Abstract: An apparatus for storing a bill transport container. The apparatus includes a holding compartment for holding the bill transport container. The bill transport container includes a cancellation unit for invalidating bills that are held and a control unit having a timer that triggers the cancellation unit after a preset time interval. A control unit of the apparatus and the control unit of the bill transport container can have a data transmission link set up between them when the bill transport container is held in the holding compartment. This link can be used to transmit data for setting the timer of the control unit. A bill transport container is included in which in a first mode of operation the control unit triggers the cancellation unit after a first preset time interval and in a second mode of operation it triggers the cancellation unit after a second preset time interval.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for invalidating notes of value, comprising a dye stuff container (12, 50), wherein a dye stuff is received for irreversibly dyeing the notes of value. The device (10) further comprises a trigger unit (14, 52) which brings the dye stuff into contact with the notes of value. The trigger unit (14, 52) is arranged inside the dye stuff container (12, 50).

Abstract: A portable and removable security container assembly and a method of its use are described. The assembly includes a docking bracket that is secured permanently to a substrate surface in either a motor vehicle or a building, and a lock-box or safe. The safe has a housing that has at least two cavities or compartments, in one of which is situated a locking mechanism of a latching assembly. The safe is adopted to engage with the docking bracket and fastened in place by means of the locking mechanism. The control for the latching assembly is accessible and activated only from within the safe. When the safe is placed in the docking bracket, the locking mechanism is aligned with engagement elements of the docking bracket. The latch assembly includes a rotatable carousel centered on a hub that a user can turned by a switch handle.

Abstract: A biomass pulverizing apparatus includes a pulverizing apparatus body including a feedstock supply pipe, the pulverizing apparatus body for supplying biomass feedstock from above in a vertical axial direction, a pulverizing table for placing the biomass feedstock, a drive section for rotationally driving the pulverizing table, a pulverizing roller for pulverizing the biomass feedstock by a pressing force, the pulverizing roller being operated in conjunction with the rotation of the pulverizing table, a blower unit for forming an upward flow upward from below on the outer peripheral side of the pulverizing table so as to jet conveying gas for conveying the pulverized biomass powder in an air stream, a classifier, the classifier for classifying the biomass powder accompanied with the conveying gas, and a blowing gas introduction section.

Abstract: A biomass pulverizing apparatus includes a pulverizing apparatus body including a feedstock supply pipe for supplying biomass feedstock from above in a vertical axial direction, a pulverizing table for placing the biomass feedstock, a drive section for rotationally driving the pulverizing table, a pulverizing roller for pulverizing the biomass feedstock by a pressing force, the pulverizing roller being operated in conjunction with the rotation of the pulverizing table, a blower means for forming an upward flow upward from below on the outer peripheral side of the pulverizing table so as to jet conveying gas for conveying the biomass powder in an air stream, and a classifier for classifying the biomass powder accompanied with the conveying gas.

Abstract: A pressurized transport oxy-combustor with different configurations is disclosed. Substantially pure oxygen is fed to the transport oxy-combustor under pressure to combust fossil fuels, generating steam for power generation. The end product is the flue gas containing substantially pure CO2 after moisture condensation. The low excess oxygen necessary to achieve complete combustion in the combustor is scavenged by adding another fuel so that substantially all oxygen fed to the combustor is completely consumed. The capability to operate the transport oxy-combustor as a circulating fluidized bed combustor at very high solids circulation rates makes it unnecessary to use recycled CO2 or flue gas as a means to moderate and control the combustion temperature. The temperature in the combustor is effectively controlled by relatively cooler circulating solids that enter the combustion zone. A small amount of CO2 is recycled for aeration and to convey solids fuel to the combustor.

Abstract: A desulfurization device releases exhaust gas into the atmosphere without reduction in CO2 recovery rate and without mercury components. Because the absorbent of the desulfurization device is drawn from an absorbent reservoir by a circulating pump and sprayed through spray nozzles into a desulfurization-absorption unit and is mainly circulated outside the wall of a water seal tube by a stirrer in the absorbent reservoir, the flow of the absorbent that falls from the desulfurization-absorption unit into the water seal tube flows in a single direction from top to bottom and hinders the ascension of gas bubbles. Intermixing of the gas for oxidizing the sulfur dioxide with the desulfurization device exhaust gas is thereby prevented, efficient CO2 recovery is possible without reduction in the CO2 concentration recovered from the exhaust gas after desulfurization and mercury in the combustion exhaust gas is absorbed in the absorbent of the desulfurization device.

Abstract: A set of sewing disks for controlling the movement of a piece of fabric over the free arm and under the needle of a sewing or quilting machine Each disk is flat and has an oval or circular configuration and comprises three registered, stacked adhesively attached layers—a first contact layer made of an open cell foam, a semi-rigid intermediate stiffener member, and a second contact layer made of close cell foam. When each disk is placed over a piece of fabric with the lower contact layer is placed adjacent thereto, the individual's fingers are exposed at all times and placed over the opposite contact layer. The intermediate stiffener layer spreads and evenly dissipates the forces exerted by the fingers to the top contact layer to the lower contact layer. Because, the finger tips are not in contact with the fabric, soiling of the fabric by the finger tips is prevented.

Abstract: A needle having a shaft member and an eye member that is rotatable relative to the shaft member. The needle addresses the problem of a thread becoming twisted during use. The rotatable coupling between the shaft and eye member preferably has a surface profile that does not substantially alter the outer surface profile of the needle, thereby minimizing any affect on the normal use of the needle.

Abstract: A method for cutting the lower and at least one upper thread for lead-in embroidering or lead-in sewing is performed with a device including thread catchers (19a-19c) connected with each other in a fixed manner and layered over top of each other, formed of sheet metal, as well as spring and thread tightening plates (31 and 41) arranged above and below the thread catchers, which move back and forth against a blade (29), and a thread wiper unit. The device is exclusively operated by a drive moving back and forth and driving the thread cutting and lead-in stitching unit (5).

Abstract: A method of assembling a prosthetic valve using sheets of material, such as pericardium material, polymer or bioengineered film, or other material. The method provides an accurate and repeatable system of making pericardial valves in which sheets or pieces of material are held securely in place relative to each other throughout the steps of assembling the valve. In addition, methods of the present invention include maintaining consistent alignment of the fixtures and pericardium material throughout the valve assembly process and utilize features that make the tooling components easy to assemble and handle. Certain aspects of the invention can be used to help establish a repeatable sewing and cutting technique for creating a pattern shape for valve leaflets, establishing stitch lengths, and determining the exact placement of stitches.

Abstract: A cushion of a passenger airbag device that is reduced in volume and shows a stable behavior when inflated and deployed is achieved. The present invention is a method of producing a cushion (10) of a passenger airbag device (1) having a portion with a desired curvature by sewing side edges of base fabric pieces constituting a main panel (12) and left and right side panels (14) together. The main panel (12) and the side panels (14) are sewn together so as to form a rectangular opening, whose short sides have a length equal to the width of the side panels (14) and whose long sides have a length equal to the width of the main panel (12), at a position where stitches in the main panel (12) and side panels (14) start or end. Then, the portion with a desired curvature is formed by folding the short sides toward the opening and sewing the short sides and the long sides together.

Abstract: A single- or multiple-head embroidery machine has stitch-forming tools which are formed in each case by a thread-guiding needle that interacts with a double-lock-stitch gripper to form stitches, and also has a feed device for obtaining relative movements between the embroidery material and the stitch-forming tools. The relative movements occur depending on the movements of the needle. In order to avoid a temporal overlap between the stitch-forming phase and the feed movement of the embroidery material, the double-lock-stitch gripper rotates at a rotational speed which corresponds to n times the rotational speed of the machine main shaft, wherein “n” is an integer greater than the number “2”.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a deck and no more than two flettner rotors having a height to diameter ratio of less than five. At least one of the flettner rotors is elevated above the deck such that individuals on the deck can walk underneath the flettner rotor. A portion of a footprint of at least one of the flettner rotors is suspended over an edge of the deck.

Abstract: The invention comprises a tender pick up (1) having the appropriately formed retainer (4) hinged on a chock (2). The retainer (4) is manually or by means of cylinder (5) and spring (6) preloaded and slip-free, and clamps a tender (22) with docking mean (29). If necessary, the use of sensors (30) register the exact position, before the appropriate functions are activated by the controller (19). Is a drop down stair (8) or a platform (80) or a deck (51) fixed onto the transom (20) of the watercraft, then by using the swiveling arms (7) the tender (22) is tilted out when lowering or extended by a sledge (81). The weight of the platform (80) or stair (8) and the tender pick up (1) can be compensated by means of the static lifting force of the lifting body (14). To bring up the platform (80) or stair (8) safely, a gas spring (37) can be used as a supportive measure.

Abstract: A dual pumping system for use on a movable flood control barrier structure to allow the structure to be swung into the opening of a waterway and sunk to prevent flooding during storms and then floated and swung out of the waterway after the storm is disclosed. A buoyant generally rectangular barge may be employed as the movable flood control barrier. A centrifugal pumping system pumps water into compartments within the barrier structure so it sinks to the bottom of the waterway while the same pumping system pumps water back to the waterway to float the structure. A hydraulic pumping system operates hydraulic winches to move the structure into and out of the channel using cables. The two pumping systems are capable of operating both the water pumping system and hydraulic winch system simultaneously or independently with a single engine.

Abstract: A center-less pointer type display apparatus includes a pointer moving device having a pointer section and a carrying section, and a containing case having a case body and a dial plate. A pointer accommodated in the containing case indicates a scale on the dial plate. The carrying section has a guide rail and a wire. A spring is interposed between a first support member and a second support member of the pointer section so that a lower portion and an upper portion of the spring push the first support member and the second support member respectively, and thereby holding an upper portion and a lower portion of the guide rail respectively. A wire fixing section is provided at an intermediate portion of the pointer section on a line connecting the upper pulley and the lower pulley.

Abstract: Included are embodiments of a guide apparatus. In some embodiments, the guide apparatus includes a body portion, a connector housing, and a rounded connector portion. The connector housing may include a connector snap surface that is disposed on an interior surface of the connector housing. Additionally, the connector housing may define a hollow portion adjacent to the interior surface. The connector housing may be coupled to the body portion via the connector snap surface. Similarly, the rounded connector portion may be coupled to the connector housing and may removably secure to a spad that is that is disposed on a ceiling, such that the guide apparatus hangs substantially downward, regardless of the orientation of the spad.

Abstract: A hygienic protection apparatus for touch panel device is disclosed, in which the apparatus comprises: a touch panel; a host machine electrically connecting with the touch panel; a protecting member comprising a transparent film and at least one film-output element locating at one side of the touch panel, wherein part of the film is received by the film-output element and part of the film covers the touch panel to protect the surface of the touch panel.

Abstract: A device for coating surface portions of a board material with a liquid material. The device includes a wheel which transfers the coating material and compressed air which positions the coating material. A method for surface coating and a floorboard with a finished surface portion.

Abstract: A foam mount of an aircraft window has a groove to receive an electro chromic window. The foam mount is painted by placing a blank in the groove to divide the foam mount into a first section designated to face the exterior of the aircraft and an opposite second section. The foam mount having the blank is placed in a mask or masking device to coat one section of the foam mount while covering the other section. The groove and the first section are coated with an electric conductive paint, and the second section is covered with a decorative paint. The conductive coating on the foam mount and the conductive coating of the electrodes of the electro chromic window provide an RF shielding to prevent electronic signals from personal electronic equipment from passing through the cabin and door windows of the aircraft.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving temperature uniformity across a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, a deposition ring for use in a substrate processing system to process a substrate may include an annular body having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a central opening passing through the first and second surfaces, wherein the second surface is configured to be disposed over a substrate support having a support surface to support a substrate having a given width, and wherein the opening is sized to expose a predominant portion of the support surface; and wherein the first surface includes at least one reflective portion configured to reflect heat energy toward a central axis of the annular body, wherein the at least one reflective portion has a surface area that is about 5 to about 50 percent of a total surface area of the first surface.

Abstract: A substrate support for supporting a substrate in a processing chamber comprises a frame for carrying the substrate, at least a first fastening means fixedly attached to the frame for aligning the substrate relative to the frame, and at least a second fastening means movably attached to the frame, the second fastening means being movable relative to the frame and/or the substrate. Furthermore, a processing device comprises an edge exclusion projecting over a portion of the surface of the substrate in order to prevent processing of the portion of the surface of the substrate. A part of the edge exclusion may be moved into a gap between the edge(s) of the substrate and the frame element of the substrate support to form a labyrinth seal between the frame element and the edge of the substrate. A method of placing the substrate on the substrate support is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated semiconductor-processing apparatus including: an integrated semiconductor-processing body which has a first space for storing a plurality of FOUPs containing a plurality of wafers, and a second space in which a processing device is installed to process the wafers stored in the first space; a load port module installed in the first space of the integrated semiconductor-processing body to open the FOUPs to enable extraction of wafers from the FOUPs; and a transfer device which extracts wafers from the FOUPs and transfers the wafers to the processing device in the second space.

Abstract: A control and monitoring system for a rotating animal platform which includes multiple animal stalls arranged about its periphery, where the system includes an interactive display screen which displays output information relating to the current status of operations on the platform and which displays input channels for use by an operator, the platform itself is represented at said interactive display screen by an annular shape, each stall on the platform is graphically represented by a cell, the cells are displayed in a spatial arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of stalls on the platform, real-time status information relating to operations on the platform is represented at each cell, and the rotating movement of the platform is represented by the progression of each cell about the displayed representation of the platform.

Abstract: The present invention is a game feeder that employs a confined auger to convey game feed from a hopper to a desired feed location. In this invention, the auger's flightings protect unreleased stored feed from the reach of animals.

Abstract: Example hay nets for providing hay to horses are disclosed. A disclosed example hay net includes a mesh body forming a bag, having a securing member at a first position relative to the body of the net, a mouth formed at a second position relative to the body of the net, the first position being spaced from the second position, and a strap engaging the net adjacent the first position to secure the strap relative to the body of the net adjacent the first position, and engaging the net adjacent the second position to secure the strap relative to the body of the net adjacent the second position, wherein the length of the strap between the first and second positions is variable whilst maintaining engagement between the strap and the net adjacent both the first and second positions.

Abstract: The present invention is a pet nursing jacket that allows a pet owner to feed puppies, kittens or other baby animals. The pet nursing jacket includes a base jacket that is placed on a feeding animal, a plurality of hook and loop fasteners that are disposed on the base jacket to open and close the base jacket to allow the base jacket to be placed around and removably secured to the feeding animal, a thermostat disposed on the base jacket that indicates a temperature of the feeding animal and a fur coating disposed on the exterior surface of the base jacket. The jacket also includes a baby bag that holds liquid food that includes a plurality of nipples, a fluid gauge that indicates a quantity of the liquid food stored in the baby bag and a heart beat device that generates a simulated heart beat.

Abstract: A pet litter box is provided with a simplified, easy-to-clean and easy-to-use configuration, incorporating a monolithically formed shell, having a large front opening, and a slidable, litter-holding drawer received by the shell. The shell is provided with a circumferential groove in its side and rear walls, which is configured to conform to a projecting ridge forming the upper periphery of the drawer, for purposes of guiding and supporting the drawer. A handgrip recess is also provided in an upper edge region of the rear wall of the shell.

Abstract: An integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system (multico) for a primary species, preferably a carnivorous marine species with high market value, secondary, preferably an omnivorous species of medium market value and tertiary species, preferably a detrivorous species with high market value, combined with an unfolding system for the primary species to an open semi-intensive or extensive system, the multico system for the primary species is an intensive closed or semi-closed system. The secondary species is stocked in an intensive closed or semi-closed system, while the tertiary species is stocked in a semi-intensive or closed extensive or semi-closed system. The multico system of the primary species is in communication with the system of the secondary species, while the system of the secondary species is in communication with the system of the tertiary species.

Abstract: Apparatus for covering a feeding aperture (240) of an animal shelter (200) comprises at least one first curtain (120) which includes a first edge (122) from which it can be fastened to the upper edge (244) of the feeding aperture, and a second edge (124) which is dimensioned to extend at least close to the lower edge (242) of the feeding aperture when the curtain is hanging freely. The apparatus further comprises a turning mechanism (102, 106, 108, 110, 112) for moving the second edge of the curtain in the first direction towards the interior of the animal shelter and in the second direction away from the interior of the animal shelter. Preferably, the turning mechanism comprises swinging arms (110), that can be arranged to the upper edge of the feeding aperture. The second edge of the first curtain is moved by changing the position of the swinging arms.

Abstract: A dog kennel is provided for safely performing an ionic detoxification bath. The kennel comprises a top and bottom container that are completely separable for easy of storage, and are secured together with seal proof latches and seams that prevent water leakage. The top container comprises a front and back door, a cutout window within the front door for extending the animal's head out of the kennel, ventilation holes along the side panels, and a water spout. The bottom container comprises a rectangular like tub for housing the electrode array immersed in a water bath, wherein the array is protected from making contact with the animal by being covered by a safety cage. Additionally, the bottom container comprises a salt spout to add salt and a thermometer to monitor the water temperature without opening the kennel doors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool for grooming pets 100, said tool comprising a glove 102 suitable for wearing on human hand and at least one piece of substrate sheet 106 attached to the glove. Also, the tool comprises at least one array of directional hooks 108 attached to the substrate sheet 106. The present invention also provides a method for grooming pets, which comprises placing a hand inside a grooming tool 100 and comprising and petting pet's fur coat with arrays of hooks 108 of said tool.

Abstract: A pet grooming device comprising a brush with holes present on the bristle side that collect loose hair or fur. A vacuum motor, housed within the brush pulls the hair or fur through the holes into a reservoir which can be emptied when full.

Abstract: One embodiment of a treat dispenser for an animal comprises a container having a first interior for receiving treats, a first opening for dispensing treats from the interior, a removable cap for inserting treats into the interior, and a first axis, and a cover at least partially surrounding the container to define a second interior between the cover and the container that receives treats dispensed from the first interior. The cover has a second opening for dispensing treats from the second interior. The cover is preferably slidable and rotatable along the first axis relative to the container. In one embodiment, the treat dispenser is attached to a rollable frame.

Abstract: An animal support harness and method of supporting and restraining movement of an animal is provided. The apparatus includes a sling that can be routed around the abdomen of the animal, and a plurality of primary support straps extend and are joined at a handle. A leash strap is integrated with the handle, and extends to connect to the collar of the animal. The integral leash strap along with the primary support straps enables an owner to control not only an upward supporting force for the animal, but also provides an inherent restraint to prevent an animal from walking too quickly or lunging, which might otherwise harm the animal.

Abstract: The invention is a device, method, and system for walking a dog. More particularly, the invention is a container that is in the shape of a dog house with a hidden attic compartment. The main house portion holds bags and cleaning wipes. The attic portion of the house may, in a hidden manner, hold credit card, keys, or money. The container is designed to attach to a pet leash and be used when walking a pet.

Abstract: A veterinary restraint collar, such as for a cat or dog, comprising one or more concentric rings of soft, flexible and non-resilient material sewn together on their inner and outer margins with binding and a drawstring passage for an elasticized drawstring on the inner margin to secure the collar around the animal's neck. Numerous sizes provide a flexible barrier restricting the animal's ability to reach treatment areas of its body with its mouth. Different materials are used for different sizes to establish the effectiveness of the collar and to provide a comfortable experience for the animal. The improvement of replacing one panel of the collar with a post-treatment instructions panel, sewn into the collar, provides veterinary and other animal professionals the means to assure the well-being of the animal through these written instructions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piston (10, 110, 210) for an internal combustion engine, comprising a piston crown (13), a circumferential ring part (16), a circumferential cooling channel (27) arranged in the vicinity of the ring part (16), boss supports (21) connected below the piston crown (13), piston bosses (18) connected thereto, and a piston skirt (17). According to the invention, a cavity (28) closed on all sides and having a closure element (29, 129, 229) arranged in the direction of the piston skirt (17) is provided below the piston crown (13).

Abstract: It has been difficult to manufacturing a cylinder head having an EGR gas cooling structure which has high cooling performance and can be easily configured. A cylinder head having an EGR gas cooling structure is configured in such a manner that a gas passage which guides to the air intake port side a part of the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port is disposed within the cylinder head water jacket to cool the exhaust gas flowing through the gas passage. The gas passage comprises a cooling section which makes contact with the coolant within the cylinder head water jacket, and also comprises a hollow pipe which has high-strength sections located at side portions of the cooling section and having higher strength than the cooling section. The high-strength sections of the gas passage are molded within and surrounded by the cylinder head.

Abstract: An engine cooling system is provided. The engine cooling system includes a cylinder head including an integrated exhaust manifold that directs exhaust gases to an exhaust outlet port and a coolant passage surrounding the exhaust manifold. The engine cooling system further includes a cluster of separated exhaust passages for directing exhaust gases to the exhaust outlet port, the cluster including a drill hole disposed within material between the exhaust passages, the drill hole fluidically coupled to the coolant passage.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a triggering module and a cylinder control module. The triggering module generates a trigger when a catalyst temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature. In response to the generation of the trigger, the cylinder control module: disables opening of an exhaust valve of a cylinder for an exhaust phase of a first combustion cycle of the cylinder; disables opening of the exhaust valve for N combustion cycles of the cylinder that follow the first combustion cycle; and enables opening of the exhaust valve for a second combustion cycle that follows the N combustion cycles. N is an integer greater than zero.

Abstract: In a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, valves of the engine, in particular the exhaust valves (3), are actuated by rocker arms (18) each of which is rotatably mounted on the structure of the engine with the interposition of an eccentric bushing (39), whose rotation allows varying the position of the rotational axis of the respective rocker arm, so as to activate and deactivate an extra-lift of the engine valve. The eccentric bushings (38) associated to the rocker arms (18) of the various cylinders of the engine are all connected in rotation with a common shaft (100) which is rotatably supported on the structure of the engine and which can be rotated through actuator means (105) preferably arranged outside the engine.

Abstract: The mass production of the MultiAir/UniAir of Fiat/INA proves that the hydraulic control can reliably actuate the valves of the modern internal combustion engines, making them greener. Removing the valve springs from the valves and controlling by the cam not only the valve opening but also the valve restoring, the hydraulic system has easier work to do, the rev limit increases, the height and the cost of the engine decrease and the engine can operate according all the MultiAir strategies. Optionally, the control by high speed solenoid valves can be replaced by easier and cheaper control wherein the rotation of the oil piston is what varies the valve lift and the valve duration. If necessary, slow, cheap, low power servomotors can micro-align the angular displacement of different oil pistons to balance the load between the cylinders.

Abstract: A device (1) for varying the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine having a stator (3) and a rotor (5) accommodated therein. The rotor (5) can be connected to a camshaft and can be adjusted by a pressure medium in the circumferential direction relative to the stator (3). The device (1) further includes a front cover disk (7) and a rear cover disk (9), between which the stator (3) and the rotor (5) are accommodated. The rear cover disk (9) is provided with a drive wheel (11) that can be connected to a crankshaft. A spring (13) for rotating the rotor (5) relative to the stator (3) is arranged between the rear cover disk (9) and a spring cover (15), wherein the spring cover (15) is positively connected to the drive wheel (11), whereby simple installation of the spring cover (15) on the device (1) is made possible.

Abstract: In a phase adjustment device for a valve drive mechanism of an internal combustion engine, in particular a camshaft adjustment device, with a phase adjustment unit which, for adjusting a phase position in a normal operating mode, comprises a coupling unit for controlling an adjustment gear element by applying a braking force, and with a failsafe adjustment arrangement for setting a defined fail-safe phase position in a fail-safe operating mode, the adjustment unit includes mechanical means for varying the braking force of the coupling unit of the phase adjustment unit for setting the phase angle to a controllable failsafe phase angle position.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine with variable valve opening characteristics includes an outer camshaft, an inner camshaft, an urging device, a cam phase changing device, and a locking device. The outer camshaft includes a first cam. The inner camshaft includes a second cam. The cam phase changing device includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member, an advance-angle-side oil hydraulic chamber, and a retard-angle-side oil hydraulic chamber. A cam phase of the one of the outer camshaft and the inner camshaft is changed by switching between oil hydraulic circuits that communicate with the advance-angle-side oil hydraulic chamber and the retard-angle-side oil hydraulic chamber. The locking device is provided to connect another of the outer camshaft and the inner camshaft to the first rotating member with a predetermined cam phase.

Abstract: A camshaft adjuster (1) that has a spring (4) covered at least partially by a spring cover (5) is provided, with the spring cover (5) having spacer elements (6) that fix the spring ends (7) in the axial direction such that the spring windings of the spring (4) have, as much as possible, no axial contact with the peripheral components.

Abstract: A device for changing the relative angular position of a camshaft with respect to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, wherein the drive element is rotatably mounted with respect to the crankshaft and is driven by the camshaft. Between the drive element and the camshaft at least two hydraulic chambers are formed, wherein the hydraulic chambers can be pressurized with a pressurized fluid in order to set a defined relative rotational position between the drive element and the camshaft. The device includes a housing element, wherein a pressure reservoir having a pressure chamber for pressurized fluid is arranged on the housing element and wherein the basic form of the pressure reservoir is substantially cylindrical.

Abstract: Provided is a variable valve assembly for internal combustion engines which is capable of accurately determining whether an input rotational component and an output rotational component are fixed to each other. The variable valve assembly includes an intake camshaft for driving an intake valve and a crankshaft for driving the camshaft. The variable valve assembly has a function for changing the relative rotational phase of the intake camshaft with respect to the crankshaft and a function for fixing the intake camshaft to the crankshaft. The variable valve assembly determines whether the intake camshaft is fixed to the crankshaft, on the basis of a total amount of phase variation HCC or the amount of variation in the relative rotational phase of the intake camshaft with respect to the crankshaft.