Abstract: A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The mounting interface between the ends of the axles and the sideframe pedestals allows lateral rocking motion of the sideframes in the manner of a swing motion truck. The lateral swinging motion is combined with a longitudinal self steering capability. The self steering capability may be obtained by use of a longitudinally oriented rocker that may tend to permit resistance to self steering that is proportional to the weight carried across the interface. The trucks may have auxiliary centering elements mounted in the pedestal seats, and those auxiliary centering elements may be made of resilient elastomeric material. The truck may also have friction dampers that have a disinclination to stick-slip behavior. The friction dampers may be provided with brake linings, or similar features, on the face engaging the sideframe columns, on the slope face, or both.

Abstract: Presented is a table with a pivotable table top that is mounted rotatably and lockably about an axis of rotation extending in a longitudinal direction. The table has a pivoting mechanism on a table frame in the upper region of two lateral table legs. The table can be folded out or folded between a horizontal use position and a storage position. A pivoting movement of the table top is achieved, while combining secure operation and simple handling. The pivoting mechanism includes at least one pair of inter-engaging, mutually complementary tooth portions that are arranged concentrically about the axis of rotation. The tooth portions can be moved apart relative to one another by at least the tooth depth in the direction of the axis of rotation in order to enable the pivoting movement. In each pair, one tooth portion is mounted fixedly in terms of rotation with respect to the table leg and the other tooth portion is mounted fixedly in terms of rotation with respect to the table top.

Abstract: Presented is an improved latching mechanism for table legs. While maintaining the benefits of standard folding mechanisms, the mechanism also achieves many benefits including improved table rigidity, an intuitively operable release mechanism, an easily constructed mechanism with as little as three molded pieces and a spring, a single release action to release the mechanism from both a “use” and “folded” configuration, and four spatially separated latching points for each of the “use” and “folded” configurations. Additionally the mechanism meets or exceeds government and industry standards while having a refined appearance.

Abstract: In a boiler furnace having nozzles for introducing combustion media such as air and coal, nozzle tip walls that have the greatest exposure to radiant heat and hot gases are provided with arrays of air holes that allow air to flow to the exposed sides of the walls from the opposite sides in order to reduce the temperature difference between the two sides and thereby reduce thermal distortion and damage resulting from oxidation.

Abstract: An oxyfuel boiler 1 is equipped with an oxygen separation apparatus 23 to produce oxygen by separating oxygen from the air, a recirculation fan 26 to supply a portion of combustion flue gas branched from the combustion flue gas discharged from the boiler to the oxyfuel boiler 1, a temperature sensor 14a to detect gas temperature at a boiler outlet 1d in the oxyfuel boiler 1, and a control apparatus 150 to calculate gas temperature at a furnace outlet 1c in the boiler from the gas temperature at the boiler outlet 1d detected by the temperature sensor 14a and control the operating condition of the recirculation fan 26 so that the calculated gas temperature at the furnace outlet 1c becomes a desired preset gas temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for a funnel assembly on a tufting machine comprising an exchanger bar, one or more exchanger blocks, a funnel bar or one or more funnel blocks, one or more needle assemblies including a needle having a distal end, one or more means for conveying fluid in a direction toward the distal end of the needle and a means for moving the needle assembly in a direction substantially transverse to the backing of a tufted surface covering. The exchanger bar and the exchanger block are stationary when the needle assembly moves between a retracted position and an extended position. A method comprising providing such a funnel assembly, conveying a strand of yarn in a direction toward the distal end of the needle and moving the needle assembly and funnel bar between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A sailing ship includes a sailing unit, which comprises a hard sail assembly comprising a plurality of hard sail sections of wing-shaped hollow cross section vertically stacked so each, except the lowermost, fits on the one immediately below; a mast assembly comprising a plurality of mast sections of hollow cross section vertically stacked so each, except the lowermost, fits in the one immediately below; connecting members for connecting upper ends of the hard sail sections to upper ends of the mast sections located at the same level; first means for moving each mast section, except the lowermost, toward and away from the one immediately below; and second means for rotating the mast assembly around its longitudinal axis. Overlapping lengths between vertically adjacent mast sections are variably controlled so as to variably control overlapping lengths between vertically adjacent hard sail sections. Thus, the hard sail assembly vertically expands and contracts.

Abstract: A tethering device for a boat may be mounted to a dock so that the top surface of the tethering device is flush with the top of the dock. Inside the housing is a retraction reel storing a sufficient length of line to provide tethering of the boat to the dock while retracting excess line back for out-of-sight storage but leaving the pre-selected length of line extending from the tethering device. The housing also has a line locking mechanism to hold the line at the pre-selected length so as to prevent the boat from drifting away taking line with it.

Abstract: Collapsible/inflatable boats are disclosed. A collapsible/inflatable boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A collapsible/inflatable boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration. A collapsible/inflatable boat can have one or more removable solid seats that when installed support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration. A collapsible/inflatable boat can have an inflatable exterior member connected with the hull such that the exterior member, when inflated, extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the hull when the hull is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A coating device includes a table, a number of coating housings, a carrier, a number of conveyors, and a number of turntables. The coating housings are separately mounted on the table, and each including a hatch formed thereon. The hatches of all the coating housings face towards a same direction. The carrier are used for carrying one or more products to be coated. The conveyors are distributed on the table around each of the coating housing, and respectively extend into the inside of the coating housing through the hatch for delivering the carrier into the coating housings in turn. The turntables are installed between every two adjacent conveyors for transporting the carrier from a preceding conveyor to a succeeding conveyor according to a predefined route, respectively.

Abstract: A liquid drop discharge device provides a head unit 420 which discharges filter element material relative to each of various colors of color filters. The head unit 420 is composed of an ink jet heads which are arranged on one end of a print substrate plate having a shape of rectangular card and head devices 433 which are arranged on the other end of the print substrate plate comprising connectors 441. The head devices 433 are aligned in two rows, as two groups, in a staggered arrangement so that a portion on which the connectors 441 are aligned in one of the two rows does not face to the same portion of the other in the two rows and protrudes outside of the print substrate plate. The head unit 420 discharges the filter element material onto predetermined portions in a superimposing manner while shifting along a direction which intersects to a direction along which the head devices 433 are arranged.

Abstract: Nanofibers are formed using electrospray deposition from microfluidic source. The source is brought close to a surface, and scanned in one embodiment to form oriented or patterned fibers. In one embodiment, the surface has features, such as trenches on a silicon wafer. In further embodiments, the surface is rotated to form patterned nanofibers, such as polymer nanofibers. The nanofibers may be used as a mask to create features, and as a sacrificial layer to create nanochannels.

Abstract: A more uniform plasma process is implemented for treating a treatment object using an inductively coupled plasma source which produces an asymmetric plasma density pattern at the treatment surface using a slotted electrostatic shield having uniformly spaced-apart slots. The slotted electrostatic shield is modified in a way which compensates for the asymmetric plasma density pattern to provide a modified plasma density pattern at the treatment surface. A more uniform radial plasma process is described in which an electrostatic shield arrangement is configured to replace a given electrostatic shield in a way which provides for producing a modified radial variation characteristic across the treatment surface. The inductively coupled plasma source defines an axis of symmetry and the electrostatic shield arrangement is configured to include a shape that extends through a range of radii relative to the axis of symmetry.

Abstract: A squirrel guard for use with a bird feeder which stores and dispenses bird seed. The feeder comprises an upstanding housing and a support for positioning the feeder in an elevated position. The squirrel guard comprises a generally round and planar tray mounted beneath the feeder. The tray acts to deny squirrel access to the bird seeds and also as a collection tray for spilled bird seed. A tilt connector is arranged beneath the lower side for supporting the tray in a generally horizontal position when carrying only a minimal weight such as bird seed and small birds. The connector is such that the tray tilts to a generally diagonal position when engaged with a relatively heavy weight such as a squirrel. When engaged by a squirrel the tray moves to the tilted position causing the squirrel to fall from the tray.

Abstract: A feed carrier receptacle for use in a rotary feed dispensing mechanism, which includes a box, a feed loading opening, and separation partitions. The feed loading opening is formed in the box. The separation partitions are arranged inside the box and every adjacent separation partitions and an inside surface of the box form a feed compartment, which communicates the feed loading opening and is provided with a feed discharge opening and a brush adjacent to the feed discharge opening When put into rotation, the feed loaded in the receptacle is generally rotated in unison therewith to move toward the feed discharge openings and is subject to a frictional force as contacting the brush so that the feed, when passing through the brush, is caused to rotate by itself and thus may fly over a long distance. This increases the distribution range of feed.

Abstract: Water troughs and structures for retrofitting a watering trough to provide safe water access for birds and other wildlife.

Abstract: An animal waste handling apparatus having a cylindrical housing with an opening to allow an animal to enter to relieve itself in litter held in the interior volume of the housing. The apparatus has a sifting drawer that is removably mounted in the interior volume of the housing and is carried for rotational movement when the housing is rotated about its axis. The sifting drawer includes an open top, an unobstructed interior volume and a filter member spaced from the open top. During a rotational sifting cycle, the sifting drawer enters the litter to capture the litter for filtering to separate animal waste from the litter. The filtered litter remains in the interior volume of the housing and filtered out waste is retained in the sifting drawer. The sifting drawer is removed along a direction that is parallel to the axis of the housing about which the housing is rotated.

Abstract: A device for colonizing and harvesting marine hardground animals in an underwater region of a ground-based offshore edifice includes at least one rail device configured to extend vertically on the offshore edifice along a height of the underwater region to above a waterline. The device also includes a netting array including a habitat carriage having a habitat and trapping basket that is adapted to contain the hardground animals. A lifting device is configured to move the netting array along the at least one rail device. Additionally, the device includes a scavenging carriage including a basic unit and a running unit that is configured to detachably couple the scavenging carriage with the at least one rail device so as to be movable thereon. The scavenging carriage is configured to detachably couple with the habitat carriage and the lifting device.

Abstract: A self-contained pet washing system comprises a tub of a generally rectangular configuration. The tub has a plurality of legs, a front wall, a back wall, a first side, a second side, and a bottom. A track is also provided. The track runs along an entire lower extent of the front wall. Further provided is a basket. The basket is coupled to the track. The basket is adapted to store various cleaning devices and supplies. Lastly provided is an inclined ramp for entrance of a pet to a location between the walls.

Abstract: An animal chew toy and a method for making such that comprises a fabric having a plurality of fibers and a polymeric material that contacts the fabric wherein the polymer material engages with the plurality of fibers.

Abstract: A dog toy comprised of a plurality of resilient balls, relatively snugly joined in a linear configuration via an interior connecting member. The connecting member protected from wear by the pressure holding two adjacent balls together resisting the penetration of the teeth of an animal playing with the toy. The toy appearance describable as a ball log.

Abstract: A pet leash which allows the user to remain connected to the pet such that the user can alternatively move between a hands-free connection and a hand-held connection. The hands-free connection can consist of an arm band fixture that can be connected to the user's arm and allows the pet owner to operate the leash hands free so that the user's hands are available for other tasks. The hand-held connection can consist of a grip handle that allows for a shorter hold on the leash and gives more control in situations in need of more restraint. The leash can be adjusted for different user arm lengths and for different dog heights. A pocket on the armband and a pouch on the grip handle can be provided for additional storage.

Abstract: A protective bird apron includes a main body area with a length and a width and a pair of opposing lateral sections attached to the main body area at corresponding opposing edges thereof, each lateral section having a length less than the length of the main body area and a width dimensioned to extend beneath respective wings of the bird. At least one securing strap is coupled to an upper portion of the main body area and to an upper portion of at least one of the lateral sections, the main body area, the at least one of the lateral sections, and the at least one securing strap defining at least one shoulder securing area. A shoulder protector is coupled to the main body area of the back covering, disposed to protect shoulders of the bird while leaving the wings of the bird substantially unrestricted in wing-flapping movement, and has a width substantially the same or greater than an overall width of the back covering. Visible warning indicia are provided on the back covering and/or the shoulder protector.

Abstract: A hot water supply apparatus including: a hot-water supply pipe for guiding hot water generated by a hot-water generator to a hot-water supplying terminal; two hot-water supply temperature sensors for detecting water temperature in the hot-water supply pipe; a temperature control unit for adjusting a temperature of the hot water supplied to the hot-water supplying terminal; a sensor abnormality determining unit for determining sensor abnormality when a difference between temperatures detected by the two hot-water supply temperature sensors is larger than a predetermined permissible error; a sensor selector for selectively setting one hot-water supply temperature sensor detecting a higher temperature as a hot-water supply temperature sensor for temperature control; and a hot-water supply temperature controller for controlling the temperature control unit so that a temperature detected by the hot-water supply temperature sensor for temperature control selected from the two hot-water supply temperature sensors i

Abstract: An arrangement for cleaning of intake air for an air-cooled internal combustion engine of a motor-driven tool, such as a chain saw. The arrangement includes an air conductor surrounding a fan wheel arranged to propel intake air around an axis of the fan wheel. An inner wall of the air conductor is arranged for guiding air propelled by the fan wheel. An air nozzle for cleaning of intake air is arranged on the inner wall of the air conductor radially close to said fan wheel. The air nozzle serves as a passage way for providing cleaned intake air from the fan wheel to the engine of the motor-driven tool, wherein the air nozzle and the air conductor are manufactured in one piece.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a two-piston linear combustion engine, comprising: a cylinder having a cylinder wall and a pair of ends, the cylinder including a combustion section disposed in a center portion of the cylinder; a pair of opposed piston assemblies adapted to move linearly within the cylinder, each piston assembly disposed on one side of the combustion section opposite the other piston assembly; a pair of driver sections, each driver section comprising a compression mechanism that directly provides at least some compression work during a compression stroke of the engine; and a pair of linear electromagnetic machines adapted to directly convert kinetic energy of the piston assembly into electrical energy, and adapted to directly convert electrical energy into kinetic energy of the piston assembly for providing compression work during the compression stroke, wherein each linear electromagnetic machine is located distal to an end of the cylinder; wherein the engine

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a variable compression ratio mechanism capable of varying the mechanical compression ratio and a variable valve timing mechanism capable of controlling the closing timing of an intake valve. In an engine low-load operation, the mechanical compression ratio is maintained at a maximum mechanical compression ratio. In an engine high-load operation, the mechanical compression ratio is gradually decreased as the engine load increases. In the engine high-load operation, a load at which a predetermined mechanical compression ratio lower than the maximum mechanical compression ratio is obtained is preset, and a throttle valve is closed in the range of loads lower than the preset load.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems for varying the compression ratio in opposed-piston engines are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an opposed-piston engine can include a first phaser operably coupled to a first crankshaft and a second phaser operably coupled to a corresponding second crankshaft. The phase angle between the crankshafts can be changed to reduce or increase the compression ratio in the corresponding combustion chamber to optimize or at least improve engine performance under a given set of operating conditions.

Abstract: A hydraulic orifice which is mounted at a head oil journal formed in a cylinder head and supplies an oil to a supply line after reducing pulsation of the oil supplied to the head oil journal, may include a body pressed on the head oil journal so as to form a chamber with the cylinder head, a joining line formed along a longitudinal axis of the body therein and fluid-communicating with the supply line, and at least two hydraulic lines formed in the body and connecting the chamber with an end of the joining line in the body to supply the oil through the other end thereof to the supply line, wherein the oils passing through the at least two hydraulic lines are joined at the end of the joining line with different phases such that the pulsation of the oil in the joining line is reduced.

Abstract: A hydraulic assembly (5) for a cylinder head (2) of an internal combustion engine having a hydraulically variable valve train (1) is provided. A high pressure chamber (11), a medium pressure chamber (12) and a low pressure chamber (16), which serves as a hydraulic medium reservoir, are configured in the hydraulic assembly. The low pressure chamber communicates through a throttling point (17) with the medium pressure chamber, which throttling point is formed by a displaceable valve body (19) and, depending on the position of the valve body, provides flow cross-sections of different sizes in order to minimize the leakage out of the hydraulic assembly.

Abstract: There are provided first and second extending oil passages supplying operational oil to intake-side and exhaust-side lash adjustors, a first connection oil passage interconnecting one end portions of the oil passages, and an oil-pressure control valve selecting a first state in which the first extending oil passage does not connect to a drain oil passage or a second state in which the first extending oil passage connects to the drain oil passage. An orifice is provided in an oil passage which is located on the side of the first connection oil passage relative to a supply portion of the operational oil supplied to the lash adjustor and located on the side of the first connection oil passage relative to another supply portion of the operational oil supplied to the lash adjustor.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is equipped with a variable valve control system which is operable to selectively actuate an engine valve using one of two cams of a camshaft, by sliding a rocker arm in the axial direction of a rocker-arm shaft. The system is capable of restricting the axial-direction movement of the rocker arm within a predetermined range, using a simple structure without unduly increasing the number of component parts. Position-restriction portions are formed in a rocker arm, and abut on a trigger arm to restrict sliding movement of the rocker arm within a predetermined amount, when the trigger arm is disengaged from the rocker arm.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus for a valve timing adjusting unit that adjusts valve timing of an engine. The control apparatus learns a reference position. The control apparatus computes an actual phase based on the learned reference position. The control apparatus computes a target phase based on an engine operational state. The control apparatus controls a hydraulic actuator to perform a phase control based on a difference between the target phase and the actual phase. The control apparatus determines whether the lock mechanism is under an abnormal state. When the control apparatus determines that the lock mechanism is under the abnormal state, the control apparatus is prohibited from performing the phase control that uses the reference position.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a driving shaft, a pair of camshafts for driving engine valves, a transmission connecting the driving shaft to a first of said camshafts and a transmission connecting the first camshaft to the second camshaft. The transmission connecting the two camshafts to each other includes a pair of articulated parallelogram mechanisms each having two crank members rotatable with end portions of the camshafts and connected to each by means of a connecting rod. The crank members are made up of circular discs eccentrically mounted on the camshafts and rotatably received in circular openings formed at the ends of the respective connecting rod. The two crank members rotatable with the same camshaft are spaced from each other by a determined angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lash adjuster including a ball retainer having a generally conical chamber for situating a ball near the base of the lash adjuster housing. The chamber has both an external and internal shoulder for engaging a plunger spring and a ball spring, respectively. The chamber may further define at least one aperture near its apex and at least one aperture near its base to facilitate oil flow through the lash adjuster.

Abstract: An arrangement for a supercharged combustion engine (2), to prevent ice formation in a cooler (10, 15). The arrangement comprises a low-temperature cooling system with a circulating coolant and a cooler (10, 15) in which a gaseous medium which contains water vapour is cooled by the coolant in the cooling system. An electric circuit with an electric warming unit (28, 28a, 28b) is positioned in contact with the coolant in the second cooling system, a voltage source (36, 36a, 36b) and a circuit-breaker (30, 30a, 30b) which can be placed in a first position whereby it disconnects the warming unit (28, 28a, 28b) and the voltage source (36, 36a, 36b) and in a second position whereby it connects together the warming unit (28, 28a, 28b) and the voltage source (36) so that the warming unit (28, 28b, 28b) receives electrical energy and warms the coolant in the cooling system.

Abstract: A ring gear is formed by joining a race side-region formed body, a gear side-region formed body and an intermediate region formed body. Accordingly, it is possible to perform processing of an inner race portion of the race side-region formed body with none of the gear side-region formed body and the intermediate region formed body present. By causing the gear side-region formed body and the intermediate region formed body to absorb changes in design depending on the type of internal combustion engine, it is possible to standardize the size and the shape of the race side-region formed body for various engine types. Because the inner race portion, as well as a disposition surface and a contact surface for the seal rings are formed on the same race side-region formed body, it is possible to finish the surfaces with precise positional relationship.

Abstract: The invention relates to a balancing shaft for a multi-cylinder engine having at least one unbalanced weight portion (21, 22; 23, 24) and at least one bearing (16, 17), the at least one unbalanced weight portion (21, 22; 23, 24) being associated with a bearing (16, 17), the bearing (16, 17) having a radial running face (18) which extends only partially over a periphery of the bearing (16, 17) and a centrifugal force which results during rotation of the balancing shaft (11) is situated within a region of the bearing (16, 17) that is formed by the running face (18) which extends partially over the periphery of the bearing (16, 17).

Abstract: The invention relates to a balancing shaft for a single-cylinder or multi-cylinder engine having at least one unbalanced weight portion (21, 22; 23, 24) and at least one bearing (16, 17), the at least one unbalanced weight portion (21, 22; 23, 24) being associated with the bearing (16, 17) and the bearing (16, 17) having a radial running face (18) which extends only partially over a periphery of the bearing (16, 17) and a centrifugal force which results during rotation of the balancing shaft (11) is situated within a region of the bearing (16, 17) that is formed by the running face (18) which extends partially over the periphery of the bearing (16, 17), wherein provision is made for at least one supporting surface (51) to extend partially over the periphery of the bearing (16, 17) and to be provided separate from the running surface (18).

Abstract: The invention relates to a balancing shaft for a multi-cylinder engine having at least one unbalanced weight portion (21, 22; 23, 24) and at least one bearing (16, 17), the at least one unbalanced weight portion (21, 22; 23, 24) being associated with the bearing (16, 17) and the bearing (16, 17) has a radial running face (18) which extends only partially over a periphery of the bearing (16, 17) and a centrifugal force which results during rotation of the balancing shaft (11) is situated within a region of the bearing (16, 17) that is formed by the running face (18) which extends partially over the periphery of the bearing (16, 17), wherein a running ring segment (51) is associated with the partially formed running face (18), said running ring segment adjoining the partially formed running face (18) of the bearing (16, 17) and forming, together with said partially formed running face (18), a completely closed running face (20) of the bearing (16, 17) and having at least one lateral edge (54) which delimits the

Abstract: A cylinder block for an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder bore with an inner wall for containing a piston. The piston carries an upper piston ring spaced below a top surface of the piston. A removed area is formed in the inner cylinder wall having a lower edge spaced from a top surface of the cylinder wall and partially defining a void space having a greater diameter than the diameter of the inner cylinder wall. The void space is arranged to receive engine combustion particles scrapped from the inner cylinder wall by the upper piston ring to prevent build up of the particles on the inner cylinder wall in the line of movement of an upper outer edge of the upper piston ring.

Abstract: Featured is a bedplate for a reciprocating engine having a rollerized cranktrain. Such a bedplate includes a peripheral support structure having sides and ends, a plurality of cross members that extend between the sides of the peripheral support structure, and a plurality of rolling element bearings. Each of the plurality of cross members includes a bearing support portion, the bearing support portion being configured so as to receive and retain therein a portion of one of the rolling element bearings. Also, the portion of the rolling element bearing is such that when the bedplate is secured to a cylinder block of the reciprocating engine, the bearing support portion rotatably supports a crankshaft of the reciprocating engine. Also featured is a reciprocating engine having such a bedplate.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a fuel injector assembly including a valve and a cable assembly for actuating the valve. The cable can include a plurality of strands, and each strand can be an optical fiber, an electrical conductor, or a tensile member capable of withstanding a tensile stress caused when the valve actuator actuates the valve, or any combination thereof. The cable can also include a brush bearing with bristles extending from the cable to maintain the cable at least generally centered within a channel as the cable moves in the channel. The bristles can be electrically conductive and can convey a voltage to an electrode pair near the valve to ionize at least a portion of the fuel to urge the fuel from the injector through the valve.

Abstract: A vehicle control device, including a vehicle control unit that controls engagement between an engine and a starter motor for starting the engine, wherein the vehicle control unit, along with cutting off fuel supply to the engine and causing the engine to rotate inertially, also, in a state in which fuel supply to the engine is cut off and the starter motor is not engaged with the engine, rotates the starter motor, and thereafter controls supply of electrical power to the starter motor so as to causes the starter motor to rotate inertially, and engages the starter motor to the engine while both the engine and the starter motor are performing inertial rotation.

Abstract: The temperature of the fuel is raised without consuming the fuel in a fuel injection apparatus for an internal combustion engine. The fuel injection apparatus for the internal combustion engine comprises judging means which judges whether or not a fuel cut state, in which supply of fuel to the internal combustion engine is temporarily stopped during deceleration of a vehicle, is given; and discharge means which discharges the fuel by means of a motive power applied from a rotary shaft of the internal combustion engine; the fuel injection apparatus for the internal combustion engine further comprising increasing means which increases work of the discharge means when it is judged by the judging means that the fuel cut state is given as compared with when it is not judged by the judging means that the fuel cut state is given.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injector comprising a nozzle retainer or an injector body, a valve body and a nozzle body, in which a preferably needle-shaped injection valve member is arranged to be vertically movable, said member releasing or closing at least one injection port leading to a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine depending on the pressure relief of or the pressure load on a control chamber. The invention is characterized in that a valve comprising a preferably ball-shaped valve element is arranged in the nozzle retainer or in the injector body for the pressure relief of the control chamber.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a directly actuated valve that comprises a strain-type actuator to actuate a valve member to travel between a closed position and an open position, the method comprising transmitting displacements from the strain-type actuator to the valve member, maintaining a compressive stress on the actuator that is greater than a predetermined minimum stress by applying a pre-load compressive stress and limiting to less than predetermined limits at least one of: (a) acceleration and deceleration of the valve member when moving between open positions and the closed position; and (b) velocity of said valve member immediately before contacting the valve seat.

Abstract: A fuel supplying apparatus that opens a fuel supply path using a negative pressure in a crankcase of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A negative pressure introducing inlet of an automatic cock is connected to the crankcase of the internal combustion engine through a negative pressure communication path. A negative pressure generated in the crankcase opens an automatic cock and, thereby, the fuel supply path is opened that is to supply fuel from a fuel tank to the internal combustion engine. The negative pressure communication path communicates with a communication opening of an air cleaner through a purge path that branches from the negative pressure communication path at a halfway point thereof. The communication opening is disposed on a cleaning chamber that is formed in an air cleaner such that air filtered by an air filter flows into the communication opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emission cleaning system which is disposed on the intake tract of an internal combustion engine and has at least one device for taking in air and also at least one filter unit and a control/regulating device.

Abstract: An intake manifold with integrated canister circuit for a supercharged internal combustion engine provided with: a tubular body in which a plenum is defined; a sorting chamber obtained in a wall of the tubular body; a canister solenoid valve arranged in the sorting chamber and is adapted to adjust the introduction of gasoline vapours into the sorting chamber; a first pipe, which is obtained in the wall of the tubular body, puts the sorting chamber into communication with the plenum, and defines a first branch of a recovery pipe; a second pipe, which is obtained in the wall of the tubular body and defines an initial portion of a second branch of the recovery pipe; a first one-way valve which allows, through the first pipe, only a flow towards the plenum; a second one-way valve which allows, through the second pipe, only a flow through the intake pipe.