Abstract: A stacked piezoelectric device 1 includes a ceramic laminate 15 formed by laminating a plurality of piezoelectric ceramic layers 11 and a plurality of inner electrode layers 13 and 14 alternately and a pair of side electrodes 17 and 18 formed on side surfaces thereof. The inner electrode layers 13 and 14 are connected electrically to either of the side electrodes. The ceramic laminate 15 has absorbing portions 12 formed in slit-like areas recessed inwardly from the side surfaces thereof. The stress absorbing portions are easier to deform than the piezoelectric ceramic layers 11. Adjacent two of the inner electrode layers 13 and 14 interleaving the stress absorbing portion 12 therebetween are both connected electrically to the positive side electrode 17.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, a variable compression ratio mechanism able to change a mechanical compression ratio and a variable valve timing mechanism able to control the closing timing of an intake valve are provided. At the time of engine low load operation, the mechanical compression ratio is made the maximum so that the expansion ratio becomes 20 or more. Further, at the time of engine low load operation, in part of the operating region or all of the operating region, the actual compression ratio is lowered compared with the time of engine high load operation and, at the time of engine low load operation, at least when the actual compression ratio is being lowered compared with the time of engine high load operation, the throttle valve is made to close.

Abstract: It is an object to improve starting performance in an engine rotational speed region that exceeds an idle rotation region without affecting normal traveling performance. At the time when a vehicle starts moving, when in an electronic control unit 2, the rotational speed of an engine 1 is in a predetermined range that exceeds an idle rotation region and the engine rotational speed decreases, the electronic control unit 2 adds a corrected fuel injection amount corresponding to the rate of decrease to a target fuel injection amount to create a new target fuel injection amount (S202 to S208), and when the rotational speed of the engine 1 increases, the electronic control unit subtracts a corrected fuel injection amount corresponding to the rate of increase of the engine rotational speed from a target fuel injection amount to create a new target fuel injection amount (S212 to S218), whereby control of the output of the engine 1 is performed by the electronic control unit 2.

Abstract: A method for controlling a mechanical solenoid valve of a high-pressure fuel pump to supply fuel to an engine is provided. The method includes: during an idle condition, adjusting a pull-in current of the mechanical solenoid valve utilized to control closing of the mechanical solenoid valve based on a fuel pressure downstream of the high-pressure fuel pump, wherein the pull-in current is reduced when possible while enabling the mechanical solenoid valve to close as indicated by an increase in the downstream fuel pressure.

Abstract: A fuel vapor control valve comprising a housing. The housing comprising inlet and outlet ports in flow communication via first and second valve controlled passages. The first valve controlled passage being configured to admit fuel vapor flow in a direction from the inlet port to the outlet port only when pressure at the inlet port exceeds a predetermined threshold. The second valve controlled passage being configured to admit vapor flow in a direction from the outlet port to the inlet port only when pressure at the inlet port drops below pressure at the outlet port. The fuel vapor control valve further comprising a sealing arrangement disposed at an external portion of the housing between the inlet and outlet ports.

Abstract: A cooling circuit and an independent heat recovery circuit are associated with an internal combustion engine. A coolant is circulated a pump in a first and a second cooling sub-circuit. An increase in pressure in a work medium is achieved within the heat recovery circuit by a pump. This work medium is changed from liquid aggregate state to vaporous aggregate state and back to the liquid aggregate state in heat exchangers. This work medium is divided after the pump into two parallel partial flows and is changed into vaporous state in a first parallel branch in an EGR heat exchanger through which recycle exhaust gas flows and in a second parallel branch in an exhaust gas heat exchanger through flow exhaust gas downstream of the low-pressure turbine flows. This vaporous work medium is then fed to an expander and is then conducted through a cooled condenser and, liquefied again.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel heating system for preheating a vegetable oil based fuel for use in a diesel engine, said fuel heating system comprising a fuel tank (1), a heating device (3), a heat carrier arrangement (4,6) comprising a liquid heat carrier, and a heat exchanger (6) arranged inside said fuel tank, wherein said heating device is arranged to use vegetable oil based fuel from said fuel tank for heating the heat carrier, said heat carrier arrangement allows transport of hot heat carrier from said heating device to said heat exchanger and transport of cold heat carrier from said heat exchanger back to said heating device, and said heat exchanger is arranged to allow heat transfer from said heat carrier to said vegetable oil based fuel in said fuel tank.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing heated fuel to a fuel injector of an engine are provided. One example method comprises maintaining a volume of fuel above a start-ready temperature during a pre-start interval, the pre-start interval beginning after the engine is turned off, beginning automatically, and ending when the engine is restarted, the start-ready temperature greater than a lowest temperature of the engine during the pre-start interval. The method further comprises delivering some of the volume of fuel to the fuel injector when the engine is about to be restarted. According to the approaches described herein, adequate cold-start fuel atomization may be provided without compromising driver satisfaction due to excessive pre-ignition delay, while at the same time reducing unnecessary heating of fuel during warm engine off conditions. Further, the approaches described herein may be enacted inexpensively in a wide variety of motor-vehicle configurations.

Abstract: An air cleaner arrangement or assembly is provided. The air cleaner arrangement includes a serviceable filter cartridge. The air cleaner assembly also includes an arrangement for positioning the filter cartridge into a preferred, sealing, orientation and for securing the filter cartridge in that location. Preferred serviceable filter cartridges are provided, as well as methods of assembly and use.

Abstract: A particulate filter (PF) system for a vehicle is equipped with a bypass air line branching off from a throttle body so as to be able to smoothly regenerate a PF regardless of operation of an engine. The PF system includes an exhaust manifold into which exhaust gas flows from an engine, a bypass line connected to the exhaust manifold, an exhaust gas recirculation valve installed on the bypass line, and blocking or passing a flow of air of the bypass line, and a particulate filter installed on the exhaust manifold to collect and remove particulate matter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger with at least one duct, which can be flowed through by flowing medium from an inlet cross-section to an outlet cross-section, has an inside and outside, and which comprises, on the inside, structural elements for increasing the transfer of heat. The invention provides that the structural elements (11) are variably arranged and/or configured in the direction of flow (P) so that the duct (10), on the inside, has a variable heat transfer that, in particular, increases in the direction of flow (P).

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system of an internal combustion engine where a cylinder head having an intake port and an exhaust port is coupled to a cylinder block, and a portion of an exhaust gas exhausted from the exhaust port is flowed into the intake port through a control valve, may include a recirculation gas gallery integrally formed at the cylinder head and communicated with the intake port, a control valve assembly including the control valve and communicated with the recirculation gas gallery, and at least a recirculation gas extracting unit that is communicated with the control valve assembly and the exhaust port.

Abstract: The invention concerns a separating device for separating particles (4) from a gas stream (2) in which the gas stream (2) by means of a guiding device is caused to rotate and the liquid or solid particles (4) to be separated are removable by a particle outlet. The separating device (1) is comprised of a cylindrical housing pipe (5) with a guiding device (3) and an immersion pipe (6) arranged in alignment with the flow direction of the gas stream (2) in the housing pipe (5) which immersion pipe is provided on the exterior with a spiral (7) for a directed removal of the particles (4) separated by rotation to a housing opening (8) and with a central outlet (9) for the purified gas stream (2).

Abstract: A PCV valve assembly includes a housing that is defined by a first housing section and a second housing section. A poppet valve is supported within the housing. The first housing section includes a threaded end that defines a fluid inlet, and the second housing section includes a cylindrical outlet stem and an end flange that defines a restricted integral orifice as a fluid outlet. The diameter of the orifice is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical outlet stem. A fluid chamber between the end flange and the poppet valve averages out variations in the fluid flow through the PCV valve assembly, thereby reducing vacuum pulsation.

Abstract: A progressive nitrous oxide system for an engine includes a nitrous oxide supply to supply a flow of nitrous oxide, a nitrous oxide valve operatively coupled to the nitrous oxide supply to open and close to start and stop the flow of nitrous oxide, a nitrous oxide nozzle operatively coupled to the nitrous oxide valve to supply the flow of nitrous oxide to the engine, and means operatively coupled between the valve and the nozzle for initially reducing the flow of nitrous oxide and progressively increasing the flow of nitrous oxide from a reduced amount to a greater amount over a time period. The means can include a valve member movable with respect to a flow channel by pressure of the flow of nitrous oxide, and a fluid reservoir including an orifice and configured to receive fluid displaceable through the orifice.

Abstract: A nitrous oxide system for an internal combustion engine includes a bottle containing pressurized nitrous oxide coupled to a nitrous oxide flow line, which is in fluid communication with an injection nozzle operatively coupled to the engine intake. A control valve is fluidly coupled to the nitrous oxide flow line between the nitrous oxide bottle and the injection nozzle, and is operable to control the flow of nitrous oxide through the nitrous oxide flow line to the engine intake. A methanol injection line is in fluid communication with a source of supplemental methanol, and a methanol valve is fluidly coupled to the methanol injection line and operably coupled to the nitrous oxide flow line, such that a flow of pressurized nitrous oxide through the nitrous oxide flow line opens the methanol valve to allow a flow of supplemental methanol to the engine intake.

Abstract: An object is to provide a two-stroke engine achieving effective reduction of blow-by while implementing efficient gas exchange.

Abstract: Lighting for an oven door includes a light source and a design that is selectively illuminated by the light source. The light source is located in the oven door, and the design is etched in an oven door window.

Abstract: A steam-generating warming article 1 which has a steam generating element 2 making use of chemical energy and is adapted to supply steam while in contact with a human body. The article 1, while in contact with the body, maintains the skin surface temperature at 38° to 49° C. for 3 to 15 hours and cumulatively generates 0.5 to 12 mg/3 hr·cm2 of steam. The steam-generating warming article 1 is used to improve the human body's physiology. The steam generating element 2 is preferably a heat generating sheet prepared by incorporating an aqueous electrolyte solution into a molded sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, and a fibrous material.

Abstract: An appliance with a Venturi based venting system is disclosed. The appliance includes a housing defining an airflow channel in flow communication with ambient, the airflow channel having a common channel with a diverging section; first and second heating units disposed in the housing; a first duct through which a first cavity of the first unit is in flow communication with the common channel, the first duct having a first outlet end disposed at least partially in the diverging section; a second duct through which a second cavity of the second unit is in flow communication with the common channel, the second duct having a second outlet end disposed in the diverging section; and a fan in flow communication with the common channel.

Abstract: An oven comprises a housing or structure presenting a plurality of inner walls and outer walls, the inner walls defining an oven cavity in which means are provided for cooking foods, the means comprising a grill for browning the foods, the oven also comprising a door for closing the cavity. At least one aperture is present in at least one of the walls of the oven cavity, or in the door, for selective connection to the environment external to the oven, such as to interceptably introduce fresh ambient air into the cavity, controllable interceptor means being provided at the aperture to enable this selectivity in introducing the ambient air into the cavity.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking grill includes a removeable grease drip pan. The grease drip pan has a number of removable fluid pans designed to collect grease and/or other fluid.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking grill includes a removable grease drip pan. The grease drip pan has a drain hole and a drain assembly having a plug that is selectively moveable to seal the drain hole. The user may use the drain assembly to drain grease and other liquid collected in the grease drip pan.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to solar energy systems and methods of operating the same. In some embodiments, the solar energy system comprising: a plurality of heliostats configured to reflect sunlight to a target mounted on a tower, each heliostat including a respective heliostat controller, the target, the target being selecting from the group consisting of an energy conversion target and/or a secondary reflector; and a macro-array of light-intensity sensors characterized by a maximum sensor-sensor distance and mounted on the tower such that when any heliostat of the plurality of heliostats reflects a beam of light onto the macro-array of light-intensity sensors, the maximum dimension of the reflected beam's projection on the macro-array is at most twice the maximum sensor-sensor distance, wherein each heliostat controller is operative to control its respective heliostat so that the light beam reflected by the heliostat traverses the macro-array of light-intensity sensors.

Abstract: A solar tracking mechanism and mounting platform for solar panels is mounted with three or four legs attachable to a concrete pad and includes a substantially vertically disposed axle and a substantially horizontally disposed axle to which a plurality of panel support members are mounted to form a panel support assembly. The vertically disposed axle allows at least 240 degree rotation of the panel support assembly to follow the daily East-West travel of the Sun in the sky. The substantially horizontally disposed axle allows declining or tilting of the panel support assembly for the North-South adjustment of the panel support assembly to correspond to the geographic latitude of the location where the solar tracking mechanism and platform is used.

Abstract: A torque arm assembly, used with a solar collector mounted to a drive shaft, comprises a torque arm with first and second ends and a torque arm coupling assembly including a drive shaft enclosure defining an open-ended channel sized to house the drive shaft. The channel has a circumferentially extending substantially continuous drive surface between the ends that lies adjacent to the drive shaft so the drive shaft and the drive shaft enclosure rotate together. In some examples contiguous abutment structure, such as weld lines, shims and/or adhesive, connects each side of the drive shaft to the drive shaft enclosure. The invention may also be carried out as a connection improvement method.

Abstract: Solar tracker with a principal substructure comprising a series of posts between which sections of beams are arranged, joined by intermediate axles and which can turn in respect of a longitudinal axle; it is also provided with secondary substructures comprising a frame for attachment of the solar panels which rotate in respect of an axle transversal to the longitudinal and with connection parts between the frames and the beams, and in respect of which they are articulated, with the frames being activated by connecting rods joined to a common slide. The centre of gravity of the structure overall is arranged such that it is very close to the longitudinal axle, which facilitates its actuation, reduces wind sensitivity and facilitates erection in addition to being provided with a certain degree of longitudinal tolerance, which enables better use to be made of land, as it is possible to achieve greater power per square metre.

Abstract: A cooking device is provided which includes a cooking surface, a remote heat collector, and a heat transfer passage. In an example, the heat transfer passage is located adjacent at least a portion of the remote heat collector and extends to a point adjacent at least a portion of the cooking surface.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to an earth-penetrating apparatus. The apparatus includes a pole with a hollow portion therein and a bottom end which is configured to be driven into ground. Anchoring parts are configured to be radially extendable from the pole. In addition, an expansion mechanism is configured to apply a force to the anchoring parts so as to radially extend the anchoring parts from the pole after the pole has been driven into the ground. Another embodiment relates to a solar collector arrangement that includes a plurality of earth-penetrating anchors. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A burner tube (1) for use in an oven such as a tunnel oven. The burner tube includes a tubular body (2) having an axially extending slot (3) therein and an inlet (6) for combustible gas, the burner tube further including a metal mesh (4) which covers the slot. In use, the burner tube defines a flow path for combustible gas so that combustible gas entering the burner tube at the inlet passes through the slot and exits the burner tube through a flow area of the metal mesh. The flow area of the metal mesh is greater than the area of the slot at the outer surface of the tubular body. In use, a visible flame is anchored to the flow area of the metal mesh and the metal mesh incandesces to produce radiant heat.

Abstract: A portable radiant heater supplied by an associated fuel source comprises a housing having a handle for transporting the heater. A plenum in the housing receives fuel from the associated fuel source and mixes the fuel with air. A burner assembly includes a radiant surface that communicates with the plenum. A regulator limits the pressure of the associated propane source to approximately eleven inches water column, and an oxygen depletion system associated with the burner assembly automatically shuts off the heater at a predetermined oxygen content. A tank fitting with a position that can be adjusted relative to the regulator facilitates the installation of the associated fuel source to the heater.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispensing an aerosolized liquids that generate an electric field proximate an outlet of a liquid supplier to cause liquid issuing from the outlet to be aerosolized for dispensing, and regulating an electrical characteristic, such as voltage, for generating the electric field based on a detected electrical characteristic, e.g., current drawn, of the electric field and/or based on an environmental sensor, to compensate, for example, for adverse effects of relative humidity in the aerosolization process. Such methods and devices are suitable for use as, for example, an inhaler for dispensing therapeutic liquids to a patient's lungs, spraying paint, crops or other liquids over a surface area.

Abstract: An adaptor for providing fluid communication between a counter equipped measured dose inhaler (MDI) canister and a ventilator circuit includes a housing, a receiver tube for engaging the valve stem of the canister, and a tab for engaging the counter mechanism. The housing defines a primary lumen which extends between an input limb and an output limb. The limbs are configured to mate with the tubing of a ventilator circuit. The receiver tube defines a receiver lumen therethrough and extends from the exterior of the housing and into the primary lumen. The receiver lumen provides fluid communication between the exterior of the housing and the primary lumen.

Abstract: An inhaler for delivering a powdered inhalation formulation from a blister strip having a plurality of blister pockets. The used part of the blister strip with emptied blister pockets is coiled by a clock spring or pushed into a helical channel. This results in a simple construction, in which the used blister strip is kept separate from the part that has not yet been used.

Abstract: A dry-powder, breath-powered inhaler device comprising at least one air inlet, a flow chamber and an air outlet leading to a mouthpiece, the flow chamber further comprising at least one drug-containing volume and at least one scraping means and a rotor assembly comprising an axis and at least one blade; wherein the inhalation action of the patient applied at the air outlet causes air to enter the at least one air inlet such that the air interacts with the at least one rotor blade causing the rotor to rotate and thus generate breath-driven, relative motion between the at least one drug-containing volume and the at least one scraping means, such that fine particles of powder are released from the drug-containing volume; the arrangement being such that the air exits the flow chamber via the periphery of the flow chamber, carrying out the fine particles to the outlet to be inhaled by the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory device for keeping a patient breathing artificially or support his or her breathing naturally. Said respiratory device comprises an air inlet, an air source, and at least one proportionally adjustable control valve. The control valve is provided with a housing (11) and a rotary valve (12) which is arranged in the housing so as to be twistable about the longitudinal axis thereof and which allows through-holes (11d) of the housing (11) to be entirely or partially closed by twisting the rotary valve (12). The rotary valve (12) and a corresponding support surface (11f) of the housing (11) have a conical shape, the support surface (11f) cooperating with the rotary valve (12). The through-holes (11d) are disposed in the area of the support surface (11f).

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas supply unit (1) for supplying pressurised gas to a patient (8), wherein it comprises: —A pneumatic housing (10) for supplying a flow of gas to the patient (P), • A control housing (20) for controlling the flow of gas to be supplied to the patient (P), and A power supply housing (30) for supplying power to the unit (1), wherein the three housings (10,20,30) are distinct from one another and are designed for being removably coupled together to form a single unit (1). It further relates to a respiratory System for supplying a patient (P) with pressurised gas, the System comprising such a gas supply unit (1).

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention an oxygen supply system for an aircraft is provided, wherein the said system comprises a control valve, a reservoir bag, a respiration device and a sensor device, wherein the control valve is designed in such a way that oxygen can be supplied to the reservoir bag until a predetermined quantity of oxygen is adjusted in the reservoir bag. The respiration device may be designed in such a way that breathing gas can be provided for a passenger. The sensor device may be designed in such a way that an exhalation is detectable. The reservoir bag may he designed in such a way that a predetermined quantity of oxygen can be metered into the reservoir bag during the exhalation. Moreover the reservoir bag may be designed in such a way that breathing gas can be supplied to the respiration device in a pulse-like fashion. The oxygen supply system may comprise a first operation mode and a second operation mode.

Abstract: A device and a process for controlling a respirator with inclusion of an oxygen saturation value (34) for compensating a device-dependent time response (15), a physiological time response (16) and a measuring method-dependent time response (17) are described. The device-dependent time response (15), the physiological time response (16) and the measuring method-dependent time response (17) are determined in a continuous sequence and a run time of a change in the oxygen concentration from the metering means (9) in the respirator to the patient (4) is determined and taken into account in regulating the oxygen concentration.

Abstract: Double acting respirator pump apparatus including a pump member reciprocable with respect to two pump chambers to deliver air to a patient via a respirator exhalation system, which also facilitates exhalation of the patient. The exhalation system has a pump unit that is operatively connected to an exhalation valve member and configured for selectively generating an air pressure sufficient for pressurizing one side of the valve member for closing the same when said exhalation system is operating in inhalation mode, and may be operated for opening to allow the patient to exhale therethrough.

Abstract: An integrated air hose assembly for a self-contained breathing apparatus. The air hose assembly includes a plurality of electrical wires embedded between an outer layer and an tube assembly. The tube assembly includes an inner tube forming a central air passage and an intermediate layer. Corresponding helical grooves are disposed in the outer surface of the intermediate layer and the inner surface of the outer layer, and the electrical wires are arranged therein in spaced relationship to one another.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a teardrop-shaped front face member having a middle portion made of a transparent material and a lateral portion made of a colored material, and a rear cup member having a rear sealing portion adapted to contact a user's face, and a front portion connected to the front face member. The middle portion has a narrow top section and a wide bottom section. The lateral portion is connected laterally to the middle portion, and extends from one lateral side of the narrow top section, around the wide bottom section, and back to the other lateral side of the narrow top section. The middle and lateral portions are formed as a one-piece body. An air inlet is formed in the wide bottom section. Two strap-engaging portions are provided respectively on left and right sides of the lateral portion.

Abstract: A surface coating for a medical device is provided that may prevent or slow the formation of medical biofilms on the surface of the device. Covalent attachment of certain analogues of N-acyl L-homoserine lactones onto a medical device may provide the advantage of slowing biofilm formation in a manner that is targeted to the surface of the medical device and not the patient. Such a device may allow healthcare providers to prevent bacterial buildups on the surfaces of the device, which may lead to biofilm formation.

Abstract: A method of forming a cannula from a cannula mandrel assembly comprising a pair of mouthpiece/nasal mandrels and a mating facepiece mandrel. The facepiece mandrel has a pair of conical holes, in an intermediate section thereof, for receiving a leading end of one mouthpiece/nasal mandrel. The conical holes allow the facepiece mandrel to slide along the mouthpiece/nasal mandrels until the conical holes abut with respective mating tapering conical sections and prevent further sliding movement along the mouthpiece/nasal mandrels. Following assembly, the assembly is heated, at least one coating of a polymeric material is applied thereto and heat from the assembly at least partially cures the polymeric material on the assembly. Following curing, the facepiece mandrel and formed cannula are slide along the mouthpiece/nasal mandrels until the facepiece mandrel and formed cannula are removed therefrom. Lastly, the facepiece mandrel is removed from the formed cannula.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a 3D ventilation device for separating body skin from clothes including an elastic meshed fabric, an elastic framework and a fixing device, wherein the 3D elastic framework which supports and holds the elastic meshed fabric, is fixed by the fixing device to locate between the skin and the clothes, so as to form a ventilative chamber for achieving the separation. Here, the elastic framework can be bent to adapt to different body shapes or portions and adjusted to provide most comfortable wearing angle, so that a proper air flowing can be achieved between the skin or the body portion and the clothes, thereby keeping the skin dry.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device intended to cause displacement of the mandible in relation to the maxilla, which is neither inconvenient for the user nor bulky, and which allows displacement of the mandible in relation to the upper maxilla in a postero-anterior direction and/or a transverse direction in relation to the plane of the maxilla and/or perpendicular in relation to the plane of the maxilla.

Abstract: Devices and methods for maintaining an open airway are described. Systems and methods are described for maintaining an opening of an airway by application of force to a patient's tissues in one of inferior, anterior, and lateral directions.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods for maintaining upper airway patency during sleep for the treatment of sleeping disorders, upper airway resistance syndrome, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: Surgical drapes having opposing first and second primary surfaces with fixably attachable patches to provide ports through which cables or tools can be inserted without compromising a sterile field. The patches may be earlier affixed to the surgical drape or the patch may be affixed in situ by a clinician to the drape prior to a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An interocclusal appliance is formed from a single polymer material composition as one unitary piece or from multiple polymer material compositions as a two-piece preform. The two-piece preform includes a base material and an impression material that has a softening point lower than the base material. Teeth are received into the heat-softened impression material, so as to contour the impression material. A portion of the impression material also may contour to a portion of the user's palate. In certain embodiments, substantially no polymeric material contacts the front surfaces of the front teeth, leading to greater comfort and better air flow between front teeth. In still another embodiment, the appliance fits over front teeth only and no polymeric material contacts the maxillary molars.