Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for converting an internal combustion engine from a normal engine operation (20) to an engine braking (or retarding) operation (10). The engine has an exhaust valve train containing two exhaust valves (300), a valve bridge (400) and an exhaust valve lifter (200). The apparatus has an actuation means (100) including a hydraulic system integrated into the exhaust valve train. The hydraulic system contains a braking piston (160) slidably disposed in the valve bridge between an inoperative position (0) and an operative position (1). In the inoperative position, the braking piston is retracted and the actuation means disengaged from the normal engine operation. In the operative position, the hydraulic piston is extended and the actuation means opens one of the two exhaust valves (300a) for the engine braking operation.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a variable valve timing mechanism. The valve timing control apparatus sets target valve timing based on an operational state of the engine. The valve timing control apparatus detects actual valve timing. The valve timing control apparatus computes a control amount based on a deviation between the target valve timing and the actual valve timing, and based on a hold control amount. The valve timing control apparatus determines whether a learning execution condition for executing a learning operation of the hold control amount is satisfied based on a change direction of the detected actual valve timing. The valve timing control apparatus executes the learning operation when the learning execution condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Apparatus for modifying engine valve lift to produce an engine valve event in an internal combustion engine, the engine including at least one exhaust valve and an exhaust valve lifter for cyclically opening and closing the at least one exhaust valve, includes (a) an actuator for operating the at least one exhaust valve to produce said modified engine valve lift, said actuator having an inoperative position and an operative position; in said inoperative position said actuator being disengaged from the operation of the at least one exhaust valve, and in said operative position said actuator opening the at least one exhaust valve for said engine valve event; and (b) a controller for moving said actuator between said inoperative position and said operative position.

Abstract: A control for determining a firing timing of an engine is provided. An in-cylinder pressure is detected at a predetermined time interval. An in-cylinder pressure for every predetermined crank angle is calculated based on the detected in-cylinder pressure. A motoring pressure in a case where combustion is not performed in the engine is estimated. It is detected that a pressure difference between the calculated in-cylinder pressure and the motoring pressure has exceeded a determination value. A time point is identified, as a firing timing, at which the pressure difference has exceeded a determination value with a finer resolution than the resolution of the predetermined crank angle interval through an interpolation calculation.

Abstract: Boosted engine operation and spark timing of an engine may be adjusted with alcohol content of the fuel in a direct injection engine. Further, various adjustments may be performed in numerous related systems to account for increased maximum engine torque, such as traction control, transmission shifting, etc.

Abstract: At least one of a petroleum fuel and an alcohol fuel stored in a fuel tank is supplied to an internal combustion engine. Specifically, the fuel in the fuel tank is supplied to an injector by a fuel pump module. The injector injects the fuel into an intake pipe. An ECU adjusts a fuel injection quantity according to an alcohol concentration of the fuel. When the fuel-supply-pressure to the injector is less than or equal to a threshold pressure, the ECU determines the fuel pump module has a malfunction. Especially, the ECU varies the threshold pressure according to the alcohol concentration of the fuel.

Abstract: A fuel damper fixing clip includes a clip main body formed from a sheet member having a plurality of flat portions, and formed in a generally square cylindrical shape. The clip main body surrounds portions of the outer peripheries of a cup portion and a fuel damper and deforms in a tightening direction. The clip main body includes two ends overlapped on an outside and an inside surface thereof. Slits are disposed in the plurality of flat portions of the clip main body, and the collar portions of the cup portion and the fuel damper are disposed therein and locked in a diameter-reduced state of the clip main body in which the clip main body is tightened. A receiving hole is formed in one of the ends of the clip main body. A claw portion is disposed on the other end of the clip main body obliquely projecting in a direction opposite to the tightening direction.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for a boat minimizes and prevents deterioration in combustion efficiency of the engine. The fuel supply system includes a throttle body that is connected to an engine and that supplies air to the engine, and an injector that injects fuel to the throttle body. The injector is configured to inject fuel to a direction opposite to an airflow direction in the throttle body.

Abstract: A fuel supply system that includes a fuel pump, a jet pump, a first device and a second device. The fuel pump has a first port, a second port and a third port. Each of the first and second ports is configured to discharge a pressurized fuel. The third port is configured to discharge a fuel vapor that may be produced within the fuel pump. The first port is coupled to an engine via a fuel supply passage. The first device is coupled between the second port and the jet pump and is operable to permit and prevent the supply of the pressurized fuel to the jet pump. The second device is coupled to the third port and is operable to permit and prevent the discharge of the fuel vapor to the outside of the second device.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon vapour filter system for capturing vapour released from a fuel tank. The system contains a vapour line in vapour-tight communication with the fuel tank, having a vapour capture segment for capturing fuel vapour, and in the preferred embodiment a purging stage releasing the fuel vapour. During engine operation captured fuel vapour can be released from the vapour capture line into air drawn into the engine intake manifold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling an indirect-injection engine, notably a supercharged engine, in particular a spark-ignition engine, comprising at least one cylinder (10) including a combustion chamber (12), at least two air intake means (14, 16) comprising each a pipe (18, 20) controlled by an intake valve (22, 24), at least one fuel injection means (26, 28) associated with each intake means and at least one burnt gas exhaust means (30) with an exhaust valve (32), said engine running according to two intake modes, a mode with burnt gas scavenging and a mode without scavenging, characterized in that it consists in: supplying, in intake mode with scavenging, non-carbureted air through one (16) of the intake means then, in the vicinity of the scavenging end, in supplying carbureted air through the other (14) intake means, supplying, in intake mode without scavenging, carbureted air through the two intake means (14, 16).

Abstract: The present invention provides a servo actuated operating mechanism for a coacting lobed rotor positive displacement supercharger combining a low cost and capacity electromagnetic clutch with a small oil pump internal to the supercharger unit. The oil pump supplies on demand oil pressure from oil in a hydraulic clutch housing or the supercharger timing gear case and acts as a servomechanism to actuate an internal hydraulic clutch. The hydraulic clutch can be engaged over a much wider range of speeds and loads than is possible with an electromagnetic clutch alone. The electro-hydraulic servomechanism provides improved highway fuel economy relative to an electromagnetic clutch as the engagement speed could be moved to a higher rotational speed (rpm). The internal hydraulic system makes higher supercharger engagement speeds possible with a hydraulic system, but without the assembly and leak issues associated with externally plumbed engine oil system actuated clutches.

Abstract: An ultrasonic fuel/power enhancer for producing sound and ultrasound at different wind speeds and conditions is provided. The enhancer is mountable in an air intake of a vehicle with the vehicle having a predetermined number of cylinders and each cylinder having a combustion chamber. The enhancer comprises at least one band and at least one tubular whistle. A whistle connection mechanism is wrapped around the whistle with the whistle connection mechanism having at least one band receiving aperture and the band insertable through one of the band receiving apertures. At least one stabilizing tab is mounted to the whistle connection mechanism wherein the whistle is shaped and designed to produce sonic and ultrasonic sounds thereby atomizing gas droplets being supplied to the combustion chamber of each cylinder.

Abstract: An inlaid stone composite broadly includes a body stone and an inlay stone secured within a groove of the body stone, with the inlaid stone composite presenting a finished layered edge surface, and with the surface having a longitudinally extending edge profile. The inlaid stone composite is manufactured using a stone machine tool that includes, among other things, powered assemblies for machining the groove, machining the profile, and for polishing the profile. The body stone and inlay stone are machined to close tolerances so that the stones include respective surfaces in abutting engagement with one another. The stones are further machined to limit chipping of the composite.

Abstract: The radiation selective absorber coating of the invention includes two or more barrier layers arranged over each other on a substrate surface, an infrared-range reflective layer arranged on the two or more barrier layers, and at least an absorption layer arranged over the infrared-range reflective layer and a final antireflection layer arranged over the absorption layer. The absorber pipe, especially for a parabolic trough collector, is a steel pipe, on whose outer side the radiation selective absorber coating is applied. In the method of making the absorber pipe a first oxide barrier layer is provided on the outer side of the steel pipe by thermal oxidation, and then a second barrier layer, an infrared-range reflective layer, an absorption layer and a final antireflection layer are applied by gas-phase physical deposition.

Abstract: The instant invention incorporates an asymmetrical purge valve tilted to fit within the confines of a chamber having a substantially elliptical cross-section. The elliptical cross-section is oriented to minimize the frontal area presented in the direction of swimming movement. The reduced cross-section results in a corresponding reduction of drag when the diver is swimming underwater.

Abstract: The present invention includes a transient method of delivering a biological agent in a breathable liquid to a lung of a patient. The present invention includes a steady state method of delivering a biological agent in a breathable liquid to a lung of a patient. The steps of both the transient delivery method and the steady state delivery method can be controlled by a servo-control unit. A supplementary biological agent delivery step can be performed in both the transient method of delivering a biological agent and the steady state method of delivering a biological agent.

Abstract: A ventilator with integrated breathing air humidifier has at least two defined air pathways provided in the breathing air humidifier, wherein the breathing air humidifier is installed and fixed on a horizontal surface of the ventilator. The ventilator with integratable breathing air humidifier has a breathing air humidifier with at least a top part and a bottom part, wherein a water reservoir is provided in the bottom part, and wherein the top part cannot be removed from the bottom part when the unit is in at least one operating mode. The ventilator may have an air humidifier with at least one water reservoir, and at least one filing device for the water reservoir in the breathing air humidifier, wherein the filing device can be operated with one hand and/or opened with one hand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for treating a variety of breathing disorders experienced by patients. The invention is particularly suited to the treatment of atelectasis, the partial or total collapse of the lung, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that it has applications in treating other disorders as well. Treating patients with breathing disorders traditionally has required the use of multiple types of apparatus in order to provide the multiple types of treatment used. The present invention provides for a treatment apparatus that is enabled to provide multiple types of treatment, depending on the needs of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of delivering combined positive and negative pressure assist ventilation to a patient, wherein a positive pressure is applied to the patient's airways to inflate the patient's lungs, a negative pressure is applied around the patient's ribcage and/or abdomen in order to reduce a load imposed by the ribcage and/or abdomen on the patient's lungs, and application of the positive and negative pressures is synchronized.

Abstract: A multi-chamber mask includes a shell and a partition. The shell is adapted to cover portions of a user's face including the mouth and at least portions of the nose including the nostrils, the shell adapted to contact the face surrounding the covered portions of the face to substantially prevent gas from escaping between the shell and the contacted portions of the user's face, and the shell is adapted to couple to a gas supply source. The partition is coupled to the shell and cooperates with the shell to define a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber adapted to be positioned proximate the user's nose to direct inflow of gas from the gas supply source to the user's nasal passages, the second chamber adapted to be positioned proximate the user's mouth, the partition adapted to restrict flow of gas between the first and the second chamber.

Abstract: A head holder made of radiolucent material is attached near an end of a table to support a head of a patient during a CT scan. The head holder includes a base portion that supports the shoulders and upper back of the patient and a head rest that supports a patient's head. The head holder is moveable relative to the table in a direction that is generally parallel to a length of the table. A position of the head rest is adjustable in a vertical direction relative to the base portion. The radiolucent material of the head holder does not affect the quality of a resulting CT scan.

Abstract: An airway implant device for maintaining and/or creating an opening in air passageways is disclosed. Methods of using the device are also disclosed. The airway implant device includes a deformable element to control the opening of an air passageway and a tether. Preferably the deformable element is an electroactive polymer element. Energizing of the electroactive polymer element provides support for the walls of an air passageway, when the walls collapse, and thus, completely or partially opens the air passageway.

Abstract: An airway implant device for maintaining and/or creating an opening in air passageways is disclosed. Methods of using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An operating staple is provided in which stability during an operation is enhanced by firmly suturing an operating portion and an intraluminal stapeler for operation having the operating staple. The operating staple closely sutures a first suturing tissue and a second suturing tissue contacting the first suturing tissue, and the operating staple includes: a center portion extending in close contact with a surface of the first suturingtissue; a pair of penetrating portions which is bent from both ends of the center portion and penetrates the first suturing tissue and the second suturing tissue; and a pair of leg portions which is bent from the respective penetrating portions, extends linearly, and closely bonds the first suturing tissue and the second suturing tissue to each other. Therefore, by utilizing the operating staple, the suturing tissues can be firmly sutured, thereby enhancing the stability during an operation.

Abstract: Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye.

Abstract: A double-stick adhesive tape (10) for fixing a wig (100) to a head, of which the surface of at least one side (12) of both sides of adhesive layers (12, 13) on a core material (11) is deglossed by forming minute concavity and convexity (12a), one side of adhesive layer (12) is formed to have a thickness to bury at least more than half of a wire diameter of the filament (103) used as a net member of a wig base (101), thereby one side of adhesive layer (12) is set inside of a network (104) of the net member, and bonded to the net member, a filament (103) is peripherally bonded with the adhesive layer (12) and the other adhesive layer (13) is bonded to the head.

Abstract: A metal-toothed comb is provided having elongated identical teeth each with a square cross-section along substantially the entire length, elongated edges of each tooth being slightly rounded, free ends of each of the teeth being slightly rounded, whereby the teeth are successively positioned juxtaposed in a common plane, with elongated edges of each tooth opposing one another, and the distance between the teeth being a constant 0.004 inch along the entire length of the gap therebetween, except for a relatively small portion proximate the distal ends of each tooth, which are tapered down to a rounded tip.

Abstract: A bristle brush for applying a cosmetic product to hair is provided with a sleeve having a longitudinal axis and at least one perforation. The brush is disposed within the sleeve so that brush bristles extend through the perforation for contact with the hair. The perforation is circular, arcuate, rectangular, square, triangular or trapezoidal in shape or at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. When the sleeve has a plurality of perforations, the perforations can be shaped alike or can differ in shape and/or in angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve so that one or more predetermined performance characteristics are obtained when the brush is used to apply the cosmetic product to the hair. A method for adjusting brush performance characteristics is also disclosed.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying a cosmetic, the applicator device comprising an elongate body adapted to be held in the hand, an applicator head, a feed device adapted to feed the applicator head with cosmetic in solid form, and a heater device adapted to heat the applicator head, thereby causing the cosmetic to melt. The feed device comprises a feed duct provided in the body of the applicator device and communicating with passageways that are provided in the applicator head and that open out to the outside, and the heater device is adapted to heat said feed duct at the applicator head.

Abstract: An adding device for dishwashers includes a fillable supply chamber for receiving a tablet-type detergent or rinsing agent. The supply chamber is arranged and configured in such a way that, when the adding device is in an operational position in the dishwasher, the detergent or rinsing agent can escape from the supply chamber into the rinsing area in a non-impeded manner in the direction of gravity. As a result, no substantial detergent residues remain in the supply chamber after the cleaning or rinsing program has come to an end. This results in the addition of cleaner into the dishwasher in an improved, reliable manner.

Abstract: Dish washing machine that includes a steam generator, which supplies steam during a washing operation, to aid in the washing of dishes and other items in the dish washing machine. The dish washing machine further including one or more dish washing racks that effectively orient the dishes, and other items to be washed, in such a way so as to avoid inhibiting the steam from being evenly distributed around each of the dishes and other items to be washed. The dish washing machine also including a steam zone indicator to aid in effectively positioning the dishes and other items to be washed by visually distinguishing the region or zone within the dish washing machine that corresponds with high-intensity steam.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (4) for cleaning a hair-cutting portion (2) of an electric hair-cutting device (1) includes a cleaning-liquid basin (5) for receiving the hair-cutting portion of the electric hair-cutting device in a central area such that the hair-cutting portion is at least partially immersed in the cleaning liquid (13). The electric hair-cutting device is cleaned by generating a cleaning-liquid flow revolving within the basin (5) around the central area of the basin, the hair-cutting portion being at least partially immersed in the cleaning liquid. The liquid flow effectively entrains debris away from the hair-cutting portion.

Abstract: An umbrella with pneumatic activation, specifically a portable, foldable umbrella, for the protection of persons from the rain and sun, and to be employed in fixed installations of one or more umbrellas as well, to protect crops, objects, or surfaces that require controlled protection, outdoor tables, beaches, and patios as principal examples of operation and use with individual or centralized control. When connected together, a group of umbrellas are controlled with a unified command, or through an automated system with temperature and water sensors. An automatic compressor could be provided to activate and deactivate the system, and it also could be activated within a closed circuit with a pressurized air storage chamber.

Abstract: An operating mechanism used in an umbrella is disclosed to include a telescopic shaft, first and second screw nuts fixedly mounted in the telescopic shaft at different elevations, a third screw nut is fixedly mounted in the runner of the umbrella, a first screw rod threaded through the first screw nut, a second screw rod threaded through the second screw nut and axially slidably connected to and rotatable with the first screw rod, a third screw rod threaded through the third screw nut and axially slidably connected to and rotatable with the second screw rod, and a transmission mechanism connected to the first screw rod and operable to rotate the first screw rod.

Abstract: A canopy mechanism comprises a canopy support and a canopy frame. The canopy support comprises a combining part and an engaging part. A terminal of the engaging part connects the combining part, and another terminal of the engaging part extends opposite to the combining part. The engaging part comprises a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. A chamber is formed between the first and second lateral walls, and one terminal of the chamber has a chamber entrance. The second lateral wall has an opening, and a cantilever structure extends from a side of the opening therein. The cantilever structure has a first position-limiting part. The canopy frame has a connection part with a second position-limiting part. The connection part of the canopy frame inserts into the chamber via the chamber entrance to engage the first and second position-limiting parts to fasten the canopy frame and the canopy support.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a cover (11) for an outdoor clothes airer (10) having at least three radially-extending arms (2) supporting an array of clothes lines (7), the cover comprising a sheet (3) of waterproof material which is resistant to ultra-violet rays and dimensioned to extend radially beyond the ends of said radial arms above the clothes lines, arranged to drain outwards, and provided with a central supporting means (16) and a peripheral tensioning means (5) such as a drawstring or plurality thereof for securing the sheet to the airer and a circumferential skirt (6) of an air permeable netting material finished with a weighted hem (9). Access to the laundry contained within the invention is easily achieved by lifting a side or sides of the circumferential skirt and laying it or them on top of the cover sheet, after which the laundry may be laced within the skirt of removed therefrom and the skirt may be let down again.

Abstract: A gassing system includes a gassing device, a pressure regulator in communication with the gassing device and a gas source and a PLC electrically connected to the pressure regulator. In addition, the system includes a removable orifice in communication with the pressure regulator, wherein the pressure regulator controls gas flow responsive to a signal sent from the PLC and wherein gas exiting the pressure regulator flows directly into and through the orifice and directly into the gassing device.

Abstract: Condensation draining system and method for valve stem protectors comprising an actuator and a stem protector assembly structured in combination to provide a drain and an opening for draining condensation from inside the assembly to outside the combination.

Abstract: A fill valve for a toilet tank includes a multi-piece shank assembly. The shank assembly includes a first hollow member coupled with a second hollow member using a snap joint. The first hollow member has a tortuous outer surface, which together with the second hollow member forms a plurality of flow paths. The flow paths are configured to reduce water noise. The first and second hollow members are provided separately, resulting in simplified molding process and improved assembly automation.

Abstract: A valve provided with a passage for conveying a medium, the passage having at least a first closable aperture, and with a closing device that is suitable for closing at least the first aperture. The valve is provided with a holder element that is movably included in a holder element house chamber of the holder element house. The closing device is capable of being supported by the holder element or forms an integrated part of the holder element, and the closing device is controllable by the medium. The holder element is controllable, only by the medium, for releasing at least the first aperture by means of the closing device.

Abstract: A connector for transferring fluid and method therefor. The connector may have a first port, a second port, and a third port which may be coupled together at a main channel with a first valve element therein controlling fluid flow through the first port. The first valve element is supported by a valve element support positioned between the first port and the third port, and the second port joins the main channel to provide a fluid path around the first valve element and through the third port.

Abstract: A valve insert including a ring made of a resilient material. The ring has a shape that is defined by the rotation of an irregular polygon around a central axis. Superposing a quadrilateral and a circle forms the irregular polygon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manipulation button 40 for adjusting the height of a cushion seat for a vehicle that is capable of absorbing the shocks applied to a driver sitting on the cushion seat while the vehicle is being driven on a relatively rough road, and more particularly, to a button for adjusting the height of a cushion seat for a vehicle that is capable of adjusting the height of the cushion seat according to a driver's physical conditions and his desired driving posture, wherein a plurality of pneumatic valves having flow channels formed therein are intensively configured with one another in such a manner as to be operated by means of the seesaw type button 41, thereby effectively performing the ascending and descending motions of the cushion seat in a simple manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic concrete pump with an articulated mast (14) serving as a support for a supply line and with two forward and two backward support extensions (16?,16?,18?,18?) which can be supported on a base platform (32) and which can be lowered from a driving position into a support position, each with a telescopic support leg (30). According to the invention, each support extension comprises one inner support position near to the chassis, and at least one outer support position away from the chassis, which can be freely selected by forming defined support configurations (V,SL,SR,YL,YR,N) for the four support extensions.

Abstract: A pressure control valve includes a sleeve on which an input port, an output port, and drain ports are formed; and a linear solenoid portion for generating thrust. The pressure control valve further includes a first spool, which advances and retreats within the sleeve, for receiving the thrust, regulating input pressure input to the input port, and outputting the regulated output pressure from the output port; and a second spool, which advances and retreats within the sleeve, for receiving the thrust, and selectively applying output pressure to the first spool. The output pressure is selectively applied to the first spool, thereby doing away with the need for a control valve or the like. This simplifies the oil pressure circuit for generating control pressure, and allows control pressure to be generated in a stable manner, and the size of the pressure control valve to be reduced.

Abstract: A faucet including a faucet head, a body and a magnetic coupling releasably coupling the faucet head to the faucet body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature control faucet with an improved structure in the valve technical field. The temperature control faucet addresses the defects existing in the prior art of inconvenient control and narrow range of use. The temperature control faucet of the invention comprises a valve body which has two inflow conduits and an outflow conduit, and a temperature control valve set in the valve body. The temperature control valve is arranged at the convergence of cold water and hot water of the inflow conduits within the cavity of the valve body. The temperature control valve is linked with a turn handle out of the valve body. A flow valve is provided at one end of the outflow conduit of the valve body to control the flow rate. The temperate and the flow rate could be separately controlled by the temperature control faucet with an improved structure of the invention. Therefore, the faucet is conveniently used, and has a small volume and a wide range of use.

Abstract: There is described a microchip inspection system, which makes it possible not only to correct the influence of the viscosity change of the liquid, but also to accurately conduct the liquid conveyance controlling operation. The microchip inspection system includes: a micro pump to inject a driving liquid from a liquid flow path into a microchip; a liquid temperature adjusting section to adjust a liquid temperature of the driving liquid; a driving liquid detecting section to detect presence or absence of the driving liquid at two predetermined positions located in the liquid flow path, so as to output detection signals; a fluid velocity calculating section to calculate a fluid velocity based on the detection signals outputted by the driving liquid detecting section; and a liquid temperature controlling section to control the liquid temperature adjusting section, based on the fluid velocity calculated by the fluid velocity calculating section.

Abstract: An isolating manifold fluidly connected between a hydraulic valve and a hydraulic manifold operates to automatically isolate the valve from the hydraulic manifold as the valve is removed from the manifold, without requiring any particular blocking and bleeding procedures to be implemented on the valve or the manifold prior to the removal process. The isolating manifold includes an adaptor removably mounted onto a base with various pressure, control and tank fluid channels disposed in alignment through the adaptor and base portions to allow fluid to flow through each of the channels between the hydraulic manifold and the valve. During operation, the valve is mounted onto the adaptor while the base is mounted onto the hydraulic manifold.