Abstract: A method of controlling knocking in an internal combustion engine equipped with a device for controlling the opening of inlet valves; the control method includes the phases of: determining the occurrence of an excessive knocking in the cylinder of the internal combustion engine; and decreasing the mass of air sucked into the cylinder in which an excessive knocking has occurred by acting on the control device controlling the inlet valves of the cylinder.

Abstract: A method includes substantially reducing specific fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of an engine by adjusting an exhaust flow from a set of predetermined cylinders among a plurality of cylinders of the engine through an exhaust gas recirculation system to an intake manifold, by adjusting a temperature of a cooler of the exhaust gas recirculation system, and by adjusting a fuel injection timing, in response to variance in a plurality of parameters of the engine.

Abstract: A method for closed-loop combustion control within an internal combustion engine, that includes, but is not limited to individual calculation of actual Start of Combustion (SoC) information for all cylinders of said internal combustion engine using information from a combustion sensor applied to the engine, calculation of 50% Mass Fraction Burned (MFB50) and SoC information using cylinder pressure sensor information available from at least one leading cylinder of the engine, using pressure-based MFB50 information from the at least one leading cylinder to control it in closed loop, and using pressure-based SoC information from said at least one leading cylinder as a reference value for comparison with the combustion sensor based value of SoC from the same cylinder in order to calculate the desired SoC for the other cylinders of the engine which are then controlled relative to said at least one leading cylinder.

Abstract: Hydraulic internal combustion engines having at least one combustion piston not mechanically connected to a crankshaft or any other combustion piston, but instead acting on hydraulic plungers through valving that is electronically controlled to control the piston position and velocity, typically through an intake stroke, a compression stroke, a combustion or power stroke and an exhaust stroke. Electronically controlled fuel injection and electronically controlled engine valves provided great flexibility in the operating cycles that may be used, with the engine pumping hydraulic fluid to a high pressure accumulator for use in hydraulic motors or other hydraulic equipment. Embodiments using high pressure air injection to sustain combustion are also disclosed.

Abstract: An engine having axial inline pistons connected to side power output shafts is disclosed. The engine includes a cylinder defining an interior space of the cylinder; a first piston that reciprocates in the interior space of the cylinder wherein the first piston has a first end forming a first piston head; a first piston rod attached to the first piston at a second end of the first piston opposite the first end of the first piston; a second piston that reciprocates in the interior space of the cylinder, wherein the second piston has a first end forming a second piston head; a second piston rod attached to the second piston at a second end of the second piston opposite the first end of the second piston; a first connecting rod connected to the first piston rod and coupled to a first power output shaft; and a second connecting rod connected to the second piston rod and coupled to the first power output shaft.

Abstract: A gas powered internal combustion engine in which the gas is provided from the gas phase of a pressurized liquid gas in an liquified petroleum gas container and in which the liquified petroleum gas container is rigidly mounted adjacent to the internal combustion engine at a preselected angle to be in conductive heat transfer relationship to the internal combustion engine and in vibration receiving relationship to the internal combustion engine whereby the liquified gas in the liquified petroleum gas container is heated and vibrated and the effective surface area thereof is thereby increased. A pressure regulator is provided for receiving the gas from the liquid petroleum gas bottle regulating the pressure of the gas transmitted to the internal combustion engine and at least one flexible hose is connected to the pressure regulator for transmitting the gas therethrough.

Abstract: An inlet air booster system for increasing turbocharger response time by utilizing compressed air from an engine driven compressor. Compressed air used to supply air for air braking system is channeled into an air tank to provide a boost of compressed air into the intake manifold. The inlet air booster system comprises an air booster ring disposed around a manifold inlet supply pipe, an air supply source, and a control valve. Compressed air from the air tank flows along a compressed air supply pipe regulated by a control valve, which in its open position allows air flow to the air booster ring. The air booster ring comprises an air chamber and a plurality of nozzles angled towards the direction of intake gas flow to provide a burst of compressed air into the intake manifold. The angled flow of compressed air enhances the flow of intake air into the intake manifold.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine drivably connected to a variable displacement and variable internal compression ratio supercharger that supplies varying amounts of air to the engine air intake manifold that can range selectively from below through above atmospheric pressures responsive to the power requirements of the engine. The supercharger has a pair of rotors concurrently driven by the engine to move air to the engine. A slide assembly associated with screw rotors is movable with a controller relative to the rotors to bypass air to atmosphere and regulate the amount of air and pressure of the air above atmospheric pressure compressed by the screw rotors to the engine to increase the engine's efficiency. When operating at part-load unboosted, a throttle valve is operable to control the air mass flowing to the air intake manifold below atmospheric pressure to control the power of the engine.

Abstract: A circuit for cooling exhaust gas being recirculated through an EGR system (36) of an engine (10) from an exhaust system (20) successively through first and second heat exchangers (38, 40) to an intake system (16) for entrainment with intake air. Each heat exchanger has a respective coolant inlet through which liquid coolant enters and a respective coolant outlet through which liquid coolant exits after having absorbed heat from recirculated exhaust gas. The circuit has a third heat exchanger (32) to which coolant coming from the outlet of one of the first and second heat exchangers rejects heat, and parallel branches (84, 86) through which coolant enters the inlet of the other of the first and second heat exchangers. One of the parallel branches has a fourth heat exchanger (34) to which coolant flowing through that branch rejects heat, and one or more devices (50, 50A) for controlling the quantity of coolant flowing through each branch.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine which can switch the number of cylinders in operation between the total number of cylinders and some of the cylinders, an EGR rate at a time of a transitional operation can be kept correct at a time of any of a full cylinder operation and a partial cylinder operation. A throttle is operated to an opening degree corresponding to an accelerator operating amount and the number of cylinders in operation so that outputs with respective to the accelerator operating amount become equal at the time of the full cylinder operation and at the time of the partial cylinder operation. When the opening degree of the throttle is changed due to change in the accelerator operating amount, the opening degree of the EGR valve is changed at a relatively high speed at the time of the full cylinder operation, and the opening degree of the EGR valve is changed at a relatively low speed at the time of the partial cylinder operation.

Abstract: A device for removing a fluidic contaminant from lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine includes a fluid absorbing element comprising a mounting element and a fluid absorption media assembled into a sump of a crankcase of the internal combustion engine. The fluid absorbing element is immersed within the oil contained in the sump when the engine is not operating. The fluid absorption media is configured to absorb a fluidic contaminant in the engine oil when the engine is not operating and to desorb the absorbed fluidic contaminant.

Abstract: A device for removing a fluidic contaminant from engine oil in an internal combustion engine includes a fluid absorbing element having a mounting element and a fluid absorption media assembled into a sump of a crankcase of the internal combustion engine. A first portion of the fluid absorption media is immersed within the engine oil contained in the sump when the engine is not operating and a second portion of the fluid absorption media is exposed to ambient air contained in a head space of the crankcase. The fluid absorption media is configured to absorb a fluidic contaminant in the engine oil during a period when the engine is not operating and to desorb the absorbed fluidic contaminant.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an exhaust gas tract with a first and a second exhaust gas catalyst downstream of the first one, a first exhaust gas sensor, which is disposed upstream or in the first catalyst, and a second exhaust gas sensor, which is disposed downstream of the first catalyst and upstream of the second catalyst. During trailing throttle operation, the measurement signal of the second sensor is monitored for a signal characteristic that is typical of a maximum possible saturation state with oxygen that the first catalyst can achieve, upon which a characteristic variable is determined for a saturation state of the second catalyst with oxygen as a function of an engine operating variable. Outside the trailing throttle operation, an enrichment mode is controlled by enriching the air/fuel mixture, specifically as a function of the characteristic variable for the saturation state of the second catalyst with oxygen.

Abstract: A cartridge-based air gun that fires a BB bullet or a resin bullet inside a cartridge using compressed gas, includes an engaging structure of an extractor that enables blowback and the automatic ejection of the cartridge. An extractor, which engages with a rim that is formed at the rear end of a cartridge loaded in a chamber, is pivotally provided on a side portion of a cylinder so as to be rotatable. A claw portion formed at the tip of the extractor engages with the rim of the cartridge by the urging force of a spring provided between the extractor and the cylinder. A slide moves rearward while the cartridge is held inside the chamber. As the cylinder moves rearward with the stopping of the supply of compressed gas from a gas reservoir, the cartridge comes into contact with an ejector, is released from the engagement by the extractor, and is ejected from the chamber.

Abstract: A gatling gun style projectile launcher comprising an assembly of rotating, pressurized-air driven guns. A loader assembly mounted on the gun assembly rotates synchronously through mating of drive gears with the assembly of guns. The loader applies centrifugal force to the paintballs within, urging them into loader tubes positioned in the wall of the loader. Synchronous timing gears align the rotating loader tubes with cognate breech openings in the guns, thereby transferring paintballs into the firing positions from which the paintballs are launched.

Abstract: The device (1) for wire sawing of a piece (10) to be sawed that is mounted on a support table (20) comprises fastening means (15, 26, 40) for fastening said piece (10) to be sawed to a carriage (18) apt to cooperate with a guide rail of said support table (20), said fastening means (15, 26, 40) consisting of a mounting plate (15) apt to be manufactured to which said piece (10) to be sawed is bonded, and of anchoring means (26, 40) for anchoring said mounting plate (15) directly on said carriage (18).

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment and related methods for producing concrete blocks. The equipment and methods described herein utilize splitting assemblies having larger projections and/or smaller projections or peaks disposed on at least one side of a splitting line and which engage the workpiece as it is split into at least two pieces.

Abstract: An oven includes air deflectors arranged about a fan to aid in equalizing flow to two sides of the fan. The oven may also include plenums located on opposite sides of the oven cavity, with air interruption panels located in the plenums.

Abstract: A portable, disposable apparatus for lighting charcoal or other flammable material contained therein. A central compartment generally in the shape of a tube extends from a bottom portion of the apparatus up through the center of the main body of the apparatus. An ignition strip extends within the tube. The apparatus is made of paper or paperboard or other lightweight flammable, yet durable, material. The apparatus is used by lighting the bottom of the ignition strip, which thereby starts a fire within the central compartment. The fire in the tube then ignites the charcoal within the main body of the apparatus. As the charcoal burns, the apparatus eventually burns away, leaving the burning charcoal in a pile.

Abstract: Two main embodiments of a heat shield for a barbecue grill are disclosed herein. Both are designed to reduce the transfer of heat from the heated volume of the cooking chamber to the handle of the barbecue grill. The first embodiment mounts to the exterior of the cooking chamber and is disposed between the cooking chamber and the handle. The first embodiment is contoured to interrupt the convective flow of heated air away from the handle. The second embodiment mounts to the interior of the cooking chamber opposite the handle. The second embodiment rests adjacent the inside surface of the cooking chamber to form a partially or substantially closed volume that serves as an insulating barrier for the handle.

Abstract: A uniquely constructed cigarette lighter designed to minimize damage and death to individuals and damage to property; includes a battery, electrical conduit and heating element that are interconnected by a pressure activated switch. Effectively eliminating open flames, sparks and volatile liquid fuel, characteristics associated with conventional cigarette lighters. Resulting in substantially minimizing death and damage to humans and destruction of property. Additionally, this new device is useful underwater.

Abstract: A low to moderate temperature heat source comprising a high temperature energy source modified to output low to moderate temperatures wherein the high temperature energy source modified to output low to moderate temperatures is positioned between two thin pieces to form a close contact sheath. In one embodiment the high temperature energy source modified to output low to moderate temperatures is a nanolaminate multilayer foil of reactive materials that produces a heating level of less than 200° C.

Abstract: As indicated above, the present invention provides a flameless, portable heating kit. In a typical embodiment, the heat pack contains a liquid activated heating material (e.g., in pack form) and utilizes a recycled heat design. This design includes an opening between a heat chamber and a content chamber where the contents (materials to be heated such as food, or a packet containing food such as a Meal Ready to Eat (MRE)) are placed. The heat materials such as steam, air or liquid are transported through a controlled opening that transfers heat to the heat chamber. The present invention also provides a heat control method that uses a filter or filters that filter by-product materials such as moisture and channels the by-products outside, while keeping the heating liquid material inside of the heat space chamber. Optimal control of the heating (chemical) materials' temperature offers a safe heating experience.

Abstract: In the case of a method for operating a cooking point with a gas burner of a gas hob in which a pan detection is provided for switching off the gas burner when the pan is removed, the pan detection can detect the re-placement of a removed pan onto the cooking point. It then brings about a further operation of the gas burner by igniting the gas burner. When the gas burner is ignited after re-placement of the pan, a power level originally set for the gas burner is only achieved to the full extent with a time delay.

Abstract: Solar energy is concentrated on a target by at least one group of Fresnel light-shifting devices.

Abstract: A multi-access adapter operable to dispense doses of a medicament in succession from a bulk container, such as a vial. A preferred adapter may be used alone, or in combination with various discharge devices. A first preferred combination includes the adapter paired with a needle for injection of the medicament into one or more patients. A second preferred combination includes an atomizing nozzle affixed to the adapter and arranged for discharge of the medicament therethrough. Sometimes the atomizing nozzle carries a nostril guide structure that can be absorbent and may operate as a splash guard.

Abstract: Discharging device, particularly for a pharmaceutical liquid. The invention relates to a discharging device, particularly for a pharmaceutical liquid, adapted to accommodate and actuate a pump-type dispenser (10) in an accommodating region (66). In the delivered state, the accommodating region (66) of the discharging device is sufficiently large to ensure that the pump-type dispenser can be accommodated by the accommodating region (66) when the dispenser has not yet been actuated and does not yet communicate with the outlet passageway (76). The use thereof, more particularly for pharmaceutical liquids prone to oxidation and therefore in need of extensive protection from contact with air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for entraining in an airflow a medicament powder contained in a cavity having a cavity opening. Large airflow vortices are provided, for instance, by means of an obstacle in a flow passage. The airflow with large vortices is arranged to by-pass the cavity opening, thereby generating an eddy in the cavity which contributes to entraining the powder in said airflow. The invention also relates to a medical dispenser, for instance an inhaler, in which said method may be performed.

Abstract: A sealed self-piercing capsule for storing and delivering a substance, such as a medicine, comprises one or more barrier layers forming a sealed chamber for containing the substance. An internal puncturing mechanism is disposed within the capsule chamber for puncturing a barrier layer to release the substance from the chamber. The internal puncturing mechanism may comprise a sharpened edge located on a movable tube, which moves relative to a barrier layer forming the sealed chamber to puncture the barrier layer.

Abstract: A gas flow diverter for increasing the turbulence of an incoming respiratory gas flow through a respiratory gas sensor is provided. The diverter is positioned at a patient or inlet end of a tube section of the sensor in order to divert the respiratory gas flow from the patient generally equally across the cross-sectional area of the tube section. The diverter can be formed integrally as a part of the sensor, or can be releasably attached to the sensor or to an adapter that is releasably connected to the inlet end of the sensor for use in situations in which the volume of the incoming respiratory gas flow from the patient is greatly reduced due to the size of the patient, i.e., when the patient is an infant.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus including a mask body adapted to sealingly cover at least a portion of a face of an individual, a securement member for operatively associating the mask body with the face of the individual, at least one inlet port providing communication of fluids into mask body, and at least one valve providing a uni-directional path for the communication of fluids through the mask body.

Abstract: In a nano filter structure for breathing and a manufacturing method of the nano filter structure, a semiconductor process technology is used for manufacturing a nano filter structure comprising a top gate, a bottom gate, a plurality of sidewall gates and a plurality of supports. The sidewall gates include a plurality of filterable gratings, and the filterable gratings are controlled precisely to a nanoscale by a semiconductor process technology. Therefore, the nano filterable gratings can be manufactured easily and quickly, and the multilayer design of the filterable gratings enhances the aperture ratio of a filter material, such that users can inhale or exhale easily through the filter material.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube for use with a neck plate having an aperture. The tracheostomy tube comprises an elongate outer cannula having a lumen and configured to extend through the aperture; an elongate inner cannula having a lumen and an inflatable cuff, and configured to extend through the lumen of the outer cannula such that the cuff extends beyond a distal end of the outer cannula; and an interlocking mechanism configured to releasably secure a proximal end of the inner cannula to a proximal end of the outer cannula.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a female reproductive system are disclosed. An intrafallopian device, which may be at least partially non-conductive, is delivered to a fallopian tube. A subsequent uterine ablation may be performed. The ablation element may include insulators at portions of the ablation element contactable with a fallopian tube or intrafallopian device.

Abstract: This invention relates to cigarettes and tobacco smoking devices. The invention allows for the smoker to encapsulate a cigarette in a reusable holder that prevents fire and burns. The reusable holder traps hot ashes, is safe to handle and is ergonomic in design. The cigarette holder can be dropped without starting fire or causing burns. The cigarette holder can have outer shell produced of different materials. The cigarette holder can be used in bad weather.

Abstract: A smoking article filter includes a valved flow restrictor and a cavity downstream of the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor includes an orifice or flow channel for directing smoke into the cavity. The filter is attached to the tobacco rod with tipping paper and includes an air-admissible ventilating zone at a location downstream of the restrictor. The valved restrictor can be used to isolate a sorbent bearing component of the filter from a flavor bearing component.

Abstract: A process for producing a coated filter plug for a smoking article including: (a) incorporating an additive to a porous filter plug, thereby obtaining an impregnated filter plug; (b) coating a surface of the impregnated filter plug with a cross-linkable polymer material; and (c) cross-linking the cross-linkable polymer material, to form a cross-linked, breakable coating substantially enclosing the impregnated filter plug. The process may further include at least partially coating the impregnated filter plug with a cross-linking agent prior to, or subsequent to, coating with the cross-linkable polymer material.

Abstract: A package of smokeless tobacco includes a flavor patch located in the package to provide flavor to smokeless tobacco. Also disclosed is a method of packaging smokeless tobacco by combining a package with a flavor patch disposed inside the package, the flavor patch comprising a flavor and an adsorbent, so that the flavor patch resides in an interior of the package; and adding smokeless tobacco to the package with the flavor patch.

Abstract: A smokable composition includes (a) a smokable material; and (b) a supramolecular assembly. The supramolecular assembly comprises a flavorant and at least one selected from the group consisting of O,O?-dibenzoyl-(2R,3R)-tartaric acid, a hydrate thereof or a salt thereof, and ditoluoyl-(2R,3R)-tartaric acid, a hydrate thereof or a salt thereof. In addition, a smoking article comprises a rod of tobacco or tobacco substitute, optionally a filter attached to the rod, and the supramolecular assembly, as menthol-release agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a copolymer that includes a repeat unit containing a flavorant-containing pendant and a salt-containing repeating unit. In addition, a comestible, a smoking composition, a smoking article, a smokeless tobacco composition and a heatable or combustible product are provided which incorporate one or more of the flavorant-containing copolymer.

Abstract: A tobacco-free oral pouch product providing immediate and long lasting flavor release comprises a pouch wrapper and tobacco-free flavor beads contained within the pouch wrapper. The flavor beads comprise at least one of microcrystalline cellulose, pectin and sodium alginate, at least one polymer having a higher solubility in saliva than microcrystalline cellulose, pectin and/or sodium alginate, and at least one flavorant. The pectin and sodium alginate are cross-linked. The tobacco-free flavor beads provide immediate release of the flavorant upon placement of a pouch product in a user's mouth and long lasting release of the flavorant for about 15 minutes to about 80 minutes. The oral pouch product contains only tobacco-free flavor beads.

Abstract: A process for preparing coated particles of a plant material includes: (a) combining plant material particles and a protein in a liquid medium, wherein the protein adsorbs onto at least a portion of a surface of the particles to form a first layer; and (b) mixing a polysaccharide including a pectin with the liquid medium, so that the polysaccharide adsorbs onto at least a portion of a surface of the first layer to form a second layer. In addition, a palatable product comprising at least one coated particle prepared by this process is described.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a reconstituted tobacco material is provided which includes: preparing a heated mixture of water and sugar; providing a liquid flavorant such as menthol; mixing tobacco particles, water and a gum binder with the mixture of water and sugar and with the flavorant to form a reconstituted tobacco mixture; and forming the reconstituted tobacco mixture, such as by casting or extruding the reconstituted tobacco mixture, into a reconstituted tobacco material. Exemplary menthol reconstituted tobacco products provided herein enable high levels of menthol to be retained in a tobacco product.

Abstract: A process for treating a tobacco material comprising: (a) extracting a tobacco material with a solvent to produce a tobacco extract and a tobacco residue; (b) contacting the tobacco extract with an antioxidant; and (c) contacting the mixture of (b) with an antioxidant scavenger, to produce a treated tobacco extract. The treated tobacco extract is reapplied to the tobacco residue to form a treated tobacco material. In addition, a smoking composition, a smoking article and a smokeless tobacco oral delivery product contain the treated tobacco material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing one or more heavy metals from an aqueous plant extract, comprising: contacting the aqueous plant extract with, and sorbing at least a portion of the one or more heavy metals on, at least one sorbent selected from the group consisting of: one or more surface activated titanium oxide particles, one or more chitosans, one or more calcium phosphates, one or more mercaptoalkyl-substituted silica gels, one or more mercaptoalkyl-substituted mesoporous molecular sieves, one or more finely ground ?-aluminas, one or more photocatalytic titanium dioxide particles, one or more Au-anatases, ceria, and combinations thereof, to form a mixture of sorbent and heavy metal-depleted aqueous plant extract; and separating the sorbent from the mixture to provide a heavy metal-depleted aqueous plant extract.

Abstract: A pocket sized dispenser houses in coiled form a flexible strip of portions of smokeless tobacco sized for placement between a consumer's cheek and gum, where the flexible strip includes a base tape removably attached to the plurality of portions, and wherein the dispenser and strip are adapted to allow a consumer to separate individual portions from the base tape. The individual portions comprise either a collection of tobacco particles at least partially enclosed by a coating comprising a water-soluble non-crosslinked component and a substantially water-insoluble cross-linked component; or pouches attached to the base tape with a food-grade adhesive, the pouches comprising smokeless tobacco enclosed in a water-permeable wrapper with at least one lap-sealed edge. Methods of preparing such are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for making a cigarette filter assembly for potentially reducing particle breakthrough. The method includes forming a lofty porous network of charge retaining polymer fibers by mechanical, chemical or thermal bonding of the fibers, wrapping the lofty porous network in a cylindrical or tubular shape with optional mediating filter fibers in a filter paper to form a filter plug while maintaining the lofty structure. The charge retaining fibers can be charged to attract and hold particles from such sources as particulate matter from sorbents (preventing break-through), and smoke constituents while having a suitable pressure drop. The apparatus handles the lofty media with minimal crushing, for example, by spacing apart delivery rolls equipped with protrusions to punch, push, and/or pull the lofty media ahead for high speed operation.

Abstract: A smoking article having a tobacco rod adapted to produce mainstream smoke, and a filter having an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, and wherein the filter is arranged to receive mainstream smoke at the upstream end portion. The filter includes a first filter segment of low particulate efficiency at the upstream end portion; a channeled flow segment adjacent to the first filter segment, the channeled flow segment including a flow channel establishing a substantial portion of a predetermined resistance to draw of the smoking article; a mouthpiece filter segment of low particulate efficiency at the downstream end portion; and a tubular body segment at least partially defining a portion of a cavity between the mouthpiece filter and the channeled flow segment. Tipping paper attaches the filter with the tobacco rod and includes an air-admissible ventilation zone at a location along the tubular body segment.

Abstract: A moist smokeless tobacco product for oral use comprises a pre-portioned piece of tobacco material semi-dissolvable, a super-hydrated membrane coating comprising a soluble, non-cross-linked component and an insoluble, cross-linked component, and a texture component. The tobacco material comprises moist smokeless tobacco. The texture component reduces the slipperiness and/or increases the friction of the moist smokeless tobacco product when placed in a user's mouth.

Abstract: A salon finishing board used for finishing fingernails. The salon finishing board is constructed by securing a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material to one or both sides of a salon finishing board. The non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material allows the salon finishing board to smooth the nail, prepare the nail surface for a coating, and finish the cuticle around the nail.