Abstract: A plasma chamber is constructed to have a chamber body defining therein a plurality of process stations. A plurality of rotating substrate holders are each situated in one of the process stations and a plurality of in-situ plasma generation regions are each provided above one of the substrate holders. A plurality of quasi-remote plasma generation regions are each provided above a corresponding in-situ plasma generation region and being in gaseous communication with the corresponding in-situ plasma generation region. An RF energy source is coupled to each of the quasi-remote plasma generation regions.

Abstract: A feeding system for captive birds combines the activity of foraging with feeding in a manner that can be easily managed and used by the bird's owner or caretaker. The system includes a disposable feeder box made of frangible edible material for storing food and a mounting system for mounting the box to an inside surface of a bird cage.

Abstract: A pet food/beverage dispensing apparatus includes; a vertical positioning member configured to at least partially surround at least one substantially vertical fixing member, a height extending portion coupled to the vertical positioning member via a refastenable connector, and a dish receptacle which is configured to retain a dish and is coupled to the height extending portion, wherein the vertical positioning member and the height extending portion are configured to substantially fix the dish receptacle in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A system for maintaining the environmental optimum inside the water stored in an aquarium is provided. The system includes a maintaining unit, a sensing unit, and a processing/controlling unit. The maintaining unit is used to adjust the ecological environment inside the water. The sensing unit detects the physical and chemical characteristics of the water and outputs an environmental data in responsive to the detected characteristics. The processing/controlling unit receives and analyzes the environmental data for estimating the ecological environment inside the water so as to control the maintaining unit according to the estimation. Therefore, the system is capable of maintaining the environmental optimum of the aquarium meeting the requirement of the aquatic animals and plants therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for acclimating an aquatic organism, contained in a partially water filled plastic bag, to an environment in an aquarium includes an aquarium frame comprising a first portion exterior to the aquarium and a second portion interior to the aquarium. A bag holder is operable to hold a top of the plastic bag in an open position. The bag holder is positioned on the second portion where the top of the plastic bag is above a top level of water in the aquarium and a substantial portion of the plastic bag is below the top level. A dripping cup is operable to release water obtained from the aquarium into the plastic bag. The dripping cup is joinable to the first portion, whereby the aquatic organism is acclimated to a chemistry and temperature of the water in the aquarium.

Abstract: An aerating device for an aquarium includes a carrier, a pumping device attached to the carrier and having a motorized impeller for pumping a water and for minimizing the air in the water into a number or reduced air bubbles, a siphon tube coupled to the pumping device and having a tube member engaged into the aquarium for allowing the water to be drawn into the siphon tube and drawn into the carrier by the impeller, and a partition engaged into the carrier and having a passage for collecting the bubbles, and a receptacle disposed above the passage of the partition for receiving and collecting the bubbles and the dirt or protein carried by the bubbles.

Abstract: A certification method for working canines which allows for quantified measurement of the canine's ability to detect scents at various levels. Said method employs standard scientific measures including the use of controls to verify the minimum level at which a canine can sense a particular scent including those generate by both illegal narcotics and explosive devices. The method is used to compare and determine a particular canine's ability as compared to other canines that have also been subject to the test. The method will allow handlers and other third parties the ability to evaluate the acuity of a each individual canine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a chemical foaming agent as insulation for a cylindrical plastic wood duck house. A second aspect of the present invention is the inspection door that fits snugly into a depression of matching size on the side of the cylindrical wood duck house. A third aspect of the present invention relates to securing the wood duck house to a round plastic PVC pole. The neck at the base of the wood duck house rests atop and over a round plastic PVC pole of slightly smaller diameter. The security collar of the present invention snaps snuggly onto the neck of the wood duck house. The peg on the inside security collar fits into an opening on the neck of the wood duck house and then through an opening on the round plastic PVC pole. The peg on the security collar acts as a spear through the neck of the wood duck house and the pole to stabilize and secure the wood duck house to the pole.

Abstract: A cat tower assembly includes a base and a platform supported above the base. A cat bed is mounted on the platform. The bed includes a peripheral wall held in place by a removable washable woven fabric cover. The bed can be removed from the platform and utilized at a location remote from the cat tower. A removable washable woven fabric cover extends over the base. A corrugated cardboard scratching pad is inset on the base to prevent lateral movement of the pad.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vibration touch button-type animal training device including a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter includes a constant button switch, an intermittent button switch, a pager button switch, a beep tone button switch, a transmission control unit, a wireless transmission unit, a vibration generation unit, and a shock level switch. The transmission control unit receives signals from the respective button switches, and performs control such that corresponding signals are transmitted and vibrations are generated. The vibration generation unit generates vibration in response to a control signal from the transmission control unit. The receiver includes a wireless reception unit, a GPS reception unit, an input port unit, a reception control unit, a display unit, and a shock generation unit. The display unit displays data under the control of the reception control unit and the shock generation unit generates a shock under the control of the reception control unit.

Abstract: A pet restraint for restraining a pet to a vehicle. The restraint includes an elongated member having a first portion proximate the vehicle for mounting the elongated member to the vehicle and a second portion distal of the vehicle for engaging a pet. The first portion comprises at least one fastening means adapted to engage the vehicle and the second portion extends away from the vehicle.

Abstract: A animal restraint includes a buckle connected at one end to a leash or the like and its other end to a short tether having a D-ring termination. A snap hook with a latching side is easily connected to the restraint. The buckle has two relatively rotary parts which form a bayonet-type connection. The axis of rotation of the buckle parts is perpendicular to the tension axis, so that tension does not tend to undo the buckle.

Abstract: A high pressure hot gas generating device comprises a combustion furnace; an interior of the combustion furnace having a combustion chamber; a lower side of the combustion furnace having an ash exhausting opening; an upper side of the combustion furnace having a high pressure hot gas output tube; a fuel transfer mechanism installed at one side of the combustion furnace and inserted into the combustion chamber for providing solid fuel to the combustion chamber of the combustion furnace; the fuel transfer mechanism can adjust the speed and amount of the solid fuel entering into the combustion chamber; and an air inlet unit installed at one side of the combustion furnace and inserted into the combustion chamber for supplying air to the combustion chamber to be used in the initial ignition; and an ignition unit.

Abstract: A hot water apparatus comprises a main body thereof connected to each of water distribution devices 31, 32, and 33 via plumbing 2 and a remote controller 20 for remotely controlling the main body of the hot water apparatus 10. The main body of the hot water apparatus 10 comprises a control device 13 capable of controlling temperature of outflowing hot water which is a temperature of the hot water outflowing from the main body of the hot water apparatus 10 to the plumbing 2. The remote controller 20 comprises a setting element of the temperature of the outflowing hot water 21 for setting the requested value of the temperature of the outflowing hot water, and the correction-data setting element 21U and 24 for setting correction data which defines the deviation value of the temperature of the outflowing hot water with respect to the required value.

Abstract: A steam generator and a controlling method thereof are disclosed. The steam generator includes a housing for containing water, a heater for heating the water in the housing, and a control unit for controlling an operation of the heater according to an inner pressure of the housing.

Abstract: Method and system for controlling the operation of a recovery boiler or another boiler having a furnace wherein the operation is monitored by monitoring sensors, the sensors converting the acquired electromagnetic radiation to electrical signals which are conducted to image processing which forms an image of an object, such as the char bed and/or the char and/or chemicals on the furnace walls and/or deposits on boiler surfaces, based on the data from the sensors, and wherein the operation, such as burning of the char bed and/or the formation of char and/or chemicals on the furnace walls and/or the formation of deposits on boiler surfaces, is controlled with help of the image, wherein the sensors are arranged to produce sensor signals for 3D (three-dimensional) imaging, wherein the sensor signals are conducted to the image processing unit for forming a 3D image, such as an image of the bed and/or the char and/or the chemicals, and/or its shape describing derivatives, and/or temperature chart of the bed surface

Abstract: In a system for providing electrolyte to an electrolysis cell for producing hydrogen gas to inject into the intake of an internal combustion engine, a water store is in communication with a water supply line, for replenishing the level of electrolyte solution used by the electrolysis cell. A valve which may be disposed at a level below the level of the water supply line and is opened, for example upon deactivation of the engine, to drain the water out of the water supply line and prevent freezing in sub-freezing temperatures.

Abstract: An engine system in which either hydrogen produced from a hydrogen containing medium in terms of reaction using a catalyst or a mixture of the hydrogen and the hydrogen containing medium is employed as a fuel, in order to restrict heat deformation of a reactor, the engine system including a reactor configured to cause a reaction using a catalyst, in which the reactor is constituted by alternately disposing plural exhaust passages and plural fuel passageways of the engine system with a wall interposed therebetween; at least one carrier configured to carry the catalyst and to be formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape is fitted in at least one of fuel passageways; and the carrier is provided with a plate portion which has a surface disposed in a fuel flowing direction and is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and at least one slit portion which divides the surface of the plate portion in the fuel flowing direction.

Abstract: A water temperature controller includes a first body with a first connecting portion, and a second body with a second connecting portion. The connecting portions are slidably connected in a longitudinal direction. The first connecting portion may be at least partially disposed within the second connecting portion. An O-ring may be provided between the connecting portions. The first and/or second body may be made of plastic.

Abstract: To avoid engine idling to support cabin heating, an auxiliary coolant heater can heat engine coolant and pump it through compartment heaters or the engine cooling system. The coolant flow control system provides great flexibility in selectively distributing heated coolant for heating and engine preheating.

Abstract: A fluid cooler for cooling a fluid, such as oil, associated with an engine of a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, includes a housing for mounting to a portion of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the housing is tubular in shape. First and second vents for air flow are formed in the housing. In one embodiment, the first vent is for air intake and is located in a first end cap of the housing, while the second vent is for air exhaust, is located in a second end cap and has a cross sectional area approximately equal to a cross sectional area of the first vent. Within the housing, a fluid passageway exists for containing a flow path of the fluid associated with the engine. A fan moves air past the fluid passageway. By the design of the cooler and its mounting orientation on the vehicle, in a preferred embodiment, substantially no air passes through the housing when the fan is not operating regardless of whether the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: An air-to-air aftercooler is disclosed. The air-to-air aftercooler includes at least one core assembly and two inlet lines connected to the core assembly. The air-to-air aftercooler may also include a single outlet line configured to direct cooled charge air to an intake manifold of an engine.

Abstract: An engine is disclosed. The engine has an engine block and a cylinder within the engine block. The engine also has a cylinder head associated with a portion of the engine block and the cylinder. The engine further has a plurality of coolant passages formed within the engine block and the cylinder head, wherein a portion of the plurality of coolant passages is filled with a metal foam.

Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine is disclosed having opposed cylinders, each cylinder having a pair of opposed pistons, with all the pistons connected to a common central crankshaft. The inboard pistons of each cylinder are connected to the crankshaft with pushrods and the outboard pistons are connected to the crankshaft with pullrods. Each opposed cylinder further comprises an integrated scavenge pump for providing positive intake pressure. This configuration results in a compact engine with a very low profile, in which the free mass forces can be substantially balanced. The engine configuration also allows for asymmetrical timing of the intake and exhaust ports through angular positioning of the journals on the crankshaft.

Abstract: A device for retaining a valve bridge is disclosed. The valve bridge is engaged with a plurality of valves. The device has a first base member. The first base member is configured to engage at least one of the plurality of valves. The device also has a first latching member. The first latching member extends from the first base member. The first latching member is configured to engage and retain the valve bridge in engagement with the plurality of valves.

Abstract: A method for determining a wear value of a transmission element between a crankshaft and a camshaft of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine, in particular a timing chain or toothed belt, is provided. The camshaft is driven by the transmission element via a drive part, for example a camshaft gearwheel. In each case, at least one measurement value for the phase position of the drive part relative to the crankshaft is determined at time intervals during which the crankshaft drives the camshaft, and the wear value is determined from the difference between the measurement values.

Abstract: An ignition plug is disclosed which includes a hollow main cell having a bendable extension part and a primary combustion chamber, an insulator mounted in the main cell, to insulate a terminal rod centrally embedded in the main cell, a central electrode having a first electrical contact arranged in the primary combustion chamber, the central electrode extending downwardly from the terminal rod while being surrounded by the insulator, a second electrical contact provided at a lower inner surface of the main cell while being arranged in the primary combustion chamber, the second electrical contact corresponding to the first electrical contact, and a cross flame ignition valve coupled to the main cell by the extension part in a bent state of the extension part, the cross flame ignition valve having a main ignition hole and auxiliary ignition holes for guiding flames from the primary combustion chamber to an interior of a cylinder.

Abstract: A starter for a small-sized engine, capable of reliably starting the engine by a rope reel and stably supporting a drive cam. The starter has, received in a starter case, a cylindrical drive cam having a starter clutch mechanism, the rope reel for a recoil starter, and a starter motor, where the drive cam can be selectively operably connected to the rope reel or a starter motor. The rope reel is directly operably connected to the drive cam through a one-way clutch mechanism. Support plates are formed projected from the inner surface of the starter case toward the outer peripheral surface of the drive cam. Opposite ends of the drive cam are rotatably supportedly fitted into bearing holes formed in the support plates.

Abstract: The invention proposes a liquid-cooled assembled piston (1) having an upper part (2) and a lower part (3), wherein the upper part (2) and the lower part (3) are connected to one another by means of a radially outer annular support (12) and by means of a radially inner annular support (11). An outer cooling duct (13) is arranged between the outer support (12) and the inner support (11), and an inner cooling duct (18) is arranged radially within the inner support (11). Here, the outer cooling duct (13) is connected to the inner cooling duct (18) by means of at least one overflow duct (22, 22?).

Abstract: In oil pump cover for a motor vehicle oil pump is provided that includes, but is not limited to a cover for covering a part of the motor vehicle oil pump. The oil pump cover further includes, but is not limited to an oil suction channel which can be connected to the interior of the motor vehicle oil pump. The oil suction channel is designed in one piece with the cover. The oil suction channel is designed in such a manner that a suction opening for suction of oil in the built-in state is disposed adjacent to a lower base of an oil pan. Manufacture and assembly is simplified through this simplified one-piece structure of the oil pump cover.

Abstract: A lubrication system having an oil filter modified to replace or supplement the performance of lubricant additives that may be used within an internal combustion engine to increase the performance of a lubricant. The formulation of the lubricant is changed in accordance with the chemicals placed in the oil filter. For example, when the oil filter contains a strong base, the lubricant concentration of detergent will decrease, in some cases to zero, while the dispersant concentration in the lubricant will increase. The dispersant is the ideal weak base to neutralize combustion acid at the piston ring zone, carry the resultant weak base-combustion acid complex to the strong base in the oil filter, undergo ion exchange with the strong base, immobilize the acid in the oil filter and recycle back to the piston ring zone for reuse as an acid neutralization agent.

Abstract: An oil renewal system for an engine is disclosed. The oil renewal system may have a removal device configured to selectively remove oil from the engine, and a condition sensor situated to generate a condition signal indicative of an oil condition. The oil renewal system may also have a controller in communication with the condition sensor and the removal device. The controller may be configured to determine a deterioration rate of the oil based on the condition signal, and adjust a removal rate of the oil from the engine based on the deterioration rate.

Abstract: A two-stroke engine having a combustion chamber (12), a cylinder (6) having an exhaust port (9) on which is centered a first diametral plane of the cylinder, a piston (4), a cylinder head (10) fitted with a sparkplug (11) on the same side as the exhaust port relative to a second diametral plane (P2-P2) perpendicular to the first, and an injector (20) adapted to spray a jet of fuel into the combustion chamber, which is on the other side of the second diametral plane, the jet injection axis (P) being at an angle ? from 30° to 70° to a transverse plane (T-T) of the cylinder and an angle ? from +45° to ?45° to the first diametral plane.

Abstract: In a gas exchange valve actuating device for transmitting a drive movement to at least one gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine which includes a braking unit having at least one actuator, the gas exchange valve actuating device is provided with a locking unit for locking the actuator counter to an opposing force when the actuator has reached a specific position.

Abstract: A fuel injection apparatus for a fuel injector nozzle includes a moveable valve needle slideably located within a nozzle body, the nozzle body having an internal surface defining a valve seat between a fuel supply path and fuel outlets. The valve needle includes an obturator piston that is engagable with an axial fuel outlet and a two-stage lift mechanism for enabling lift of the valve needle. In a first stage lifted position of the valve needle, the valve face is spaced apart from the valve seat, and the obturator piston is positioned such that a fuel flow passage is opened between the obturator piston and the axial fuel outlet. In a second stage lifted position, the valve face is spaced further apart from the valve seat and the obturator piston is positioned such that the fuel flow passage between the obturator piston and the axial fuel outlet is substantially closed.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for an engine is disclosed. The diagnostic system has a sensor configured to sense a parameter of the fuel pressurized by the engine, and to generate a signal corresponding to a value of the parameter. The diagnostic system also has a controller in communication with the engine and the sensor. The controller is configured to detect a positive change in the parameter of the pressurized fuel and to inhibit starting of the engine if the positive change is not detected.

Abstract: A control method of a direct injection system of the common rail in an internal combustion engine; the control method contemplates the steps of: feeding the pressurized fuel to a common rail by means of a high-pressure pump presenting at least one pumping element mechanically operated by a drive shaft of the internal combustion engine; measuring the angular position of the drive shaft; measuring the fuel pressure in the common rail; analyzing the oscillations of the fuel pressure in the common rail; and determining the phase of the pumping element of the high-pressure pump with respect to the drive shaft according to the oscillations of the fuel pressure in the common rail.

Abstract: A method and system controls motion of an armature 112 of a fuel injector 100. The armature moves between an open coil 118 and a close coil 116 of the injector. Acceleration current of a certain polarity is applied to the open coil 118 with the armature disposed at the close coil 116. De-latching current of a polarity opposite of the certain polarity is applied to the close coil 116 to release magnetic latch on the armature thereby accelerating movement of the armature towards the open coil 118. Deceleration current is applied the close coil 116 thereby decelerating the armature prior to reaching the open coil. Latching current of the certain polarity is applied to the open coil 118 prior to or just after impact of the armature 112 with the open coil 118 to magnetically latch the armature to the open coil 118 thereby reducing bounce of the armature at impact.

Abstract: A solenoid assembly is disclosed. The solenoid assembly has a housing having a cavity disposed therein. The solenoid assembly also has a unitary stator having a plurality of separated portions. The separated portions are held together by at least one lip located on an outer periphery of the stator. The stator is sized to fit within the cavity disposed in the housing.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio apparatus that changes the compression ratio of an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber according to a driving state of an engine, enablements may include a connecting rod receiving the combustion force from the piston; a pin link receiving a part of the combustion force from the connecting rod and rotating the crankshaft; a support link disposed substantially in parallel with the connecting rod; a division link receiving a part of the combustion force from the connecting rod and transmitting the part of the combustion force to the support link; a control link provided with one end coupled to the division link in order to change position of one end of the division link; and an eccentric camshaft coupled to other end of the control link in order to change position of a rotational axis of the control link.

Abstract: Noise and vibrations associated with a common rail fuel system drive linkage are reduced by synchronizing a high pressure common rail supply pump with engine operation. This may be accomplished by selecting a linkage associated with a desired ratio of engine speed to pump speed along with selecting a number of pump plungers and cam lobes that results in synchronizing action of the pump with engine combustion events. In particular, a pattern of pumping events per engine cycle repeats during each engine cycle. In a more sophisticated version, the pattern of pumping events per engine cycle includes a sub-pattern of pumping events that repeats an integer number of times each engine cycle, where the integer number equals the number of engine cylinders.

Abstract: A fuel pump for an automotive application includes two separate pumping chambers within each of which a piston is reciprocated in order to pump fuel to an engine for the automobile. The dual cylinder arrangement increases the output capacity of the fuel pump.

Abstract: A carbon canister includes a housing and a carbon bed located in the housing. A discharge tube is coupled to the housing and arranged to conduct fuel vapor from the canister to a vapor-delivery system coupled to an engine to clean the carbon bed in the housing.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon vapour filter system for capturing vapour released from a fuel tank. The system contains a vapour line in vapour-tight communication with the fuel tank, having a vapour capture segment for capturing fuel vapour, and in in the preferred embodiment a purging stage releasing the fuel vapour. During engine operation captured fuel vapour can be released from the vapour capture line into air drawn into the engine intake manifold.

Abstract: An oxygen separation system for an engine is disclosed. The oxygen separation system may include a cathode exposed to inlet air, an anode configured to direct a flow of substantially pure oxygen to a combustion chamber of the engine, and a thin film electrolyte located between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: A liquid fuel cooling system includes an intake line, a heat exchanger, an exhaust fine, a fuel pump, and an amount of frozen carbon dioxide. The intake line connects the heat exchanger to a fuel source, and the exhaust line connects the heat exchanger to a fuel destination. The fuel pump moves fuel from the fuel source, through the intake line, through the heat exchanger, through the exhaust line, and to the fuel destination. The frozen carbon dioxide is disposed against at least a portion of the heat exchanger to draw heat away from the fuel. Optionally, a system can include dual heat exchanger connected via a bridge line, with the frozen carbon dioxide being disposed there between.

Abstract: In a method to determine the temperature of a fuel in a common rail injection system of an engine, the fuel temperature at one place of the common rail injection system is calculated from a fuel temperature at another place of the common rail injection system.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for reducing emissions which includes an exhaust portion having an outlet housing for collecting exhaust gas from an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. The system also includes an intake portion having an inlet housing for introducing air into an intake manifold of an engine. The system also includes a fluid conduit for transporting exhaust gases from the exhaust portion to the intake portion. The conduit includes a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the outlet housing with a slip joint and the second end is connected to the inlet housing with a slip joint, without the need for intermediate bracing. The system includes a plurality of sealing members for sealing the system and allowing for thermal expansion. The sealing members connect the first end to the outlet housing and connect the second end to the inlet housing.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a crankcase and a cylinder head which covers a cylinder of the crankcase and in which a fresh-gas channel and an exhaust-gas channel are made which open on a cylinder-head longitudinal side and are connected to in each case a fresh-gas line and an exhaust-gas collection line, and wherein there is an exhaust-gas recirculation system, including an exhaust-gas recirculation line and a control valve. An internal combustion engine having an exhaust-gas recirculation system is provided, in which the exhaust-gas recirculation system remains uninfluenced by the exhaust-gas collection line which is hot during operation. This is achieved in that the exhaust-gas recirculation system is arranged on that cylinder-head side which lies opposite the fresh-gas line and the exhaust-gas collection line.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system having at least one cooler with a housing and at least one valve with a pivotably actuated valve member on an inlet side is characterized in that an actuator for the valve is mounted to the housing of the cooler, which is connected to the valve via at least one lever and at least one connection member such as a coupling rod, a ball-and-socket joint being provided between at least one lever and at least one connection member such as a coupling rod.