Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine block, a cylinder head coupled to the engine block and first and second lubrication systems. The first lubrication system includes a first pump in communication with the engine block and providing a first fluid to the engine block. The second lubrication system is isolated from the first lubrication system and includes a second pump in communication with the cylinder head and providing a second fluid to the cylinder head.

Abstract: In a method for operating an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder which includes a first exhaust valve and a second exhaust valve, the internal combustion engine is operated in a scavenging operating mode in that the closing times of the exhaust valves after an ejection stroke of a four-stroke operating cycle are situated after an opening time of an intake valve, and the second exhaust valve is opened with a time delay relative to the first exhaust valve in the scavenging operating mode.

Abstract: This invention is related to an environment friendly, high speed internal combustion engine wherein the fuel is used at high efficiency by improving the connecting rod mechanism and by changing the piston structure and wherein the waste gas emission release is at a minimum level.

Abstract: A variable valve timing apparatus includes: a variable valve timing mechanism that changes a valve timing and locks the valve timing at a most retarded timing; an oil control valve that controls a mode in which hydraulic fluid is supplied to the variable valve timing mechanism; and a controller that varies a duty ratio of the oil control valve within a set range that includes an advance active band, a retard active band, a holding range, an advance release range and a retard release range. In the advance release range, a varying speed of the valve timing is higher than the holding range and a housing rotor is disengaged from a vane rotor. When an engine operating state is a release request state, the controller sets the duty ratio of the oil control valve within the advance release range.

Abstract: Provided is a valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine that, with respect to a configuration including urging means that urges a transfer member that transfers an acting force of a cam to a valve, can facilitate manufacture of a support portion of the urging means and suppress an increase in the mass of the internal combustion engine. A first rocker arm is provided that is interposed between a main cam and a valve and that transfers an acting force of the main cam to the valve. A lost motion mechanism is provided that urges the first rocker arm in one direction. A holding member is provided that holds the lost motion mechanism. The lost motion mechanism is attached to a spark plug tube through the holding member.

Abstract: A glow plug in which a convex portion (70) is formed in an outer peripheral surface (10b) of a heater (10) in a part facing an inner peripheral surface (137b) of a leading end part (137) of a housing (110) and interposed in a leading end side annular gap K1, so as to maintain a gap with the inner peripheral surface (137b). A decline in detection accuracy can be prevented to the extent that combustion gas can be received by the leading end (72) of the convex portion (70) even if soot clogging should occur.

Abstract: An engine restart apparatus for improving fuel efficiency and reducing torque of an engine may comprise a double-mass type flywheel unit including a main flywheel rotating with an engine connected to a power train and having a ring gear to receive a power from a starter motor and a sub-flywheel rotatably fitted on a crankshaft of the engine and selectively connected to the main flywheel, a power control circuit forming an electric circuit connecting a battery with the sub-flywheel, and a controller combining the sub-flywheel with the main flywheel by connecting an electric current supplied to the sub-flywheel through a power control circuit or separating the sub-flywheel from the main flywheel by cutting the electric current supplied to the sub-flywheel, in accordance with the engine load condition, the engine start condition, and the vehicle mode condition.

Abstract: A starting system for an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle, equipped with a starting device and a starter control is described; the starting device includes an electrical machine, especially a starter motor, and the electrical machine is able to be actuated via an electrical machine switching device, the electrical machine being in operative connection with a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine via a mechanical device at least for starting the internal combustion engine. To avoid malfunctions in the starting system and in the method sequence in more optimal manner, especially during intensive use due to a start-stop operation, a safety device is provided, which may be used to check the actuating function of the starter motor.

Abstract: A pre-chamber spark plug that includes a shell. Additionally, the pre-chamber spark plug includes an insulator disposed within the shell. In a particular embodiment, a center electrode has a first portion surrounded by the insulator, and a second portion that extends from the insulator into a pre-chamber. The pre-chamber defined by the shell. In a further embodiment, a ground electrode is attached to the insulator. In particular embodiments, the ground electrode is tubular in shape and includes an inner spark surface ring spaced in surrounding relation to the center electrode to create a spark gap, an outer ring attached to the shell, and a plurality of rounded spokes connecting the inner and outer rings. In a particular embodiment, the ground and center electrodes accommodate attachment of precious metal alloys to increase electrode surface life. In another embodiment the ground electrode and insulator is coaxial to the center electrode.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for an internal combustion engine is operable to selectively open and close a gas exchange valve to accomplish an engine brake during an engine brake mode of an engine. The valve mechanism includes a cam follower in biased abutment against a gas exchange cam element for actuation of a rocker arm connected to the gas exchange valve.

Abstract: The present application discloses an engine configured to selectively operate using a first fuel and a second fuel and adapter devices and methods for converting an engine to operate using a second fuel. In certain embodiments, the adapter device comprises a body member configured to be installed between an upper intake manifold and a lower intake manifold of an engine. A plurality of intake channels and fuel injector ports are formed in the body member. The body member is configured such that the intake channels are substantially aligned with the corresponding intake openings of the upper and lower intake manifolds when the body member is installed between the upper and lower intake manifolds. Each fuel injector port extends from a sidewall of the body member to at least one intake channel and is configured to receive a fuel injector for emitting a second fuel into the intake channel.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio (VCR) apparatus with dual eccentric links is mounted on an engine, receives combustion power of a fuel-air mixture from a piston to rotate a crank shaft and changes a compression ratio of the fuel-air mixture. The VCR apparatus may include a connecting rod having a large end portion formed at one end thereof, which is connected to the crank shaft to receive a torque of the engine, and a small end portion formed at the other end thereof, the small end portion having a coupling hole formed therein, a pair of eccentric links having one ends coupled to the coupling hole from both sides facing each other and integrally rotating, and an eccentric rod connected to the other ends of the eccentric links and rotating within a predetermined angle range. The eccentric rod may be a pair of eccentric rods.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle is provided herein. The system includes a fuel vapor canister comprising a shell, a compression plate within the shell and an end cap. The end cap includes a double sided spring interface and a double sided shell sealing surface having double sided identical grooves, only one of which is sealed to the shell. The system further includes a spring coupled to the compression plate and only one spring interface.

Abstract: A tubular flow path 18 of a first electromagnetic valve 10 and a tubular flow path 28 of a second electromagnetic valve 20 are inserted into a chamber 5 to communicate with a suction port 31 and a discharge port 32 to reduce a pulsating sound. The suction port 31 is arranged between the tubular flow paths 18 and 28 to reduce the air flow resistance.

Abstract: A device for exhaust-gas recirculation for an internal combustion engine is provided that includes a flange for attaching to a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine. Combustion air flows from a passage region of the flange directly into at least one intake duct of a cylinder, and an inlet for an inflow of recirculated exhaust gas into the combustion air is provided. The inlet for the inflow of the recirculated exhaust gas is arranged on the flange.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine comprising an exhaust gas recirculation conduit fluidly connecting an exhaust manifold to an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine, first and second exhaust gas coolers located in series in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit, each of the first and second exhaust gas coolers comprising an inlet and an outlet fluidly connected to a first and a second coolant circuit respectively, wherein the second coolant circuit comprises a radiator having a coolant inlet in fluid communication with the coolant outlet of the second exhaust gas cooler, a pump having a coolant inlet in fluid communication with a coolant outlet of the radiator and a coolant outlet in fluid communication with the coolant inlet of the second exhaust gas cooler, and an additional conduit fluidly connecting the coolant outlet of the exhaust cooler.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation cooler for an internal combustion engine is provided. The exhaust gas recirculation cooler includes an external casing with an inlet and an outlet for an exhaust gas flow. A first tube bundle and a second tube bundle, each with an inlet and an outlet for a coolant, are located inside the external casing so that the exhaust gas flow flows through the first tube bundle and the second tube bundle in series. A bypass passage conveys the exhaust gas flow from downstream the first tube bundle to the outlet of the external casing bypassing the second tube bundle. The bypass passage is located inside the external casing between the first tube bundle and the second tube bundle.

Abstract: To accurately specify an EGR rate from an output value of an in-cylinder pressure sensor, a specifying method of an EGR rate in an internal combustion engine of the present invention acquires an output value of an in-cylinder pressure sensor at an intake stroke to calculate comparison data related to an in-cylinder pressure at the intake stroke from the acquired sensor output value. An output value of the in-cylinder pressure sensor at an exhaust stroke of the same cycle is also acquired to calculate comparison data related to the in-cylinder pressure at the exhaust stroke from the acquired sensor output value. Two comparison data are compared to specify the EGR rate of an air-fuel mixture provided for combustion from a difference between the values.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine structure, an intake air assembly and a crankcase ventilation line assembly. The engine structure defines a cylinder bore, an intake port in communication with the cylinder bore, and a crankcase. The air intake assembly is in communication with the intake port. The crankcase ventilation line assembly includes a fresh air line and an oil surge protection device. The fresh air line is in communication with the crankcase and the air intake assembly and provides fresh air to the crankcase. The oil surge protection device is in communication with the fresh air line and defines an oil obstruction inhibiting oil flow to the air intake assembly while allowing air flow between the crankcase and the air intake assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding element, in particular a piston ring, preferably made of cast iron or steel, comprising a coating having a CrN, an Me(CxNy), and a DLC layer extending from the inside to the outside, wherein the DLC layer is either metal-free or consists of a metal-containing substructure and a metal-free DLC top layer. The invention further relates to a combination of such a sliding element with an iron-based mating miming element.

Abstract: An engine system for determining an alcohol concentration in fuel is disclosed. In one example, engine throttle position, fuel pulse width, and air-fuel ratio form a basis for determining alcohol concentration of a fuel combusted in an engine. The system and its related method may improve engine operation in conjunction with detecting an alcohol concentration of a fuel.

Abstract: A bow is adapted to shoot a projectile along a direction of flight. The bow includes a riser, a first limb, a second limb, and a drawstring. The riser extends perpendicular to the direction of flight. The riser includes a first mount adjacent a first end and a second mount adjacent a second end of the riser. The first and the second limbs extend along first and second contours from a proximal end to a distal end. The first limb is mounted to the first mount of the riser. The first contour includes a first attachment segment positioned adjacent the first mount. The second limb is mounted to the second mount of the riser. The second contour includes a second attachment segment positioned adjacent the second mount. The drawstring is operably connected to the first and the second limbs adjacent the distal ends. The first and the second attachment segments at least partially extend in the direction of flight from the proximal end to the distal end of the corresponding attachment segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an attachment to an archery bow to prevent contact of the bowstring with the archer's bow-supporting arm. The attachment comprises an adjustment piece that that is attached to the bow and is adjustable to an individual archer's preferred position on the bow. The adjustment piece includes a quasi-circular portion and securing shaft portion that extends substantially perpendicular away from the quasi-circular portion. The securing shaft portion connects with the bow, normally along a stabilizer bar or cable guard rod. The archer can optimally position the archer's bow-supporting arm relative to the quasi-circular portion of the adjustment piece to enhance shooting performance and to prevent contact of the bowstring with the archer's bow-supporting arm.

Abstract: A kit for shooting a BB through a peashooter, comprising a tubular peashooter with an opening in the tube that has an opening diameter, inner and outer walls, a tube thickness, and a tube length, and a BB with a BB diameter.

Abstract: A method for operating a furnace system includes initiating a start sequence comprising starting an inducer fan operative to induce an air flow through a burner assembly, a heat exchanger portion and a collector portion, determining whether an air pressure in the collector portion is above a first threshold value, starting a furnace ignition sequence including providing fuel to the burner assembly, igniting a fuel and air mixture and starting an ignition timer responsive to determining that the air pressure in the collector portion is above the first threshold value, determining whether the ignition timer has expired, determining whether the air pressure in the collector portion is above a second threshold value responsive to determining that the ignition timer has expired, and stopping the provision of fuel to the burner assembly responsive to determining that the air pressure in the collector portion is not above the second threshold value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charcoal lighter adapted to rapidly light a small quantity of charcoal for individual or small group use, wherein a housing having an upper and lower cavity is disclosed, the upper and lower terminations of the housing being open to allow charcoal to be inserted into the upper cavity and combustible material to be placed into the lower cavity. The lower cavity is substantially larger than the upper cavity, wherein an external handle is attached adjacent to the lower cavity to place the user's hand away from the lit charcoal producing heat. A row of apertures positioned radially about the lower cavity allow to air flow into the lower cavity and through the perforate divider grate separating the upper and lower cavity. The smaller upper cavity and handle placement away from the charcoal eliminates a heat shield requirement and provides a quickly lit individual quantity of charcoal.

Abstract: A cooking assembly that saves energy, reduces noise, and circularly removes fumes comprises a venting outlet disposed opposite to an absorbing inlet of an absorbing device. The air expelled from the venting outlet permits guiding fumes and smells generated during cooking into an absorbing scope of the absorbing inlet, thereby offering a recurring air curtain over a cooking platen. The cooking assembly keeps heating energy but takes away the cooking fumes and smells from the cooking platen via a consistent and recurring operation to clarify the air. The recurring air curtain avoids wasting air conditioning energy and prevents from leaking the air polluted by fumes out, which allows the cooking assembly to omit an extra outdoor discharging pipe but attain a fresh and tranquil dining atmosphere, and decrease the energy consumption of the facility for being friendly to the environment.

Abstract: Systems of sliding shelves for ovens are provided. The system includes a lower shelf and an upper shelf. The lower shelf includes a vertical rod; and the upper shelf includes an engagement element, and a stop horizontally distant from said engagement element. The vertical rod of the lower shelf mechanically interacts with the engagement element and with the stop.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for capturing liquid splash and overflow during the cooking process. The splash gutter comprises a seal region, a reservoir region, and a deflector region. The seal region defines a perimeter of an aperture dimensioned for receipt of cookware. The seal region is operable to conform to the outer surface of a sidewall of cookware. The reservoir region is joined to the seal region, with the reservoir region having a first end downwardly depending from the seal region to a bottom and rising to a second end, defining a reservoir therein. The deflector region is joined to the reservoir region, the deflector region depending upwardly from the second end of the reservoir region.

Abstract: A system for positioning a heliostat mirror or a solar collector includes a support structure, a pivot mechanism adapted to pivot the heliostat mirror or solar collector about a first generally horizontal axis and about a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis, the pivot mechanism is attached to a rear side of the heliostat mirror or solar collector and attached to the support structure. The system also includes a first cable drive actuator having a first motor, driving a first cable spool, and a first cable attached at a proximal end to the first cable spool and attached at a distal end to the heliostat mirror or solar collector, and a second cable drive actuator having a second motor driving a second cable spool, and a second cable attached at a proximal end to the second cable spool and attached to the heliostat mirror or solar collector.

Abstract: A device for storage and conveyance of thermal energy for an energy production system apt to receive solar radiation and based on the use of a modular fluidizable granular bed and a heat exchanger associated thereto is described.

Abstract: The portable sugar mill is established on a mobile platform for transport to the harvesting field, so that the juice of the harvested sugar cane may be processed and refined in the field. The portable sugar mill converts the juice, which contains sucrose, into raw sugar crystals (brown sugar) and molasses. The portable sugar mill includes a separator tank, a pre-heating tank, a clarifier, and three successive stages of evaporative crystallization and separation of crystals from syrup. The portable sugar mill has a programmable logic controller and a plurality of sensors, control relays, pumps, motors, heaters, and valves that operate automatically under direction of the programmable logic controller.

Abstract: Polymers useful as catalysts in non-enzymatic saccharification processes are provided. Provided are also methods for hydrolyzing cellulosic materials into monosaccharides and/or oligosaccharides using these polymeric acid catalysts.

Abstract: A method for isolating banana starch from green bananas where the green banana is blended with a solution of sodium bisulfite and water. The liquid suspension of the resulting mixture is then centrifuged to separate the green material and the white banana starch. The white banana starch is then washed in a 95% ethanol to wash free the sodium bisulfite and isolate the banana starch.

Abstract: Provided is a helmet-type personal disaster relief device which supplies fresh air to a wearer during an evacuation time period upon the occurrence of disasters, and protects the skin of the face, neck and shoulders of the wearer. For this purpose, the helmet-type personal disaster relief device of the present invention comprises a helmet body having an outer shell, an inner shell formed inside the outer shell, and an air storage space formed between the outer shell and the inner shell.

Abstract: The soother (100) is provided with a fluid guide (103) comprising one or more conduits (133a, 133b) for supplying e.g. oxygen to the nostrils of an infant. The fluid guide (103) is manufactured as a single piece to ensure a simple design. The soother (100) can be assembled from three or four parts which make the manufacturing of the soother simple. The soother (100) may be designed so that parts of the soother (100) are releasably connectable. Thereby, the soother (100) may be disassembled after use so that efficient cleaning is possible. Accordingly, the cleaned parts can be assembled possibly in combination with new parts and other part types. The design of the fluid guide (103) ensures convenient supply of e.g. oxygen to the nostrils and convenient connection of oxygen hoses (701).

Abstract: A medical system includes a sedation system and a central station in communication with the sedation system. The sedation system includes a monitoring unit and a drug delivery unit. The monitoring unit is operable to monitor at least one physiological parameter of a patient. The drug delivery unit is operable to deliver drugs to the patient based on data from the monitoring unit. The central station is operable to store patient related data and access a plurality of sedation systems. The central station may remotely control drug delivery through sedation systems, remotely provide voice instructions through sedation systems, display video feeds from sedation systems, respond to queries from sedation systems, and/or provide other functionalities. The system may also include an instrument that is operable to perform surgical and/or therapeutic procedures on the patient. The sedation system may provide power to the instrument and/or otherwise communicate with the instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dry-powder inhaler device comprising: a casing; an air inlet located at a first terminus of the casing; a powder delivery port located at a second terminus of the casing, which is positioned distal to the air inlet; and an elongated assembly located within an interior of the casing. A first terminus is located proximally to the air inlet, a second terminus is located proximally to the powder delivery port, and the assembly is fitted within the casing such that said assembly partially rotates therein about a single axis. The assembly has at least one compartment containing dry-powder, which is located proximally to the second terminus. The compartment with a dry-powder comprises a porous structure encasing the dry-powder; whereby airflow through the device causes the assembly to partially rotate within the casing about a single axis and release the dry-powder in the airflow.

Abstract: Low temperature electronic vaporization devices and method are described herein for emulating smoking wherein the devices generate an aerosol for inhalation by a subject by heating a viscous material that can have a tactile response in the mouth or respiratory tract.

Abstract: This invention relates to a breathing air unit comprising an electric motor for driving a compressor. Compressed air is conducted through a first heat exchanger cooled by cooling air of the compressor, and the compressed air is conducted through a second heat exchanger being cooled by cooling air of the motor.

Abstract: A CPAP system includes a flow generator, a patient interface, an air delivery conduit that interconnects the flow generator and the patient interface, and a packaging arrangement including at least one storage facilitating member to allow storage of the air delivery conduit. The at least one storage facilitating member may be provided to the flow generator, a cradle, and/or the air delivery conduit.

Abstract: A high frequency oscillation ventilator including an oscillating piston control system and a mean airway pressure control system. The oscillating piston control system and the mean airway pressure control system are closed-loop control systems. The oscillating piston control system is independent of the mean airway pressure control system.

Abstract: A method for managing pressure in a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient via a patient connection system is provided. The method may include receiving one or more first pressure sensor signals from a first pressure sensor, and analyzing the one or more first pressure sensor signals. Based at least on the analysis of the one or more first pressure sensor signals, either the first pressure sensor or the second pressure sensor may be selected for use in controlling the breathing assistance provided to the patient, and the breathing assistance provided to the patient may be controlled based at least on signals from the selected pressure sensor.

Abstract: A breathing gas supply system for an aircraft includes a plurality of oxygen concentrating apparatus, each of which in use, is operable to supply oxygen enriched gas to a breathing gas supply. Each oxygen concentrating apparatus includes at least two active molecular sieve beds which are operable so that whilst one sieve bed is adsorbing non-oxygen gas from a pressurized gas supply, the or another bed is being purged of non-oxygen gas by subjecting the bed to lower pressure. Each oxygen concentrating apparatus includes an oxygen enriched gas flow control device which permits the flow of oxygen enriched gas produced by the oxygen concentrating apparatus to the breathing gas supply and permits a restricted flow of oxygen enriched gas from the breathing gas supply to the oxygen concentrating apparatus. Oxygen enriched gas produced by the adsorbing sieve bed flows direct to the bed being purged.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus is used to deliver gases to a wearer. The breathing assistance apparatus includes: a main body unit having a main body and two side straps connected to the main body, each of the side straps having a strap body, at least one side cushion projecting from the strap body and adapted for contact with the wearer's head, and a buffering space disposed within the side cushion; a head strap unit connected to the side straps; a nasal prong unit mounted to and disposed behind the main body; and an intake unit mounted to and disposed in front of the main body.

Abstract: A cuffed silicone tracheostomy tube has two tapered recesses on its outer surface in which opposite ends of a resilient cuff are bonded using an adhesive or solvent. Two shallow ribs extend around the tube on the inner edge of each recess, projecting outwardly to prevent the adhesive or solvent spreading onto the inflatable portion of the cuff. The cuff has several shallow ribs extending around the cuff and spaced along its inflatable portion to promote even inflation.

Abstract: A composite material for occluding a body lumen comprising at least two different components that differ from each other by their value of elastic modulus is disclosed. One component has a value of elastic modulus of less than 4 GPa, and another component has a value of elastic modulus of above 4 GPa. The component that has a higher value of elastic modulus is embedded in the component that has a lower value of elastic modulus. The composite material comprises at least one portion that is free of the component that has the higher value of elastic modulus, wherein said portion is capable of expanding in at least one direction upon application of pressure perpendicular to the expanding direction, or upon application of heat, light or a chemical or biological impact. The composite material is particular suited for manufacturing implantable contraceptive devices.

Abstract: Generally described, the present disclosure relates to medical devices. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a kyphopad and methods thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, the kyphopad can provide support for the area of the body that actually receives pressure. The device can include a first concave-shaped recess receiving a lumber portion of the patient and a second concave-shaped recess receiving a thoracic and cervical portion of the patient allowing medical imaging of a head and spine. The device can be made of radio-translucent material such that the entire kyphopad can be placed within a medical imaging device. In one embodiment, the kyphopad can be adjusted through at least one pad for thoracic spine exams or lumbar spine exams.

Abstract: A tongue retaining device and a method of using the same are provided. The device includes an implant member configured to be anchored in a tongue, a dental plate configured to be worn upon mandibular teeth, and a coupling member couplable between the implant member and the dental plate to promote direct anterior displacement of the tongue. The tongue retaining device may be offered as part of a kit with a tongue-piercing device.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for controlled delivery of a therapy, such as a stimulant, to a mouth of a subject via an oral device positioned in a secured configuration in the mouth. At least one of a tongue position stimulator (TST) and tongue position sensor (TSE) is provided, according to certain aspects. According to another aspect, a stimulus is delivered to the mouth and/or tongue via a mouthpiece secured to the subject's teeth. In another regard, a stimulus is delivered that generates a natural response to eliminate or reduce sleep disorders, such as for example at least one of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.