Abstract: An agricultural metering device with a variable geometry meter roller is provided. The agricultural metering device includes a meter roller having a plurality of flutes. An aggregate cross sectional area of the flutes increases along a longitudinal axis of the meter roller.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for engaging a frame to a frame driving mechanism in a sewing machine. The mating alignment feature allows engagement of the embroidery frame to the apparatus where the frame engagement mechanism is at least partially obscured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller reefing boom (1 in FIG. 1) for a boom sail set with sail battens, preferably a mainsail (6), of a ship (2) with a partially enclosing sail stowage space (27) of aluminum or Faserplast, in which a largely planar sail (6) can be reefed or stowed by rolling it up, wherein the trimming of the sail (6) in all reefing states is achieved by the roll reefing boom (1) comprising a number of segments (11, 12, 14) which can be swung away horizontally in relation to one another, making the sail (6) that is guided by them adjustable variably according to the strength of the wind by means of internal control devices (37 and 76) with fixed profile characteristics (23 a and 23 b) in the depth of the profile (24).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hull element (7) which is fixed to the stern (1) or hull bottom (1b) by means of a hinge (6,6a) and enables an active as well as a passive trim of the watercraft (1a) and at the same time also supports a watercraft lift (2) or a watercraft stair (11) by means of the connector (8) or a connecting cylinder (18). By means of cylinder (17b) and the connector (8) or connecting cylinder (18) on the hull element (7) the platform (3) or the watercraft stair (11) can be activated. In case the watercraft lift (2) or the watercraft stair (11) is operated by means of cylinder (17a), the hull element (7) folds away, so that the stroke (H) of the watercraft lift (2) respectively the stroke (HT) of the watercraft stairs (11) is not impaired or restricted.

Abstract: A manually settable, tamper resistant indicator device suitable for use in medical and other professions, and a method for operating the device, are disclosed. An indicia member is manually moved relative to a pointer member, in setting the indicator device to display selected indicia at a pointing area. The displayed information is locked by fixing the indicia member relative to the pointer member, using a tamper resistant locking member. A fastening device, which may be tamper resistant, is used for attaching the indicator device to an article, which may be a medical device attached to a medical patient. The indicator device may be sterilized. In a medical setting, the displayed information may include a day, a date, a usage count or a personnel identifier. In one example, the indicia member has a plurality of sliding strips, each sliding strip being mounted to the pointer member and independently movable.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a coating apparatus and method for substantially simultaneously forming a plurality of coatings on a substrate and to a method of analyzing at least one characteristic or property of the coatings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate carrying apparatus having a simple configuration capable of inhibiting the occurrence of pattern collapse. A carrying tray of the disclosed substrate carrying apparatus includes a bottom plate for supporting the substrate and a circumferential side wall being provided around the bottom plate. An opening is formed in the bottom plate. An elevating member, to and from which the substrate is to be transferred, passes through the opening. A space is temporarily formed in a carrying tray. The elevating member within the opening passes to the outside of the carrying tray through the space. When the substrate is carried, the liquid is reservoired within the carrying tray, and the substrate is carried while the liquid remained on the upper surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for milking animals in a milking station (9) including a milking machine (14) for milking said animals, and a first feeding device (21) for feeding said animals intermittently or continuously with feed, is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of allowing a milking animal to enter the milking station (9); feeding the milking animal in the milking station intermittently or continuously with feed by means of the first feeding device (21); and milking the milking animal in the milking station (9) by means of the milking machine (14). According to the present invention, the feeding of the milking animal is terminated at a non-final stage of the milking in order to secure that the milking animal has terminated to consume the feed when the milking is finished.

Abstract: A squirrel resistant bird feeder which comprises a seed container, a seed tray mounted below the seed container, a shroud enclosing the seed container and seed tray with at least one feed opening in a lower portion of the shroud, a cover member extending over the shroud, a central tube extending between the seed tray and an upper portion of the seed container, a center post within the center tube, and a plunger comprising an upper plunger portion and a lower plunger portion, the upper plunger portion and lower portion being screwthreadedly engaged such that the length may be varied, a spring member mounted about the center post and biasing the seed tray and the lower plunger portion.

Abstract: A pet toilet providing a system where waste is “flushed” into a removable waste reservoir to eliminate waste and pet odors. The pet toilet can include a concave basin, a grating system, a removable water reservoir, and one or more flush tubes. The concave basin can be removably coupled to supporting legs, and can include a drainage hole. The grating system can include one or more grating sections disposed on the concave basin. The removable waste reservoir can be positioned beneath the concave basin and can include an opening aligned with the drainage hole of the concave basin. The removable water reservoir can be connected to one or more flush tubes via a valve. At least one of the one or more flush tubes can be coupled to the concave basin to expel water directly into the concave basin.

Abstract: A styptic powder applicator and file for use with pets. The applicator is designed to be integrated with the container and have a funnel-like shape in order to handle a styptic powder in an easier fashion. The container further has a file attached to a side of the container for the removal of burrs left after clipping a pet's nails. This invention provides a more efficient structure for grooming a pet by incorporating a file for removing burrs with the styptic applicator for staunching the flow of blood from a “quicked” nail.

Abstract: An animal exercise system in the form of a game includes an apparatus comprising an animal transport device; a game board; a plurality of edible game pieces in the form of a treat. In operation, the animal transport device engages and travels along the game board to selectively contact the game pieces. One or more of the game pieces may be fed to the animal as a reward.

Abstract: Pet leash assemblies, pet collar assemblies, and methods of using the same. Pet leash assemblies include a tether and a gated clasp coupled to the tether. The gated clasp includes a body, a gate hinged to the body, and a biasing member that pivotally biases the gated clasp to a closed configuration. The gate may include a projection that extends away from the body. When the projection is urged toward a terminal region of the body, the gate is pivoted against a bias of the biasing member and the gated clasp is configured to an open configuration, in which a coupling ring of a collar may be inserted into and removed from a passage defined between the gate and the body. The clasp may include a sliding actuator with a gate-engagement surface positioned to engage and pivot the gate against its bias when the actuator is translated toward the gate.

Abstract: A circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler comprising a reaction chamber. A bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) is contained within an enclosure within the lower portion of the reaction chamber and contains an in-bed heat exchanger (IBHX) that occupies part of the reaction chamber floor. At least one non-mechanical valve, which includes an opening between the CFB and BFB and independently controlled fluidizing means located both upstream and downstream of the opening, is used to control the heat transfer to the IBHX by controlling the solids discharge from the BFB to the CFB. The elevation of the bottom of the opening is at or above the elevation of the fluidizing means. A flow control barrier may be located downstream of the opening.

Abstract: A system for controlling an engine is described. In one example, fuel and a fluid are delivered to the engine cylinder, the fluid including at least some water. The amount of fuel and fluid delivered is adjusted in different ratios as a condition varies to address both pre-ignition and knock.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided for an internal combustion engine that includes, but is not limited to an engine coolant circuit having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, a radiator having an inlet and an outlet, a first pipeline for hydraulically connecting the radiator outlet and the engine coolant inlet, a second pipeline for hydraulically connecting the engine coolant outlet to the radiator inlet, a coolant pump located in the first pipeline for moving a coolant towards the engine coolant inlet, a thermostatic valve located in the first pipeline between the primary pump and the radiator outlet, for closing or at least partially opening the passageway, a bypass pipeline for hydraulically connecting an intermediate point of the second pipeline to an intermediate point of the first pipeline, the latter being located between the thermostatic valve and the radiator outlet, an exhaust gas recirculation cooler located in the bypass pipeline, an auxiliary coolant pump located in the bypass pipeline, and a control

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat exchange system including, among other things, a radiator operable to remove heat from coolant, an air flow path extending through a first charge air cooler and a second charge air cooler, the first charge air cooler being operable to transfer heat from air to the coolant, the second charge air cooler being positioned downstream from the first charge air cooler along the air flow path to receive the air from the first charge air cooler and being operable to transfer heat from the air to the coolant, and a coolant circuit extending between a coolant pump, the radiator, and the first and second charge air coolers.

Abstract: A blow-by treatment assembly (10) for a vehicle having an engine (22) emitting blow-by gas (18) includes a duct (16) for receiving blow-by gas from the engine. A catalyst trap (14) is disposed in fluid communication with the duct (16). The catalyst trap (14) removes hydrocarbon emissions from the blow-by gas (18). A pump (12) pumps the blow-by gas (18) through the catalyst trap (14). An outlet (32) is in fluid communication with the catalyst trap (14) for emitting the blow-by gas to either the ambient or to a tailpipe.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a compression ratio of an internal combustion engine, includes a piston position adjusting mechanism having a lever pivotably mounted on each of the connecting rods, adapted and configured to pivot when actuated, a cam, rotatably mounted with respect to each of one or more pistons and respective connecting rods, adapted and configured to maintain, at any moment, one of a plurality of spacings therebetween, rotation of the cam by a preselected angle causing a change in relative spacing between the head of the respective piston and small end of the connecting rod. The trigger is adapted and configured to cause pivoting of the lever, engagement between the cam and the lever, and rotation of the cam by the preselected angle.

Abstract: An electronically actuated valve assembly for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve stem, and a plurality of shape memory alloy segments in operative communication with the valve stem, wherein each shape memory alloy segment is individually actuatable, and wherein actuation of different shape memory alloy segments is configured to cause different valve lifts.

Abstract: A valve drive system (1) having a support element (2) and a switchable cam follower (3) that is linked on this support element in an articulated way is provided. The cam follower (3) is made from an outer lever (4) between whose arms (5) runs an inner lever (6), wherein at least the outer lever (4) is provided on its top side (7) with a contact surface (8) for a lifting cam, n the inner lever (6) has, on a bottom side (9) on a first end (10), a contact (11) for a gas-exchange valve and at least on the other end (12) two side walls (13) that are spaced apart and in which extend opposing boreholes (14). The side walls (13) are bridged by a tubular axle piece (15) that sits in the boreholes (14) and in whose opening (16) run two diametrically opposed coupling pistons (17).

Abstract: A camshaft adjuster for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, including a stator which can be driven by a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and is located radially on the outside, a rotor which is non-rotatably connected to a camshaft and located radially on the inside, working chambers which are disposed between the rotor and stator and can be subjected to a pressure such that the rotational position of the rotor relative to the stator can be varied, and at least one sealing cover which laterally delimits the working chambers and rests against the stator and/or rotor. The sealing cover, stator and/or rotor have a convex, concave or conical contact surface, and the sealing cover can be elastically deformed by the attachment via the contact surface such that it rests against the stator and/or rotor with an increased sealing force as a result of elastic deformation.

Abstract: A clutch or brake with an electrically actuated switching coil and an armature that axially moves toward the switching coil and forms a connection with the switching coil and can rotate relative to the switching coil, in an adjustment system for camshafts of a combustion engine. A superposition transmission has an input driven by a crankshaft of the engine, a drive output element that drives a camshaft of the engine and a control element, by which relative rotation between the input and the output can be produced by applying a braking torque. The armature is rotationally fixed and axially slidable, and centered on or at a transmission component, and the switching coil is rotationally fixed and centered coaxially with the armature by a membrane spring on a further transmission component, relative to which the armature is braked or to which the armature is coupled.

Abstract: A switchable finger lever for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said finger lever comprising an inner lever comprising on an underside on one end, a support for a gas exchange valve and on another end, a contact surface for a head of a support element, said inner lever being flanked by outer arms which are articulated for pivoting relative to the inner lever on a side of the one end, at least each of said outer arms comprising on an upper side, a cam contacting surface, said inner lever comprising directly next to the contact surface a coupling device for an optional connection of the outer arms to the inner lever, said coupling device comprising a cross-bore in which two coupling slides are arranged diametrically opposite each other, which coupling slides for effecting coupling engage partially in or under an entraining surface arranged on the respective outer arm ending in this region, and the at least one restoring spring being likewise arranged in the region of the another end while being cl

Abstract: A connecting device for the pivotal and loss-prevention joining of an actuating lever (1) and a support element (6) of a valve operating mechanism of a combustion engine. The actuating lever (1) has, in a supporting section (3), a spherical cap-shaped cavity (5) inside of which the spherical end (7) of the supporting element (6) may be placed. A recess and/or undercut (8) is formed underneath the spherical end (7) in the supporting element (6). The actuating lever (1) has, in the supporting section (3), a spherical upper surface (4) above the spherical cap-shaped cavity (5). A securing element (9) joins the actuating lever (1) and the supporting element (6) to one another. This securing element (9) has a U-shaped cross-sectional shape with an upper and a lower limb (10, 11) that are joined to one another via a joining section (12).

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a glow-plug engine capable of achieving suitable operation using a glow plug even for various kinds of fuel other than special alcohol based fuel. The end section of a glow plug protrudes inside a combustion chamber and is located in a specified area near the top surface 53a of piston when located at the top dead center. By doing so, it is possible to achieve suitable operation (combustion) using a glow plug even for various kinds of fuel other than special alcohol based fuels.

Abstract: This invention provides a corona discharge fuel igniter system and methods for igniting fuel in an internal combustion engine. A ceramic dielectric material is provided that significantly increases the efficiency of corona discharge to ignite the fuel in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method of controlling a choke valve of an engine with a controller is disclosed. Also disclosed is an automatic choke performing the method, an engine having the automatic choke, and an apparatus having the engine. The controller includes an electronic circuit, such as a programmable device, and is coupled to a temperature sensor and a motor. The method includes determining a temperature value using the temperature sensor, determining a time period to hold the choke valve in a first position, keeping the choke valve at the first position for the time period, moving the choke valve from the first position toward a second position using the motor, determining a count to hold the choke valve, keeping the choke valve at the second position for the count, and moving the choke valve from the second position toward a fully open position.

Abstract: An engine including an automatic choke that includes a choke valve movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position, a temperature sensor coupled to the engine and operable to provide a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the engine, and a motor connected to the choke valve and operable to move the choke valve in response to a motor control signal. A controller is electrically connected to the motor and to the temperature sensor. The controller includes an electronic circuit having a memory. A table includes engine specific choke position data stored in memory, wherein the controller determines a choke initial position based on the temperature of the engine and the choke position data, and wherein the motor moves the choke valve toward that position in response to an attempt to start the engine.

Abstract: An air intake device 40 comprises: a surge tank 44 having an upper tank chamber 50, a lower tank chamber 52, and a communication portion 56; a first intake pipe 46 having communication with the upper tank chamber 50; a second intake pipe 48 having communication with the lower tank chamber 52; and a valve 58 disposed in the lower tank chamber 52, the valve 58 being displaced between a closed position, in which an internal space of the lower tank chamber 52 is divided into a main space 60 having communication with the second intake pipe 48 and a sub-space 62 facing the communication portion 56, and an open position, in which the main space 60 and the sub-space 62 are integrated with each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to a double-plenum or double-chamber inlet manifold or splitter, made up of a structural unit comprising two distinct coupled plenums with a common wall, an inlet opening for each of the two plenums and several pipes through each of the said plenums, the said superimposed plenums having substantially flattened general structures and forming, with their respectively connected inlet openings and pipes, two independent circulation circuits running from the entrance at the inlet openings to the outlet at the external openings of the pipes, the said external or outlet openings of the pipes being grouped in pairs, with each pair having an opening of each of the two types of pipes; the manifold comprises two one-piece parts assembled together, in a gas-tight manner, at the continuous assembly areas, a first part incorporating at least the two inlet openings and first portions of the walls of the two plenums, contiguous to the said openings and the second part incorporating the pipes and second

Abstract: The lubricant-return holes are provided in the intermediate portion of the ring gear. Thus, the lubricant stagnating above the first oil sealing member can be easily discharged to the oil pan side via the lubricant-return holes even when the ring gear has stopped rotating in response to the starter motor being turned off after completion of the start of the internal combustion engine. As such, the level of the surface of lubricant stagnating between the ring gear and the outer race member does not rise, and therefore the lubricant surface virtually does not reach the outer race and the one-way clutch that are rotating while the internal combustion engine is running. Thus, bubbling of lubricant and production of sludge, which may otherwise be caused by agitation of the lubricant surface, can be prevented.

Abstract: Axially protruding, centrally cooled pistons rotate around a stationary primary rotation axis within a cylindrical piston chamber. The pistons are held on both of their axial ends by concentrically rotating crank disks as intertwined rotary assemblies. On the outside of each crank disk is hinged a driving piston that slides in a radial guide of two flywheels oppositely axially adjacent the piston chamber and crank disks. The flywheels rotate around an offset secondary rotation axis. As a result. The pistons are individually and oppositely alternately accelerated and decelerated. Volumes between them angularly expand and contract. Inlets and outlets are positioned along the piston chamber circumference in correspondence with expansion and contraction phases of the rotating volumes. A low number of moving parts, area sealed volumes, no valves, no dead volume, balanced mass forces, vibration free rotation and short force transmission paths provide for lightweight construction and high rotational speeds.

Abstract: A compression-ignition internal combustion engine includes a plurality of combustion chambers operating in a four-stroke combustion cycle and is configured to operate at a geometric compression ratio greater than 10:1. A method for operating a the engine includes forming a fuel/air charge by injecting fuel into each combustion chamber during a compression stroke, wherein the injection is completed prior to any combustion within the combustion chamber. The method further includes operating the engine to manage temperature of the fuel/air charge in the combustion chamber below an auto-ignition point of the fuel/air charge, and providing a spark discharge in the combustion chamber subsequent to injecting the fuel and in advance of the fuel/air charge achieving an auto-ignition temperature.

Abstract: An engine brake unit, may include a rocker shaft having an oil passage to open or close an exhaust valve when an engine braking is in operation, an exhaust rocker arm rotatable about the rocker shaft inserted into the exhaust rocker arm, wherein the exhaust rocker arm includes a supply oil passage communicating with the oil passage and the outside, and a recess connected to the supply oil passage and having an open lower portion, an actuator disposed in the recess of the exhaust rocker arm, wherein the actuator includes a piston that selectively moves downwards through the open lower portion of the recess by oil supplied from the supply oil passage to press the exhaust rocker arm while oil pressure in the oil passage has a predetermined pressure or more, and an oil control valve connected to the oil passage of the rocker shaft and controlling the oil pressure.

Abstract: A control device for an internal combustion engine according to the present embodiment, includes: cooling units 40L and 40R arranged on a path where a coolant is circulated, and cooling an exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine with the coolant flowing through the cooling units 40L and 40R; and ECUs 7L and 7R estimating a heat quantity of the exhaust gas, and deciding whether or not to prohibit an idle reduction control in response to the estimated heat quantity of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system and method are provided. The system includes a throttle valve, a motor configured to drive the throttle valve, and a throttle position sensor configured to detect an angle of the throttle valve. The system further includes an engine rotating speed detector, and a controller. The controller is configured to drive the motor to control the angle of the throttle valve. The controller is configured to initially set a lower limit value of the angle to an angle which is greater than a full closure angle of the throttle valve by a predetermined amount. The controller is further configured to, when a rise in an engine rotating speed is detected, re-set the lower limit value to reduce it by a predetermined amount to control the engine rotating speed to within a predetermined value from the preset idle speed.

Abstract: Engine systems have two or more internal combustion power units. The units are connected to deliver power by way of freewheeling mechanisms so that one of the power units may be stopped or idled while one or more other power units continues to supply power. A control system is configured to shut an air shut off valve and/or disable an ignition and/or fuel injection system to shut down an auxiliary one of the power units.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine performs output control so that an engine output coincides with demand output by changing intake air flow rate or ignition timing of the engine. Output reduction control, wherein engine output is reduced, is performed when the demand output decreases. A retard limit output is calculated, and a retard limit intake air flow rate is calculated when the demand output is less than the retard limit output. The engine output is made to coincide with the demand output by retarding the ignition timing when the demand output is equal or greater than the retard limit output. When the demand output is less than the retard limit output, the ignition timing is retard to the limit and the intake air flow rate is controlled so as to coincide with the retard limit intake air flow rate.

Abstract: A method for setting a combustion in a combustion engine, particularly in a diesel engine, having the following steps of generating a manipulated variable, particularly a point of injection (PI), as a function of a combustion feature (MFB50%), the combustion feature (MFB50%) representing a condition in cylinder, especially a pressure characteristic in the cylinder, and setting the combustion in cylinders of the combustion engine with the aid of the manipulated variable, the manipulated variable further being generated as a function of a correction value (CV), which is determined as a function of combustion information (dQmax) that provides an indication about the quality of the combustion.

Abstract: Various fuel injection systems and fuel injectors are disclosed that provide varying cooling rates for fuel injectors connected in series to fuel supply and drain rail. The local cooling rate for each injector is manipulated to balance the heat flux or heat transfer across the injectors disposed along the rail. The cooling rates may be manipulated by varying sizes of openings or slots in the nozzle case, by varying annular spaces disposed between the nozzle case and the portion of the injector body that houses the actuator and solenoid assembly, and by varying the size of annular spaces disposed between the nozzle case and the cylinder head. Strategic placement of slots in the nozzle case that direct more flow at the portion of the injector body that houses the actuator and solenoid assembly may also be employed. As a result, the operating temperatures of fuel injectors connected in series to a fuel rail can be manipulated and moderated so the downstream injectors are not prone to overheating.

Abstract: A timing transmission mechanism (T2) in an engine is formed of a chain transmission system (C) that is formed from a drive sprocket (20) mounted on a crankshaft (4), a driven sprocket (25) mounted on a pump input shaft (24) of a high pressure fuel pump (P), and a chain (22) wound around the drive sprocket (20) and the driven sprocket (25); and a gear transmission system (G) that is formed from a drive gear (26) mounted on the pump input shaft (24) coaxially with the driven sprocket (25) and a driven gear (27) mounted on a camshaft (13b) and meshing with the drive gear (26). This enables a timing transmission mechanism to be provided that can increase the degree of freedom in layout of the high pressure fuel pump without causing any increase in the number of components, the weight, or the backlash.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine includes an engine management system (EMS), a return line connected to a low-pressure fuel system, a common rail for storing and supplying a relatively high-pressure fuel to an injector, and an automatic isolating valve installed between the common rail and the injector. The injector has a nozzle for injecting fuel into the engine. A valve is operated by the EMS and installed between the common rail and the nozzle. A spill valve is operated by the EMS and connected by its inlet to the outlet of the valve and by its outlet to the return line. A check valve is installed between the nozzle and the return line, the inlet of the check valve being connected to the inlet of the nozzle.

Abstract: An integrally molded carbon canister is provided. The integrally molded carbon canister includes a housing including four external side walls and an upper portion at least partially enclosing an internal cavity connected to a vapor inlet and outlet port, the upper portion including a depressed flow disruptor positioned rearward of an injection gate, and a first and second projected flow channel positioned adjacent to the injection gate and laterally spanning the housing. The depressed flow disruptor has a thickness that is less than a section of the upper portion surrounding the depressed flow disruptor and the projected flow channels have a thickness that is greater than a section of the upper portion surrounding the projected flow channels.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a fuel vapor recovery system having a fuel tank isolation valve coupled between a fuel tank and a canister. Fuel vapors are purged from the fuel tank to a canister buffer over a plurality of purge pulses. The pulses are adjusted based on the buffer capacity, a purge flow rate, and a fuel tank pressure to improve control of canister loading and reduce air-to-fuel ratio disturbances.

Abstract: A method for operating a four-stroke internal combustion engine and a four-stroke combustion engine configured to be operated by the same are disclosed. The method comprises injecting compressed gas into a cylinder during the exhaust stroke of the combustion cycle. In another aspect of the invention, the injection occurs at a time in the combustion cycle near the end of the exhaust stroke, the cylinder approaching Top Dead Center. In a still further aspect of the invention, the gas comprises air.

Abstract: A crossbow may include a main beam: (a) a bow assembly including a bow and a bow string adapted to propel an arrow; (b) a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam; (c) and a bow assembly mounting apparatus for use in selectively mounting the bow assembly at a first location on the main beam to provide a first draw weight and for use in selectively mounting the bow assembly to a second location on the main beam to provide a second draw weight that is substantially different from the first draw weight.

Abstract: An arrow rest for supporting an arrow with respect to an archery bow having a string assembly that includes a bow string. The arrow rest includes a pair of arms, a drive mechanism and a release mechanism. The pair of arms is moveable in unison between a raised position, wherein the arms are adapted to support the arrow, and a lowered position, wherein the arms are adapted to release the arrow. The drive mechanism is operable to selectively bias the pair of arms toward the lowered position. The drive mechanism is operatively connected to the string assembly of the bow, wherein release of the bow string from a drawn position causes the drive mechanism to move the arms from the raised position to the lowered position. The return mechanism is operable to move the arms from the lowered position to the raised position subsequent to movement of the arms from the raised position to the lowered position by the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A blowback assembly for an airgun includes a valve body and a valve stem disposed within and movable with respect to the valve body. The valve stem has a stepped outer profile and the valve body defines a passageway having a stepped inner profile. The valve stem is normally biased against the valve body to form a seal containing a compressed gas in a valve stem chamber forming part of the passageway of the valve body. When the valve stem is moved from the normal position, compressed gas is expelled from the valve stem chamber to cock the airgun and to fire a projectile from the airgun.