Abstract: A printing apparatus performs printing on a web of printing paper while transporting the printing paper along a transport path. The printing apparatus includes a first transport mechanism located upstream in the transport path, and a second transport mechanism located downstream in the transport path. The transport speed of the printing paper in the first transport mechanism is controlled so that a tension value measured by a first tension sensor provided near the first transport mechanism approaches a predetermined value. The transport speed of the printing paper in the second transport mechanism is controlled so that a tension value measured by a second tension sensor provided near the second transport mechanism approaches the tension value measured by the first tension sensor. Thus, the tension of the printing paper is maintained at the predetermined value in the two locations along the transport path.

Abstract: A method of making a thin film explosive detonator includes forming a substrate layer; depositing a metal layer in situ on the substrate layer; and reacting the metal layer to form a primary explosive layer. The method and apparatus formed thereby integrates fabrication of a micro-detonator in a monolithic MEMS structure using “in-situ” production of the explosive material within the apparatus, in sizes with linear dimensions below about 1 mm. The method is applicable to high-volume low-cost manufacturing of MEMS safety-and-arming devices. The apparatus can be initiated either electrically or mechanically at either a single point or multiple points, using energies of less than about 1 mJ.

Abstract: A connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with a detonator. The connector block comprises a housing (2, 21) having a bore (4, 23) formed therein for receiving a detonator (6, 36) provided with a percussion-actuation end (7, 25), a shock tube retention means (8, 28) defining with the housing a slot (9, 29) for receiving therein at least one shock tube (10, 30) and holding the at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with the percussion-actuation end of the detonator present in the bore, the slot having an entrance (12, 32) for allowing insertion of the at least one shock tube into the slot, and a flexible and resilient closure member (11, 31) or an inflexible closure member (50) pivotable on a sprung hinge (51) extending partially or fully into the entrance.

Abstract: An explosive charge (3) can be equipped with two liners (4, 5) that can be attached to one another. The primary liner (4) is so devised that when choosing a first choice (11) of being able to work independently and by employing a symmetrical form achieving a forward-aimed Shaped Charge Warhead (SCW) effect upon explosive charge initiation by means of the material (7, 8) indicated for the primary liner. A secondary liner (5) is devised with a second choice (12) to be able to work together with the primary liner and together cause an asymmetric form that distributes the material (18, 19) from the liners at different velocities to thereby cause a forward-directed fragmentation effect. The ammunition unit (1) can, thus, be designed or prepared for two different combat cases in a technologically simple and unambiguous manner.

Abstract: An internal pressure relieving device for anti-armour ammunition. The device is mainly adapted for use with barrel-loaded ammunition, that is a naked round including a cartridge case, which normally would be located in its packaging. A plurality of slot formed openings have been cut out through a wall of the cartridge case and the openings have been sealed by inserts of polymeric plastic introduced with a tight fit into each opening. Hence, by the characteristics of the plastic material, the inserts can be configured to open up at a predetermined level of temperature. Alternatively, the inserts open up at a predetermined level of pressure in the cartridge case.

Abstract: An inflator 10 of the present invention contains: a housing 12, a cold gas chamber 16 within the housing 12 for storage of a stored gas supply, a pyrotechnic chamber 18 within the housing 12, a pyrotechnic charge 20 within the pyrotechnic chamber 18, a wall 22 adjoining the cold gas and the pyrotechnic chambers 16, 18, a first orifice 24 defined in the wall 22 for passage of gas between the chambers, and a perforated flexible member 28 contained within the cold gas chamber 16, wherein the flexible member 28 is fixed about the orifice 24 for modulation or controlled variation of gas flow through the orifice 24.

Abstract: A multi-track multi-vehicle coaster simulates a popular theme of a competition, struggle or conflict taken from history or fiction. The vehicles interact with each other and with the ride scenery in many different ways and vehicle velocity is altered at different points in the ride using multiple motors and brakes. An interactive queue is provided and allows people in the queue to interact with people on the ride. Energy recycling and computer ride control are also disclosed.

Abstract: An over/under monorail system for longwall mining operations can have a single overhead rail mounted trolley system with a pair of over/under mounted trolleys. Upper trolleys can be carried by the overhead rail, and can typically carry hydraulic pipes. A lower rail can be carried by the upper trolleys, and lower trolleys can be carried by the lower rail. The lower trolleys can typically carry electric cables. Some trolleys can be adapted to carry both flexible hydraulic hoses and electric cables, and such trolleys can be carried by either the upper or lower rails, depending upon the design of the overall system.

Abstract: A running gear, for example, a single-rail lower-flange running gear for hoisting equipment, includes several wheels running on a rail, at least two of which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel of the running gear and adapted to be driven by an electric motor. The driven wheels are joined to at least two shafts, which are oriented coaxially to the axis of rotation of said at least two driven wheels.

Abstract: A low profile mounting assembly for use between a rail car side frame pedestal and the rail car roller bearing includes a shear pad and a bearing adapter. In one embodiment, the shear pad has relatively thin plates joined by an elastomeric layer. In another embodiment, the shear pad includes a projection extending downwardly from a plate to be received and retained by a recess defined in a top surface of the adapter. In another embodiment, a central cavity formed in a lower plate of the shear pad cooperates with the adapter top surface to distribute forces on the roller bearing. In another embodiment, an elastomeric projection of a shear pad plate bears against ridges on the adapter top surface to prevent disengagement.

Abstract: An optical table comprising an upper skin tapped with holes for mounting equipment, a lower skin with a plurality of through holes which is coaxial with the tapped holes on the upper skin in a one to one arrangement, a honeycomb core, a connecting side wall, and a number of tubes. The tubes are positioned between the interior of the upper and lower skins so as to connect the holes on both skins so that contaminants and residue will be unable to enter into the interior of the honeycomb core, and so that the optical table can be rapidly and thoroughly cleaned.

Abstract: A breakaway tray assembly for supporting items is disclosed. The tray assembly has a first tray that is movably attached to a support structure and a second tray that is pivotally attached to and extends from the first tray. The support structure has a bracket that supports the first tray in the extended generally horizontal position and can assist in holding the first tray in a generally vertical position when said first tray is placed in a stored-away position. The second tray has an upright position wherein it is generally coplanar with and semi-rigidly extends from the first tray. The second tray also has a breakaway position where it is not generally coplanar with the first tray.

Abstract: The boat storage container unit is adapted to be supported on a boat. The boat storage container unit has a support unit and a container sized and shaped to store fishing tackle, tools and the like and adapted to slide onto the support unit. The support unit has a vertical support member, an attachment device for attaching the vertical support member to a boat, a base and a connection device at one end of the base to pivotally connect the base to the vertical support member. The connection device is adapted to permit the base to be moveable from a vertical position to a retainable horizontal position. A top surface of the base and a bottom surface of the container have inter-engaging means to permit the container to slide onto and be retainer on the base.

Abstract: Shipping and storage containers, racks, and pallets including automatic interlocking mechanisms are provided. An embodiment of the automatically locking pallet includes a pallet frame including a forklift tine opening, a pallet platform, a locking component movable into and out of a locking arrangement with an interface fitting of a storage assembly when the automatically locking pallet and the storage assembly are stacked, and an actuator operatively connected to the locking component. The actuator may be activated by a forklift tine entering the forklift tine opening to move the locking component out of the locking arrangement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device (3) for the combustion of granular, solid fuel, for example pellets and the like, comprising; a combustion chamber (16), an air inlet (24) for feeding air to the combustion chamber (16) via at least one air chamber (38,39,40) and at least one air-duct (41,42) for attaining an air flow through the combustion chamber (16), a feeding and dosing arrangement (10, 11, 12) for feeding of the fuel into the combustion chamber (16), an ignition device (28) for ignition of the fuel, a control unit (32) for operation of the combustion device (3) and parts co-operating therewith, an outlet (26) for hot combustion gases from the combustion chamber (16), a movably arranged ash feeder (29) with a drive unit (30), controlled by the control unit (32) for automatic feeding of ashes, unburned fuel, and slag products (31), out of the combustion chamber (16), wherein the ash feeder (29) comprises a movable front part (51) having a perforated bottom which constitutes the above mentioned inner bott

Abstract: A pulverized solid fuel nozzle assembly 34 includes a fuel feed pipe 38 and a nozzle tip 36 pivotally secured relative to the fuel feed pipe 38. The fuel feed pipe 38 includes a generally cylindrical shell 99 having a round outlet end 102 and a bulbous protrusion 106 disposed around a perimeter of the round outlet end 102. The nozzle tip 36 includes an inner shell 40 having a round inlet end 108 arranged in concentric relationship with the round outlet end 102 of the generally cylindrical shell 99. The round inlet end 108 is disposed around the bulbous protrusion 106 for forming a seal between the inner shell 40 and the fuel feed pipe 38. The nozzle tip 36 also includes an outer shell 39 arranged in coaxial relationship with the inner shell 40, and an annular air channel 42 disposed between the inner and outer shells 40, 39. The nozzle tip 36 is pivotable about at least one axis 52, 250 for directing a stream of pulverized solid fuel from the inner shell 40.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for the combustion of metals and other fuels are provided. The system can include: a fuel combustion apparatus including a combustor having a combustion chamber for burning ground particles from a fuel charge, and a fuel supply apparatus for supplying the ground particles of fuel from the fuel charge to the combustor. The fuel supply system can include a fuel charge holder assembly to house and store the fuel charge, a grinder assembly including a grinder housed within the charge holder assembly and configured to pulverize the fuel charge to produce a combustible fuel to be consumed in the combustion chamber, and a fuel charge linear feed assembly including a piston in contact with the fuel charge within the charge holder assembly to selectively bias the fuel charge into the grinder to thereby a control consumption rate of the fuel charge.

Abstract: An ammonia knife assembly is mounted onto a toolbar and is moved across a field to apply ammonia into the bottom of a trench. The ammonia knife assembly includes a knife for piercing the ground and creating the trench, an ammonia supply tube, and a horizontal shield attached to the knife. The shield has a rounded portion extending forwardly from the leading edge and two side portions extending outwardly from the sides of the knife for deflecting any dirt particles that may be thrown upwardly and outwardly from the leading edge of the knife as it pierces the ground.

Abstract: A tufting machine that includes spaced rows of needles of inserting yarns into a backing material. The needles are engaged by opposed loopers and level cut loop pile hooks that pass between one another so as to engage the opposite row of needles for forming cut pile and loop pile tufts of yarns in the backing material.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a prosthetic heart valve, including a procedure for tightly wrapping fabric around a heart valve support stent having a highly contoured undulating outflow edge. A mandrel retains tension without manual assistance in a tubular length of fabric wrapped over the support stent, and includes relatively axially movable inner and outer clamping mechanisms and a pedestal tube on which the support stent rests. The clamping mechanisms include clamps that pull the fabric only in the support stent cusps. The mandrel assembly may be placed in a chuck of a sewing machine system for automatically forming the seam. A small shuttle with bobbin thread reciprocates within a channel inside of the support stent and cooperates with the sewing machine needle to form a lock-stitch in the fabric tube. The mechanization of the fabric covering procedure greatly enhances manufacturing throughput and reduces ergonomic strain on workers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple and inexpensive method for producing a mattress panel or quilt having corners which deviate from an orthogonal pattern. The method renders a material having two stitched seams between two sewn products that are arranged adjacently. The two stitched seams are created by a sewing device, which moves transversely to the conveying direction of the material. The material is cut between said seams by a sewing unit, located within the sewing device. Prior to or during the stitching of the seams, another device removes a sub-area comprising both sewn products, resulting in a mattress panel or quilt with corners deviating from an orthogonal pattern.

Abstract: A masthead control system and method are provided for a sailing vessel to reduce the number of cables running inside the mast to a single coaxial cable carrying power, control and data signals, and VHF radio signals. The coaxial cable connects an antenna directly to a VHF radio communications device such that radio communications are always available in case of emergency. The system comprises an instrumentation center that connects to the masthead; at least one masthead device that connects to the instrumentation center; and a cable, such as a coaxial cable, that connects the instrumentation center to an interface unit located in the hull. The cable carries power, at least one radio frequency signal, and at least one data or control signal between the instrumentation center and the interface unit.

Abstract: Antifouling materials are used to provide first and second layers or coatings on a submersible object. The first and second layers are visually distinct from each other, such as being made of two distinct colors, so that the ablation of an outer layer will be evident when an inner layer is exposed to show a different color in the regions of ablation. The materials for the first and second layers can be chemically active to cause the antifouling nature of the materials or can be electrically conductive to permit their use in the creation of either chlorine bubbles on the wetted surface or a change in ionic characteristic of water in contact with the wetted surface.

Abstract: A method for making a pontoon for a pontoon boat and the pontoon made from the method. The method having an initial step of providing a sheet metal strip that has a width and a length. The strip is then formed longitudinally through successive rollers to provide a central portion having a closed cross section in which the lateral edges of the strip meet. After this stage of the process, end caps are formed at each end of the central portion. Typically, one of the end caps is a nose cone that is pointed and cuts the water as the boat moves forward. The end caps may be formed independently and separately of the strip or may be formed from material at the end of the formed strip.

Abstract: This invention is a kayak having port and starboard flares to widen the hull above the shear/water line. The flares extend outboard from the sidewalls of the kayak hull, increasing in width toward the cockpit. The flares have substantially reduced width adjacent the cockpit to define a recess that allows unobstructed paddling. The flares increase the stability of the kayak in rough water conditions without increasing the drag on the hull.

Abstract: A visual indicator device for use on a vehicle that includes a bed and a tailgate that engages with the bed and that may assume open and closed positions relative to the bed. The visual indicator device is for determining, from the cab of the vehicle via a rearview mirror, the status of the position of the tailgate. The visual indicator device includes a support mechanism including a first mechanism mounted to the bed and a second mechanism mounted to the tailgate, an actuation pin mechanism that intercouples the first and second mechanisms, and an indicator flag supported by the first mechanism and responsive to the position of the actuation pin mechanism so that the indicator flag has an indicating position when the tailgate is disengaged from the bed so that the actuation pin mechanism is out of engagement with the indicator flag, and has a rest position when the tailgate is engages with the bed whereby the actuation pin mechanism is in engagement with the indicator flag.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a rotary shaft position indicating and display apparatus for use with a device having a rotatable shaft may include one or more of the following features: (a) a housing having a base with a cover secured to said base and defining a hollow sealed chamber, (b) an actuator shaft journaled for rotation in said base and extending through said base into said sealed chamber, (c) at least one electromechanical actuating element mounted on said actuator shaft, (d) a frusto-conical member having graphics information representative of said actuator shaft position viewable through a window area, (e) said cover having a frusto-conical base, (f) female threads on the interior of the frusto-conical base, and (g) male threads on the base housing to accept the female threads on the interior of the frusto-conical base.

Abstract: A tumble breading system for applying a breading material to a food includes a housing designating an internal clean area, and an infeed belt for conveying the breading material and the food, arranged across the infeed belt in an infeed order, into the clean area. A rotary assembly with a plurality of vertically offset, rotating tumblers accepts and tumbles the food with the breading material as the tumblers rotate, to bread the food. An output belt accepts the breaded food from the tumblers and conveys the breaded foods from the clean area and the housing. The food arrives at the output belt in substantially the infeed order.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a steel tube are provided. The apparatus includes: a tube-forming device for forming a steel plate into a steel tube; a heat treatment device connected in-line to the tube-forming device to heat the steel tube to a high temperature; a pre-treatment device for annealing the steel tube and providing a reduction atmosphere; and a plating device including a pot for storing a SeAHLume alloy composed of aluminum and zinc in a molten state, a level block selectively inserted into the molten alloy to adjust a level of the molten alloy, and a plating part into which the molten alloy flows in response to insertion of the level block and through which the steel tube passes substantially vertically. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a steel tube having a plated surface to improve its corrosion-resistance.

Abstract: A liquid droplet ejection apparatus has a droplet ejecting portion and an energy beam radiating portion. The liquid droplet ejecting portion ejects droplets containing pattern forming material onto an ejection target surface. The energy beam radiating portion radiates an energy beam onto a boundary between the droplets that have been received by the ejection target surface at different timings so as to move boundary areas of the droplets. Accordingly, using the liquid droplet ejection apparatus, a pattern having an accurately defined shape can be formed.

Abstract: A squirrel resistant bird feeder having a seed container, a seed tray mounted below the seed container, a shroud extending about the seed member and seed tray, the shroud having openings in a lower portion thereof, with a spring member mounted internally of the seed container and being enclosed by a central tube, the spring member having a first end thereof abutting a portion of the seed tray and a second end acting on the cover and shroud. Any excessive weight placed on the shroud or cover will cause the shroud to move downwardly covering the seed tray.

Abstract: A self-supporting pet barrier comprising a front panel and two side panels, each panel having floor-contacting surfaces preferably to which a friction reducing substance has been applied is disclosed. The front and side panels preferably are attached so that the side panels can be positioned from generally perpendicularly to the front panel in use to a folded position adjacent said front panel for storage or travel. A generally triangular stabilizing leg may protrude forward from the plane of the front panel and can be attached in either the side panel or front panel.

Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.

Abstract: An internal combustion system and a water injection nozzle to position a water mist within an internal chamber of an internal combustion engine. In one form, the apical cone of the injection is altered with respect to the position of the piston within the interior chamber. In another form, the air fuel mixture is charged at an opposing charge to the water mist to create a water droplet gaseous fuel mixture for combustion within the anterior chamber.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for regulating the lift characteristic of a charge cycle valve of an internal combustion engine. The device comprises a controllable drive unit having an actuator element for actuating the charge cycle valve, two energy storage means acting on the charge cycle valve in opposite drive directions and a regulating means for controlling the drive unit. The regulating unit controls the drive unit according to a stored setpoint path, on the basis of which the charge cycle valve is transferred from a first end position into a second end position and vice versa. The setpoint path is designed so that it maps the ideal transient characteristic of the energy storage-drive element-energy storage system of the device without taking any additional ambient influences into account.

Abstract: The variable valve gear for an internal combustion engine includes a cam lobe that is rotatably supported by a cam drive shaft, and a variable valve mechanism that includes a drive arm fixed adjacent to one end of the cam lobe in the cam drive shaft, an eccentric shaft member that is swivelably supported at a position opposite to the cam lobe with respect to the drive arm in the cam drive shaft, has an outer circumferential surface eccentric to an axis of the cam drive shaft, and is adjustable in eccentricity, and an intermediate rotary member that is rotatably supported through a bearing member around the eccentric shaft member, and is connected to the drive arm, wherein the drive arm includes an end face that overlaps with an end face of the bearing member, when projecting along the axis of the cam drive shaft, and the end face of the drive arm is protruding further than the end face of the cam lobe toward the bearing member.

Abstract: An intake valve phase setting unit sets the target valve phase used in the variable valve timing control based on the engine operating state, and a control target value setting unit sets the control target value based on the target valve phase. An actuator operation amount setting unit prepares the rotational speed command value for an electric motor that serves as an actuator of a variable valve timing system based on the deviation of the current value from the control target value. A phase change rate control unit sets the rate of change in the valve phase to a lower value when the variable valve timing control moves the valve phase away from the reference phase (the phase when the engine is idling) at which combustion takes place stably in engine than when the variable valve timing control causes the valve phase to the reference phase.

Abstract: A valve-operating mechanism for an internal combustion engine having intake and exhaust valves and valve control members for controlling the intake and exhaust valves. The intake and exhaust valves are configured as dual valves having an outer valve and an inner valve. The valve control members, at least during scavenging, simultaneously close the outer valves of the intake and exhaust valves, producing a non-overlapping state, and simultaneously open the inner valves of the intake and exhaust valves, producing an overlapping state.

Abstract: A rocker arm is mounted to an eccentric shaft. The shaft has a pair of ends which are mounted to corresponding supports. The shaft has a rocker arm seat portion which is eccentric to the end portions, whereby when the position of the shaft is changed by rotating it, the position of the rocker arm changes. The shaft ends are mounted to riser blocks which are connected to a support structure. The shaft ends may be clamped in a fixed position relative to the riser blocks, or unclamped to permit the shaft to be rotated. When rotated, the position of the rocker arm may be changed up or down relative to the support structure and a valve stem which the rocker arm is intended to engage, thereby adjusting valve clearance.

Abstract: A rocker cam is comprised of a first split body and a second split body, which are joined with a joint split face that contains an axial line of a cam shaft. The first split body has a first pin support portion that supports one end portion of the connection pin, and the second split body has a second pin support portion that is located so as to face the first pin support portion and supports the other end portion of the connection pin. The connection pin is supported at the first and second pin support portions at its both end portions. Accordingly, a separation force that acts on the first and second split bodies of the rocker cam during its repeated rocking movement can be reduced without improperly increasing its rigidity.

Abstract: A starting system for a small-sized engine is described which achieves downsizing, light-weight, and cost reduction of the system, prevents entry of dust or foreign substances at the time of assembly, and achieves easy assembly of a motor. The starting system for a small-sized engine includes a recoil starting system and a motor starting system integrated in a starter case, in which the motor starting system has a configuration in which a pinion is mounted on an output shaft of a reducer motor by an one-way clutch of a needle bearing and the pinion is engaged with a starting gear 6 of an engine, and the starter case has a configuration in which an inner lid is secured to a crankcase of the engine together by a screw and the inner lid has a joint portion with respect to the crankcase and a mounting seat for the reducer motor on the outside thereof.

Abstract: A piston of an internal combustion engine includes a cavity for gases passing a piston ring and a first flow path leading from the cavity to a piston ring region and a second flow path extending from the cavity to an outlet opening for removing gases to an inlet opening in a cylinder wall in at least one piston position.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine that includes a block, a cylinder head having an intake valve port and exhaust valve port formed therein, a piston, and a combustion chamber defined by the block, the piston, and the head. At least one thermoelectric device is positioned within either or both the intake valve port and the exhaust valve port. Each of the valves is configured to move within a respective intake and exhaust valve port thereby causing said valves to engage the thermoelectric devices resulting in heat transfer from the valves to the thermoelectric devices. The intake valve port and exhaust valve port are configured to fluidly direct intake air and exhaust gas, respectively, into the combustion chamber and the thermoelectric device is positioned within the intake valve port, and exhaust valve port, such that the thermoelectric device is in contact with the intake air and exhaust gas.

Abstract: A cylinder head gasket for an open deck engine includes a first metal plate having a folded portion extending from a curved portion and located under the base portion, and a second metal plate having an inner portion disposed on the folded portion, an outer portion outside the inner portion and a first half bead provided between the inner and outer portions. An annular bead plate having a full bead is provided on the inner portion of the second metal plate, and an intermediate plate is provided on the outer portion of the second metal plate, wherein an inner end portion of the intermediate plate is disposed under an outer edge of the annular bead plate. A total thickness of the metal plates at the flange is equal to a total thickness of the metal plates outside the flange including the inner end portion.

Abstract: A gas powered internal combustion engine in which the gas is provided from pressurized liquid gas in an LPG container and in which the LPG container is rigidly mounted adjacent to the internal combustion engine at a preselected angle to be in conductive heat transfer relationship to the internal combustion engine and in vibration receiving relationship to the internal combustion engine whereby the liquefied gas in the LPG container is heated and the effective surface area thereof is increased.

Abstract: A remote drain and filter arrangement for a portable engine-driven generator is disclosed that positions the oil filter and oil drain at a location outside the enclosure of the generator. The arrangement generally consists of an oil filter assembly and oil drain assembly. The oil filter assembly includes an oil filter adapter used to interface with the oil filter and is coupled to the engine via oil conduits. The oil drain assembly includes an oil drain conduit and a flow control device that allows the oil to be drained from a location outside of the enclosure of the generator. A pump can be used to allow for sufficiently longer oil conduits. The invention is retrofittable to current engine-driven generators and can also be incorporated into future designs.

Abstract: This invention relates to an engine (5) having axially opposed cylinders (C). The engine (5) has a first cylinder (C) having a first cylinder opening and a first cylinder head (H), a first piston (10) that reciprocates in the first cylinder opening, a second cylinder (C) having a second cylinder opening and a second cylinder head (H), and a second piston (30) that reciprocates in the second cylinder opening. The first cylinder opening and the second cylinder opening are in facing relationship such that the first cylinder and the second cylinder are axially opposed. The first piston (10) and the second piston (30) are connected such that the first piston (10) moves toward the first cylinder head (H) when the second piston (30) moves away from the second cylinder head (H) and such that the first piston (10) moves away from the first cylinder head (H) when the second piston (30) moves toward from the second cylinder head (H).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to control combustion in a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine operating in a controlled auto-ignition mode with minimum combustion phasing error using a least amount of fuel reforming. This comprises monitoring combustion in each cylinder, and determining a target combustion phasing. Fuel delivery to each cylinder is selectively controlled effective to achieve the target combustion phasing, and, effective to achieve the target combustion phasing further comprises controlling the fuel delivery effective to equilibrate combustion phasing of the cylinders.

Abstract: A method to manage and control engine operation includes injecting an initial mass of fuel into a combustion chamber to form a combustion charge, monitoring combustion and injecting a main mass of fuel into the combustion chamber substantially coincident with a start of combustion of the combustion charge.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine is provided for providing an injection event including a first stage and a second stage via a single nozzle. The nozzle is connected by its inlet port to a source of variable fuel pressure and it includes a needle valve for performing the first stage of injection, and a poppet valve for performing the second stage of injection. The first and second stages of injection are selectable by controlling the fuel pressure in the inlet port which is common for both the needle valve and the poppet valve.