Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a crankless engine capable of reducing the weight and size of the engine without having a crank and connecting rod, and capable of reducing the vibration of the engine by facing two pistons each other.

Abstract: An internal combustion rotary piston engine includes a cylinder housing a power piston and a second piston which is coupled to the power piston. A shaft is coaxially supported in the cylinder and is able to rotate along a longitudinal axis that is fixed from translational motion along the axis. The pistons are mounted on the shaft in a manner where they can reciprocate along a shaft and rotate with a shaft. A track and bearing system couples the second piston to the cylinder and is configured to cause the second piston and thus the piston and shaft to rotate as the piston reciprocates along the shaft. The track of the track and bearing system is formed with a radius which is greater than the radius of the power piston. The torque produced by the engine can be varied by varying the radius of the track.

Abstract: In an opposed-piston, opposed-cylinder engine, a high degree of swirl is developed during the scavenging process and persists into the combustion stroke. The engine has one or more injectors at the periphery of the combustion chamber injecting fuel into the air at the point in which the air has the highest tangential velocity. The swirling air causes the jets to be pushed together and some of the jets to be pushed into the cylinder wall. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the exhaust piston has a raised portion and a recessed portion. Protuberances extending inwardly are provided on the raised portion of the exhaust piston to dampen the swirl.

Abstract: An intake device for an internal combustion engine includes a casing, a valve, a shaft, and an actuator. The casing defines an intake passage, and the valve is contained in the casing. The shaft supports the valve, and the actuator includes a motor, a speed reduction mechanism, and a transmission mechanism which transmits torque of the motor to the shaft from a gear of the speed reduction mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes first and second connection members which are connected to the gear and the shaft respectively, and an impact absorbing member held between the first and second connection members. The first and second connection members respectively include first and second protrusions, which are alternately arranged in a rotational direction of the transmission mechanism. The impact absorbing member includes compressive deformation parts which are deformable in the rotational direction and are respectively located between adjacent first and second protrusions.

Abstract: An operation status value detection unit detects two or more operation status values indicating an operation status of an internal combustion engine. A filtering processing unit applies filtering processing to the detected operation status values, and an operation status value difference calculation unit calculates the difference between the filter-processed operation status value and the corresponding non-filter-processed operation status value so as to calculate two or more operation status value differences. An operation status value difference normalization unit normalizes the two or more operation status value differences, based on predetermined reference values for the two or more operation status values, so as to calculate two or more normalized operation status value differences; and a transient correction unit corrects a control amount for controlling output of the internal combustion engine, based thereon, when the engine is in a transient-operation mode.

Abstract: A method of operating a combustion apparatus (10) having an engine (12) and an air processing unit (14) comprises: separating inlet air in the air processing unit (14) into oxygen enriched air and nitrogen enriched air; delivering oxygen enriched air to the engine (12) and initiating homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion, and then reducing the mass of oxygen enriched air being delivered to the engine (12) and maintaining homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion.

Abstract: A knock control device is provided in which erroneous knock detection can be reduced by suppressing sudden knock signal changes due to noise, without causing any increase in the number of matching steps, deterioration in the S/N in knock detection and decrease in detection performing frequency. In the knock control device, an open gain is applied to the detected signal only during a knock detection window set in advance by a knock window setting means. The window corresponds to a period in which vibration due to knock arises. During other periods, either a closed gain or an interpolated gain value is applied to the detected signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing heated fuel to a fuel injector of an engine are provided. According to the approaches described herein, adequate cold-start fuel atomization may be provided without compromising driver satisfaction due to excessive pre-ignition delay, while at the same time reducing unnecessary heating of fuel during warm engine off conditions.

Abstract: A fuel injection control for an internal combustion engine includes a coil, a first switch, a capacitor, a second switch, and a control circuit. The coil is to boost a voltage of a power supply source. The first switch is connected at one end to an output side of the coil and at the other end to a ground. The capacitor is connected to an electromagnetic fuel injection valve to store energy which has been stored in the coil. The second switch is connected at one end between the coil and the first switch and at the other end to an input side of the capacitor. The control circuit is connected to the first switch and the second switch. The control circuit is configured to perform synchronous rectifying control for switching the first switch and the second switch.

Abstract: A balanced five-stroke cycle, five cylinder engine, wherein the five cylinders are parallel and arranged around a shaft mounted in a centrally disposed bore in the engine block, wherein the shaft is parallel to the cylinders, wherein power pistons in the cylinders dwell motionless for the intake part of the cycle between the vacuum stroke and the compression stroke of each power piston; induction of the combustion mixture resulting from the partial vacuum created by the vacuum stroke of the power piston, and wherein the position of each power piston is governed by a power piston cam mounted on the shaft, the shaft and bore on the centroidal axis of symmetry of the radially spaced apart array of five cylinders corresponding to the pistons, the opening and closing of exhaust ports governed by an exhaust piston cam mounted on the shaft moving exhaust pistons along the cylinders.

Abstract: An engine supercharging device includes are a supercharger (38) for pressurizing air introduced in an engine (E), an air cleaner (36) for purifying an ambient air, a purified air supply passage (56) for supplying a purified air (CA) from the air cleaner (36) towards the supercharger (38), a supercharged air passage (62) for supplying the supercharged air (SA) from the supercharger (38) towards an air intake passage (60) of the engine (E), and a relief valve (68) for adjusting an air pressure within the supercharged air passage (62). The relief valve (68) has a discharge port portion (68b) which is accommodated within the air cleaner (36). The engine (E) has a plurality of engine cylinders, and a downstream portion of the supercharged air passage (62) is defined by an intake air chamber (54) for supplying the sucked air to respective air intake passages (60) of the plural engine cylinders.

Abstract: Devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve the selective deactivation of one or more engine valves. In one embodiment, a split-cycle internal combustion engine is provided in which a high-speed trigger valve is used to fill and drain a hydraulic tappet that forms part of a lost-motion system of an engine valve. A spool valve can be used to selectively disconnect the tappet from the trigger valve, thereby deactivating the associated engine valve (i.e., preventing the engine valve from opening). The devices and methods disclosed herein also have application in conventional internal combustion engines and can be used with inwardly-opening and/or outwardly-opening valves.

Abstract: Devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve actuating an engine valve with a cam having a dwell section. These devices and methods have application in split-cycle engines, air hybrid engines, conventional engines, and/or various combinations thereof. Both inwardly- and outwardly-opening valves can be actuated with the devices and methods disclosed herein. Additional valve train elements are disclosed, including rockers, lost-motion systems, and valve seating control devices.

Abstract: A flight track assembly of a crossbow stock having a base component dimensioned to attach to an upper portion of the crossbow stock and a flight track component disposed on an upper surface of the base component. The flight track component is formed by one continuous piece or two rails. The flight track component is secured to the base component by an attachment mechanism. For example, the attachment mechanism is a projection extending from a lower surface of the flight track component designed to slide into a recess in the upper surface of the base component. Alternatively, the attachment mechanism is a projection extending from the lower surface of the flight track component designed to engage a cooperating projection on the upper surface of the base component.

Abstract: Archery bow adjustment systems that enable adjustment of both the draw weight and the brace height of the bow. The adjustment system includes a plate mounted on an end of a riser of the bow.

Abstract: A bowstring release having a removable safety pin that when engaged, allows for training. The safety pin physically preventing the release mechanism from fully releasing, while allowing enough movement to provide a tactile response that the release has been activated.

Abstract: The accuracy of a paintball propelled through a paintball marker is improved by longitudinally injecting pressurized gas into the paintball marker's barrel and forcing the gas to follow a spiral path as it is injected into the barrel. This can be achieved by mounting a spiral member within the paintball marker's power tube nozzle, such that the spiral member extends and spirals longitudinally along the nozzle.

Abstract: A paintball marker in one embodiment of which a regulator can be located to multiple positions due to multiple flow paths to the valve assembly. For example, in some situations it could be desired to position the regulator on the grip of the marker. In other situations, the user might want the regulator to be located on a vertical grip of the marker. In another embodiment, the paintball marker has an anti jam feature including a capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A pneumatic assembly for a projectile launching system includes a body defining a continuous bore. A nozzle is positioned within the bore adjacent a forward end and is moveable between a rearward position wherein the nozzle facilitates passage of a projectile through a projectile port and a forward position wherein the nozzle prevents passage of a projectile through the projectile port. The nozzle is biased to the forward position and configured for fluid actuation to the rearward position by activation of a first fluid control valve. A valve seat defines an accumulation chamber rearward of the nozzle. A firing valve member is moveable between a forward position wherein the firing valve member fluidly seals a passage through the valve seat and a rearward position wherein the passage is fluidly opened such that fluid in the accumulation chamber is free to flow through the passage and out of the nozzle.

Abstract: To provide a method of slicing a silicon ingot for slicing a silicon ingot using a bonded abrasive wire saw, which can reduce the consumption of the bonded abrasive wire required for the slicing process as much as possible, thereby greatly reducing the manufacturing cost and to provide a wire saw used for this method. In the method of slicing a silicon ingot using a wire saw, while a bonded abrasive wire helically wound at a constant pitch around peripheral surfaces of a plurality of rollers is run with a coolant being supplied onto the wire, and while the coolant is also supplied to a side portion of the silicon ingot to be cut where the wire passes in slicing of the silicon ingot; the silicon ingot is moved relative to the wire, thereby slicing the silicon ingot to form a plurality of silicon wafers.

Abstract: A furnace that includes a heater configured to heat a fluid and discharge a heated fluid flow, a first heat exchanger at least partially positioned in a air duct and in fluid communication with the heater to receive the heated fluid flow, and a second heat exchanger at least partially positioned in the air duct and in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger so that the heated fluid flow flows through the second heat exchanger after flowing through the first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are arranged in the air duct so that the flow of air travels through the first heat exchanger to transfer heat between the heated fluid flow and the flow of air, and then through the second heat exchanger after the first heat exchanger to transfer heat between the heated fluid flow and the flow of air.

Abstract: A countertop multi-function oven has a baking and a toasting mode. The oven uses a rotating input dial as a function selector. A second rotating input dial is used to allow a user selection of a bake time or a toasting load.

Abstract: A countertop multi-function oven has a baking and a toasting mode. The oven has, in vertical arrangement, a first rotating time selection dial and second rotating temperature selection dial and graphic display area. The graphic area has a function selection indictor as well as first and second alphanumeric portions. In a toasting mode, one of the input dials is used to select a toasting load and the other input dial is used to select a toasting darkness.

Abstract: A charcoal ignition device generally includes a housing having a wall defining an interior cavity and an exterior surface. A blower assembly has an inlet end and an outlet end, with the outlet end in fluid communication with the interior cavity. The blower assembly includes a motor and a blower coupled to the motor. A battery receptacle is in electrical communication with the electric motor. The battery receptacle is configured to receive a rechargeable power-tool battery pack.

Abstract: An unvented gas fireplace in which air flow through a dosed combustion chamber is controlled by means of a restriction in the air flow path through an outer plenum chamber surrounding the combustion chamber, causing a pressure differential between the plenum and combustion chamber, forcing air from the plenum into the combustion chamber, where it is combusted and mixed with the cool air that has passed the restriction in the plenum, before the air mixture is exhausted into the surrounding room or area. A diverter selects between exhausting the heated air in the same or the opposite side as the air intake. The unit may be used as an outdoor stand-alone fireplace.

Abstract: An unvented gas fireplace in which air flow through a closed combustion chamber is controlled by means of a restriction in the air flow path through an outer plenum chamber surrounding the combustion chamber. The restriction in the air flow path through the plenum causes a pressure differential between the plenum and combustion chamber, forcing air from the plenum into the combustion chamber, where it is combusted and mixed with the cool air that has passed the restriction in the plenum, before the air mixture is exhausted into the surrounding room, thereby heating the room.

Abstract: An improved fire grate may provide fresh oxygen rich air to a secondary combustion zone, created by the improved fire grate, of a combustion chamber where a combustion gas stream is typically oxygen starved assisting in the burning process of incompletely burned particulates and reducing other harmful emissions. A baffle plate may be introduced in the secondary combustion zone to increase a combustion chamber temperature, encourage mixing of oxygen starved air with oxygen rich air and increase a residence time of the combustion gas within the combustion chamber. These aspects of the baffle plate promote more efficient burning of the biomass/fuel. Additionally, log lighter(s) may be disposed in the secondary combustion zone to increase a temperature of the combustion chamber for the purposes of reducing harmful emissions.

Abstract: A solar pond includes a upper convection zone including an ionic liquid; a non-convection zone; and a lower convection zone. The ionic liquid may be an imidazolium salt, an ammonium salt, a pyridinium salt, a piperidium salt, or a phosphonium salt.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on one or more computer storage devices, for collecting solar energy using heliostats arranged about a collection of solar energy receivers. For each heliostat, estimated efficiencies of the heliostat in directing solar rays to two or more receivers at various times of day are determined. Each heliostat is assigned to direct solar rays to two or more different receivers at two or more different times of day, wherein each heliostat directs solar rays to one receiver at a time and the assigning is based on the determined estimated efficiencies for the heliostat at the various of times of day. In some implementations, the receivers are repositionable.

Abstract: A device (1) for concentrating solar radiation, having a concentrator means (2) suitable for concentrating solar radiation onto a concentration zone, and a receiver (3) for receiving solar radiation. The receiver (3) is connected to at least one element (4) suitable for deforming under the action of temperature, and referred to as a “thermo-deformable element”, each thermo-deformable element (4), when the radiation coming from the concentrator means (2) is concentrated onto a concentration zone situated on said thermo-deformable element (4), being suitable for changing shape in such manner as to cause the concentration zone to move towards the receiver (3) or as to cause the receiver (3) to move towards the concentration zone, so that the device (1) makes it possible, for a given position of the sun, and under the action of the solar radiation, to move the concentration zone from an initial position situated on a thermo-deformable element (4) to a final equilibrium position situated on the receiver (3).

Abstract: A solar collector is provided that has a base material and a nanostructured layer integrated into the base material so as to form a light-absorbing surface. The nanostructured layer has nanoparticles of an inorganic material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single step hydrolytic process for the conversion of lignocellulose, into value added chemicals wherein said process is catalyzed by at least one heterogeneous solid acid catalyst selected from a group comprising of zeolites, zeolites with Si/metal, mesoporous silica, oxides and phosphates, clays, ion-exchange resins, heteropolyacids, various sulfates, phosphates, selenates, crystalline materials and amorphous materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are formulations of pirfenidone or pyridone analog compounds for aerosolization and use of such formulations for aerosol administration of pirfenidone or pyridone analog compounds for the prevention or treatment of various fibrotic and inflammatory diseases, including disease associated with the lung, heart, kidney, liver, eye and central nervous system. In some embodiments, pirfenidone or pyridone analog compound formulations and delivery options described herein allow for efficacious local delivery of pirfenidone or pyridone analog compound. Compositions include all formulations, kits, and device combinations described herein. Methods include inhalation procedures, indications and manufacturing processes for production and use of the compositions described.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling the administration of a medical substance is disclosed. An aerosol generator is configured to aerosolize a medical substance and administer the aerosolized medical substance to a patient using a ventilator. The patient is provided with a patient control interface through which the patient initiates the administration of a dose of the aerosolized medical substance. A processor is configured to control the ventilator and the aerosol generator in response to the patient control interface such that the patient controls the administration of the aerosolized medical substance in accordance with limits on the administration of the medical substance.

Abstract: A method for humidifying gas in a ventilator circuit 100, 101, 102, 105, 106 comprises aerosolising a humidifying agent such as water or saline using an aerosol generator 2 and delivering the aerosolised humidifying agent to the inspiration line 101 of the ventilator circuit coupled to the respiratory system of a patient. The aerosol generator 2 comprises a vibratable member 40 having a plurality of apertures extending between a first surface and a second surface. A controller 3 controls the operation of aerosol generator 2, for example in response to the flow of air in the inspiration line 101 as detected by a sensor 11.

Abstract: Lightweight, portable oxygen concentrators that operate using an ultra rapid, sub one second, adsorption cycle based on advanced molecular sieve materials are disclosed. The amount of sieve material utilized is a fraction of that used in conventional portable devices. This dramatically reduces the volume, weight, and cost of the device. Innovations in valve configuration, moisture control, case and battery design, and replaceable sieve module are described. Patients with breathing disorders and others requiring medical oxygen are provided with a long lasting, low cost alternative to existing portable oxygen supply devices.

Abstract: Described is a dry powder inhaler comprising an intake section; a mixing section, and a mouthpiece.

Abstract: A constant mass oxygen addition device for use with a re-breathing apparatus is disclosed for use by individuals venturing into harsh environments, particularly the underwater environment, that remains unaffected by ambient pressure changes. This constant mass oxygen addition device comprises an intermediate chamber which is first pressurized with regulated pressure gas containing oxygen to a set value greater than ambient pressure and then subsequently vented to ambient pressure. This defines one constant mass dosing cycle. Multiple constant mass dosing cycles are repeated sequentially on a periodic basis sufficient to replace metabolic oxygen used by the individual and can be controlled either electronically or preferentially independent of electronics and linked to the respiratory rate of the diver.

Abstract: A method of controlling a ventilator is disclosed that includes the steps of providing a patient with a ventilator patient control interface through which a patient controls at least one control parameter of a ventilator and configuring a processor to control the ventilator in response to the ventilator patient control interface such that the patient controls the at least one control parameter of the ventilator in accordance with pre-set limits on changes to the at least one control parameter.

Abstract: A gas assisted re-breathing device is disclosed for life support of individuals venturing into harsh environments, particularly the underwater environment, which results in reduced work of breathing. Similar to prior art re-breathers, hoses connect a mouthpiece to direct the flow of breathing gas in a loop like fashion, passing in and out of a flexible gas storage container and a CO2 scrubbing device prior to re-breathing.

Abstract: Provided herein is a respiratory apparatus comprising a means for conducting breathable gasses directly to the trachea of a patient, via a tracheotomy or via a tube through the mouth to the trachea, and a means suitable for supplying the breathable gasses, under pressure, thereto and means for exhausting gases therefrom, characterised in that the pressuring means is so located as to impart pressure to said gasses immediately adjacent the site of the tracheotomy or the patient's mouth, thereby substantially reducing the length of the air supply hose to an endotracheal tube, so that problems associated with high pressures and large volumes of dead space can be alleviated.

Abstract: A pressure relief device comprising a valve configured to resiliently deform in response to a predetermined pressure; and a sound dampener configured to dampen a sound generated by the valve when the valve resiliently deforms in response to said predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A female condom having a highly elastic resilient pouch portion is able to stretch from an original contracted configuration into an elongated configuration and then return to the original contracted configuration. The pouch may be fashioned with regular convolutions that act in a spring-like manner for biasing the condom into the contracted configuration. Elastic biasing members may be incorporated into the construction of the condom for providing or augmenting the spring-like action of the condom. The condom of the invention may include a contoured V-shaped outer frame which also may have a spring bias incorporated. The outer frame may flex so as to better retain contact with the anatomy of the female when the condom is inserted in the vagina. A retention sponge is located in the closed end of the pouch and can serve as a resilient elastic member in addition to or in place of the pouch.

Abstract: Described are apparatus and methods for preventing sperm passage through a reproductive structure of a patient, and also for subsequently reversing the preventative measure in order to restore fertility to the patient. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an elongate member arranged to form a frame having a distal and proximal opening and configured to be positioned within a lumen of the reproductive structure. The apparatus may also have a flow reducing member coupled to the frame such that when the frame is positioned within the lumen, the flow reducing member substantially impedes, reduces, or totally obstructs passage of sperm through the lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for cleaning an infant's navel and umbilical cord stump. In particular, the present invention provides a device that eliminates the need for a user to physically hold the umbilical cord stump and allows trapped dirt and moisture to be accessed and removed easily, avoiding premature detachment of the umbilical cord stump and minimizing the risk of infection. The device of the present invention also protects the skin surrounding an infant's navel from cleaning solutions while the infant' navel and umbilical cord stump is being cleaned.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of neurostimulation for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The system is adapted to send an electrical signal from an implanted neurostimulator through a stimulation lead to a patient's nerve at an appropriate phase of the respiratory cycle based on input from a respiration sensing lead. External components are adapted for wireless communication with the neurostimulator. The neurostimulator is adapted to deliver therapeutic stimulation based on inputs.

Abstract: An athlete's mouthguard containing at least one hologram that has been selected for an ability to project or convey various attributes such as wellness, strength, flexibility, focus, endurance, and balance, or other traits to otherwise stabilize and harmonize the user's body. The hologram need not contain a recognizable team insignia or recognizable advertising logo, and indeed the hologram need not necessarily be visible to outsiders when the mouthguard is worn.

Abstract: A mask is provided that can inactivate viruses adhering thereto even in the presence of lipids and proteins regardless of whether or not the viruses have an envelope. The mask can inactivate viruses adhering thereto and includes a mask body provided with a member used when the mask is worn and virus inactivating fine particles having a virus inactivating ability and held by the mask body. The virus inactivating fine particles are particles of at least one selected from the group consisting of platinum(II) iodide, palladium(II) iodide, silver(I) iodide, copper(I) iodide, and copper(I) thiocyanate.

Abstract: A dual cushion restraint mitt comprising a first cushion positioned above a hand of a user; a second cushion attached to the first cushion at a seam, where the second cushion rests beneath the hand; a portion of netting fastened to the first cushion and attached at the seam, wherein the portion of netting wraps around the first cushion and the second cushion; and a cuff attached to an end of the portion of netting opposite to the seam, wherein the cuff wraps around a wrist of the user to keep the portion of netting in place while the first cushion and the second cushion sandwich the hand to restrain and to prevent the user from removing life sustaining equipment.

Abstract: An intracellular cytokine flow cytometry (CFC) assay was developed to measure CD3? (non-T) cell response to allo-Ags expressed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (allo-CFC-PBMC) and/or endothelial cells (allo-CFC-EC) by detecting intracellular gamma-interferon (IFNY) production. The assay can be used to determine a likelihood of antibody mediated rejection in an individual. A method for using genetic screening to determine the likelihood of AMR is also disclosed.