Abstract: A self-sealing gasket is suitable for sealing a curved object to a surface. The gasket includes a pair of side rails and a support panel between the side rails. Respective top portions of the side rails extend above the support panel to define an object receiving channel on an upper side of the gasket. Respective bottom portions of the side rails extend below the support panel to define a deflection cavity on a lower side of the gasket. The gasket is formed of a flexible material such that when the curved object is received in the object receiving channel and the curved object and gasket are fixed to the surface, the top portions of the side rails deflect inward to seal the curved object. By virtue of material deflection, a dense material may be used for the gasket while maintaining flexibility.

Abstract: A trim assembly for a windshield includes a trim piece extendable along an edge of the windshield and a gasket secured within the trim piece and including a first channel for receiving the edge of the windshield and a second channel separate from the first channel. A fastener clip is secured in the second channel of the gasket and includes one part of a releasable fastener. By providing a dedicated channel for receiving the fastener clip, a more secure connection can be achieved.

Abstract: A timing device for visually determining the passage of a preselected period of time including a redox indicator and a metal salt wherein the indicator undergoes an observable change in color which is related to the desired preselected period of time.

Abstract: An analog display instrument is provided, in particular for use in dashboards in motor vehicles, having an indicator disc mounted by a radial bearing such that the radial bearing allows the indicator disc to rotate. The indicator disc is fitted with a pointer which can be pivoted in front of a scale. The radial bearing comprises a sliding element and a guide element, with either of the slide element and the guide element having a ring structure and the other element having a holder which is suitable to hold the ring structure. The radial bearing is a journal bearing with the holder resting directly on a wall of the ring structure such that the ring structure may slide with respect to the holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating objects having a single microwave source, two or more coating chambers, and an impedance structure or a waveguide structure. The coating chambers are connected to the single microwave source. The impedance structure or waveguide structure divides the microwave energy in order to generate plasmas in the coating chambers.

Abstract: A water agitation system for use with a water retention structure, such as a bird bath or livestock water trough, includes a motor operatively connected to a drive shaft, and a blade assembly extending outwardly from the drive shaft. The motor is operable to rotate the blade assembly in order to impart motion to water retained within the water retention structure.

Abstract: A waste disposal system includes a receptacle with a base adapted to receive a waste tray assembly on a top panel thereof. The top panel includes an inlet drain opening. A discharge drain is provided in the receptacle base. The waste tray assembly can include natural or artificial turf, and is removable from the top panel. A cover can be mounted on the receptacle base and can be movable between open and closed positions. Alternatively, a lid can be provided for removably mounting on the receptacle base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing ammonia levels, odor, microorganisms and insects in large animal stalls using a bedding material additive comprising a clay-based particulate absorbent material and an aliphatic bromo-nitro-bactericide.

Abstract: A computer-aided training and management system that uses a computer or other processor in wireless communication with an instrumented dog collar and/or optionally, one or more dog interaction devices, such as, for example, video monitors, loudspeakers, video cameras, training toys (e.g., ball, bone, moving toy, etc.), an animatronics “trainer,” a treat dispenser, a food dispensing and monitoring device, a water dispensing and monitoring device, tracking devices, a dog door, dog-monitoring doghouse, a dog-monitoring dog toilet, is described. In one embodiment, the instrumented dog collar is in two-way communication with a central computer system.

Abstract: The small-animal mount assembly of the present invention can include a table member suitable for mounting a small animal. The table member can be selectively positionable into a desired table plane and can comprise at least one ECG pad and/or at least one grid of electronic heating elements disposed onto a top surface of the table pad. The assembly can also include a control apparatus electrically coupled to the at least one ECG pad and/or the at least one grid of electronic heating elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in a recovery boiler, into which spent liquor to be combusted and combustion air are fed, the arrangement comprising superheaters in the upper part of the recovery boiler for recovering heat. Instead of screen tubes the invention is provided with a superheater formed of horizontal elements.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of a controller for controlling a fuel-fired water heater are provided that are able to detect a high rate of temperature change condition in the water heater tank. The fuel fired water heater appliance having a water storage vessel comprises a surface mount sensor disposed on the outer surface of the storage vessel near the bottom of the vessel, for sensing the temperature of the vessel. The controller monitors the rate of change of the temperature sensed by the surface mount sensor during a heating cycle, and discontinues operation of the water heater appliance upon detecting an increase in the rate of temperature change that is indicative of an undesirable level of sediment build-up in the water storage vessel.

Abstract: A gas water heater device includes a combustion chamber for providing a gas flow, a pipe assembly, and a heat exchanger disposed over the combustion chamber including a plurality of thermal conductors disposed in parallel with each other, each of the plurality of thermal conductors further comprising a base, a plurality of through holes accommodating the pipe assembly therethrough, and a flange for collecting condensed water formed on the base.

Abstract: A loose parts collection weir that is a nearly cylindrical structure that is integrally attached to the lower deck plate or sludge collector top plate of a steam generator to retain loose parts along the feedwater and recirculation water transit path to the tube bundle. The weir is a near vertical structure built into the upper drum of the steam generator, near the periphery of the lower deck plate or sludge collector top plate in the vicinity of the downcomer annulus. The weir may contain a radially inwardly projecting lip which forms a pocket for loose parts to collect. As the feedwater flows toward the downcomer annulus, loose parts will tend to deposit onto the lower deck plate aided by gravity and be trapped by the loose parts collection weir.

Abstract: A system for making and storing hydrogen comprises an IC engine, a thermal reactor to convert hydrocarbon fuels to reformate, and a separation means to separate the reformate into a hydrogen stream and a hydrogen depleted reformate stream. The hydrogen stream is compressed and stored. The hydrogen depleted reformate stream is split and sent to a thermal reactor and the IC engine. The IC engine drives the compressor for hydrogen as well as the compressor for the fuel inlet to the system. The described system and process achieves high efficiency in fuel conversion and hydrogen storage.

Abstract: In a control device for a hydraulic actuator, one end of an oil passage that is provided through a connecting rod, a crankshaft and a crankcase supporting the crankshaft is connected to a hydraulic chamber of a hydraulic actuator provided in a piston connected to the crankshaft via the connecting rod with the other end of the oil passage being connected to an oil reservoir and a hydraulic pressure source via a main switching valve. An auxiliary switching valve is provided in the connecting rod. The auxiliary switching valve causes a downstream side of the oil passage that leads to the hydraulic chamber to open into the crankcase when the main switching valve allows the oil passage to communicate with the oil reservoir.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including at least one engine cylinder includes a cylinder cavity with first and second stopping members interconnected by a cylinder wall, the cylinder further includes two piston members slidably moveable within said cylinder cavity and between extreme positions intermediate between two stopping members, two piston members combust between their faces and cylinder wall pushing them with their power transmittal members alternatively to revolve the cogwheel and axle. By the ratchet function of power transmittal member or cogwheel, each piston has its free returning movement without clinging with the cogwheel and axle, allowing each piston continuously and alternatively revolves the axle without waste of energy for returning movements.

Abstract: An improved configuration for an opposing piston-opposing cylinder (“OPOC”) internal combustion engine with a single camshaft to reduce friction between the pistons and the cylinder walls during the combustion phase of the engine cycle. The improvements are presented in two embodiments that provide offsets between the bore axes of the cylinders and the crankshaft axis of rotation to cause the connecting rods to achieve an orientation substantially parallel to the cylinder bore at TDC and shortly thereafter.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine and method with compression and expansion chambers of variable volume, a combustion chamber, a variable intake valve for controlling air intake to the compression chamber, a variable outlet valve for controlling communication between the compression chamber and the combustion chamber, means for introducing fuel into the combustion chamber to form a mixture of fuel and air which burns and expands in the combustion chamber, a variable inlet valve for controlling communication between the combustion chamber and the expansion chamber, a variable exhaust valve for controlling exhaust flow from the expansion chamber, means for monitoring temperature and pressure conditions, and a computer responsive to the temperature and pressure conditions for controlling opening and closing of the valves and introduction of fuel into to the combustion chamber to optimize engine efficiency over a wide range of engine load conditions.

Abstract: A method for controlling and/or regulating a d.c. converter for at least two electromagnetic valves of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle is provided. A current generated by the d.c. converter is supplied to each valve. A determination is made as to when the total currents supplied to the valves constitute a high load for the d.c. converter. If this is the case, the d.c. converter is influenced in the sense of better processing of the high load.

Abstract: In a variable valve mechanism, a control shaft is associated with an advance oil passage such that the same passage is closed by the control shaft when a maximum valve lift amount of an intake valve is equal to or larger than a reference lift amount. The control shaft is associated with the advance oil passage such that a range in which the control shaft displaces is limited to a range between a minimum value of the maximum valve lift amount and a lift amount just before the reference lift amount when an advance angle of the intake valve is equal to or larger than a reference advance angle.

Abstract: In a vane-type variable valve timing adjusting mechanism (VCT), an OCV target current is set to the holding current to hold an actual advance amount in close proximity to the target advance amount during the execution of the holding control. In the holding control, when the deviation between the actual and target advance amounts reaches beyond the holding control region (determination threshold value) and enters into the micro displacement control region, the micro displacement control (pulse-current application control) is started, and the pulse current is applied to the hydraulic control valve to use advantages of pulse current to drive the VCT in the direction of the target advance amount. Thus, when the actual advance amount comes back into close proximity to the target advance amount, the holding control is restarted, and the OCV target current is set to the holding current to hold the actual advance amount at the target advance amount.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of double overhead cam shaft V type engines wherein the drive arrangement for the camshafts permits not only a compact design but also one in which the timing loadings are decreased to improve engine life, performance and reduced servicing.

Abstract: A valve actuation system is provided. The system has an engine valve moveable between a first position at which the engine valve prevents a flow of fluid relative to the engine valve and a second position at which fluid flows relative to the engine valve. The system also has a first cam adapted to move the engine valve from the first position to the second position during a first lift period in response to a rotation of the first cam. The system has a second cam adapted to move the engine valve from the first position to the second position during a second lift period in response to a rotation of the second cam. The system also has a cam following assembly disposed between the first and second cams and the engine valve. The cam following assembly is adapted to selectively connect one of the first and second cams with the engine valve to thereby move the engine valve through one of the first and second lift periods.

Abstract: A hydraulic reverse spring valve clearance compensation element (RSHVA) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine comprising: a housing (2), which has a blind bore (3), in which a piston (4) is guided with a tight, sealing clearance; the piston (4) comprises a lower piston part (4a) with a lower piston head (5), which together with the blind bore (3) defines a high-pressure chamber (7), whilst a low-pressure chamber (8) is situated above the lower piston head (5); the pressure chambers (7, 8) being connected by a central axial bore (10) in the lower piston head (5), which is controlled by a control valve (11) arranged on the underside (23) of the lower piston head (5); the control valve (11) comprises a control valve ball (19), upon which a control valve spring (20) acts in the opening direction and the lift of which is limited by a lift-limiting stop (24) of a valve ball cap (21), whereby an RSHVA, the idle lift of which is as independent as possible of the viscosity and hence of the temperature

Abstract: An intake apparatus for an internal combustion engine, includes a passage section defining an intake passage; and a throttle valve located in the intake passage, the throttle valve including a rotation shaft, and a plate-shaped valve element arranged to rotate about the rotation shaft, and having a first end and a second end, the throttle valve being opened so that the first end is moved in a downstream direction of the intake passage, and that the second end is moved in an upstream direction of the intake passage. The passage section includes a circumferential wall formed with an expansion chamber recessed radially outwards, the expansion chamber extending partially circumferentially, and being located at a longitudinal position that is downstream of the throttle valve, and that intake air flows passing through the first and second ends of the valve element flow into each other.

Abstract: A retainer device is provided suitable for supporting a valve shaft in a variable intake system. Preferred retainer devices can stably support a valve shaft of a variable intake system and may suitably include a shaft support part that can engage a valve shaft of the variable intake system; a fork part that can engage a valve shaft locking bolt; and a stop part spaced from the fork part by a distance sufficient to position the locking bolt between the fork part and the stop part. In preferred systems, even if a valve shaft locking bolt fastening the valve shaft is undesirably loosened during engine operation, the locking bolt is prevented from being completely removed from the retainer, thereby avoiding potential engine damage.

Abstract: With a view to reducing the load imposed by a cantilevered balancer weight on a balancer shaft bearing while balancing the inertia force generated by the balancer weights with the center of gravity of a piston and connecting road system, a balancing device for an engine is provided, the device having a second balancer weight which is cantilevered at a position opposing a first balancer weight, wherein the balancer shaft bearing between the first and the second balancer weights is displaced toward the second balancer weight according to the axial direction of the balancer shaft for a certain distance from an intersection Y of the axis of the balancer shaft with a plane passing through the center of gravity Gp of the piston-connecting rod system so that the distance L2 between the intersection Y and the center of gravity G2 of the second balancer weight is longer than the distance L1 between the intersection Y and the center of gravity G1 of the first balancer weight and so that the moment created at the inters

Abstract: An engine including an oil passage through which oil output from an oil pump flows, an oil cooler mounted to the oil passage, and a branched oil passage for a hydraulically-powered device of the engine that is configured to branch in a location of the oil passage extending from the oil pump to the oil cooler to deliver the oil to the hydraulically-powered device.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine which includes two parallel crankshafts positioned in crankcases, a cylinder positioned on a side of the crankcases, a piston movably disposed within the cylinder, and connecting rods linked to the piston and extending from respective crankshafts. Positions at which the two connecting rods are linked to the piston and the crankshafts are constantly kept symmetrical with respect to a cylinder axis when the two crankshafts rotate in opposite directions.

Abstract: The rotary engine includes a cylinder body having a cylinder chamber, an intake port, an exhaust port, and a spark plug, and a rotor which is received in the cylinder chamber to eccentrically rotate while coming into contact at seal faces thereof with an inner circumferential contact wall of the cylinder chamber to thereby implement intake, compression, expansion, and exhaust strokes. The rotor has an elliptical outer contour, and the inner circumferential contact wall of the cylinder chamber coincides with a specific curve, which is described by opposite apexes of the elliptical rotor in a direction of a major axis, when the rotor eccentrically rotates. The intake port and exhaust port are provided with opening/closing valves, respectively. Sealing performance between the cylinder chamber and the rotor may achieve an enhancement in the efficiency of fuel combustion and engine output and prevent waste of fuel.

Abstract: A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine wherein intake openings to the cylinder are partly surrounded by a mask formed by a material projection of the top face of the combustion chamber, a contour of the mask having a flat main section of maximum height between an ascending and descending flank and being asymmetrical in a developed view.

Abstract: The electronic throttle control apparatus for a vehicle engine includes a throttle actuator including an electric motor generating torque for driving a throttle valve in an opening direction and a closing direction of the throttle valve through a transmission gear device a throttle opening degree sensor detecting an opening degree of the throttle valve, and a throttle control unit controlling the electric motor such that opening degree of the throttle valve detected by the throttle opening degree sensor becomes equal to a target throttle opening degree.

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

Abstract: A fuel injector including a filter 30 provided within the tip portion 12 of the injector body 10, down stream of the fuel inlet port 14 and upstream of the spray aperture 14. The filter 30 is in the form of a hollow truncated cone with a base region 32 having an outer diameter dimensioned to be a press fit against the inner sides of the tip portion 12 such that the filter is a press fit within the tip portion. The top or upper region of the cone terminates in an aperture 34 through which the pintle 16 passes, the aperture having an inner diameter dimensioned to be a close sliding fit over the pintle 16.

Abstract: A fuel is conditioned in a fuel supply system for more efficient combustion in a combustion chamber. The conditioning system includes a plurality of vessels, each defining a fuel chamber for fuel conditioning, at least one fuel dispersing nozzle mounted for discharge into the fuel chamber, at least one gas inlet port, a gas outlet port with a gate valve and a pressure reducer mounted thereon. A low level sensor registers a low level of conditioned fuel in the fuel chamber. A gas source feeds a gas to the vessels wherein the gas is dissolved in the liquid fuel for forming a liquid/gas fuel solution. A gas delivery and gas pressure control system with flow-directional valves and gas pressure regulators supply gas and maintain a relatively high, first gas pressure P1 and a relatively low, second gas pressure P2.

Abstract: A fuel economizer comprises a pipeline with thermal conducting elements and having a chamber contained therein, a plurality of magnetic elements each of which having a through hole formed therein and wrapped within a metal element that is formed with a plurality of spacings and disposed within the chamber of the pipeline, and a plurality of elastic elements disposed within the chamber of the pipeline and located at two opposite sides of the magnetic elements, respectively.

Abstract: A passive, exhaust pressure actuated valve assembly for placement inside a tubular exhaust conduit is pivotally mounted to an off-center axle for rotation between fully closed and fully opened positions. A bias element forces the valve flap toward the fully closed position. The valve flap is shaped in a manner enabling use of the interior surface of the exhaust conduit to define stops at the full closed and full opened positions. The valve flap shape, in conjunction with the bias element arrangement, enables the flap to lie substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the conduit in the fully opened position, which provides for minimum back pressure in the conduit.

Abstract: A closed crankcase ventilation system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system comprises a flow path configured to enable crankcase emissions to flow from a crankcase of an internal combustion engine. A compressor is configured to enhance the flow of crankcase emissions from the crankcase by drawing the crankcase emissions into the compressor, to draw air from a source, and to compress the air and crankcase emissions. A treatment element is provided downstream of the compressor and configured to treat the compressed air and crankcase emissions exiting the compressor to remove entrained oil. A first conduit downstream of the treatment element is configured to introduce a first portion of the compressed air and crankcase emissions into one of an exhaust system for the engine and an air intake system for the engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder head (1) of an internal combustion engine with a camshaft bearing mechanism (2) situated thereon in which a hollow camshaft (3) is rotatably mounted, forming an outlet for discharging blow-by gases laden with oil droplets out of the crankcase and is designed as an oil droplet separator for separating the oil content out of these gases. The camshaft (3) passes through a valve space (11). A rocker cover (13) or a multichannel device (27) is connected axially to at least one end of the camshaft (3), forming an axial gap (9), each having a channel (10) connected coaxially to the hollow space (5) of the camshaft (3) so that blow-by gases from which the oil has been removed can be discharged from the camshaft (3), and each being designed so that they either form an oil collecting space (12) that is sealed with respect to the valve space (11) or they introduce oil that has been separated into such an oil collecting space (12).

Abstract: A paintball marker utilizing fiber optic cables and quick disconnects to create an isolated electrical circuit which is more robust to environmental effects while improving marker balance by relocating the sensor weight. A paintball marker is provided using a frame structure defining a mounting area and a distal sensing area with an optical sensor connected to the frame at the mounting area and a fiber optic cable connected between the optical sensor and the distal sensing area. Both reflective and broken beams sensors are taught for use with the present invention as well as a light source providing light through an optic supply line connected between the light source and the distal sensing area.

Abstract: A bowstring for use in combination with an archery bow, the bowstring including a plurality of strands and a serving material wrapped around the plurality of strands, the serving material having a first end, a second end and a middle portion extending therebetween, the first end and the second end of the serving material inserted between said strands of the bowstring and the middle portion of the serving material wrapped over the at least the first such that the serving material is self-secured to the bowstring and a method of making the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chainsaw chain, especially for use in cutting concrete, comprising a plurality of teeth which are respectively provided with at least one cutting segment carrier and at least one cutting segment. The cutting segment comprises diamond punches which are melted into a binding material in such a way that they are embedded therein.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting tiles has a base, a rail device, a cutting device, a positioning ruler and a clamping apparatus. The base has an elongated slot defined near the distal end of the base and having a setscrew hole. The rail device is connected to the base. The cutting device is connected to the base and has a mounting bracket, an operating shaft and a cutter. The mounting bracket is connected movably to the rail device. The operating shaft is connected pivotally to the mounting bracket. The cutter is connected to the operating shaft. The positioning ruler is mounted movably on the base. The clamping apparatus is connected securely to the base and has two connecting brackets, a handle and two pressing elements.

Abstract: This invention provides novel devices and methods for the heating of air with solar radiant energy. The devices of the present invention feature a housing partitioned into essentially isolated sections wherein the sections are in fluid communication with each other through a plurality of channels located within the partitions. The two unique features of the invention, essentially isolated sections and partitions comprising a plurality of channels, increase the temperature achieved by the solar heater by 1) creating multiple, sequential sections that function independently of each other providing a higher starting temperature in each section and, therefore, a higher final temperature, 2) providing second means of heating the air within the channels located within the partitions and, 3) by virtually eliminating the mixing of incoming cold air with the heated air of the solar air heater.

Abstract: A method of reducing the size of a lung by collapsing a target section of the lung includes delivering within a lung air passageway leading to the target section an intra-bronchial device. The device is deployed in a desired location and then the device is removed from the desired location. The device can be removed by gripping a portion of the device with a retractor device, which is used to draw the device proximally. Proximal movement releases anchors of the device from the passageway and the anchors can be collapsed into a removal configuration.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler, including a powder dispersion engine with one or more beads in a dispersion chamber, an airflow path leading into the dispersion chamber, an elongated tape with spaced apart blisters, each blister holding a dose of a dry powder, and blister opening mechanism that sequentially opens the blisters on the elongated tape and releases the dose of each blister into the airflow path.

Abstract: The concentration of xenon, in a medical gas mixture of xenon as an active component with a known composition of oxygen and, optionally, nitrogen and/or helium recirculating through a medical device (103) in which carbon dioxide is introduced into the mixture, is monitored by removal (135, 133) of carbon dioxide downstream of the medical device (103) and subsequently passing the carbon dioxide-free gas through an ultrasonic gas analyser (143) upstream of the medical device. The gas analyzer determines the xenon concentration by measuring the time delay between transmission of an ultrahigh frequency ultrasonic pulse of at least 100 kHz axially through the sample chamber from a location at one end thereof and reflection of said pulse axially from the other end of the sample chamber back to said location. An analyser of novel construction is disclosed.

Abstract: A condom with reduced chance of failure includes an inner pouch within an outer pouch. The inner pouch is bonded to the outer pouch adjacent to their open ends to form a sealed interstitial space between the inner and outer pouches. A lubricant is located in the interstitial space to enable the outer pouch to slide relative to the inner pouch during sexual intercourse. The outer pouch has an enlarged head area so that the outer pouch easily slides back and forth over the inner pouch and glans of the penis during intercourse. The inner pouch has a wall thickness that is less than the wall thickness of the outer pouch for increased sensitivity. The inner pouch has a narrow segment extending into a smaller bulb exerting pressure at the junction of the glans and shaft covering the entire frenulum area, thereby inhibiting premature ejaculation and reducing slippage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an oral appliance includes a first arch adapted to receive at least some of a user's teeth and a second arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's teeth. The first arch includes an anterior substantially planar region. The second arch includes an anterior bearing point that contacts the anterior substantially planar region of the first arch when the user bites down with the oral appliance inserted in the user's mouth and the user's temporomandibular joint in its proper natural position. In a more particular embodiment, the oral appliance may be used to help maintain stability of one or more aspects of the user's masticatory system, including at least helping to maintain proper positioning of the user's temporomandibular joint.