Abstract: Structural oil sump for a combustion engine, provided with a top opening and comprising: a single-piece top part made of plastic material including a number of lateral walls peripherally delimiting an internal volume, and at least one transversal part extending inside said internal volume and joining at least two of the lateral walls, the top part extending between a top end defining said top opening and a bottom end defining a bottom opening; a bottom part comprising a bottom and fixed in a sealed manner to the bottom end of the top part; the sump being provided with internal ribs formed integrally with the top part and positioned opposite the bottom.

Abstract: An engine component is composed of an aluminum alloy containing silicon, and includes a plurality of primary-crystal silicon grains located on a slide surface. The plurality of primary-crystal silicon grains have an average crystal grain size of no less than about 12 ?m and no more than about 50 ?m.

Abstract: Emergency lubrication systems and methods for an engine are provided. One system includes a primary lubrication system including a de-aeration oil tank configured to store de-aerated oil until the oil is de-aerated, a first oil supply line configured to provide de-aerated oil to the engine, and a first valve configured to control the flow of oil through the primary lubrication system. The system further includes a secondary lubrication system including a second valve coupled to the de-aeration oil tank and configured to control the flow of oil through the secondary lubrication system, and a second oil supply line coupled to the engine and to the de-aeration oil tank via the second valve. One method includes the steps of detecting a predetermined event in the engine, preventing the aerated oil from entering the primary lubrication system, and using the aerated oil in the secondary lubrication system to lubricate the engine.

Abstract: In a hybrid type vehicle power unit including a first oil pump interlockingly connected to a crankshaft so as to supply at least a lubricating oil to an engine and a transmission, and a second oil pump for supplying the lubricating oil to the transmission, it is not necessary for an electric motor to be exclusively used for the second oil pump. Thus, a reduction in the number of component parts and a reduction in the cost of manufacturing are achieved. The second oil pump is interlockingly connected to an electric motor capable of transmitting a driving torque to an output shaft through the transmission.

Abstract: The disclosure provides new crankshaft configurations for various purposes. In one embodiment, new crankshaft configurations are provided that are believed to be particularly suitable with internal combustion engines. Exemplary mechanisms convert a linear sinusoidal motion to a rotational one. In another embodiment, new crankshaft configurations are provided that are believed to be particularly suitable with manually operated drive systems, such as on bicycles. Exemplary mechanisms convert elliptic or linear reciprocating motion into angular motion.

Abstract: intake valve is housed in an intake valve body which is provided with a valve seat face. A fuel passage is positioned at the valve seat face toward a spark plug. Further, a valve stem is disposed at the intake valve at a position above the valve seat. The valve stem can be in fluid communication with an intake valve guide and a high pressure tube. With the integrated intake valve and fuel injector, e.g., high level of charge homogeneity can be achieved in a simple manner.

Abstract: Generally, a multiple electrode spark gap fuel injector and methods of utilizing a multiple electrode spark gap fuel injector for internal combustion engines. Specifically, at least one pair of electrodes having a corresponding pair of electrode ends radially located and axially located in relation to an amount of dispersed fuel to increase efficiency of fuel combustion.

Abstract: An engine control system includes a status determination module that determines states of first and second throttle position sensors (TPSs), wherein a fault state includes when one of the first and second TPSs is one of outside of a predetermined range and out of correlation with the other of the first and second TPSs, for greater than a first predetermined period. A throttle actuation module opens a throttle when an engine manifold absolute pressure (MAP) is less than a predetermined MAP threshold, at least one of the first and second TPSs is in the fault state, and the other one of the first and second TPSs is within a second predetermined period from transitioning to the fault state.

Abstract: An ignition timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, when determining that recalculations are possible from the time when final ignition timing is calculated normally to final ignition timing, recalculates the correction amount of the ignition timing by feedback control and the final ignition timing. Acccordingly, engine speed at a time closer to actual ignition timing is reflected on the final ignition timing. This configuration prevents overshoot from occurring even when a feedback gain is made greater and thus allows highly-responsive feedback control of the ignition timing thereby suppressing the change in rotation of the engine effectively. When the recalculations are not performed, the final ignition timing based on the correction amount, as normally calculated, is used. Thus, the final ignition timing is maintained at certain accuracy and abnormal ignition such as accidental fire is prevented.

Abstract: In an in-cylinder injection type multicylinder internal combustion engine for uneven interval firing, including a plurality of air-fuel mixture injection valves for directly injecting an air-fuel mixture into a combustion chamber of each cylinder, the air-fuel mixture injection valves being mounted on a multicylinder engine body and each having a fuel injection valve and an air injection valve, and an air pump actuatable by power transmitted from a crankshaft for discharging compressed air. The air pump is connected in common to the air-fuel mixture injection valves with the injection pressure of the air-fuel mixture injection valves in each cylinder being prevented from changing for good combustibility. The discharge timing of the air pump is set out of synchronism with the injection timings of the fuel injection valves and the air injection valves of all the cylinders.

Abstract: A method is provided for adjusting a fuel pressure in a high pressure fuel accumulator of an accumulator injection system of an internal combustion engine as a first drive motor which, together with a second drive motor, is situated in a drive train, in which variable torque contributions of the internal combustion engine and of the second drive motor are superposed, an actual value of the fuel pressure, which sets in in response to a lower torque contribution of the internal combustion engine in the high pressure fuel accumulator, deviating from a setpoint value specified for higher torque contributions and at which the actual value, in response to an increase in the torque contribution from the lower value to the higher torque contribution of the internal combustion engine being adjusted to its higher setpoint value. The method stands out in that the adjustment is performed so that a rate of a change in the actual value does not exceed a specified boundary value during the adjustment.

Abstract: This nozzle assembly (1) comprises a first needle (11) and a second needle (12) controlling respectively fuel flow towards a first series of outlets (213) and a second series of outlets (223). It includes a passive control valve (18) adapted to select, on the basis of the fuel feeding pressure, the needle (11 or 12) to he activated for fuel delivery to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. An injector with such an assembly is economic and efficient to spray fuel with two different patterns.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for enabling operation of a piezoelectric actuator, comprising a spring configured to provide a compressive force to a piezoelectric element of a piezoelectric actuator, wherein the compressive force varies with displacement of the piezoelectric element such that the compressive force is less at a first displacement than at a second displacement, and wherein the first displacement is greater than the second displacement.

Abstract: To control the compression ratio of an internal combustion engine, the cylinder block is slidably fitted to the crankcase, projections from the crankcase extend into the cylinder head to support a control shaft bearing the cylinder head. The angular displacement of the control shaft varies the compression ratio by displacing the cylinder head relative to the crankcase.

Abstract: Present invention relates to an electric fuel pump for an internal combustion engine in which a single-phase brushless dc motor is rotatably coupled with a roller vane or other pump mechanism so that any type of fuel or combination of fuels can be transferred from the inlet (2) to the outlet (35) of the unit which houses all above mentioned elements providing lubrication and cooling to the above mentioned elements. The fuel flow path is so designed as to provide better cooling to the commutation circuit (10) by placing the commutation circuit (10) as the first element to come into contact with fresh fuel, directing the fuel flow towards the heat sinks of the commutation circuit (10) and placing the stator coils (36) downstream of the fuel flow so that the heat generated by the stator coils (36) is taken away from the commutation circuit (10).

Abstract: An improved configuration for internal combustion engine that reduces side forces on pistons during the engine cycle. The improvement is an intermediate and guided bridge element located between pull rods and pistons with articulated connections that allow side forces to be dissipated away from the pistons.

Abstract: A method for controlling an automotive canister purge valve in fluid communication with an evaporative canister includes selecting a purge flow rate of increase for the purge valve based on a hydrocarbon concentration in a fluid stream exiting the evaporative canister, and operating the purge valve based on the selected rate.

Abstract: Dual fuel compression ignition engines and methods that allow compression ignition on gaseous fuels like compressed natural gas, hydrogen and ammonia, yet will run on liquid fuels, including diesel fuels for such purposes as starting or when the gaseous fuel is not available or has been consumed and greater range or operating time is needed. Ignition of fuels having a high self ignition temperature is assured by recirculating high temperature exhaust gas back into the intake charge before compression. Existing engines may be converted to run as a dual fuel engine by replacement of the engine head or heads. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel enhancement system for an internal combustion engine includes a container, an electrolyzer and a controller, the controller includes a pulse width modulator for adjustably controlling the frequency and wavelength of power provided to the electrolyzer. The controller is also coupled to a number of sensors, allowing it to monitor and control the functioning of the system.

Abstract: An engine system includes a correction factor generation module and a boost pressure correction module. The correction factor generation module generates a correction factor based on a first pressure difference, wherein the first pressure difference corresponds to a difference between an intake manifold absolute pressure (MAP) when an engine is on and a barometric pressure. The boost pressure correction module generates a corrected boost pressure based on the MAP when the engine is on, a second pressure difference, and the correction factor, wherein the second pressure difference corresponds to a difference between the MAP when the engine is off and the barometric pressure.

Abstract: A nitrogen-enriched gas supplying device includes a bypass passage and a gas separating membrane, so as to supply nitrogen-enriched gas to an internal combustion engine. The bypass passage introduces a part of exhaust gas from an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine into an intake passage of the internal combustion engine. The gas separating membrane is arranged in the bypass passage. The gas separating membrane is configured to separate carbon dioxide from exhaust gas introduced into the bypass passage.

Abstract: A cooler device for a motor vehicle comprising: a charge air cooler with a first cooler element, an EGR cooler with a second cooler element the first cooler element and the second cooler element are arranged substantially in plane with one another. A screening device is arranged in front of or behind the cooler elements in order to regulate the air flow through the cooler elements. The screening device comprises a first screening portion associated with the first cooler element and a second screening portion associated with the second cooler element. A control mechanism is operable to switch the screening device to and fro between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A firing control mechanism for an air-soft toy gun is disclosed for enabling a user to rotate a switch in selecting a single shot, 3-shot continuous firing, multi-shot continuous firing or safety lock mode, having a ratchet wheel pivotally mounted on an axle of the hammer thereof, which ratchet having two shadow teeth and one deep tooth arranged in a series around the periphery at one side and sloping teeth arranged around the periphery at an opposite side. The hammer has a stop rod meshed with one sloping tooth of the ratchet wheel. During a continuous 3-shot firing action, the ratchet wheel is rotated following down stroke of the hammer, and a pawl is meshed with one shadow tooth or the deep tooth, and the stop rod of the hammer is shifted into mesh with a next sloping tooth of the ratchet wheel to prohibit reverse rotation of the ratchet wheel when the hammer is returned after a firing action.

Abstract: A barrel break air gun includes a pair of opposed, generally planar faces defining a narrow gap between the breech and the barrel. The barrel face includes a circular groove concentric with the barrel bore that receives an annular seal, and a recessed annular land defined between the circular groove and the barrel bore. The annular seal may be either an o-ring nominally disposed within the circular groove, or an annular urethane washer that is slightly radially-compressed when placed into the circular groove such that the inner diameter of the washer projects slightly away from the barrel face prior to closing the barrel breech. In one embodiment featuring the annular washer, the washer's internal diameter is slightly smaller than the maximum skirt dimension of an air gun pellet, such that the pellet's skirt is retained by the washer upon closing the barrel breech.

Abstract: A bow hunting attachment is provided that includes a mounting bracket configured for attachment to a bow. A spool is attached to the mounting bracket and has an outer surface a portion of which is configured for having a line wrapped thereon. A keeper is present and is configured for retaining the line onto the outer surface of the spool and is resilient so as to be capable of being displaced to allow the line to be removed from the outer surface of the spool upon firing of an arrow and pulling of the line that is attached to the arrow.

Abstract: A brick cutter includes a base, a swing arm that has a handle portion, wherein the handle portion has one end pivotally connected to the base and an opposite end formed with a head so that the swing arm is capable of swinging relative to the base, and a chisel that has a cutting portion and a rod portion, wherein the rod portion is coupled with the head of the swing arm. Thereby, when a user holds the swing arm with one hand, and hammers the chisel with a hamper held in the other hand, the hammered chisel impacts a brick so as to cut the brick.

Abstract: A circular air flow pattern is created in a small oven cavity having a convection system including a convection cover which is mounted to and defines a duct in combination with a rear wall of the oven cavity. The convection cover includes an intake at one end portion arranged adjacent a first side wall of the oven cavity and a plurality of exhaust openings formed in another end portion arranged adjacent a second side wall of the oven cavity, with the convection cover progressively tapering through multiple sections. The rear wall can include an elongated recess over which the convection cover extends in forming the duct.

Abstract: Projections are located at an inner face of a case member so as to form air passages in first and second directions. A disposable pocket heater and a gel container are set inside the projections and the case member is assembled. Since the air passages in both directions are formed on a whole surface of the disposable pocket heater, oxygen is supplied to the whole disposable pocket heater and the whole gelling agents in the gel container is heated to almost uniform temperature.

Abstract: A standalone flame screenless flame projection device that can be removably seated in the hearth of a conventional or simulated fireplace includes a light projection system that can project a flame-like light onto the back panel of the fireplace to simulate the visual effects of an actual wood-burning fireplace.

Abstract: Increased utilization of solar power is highly desirable as solar power is a readily available renewable resource with power potential far exceeding total global needs; and as solar power does not contribute to pollutants associated with fossil fuel power, such as unburned hydrocarbons, NOx and carbon dioxide. The present invention provides low-cost inflatable heliostatic solar power collectors, which can be stand-alone units suitable for flexible utilization in small, medium, or utility scale applications. The inflatable heliostatic power collectors use a reflective surface or membrane “sandwiched” between two inflated chambers, and attached solar power receivers which may be of photovoltaic and/or solar thermal types. Modest concentration ratios enable benefits in both reduced cost and increased conversion efficiency, relative to simple prior-art flat plate solar collectors.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a solar concentrator assembly. In one embodiment, a drive mechanism for a linear solar concentrator assembly which includes an elongate reflector support frame which is rotatable about an axis which is parallel to the length of the frame and is defined by a support for the frame includes: a first elongate arm fixable at one end to the frame for rotation about the axis with the frame; a second elongate arm rotatable at one end about the axis independently of the first arm; a first reversible linear drive device coupled between the second arm and the first arm which is operable to rotate the first arm about the axis relative to the second arm; and a second reversible linear drive device coupled between the support and the second arm which is operable to rotate the second arm about the axis.

Abstract: A low cost mass-produced solar module that extracts both electricity and heat from the sun. One or more reflectors held by a frame reflect the sun's heat into an absorber. Each reflector rotates about its axle to keep its reflected solar energy focused on the absorber. In one embodiment, solar heat is focused to heat fluid that flows to thermodynamic engines that convert the heat to electricity. Engine waste heat is also captured for use as building heat, home hot water or industrial process heat. In another embodiment, solar heat is focused onto photovoltaic devices that directly convert light into electricity. The fluid that cools the photovoltaic devices can be used for building heat, home hot water or industrial process heat. The frame shields the reflectors from ambient wind loads, supports reflector axles accurately and simplifies installation on roofs or walls of buildings.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a solar collector system including a plurality of reflectors is provided. In certain example embodiments, a bracket or pad is bonded to a reflecting panel. The bracket has at least one fastening element protruding therefrom. The fastening element cooperates with at least a hole formed in a mounting frame for securing the panel to a frame, e.g., in mounting the panel. In certain example embodiments, the at least one fastening element comprises two deformable tabs. In certain example embodiments, the at least one fastening element is a shoulder screw that cooperates with a keyhole and slot arrangement provided to the mounting frame, with the shoulder screw being held in place by an optional spring clip.

Abstract: A multiplicity of Fresnel lenses are attached to tubular branches of a tree-like support structure. Fiber optic bundles are connected to the Fresnel lenses and routed inside the tubular branches and collected as a larger fiber optic bundle inside a main trunk structure to which each of the branches is connected. The larger fiber optic bundle may be connected to a remotely located power generating plant or other processing facility via a fiber optic transmission network. A domed solar energy collector includes an outer dome and one or more inner domes concentrically nested therewith, one or more Fresnel lenses being positioned on the hemispherical surface of each of the outer and inner domes. Each of the inner domes is sized and positioned such that its hemispherical surface lies on the focal point of the next larger dome to thereby multiply the solar energy focused through each of the domes to a collection area within the innermost dome.

Abstract: A dose counting device for use with a medicinal metered dose dispensing device, the device comprising an actuator having at least one finger that is designed for reciprocal movement comprising an outward stroke and a return stroke, an annular member having a helical thread segment formed about a circumferential arc on a part of its surface, and a drive nut positioned around a radial cross-section of the annular member and having an internal helical rib engaged with said helical thread segment on the annular member whereby rotation of the drive nut about the circumferential arc of the annular member results in rotational movement of the annular member, the outer surface of the drive nut comprising one or more driving surfaces for engagement by said at least one finger on the actuator during said reciprocal movement to cause rotation of the drive nut.

Abstract: An inhaler (1) for delivery of a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip (2) with a plurality of blister pockets (13) is proposed. The used part of the blister strip (12) is wound up and/or kept taut and/or free of loops by means of a spring (15).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held device (1), as depicted in exemplary FIG. 4, for metered dispensing of sprayable substances, particularly medicaments for inhalation, with a cartridge (3) that can be moved into the dispensing position, by pressure being applied to a housing, and with a step-by-step indexing mechanism (11) which is entrained by the cartridge (3) in the opening travel thereof and which is used to record and display the dispensing actuations that have been performed.

Abstract: An improved aquatic device for use with goggles features a support base sized and shaped to fit near the back of a user's head and is secured against the user's head by way of straps. Various equipment may be removably secured to the support base including a snorkel and/or a light by means of a universal interconnection mechanism. The universal connection system allows the various equipment to be removably secured to the support base such that the user to select the equipment most suited to the intended application. One portion of the universal connection system is found on the support base while the other is located on the equipment such as a snorkel or light. The snorkel preferably includes a dry top that prevents water from entering the air passageway. The dry top includes a float mechanism and an inlet closure mechanism both pivoting from a common axis. The dry top may also include a one-way rubber valve that allows air to only enter the dry top and not exhaust.

Abstract: A method for filling a plurality of microdepressions in a major surface of a web with finely divided powder in which the web is fed continuously to and through a powder filling stage including a driven roller. At the powder filling stage, the powder, which is fed either onto the web upstream of the roller or to the roller of the powder filling stage, is filled into the microdepressions of the web using the driven roller, wherein said roller is rotating about an axis generally transverse to the direction of web, while the surface speed of the roller and the web speed are different and wherein the roller and web are positioned relative to one another, such that between the upper surface of the web and the outer surface of the roller there is a gap.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler consisting of first chamber having an orifice for holding a dry powder and a gas, and a second chamber for receiving a deaggregated form of the dry powder and for communicating the deaggregated dry powder to a user. A synthetic jet drives the dry powder from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: An ambient or room air vacuum attachment or nozzle is provided proximal to the connection between a breathing circuit and the protruding inlet port of a respiratory face mask, and a tubular passageway is sealingly connected between the vacuum attachment or nozzle and a source of vacuum. By virtue of such structure, any gas escaping from the periphery of the respiratory face mask through accident or otherwise is immediately and automatically “vacuumed-up” by the proximally located vacuum attachment or nozzle and evacuated from the surrounding room environment through the vacuum source to which the ambient air vacuum nozzle and tubular passageway are connected.

Abstract: According to the invention, the tubular device for respiratory assistance (1), forming a main channel (5), comprises at least one auxiliary channel (8) connected to a source (25) of breathable gas, has means of diversion (36) for diverting a volume fraction of the breathable gas intended for the auxiliary channel (8), and means of aspiration (38) of ambient air which are driven by the diverted fraction of breathable gas, in such a way that the aspirated ambient air, mixed with the diverted fraction of breathable gas, is conveyed into the main channel (5) between the distal orifice (18) of the auxiliary channel (8) and the distal end (7) of the main channel (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter for ventilating a patient, with a ventilation channel for alternately delivering and removing air and/or oxygen to and from the patient's airways, the catheter having a maximum external diameter of at most 6 mm, mm, and the ventilation channel having an open end, and a connector end for connection to a gas flow reversing element. According to the invention, the catheter is provided with means or elements for measuring the pressure outside the ventilation channel near the open end. The catheter preferably has a pressure measurement channel, with an open measurement end near the open end of the ventilation channel, and a measurement connector piece for connecting a pressure display device. Of particular advantage is a catheter with an expansion body (cuff) that is fluidically connected to a supply channel through which the expansion body can be increased or reduced in size by means of a fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for providing emergency oxygen and therapeutic oxygen in an aircraft, said system having an oxygen source, an oxygen conduction system comprising a second oxygen outlet, a device for providing emergency oxygen comprising a second oxygen inlet, a device for providing therapeutic oxygen, having a first oxygen inlet and a first oxygen outlet. According to the invention, the second oxygen outlet can be coupled to the first oxygen inlet, the first oxygen outlet can be coupled to the second oxygen inlet and the second oxygen outlet can be coupled to the second oxygen inlet.

Abstract: According to the invention, the device for respiratory assistance (1) is tubular, forms a main channel (5), comprises at least one auxiliary channel (8) connected to a source (25) of breathable gas, has means of diversion (36) for diverting a volume fraction of the breathable gas intended for the auxiliary channel (8), and means of aspiration (38) which aspirate ambient air and are driven by the diverted fraction of breathable gas, in such a way that the aspirated ambient air, mixed with the diverted fraction of breathable gas, is conveyed into the main channel (5) between the distal orifice (18) of the auxiliary channel (8) and the distal end (7) of the main channel (5).

Abstract: A connection assembly for joining a gas supply line to an article, the assembly comprising a first member having first and second ends, inner and outer walls; and a through passage between said ends; a second member having first and second ends, the second end engagable with the first member via the first end of the first member, the second end of the first member connectable to the article and the first end of the second member connectabte to a gas line; wherein the connection between the first and second members is arranged to allow relative movement between the first and second members such that either of the first and second members are each able to rotate axially relative to the other member through a 360 degrees arc about longitudinal axes through each member and to each move relative to the other member between a first disposition where the longitudinal axes of the first and second members are in alignment and at least one second disposition where at least the second member is disposed at an angle to t

Abstract: A ventilator device (10) includes a display screen (50, 101) to display a plurality of ventilator functions/modes (or menus) and a plurality of parameters (or sub-menus) associated with at least one of said ventilator functions/modes. A control member, e.g., in the form of a multifunction finger-operable dial (55, 102) is provided to select from the plurality of ventilator functions/modes and/or parameters, the dial being manipulatable in a first manner (e.g., rotation) to scroll between said parameters, and being manipulatable in a second manner (e.g., touching, pressing and/or depressing) to select one of the ventilator functions/modes and/or parameters.

Abstract: A headgear for positioning a patient interface structure for delivering a pressurized flow of breathable gas to the airways of a patient includes at least one flexible strap loop which is attachable to the patient interface structure by a forked region of the at least one strap loop that is mountable on the patient interface structure. The at least one strap loop positions the patient interface structure on the face of the patient. The forked region includes two forks adapted to be attached to an upper and lower portion on the patient interface structure. The two forks are connected by a bridge so that the forked region is divided into a first region and a second region, and the first region is mountable on the patient interface structure.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface, opposite the front surface, and adapted in use to face the patient. The frame defines an inner wall and an outer wall extending from the rear surface, the inner and outer walls being spaced to define a channel therebetween. A cushion is removably attachable to the frame such that the cushion and frame are repeatably engagable with and disengagable from one another. The cushion includes a side wall to be inserted into the channel of the frame, the side wall having a first interlocking surface that engages a second interlocking surface provided in the channel when the cushion and frame are engaged with one another. The first and second interlocking surfaces interlock with one another to removably attach the cushion to the frame.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a protective headgear system which includes a relatively light weight, substantially rigid, headgear structure which may include an internal, adjustable headband. The system includes at least one filter which is attachable to the headgear structure to cover the structure. A fan mechanism is mounted on the headgear structure to draw air into the headgear structure through the filter means. A power supply selectively powers the fan. A facial shield is attachable to the headgear structure to cover the face of the wearer to maintain non-contaminating conditions relative to the wearer. A flexible cuff or hood is attachable to the facial shield to enclose the lower opening of the lens and provides protection for the wearer through which air can be exhausted.