Abstract: A fuel supply device for a motorcycle facilitates a narrower vehicle width to improve maneuverability. A fuel tank is disposed above a body frame, and a first fuel pump is fixed to a part of the fuel tank facing the body frame and positioned inside of the fuel tank via a mount seat. The first fuel pump is disposed such that at least a portion of the mount seat overlaps the vehicle body frame as viewed from above the motorcycle.

Abstract: An outboard motor can comprise a cowling for covering an engine, a high pressure fuel supply system, and a low pressure fuel supply system. The high pressure fuel supply system can have a vapor separator tank and a high pressure fuel pump. The low pressure fuel supply system can have a low pressure fuel pump. A heat insulating chamber, defined from a space for accommodating the engine, can be formed within the cowling. The heat insulating chamber houses the low pressure fuel pump and the fuel filter.

Abstract: A vapor-liquid separator is disclosed which is capable of improving a dischargeability of a separated liquid and of suppressing a reversed flow. The present vapor-liquid separator comprises a cylindrical separator main body, an introducing part for introducing the vapor-liquid mixed fluid into the separator main body in the tangential direction, a liquid discharging part for discharging a separated liquid, a gas exhausting part for exhausting the separated gas, a storing part for storing a liquid passed through the liquid discharging part, a stored-liquid discharging part provided in the storing part to discharge a stored liquid and a communicating part for communicating the storing part with an upstream side of a vapor-liquid separation region of the separator main body and/or the introducing part.

Abstract: A fuel control system that regulates a purge flow from a fueling system to an engine includes a sensor that monitors an engine speed and a first module that determines a PWM frequency of a purge valve based on the engine speed. The PWM frequency includes a first period that is based on a second period that corresponds to two engine cycles. A second module regulates the purge valve based on the PWM frequency during engine operation.

Abstract: For use in an internal combustion engine equipped with a fuel injection system, a heat exchanger module features a distributor block, which is connected via at least one first fuel line with the intake of the injection system and via at least one second fuel line with the output of the injection system. A thermal compensation takes place between the at least one fuel conveyed out of the injection system and the distributor block.

Abstract: The present apparatus calculates a mass ma (mass ratio ma/mf) of mixing-gas-forming cylinder interior gas, which is a portion of cylinder interior gas to be mixed with a forefront portion of injected fuel vapor having a mass of mf, on the basis of a predetermined empirical formula. Subsequently, under the assumption that heat exchange with the outside does not occur, the apparatus calculates an adiabatic gas mixture temperature Tmix of the gas mixture forefront portion on the basis of the heat quantity of the fuel vapor having a mass of mf and the heat quantity of the mixing-gas-forming cylinder interior gas having a mass of ma. Subsequently, in consideration of an amount of heat that the gas mixture forefront portion receives from peripheral cylinder interior gas mainly via a circumferential surface thereof, the apparatus estimates a final gas mixture temperature Tmixfin of the gas mixture forefront portion (i.e.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system in which a controllable switch is positioned between a storage capacitor and the primary winding of an ignition transformer. The switch is controlled to create a train of pulses to the primary winding timed to reinforce the ringing action of the ignition transformer.

Abstract: An engine control device and method that prevents fuel injection quantity from becoming unstable due to a rapid change of a correction quantity even in a predetermined operation state such as acceleration time and thus stabilizes an air-fuel ratio. Under a predetermined operating state, even when feedback control of oxygen in exhaust gas is stopped, a correction quantity immediately before the predetermined operating state is held by a correction quantity storage part and the correction of the fuel injection time is performed based on the correction quantity.

Abstract: A fuel injection control system makes it possible to obtain an output of a lean combustion type engine through an easy operation, even in a throttle opening region of greater than a lean limit. A throttle valve is configured to be turnable up to an over-fully opened position, which is greater than a fully opened position that corresponds to a maximum air flow rate, where the air flow rate is not substantially varied from the maximum air flow rate. In a region where the throttle valve is operated to or above the fully opened position when under a high load, the fuel-air mixture is enriched and a high output is obtained by controlling the throttle opening through operating only a power lever.

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

Abstract: A paintball gun triggering mechanism includes a front barrel, a rear barrel, a triggering barrel and a rear guide rod. A front end of the front barrel comprises a front ring formed inwardly and a retreating air inlet is provided behind the front ring. A front end of the rear barrel is fixedly connected to a rear end of the front barrel, and a retreating air outlet, a rear ring and a launching air inlet are provided in sequence behind the connecting portion of the front barrel and the rear barrel. The triggering barrel comprises a center ring formed at a center outer portion thereof and is placed in the front barrel and the rear barrel. The rear guide rod has a piston at a front end thereof to be inserted into the triggering barrel, and has its rear end secured to the rear end of the rear barrel.

Abstract: The archery bow handle with overhang advantage contains an overhanging structure on the handle that fits into the lifeline area of the archer's bow hand. The radius of the structure is about that of a large pencil. The handle has advantages of allowing the archer to find a consistent hand position on the handle, of forcing the archers bow hand and bow arm into a fixed position, of steadying the bow during aiming, and of allowing the archer to grip the bow during the shot which is a stabilizing effect.

Abstract: A cooking grill has a bottom for accommodating a fire producing source, a plurality of legs turnably connected with the bottom and turnable between a storage position in which they are substantially coextensive with bottom and an operative position in which they extend substantially perpendicular to the bottom and upwardly from the latter, elements for fixing the legs in each of the positions, and a grate arrangeable between the legs and connectable to the legs, elements for holding the grill on the legs.

Abstract: The stove switch safety cover is a child safety device that is designed to deny children access to the control knobs of a stove. This shield would extend the entire width of the stove controls, covering and protecting the knobs from the child. The device would primarily consist of a back plate that would be mounted to the stove's control panel behind the knobs, a magnetic strip placed on the front of each control knob, a cover attached to the right edge of the back plate with a hinge, magnetic switches located on the interior of the cover, and a locking mechanism on the left edge of the cover. The magnetic switches would be spaced along the inside of the cover so they line up with the control knobs of the stove. When the cover is locked, the contacts in the magnetic switches would close when the magnetic strips are in polar and vertical alignment with the magnetic switches, allowing the illumination of an LED associated with each control knob when the control knob is placed in the OFF position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for treating a condition of a patient's airway. The condition is attributed at least in part to a spacing of tissue from opposing surfaces in the airway. In various embodiments, the base of the tongue including geometry and position of the tongue is altered.

Abstract: A device for application of a hair product includes an applicator portion configured to be loaded with hair product and at least one finger fastener associated with the applicator portion. The applicator portion may include a container and be configured to apply the hair product to at least one strand of hair in response to manual pressure exerted on the container when the device is moved longitudinally relative to the strand of hair. The finger fastener may be configured to allow the device to be fixed to at least one finger of a hand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of in place cleaning of an automated food product dispenser comprising an interface connection configured to establish a supply of a milk-based fluid from a reservoir (for example, a container or a bag), a mixing device configured to receive the milk-based fluid and prepare a milk based product, a nozzle in fluid association with the mixing device for dispensing the milk based product, a product flowpath configured for directing the milk based product to flow from the interface connection through the mixing device to the nozzle, and a clean-in-place flowpath assembly located in the dispenser and comprising a supply of cleaning or sanitizing fluid and a flowpath which is configured to deliver the cleaning or sanitizing fluid to or through the product flowpath. The invention also relates to a machine readable program for controlling the automated food product dispenser of the invention and for cleaning the same in place.

Abstract: A brush saver for cleaning and preserving the useful life of a paint brush comprising a transparent body for enclosing and suspending a paint brush and a solvent in a sealed vertical orientation, and a removable top cap for engaging the handle of the paint brush and preventing the bristles of the paint brush from being distorted. In a preferred embodiment, a handle of the paint brush extends upwardly out of the brush saver and the bristles of the paint brush are enclosed with the solvent in the brush saver. The brush saver may also have a permanent magnet on the side of the body for attaching the saver on a paint can, an absorbent open cell pad in the interior of the body and a removable cap on a side of the body for adding and removing solvent from the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manual-opened and auto-closed umbrella, which utilizes two springs provided around a shaft and therein accompanying with a runner and a frame to control the umbrella being opened manually and closed automatically. The umbrella is to be opened manually that compresses the springs at the same time, and by a touch to automatically close the umbrella. The manual-opened and auto-closed umbrella therefore obtains a certain utilization and improvement.

Abstract: An umbrella includes an elongated stem having telescopically connected inner and outer tubular segments, a top hub secured to the inner tubular segment to define an upper annular space therebetween, a tubular runner surrounding the stem, slidable between upper and lower positions to spread-out or collapse a canopy and rib assembly, and spaced apart from the inner tubular segment to define a lower annular space therebetween, a tubular spacer slidably sleeved on the inner tubular segment to be inserted into the lower annular space when the runner is displaced to the upper position so as to prevent wobbling movement of the runner, and movable by the outer tubular segment to be thereby withdrawn into the upper annular space when the outer tubular segment is displaced to the retracted position, and a biasing member disposed to bias the spacer into the lower annular space.

Abstract: An umbrella has a shaft having upper and lower ends, a slide piece, and a head piece. One of the pieces has an upper part and a lower part having faces that are engaged together and that form a plurality of seats of predetermined diameter spaced angularly about the shaft. The parts are also formed at each seat with a radially outwardly open and axially extending notch of an angular width substantially smaller than the diameter of the respective seat. They are fixed together at the faces. Respective rib or strut elements each have a shaft of a width at most equal to the notch width and a head of a diameter smaller than the seat diameter. The heads are received in the seats and the shafts project outward from the respective seats through the respective notches. A standard canopy is fitted over the ribs outside the head piece.

Abstract: An umbrella assembly providing a dihedral shelter atop a pole which can be deployed to different dihedral angles and retracted to a compact configuration. It further includes a vent port in a cavity which is overhung by a positively positioned vent port cover.

Abstract: An air valve device is adapted to be fitted into an opening of an inflatable article, and includes a valve seat formed with a valve body that is disposed between an inflating port and a conduit, an axially movable member having a valve disc which is disposed in the conduit to be moved between open and closed positions, and a plunger which is connected to the valve disc and which has a head end disposed in the inflating port, a biasing member disposed to bias the valve disc to the closed position, and a releasably retaining mechanism disposed between the valve seat and the plunger to arrest axial movement of the movable member against the biasing action of the biasing member when the valve disc is in the open position, thereby facilitating inflation and deflation of the inflatable article.

Abstract: A yard hydrant having a valve body with a drain port and a check valve mounted adjacent to the drain port to allow water to flow from the hydrant through the drain port to the ground and prevent ground water from flowing into the hydrant through the drain port and contaminating the water source.

Abstract: A sump for a dispensing unit is disposed beneath the footprint of the dispensing unit and includes an auxiliary communication line receiving structure proximal to a drip area of the dispensing unit. The auxiliary communication line receiving structure delivers electrical and/or other communication line(s) to the dispensing unit from beneath the dispensing unit footprint without creating a potential leak path into or out of the sump.

Abstract: A pressure regulator assembly comprising: a regulator body having a housing, an inlet portion at one end of the housing and a cap at an opposite end of the housing, the inlet portion and the cap in substantially coaxial alignment along a regulator body axis; a pressure regulator module received in the housing, interposed between the inlet portion and the cap, with a pressure regulator module center axis inclined at an angle to the regulator body axis; the pressure regulator module incorporating a plunger movable toward and away from a valve seat in axial alignment with the plunger; a flow path passing through the plunger and in communication with the inlet portion and the cap; and wherein the cap is removable from the regulator body housing to provide access to the pressure regulator module.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a charge pump which supplies fluid to variable displacement main pump, a fluid reservoir and valve unit. The valve unit includes a hollow housing having a first end communicated with the reservoir and a second end communicated with the charge pump and the main pump. A housing valve land member is located between the first and second ends. A valve member is movably mounted in the housing. The valve member has a valve disk attached to first and second valve stems which project from opposite sides of the valve disk. The valve disk has a central position wherein the valve disk is received by the ring. The valve stems are slidably supported by stem support members at opposite ends of the housing. A hollow sleeve projects from an end of the valve unit. A spring is mounted in the sleeve and is engagable with an end of one of the valve stems and is biased to urge the valve member away from the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a pipeline in order to detect the slow reduction of the free inner cross-section by means of the position of a control valve in the pipeline. When the flow rate is essentially constant, a first position is determined and stored at a first moment. According to at least one second position of the control valve, determined at a second, subsequent moment, the point at which the position of the valve exceeds a pre-deterrninable threshold value for a valve opening is determined, and optionally a signal is emitted to indicate that the threshold value has been exceeded and/or the time at which it was exceeded. As a result, suitable maintenance measures can be introduced, before faults occur in the process system.

Abstract: To detect the volume of gas remaining in a gas bottle or a fixed tank of a system for supplying liquefied gas as fuel for a combustion engine, a positive temperature coefficient (or PTC) probe (16) is placed in the gas feed line (12) between the gas source and the combustion engine. The PTC probe (16) detects the change of phase, from the liquid phase of the liquefied gas to the gaseous phase, in the feed line (12) and delivers an electrical signal to an electronic circuit that triggers a visual or audible signal in response to the detection of the phase change.

Abstract: A fluid line coupling apparatus comprising a first enclosure and a second enclosure. The first enclosure has a first passageway extending therethrough and a piston slidably disposed therein. The piston is movable between a closed position, wherein the first passageway is blocked by the piston, and an open position, wherein the first passageway is not blocked by the piston. The second enclosure has a second passageway extending therethrough and a collar slidably disposed therein. The collar is movable between the closed position, wherein the second passageway is blocked by the collar, and the open position, wherein the second passageway is not blocked by the collar. The first and second enclosures are engageable such that the front surface of the piston and the front surface of the collar lie in a substantially common plane when the piston and the collar are in their closed position.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, these and other problems in the prior art are addressed by providing a valve which comprises a valve body which includes an passage that extends at least partially therethrough, a valve seat which is formed in the passage, a valve member which is movably positioned in the passage proximate the valve seat, a first sealing element which is supported on the valve member and which in a closed position of the valve engages the valve seat to block fluid flow through the passage, and a protective member which is movable relative to the valve member between a first position in which the protective member substantially covers the first sealing element when the valve is in the open position and a second position in which the protective member is retracted from the first sealing element when the valve is in the closed position.

Abstract: A sterile container is provided, especially for receiving and containing surgical instruments or material in sterile conditions, comprising a receiving area formed by a container bottom and container walls, a lid for sealing the receiving are, and a gas exchange opening which can be sealed by a sterile filter maintained in a filter holder. In order to simplify replacement of the sterile filter and to simplify the production of the lid, the sterile filter and filter holder form a filter unit and the filter holder is mounted on the lid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting apparatus with three through holes, which is provided with a top wall, a bottom wall, an inverted annular body extending downwardly and inwardly connecting the top wall to the bottom wall, a cavity enclosed by the annular body, and a post defined in the cavity, wherein the post extends from the bottom wall into the cavity, with through holes defined in the bottom wall and guiding grooves defined on the post, in which the guiding grooves extend from a free end of the post to a bottom end thereof and are correspondingly formed with respect to the through holes. The mounting apparatus with three through holes is advantageous in that it integrates conventional feed probe and mounting apparatus so that the integrated structure is simplified, and its components are more effectively assembled at a relatively lower cost. Meanwhile, vents provided on the outer side of the top wall define a clear air passage for the water dispensing system.

Abstract: A wheel for a wheelchair according to the present invention includes: an outer wheel or ring mounted on the inner periphery of a tire; an inner ring connected with a wheelchair frame (concentric with the outer ring and positioned inside the outer ring); a plurality of rolling elements interposed between the outer ring and the inner ring, arranged with an interval between each other in a circumferential direction; and a plurality of spacers (retainers or interval-holding members) for holding intervals between the rolling elements. Each spacer is in a shape extending along a circumferential direction of the outer ring and the inner ring, and is provided between the rolling elements respectively. The wheel does not have a hub and spokes, and the inner peripheral side does not rotate, and further the wheel weight is light. The wheelchair of the present invention includes the wheel for a wheelchair.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and system for applying decorative tape to a glass sheet. The disclosed system and method allow tape segments that are shorter than a distance between a cutter and a glass engagement position to be applied by an application head to the glass sheet. The system includes the application head, a tape supply, a drive roller, a cutter, and a controller. The application head applies tape segments cut from the tape supply to the glass pane. The drive roller advances the tape dispensed by the application head. The cutter cuts end portions of each tape segment. The controller is programmed to sort moves of the application head, tape supply, drive roller, and cutter to allow tape segments that are shorter than a distance between the cutter and the glass engagement position to be applied to the glass sheet.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of wood pressing usable in manufacturing glued laminated wood such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL) using a number of wood veneer sheets are disclosed. A hot press used for wood pressing includes a pair of heating plates which are disposed one above the other and have pressing surfaces facing each other. The paired heating plates are both movable toward and away from each other. In operation, firstly one of the heating plates is moved toward the other heating plate to a position where the pressing surface of the one heating plate is spaced from a surface to which a veneer sheet is to be glued by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the veneer sheet. Then, the other heating plate is moved toward the one heating plate until a desired pressure is produced pressing.

Abstract: The caulking device for the metal plate for the tape reel of the present invention in which a plurality of bosses 14 formed on one end surface of the tape reel 10 are inserted in a plurality of boss holes 22 formed on the metal plate 20, and the bosses 14 projected from the boss holes 22 are caulked to fix the metal plate 20 to the one end surface of the tape reel 10, wherein the front end surface 3a of the welded horn 3 is formed in a flat state, and is formed in a plane shape capable of simultaneously being brought into contact with all the bosses 14.

Abstract: An improved retractable covering for an architectural opening includes an improved mounting bracket, an improved limit stop to prevent over-retraction and over-extension of the retractable covering, an improved battery pack mounting bracket for attaching a power supply to a head rail of the retractable covering, an improved battery pack mounting apparatus for attaching a battery pack to a head rail, an improved control system for the retractable covering, and an improved method of using a wireless remote control or a manually operated switch to activate a motor to control the configuration of the covering, including the extension or retraction of the covering, and the transmissivity of the covering. The disclosed improvements are field retrofittable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device having a plurality of parallel lamellae and an actuating device. The lamellae can be brought together to form a packet and connected to a pivoting element for pivoting purposes. The pivoting element has a first end and a plurality of other ends which are respectively connected to a lamella. When a lamella is pulled, the lamellae are pivoted in a common plane by the pivoting element. Preferably, the lamellae are respectively pivotably mounted on the upper, essentially horizontal edge thereof.

Abstract: A flexible die case system for forming a variety of face plates used in telecommunications equipment without having to replace the mold base is provided. The system includes a main insert for forming a first portion of the face plate and a sub-insert for forming a second portion of the face plate. The second portion includes the minor variations that might be required to accommodate minor variations in face plate requirements. For example, the second portion can be used to change the number, size and location of apertures used for light emitting diodes, as well as the number, size and location of ports used to make connections to the electronics carried by or associated with the face plate.

Abstract: A new pressure-only molten metal valving apparatus and method is provided. This novel approach to controlling the flow of liquids eliminates the need for active, moving valve components. Using the natural surface tension properties of liquids, the gas pressure either activates liquid flow when a threshold is overcome or retains the liquid in a head, even when lifted.

Abstract: A heat-dissipating device and its manufacturing process are provided for significantly increasing the number and size of blades so as to enhance the heat-dissipating performance. The heat-dissipating device has a plurality of blades arranged around the hub of the heat-dissipating device and there is an overlapped region formed between every two adjacent blades. A single mold is used to manufacture such a heat-dissipating device so that not only can the manufacturing cost be reduced but it can significantly increase the number and size of blades so as to increase the heat-dissipating efficiency.

Abstract: A sprue apparatus for use in a molding apparatus for connecting the melt duct of a molding machine nozzle with a runner system of a molding apparatus. The sprue apparatus includes a plurality of thermal regulators that regulate a plurality of thermal zones that segment the length of the sprue apparatus for the purpose of localized temperature control in support of a molding process. The plurality of zones may be thermally regulated such as to enable a substantially leak-free junction between the machine nozzle and the molding apparatus. The sprue apparatus may include an isolating coupler that substantially isolates a heated sprue bushing from carriage force. The invention has been found particularly useful when injecting metal alloys such as magnesium based alloys when in the thixotropic state.

Abstract: An exemplary die-casting mold core includes a mold body, an intermediate layer and a diamond-like carbon film. The mold body is made of a steel alloy containing carbon, chromium, manganese, silicon, vanadium, and iron. A molar percentage of hydrogen in the diamond-like carbon film is in a range from 2% to 25%. The die-casting mold core has excellent mechanical hardness, good corrosion resistance, good wear resistance, long lifetime and ease of separation.

Abstract: A system for installing sub-surface fluid transport tubing and pressure testing coupling seals in a vertically oriented geothermal heating/cooling system installation, and particularly in a direct exchange system installation, includes providing an elevated containment area, that has a confined space opening, supported by extensions/poles, within which opening an upper portion of the fluid transport tubing segment, to be installed within the borehole, can be positioned and contained. The system further includes pressure testing above-ground segmental coupling seals, by using moderate gas pressure applied via temporary gas hose and plug connections to respective ends of the operatively connected fluid transport line set.

Abstract: A heat sink for dissipating heat generated by an integrated circuit package includes a flat base 10, two vertical U-shaped heat pipes 20 and a heat dissipation body. The heat dissipation body includes a pair of side plates 40 and a plurality of fins 50 sandwiched between the side plates 40. Each heat pipe 20 has a horizontal heat absorbing portion 22 attached to the base 10, and two heat dissipation portions 24 extending perpendicularly from opposite ends of the heat absorbing portion 22 and through the side plates 40.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the efficient transfer of heat utilizing micro heat pipes that include a cellular foam or interconnected cellular/truss network having hollow ligaments. A predetermined fraction of the internal volume of the hollow ligaments is filled with a carefully chosen working fluid, and the ends of the hollow ligaments are sealed. In operation, the working fluid evaporates in the region of high heat flux and condenses in regions of lower temperature, resulting in the transfer or redistribution of the fluid's latent heat of vaporization. For open cell foams and interconnected networks, a second fluid flowing through the open cells, separate from the working fluid but also in thermal contact with the hollow ligaments, assists in the transfer of heat from the foam and networks.

Abstract: Methods and systems for cooling computer systems, in which the computer system has a processor and a fan. An exemplary method includes: determining a temperature threshold for operating the fan at greater than low speed; determining a temperature of the computer system; and throttling the processor if the determined temperature corresponds to the temperature threshold for operating the fan at greater than low speed.

Abstract: A seal cartridge and barrel manifold seal are provided for use in a subterranean well and in a method to inject fluid, that is initially produced into the well from a subterranean formation or zone, into another subterranean formation or zone. The seal cartridge has two distinct annular seals positioned within opposite sides of a unitary housing to inhibit fluid flow through the housing in both axial directions along a rod that is positioned through the housing. A barrel seal manifold is provided that is unitary in design and has tapered flow surfaces thereby provided increased strength, flow dynamics and life.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reverse-circulation cementing in subterranean formations are provided. An example of a method is a method of cementing casing in a subterranean well bore, comprising inserting a casing into the well bore, the casing comprising a casing shoe; equipping the casing with a well head, and a casing inner diameter pressure indicator; flowing an equilibrium fluid into the well bore; flowing a cement composition into the well bore after the equilibrium fluid; determining from the well-bore pressure indicator when the well bore pressure has reached a desired value; discontinuing the flow of cement composition into the well bore upon determining that the well bore pressure has reached a desired value; and permitting the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Examples of systems include systems for cementing casing in a well bore.