Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine having a light guide device for supplying the spark plug with optical radiant power. A sensor arrangement is at least partially integrated into the spark plug but disposed outside the light guide device, and is embodied for the acquisition of operating data of the spark plug and/or of a combustion chamber associated with the spark plug.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the start-up phase of a motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine (12). The internal combustion engine (12) is started by an electrical machine (16) that can be operated as a motor, and there is a preferably automatically actuatable clutch (50) in the drive train (11) between the internal combustion engine (12) and the electrical machine (16). A faster start-up response can be achieved if the internal combustion engine (12) is driven by the electrical machine (16) when the clutch (50) is engaged during start-up, and if the clutch capacitance (MK) is reduced according to a defined parameter, preferably the engine speed, the time or the torque (ME) of the electrical machine (16) or similar.

Abstract: A method and a device for starting a diesel engine with no heater plugs, comprising pistons and cylinders defining combustion chambers into which gases intended to participate in combustion are admitted, in which method a strategy is adopted whereby the gases present in the chambers are heated up in such a way as to raise them to a minimum temperature within the entire volume defined by the chambers when the pistons are in the position of maximum compression or close to that position. The gases are heated by compressing the air in the cylinders using an electrical machine, or using a heating system in the intake.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a motor-vehicle, internal-combustion-engine air intake manifold having an intake-manifold first shell attachable or monolithically joined to an intake-manifold second shell to surround an internal manifold volume. The first shell has a wall with at least a portion having undulating concave and convex regions as defined exterior to the internal manifold volume of the attached or monolithically-joined first shell and second shell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an intake manifold assembly that comprises a first outer covering, a second outer covering connected to the first outer covering that together define a chamber having an intake port, and a flow channel insert. The second outer covering has an outlet port positioned within its interior surface and the flow channel insert is nestingly connected to the outlet port with the rest of the flow channel insert received within the chamber. The flow channel insert being a single piece that defines a channel having a first end and a second end.

Abstract: The tubular die of a centrifugal casting device of GNo.30 or above is employed suitably and powder is introduced while rotating, and an outer tubular body composed of that powder is provided. Subsequently, molten is introduced to the inner circumferential wall side of the outer tubular body while sustaining rotation of the tubular die thus forming an inner tubular body. The outer tubular body functions as a cooling metal (chiller) when the molten is cooled and solidified. In place of the outer tubular body composed of the powder, molten may be used for forming an outer tubular body or an outer tubular molding molded previously into tubular shape may be employed.

Abstract: An oil level management system for a vehicle has an oil pan configured to contain oil and to be mountable to an engine block with a baffle extending transverse to the axis of rotation of the engine crankshaft when the oil pan is so mounted. The baffle is configured to partially define a first oil reservoir and a second oil reservoir, as well as an oil flow opening such that the oil reservoirs are in fluid communication with one another and are characterized by respective first and second oil levels within the pan. The second reservoir drains to the first reservoir when the engine is running and when the engine block and crankshaft are positioned on the vehicle with the axis of rotation tilted from horizontal. The first oil level is lower than the second oil level to avoid oil contact with the crankshaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hypocycloid engine assembly which may be used in internal combustion engines. The engine assembly is able to transfer power from a purely linear reciprocating piston to a purely rotational output shaft, increasing the efficiency and stability of the gear assembly and engine. The engine assembly may also be used in applications converting purely rotational motion to purely linear motion, for example, in air compressors or hydraulic systems.

Abstract: There is provided an internal combustion engine in which the inside thereof is uniformly cooled. In an engine serving as the internal combustion engine, a piston reciprocates within a bore provided in a cylinder block, and a connecting rod coupled to the piston transmits motive power to a crankshaft. The internal combustion engine includes a rear-side oil jet through which oil is injected from the connecting rod side of the piston to a skirt inner region and a skirt outer region of the piston.

Abstract: A no-contact ignition control device includes a stop switch which maintains a second switching element at the OFF state so that an induced voltage of a trigger coil triggers a first switching element and shortcircuit a generation coil. A surge absorption element is connected in parallel to the stop switch. This configuration prevents intrusion of a surge current into the ignition control circuit caused by static electricity accumulated on the surface of casing covering electronic parts of the ignition control circuit and surely avoid dielectric breakdown of the electronic parts or malfunction of the circuit by the surge current.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to optimize the running smoothness of an internal combustion engine. To achieve this aim, the individual cylinders are synchronized with respect to their torque contribution. According to the method, fuel is injected into the combustion chamber of a cylinder in at least one injection step, the at least one injection contributing to the torque of the internal combustion engine. Fuel is injected into the combustion chamber of the cylinder in a torque neutral manner by way of a secondary injection during a working stroke of the cylinder and the amount of fuel of the secondary injection us calculated in such a manner that the exhaust gas substantially corresponds to a stoichiometric air/fuel mixture.

Abstract: An air intake device, having application in engine air intake systems, and causes air to be rapidly and effectively guided into the engine fuel chambers, which primarily includes a plurality of swirl plates successively circumferentially formed on the inner walls of an air inlet end of an engine throttle body. When air is drawn into the air inlet end, then the swirl plates cause the air to form a vortex air current, which is used to increase the speed of mixing fuel with the air and improve the mixing rate, thereby enabling more complete fuel combustion in the engine fuel chambers.

Abstract: A butterfly valve including a housing having a hollow passage defining a flow path and a shaft mounted to the housing and extending transversely across the flow path. The shaft defines an axis of rotation for a butterfly valve element carried on the shaft. The valve element can be rotated about the axis between an open position permitting flow along the flow path and a closed position restricting flow along the flow path. The butterfly valve element includes a thin, substantially disc-shaped, flow-regulating plate having front and rear faces and a flow-straightening vane extending from one of the faces transversely relative to the shaft. The vane is solid and extends substantially to the wall of the hollow passage thereby defining separate non-communicating flow channels on opposite sides thereof for reducing flow turbulence and for straightening and accelerating flow across the plate.

Abstract: An object to be achieved by the present invention is to achieve ignition timing that is suitable for an environment in which a spark ignition internal combustion engine is used during the period of starting of the internal combustion engine and warm-up thereof just after starting. To achieve this object, according to the present invention, in an ignition control system for an internal combustion engine in which, ignition timing is controlled by feedback in such a way that the engine rotation speed becomes equal to a target rotation speed when the temperature of the internal combustion engine is lower than a prescribed temperature, and retard control for retarding the ignition timing by a predetermined amount from target ignition timing is performed when the temperature of the internal combustion engine is equal to or higher than the prescribed temperature, the aforementioned prescribed temperature is changed according to the altitude of the place where the internal combustion engine is used.

Abstract: A an engine management system includes a processor (8) in communication with a memory (10) that contains a program memory (28) containing instructions for the processor to implement a knock detection method. The knock detection method involves firstly sampling a torque sensor (4) that is responsive to an engine crankshaft (5). The torque sensor is sampled a number of times during a combustion stroke of one or more of cylinders (18a, . . . 18d) of the engine (16). The sampled sensor values are processed to calculate a rate of change of the torque signal and knocking is deemed to be indicated in the event of the rate of change exceeding a predetermined value. In a preferred embodiment the processor (8) is further programmed to reduce knocking once it has been detected by adjusting one or more of a number of controllers including a fuel injection controller (34), an ignition controller (12), a throttle controller (13) and an exhaust gas recirculation controller (39).

Abstract: A HCCI engine with a model reference adaptive feedback control system maintains stable HCCI combustion during speed/load transitions by: (1) estimating the maximum rate of pressure rise (MRPR), for each cycle, from an extra-cylinder sensor metric, such as a crankshaft dynamics or knock sensor metric, via statistical vector-to-vector correlation; (2) periodically self-tuning the vector-to-vector correlation; (3) applying knowledge base models to guide cycle-to-cycle adjustments of fuel quantity and other engine parameters, to maintain a target MRPR value.

Abstract: A system and method for metering the injection of propane gas into the air intake of a gasoline or gaseous fuel spark ignition internal combustion engine by subjecting a metering valve member to intake manifold vacuum so as to decrease propane injection with increasing engine vacuum which counters a substantially constant biasing spring force acting to thereon tending to increase at the propane injected into the engine air intake.

Abstract: Embodiments of inlet manifolds for use in air-induction systems for internal combustion engines can have ports with a reduced flow area that causes the airstream within the ports to move at a relatively high velocity. Also, the ports can be shaped to focus the airstream at the fuel injectors mounted on the manifolds.

Abstract: A coupling for suspending a fuel injector from a fuel rail assembly of an internal combustion engine includes a collar that mates with the fuel injector and a retainer clip that engages with the collar thereby mechanically connecting the fuel injector to the fuel rail assembly. The retainer clip includes windows to enable even load distribution upon the socket flange when assembled. Features are integrated in the collar to facilitate correct alignment of the injector relative to the fuel rail. Paired together, the retainer clip and the collar enable a secure, and a keyed fuel injector-to-fuel rail connection that is able to withstand high pressure separating loads.

Abstract: A fluid injector assembly has a fluid injector (14) with a fluid inlet portion (16), a fluid injector cup (18) with an inner surface (30), an outer surface (28) and a heating device (32). The fluid inlet portion (16) of the fluid injector (14) has a sealing ring (26) being arranged and designed to sealingly engage the inner surface (30) of the fluid injector cup (18). The fluid injector cup (18) is designed to couple the heating device (32) thermally to the sealing ring (26) of the inlet portion (16) and to couple the fluid inlet portion (16) mechanically.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator for flowing-around media, with a piezo element arranged between two end caps. The piezo element is surrounded by a ring-shaped sheathing connected to the end caps. The sheathing consists, at least in portions, of a composite material with at least two layers, at least one layer consisting of a metallic material and at least one layer consisting of a polymer.

Abstract: A fuel system for providing fuel to an engine and to a regeneration system associated with the engine, including a fuel source, and a pump associated with the fuel source, the pump operable in a first state to pump fuel from the fuel source to the engine, and the pump operable in a second state to pump fuel from the fuel source to the regeneration system, wherein the first state corresponds to a first rotational direction of the pump and the second state corresponds to a second rotational direction of the pump. In one embodiment, the pump is an electric fuel pump.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion device includes an engine, a fuel injection device, an intake system, a vapor separator tank arranged to separate fuel vapor from liquid fuel to be supplied to the engine, a pump unit arranged to transport the fuel from the vapor separator tank to the fuel injection device, a fuel pipe arranged to connect the fuel injection device and the pump unit, a vapor pathway arranged to connect the vapor separator tank and the intake system, a valve disposed in the vapor pathway, and an engine control unit. The engine control unit is arranged to control the opening degree of the valve in accordance with a valve opening speed set based on at least the pressure of the fuel in the fuel pipe when starting the engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1) has a fuel tank (18) and a fuel vapor reservoir (25). According to the method during the tank vent period—before opening the tank vent valve (28) a reference value is updated if a condition is met, and otherwise the existing reference value is maintained,—before opening the tank vent valve (28) an opening period is determined as a function of at least one variable,—the tank vent valve (28) is controlled such that the flow achieves the target flow value by the end of the opening period that was determined,—the load level of the fuel vapor reservoir (25) is computed based on the reference value,—a fuel amount is computed based on the load level,—and the fuel amount to be metered by the injection valve (22) is corrected based on the computer fuel amount.

Abstract: A system and assemblies for a fuel supply system are provided. The system includes a water heater assembly configured to heat a flow of water by mixing progressively higher grade heated flows of at least one of steam and water from a multi-stage heat exchanger arrangement, a fuel inlet flow path configured to receive a flow of fuel, and a fuel heater including a first flow path coupled in flow communication with the fuel inlet flow path and a second flow path coupled in flow communication with the water heater assembly wherein the fuel heater is configured to transfer heat from the flow of water to the flow of fuel.

Abstract: An engine comprising at least one piston moving inside a cylinder in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the piston is in an operational relationship with a crankshaft such that each cycle of the crankshaft result from the piston moving once in each of the first and the second directions; and a compressor situated external to the cylinder for compressing air in an air tank, wherein the air after being externally compressed by the compressor is provided into a combustion chamber in the cylinder and mixed with fuel injected into the combustion chamber as the piston is moving in the first direction, and wherein the fuel/air mixture is ignited to generate a combustive force pushing the piston in the second direction.

Abstract: A super-turbocharger utilizing a high speed, fixed ratio traction drive that is coupled to a continuously variable transmission to allow for high speed operation is provided. A high speed traction drive is utilized to provide speed reduction from the high speed turbine shaft. A second traction drive provides infinitely variable speed ratios through a continuously variable transmission.

Abstract: A supercharged internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle includes a venting device for the crankcase of the internal combustion engine and a compressor for supercharging the internal combustion engine. A discharge opening for discharging the crankcase gas is provided upstream of the compressor and a sensor for determining the charge pressure of the compressor is provided downstream of the compressor. The discharge opening is connected to the crankcase by a first connection for the airflow, in particular a hose connection. In order to cost-effectively monitor the venting of the crankcase of the internal combustion engine, an opening, to which the charge pressure of the compressor is applied, is provided downstream of the compressor. The first connection for the airflow includes a closing device for closing the opening to which the charge pressure is applied, wherein the closing device closes the opening if the first connection is connected to the discharge opening.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an EGR device for an engine in which a cooling structure such as an EGR cooler is not required and which reduces Nox contained in the exhaust gas in the whole operation areas, so as to correspond to recent exhaust gas regulation. An EGR device 30 for an engine comprises an EGR pipe 14 for continuously connecting an exhaust manifold 4 and an intake manifold 3 of an engine 1, an EGR valve 9 for controlling a passage area of the EGR pipe 14, an ECU 6 for controlling the EGR valve 9. The EGR device 30 further comprises a bypass passage 24 for bypassing the EGR valve 9 and a restrictor 25 is installed in the bypass passage 24.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve for a vehicle. The EGR valve includes a valve housing connected to an exhaust line for discharging exhaust gas therethrough, having a flow line with an inside area divided for taking and re-circulating a portion of the exhaust gas to a suction manifold, a driving unit on one side of the valve housing, and a valve unit mounted in a flow line of the valve housing for receiving driving force from the driving unit directly to control flows of the exhaust gas flowing through the flow line at the same time individually, thereby making stable control of the exhaust gas flowing through the EGR valve, preventing damage caused by the high temperature exhaust gas, and preventing the exhaust gas from leaking to an outside of the EGR valve.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas recirculation apparatus for an internal combustion engine (1), a technique is provided which suppresses a temperature fall of combustion chambers and hence resultant troubles even if an idle operation continuation time continues for a long period of time.

Abstract: Arrangements for use in crankcase ventilation are described and shown. Included are serviceable crankcase ventilation filter cartridges which include a media pack axial drain arrangement, for preferred, efficient, operation. A crankcase ventilation filter arrangements including a housing and such a serviceable cartridge is shown. Also shown and described are methods of assembly, operation and use.

Abstract: A control device and control method for an internal combustion engine capable of using a gasoline and alcohol blend as fuel.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system for an internal combustion engine and for use with a generator powered current source comprises a storage capacitor, at least one power thyristor for discharging the storage capacitor to transfer energy to at least one coil triggered in synchronism with an internal combustion engine with which the ignition system may be associated. A triggering circuit biases the power thyristor to discharge the storage capacitor. A shut-off circuit comprises a solid state device for switching the output of the generator to ground interrupting the flow of current to the power thyristor. A circuit sensing current flow in the triggering circuit generates a control and gates the solid state device into conduction in response to the control signal.

Abstract: There is provided a coupler assembly for dispensing fluid from a compressed fluid source, the coupler assembly comprising a chamber, an inlet port, the inlet port comprising a releasable member to be connected to a hose originating from a compressed fluid source, the releasable member comprising a valve, the inlet port further comprising a receiving member for receiving the releasable member, the receiving member being in fluid communication with the chamber, an outlet port in fluid communication with the chamber and a fluid control mechanism operatively coupled to the chamber for controlling an amount of fluid dispensed from the inlet port to the outlet port.

Abstract: The structure of air guns with a conventional blowback mechanism was complicated because they had a hammer, sear, trigger bar, bullet supply nozzle, bullet supply nozzle link, etc. These members operated every time when a bullet was shot resulting in the members being readily worn, with failure often occurring as well as problems with durability. In order to solve these problems, the valve body has a valve body air chamber sealed to contain the compressed gas supplied from the compressed gas source, and has a discharge valve which can move in a longitudinal direction. The discharge valve has a valve through hole that passes completely from the muzzle to the gun rear end direction, and a gas supply port that can open and close the valve body air chamber and valve through hole by the movement of the discharge valve in the longitudinal direction. Retreat of the inner barrel opens the gas supply port of the discharge valve to shoot a bullet and perform blowback.

Abstract: A device for allowing a crossbow to be released from a drawn position without damaging the crossbow. The device may comprise an elongated member having a substantially cylindrical shape that can be positioned on the upper surface of the barrel of a crossbow. The device may comprise a notched end shaped to receive the bowstring of the crossbow and allows the device to be projected by the bowstring upon actuation of the crossbow's trigger lever.

Abstract: A stabilizer assembly for connection to an archery bow includes an elastomeric body with an integrally formed vibration dampening section and a sling connecting section. The assembly also includes a sling with a loop section for looping around the archery bow and a pair of leg sections extending from the loop section and through a pair of bores formed in the sling connecting section.

Abstract: A blade comprises a strip having a main body portion and an edge portion. Cutting medium in the form of a diamond grit is secured to the strip by braze material. The edge portion is thinner than the main body portion.

Abstract: A built-in cooking appliance includes a main body, a top plate provided above the main body, a cabinet supporting the top plate, a support forming an airflow space between a side of the top plate and the cabinet and allowing the top plate to be supported by the cabinet even at the space, and an air outlet allowing internal air of the main body to be discharged through the support.

Abstract: A fan apparency arrangement for an appliance is disclosed. The fan apparency arrangement includes a chamber having a port; a fan in the chamber for moving air out of the chamber, the fan having a discharge end, and an intake end having an intake tube; and a sail switch disposed in the intake tube. When activated, the fan moves air out of the chamber through the port and creates a pressure difference between opposite ends of the intake tube, the pressure difference causing the sail switch to change position and signal that the fan is activated. An appliance incorporating such a fan apparency arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus including a cooler and a grill. The cooler may be used to store a plurality of foodstuffs. The grill may be used for cooking. The grill is attached to the cooler by a sliding attachment that allows the grill and the cooler to be in a first, collapsed position whereby the grill and the cooler are maintained in a close proximity to one another for transportation and a second, expanded position whereby the grill and the cooler are maintained in a more distant proximity to one another than the collapsed position for cooking upon the grill. A grill compartment may also be included.

Abstract: A gas lighting device having a casing fastenable to an electric household appliance by means of fastening means coupleable with corresponding perforations obtained on a carrying element of the electric household appliance; wherein the fastening means consist of at least one pair of elastically deformable fastening elements protrudingly carried by the casing, perpendicularly to the same, in a position immediately adjacent one to the other so that they are adapted to snappingly couple with only one and the same of said perforations of the carrying element of the electric household appliance.

Abstract: Systems and methods of calibrating heliostat parameters for subsequent open-loop sun-tracking, the calibration based on driving artificial light source reflections from one or more heliostats into one or more image sensors.

Abstract: A water heating system for controlling the heating of potable water in commercial or private dwellings with improved energy efficiency. The water heating system heats potable water in a tank by transferring excess heat generated in a refrigeration unit with a heat exchanger, and by extracting energy from insolation with a solar water heater unit. The system includes several control systems for regulating the operation of the heat exchanger, solar water heater unit, and refrigeration unit to provide increased energy efficiency and longevity to the various components of the system.

Abstract: A heat storage and transfer apparatus includes a storage tank, a condenser coil, a solar heat collector, and an evaporator coil. A pump circulates a heat transfer liquid between the condenser coil and the solar heat collector. The solar heat collector raises the temperature of the heat transfer liquid. The condenser coil within the storage tank conducts heat from the transfer liquid and the heat is then absorbed by the thermal media inside the storage tank. Water passes through the evaporator coil and conducts heat from the thermal media, thereby heating the water.

Abstract: A method and/or system for a breathable air safety system for both emergency and civilian personnel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a safety system includes a supply unit of a structure to facilitate delivery of a breathable air from a source of compressed air to an air distribution system of the structure, a civilian air supply enclosure of the structure to provide a civilian pressure of the breathable air such that the civilian pressure is suitable for direct human consumption through a civilian breathable air apparatus coupled with the civilian air supply enclosure, a firefighter air supply enclosure of the structure to provide a high-pressure of the breathable air such that the high-pressure is suitable to fill the breathable air in a firefighter breathable air apparatus through a RIC/UAC connector of the fill panel and/or a CGA connector.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including at least one individual reservoir (21) containing a single dose of fluid, opening means (40) being provided for opening an individual reservoir (21) each time the device is actuated, said opening means (40) comprising perforator and/or cutter means (41) and movable support means (50), said movable support means (50) being adapted to displace an individual reservoir (21) against said perforator and/or cutter means (41) on each actuation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for ejecting drug bearing material. The ejected material is ejected as liquid and liquid vapour via an explosive process which can provide a very fast ejection as well as an ejection which has a large throw. The apparatus can provide a nebulizer, inhaler or needleless injector.

Abstract: An interface for a respiratory mask includes a first flexible member and a second flexible member. The first flexible member is configured to be accommodated on a user's face. The first flexible member circumscribes one or more portions of the user's face. The second flexible member is configured complimentary to the first flexible member to circumscribe the one or more portions of the user's face. Further, the second flexible member is attached with the first flexible member to configure at least one hollow enclosure therebetween. In an embodiment, a hollow enclosure of the at least one hollow enclosure is filled with a cooling gel for cooling the user's face. The second flexible member is configured to accommodate the respiratory mask thereon.