Abstract: An exhaust valve stem seal assembly includes a casing and an elastomeric seal coupled to the casing. The elastomeric seal includes a stem seal portion for sealing against a stem of an exhaust valve. The stem seal portion includes a gas lip that extends radially inward. The casing includes a frustoconical shoulder extending radially inward toward a valve axis to a distal edge. The frustoconical shoulder defines an angle relative to a plane perpendicular to the valve axis between the range of 5° and 45°. The distal edge of the frustoconical shoulder is disposed behind and is substantially aligned with the gas lip along the valve axis.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine has a crown, a skirt extending from the crown, a pair of pin bosses, and a plurality of struts connecting the pin bosses to inner sides of the crown and skirt. An internal combustion engine having the piston is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for adjusting oil pressure supplied to engine components. In one example approach, a method for controlling oil flow in an engine comprises adjusting oil pressure supplied to the engine based on engine acceleration. For example, engine acceleration may be used to predict future engine lubrication requirements so that oil pressure adjustments may be scheduled accordingly.

Abstract: A lubrication system for an engine is provided. The lubrication system may include an oil pan configured to receive oil from the engine. The oil pan may have a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a middle portion located between the first and second ends. The lubrication system may also include a suction pump configured to pump oil from the middle portion to the engine, a first conduit fluidly connected to the first end, a second conduit fluidly connected to the second end, and at least one pump fluidly connected to the first and second conduits. The at least one pump may be configured to direct oil from the first end toward the middle portion when the engine is tilted in a first direction and direct oil from the second end toward the middle portion when the engine is tilted in a second direction.

Abstract: A method of forming a connecting rod, the method including the steps of: forming the connecting rod via a powder forging process; forming an integral wear resistant surface inside a bore of the connecting rod via an inductive heating process after completion of the powder forging process.

Abstract: A safety device for controlling an engine includes a first and a second sensor of an environmental parameter, two channels for processing data measured by the sensors, each of the channels each including a command module and a power supply. The device includes at least two relays. The first relay is capable of receiving a first command coming from a supply and delivering, in the absence of the first command, data from the first sensor to the second command module. The second relay is capable of receiving a second command coming from the supply and delivering, in the absence of the second command, data from the second sensor to the first command module. The supply of the active channel sends a command to the relay associated with it, the relay sending data from the sensor to the active channel.

Abstract: A period of time from a point in time at which pilot injection is executed until an equivalence ratio in fuel spray, after exceeding a combustible equivalence ratio, falls below the combustible equivalence ratio is calculated as a physical ignition delay period. A chemical ignition delay period is calculated from the temperature and pressure inside a combustion chamber at a point in time at which the equivalence ratio in the fuel spray reached the combustible equivalence ratio. A total ignition delay period is calculated from the above-calculated ignition delay periods. The oxygen concentration and temperature inside the combustion chamber are adjusted such that the total ignition delay period matches a target ignition delay period.

Abstract: A fuel injection control device is provided for an internal combustion engine which includes a fuel injection valve including: a housing which includes a fuel passage, a sac portion, an injection hole, and a valve seat portion; a needle valve which reciprocates in the housing and comes into contact with the valve seat portion; and a drive unit which opens and closes the needle valve. The fuel injection control device includes an injection control portion that performs control for the drive unit to perform a plurality of injections including at least a first injection and a second injection, the first injection being performed by opening the needle valve to an intermediate lift, and the second injection being started when the needle valve is closing after the first injection and being performed by opening the needle valve to a full lift.

Abstract: A fuel supply pump includes a low-pressure pump and a high-pressure pump. The low-pressure pump pumps up fuel from a fuel tank. The high-pressure pump includes a pressurizing chamber to which fuel pumped up by the low-pressure pump is supplied, and pressurizes fuel in the pressurizing chamber. The high-pressure pump further includes a cam shaft, a cam, a plunger, a housing, and a bush. The cam is provided eccentrically to a central axis of the cam shaft and is rotated integrally with the cam shaft. The plunger is driven by the cam to pressurize fuel in the pressurizing chamber. The housing accommodates the cam shaft. The bush is fixed to the housing to bearing-support the cam shaft. The housing includes a cooling passage, through which fuel discharged from the low-pressure pump flows on an outer peripheral side of the bush to serve as a medium for cooling the bush.

Abstract: A fuel pump for pressurizing fuel and transporting the pressurized fuel to a common rail of an automotive engine is disclosed. The inner surface regions are processed by laser shock peening so that the fuel pump can provide a highly pressurized fuel to the common rail. The fuel pump includes an inlet check valve bore fluidly connected to a dome, the dome is fluidly connected to an outlet check valve bore, and the outlet check valve bore is fluidly connected to an outer check valve seat. A fuel-side surface of the fuel pump has a laser shock peened surface. The laser shock peened surface includes one or more of the fuel-side surface(s) of the inlet check valve bore, the dome, the outlet check valve bore, and/or the outlet check valve seat.

Abstract: A fuel injector mounting assembly including a mounting clip. The mounting clip includes a frame, a first leg, a second leg, a first arm, and a second arm. The frame includes a first side, a second side, and a generally planar surface extending between the first side and the second side. The first arm extends from the first side of the frame. The first arm includes a fuel cup support portion aligned with the first leg and extending in generally the same direction as the first leg, a raised surface of the fuel cup support portion configured to cooperate with the fuel cup, and a flange at an end of the fuel cup support portion, the flange extending away from the first leg. The second arm extends from the second side of the frame and is at least substantially similar to the first arm.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for use with an engine. The control system may have a power source and a main control module configured to receive power from the power source and direct control signals to at least one component of the engine. The control system may also have an auxiliary power module that is selectively connectable to the main control module and to the power source. The auxiliary power module may be configured to receive power from the power source and direct control signals through the main control module to the at least one component of the engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for compensating a mass airflow (MAF) sensor reading to account for the bleeding or diversion of intake airflow for compressor operation in determining fresh air flow into an engine. The engine is downstream from the compressor diversion.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine is provided. Output of an engine speed sensor, a mass air flow sensor, an exhaust gas temperature sensor, and an engine torque estimator are monitored with an electronic control module. It is determined if the engine is operating in one of either a transient condition and a non-transient condition based upon output of at least one of the sensors and the torque estimator. Fuel injection timing is set based upon if the engine is operating in a transient condition. An exhaust gas recirculation valve position is set upon if the engine is operating in a transient condition. An intake throttle position is set based upon if the engine is operating in a transient condition. The fuel injection timing, exhaust gas recirculation valve position, and the intake throttle position are set to minimize NOx emissions when the engine is operating in a transient condition.

Abstract: A method of controlling exhaust gas recirculation in an engine is provided. An amount of oxygen in an exhaust of an engine is measured. A desired intake manifold oxygen concentration is obtained. An exhaust gas recirculation rate to provide the desired intake manifold oxygen concentration is calculated based on the measured amount of oxygen in the exhaust. An exhaust gas recirculation valve is set based on the calculated exhaust gas recirculation rate.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus is provided with a Zener diode as a limiter device, which limits a primary voltage of an ignition coil to be less than a Zener voltage, and a switching circuit, which prohibits a limiter function of the Zener diode at a start of discharge and switches the limiter device to perform the limiter function for a predetermined time period following the start of discharge. A secondary voltage is limited to be more than a secondary limit value. Even when blowout arises in discharging, re-discharging is avoided from arising immediately after the blowout and exhaustion of a spark plug caused by repetition of discharging is avoided.

Abstract: There are provided a first coil device (102) that releases accumulated energy so as to generate a predetermined high voltage and supplies the predetermined high voltage to a first electrode (101a) of an ignition plug (101) so that a spark discharge path is formed in a gap between the first electrode (101a) and a second electrode (101b), and a second coil device (103, 301) that supplies a current to the spark discharge path formed in the gap by releasing accumulated energy; a large AC discharge current is supplied in a short cycle to the gap between the electrodes of the ignition plug (101).

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an elongate member, a first arm, a second arm, a channel, and a cap. The elongate member has a first end and a second end. The first arm and the second arm extend from the first end. A space is present between the first arm and the second arm over the first end. The channel extends through the elongate member. The channel is in communication with an opening in the second end of the elongate member. The cap is configured to be secured to the second end and substantially seal the opening in the second end.

Abstract: A bow limb retaining assembly including a retainer comprising at least one limb pocket, at least one bow limb configured and arranged to engage the at least one limb pocket and at least one adhesive composition disposed between at least a portion of the at least one limb pocket and the at least one bow limb.

Abstract: A panel that conceals a gas cartridge attached to a toy gun is easily attached and detached without impairing the appearance of the toy gun. The gas cartridge is housed in a housing space formed in a cartridge housing portion and supplies compressed gas for firing a bullet. An introduction port for introducing the gas cartridge is provided in a first face of the cartridge housing portion. A working portion is provided in the cartridge housing portion and is moved in a direction along the first face. The panel is detachably attached to the cartridge housing portion and covers the introduction port. A protruded portion is extended from the lid portion of the panel. The protruded portion is provided with an inclined portion. The working portion is brought into slide contact with the inclined portion and moves the panel.

Abstract: A reconfigurable toy gun includes a handle portion, a guide member coupled to the handle portion, and a barrel portion. The barrel portion is slidably coupled to the guide member and movable along the guide member between a first end portion of the guide member and second end portion of the guide member.

Abstract: A fluid switch for a toy gun includes a body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A seal is provided inside the body. A shaft extends through and seals against the seal. The shaft has a recess. When the fluid switch is activated, the shaft moves longitudinally so that the recess forms a fluid flow channel past the seal thereby allowing fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: It is made possible to use a toy gun that fires bullets by compressed gas without the replacement of a gas cartridge for a long time and the portability of the gas cartridge is enhanced. The air chamber body placed in the toy gun forms an air chamber. Compressed gas in the air chamber body passes through a gas discharge portion and shoots a bullet held by a bullet holding portion out of a muzzle. A valve establishes or breaks communication between the air chamber body and the gas discharge portion according to operation with an operation portion. The toy gun includes multiple gas cartridge attachment portions. A gas bomb is attached to each of the gas cartridge attachment portions. Each gas cartridge attachment portion is provided with a first valve portion. Compressed gas in the gas bomb attached to each gas cartridge attachment portion is guided into the air chamber by way of a gas introduction portion.

Abstract: A gas cartridge is firmly attached to a toy gun and the gas cartridge is replaced through simple operation. The gas cartridge is filled therein with compressed gas for firing a bullet. A cartridge housing portion slidably holds the circumferential surface of the gas cartridge. The lid portion of the gas cartridge housed in the cartridge housing portion is coupled to a cartridge attachment portion. A clamp arm has a roller and an extended portion and can be freely rotated around a rotation shaft. When the clamp arm is rotated, the roller presses the bottom portion of the gas cartridge in the cartridge housing portion. A raising lever has an abutment portion and is coupled to the extended portion so that the raising lever can be rotated around an installation shaft. When the raising lever is moved, the abutment portion slides on the sliding surface and rotates the clamp arm.

Abstract: A method of producing gemstones includes obtaining a plate of chemical vapor deposition formed diamond. The plate is cut into a plurality of geometrically optimized preforms. The preforms may be finished and cut into diamond gemstones.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for an oven chamber, an oven system, and a method of wirelessly monitoring item temperature in an oven chamber are disclosed. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor used for sensing the temperature of an item is moved or transported with the item by a conveyor system. Also, in some embodiments, a wireless transmitter coupled to the temperature sensor can transmit a temperature signal to a receiver located outside of the oven chamber, and can also be moved or transported with the item. Data representative of item temperature can be stored, displayed, and/or used to modulate operation of the oven in some embodiments.

Abstract: A vehicle heater (1) has a motor (4) and a combustion air fan designed as a side channel fan. The combustion air fan has a basic housing part (2), on which a drive shaft (3) of the motor (4) is mounted, and a fan wheel (10). The fan wheel (10) is connected to the drive shaft (3) of the motor (4). The motor (4) has a stationary coil support part (6) which is connected to a printed circuit board (7) and an armature (8). Furthermore, the combustion air fan has a gap tube (16) between the stationary coil support part (6) and the armature (8).

Abstract: An oven having one or more low-temperature self-cleaning modes has an interior cavity and at least two heating elements in the interior cavity. A sump is formed in the bottom wall of the cavity. The oven has an electronic control unit, which activates and deactivates the heating elements during operation of the low-temperature self-cleaning mode. The electronic control unit may disable an oven door lock during a low-temperature self-cleaning mode.

Abstract: A high temperature convection fan device that improves the operation of an oven is provided. Each oven convection fan device component is designed to withstand the harsh environment and elevated temperatures common to an oven. Sources of energy include but are not limited to wind-up springs and/or drawing electric power from the oven lamp socket. Other solutions provide additional features including but not limited to lighting, sensors, control systems and/or displays.

Abstract: A retention system with mounting features for a heating element of a cook top appliance is provided. The mounting features include a spring member that can properly position and support the heating element below the cook top surface. These mounting features, including the spring member, contribute to a low profile that can be used to reduce the overall height or thickness of the cook top so as to allow for increased oven space (where the cook top is included in a range) or increased cabinetry space (where the cook top is installed e.g., as a separate appliance from an oven).

Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system. The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are parabolic trough concentrators with one or more lateral extensions. In some embodiments, the lateral extension is a unilateral extension of the primary parabolic trough shape. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions are movably connected to the primary portion. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions have a focal line separate from the focal line of the base portion. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.

Abstract: A solar receiver is disclosed. The solar receiver is modular, has multiple tube panels in a rectangular/square/polygonal/circular configuration, and is designed for use with molten salt or another heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid flows in a vertical serpentine path through the sides (facets) of the solar receiver. The solar receiver can be shop assembled and can be used with a support tower to form a solar power system.

Abstract: A solar ballasted racking system holds hot water flat plate solar collectors in place on flat roofs without penetrating the roof surface. The racking system also holds the collector in place, providing a stable, long-term placement on the roof while protecting the roof surface with foam pads placed under the ballast tray. The ballast tray is built in two sections—one to hold the solar collector in place and a second to act as a wind deflector that deflects the wind off the solar collector. Ballast blocks are added into the ballast tray to hold the collector in place. The racking system may enhance the life of the roof while protecting the roof surface and allowing for lower ballasted weights due to the wind deflector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a selectively absorbing coating on a solar absorber component comprising the steps of: Providing a substrate having a metallic surface, Determining the inner surface of the metallic surface, Determining the charge quantity per unit area required for producing the absorbing coating according to the inner surface, Electrolytically producing the absorbing coating by direct-current anodising the metallic surface of the substrate, forming a porous oxide layer, and then alternating-current pigmenting the pores of the oxide layer; until the charge quantity per unit area determined for the respective step from the inner surface is reached, wherein the ratio between the charge quantity per unit area for the direct-current anodising and the charge quantity per unit area for the alternating-current pigmenting is 0.65 to 0.8. In addition, the invention relates to a solar absorber component produced according to this method.

Abstract: A solar energy system can be controlled during periods of reduced insolation. For example, one or more environmental condition sensors can detect environmental properties indicating current or expected insolation levels and can generate at least one signal indicating a current or impending transient reduced-insolation event. The at least one signal can be received (for example, by a controller) from the sensors that indicates changes in insolation. Responsively to the at least one signal, characteristics of a current reduced insolation event or of an impending transient reduced-insolation event can be calculated. In response to the calculated characteristics, a quantity of available insolation can be calculated. An attemperation flow rate in the solar steam system can be controlled responsively to the calculated quantity of available insolation such that the temperature of steam entering the steam turbines is maintained within a predefined range.

Abstract: A reflector for an elongate radiant tube heater having a tubular conduit through which hot combustion gases flow comprises an elongate metal reflecting member that can extend along the length of the tube heater in order to cover the top and sides thereof and a layer of heat resistant insulation extending over the reflecting member. The reflector includes two central panel portions meeting along the longitudinal centerline and forming an outwardly facing angle ranging between 30 and 100 degrees, preferably between 45 and 80 degrees. A bisector of this angle extends substantially vertically and is vertically aligned with a centerline of the tubular conduit during use of the reflector. The reflector has several longitudinal panel sections extending outwardly and downwardly from the central panel portions.

Abstract: Provided is a combustion heater (100), which includes a heating plate (118), a layout plate (120) disposed opposite to the heating plate, an annular outer circumferential wall (122) interposed between the heating plate and the layout plate, clipping parts (136) configured to sandwich the heating plate, the layout plate, and the outer circumferential wall so that at least one of the heating plate and the layout plate is allowed to expand in an extending direction thereof, a partition plate (124) disposed between the heating plate and the layout plate, a combustion chamber (126) disposed inside the outer circumferential wall along the outer circumferential wall, an inflow passage (128) configured to flow fuel gas into the combustion chamber using the layout plate and the partition plate as a lateral wall thereof, and an outflow passage (130) configured to discharge exhaust gas from the combustion chamber to an outside using the heating plate and the partition plate as a lateral wall thereof, and to preheat the

Abstract: A method to process cellulosic material in a treatment vessel including: introducing the cellulosic material to a processing chamber of the vessel; adding heat energy or pressure to the vessel to hydrolyze the cellulosic material in the processing chamber and dissolve hemi-cellulosic from the cellulosic material; compressing the cellulosic material in the processing chamber; extracting the dissolved hemi-cellulosic material through a screen from the processing section; draining the extracted hemi-cellulosic material from the vessel; and discharging the cellulosic material from the vessel separately from the extracted hemi-cellulosic material.

Abstract: A nozzle unit for discharge of a pharmaceutical medium and a dispenser equipped therewith. The nozzle unit includes a common supply channel for supply of the medium and first and second discharge nozzles each having a discharge orifice for discharge of the medium supplied through the common supply channel. The nozzle unit is configured for atomized delivery of the medium and includes a first vortex chamber assigned to the first discharge nozzle and a second vortex chamber assigned to the second discharge nozzle for the purpose of atomizing.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes an air channel section and medication reservoir. An air line extends through the air channel section. A venturi nozzle is at its end and configured to form a low pressure mixing chamber. A vent is formed in the body and communicates with the air channel section and medication reservoir to vent the air channel section and medication reservoir to outside ambient air. A primary suction line extends from the medication reservoir to the low pressure mixing chamber through which medication is drawn upward and mixed with air passing through the venturi nozzle and nebulized for discharge. The vent is configured to vent the air channel section and medication reservoir to atmospheric pressure such that at standard temperature and pressure (STP), a differential pressure results between the venturi nozzle and medication reservoir such that no medication is drawn upward through the primary suction line.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for monitoring nitric oxide delivery, wherein such apparatus comprises a display that provides a visual and/or numeric indication of the calculated dose of nitric oxide. Also described is a method of monitoring nitric oxide delivery, wherein the breathing gas flow rate and therapeutic gas flow rate are measured and used to determine the calculated dose of nitric oxide, which is then displayed. In some embodiments, an alert is provided when the calculated dose rises above or falls below a predetermined level or range.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a chemical oxygen generator for an emergency oxygen device, comprising an outer housing defining an interior space and comprising an outlet opening, a solid oxygen source within said interior space containing a material which is able to produce oxygen in a chemical reaction. According to embodiments of the invention, a hollow tube within said interior space is embedded in said solid oxygen source.

Abstract: A breathing system is provided that employs a reservoir for holding oxygen or an oxygen and medicine mixture while the patient is not inhaling. The reservoir generally prevents waste and reduces cost and helps prevent the patient from re-inhaling the previously exhaled gases. The reservoir also may include a flange extending from an inlet thereof that allows the reservoir to be positioned in an inverted position.

Abstract: A fluid-containing conduit (10,30,40,50) including at least one luminescent marker (14) whereby the fluid-containing conduit is visible in a low light condition. The marker may be in the form of one or more elongate ribs (16) containing luminescent material along interior wall surface (18), or may be elongate luminescent bands (52,54) adjacent the exterior wall (20) of the conduit, or may be indicia containing luminescent material such as ink (42).

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for configuring a ventilator to estimate the carinal pressure to minimize the work of breathing due to a breathing tube. A patient's carina is a cartilaginous ridge located at the site of the tracheal bifurcation between the two primary bronchi. According to embodiments, an estimated carinal pressure may be determined and used as feedback control for the carinal pressure. An estimated carinal pressure refers to a pressure estimated to exist at the patient carina. According to embodiments, the estimated carinal pressure may be compared to the carinal pressure command to determine an error. The carinal pressure command may be positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) or some other suitable target pressure. The error between the estimated carinal pressure and the carinal pressure command may then be used as feedback control to achieve the carinal pressure command and thereby to minimize the work of breathing due to the breathing tube.

Abstract: A breathing system for ventilating a patient has a gas channel enclosing a gas channel volume (V), and a compliance (C). The system has a flow calculation unit operative to determine a gas flow estimate (Fe) at a flow estimate location in the gas channel. The gas flow estimate (Fe) is based on a relationship between a monitored gas flow (Fm) in the gas channel and a compressible gas flow (Fc) which depends on the compliance (C) in the gas channel. The monitored gas flow (Fm) is a gas flow at a monitoring location in the gas channel and the compressible gas flow (Fc) is a flow of gas in the gas channel between the flow estimate location and the monitoring location, and the flow estimate location is remote from the monitoring location.

Abstract: A flow-inflating respiratory face mask is disclosed that includes a thin, pliant skirt that surrounds the base of the face mask. The skirt inflates automatically when the face mask receives external pressurized air. The skirt is compliant, soft, and adapts easily to the topography of the face which produces a good fit and adds to the comfort of the patient.

Abstract: A device for inserting into a tracheostoma prosthesis or a thracheostoma plaster comprises a cylindrical housing and a cylindrical valve element, the housing is provided with a first opening for the connection to the stoma of the patient and with at least one second opening on the opposite side, and the valve element in the second opening of the housing is provided to close the second opening . The valve element is configured so that it can be closed manually by means of a finger and can he opened by elastic return, and the housing surrounds the valve element and the valve element receives a moisture and heat exchanging filter. A cylindrical spring element is arranged between the housing and the valve element.

Abstract: A breathing device for placing on a tracheostoma of a patient comprising a cylindrical housing, an annular housing support, a flexible flat part with sealing and adhesive functions, a filter or a speech valve, and a cover plate. The housing comprises, in the wall thereof, recesses for introducing and extracting inhaled air, and on the proximal opening thereof, an outer edge comprises at least three edge segments which are on the outer wall and at least three edge recesses. Holding rods support the filter on the proximal opening, the housing support comprises an annular flange having at least three inner wall support projections and an annular outer wall base. The support projections have a receiving area, the housing support supports the housing with the filter or speech valve into which the edge segment can be introduced in a precise manner into the support projections.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a plaster for attaching a trachestoma valve or the like in connection with a tracheostoma on a person's neck. The plaster comprises a socket and an annular flange, communicating with a central opening of the flange which is connected with a single-coated adhesive tape which extends radially beyond the edge of the flange. The connection includes a first annular joint at or inwardly of the outer periphery of the flange, and a second annular joint located between the outer periphery of the flange and the inner periphery of the flange spaced radially from the first annular joint. A protecting liner covers the adhesive on the tape.