Abstract: Provided are an automatic water supply nozzle for animals capable of preventing a contamination of water in a water supply container; and an automatic water supply cap for animals enabling use of a variety of empty plastic bottles or glass bottles as a water supply container. The automatic water supply nozzle for animals has a nozzle cylinder equipped with an automatic water supply mechanism and a dropping cylinder equipped with at least one partition having a dropping tube, the dropping cylinder being coupled with the nozzle cylinder; and the automatic water supply cap for animals having the automatic water supply nozzle for animals and an attachable/detachable cap to/from a water supply container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract.

Abstract: An irrigation system has a water distribution system, a controller, and a pet monitoring system. The controller may modify an irrigation setting of the water distribution system based on a pet elimination signal from the pet monitoring system. The pet elimination signal may correspond to an event such as a pet urination event.

Abstract: A flue offering reduced pluming is provided, the flue comprising a flue pipe for carrying flue gas and a liquid collector adapted to collect condensation from the interior of the flue pipe and to shield it from the flue gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for varying an engine's combustion spark timing for use of hybrid fuels, such as bio-fuel and gasoline. An operator selectable switch enables or disables an on-board computer selecting between gasoline and bio-fuel mixtures as the on-board fuel so that engine mounted sensors provide data used to determine optimum fuel-ignition spark discharge values from a computerized table.

Abstract: A device is provided for the emergency operation of at least one closure element of a cooling air supply apparatus and a correspondingly implemented cooling air supply apparatus for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, a closure element being mechanically operationally linked to an actuator. The closure element is situated so it is movable between a closed position, in which it essentially closes a ventilation opening, and an open position, in which it releases the ventilation opening for cooling air to flow through. The actuator automatically transfers the closure element into the open position if a predetermined temperature is exceeded.

Abstract: An invention relates to a cooling system for a vehicle comprising an engine, an engine radiator, and an engine cooling circuit. A second cooling circuit encompassing at least one cooling component can be coupled to the engine radiator and is connected to a coolant recirculation pipe of the engine cooling circuit by means of a branch of a coolant supply pipe of the engine cooling circuit and a recirculation pipe of the cooling component. The second cooling circuit can be alternatively coupled to the coolant recirculation pipe or a coolant supply pipe at the output end in accordance with operating conditions of the engine.

Abstract: In a variable compression ratio internal combustion engine that controls the compression of an internal combustion engine by changing the volume of the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine in an axial direction of the cylinder, when a target compression ratio (?t) based on an operating condition of the internal combustion engine is at a reference compression ratio (?0) or greater (S102), the compression ratio is changed to the target compression ratio (S103). When the target compression ratio (?t) is lower than the reference compression ratio (?0) (S102), a control is executed to change the compression ratio and also to strength the tumble flow in the combustion chamber (S104).

Abstract: An engine is disclosed. In one implementation, the engine includes a camwheel mounted to an output shaft. Eighteen cylinder-enclosed pistons are positioned in a circular plane about the camwheel such that the radius of the circular plane and the camwheel are coplanar. Lobes integrally formed on the camwheel define a guiderail including a continuously, substantially sinusoidal surface biased for rotation in the direction of the rotary motion of the output shaft. Drive bearings associated with each piston engage and maintain contact with the guiderail. The rotary motion is obtained by transferring the displacement of the plurality of pistons from respective top dead center positions and bottom dead center positions to the guiderail, thereby rotating the camwheel and output shaft.

Abstract: In a stroke-transmitting device for a variable transmission of an operating stroke to a member to be actuated, specifically a gas exchange valve for an internal combustion engine, including a control unit with first and second control structures, a control cam is provided for coupling the first and second control structures and having different control regions which are displaceable for an adjustment of the stroke of the member to be actuated with at least first and second degrees of freedom for controlling the stroke transmitted to the member to be actuated.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a variable valve control system which is operable to switch actions of an engine valve by slidably moving a rocker arm in the axial direction of a rocker-arm shaft, and which is capable of removing a restriction on the sliding movement of the rocker arm at accurate timings while employing a simplified configuration. When a trigger arm swings by a predetermined amount to the opposite side of a rocker arm, a left-hand engagement nail in engagement with an engagement groove disengages from the engagement groove, but a right-hand engagement nail still engages with an engagement groove. The left-hand engagement nail is placed on top of a left-hand deck-like portion. After that, when an action of the rocker arm makes the trigger arm further swing to the opposite side of the rocker arm, the right-hand engagement nail disengages from the engagement groove.

Abstract: A lash adjuster is provided which includes a cylindrical housing having an open top and formed with an internal thread on an inner periphery thereof, a screw rod having an external thread formed on an outer periphery thereof and in threaded engagement with the internal thread, and a spring biasing the screw rod outwardly of the housing. Each of the internal thread and the external thread having a pressure flank configured to receive pressure when a force that tends to push the screw rod into the housing acts on the screw rod, and a clearance flank having a smaller flank angle than the pressure flank. The screw rod has an end protruding from the housing and configured to support an arm of a valve operating mechanism so as to be pivotable about this end. Oil film expelling grooves are formed in the pressure flank of the external thread, using a tap having a thread that extends so as to cross the internal thread.

Abstract: A guide for use in a vehicle engine having an engine block, cylinder head, and a cylinder head gasket. The guide comprises a valve lifter retention portion, a push rod retention portion in communication with the valve lifter retention portion via one or more apertures, and an alignment and attachment portion extending from the push rod retention portion and configured to be retained by contact with the cylinder head gasket.

Abstract: A switchable support element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said support element (1) comprising a housing (2) that can be arranged through an outer peripheral wall (3) in a reception of the internal combustion engine and in whose bore (4) an axially movable inner element (6) extends, a head (5) of the inner element (6) protruding beyond an edge (7) of the housing (2), coupling elements (8) being associated to the inner element (6) for a selective coupling of the inner element (6) in an axially extended position of the inner element (6) to the housing (2), and said inner element (6) being biased by at least one lost motion spring (9) in a direction leading out of the housing (2), wherein the coupling elements (8) are at least one slide which, in case of uncoupling, is positioned in a guide (10) of the housing (2) extending in radial or secant direction and which comprises a flattened upper side (12) starting from a radially inner front end (11) of the slide, and this flattened upper si

Abstract: A valve rotator for use in an internal combustion engine. The valve rotator including a plurality of retention members, each able to removeably and rotateably couple the stationary housing to the rotating body. The plurality of retention members are defined by a plurality of recesses allowing each of the plurality of retention members to deflect with respect to the stationary housing. The retention members allow the rotating body to be removed from the stationary housing without the need for permanently damaging the stationary housing (e.g. during rebuilding). Additionally, the retention members may be incorporated on housings that have undergone heat treatment processes without rendering the housings susceptible to cracking or damage.

Abstract: A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method skips combustion in at least one cylinder, according to the engine combustion order, to control engine speed when an engine is automatically restarted. The skipped combustion event may be related to a level of IMEP when combustion in a cylinder occurs under an operating condition.

Abstract: An engine 20 includes a two-plane type crankshaft 30 and a balancer shaft 50 for reducing a primary couple of the balancer shaft 50. The crankshaft 30 includes a crankshaft body 30a and a first gear 38. The first gear 38 is disposed at one axial end side of a first crank web pair 31a disposed at the outermost one axial end side of the crankshaft 30. In the engine 20 including the two-plane type crankshaft, the weight of the engine can be reduced while securing high reliability.

Abstract: A cover arrangement of a hand-held power tool has a cover having at least one fastening element for connecting the cover to an additional component of the power tool. The cover has a wall component having a shape-elastic yielding support forming a monolithic part of the cover. The at least one fastening element is arranged on the support.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which it can be made difficult for bubbles to mix into oil in a flowing-down process of the oil. In a generator chamber, a shielding rib is provided which is disposed between a generator and an oil introduction port in side view and which extends skewly upwardly from the oil introduction port in a manner so as to cover one end side of the oil introduction port. A guide rib extends from a side wall of the generator chamber in the manner of covering the other end side of the oil introduction port.

Abstract: A variable stroke engine includes an end portion of a connecting rod, which is connected at one end portion thereof to a piston by a piston pin, and an end portion of a control rod, which is connected at one end portion thereof to an eccentric shaft, and which are linked to each other by a link member rotatably supported on a crankshaft. A rotative power of the crankshaft is transmitted to the camshaft. The camshaft is disposed at such a position that part of a trajectory drawn by the intake-side and exhaust-side cams overlaps a trajectory drawn by the link member in a projection on a plane perpendicular to an axis of the crankshaft, and a rotational phase of the camshaft is set so that the interference, of the intake-side and exhaust-side cams with an end portion, on the camshaft side, of the link member, is avoided.

Abstract: A piston and connecting rod assembly wherein the piston includes an inner cooling gallery defined in the body thereof beneath the crown of the piston, an outer cooling gallery defined between the skirt of the piston and the body and beneath the crown. A pin bore is formed in the body. A connecting rod is adapted to interconnect the piston and crankshaft where the connecting rod has at least one end with a bore extending therethrough and adapted to be aligned with the pin bore of the piston. At least one end of the connecting rod is in fluid communication with the inner cooling gallery of the piston and includes a reservoir formed on the end of the connecting rod which is adapted to collect coolant therein.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine of two perpendicular, toroidal cylinders intersecting at two junctions with each cylinder containing one piston filling half of its volume. The pistons are 180 degrees out of phase; each alternately occluding one intersection or the other. Each piston completes a full power, exhaust, intake, and compression stroke in one revolution. Endplates of 45 degrees allow the combustion chamber junction to be permanently filled and sealed at all times; first by one piston, then by the tips of both pistons as the complementary-angled endplates tangentially slide past one another, and then by the other piston. Compressed gases are shunted into the crossing cylinder's combustion chamber. Both pistons orbit continuously, one-way. Airflow is also one-way. Each piston is mounted to a sealed, 360-degree, counterbalanced ring gear. One ring gear is positioned centrally and the other peripherally to prevent interference. These maintain coordination between the pistons and provide output.

Abstract: A method for operating a multi-stroke homogeneous charge compression ignition engine is described. The method includes late intake valve opening (LIVO) and also cycling air and fuel charge from the cylinder back into the intake manifold during a compression stroke to mix the air and fuel charge for later reintroduction and combustion.

Abstract: A system for filtering and oxidizing particulate matter produced by a gasoline direct injection engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, engine spark is controlled such that soot held by a particulate filter may be oxidized even during low engine loads.

Abstract: The invention includes a very fast voice coil actuator, in the range of 2-5 millisecond full stroke response with high force, a circuit board located in the enclosure, a pressure sensor sensing pressure internal to the system which in the preferred embodiment is located in the actuator cap assembly but could be located in other locations, a diaphragm, a link plate, a mating ring, and a mechanical pressure regulator. An electronic pressure regulator receives pressure commands from the engine control module in a manner similar to receiving pulse width from an engine control module to an injector and calculates the required new pressure command. A novel feature of the present invention includes the Delta P control and the control of the regulator based on direct feedback of pressure.

Abstract: A fuel supply system includes a feed pump pumping up fuel in a fuel tank, a filter removing a foreign matter contained in the fuel discharged from the feed pump, and a high-pressure pump pressuring and discharging the fuel toward an internal combustion engine. A fuel pipe introducing the fuel from the filter to the high-pressure pump and a fuel pipe introducing the fuel from the filter to a housing of the high-pressure pump are formed independently of each other.

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 reservoir-less fuel delivery module (10) for a fuel tank of a vehicle includes a flange (26) constructed and arranged to be mounted to an opening in a fuel tank of a vehicle. The module includes a pump and filter structure (20) having a fuel pump (14) and a fuel filter (24) surrounding at least a portion of the fuel pump for filtering fuel exiting the fuel pump. The module includes a mounting member (30) to which the pump and filter structure is mounted. Clip structure (34) couples the mounting member to the flange so that the pump is decoupled from the flange.

Abstract: An apparatus improves the efficiency and emissions of a combustion process by producing sufficient amounts of ozone in the air flow to the combustion chamber to enable more complete and cleaner combustion of the fuel. A plurality of ozone elements for producing ozone are disposed within a housing that is placed in the air intake to a combustion chamber such as a diesel engine. The ozone elements are bonded together in a cross-shaped pattern inside the housing. The apparatus includes one or more vortex scrubbers or vanes in the housing to cause the air flow to have a vortex action to increase the amount of ozone that flows into the combustion chamber. The vortex scrubbers comprise multiple double fins that are attached inside the housing. The vortex scrubbers include holes and/or serrated edges to increase the disturbance of the air flow over the ozone elements to increase ozone production. The mass of the ozone elements have a preferred ratio.

Abstract: A fuel filter is configured to filter fuel for an internal combustion engine and is associated with an electromagnetic wave generator configured to emit high frequency electromagnetic waves operable on the fuel to heat and thereby melt wax crystals suspended in the fuel.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, fresh air is compressed by a pressure-wave supercharger. At least one operating parameter of the pressure-wave supercharger is controlled or regulated as a function of at least one actual operating variable of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine, wherein air is inducted and then compressed. Before introduction into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, the air humidity of the inducted air is determined and temperature of the compressed air introduced into the combustion chamber is altered depending on the air humidity of the inducted air.

Abstract: An archery or similar projectile launching device having a spring assembly to energize the device and a release mechanism to transmit energy stored within a torsion or alternative spring to the bowstring, so as to accelerate an arrow nocked to the bowstring once the trigger is released. In one embodiment, conjoined cranks wind a torsion spring within a spring motor affixed along the riser of the bow while the bowstring and arrow are concurrently brought into the discharge position. A mechanical advantage may be achieved with the cranking mechanism to reduce the effort exerted by the archer and thereby increase accuracy, velocity and ease of use.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for pitching and splitting a masonry block is provided. The apparatus includes a first pitching blade configured to move in a first direction. A second pitching blade is disposed adjacent to the first pitching blade, and the two pitching blades are separated by a distance that is small enough so that the splits initiated by each blade join into a single plane, thereby pitching and splitting the masonry block without the need for a splitting blade.

Abstract: A gas cooking range includes a housing having an upper half section and a lower half section. A gas control valve is operable to control the flow of gas to a burner. The gas control valve is positioned in the lower half section of a housing of the gas cooking range. A handle extending from the gas control valve to the upper half section of the housing is operable to control the gas control valve.

Abstract: A sun-tracking solar energy collector apparatus includes an east-west driving shaft body and a south-north driving shaft body which are coupled in the shape of a cross. A first driving member of an east-west shaft sleeve of the east-west driving shaft body is actuated to turn the south-north driving shaft body in an east-west direction. A second driving member of the south-north driving shaft body is driven by the first driving member to turn an east-west driving shaft of the east-west driving shaft body in a south-north direction and to drive an annular member which is connected with the ends of the east-west driving shaft, such that a holding rack assembly connected with the annular member is actuated in east-west and south-north directions. Solar energy collector modules of the holding rack assembly can track to collect solar energy. Due to the base body in cooperation with the effect of tracking sun, the area occupied by the base body is larger.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising: a reservoir (1) of fluid to be dispensed; a dispenser member (2), such as a pump or a valve, mounted on said reservoir (1); and a body (3) that is suitable for receiving said reservoir (1), said body (3) being provided with a dispenser orifice and an opening (310) through which said reservoir (1) can be inserted into the body (3), said reservoir (1) being displaceable in said body (3) between a rest position and a dispensing position, said reservoir (1) being removable from said body (3); said reservoir (1) and said body (3) including respective ID means (10, 11) that make it possible to associate said reservoir (1) with said body (3).

Abstract: An obturator for a bronchial tube or tubule of a human or animal lung includes a blocking element (92) and a securing element (90). The blocking element serves to seal the tube or tubule against the passage of fluid past the obturator when the obturator is disposed in a bronchial tube or tubule. The securing element serves to retain the blocking element in position. The blocking element comprises a substantially cylindrical plug of biocompatible, resiliently deformable closed-cell foamed plastics material, such as PVC. The securing element includes a stent having barbs (98) to engage and retain the blocking element. The stent also has anchors (100) to retain the stent in a bronchial tube or tubule. A method of treatment of emphysema or other lung conditions or diseases in human or animal patients comprises placing an obturator in a bronchial tube or tubule of the patient so as to seal the tube or tubule against the passage of fluid past the obturator.

Abstract: A bi-level pressure support system and method of treating disordered breathing that optimizes the pressure delivered to the patient during inspiration and expiration to treat the disordered breathing while minimizing the delivered pressure for patient comfort. The pressure generating system generates a flow of breathing gas at an inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) during inspiration and at an expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) during expirations. A controller monitor at least one of the following conditions: (1) snoring, (2) apneas, (3) hypopneas, or (4) a big leak in the pressure support system and adjusts the IPAP and the EPAP based on the occurrence of any one of these conditions.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure device which includes:—an inflatable breathable air reservoir provided with an air inlet/outlet;—a pressurized gas reservoir arranged to apply a predetermined substantially constant pressure on the breathable air reservoir, irrespective of the degree of inflation of the breathable air reservoir.

Abstract: A respiratory mask comprises a sealing flange connected to a mask body by a sinusoidal shaped cushioning member. The cushioning member resiliently compresses when the sealing flange is pressed against the face of a wearer to ensure an airtight seal between the sealing flange and the face of the wearer. The cushioning member functions as a spring, compressing to allow the sealing member to better conform to the face of the wearer but resiliently urging the sealing flange outward against the face of the wearer to prevent leaks.

Abstract: A mask system includes a frame, cushion, cushion clip, swivel elbow, headgear and/or headgear clips that are configured for use in a clinical or hospital environment. One or more components of the mask system are configured to promote single patient use, e.g., by providing an age indicator and/or preventing disassembly and/or cleaning, etc.

Abstract: A mask system for use between a patient and a device to deliver a breathable gas to the patient includes a mouth cushion, a pair of nasal prongs, an elbow, and a headgear assembly. The mouth cushion is structured to sealingly engage around an exterior of a patient's mouth in use, and the pair of nasal prongs are structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use. The elbow delivers breathable gas to the patient. The headgear assembly maintains the mouth cushion and the nasal prongs in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear assembly provides a substantially round crown strap that cups the parietal bone and occipital bone of the patient's head in use.

Abstract: Lung conditions are treated by implanting a flow restrictor in a passageway upstream from a diseased lung segment. The restrictor will create an orifice at the implantation site which inhibits air exchange with the segment to induce controlled atelectasis and/or hypoxia. Controlled atelectasis can induce collapse of the diseased segment with a reduced risk of pneumothorax. Hypoxia can promote gas exchange with non-isolated, healthy regions of the lung even in the absence of lung collapse.

Abstract: A nasal ventilation interface including a pair of tubes configured to deliver a ventilation gas. The tubes are attachable at a first end to a ventilation gas supply hose and engageable at a second end with a person's nostril. A coupler is configured to align the pair of tubes with the person's nostrils, wherein each tube has an absence of pneumatic interconnection with the other tube.

Abstract: This invention relates to condoms, prophylactics and contraceptive devices made of silicone rubber having a body with an open end and a closed end, a first collar proximate to the open end, a second collar adjacent to the first collar, and a series of accordion pleats on the body, wherein the accordion pleats can independently expand or contract.

Abstract: A mandibular advancement device including upper and lower dental plates which operatively fit over at least part of the upper and lower teeth of a user, said upper and lower dental plates being made from a flexible material, the lower dental plate having two pairs of spaced apart pillars, each pair consisting of an anterior and posterior pillar, said pairs being on opposing sides of the lower dental plate, two removably attachable horizontal displacement inserts, mounted in the buccal region on opposite sides of the upper dental plate, two removably attachable vertical displacement inserts mounted in the lower dental plate, placed in a manner to provide correct vertical registration of the teeth, such that operatively each horizontal displacement insert is retained between the respective anterior and posterior pillars to maintain an advancement of the mandible. A method for production of the mandibular advancement device is also claimed.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting misshaped ears using a base section defining an opening dimensioned to accommodate the passage of the ear through the opening and a top section releasably engageable with the base section defining a compartment therebetween. A first stint can be arranged on an anterior surface of the base section to maintain a desired anatomic shape of the ear essentially in an area of the antihelix and the superior limb of the triangular fossa. A second stint can be placed in an area of the scapha of the ear to maintain a desired contour of the scaphal area. A conchal stint can be placed in the concha to maintain a desired anatomic shape of the concha. The top section can be engaged to maintain a desired amount of stabilizing pressure on the ear, the first stint, the second stint, and conchal stint.

Abstract: A laser therapy device and method of treatment for treating musculo-skeletal pain. The device and treatment employ a composite laser beam comprised of multiple frequencies of laser energy.