Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid phase reagent dispensing apparatus having a diptube and also a metal seal aligned and in contact with hardened opposing flat surfaces of top wall member and a protuberance[ [;] ]on a side wall member, wherein said hardened opposing flat surfaces of said top wall member and said protuberance have a hardness greater than the hardness of said metal seal. The apparatus further has a temperature sensor and a source chemical level sensor extending through a centrally located portion of the top wall member and generally vertically downwardly to a cavity centrally located on the a bottom wall member [ [,]] . The dispensing apparatus may be used for dispensing of reagents such as precursors for deposition of materials in the manufacture of semiconductor materials and devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas introducing mechanism and a processing apparatus for processing an object to be processed, which can supply a gas uniformly over the whole region of a processing space so as to enhance uniformity of a process in the surface of the object to be processed. The gas introducing mechanism 50, which is adapted to provide a process to the object W to be processed, by using the gas, in a processing vessel 4, includes a gas introducing ring member 54 for introducing the gas from the exterior of the processing vessel 4, a disk-like rotary base 56 provided rotatably below a top plate 48 in the processing vessel 4, and a ring-shaped gas injection ring member 60 provided around a rotary base 56 so as to be closer and opposed to the gas introducing ring member 54. A gas injecting slit 58 is provided in the ring-shaped gas injection ring member 60, the slit 58 being formed along the circumferential direction of the rotary base.

Abstract: A construction and a method for treating animals, in particular for milking lactating animals, with a milking module or a milking place and with a standing area for the animal to be treated and at least one opening in the standing area through which at least one treatment device can be passed. There is provided a pivotable milking module with at least two functional components, supported to be rotatable around a hinge pin disposed beneath the standing area, at least one functional component comprising at least one treatment device. The treatment device can be moved automatically, by way of a pivoting movement about the hinge pin of the milking module disposed beneath the standing area, from a rest position disposed beneath the standing area to a presentation position disposed at least in part above the standing area.

Abstract: A pet bed such as a dog bed having a filler material that includes a fiber batt, the fiber batt having been formed by garnetting fibers to form a fiber web and cross-lapping the fiber web to form the fiber batt. The bed is advantageously resistant to wear and is resistant to the formation of depressions in the bed by the pet. A method for making the pet bed is also provided.

Abstract: A device which dispenses pellets when rolled by an animal includes a central part having two cylinders, one of which is nested inside the other, which are equipped with holes of the same size. All or some of the holes in the two cylinders can be aligned more or less completely by manually rotating the external cylinder around the internal cylinder, such that a given number of pellets are released from the central part each time the device is rotated. The device also includes two wheels, one of which is equipped with a stopper. The two wheels are fixed to the ends of the internal cylinder by screwing or gluing and with the aid of a double bayonet, and the cylinders are maintained in the selected relative position by a gear tooth system. The device is particularly suitable for use as a toy, for exercise and to slow down ingestion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a feeding apparatus connectable to several feeding ducts and includes a first turntable, a fixing plate and a second turntable under a storage bin. The bottom of the storage bin is fixed to the fixing plate, and has several discharge holes, and the first and second turntables can be rotated synchronously, and several outlet holes are built corresponding to the discharge holes. When the first and second turntable are rotated, the positions of the discharge holes and the outlet holes interlaced and superimposed intermittently, so that the feed stored in the storage bin can be dropped intermittently. With a feeding air current, the feed is delivered to the outside in a high speed from each feeding duct, such that each feeding duct can distribute the feed to several feeding points, and the feeding apparatus is particularly suitable for an aquatic farm with high-density breeding tanks.

Abstract: Gravity flow animal feed dispensing apparatus includes feed supply tubes depending from a bottom wall of a feed storage hopper supported by a frame elevated above ground level. Feed dispensing tubes or a plate are connected to the feed supply tubes and flow control baffles and/or a flow control valve limit the dispensation of feed. A wildfowl embodiment of the apparatus includes an access control cage disposed about the feed dispensing member. The orientation of the feed supply tubes and dispensing tubes may be varied to provide access to feed by animals of various sizes and to provide for placement of the apparatus adjacent a confinement wall or fence.

Abstract: Gravity flow animal feed dispensing apparatus includes feed supply tubes depending from a bottom wall of a feed storage hopper supported by a frame elevated above ground level. Feed dispensing tubes or a plate are connected to the feed supply tubes and flow control baffles and/or a flow control valve limit the dispensation of feed. A wildfowl embodiment of the apparatus includes an access control cage disposed about the feed dispensing member. The orientation of the feed supply tubes and dispensing tubes may be varied to provide access to feed by animals of various sizes and to provide for placement of the apparatus adjacent a confinement wall or fence.

Abstract: This modular animal toilet assembly system has portable components, and is flushed by various fluids, gravity, flush valve, and air pressure means to public sewage systems, slurry or septic tanks. Some of the fluids include: water, oil, alcohol, anti-freeze, but are not limited to these. It can discharge into waste disposal means, such as, composting, incinerating, dehydrating, recycling or chemical or mechanical treatment. System components share, standardized, connectable, interfaces. Portable components include: toilet bowl fixture, having drainpipe trap, trap door, or sealing means; animal support platforms, having inserts with variously-shaped apertures, through which wastes pass; pipes for fluid intake and outlet. Platforms with inserts support various animals, while allowing animal waste to pass through apertures via gravity and flushing. Activators for flushing include: manual lever and animal-activated means, such as pressure-activated hydraulic system and photoelectric solenoid sensor system.

Abstract: A vertical pet excrement collection device. The device is an absorbent fabric collecting sheet mounted on a frame and maintained in a substantially vertical orientation to catch pet excrement emitted that would not land on or be absorbed by a horizontal collection device. In one embodiment, the device is incorporated with and connected to an existing horizontal collection device such as a litterbox. In a second embodiment the collection device is a frame on which an absorbent sheet is mounted, the frame having an interconnected horizontal frame and vertical frame defining a horizontal pad and a vertical pad. Simple and quick removal and replacement of the absorbent material is provided so that a solid sheet may be easily replaced.

Abstract: A swiftlet breeding facility, for use in creating and harvesting edible bird's nests. The facility includes sub-systems for injecting live insect and worm prey, and water, into an aerial enclosure to provide a feeding system imitative of a natural swiftlet feeding environment.

Abstract: A habitat extender comprises a floor panel which has a plurality of tabs along at least a portion of the perimeter the floor panel dimensioned to fit within the bars of a cage. A rod is inserted through the tabs to secure the floor panel to the cage. In one embodiment, the habitat extender comprises the bottom floor panel and a top floor panel are joined to define a pocket like living space with opposing non-concentric openings providing access to the pocket and to other parts of the habitat. The openings are non-concentrically disposed to prevent an animal from falling straight through. The habitat extender is removable for easy cleanup.

Abstract: A pet activity system for releasably joining a plurality of parts. These parts include bases, extenders and attachments wherein each is characterized as having either the male or female portion of at least one snap connector whereby the parts are releasably connectable to one another. As a preferred embodiment, multiple connectors are employed each requiring different forces to disengage those portions of the activity system that they connect from one another.

Abstract: A pet grooming tool, for use with a furry pet such as a dog or cat having loose hair and non-loose hair, is adapted for removing the loose hair from the pet. The grooming tool comprises a handle portion and a pet engageable portion secured to the handle portion. The pet engageable portion includes a blade portion and a plurality of teeth. The blade portion includes a blade edge. The teeth extend from the blade edge. The blade edge is adapted to engage the loose hair of the pet and pull it from the pet without cutting or pulling the non-loose hair from the pet.

Abstract: A horse and/or livestock brush assembly with sponge element that releases a fluid and/or liquid solution directly onto a sponge element for foaming delivery onto the coat of an animal during sponging or washing. The brush assembly includes a brush base attached to a hose and flow regulator. The brush base comprises a flexible deformable membrane with a plurality of apertures that deliver fluid and/or liquid solution to a sponge element. The flexible deformable membrane and sponge element are fitted within a first opening of an internal cavity in a brush base. Delivery of the fluid or liquid solution is controlled by way of the flow regulator. An optional mixing chamber housing a water soluble compound containing active ingredients may be attached to the flow regulator to form a liquid solution. The liquid solution includes shampoos, conditioners, perfumes, fragrances and other active compositions including insect repellant, botanicals, dyes, moisturizers, or antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: Described is an animal training/locating device including an animal training feature, an animal locating feature, and a transmitting device for communicating with the animal training feature and the animal locating feature independently. The training device and the locator device are secured to a carrying strap that is secured to the animal such that the training device and the locator device are carried by the animal. The training device is adapted to receive a training signal and the locator device is adapted to receive a locator signal. The transmitting device transmits the training signal and the locator signal. Whether the transmitting device transmits the training signal or the locator signal is governed by the trainer. Consequently, the trainer, by way of the transmitting device, communicates with the training device and the locator device independently.

Abstract: A system for cooling a power source enclosure may include a power source enclosure configured to substantially enclose a power source, and a cooling package, including an airflow provider, located separately from the power source enclosure. The system may further include a conduit configured to provide a fluid connection between a section of the airflow provider and an area inside the power source enclosure, wherein the conduit includes a first end disposed near the section of the airflow provider, such that during operation of the airflow provider a pressure differential exists between the first end and a second end, and wherein the second end is disposed near and in fluid communication with an area within the power source enclosure.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine including at least a cylinder and a valve controlled by an electric valve actuator, said actuator including at least a coil and an armature moveable thereto, said armature coupled to said valve, the method comprising of moving the armature toward the coil by varying an amount of current supplied to the coil in response to a location of the armature relative to the coil; identifying a first level of current supplied to the coil at a first position of the armature during said moving the armature toward the coil; and holding the armature at a second position relative to the coil by supplying a holding current to the coil, wherein said holding current is adjusted to be less than said first level of current.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine having at least one cylinder, said cylinder including at least one electric valve actuator, said actuator including at least a coil and an armature moveable thereto, the method comprising during a non-firing state of the cylinder: holding the armature of the actuator at a first position away from an equilibrium position by supplying a first amount of current to a first coil of the actuator; and reducing current supplied to the first coil from said first amount to a lower second amount to cause the armature to begin moving toward the equilibrium position; and during a subsequent firing state of the cylinder, varying an amount of holding current supplied to the first coil for holding the armature away from the equilibrium position based on at least said second amount of current.

Abstract: A single hydraulic circuit module is provided for controlling valve lift at multiple cylinders in an engine. The single module includes a housing that at least partially forms a supply passage and a control passage. The supply passage is in fluid communication with the fluid supply and the control passage is in fluid communication with the feed passage. At least one solenoid valve is provided and supported by the housing positioned between the supply passage and the control passage. The solenoid valve is controllable to vary fluid flow from the supply passage to the control passage to permit adjustment of hydraulic lift assemblies to vary lift of engine valves in response to control of the solenoid valve.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, a lubricated camshaft assembly is in a cam chamber formed between a cylinder head and a cylinder head cover. The cylinder head includes outer bolt-receiving holes in which selected head bolts are inserted, and which are outside of the cam chamber. An oil discharge passage in the cylinder head has an inlet opened into the cam chamber, and an outlet opened into an outer bolt-receiving hole. The inlet of the oil discharge passage is disposed on one lateral side of the cam chamber. An opening part of a timing chamber is on the other lateral side of the cam chamber. An endless loop timing chain or belt is disposed inside of the timing cover, for transmitting the power of a crankshaft to the camshaft. A vehicle, which may be a four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle, may incorporate the engine and cylinder head as described.

Abstract: A motor oil heating system for a vehicle comprising one or more solar panels comprised of one or more photovoltaic cells; one or more heaters thermally coupled to the motor oil, wherein the solar panels are electrically coupled to the heaters and power the heaters based on a voltage generated by the solar panel such that the heaters warm the engine oil.

Abstract: Upper and lower split components include upper and lower concave parts, respectively, forming the inner periphery of an intake pipe. An internal pipe is placed between the upper and lower concave parts. The upper concave part is formed a distance away from the outer periphery of the internal pipe. The outer periphery of the internal pipe is provided with a fitting part fitted into the lower concave part and a sealing part accommodated in an accommodation recess formed in the upper concave part. The inner face of the accommodation recess and the sealing part are formed along the direction of vibration of vibration welding and are in contact with each other.

Abstract: A cam support plate and an air venting cover plate for an internal combustion engine are provided along with a gasket to seal the oil passages between the cam support plate and the cam chest. The cam support plate provides a rigid, generally non flexing support for mounting one or more cam shafts and crankshafts for an internal combustion engine. The cam support plate also provides appropriate mounting and oil circulating paths as required by the engine. A cover plate is provided which is not decorative but rather functional, includes a number of chambers having chamber walls of varying depths to provide a labyrinth or serpentine like path for air to separate from the oil and vent to the outside atmosphere through a hole in the plate and or cover. Grooves or slots provided in the lower region of the chambers allow the oil separated from the air to drain back into the crankcase.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for preventing oil migration in an engine lubrication system. The system includes a gearbox, a shaft disposed at least partially in the gearbox, an oil reservoir in flow communication with the gearbox, an oil supply pump in flow communication with the oil reservoir and coupled to the shaft, an oil scavenge pump coupled to the shaft and configured to pump oil from the gearbox, and an oil cooler in flow communication with and disposed between the oil scavenge pump and the oil reservoir. The system also includes a bypass drain line disposed between the oil source and the oil supply pump, a drain valve disposed in the bypass drain line configured to close when the pressure is above a predetermined pressure, and a check valve disposed between the oil supply pump and the gearbox configured to open when the pressure is above the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An engine unit for a motorcycle that efficiently supplies lubricating oil to a clutch mechanism includes a connecting rod connected to a crank shaft, an oil pump, a clutch shaft having a clutch shaft body and a centrifugal type clutch, and a reduction mechanism having a reduction shaft in parallel to the crank shaft. The oil pump supplies lubricating oil to a connection of the crank shaft and the connecting rod. The clutch shaft body is arranged in parallel to the crank shaft. The clutch shaft body is closer to the crank shaft than is the reduction shaft. Lubricating oil supplied to the connection to scatter is led to the clutch shaft.

Abstract: A reciprocating internal combustion engine has an engine block (100) with at least one pair of coaxially aligned cylinders (30L and 30R) in which a dual-headed piston body reciprocates. Two rack gears (27 and 28) are mounted within a central frame structure (40) of the piston body and mesh with two pinion gears (29a and 29b, respectively). The pinion gears are rotatably mounted on an axle (21) oriented approximately perpendicular to the line of reciprocate motion of the piston. A slip clutch (23a and 23b) on each pinion gear alternatively locks and unlocks the pinion gear to the axle to permit rotation of the axle in one direction as the piston reciprocates. Preferably, fuel combustion occurs alternatively in each cylinder head. A valved chamber (34L and 34R) in the cylinder head enables exhaust. Preferably, a flywheel (49) is connected to the axle.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber with a piston and a spark plug, comprising during a first mode, bringing the temperature of the combustion chamber to auto-ignition temperature by adjusting engine operating conditions and producing auto-ignition in said combustion chamber without requiring spark from said spark plug; and during a second mode, bringing the temperature of the combustion chamber close to auto-ignition temperature by adjusting engine operating conditions, forming a small cloud of stratified air-fuel mixture near said spark plug, igniting said fuel cloud by a spark form said spark plug, and then causing cylinder pressure to rise, thereby producing auto-ignition at other sites in said combustion chamber wherein said first mode is implemented in a first operating range and said second mode is implemented only in a second operating range where engine speed and load are lower than said first operating range.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle for cooperatively controlling the engagement of a lock-up clutch and the conditions of fuel cut. When the rotational speed of an input shaft of a transmission becomes greater than a predetermined value during deceleration running in the condition where a throttle valve is fully closed, the lock-up clutch is engaged. Thereafter, the fuel cut start engine speed increased by a predetermined value is changed to a normal fuel cut start engine speed, at which the fuel cut is started. Accordingly, engine brake can be produced at a lower vehicle speed as compared with the prior art.

Abstract: A vehicle speed sensor detects a rotational speed of a rear wheel. A throttle valve is positioned downstream of an intake pipe. An idle speed control device controls the amount of air flowing through the intake pipe to perform an idle speed control. An electronic control unit (ECU) detects an abnormality of the idle speed control (ISC) device based on an intake pipe pressure. The ECU inhibits a rotational speed of the engine from increasing when an abnormality of the ISC device is determined. Precise detection of vehicle speed and suppression of increase of engine rotational speed resulting from an ISC abnormality is thereby achieved.

Abstract: An idling engine speed control system for a vehicle comprises a valve which is provided within an air-intake passage connected to an engine mounted in the vehicle and is configured to substantially open and close the air-intake passage, a drive device configured to open and close the valve, an opening degree controller configured to drive the drive device and is configured to control an opening degree of the air-intake passage, an input device which is attached to the vehicle and is configured to input a target engine speed in an idling state, and an engine speed memory configured to store the target engine speed input with the input device, wherein the opening degree controller is configured to control the opening degree of the air-intake passage in an idling state according to the target engine speed stored in the engine speed memory.

Abstract: An electronic control throttle system for a vehicle, comprising a hand-operated-shaft-side driven member configured to operate in association with rotation of a hand-operated shaft, the hand-operated-shaft-side driven member having a supported portion; a throttle-shaft-side driven member which is provided to operate in association with rotation of a throttle shaft, the throttle-shaft-side driven member having a support portion positioned in a direction to close the throttle valve relative to the supported portion on an operation track of the supported portion; an actuator configured to cause the throttle shaft to rotate to open and close the throttle valve; and a controller having an automated cruise mode in which the hand-operated shaft is subjected to a force in the direction to close the throttle valve and the supported portion is supported in contact with the support portion to cause the hand-operated shaft to operate according to the rotation of the throttle shaft.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition (CDI) system that can be used with a variety of light-duty internal combustion engines, including those typically employed by lawn, garden, and other outdoor equipment. According to one embodiment, the CDI system includes an ignition module having a first switching device that shorts a charge coil during an initial portion of a charge cycle. Subsequently, the first switching device is turned ‘off’ so that a flyback charging technique charges an ignition capacitor. A second switching device is then used to discharge the ignition capacitor and initiate the combustion process.

Abstract: A method of monitoring air flow restriction in an air intake of an internal combustion engine includes monitoring a plurality of manifold absolute pressure (MAP) samples and determining respective MAP thresholds corresponding to each of the MAP samples. Each of the MAP samples is compared to its respective MAP threshold. A percentage of failed MAP samples is determined based on the comparing and an over-restricted air intake condition is selectively indicated based on the percentage of failed MAP samples.

Abstract: A multi cylinder homogeneous charge compression ignition engine includes actuators and an engine controller configured to reduce variations in combustion phasing and/or combustion energy release among the different engine cylinders. By sensing both the phasing and magnitude of the combustion energy release, the engine controller generates control signals to combustion phase controllers and combustion energy release controllers for the engine cylinders. The control signals may be different from one another to reduce variations across the group of engine cylinders. A combustion energy release controller may be a direct injection fuel injector, and the combustion phase controller may be a variable intake valve actuator. Reducing variations in these aspects of the combustion events, allows the engine to operate at higher speeds and loads.

Abstract: In a method for operating an internal combustion engine, wherein the internal combustion engine has a cylinder in which a combustion chamber is provided that is delimited by a reciprocating piston guided in the cylinder, wherein the piston is connected by a connecting rod to a crankshaft and wherein the internal combustion engine has a device for supplying fuel and a device for igniting the fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber at least one engine speed value of the internal combustion engine is determined and evaluated. A pre-ignition state of the internal combustion engine is determined based on the result of the evaluation step.

Abstract: A fuel injection pump includes a pump housing, which has a cam chamber accommodating an eccentric cam of a camshaft, a plunger pump portion, which includes a plunger driven by the eccentric cam, and a feed pump driven by the camshaft for supplying fuel to the plunger pump portion. The camshaft has one end inserted in a through hole of an outer wall of the pump housing. A cover is fixed to the outer wall of the pump housing to close the through hole. The cover is coupled with a first pressure regulating valve for regulating pressure of fuel discharged from the feed pump. The longitudinal direction of the first pressure regulating valve is at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the camshaft.

Abstract: An engine for a vehicle, which is configured to enable a combustion stroke to occur in a plurality of cylinders substantially simultaneously, comprises a fuel pipe coupled to a fuel supply source for storing a fuel, a plurality of fuel injectors which are attached to the fuel pipe to respectively correspond to the plurality of cylinders and are configured to inject the fuel to their associated cylinders, and a damper chamber which is provided at the fuel pipe and has an inner space connected to an inner space of the fuel pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to positive-displacement free-piston heat machines with variable working chambers, which could be applied as an internal or external combustion engine, compressor, pump. The machine comprises two analogous assemblies of pistons, each consisting of two or more vanes having form of symmetrical star and attached to the hub. The assemblies of pistons are placed in the cylindrical cavity that is limited by two concentric cylindrical surfaces and two planes at the ends. The vanes the different assemblies are alternately displaced in the cavity. When the assemblies of pistons swing in opposite directions, variable working chambers are got between the adjacent vanes. The external loading or driving devices are connected directly to the assemblies of pistons either by coaxial shafts, radial junctions, planar or cylindrical rings. The machine with two bodies swinging in opposite direction presents well-balanced mechanical system, and vibration of the frame is avoided.

Abstract: A homogeneous charge compression ignition engine is set up by first identifying combinations of compression ratio and exhaust gas percentages for each speed and load across the engines operating range. These identified ratios and exhaust gas percentages can then be converted into geometric compression ratio controller settings and exhaust gas recirculation rate controller settings that are mapped against speed and load, and made available to the electronic engine controller. This provides the engine controller with a look up table of what compression ratio and exhaust gas rates should be at each speed and load. The engine controller also balances at least one of combustion phasing and energy release among a plurality of cylinders in order to enable higher load operation.

Abstract: A method of relieving hot soak pressure in a fuel rail of a fuel injected internal combustion engine includes pressurizing fuel with a fuel pump when the engine is operating, and conveying the pressurized fuel through a check valve that prevents backflow of fuel from the fuel rail toward the fuel pump. A bypass path is in fluid communication between a location downstream of the check valve and a location downstream of the fuel pump and upstream of the check valve. The bypass path is opened when the engine is not operating so as to relieve fuel pressure downstream of the check valve to a level below a system operating pressure. Apparatuses are provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A fuel system for a carburetor that supports operation of an engine includes a body with a bore, a fuel source communicated with the bore and from which fuel is supplied to the bore for delivery to the engine, a drain unit and a control. The drain unit is communicated with the fuel source to selectively receive fuel from the fuel source and has a fuel chamber and an actuator operable to vary the volume of the fuel chamber. The control is communicated with the actuator to permit fuel flow from the fuel source to the fuel chamber when the engine is shut down and to cause fuel to flow from the fuel chamber to the fuel source prior to starting the engine.

Abstract: A fuel tank has a fuel-vapor discharge structure in which the piping connecting to external equipment is not obtrusive. The fuel-vapor discharge structure allows the passage of fuel vapor between an upper space in the fuel tank and an induction system. The communication passage can be formed by a communication tube arranged vertically within the interior of the fuel tank and a connecting tube located outside the fuel tank. A lower portion of the fuel tank includes a one-way valve which allows fuel vapor to flow from the fuel tank to the induction system.

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: The present invention prevents an EGR sensor installed in an engine's EGR path from being soiled by soiling substances in exhaust. A catalyst is positioned upstream of the EGR sensor to purify the soiling substances in EGR gas. The status of the EGR sensor is properly controlled in accordance with the conditions of the catalyst. This ensures the EGR sensor is less likely to be affected by the soiling substances in the exhaust under any circumstances of the EGR path and allows the EGR sensor to avoid a decrease in the accuracy of EGR gas detection. An alternative configuration may be employed such that the EGR gas recirculates from the downstream side of a catalyst installed in a main exhaust path.

Abstract: An air/fuel flow structure for enhancing the fuel efficiency of an internal combustion engine includes a generally conical-shaped flow path useable in the engine. One or more tab and one or more notch are formed in the conical path to alter one or more characteristics, such as pressure and velocity, of the gas flow. The apparatus may be positioned in the air intake system. Alternatively, the apparatus may be positioned in the exhaust system.

Abstract: A twin ignition system for automotive vehicles and the like is disclosed and claimed. Ignition system #1 comprises a known ignition system which allows electrical access to the engine starter, and allows full function of all facilities with which the vehicle is equipped. Ignition system #2 has its own subsystems which can be set to control vehicle speed and/or other vehicle operating parameters. Each system can be accessed by its own discreet key which does not allow access to the other ignition system.

Abstract: A control system for an oxygen sensor heater is provided. The control system includes a passive heater control module that generates a heater control signal at a first duty cycle and measures a resistance of the oxygen sensor heater. An exhaust gas temperature mapping module maps the resistance to an exhaust gas temperature. An active heater control module generates a heater control signal at a second duty cycle based on the exhaust gas temperature.

Abstract: A drive device includes a variable compression ratio internal combustion engine that moves a cylinder block relative to crankcase in a cylinder axis direction, and a transmission device. A chain case is made up of a crankcase-side chain case fixed to the crankcase, and a cylinder block-side chain case fixed to the cylinder block. An upper portion of the crankcase-side chain case is supported on a vehicle body via a support member. The transmission device is supported on a vehicle body via a support member. A support member coupling portion that fixes the support member of the crankcase-side chain case includes a rib that improves the rigidity of a front wall portion of the crankcase-side chain case.

Abstract: A paint ball gun is disclosed including a dispenser having a locking connector designed to lockingly engage a locking connector on a gun feed tube or one end of a hollow connecting member.