Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for dry extracting/cooling heavy ashes and for controlling the combustion of high unburnt content residues, allowing to: extract heavy ash from the boiler bottom (12), foster and adjust post-combustion on the extractor belt (14) by combined use of comburent hot air and inert combustion fumes, already available in boiler, cool the ashes present on the belt and optionally re-circulating them—all or in part—in boiler, along with the fraction of light ashes of higher unburnt content.

Abstract: A pressure sensing system for a seeding machine such as a planter to measure the down force on a planter row unit uses a wireless pressure sensor embedded in a load carrying wheel of the row unit. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure sensor is a passive piezoelectric pressure sensor that is a transmitter only, transmitting both pressure and RFID the information that identifies the particular sensor. Multiple sensors may be employed in each wheel and sensors may be employed in more than one wheel of the row unit, such as the gauge wheels on opposite sides of the trench opening disks. The sensors may be made of a PVDF, a known piezoelectric material. A wireless receiver is located on the planter frame or could be located elsewhere to receive the signals from the pressure sensor. A controller determines from the signal, any change in down force and commands the change to a down force generator on the row unit.

Abstract: A method for creating an altered embroidery design, the method comprising altering an embroidery design to create an altered embroidery design, the altered embroidery design comprising an at least one design element, determining a size of the at least one design element, selecting a stitch type for the at least one design element by comparing the size of the at least one design element to a set of values, wherein the stitch type can be selected from the set of values based on the size of the at least one design element, and generating a stitch pattern for the at least one design element.

Abstract: A sea water system comprises, an inlet conduit assembly, a ballast tank and an overflow arrangement arranged in fluid communication with the inlet conduit assembly. The inlet conduit assembly provides a fluid communication between ambient environment and the ballast tank. A first pump assembly is arranged in the inlet conduit assembly for pumping sea water through at least a first conduit portion towards the ballast tank. A second pump assembly is arranged in fluid communication with the ballast tank and is arranged for pumping sea water from the ballast tank through an outlet conduit assembly arranged after the second pump assembly. The second pump assembly and the outlet conduit assembly are separate from the inlet conduit assembly. The sea water system may be arranged on a floating vessel.

Abstract: According to one example embodiment, an apparatus may include a chamber, a flotation device inside the chamber, a magnetic sensor circuit, a timing circuit, and a switch circuit. The chamber may be configured to receive water through a first opening and allow water to exit through a second opening. The chamber may also be configured to prevent water from exiting the chamber other than through the first opening or the second opening. The flotation device may include a magnetic material. The magnetic sensor circuit may be configured to determine whether the flotation device is in proximity with a top portion of the chamber. The magnetic sensor circuit may be configured to output a water level signal to a timing circuit based on the determining. The timing circuit may be configured to output an alarm signal to a switch circuit based on the water level signal continually indicating a low water level for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for illuminating a swim platform including a translucent swim platform and an illumination system including at least one light source optically coupled to the translucent swim platform operable for illuminating from within at least a portion of the translucent swim platform causing it to glow. The system further includes a supportive frame for reinforcing the swim platform. The illumination system includes a controller and remote user interface for providing inputs to the controller.

Abstract: A reminder device for an automotive vehicle has a hand pivotally attached to a base which is attached to the driver's side door of the vehicle. The reminder device is positioned in a manner so that the hand pivots outwardly upon opening of said door into a position such that a finger of the hand interferes with closing of the door.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an SiC single crystal includes (a) physical vapor transport (PVT) growing a SiC single crystal on a seed crystal in the presence of a temperature gradient, wherein an early-to-grow portion of the SiC single crystal is at a lower temperature than a later-to-grow portion of the SiC single crystal. Once grown, the SiC single crystal is annealed in the presence of a reverse temperature gradient, wherein the later-to-grow portion of the SiC single crystal is at a lower temperature than the early-to-grow portion of the SiC single crystal.

Abstract: A crucible for pulling a silicon single crystal has a double structure comprising a silica crucible and a graphite crucible covering an outside of the silica crucible, wherein the silica crucible is provided at its opening end portion with an inward falling prevention means for imparting a radially outward force to a body portion of the silica crucible.

Abstract: A painting apparatus comprising a paint module, an applicator assembly having an applicator surface, and a pump, the paint module having a container receiving section, the applicator assembly being fluidly connectable to the container receiving section such that the pump can supply liquid contained in the container receiving section to the applicator assembly, in which the apparatus can operate in a painting cycle where the container receiving section receives a paint container with a supply of paint such that the paint can be supplied to the applicator assembly, and in a cleaning cycle where the container receiving section receives a liquid in the form of a cleaning fluid, such that the cleaning fluid can be supplied to the applicator assembly (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An improved paint roller (30) having a rotatable cylindrical body (37) and a paint-absorbing layer (36) wrapped peripherally around the cylindrical body (37). A handle (45) for holding the roller is attached to the pivot of rotation of the cylindrical body (37). The roller further includes an angular adjusting means (46) for angularly adjusting the handle. A member of a cylindrical frame (80) can be attached in a one end to the angular adjusting means and in a second end to the cylindrical body (37). A joining element (78) includes cylindrical members, a portion of the cylindrical members are insertable within the joining element (78).

Abstract: A dynamic film thickness control system/method and its utilization consisting of a minimum of one mask plate arranged between a substrate and a vapor source. A film thickness control device is utilized for real-time control over deposited film thickness and gradually moves the mask plate according to the film thickness control value acquired by the film thickness control device, enabling the mask plate to mask film zones on the said substrate to achieve the film thickness of a design objective. When the required zones of deposition are masked, the deposition of a particular film layer is completed.

Abstract: In a film-forming apparatus in which two or more gases are used, a uniform film is formed. In a film-forming apparatus provided with a film-forming chamber and a shower head, the shower head is provided with a material gas diffusion chamber and a reactive gas diffusion chamber. A gas passage which communicates the material gas diffusion chamber and a material gas introduction pipe is constituted into multi-stages of one stage or more. Each stage has a gas passage represented by 2n-1 (where n is the number of stages). The first-stage gas passage has connected to the center thereof the material gas introduction pipe. Each of second-stage and subsequent-stage gas passages has connected to the center thereof connection holes which are provided on both ends of the previous-stage gas passages so as to be in communication with the previous-stage gas passages. Each of the final-stage gas passages is connected to the material gas diffusion chamber by connection holes formed on both ends of each of the gas passages.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for treating powder that can enhance the efficiency of powder stirring by a simple mechanism and can uniformly coat all the powder surfaces with a metal catalyst and the like. The apparatus 10 for treating powder comprises at least: a chamber 11 for accommodating the powdery carbon support C, . . . comprising at least a bottom 11a, an endless upright wall 11b, and a plurality of skimming weirs 11c, . . . circumferentially provided on the inner peripheral surface of the upright wall 11b, provided that the chamber is rotatable around the vertical axis of the bottom 11a extended toward a given angle of inclination; an impact application means 15 for applying an impact to the chamber 11 at given time intervals; and an irradiation means (i.e., an arc plasma gun 3) for irradiating the inside of the chamber 11 with plasma.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for injecting at least one fluid substance into an egg, of the type that comprises an injector body equipped with a protruding piercing needle for injecting said substance into the amniotic liquid of said egg and/or into the embryo contained therein, the body being connected with external means for supplying said substance, characterized in that drivable means are integrated in the body for expelling towards said needle one or more adjustable variable and parametered amounts of substance from said supply means. The invention also relates to equipment including a plurality of such devices.

Abstract: A milking system for extracting milk from milk producing animals and especially with elements for taking samples of the extracted milk includes in a flow direction from the animal: milk extracting elements for attachment to the animal, a milk conduit and a suction source, wherein the suction source is arranged to provide a vacuum to draw milk from the animal to a container. The milk extracting elements are adapted to provide air and milk intermittently into the milk conduit and are connected to the container via the milk conduit. The system also includes a milk sample conduit which is connected to the milk conduit. The milk conduit includes a bend for creating acceleration forces in the flow, and the sample conduit is connected to the milk conduit at the bend so as to sample milk subjected to the acceleration forces.

Abstract: Embodiments of a portable milking apparatus configured according to principles of the invention include a milking unit that is mobile and configured for milking an animal; a service unit that is mobile and configured for receiving milk; and a connector that selectably operably connects and/or permits fluid communication between the milking and service units.

Abstract: Computer executable instructions adapted to control an animal's access to a channel leading to a remote resource, the instructions being adapted to execute steps of: retrieving a specific animal record based on the output of an identification component, and issuing a control signal to an animal selection system to allow an animal access to the remote resource if the retrieved animal selection record indicates priority animal status, and that an existing number of animals present in the channel is below a queue threshold value.

Abstract: An animal feeder includes a hopper above a shelf onto which feed can fall to be taken by the animal or dropped into a trough below the shelf. The height of the shelf is adjustable in a course movement to move the shelf from a low height for smaller animals to a raised height for the animal after they have grown. The shelf is also adjustable in fine movement to change the width of the opening through which the feed passes to control feed rate. The shelf is carried on straps which extend along the end walls of the hopper and are movable by an adjustment linkage defined by a plate carried on the end wall and a manually adjustable lever mounted for pivotal movement on the plate. The lever has two pivot positions on the plate providing the two course adjustments and two graduated scales for the fine adjustment each cooperating with a respective pivot position.

Abstract: It is common knowledge that dogs require access to water several times a day to maintain good health. Dogs are also a important part of the family and often travel with the family in the car on a daily basis. The present device (spill proof water dish) was designed to make water available to dogs who may be traveling in cars and while away from home. It is a fact that the temperature inside cars can be much higher than normal especially in warm climates. The present device (spill proof water dish) has been designed to open automatically when dogs want water. The present device (spill proof water dish) is also designed to be filled with ice which keeps the water fresh and cool even on a hot day away from home.

Abstract: A pet feeding system for separating spilled food from spilled water comprises a housing having a contained feeding area and at least one opening used to separate spilled food from spilled water. The system may include a sloped surface extending downward from a bowl region toward a collection region. A method for collecting spilled food and spilled water from a pet feeding system includes the step of separating spilled water from spilled food.

Abstract: A single-serving, liquid or water filled, disposable container, particularly suited to provide portable refreshment for pets during walking or exercising. The device includes an integrated clip, particularly suited for easy attachment and removal from a pet's leash, pet owner's belt loop, fanny-pack, pocketbook, exercising equipment, etc. To provide pet refreshment, the device is unclipped from its tether, and a peel-back lid reveals the liquid, provided in a flat-bottomed container, suitable for placement on ground or floor. When the pet has consumed the liquid, the device can be discarded. The intention is for the device to be provided in multi-packs, and that all materials used can be recycled. The container size and serving portion are intended to be enough to provide refreshment, but must be lightweight enough to not hinder either the pets or owners movement during walking or exercising.

Abstract: In a skimmer (20,100) for aquariums comprising a first container (30) able to contain water of an aquarium (80), and water-air mixing means (50) which create a mixed flow of water and air which enters into said first container (30) to generate a foam and, finally, collecting means (40) of said foam, the mixing means (50) are placed inside said first container and are also submersion means, namely they work when they are immersed in water, said first container (30) is provided with a water suction duct (67) and air supply means (66,68) connected to said mixing means (50), so that said mixing means (50) may mix water to be purified with air taken from the outside environment, thus creating a mixed flow of water and air which rising upwards generates a foam which is collected inside said collecting means (40). The first container (30) is further provided with at least one opening (34) from which purified water goes out.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable deodorizing air treatment device adaptable for use in a litter box. The device is activated by the presence of the animal in the litter box. After the animal uses the box, the device intakes dirty air, treats it with odor-absorbing activated carbon and optionally fragrance, expelling clean unscented or scented air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for cleaning an animal's paw. Specifically, the paw cleaning device easily and efficiently removes dirt and debris from the paw of a pet. The paw cleaning device includes an elongated body with a splashguard designed to receive the paw of a pet and further the method for using the paw cleaning device to clean the pet's paw.

Abstract: A durable pet toy and a method of constructing thereof, where the toy is constructed by first forming pieces of three-layered material by bonding together an inside layer, a middle layer and an outside layer. The pieces of the three-layered material are then sewn together with a seam and a binding is applied to stress points of the pet toy.

Abstract: A dog training bumper cover having a porous manufactured sleeve is disclosed and described. The porous manufactured sleeve can have an inner surface and an outer surface. A layer of feathers can be attached to the outer surface via an attachment member. The feathers can be attached in either a random or imbricate pattern. Further, the sleeve is configured to at least partially cover a corresponding dog training bumper. These bumper covers can allow for substantially improved marking abilities while also providing a reusable training device suitable for use in water environments which can dry quickly sufficient to substantially reduce growth of mildew, fungus or attraction of insects, as well as substantially reduce rot and degradation of the bumper cover.

Abstract: Heat exchanger (1) comprising at least a heat exchange element (10), made of a plate (20) that is folded along at least one predefined folding plane (4), first portions (31,32) of said plate (20) facing one another at a same internal surface of said plate (20) and defining an internal volume (500) of said heat exchange element (10), separated first ducts (12) being provided in said internal volume (500) for the circulation of a primary fluid in said heat exchange element (10).

Abstract: Heat exchanger for thermo boiler 1 with a tube bundle 6 using solid fuel in particles constituted from an inner furnace 7 and a double wall jacket connected from the tube bundle 6 characterized by the fact that space 14 over the inner furnace 7 and the tube bundle 6 is divided from a slab 13, that tubes 6 which cross said slab 13 in openings 15 are rigidly fixed to said slab 13, that at least a bar 10, 11 which can be controlled from outside crosses the slab 13 and the double wall jacket 20 on at least one side, that said bar/s 10, 11 bring/s at least two scraping plates 8 and 9, of which an at least intermediate one positioned on one side of said slab 13 and at least an other one from the opposite part of slab 13, of which at least one positioned at the end of tubes 6.

Abstract: A fluid storage container with a baffle controls the heat absorption percentage of the container. Fluid that is heated adjacent to the surface of a container rises replacing colder fluid which sinks downward, regardless of the baffle. This behavior is able to lead to onset of oscillations in the temperature and flow fields. Due to blockage effect of a thin baffle, multi-cell recirculating vortex structures are observed. The number and strength of these vortices depend on the position and length of the baffle. For certain placements and lengths of the baffle, the time rate of the rise of the bulk temperature is increased or decreased.

Abstract: An fuel cell for inducing an electrolytic effect via one or more fluids to decrease the temperature of an internal combustion engine includes, a power supply, a voltage reducer operatively connected to the power supply, and a chamber. The chamber has a cathode, an anode, and a fluid disbursement member which is operatively coupled to an intake of the internal combustion engine. The power supply transmits energy to the voltage reducer to cause the hydrogen to be produced from one or more fluids. The hydrogen is then transmitted into the intake of an internal combustion engine to cause a decrease in temperature.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine that includes an engine block assembly, an air intake system coupled to the engine block assembly and an alternative fuel delivery system coupled to the air intake system. The alternative fuel delivery system includes a control module that monitors measurements of operational data of the internal combustion engine from the one or more sensors. In response to the operational data, the control module determines a fuel flow rate of alternative fuel and controls injection of the alternative fuel to provide the determined fuel flow rate of alternative fuel into the air intake system.

Abstract: A system is provided that draws heat from an open-loop engine cycle into a closed-loop working fluid circulatory system that utilizes computer-aided feedback mechanisms. The closed-loop working fluid draws engine heat from multiple sources: exhaust stack gases, the engine block, the engine transmission, and the engine headers and exhaust manifold near the valves. Heat exchangers are arranged in an ascending pattern according to the temperature of the heat at each heat generating location of the open-loop engine cycle. A wankel or similar type engine receives the heated working fluid and rotates a shaft connected to a generator to generate electricity. An electrolysis unit is powered by the generated electricity and separates water into hydrogen and oxygen. A reformation unit receives fuel such as diesel and the generated hydrogen to reform the fuel prior to injection into the engine for combustion.

Abstract: A method for controlling the air-fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine operating with alternating intake valves is presented. According to the method, engine air-fuel ratio can be adjusted by changing valve timings or fuel during a cylinder cycle.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve. A first spring biases the at least one intake valve to a closed position. A second spring biases the at least one exhaust valve to a closed position. At least one of the first and second springs is an air spring. An air compressor fluidly communicates with the air spring to supply air to the air spring. The air compressor is operatively connected to a rotating shaft of the engine to be selectively driven thereby. A motor is operatively connected to the air compressor to selectively drive the air compressor. A method of supplying air to the air spring of the above engine is also disclosed. A method of supplying air to an air spring of an engine having both a mechanical and an electrical air compressor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve. A first spring biases the at least one intake valve to a closed position. A second spring biases the at least one exhaust valve to a closed position. At least one of the first and second springs is an air spring. An air compressor is disposed inside the cylinder head and fluidly communicates with the air spring to supply air to the air spring. The air compressor being disposed between a crankshaft and a cylinder head cover in a direction parallel to a cylinder axis is also disclosed.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine valve drive train switching arrangement with a switching unit, the switching unit has at least one actuating unit with at least two switching members and at least one switching device for actuating the two switching members independently in an at least partial chronological offset, so as to perform a first switching process based on a first signal and then a second switching process, independently of an electronic evaluation.

Abstract: A valve timing control device is provided with an electric motor (4) generating a magnetic retaining torque (Th) and a motor torque (Tm) in a motor shaft (102) based on a power supply. A power supply control system (6) controls the motor torque (Tm) by controlling the power supply supplied to the electric motor (4). A phase control mechanism (8) transmits a cam torque (Tca) that can alternate between a positive and a negative direction in response to rotation of a cam shaft, to the motor shaft (102) and controls a relative phase between the crank shaft and the cam shaft in accordance with a torque balance in the motor shaft (102). The power supply control system (6) eliminates the motor torque (Tm) that is balanced with the magnetic retaining torque (Th) and the cam torque (Tca) after a stop of the internal combustion engine (S105).

Abstract: A valve timing controller is provided with a driving rotor rotating along with a crankshaft, a driven rotor rotating along with a camshaft, a planetary gear performing a planetary motion to adjust a rotational phase between the camshaft and the crankshaft, a motor shaft rotating for controlling the planetary motion, a cylindrical planetary carrier supporting the planetary gear and being connected with the control shaft so that the planetary gear performs the planetary motion, and a lubricating mechanism. The lubricating mechanism includes an introducing port which opens on a side surface of the second rotor axially confronting the planetary carrier. The introducing port extends across a supporting outer surface and a connecting inner surface. The lubricant is introduced into an interior of the first rotor through the introducing port.

Abstract: A rocker arm for an internal combustion engine includes a roller brought into contact with a cam thereby to be rotated, an arm body having a storage portion in which the roller is stored, the arm body being swung by rotation of the cam, thereby opening and closing a valve. The storage portion has an opening edge located on an upper surface of the arm body and opposed to a circumferential surface of the roller, and the opening edge includes a part receiving a lubricant flowing along the upper surface of the arm body, the part being formed with a receiving opening edge jutting out so that both widthwise ends thereof are located away from the circumferential surface of the roller and so that a widthwise central portion thereof comes close to the circumferential surface of the roller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve actuation system comprising a valve train for actuating a valve, the valve train including actuating elements and a valve lash, and a valve lash adjustment system for adjusting the valve lash, wherein the valve train and the valve lash adjustment system do not share any common actuating elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve actuation system comprising a valve train for actuating a valve, the valve train including actuating elements and a valve lash, and a valve lash adjustment system for adjusting the valve lash, wherein the valve train and the valve lash adjustment system do not share any common actuating elements.

Abstract: In a system, an angle sensor outputs a pulse each time an output shaft of an internal combustion engine rotates by a preset angle, and a calculator calculates speed-change information indicative of a change in a speed of rotation of the output shaft based on the pulses outputted from the angle sensor. A determiner determines, based on the speed-change information, whether at least one of the pulses outputted from the angle sensor represents a proper timing for a preset of a pinion of a starter with a ring gear mounted on the output shaft. A pinion engaging unit shifts the pinion toward the ring gear so that the pinion is engaged with the ring gear when it is determined that the at least one of the pulses outputted from the angle sensor represents the proper timing for the preset of the pinion with the ring gear.

Abstract: In an actuating device with at least one electrical or electromagnetic actuation unit, at least two activation sequences performed by different actuation elements of the actuation unit are associated with at least two different electrical and/or electromagnetic states of the actuation unit via electric coil units energized by current flowing in different flow directions.

Abstract: To achieve high compression ratio and lower temperature of the exhaust poppet valve in an engine provided with a poppet valve on an extend part of a combustion chamber outside a main cylinder, disclosed is a valve cover having a cylindrical side face and upper face, an compression ring either the cylindrical side face and an inner wall of the sub cylinder, means to contact closely a bottom face of a poppet valve and the upper face of the valve cover, the upper part of the valve cover occupying most part of the combustion chamber facing with the bottom face, the valve cover moves along with the poppet valve when the poppet valve is lifted, a combination of overhead valves and the poppet valve including one intake valve and one exhaust valve, and total number of the overhead valve and poppet valve is not less than 3.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine (1), in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising at least one cylinder (3) that defines a combustion chamber (4) and in which a piston (5) can be adjusted with regard to stroke. Each cylinder (3) comprises at least one intake opening (6) for a fresh mixture. Each intake opening (6) is associated with an intake valve (7) that works together with an associated valve seat (8) in order to control the intake opening (6). At least one such intake opening (6) is provided with a guide mask (9) that laterally encloses the respective valve seat (8) on a side that is opposite the respective combustion chamber (4) along a delimited circumferential section. Each intake opening (6) is associated with an intake canal (10). In order to improve the operation of the internal combustion engine (1), at least one intake canal (10) leading to a masked intake opening (6) is associated with an additional valve (11) for controlling the intake canal (10).

Abstract: A bearing for an automotive engine includes a base having a first bearing segment formed therein, and a bearing cap removably mounted to the base, with the bearing cap including fastener towers in contact with the base. A second bearing segment extends between the fastener towers. A number of non-contact stiffening ribs extend parallel to the fastener towers. The stiffening ribs are attached to outboard portions of the fastener towers. The stiffening ribs cause the bearing cap to avoid excessive flexing and distortion, while at the same time avoiding fretting corrosion which would occur were the clamp loads of the cap to the base be reduced by materially increasing the size of the fastener towers.

Abstract: A separator for separating oil mist from the crankcase ventilation gas of an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle. The separator includes a gas purification chamber inside which a rotatably mounted centrifugal rotor is arranged. The gas purification chamber has a crude gas inlet, a pure gas outlet, and an oil outlet. The crankcase ventilation gas can be conducted into a radially internal zone of the centrifugal rotor via the crude gas inlet, while pure gas that is liberated from oil mist can be discharged from the gas purification chamber via the pure gas outlet, and oil separated from the gas can be discharged from the gas purification chamber via the oil outlet. The separator further includes a rotary drive for the centrifugal rotor.

Abstract: A filter mount for engine includes: a base having a bottom surface; a filter adapter adapted to engage with the filter; a mount for the filter adapter, aligned perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base; and protrusions on the base to guide the movement of the mount so that the mount travels generally perpendicular to the bottom of the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air filter device (1) having a filter housing comprising a filter housing cup (2) and a filter housing cover, in which filter housing at least one filter element (3) is arranged. Pertinent to the invention is that a flow-directing element (7) is provided that is configured in such a manner that it is ensured that the filter element (3) is flowed through uniformly.