Abstract: A piston 2 includes a piston upper body 8 made up of a crown portion 3 for receiving combustion pressure and a land portion 7 having piston ring grooves 4, 5, and 6, as well as a skirt portion 9 formed on the lower side of the piston upper body 8, and a pin boss portion 11 for supporting a piston pin 10. The land portion 7 also includes an outer peripheral surface 16 of the aforementioned piston upper body 8. The land portion 7 is referred to as the outer peripheral surface 16 of the piston upper body 8. In the piston 2, reference numeral 12 denotes a thrust side, and reference numeral 13 denotes an anti-thrust side. The piston 2 is formed such that the piston upper body 8 is off-centered toward the anti-thrust side 13 with respect to a center line 14 of the piston 2.

Abstract: An oil level management system for a vehicle has an oil pan configured to contain oil and to be mountable to an engine block with a baffle extending transverse to the axis of rotation of the engine crankshaft when the oil pan is so mounted. The baffle is configured to partially define a first oil reservoir and a second oil reservoir, as well as an oil flow opening such that the oil reservoirs are in fluid communication with one another and are characterized by respective first and second oil levels within the pan. The second reservoir drains to the first reservoir when the engine is running and when the engine block and crankshaft are positioned on the vehicle with the axis of rotation tilted from horizontal. The first oil level is lower than the second oil level to avoid oil contact with the crankshaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an internal combustion engine having an engine housing with at least one cylinder that has diameter less than about 3 inches. A fuel injector is provided and disposed at least partially within the at least one cylinder, and includes a plurality of outlet orifices having a diameter between about 50 microns and about 125 microns, or about 0.05 millimeters and about 0.125 millimeters. The injector may include more than one set of separately controllable fuel outlet orifices, at least one of which could have an average diameter between about 0.05 millimeters and about 0.125 millimeters. The disclosure further provides a method of operating an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Generally, a multiple electrode spark gap fuel injector and methods of utilizing a multiple electrode spark gap fuel injector for internal combustion engines. Specifically, at least one pair of electrodes having a corresponding pair of electrode ends radially located and axially located in relation to an amount of dispersed fuel to increase efficiency of fuel combustion.

Abstract: An intake control device for an internal combustion engine includes an intake air induction duct, a housing, a valve, and a gasket. The housing is received in a receiving chamber of the intake air induction duct. The valve is received in the housing for opening and closing an intake passage defined in the housing. The gasket is mounted on one of (a) a position between the intake air induction duct and the attachment surface, and (b) a position between the housing and a wall surface of the receiving chamber. The housing opposes the attachment surface and is spaced from the attachment surface by a predetermined clearance. The gasket has an elastic deformation portion that is positioned between the housing and the attachment surface.

Abstract: Systems, methods and a processor are provided for adjusting the spark timing of an internal combustion engine. The systems, methods and processor include adjusting the spark timing of an internal combustion engine configured to power a vehicle toward peak torque timing based on an output of a longitudinal acceleration sensor configured to sense a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: Fuel management system for efficient operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder of the engine. A fuel management microprocessor system controls injection of the anti-knock agent so as to control knock and minimize that amount of the anti-knock agent that is used in a drive cycle. It is preferred that the anti-knock agent is ethanol. The use of ethanol can be further minimized by injection in a non-uniform manner within a cylinder. The ethanol injection suppresses knock so that higher compression ratio and/or engine downsizing from increased turbocharging or supercharging can be used to increase the efficiency of the engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injector for injecting fuel into combustion chambers of internal combustion engines, in particular a common rail injector. The injector has a high-pressure region and a valve element which is axially adjustable between a closed position and an open position in which the flow of fuel is enabled. According to the invention, it is provided that the valve element includes a first partial element and at least one separate second partial element, which partial elements are hydraulically coupled to one another by a coupler chamber. The coupler chamber is hydraulically connected only in one axial direction to the high-pressure region of the injector.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement for coupling a fuel injector to a fuel rail of a combustion engine, has a fuel injector cup having a central longitudinal axis and is coupled to the fuel rail at a first axial end area of the fuel injector cup, a housing of the fuel injector being arranged at the central longitudinal axis facing a second axial end area of the fuel injector cup, an O-ring seal being arranged between the housing and the fuel injector cup at an axially overlapping area of the fuel injector cup and the housing, a back-up ring being arranged at least partly circumferentially the housing such as to prevent the O-ring seal to be released from the housing, and a separating element being arranged at least partly circumferentially the housing between the O-ring seal and the back-up ring to prevent a contact of the O-ring seal with the back-up ring.

Abstract: An injector mounting arrangement includes a tolerance ring assembly that provides damping or absorption capabilities in addition to alignment and centering functionality. The tolerance ring assembly is designed to absorb axial excitation energy from the injector by converting it into strain energy through the radial deformation of the tolerance ring. The strain energy is absorbed in the form of bending stress within the tolerance ring more effectively than by simply absorbing the axial forces in compression alone. As a result, vibration and noise is reduced and/or isolated.

Abstract: A lubrication apparatus of a fuel pump driven by a fuel pump drive cam, which lubricates a tappet moving reciprocally at an interior circumference of a fuel pump adaptor and the fuel pump operating the tappet, may include a cylinder head provided with a camshaft, an oil supplying passage formed in the camshaft as a hollow type so as to take oil to the interior of the camshaft, at least an oil branch passage formed to a cam lobe of the fuel pump drive cam so as to be communicated with the oil supplying passage, and a circular groove formed at the interior circumference of the fuel pump adaptor and corresponding to an injection direction of the oil supplied from the at least an oil branch passage.

Abstract: A fuel delivery unit for a motor vehicle, wherein a swirl pot has a base formed from an upper part and a lower part, and an outer wall connected to the base, forming a seal. The upper part and the lower part bound fuel-delivering regions of a suction jet pump and of a section of a feed line. This arrangement allows the fuel delivery unit to be produced at particularly low cost.

Abstract: It has been found that direct-injection gasoline engines emit particulate matter during the first 500 seconds of operation due to fuel impacting combustion chamber surfaces. To largely overcome the fuel penetrating to surfaces in the combustion chamber, the fuel may be heated. In one embodiment, engine coolant that is heated in the water jacket portions nearest exhaust ducts is provided directly to a tube in physical contact with the fuel rail. In some embodiments, the tube is provided with an electric heating element. If the coolant pump is turned off at the initial portions of a cold start, the electric heater raises the temperature of the fuel in the fuel rail. After engine coolant temperature raises, water, warm coolant is provided to the tube proximate the fuel rail and the heater is turned off.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve is fabricated by fitting a valve head 24 and a cover 32 enclosing a valve rod 25 into a supporting section 31 provided at the tip of the valve rod 25, and caulking the supporting section 31 to secure the valve rod 25 and the cover 32 to the supporting section 31.

Abstract: An archery bow comprises a riser portion with upper and lower ends, and at least one bow limb portion extending from the riser. The archery bow further includes at least one spacer member positioned between the riser portion and the bow limb portion, such that the limb portion contacts the spacer member. The spacer member has a longitudinal axis and a width axis, and includes at least one contact surface for contacting the limb portion with a bottom portion extending along the longitudinal axis underneath the contact surface. The contact surface extends beyond the bottom portion along the width axis to provide increased surface area contact with the bow limb portion.

Abstract: The axles of the eccentric pulley assemblies of a compound bow are journal mounted in pillow blocks carried by the limbs of the bow.

Abstract: A passive solar collector utilizes a support constructed of precisely machined foam to simplify the construction and calibration of the reflective surface. Further improvements include sensor-based positioning, and a receiver having inflow and outflow conduits adapted to improve thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including at least one individual reservoir (21) containing a single dose of fluid, such as powder, opening means (40) being provided for opening an individual reservoir (21) each time the device is actuated, the device including a dispenser chamber (70) for receiving the dose of fluid contained in a reservoir (21) after said reservoir has been opened, an inhalation endpiece (15), and an inhalation trigger system that comprises a deformable air-chamber (61) that co-operates with said dispenser chamber (70), said dispenser chamber being displaceable between a rest position and an inhalation position, such that during inhalation through said inhalation endpiece (15), said air chamber (61) is deformed, thereby displacing said dispenser chamber from said rest position to said inhalation position.

Abstract: An aerosolization apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having a plurality of air inlets. The chamber contains an aerosolizable pharmaceutical formulation or is sized to receive a receptacle which contains an aerosolizable pharmaceutical formulation. A shield covers at least one of the air inlets or a portion of at least one of the air inlets. The shield prevents blockage of the air inlet by a user grasping the apparatus and inadvertently covering the air inlet. An end section is associated with the housing. The end section is sized and shaped to be received in a user's mouth or nose so that the user may inhale through the end section to inhale aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation that has exited the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention monitors and interprets physiological signals and spontaneous breathing events to detect the onset of arousal. Once the onset of arousal is determined, the present invention determines adjustments that are needed in the operation of a therapeutic device to avoid or minimize arousals. In one embodiment, the present invention includes one or more sensors which detect a patient's physiological parameters, a controller which monitors and determines the onset of arousal based on the physiological variables received from the sensor, and a therapeutic treatment device which is controlled by the controller. The sensor can be a combination of one or more devices which are able to monitor a physiological parameter that is used by the present invention to determine the onset of arousal or the onset of a sleep disorder. The sensors can be integrated into one unit or may operate independent of the others.

Abstract: A system for regulating the airflow to a closed environment using feedback control for the position of a control valve and blower speed. The system provides a control apparatus that regulates airflow to a closed environment, such as the mask of a breathing apparatus, to ensure sufficient breathing air for a wearer of such mask. In order to provide fast response to a change in condition in the breathable environment, the airflow regulator includes a valve control and a blower control.

Abstract: A ventilation device for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of a patient has a gas flow generator, a gas delivery circuit optionally including a humidifier, a controller and sensors monitoring values of operational parameters of the device. The device further includes one or more relationships stored in data storage of the controller relating combinations of parameter values as being indicative of fault conditions of the device operation, the sensors and/or the fault detection process.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes: a rigid mask frame having a ring portion, a loop portion spaced apart from the ring portion, and rib portions interconnecting the ring portion and the loop portion, the rigid mask frame defining a frame space; and a single piece of a flexible mask body having a flat central portion, a surrounding portion extending outwardly and curvedly from the flat central portion, and a peripheral end portion flaring from the surrounding portion. The flat central portion is formed with an annular flange sleeved on the ring portion. The peripheral end portion is disposed outwardly of the frame space. The surrounding portion extends into the frame space and is restrained by the rib portions and the loop portion of the mask frame.

Abstract: A dynamic infant head support for preventing, or correcting, the abnormal shape of a head of an infant, and a method of using the support for treating deformational plagiocephaly. The support is an oval-shaped pillow, with a central opening to receive the head of the infant to be treated. Spaced barriers divide the interior of the pillow into a plurality of compartments. A ring-like manifold passes through the interior of the pillow and communicates with each compartment. A plurality of valves is operatively associated with the manifold; one valve is located in each compartment. The valves allow fluid, such as pressurized air, in the manifold, to inflate individual compartments. The manifold is pressurized by a pump, at a remote location; a heater warms the pressurized air. A remote controller is connected to the valves by electrical leads. The controller governs the sequence of operation of the valves, and regulates the duration of time that each valve is open.

Abstract: A method of providing phototherapy to a patient. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of placing a patient on a rigid support surface of a phototherapy device, the support surface being adapted to support the patient without substantial deformation; transmitting light from a light source through a first portion of the support surface to the patient; and limiting light transmission from the light source through a second portion of the support surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus described herein may utilize activation of an SMP material to install medical devices with respect to a surgical site. Activation of the SMP material may be performed with the use of a triggering force and/or a constraint applied to the SMP material. Activation using a triggering force and/or a constraint may be used to create varied activation rates in an SMP material and may be combined with temperature or other activation stimuli to create the varied activation rates.

Abstract: A wrapping paper inspection apparatus includes a nozzle arranged in a wrapping-paper discharge path, in which wrapping paper is wound and continuously discharged, for wetting one side of the wrapping paper with a liquid; an image pickup section for irradiating light to the wrapping paper wetted with the liquid by the nozzle, detecting light transmitted through or reflected from the wrapping paper, and generating an image signal; and a wrapping paper inspection section for determining defects in wrapping paper portions applied or affixed with a low flame spread material, from the image signal generated by the image pickup section, to thereby inspect such defects easily and reliably. This inspection apparatus can be mounted to a tobacco wrapping machine.

Abstract: A humidification control device comprising a container with a chamber for storing and dispensing liquids and a base section in which is formed an opening with a contact surface around the opening's periphery. Also provided is a cigar having at least one exposed cut end and a receptacle, which is hermetically sealed, inside the container's chamber for receiving and retaining the cigar. Additionally provided is a closure plug having a tubular housing member with a closed bottom, a top with an opening and a projecting flange for engaging the opening in the base section conformable to the shape of the area of the container peripheral to the opening. The device includes a humidification source and a tubular case, which is adapted to releasably join with the tubular housing member of the closure plug, for holding the humidification source, and an opening defined by a projecting rim in the tubular case through which the humidification vapors may freely pass.

Abstract: A finished tobacco product is formed by a set of pre-rolled sheets. In one embodiment a form casing is used which includes at least two portions—a non-smokable portion along with a container portion which includes tobacco filler material.

Abstract: A hair straightening device and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hair-straightening band includes: an elongated band; a bristle-tipped insert having a plurality of bristles, the bristle-tipped insert disposed within the elongated band; and a plate having a plurality of apertures through which to receive the plurality of bristles, the plate adapted to secure the insert to the elongated band with the plurality of bristles exposed. The hair band is adapted for application to a head of hair with the plurality of bristles facing inwardly toward the hair, rotation upon the hair, and wear upon the hair to straighten the hair. The hair band is heatless and non-electric.

Abstract: A hairdresser's masking aid allows for masking selected strands of hair from other strands of hair while the selected strands are treated. The masking aid comprising at least two panels of flexible sheet material which are capable of being hinged apart to receive the selected strands and subsequently brought together to envelop the selected strands. At least one of the panels comprises a substrate of a flexible and transparent plastics material laminated over at least part of its area to a metal foil substrate. The plastics substrate is laminated to the said metal foil substrate by a laminating wax so that the resultant laminated sheet is capable of being deadfolded in a similar way as non-laminated aluminum foil.

Abstract: A hair retaining clip includes a first claw portion, and a second claw portion pivotally connected to the first claw portion. A primary hinge may provide the pivotal connection between the first claw portion and the second claw portion, aligned along a primary hinge axis. At least one deployable handle extends from one of the first claw portion and the second claw portion, and may be movable between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration.

Abstract: A multi-strand disposable dental flosser with an improved floss strand pair arrangement. The dental flosser is an integral unit having an elongate gripping handle with a toothpick at one end, and a flosser head with two spaced apart arms at the opposite end. The floss strand pair is tautly stretched across the span between the arms and anchored securely near the tips thereof. The floss strand arrangement includes an X-configured floss strand pair, and can have at least one additional X-configured floss strand pair or at least one added single floss strand disposed slightly above the lower floss strand pair. The X-configured floss strand pair has two individual strands that are spaced apart at the ends thereof and cross together at the mid-lengths thereof. The flosser can have a tongue-cleaning edge and a tongue-cleaning surface area to enhance overall oral hygiene.

Abstract: Conduit can connect a beverage line in fluid communication with a supply of first fluid. A pump operates to allow a second fluid to enter the conduit in a predetermined proportion relative to the first fluid. A primary first fluid control means and a secondary first fluid control means are selectively and independently movable between respective open positions in which the first fluid can flow into the conduit and respective closed positions in which flow of the first fluid into the conduit is substantially prevented. In use, the primary first fluid control means is in the open position, and the secondary first fluid control means selectively alternates between the open position and the closed position so as to create a pulsed secondary flow of the first fluid into the conduit for enhanced cleaning.

Abstract: A car wash arch of inverted U-shape with a centrally mounted pendant on the overhead horizontal section, the pendant being of such size and shape as to accommodate a logo or other indicia therein. Light tubes, preferably containing LEDs extend upwardly along the vertical sections of the arch, inwardly along the horizontal section of the arch and into the pendant so as to at least partially frame and illuminate the pendant. A fluid conduit feeding a system of nozzles can be mounted to the arch and supply car wash fluids to spray nozzles inwardly from the vertical and horizontal arch sections.

Abstract: A lawn or patio umbrella with an integral lighting system that utilizes cold cathode ray tubes, light emitting diodes (LED's), or florescent lights, to provide relatively bright outdoor light for reading and other activities that require relatively high light intensities is provided. In one embodiment, a modular, electrically powered lawn or patio umbrella in which lighting systems, such as those utilizing cold cathode tubes, LED's, or florescent lights; cooling systems, such as those utilizing electric fans or misting systems; and motorized retraction systems; can be selectively interchanged is provided.

Abstract: A crutch has a standing unit, an armpit rest and a grip unit. The standing unit has a top, a foot and multiple positioning holes defined between the top and the foot. The armpit rest is mounted on the top of the standing unit. The grip unit transversally attached to the standing unit has a grip, two positioning bases and two pins. The grip has two ends each having a recess, a pin hole and a limiting portion. Each positioning base has two insertions each having a limiting notch and a hook. When the positioning base engages the recess, the limiting notches combine with the limiting portions and the pin inserts into one corresponding positioning hole. When the positioning base is released from the recess, the limiting notches disengage from the limiting portions, the pin disengages from the positioning hole, and the hook combines with the limiting portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved ventilator apparatus for vehicle covers. The apparatus comprises a dome section that is associated with a first ventilator plate on the outside of a vehicle cover. The Dome section extends through the vehicle cover where it is associated with a second ventilator plate. A nut is used to releasably associate the component pieces together so that a portion of the vehicle cover is clamped between the first ventilator plate and the second ventilator plate. Both the first ventilator plate and second ventilator plate are configured so that either plate may be used on the inside or outside of the cover. The improved ventilator plate design comprises air vents disposed within the plate so that water on a top surface of the ventilator plate cannot run into the vent openings. In addition, support gussets have been redesigned so provide an improved venturi action that tends to suck air through the vent opening when air blows across the vent openings.

Abstract: A protective canopy housing (1) for a barbeque grill (2) having a canopy (6) with a vent opening on a top (22) with an elevated vent cover (8). The canopy is supported by supports (5a, b and c) attached to a grill by C-clamps (4a,b). The canopy housing can include side curtains (10a, b) which may be rolled up and secured along the sides of the canopy. The side curtains may include mesh and can be maintained in a down position during use to protect the users from insects. The curtains can be removably detachable. The canopy would preferably be made of heat-resistant material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic control device of foldable tent connecting to several roof strut sets wherein, said control device is of a central standing base containing a sliding hub, a spring and a tappet roller at inside. Cooperating to an extra force exerting on the central standing base to press it down relative to the roof strut sets, the sliding hub brings the tappet roller continuously to go down and up, by means of the special design between the spring and all the pushing lugs and hook slots of the tappet roller, positioning the sliding hub with the locking pin of the central standing base can be carried out, so that the tent can be opened and kept in open configuration automatically; when repeatedly press down the central standing base relative to the roof strut sets, the tent can be closed.

Abstract: A bypass assembly is provided for preventing unwanted liquids from collecting within fuel gas risers, exiting such risers and contaminating fuel gas systems. A conduit extends from a riser vessel to a natural gas flow line. An insert extends from the bypass line into the natural gas flow line. As production flows through the flow line and insert, a suction force is created that draws liquids from the riser into the conduit and, ultimately, back into the flow line system.

Abstract: An assembly and method for tapping into a pressurized tubular that is adapted for use in a subsea environment via a diver or remotely operated vehicle. The assembly includes a tapping tool connectable to the tubular via a saddle connection.

Abstract: A ventilation member and a ventilation member kit are provided that can extend the time until fogging will be produced in a housing and also can shorten the time until the produced fogging will be cleared up even when the interior of the housing has been fogged. A vented housing and a vented tank using them are also provided. A ventilation member includes: a first gas permeable membrane, a second gas permeable membrane, and an absorbing layer allowing a gas passing through an opening of a housing or a tank to permeate therethrough, with the ventilation member being fixed to the opening; a support body for supporting the first gas permeable membrane, the second gas permeable membrane, and the absorbing layer; and a first one-way valve disposed so as to cover the first gas permeable membrane. The first gas permeable membrane and the second gas permeable membrane are disposed in such a manner that the gas permeates through the gas permeable membranes independently of each other.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sealing bush as well as a hydraulic unit fitted with the sealing bush and a check valve. The sealing bush is made of plastic and has, on an end face, a preferably conical elevation that can be brought into sealing contact with a bearing shoulder.

Abstract: A flush valve according to the present disclosure includes a pressure compensating device for toilet and urinals to ensure consistent flush and bowl refill volumes. Certain flush volume limits may required for compliance with federal, state and local regulations regarding water usage. The flush valve can adjust water flow rates within the prescribed water usage limits and does not sacrifice the toilet's bowl washing and waste removal capabilities.

Abstract: A hand-held dispenser for precisely controlling the flow rate of water therethrough and for injecting a liquid chemical into the water passing through the apparatus.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon application hose to avoid substantial compression and blow-out resulting from high pressurization differentials therethrough. The hose is formed from an inner tube that has a layer of material with electromagnetic target, such as carbon fiber, disbursed therethrough. In this manner, the material, generally a polymer, may be electromagnetically heated once the layer has been wrapped with a metallic reinforcing member. Thus, the layer of material may transform into surrounding relation relative to the reinforcing member. A substantially unitary inner tube may thereby be provided that includes a reinforcing member for blowout resistance and is of unitary character for compression resistance.

Abstract: Pressure cast lined steel pipes comprise an annular concrete or mortar liner along an inside diameter, and a metal shell surrounding the liner, wherein the liner is in direct contact with the metal shell. The wall thickness of the liner can be from 10 to 50 times the thickness of the metal shell. The pipe may be coated with a dielectric material. A mold assembly used to form the pipe includes an annular concrete or mortar composition chamber formed between the metal shell and an inner mold member. Pressurized water is used in the mold assembly to pressurize the concrete or mortar composition and exert a desired pressure force onto the metal shell while the composition cures in the mold. Once a desired degree of cure is achieved, the pressure is removed causing the metal shell to exert a desired compression force onto the cured liner.

Abstract: A method for residual stress enhancement for a coil spring includes radially expanding at least a select axial portion of the coil spring to remove residual tensile stress from the spring inner diameter and induce residual compressive stress in the spring inner diameter. The spring is expanded by radial force on the inner diameter and/or by a helical unwinding force induced by rotating at least one end of the spring relative to the other end of the spring. A tool includes a spring expansion portion and, optionally, a diameter control portion. Cylindrical, conical and/or beehive springs are processed to enhance residual stress.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling a container (7), particularly an open bag, with a powdery product has the following features” a net scale (1) situated above a tube arrangement and/or hopper arrangement (2), which terminates in a filler neck (6) above the container (7) to be filled while preferably projecting into this container. An intermediate chamber (3) is arranged downstream of the net scale and upstream of the container (7) to temporarily hold at least a portion of the product released by the net scale, and a compacting device (8, 9) is provided for compacting the product placed inside the container (7).