Abstract: The present invention comprises a retractable leash assembly that may be selectively carried by a user while attached to the collar or other wearable item on a companion pet and carried by the pet while not in use. The leash assembly may be connected to more than one location along the collar or other wearable item for securing the leash assembly to the companion pet. The leash assembly comprises a braking mechanism for stopping the movement of the leash in a preferred embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the retractable leash assembly provides a full-length leash and weighs less than about 85 g.

Abstract: A leash system for restraining an animal is provided. The system comprises a primary leash and a secondary leash, the secondary leash being selectively securable to a portion of the primary leash and translatable thereon. The system may be controlled or operated by a single user in a first arrangement, and at least two users in a second arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring apparatus for a steam plant, the apparatus comprising: a sensor unit (110) associated with a component of the steam plant, the sensor unit (110) being configured to provide an output indicative of the operating condition of the component; wherein the sensor unit (110) has a plurality of operating modes, each operating mode having a different resource usage; the apparatus further comprising: a selector (130) for selecting one of the plurality of operating modes; wherein the operating mode is chosen based on a current operating condition of the steam plant. The invention also relates to a method of operating such an apparatus.

Abstract: A method for operating a liquid coolant circuit of an internal combustion engine is described in which the coolant circuit contains an integrated EGR cooler such that the cooling system has a single circuit with two operational modes. The method includes a controller that can switch between operational modes to enable delivery of coolant to the EGR cooler when the flow of coolant through the block cooling circuit is blocked. In the second operational mode, the method also includes using an auxiliary pump to pass coolant to the EGR cooler while bypassing the main coolant pump, which can occur by adjusting the flow of coolant through the circuit so the flow through a bypass line is reversed relative to the inherent forward direction of flow in the bypass line during the first operational mode.

Abstract: An assembly is provided herein. The assembly includes a cylinder block and a cooler coupled to the cylinder block positioned in a valley between two cylinder banks, the cooler including a lubricant passage having a first section configured to flow lubricant in an opposing direction to the flow of lubricant through a second section, the first and second sections each extending longitudinally from a first peripheral cylinder to a second peripheral cylinder in one of the cylinder banks.

Abstract: A liquid-cooling engine system is described with a coolant control device having an adjustable control element capable of independently controlling the flow of coolant through a cylinder head and cylinder block. The device contains a rotatable drum that can be rotated along its longitudinal axis to expose holes and thereby allows coolant circulation based on a temperature within the engine system. The coolant control device has three positions but may also be fine-tuned within each position to control the flow of coolant through the cylinder head and cylinder block in order to adjust the amount of heat extracted according to demand, which serves to control the liquid-type cooling circuit in a demand-dependent manner that accounts for the operating modes of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Even when sliding occurs between a radially extending face of a spring member and at least one of a driving-side rotary member and a driven-side rotary member, wear of the at least one of the driving-side rotary member and the driven-side rotary member is prevented. Along the axial direction of the camshaft, a torsion spring is provided between the driven-side rotary member and a housing side face portion for urging the relative rotational phase to the angle advancing direction or the angle retarding direction, and a spring washer is disposed between the driven-side rotary member and the torsion spring.

Abstract: Valve control for at least one valve of an internal combustion engine, in which the movement of at least one cam (2) of a camshaft (3) can be transmitted to a valve stem (5) of the valve (1) by a transmission mechanism (4), the transmission mechanism (4) including at least one transmission element (7) which is mounted rotatably on an axis (6) and is preferably designed as a rocker arm (10) or drag lever and which is connected to the camshaft (3) via a contact element (8) arranged on the transmission element (7), the contact surface (19) of the contact element (8) and the circumferential surface (20) of the cam (2) having, at least in regions, curved and mutually corresponding contours in the axial direction (21), and the transmission element (7) being mounted axially moveably on an axial body (11) of the axis (6).

Abstract: A plasma ignition device 20 includes a spark plug 100, a DC power supply 210, an AC power supply 220, and a coupling section 300. The coupling section 300 includes a capacitor 320 which electrically connects the AC power supply 220 to the spark plug 100. The coupling section 300 reduces the capacitance of the capacitor 320 in the second ignition mode in which transmission of AC power is halted, as compared with that in the first ignition mode in which AC power is transmitted to the spark plug 100.

Abstract: A starter motor arrangement comprises a battery, a first starter motor including a first pinion and a second starter motor including a second pinion. The first starter motor is connected in series to the battery and the second starter motor is connected in series to the first starter motor. Accordingly, the battery, the first starter motor, and the second starter motor are all connected in series. The first pinion gear and the second pinion gear are configured to engage an engine ring gear when electrical current flows through the first starter motor and the second starter motor.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve for an internal combustion engine includes a housing comprising an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet, and a valve closing body fastened to a valve rod. The valve rod is movable. A valve seat is arranged between the exhaust gas inlet and the exhaust gas outlet. A guide bushing comprising a first section guides the valve rod in the housing. A sealing ring is arranged at an end of the guide bushing remote from the valve closing body. The valve closing body is lowered onto the valve seat by a movement of the valve rod and lifted from the valve closing body by an opposite movement of the valve rod. A circumferential gap is formed between the valve rod and the guide bushing in the first section of the guide bushing directed toward the sealing ring.

Abstract: A mass compensating shaft drive for compensating forces or moments of inertia of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine is provided having a balance shaft supported by at least one journal in a housing of the internal combustion engine. A rolling bearing is located between each of the at least one journals and the housing. The balance shaft includes an oil gallery that is adapted to be connected to a source of pressurized lubricating oil. A check valve is located between the oil gallery and each of the at least one bearing journals, with the check valve being arranged to open upon at least one of a lubricating oil pressure or a centrifugal force generated through rotation of the balance shaft exceeding a predetermined closing force for the check valve.

Abstract: A method to balance a crank drive of an internal combustion engine comprising: using a balancer unit comprising a first balance weight and a second balance weight serving as counterbalance; rotating the first and second balance weight at an engine rotation speed when a crankshaft rotates at the engine rotation speed; rotating the first balance weight in a same direction as the crankshaft; rotating the second balance weight in an opposite direction to the crankshaft; arranging the first balance weight and the second balance weight such that a resulting balancing moment about a velocity pole of a 1st order of a rigid body rotation of a drive unit at least partially balances a rotary movement about a velocity pole provoked by a resulting mass moment of the 1st order, an external effect of the resulting mass moment of the 1st order being at least partially balanced.

Abstract: A piston engine may include a heat pipe capable of transferring heat away from a portion of the piston engine such as a combustion section. The heat pipe may be included as part of a piston assembly, a cylinder, or both. The heat pipe may be filled with a suitable heat pipe fluid that may undergo a phase change such as, for example, water, ethanol, ammonia, sodium, other fluids or combinations thereof. Boiling and condensing of the fluid within the heat pipe may utilize the latent heat of the fluid during heat transfer. Multiple heat pipes may be used in some instances.

Abstract: A piston engine may include a non-contact bearing between a piston assembly and a cylinder. The piston may be configured to translate in a bore of the cylinder, and a non-contact bearing may be included in a clearance gap between the piston assembly and the bore. A bearing fluid may be supplied to the clearance gap via the piston assembly and/or cylinder to create the non-contact bearing. A bearing element may be used to direct or otherwise manage the flow of bearing fluid in the clearance gap. The bearing element may include one or more holes, porous portions, and/or passages to direct the bearing fluid to the clearance gap.

Abstract: A piston engine may include a clearance gap between a piston assembly and a cylinder. The piston may be configured to translate in a bore of the cylinder. The clearance gap between the piston assembly and the bore may be actively or passively controlled. A control system may provide one or more adjustments based on, for example, a detected temperature, pressure, flow rate, work metric, and/or other indicator. The adjustments may include, for example, adjusting a cylinder liner, adjusting a flow through a bearing element, adjusting a coolant flow, adjusting a heat pipe property, and/or other adjustments. One or more auxiliary systems may be used to provide the adjustments.

Abstract: A piston engine may include a piston assembly, which may include a piston having a self-centering feature. The piston assembly may be configured to translate in a bore of the cylinder, and contact a combustion section and/or gas driver section. The self-centering feature may use a flow of blow-by gas in a clearance gap to provide a self-centering force on the piston assembly. The self-centering feature may include one or more slotted pockets, a step, a tapered portion, any other suitable feature, or a combination thereof. Optionally, a piston assembly may include a feature that aids in self-centering such as, for example, a labyrinth seal.

Abstract: A piston engine may include a clearance gap between a piston assembly and a cylinder. The piston may be configured to translate in a bore of the cylinder. The clearance gap between the piston assembly and the bore may be actively or passively controlled. A control system may provide one or more adjustments based on, for example, a detected temperature, pressure, flow rate, work metric, and/or other indicator. The adjustments may include, for example, adjusting a cylinder liner, adjusting a flow through a bearing element, adjusting a coolant flow, adjusting a heat pipe property, and/or other adjustments. One or more auxiliary systems may be used to provide the adjustments.

Abstract: A process for near-net-shape manufacturing of a formed metallic work piece with armoring, with the armoring having different properties than the basic work piece material, including the steps of providing an armoring blank; providing a basic work piece blank; arranging the armoring blank on the basic work piece blank; welding together a surface section of the work piece blank and the armoring blank, thereby creating a blank with an armored surface section; and forming the resulting blank with an armored surface section, thus producing a near-net-shape work piece contour by means of a process which is selected from the group comprising: forging, upsetting, electro upsetting, and extrusion, at a temperature in one of a cold, half-warm and warm temperature range, thereby producing a near-net-shaped formed armored work piece.

Abstract: A method of constructing a bedplate assembly for retention of a crankshaft in an internal combustion engine having an engine block includes forming a bedplate insert in a first pattern tool. The bedplate insert is defined by a height, a width, and a thickness. The bedplate insert also includes a shape having a variation in the width along the height. The method also includes arranging the formed bedplate insert in a second pattern tool. The method additionally includes forming in the second pattern tool a bedplate frame around the formed bedplate insert to generate the bedplate assembly. During forming of the bedplate frame, the variation in the width of the bedplate insert generates an internal rib in the bedplate frame that is configured to fix and retain the bedplate insert inside the bedplate frame and decrease deflection of the bedplate frame under crankshaft loads during operation of the engine.

Abstract: An oil control ring for internal combustion engines, formed by a ferrous body having two external contact surfaces where each surface contains first and second extremity edges, two tilted faces where each tilted face starts from the respective second edge, a peripheral transversal section directed at the cylinder wall and an internal circular section directed at the side of the piston, where the projections of contact are directed, so that the respective tilted faces are turned facing the other, symmetrically, in a preferred concretization. The ring allows the maintenance of appropriate levels of contact pressure, even under reduced expanding loadings due to the use of profile that brings reduced contact of the ring with the cylinder interface. Additionally, it brings better dynamic stability and consequent distribution of the contact pressure of the set. It also makes it possible to apply superficial hardening treatments on oil rings with reduced contact surface.

Abstract: An engine of a vehicle is provided with an engine control device including an idle speed control (ISC) device provided for an intake bypass passage connecting an upper side and a lower side of a throttle valve installed in an intake passage so as to control an idle speed of the engine by adjusting an amount of air flowing through the intake bypass passage at a time of idling of the engine. The engine control device includes a throttle opening degree sensor disposed in the intake passage and configured to detect a degree of opening of the throttle valve, an intake pressure sensor disposed in the intake passage and configured to detect an intake negative pressure at the lower side of the throttle valve, and a control unit configured to control an output of the engine.

Abstract: A linearly aligned four-cylinder internal combustion engine system operated in a 1-3-4-2 sequence, comprising a cylinder head connected with a cylinder block wherein each cylinder has at least one exhaust port to discharge exhaust gasses via an exhaust gas discharge system, for which an exhaust gas pipe is connected at each exhaust port; wherein the exhaust gas pipes of the cylinders that merge in stages into a common exhaust gas pipe and the exhaust gas discharge system emerges outside of the cylinder head. Thus exhaust gas from consecutive ignitions in adjacent cylinders is separated for a distance throughout the engine head to reduce mutual influencing in adjacent cylinders with consecutive ignitions.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine including a fuel tank, a membrane dividing the fuel tank into at least a first and second portion, the membrane preferentially diffusing a substance from a mixture, the substance having an increased knock suppression relative to the mixture, and a controller adjusting delivery of condensed water to the tank responsive to an operating condition.

Abstract: A fuel supply structure which can prevent significant decrease in fuel pressure to make the return of the fuel pressure to a steady value faster is provided. In a fuel supply structure which has a fuel pump 21 sucking fuel in a fuel tank 12 and supplying the fuel into a fuel supply section of an engine 14, and a fuel hose 30 connecting the fuel supply section and the fuel pump 21, the fuel supply section includes a plurality of fuel supply sections, the fuel hose 30 has a shared hose section 31 provided on the fuel supply upstream side, and a plurality of individual hose sections 32 and 33 provided on the fuel supply downstream side and branched from the shared hose section 31, and at least a portion of at least any one of the shared hose section 31 and the individual hose sections 32 and 33 is made of an elastic body.

Abstract: A piston and an engine are provided that includes various precise configuration parameters, including dimensions, shape and/or relative positioning of the combustion chamber features, resulting in a combustion process that yields improved mixing of fuel and intake air and increased uniformity of load on the engine pistons. The piston provides a piston bowl with a concave curvilinear portion that may be semi-spherical and extends inwardly to a depth; an angled surface extends inwardly from the crown surface to intersect the concave curvilinear portion at an edge at a depth; and a curved surface that extends inwardly from the crown surface to intersect the concave curvilinear portion at a tangent at a depth. The angled surface may be part of a frusto-conical surface that may extend from both sides of the angled surface to an area proximate the curved surface.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve is mounted in a cylinder head by being inserted in an insertion hole provided in the cylinder head. A shoulder section is provided at the inlet portion of the insertion hole to be expanded in an annular shape. The fuel injection valve is provided with a stepped section expanded in diameter in a tapered manner to have a tapered surface facing the shoulder section. A vibration insulator is disposed between the stepped section and the shoulder section. The vibration insulator is provided with a circular annular tolerance ring making contact with the tapered surface of the fuel injection valve. A circular annular sleeve section coaxial with the tolerance ring is integrally formed on the tolerance ring to extend from the surface of a portion of the tolerance ring, the portion not facing the tapered surface of the fuel injection valve.

Abstract: A fuel-injection system for an internal-combustion engine has at least one fuel injector with a fuel-metering servo valve provided with an open/close element, which is movable in response to the action of an electric actuator; and an electronic control unit which issues to the electric actuator two electrical commands, one for carrying out a pilot injection and one for carrying out a main injection; the two electrical commands being separated by an electrical dwell time such that the main injection starts, without solution of continuity with the pilot injection, when an open/close needle for carrying out fuel injections into a cylinder of the internal-combustion engine remains at a lift value in which the fuel flow rate is negligible; in particular, the second electrical command is issued during a rebound of the open/close element on the valve seat.

Abstract: In a method for operating a fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, an output signal of a pressure sensor which characterizes a fuel pressure in a pressure accumulator is evaluated. An undesirably high fuel pressure in the pressure accumulator and/or a fault in the fuel injection system is/are inferred at the time when the output signal assumes a maximally possible value for at least a predefinable monitoring period.

Abstract: A system for controlling a pressure ratio of an output pressure to an input pressure of a compressor associated with an engine is disclosed. The system includes a controller configured to receive signals indicative of an input pressure associated with a compressor, and receive signals indicative of an output pressure associated with the compressor. The controller is further configured to compare a compressor pressure ratio of the output pressure to the input pressure with a threshold pressure ratio, and control a bypass valve in flow communication with the compressor based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine is disclosed. The method may include discharging exhaust gas from at least one combustion chamber of the engine. The method may also include recirculating at least a portion of the exhaust gas to the at least one combustion chamber through an EGR system, including directing at least a portion of the exhaust gas through an EGR duct. Additionally, the method may include sensing pressure in a portion of the EGR duct by directing the pressure to a first pressure sensor via a first sensor passage having a first end connected to a portion of the EGR duct and a second end connected to the first pressure sensor, while maintaining a temperature of gas in the first sensor passage adjacent the second end at a bulk temperature of at least about 75 percent of a bulk temperature of gas in the first sensor passage at the first end.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve includes an exhaust passage having an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet aligned on the same line, an EGR passage branched from the exhaust passage, a shaft attached rotatably at a branching point between the exhaust passage and the EGR passage, and an elliptically shaped butterfly valve rotating integrally with the shaft to open/close the exhaust passage and the EGR passage.

Abstract: A cooler arrangement for connection to an exhaust gas manifold or to an exhaust gas outlet of an engine block of an internal combustion machine includes an exhaust gas cooler comprising at least one exhaust gas duct and a coolant jacket. The exhaust gas cooler is configured to be mounted at the engine block or at the exhaust gas manifold. An exhaust gas recirculation valve is configured to regulate an exhaust gas flow. An actuator is disposed on a side of the exhaust gas recirculation valve opposite the exhaust gas cooler. The actuator is configured to actuate the exhaust gas recirculation valve. A coolant duct segment is arranged between the exhaust gas manifold or the engine block and the actuator. The coolant duct segment is fluidically connected to the coolant jacket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas distribution manifold (3) in the cylinder head of a heat engine of a motor vehicle, said manifold (3) comprising a manifold housing (31) provided with an inflow face for the inflow of an admission gas (G) and an outflow face (3B) entering the cylinder head of the engine, and an injection spout (6) for injecting a recirculated exhaust gas flow (H) of the engine into the admission gas flow (G), the manifold housing (31) and the injection spout (6) forming a single component. As the injection spout (6) comprises an open face, the manifold (3) is configured such that said open face is closed by an element outside the manifold (3), especially the cylinder head, in such a way as to form a tubular injection pipeline.

Abstract: A low pressure valve for controlling exhaust gas recirculation in an internal combustion engine for a vehicle includes a housing, which contains a channel section for exhaust gas guidance, and a valve element disposed in the housing to control the exhaust gas passage in the channel section. An actuating drive is mounted on the housing and adjusts the valve element. The actuating drive is formed of an electromagnetic rotary actuator with a drive shaft thereof. The drive shaft is routed in an extended manner out of a rotary actuator housing and is in the form of an actuating shaft. The actuating shaft extends continuously to the housing and protrudes into the housing transversely to the flow direction, engages therein at the valve element in a non-rotatable manner and can be rotationally adjusted about the axis to actuate the valve element.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for regenerating and cleaning an air-oil coalescer of a crankcase ventilation system of an internal combustion engine generating blowby gas in a crankcase. The coalescer coalesces oil from the blowby gas. The method and system includes regenerating and cleaning the coalescer by intermittent rotation thereof.

Abstract: A system for inductive contactless power transfer between a first vehicle part and at least one collector that can be variably positioned relative to the first vehicle part in a passenger cabin of a vehicle includes primary windings (P1-PN) that with secondary windings (S1, S2) on collectors or second vehicle parts can form a transducer. Depending on operating-mode switching of the vehicle, the operation of collectors is prevented, which collectors for the purpose of providing electrical power for operating external cleaning or maintenance devices are brought into the vehicle. Because of the expansion of the function of an existing contactless power and data transfer system, the system is particularly cost-effective and flexible, and in addition is of a very lightweight design.

Abstract: A launching device comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end, a head coupled to the first end of the shaft and a handle coupled to the second end of the shaft. The head comprises a cavity and a launch ramp curved both upwardly and outwardly from the cavity, wherein a distal portion of the launch ramp extends outwardly beyond the cavity in a forward launching direction. An angle is defined by the longitudinal grip axis and the distal portion of the launch ramp to direct a projectile disposed in the cavity in the forward launching direction.

Abstract: A toy launcher and safety projectile combination, wherein the launcher only launches a safety projectile. The slingshot has a body with a first arm and a second arm that contain spring-loaded joints. A first elastomeric element extends laterally from the first arm. Likewise, a second elastomeric element extends laterally from the second arm. A safely projectile is provided. The safety projectile has a first slotted channel that is accessible through a first open end and a second slotted channel that is accessible through a second open end. The safety projectile temporarily attaches to the first elastomeric element and the second elastomeric element during launching by having the first slotted channel receive the first free end of the first elastomeric element and having the second slotted channel receive the second free end of the second elastomeric element. The safety projectile is then pulled back and released.

Abstract: A sport blow gun is a blow gun which is a tube with a bore, a loading end and a muzzle end. A projectile is inserted into the loading end and blown out the muzzle end by the user's breath. The main tube features a safety device which prevents a projectile from falling out of the tube or being inhaled. One type of projectile fired from the blow gun is a dart which is usually comprised of foam or soft material, and may also be made out of a material which causes relatively little resistance as it passes through the bore, yielding higher velocity. The projectile may also be coated with a coating which reduces resistance with the bore. Projectiles may also be modified in form for aerodynamic efficiency.

Abstract: A paintball ejecting apparatus includes a current control mechanism to control current flow to a motor, the current control mechanism including a switch activator having at least a first state and a second state. The switch activator in the first state is physically forced by a paintball to occupy a first position to cause the switch to not permit a current to flow to the motor when the switch activator is in the first state. The switch activator in the second state is not physically forced by any paintball, thereby occupying a second position that results in the switch permitting current to flow to the motor when the switch activator is in the second state.

Abstract: An arrow quiver includes a base member, a bow attachment member configured to mount the base member to an archery bow, at least one arrow mounting assembly, and a hood assembly. The at least one arrow mounting assembly includes a first arrow mounting portion mounted to the base member and configured to retain a first plurality of arrows, and a second arrow mounting portion releasably mounted to the first arrow mounting portion and configured to retain a second plurality of arrows. The hood assembly is mounted to the base member and configured to at least partially hood arrow points of the plurality of arrows retained by the at least one arrow mounting assembly.

Abstract: A fluid heating system for a work vehicle includes a pressurized fluid circuit having a pump for providing pressurized fluid to the fluid circuit. A control module for controlling a first control device is in fluid communication with the fluid circuit, the first control device operable between a first position and a second position. The first position of the first control device permits a load sense pressure to be applied through the first control device, thereby preventing pressurized fluid from the pump flowing to a pressure return tank for heating the pressurized fluid. The second position of the first control device prevents the load sense pressure from being applied through the first control device, thereby permitting pressurized fluid from the pump flowing to a pressure return tank and resulting in heating of pressurized fluid of the fluid circuit.

Abstract: The barbecue grill includes an adjustably louvered cooking surface to regulate cooking heat for food placed thereon. The louvers may be independently adjustable to allow cooked food to be placed atop closed louvers to reduce the heat distributed thereto, while other louvers remain open to continue cooking food placed thereon. The fire pan includes a cruciform tubular aerator to provide greater air flow for the fuel burning in the pan. An optional removable grill of wire rod or other structure may be placed atop the louver assembly. The louvered cooking surface, aerator, and/or optional grill may be formed of corrosion-resistant steel for greater longevity. Both the louvered cooking surface and the aerator are preferably removable from the fire pan to facilitate cleanup. The adjustable louver assembly and tubular aerator may be applied to barbecues having shapes and configurations other than generally rectangular.

Abstract: Self-heating containers comprise a reaction chamber and a heating chamber. The heating chamber is sized to contain a substance to be heated. The reaction chamber contains reactants which, when contacted, exothermically react. The reaction chamber is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment with a barrier therebetween. The barrier comprises a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion. The first barrier portion is attached to a reaction chamber wall and has an opening sized to allow reactants to flow through from one compartment to the other. The second barrier portion is attached to the first barrier portion to close the opening. The barrier can be opened by moving an actuator into engagement with the second barrier portion to dislodge the second barrier portion from the first barrier portion and thereby open the barrier.

Abstract: A blower for a downdraft cooktop that includes a blower housing, having a top portion and a bottom portion, which includes an inlet that can be fluidly coupled to a downdraft cooktop and an outlet for removing air from the blower housing, a fan located between the input and the outlet of the blower housing, a motor having a rotor with a shaft, having a top portion and a bottom portion, and a stator, wherein the bottom portion of the rotor is operatively attached to the fan, a rotatable member operative attached to the top portion of the rotor, and a motor housing enclosing the motor, having a top portion, a bottom portion, at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, wherein air for cooling the motor is drawn through the motor housing without utilizing the air located within the blower housing.

Abstract: A cooking oven has a compartment in which food cooking takes place and two or more cooking planes on which foods to be cooked are put. The two or more cooking planes are arranged at different heights inside the compartment. A heat source allows the cooking of the foods.

Abstract: A rack for an oven includes a sheet of metal having a front edge, a back edge, opposing side edges, a top surface and a bottom surface. A row of punched openings is formed in the metal sheet, with a solid region of metal adjacent to the row of punched openings. A stiffening rib is formed in a surface of the rack in the solid region of metal having a substantially semi-circular, indented cross-section.

Abstract: A grill moving mechanism for an oven is provided. The grill moving mechanism is disposed on an inner side of the oven for grilling various foods to enable a grill to be moved outward or inward synchronously with a door being pulled outward or shut, such that food can be put into or taken from the oven conveniently.

Abstract: A grill moving mechanism for an oven is provided. The grill moving mechanism is disposed on an inner side of the oven and has a rear end provided with a push rod. The push rod has an active portion configured for driving a grill and connected with at least one resilient clamp. The grill, when put into the oven, can be securely clamped by one of the at least one clamp such that, once the door is pulled outward or shut, the grill is moved outward or inward synchronously with the door in a linked manner. The grill moving mechanism thus has a significant positioning effect on the grill.