Abstract: A thin-film solar cell manufacturing apparatus, includes: a film formation space in which a substrate is disposed so that a film formation face of the substrate is substantially parallel to a direction of gravitational force, and in which a desired film is formed on the film formation face by a CVD method; a cathode unit including cathodes to which a voltage is applied, and two or more power feeding points, the cathodes being disposed at both sides of the cathode unit; and an anode distantly disposed so as to face the cathodes that are disposed at both sides of the cathode unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feed dispenser for birds with a wear-resistant pecking area. This feed dispenser comprises a dispensing pan with a raised mid-section, that is surrounded entirely by a base plate. This base plate is built up of a plastic base material and a substantially impenetrable contiguous layer of material that is more wear-resistant than the plastic base material, for example a more wear-resistant plastic or metal. This achieves the advantage that the base plate is protected from perforation by the birds' beaks.

Abstract: Four or more concentric rings are vertically separated from each other by placement along the vertical axis of four support members. The circular construction accommodates hay bales for feeding animals. The openings between the concentric circles are defined by their placement along the vertical axis of the support members. The structure may be comprised of one or more sections that may disassembled for relocation. Alternatively, the system may be of a unitary construction.

Abstract: A bird feeder includes a container having a feeding tray attached to one end, an end cap attached to the other, and a mounting device rigidly mounted to a surface. The bird feeder remains stable, even during adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: A convenient, inexpensive, durable, refillable, specialized dog toy which can be made of various materials and have various aesthetic designs. The toy is a self-contained water source, or reservoir, for use where a messy dog bowl would be inappropriate. As the dog bites down upon the toy, in a particular location; water seeps out through tiny valves. The outside of the toy may be a superficial art form, perhaps including but not limited to, imitation bones, steaks, or burgers. The outside may be composed of rubber, plastic, vinyl, latex, or a cloth, denim or furry exterior. The toy may even be made of wood or substances which are edible to a dog. A fill cap is provided by which water can be added to the reservoir. A carrying cord may be provided on the outside by which the toy can be carried by dog or human without compressing out any of the water.

Abstract: Uses a specific magnetic field for shark deterrent. Over stimulates the electroreceptors in sharks and stingrays.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide for incubating a plurality of eggs at least partially at a primary incubation location and then incubating the plurality of eggs (e.g., a plurality of single sex eggs sorted from the plurality of eggs) at least partially during transport to a secondary location.

Abstract: An improved test apparatus and method for assessing visual learning in mammals is provided. The stimuli presented to the mammal are disposed and arranged on the floor of the test apparatus instead of on the walls.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an animal training device and method of controlling the same. The animal training device includes a transmitter and at least one receiver. The transmitter transmits RF signals according to manipulation of function switches, and has emergency stimulation mode in which an RF control signal is transmitted by adding a predetermined level to a low-frequency stimulation level set for each individual animal, simultaneous stimulation mode in which an RF control signal is transmitted by adding a predetermined level to low-frequency stimulation levels set for animals, and constant stimulation alternation mode in which an RF control signal is transmitted by automatically varying a period of a low-frequency stimulation.

Abstract: A buckstay connecting system includes a socket part that is fixed to the horizontal buckstay being separated from a lower end of the vertical buckstay between the lower end of the vertical buckstay and the horizontal buckstay, and an insertion part that is fixed to a lower portion of the vertical buckstay, is inserted into the socket part so as to be able to slide in a vertical direction, inhibits the horizontal buckstay from being inclined, and is allowed to be fastened to the socket part.

Abstract: The Combustion Management System models each hydrocarbon combustion application and supplies a product gas, comprising a dynamic mixture of nascent hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O), to the internal combustion engine to propagate the formation of hydroxide radicals (OH) and thereby to improve the level of completion of the hydrocarbon combustion reaction. The Combustion Management System provides product gas volumetric requirement information; and takes into account the engine style, primary torque requests, and hydrocarbon fuel consumption information to develop an operating system specific application that produces consistent measurable results.

Abstract: The Combustion Management System models each hydrocarbon combustion application and supplies a product gas, comprising a dynamic mixture of nascent hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O), to the internal combustion engine to propagate the formation of hydroxide radicals (OH) and thereby to improve the level of completion of the hydrocarbon combustion reaction. The Combustion Management System provides product gas volumetric requirement information; and takes into account the engine style, primary torque requests, and hydrocarbon fuel consumption information to develop an operating system specific application that produces consistent measurable results.

Abstract: The Combustion Management System models each hydrocarbon combustion application and supplies a product gas, comprising a dynamic mixture of nascent hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O), to the internal combustion engine to propagate the formation of hydroxide radicals (OH) and thereby to improve the level of completion of the hydrocarbon combustion reaction. The Combustion Management System provides product gas volumetric requirement information; and takes into account the engine style, primary torque requests, and hydrocarbon fuel consumption information to develop an operating system specific application that produces consistent measurable results.

Abstract: The Combustion Management System models each hydrocarbon combustion application and supplies a product gas, comprising a dynamic mixture of nascent hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O), to the internal combustion engine to propagate the formation of hydroxide radicals (OH) and thereby to improve the level of completion of the hydrocarbon combustion reaction. The Combustion Management System provides product gas volumetric requirement information; and takes into account the engine style, primary torque requests, and hydrocarbon fuel consumption information to develop an operating system specific application that produces consistent measurable results.

Abstract: A cooling fan with partial ring members attached to the blade tips. The fan preferably is a one-piece molded fan with a central hub and a plurality of blade members. Partial ring members on the blade tips reduce weight and minimize potential failures caused by knit lines and operations at high rotational speeds.

Abstract: Combustion engine comprising interconnected combustion cylinders (1, 2, 3, 4), comprising at least two sets of each two opposed working combustion cylinders (1, 2, 3, 4), said two cylinders of each set being interconnected by a common piston rod (5, 6), said two piston rods (5, 6) being connected by one balance arm (7), and the exploitable energy is taken from the kinetic energy of said balance arm (7).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has four cylinders, each having a respective piston positioned therein and connected with a crankshaft for movement in the respective cylinder. Each cylinder has a plurality of ports with a plurality of valves openable and closable to control fluid flow into and out of the cylinder through the ports. Combustion occurs in a first two of the four cylinders (power cylinders) that are each interconnected between a second two of the four cylinders (inductor cylinders) via passages connecting ports of the respective cylinders. Opening and closing of the valves is timed to accomplish internal exhaust gas recirculation, i.e., such that fluid directed from the power cylinders to the inductor cylinders via the passages after combustion is redirected via the passages from the inductor cylinders to the power cylinders. A method of internal exhaust gas recirculation for an engine as described above is also provided.

Abstract: A cam bearing cap may include a first bearing cap region, a pump mounting region, an oil inlet, and an oil outlet. The first bearing cap region may extend over and secure a first camshaft to an engine assembly. The pump mounting region may extend from the first bearing cap region and may have a secondary oil pump mounted thereto. The oil inlet may extend through the pump mounting region and may provide communication between the secondary oil pump and an oil supply. The oil outlet may extend through the pump mounting region and may provide communication between the secondary oil pump and a hydraulically actuated engine component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vane-type motor cam phaser with a rotor and a camshaft. Between this rotor and the camshaft, a friction disc is braced axially by means of a central screw. Accordingly, this friction disc transmits a drive torque in a frictionally engaged manner. For pivoting the rotor in two oppositely lying directions of rotation, at least two oil channels (A, B) run through the camshaft and a hub of the rotor. At least the one oil channel (A or B) is sealed hydraulically radially inward by an inner ring part of the friction disc and radially outward by an outer ring part of the friction disc. The inner ring part and the outer ring part are joined to each other by means of a crossarm.

Abstract: A valve lifter control system includes a valve lifter control module and a forced transition determination module. The valve lifter control module determines a desired lift state of a valve lifter based on at least one of engine speed and engine load. The forced transition determination module initiates a forced transition of the valve lifter from the low-lift state to the high-lift state based on manifold vacuum independently of the desired lift state.

Abstract: A cam phaser assembly may include a stator assembly, a rotor assembly, and a lock assembly. The stator assembly may be rotationally driven by an engine crankshaft. The rotor assembly may be engaged with the stator assembly and fixed for rotation with an engine camshaft. The rotor assembly may include a radially extending vane located within a recess of the stator assembly to define advance and retard chambers receiving pressurized fluid to rotationally displace the rotor assembly. The lock assembly may be engaged with the stator assembly and the rotor assembly during first and second operating conditions. The lock assembly may include a lock pin mechanically securing the rotor assembly in a rotationally advanced position relative to the stator assembly during the first operating condition and mechanically securing the rotor assembly in a rotationally retarded position relative to the stator assembly during the second operating condition.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a lash adjuster is provided for minimizing stress on a valve train system in the event of its failure. Specifically, the present invention lash adjuster is for use in a valve train system having a cam for actuating the opening and closing of a valve, where the cam has a select size and shape for determining the velocity or acceleration of the valve's opening and closing. The present invention lash adjuster generally comprises a housing having a base and a plunger positioned within the housing at a select axial clearance from the base. This clearance is generally sized and shaped such that, in the event of lash adjuster failure, a select maximum velocity or acceleration of valve opening and closing is maintained, thereby minimizing stress on the valve train system.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for starting an internal combustion engine for handheld equipment such as chain saws, lawn mowers, lawn trimmers and the like, or for vehicles such as mopeds, boats or miniature aircraft. The starting device features an output element into which a starter torque can be introduced when the starting device is actuated. The output element is functionally connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine in order to introduce a crankshaft torque therein. The functional connection between the output element and the crankshaft introduces variable crankshaft torque into the crankshaft depending on the rotational angle of the crankshaft at a constant starter torque. This advantageously improves force or torque characteristics for largely operating the starter device independently of the compression phase and the expansion phase of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for securing a balancer shaft module to an engine is provided, the method including the steps of passing a mounting feature into at least two mounting apertures of the balancer shaft module; simultaneously rotating two of the mounting features within the mounting aperture, wherein the simultaneous rotation of the two mounting features laterally moves the balancer shaft module with respect to the engine; and securing the balancer shaft module to the engine.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine, for example a diesel engine, including a body delimited laterally by a skirt and configured to collaborate with walls of a cylinder of axis of revolution C in which the piston can slide along the axis C, the piston including a transverse face including a central pip, a peripheral ring, and a bowl of axis of revolution B that extends from the central pip towards the peripheral ring to which it connects at a lip of thickness Ep, the bowl including, in substantial vertical alignment with the lip, a torus in profile, for example of dome-shaped, of maximum radius capable of guiding fuel injected under the lip in the region of a re-entrant zone towards the central pip. The tip of the central pip exhibits a flattened region centred on the axis of revolution B of the bowl, of a width Lt ranging between 0 mm and 5 mm, or substantially equal to 2.5 mm.

Abstract: A method and an engine are disclosed for determining an amount of fuel in the engine oil. Such information can be used to recommend an oil change and to estimate a fraction of biodiesel in the fuel supplied to the engine. According to one embodiment, actual oil volume in the oil pan is based on a signal from a level sensor in the oil and a theoretical oil volume is determined based on initial oil volume and fuel entering the oil in the oil pan, fuel leaving the oil pan due to evaporation, and oil being consumed in the combustion chamber. Based on the difference between the actual and theoretical oil volumes, a proportion of biodiesel can be determined and transmitted to an engine control system.

Abstract: A component unit is provided for a fuel system of an internal combustion engine, in particular for use in an internal combustion engine having direct injection, having at least one injector, which injects fuel, and/or at least one mounting, on which at least one injector, which injects fuel, is fixable, and having at least one fuel line, using which the injector or the mounting is connectable to a fuel distributor. It is provided that the injector or the mounting is connected to the fuel line using a plug connection. Furthermore, at least one positioning aid is provided, which holds the injector or the mounting in a specified location.

Abstract: Provided is a spark-ignition internal combustion engine capable of ensuring engine output power while setting a geometric compression ratio of an engine body to a high value. In the spark-ignition internal combustion engine, each of a clearance between a top surface (3a) of a piston (3) located at a top dead center position and a lower surface (8a) of each of two intake valves (8) in a full-closed state, and a clearance between the top surface (3a) of the piston (3) located at the top dead center position and a lower surface (9a) of each of two exhaust valves (9) in a full-closed state, is set to 5 mm or more, and a stroke length S of the piston (3) is set to satisfy the following relation: S?0.977×B+18.2, where B is a bore diameter of a cylinder.

Abstract: Angle sensor device has magnetic force detectors detecting alternation of magnetic force caused by rotation of a throttle gear. The magnetic force detectors are buried in a molded body of the angle sensor device constructed of foamed resin. The magnetic force detectors each has a sensing unit detecting alteration of magnetic force and a computing unit computing based on signals from the sensing unit and outputting signals depending on the alteration of magnetic force and is formed in L-shape. Two of the magnetic force detectors are placed opposite each other such that one of the sensing units is disposed on the other sensing unit. The molded body has a cavity surrounded by the magnetic force detectors.

Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle includes a variable displacement module that deactivates N of M cylinders of an engine during a fuel management mode. N is an integer and M is an integer greater than 1. A spark control module generates a spark timing signal for the N cylinders based on a pre-dwell time and a fuel management dwell modifier during the fuel management mode. The spark control module reduces dwell time of the N cylinders during the fuel management mode based on the fuel management dwell modifier.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve is disclosed. The pressure relief valve comprises a body, a valve member, and a resilient member. The body includes a guide bore, a seat surface, an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The valve member is received within a portion of the body and includes a guide portion received within the guide bore, a valve seat configured to sealingly engage the seat surface, and an internal passage. The resilient member biases the valve seat into engagement with the seat surface. The valve member is moveable between a first position in which the inlet is fluidly blocked from the first outlet and the second outlet, a second position in which inlet is fluidly coupled to the first outlet but not to the second outlet, and a third position in which the inlet is fluidly coupled to the first outlet and the second outlet.

Abstract: A fuel distributor for supplying fuel to injection valves for internal combustion engines includes a hollow manifold having a plurality of branch bores disposed radially therethrough. A plurality of branch lines are operably connected with a manifold at the branch bores by adapters. The adapters have either a one-piece deep-drawn construction or a one-piece extruded construction, and include a mounting flange that conforms to the outer contour of the manifold and joins the adapter to the exterior of the manifold, and a neck portion that closely receives and securely mounts therein the end portions of the branch lines.

Abstract: A receiving borehole of a cylinder head for the mounting of a fuel injector in the cylinder head has a first shoulder area. The counterpart to the first shoulder area of the receiving borehole is a downstream second shoulder area of the valve housing, which is formed so as to result in a form-fitting contact between the shoulder area of the receiving borehole in the cylinder head and the downstream shoulder area of the valve housing. The shoulder areas define a bearing surface, which constitutes a quadric surface in three-dimensional space.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, a variable compression ratio mechanism (A) able to change a mechanical compression ratio and a variable valve timing mechanism (B) able to change a closing timing of an intake valve (7) are provided. When an amount of intake air supplied to a combustion chamber (5) is small, the closing timing of the intake valve (7) is held at a limit closing timing, and usually, when the amount of intake air supplied to the combustion chamber (5) increases by a certain extent, the action of advancing the closing timing of the intake valve (7) is started. As opposed to this, when the amount of intake air supplied to the combustion chamber (5) is small, if the rapid acceleration operation is performed, the action of advancing the closing timing of the intake valve (7) is started immediately.

Abstract: A method of controlling an engine includes manipulating a wastegate to maintain the operation of the turbocharger within an optimum operating range. A combustion air bypass valve is manipulated between an open position and a closed position to create a negative pressure differential across a supercharger. The supercharger is sequentially disposed in-line before the turbocharger. The negative pressure differential is converted into a torque by the supercharger and transmitted from the supercharger back to the engine to increase the operating efficiency of the engine.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas recirculation valve device, a sealing member 15 supported by a plug 15c is disposed between a portion of a housing 1 on an exhaust gas passage side of a bearing 8, and a valve shaft 7.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for operating an engine system having a sensor coupled to an exhaust gas recirculation system in a motor vehicle. One example method comprises during a first operating condition, directing at least some exhaust gas from an exhaust of the engine through the exhaust gas recirculation system and past the sensor to an intake of the engine and, during a second operating condition, directing at least some fresh air through the exhaust gas recirculation system and past the sensor.

Abstract: An exhaust heat recirculation apparatus is capable of improving fuel mileage by heating lubricant using exhaust heat. The exhaust gas recirculation apparatus has a heat exchanger that is mounted at an exhaust line of an engine for heating coolant using the exhaust gas. The exhaust gas recirculation apparatus may include a main line allowing exhaust gas exhausted from each cylinder of the engine to communicate to a exhaust gas inlet, a bypass line communicated to a downstream side of the main line, a bypass valve mounted inside the bypass line, and a heat exchanger selectively communicated to the bypass line by way of the bypass valve.

Abstract: A valve (10) may be used with an internal combustion engine exhaust breathing system (12) and may include a body (60), a partition (62), and a plate (66). The body (60) may define a first port (70) that has a first interior surface (76), and may also define a second port (82) that has a second interior surface (84). The partition (62) may be located within the body (60), may at least partially separate the first port (70) and the second port (82) from each other, and may define an opening (104). The plate (66) may be dimensioned to seat and seal against the opening (104) and against the first and second interior surfaces (76, 84). The plate (66) may rotate, depending on predetermined factors, between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine defined as having an engine block for internal combustion, a high-pressure turbocharger for delivering pressurized intake air to the engine block, a low-pressure turbocharger for delivering pressurized intake air to the high-pressure turbocharger, a turbogenerator for recovering heat energy from the exhaust gas downstream of the low-pressure turbocharger to generate electricity, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system comprising an EGR-pump drawing exhaust gas from an EGR inlet located between the low-pressure and high-pressure turbocharger turbines, wherein the EGR-pump controllably delivers exhaust gas to an EGR mixer in the pressurized intake air stream at a location between the low-pressure and high-pressure turbocharger compressors. An electronic control unit (ECU) is adapted to command the EGR-pump to deliver a desired EGR flow-rate to the engine block based on look-up tables and either open-loop and/or closed-loop control algorithms.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an engine block for internal combustion, a high-pressure (HP) turbocharger for delivering pressurized intake air to the engine block, a low-pressure (LP) turbocharger for delivering pressurized intake air to the HP turbocharger, a turbogenerator for recovering heat energy from the exhaust gas downstream of the LP turbocharger to generate electricity, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system comprising an EGR-pump drawing exhaust gas from an EGR inlet located downstream of the turbogenerator, wherein the EGR-pump controllably delivers exhaust gas to an EGR mixer in the pressurized intake air stream at a location between the LP turbocharger and HP turbocharger. An electronic control unit (ECU) is adapted to command the EGR-pump to deliver a desired EGR flow-rate to the engine block based on look-up tables and either open-loop and/or closed-loop control algorithms.

Abstract: An air cannon system may include a cannon barrel and a blower that creates forced air flow through the cannon barrel for propelling projectiles out of the cannon barrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for stabilising a launcher, in particular during the firing of camouflage bodies and decoy flares or other systems, in which the vibrations can build up, subjecting them to shocks. According to the invention, a stabiliser (4) is provided on a known dumping system (1), for example a metal cable damper etc., into which a re-adjustable system (10), consisting of a curved rod (11), a pre-loaded device (12), a type of pressure part (13) and a type of pawl part (14) is placed. Pressure can be exerted on the curved rod (11) by the pre-loaded device (12) using said pressure part (13) and pawl part (14).

Abstract: A bow string vibration and noise damper includes an aperture and a body portion. The string vibration and noise damper is configured to be mounted on the bowstring. In this way, a closed loop is created by inserting at least a portion of the body portion through the aperture. The closed loop encircles a portion of the bowstring thereby attaching the string vibration and noise damper to the bowstring.

Abstract: The method relates to the manufacture of a reinforced diamond-coated cable for cutting structures and materials of steel, concrete, steel and concrete, stone materials or the like, in which such diamond-coated cable comprises a plurality of outer strands (101) of metal material such as steel or the like wound in a helix around an inner central strand (201) and a series of sheaths (2) inserted along such outer strands (101) and having on their external profiles (202) projecting members of strongly abrasive materials such as industrial diamonds or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a petroleum stove, more specifically to a recombustion device which prevents imperfect combustion after ignition and before normal combustion and burns combustion gas effectively, thereby enabling favorable heating. The present invention comprises: a stove body (20) in which a fixed core (23) is inserted in a core pipe (22), an oil supply controller (35) which is installed on the other side of a support (10) and connected to the core pipe (22) through a fuel supply pipe (36) supplying fuel from a fuel tank (37), and a recombustion unit (40) which is installed on top of a support cover (29) and includes a heat radiation unit (41) in which a recombustion chamber (42) is installed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding heated water steam via a heat exchanger in a thermal engine and method for using said device.

Abstract: A grill base is pivotally attached at a first end to a folding stand with three pivoting U-shaped supports and a center pivot. Two of the supports rest on the ground on casters or wheels. The third support slides and locks within L-shaped slots below the second end of the grill base held horizontally for cooking. An inserted charcoal tray is used to cook. The supports pivot together and stand vertically on the castors. The grill base pivots down parallel to the supports so that all are vertical for storage and transport.

Abstract: A gas grill base is pivotally attached at a first end to a folding stand with three pivoting U-shaped supports and a center pivot. Two of the supports rest on the ground on casters or wheels. The third support slides and locks within L-shaped slots below the second end of the gas grill base held horizontally for cooking. Alternately built-in gas jets or an inserted charcoal tray are used to cook. The supports pivot together and stand vertically on the castors. The gas grill base pivots down parallel to the supports so that all are vertical for storage and transport.

Abstract: A flameless beverage heating container includes a beverage box having front and back walls connected by first and second side walls. A flameless heater including a flameless heater pad sealed within a plastic bag and a beverage pouch are disposed within the box. A bottom portion of the pouch is disposed within the heater such that when the pouch is filled with water or a beverage the pouch is flush against and in heat transferring contact through the bag with front, bottom, and back sections of the heater pad. A neck of the bag extends upwardly through a filler slot in the back wall with the bag attached to the front wall. This allows the box to be collapsed with the front and back walls being substantially flat or slightly obtuse with respect to the side walls. A fitment on the pouch extends through one of the side walls.