Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus controls a valve timing of intake/exhaust valve of an engine. The apparatus includes a housing rotated with a driving shaft. The housing has a chamber house accommodating a vane rotor rotative with a driven shaft to retard and advance sides relative to the housing by being exerted with hydraulic pressure in retard and advance chambers in the chamber house. A filter is provided for removing foreign matters in a fluid passage extending from a slidable portion between the driven shaft and a bearing toward both the housing and the vane rotor through a connected portion between the driven shaft and the vane rotor. The filter is provided on the side of both the housing and the vane rotor with respect to the slidable portion.

Abstract: A mechanism and method is provided for preventing instantaneous unlatching of a driving and a driven member upon an accidental drop in the hydraulic-holding pressure. One embodiment of the mechanism includes a housing having an inlet port connectable to a substantially sustained high pressure fluid source; and a configured locking pin axially displaceable to an engaged position with respect to the inlet port in response to high pressure fluid entrapped in the housing. The locking pin is spring-biasingly axially displaceable to a disengaged position when the pressure is low. The axial displacement of the locking pin sufficiently overlaps the inlet port to form a variable orifice so that the rate of exhausting of entrapped fluid is variable. In another embodiment, the entrapped fluid is slowly exhausted until a seal length is reduced to zero by the retraction of the locking pin. In another embodiment, latching and unlatching is controlled by pressure pulses.

Abstract: A pressure management apparatus including a housing (30) defining a fluid communication passage between first and second fluid ports (46, 48). A poppet (40) is disposed in the housing and is movable between first and second positions. The first position prevents fluid communication between the first and second fluid ports, and the second position permits fluid communication between the first and second fluid ports. The poppet includes a portion (75) translatable along an axis relative to the housing. A member (78) is fixed with respect to the housing and is associated with the portion of the poppet. Spring structure (72) is associated with the portion of the poppet. The spring structure is constructed and arranged to engage and bias the portion of the poppet to frictionally engage a portion of the member to create a dashpot damping of resonance of the poppet in the second position.

Abstract: A plasma assisted combustion device includes a body formed of a dielectric material that defines a conical-shaped plasma chamber. A ground electrode is positioned in the plasma chamber. A hot electrode is energized with a high voltage that strikes a plasma discharge in a gap between the ground electrode and an outer surface of the plasma chamber. A fuel injector is positioned proximate to the conical chamber. The fuel injector includes a nozzle that converts a liquid fuel into an aerosolized high molecular weight fuel that sprays into the plasma chamber. The plasma in the gap cracks the aerosolized high molecular weight fuel into at least some lower molecular weight fuel and creates at least some free radicals and/or excited-state species.

Abstract: An adjustable Helmholtz resonator assembly is provided having an active state and an inactive state. In the active state the Helmholtz resonator assembly is operable to attenuate pressure pulsations within air passing therethrough. In the inactive state the Helmholtz resonator assembly does not attenuate pressure pulsations within air passing therethrough. The Helmholtz resonator assembly is preferably configured to be mounted within an intake system of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recoil starter including: a case includes a support shaft formed thereon; a rope reel rotatably disposed on the support shaft; a recoil rope wound on the rope reel; a recoil spring that rotationally energizes the rope reel; a cam of an engine side; a power storing spring interposed between the rope reel and the cam; and a ratchet mechanism interposed between the rope reel and the cam. The ratchet mechanism includes: a ratchet shaft formed on the rope reel, a ratchet member having: a base portion oscillatably and slidably supported through an elongated hole on the ratchet shaft, and a ratchet pawl engageable with an engaging portion of the cam, and an energizer that energizes the base portion toward an uneven inner peripheral surface of the case.

Abstract: Cam covers including a shell of the plastic material reinforced with a support structure and one or more end caps and methods for making cam covers incorporating a plastic shell and a metal or plastic support structure and one or more end caps are described herein.

Abstract: To provide a pump drive structure for a water-cooled internal combustion engine in which the number of revolving shafts arranged in parallel in an internal combustion engine is reduced and a power transmission mechanism is eliminated. Thus, the internal combustion engine is downsized. The pump drive structure of a water-cooled internal combustion engine is provided in which a balancer shaft is arranged in parallel with a crankshaft at a position where crank webs of the crankshaft and balancer weights are overlapped in the axial direction. An oil pump drive shaft of an oil pump is connected coaxially at one end of the balancer shaft, and a water pump drive shaft of a water pump is connected coaxially with the other end of the balancer shaft.

Abstract: A tensioner for applying tension to a balancer drive chain is mounted in a balancer housing which accommodates balancer shafts. Oil is supplied from a reservoir chamber to the tensioner. An oil jet member for lubricating the balancer drive chain is mounted at a position downstream in an oil flow direction from the reservoir chamber. Therefore, while enabling foreign matter contained in the oil to be discharged from the oil jet member without being accumulated within the tensioner, a predetermined pressure can be maintained in the reservoir chamber by a resistance to the flow of oil passing through the oil jet member. Also, a constriction is provided between the reservoir chamber and the oil jet member. Therefore, it is difficult for the oil to flow out of the reservoir chamber even after stoppage of an engine, thereby supplying the oil to the tensioner upon the next start of the engine without delay. Thus, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter from entering the tensioner for the balancer drive chain.

Abstract: An engine air particle filter system configured to selectively receive one of at least a first tray which supports a first filter media and a second tray which supports a second filter media different than the first media.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine operable in homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion mode and in conventional spark ignited combustion mode and a method for restart of HCCI combustion therein. Whilst cranking the exhaust valve is arranged to be closed before top dead center (TDC) during an exhaust stroke. The intake valve is arranged to be opened after TDC during an induction stroke. Fuel injection control means are arranged to perform a first fuel injection after closing of the exhaust valve and before TDC of the exhaust stroke. The ignition control means are arranged to cause said spark plug to ignite the first injected quantity of fuel before said opening of the intake valve. The fuel injection control means are arranged to perform at least one further fuel injection in the interval after TDC of the exhaust stroke and before TDC of a subsequent compression stroke.

Abstract: Fuel management system for operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. The system includes a gasoline engine powering the vehicle and a source of gasoline for introduction into the engine. A source of an anti-knock fuel such as ethanol is provided. An injector directly injects the anti-knock fuel into a cylinder of the engine and the control system shuts down the engine by stopping gasoline and anti-knock agent flow into the engine during vehicle deceleration and idling and restarts the engine upon driver demand. Direct ethanol injection and engine shutdown results in efficiencies similar to those of full hybrid vehicles.

Abstract: A method of pressure balancing across a bearing adjacent to a pressure differential is described. The method primarily includes providing a bypass port around the bearing for allowing a fluid flow from a first pressure side to a second pressure side. A throttle body for an engine is also described. The throttle body primarily includes: (1) a bearing cooperating with the valve body; and (2) a bypass port around the bearing for allowing the fluid flow from a first pressure side to a second pressure side.

Abstract: A fuel injection system operates under a predetermined substantially constant pump speed and creates multi-pressure levels by diverting the fuel flow. Fuel pressure can be switched from one steady pressure level to another level on-demand instantly. This superimposes and overlaps typical fuel injection events in the linear operating ranges under different pressure levels, significantly increasing the fuel injection dynamic range. The dynamic range is further increased when another predetermined constant pump speed is assigned. Thus, the system saves fuel and reduces exhaust emission in city driving when gas pedal is released including idle. The same system can instantly deliver additional fuel on-demand for extra power beyond engine rating producing a sport-car-like performance.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine including a housing with cylinders arranged in the housing, a crankshaft, and pistons moveably disposed in the cylinders and operatively connected to the crankshaft, and a device for changing the compression ratio of the cylinders of the internal combustion engine, the device comprises an adjusting arrangement with an eccentric which is mounted in the housing and, by means of rotation, controls the position and the direction of movement of the adjusting arrangement, and a drive for operating the adjusting arrangement including the eccentric.

Abstract: By-pass structure (45) is connected between a high pressure portion of a fuel pump (16) and an inlet of a jet nozzle (24) of a jet assembly (18) of a fuel delivery module (10) of a vehicle. The by-pass structure is constructed and arranged such that under certain conditions when the flow of fuel from the low pressure portion of the fuel pump alone is insufficient to operate the jet pump assembly, fuel is selectively permitted to flow through the by-pass structure from the high pressure portion of the fuel pump to the inlet of the jet nozzle ensuring that a sufficient flow of fuel is present at the jet assembly to draw fuel into the reservoir.

Abstract: A fuel cell powered vehicle is disclosed having a fuel tank, wherein the fuel tank is disposed on an undercarriage of the vehicle and has a substantially conical shape to militate against interference with a function of a suspension system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A positive crankcase ventilation system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system includes an engine having a cylinder air intake system connected to associated cylinders and a filtered air inlet to a crankcase for admitting air to mix with crankcase vapors. A throttle is disposed in the cylinder air intake system for controlling airflow to the associated cylinders. The system further includes a venturi nozzle having an inlet and an outlet. The venturi nozzle inlet is connected to the crankcase for receiving the mixture of filtered air and crankcase vapors. The venturi nozzle outlet is connected to the cylinder air intake system at a location subject to variable intake vacuum pressure between the throttle and the cylinders to allow the mixture of filtered air and crankcase vapors to be drawn into the inlet air passing to the cylinders downstream of the throttle.

Abstract: A mixture distribution device (1) for a combustion engine comprises a first mixture inlet (3), multiple first mixture outlets (4) and a first branch guiding structure (6). The mixture distribution device further comprises a second mixture distribution device (21) comprising a second mixture inlet (23), as well as multiple second mixture outlets (24) and a second branch guiding structure (26). An air/fuel mixture supplied to the first mixture inlet (3) is divided into a first fraction (7) and a second fraction (27) which is not collected and is collected, respectively, by the second mixture distribution device.

Abstract: Internal combustion engines having -V- and -L-configurations.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is disclosed. The internal combustion engine includes a crankcase and a mounting plate or base plate connected to the bottom portion of the crankcase. The base plate includes a plurality of engine mountings integrally formed with the base plate for securing the engine to a chassis. The base plate and the crankcase cooperate together to define at least one cooling chamber within the crankcase and cooling fluid passageways within the at least one cooling chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a sports object throwing machine is disclosed that utilizes preprogrammed parameters of shot distribution pattern, throwing speed, feed rate, elevation, spin rate and direction to permit operation of the sports object throwing machine by simply selecting a skill level. Adjustment keys are provided to allow user customization of the operating parameters as desired. In addition, the preprogrammed parameter of shot distribution pattern includes a means to reduce repetitive shots to the same location by reducing the comparative probability of subsequent shots to the same location.

Abstract: A cam is eccentrically journaled at one end of a compound archery bow and a pulley is journaled at the other end of the bow. A cable passes around the pulley to form a bowstring section and a second cable section, both sections forming a dual feed single cam compound bow. The amount of feed out to both ends of the bowstring is approximately the same. One embodiment of the cam provides a large radius cam groove and a smaller radius cam groove which are designed to synchronize the rate of cable feed out at both ends of the bowstring section during the drawing operation. An anchor cable is provided to tie the two limbs of the bow together during the flexing of the bow.

Abstract: An arrow rest for an archery bow includes a frame and a vertical post extending upwardly from the frame so that the frame at least partially encircles the vertical post to form an arrow shaft pass-through. The arrow rest further includes a pair of spring arms, brushes and/or rollers extending generally toward the arrow shaft pass-through.

Abstract: The pneumatically powered projectile launching device has a bolt located within a body. A front gas chamber in the body has an opening through which the bolt extends into the chamber. The bolt can move forward and backward thereby changing the volume of the front chamber. The bolt has a backward facing working surface. A gas valve in the body selectively releases compressed gas into the chamber. The released gas applies pressure on the backward facing working surface of the bolt to move the bolt forward, and then passes through a passage in the bolt to pneumatically force the projectile to leave the device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A cutting angle adjustment device for a stone cutter includes a rectangular water sink, an inverse L-shaped support arm anchored to a lateral side of the sink, a stone cutter adjustably connected to the support arm through a coupling assembly, a pair of guide rods parallel disposed to a pair of rack on front and rear ends of the sink, a platform having two alignments of rotors symmetrically arranged and slidably engaging with the inner sides of the pair of guide rods, a vertical cutting slit and a slant cutting slit parallel formed in the upper surface thereof. Thereby, a saw blade has been adjusted vertically and/or slantly relative to the top of the platform to conduct a vertical or slant cutting and a shallow or deep cutting of the working pieces.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making and using tools, for example concrete cutting blades, may use laminations. They may also include inserts, such as structural inserts, damping inserts and fluid flow elements. Fluid flow elements may include a tube, a transition element including an inlet fitting, a fluid pressure containment structure inserted into the channel of the blade, an added material resistant to effects of the fluid including plastics, coatings and films, and other structures. Additional nozzle structures may be included. Methods and apparatus for making and using tools including concrete cutting blades having improved damping characteristics may include inserts, plugs and other structures, including those made from materials softer or more ductile than the tool material.

Abstract: A platform minute adjustment, expansion and collection device for a stone cutter includes a water tank supported by a pair of racks, a pair of guide rods spacedly bridged on the racks, a first water collection plate and a second water collection plate, both of which are slantly disposed to a front rack, a platform having a pair of rotors on the lower side thereof and slidably engaged on the inner sides of the guide rod. The platform has a pair of expansion plates for enlarging its size and for cutting a large-sized working piece, and two minute adjusting devices mounted on the tops of the racks for displacing the platform slightly, such that the sawdust may be stopped scattering all over the working place.

Abstract: A safety controller includes a housing including a base and a cover. The base has a main member with a chamber therein, an input channel, an output channel, a gas channel, a check port between the gas channel and the chamber, a lid member with an open end communicated with the chamber. A support member is provided in the chamber. A film resides between the lid member and the cover to separate a space into an inner pressure room and an outer pressure room. A control device is provided in the chamber with an end connected to the film to control a flow rate of gas flowing to the gas channel from the chamber. A pressure up electromagnetic valve and an exhaust electromagnetic valve are provided beside the cover to be activated to change pressures in the inner and outer pressure room respectively to make the film deforming.

Abstract: An implementation of a heating cooker includes a case; a plate covering a top of the case; a plurality of burner systems provided in an internal space defined by the plate and the case; at least one switch controlling an on/off operation of the burner system; a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the burner system and on-off-operated; and an alarming unit that generates an alarming signal according to at least one of on-operation of the switch and temperature value detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A biomass stove includes a housing enclosing a firebox that defines a ceiling portion opposite a bottom, a firepot disposed within the firebox, an air intake assembly coupled to the firebox, and at least one duct disposed entirely inside the firebox and extending between the ceiling portion of the firebox and the air intake assembly. The duct(s) provide a heat exchanging flow path for ambient air entering the air intake assembly, where the ambient air is heated within the duct(s) prior to exiting through the ceiling portion of the biomass stove.

Abstract: A gas stove apparatus includes a gas supply unit, a gas-flow adjusting cap and a flame guiding member. The gas supply unit has a gas reservoir and an annular opening formed at a top portion of the reservoir. The gas reservoir is connected with a gas inlet conduit for supplying a gas. The gas-flow adjusting cap is disposed on the annular opening of the gas supply unit, and is formed with a plurality of longitudinal gas nozzles and a plurality of slanted gas nozzle. Bias gas flows exhausted from the slanted gas nozzles are incorporated into straight gas flows exhausted from the longitudinal gas nozzles to thereby create a spiral concentrated gas flow in an axial direction of the gas-flow adjusting cap.

Abstract: A device for breast self-examination worn over the fingers of a user's hand, comprising an operative portion with an outside shell, an inside liner, and a lubricant contained therebetween, and a barrier adhering the outside shell to the inside liner and acting to seal the lubricant within. The operative portion is sized to substantially restrict access to just the pads of the distal and middle regions of the four fingers, preventing the non-recommended use of the thumb and palm during the inspection process, due to their limited sensitivity. The operative portion is designed to allow the recommended substantial lateral displacement of the inside layer relative to the outside shell that remains in substantially immobile contact with an area of skin. The novel design substantially prevents incorrect use thereby increasing the detection effectiveness.

Abstract: A portable device for delivering inhalable vapors comprises a portable hand-held refillable vaporization chamber with an inlet for outside air and an outlet for inhaling vapors. The chamber can be heated by a small heat source, such as a cigarette lighter, so that the contents become vaporized almost instantly. Optionally, the chamber is connected to a storage reservoir.

Abstract: A variable volume medicament valve, inhaler; and method of treatment including a housing, and a plug insertable into the housing wherein a volume of medicament to be released by the valve is defined by a distance between a lower surface of the plug and a top surface of the housing and wherein the volume is variable.

Abstract: A drug transfer system is adapted to transfer a powdered drug into a patient via inhalation. The drug transfer system includes a drug container or packet that removably inserts into an inhaler device. As the patient inhales from the inhaler device, the drug flows from the container, through the inhaler device, and into the patient's respiratory system. The system is adapted for ease of use without requiring the user to perform any cumbersome manipulations of the drug packet during insertion into the inhaler or during inhalation of the drug.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor for measuring pressure comprises a fixed charge plate integral to a printed circuit board, a flexible charge plate that is grounded, a conductive donut-shaped adhesive spacer between the charge plates, a lid, a non-conductive donut-shaped adhesive spacer between the second charge plate and the lid, means of providing a pressure, fixed or variable, to both sides of the flexible charge plate, wherein a microcontroller controls a power supply and provides a voltage to the first charge plate wherein the accumulative voltage may be measured as a means of determining differential pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatic single-lumen medical gas conserver combines the advantages of typical single-lumen and dual-lumen conservers. In particular, a pneumatic single-lumen conserver can provide a rapid response to patient inhalations without the need for a more expensive dual-lumen cannula hose. In addition, after delivering oxygen the conserver has a specific pneumatically-implemented delay period before being able to detect the next inhalation to inhibit “double pulse” deliveries. In addition to a conserving or pulse flow mode, the conserver can provide a user-selectable gas flow at a continuous or constant flow mode.

Abstract: A fastenable air delivery conduit includes a body portion having a supply end and a delivery end and a fastener that substantially extends from the supply end to the delivery end. The fastener, when engaged, forms the body portion into a fastened configuration, and when disengaged, forms the body portion into an unfastened configuration. The body portion defines a longitudinal axis when in the fastened configuration, and the fastener extends from the source end to the delivery end of the body portion at an angle that is non-parallel with the longitudinal axis of the conduit.

Abstract: A device with a water trap. The device has a gas sensor and is designed to send a gas sample flow through the water trap (2) and to feed it to the gas sensor (3). The water trap (2) is designed to be separably connected to the device. The device has a mount for connection to the water trap. The water trap (2) has a radio frequency marking (5). The device has a radio frequency detection device (6) with a detection area (7) for the radio frequency marking, which is designed to detect the radio frequency marking in the detection area and to generate a marking signal, which represents marking information of the radio frequency marking. The device is designed to be controlled as a function of the marking signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to breathing apparatus, particularly of the open-circuit type, comprising a backpiece equipped with means, particularly involving straps, to allow it to be worn on the back of a wearer, the backpiece being intended to support at least one cylinder equipped with a valve, the backpiece being equipped with a coupling which, intended to collaborate with the valve, is connected to a regulator. The coupling comprises an air intake tube on which a bushing is mounted such that it can pivot and move in terms of axial translation. The bushing is mounted in a sleeve that forms an operating knob, is prevented from turning in the sleeve and is free in terms of translational movement with respect to the latter. The sleeve is mounted such as to pivot on the coupling about the axis of the tube and is prevented from translational movement with respect to this tube.

Abstract: A medical device is provided with a fluid port (2), a tube (20), a socket (4), which can be connected to the fluid port (2), on the one hand, and to the tube (20), on the other hand, with freely selectable rotation positions, in order to establish a fluid connection between the fluid port (2) and the tube (20). The tube (20) is provided with a transponder (22) at its end at which it is connected to the socket (4), and with a writing and reading device for communication with the transponder (22), which has an antenna (24) in the area of the fluid port (2). The socket (4) is provided, in the area of its two connection ends, with a coil (5, 6) each, whose axis of rotation is directed essentially coaxially to the axis of rotation about which the relative rotation position of the socket (4) is variable. The two coils (5, 6) are connected by electric lines (8), to which at least one capacitor (9) is connected as a circuit component.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and kits for enhancing breathing in patients suffering from chronic pulmonary obstructive disease are described. The methods and apparatus rely on increasing flow resistance to expiration in a manner which mimics “pursed lip” breathing which has been found to benefit patients suffering from this disease. In a first example, a device is implanted in a trachea or bronchial passage to increase flow resistance, preferably selectively increase resistance to expiration relative to inspiration. In a second embodiment, a mouthpiece is provided, again to increase resistance to expiration, preferably with a lesser increase in flow resistance to inspiration. In a third embodiment, the patient's trachea or bronchial passage is modified by the application of energy in order to partially close the lumen therethrough.

Abstract: An elongate strip of adhesive tape having an adhesive side and a non-adhesive side; (b) a central peel-away tab on and covering the adhesive side of the central portion of the adhesive tape; and (c) a pair of peel-away tabs on and covering the adhesive side of each end portion of the adhesive tape so that when the central peel-away tab is peeled off the tape and the adhesive side of the central portion of the adhesive tape is wrapped around a tracheal tube or the like, the pair of peel-away tabs on and covering the adhesive side of each end portion of the adhesive tape can be peeled off against the cheeks of the patient so that the adhesive side of each end portion of the adhesive tape adheres to the patients cheeks thereby securing the tube to the patient.

Abstract: A method of topically treating the respiratory tract of a mammal with nitric oxide exposure includes the steps of providing a source of nitric oxide containing gas and delivering the nitric oxide containing gas nasally to the upper respiratory tract of the mammal. Also provided are several designs for a nasal delivery device for the controlled nasal deliver the nitric oxide containing gas.

Abstract: A method for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes providing MAD therapy via an adjustable mandibular advancement device structured to advance the position of the patient's lower jaw, providing CPAP therapy via a mask system structured to deliver a supply of pressurized air to a patient, and selectively adjusting the mask system and/or the mandibular advancement device to alternate and/or balance between CPAP therapy and MAD therapy.

Abstract: Snoring and sleep apnea are prevented by advancing the mandible of an individual during sleep. Instead of using an intra-oral device that has the potential to cause movement of the teeth, an extra-oral device is used, having a headpiece attached to an occipital piece which rests against the occipital bone behind the skull and an adjustable device attached to the occipital piece that is a capable of pressing against the posterior angle of the mandible to cause the force that maintains the mandible in the forward position to be transmitted to the head, rather than the teeth.

Abstract: A surgical drape support apparatus includes a base section, a side section coupled to the base section, a curved section coupled to the side section, a top section coupled to the curved section. The side section, the curved section and the top section include a reduced thickness portion. The side section or section and the top section include an inward extending projection. The base section includes a first raised rib projection and a second raised rib projection substantially perpendicular to the first raised rib projection.

Abstract: An earplug is provided including an elongated stem including opposite first and second ends, a flange element disposed circumferentially on the stem and extending from the first end toward the second end delimiting a space between the flange element and the stem, a rib support element formed on an inner surface of the flange element in the space between the flange element and the stem, and a stem component disposed in a cavity formed in the stem, wherein the elongated stem, the flange element, and the rib support element are integrally formed of a resilient polymeric material and wherein the stem component is formed of a semi-rigid material and is bonded with the resilient polymeric material at the cavity.

Abstract: A back support apparatus intended for use during emergency transport of a patient suffering an actual or suspected spine injury is disclosed. The device provides a solid support for the arched portion of the spine that molds to the shape of the individual patient's back. The device comprises a bag or other container into which a solid curable material and a liquid activator are introduced; which is then placed beneath the patient's spine on a back board or like support. The device may be deployed quickly without the need for additional straps, belts, or the like, and may be treated as disposable due to its low cost.