaining the required ignition point of the fuel spray.

Abstract: An idle air control valve for a vehicle includes a housing (21), a motor (32) disposed in the housing, a shaft (29) associated with the motor, and a bellows assembly (30) including a bellows structure (10) having a first end defining a base (14), a second, opened end (16), and a bellows (18) between the first and second ends. An annular rim member (28) is associated with the second opened end. A pintle (24) has surfaces defining an annular groove (26) therein. The annular rim member (28) is received, in press-fit engagement, in the annular groove (26). The base (14) is in press-fit engagement with a recess (22) in the housing and the pintle (24) is coupled with an end of the shaft, such that the bellows structure together with the pintle surround the shaft and provide a barrier substantially preventing contaminants from entering the motor.

Abstract: When a throttle is fully open, a maximum torque set value is corrected based on the ratio between the maximum air volume set value under fully-open throttle conditions and the actual maximum air volume detected by an intake air volume meter such as an air flow sensor. Based on the corrected maximum torque set value, both the relation between the degree of accelerator opening and target torque and the relation between the target torque (target air volume) and the degree target throttle opening are corrected.

Abstract: A fuel-injection system (1, 1?, 1?) for an internal-combustion engine (2), of the type provided with compressor mechanism (4) for making available the fuel at a high pressure to an storage volume (7), and a plurality of injectors (8, 8?) fluidically connected to the storage volume (7) for taking in the fuel from the storage volume (7) and injecting it into respective combustion chambers (12) of the engine (2). The compressor mechanism (4) advantageously generates at least two distinct delivery lines (14), which are connected to respective distinct fractions (16) of the storage volume (7).

Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The fuel injector includes an injector housing having a longitudinal axis. The injector housing includes one or more fuel inlets, one or more fuel galleries annularly disposed about the longitudinal axis, and an air inlet. The fuel injector also includes a premix barrel having a proximal end and a distal end circumferentially disposed about the longitudinal axis. The premix barrel is fluidly coupled to the fuel galleries and the air inlet at the proximal end, and configured to mechanically couple to a combustor of the gas turbine engine at the distal end. The fuel injector also includes a pilot assembly disposed radially inwards of the premix barrel. The pilot assembly may include a first end and a second end. The second end is removably coupled to the injector housing, and the first end is proximate the distal end of the premix barrel. The pilot assembly is fluidly coupled to the fuel galleries, the air inlet, and the combustor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a diesel engine for running on alternative fuels in which the a combination filter and heater assembly is installed between the fuel supply and the engine including a heat exchanger portion having a path for fuel and for coolant in order to heat the fuel and a shell defining a filter space and arranged so that incoming fuel passes first through the heat exchanger into the shell, then through a filter in the shell, then back through the heat exchanger and then out to the engine. The shell has a lower portion in which impurities collect and can be drained off.

Abstract: A centrifugal supercharger includes a case presenting a compressor chamber and a transmission chamber. An impeller in the compressor chamber is mounted to a shaft that extends into the transmission chamber. The impeller shaft is drivingly connected to a power input shaft by intermeshing gears provided on the shafts. A portion of the transmission chamber defines a fluid reservoir in which lubrication fluid is held. The intermeshing gears, as well as the bearing assemblies supporting the shafts, are located outside the fluid reservoir portion of the transmission chamber. A rotatable fluid-propelling element partly submerged in the lubrication fluid contained within the reservoir portion ensures that sufficient but not excessive lubrication fluid is supplied to the intermeshing gears and the bearing assemblies. A dedicated lubricant reserve system ensures that the required operating level of fluid is provided to, and maintained in, the reservoir portion.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with a supercharger, there is provided a technique capable of quickly raising supercharging pressure. In the internal combustion engine with a supercharger which includes a communication passage 6 that connects between those portions of an exhaust passage 3 which are upstream and downstream of an exhaust gas turbine 4c of the supercharger 4, and a waste gate valve 7 that is arranged in said communication passage 6 so as to open from an upstream side of said communication passage 6 to a downstream side thereof, provision is made for a drive unit that applies a fixed force directed from the downstream side to the upstream side of said communication passage 6 to said waste gate valve 7. By applying the fixed force to the waste gate valve 7, said waste gate valve 7 is not opened until a differential pressure between the upstream and downstream sides of the waste gate valve 7 becomes larger than the fixed force, so the supercharging pressure rises smoothly.

Abstract: In a method of operating an internal combustion engine with a cylinder including a piston defining in the cylinder a combustion chamber, in particular a diesel internal combustion engine, with multiple direct fuel injections, the engine having a coolant circuit and an exhaust gas recirculation device, the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber in a pilot injection, a main injection and selectively a post-injection, while the internal combustion engine is operated in a heat-up phase as a function of the engine coolant temperature. During the heat-up phase, the center position of the combustion is retarded relative to a center position of the combustion in the normal engine operating mode, and in order to increase the heat transfer to the coolant circuit, the pilot injection is carried out in the form of at least two partial quantities, with the injection of the entire fuel quantity taking place in such a way that the center position of the combustion during the heat-up phase is after top dead center.

Abstract: A gasoline engine system includes a gasoline engine, a throttle valve for metering a supply of combustion gas fed to the engine, and a source of metered fuel injected into the combustion gas mixture. The throttle valve includes an inlet air supply line, a recirculating exhaust gas supply line, and an output line. Air entering through the inlet air supply line and exhaust gas entering though the recirculating exhaust gas supply line mix to create a combustion gas mixture of air, fuel and exhaust gas before exiting the output line. A body is actuatable to control a proportion of air versus recirculating exhaust gas in the combustion gas mixture.

Abstract: A ceramic engine cylinder assembly of a car comprises a cylinder and a piston. A layer of ceramic material is coated on an inner surface of the cylinder; similarly, a layer of ceramic material is coated on an outer surface of the piston. When the piston is moving in the inner surface of the cylinder reciprocately, which can produce better lubricating effects so as to reduce the friction resistance and increase the power of the engine.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system includes: a catalyst; an oxygen concentration sensor; an integral value calculation portion that calculates an integral value of a deviation updated by integrating the deviation between an output value from the oxygen concentration sensor and a reference value; an air-fuel ratio control portion that controls an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas entering the catalyst to be equal to a target air-fuel ratio; a target air-fuel ratio switching portion that sets a rich target air-fuel ratio when the output value has been inverted from rich to lean while sets a lean target air-fuel ratio when the output value has been inverted from lean to rich; and an integral value correction portion that corrects the integral value of the deviation when the air-fuel ratio is being controlled to a switched target air-fuel ratio, based on whether the next inversion takes place within a predetermined time period from the last inversion.

Abstract: Various components useful in the sport of target shooting are disclosed herein. These components include a mold assembly for fabrication of a frozen water-based skeet, a skeet design particularly suited for fabrication from a frozen water-based liquid, and a hand-held skeet thrower for manually launching skeet. These components have utility individually or maybe combined to form a kit.

Abstract: A firing assembly for a paintball gun has a dynamic piston assembly that moves forward relative to a stationary guide assembly as the gun is being fired. The piston assembly contains a compressed gas storage compartment located entirely within the piston assembly. As the gun fires, air from the gas storage compartment blows into a breech to propel the paintball forward from the breech.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards an apparatus and method for a securing device for securing a fuel tank to an outdoor gas grill. The invention helps ensure that the securing device will be used to secure the fuel tank in position within the grill to prevent unnecessary shifting or movement of the fuel tank. The securing device can include an extension arm adapted for being carried by the grill, at least one retaining member that defines a collar area for receiving the collar of a grill and a regulator receiving arm carried by the retaining members that defines a regulator area for allowing the device to place the fuel tank in a secured position without being hindered by the fuel line, collar, or regulator.

Abstract: There is provided a pelletized-biomass combustion device comprising: (a) an elongate upright combustion capsule; (b) a grate element disposed within and bisecting the combustion capsule, (i) the grate element having a first side and a second side and (ii) the grate element open to fluid communication between the first side and the second side; (c) a first combustion air inlet facing the first side of the grate; (d) a second combustion air inlet facing the second side of the grate; (e) a fuel-feed inlet; and (f) a flue-gas exhaust outlet. The combustion capsule can be formed of two mated components such as a chamber housing mated with a burn pot member, or instead it can be formed as a single unit such as the chamber housing bisected by the grate. In any event, the grate element has two sides, and there are two combustion air inlets, each facing opposite sides of the grate. The combustion device is preferably an induced-draft system wherein the exhaust fan is positioned at the distal end of the stove pipe.

Abstract: A baking oven and method for controlling the exhaust flow from a cooking chamber of the baking oven. The exhaust flow is discharged from the oven by a fan. The method includes increasing the speed of the fan and measuring the gas concentration of the cooking chamber during a first time interval. The gas concentration is measured using a gas sensor. At the beginning of the first time interval, an initial gas concentration is measured. During the first time interval a fan speed is selected at which the measured gas concentration varies from the initial gas concentration. The speed of the fan is set for a second time interval as a function of the selected fan speed from the first time interval.

Abstract: A combination gas grill, charcoal grill, and smoker having multiple cooking areas and multiple heat sources, where heat and/or smoke flow upwards and exits through a vent system. The covered grill area may act as a gas grill by sliding the gas burner tube drawer to the position directly under the grill area. Alternatively the covered grill area may act as a charcoal grill by sliding the gas burner tube drawer to the position away from the frill area, and placing coals on grates directly beneath the grill area. Alternatively the entire center area may be used as a smoker by sliding the gas burner tube drawer to the position away from the grill area and placing coals in the fire box.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-purpose grill in which one side has holes for the placement of vegetables, especially stuffed or non-stuffed jalapeno or bell peppers, such that when they are grilled or cooked, they do not slip or fall through the holes of various diameters. Such holes do not have smooth edges but jagged edges because the holes are specifically made with a plasma torch. These jagged edges claw in to the vegetables to keep them from falling through the holes, even as they shrink in size due to cooking. The other side of the grill is configured to hold skewers or to place other foods on the grill to cook. Because of the design of the grill, the foods, regardless of which side is used, are cooked evenly without burning or scorching the foods.

Abstract: A sun-tracking apparatus has a photo sensor. The apparatus can precisely track the sun. The apparatus uses two tracking modes for different conditions and weathers. By doing so, a maximum power efficiency is obtained.

Abstract: A method and Apparatus for solar energy storage system uses gas for thermal transport for central tower solar thermal electric power plant to provide high quality, low cost, and continuously electric power generation. The storage contains a number of storage modules that each module can store energy for a given period of time. The thermal energy from central tower charges the modules one by one during the sunny time, while the thermal electric power plant discharge the modules one by one as long as it works. A control and a connection valve system control and connect the charge and discharge modules with the central tower and the power plant according to pre-arranged sequences. Fans at the cool side of the storage system push the circulation gas into the central tower or the thermal storage modules. In the discharge system, the hot gas from storage system is send to the heat exchange system, and to generate steam and to super heat steam for the power plant.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system for use in generating electric power from solar energy is provided. The system is comprised of a solar energy collector (16), a lens (14), and a support structure (12) for supporting the lens. The lens is comprised of one or more shaped surfaces (300) configured for modifying a path of incident light. In this regard, the lens provides an optical path which is used to expose the solar energy collector to a source of solar radiation (116). As such, the lens is interposed between the solar energy collector and an anticipated location of a source of solar radiation. The support structure includes an inflatable chamber defining an interior volume within which a gas is constrained. The inflatable chamber is comprised of a non-porous membrane (114). According to an embodiment of the invention, the lens is supported in position by the non-porous membrane. According to another embodiment of the invention, the lens is comprised of a portion of the non-porous membrane.

Abstract: The solar heater apparatus disclosed comprises an inner container and an outer container each having an opening forming a mouth. The inner container is contained within the outer container and has on its outside surface a solar-selective coating optimized to absorb a large fraction of the incident solar radiation while reradiating little of the absorbed energy. The two containers are joined creating one unified apparatus with a reservoir, an opening and a void between the two containers. The void is evacuated to reduce the heat loss due to thermal conduction from the inner container and the contents of the reservoir. In operation, the reservoir is filled with material and exposed to the sun. The solar radiation from the sun penetrates the outer container and is absorbed by the solar-selective coating and, by conduction, passes thermal energy through the inner container into the apparatus reservoir heating the reservoir contents.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivery of a drug to the respiratory system of a patient where the drug is supplied at a positive pressure relative to atmospheric pressure are provided. In particular, the drugs are delivered to the respiratory system of a patient who is capable of unassisted breathing. With the systems and methods of the present disclosure, medication available in a variety of forms is introduced in a controlled fashion into the air stream in aerosol, nebulized, or vaporized form.

Abstract: An animal treatment enclosure which defines an enclosed space in which a species of animal has a location and which receives a fine mist entrained in a flow of gas which flowably engages a part of the species of animal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivery of a drug to the respiratory system of a patient are provided, where the drug is supplied in purified air at a positive pressure relative to atmospheric pressure. With the systems and methods of the present disclosure, medication available in a variety of forms is introduced in a controlled fashion into the purified air stream in aerosol, nebulized, or vaporized form.

Abstract: Inhaler device counter (20) for displaying the number of remaining doses in an inhaler device (10). The counter (20) comprises a counter mechanism and a display arrangement (60), wherein the display arrangement (60) is of pointer-gauge type with a static display section (90) provided as an integrated part of a transparent display containing part (150, 300) of a counter housing (70). There is also provided a method.

Abstract: An aerosol medication delivery apparatus includes a holding chamber having an input end and an output end and defining an interior space. The output end comprises an orifice having a cross-sectional area of less than about 60 mm2. In one preferred embodiment, the orifice has a circular cross-section. Preferably, the orifice has a diameter of between about 2.0 mm and about 7.50 mm. In one preferred embodiment, an inhalation and exhalation valve is located at the output end. A method of using the holding chamber is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of introducing a suspension or solution of a medicament, preferably mometasone furoate anhydrous, into a metered dose inhaler container, said container having a valve attached thereto, said method comprising the steps of introducing mometasone furoate anhydrous, a surfactant and a chlorofluorocarbon free propellant into a vessel that is held under pressure to form a suspension or solution, circulating said suspension or solution from the vessel through a line which includes a filling head, bringing said filling head into communication with said metered dose inhaler container through said valve of said metered dose inhaler container, introducing a quantity of such suspension or solution into the container from the filling head of the line through said valve of said metered dose inhaler container, withdrawing said filling head from said metered dose inhaler container, and sealing said metered dose inhaler container, as well as the products produced thereby having an improved particle size

Abstract: A gas exhaust system for a mask apparatus for use in a breathing assistance system may include a housing for supporting a cushion configured to provide a seal against a patient's face, the housing defining a housing opening, and a ball member secured in the housing opening such that the ball member may rotate relative to the housing. One or more exhaust passageways for communicating exhaust gas away from the patient may be defined between an outer surface of the ball member and the housing opening.

Abstract: Device and method for inserting an endotracheal tube or for replacing an endotracheal tube that already exists in the trachea with a new endotracheal tube. The device comprises a tubular structure effective for providing ventilation to the patient during replacement of the endotracheal tube. A stylet is provided having a taper section that gradually increases in diameter from the distal end thereby eliminating the difference in diameters between the tubular structure and the endotracheal tube and for facilitating entry of the new endotracheal tube into the trachea of the patient.

Abstract: A portable stand for supporting or holding a nebulizer mouthpiece.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring a condition of a breathing gas supply by illuminating optically distinct regions that are visible to a user, and by others in a common group, are provided. The breathing gas supply apparatus includes a sensor, processing circuitry, memory, a power supply, and a flexible light transmissive tube having a distributed light source. The sensor detects a condition of a breathing gas supply and generates an output signal correlated with the detected condition. The memory communicates with the processing circuitry and stores the output signal in memory. The flexible light transmissive tube communicates at a proximal end with the pressure sensor and at a distal end with the power supply. The distributed light source illuminates a plurality of optically distinct regions within the tube, where each illuminated region indicates the detected condition of the breathing gas supply within a predetermined value.

Abstract: A dispensing element of an anesthetic vaporizer is provided that can be manufactured in a simple manner and makes it possible to dispense anesthetic over a broad setting range. The dispensing element (11) includes two, longitudinally extending dispensing channels (14, 15), which are connected to one another in terms of flow by means of a connection channel (16). The gas flows from one of the dispensing channels (14) into the other dispensing channel (15) via the connection channel (16).

Abstract: A counter mechanism useable with a dry powder inhaler is disclosed. The mechanism features first and second indicator members rotatable about a central axis. The indicator members have counting indicia visible to indicate inhaler doses remaining or dispensed. A coupling transmits rotary motion from the inhaler to the second indicator member when the inhaler is charged with a dose. A slave wheel, rotatable about an axis offset from the central axis, has a drive transfer wheel on one face and a gear on an opposite face. The gear engages the second indicator member, the drive transfer wheel intermittently engages and rotates the first indicator member in response to rotary motion of the second indicator member.

Abstract: A respiratory gas treatment unit includes a humidifier with an induction water heating mechanism. A biocompatible heating target is placed in contact with humidifying liquid held in a humidifying vessel. A magnetic field is generated in close proximity to the heating target to generate heat in the target. The biocompatible heating target can be submerged within the humidifying liquid or can be formed by integrally molding ferromagnetic particles into a plastic wall or floor of the humidifying vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for automatically controlling a physiologic parameter of a patient. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention include delivering a gas mixture to the patient and monitoring at least one physiologic parameter of the patient, detecting whether a physiologic delay exists between delivering the gas mixture and detection of a corresponding response to delivering the gas mixture, and automatically controlling the delivery of the gas mixture based on whether the delay is detected and based on a value of the physiologic parameter.

Abstract: An air delivery system includes a controllable flow generator operable to generate a supply of pressurized breathable gas to be provided to a patient for treatment and a pulse oximeter configured to determine a measure of patient effort during a treatment period and provide a patient effort signal for input to control operation of the flow generator.

Abstract: A continuous high-frequency oscillation breathing device delivers therapy during both inhalation and exhalation in order to assist in clearing secretions from the lungs. A venturi patient interface circuit is combined with medicated aerosol to deliver continuous high-frequency oscillation therapy. Fixed open apertures in the patient interface circuit allow ingress and egress of flow, and are calibrated to allow exhalation and prevent stacking of successive breaths.

Abstract: An adjustable mask apparatus for use in a breathing assistance system may include a housing, an adjustment arm, and a locking member. The housing may support a cushion configured to provide a seal against a patient's face. The adjustment arm may include a first end configured for attachment to a head gear, and a second end rotatably coupled to the housing to allow rotation of the adjustment arm to adjust a distance between the first end of the adjustment arm and the patient's head. The locking member may be coupled to the housing and may be configured to secure the adjustment arm in one of a plurality of predetermined rotational positions, each predetermined rotational position comprising a rotational position of the adjustment arm with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A diversion device is provided for diverting breathing gas, which is laden with CO2, from a pressurized region of an arrangement that includes a breathing mask and serves for delivering a breathing gas at a pressure level that is above the ambient pressure. The device has a tubular stub structure which defines a breathing gas conduit that extends between an inlet cross section on the hose side and an outlet cross section on the mask side, and which is provided, in a region located between the inlet cross section and the outlet cross section, with an outflow orifice portion by way of which the breathing gas to be carried reaches the environment. In a region located between the outflow orifice portion and the outlet cross section on the mask side of the breathing gas conduit, a double-walled structure that surrounds the breathing gas conduit is embodied for sampling the breathing gas to be carried away from a mask interior, while largely circumventing the breathing gas conduit.

Abstract: A ports cap for a mask assembly includes two closure portions adapted to seal respective ports of the mask assembly, a bridge piece that joins the two closure portions, and two gripping tabs extending outwardly from respective closure portions. Each gripping tab includes one or more ribs on at least one side thereof.