Abstract: An audible fill level alarm is provided. The alarm includes a whistle body having a lower whistle hole, a whistle-tube depending from said whistle body, and a whistle disk having an upper whistle hole. The whistle disk and the whistle body define a whistle chamber that is conical in shape.

Abstract: A moveable counterbalanced stand alone flag pole providing transportability and an increase of flag display locations includes a counterbalanced pole assembly having a lower portion, a mid-portion and an upper portion, such that a flag attached to the upper portion can freely wave, a ground tip on the end of the lower portion allowing the lower portion to be removably secured, and a washer in which the lower portion of the pole assembly fits whereby the pole assembly can rotate while the ground tip remains stationary.

Abstract: A promotional item for simultaneously identifying existing wind conditions while displaying a visual promotional element. The promotional items includes a container and cap that holds a quantity of a powdered material. The container can include a display face prominently featuring the visual element. The container can be formed to resemble an activity specific items such as a golf ball with dimples. By quickly squeezing and releasing the container, a quantity of the powdered material is dispelled through an opening portion in the cap into the surrounding air where it visually interacts with any wind to so as to provide an indication of wind direction and intensity. The visual element can be printed directly onto the container or may be pre-printed on a sticker or substrate, providing attachment onto the container and can include logos, names, trademarks, pictures, phone numbers, web addresses and the like as well as combinations thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for growing and observing the growth of epitaxial layers on a wafer. The apparatus includes: epitaxial growth apparatus; a source of light mounted to illuminate an entire surface of the wafer in the apparatus during growth of the epitaxial layer on the entire surface of the wafer; and apparatus for observing scattering of the light from the entire surface of the wafer during growth of the epitaxial layer on the entire surface of the wafer. The method includes growing the epitaxial layer on a surface of the wafer and observing scattering of the light from the entire surface of the wafer during growth of the epitaxial layer on the entire surface of the wafer. The growing process is varied in accordance with the observation. With an epitaxial layer of gallium nitride (GaN) the entire surface of the wafer is observed for balls of gallium.

Abstract: A variable position nozzle assembly for a milling or grinding machine where a nozzle is positioned to target coolant to the cutting area of a chosen tool. Each tool may have a different length or cutting or grinding surface width. The CNC program that directs tool motion and tool changes, re-aims the variable position nozzle assembly based on a chosen tool and the dynamic position of the tool as it traverses a workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming coatings on stents. The apparatus includes a temperature adjusting element that can increase or decrease the temperature of the stent.

Abstract: Present invention is for the use when applying paint by paint-sprayer to cover plane areas X and Y concurrently, in projecting or recessed corner. It is encompassed of two identical semi rigid rectangular panels, said panels are adjustable in numerous angles interrelated to each other. Therefore, its able to protect float up from over spray in corners by utilizing both its internal and external edges. It has a handle that may position in quite a few ways in relation to said panels. The results, present invention is exploitable on floor or on ceiling horizontally and perpendicularly, either exterior or interior use without complexity.

Abstract: A deposition apparatus includes at least one deposition chamber having a source and a substrate holder, the source being configured to deposit a deposition material on a substrate on the substrate holder, a measurement chamber electrically connected to the deposition chamber, the measurement chamber configured to measure in real time a thickness of the deposition material on the substrate, and at least one layer thickness controller in contact with the deposition chamber, the layer thickness controller being configured to control deposition of the deposition material on the substrate to a predetermined thickness in real time.

Abstract: An animal bedding mixture is disclosed herein. The animal bedding mixture includes a bedding material and a bedding material additive. Bedding material is preferably straw, sawdust, sand or recycled manure solids. The bedding material additive is preferably 60-99% by weight absorbent clay powder, 0.1 to 35% by weight chlorite salt, and 0.01-35% by weight sodium bisulfate or sodium percarbonate. The bedding material additive of the present disclosure is inert when dry and neither germicidal or acidic. However, when the additive is exposed to moisture, such as animal urine, the sodium bisulfate will acidify the liquid, causing the formation of hypochlorous acid and chlorine dioxide. Hypochlorous acid and chlorine dioxide are very powerful, broad spectrum germicides that have proven efficacy against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and other micro-organisms commonly found in animal bedding.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting animal excrement that involves the use of an excrement collecting tool that is comprised of a pole; an optional handle attached to the upper portion of said pole; at least two outwardly extending arms attached to the bottom of said pole that are capable of closing inwardly toward each other; a triggering mechanism attached to the handle or the top of the pole and to the arms that, when activated, causes the arms to close; and a removable bag that attaches around the arms to provide an excrement receiving area and that collapses to encompass received excrement when the triggering mechanism is activated. Optionally, the pole can have telescoping sections that allow for adjustment of the length of the pole. Other options allow the arms to be folded up against the pole and otherwise adjusted in size. In use, the excrement collecting apparatus is placed below an animal when it is defecating and, after waste is received, the bag is removed for disposal.

Abstract: There is provided a method for preventing the occurrence of abnormal behavior such as cannibalism, fright behavior and collision death during rearing, storage and transportation of tuna of larva, juvenile and young adult fish stages, particularly, of those periods in the seed production. The abnormal behavior during rearing, storage or transportation of tuna is prevented by controlling their visual stimuli, particularly, by making wall and bottom surfaces of a rearing water tank coming with contact with the environment transparent, setting a visual stimulus-buffering material through which light transmits partially in both straight and diagonal directions, maintaining the tuna in the presence of colored fine particles in the environment, or controlling the fluctuation in illumination of the environment, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, death of tuna due to collision with a rearing water tank wall is prevented by stimulating their visual sense.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the delivery of water to a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages, for housing animals for an animal study, the method including; providing a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages for an animal study at a laboratory facility site, and disposing a bag forming apparatus at a clean side of a laboratory washroom at the laboratory facility site, wherein the bag forming apparatus is capable of providing sealed bags of water for use in the cage level barrier-type cages. The method can further include providing bag material to the laboratory facility site.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus is used to process animal waste in a farm building and to spread the processed animal waste back on the floor of the farm building as the apparatus moves through the farm building. The apparatus includes a processing mechanism that heats the animal waste to a predetermined temperature to eliminate insects, bacteria, and ammonia from the animal waste. The apparatus also includes a spreader mechanism for distributing the processed animal waste onto the farm building floor. The most preferred implementation of the apparatus is a single-pass machine that takes in animal waste in the front using a pickup mechanism, processes the animal waste to sanitize the animal waste, and spreads the sanitized animal waste in the rear, allowing the operator to move the machine through the farm building and thereby sanitize all of the animal waste in a single pass.

Abstract: A toy for an animal, in particular a dog, includes a bag or other hollow container. The bag has a mouth for inserting articles in the bag. After an article is inserted in the bag, a closure is utilized to secure and close the mouth. The closure and mouth of the bag are inserted in a ball to prevent an animal from chewing on the closure to open the mouth of the bag.

Abstract: A toy for an animal, in particular a dog, includes a bag or other hollow container. The bag has a mouth for inserting articles in the bag. After an article is inserted in the bag, a closure is utilized to secure and close the mouth. The closure and mouth of the bag are inserted in a ball to prevent an animal from chewing on the closure to open the mouth of the bag.

Abstract: A leash/collar system including a handle, a collar and a semi-rigid elongate member having a longitudinal axis and connected between the handle and the collar so as to be rotatable along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A dormant pressurized or non-pressurized pouch, canister or bag containing a debilitating substance, such as a pepper mace, that deploys when bitten, clawed or otherwise punctured or squeezed. Attached or imbedded on a pet's collar, on a hiker's clothing or on a rancher's animal, the victim does not need to activate any defensive measure when attacked; the attack itself releases the chemicals. The chemical defense system not only curtails any immediate attack due to instant disbursement of debilitating chemical agents, but also allows some protection over time as the victim is temporarily coated with noxious chemicals, and able to escape the attack.

Abstract: Two improvements for heaters are disclosed which can be implemented as either apparatus or method. First is a novel flue gas injection system. Second is a novel burner configuration. The improvements can be used alone or together. In the flue gas injection system, flue gas is injected between the burners and the tubes to reduce heat flux on the tubes and shift part of the heat duty from the radiant to the convective section. These approaches work toward increasing the capacity of heaters where we can increase the firing rate in the heater and still keep the tube metal temperature and radiant fluxes within acceptable limits.

Abstract: Condenser will create a lot of heat from compressor and exhaust heat has to be removed from it. This exhaust heat can be recovered to store in the hot water tank. More important the heat generated by freezer, air conditioner and refrigerator has to be removed either store in the hot water tank or dissipated by baseboard. We design this method to accomplish this goal. We use water to dissipate the heat and we do not waste the water. Water is very expensive about $5.00 per hundred cubic feet. This method will save fuel to pre-warm the water for hot water tank.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine having at least one cylinder including an intake valve and an exhaust valve, the method comprising of injecting a first amount of fuel into the cylinder; auto-igniting a first mixture of air and said first amount of fuel by compressing said first mixture; injecting a second amount of fuel into the cylinder after auto-igniting said first mixture; combusting a second mixture of said second amount of fuel and gasses from auto-ignition of said first mixture; holding an intake valve of the cylinder closed between auto-igniting the first mixture and combusting the second mixture; and exhausting said combusted second mixture.

Abstract: A valve unit of an internal combustion engine is accommodated in a space between a cylinder head and a rocker cover. The valve unit comprises a camshaft, a variable valve operating mechanism, a sensor, and a retaining member. The camshaft is provided with a cam for each cylinder. The variable valve operating mechanism receives a displacement of the cam, outputs a valve drive output, and continuously variable-controls the valve drive output in accordance with a rotational displacement of a control shaft provided substantially in parallel with the camshaft. The sensor detects the rotational displacement of the control shaft. The retaining member retains the camshaft, the variable valve operating mechanism, and the sensor. The retaining member expose the sensor to the out side of the rocker cover thereby to fix the camshaft, the variable valve operating mechanism, and the sensor to the cylinder head.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly for a valve train of an internal combustion engine which has a rocker arm that pivots on a support pin about an axis where a push rod contacts one end of the assembly and a valve shaft of a gas exchange valve contacts the other end of the assembly. A rocker arm is mounted on a support pin through a radial roller bearing for handling radial forces. An outer bearing support wall is attached to the rocker am and covers both ends of the support pin. Between the ends of the support pin and the outer bearing wall is a thrust washer for handling axial forces in the rocker arm assembly. The radial bearing assembly can have an outer bearing shell and an inner bearing shell where the outer bearing shell has a generally U-shaped configuration that covers the end wall of the support pin. The bottom wall of the outer bearing shell forms the outer bearing support wall for the thrust washer.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a vehicle, comprising of an internal combustion engine, a thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the engine, and a control system for controlling the engine and the thermoelectric device during a first mode, supply electrical energy to the thermoelectric device to cause the thermoelectric device to produce at least some heat, and during a second mode, operate the engine to produce at least some heat, where the thermoelectric device is operated to convert a temperature gradient at the thermoelectric device to electrical energy.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a photoconductive ignition system including a photoconductor configured to contact an oxidant-fuel gas mixture, and a light source providing irradiating light to a surface of the photoconductor. The photoconductor absorbs at least some of the light from the light source, which causes a variation in electrical potential at the surface of the photoconductor, thereby igniting the oxidant-fuel gas mixture. The disclosure further relates to a method of activating an oxidant-fuel gas mixture by exposing a photoconductor surface to the gas mixture and irradiating the surface with a light source emitting light at a wavelength corresponding to an energy level greater than a band gap energy level of the photoconductor, thereby activating the gas mixture in a combustion reaction.

Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine includes: a cylindrical insulator as defined herein; a center electrode as defined herein; a cylindrical metal shell as defined herein; and a ground electrode as defined herein, an annular gasket receiving portion projecting radially outward being provided on a rear end side of the externally threaded portion of the metal shell, and a metallic gasket capable of abutting against the gasket receiving portion being provided on the outer periphery of the metal shell, wherein the gasket has a solid annular shape, an inside diameter of the gasket is smaller than an outside diameter of the externally threaded portion, and a groove portion whose depth coincides with the direction of the axis is provided over an entire circumference of the gasket.

Abstract: A variable air intake control system includes first and second variable intake control valves, a vacuum tank, actuators, a one-way valve and a controller. The controller selectively is configured to control the first and second actuators to offset operating timings of the first and second variable intake control valves so as to suppress the noise in the one-way valve, when the first and second variable intake control valves are switched from a first operating state in which the first and second variable intake control valves are both in one of the open and closed states to a second operating state in which the first and second variable intake control valves are both in one of the open and closed states that is opposite to the first operating state.

Abstract: For a V-type engine which has an independent air-intake system for each one of banks, a vibration plate unit is disposed in the interior of a resonance conduit for obtaining the beneficial effects of resonant supercharging. In this vibration plate unit, a plate member made from metal is fitted in the interior of the resonance conduit via a support member made from rubber, and thereby it is arranged, while blocking mutual flow of air between the banks, also to obtain the beneficial effects of resonant supercharging by enabling the mutual transmission of pressure between surge tanks.

Abstract: An intake throttle valve is located in an intake passage upstream of first and second intake ports, such that intake air flows into mainly the first intake port to generate a swirl flow when an opening degree of the intake throttle valve is not larger than a predetermined value, and flows into both the first and second intake ports when the opening degree thereof is larger than the predetermined value. Furthermore, first and second fuel injection valves for respectively injecting fuel to the first and second intake ports are controlled to inject fuel from the first fuel injection valve when the opening degree of the intake throttle valve is not larger than about the predetermined value, and to inject fuel from both the first fuel injection valve and the second fuel injection valve when the opening degree of the intake throttle valve is larger than about the predetermined value.

Abstract: A reinforcement plate for a reciprocating engine that greatly reduces the elastic and plastic deformation of engine block components when the engine is run at high rpm and force is provided which reduces structural fatigue thereby increasing available horsepower. The one piece reinforcement plate ties together the main bearing caps to each other and to the engine block skirt, thereby increasing the rigidity of the main bearing caps and reducing the vibration of the engine. Crankshaft counterweight and crankshaft throw clearance openings, as well as other clearance areas, are provided in the reinforcement plate.

Abstract: An engine cover (400), such as a valve cover (700) or an oil pan (400), includes a skeleton structure (402) that may have a plurality of ribs (406) and at least one opening. At least one panel (404) is configured to fit in the at least one opening, and is operably connected to the skeleton structure (402). A seal (424) is located between the at least one panel (404) and the skeleton structure (402). The plurality of ribs (406) defines a plurality of channels (802) located around the at least one or more openings. Each panel (404) is held to the skeleton structure (402) by the plurality of channels (802).

Abstract: A method for discontinuing combustion in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold and an emission control device coupled downstream of thereof, where the cylinder has at least one valve, the method comprising during a shut-down and after a final combustion event in the cylinder, adjusting valve timing of the valve to reduce a flow of gasses from the engine to the emission control device.

Abstract: An orifice ring (316) arranged to be press-fit into a passage (308) includes an orifice face (318) having an opening (320) formed therein, a retention portion (326) having an edge (402) disposed opposite the orifice face (318), and a curved portion (404) disposed between the orifice face (318) and the retention portion (326). The retention portion (326) is oriented such that the edge (402) lies further outward than the orifice face (318). The retention portion (326) is arranged to elastically deflect inward toward the orifice face (318) when the orifice ring (316) is disposed in a passage (308).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a working chamber assembly housing, intake and exhaust ports, a pair of piston assemblies each of which assemblies includes at least one pair of diametrically opposed pistons within the working chamber assembly housing rotatable about a rotational axis of said piston assemblies, means for interconnecting said first and second piston assemblies for variable speed rotation in the same direction during recurrent periods of rotation, wherein the piston having a piston head and a piston vessel, the piston head of one piston assembly received by the piston vessel of the other piton assembly to form a working chamber. The connecting means includes a pair of internal gears, a plurality of planetary gears and means for transmitting variable speed rotation, a main transmission gear set, and a pair of auxiliary means that is connected to the piston assemblies.

Abstract: Cool combustion refers to combusting fuel in a region of equivalence ratios and temperatures between a soot production region and a NOx production region. Cool combustion is achieved by compressing air in a variable volume of an internal combustion engine beyond an auto-ignition point of a fuel. The compressed air is made to flow in an airflow passage by movement of a piston in the vicinity of top dead center. Fuel is injected into the compressed air stream, auto-ignites and burns in the low emissions region between NOx and soot formation regimes.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a multifunction ignition device integrated with a spark plug for conserving space by integrating a spark plug, ignition coil, and fuel injection device in a single enclosure and for making a high fuel efficiency engine design possible and allowing spark plug electrode replacement, thereby reducing waste during plug maintenance. The multifunction ignition device of the present invention includes an ignition coil directly connected to a plug top of an internal combustion engine; the ignition coil, a fuel injection valve, and a fuel injection nozzle are housed in a single enclosure; and a center electrode and a ground electrode of the spark plug are removably mounted at the bottom end of the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an internal combustion engine system that can precisely control ignition timing on homogeneous charge compression ignition. The internal combustion engine system includes a fuel tank 4a containing ethanol, a fuel tank 4b containing at least one of gasoline and GTL naphtha, a reforming device 9 for reforming ethanol to obtain diethyl ether, a heat exchange device 14 for heating a heating medium, an ethanol heater 9b for heating ethanol with the heating medium, and a fuel supply controlling device 10 for controlling a mixture ratio of the fuel. The internal combustion engine system further includes an intake air heater 18 for heating intake air with the heating medium. The internal combustion engine system further comprises an adiabatic storage container 29 for storing the heating medium during a halt of an internal combustion engine 3.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system and method which prevents obstructions from forming around a throttle plate during engine soak.

Abstract: A common rail supplementary atomizer of this invention, when used on a piston internal combustion engine, equipped with a common rail fuel injection system, improves slurry atomization, following injection, by expansion of gases, previously dissolved in the water phase of the slurry. This gas expansion separates the several fuel particles in each slurry droplet formed first during fuel injection. The thusly separated fuel particles subsequently burn more rapidly and completely, due to this fuel particle separation improving air access to the fuel. Apparatus is described for dissolving atomizing gas into the water phase of the slurry, in a contactor chamber at a pressure greater than the pressure prevailing in the engine cylinder volume, at the time of slurry injection.

Abstract: A fuel-injection system for an engine has a plurality of fuel-system components, including a pump, a fuel injector, and a plurality of fuel-system components connecting the pump to the fuel injector. A portion of the fuel-injection system from the pump to the fuel injector may include a first joint mating a first pair of the fuel-system components, a second joint mating a second pair of the fuel-system components, and a third joint mating a third pair of the fuel-system components. Each of the first joint, the second joint, and the third joint may include a curved surface and a corresponding seat that are mated to one another and that provide a substantially fluid-tight seal and allow variation in the angular relationship between the associated pair of fuel-system components.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio engine. The engine includes a piston disposed in a cylinder bore and constituting a combustion chamber, a variable compression ratio mechanism connected to the piston and causing a top dead center position of the piston to vary, an actuator connected to the variable compression ratio mechanism to actuate the variable compression ratio mechanism, and a controller connected to the actuator to control an engine state and the actuator. The controller performs operations including setting the compression ratio corresponding to a state of the engine, actuating the actuator so that the compression ratio is set, determining whether a state of the engine is either a state allowing actuation of the actuator, or a state limiting actuation of the actuator, and limiting actuation of the actuator in the state limiting actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: A pump for a combustion engine is disclosed. The pump may have at least one pumping member movable through a plurality of displacement strokes during a single engine cycle. The pump may also have a controller in communication with the pumping member. The controller may be configured to selectively reduce an amount of fluid displaced during at least one, but less than all of the plurality of displacement strokes. The reduction may be initiated in response to a demand for the displaced fluid.

Abstract: A cylinder bore (4) of a two-stroke internal combustion engine (1) has first scavenging ports (12) and second scavenging ports (13) inside. The first scavenging ports (12) are nearer to an exhaust port (11) of the engine (1) than the second scavenging ports (13). In each scavenging stroke, the second scavenging ports (13) are opened earlier than the first scavenging ports (12) and introduce fuel-free air (A) from the second scavenging ports (13) into a combustion chamber (6). The first scavenging ports (12) are opened later and introduce an air-fuel mixture (M) pre-compressed in a crank chamber (8) into the same combustion chamber (6). Thus, harmful substances contained in exhaust gas discharged from the engine (1) are reduced.

Abstract: A fuel pump relay module comprising a shock sensor adapted to sense acceleration forces above a predetermined threshold so as to terminate electric power to a fuel pump. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a fuel pump relay module for controlling a fuel pump, comprising a relay including an activation coil, a normally open contact and an armature, the activation coil in operable arrangement with the armature, the armature in operable arrangement to contact the normally open contact when activated by the activation coil and a shock sensor including a normally closed contact adapted to open upon experiencing an acceleration force above a predetermined value, the normally closed contact connected in electrical series with the normally open contact and connected in electrical series with the fuel pump.

Abstract: One aspect relates to an apparatus having a combustion chamber and a duct in fluid flow communication with the combustion chamber. The apparatus includes at least one opening adapted for delivering a liquid fuel into the duct. The apparatus further includes at least one passage adapted for delivery of a gas upstream of the at least one opening for minimizing the entrance of a fluid other than the gas into the fuel delivery opening.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine is provided. The method may include supplying a combustible combination of reactants to a combustion chamber of the engine, which may include supplying a first hydrocarbon fuel, hydrogen fuel, and a second hydrocarbon fuel to the combustion chamber. Supplying the second hydrocarbon fuel to the combustion chamber may include at least one of supplying at least a portion of the second hydrocarbon fuel from an outlet port that discharges into an intake system of the engine and supplying at least a portion of the second hydrocarbon fuel from an outlet port that discharges into the combustion chamber. Additionally, the method may include combusting the combustible combination of reactants in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The fossil fuel supplied into the engine and combustion device passes through the fuel-enhancing unit of the enhancing device of the present invention with the burned object generating far-infrared radiation and negative ion. Therefore, it can be attained complete combustion; it can improve fuel consumption; and emission gas including nitrogen oxide, particulate, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide and black smoke can be reduced.

Abstract: A supercharged tube of a vehicle air intake structure comprises a cover, a main body and a base. The cover having a reverse U-shaped cross section and an opening facing downward, a hollow portion of the cover for containing an air filter, and a top portion of the cover is defined with plural air inlet holes. The main body is disposed at a lower portion of the cover and is mounted with an air passage for receiving a reverse-stopping element that is formed with an air containing room for insertion of a radiator. Both sides of the main body are disposed with a sleeve communicating with the air containing room. The base is disposed at the lower portion of the main body and is contacted with the radiator, such that the high temperature of the radiator can be discharged from the main body and the base to the outside.

Abstract: A combustion air cooling system has an aftercooler operable to supply cooled air to the intake manifold of an engine. A fan is operable to force ambient air through the aftercooler. A variable speed fan drive is operable to control the speed of the fan.

Abstract: A valve and intake manifold assembly for an EGR system of a combustion engine includes a pocket formed in the intake manifold, the pocket including at least one seat formed at an interior surface of the pocket. Also included is an upper valve housing that is attachable to an exhaust conduit of the engine and a valve shaft extending from the upper valve housing and axially moveable. The valve shaft includes at least one valve member extending generally perpendicularly from the valve shaft, where the at least one valve member sealingly engages the valve seat on the interior surface of the pocket.

Abstract: A PCV valve include a housing which internally has a valve chamber including an entrance at one end and an exit at the other end in an axial direction of the valve chamber. In the valve chamber, a valve element which is axially movable and a spring which urges the valve element toward the entrance are provided. An electric heater is provided in the housing. The valve element includes an end which is movable close to the entrance. The electric heater is arranged in such a manner as to surround the valve chamber from the exit to the end of the valve element closer to the entrance. The electric heater includes a cylindrical bobbin made of a high heat-conductive material and a coil wound on the outer periphery of the bobbin. The bobbin has an inner peripheral surface forming a large part of an inner peripheral surface of the valve chamber.