Abstract: A boat holding tank for anesthetizing fish is described having a pulsator, with the pulsator having an anode output and a cathode output; a holding tank capable of receiving an aquatic animal, the holding tank further comprising an anode probe and a cathode probe, with the anode cathode probe of the holding tank switchably connected to the anode and cathode output of the pulsator, such that when the pulsator is activated the aquatic animal in the holding tank is anesthetized.

Abstract: A sustainable food production system, known as aquaponics, is housed in at least a portion of an intermodal shipping container. In some embodiments, the food production system can be housed fully in one intermodal shipping container or may span multiple shipping containers that can be stacked vertically, end-to-end or side-to-side. An ecosystem is created in the shipping containers where fish fertilize plants and plants clarify the water for the fish. The containers are designed to be plug-and-play and are expandable. Because they are intermodal (ISO) shipping containers, they can be easily shipped anywhere in the world. In the area of a standard parking space (8 feet by 20 feet), about 1,500 fish per year and hundreds of vegetables monthly can be raised.

Abstract: Embodiments include a mesh bird cage having a fabric collapsibly forming an enclosed volume, the fabric being a screen-like mesh with holes to enable air to circulate through the fabric. The fabric may be equipped with extendible rods to adjust the volume enclosed by the fabric.

Abstract: A pet brush includes a brush unit, and a tonic attachment attachable to and detachable from the brush unit. The tonic attachment is cooperable with the brush unit to define an ergonomic handle-less pet brush.

Abstract: An animal toy having two end portions and a shaft releasably connectable between the two end portions has a treat-retaining portion located on the shaft. A method for adjusting a toy for an animal having a muzzle, front teeth and back teeth adjusts the distance between opposing end portions such that during chewing, the treat portion can only come into contact with the front teeth of the animal.

Abstract: An improved electrode design is provided for a baited, shock-producing, deer repellent device deployed in an area to be protected. This device has straight, parallel, positive and negative, un-insulated metal electrodes extending vertically from the top. The electrodes are spaced and sized so that they surround and protect the bait. This electrode design increases the chance that a deer will make effective contact with the electrodes while also allowing easy access to the bait for servicing. This electrode design also decreases the chances of the device collecting ice or snow, and it decreases the chance of discharge of the device by moisture or by contact between the electrodes.

Abstract: A system for invisible fencing for animals, that is a device mounted on animals. The device checks GNSS position measurements against an area that is defined in the device. The area can be defined as a combination of several areas with different characteristics. An area may also be defined as dynamic. The system calculates the shortest distance to this area based on actual GNSS position. If position measurements show that the animal has a position that is outside the area, correction will be performed as a combination of audio signal and electric shock. The correction is made by increasing the audio frequency proportionally with the calculated distance to the area. When the audio frequency has reached an upper limit, one single electric shock is given, and possible further correction is resumed from the position where the electric shock was given.

Abstract: An animal restraint system which involves variable adjustability of maximum extension. A braking device with a pivoting tip which can move from a neutral position to a locked engaged position, a disengaged position, and a semi-engaged position. The semi-engaged position allows for spool rotation in the direction of retraction, while preventing spool rotation in the direction of extension. A brake lock with multiple settings including engaged position, disengaged position, and a semi-engaged position. A spool with teeth where one or more of the teeth is different from the others in shape, size or relative position to promote brake engagement efficiency. A leash maximum settings display. A moving “leash” guide which reduces tangling during extension and retraction. An adjustable handle grip to accommodate different hand sizes. A snap-on accessory attachment system. A leash dispenser system which limits full extension to reduce system failure.

Abstract: A harness device with detachable stockinet that aids in the protection of elbow and leg wounds on canines, felines, and like animals, allowing the paw to remain unwrapped. The device comprises of two straps that connect around the animals' withers or back that are adjustable; a tubular body part that fits around the animals' leg, just above the elbow; and a detachable stockinet that connects to the body part with Velcro, that can be changed out to keep clean material on the wound. The device is fitted per each leg for a secure fit, with only the rear leg harness to be worn with a securely fitted harness found in most pet stores. Only one leg is needed for proper fitting of bandage harness.

Abstract: A radiant superheater arranged to hang at the upper portion of a furnace of a boiler. The radiant superheater is substantially planar and includes a first vertical pass, a first connection pass, a second vertical pass, a third vertical pass, a second connection pass, and a fourth vertical pass. Each vertical pass includes an upper end and a lower end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piston (10) for an internal combustion engine, having a piston head (11) having a piston crown (17), an outer circumferential cooling channel (21), an inner cooling space (22) disposed in the region of the underside (17a) of the piston crown (17), which is closed off with a separate closure element (23) that has at least one outflow opening (25) for cooling oil. According to the invention, it is provided that the closure element (23) and the inner cooling space (22) extend all the way to below the outer circumferential cooling channel (21).

Abstract: An electronic control unit that controls a variable operation angle mechanism that varies an operation angle of an intake valve reduces an operation angle of the intake valve to a normal startup operation angle after first maintaining the operation angle of the intake valve at a high temperature restart operation angle that is larger than the normal startup operation angle for a predetermined period of time after an engine is stopped.

Abstract: A directional control valve is configured to switch among a first position at which a discharge passage communicates with a phase-advance passage and a phase-retard passage and a lock passage communicates with a drain passage, a second position at which the discharge passage communicates with the phase-advance passage and the lock passage and the phase-retard passage communicates with the drain passage, a third position at which the discharge passage communicates with the phase-retard passage and the lock passage and the phase-advance passage communicates with the drain passage, and a fourth position at which the discharge passage communicates with the lock passage and fluid-communication between the discharge passage and each of the phase-advance passage and the phase-retard passage is blocked. The directional control valve is further switchable to a sixth position at which the phase-advance passage, the phase-retard passage, and the lock passage all communicate with the discharge passage.

Abstract: An electrical camshaft phaser arrangement for controllably varying the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an internal combustion engine includes an adjusting gear drive unit formed as a three shafts transmission having a drive shaft connected with the crankshaft, an output shaft connected with the camshaft, and an adjusting shaft connected with the control shaft of an electrical machine. The electrical machine allows phasing the camshaft with regards to the crankshaft by increasing or decreasing control shaft speed, the control shaft being spinning during phase holding modes. The adjusting gear drive unit is configured such that an energy recovering mode is provided wherein a braking torque is applied to the control shaft in order to generate electrical energy.

Abstract: A pressure accumulator arrangement in a camshaft for a camshaft adjusting system of an internal combustion engine, having at least one pressure accumulator and at least one control valve, characterized in that the pressure accumulator and control valve are connected to form a structural unit.

Abstract: A process in which liquid fuel is saturated with a gas to provide a fuel/gas solution said fuel/gas solution fed to a combustion engine, a first portion of said fuel/gas solution that is fed to said combustion engine is combusted, a second portion of said fuel/gas solution that is fed to said combustion engine is not combusted, the temperature of said second portion of said fuel/gas solution is reduced in a heat exchanger to produce a reduced temperature second portion, evaporated gas in said reduced temperature second portion is then removed in a separator, and the fuel/gas solution thus produced is then fed back into the combustion engine.

Abstract: A Belt Driven Electric Starter System (BES) may have an idle pulley is composed of pivot point idle pulley forming pivot points at both sides of driving belt, which is wound on starter generator pulley and crank pulley, and driven idle pulley forming the fixing point, and a side of tension controller is fixed to engine and the opposite side is fixed to starter generator combined with starter generator pulley, such that it is possible to more effectively use the empty space without interference with the other portions in the entire layout of the BES. Further, excessive tension of driving belt due to starter generator when the engine is started can be attenuated by retraction of tension controller that moves with starter generator, while the excessive tension of driving belt due to crank pulley when electricity is generated can also be attenuated by extension of tension controller that moves with starter generator.

Abstract: A sound transmission system of a motor vehicle, having an intake sound transmission device which can be coupled via a first tubular connecting element to an air intake manifold which leads to an internal combustion engine and via a second tubular connecting element to a vehicle interior, the first tubular connecting element being assigned a first switchable shut-off device, having a resonator device which interacts with the intake sound transmission device and can be coupled via a third tubular connecting element to the air intake manifold which leads to an internal combustion engine, the third tubular connecting element being assigned a second switchable shut-off device.

Abstract: A cylinder of an externally fired, two-stroke engine has at least two exhaust channels. At least the inflow openings of the exhaust channels are located or formed symmetrical in relation to a plane of symmetry containing a longitudinal center axis of the cylinder. The inflow openings of the exhaust channels lying above each other in the cylinder wall surface and spaced apart by wall webs lie distributed over a peripheral region of the cylinder wall surface which in relation to the longitudinal center axis corresponds to a central angle Z of 175°?Z?280°, preferably 180°?Z?265°.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine has an upper piston part and a lower piston part, which form an outer circumferential cooling channel. The piston has pin boss connections that lie opposite one another, at which pin bosses are provided, which have pin bores that define a center axis (M). The upper piston part and the lower piston part are connected with one another by way of outer joining surfaces and inner joining surfaces. A bridge that runs essentially parallel to the center axis (M) is configured in the lower piston part, in the region of the pin boss connections. The bridge has two longitudinal sides that delimit an upper bridge surface.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine has a piston head and a piston skirt delimited by a lower skirt edge. The piston skirt has a working surface assigned to its major thrust side (DS) and a working surface assigned to its minor thrust side (GDS), and a zone is assigned to each of the two working surfaces, which zone proceeds from the lower skirt edge and is exposed to a maximal stress during operation of the internal combustion engine. The zone of the working surface assigned to the major thrust side (DS) and/or the zone of the working surface assigned to the minor thrust (GDS) side is provided with a coating that has grooves that run vertically.

Abstract: An improved oil and gas seal assembly for an internal combustion engine that includes a scraper ring retained within an annular containment groove that, in several embodiments, is formed in the side wall of the cylinder and sized to allow the scraper ring to be fitted therein. The depth of the annular containment groove is sufficient to allow the scraper ring to be expanded during assembly with the piston and during engine operation when the assembly is exposed to vibration and heat variations. A resilient element surrounds the scraper ring within the annular containment groove in order to apply inward forces to the scraper ring and keep it in contact with the movable piston skirt side wall, and also in contact with at least one wall of the groove to prevent an alternative migration path for oil or combustion gases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piston (10) for an internal combustion engine, comprising a piston crown (13), a circumferential fire land (14), a circumferential ring part (15) having annular grooves, and a piston skirt (16), which comprises two skirt walls (17) and two box walls (18) set back from the ring part (15) and connecting the skirt walls (17) in such a way that an exposed underside (25) of the ring part (15) is formed in the area of each of the box walls (18), wherein the box walls (18) are provided with pin bosses (19) having pin bores (21). According to the invention, at least one support element (26a, 26b) is arranged between each exposed underside (25) of the ring part (15) and the box wall (18) associated with said underside of the ring part.

Abstract: A piston-powered internal explosion engine for providing power output through a rotating crankshaft. The engine includes an engine block having power cylinders for receiving working pistons, bearing means for supporting the crankshaft, and a crankshaft supported within the bearing means having an output end extending outside of the engine block and a plurality of offset power cranks. The engine includes connecting rods operably coupled to the power cranks and configured to transfer power from the working pistons to rotate the crankshaft, and working pistons that are received into the power cylinders and operably coupled to the power cranks. Each working piston has a head end positioned adjacent to a cylinder head to form a compression chamber and is configured to receive power from an explosion of a compressed volume located within the compression chamber, and to transfer the received power to the connecting rods.

Abstract: An engine system for a vehicle and its method of operation are provided. In one embodiment, a control system is configured to indicate a clogging of a fuel filter based on a period of time that a fuel pressure switch remains in a low pressure state. In some embodiments, the control system may respond to an indicated clogging of the fuel system by limiting one or more of fuel pressure, fuel flow rate, and vehicle speed. By limiting the flow rate and/or the pressure at which fuel is delivered to the engine during conditions when the low pressure fuel sub-system is unable to provide sufficient fuel pressure and/or flow, degradation and/or damage to the fuel system, including the high pressure pump, may be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving fluid usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients.

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a fuel rail to a cylinder head of a combustion engine may include: a fuel injector cup coupled to the fuel rail and facing the cylinder head, a first fastening element facing the fuel injector cup and fixedly coupled to the cylinder head, at least one first spring element arranged between the first fastening element and the fuel injector cup and/or between the fuel injector cup and the cylinder head, a support element arranged between the fuel rail and the cylinder head and fixedly coupled to the fuel rail, a second fastening element engaged with the support element and fixedly coupled to the cylinder head, and at least one second spring element arranged between the second fastening element and the support element and/or between the support element and the cylinder head. The first spring element(s) may comprise metal, and the second spring element(s) may comprise plastic.

Abstract: Provided is a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine that can suppress blowback of in-cylinder residual gas to an intake passage when reverting from a fuel-cut operation accompanied by valve stopping control of an intake valve while suppressing an oil ascent during execution of the fuel-cut operation, and a control apparatus for a vehicle equipped with the internal combustion engine. When executing a fuel-cut operation accompanied by intake valve stopping control, advancement control of the opening/closing timing of an exhaust valve (32) is executed. If the advancement control is being executed in a case where a request to revert from the fuel-cut operation has been detected, an advance amount of the opening/closing timing of the exhaust valve (32) is retarded so as to become less than or equal to a predetermined value.

Abstract: An evaporated fuel purge device integrally includes a main passage, a fuel inlet passage, a fuel outlet passage, an ejector, an air inlet passage, and an air outlet passage. Evaporated fuel flows into the main passage through the fuel inlet passage, and flow out of the main passage through the fuel outlet passage. Intake air flows into the ejector from a downstream of a turbocharger through the air inlet passage, and flows out of the ejector to an upstream of the turbocharger through the air outlet passage. At least three of the fuel inlet passage, the fuel outlet passage, the air inlet passage, and the air outlet passage are arranged to extend parallel with each other.

Abstract: A leakage judgment with respect to a fuel tank is carried out. If the fuel tank is not leaking, a leakage judgment with respect to a canister is carried out. If there is a possibility of leakage in the fuel tank, a leakage judgment with respect to the fuel tank and the canister is carried out. If it is judged that there is leakage in the fuel tank and the canister, the leakage judgment with respect to the canister is carried out.

Abstract: A leakage judgment with respect to a fuel tank is carried out. If the fuel tank is not leaking, a leakage judgment with respect to a canister is carried out. If there is a possibility of leakage in the fuel tank, a leakage judgment with respect to the fuel tank and the canister is carried out. If it is judged that there is leakage in the fuel tank and the canister, the leakage judgment with respect to the canister is carried out.

Abstract: When a specific condition requiring a rise in exhaust gas temperature is satisfied, a required fuel amount to be injected from an injector (21) is injected in a split manner, such that the fuel injection is divided to: a main injection (X1) to be initiated a given period before a compression top dead center; an auxiliary injection (X2) to be initiated after initiation of auto-ignited combustion of an air-fuel mixture consisting of air and the fuel injected by the main injection (X1) and before an assumed peak timing (Pk?) of a heat release rate (RH) from the combustion based on the main injection (X1); and a post injection (X3) to be initiated after the assumed peak timing (Pk?) and before completion of combustion based on the main injection (X1) and the auxiliary injection (X2). This makes it possible to raise an exhaust gas temperature while sufficiently ensuring auto-ignitability and fuel economy performance.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust restriction valve and an exhaust gas recirculation control valve. Upon determining that a malfunction or fault condition exists relative to one of the valves, the controller may command the other valve to move towards a predetermined position. A malfunction or fault condition may result in derating of the engine.

Abstract: An engine starting method is disclosed. In one example, engine operation is adjusted to reduce catalyst light off time. Exhaust temperatures may be increased until a threshold engine temperature is reached.

Abstract: A PCV circuit for an internal combustion engine is modified to deliver the PCV fluid to an atomization chamber which also receives fuel from an electronic fuel injector tapped into the main vehicle fuel supply. The fuel from the injector is thoroughly vaporized in and/or immediately downstream of the chamber and conveyed to the vehicle intake manifold. A switch cuts off operation of the fuel injector at high load/high throttle setting conditions. The injector operates at a constant frequency with a selected ON time.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine and an intake assembly. The engine defines a combustion chamber and a crankcase, and the intake assembly includes an intake manifold in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. An air-oil separator is provided with the engine and defines a separator volume, an inlet and an outlet, where each of the inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with the separator volume. The inlet of the air-oil separator is provided in fluid communication with the crankcase, and the outlet of the air-oil separator is provided in fluid communication with the intake manifold. The air-oil separator further includes an interior surface that abuts and surrounds the separator volume, and the interior surface has a surface roughness (RA) of greater than about 75 microns.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a magazine rifle which includes a bullet loading mechanism and a firing mechanism interlinked to operate together by a single motor, thereby enabling single bullet firing, semi-automatic firing, and fully automatic firing. The magazine rifle includes a rotatable magazine, a bullet loading mechanism which loads a bullet received in the rotatable magazine into a cartridge chamber, and a firing mechanism which discharges compressed air from a compressed air cylinder according to manipulation of a trigger to allow the bullet loaded in the cartridge chamber to be fired through a barrel. The bullet loading mechanism and the firing mechanism are driven by a drive unit automatically driven by a single motor and a gear connected to the motor.

Abstract: An outer blade cutting wheel comprising an annular thin disc base of cemented carbide and a blade section of metal or alloy-bonded abrasive grains on the outer periphery of the base is provided. The abrasive grains are diamond and/or cBN grains having an average grain size of 45-310 ?m and a TI of at least 150. The blade section includes overlays having a thickness tolerance (T3max?T3min) of 0.001 mm to 0.1×T2 mm. The blade section has a roundness (ODmax/2?ODmin/2) of 0.001 mm to 0.01×ODmax mm.

Abstract: A forced-air heater having a self-contained on-board electric-power supply, a fuel tank, a support, a housing, a combustion chamber, and a motorized fan. The self-contained on-board electric-power supply may have a generator, a photovoltaic component, or some combination thereof. The fuel tank may be adapted to store a first fuel. The combustion chamber may be adapted to generate heat by combusting the first fuel with air. The motorized fan may be adapted to draw in ambient air through an air intake and force the air into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A conveyor oven according to some embodiments has a first mode and a second mode of operation and includes a tunnel in which food is cooked, a conveyor for moving the food through the tunnel, a first set and a second set of one or more burners, each set configured to generate heat for the tunnel, and a controller responsive to the detection of an absence of food in the tunnel, the controller configured to change operation of the first set of one or more burners and the second set of one or more burners from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation based at least in part upon the detection of the absence of food product from the tunnel.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a disposable body warmer that exhibits sufficient physical properties (strength) of the inner bag during use, and that is excellent in biodegradability after use. The disposable body warmer is prepared by allowing an exothermic composition comprising potassium chloride and/or sodium chloride to be contained in an inner bag comprising an oxidative degradation agent.

Abstract: A bake element is used in conjunction with a remotely mounted convection fan assembly to provide a new convection cooking system. The convection fan preferably extends along a base portion of the rear wall to direct heated air flow through openings in an upper portion of the rear wall, circulate through the oven cavity, and exit through openings preferably in base portions of the side walls where the air is drawn into a bake element cavity and warmed or heated by the bake element before being recirculated.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking apparatus with a lid having a flue gas flow channel therein which extends over at least most of the upper opening of the cooker firebox. The flue gas flow channel is formed between an inner lid wall and a second lid wall outside of the inner wall. One or more inlet openings are provided in the inner wall for receiving the cooker flue gas and one or more discharge openings are provided in the second wall for discharging the flue gas.

Abstract: A container cap or lid or insert for use in heating food and beverage containers having an independent heating chamber in which are utilized a trigger capable of initiating crystallization of a super-cooled salt solution comprising: a thin metallic strip which is bendable with snap displacement having a centrally located crystallization strike zone consisting of an orifice with a saw-toothed patterned inner diameter; a simple actuation means for initiating the heating process upon contact with the strike zone; and a structure for holding the trigger in position. The independent heating chamber can be made to be a permanent fixture of the cap or lid or may be a removable insert.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of capture hoods and a hood supporting unit. Each of the plurality of capture hoods has a hood portion and a connection portion. The connection portion is for connection to the hood supporting unit. The hood supporting unit is capable of connecting to just one of the plurality of capture hoods at a time. The hood portions of the plurality of capture hoods have different shapes. The connection portions of the plurality of capture hoods are identical so any one of the plurality of capture hoods can connect to the hood supporting unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar collection apparatus and a steam generator including the same. The solar collection apparatus includes a housing having an open upper surface; a dual glass plate coupled with the upper surface of the housing and formed therein with a storage space for receiving and storing water, in which solar light is transmitted through the dual glass plate; a first mirror fixed to a lower surface of the housing to collect and reflect the solar light transmitted through the dual glass plate; a second mirror fixed in the housing to reflect the solar light reflected from the first mirror; and an optical fiber having a first end located in the housing to receive the solar light reflected from the second mirror and a second end connected to a place of use to transmit the solar light to the place of use.

Abstract: Methods and systems for solar energy capture. One of the systems includes a solar energy substrate mounted on a support member and one or more flap assemblies coupled to the solar energy substrate. The solar energy substrate is configured to receive solar rays from the Sun and is further configured to move in at least one direction such that an orientation of the solar energy substrate can be adjusted in accordance with a direction of the solar rays. The support member is configured to support the solar energy substrate. The one or more flap assemblies each include a flap and an actuator that is configured to move the flap relative to the solar energy substrate. Movement of the flap is controllable to counter a wind-induced moment acting on the solar energy substrate.

Abstract: A solar heat exchange apparatus includes a heat holding base having a face with a plurality of heat collecting channels. Each heat collecting channel has an open end in the face of the heat holding base. A conduit extends through the heat collecting channels and is coated with a photothermal material. A plurality of light reflecting boards is mounted on the face of the heat holding base and located corresponding to the heat collecting channels and spaced from each other. Two adjacent light reflecting boards are slanted to define a light reflecting space located above and tapering towards one of the heat collecting channels. A light transmitting board is mounted on top sides of the light reflecting boards. The light transmitting board includes a plurality of light concentrating portions each of which is aligned with one of the light reflecting spaces.

Abstract: A solar heat collecting device of the flat panel type, a process for its manufacture and parts thereof, made of extruded profiles in particular of aluminium or aluminium alloys. The device comprises a casing accommodating a heat collector assembly comprising a plurality of elongate extruded heat collector bodies, side by side, each having a tube co-axial with its axis of extrusion, flanked on each of its opposite sides integrally by an extruded web and further comprising a manifold at each end to which the respective tube ends are sealingly and communicatingly brazed. The edges of the adjoining webs of adjoining elongate bodies overlap slightly but are movable free of mechanical constraint or mutual attachment in relation to one another. Together the elongate bodies present the incoming solar radiation with a substantially plane uninterrupted area for absorption.

Abstract: A radiant gas heater includes one or more gas inlets 105, for receiving gas from a gas supply and one or more air inlets 110. The heater includes gas burners 120A-120E, in which the gas is burned using oxygen admitted through the air inlets 110. One or more heat emitting elements 125A-125E are included, which emit infrared radiation using energy generated by the gas burners. One or more ionization probes 130A are provided proximal to two or more of the heat emitting elements for detecting the presence or absence of a flame. A housing 115 accommodates the gas burners, the heat emitting elements and the ionization probes. One or more control units are provided which are in electrical communication with the ionization probes and the gas inlets, the control units operable to shut off the gas supply if the ionization probes detect the absence of a flame.