Abstract: A table may include a table top that is capable of being folded-in-half. In particular, the table top may include first and second portions that are capable of being moved being moved between a folded position in which the first portion is disposed proximate the second portion and an unfolded position in which the first portion and the second portion are generally aligned in the same plane. The table may also include first and second legs that are movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top. In addition, the table may include a handle that facilitates carrying of the table. The handle may include a gripping portion that is sized and configured to be gripped by a user and the handle may be attached to the table top. The table may further include a handle retention assembly that secures the handle in a fixed position.

Abstract: Systems and methods of integrating plasma waste processing are described. An integreted energy generation system provided with a fossil fuel power plant system having a combustion chamber and a plasma waste processing system having an output. The integrated energy generation system also including an integrator for combining the output of thermal energy from the plasma waste processing system with the combustion chamber of the fossil fuel power plant.

Abstract: A sewing template and associated method to aid in the production of components for a quilt are provided. The sewing template may include a needle position indicator and a center guide line passing through the needle position indicator. The sewing template may be constructed from a material that is operable to cling to a work surface, such as an acrylic sewing table. The sewing template may include color-coded regions to assist a quilter in producing components with various patterns. The sewing template may further include features to assist in initially aligning the template with a sewing machine and/or a sewing work surface.

Abstract: A dual access pocket for supporting and/or storing medical devices such as insulin pumps and portable defibrillation devices and methods of manufacturing a garment including same. The garment into which the dual access pocket is sewn includes one or more front panel or panels, each of which have an outside surface and an inside surface. The dual access pocket has one or two openings secured on the inside surface of the front panel of the garment, wherein one of said openings is located internal to said front panel of the garment and one of said openings is in communication with a slit through the front panel to provide external access to said dual access pocket. The dual access pocket is therefore accessible from the inside of the garment and the outside of the garment.

Abstract: A sailing craft propelled by a tilting sail system comprising an aerofoil sail capable of omni-directional attitude for wind propulsion. The sail is fixed to the craft in such a manner as to permit omni-directional attitude. Sail control means allows the sail placement in a forward propulsion attitude relative to wind direction. The sail is rigid and has an asymmetric shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a keel construction for a floating vessel, where a drop keel (3) can be adjusted from a retracted/extended position to an extended/retracted position for the purpose of varying the steering and gravity point of the floating vessel and through its construction also to be able to absorb impact in the event of a grounding with the drop keel (3). The drop keel (3) is connected with at least one around a fixed point extended and rotating element (7), where the extended and rotating element (7) is connected in the keel house (1) and further is connected with a fluid cylinder (6). An additional fluid cylinder (5) in the keel house (1) is connected to an upper end of the drop keel (3), which fluid cylinders (5, 6) can be controlled in order to readjust the drop keel (3) from a retracted position to an extended position (and vice versa) or to absorb the impact that the drop keel (3) is exposed to.

Abstract: A steering shaft is rotatably supported on a body by a housing, and a slide portion having a handlebar attachment portion at the top is attached to the steering shaft. The rotational movement of a handlebar around the central axis of the steering shaft is regulated by a rotation regulating mechanism, while the axial translation of the handlebar is allowed. The steering shaft is provided with a plurality of grooves. A lock mechanism provided in the slide portion inserts a locking bar into any one of the grooves to regulate the axial translation of the slide portion. Owing to the shape of a link portion and a cam groove constituting the lock mechanism, the locking bar is not pulled, out of the groove by operations other than a release operation using a release lever.

Abstract: A marine vessel steering apparatus includes a rudder unit arranged to be mounted pivotally on a hull, an actuator arranged to turn the rudder unit, a rudder angle sensor arranged to detect the rudder angle of the rudder unit, a steering wheel arranged to be operated by an operator to steer the rudder unit, a wheel angle detecting unit arranged to detect the amount of change in the rotation angle of the steering wheel, and a control unit arranged to perform steering control by controlling the actuator based on values detected by the rudder angle sensor and the wheel angle detecting unit.

Abstract: A boat bumper and a securing harness for mounting the boat bumper to a boat hull. The securing harness includes a main strap which is flexible and sufficiently stiff to be self sustaining to maintain its shape, and securing straps for securing a bumper roll to the main strap. The main strap has an elongated section and at least one generally transverse section. Each section has at least one free end to which a suction cup is releasably attached.

Abstract: A mooring system comprising a structure in a body of water; a vessel in the body of water; a first anchor in the body of water; a second anchor in the body of water; a first line connecting the first anchor and the vessel; a second line connecting the second anchor and the vessel; and a third line connecting the structure and the vessel.

Abstract: A emergency capsized boat seating apparatus includes a boat that has a hull with a bottom side. A plurality of chair assemblies is provided and each is embedded into the bottom side. Each of the chair assemblies is positionable in a stored position is approximately flush with the bottom side or in a deployed position extending outwardly away from the bottom side.

Abstract: Device (10) or apparatus for launching at least one boat (12) from a structure (14), that is at least partially surrounded by water (16), into the water. The device (10) comprises at least one launch ramp (18) and means to effect translational displacement of said at least one launch ramp (18) when the device (10) has been mounted on said structure (14) in order to enable the position of said at least one launch ramp (18) to be changed before launching said at least one boat (12) into the water (16).

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a flap malfunction indicator assembly for notifying an observer making a walk-around inspection of an aircraft of a malfunction of one or more connection points coupling a flap assembly to an aircraft wing includes a support mounted to the flap assembly having a perimeter defining an area, an indicator arm pivoted to the support and movable between a first stowed position in which a major portion of the arm is arranged substantially entirely within the area and a second deployed position in which a major portion of the arm is arranged substantially outside the area, a frangible pin or fastener securing the indicator arm to the support in the first stowed position, a trigger element mounted for rotation about a first pivot, an elongated pull linkage coupling the trigger element with a flap assembly, the pull linkage being supported for movement relative to the first pivot to cause rotation of the trigger element when malfunction of a flap assembly occurs, and a spring assembly at th

Abstract: A method for fabricating a substitute component for bone, including the processes of: provision of a chemical spray including at least three of calcium chloride, hydrogen phosphate, hydrogen carbonate and water to form a combined solution; reaction and precipitation of the combined solution onto a substrate; allowing the precipitated particles to form a porous structure on the substrate; applying substantially isostatic pressure to the porous structure to form a compressed structure; and (optional) providing one or more through-holes in the compressed structure to promote osteoinduction.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a foamed material onto a substrate surface, including: generating a relative movement between the substrate surface to be coated and an exit opening of a material dispensing apparatus, mixing at least two material components in a mixing device to provide a free-flowing, foamable dispensing material, generating a pressure differential between the mixing device and the dispensing region located downstream in the direction of flow from a discharge cross-section of the exit opening, conveying the dispensing material from the mixing device for the dispensing material to the exit opening, and discharging the dispensing material from the exit opening onto the substrate surface. The dispensing material be kept under such a pressure in the region adjacent to and upstream from the discharge cross-section of the exit opening that the dispensing material in this region has a foaming rate that is less than 10% of the foaming rate which ensues at the end of the foaming process.

Abstract: A system for prevention of stirred up dross in continuous hot-dip plating bath of a metal sheet characterized by placing flow regulating members partially separated from each other under a sink roll at the two side wall surfaces of a hot-dip plating bath which axial ends of the sink roll face so that said members contact the wall surfaces and thereby suppressing the flow of hot dip metal ascending or descending along the wall surfaces.

Abstract: A system is described to deposit a buffer layer onto exposed surfaces of two different solar cell absorber layers of two different flexible workpieces from a process solution including all chemical components of the buffer layer material. The buffer layer is deposited from the process or deposition solution while the flexible workpieces are simultaneously heated and processed within a chamber in a face to face manner as the process solution is flown through a process gap formed between the exposed surfaces of the two solar cell absorber layers.

Abstract: Process chamber shields having specially profiled edges exhibit increased lifetime in PVD and CVD deposition chambers. Edge profiling reduces flaking and delamination of materials deposited onto the shields, thereby prolonging shield life, and, consequently, reducing costs associated with deposition. In one embodiment, a shield having an edge portion terminating in a rounded tip, where the tip has high curvature and a small thickness, is provided. In another aspect, a shield having a concave portion connecting with an edge portion, where an upper (inner) surface of the edge portion forms a tangent plane to the upper (inner) concave surface of the concave surface, is provided. In yet another aspect, a shield with a tapered edge portion is provided. Shields, having profiled edges in accordance with these aspects and in accordance with combinations of these aspects, can better support deposited films, particularly films containing compressively stressed materials, such as metal nitrides.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of fabricating a color filter using an ink-jet technique includes inclining an ink-jet head having a plurality of nozzles at a predetermined angle, moving the ink-jet head in a lengthwise direction of the color filter that is divided into a plurality of working regions, ejecting color ink into a plurality of pixels, moving the ink-jet head to the other adjacent working region after a work in a predetermined working region is completed, and ejecting color ink, wherein the ink-jet head is symmetrically arranged with its mirror-image in adjacent working regions and thereby ejecting the color ink.

Abstract: A bird feeder configured to provide a liquid phase food and a gelatinous phase food to a plurality of birds. The bird feeder further includes a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment operbaly coupled each having an interior volume configured to store a liquid phase food. The first storage compartment further includes a plurality of apertures facilitating access to the liquid phase food stored therein. A gelatinous phase food assembly is further included and attached to the bird feeder proximate the first storage compartment. The gelatinous phase food assembly further includes four containers operable to store and dispense gelatinous phase food to a plurality of birds. The four containers are supported by an inner support ring and an outer support ring. A cover extends over the bird feeder functioning the protect the gelatinous food assembly from environmental elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automatic self cleaning litter box. In accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a litter receptacle, a drive unit moveably coupled to the litter receptacle, and a sieve coupled to the drive unit such that the sieve possesses at least two degrees of freedom of movement relative to the litter receptacle and at least one degree of freedom of movement relative to the drive unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a clump recognition animal litter that enables a user to visually identify and dispose of all used litter portions from unused litter, regardless of clump size and clump location within the litter. The clump recognition animal litter comprises a clumping component and a color-indicating material. The litter clumps and displays a color in response to wetness.

Abstract: An “implant and forget” device for interacting with biota after a pre-established time period. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In select embodiments, the device comprises packaging enclosing an apparatus for timing interaction via opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the device is a sealed capsule inserted in fish. Embodiments of the present invention are implanted in triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to facilitate control of aquatic weeds in bodies of water. When the carp have been in the water for a pre-established approximate period of time, toxins in the device are dispensed via long term bioerosion of the sealed opening in the packaging. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life. Several alternative bioerodible seal configurations are provided as embodiments.

Abstract: An apparatus for acclimating an aquatic organism, contained in a partially water filled plastic bag, to an environment in an aquarium includes an aquarium frame comprising a first portion exterior to the aquarium and a second portion interior to the aquarium. A bag holder is operable to hold a top of the plastic bag in an open position. The bag holder is positioned on the second portion where the top of the plastic bag is above a top level of water in the aquarium and a substantial portion of the plastic bag is below the top level. A dripping cup is operable to release water obtained from the aquarium into the plastic bag. The dripping cup is joinable to the first portion, whereby the aquatic organism is acclimated to a chemistry and temperature of the water in the aquarium.

Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.

Abstract: An electronic method and apparatus to externally sense and identify the position of live tissue within an animal claw, including opaque claws. The live tissue (quick) position is determined by electrical conductivity measurements along the claw, so that the claw can be cut or marked. A receptor electrode positioned on the claw measures conductivity resulting from either a source electrode placed on the animal, or from the electro-magnet field created by the ambient presence of radiated line voltage. A multi point contact electrode which does not require calibration, comprises alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic sections. A claw receptacle conforms the electrode to the claw.

Abstract: A pet restraint system includes a collar having first and second ends and a fastener to selectively secure the first and second collar ends about a pet. A radio transmitter is coupled to the collar that emits a signal at a predetermined frequency. The system includes a handheld unit separated from the collar that includes a radio receiver configured to receive a radio signal, a GPS receiver for receiving signals from global positioning satellites, a signal indicator, and a CPU in data communication with the radio receiver, GPS receiver, and signal indicator. The CPU includes programming for evaluating a relative strength of signals received by the radio receiver and for outputting the relative strength to the signal indicator indicative of a position of the signal transmitter relative to the handheld unit. The CPU also includes programming for evaluating GPS signals and determining a global position of the handheld unit.

Abstract: The gas-steam engine of this invention is divided into boiler, turbine and piston reciprocating types. This engine controls the burning through the binary or ternary gas supply system, producing the hi-temperature and hi-pressure gas and steam or mixture by utilizing the kinetic and heat energy form by burning, so as to do work by the above gas, as well as reclaiming the heat consumed heat at the same time, with the steam reverted and recycled for use after doing work. Therefore, it radically the great energy waste and serious environmental pollution question in the existing heat engine. Compared with the former technology, it realizes the energy saving of about 75%, with little exhaustion.

Abstract: Actuating device for a recirculation pump of a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine comprising a pulley suitable for being rotationally driven by the engine, a driven shaft for driving the pump and an electromagnetically controlled coupling interposed between the pulley and the driven shaft, in which the electromagnetic coupling comprises an electromagnet, coupling mechanism controlled by the electromagnet and mobile between an engagement position in which the pulley is connected to the driven shaft and a disengagement position, and an elastic member for maintaining an engagement member in the engaged position when the electromagnet is not energized.

Abstract: An engine includes a crankshaft rotatable about a crankshaft axis. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the compression piston is operable to reciprocate through an intake stroke and a compression stroke during a single rotation of the crankshaft. An expansion (power) piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the expansion piston is operable to reciprocate through an expansion stroke and an exhaust stroke during a single rotation of the crankshaft. A variable volume crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders, and includes a variable volume housing to controllably regulate the air flow from the compression cylinder to the expansion cylinder.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a cylinder crankcase and a v-shaped cylinder configuration and having a lubricant circuit which operates according to the dry sump principle and has a lubricant reservoir, wherein the lubricant reservoir is located within the cylinder crankcase in the space between the cylinders.

Abstract: When a spool is positioned in a lock range including a stroke end in a first direction, an advance port and a lock port are respectively connected to a supply port and a discharge port. When the spool is positioned in an advance range deviating from the lock range in a second direction, the advance port and the lock port are fluidly connected to the supply port. While a driving source generates a driving force to move the spool in the second direction, a biasing member biases the spool in the first direction. When the spool is positioned at a limit position of the advance range, a biasing force biasing the spool in the first direction is stepwise varied by a specified variation width.

Abstract: A cam housing 3 in accordance with the present invention includes: a body portion 4 that is provided separately from a cylinder head 1, supports a camshaft 2 for driving a valve 10 provided in the cylinder head 1, and is fixed to the cylinder head 1; a sub housing 20 that includes a mounting concavity 21 for mounting a lash adjuster 18 and is fixed to the body portion 4 with a mounting face 20A thereof forced against an outer face of the body portion 4, the mounting face 20A being different from the face wherein an opening of the mounting concavity 21 is provided; and an air vent 22 that penetrates the sub housing 20 between a wall surface thereof and the mounting face 20A thereof and thereby is provided in the sub housing 20, the wall configuring an inner space formed in the mounting concavity wherein the lash adjuster 18 is mounted.

Abstract: An engine of the present invention comprises a valve body configured to open and close ports and formed in a cylinder head, a drive cam mechanism operable in association with a crankshaft by a driving power transmission mechanism, a pivot cam mechanism which is configured to be pivoted according to movement of the drive cam mechanism to cause the valve body to open and close and is configured to change a pivot state to change a lift characteristic of the valve; and a servo motor configured to change the pivot state of the pivot cam mechanism, wherein the servo motor is positioned at one end portion of the pivot cam mechanism such that the servo motor is distant from the driving power transmission mechanism.

Abstract: An end pivot valve train is provided in a cylinder head to open and close a cylinder valve. The end pivot valve train includes a cam follower forcing the cylinder valve, and a cam holder assembled onto an upper portion of the cylinder head and includes a receiving groove to receive the cam follower therein, wherein the cam holder has a protrusion configured and dimensioned to interfere with an upper surface of the cam follower when the cam follower rotates such that a longitudinal edge thereof moves up.

Abstract: A camshaft assembly method may include locating a first lobe member of a camshaft assembly on a first shaft of the assembly. A locking pin may be inserted into a first radial bore in the first lobe member and a second radial bore of the first shaft. The locking pin may have an annular wall defining a pin bore extending from a first end of the locking pin to a second end of the locking pin. A deforming member may be forced into the pin bore to displace the annular wall in an outward radial direction and into a frictional engagement with the first radial bore. The forcing may include a deforming member entering the pin bore at the first end of the locking pin and exiting the pin bore at the second end of the locking pin.

Abstract: The invention provides a practical diesel engine that uses plasma formed by microwave emissions. In a compression-ignition internal combustion engine, fuel is sprayed by an injector in the combustion chamber in which compressed oxidizing gas is present, and the fuel is compressed and ignited. The engine has one antenna or a plurality of antennas in the combustion chamber, and when the oxidizing gas or moisture and charged particles are present in the combustion chamber, an electromagnetic wave is emitted using the antenna in a space in which the oxidizing gas and the charged particles are present, and plasma is generated in the space by the energy fed to the charged particles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle including a variable intake pipe length device capable of adjusting the length of an intake pipe according to the condition of an engine, the intake pipe being provided in an intake passage for inducing air from an air cleaner box to an intake port of the engine, the intake pipe including a fixed funnel and a movable funnel movable relative to the fixed funnel by a driving force of an actuator, wherein the actuator is located inside of an envelope formed by the contour of the intake pipe.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a coolant cross-over for circulating an engine coolant between a first engine component, e.g., a first cylinder head, and a second engine component, e.g., a second cylinder head. The coolant cross-over defines a first outlet in fluid communication with the first engine component, a second outlet in fluid communication with second engine component, and further defines a passage interconnecting the first outlet and the second outlet. The coolant cross-over comprises a polymer. A sleeve comprises polyaromatic sulfide and is disposed within the passage for separating the engine coolant from the nylon which forms the coolant cross-over to prevent physical, thermal and/or chemical degradation of the polymeric coolant cross-over by the engine coolant.

Abstract: A balancer of an engine includes a rod and a balancer piston. A first end portion of the rod includes a joining portion which is arranged to be joined to a crankshaft of the engine at a position that is eccentric relative to a rotation axis of the crankshaft. A second end portion of the rod is arranged to reciprocate inside a cylinder according to a rotation of the crankshaft. The balancer piston is fixed to the second end portion of the rod. The balancer piston is arranged to reciprocate inside the cylinder, while rocking between a contact state in which the balancer piston is in contact with an inner wall surface of the cylinder and a non-contact state in which the balancer piston is separated from the inner wall surface. The balancer piston includes a cylindrical outer peripheral portion that is curved so as to swell toward the inner wall surface.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine wherein the piston includes a piston body fabricated from a metal and a piston head fabricated from a ceramic or ceramic composite material, the ceramic or ceramic composite piston head is press fit to the piston body and secured by an internal circumferential locking ring.

Abstract: An oil sump for use in internal combustion engines or transmissions, where the oil sump consists of sheet metal shaped by deep drawing and has a reinforced edge, by means of which it rests, in its mounted state, in the internal combustion engine or the transmission with a seal positioned between them. The reinforcement consists of at least one separate metal part, which is mounted on the edge of the oil sump by positive locking and/or nonpositive locking with deformation of the edge of the oil sump.

Abstract: There is described a centralised lubrication system and a method for lubricating the cylinder faces in large diesel engines, in particular marine engines. The system includes at least one lubricating apparatus (2) having a rotating control shaft (18) for preferably running synchronously with the main shaft (44) of the diesel engine. In order to make a system that does not have a mechanical drive between the lubricating apparatus (2) and the main shaft (44), the system is constructed with an AC motor (36) driving the control shaft (18). Reference means (72, 78) are provided in association with the main shaft (44), indicating the angular position of the main shaft, and sensor means (74, 76, 80) detecting the position of the reference means. Furthermore, the system includes a control unit (40) receiving signals from the sensor means and which includes means for detecting angular position as well as angular speed of the reference means and thereby of the main shaft (44).

Abstract: An internal-combustion engine comprised of a cylinder with at least one piston which is moving to and fro in it, and a piston rod (6), which transforms the piston's movement to rotary motion in a crank shaft (9), and including equipment for a forcible stabilization of the piston axle. Each small end of the piston rods has an additional part (6g) at its right side, to produce an additional torsional moment with the aid of inertial forces. This part is characterized by its optimized form; the piston rod's big end (6f) includes the additional parts (6m), (6n), also at its right side; In this way, the force vectors and the torsional moment of the motor are optimized due to the effect of the inertial forces and the mass of the entire piston rod may be used to increase the inertial forces, which results in a considerable improvement of the economic and ecological properties of internal-combustion engines and other piston engines.

Abstract: Embodiments of rotary vane engines include rotors that rotate about an axis of rotation. The rotors can be moved in directions substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation to vary expansion and/or compression ratios of the rotary vane engines. The ability to vary the expansion and/or compression ratios can facilitate optimization of the performance of the rotary vane engines as operating conditions vary.

Abstract: Procedure for the transition of an internal combustion engine, particularly a gasoline engine with direct gasoline injection and with a partially variable valve-train assembly, from an initial mode of operation into a target mode of operation, whereby the initial mode of operation and the target mode of operation are either a mode of operation with an externally-supplied ignition or one with self-ignition. The procedure comprises the procedural steps: Adaptation of the operating parameters of the initial mode of operation to the required values for the target mode of operation in a map-based pilot control phase Changeover of the mode of operation after the map-based pilot control phase Closed-loop control of the operating parameters after the changeover.

Abstract: A valve opening arrangement includes a first contact surface on a first member, and a second contact surface on a second member discrete from the first member. A first and a second opening are provided, and a first and a second valve movable to open and close the first and second opening, respectively, are provided. A yoke is arranged to move the first valve and not the second valve when contacted by the first contact surface and is arranged to move the first valve and the second valve when contacted by the second contact surface.

Abstract: An electrical actuating arrangement for an internal combustion engine includes an electric drive motor disposed in a housing body. The electric drive motor includes a motor housing with a drive side closed by a plastic front plate. A mounting flange is disposed on a drive side of the electric drive motor, the mounting flange being integral with the motor housing. The plastic front plate extends at least partially radially beyond the motor housing and is configured to seat via a clamping fit in a corresponding recess of the housing body so as to radially fix the electric drive motor.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to address engine pre-ignition. One or more cylinders are alternately rich and lean operated for a duration to reduce engine thermal loading while maintaining an exhaust air-to-fuel ratio around stoichiometry.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling/adjusting purge flow rate in an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system includes an air intake assembly, a fuel tank assembly and an evaporative emissions control device such as a carbon canister in operational association with each other. Fuel vapors from the fuel tank assembly flow into the evaporative emissions control device for adsorption. The adsorbed fuel vapors from the evaporative emissions control device are recovered, at least in part due to pressure differentials, and actively purged into the internal combustion engine. The purge flow rate from the evaporative emissions control device is controlled/adjusted by a flow control device, the flow control device that is at least indirectly connected to the evaporative emissions control device and the air intake assembly. In one aspect, the flow control device can comprise an orifice device, such as, a connector device having at least one orifice for regulating purge flow rate.