Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coating plates (6) in circulation. Said device comprises a transport system for transporting plates (6) and a feeding device (5) which can apply the coating material (8) to the surface of the plates. Means (7) for drying and/or hardening the coating material are provided next to the feeding device and above the plates. Contrary to state of the art devices, said inventive device comprises means which enable a material web (3) to pass between the transport elements for the transport of plates and means (7) for drying and/or hardening.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an HVPE chamber. The chamber may have two separate precursor sources coupled thereto to permit two separate layers to be deposited. For example, a gallium source and a separate aluminum source may be coupled to the processing chamber to permit gallium nitride and aluminum nitride to be separately deposited onto a substrate in the same processing chamber. The nitrogen may be introduced to the processing chamber at a separate location from the gallium and the aluminum and at a lower temperature. The different temperatures causes the gases to mix together, react and deposit on the substrate with little or no deposition on the chamber walls.

Abstract: This invention provides gas injector apparatus that extends into a growth chamber in order to provide more accurate delivery of thermalized precursor gases. The improved injector can distribute heated precursor gases into a growth chamber in flows that spatially separated from each other up until they impinge of a growth substrate and that have volumes adequate for high volume manufacture. Importantly, the improved injector is sized and configured so that it can fit into existing commercial growth chamber without hindering the operation of mechanical and robot substrate handling equipment used with such chambers. This invention is useful for the high volume growth of numerous elemental and compound semiconductors, and particularly useful for the high volume growth of Group III-V compounds and GaN.

Abstract: A bird feeder comprises a feed container, a connector having an open passage therethrough, a feeding tray, a funnel and a collection container. The feeding tray includes a sleeve into which the connector extends to provide a self refilling feed mound from which birds eat. Discarded seeds and seed hulls fall into the funnel and into the collection container. The feeding tray includes a disk located below an upper edge of the funnel to maximize collection of seed hulls and discarded seeds. In some embodiments, the feeding tray is pivotally attached to the connector.

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: The present invention relates to a Gizmo Comfort Station, an animal toilet which automatically cleans and collects animal excrements; the Gizmo Comfort Station allows animals to relieve in a flexible schedule, and relieves humans/owners from daily pet waste cleaning and allows a sanitary way of cleaning and collecting excrements. The Gizmo Comfort Station comprises of a toilet body having an excrement receptacle space and an opening for extending to the excrement receptacle drawer; step plate covers, for moving left/right from the center of the opening of the toilet body in order to open/close the opening; a cover driving unit, which is positioned in the toilet body, for driving the step plate covers in a left/right direction; and an excrement transfer apparatus, which is installed at both sides of the toilet body, for moving excrements of pet animals towards an end of the step plate cover in order for excrements to drop into the excrements receptacle drawer.

Abstract: A boat holding tank for anesthetizing fish is described having a pulsator, with the pulsator having an anode output and a cathode output; a holding tank capable of receiving an aquatic animal, the holding tank further comprising an anode probe and a cathode probe, with the anode cathode probe of the holding tank switchably connected to the anode and cathode output of the pulsator, such that when the pulsator is activated the aquatic animal in the holding tank is anesthetized.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to artificial ocean reefs, and more specifically to a versatile artificial reef module which will effectively provide protection and shelter for marine life, especially for bottom dwelling fish species and lobster. Other designs are costly and difficult to manufacture, prone to becoming less useful because of tipping over during deployment or storm events, and not adequately imitating natural and preferred habitat.

Abstract: A collapsible animal transport apparatus includes a planar floor member, front and rear members each having a lower side rotatably coupled to a rear side of the floor member, and a front member having a lower side rotatably coupled to a floor member front side. First and second side members have respective upper and lower sides, respective lower sides being rotatably coupled to opposed sides of the floor member. The apparatus includes first and second roof members each having interior and exterior sides, respective roof member exterior sides being rotatably coupled to first and second side member upper sides, respectively. The second roof member interior side is removably coupled to the first roof member interior side. The front and rear members, the first and second side members, and the first and second roof members are movable between a storage configuration and a use configuration.

Abstract: The modular ball track cat toy (10) includes a ball (15) disposed in a track that is expandable, i.e., modular. The modular track includes sections of track that may have different sizes and shapes. The track sections (20, 25) may be coupled by a universal connector (17). The various track sizes and shapes allow a user to set up the track in various configurations for continuously new cat play activities. Each track section (20, 25) is a tube having a top opening dimensioned so that the ball (15) can freely roll inside the tube but cannot escape the tube through the top opening. The universal connector (17) and tube sections (20, 25) have interlocking members (19, 52, 18, 50) that constrain rotational and axial movement of the tube sections (20, 25), thereby preventing the pet from dismantling or twisting the toy (10) during play.

Abstract: A modular leash system including a flexible lead having a first and second rigid end portion. A first end cap is removably attachable to the first rigid end portion via set screw configured to be received through cooperating holes in the first end cap and the first rigid end portion. The first end cap includes a loop for coupling the first end cap to a collar connector. A second end cap is removably attachable to the second rigid end portion via a set screw configured to be received through cooperating holes in the second end cap and the second rigid end portion. The second end cap configured to be coupled to a handle portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water warming system and method for warming a hot water heater supply line that includes: a s-shaped piping connected to a water supply line; an insulating compartment surrounding the s-shaped piping; a warm wastewater input into the insulating compartment and a wastewater output from the insulating compartment; and an output from the s-shaped piping connected to a hot water heater. The water supply line inputs either ambient water or cool water into the s-shaped piping. The warm wastewater generated within a home provides a source for the warm wastewater.

Abstract: A thermal management system is disclosed for a hybrid vehicle having an electrochemical power source (battery/fuel cell) and an internal combustion engine. In cooling mode, the system will flow liquid refrigerant over an evaporator attached to the battery/fuel cell, a two-phase mixture will then flow to the condenser where the heat is dissipated to ambient. In cold conditions where the battery/fuel cell needs to be warmed, the system will pick up heat from the engine and pump the warm fluid back to the battery/fuel cell until its optimal operating temperature is reached.

Abstract: A piston (10, 10?) includes a piston body (12, 12?) having an upper crown portion (16, 16?) with an upper combustion dome (18, 18?) against which combustion forces act. The underside of the upper combustion dome (18, 18?) comprises an under-crown region (60, 60?). The piston body (12, 12?) also includes a lower crown portion (26, 26?) with a pair of pin bosses (36, 38) spaced apart for pivotally adjoining a connecting rod. An outer oil gallery (31, 31?) is formed as an inclusion between the upper (16, 16?) and lower (26, 26?) crown portions. The outer oil gallery (31, 31?) has an oil inlet (50, 50?) and an oil outlet (52, 52?). A tubular cooling nozzle (54, 54?) is affixed in fluid communication with the oil outlet (52, 52?) and extends toward the under-crown region (60, 60?) where oil is discharged during reciprocation of the piston (16, 16?).

Abstract: To improve the efficiency of an axial piston engine, the invention proposes an axial piston engine with a combustion chamber which operates with two-stage combustion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cross-cycle internal combustion engine that can conduct a combustion cycle called as the cross-cycle with diesel ignition means. The diesel type cross-cycle operation consists of seven processes, which are the intake-process, the cold-compression process, the injection process, the cold-expansion process, the exhaust process, the hot-compression process, and the diesel-ignition process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an overhead-exhaust type cross-cycle internal combustion engine that can conduct a combustion cycle called as the cross-cycle with overhead-exhaust means. The overhead-exhaust type cross-cycle operation consists of seven processes, which are the intake-process, the cold-compression process, the injection process, the cold-expansion process, the overhead-exhaust process, the hot-compression process, and the hot-expansion process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spark-ignition type cross-cycle internal combustion engine that can conduct the seven processes of the spark-ignition type cross-cycle operation with gasoline and bio-fuel and natural gas.

Abstract: An assist spring is fixed at its one end to a vane rotor and at its other end to a spring hook provided at an outside of a housing 18. A signal plate is fixed to the vane rotor on a side of the spring hook. A cam angle sensor is provided at an outer peripheral side of the signal plate for detecting a rotational angle of the signal plate. The assist spring and the spring hook are arranged in an area, which is inside of an outer periphery of the signal plate in a radial direction, so that the cam angle sensor may not misidentify the assist spring and the spring hook and thereby exactly detects the rotational angle of the signal plate.

Abstract: A diesel fuel composition comprising a nitrogen-containing detergent and a performance enhancing additive, wherein the performance enhancing additive is the product of a Mannich reaction between: (a) an aldehyde; (b) a polyamine; and (c) an optionally substituted phenol.

Abstract: A fuel composition is provided that contains a major amount of a mixture of hydrocarbons in the gasoline boiling range and a minor amount of at least one p-alkoxy-N-alkyl aromatic amine and at least one dicyclopentadiene. Use of such additive compound in a combustion engine is also provided.

Abstract: An engine spark ignition device for internal combustion engines having electrical coupling of the firing spark plug wire to the non-firing spark plug wires. The device is for use with an engine having a plurality of spark plug wires connected between a distributor and a spark plug disposed in the engine cylinder and comprises identical elongated electrically conductive semi-circular plates which enclose identical elongated electrically conductive planar plates having apertures therein that intersect to form spaces for receiving the spark plug wires. The interaction between firing spark plug wires and non-firing spark plug wires results in more efficient and cleaner combustion in the combustion chambers.

Abstract: During engine operation, valve retainers and valve springs are constantly rubbing and impacting each other resulting in heat and wear. The purpose of this invention is to provide a surface coating onto the valve retainer to reduce the friction with the valve spring and thus improve durability. Specifically, this invention teaches a method to thermally apply coatings to the surface of the valve retainer. Although typically fabricated from steel, the usage of lighter weight titanium valve retainers is increasing for high performance, or racing engines. The reduced mass allows valves to move more readily and requires less spring pressure to operate, producing more power and a faster revving engine, however titanium is typically not as wear resistant as the steel it replaces. In one embodiment, a porous molybdenum or other oleophilic metal is applied to the surface of the valve retainer. In another embodiment, hard coatings of cermets, carbides, and super alloys are applied as coatings to valve retainers.

Abstract: A pressure device maintains the raceways (48, 160 to 165) of the main moving components (3, 5, 7 and 40) of a variable compression ratio engine permanently in contact with one another and with the faces on which they rest in a cylinder case. The inventive device includes pressure elements which are solidly connected to the cylinder case (100) and which exert a pressure force on a control rack (7) having a toothed segment (75) formed by teeth (74). The pressure force is applied against a support surface (78) provided on the lower part of the rack (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to the engine-building industry, specifically, to rotary internal combustion engines converting heat energy into mechanical energy. It is proposed to improve the design of the rotary engine, consisting of stator and two co-axial rotors with two vanes on each by introducing in it the reducing gear, including main shaft, rotors shafts and auxiliary device shaft, on which the two-tooth gears are mounted. The crown of the two-tooth gears has a shape of mating convex and concave arcs, which teeth meshing ensures a kinematic interaction of the rotor shaft gears with the main shaft gears and with the auxiliary device gears.

Abstract: A combustion chamber in an engine includes a piston and an injector with plurality of orifices arranged to inject spray/flame plumes, which impinge on a piston outer bowl section during most of the injection. Between spray/flame plume impingement areas and in a plane substantially perpendicular to reciprocal piston movement are arranged a first type of protrusions protruding into the combustion chamber, having a smooth form for preserving kinetic energy in the flame and for redirecting circumferential flame progress mainly towards a center axis of the piston with minimal flame-to-flame interaction. A second type of protrusions are arranged in the impingement areas, being adapted for redirecting flame progress into a circumferential flame progress direction in a plane substantially perpendicular to the reciprocal piston movement and with minimal flame-to-piston wall interaction and minimal kinetic energy loss.

Abstract: A diesel engine in which a lubrication oil on the wall surface of the cylinder liner is prevented from being burned and diluted, and a smoke resulting from the local lack of air in the combustion chamber is also prevented from being generated. The diesel engine comprises a group injection hole nozzle 20 and a piston 110. A step 115 having a height gradually increased toward the radial outer circumference of the piston is formed over the entire circumference of the top surface 111 of the piston. Furthermore, a tilted part 115b is formed as the step surface of the step 115.

Abstract: In a direct fuel-injection engine equipped with a pentroof-shaped piston, cross-sectional shapes containing a piston central axis (Lp) of a cavity recessed in a central part of the piston having a top face with the height varying in the circumferential direction are set so as to be basically identical at each position in the circumferential direction (see broken line).

Abstract: In a method for reducing engine vibrations during engine braking with a malfunctioning engine brake, the engine brake includes an arrangement for altering a timing of at least one exhaust valve and an arrangement for varying an exhaust gas back pressure. The method includes detecting piston acceleration for each cylinder in the engine during the use of the engine brake, comparing the detected piston acceleration with a predetermined reference value, decreasing exhaust gas back pressure during engine braking if at least one piston is detected with a piston acceleration deviating more than a predefined amount from the predetermined reference value so that the piston acceleration will be falling within the predefined amount from the predetermined reference value.

Abstract: A control system comprising a brake torque determination module that determines a desired brake torque and a vane position determination module that determines a vane position based on an engine speed and the desired brake torque, and that adjusts the vane position to a position between an open position and a closed position. A method comprising determining a desired brake torque, determining a vane position based on an engine speed and the desired brake torque, and adjusting the vane position to a position between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: There is provided a combustion state detecting apparatus capable of detecting combustion-state abnormality in an internal combustion engine. A comparison timing is set to be advanced in terms of the rotation angle of the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine with respect to the ending timing of an electric quantity based on an ion that occurs when ignition is performed normally through a predetermined ignition signal among the plurality of ignition signals; in the case where, as a result of the comparison between the detected ending timing of an electric quantity based on an ion and the comparison timing, the ending timing is advanced in terms of the rotation angle of the crankshaft with respect to the comparison timing, it is determined that the combustion based on ignition through the predetermined ignition signal is abnormal.

Abstract: A rotary block engine having unequal compression and expansion characteristics. Pistons carried within the rotary block have rollers which roll across the internal surface of a guide which encircles the rotary block. The rotary block is eccentrically located within the guide, which causes the power and intake strokes to be unequal. Induction and exhaust functions are accommodated by a conduit located at the center of the rotary block, and about which the rotary block rotates. The conduit and the guide are fixed parts of the engine. The rotary block and pistons are moving parts of the engine.

Abstract: A fuel pressure regulating system for an internal combustion engine has a pressure accumulator which is used to store fuel under pressure and to feed the combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine by fuel-supplying injectors, a high-pressure pump which supplies a fuel mass flux to the pressure accumulator, a first valve via which the fuel can be guided out of the pressure accumulator, and a second valve for restricting the fuel mass flux. The system is provided with a first control loop having the first valve as an actuator for regulating the pressure in the pressure accumulator, and a second control loop having the second valve as an actuator for regulating the pressure in the pressure accumulator, and the two control loops are embodied as cascade regulators, the first control loop being a master regulator and the second control loop being a follower regulator.

Abstract: A fuel-pumping system for a fuel includes at least one reservoir providing a first volume for the fuel and a second volume for a compression fluid, a separator membrane between the first volume and the second volume, an inlet port of the at least one reservoir for feeding the fuel to the first volume, an outlet port of the at least one reservoir for discharging the fuel at a high pressure from the first volume, a fluid port of the at least one reservoir for supplying or removing the compression fluid to or from the second volume. An operating method and a fuel-injection system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coupling device for hydraulically and mechanically coupling an injection valve to a fuel rail of a combustion engine has a fuel injector cup with a central longitudinal axis and can be hydraulically coupled to the fuel rail and engages a fuel inlet tube of the injection valve, a first retaining element is fixedly coupled to the cup, a second retaining element is fixedly coupled to the valve, the second element being coupled to the first element to prevent a movement of the second element relative to the first element in a first direction of the central longitudinal axis to retain the valve in the cup, and a damper element which is arranged axially between the cup and the valve body. The damper element limits a movement of the valve relative to the cup in a second direction of the central longitudinal axis opposing the first direction.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device comprising a device body bearing encapsulation means to protectively encapsulate the device body wherein the encapsulation means includes an ion exchange membrane.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting an existing EMD 567/645 two-cycle diesel engine to reduce exhaust emissions includes the steps of removing mechanical fuel injectors and associated components and installing of electronic unit fuel injectors and associated components. Also disclosed is a kit for retrofitting an existing EMD 567/645 two-cycle diesel engine to reduce exhaust emissions.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for sensing the speed of an EMD 567/645/710 two-cycle diesel engine having a crankcase, electronic fuel injectors and an electronic control system for controlling the electronic fuel injectors. The device includes a spline shaft sized for insertion into the crankcase of the engine so that the spline shaft rotates with the engine, a gear operably secured to the spline shaft to rotate with the spline shaft and sized to rotate with the engine in a 1:1 ratio, and at least one electronic sensor located adjacent the gear to sense rotation of the gear. The at least one electronic sensor is connectable to the electronic control system to provide electronic signals to the electronic control system for determining when to inject fuel with the electronic fuel injectors. Also disclosed is a method for retrofitting the engine and a kit for retrofitting the engine.

Abstract: A method for operating an injection system, in particular an injection system of an internal combustion engine having piezoelectrically triggered injectors, in which a basic voltage is applied to the injectors in the closed state, and a bottom voltage is applied to open them. The bottom voltage is individually adjusted for each injector.

Abstract: A fuel filter for an internal combustion engine is provided comprising a fuel conduit configured to transport fuel from a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine. A fuel filter manifold has an inlet and an outlet for fluid communication with the fuel conduit. A fuel filter housing is associated with the fuel filter manifold and is configured to receive fuel from and dispense fuel to the fuel filter manifold. A filter element is disposed within the fuel filter housing between the inlet and the outlet and is configured to filter fuel passing through the fuel filter housing. An electromagnetic transducer is associated with the fuel filter and is configured to emit high frequency waves operable on the fuel to reduce, via ultrasonic cavitation, wax crystals suspended in the fuel.

Abstract: A fuel filter is configured to filter fuel for an internal combustion engine and is associated with an electromagnetic wave generator configured to emit high frequency electromagnetic waves operable on the fuel to heat and thereby melt wax crystals suspended in the fuel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel overflow valve for a fuel injection system, particularly for limiting the pressure in a low-pressure region of the fuel injection system. The fuel overflow valve has a valve housing, in which a valve member is disposed in a stroke-moving manner, the stroke movement of the valve member controlling a connection of an inlet to the valve housing to a release region. The valve member is loaded by a valve spring in the direction of a locking position in which the connection of the inlet to the release region is interrupted, and is loaded by the pressure present in the inlet in the opening direction. The valve member may carry out a further stroke in the locking direction beyond the locking position thereof, where the valve spring does not act upon the valve member.

Abstract: An engine control system comprises a camshaft, a cam phaser module, a pressure sensor, and an engine control module. The camshaft is operably coupled to a crankshaft of an engine. Rotation of the camshaft operates a fuel pump in driving communication with a cam of the camshaft. The cam phaser module provides hydraulic pressure to change a rotational position of the cam about the camshaft. The pressure sensor determines a cam phaser pressure signal based on a pressure of fluid in the cam phaser module. The engine control module diagnoses a condition of the fuel pump based on the cam phaser pressure signal.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods related to an internal combustion engine are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the apparatuses and methods include modifying a conventional internal combustion engine to enhance an operating efficiency. In other embodiments, an internal combustion engine of enhanced operating efficiency is disclosed.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has a plurality of intermediate plates arranged one atop the other to form a stack having first and second ends. At least one first fluid channel through conducts a first fluid and at least one second fluid channel through conducts a second fluid. The intermediate plates are geometrically configured to define at least a portion of each of the first and second fluid channels. An end plate is arranged on one of the ends of the stack and a first inlet opening communicates with the first fluid channel for introducing the first fluid and a first outlet opening communicates with the first fluid channel for conducting the first fluid out of the heat exchanger. A second inlet opening communicates with the second fluid channel for introducing the second fluid and a second outlet opening communicates with the second fluid channel for conducting the second fluid away from the heat exchanger. The end plate has at least one expansion zone for reducing the stiffness thereof.

Abstract: A method and design for cooling the temperature of induction air fed into a motor vehicle engine, which includes an intercooler housed in an induction plenum. The intake side of the plenum feeds air compressed by a supercharger or turbocharger to the intercooler core. The intercooler core consists of a series of cooling cylinders, held side by side in an arched arrangement by a rigid cartridge. The use of the multiple cooling cylinders increases the surface area of the intercooler presented to the airstream, and thus the efficiency of the intercooler. The use of a rigid cartridge that contains the cooling cylinders, and fits inside a pair of matching machined end caps which simultaneously hold the cartridge and feed coolant to the intercooler cores, enables efficient assembly of the intercooler. The system design is readily adaptable for various engine conformations.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (100) comprises an intake valve (31) which opens and closes an intake port (30), a valve timing adjustment device (200) which adjusts a valve timing of the intake valve (31), a discharge portion (50) including a first electrode (51), a dielectric (53) covering the first electrode (51), a second electrode (52) disposed at a position facing the dielectric (53), and a discharge chamber (55) that is formed between the second electrode (52) and the dielectric (53) so as to face the combustion chamber (13), a voltage impressing mechanism (60) which impresses a voltage to the discharge portion (50) such that the radicals are produced in the discharge chamber (55) by a non-equilibrium plasma discharge, and a controller (70) which controls the valve timing control device (200) to close the intake valve (31) in an intake valve close period in which a piston lowers from an exhaust top dead center to an intake bottom dead center so as to diffuse the radicals in the discharge chamber (55) int

Abstract: A two-stroke engine includes a crankshaft that is rotatable about an axis, and an engine block that includes a combustion cylinder and a compression cylinder. A first piston is slidably disposed within the combustion cylinder and is operatively coupled to the crankshaft for reciprocating movement within the combustion cylinder through a power stroke during each rotation of the crankshaft about the axis. A second piston is slidably disposed within the compression cylinder and is operatively coupled to the crankshaft for reciprocating movement within the compression cylinder such that fresh air is received and compressed in the compression cylinder during each rotation of the crankshaft about the axis. A conduit provides fluid communication between the combustion cylinder and the compression cylinder, and a fuel injector is in communication with the combustion cylinder for admitting fuel into the combustion cylinder.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine is disclosed, which includes determining a peak power condition for the engine, measuring a temperature associated with the engine at said peak power condition, comparing the temperature measured with a previously determined temperature associated with a known peak power condition of the engine, determining an offset value based on the comparison made in step, controlling at least one of an air-fuel mixture delivered to the engine or ignition spark timing based on said offset value. Various engine fuel delivery systems, carburetors, fuel injection and control systems also are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a chute of a ball pitching machine includes a ball feeder tube having a first end for receiving a first ball. A retaining member is fixed relative to the ball feeder tube and extends transversely to the ball feeder tube into the bore for selectively retaining the first ball in the bore. The retaining member is resiliently deformable toward the ball feeder tube for allowing the first ball to move past the retaining member toward the chute upon application of a predetermined force on the first ball. The ball feeder tube defines a bore having a diameter. The retaining member is spaced along the bore a first distance from the first end. The first distance is shorter than the diameter of the bore so that insertion of a second ball into the first end with the predetermined force displaces the first ball toward the chute.