Abstract: A counter gap extension device comprises an angle section having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. The vertical portion has a cutout channel for accepting a magnetic strip material substantially traversing the entire vertical portion. One embodiment includes a portion on each end of the vertical portion without magnetic strip to allow a user to trim the length to fit specific counter widths. The counter gap extension device is placed against an appliance with the horizontal portion covering and protecting the gap. The magnetic strip removeably holds the counter gap extension device in place. One embodiment includes a plurality of circular shaped magnets disposed within the vertical portion.

Abstract: A feed mechanism in which a ram (2) fed from a hopper (1) compresses a fuel against a closed valve (11) which is then opened for the ram to push the fuel towards a rotary scroll (6) for delivery to a processing vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a milling and water-air combined cooling system for bottom ash from heating furnaces for solid fuels, able to maximize the efficiency in milling and cooling also large ash lumps at high temperature and in improving cooling air fluid dynamics which passes said system in counter-flow. The system comprises a crusher (1) provided with a pre-crusher integral with the crusher's (1) port, a water cooling system (3-4), and a separation (5-6) of the flow of the fine material entering the crusher (1) from the lump sized ash. The pre-milling device (2) allows a partial milling of the large lumps and it is actuated by laser or equivalent sensors (7) which detect the presence of ash agglomerates in the milling area. The cooling water passes preferably throughout the shaft (8) of the toothed rotor (9) and/or throughout the fixed slab (10) and moves therefrom, through suitable ducts (4) and nozzles (3), to the milling area.

Abstract: A monitoring system that provides a display, either local or remote, of operation information regarding an outdoor furnace or boiler system. The monitor polls various sensors, including information relative to water temperature, draft fan operation, pump operation, various switch status, safety status, and emissions status. The various sensors may be operationally connected wirelessly with the monitor. The monitor displays operational status information, including indications requiring operator attention. Thus, operator maintenance is more effectively applied as needed rather than also on an information gathering basis.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for introducing a discrete, predetermined amount of material into soil at a plurality of predetermined points in the soil which includes a container for holding the material to be introduced into the soil, and tubing in fluid communication with the container at a first end thereof. At least one electrically controlled injector is provided in fluid communication with a second end of said tubing. Also, at least one shank is provided, which includes a base, and an injector mounting member attached to a surface of the base that is adapted for detachably mounting the electrically controlled injector onto the base. In addition, a controller is provided for activating the electrically controlled injector to introduce the material into the soil. Accordingly, enhanced control of the injection of the material into soil is achieved, and maintenance can be performed easily.

Abstract: In a head group comprising two or more machine heads (3, 4) provided in proximity to each other so that each of the machine heads can perform embroidery sewing on an embroidering area of an embroidery frame on which a cylindrically-shaped embroidering workpiece is set, at least one of the machine heads is a multi-needle machine head (3). There are also provided a color change mechanism (20) for selectively positioning a desired needle at a predetermined operating position in the multi-needle machine head, a rotary hook bed (5) provided for each of the head group for shared use between the machine heads. There is provided a horizontal movement mechanism (30) for disposing the individual machine heads and the color change mechanism for horizontal movement relative to the rotary hook beds and horizontally moving the individual machine heads and the color change mechanism together to place any one of the machine heads in each of the head groups in positional correspondence to the rotary hook bed.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved tufting machine which comprises a tufting head translatable within said tufting machine in X- and Y-directions with respect to backing fabric by means of a movement system. The tufting head comprises a tufting mechanism having a cyclic mode of operation, a hollow needle mounted in the tufting mechanism that is moveable relative to a cooperating foot in a reciprocating manner to insert a tuft of yam into backing fabric in each cycle, a yarn supply mechanism mounted in the tufting mechanism and operable to supply a length of yam to the hollow needle in each cycle, a yarn cutter mounted in the tufting head that is selectively operable to cut the length of yam in selected cycles to produce loop or cut pile, and a computer-operated motion control system.

Abstract: A steerable wing-type sail system for a wind powered craft. The system includes first and second secondary airfoils and that are spaced outwardly to the sides of the plane of the main wing, and that are positioned rearwardly of the trailing edge of the wing. The secondary airfoils are selectively pivotable so as to steer the main wing in one direction or the other. The main wing is also provided with a pivoting flap at its trailing edge, which pivots simultaneously with and in the same direction as the secondary airfoils. The secondary airfoils are carried on elongate horizontal booms mounted near the mid-span height of the main wing. The secondary airfoils pivot about vertical axes at the distal ends of the booms, and are operated by control cables that are retracted and paid out by linear actuators or similar mechanisms. The craft may be multi-hull vessel, such as a catamaran.

Abstract: A sailboat mast including a straight lower portion and a curved upper portion. The curved upper portion has an aerodynamically efficient cross section designed to reduce drag. The mast assembly is free to rotate with respect to the boat's hull in order to position the mast in line with the airflow for windward sailing, perpendicular to the airflow for downwind sailing, and at other appropriate angles for other conditions. The curved upper portion of the mast facilitates storage of the mast along a curved gunwale. The mast preferably incorporates a curved mast extension allowing an increase in the sail area beyond what is possible for a one-piece mast that is storable within the length of a boat.

Abstract: A hand held, light weight, multi-purpose, extendable and collapsible omni-wind sail assembly for providing wind propulsion for vehicles such as kayaks, surfboards, small boats, iceboats, land vehicles, and the like. The assembly includes a flexible wind responsive sail surface having a transparent portion for user viewing therethrough, the sail surface attached at each side to masts having an attachable handle for manual maneuverability of the sail. The assembly may be stretched tautly, collapsed, tipped vertically, rotated horizontally, or all in combination simultaneously as the wind conditions may warrant, the masts having length extension means for varying the height of the sail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing reinforced, formed fabrics, consisting in producing a continuous fabric alternated with a membrane (34) containing embedded reinforcing elements, which is prepared in overlapping portions on a conveyor belt (29) which passes over a preparation table (25). The membrane (34) and the reinforcing elements are then positioned under a press consisting of an upper air-filled chamber (1), the lower part thereof comprising a flexible element (4), and a lower water-filled chamber (14), the upper part thereof comprising a flexible element (17). According to the invention, a forming bar (10) is adjustably mounted in the upper chamber (1). When the aforementioned forming bar (10) is adjusted to adopt a particular shape, the different flexible elements can deform at the forming bar and the membrane and the reinforcing elements are hot pressed with a portion corresponding to the forming bar having a three dimensional shape, thereby defining the form of the fabric produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing reinforced, formed fabrics, consisting in producing a continuous fabric alternated with a membrane (34) containing embedded reinforcing elements, which is prepared in overlapping portions on a conveyor belt (29) which passes over a preparation table (25). The membrane (34) and the reinforcing elements are then positioned under a press consisting of an upper air-filled chamber (1), the lower part thereof comprising a flexible element (4), and a lower water-filled chamber (14), the upper part thereof comprising a flexible element (17). According to the invention, a forming bar (10) is adjustably mounted in the upper chamber (1). When the aforementioned forming bar (10) is adjusted to adopt a particular shape, the different flexible elements can deform at the forming bar and the membrane and the reinforcing elements are hot pressed with a portion corresponding to the forming bar having a three dimensional shape, thereby defining the form of the fabric produced.

Abstract: A method for controlling a marine vessel having a first steering nozzle, a reversing deflector and at least one of a bow thruster and a second steering nozzle is disclosed. The method comprises any of the acts of inducing a net transverse thrust to the marine vessel in response to a transverse thrust component signal, without substantially inducing any forward-reverse thrust or rotational thrust to the marine vessel, or inducing a net forward-reverse thrust to the marine vessel in response to a forward-reverse thrust component signal without substantially inducing any transverse thrust or rotational thrust to the marine vessel, or inducing a net rotational thrust to the marine vessel in response to the rotational thrust component signal without substantially inducing any forward-reverse thrust or transverse thrust to the marine vessel.

Abstract: A floating platform is provided. The floating platform includes a top surface (14), a plurality of buoyancy members (12) interconnected to the top surface and extending downwardly into a body of water, a bottom plate (16) and a plurality of interstitial volumes (24) that are sealed at a bottom end by the bottom plate to prevent the flow of water into the interstitial volume.

Abstract: An underwater assembly includes: a hull having an internal cavity that is in fluid communication with the external environment; an inductive actuator mounted within the cavity of the hull; a current source mounted in the hull and electrically connected to the actuator; and a movable member connected with the actuator and positioned external of the hull. Provision of current to the actuator causes the movable member to move relative to the hull.

Abstract: A dashboard indicator module including a rotating actuator including a hollow output shaft controlling movement of an indicator with a light conducting path, connected to a light source, diffusing a light at an angle, and a reduction gear set. The external diameter of the conducting path is between 2.6 and 5.5 millimeters.

Abstract: In a Czochralski (CZ) single crystal puller equipped with a cooler and a thermal insulation member, which are to be disposed in a CZ furnace, smooth recharge and additional charge of material are made possible. Further, elimination of dislocations from a silicon seed crystal by use of the Dash's neck method can be performed smoothly. To these ends, there is provided a CZ single crystal puller, wherein a cooler and a thermal insulation member are immediately moved upward away from a melt surface during recharge or additional charge of material or during elimination of dislocations from a silicon seed crystal by use of the Dash's neck method.

Abstract: In the flux method, a source nitrogen gas is sufficiently heated before feeding to an Na—Ga mixture. The apparatus of the invention is provided for producing a group III nitride based compound semiconductor The apparatus includes a reactor which maintains a group III metal and a metal differing from the group III metal in a molten state, a heating apparatus for heating the reactor, an outer vessel for accommodating the reactor and the heating apparatus, and a feed pipe for feeding a gas containing at least nitrogen from the outside of the outer vessel into the reactor. The feed pipe has a zone for being heated together with the reactor by means of the heating apparatus, wherein the zone is heated inside the outer vessel and outside the reactor.

Abstract: A crystal has a diameter of 1 cm or more and shows a strongest peak in cathode luminescent spectrum at a wavelength of 360 nm in correspondence to a band edge.

Abstract: A supporting table having heaters inside a crystal-growing furnace includes a table plate and a plurality of supporting posts, wherein the supporting posts support the table plate and are, respectively, electrically connected with the heaters. Each supporting post includes, among others, a graphite electrode post, a metal electrode post, and an anchoring base. The supporting posts are each with its graphite electrode post screwed to a nut portion of the metal electrode post, and with the metal electrode post fixed to a wall of the crystal-growing furnace. The anchoring base includes, among others, a flange and an elastic washer, where the flange is welded to the wall of the furnace, and with the help of elasticity adjustment of the elastic washer, the supporting table can bear an equal distribution of loading from the supporting posts.

Abstract: A high-purity vitreous silica crucible which has high strength and is used for pulling a large-diameter single-crystal silicon ingot, includes a double laminated structure constituted by an outer layer composed of amorphous silica glass with a bubble content of 1 to 10% and a purity of 99.99% or higher and an inner layer composed of amorphous silica glass with a bubble content of 0.6% or less and a purity of 99.99% or higher, and in the portion between the upper opening end of the high-purity vitreous silica crucible and the ingot-pulling start line of a silicon melt surface in the step of pulling a single-crystal silicon ingot, a portion corresponding to 40 to 100 volume % from the upper opening end of the crucible is in a crystalline structure free from the crystallization promoter.

Abstract: A cooling structure for the body of a crystal-growing furnace includes an upper body and a lower body. The upper body includes an outer upper shell and an inner upper shell, wherein an upper enclosing space is formed between the outer upper shell and the inner upper shell. The lower body includes an outer lower shell and an inner lower shell, wherein a lower enclosing space is formed between the outer lower shell and the inner lower shell. A plurality of water pipes are arranged, respectively, around the upper and the lower enclosing spaces, wherein plural spraying holes are provided on each of the water pipes. With the help of a pump, water from an outside water source is drawn through the spraying holes of the water pipes so as to cool down the body of the crystal-growing furnace. In adding an exhaust fan, warm air in the upper enclosing spaces can be driven out speedily.

Abstract: To obtain a stage apparatus that can be divided for land transportation and can properly treat a substrate to be treated, the present invention provides a stage apparatus including a substrate holding plane which holds a substrate to be treated W, a pair of guide frames (13X) oppositely disposed with the substrate holding plane sandwiched therebetween, a gantry (13Y) which extends over the pair of guide frames (13X) and which is movably held by the pair of guide frames (13X), and a substrate treatment unit (14) which is disposed on the gantry (13Y).

Abstract: A crucible is a monolithic structure extending over an entire area of a vaporizing chamber and has at least one slit groove provided in the upper surface thereof. The at least one slit groove has a length from one end of the upper surface of the crucible to other end thereof. The at least one slit groove is used as a portion for containing the evaporation material (dopant material or the like). Alternatively, a crucible is a monolithic structure extending over the entire area of the vaporizing chamber and has a plurality of holes provided in the upper surface thereof. The holes are used as portions for containing the evaporation material. Further, the crucible is divided into a plurality of regions, and individual electric heaters are provided under the lower surface of the crucible for the respective regions, whereby temperature can be individually controlled for the respective regions by the electric heaters.

Abstract: A vacuum coating unit with a transport device for transporting substrates in a transport direction, comprises at least one first endless conveyor running in the transport direction and having a conveyor device guided around at least two deflection rollers. The conveyor device is located at a distance from a guide device extending in the transport direction parallel to the conveyor device of the first endless conveyor in such a way that the substrates can be introduced into the gap between the conveyor device and the guide device and can be moved in the transport direction by the displacement of the conveyor device.

Abstract: A milking plant includes a milking member to be attached to a teat of an animal to be milked during a milking operation. A milk container is connected to the milking member and adapted to collect the milk extracted during the milking operation. A milk pump, being a part of a milk transport conduit, defines a suction side and a pressure side. A milk tank is connected to the milk container via the milk transport conduit and adapted to collect the milk from the milk container. A milk sample discharge device is connected to the milk transport conduit at the pressure side. The milk pump is adapted to transport during a milk transport operation the milk extracted during the milking operation from the milk container in a major flow to the milk tank and in a minor flow via the milk discharge device.

Abstract: An animal feeder includes at least one fodder bin, a fodder mixing device, a control module, a radio frequency identification (RFID) system and an audio frequency device. The fodder bin is provided for storing and outputting fodder. The fodder mixing device is provided for controlling the output of fodder in the fodder bin. The control module is provided for controlling the operation of the animal feeder. The radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes at least one electronic tag and at least one reader. The electronic tag is tagged onto animals. The reader is installed at the control module. The audio frequency device is provided for inputting and outputting an audio frequency. The aforementioned elements constitute an animal feeder that can provide fodders to a specific animal, issue a calling audio frequency, and controlling a fixed quantity of different fodders outputted at a fixed time.

Abstract: A flow control mechanism/device is provided for regulating the flow of fluid from a container or vessel, e.g., a plastic bottle containing a fluid such as water or the like. The flow control mechanism may be advantageously employed in a variety of applications where it is desired to dispense and/or access fluids in a controlled manner, e.g., applications wherein a liquid, colloidal system, suspension or the like is to be dispensed/accessed in a controlled manner. The flow control mechanisms are particularly advantageous as animal/pet drinking aids that provide animals/pets with convenient and controlled access to fluid refreshment, e.g., when away from a home-based water bowl. An exemplary control mechanism includes an inner cap member, an overcap member, and a ball captured therebetween. The overcap member is adapted for axial translation relative to the inner cap member, thereby facilitating one-handed manipulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fish tank cleaner having a discharge means for discharging the excrements of fishes together with the water in a fish tank, a filter means for filtering the excrements of fishes in the discharging water, and a returning means for returning the filtered water to the fish tank, the fish tank cleaner including: a discharge port formed below the filter means, for discharging the water staying in a cleaner body to the outside; a viewing window mounted on the top surface of a cover covering the cleaner body, for checking out the interior of the cleaner body; an illuminator mounted on the underside of the cover, for illuminating the interior of the cleaner body; and a sensor mounted on the underside of the cover, for sensing the water not discharged through the filter means.

Abstract: A pen for domestic animals, preferably sows, the pen having a size such that one of these animals can stay in the pen. The pen has a rear gate which is hinged horizontally and positioned above the animal's back in the open condition. The rear gate has a release mechanism for releasing the rear gate from the closed condition. The release mechanism is adapted to allow releasing of the gate from closed condition by a rearwards directed push by the animal in the pen against the rear gate. Furthermore, the release mechanism includes a pivoting arm on the rear gate, where the pivoting arm is connected with a barb for releasing the barb from engagement with a fitting when the pivoting arm is moved rearwards.

Abstract: An animal dryer apparatus is disclosed which includes an air chamber defined by a base subjacent to a platform, the air chamber enclosed by at least one wall formed along the perimeter of the base and the platform; means for generating and forcing heated air through the air chamber; the platform defining a plurality of apertures through which heated air is forced into fluid communication with an animal placed on the platform; an enclosure defining at least one wall upstanding from the platform; and an elevated feeding reservoir integral to the apparatus.

Abstract: A combing device includes a combing member and a flexible member. The combing member includes a row of flexibly interconnected comb teeth, each having a combing portion and a butt portion opposite to the combing portion. The butt portions of an adjacent pair of the comb teeth are spaced apart from each other. The flexible member encloses the butt portions of the comb teeth of the combing member, and is formed with a plurality of hollow portions. Each of the hollow portions is disposed between the butt portions of a corresponding adjacent pair of the comb teeth. The combing portions of the comb teeth are exposed from the flexible member.

Abstract: Horse hoof protection against thrush conditions is obtained by depositing onto the horse hoof bottom wall a synthetic organic resin such as a urethane resin through which a medicament that does not block cure of the resin has been, distributed for continuing hoof wall contact. The resin is suitably free flowing into place, conforms to the contours of the hoof bottom wall, and adheres to the wall when cured. The protection by the resin is resilient and softer than the hoof wall and acts to cushion the hoof against shock.

Abstract: A multipurpose leash including an elongated strap, a fastener on each end of the strap, an adjustable ring that is movable along the strap, and at least one stationary ring attached to the strap, such as a first stationary ring affixed at an end of the strap and a second stationary ring attached along the length of the strap. The adjustable ring preferably slides along the strap with an oval, circular or D-shaped ring transverse to the strap. The multiple uses and functions include use with two pets, hands-free use with one end of the strap capable of being wrapped around the waist of the human user, and an adjustable length with fasteners connected to various rings.

Abstract: Protective clothing for animals is formed from an elastic woven, meshed, or knitted fabric, and individual sections (2) or border regions (3, 4) of these sections are connected rigidly, but detachably to each other. The bordering sections (2) or border regions (3, 4) of the woven, meshed, or knitted fabric are arranged overlapping each other and are connected to each other by two-part snap-fastener elements (1). The bordering and overlapping sections (2) or border regions (3, 4) lying in the region of the snap-fastener element (1) take on a shape in a non-destructive manner between the two parts (5, 6) of the snap-fastener elements (1), wherein this shape is determined by the parts (5, 6) of the snap-fastener element (1) that can be inserted one inside the other.

Abstract: The gas and electric heating system has combination gas and electric heat generators to provide energy to a steam-generating boiler. The system utilizes a blue-flame, gaseous-fuel burner disposed externally of the boiler in one embodiment and a flame jet burner in a second embodiment. Electrical heating elements are positioned inside the boiler. Steam generated in the boiler flows to a heating core. The core is positioned in an air duct. Heat is transferred from the core to air flowing through the duct. The heated air flows from the duct into an area to be heated. Controls are provided to correlate the functions of the various components in the system.

Abstract: A steam boiler (15) comprising a fuel burning device (16) disposed in a combustion chamber and adapted to burn a fuel to form combustion gases (19), a passage (30) extending between a water inlet (20) and a steam outlet (23), the passage having a water space (31) and a steam space (32), a flue passage (33) extending between the combustion chamber and a flue outlet (24) and having a gas heat transfer space (34), a heat exchange element (43) between the gas heat transfer space and the water and steam spaces, the heat exchange element having a gas-side surface (35) that absorbs heat from the combustion gases and an opposed water-side surface (38) that radiates heat, the water-side surface having a first portion (39) adjacent to the water space and a second portion (40) adjacent to the steam space, the gas-side surface having a first portion (36) opposite the water-side first portion and a second portion (37) opposite the water-side second portion, the water-side first portion having a surface area and the water

Abstract: A steam generator chemical cleaning system is provided wherein a concentrated chemical cleaning solution is premixed off-site in sufficient volume and concentration to allow the dilution to proper cleaning level be achieved by slow injection into the generator when filled with demineralized water. The premixed chemicals are transported in a tanker to the generator site and injected therein directly from the tanker.

Abstract: The gas and electric heating system has combination gas and electric heat generators to provide energy to a steam-generating boiler. The system has a blue-flame, gaseous-fuel burner disposed externally to provide heat to a steam-generating boiler and electrical heating elements that are positioned inside the boiler. Steam generated in the boiler flows to a heating core. The core is positioned in an air duct. Heat is transferred from the core to air flowing through the duct. The heated air flows from the duct into an area to be heated. Controls are provided to correlate the functions of the various components in the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a temperature for an engine by controlling a flow of a liquid engine coolant through a coolant conduit, the apparatus including a thermostat having a temperature responsive valve for substantially blocking and substantially unblocking the flow of the liquid coolant to a radiator. The valve opens as the temperature of the liquid coolant rises and a spring urges the valve to a closed position as the temperature of the fluid falls. An electromechanical actuator is provided outside of the conduit and is controlled by an engine control system in response to engine conditions.

Abstract: A method of controlling cylinder valve switching between a first valve condition and a second valve condition for transitioning between combustion modes of an engine. The method includes adjusting timing of a signal to switch between the valve conditions based on an oil degradation condition from an oil sensor, wherein the combustion modes include spark ignition and homogenous charge compression ignition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variable valve timing device for an internal combustion engine having a double camshaft. A gas exchange valve control shaft is provided which has first and second concentrically arranged cam shafts that are adjustable in a rotatable manner with respect to each other, by which a cam of the first cam shaft is adjusted in terms of its angle towards a cam of the second cam shaft. A cam phasing device is provided which operates by rotatable vanes provoking a swivelling relative movement between a driven member and an output member. The cam phasing device comprises at least two pivotable vane adjusters. Each pivotable vane adjuster is assigned to one of the two cam shafts. The pivotable vane adjusters are arranged axially one after the other in a direction of a valve control shaft. Each pivotable vane adjuster may be designed as a rotor-type vane adjuster.

Abstract: A valve timing adjusting apparatus includes a first rotor, a second rotor, and a bias mechanism. The bias mechanism is provided to one of the first and second rotors. The bias mechanism includes a resilient member and a projection portion that is rotatable together with the one of the first and second rotors. The projection portion is rotatable relative to the other one of the rotors and contacts a contact part of the other one. Restoring force of the resilient member is applied to the other one of the first and second rotors through the projection portion. The contact part includes an inclination portion that is configured to increase and decrease restoring force of the resilient member.

Abstract: The valve system for opposed piston engines essentially comprises a single poppet valve opening into the common combustion chamber between the two opposed pistons of each piston and cylinder pair. The engine for which the mechanism is adapted includes a rotating internal cylinder surrounding each piston pair, with a stationary outer cylinder or case surrounding the rotating cylinder. The valve is pivotally attached at one side or end thereof to the edge of the valve port of the rotating cylinder, and is actuated by an arm or arms having guides (rollers, etc.) at the distal end(s) thereof, which are captured in corresponding cam track(s) or channel(s) formed in the fixed outer cylinder or case of the engine. The cam track has a variable radius, with the valve arm(s) and guide(s) alternately lifting and lowering as the guide(s) travel(s) in the variable radius cam track(s), thereby closing and opening the valve.

Abstract: A cam follower device includes a pair of plate-shaped rocker arms 17 parallel mutually, a support shaft 7a fixed in support holes 8a, 8a at one end portions of the rocker arms 17 at both end portions and a tappet roller 9 supported rotatably around a circumference of an intermediate portion of the support shaft 7a. When the cam follower device is built in a valve train, rotary motion of a cam 2 provided on a camshaft is transmitted to valve elements 12 constituting two inlet (or exhaust) valves by the tappet roller 9 and the pair of rocker arms 17 so as to reciprocate the two valve elements 12 axially. By this configuration, the number of components in a valve train of an engine, in which a number of at least one of inlet and exhaust valves per cylinder is two or more, can be reduced.

Abstract: A shaft for a rocker arm assembly is disclosed. The shaft includes a substantially cylindrical outer surface at least a portion of which defines a bearing surface thereon and an interior core portion located radially inward of the bearing surface. The bearing surface has a hardness greater than that of the core portion, for providing wear resistance and deterring crack initiation and propagation.

Abstract: A switchable double tappet (1) is provided, especially for a tappet-push rod valve train of an internal combustion engine, with a cylindrical housing (2), which is arranged so that it oscillates via its outer casing (3) in a guide (4) in the internal combustion engine side and which has a bore (5) on the camshaft side, in which an inner element (6) moves axially relative to this borehole, wherein, on one side, a cam contact surface (10) is intrinsic to this inner element on its end projecting past an edge (7) of the borehole (5) or lower head (9) running in the region of the edge (7) and also, on the other side, at least one coupling slide (11) is intrinsic in its interior in the decoupled case, and this coupling slide can be displaced partially for a coupled case in or under a respective catch surface (12) of the housing (2), wherein between an upper head (13) of the inner element (6) facing away from the lower head (9) and a lower side (14) of a crossbar (15) of the housing (2), at least one lost-motion spr

Abstract: An auxiliary check valve is provided in a hydraulic lash adjuster of the type wherein the plunger-to-body clearance is sealed. The auxiliary check valve is derived so that it remains open until the plunger has been moved to the limit of its travel by rotation of the engine camshaft during engine assembly. The auxiliary check valve permits fluid within the hydraulic lash adjuster high pressure chamber to be displaced to the reservoir chamber allowing the hydraulic lash adjuster to shorten from its free length to the proper installed length.

Abstract: Procedure for starting a combustion engine with at least one combustion chamber, whereby injections from the high pressure system are deposited into the combustion chamber during the starting process, is thereby characterized, in that at least one injection into the combustion engine can be blanked out in order to limit a pressure drop in the high pressure system.

Abstract: An active air intake adapted for selectively regulating fluid flow into an engine generally includes a housing defining an opening, a covering member disposed relative to the opening and translatable between opened and closed conditions, an actuator including an active material element operable to effect movement of the member, a load limit protector configured to present a secondary output path for the element, an overheat protection mechanism for preventing unintentional activation and stress loads in the element, a biasing mechanism for returning the member to the original condition, and a latching mechanism for retaining the member in the closed condition.