Abstract: An indoor fish tank has a plurality of walls and bottoms interconnected to define distinct fish holding, sedimentation and bioreactor sections. Water flows out of the bioreactor section into the top of the fish holding section, and then from the bottom of the fish holding section into the sedimentation section. A frame structure with braces connected with the tank walls and bottoms supports the tank on a ground support, with at least the bottom of the fish holding section raised above the ground surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum device for an aquarium comprising a tube having a pump contained therein. The pump utilizes a ring-shaped rotor with interior vanes for impelling water through the, device.

Abstract: A covering for an animal crate is described. In accordance with one implementation, a covering is configured to prevent an amount of an animal's hair, dirt, or mess created by the animal from escaping through at least one aperture located on a lower portion of a wall of a crate. The covering comprises a panel operably attached to the lower portion of the wall of the crate. The panel is of a length and height sufficient to prevent an amount of the animal's hair, dirt, or mess created by the animal from escaping through the at least one aperture located on the lower portion of the wall of the crate.

Abstract: A safe circular horse pen which is easily assembled and disassembled. The pen is constructed of multiple panels arranged end-to-end. Each panel includes a vertical pole with an L-shaped leg and six horizontal bars secured to the vertical pole at vertically spaced apart intervals. The unattached ends of the poles are hollow and each unattached end couples to the next adjacent panel by receiving a loop extending from the side of the pole of the next adjacent panel such that a bolt may be passed through a vertical opening in the unattached end to lock each horizontal arm to the pole of the next adjacent panel. The individual panels may be nested in pairs for storage and shipping.

Abstract: The number of piglets dying at birth is reduced by providing a temperature sensor in a farrowing crate at the piglet area thereof on a movable cover so that, when the sow is expected to give birth, the sensor is located in the crate at a location to detect the presence of one or more piglets after birth. On detection by a control unit using the sensor signal of the one or more piglets, the sensor communicates a signal to a pager carried by an operator indicating to the operator that birth of piglets is in progress and activates a heating lamp for the piglets in the pen to attract them away from the area of the sow to reduce crushing. The control unit and the sensor also control the heat output. The cover can slide along the piglet area and can lift to expose the piglet area.

Abstract: A method for a cattle foot-bath system, specifically adapted to mix and charge foot-bath troughs with repeatably precise quantities of chemical treatments. The system administers a concentrated medicinal agent, such as a bactericide, a fungicide, or a viruscide, for the treatment of cattle feet, and includes a day-tank feed valve, which may be a three-way or interlocked valve, for controlling an infeed flow of the concentrated medicinal agent fed into a day tank, which may be mounted to a portable tote-tank containing the concentrated medicinal agent. A day-tank drain valve controls an outlet flow of the concentrated medicinal agent drained from the day-tank, and the day-tank holds a set quantity of the concentrated medicinal agent. A footbath then receives a quantity of dilution water and the set quantity of the concentrated medicinal agent from the day-tank.

Abstract: Provided is a pet dental chew. The pet dental chew includes a body made of material ingestible for a pet and having a predetermined size insertable to a pet's mouth, a plurality of upper core units formed on one side of the body, a plurality of lower core units formed on the other side of the body and arranged in a pattern oblique to the plurality of the upper core units, and a plurality of air holes formed in the body between the one side and the other side.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for controlling animal activity with an adhesive sheet. In one embodiment, the sheet includes strips uniformly spaced apart on a transfer layer including a bisected protection layer. In another embodiment, the sheet is flat and generally rectangular. In another embodiment, the sheet is rolled. In yet another embodiment, the sheet is deployed from a dispenser. In one embodiment of the method, the sheet is deployed by locating an area of activity to be controlled, removing the control sheet from the transfer sheet, placing the control sheet on an the area of activity to be controlled and then systematically and sequentially removing the first protection sheet and the second protection sheet. In another embodiment, the area to be controlled includes a surface discontinuity requiring placement of the control sheet along the discontinuity.

Abstract: A restraint is described that may be constructed as a harness. A generally tube-shaped sleeve having a main portion has at least one hole formed therein. At least one flap extends from a first side of the main portion and attaches to a second side of the main portion. The at least one flap completes a hole that receives a leg of a wearer of the restraint. A pair of drawstrings is provided wherein each drawstring is attached to a different side of the main portion. Each drawstring can be configured to be coupled together, typically using a latching mechanism. The drawstrings adjust the fit of the restraint to the girth of the wearer of the restraint. A loop on the main portion of the harness permits fastening of a leash to the restraint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power plant (10) having a piston engine (30) driving a conventional gearbox (20) dimensioned for a turbine engine, said piston engine (30) comprising a first row (31) of pistons (33) presenting an angle (?) relative to a second row (32) of pistons (33). The power plant includes a flywheel (50) and a torsion shaft (40) set into motion by said pistons (33), said torsion shaft (40) being arranged between the first and second rows (31, 32) of pistons.

Abstract: A portable, on-demand hydrogen generation system is provided for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines, more particularly to vehicles. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen and oxygen is passed back thru the supply tank for distribution and water preservation. The gases are kept separate by a divider in the tank and the water level in the tank. In the case of gasoline engines, the hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is optionally powered by the vehicle battery, a stand alone battery, waste heat of the internal combustion engine or solar energy. The system utilizes a vacuum switch or other engine sensor that permits power to the device and therefore hydrogen production only when the engine is in operation.

Abstract: A method for producing a biogas is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a polyculture of aquatic plants to a growth system; continuously providing water, carbon dioxide, air and nutrients to the polyculture contained within the growth system; growing the polyculture for a time sufficient to produce an aquatic plant-based biomass; withdrawing a portion of the aquatic plant-based biomass contained within the growth system; and treating the withdrawn aquatic plant-based biomass to produce a biogas.

Abstract: A fuel pump temperature is regulated by selectively directing liquid fuel to an expansion section to evaporate the liquid fuel and create a drop in temperature to thermally cool the fuel pump.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic valve controller for variable actuation of a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine. The electrohydraulic valve controller has a first hydraulic valve and, for the purpose of providing an emergency running capability, a second hydraulic valve.

Abstract: An energization control circuit compares a target rotation direction of a motor and an actual rotation direction of a motor detected based on rotation detection sensors. If the compared rotation directions are in disagreement, the energization control circuit switches over an inverter control mode from 120-degree energization to 180-degree energization to extend an on-period of a high-side switching element of an inverter circuit to an advance phase side. Thus, the high-side switching element is turned on, when a low-side switching element of the same phase is in a turned-off state. A free-wheeling current is allowed to flow through the high-side switching element rather than through a free-wheeling diode of the high-side switching element.

Abstract: A system for actuating an engine valve is disclosed. The system may include a rocker shaft having a hydraulic fluid supply circuit extending through the rocker shaft to a port on the outer surface of the rocker shaft and a solenoid valve adapted to selectively supply hydraulic fluid to the rocker shaft hydraulic fluid supply circuit. The rocker shaft may be supported by one or more rocker shaft pedestals. A lost motion housing may be incorporated into a rocker shaft pedestal and disposed about the rocker shaft. The lost motion housing may have an actuator piston assembly and a control valve assembly connected by an internal hydraulic circuit. The lost motion housing may be secured in a fixed position relative to the rocker shaft. External hydraulic fluid tubing may be provided between the solenoid valve and the control valve in the form of jumper tubes extending between adjacent rocker shafts or in the form of external hydraulic fluid tubes extending from control valve to control valve.

Abstract: Methods and system for enhancing the fuel economy of a diesel engine is disclosed. The system is useable in a four stroke diesel engine to allow a first injection step to be performed whereby fuel is injected into the cylinders of a diesel engine to initiate combustion of the fuel within the cylinder. A second injection step then occurs, whereby an additive is injected into the cylinder, during the cycle but at a time different than the first injection step wherein the additive reaches the cylinder wall. The additive, which reaches the cylinder wall, provides friction modification and fuel economy benefits for a diesel engine.

Abstract: Described is an HF ignition device for igniting a fuel in an internal combustion engine, comprising a ceramic insulator which carries an ignition electrode and encloses an inner conductor leading to the ignition electrode, and an outer conductor which encloses the insulator and, together with a section of the inner conductor, forms a capacitor which is part of a circuit for the HF excitation of the ignition electrode. According to the invention, the insulator is part of a ceramic body which comprises an inner region which is composed of an electrically conductive ceramic and is enclosed by the insulator, and an outer region which is composed of an electrically conductive ceramic and encloses the insulator.

Abstract: Thermoplastic molding compositions comprising A) from 10 to 98.7% by weight of at least one thermoplastic polyamide having a viscosity number (VN) to ISO 307 of at least 150 ml/g, B) from 1 ppm to 0.95% by weight of at least one polyethyleneimine homo- or copolymer, C) from 0.05 to 3% by weight of a lubricant, D) from 0.05 to 3% by weight of a copper-containing stabilizer, E) from 1 to 50% by weight of a fibrous or particulate filler, or mixtures thereof, F) from 0.1 to 5% by weight of a nigrosine, G) from 0 to 30% by weight of further additives, the sum of components A) to G) adding up to 100%.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle may include a cylinder head having an open cylinder head interior on a cylinder head side. A cylinder head cover may be disposed on the cylinder head for covering the cylinder head interior at the open cylinder head side. An internal wiring may be disposed in the cylinder head interior for supplying electrical energy to electrical components. The internal wiring may have at least one electrical internal interface disposed on the cylinder head in the cylinder head interior. At least one connecting bridge may have an inner connecting interface configured in a complementary manner to the internal interface, and an outer connecting interface connected electrically therewith. The external wiring may be disposed outside the cylinder head interior.

Abstract: A fuel system includes a plurality of fuel injectors each defining a nozzle supply passage, a nozzle outlet and a low pressure space. The fuel system includes a plurality of mechanically actuated pressure intensifiers each including a tappet and being positioned partially within one of the fuel injectors, and a common rail fluidly connecting with each of the fuel injectors. Each of the fuel injectors further includes an injection pressure control mechanism having an injection pressure control valve. Each injection pressure control valve blocks the corresponding pressure intensifier from the common rail and fluidly connects the pressure intensifier with the low pressure space at a first position, and fluidly connects the pressure intensifier with the common rail and blocks the pressure intensifier from the low pressure space at a second position.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle that includes an engine includes an engine-stop module and a fuel control module. The engine-stop module determines whether to stop the engine based on at least one of input from a driver of the vehicle and vehicle operating parameters. The fuel control module stops the engine and controls a rate of engine speed decay by disabling fueling to cylinders of the engine according to a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A throttle control device includes a throttle body having at least three air-intake passages aligned in line as being opened and closed respectively by a throttle valve, plural motors including a first motor which commonly operates the throttle valves placed at bilateral end sides among the throttle valves aligned in line and a second motor which operates a throttle valve placed at the inner side between the throttle valves at the bilateral end sides, and a transmitting portion which transmits operational force of the first motor to a first throttle shaft fixed to one throttle valve of the throttle valves at the bilateral end sides and to a second throttle shaft fixed to the other throttle valve thereof so as to rotate the first throttle shaft and the second throttle shaft in synchronization with each other.

Abstract: An engine control system for an auto-stop/start vehicle, comprising: an actuator control module, a correction determination module, and a spark adjustment module. The actuator control module determines a target spark timing for a first time that is between a second time when engine cranking begins and a third time when a measured engine speed becomes greater than a predetermined engine speed after the second time. The correction determination module determines a spark timing correction for the first time based on a target engine speed and a measured engine speed. The spark adjustment module sets a spark timing for the first time based on the target spark timing and the spark timing correction.

Abstract: A reciprocating engine and a method for regulating a reciprocating engine, in which a combustion chamber temperature ?-BRT in one or more cylinders is made available, wherein the combustion chamber temperature ?-BRT in the respective cylinder is measured, and the ignition point is individually regulated in one or more cylinders in such a way that an upward or downward deviation of the combustion chamber temperature ?-BRT from a predefined desired value S is minimal.

Abstract: A control system for an auto-stop/start vehicle includes a transmission load module, a target engine speed module, and an actuator control module. The transmission load module determines a load imposed on an engine through a transmission. The target engine speed module selectively determines a target engine speed during an engine startup event based on the load. The actuator control module controls at least one engine actuator based on the target engine speed during the engine startup event.

Abstract: The present invention provides an engine system control device to be applied to an engine system provided with an engine having a variable compression ratio mechanism capable of changing a compression ratio. In the case where generation of failure in a compression ratio control system is detected, determination of a state of a member placed in an intake and exhaust system of the engine is inhibited.

Abstract: A spark ignition type internal combustion engine of the present invention comprises a variable closing timing mechanism able to change a closing timing of an intake valve after intake bottom dead center and an EGR mechanism making a part of the exhaust gas flow again into a combustion chamber as EGR gas. The EGR mechanism is controlled so that the amount of EGR gas is reduced when the closing timing of the intake valve is at a retarded side, compared with when it is at an advanced side. Due to this, occurrence of variation among cylinders in the air-fuel ratio and intake resistance along with blowback of intake gas can be suppressed.

Abstract: A pump for a combustion engine is disclosed. The pump may have at least one pumping member movable through a plurality of displacement strokes during a single engine cycle. The pump may also have a controller in communication with the pumping member. The controller may be configured to selectively reduce an amount of fluid displaced during at least one, but less than all of the plurality of displacement strokes. The reduction may be initiated in response to a demand for the displaced fluid.

Abstract: A device for housing a pump in a tank is described. Such a device includes a gastight container where the pump is accommodated, fitted within the tank and accessible from the outside of the tank. The gastight container received LPG from the tank and the pump is fed with the LPG present in the container. Should the LPG pump break, it is sufficient to drain the gastight container that accommodates the pump removing the small amount of LPG present in it, loosening the lid of the gastight container and removing the faulty pump, with no need to drain the entire tank of the LPG contained in it.

Abstract: A gas supply module is described for supplying a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine with gas, in particular with air, including a gas supply element for supplying gas to the combustion chamber and a closure element which is situated in the gas supply element on the outlet side, the gas supply element being closable in a gas-tight manner on its outlet side with the aid of closure element.

Abstract: An apparatus for reforming air in an internal combustion engine comprising: power-generated means for generating electrical currents that oscillates at radio frequency and conducting medium being in communication thereof, said means for generating electrical currents that oscillates at radio frequency includes radio frequency generating unit being in communication with a voltage multiplier, said means for generating electrical current that oscillates at radio frequency being arranged such that it is confined in a low temperature surrounding than the outside temperature, and said conductive medium having an air reforming zone with a plurality of conductive elements disposed thereof, said conductive elements being arranged in a manner wherein they are capable of introducing substantial electromagnetic radiation to the air within the air reforming zone to facilitate production of nitrous oxide for introduction to the air/fuel mixture of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Various systems and method for heating an engine in a vehicle during a cold start are described. In one example, thermal efficiency of the engine is improved by heating engine coolant via a high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (HP-EGR) system. For example, after light-off of an exhaust catalyst, exhaust gas is routed through the HP-EGR system which includes a HP-EGR cooler. Heat from the exhaust gas is then used to warm the engine coolant via the HP-EGR cooler.

Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a feedback determination module, a feed-forward determination module, and a valve control module. The feedback determination module generates an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) feedback value based on engine speed and a difference between desired and measured combustion phasing. The feed-forward determination module generates an EGR feed-forward value based on a difference between desired and measured mass air flow (MAF) rates. The valve control module controls an EGR valve based on the EGR feedback and feed-forward values, an intake manifold absolute pressure (MAP), an engine speed, and an exhaust back pressure (EBP).

Abstract: A separator device for a system for recirculation of the blow-by gases of an internal combustion engine includes a casing containing a separation chamber and having an inlet for communication with the engine crankcase and an outlet for communication with the engine intake manifold, and drainage outlets ending in the engine crankcase, for returning the liquid separated in the separation chamber into the engine crankcase. Actuator means sensitive to pressure in the engine crankcase are associated to the inlet and to the drainage outlets so that when the pressure in the engine crankcase is higher than the pressure in the separator device, the inlet is open and the drainage outlets are closed, while when the pressure in the engine crankcase is lower than the pressure in the separator device, the inlet is closed and the drainage outlets are open.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a paintball loader having a diverter member supported within a housing of the loader. The diverter member can limit the number of paintballs which enter an outlet passageway leading to a marker inlet. In some embodiments, diverter member can have projections and channels formed in a bottom surface thereof to control the number of paintballs that can simultaneously enter the entrance to the outlet passageway.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus including a tank for pneumatic gun comprising a fluid outlet, including an adapter that includes a first end attached to the tank, a second end comprising a fitting, wherein the fitting is capable of receiving a fluid hose, wherein the fluid hose is connected to a source of compressed fluid. The apparatus allows the gun to be fired from the source of compressed fluid. Other embodiments include a method of connecting the apparatus to a pneumatic gun, attaching the fluid hose to the fitting, and firing the gun.

Abstract: A warm air furnace prevents household articles from freezing in the case where combustion is discontinued due to lack of gas during combustion operation when a house is emptied. The warm air furnace is equipped with a retry operation controller 33 which carries out ignition action of a combustor 5, in the case where a predetermined period of time lapsed from the time it is determined that combustion at the combustor 5 is discontinued during combustion operation by a combustion operation controller which controls operation of the combustor, determines whether or not combustion at the combustor 5 is started, and repeats the ignition action for igniting the combustor 5 until it is determined that combustion at the combustor 5 is started, in the case where a predetermined time lapsed from the time it is determined that the combustion at the combustor 5 is not started.

Abstract: A dual fuel vent free gas heater having at least one gas burner with a plurality of gas outlet ports in an upper surface thereof. The gas outlet ports are in flow communication with at least one pilot flame burner. An adjustable fuel injector or at least two fuel injectors feed fuel to the burner providing for introduction of more than one fuel to the burner. Optionally, an oxygen detection system, manual fuel selection control valve, and/or temperature shut off control system may be incorporated into the dual fuel vent free heater.

Abstract: Provided herein are a door choke and a cooking apparatus including the same. The cooking apparatus includes a front plate forming the front surface of a cavity, a door to open and close the cavity, and a door choke including a first attachment member attached to the door and including at least two bent parts and a second attachment member attached to the door and including at least two bent parts so as to be separated from the first attachment member to form a space, and a bending direction of the first attachment member and a bending direction of the second attachment member are opposite to each other. Thereby, effective electromagnetic interference shielding is achieved.

Abstract: A gas burner includes a burner body and a simmer plate assembly. The burner body includes a central cavity in which at least one flame is provided. The simmer plate assembly includes a plate portion and a base portion configured to support the plate portion. The assembly is configured to be at least partially and removably inserted into the central cavity. The plate portion is configured to act as a barrier between the at least one flame and a heated object placed above the gas burner.

Abstract: A semi-rigid, portable, warming device contains chemical reactants that produce heat when mixed. The warming device includes at least two chambers, which contain the chemical reactants separately, until a force is applied to cause the reactants to mix.

Abstract: A column oven that may enable a heat block to provide the best temperature distribution, and increase temperature evenness of a column is provided. In a column oven 400 that heats or cools a heat block 10 contacting a column 40 and adjusts temperature of the column 40 through heat transmission from the heat block 10, a plurality of temperature adjustment bodies 21 and 22 is separately disposed along the longitudinal direction of the heat block 10, and heats or cools the heat block 10, a plurality of temperature sensors 31 and 32 measuring the temperatures of the heat block 10 adjacent to the temperature adjustment bodies 21 and 22 is also disposed, and the corresponding temperature adjustment bodies 21 and 22 are controlled independently according to the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 31 and 32.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar ventilator and a ventilating system with the solar ventilator, wherein the solar ventilator comprises: a solar panel, a shell pedestal, a horizontal-shaft fan, a controller, an energy storage unit; as the cover plate of the horizontal-shaft fan is set onto the grid plate of the shell pedestal, and the horizontal-shaft fan is aligned with the shell pedestal's air intake and air outlet, meanwhile the controller and the energy storage unit are accommodated into the shell pedestal, so the solar panel can be incorporated onto the top surface of the shell pedestal to form a solar ventilator. The solar ventilator can also be applied to the external surface or interlayer of the roof of the building to form a ventilating system as a novel utility model with better applicability.

Abstract: An evacuated solar thermal conductive device including a conductive heat receiving element having a heat receiving surface and a heat sink portion disposed away from the heat receiving surface. A heat resistant enclosure that includes a top encasing that is at least partially transparent, and a bottom encasing that is joined to the top encasing to create an airtight seal. The bottom encasing having a cavity for receiving at least part of the heat receiving element such that at least part of the heat sink portion is in direct contact with the bottom encasing. A vacuum is provided in a space within the enclosure between at least a part of the heat receiving surface and the top encasing. Solar energy is transmitted to the heat receiving surface through the transparent top encasing and is transferred through the heat receiving element to the heat sink portion.

Abstract: A solar absorber module is described. The module has a housing with a longitudinal axis with a first tapered housing section with a first, free end, and a second end with a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the first end, and with a second housing section adjoining the second end of the first housing section with a substantially constant cross-section over its length. The module also has a ceramic solar absorber element accommodated in the first end of the first housing section with a first surface that can be oriented toward the solar radiation with an axis of symmetry, and a second surface lying across from the first surface, wherein the solar absorber element has a large number of substantially straight channels connecting the first surface to the second surface. The solar absorber module is accommodated in the first end of the first housing section such that the axis of symmetry of the first surface is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: The curvilinear heater disclosed contemplates an air based solar radiant heating system that utilizes a heat collector having a cover creating an area within which an absorber plate allows for the transformation of solar energy into heat energy. The absorber plate is constructed to maximize surface area by utilizing a curvilinear design.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting pentose from a slurry of cellulosic material comprising cellulose, water, and optionally acid in a two-stage process.

Abstract: A nebulizer is proposed which comprises an insertable container and a counter device for counting operations of the nebulizer. The nebulizer can be opened for replacing the container. The counter devices blocks opening of the nebulizer until a predetermined number for operations has been reached.

Abstract: A respiratory device comprising a housing enclosing a chamber and an orientation indicator moveable with respect to the housing between a first position indicative of an orientation of the housing predetermined to be suitable for operation of the respiratory device, and a second position indicative of an orientation of the respiratory device predetermined to be less suitable for operation of the respiratory device. The orientation indicator is positioned in a location on the respiratory device visible to a user during the operation of the respiratory device.