Abstract: A device and method for deterring animals from entering a predetermined area. The device and method for deterring animal behavior can greatly increase safety of the animals and increase the safety of the surroundings for humans by limiting personal contact, and by repelling unwanted animals away from an area under protection. In particular, the device and method deters or repels animals from an area under protection by using at least one of mechanical vibrations, sounds, lights and aromas.

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 present invention relates to an apparatus and method of restraining a body. One embodiment of the invention includes portable surface configured with a latching interface a predefined distance from the edges of the portable surface. The system includes a tether for mechanically a body with the latching device. The length tether that is shorter than the predefined distance from the edges. Certain embodiments include a collapsible surface for ease of storing and transporting, a sensor mechanically associated with the latching device for activating an electronic device, and a collapsible housing.

Abstract: A system and method of using a set-back or programmable thermostat for heating or cooling systems to also controlling a fast-recovery water heater such as a power-vented fossil fuel powered water heater such that the water heater is disabled during a set-back mode of the thermostat. The system sends a control signal to a relay module adjacent to the water heater, into which the water heater electrical power cord can be plugged into. The interlock mechanism of the water heater prevents operation of the water heater when power to the water heater is interrupted.

Abstract: In order to provide a handheld work machine that does not require expensive start circuitry for the critical start-up phase of the combustion engine, and in which nevertheless the required constant supply voltage for the engine is present in order to achieve optimum starting behaviour, a handheld work machine is provided with at least one combustion engine which in operation requires a supply voltage, and with a voltage generator that supplies a generator voltage that depends on the rotary speed of the combustion engine, which generator voltage is used to generate the supply voltage, wherein the handheld work machine is electrically connected to an additional voltage source that prior to starting the combustion engine provides the required supply voltage that at this point in time is not yet present.

Abstract: Exhaust ports and an exhaust gas gathering portion are formed within a cylinder head. A main passage is formed within an engine body. Through the main passage, a coolant is introduced from the inside of a cylinder block into the inside of the cylinder head at portions near exhaust valves, flows in portions near intake valves and portions near intake ports toward a side wall face of the cylinder head in the lateral direction of the engine body, and then flows into the cylinder block. A portion of the coolant, which is introduced into the portions near the exhaust valves, is caused to flow in portions near the exhaust ports toward a side wall face of the cylinder head, and then flows along the side wall face toward a coolant outlet.

Abstract: A two-step roller finger follower assembly for use in conjunction with a camshaft of an internal combustion engine, wherein the camshaft has at least one first lobe and at least one second lobe. The roller finger follower assembly comprises a follower body for engaging the first cam lobe and having a central aperture, a follower pivotably disposed on the follower body in the central aperture for engaging the second cam lobe, and a limiting stop disposed on the follower body for engaging a feature on the follower to limit travel of the follower body with respect to the follower. The limiting stop prevents overtravel of the follower body during valve-deactivation mode of the assembly, thus preventing excessive leak down of an associated hydraulic lash adjuster.

Abstract: An electromagnetically-driven valve includes intake valves that are provided in a gasoline engine and that are arranged side by side; a valve plate that connects the intake valves to each other, wherein driving force that is generated by electromagnetic force is transferred to the valve plate; and a changing mechanism that is fitted to the valve plate. The changing mechanism changes the valve drive state between the two-valve drive state, in which both of the intake valves are driven, and the one-valve drive state, in which one of the intake valves is driven and the other intake valve is stopped.

Abstract: The combination of the Fully Variable Valve Actuation or FVVA system with the Desmodromic control results in a fully functional FVVA rid of valve springs and any other kind of the restoring springs of the art.

Abstract: A valve-deactivation hydraulic valve lifter including a recessed face on the pin housing for making contact with the a crowned surface region of a roller follower. The lifter includes a pin housing that is slidably disposed within an axial bore in a lifter body. Pins for variably locking the pin housing to the lifter body may be disengaged to place the lifter in lost-motion mode by application of engine oil to the outer ends of the pins. A surface of the pin housing, preferably configured as a dished surface, is formed on the bottom end face of the pin housing that approaches the cam-following lifter roller for making contact with the roller follower so as to avoid contacting the roller follower's crowned surface region.

Abstract: A continuous variable valve lift apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a camshaft, an input cam disposed to the camshaft, a variable lever that is rotably connected to the camshaft and includes a first arm including a first connecting shaft and a second arm including a second connecting shaft, a first link rotating around the first connecting shaft corresponding to a rotation of the input cam, an output cam rotating around the camshaft, a valve opening/closing portion that is opened and closed corresponding to a rotation of the output cam, and a connecting portion that is disposed for the output cam to rotate corresponding to a rotation of the first link.

Abstract: An adjustment device (1) for adjusting the relative rotational angle position of a camshaft (2) in relation to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine is provided, with the device having an adjustment mechanism (3), which is embodied as a triple-shaft transmission and provided with an input part (4) fixed to the crankshaft, an output part fixed to the camshaft, and an adjusting shaft (7) connected to an adjusting motor shaft (5) of an adjusting motor (6). The motor (6) is provided as an electric motor and is spatially separated from the adjusting shaft (7), and the torque produced thereby is transmitted to the adjusting shaft (7), either mechanically via a flexible shaft (8), pneumatically via a compressor (9) operating a pneumatic motor (13) using pressurized air, or hydraulically via a hydraulic motor (16) and a pump (14) providing the hydraulic medium.

Abstract: In a variable valve opening property internal combustion engine, a roller link (22) is provided with a cam roller (31) at a free end thereof which engages a cam (3) of a camshaft (4) and a pressure surface (47) of a spring device (41). The roller link is pivotally supported by a bearing portion of a control link (21) which can be adjusted in position by using an actuator (14). The roller link is additionally provided with a roller shaft (31) that engages a slipper surface of a rocker arm (6). The pressure surface of the spring device may be contoured or otherwise inclined so that the direction of action of the spring device on the cam roller can be directed in an optimum direction irrespective of the adjusted position of the pivot point of the roller link.

Abstract: A two step rocker assembly is provided having a lever body, a first roller assembly mounted to the lever body, and a center shaft extending through the first roller assembly. A second shaft extends through the lever body and defines a first pivot point. A coupling lever is pivotally connected to the second shaft and has an opening for receiving the center shaft. The coupling lever is rotatable about the first pivot point. A latch pin is mounted to the lever body. A second roller assembly is mounted on the center shaft. A spring lever is pivotally connected to the second shaft and is connected to the center shaft. The spring lever is rotatable about the first pivot point. A spring member is mounted on the lever body and engages the spring lever to bias the spring lever and the center shaft into the first position.

Abstract: A valve operating system that includes a drive shaft, a drive lever that is fixedly provided thereon and can pivot in a direction of movement of a valve body, a follower arm that is fixedly provided on the valve body, a link, a first connecting shaft that connects one end of the link and the drive lever, and a second connecting shaft that connects the other end of the link and the follower arm; in response to a movement of the valve body from a first position to a second position by pivoting of the drive lever, a center of the first connecting shaft approaches from one side a straight line connecting two centers of the drive shaft and the second connecting shaft, and after the valve body reaches the second position, further pivoting of the drive lever is carried out through a predetermined angle so that the center of the first connecting shaft moves to the other side of a dead point on the straight line.

Abstract: A method of starting an engine having a fuel rail, one or more fuel injectors, and one or more spark plugs. In one embodiment, the method includes initializing a starting operation of the engine and suppressing the engine from starting by retarding a spark timing of the one or more spark plugs from normal spark timing. The method also includes purging, while the spark timing is being retarded, the fuel rail of the engine by operating the one or more fuel injectors. Additionally, the method includes advancing the spark timing after a first duration has passed or the engine has started.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, and more particularly a rotary internal combustion engine, is provided with said engine having multiple combustion chambers delimited by piston heads and an engine housing wall that defines at least a section of a torus. Additionally, a method for operating the internal combustion engine is described.

Abstract: A method and device for reducing ice forming before an inlet of a turbo charger of a vehicle engine includes a crankcase blow-by air inlet in an air intake chamber mixing crankcase blow-by air with external air before entering into the turbo charger. The crankcase inlet is positioned close to a turbo charger inlet and in a high position so as to provide a long traveling distance for water droplets coming from the crankcase inlet, and the direction of travel out from the crankcase inlet is substantially in the same direction as the general direction of travel of external air within the chamber towards the turbo charger.

Abstract: An edge-pivot charge-motion control assembly for controlling air turbulence comprising a molded sleeve inserted into a runner port of an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. A control valve element is pivotably mounted in the sleeve for external actuation. The valve element pivots into a formed recess in a wall of the sleeve and thus may be fully removed as desired from the air stream. The system allows customizing of the valve shape and also the entrance and exit geometry of the runner sleeve as desired for any engine intake manifold, thus affording great flexibility in use with a series of engines of various displacements using essentially the same head. The charge motion function between engines, and even between runners in a given engine, can be changed inexpensively by changing a small, relatively inexpensive mold tool, rather than a large, very expensive manifold mold tool.

Abstract: A cylinder liner for receipt in an internal combustion engine cylinder block having a water cooling jacket surrounding a portion of the cylinder liner and method of construction thereof. The cylinder liner has a wall with an inner surface providing a cylinder bore extending along a central axis for reciprocation of a piston against an axial portion thereof and an outer surface opposite the axial portion. The outer surface has a hardened outer layer of purely martensitic microstructure for direct exposure to fluid in the water cooling jacket.

Abstract: A spark plug and cylinder head assembly includes a spark plug and a cylinder head of an engine. The cylinder head has a bore and a surface which faces a combustion chamber of the engine and on which the bore opens. The spark plug is fit in the bore of the cylinder head, and includes a metal shell, an insulator retained in the metal shell, a center electrode secured in the insulator, and a ground electrode facing the center electrode through a spark gap. An end surface of the metal shell has an outer edge and an inner edge, and tapers from the outer edge to the inner edge in a direction toward the inside of an air pocket formed between the metal shell and the insulator. The outer edge of the end surface of the metal shell protrudes from the surface of the cylinder head into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an engine arrangement, with in any event two piston and cylinder assemblies, where a first piston in a first cylinder, included in a first piston and cylinder assembly, is interconnected with a second piston in a second cylinder, included in a second piston and cylinder assembly, and where each one of said piston and cylinder assemblies each displays an inlet valve for the supply of a fuel mixture, and each an outlet valve for the removal of exhaust gases, said two piston and cylinder assemblies being adapted for cooperation with a gear unit converting a translation movement into a rotary movement.

Abstract: A Stirling cycle machine. The machine includes at least one rocking drive mechanism which includes: a rocking beam having a rocker pivot, at least one cylinder and at least one piston. The piston is housed within a respective cylinder and is capable of substantially linearly reciprocating within the respective cylinder. Also, the drive mechanism includes at least one coupling assembly having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is connected to the piston and the distal end is connected to the rocking beam by an end pivot. The linear motion of the piston is converted to rotary motion of the rocking beam. Also, a crankcase housing the rocking beam and housing a first portion of the coupling assembly is included. A crankshaft coupled to the rocking beam by way of a connecting rod is also included. The rotary motion of the rocking beam is transferred to the crankshaft.

Abstract: An air cleaner unit includes a casing and a filter element disposed in the casing for filtering air to be introduced into an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The casing includes a first case member and a second case member that are coupled to each other such that the filter element is housed in an element housing portion of the casing. The first case member has a hinge receiving portion, and the second case member has a hinge inserting portion. The hinge receiving portion and the hinge inserting portion are disposed under the element housing portion. The hinge receiving portion includes an engagement opening in which the hinge inserting portion is received such that the hinge receiving portion and the hinge inserting portion are connected in a hinge manner. The hinge receiving portion further includes a hinge receiving surface that extends from a vicinity of the engagement opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for spraying water into the combustion air drawn into the intake of vehicle and industrial internal combustion engines. The inventive system consists of a preferably-distilled water supply circuit including at least one water container which is provided with a supply mouth and a control cover which is mounted on a frame support. According to the invention, functionally-interconnected elements, which are automatically and externally controlled by an electronic board, are provided on the base of the above-mentioned container, submerged in the fluid therein. The aforementioned elements consist of a filter which is associated with an electromagnetic metering pump by means of connectors and a water delivery conduit section, said pump drawing in and driving a flow of water. One side of the pump is connected to a water flow control valve and the respective manually-controlled calibrated return element thereof by means of connectors and conduit sections.

Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine, the method comprising identifying cylinder stroke during the engine start responsive to a fuel rail pressure.

Abstract: This invention discloses a combustion method, which is for internal combustion engine, which utilizes a variable spray fuel injection wherein it has (i) a variable spray angle with smaller angles for earlier fuel injection and larger angles for later fuel injection, and (ii) variable spray patterns varying from hollow conical shapes for earlier injection to multi-jet shapes for later injection, wherein it has adaptive means to distribute fuel into combustion chamber space based on background pressure and injection timing. A combustion method, which utilizes a combustion chamber which has plural number of annular inner spaces resembling the space inside an automotive tire, which provides means to control propagation paths of combustion reaction radicals and control pressure rise rate, which also provides means to promote stratification of premixed charges. An internal combustion engine utilizing the said combustion methods is also disclosed.

Abstract: An idle speed control system for an engine includes an engine speed module that generates an engine speed signal. A piston reciprocation module determines reciprocation periods of each piston of cylinders of the engine based on the engine speed signal. A difference module determines a period difference between each of the reciprocation periods and an idle period associated with a target idle speed. A spark timing module regulates an idle speed of the engine including adjustment of spark timing for each of the cylinders individually based on period differences.

Abstract: A circuit and method for correcting signal timing. The circuit and method generate a first signal with a first phase that is out of phase with a periodic object, generate a voltage signal that corresponds to the frequency of the first signal and generate a second signal based on the first signal and the voltage signal, the second signal having a second phase that is substantially in phase with the periodic object.

Abstract: Lower temperature combustion, which may lead to lower emissions, is accomplished by displacing air adjacent to a fuel injector nozzle. Initially, air is compressed in an engine cylinder by moving the engine piston toward top dead center. Air is displaced through a flow passage within the engine cylinder when the engine piston is in the vicinity of top dead center by moving an air displacement actuator. The air displacement actuator includes a member positioned in the combustion chamber that moves with respect to the engine housing and the piston when actuated. This movement causes air to flow through a flow passage, and fuel is injected into the turbulent compressed air flowing through the flow passage. The mixture of air and fuel are compression ignited in the engine cylinder after a brief ignition delay. Lower emissions may be achieved by bringing the air to the fuel prior to ignition, rather than attempting to bring the fuel to the air as in a typical compression ignition engine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-pressure fuel pump control device of an internal combustion engine, which enables accurate fuel pressure control up to high-speed rotations using a high-pressure fuel pump having a normal-close type solenoid valve. The control device controls a pump comprising: a fluid charging passage; a fluid discharging passage; a pressurized chamber which connects the charging passage and the discharging passage; a pressing member which transfers the fluid in the pressurized chamber to the discharging passage; a discharging valve provided in the discharging passage; and a solenoid valve which opens at the time of power distribution, the solenoid valve being provided in the charging passage; wherein a standard signal for outputting an ON signal for driving the solenoid valve is provided in the compression stroke of the pump.

Abstract: A fuel injector tip seal is provided including improved resistance to the heat and pressures of combustion gas. According to one aspect, the tip seal is formed from polytetrafluoroethylene and between 10 and 35 percent carbon fiber. The material offers improved surface finish and deformation resistance as well as improved thermal conduction and keeps thermal expansion low as compared to conventional fuel injector tip seal designs. According to a further aspect, a revised seal groove design is provided that allows for expansion and deformation of the tip seal and creates more pressure to the outside diameter face when pressure is applied at the tip. According to another aspect, the tip seal is formed of a flat disk-shaped seal body that can be assembled on the fuel injector by an assembly cone device that allows the disk-shaped seal body to be flipped to a ring-shaped configuration in its assembled position.

Abstract: A damping system arranged in the region of an injector base between a cylinder head and an injector mounted thereon of an internal combustion engine has a multi-part construction. A damping element forming part of the damping system is constructed as a metal cushion.

Abstract: A method for modified pulsed control of an electromechanical actuator in accordance with the invention comprising the steps of a) setting a common time length for all of the pulses in a pulse train, and b) varying (modulating) the number of such pulses per unit time (repetition rate) by varying the length of time between pulses in the train. Such control is defined herein as pulse-density modulation, or PDM. Especially in applications having a relatively low percent duty cycle if controlled by the prior art Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), PDM control results in more accurate control of an actuator, with higher resolution. The method is especially useful in controlling flow of a fluid, through a valve, such as a fuel injector, and especially at relatively low flow rates at high supply pressures P1 in the fluid supply.

Abstract: A coupler, such as a piston pin, is pivotally coupled to a piston such that the piston can pivot about a first axis relative to the coupler. A connecting rod is coupled to the coupler for pivoting about a second axis. The relative positions of the first and second axes can be shifted by pivoting an eccentric portion of the coupler to thereby vary the compression ratio of a piston cylinder within which the piston slides. The coupler comprises a pivot member engager portion that is selectively shifted from first to second positions to vary the compression rates in response to shifting of a pivot member. The pivot member engager is shifted from first to second positions as the piston approaches the bottom dead center position. The pivot member and pivot member engager disengage from one another as the piston travels away from the bottom dead center position.

Abstract: A fuel vapor treatment system which has adsorbent, a purge passage for introducing a mixture gas of air and the fuel vapor desorbed from the adsorbent into the internal combustion engine, a detection passage which communicates to the purge passage, and a pump which generates gas flow so that the mixture gas flows into the detection passage from the purge passage. A pressure sensor detects fuel vapor concentration. An ECU and a purge control valve controls a purge of the mixture gas from the purge passage to the internal combustion engine based on a reference concentration of the fuel vapor. The ECU establishes the detection interval of the fuel vapor concentration in consideration of change in reference concentration.

Abstract: The vehicle fuel preheater works on the known fact that by preheating the fuel, the fuel is more effectively vaporized, resulting in more efficient combustion. This preheating is accomplished using heat that normally cycles through the heater core for interior heat. The preheater, i.e., heat exchanger, has a housing, through which heated engine coolant on its way from the cooling pump to the heater core is routed. A coiled copper gas line is routed through the housing, and is connected between a segment of the fuel line and the engine combustion chamber so that the preheater can deliver preheated fuel to the combustion chamber. The heat exchanger is installed in a vertical orientation to prevent air lock in the fuel and cooling systems.

Abstract: A method for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (20) in the exhaust system (16) of an engine (12). When a request to regenerate the device is issued, a control system (14) operates the engine to begin conditioning exhaust. The conditioning process comprises a warming phase that occurs prior to initiation of regeneration and a heating phase during which regeneration can occur. During the process, data related to the warming phase and the heating phase is evaluated. The engine is operated to terminate the process prior to having reduced the amount of trapped particulate matter to a target amount when evaluation of the data discloses that the process should be terminated.

Abstract: A cable slinging device comprising a sheath and a wrapper coupling mechanism wherein the device is adapted to enable a user to couple a wrapper to the coupling mechanism and subsequently release the wrapper during a throwing motion to move the wrapper from a first wrapper location to a second wrapper location.

Abstract: A release device with a follow-through or recoil motion for use with mechanically launched projectiles. A recoil motion is in a direction opposite the path of the projectile. Releasing an arrow from a bow provides correct form and follow-through motion of a user hand directly opposite to a direction of a path of the launched arrow, to improve flight accuracy. The release device includes a housing, a trigger, a keeper and a recoil assembly. This invention also relates to a method of using the release device.

Abstract: A cooking appliance, especially a top-mounted cooking appliance including a muffle that defines a cooking space and is provided with a muffle access opening; a door pivotably mounted to the muffle for movement into and our of a covering relation with the access opening; a driving device in operative engagement with the door; a control device operatively associate with the driving device for controlling door movement; and an arrangement for determining a door displacement parameter during door movement, wherein a determined door displacement parameter is used as a reference parameter for a function of the appliance.

Abstract: A condensate pan for a condensing furnace includes a main chamber to receive exhaust gases, a condensate trap separate from the main chamber and internal the condensate pan and a main drain.

Abstract: A mobile barbecue grill includes a base, a first handle, an upper lid, a holding member, a first bracing rack, a second bracing rack and a pair of wheels. The base aims to hold a cooking grid. The first handle is located on an outer side of the base. The upper lid aims to cover the base. The holding member has one end coupling with the bottom of the base. The first bracing rack is located beneath the base, and has two first upright bars and a first transverse bar coupling with one another. The first transverse bar is leaned against the holding member and supports the base. The first bracing rack has one end remote from the base and resting on the ground surface. The second bracing rack is located beneath the base, and has two second upright bars and a second transverse bar coupling with one another. The second transverse bar is pivotally coupled with the bottom of the base. The second upright bars and the first upright bars are pivotally coupled.

Abstract: Absorber of solar vacuum tube, inserted into a glass tube all along its length together with not less than one header, led through a sealed end of the tube is accomplished as a one-part or multiple element of material with good thermal diffusivity, preferentially of a plate, with a coat of absorptive layer on the surface and it is square or wavy along the length. In the cross section, its each part has a shape of an opened or closed pattern, by which the circuit of cross section of the solar vacuum tube, limited by its inner diameter is individually or in connection with another part mostly or entirely filled up. Each part of the absorber is connected by means of one header at least.

Abstract: A furnace or other heat exchanger application for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems having condensate control. Specifically, the disclosure includes condensate control for secondary heat exchangers for use with high efficiency furnaces, particularly for small tonnage systems, such as residential or unitary systems. The application provides condensate management to permit a plurality of furnace orientations while providing resistance to corrosion due to liquid condensate, while providing a furnace system that utilizes less expensive materials and is easily fabricated.

Abstract: A process for producing sugar products from grapes includes treating a solution of liquid rectified concentrated must by chromatography, to separate at least one sugar contained in it. A plant for producing sugar products from grapes comprises a plurality of columns connected together in series, each column implementing in succession all steps of the chromatographic process, but implementing steps of the process which are different from the other columns. A recirculation step is provided in passing from one step to the next.

Abstract: An active inhaler for delivery of an inhalation formulation has an overall flow resistance of at least 60,000 Pa1/2s/m3 for ambient air drawn into a mouthpiece of the inhaler. This flow resistance when air and the aerosol are sucked via the mouthpiece is produced by the sizing of at least on air supply opening and/or an insert within the mouthpiece.

Abstract: Positive locking device for components of snorkels and other equipment such as diving regulators, buoyancy compensator hoses and the like. The locking device in a preferred embodiment comprises a hard plastic C-shaped ring or clamp which is preferably mechanically and/or chemically bonded into a soft plastic component connector during molding of that component. The ring or clamp provides an effective locking feature which prevents inadvertent demating of components during a dive or other activity that could otherwise result in a dangerous loss of function. An additional embodiment of the invention provides an optional indexing feature which serves the useful function of audible and tactile feedback during adjustment of components having the locking device.

Abstract: The invention relates to dry powder inhalation apparatus usually operable by breath of a user which provides for controlled and smooth transfer of medicament during multiple actuations by a user. A mechanism of the apparatus for achieving this controlled and smooth transfer includes a device (4) normally held adjacent a reservoir for receiving medicament in a cup or receptacle (15) and which is generally movable transversely of a longitudinal axis of the apparatus to delivery channels of the apparatus. This bodily shifting of the device (4) is achieved by a yoke acting on an abutment (16) thereof. Spillage of medicament in the apparatus is avoided.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler comprises a main airflow path including a cyclone chamber (16) having an air inlet and being so shaped that at least a part of the chamber decreases in cross-sectional area in a direction away from the air inlet, so as thereby in use to set up a reverse flow cyclone in the chamber. A bypass airflow path (8) bypasses the cyclone chamber and the main and bypass airflow paths communicate with a mouthpiece (6). The cyclone chamber may be provided by a part (22) which is removable from the rest of the inhaler for regular replacement thereof.