Abstract: A painting installation includes at least one painting cabin (10) through which each part (9) for painting passes, the cabin being defined by side walls (2) between a top distributor for blowing air and bottom elements for recovering and treating air carrying particles of paint, the cabin also being provided with at least one applicator (5) for applying paint to the part (9), the applicator possessing a plurality of degrees of freedom, and with a conveyor (7) for conveying the part, the conveyor possessing a number of degrees of freedom that is smaller than that of the applicator. According to the invention, while the part is present in the cabin, the position of the part in the frame of reference of the cabin is controlled by the position of the applicator in the frame of reference by programmable elements for servo-controlling the motor (11) of the conveyor to the applicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extrusion nozzle comprising at least one core (21-25). Said extrusion nozzle is also provided with a plurality of flow channels (11-19) for melt streams, said channels merging inside the extrusion nozzle to form the desired profiled element. The inventive extrusion nozzle consists of a plurality of plates (1-7). The flow channels (11-19) are separated from each other for all plates comprising at least one core (3-7), with the exception of the last plate (7), such that the at least one core (21-25) is connected to the remaining plate by the connecting elements (34-38) between the flow channels (11-20). When the flow channels (11-19) in the last plate (7) are continuously interconnected, the at least one core (21-25) of the last plate (7) is screwed onto the corresponding core or cores of the adjacent plate (6).

Abstract: A device (10) for spreading a two-component coating material (1), consisting of at least two components, on a flat web-shaped carrier (16) comprises a slotted nozzle (11) provided with an output slot (11.2) whose length (L) defines the width of the coating material (1) application to the carrier (16), wherein the slotted nozzle (11) is provided with two end areas and a nozzle chamber which is arranged inside the slotted nozzle (11) and extends in a parallel to the output slot (11.2) from the first to the second end area. A first mixer (15) is arranged in the region of the first end area. A second mixer (15) is positioned in the region of the second end area. At least one first reservoir (K1) for the first component (A) and at least one second reservoir (K2) for the second component (B) are provided.

Abstract: A liquid send/receive joint device that releases pressure on a false connection prevention key and prevents breakage of the false connection prevention key when a rotary force of a predetermined level or greater is applied to the liquid send/receive joint device while a liquid accepter and a liquid reservoir are connected to each other, is provided. A fuel cell system equipped with such a liquid send/receive joint device is also provided. The liquid send/receive joint device includes: a first joint member 10 having a male joint part 14; and a second joint member 50 that has a female joint part 54 to receive the male joint part 14 and is connected to the first joint member 10. The female joint part 54 has ribs 68A to 68D that are inserted into spaces between adjacent engagement protrusions 16A to 16D of the male joint part 14 when the female joint part 54 receives the male joint part 14.

Abstract: A metering system for a coating installation for coating components such as vehicle body parts contains an applicator which applies the coating material supplied to it with a volumetric flow metered on-demand, a regulated first metering device which adjusts the pressure or the volumetric flow of the coating material to be applied by the applicator based on setpoints which are specified by automated installation controls, a transducer to generate a reading which matches the pressure or the volumetric flow of the coating material flowing to the applicator and a control device for regulating the metering device as a function of the specified setpoints and of the reading from the transducer. A second metering device is connected at the outlet of the regulated first metering device for the coating material flowing to the applicator which controls the pressure or volumetric flow of the said applied coating material for precision metering of the coating material applied as a function of the specified setpoints.

Abstract: A single chamber CVD manufacturing process enables thin film p-i-n solar cells exhibiting collection efficiencies in the range of 9% to 12%, and higher. These collection efficiencies are achieved by: Changing the overall chemical and structural composition of the p-doped layer; Using techniques to remove residual reactants after deposition of the p-doped layer; optionally, applying a buffer layer of a hydrogen-rich amorphous silicon between the p-doped layer and a subsequently deposited intrinsic layer; and, changing the silicon crystalline composition during deposition of an i-doped layer or an n-doped layer. The single chamber process provides a cost of manufacture/solar cell output in $/Watt that is competitive.

Abstract: In a plasma treatment method of and apparatus for treating the surface of a treatment target substrate by utilizing glow discharge produced by supplying high-frequency power into an inside-evacuated reactor through a high-frequency power supply means, a plurality of impedance regulation means for regulating impedances on the side of the reactor and on the side of the high-frequency power supply means are provided correspondingly to the impedances of a plurality of reactors, and the high-frequency power is supplied into the reactors via the impedance regulation means corresponding to the reactors. Plasma treatment can be made in a good efficiency and a low cost on a plurality of reactors having different impedances.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, composition and kit for preventing spoilage of feed in a bird feeder by use of a spoilage reducing composition that comprises an effective amount of a moisture absorbing material, an optional support material, and an optional functional additive that are formed into a shaped body that is combined with an bird feeder, bird feed and/or bird seed to effectively absorb water and water vapor thereby reducing spoilage of feed.

Abstract: The assemblies of the invention are suitable for mounting to, or being an integral part of, an animal enclosure such that the height of a valve-controlled liquid outlet may be adjusted according to the changing needs of growing animals. The adjustable liquid delivery assemblies comprise an elongated rail, a liquid delivery unit having at least one liquid delivery head slideably engaged with the elongated rail, a flexible liquid delivery tube for connecting a liquid delivery head to a liquid source, and a means for securing the liquid delivery unit at a selected position on the elongated rail. The liquid delivery system may further comprise a retaining rail.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pet sheet including a backsheet, a liquid-permeable topsheet and a liquid absorbent layer which is smaller than the backsheet and disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. The backsheet extends beyond the liquid absorbent layer to provide side regions outside the liquid absorbent layer. A hydrophilic sheet is provided above the backsheet in the side regions.

Abstract: The invention provides for a process that enables live-bearing fresh water fish to live and breed in a salt water environment such as an aquarium. The process starts with a live birth of fry in an aquarium where the salinity of the water matches the salinity of amniotic fluids. Once the fry stabilize, the salinity can be gradually increased to match the salinity of a standard salt water aquarium. The fry and their offspring mature, live, and breed in salt water with no future intervention.

Abstract: A loading bar for fixing to a wall of an animal transporter adjacent a stall of the transporter is disclosed that comprises an elongate member having a front section located at a front of the stall, a rear section that in use extends across the rear end of the stall in the vicinity of the rear of the horse, and an intermediate section that extends in a direction along the length of the stall and interconnects the front and rear sections. At least said rear section is provided with a latch means that cooperates with a feature on the transporter, to hold the loading bar in a raised position across the stall when the front section is in a predefined position. The latch means is made of sound absorbing material and is remotely operable.

Abstract: The methodology and design of an interactive pet toy that inspires play behavior in cats by incorporating four stimulation or “play-inspiring” factors and consists of a set of equal length cords, in certain materials and widths; of lengths and corresponding weights that create identified movements; in colors included in the visual spectrum of the cat; with other attributes appealing to cats; attached to a handle designed for human comfort; and with decorative pieces for aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: A retractable pet leash having an integrated lamp powered by an electric generator. A spool is rotatably mounted inside a housing and a leash cord is coiled on the spool. The spool rotates in a first direction of rotation as the leash cord pays out through an opening provided in the housing. A spring inside the housing is configured to bias the spool toward rotation opposite the first direction of rotation, for retracting the leash cord. A circular toothed gear is attached to the spool for synchronous rotation and a set of speed change gears are configured to translate rotation of the circular toothed gear to turn the generator. A cup gear, having an inner wall provided with a unidirectional teeth groove, engages a speed change gear. A prism plate with pivotally mounted pawls is rotatably mounted in contact with the unidirectional teeth groove, for translating rotation in one direction only, to the generator. The generator outputs direct current to a circuit board.

Abstract: Among other things, apparatus and methods are disclosed for collecting animal waste. A garment or harness is provided for placement on a dog or other animal that collects eliminated waste before the waste contacts the ground, and without having to pick up the waste.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaning a surface within a vessel. A vessel wall separates a vessel exterior from a vessel interior and has a wall aperture. The apparatus comprises an elongate conduit having an upstream first end and a downstream second end. The conduit is positioned to direct a shock wave from the second end into the vessel interior. A source of fuel and oxidizer is coupled to the conduit to deliver the fuel and oxidizer to the conduit. An initiator is positioned to initiate a combustion of the fuel and oxidizer. The conduit comprises a first portion and a second portion downstream of the first portion. The second portion is extensible and contractible relative to the first portion to selectively position the second end at a desired location within the vessel. The conduit downstream end comprises a centerbody positioned to direct the shock wave essentially axisymmetrically.

Abstract: A link-type seismic tie is provided between a steel structural support and a buckstay, and includes two horizontally arranged, parallel, and spaced apart link members, which are connected at their ends to large vertical pins. Each of the link members includes two horizontally arranged and parallel longitudinal outboard stringers and a horizontally arranged and parallel longitudinal center stringer centered between the two outboard stringers. Each link member further includes finger plates standing upright and spaced apart from each other relatively perpendicular to the longitudinal stringers. The finger plates are held between each of the outboard stringers and the longitudinal center stringer. A gusset plate connects the outboard stringers to a pin plate, which is connected to a large pin at the buckstay. The other end of the link members is connected to a large pin at the steel structural support via the ends of the outboard stringers.

Abstract: A two-stroke opposite rotary-piston engine comprises a cylinder block including a sleeve and two pistons slidely disposed therein, oppositely movable forming a common combustion chamber and a first gap with sleeve's sidewalls, a rotor having a surface formed by an ellipse or Cassini line, traverses attached to the pistons, rollers attached to the traverses and springly depressed against the rotor, oil tubes with end bushings, oil supply and withdraw means, two plungers disposed in each tube forming a second gap essentially less than the first. The plungers are attached to the traverses and oppositely movable, including through channels, outward surfaces with the bushings forming external spaces, and inward surfaces with the tube sidewalls forming an internal space communicating with the oil supply and withdraw means. Oil drain means communicate the external spaces with the oil supply means. The engine absorbs side and inertial forces, is more efficient and clean.

Abstract: A method for transitioning operation of a spark-ignition, direct-injection internal combustion engine having a two-step, variable phase valvetrain between HCCI and SI modes includes providing a low-lift intake valve, un-throttled stoichiometric SI operation intermediate a low-lift exhaust and intake valve HCCI mode and a high-lift exhaust and intake valve, un-throttled SI mode.

Abstract: A control valve (14) for a device (1) for altering the valve timing for gas exchange valves (110, 111) of an internal combustion engine (100) is provided. A non-return valve (54) is located within an annular groove (44) formed on one of the components of the control valve (14) and pressurized medium flows through the annular groove. The assembly of the device is facilitated.

Abstract: A camshaft adjuster (1) for an internal combustion engine, which is attached on the end to a camshaft (2) and which acts as a transmission element to a drive wheel (3) for the rotating drive of the camshaft (2), with an internal wheel (4) locked in rotation with the camshaft (2) and a coaxial external wheel (5) that can rotate relative to the internal wheel. A control valve with a valve slide (6) is provided for controlling a fluid for pressurizing pressure spaces (20) arranged between the internal wheel (4) and the external wheel (5), and is provided coaxial to the internal wheel (4), in order to create angular adjustment between the internal wheel (4) and the external wheel (5).

Abstract: A rocker arm (63) is provided with a valve connecting portion (63a) into which tappet screws (70) abutting against a pair of engine valves (19) are screwed so that their advance/retract positions can be adjusted, and the rocker arm (63) has a cam abutting portion (65) which abuts against a valve operating cam (69) and is interlocked and connected to the engine valves (19). The rocker arm (63) turnably connects to one end of a first link arm (61) turnably supported at a fixed position of an engine body and to one end of a second link arm turnably supported by a displaceable movable support shaft (68a). The rocker arm (63) is formed so that the valve connecting portion (63a) has a larger width in a direction along a rotating axis of the valve operating cam (69) than in the remaining part. This enables the lift amount of the engine valves to be continuously varied. It is also possible to reduce the size of the system, while ensuring follow-up ability of the opening/closing operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved rocker arm system for actuating poppet valves in high performance internal combustion engines. The rocker arm provides journals extending from each side fitted to outboard bearing mounts to guide the motion of the rocker arm.

Abstract: A deactivating rocker arm mechanical adjustment system for internal combustion engines is provided wherein a lash adjustment screw which has eccentric cam and a feature by which the screw can be rotated using a tool. The adjustment screw is installed a valve actuation section of a split rocker arm wherein the cam end of the adjustment screw engages a feature of the cam follower section of the split rocker arm. When the lash adjustment screw is rotated, the design of the cam is such that the angular orientation of the valve actuation and cam follower sections is varied and in turn varies the distance or lash between the cam follower section latch pin and the receiving latch pin hole in the valve actuation section. The lash adjustment screw is rotated until a previously specified lash is obtained and then a jam nut is tightened to prevent rotation of the lash adjustment screw.

Abstract: A travel limited plunger for a hydraulic lifter for, among other purposes, use in racing and/or other high performance applications. In one variation, an existing retaining clip is replaced by a heavy duty retainer and a precisely sized spacer is inserted between the retainer and the plunger to limit travel of the plunger. In a second variation, the existing retaining clip is removed, a retaining groove is formed (e.g., by machining) within the interior of the lifter at a position located so as to allow a retainer inserted therein to limit travel of the plunger to a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A power system is provided for a vehicle includes a primary combustion engine for powering a drive system of the vehicle for propelling the vehicle and non-drive systems associated with the vehicle in a first mode of operation. An auxiliary combustion engine is coupled to the primary engine for powering the non-drive systems in a second mode of operation when the primary combustion engine is powered off. The auxiliary engine is powered by the same fuel as the primary engine. The auxiliary combustion engine is coupled to the primary engine through at least one clutch that disengages and engages the auxiliary engine from the primary engine when the primary engine is powered on and off. A method of powering a vehicle is accomplished by powering a drive system of the vehicle for propelling the vehicle and non-drive systems associated with the vehicle through a primary combustion engine in a first mode of operation.

Abstract: An intake air control apparatus comprises an intake air path connected to a combustion chamber, and an intake airflow control device having a first opening deviated in one direction when viewed from an axial direction of the intake air path by partially closing a cross-section of a flow path of the intake air path, and that controls distribution of an intake airflow by deviating the intake airflow downstream of the first opening to a side in which the first opening is formed, the intake airflow control device having a second opening of smaller opening area than that of the first opening, and deviated in an opposite side to the side in which the first opening is formed and at a location away from an intake air path wall.

Abstract: A lower intake manifold assembly includes a lower housing and a runner insert fitted into the lower housing. The lower housing may be made of metal and the runner insert may advantageously be made of a synthetic resin material. The runner insert provides a sealing surface between the lower housing and the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. The runner insert also supports a charge motion control valve flap assembly that advantageously may include a shaft and synthetic resin flaps over-molded onto the shaft.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a starter device, wherein the starter device has a drive member and a driven member and a locking mechanism for coupling the drive member and the driven member to one another for starting the internal combustion engine. The locking mechanism has at least one pawl that is pivotably supported on the driven member. For decoupling the drive member and the driven member, the at least one pawl is pivoted outwardly relative to an axis of rotation of the starter device. The at least one pawl has at least one pivot position in which the at least one pawl contacts at least one contact area of the driven member. The at least one pawl has at least one cover covering the at least one contact area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine of piston type operating with a mixture of combustible fuel and air comprising at least one combustion chamber (11) and a piston (2) movably arranged in said combustion chamber (11) to compress the fuel and air mixture so as to provide a maximum compression ratio in the range of 15:1 to 25:1; an inlet (4) arranged in said combustion chamber for receiving an amount of said mixture of fuel and air into said combustion chamber (11); and an igniting device (3) arranged in said combustion chamber (11) for igniting said mixture of fuel and air received in said combustion chamber (11) at a crank shaft (9) angle position in the range of 0 degrees to 15 degrees after a top dead center (ATDC) of said piston in said combustion chamber (11); wherein the combustion chamber and piston is arranged to reduce the risk of hot spots and the engine is configured to have a burn rate where 90% of the fuel is burnt in a crank angle position range of between 15° to 40°.

Abstract: A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine is provided for a motor vehicle. The cylinder head includes, but is not limited to a flow channel, which can be connected to a cylinder. An air duct for injecting gas into the flow channel is connected to the flow channel via a connection channel. The air duct is produced by means of casting and cylinder head provides for a good secondary air injection by means of a simple production.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a support structure, including a tube and a hollow stator core, supported by and rigidly affixed to the tube. Additionally, a rotor assembly is eccentrically and rotatably mounted about the stator core and having a pair of partial sidewalls, each of which defines a circular opening. A pair of shaft seals, in which each shaft seal is set into one of the circular openings and are rotatably mounted about the tube. The stator core, rotor and shaft seals together define multiple, separate sealed chambers that change volume as the rotor moves. Finally, ignition, intake and exhaust mechanisms are mounted internal to the hollow stator core.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fuel-saving accelerator for internal combustion engine, which comprises a water tank for storing water therein as auxiliary fuel for the inner combustion engine; a water processing unit communicating with the water tank to process the water supplied from the water tank; and a water control unit which is connected between the water processing unit and a combustion chamber of the inner combustion engine to control the amount of the processed water supplied from the water processing unit and supply a controlled amount of water to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine is disclosed which is able to operate with high combustion efficiency, and low nitrous oxide emissions during gas turbine operations. The combustor consists of a can-type configuration which combusts fuel premixed with air and delivers the hot gases to a turbine. Fuel is premixed with air and is delivered to the combustor with a high degree of swirl motion. This swirling mixture of reactants is conveyed through a flowpath that expands; the mixture reacts, and establishes a central recirculation zone. An imperforate trapped vortex cavity is disposed proximal to the swirler apparatus which provides for a second reaction zone. Fresh fuel/air reactants are exchanged with burned products in the trapped vortex and a pilot flame is established in the trapped cavity. The imperforate trapped cavity is not supplied with either fuel or air, but is cooled on a backside of the cavity with a flow of cooling air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling operation of an internal-combustion engine using a single-fuel or a multi-fuel combustion mode with at least one fuel type comprising a high octane number and a low energy density and at least another fuel type comprising a low octane number and a high energy density, a method wherein the energy required for the engine to operate in multi-fuel mode is provided by a combination of two fuel types.

Abstract: A variable compression internal combustion engine having a compression that is variable via a compression relief valve (in addition to the intake and exhaust valves) that is precisely timed and controlled by a selectable timing hydraulic pump or other means and designed to relieve compression in the combustion chamber during a portion of the compression stroke of an engine.

Abstract: The hydrogen gas injector plug for diesel engines employs an injector plug for generating hydrogen gas from water. Pressurized hot water is pulsed into contact with a heated metallic catalyst. The pressurized hot water turns to steam and disassociates into a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen gases. The catalyst removes the oxygen gases from the gaseous mixture. The hydrogen gas expands into a combustion chamber and is burned therein, creating a pressure to drive an engine piston disposed in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: In a diesel engine system of a liquefied gas fuel, the present invention aims at the prevention of storing of the liquefied gas fuel in a cam chamber even when a diesel engine repeats stopping and operation thereof without returning the liquefied gas fuel in a fuel gallery of a fuel pressurizing device such as a supply pump or an injection pump to a fuel tank. An electrically-operated compressor 16e is subjected to an ON/OFF control by a cam chamber pressure regulating part 20. In the inside of a cam chamber 12, a cam chamber pressure sensor 121 which detects a pressure in the inside of the cam chamber 12 is arranged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel metering unit, in which the displaceable parts of an electromagnet are guided through two bushings in an axial direction, the bushings being located at a distance from one another. The bushings guide the armature bolt, which can be produced from a wear-resistant material, such as for example tempered steel.

Abstract: A fuel system for use in a combustion chamber of a compression ignition internal combustion engine comprises a pump arrangement having a pump chamber for fluid and a piston which is movable outwardly from the combustion chamber in response to pressure generated within the combustion chamber as a result of combustion so as to pressurise fluid within the pump chamber. The system also includes a control valve assembly for controlling the supply of fluid that is pressurised within the pump chamber to an accumulator volume.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel supply device, which is possible to prevent undesired water entered into a fuel path from remaining therein with a simple arrangement. A fuel supply pipe for supplying fuel to each of the fuel injection valves of an engine disposed with a plurality of cylinders in a vertical direction includes a fuel path in longitudinal direction, a smaller diameter portion formed perpendicular to the fuel path and continuous with a fuel injection valve mounting hole, and a cap attached to a lower end of the fuel path. The cap is arranged so that the upper end of its protruding portion is positioned at the same or nearly same level as that in height of the smaller diameter portion. Thus, the water entered in the fuel supply pipe is exhausted through the smaller diameter portion without delay.

Abstract: A free piston engine utilizes a shuttle frame external to combustion chambers to rigidly link shuttle parts reciprocating along a centerline. If the shuttle parts are spaced apart along the centerline, the shuttle frame may be struts extending from the shuttle parts and linked by rods. Alternatively the shuttle parts are within a tubular shuttle frame that forms part of the combustion chamber boundary. If one shuttle part is arranged around the other with both centered about the centerline, the shuttle frame may include an annular plate between a cylindrical inner shuttle part and an annular outer shuttle part. Alternatively the shuttle frame may include an inner tube with a cylindrical inner shuttle part within the inner tube, and an outer tube with an annular outer shuttle part arranged between the inner and the outer tubes so that the shuttle frame forms part of the combustion chamber boundary.

Abstract: Carbon deposits on engine components can negatively affect engine performance. An engine of the present disclosure includes at least one carbon deposit resistant engine component attached to an engine housing. The engine component includes at least one relatively high surface tension surface that is a non-contact wear surface and to which a relatively low surface tension coating is attached. The relatively low surface tension coating has a surface tension at least one of equal to and less than 30 dyne/cm.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly with injector seal retention includes a fuel injector body including an injector nozzle housing disposed at a distal end of the fuel injector body. The injector body is adapted with a grooved portion to securely capture an injector seal to prevent the loss of the injector seal during installation and/or removal of the fuel injector assembly into an engine cylinder head.

Abstract: An electric fuel pump includes a pump unit, motor unit, fuel discharge unit, stator holder, magnet wire, connection terminal, first mold resin, driver board assembly, and second mold resin. The motor unit drives the pump unit. The fuel discharge unit includes a discharge port member and discharges fuel supplied from the pump unit through the motor unit. The stator holder is provided to the motor unit and includes a stator support which supports a stator of a motor and a partition which defines the motor unit and the fuel discharge unit. The partition includes a terminal insertion hole and a fuel passage. The magnet wire is wound around a core of the stator. The connection terminal is connected to the magnet wire. The first mold resin molds the core and a connecting portion where the magnet wire is connected to the connection terminal. The driver board assembly is stored in a space formed in the discharge port member and electrically connected to the connection terminal.

Abstract: A two-stroke barrel engine includes a power output shaft configured to rotate, an even number of cylinders encircling the power output shaft, wherein each cylinder includes opposing first and second power pistons configured to reciprocate within their respective power cylinder, and a pair of non-rotating wobbleplates opposed and hingedly connected to the power pistons. The wobbleplates are configured to transfer the reciprocating motion of the power pistons to rotary motion of the power output shaft via a nutating motion of the non-rotating wobbleplate.

Abstract: A power generating apparatus has a frame, an engine disposed inwardly of the frame and configured to drive a generator, a fuel tank for storing fuel to be supplied to the engine, and a canister containing an adsorbent for adsorbing fuel vapor from the fuel tank. The canister includes a communicating tube, which places the canister in communication with the atmosphere. The canister is also in communication with an intake system. The canister is movably positioned in a space S between the frame and the intake system so as to prevent an increase in the size of the power generating apparatus when the canister is added to the power generating apparatus.

Abstract: A power generating apparatus has a simplified structure for introducing fuel vapor from a fuel tank and blow-by gas produced in an engine into the engine's intake system so as to facilitate the manufacturing of the power generating apparatus. The power generating apparatus includes an engine for driving a generator, a canister containing an adsorbent for adsorbing thereonto fuel that evaporates from a fuel tank, an evaporative fuel inlet pipe for introducing fuel vapor purged from the adsorbent into an engine intake system, and a blow-by gas inlet pipe for introducing blow-by gas produced in the engine into the intake system. A first end of the evaporative fuel inlet pipe is connected to the canister, and a second end of the evaporative fuel inlet pipe is connected to an intermediate portion of the blow-by gas inlet pipe.

Abstract: A method of controlling fuel vapor purging in a hybrid electric vehicle capable of selectively operating an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes, determining a fuel tank condition parameter based on an amount of liquid fuel residing in a fuel tank of the hybrid electric vehicle and a duration since the previous fuel tank filling event, in response to the fuel tank condition parameter exceeding a threshold limit, initiating operation of the internal combustion engine and purging fuel vapor from the fuel vapor canister for a predetermined duration, and in response to the fuel tank condition parameter being less than the threshold limit, selectively purging fuel vapor from the fuel vapor canister based on an engine operating condition.

Abstract: A gear drive assembly for a supercharger is provided. The gear drive assembly has at least one gear member rotatable about an axis of rotation and includes a cover member operable to substantially enclose the at least one gear member. A tube member extends though the cover member and is generally aligned along the axis of rotation. The tube member is operable to vent the gear drive assembly. A supercharger assembly incorporating the gear drive assembly is also disclosed.