Abstract: A farm apparatus for automatically planting seedlings that have been sown in growing trays configured with multiple rows of seedling growing cells. Trays may be of various dimensions and seedling configurations. The apparatus may be adjusted in the field to accommodate these different tray sizes and configurations and also provides for adjustment of the planted seedling configuration. The apparatus is drawn by a common farm tractor and is powered by the tractor. In operation the apparatus continuously moves over a growing field while individually extracting seedlings from the trays and planting them in the desired array.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a main frame, a retainer, a rocker arm assembly, a wire assembly, and a platform. The main frame contains therein a transmission mechanism. The retainer is mounted to the base of the main frame. The retainer defines a bore in which a first gear transmission assembly is received. A rocker arm retaining disk assembly is mounted on the bore. The rocker arm assembly includes a rocker arm body which forms a plurality of bent sections which is configured to have the thread engaging device opposing the main frame. The platform is mounted to the base of the main frame.

Abstract: A method and a device for protecting a vessel's loading space, the hold (1) of the vessel being provided with cargo pressure tanks (12), from excess pressure if a gas leakage should occur in the hold (1), the vessel being provided with a ventilating duct (8) which is separated in a gastight manner from the remaining rooms of the vessel and extends along the hold (1) of the vessel.

Abstract: Improvements to a cleaning assembly include a support for a rotating object, a rotary brush, an apparatus for manoeuvring a floating vessel and an arm arrangement for cleaning a surface. Thus, an inventive cleaning assembly is provided, the cleaning assembly comprising a submersible framework, and two arms of the aforementioned arrangement pivoted to the submersible framework at the opposite end of the arm to the brush and gimbal arrangement, the arms having a substantially horizontal rest position and pivoted to allow the arms to move to move the brush to clean both sides of a floating vessel.

Abstract: A method for preparing and assembling parts of a skin for a curved structure, and apparatus for use in connection therewith. A gantry may be used to carry cutting torches and welder heads along predetermined paths to cut skin plates accurately into skin parts and to weld the skin parts together again after they have been fastened to internal frame elements.

Abstract: A bicycle shift control device includes a shifter housing, a shift control mechanism and a bicycle light structure. The shift control mechanism is coupled to the shifter housing. The shift control mechanism is configured and arranged to control a bicycle transmission component. The bicycle light structure is coupled to the shifter housing. The bicycle light structure includes a bicycle location light that is arranged and configured to project light outwardly from the shifter housing at a location remote from a gear position indicator. Preferably, the bicycle light structure is also configured and arranged to illuminate the gear position indicator at a location remote from the light projecting outwardly from the shifter housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved flag display apparatus useful for displaying a selected portion of the front of the flag. The apparatus has a demonstrator with a first positioner at the first end of the demonstrator and a second positioner at the second end of the demonstrator. The first and second positioners can be cartridges containing selected lengths of adhesive material, or alternatively be made of high friction material. The demonstrator can be linearly and angularly adjustable. The apparatus can comprise a stabilizer for fixing the demonstrator relative to the pole. The stabilizer can comprise a string or other material that can wind around the pole to fix the demonstrator to the pole. Alternatively, the stabilizer can comprise a clamp or a string depending from the top clip of the pole.

Abstract: An overload indicator for a load supporting apparatus is arranged to bend during overloading of the apparatus, thereby visually indicating the overload to a user or observer. The indicator features a longitudinal member having a U-shaped cross section defining one central and two side portions. A series of slots extend into each side portion from a side opposite the central portion such that the member will bend concavely with respect to that side, moving opposite ends of the member closer together. The indicator is arranged to extend between connection points on a first member and a second load supporting member of the apparatus in order to bend in response to excessive loading of the second member. The bending moves the connection points of the two members closer together, thus bringing the load closer to the first member.

Abstract: A transformer-coupled plasma source using toroidal cores forms a plasma with a high-density of ions along the center axis of the torus. In one embodiment, cores of a plasma generator are stacked in a vertical alignment to enhance the directionality of the plasma and generation efficiency. In another embodiment, cores are arranged in a lateral array into a plasma generating plate that can be scaled to accommodate substrates of various sizes, including very large substrates. The symmetry of the plasma attained allows simultaneous processing of two substrates, one on either side of the plasma generator.

Abstract: A method of emptying a large container of e.g. 12000 litres for the storage of fish, such as shellfish, e.g. shrimps, said container being emptied through a pipe in the container, air being supplied simultaneously with the emptying. The air is expediently supplied through/near the bottom of the container via holes which are provided in a pattern, or via a pipe distribution system which is lowered into the container. By supplying the air to the container during emptying it is ensured that the pipe, through which the fish are discharged from the container, does not clog, and that the contents are discharged as a uniformly distributed mass.

Abstract: A waste extraction system (10) for an aquaculture tank (12) includes a first conduit (18) having a first end (20) and a distant second end, with a second conduit (22) disposed within the conduit (18). The second conduit (22) has a first end (24) which is co-terminus with the end (20) of the first conduit (18). A plate (26) extends transversely across the ends (20, 24) and laterally of the first conduit (18). An axial hole (28) is formed in the plate (26) to provide fluid communication with the second conduit (22), but the plate (26) otherwise closes off or seals the end (20) of the first conduit (18). Legs (30) are formed on an underside of the plate (26) to space the plate (26) from a bottom wall (16) of the tank (12). Apertures (34) are formed in the conduit (18) near its first end (20) to allow water to flow into a flow chamber (36) created between an inner surface of the conduit (18) and an outer surface of the conduit (22).

Abstract: A ventilated animal habitat in the form of a frame having at least one shelf supporting an animal enclosure with a ventilation control region including an ambient air inlet and exhaust air outlet and a ducting system also supported by the frame with an exhaust air collection chamber having a mouth abutting the enclosure around the exhaust air outlet to capture exiting habitat air drawn under negative pressure by a remote vacuum source and direct the captured air through a carry way duct while fresh ambient air is introduced into the enclosure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the risk that a thrown toy will injure an animal. The apparatus consists of a toy which when thrown bounces erratically, which compressively elastically deforms, which includes a soft fabric outer surface that compresses to absorb blows, and which can withstand being bitten or chewed by a dog.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for treating the beaks of poultry to prevent further growth by non-contact heating while protecting the birds' tongues. The birds' tongues are protected by providing pressure on underside of the lower beak of the bird, proximate the base of the lower beak.

Abstract: A condensation removal apparatus is disclosed. The condensation removal apparatus is used with a hot water heater wherein the hot water heater produces a fuel exhaust. The fuel exhaust from the hot water heater is provided to a draft inducer through an inlet which includes a thermally conductive plate having a hole through which the fuel exhaust flows. The draft inducer mixes ambient air with the fuel exhaust and reduces the temperature of the mixture as compared to the fuel exhaust. The mixture is directed to an outlet of the draft inducer and through piping into another environment. As the mixture cools, condensation forms within the piping. The condensation drips back down through the draft inducer. The condensation is then directed onto the thermally conductive plate. Since the thermally conductive plate maintains a high temperature, the condensation is turned from a liquid form into a gaseous form and is directed back through the draft inducer to the outlet.

Abstract: A gas engine electric power generating system in which an electric power generating apparatus including an electric power generator connected with a gas engine of a pilot fuel oil ignition type is installed near a coal mine. Recovered methane gas and ventilated methane gas from the mine are introduced into a cylinder of the gas engine while being adjusted to be introduced as a lean methane/air mixture to operate the engine to produce electric power. A carbon dioxide emission credit reflecting the difference in greenhouse effect index between releasing coal mine methane gas to the atmosphere and releasing the methane gas to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, is registered on an emission credit market. Also included are the affiliated systems of mutual patronage relation constituted by one or a plurality of the systems and nearby power generating system or systems using coal bed methane or pre-mining gas as fuel.

Abstract: An engine control device with a reverse control function including: reverse control means for performing reverse control including a process of excessively advancing an ignition position of an engine for reversing a rotational direction of the engine when a reverse switch is operated; and a light emitting display device that displays that the reverse control is performed, wherein the reverse control means further includes light emitting display device blinking means for blinking the light emitting display device when the reverse switch is once operated, and operating error preventing means for starting the reverse control when the reverse switch is again operated within a set time after the one operation of the reverse switch, and stopping the reverse control when the reverse switch is not again operated within the set time after the one operation of the reverse switch.

Abstract: A combustion engine according to the present invention has a unitary fan-pulley assembly (F), in which a cooling fan (8) and a starter pulley (9) are formed integrally with each other. The cooling fan (8) is fixed to a crankshaft (1). The pulley (9) receives a starting force when engaged with engagement pawls 14b integral with a recoil starter (14). A bracket (11) is fixedly mounted on the crankshaft (1) together with the unitary fan-pulley assembly (F) for urging engagement grooves (92), each defined between neighboring engagement projections (91) of the starter pulley (9), in an axial direction of the unitary fan-pulley assembly (F).

Abstract: To achieve improved cooling in a power unit, a first fan is coupled with an end of a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine to cool at least a cylinder of the internal combustion engine, and a second fan is coupled with another end of the crankshaft to cool at least the cylinder. The cylinder is cooled by the air supplied from the first fan and the second fan.

Abstract: The present invention features a rapid fire rapid response power conversion system comprising (a) a chamber having at least one fluid port configured to supply combustible fluid to the chamber, and an out-take port; (b) a compressor for supplying compressed combustible fuel to the chamber at a variable pressure to at least partially facilitate combustion therein; (c) a controller for initiating and controlling a combustion of the combustible fluid in a combustion portion of the chamber to generate energy; (d) a rapid response component in fluid communication with the chamber and situated adjacent the combustion portion of the chamber, wherein the rapid response component is configured to draw an optimized portion of the energy generated from the combustion and to convert this optimized portion of energy into kinetic energy; and (e) a dynamic mass structure situated between the rapid response component and an energy transfer component and allowing the rapid response component and the energy transfer component

Abstract: A two-stroke engine has a cylinder and a piston reciprocating in the cylinder and delimiting a combustion chamber. The piston has at least one piston recess. A crankshaft is rotatably arranged in a crankcase connected to the cylinder. A connecting rod connects piston and crankshaft. Transfer channels connect the crankcase to the combustion chamber in pre-defined piston positions. The transfer channels each have a transfer port opening into the combustion chamber. A device for supplying fuel and an air channel supplying combustion air are provided. In predetermined piston positions, the air channel is connected by the piston recess to the transfer ports. The air channel opens into the cylinder bore opposite the exhaust for the exhaust gases. The air channel, the piston recess, and the transfer channels define an air passage that provides approximately uniform distribution of air from the air channel into the transfer channels.

Abstract: A control device of a multicylinder internal combustion engine provided with a valve operating characteristic control means for controlling a valve operating characteristic of at least one of an intake valve and exhaust valve, which estimates an intake difference of cylinders and limits a control range of said valve operating characteristic in accordance with said estimated intake difference.

Abstract: A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine improve the response of the internal combustion engine and increase its torque. An exhaust valve of the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine is opened during a discharge phase of the internal combustion engine for discharging exhaust gas, generated via combustion, from a combustion chamber into an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine. The exhaust valve is closed again and re-opened during this discharge phase.

Abstract: A plant control includes determining a control input into the plant to cause a control output of the plant to converge to a desired value. A value of at least one parameter for adjusting a speed of change of the control output relative to change of the desired value is determined in accordance with a plant condition. The control input is determined based on the parameter having the value thus determined. The parameter includes a first parameter for changing a speed of change of the control input relative to change of the desired value. The parameter can also include a second parameter for changing the relative speed via a corrected desired value that is determined by correcting the desired value. The second parameter can further include a gradient parameter and a gradually-approaching characteristic parameter.

Abstract: First and second connecting portions 61a and 62a are arranged in parallel and relatively turnably connected to a rocker arm 36 and a movable support portion 62b of a second link arm 62 is placed nearer to an engine valve 19 than a fixed support portion 61b of a first link arm 61. This makes it possible to decrease the size of a valve operating system and ensure the follow-up ability of the opening/closing operation as well as to vary a lift amount of the engine valve continuously while maintaining the reliability and durability of drive means.

Abstract: An electromechanical VVA system for controlling the poppet valves in the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. The system varies valve lift, duration, and phasing in a dependent manner for one or more banks of engine valves. A rocker subassembly for each valve or valve pair is pivotably disposed on a control shaft between the camshaft and the roller finger follower. The control shaft may be displaced about a pivot axis outside the control shaft to change the angular relationship of the rocker subassembly to the camshaft, thus changing the valve opening, closing, and lift. A plurality of control shafts for controlling all valvetrains in an engine bank defines a control shaft assembly. The angular positions of the individual control shafts may be tuned to optimize the valve timing of each cylinder. The system is applicable to the intake and exhaust camshafts of diesel and gasoline engines.

Abstract: A switchable valve-drive component (1) for variable transmission of a stroke generated by one or more cam projections to a gas-exchange valve of an internal combustion engine is provided. The valve-drive component (1) has transmission elements (3, 4), which can be connected with a positive fit by coupling elements (8) in the transmission direction, in which force transmission surface sections (16) of the coupling elements (8) can be clamped between force transmission surface sections (20) of the transmission elements (3, 4). Here, at least one of the force transmission surface sections (16, 20) should be provided with a wear protection layer (23). This layer comprises at least one metal-free amorphous hydrocarbon layer with sp2-hybridized and sp3-hybridized carbon.

Abstract: A lift-variable valve-operating system for an internal combustion engine, comprising: subsidiary cams which are swingably supported on a movable support shaft capable of being displaced within a plane perpendicular to a rotational axis of a valve-operating cam, and which are swung following the valve-operating cam; and rocker arms each operatively connected to an engine valve and operated following the subsidiary cams, operating characteristics including a lift amount of the engine valve being changed by displacing the movable support shaft, wherein the system further includes a control arm carried in an engine body to be capable of turning about a turning axis parallel to a rotational axis of the valve-operating cam, wherein the movable support shaft having an axis parallel to the turning axis of the control arm is retained on the control arm at a location offset from the turning axis, wherein a hydraulic tappet is mounted in the control arm to support one end of each of the rocker arms, and wherein a valve

Abstract: A required valve timing change rate Vreq is calculated so as to make a deviation D between a target valve timing VTtg and an actual valve timing VT small and then a required speed difference DMCRreq between a motor 26 and a camshaft 16 is calculated on a basis of the required valve timing change rate Vreq. When the deviation D is larger than a predetermined value, a required motor speed Rmreq is calculated by adding the required speed difference DMCRreq to a camshaft speed RC and a motor control value is calculated so as to control the motor speed RM to the required motor speed Rmreq. When the deviation D is not larger than the predetermined value, the camshaft speed RC is set as the required motor speed Rmreq and the motor control value is calculated so as to control the motor speed RM to the camshaft speed RC.

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

Abstract: A valve timing control device includes a driving side rotational member synchronously rotatable with a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, a driven side rotational member synchronously rotatable with a camshaft that controls an opening and closing operation of valves of the internal combustion engine, a retarded angle chamber, an advanced angle chamber, a fluid supply and discharge mechanism, a lock mechanism for locking the relative rotational phase at a predetermined lock phase, a phase displacement restriction mechanism switching the relative rotational phase between a restricted state and an unrestricted state, the phase displacement restriction mechanism includes a recess portion and an insertion member so as to achieve the restricted state and the unrestricted state, and a retention mechanism for retaining the phase displacement restriction mechanism in the unrestricted state in which the insertion member is retracted from the recess portion.

Abstract: A valve drive (1) for an internal combustion engine with a lever-type cam follower (7) is provided, which is used for the variable adjustable transmission of a raised section (2) of a cam (3) to a gas-exchange valve (5), in that the cam follower (7) is supported with an end section (13) away from the cam on a pivot bearing (14), which can be positioned variably on a circular arc-shaped displacement path (15), and an end section (6) close to the cam includes a transmission surface (10) in connection with the gas-exchange valve (5), and also with a support (8), wherein a contact surface (9) for the cam (3) is mounted rotatably on this support (8). Here, the center of the displacement path (15) should be essentially identical to the rotational center (17) of the support (8) when the contact surface (9) interacts with a raised section-free base circle (21) of the cam (3).

Abstract: In a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine for vehicles, having a plurality of air ducts leading to the cylinders and an associated engine control device situated in a housing, the air ducts are combined into a single unit, on the exterior of which the engine control device housing is situated on its lower part which forms the underside, and the lower part of the engine control device housing simultaneously forms a part of the air ducts.

Abstract: An engine valve, formed of a titanium alloy, enables improvement of reliability and productivity while improving creep resistance and fatigue strength at a high temperature. The engine valve, including a stem section and a bevel section provided at one end of the stem section, is integrally formed of the titanium alloy. A portion of the valve, extending from the bevel section to a medial portion of the valve stem, is formed mainly of a needle-like crystallographic texture. Another portion of the valve, extending from the medial section to the other end of the stem section, is formed of a material having a substantially equiaxed crystallographic texture. A boundary between the needle-like texture and the equiaxed texture is provided in a range of sliding movement of the valve relative to a valve guide that slidably guides the stem section within the cylinder head.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a piston (2) and a crankshaft (33). The crankshaft (33) includes: a journal (33A) as a rotation center; a crank pin (33B) that is located eccentrically with respect to the journal (33A) and rotates integrally with the journal (33A), the crank pin (33b) connecting the piston (2) to the crankshaft (33); and a counter weight (33C) that is located eccentrically with respect to the journal (33A) in a direction opposite to the crank pin (33) and rotates uniformly with the journal (33A). A cutout (11) through which the counter weight (33C) passes is formed in a wall (1) of a cylinder bore that accommodates the piston (2) so as to be free to move reciprocally along the wall (1). As a result, the bottom dead center position of the piston can be lowered, and the overall height of the engine can be decreased.

Abstract: An engine for a leisure vehicle including a crankcase having at least two crankcase portions, a plurality of main journal fastener bolts by which the two crankcase portions are coupled to each other such that a crankshaft is rotatably mounted between the two crankcase portions, an oil pump disposed below the plurality of main journal fastener bolts and a vicinity of the main journal fastener bolts, and a water pump disposed laterally of the oil pump in such a manner that a rotational shaft of the water pump is coaxial with a rotational shaft of the oil pump.

Abstract: An engine lubrication system in which a transmission 13 having a main shaft 14 and a drive shaft 15 each having a plurality of change-speed gears mounted thereon is arranged within a separate-type crankcase which is separated into left and right case portions, characterized in that a connecting bolt 60 for connecting the left and right case portions 2a, 2b together is inserted to be disposed in the vicinity of the main shaft 14 or the drive shaft 15 and in parallel with the shafts, in that left and right boss portions 60c having bolt bores 60a into which the connecting bolt 60 for connecting the left and right case portions 2a, 2b together is inserted are extended in a tubular fashion so as to abut with each other face-to-face, in that a space between an inner circumferential surface of the bolt bore 60a in the left and right boss portions 60c and an outer circumferential surface of the connecting bolt 60 is made to constitute a lubricating oil passageway 15a, in that an end of the lubricating oil passageway

Abstract: Procedure to operate a combustion motor in the event of damage, whereby the thermoelectric voltage of a lubricant interruption on parts moving relative to each other and made of different, electrically conducting materials, is used to initiate an alarm signal, in that upon the appearance of such an alarm signal at least one operating parameter of the combustion engine is changed until the alarm extinguishes and the combustion motor is then further operated in a reduced operational state.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine, which can determine just enough amounts of demanded combustion fuel and auxiliary fuel during execution of auxiliary fuel supply, for improvement of fuel economy and drivability and the emission-reducing capability of a catalyst. The control system carries out auxiliary fuel supply for a cylinder during a predetermined time period within the expansion and exhaust strokes, to control the catalyst to a predetermined state for its emission-reducing capability. The control system calculates a whole demanded fuel amount to make oxygen concentration in exhaust gases equal to a predetermined value for controlling the catalyst to the state during auxiliary fuel supply, determines the amount of demanded combustion fuel to be supplied to obtain engine output, and determines the auxiliary fuel amount based on the difference between the whole demanded fuel amount and the demanded combustion fuel amount.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle, such as a motorcycle, has an electric ignition system for igniting fuel delivered to the engine of the vehicle, and a rotatable handle which the driver holds in one hand when driving the vehicle and rotates to control the power output of the engine between an idling end position and a high power end position. The device includes a switch for cutting out the ignition system temporarily. This is achieved by turning the handle towards and beyond a yieldable engine-idling abutment, by exerting a strong torque that exceeds a pre-chosen value.

Abstract: An electric parts attaching structure for a throttle body includes: a throttle body (12) having an intake passage (16) in which a throttle valve (24) is arranged, and a housing (20) for accommodating electric parts formed on the outside thereof; an intake passage information detection sensor (43) which is attached to a bottom section (42) of said housing (20) for detecting information in said intake passage (16); and a circuit board (45) which is disposed on a side opposite to a side facing the bottom section (42), of said intake passage information detection sensor (43), and is attached to said housing (20) in state where connection pins (89) extending from the intake passage information detection sensor (43), are inserted into connection holes (100).

Abstract: An ignition circuit is for an internal combustion engine in a handheld portable work apparatus. A combustion chamber (4) is configured in the cylinder (3) of the engine (1) which is delimited by a piston (5) driving a crankshaft (7). A pole wheel (10) revolves with the crankshaft (7) and is assigned to an induction loop (13). The pole wheel periodically changes the magnetic flux in the induction loop. An ignition capacitor (16) is charged by a charge coil (14) of the induction loop and is discharged via a discharge circuit (15) via an ignition coil (17). The ignition coil is connected to a spark plug (19) projecting into the combustion chamber. For achieving a powerful ignition spark, the discharge of the ignition capacitor is prevented by an rpm evaluation circuit (23) when the rpm curve (30) exhibits an rpm change (?n) which exceeds a pregiven threshold value.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a gasoline internal combustion engine capable of running in a spark ignition mode and a homogeneous charge compression ignition mode. The method and system implementation include determining humidity of air to be drawn into a combustion cylinder of the engine, and controlling an operating parameter of the engine that affects the homogeneous charge compression ignition mode of operation.

Abstract: A fuel injection controller calculates a difference between a rotation speed fluctuation amount of an engine in the case where an injection for learning is performed and the rotation speed fluctuation amount in the case where the injection for the learning is not performed as a rotation speed increase amount. The controller calculates an actual injection amount actually injected from an injector based on a rotation state of the engine. The controller calculates a difference between the actual injection amount and a command injection amount outputted to the injector as a characteristic deviation and corrects the command injection amount to reduce the characteristic deviation. The controller prohibits the correction of the command injection amount when a variation in the rotation speed increase amount is equal to or greater than a specified value.

Abstract: A high-pressure pump has at least one pump element, with a pump piston which is guided displaceably in a cylinder bore of a housing part of the high-pressure pump and is driven in a reciprocating motion and defines a pump work chamber in the cylinder bore, into which chamber fuel is aspirated via an inlet valve in the intake stroke of the pump piston. The inlet valve has a pistonlike valve member, which with a sealing face cooperates with a valve seat for controlling the communication of the pump work chamber with the fuel inlet. The valve member is disposed with a head, on which the sealing face is embodied, in the pump work chamber and protrudes out of the pump work chamber with a shaft adjoining the head. The valve seat is formed in the housing part at a transition from the cylinder bore to a bore of smaller diameter adjoining the cylinder bore.

Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine, the injector comprising an injector body having a tip portion defining at least one spray aperture; a pintle extending within the tip portion, the pintle having a head portion engageable with a valve seat to close the spray aperture, the pintle being axially moveable between a closed position wherein the head portion abuts the valve seat and an open position wherein the head portion is spaced from the valve seat; actuating means for selectively urging the pintle towards its open position; guide means being provided within the injector body guiding the pintle for axial movement between its closed and open positions; a fuel supply chamber being defined within the injector body between the spray aperture and the guide means, characterized in that the diameters of the guide means and valve seat are selected such that the pintle is substantially pressure balanced.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injection system comprising a fuel reservoir to which fuel is fed via at least one first pump and from which fuel is discharged via injectors. The invention is characterized in that the feed pressure of the first pump is adjusted depending on fuel temperature and evaporative behavior of the fuel.

Abstract: A valve (49) which is intended for insertion into the line connecting a fuel pump to a system of injection valves and which is designed as a pressure-maintaining valve is characterized by a pipe body (50) intended to have a flow passing through it, into which a sleeve (53) is inserted which forms a damping cylinder (55) in a middle region, inside which damping cylinder one end of a blocking body (57) is received so as to be able to slide in the direction of the axis (58) of the pipe body (50). The opposite end of the blocking body (57) is characterized by a sealing body (67) which is formed from an elastomeric material and which cooperates with a valve seat (66) which is allocated a through bore (65) in a transverse wall (63) of the pipe body (50). The blocking body (57) lies against this valve seat under resilient pretensioning and the movement of the blocking body is damped or is accompanied by the lowest possible noise development by reason of the cooperation with the damping cylinder.

Abstract: A common rail fuel injection system has a fuel pump, a common rail, and an injector. The injector injects high-pressure fuel supplied from the common rail into an engine and leaks part of the high-pressure fuel. An electronic control unit (ECU) restricts a heat amount of the leak fuel of the injector based on a remaining amount of the fuel in a fuel tank. At that time, a target value of the fuel pressure in the common rail is changed to a lower value and the restriction of the fuel pressure is performed with the changed target value. Thus, decrease in generation torque of the engine against intension of a driver can be inhibited while protecting components such as the fuel injection valve.