Abstract: A valve drive of an internal combustion engine with variable-lift gas exchange valve actuation. The valve drive has a camshaft with a support shaft and a cam piece arranged on the support shaft for conjoint rotation therewith and to be movable between axial positions. The cam piece has two cam groups of directly adjacent cams with different elevations and, on the end side, the cam piece has an axial slotted guide into which can be coupled an actuating element. The cam piece has a bearing journal which runs between the cam groups and rotatably mounted in a camshaft bearing point arranged in a positionally fixed manner in the engine. Here, the diameter of the bearing journal is larger than the envelope circle diameter of a cam closest to the bearing journal with the cam and camshaft bearing point overlapping axially in an axial position of the cam piece.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine using poppet type valves, a center pivot rocker arm is moved through a specific path wherein the roller in contact with a cam is moved to alter the phasing of the valves or injectors in the engine. Depending on the interface between the valve or injector and the rocker arm, the rocker ratio of the rocker arm may be altered, giving a change in lift as well. By positioning a control arm at desired points on either side of a centered position, and rotating the control arm about its own pivot point via an arm actuator, phase change is achieved. The arm actuator controls the location of the control arm and thus the timing of the valve or injector relative to the rotation of the cam. Advanced, centered, and retarded phase change is possible depending upon the movement of the control arm.

Abstract: In a variable valve actuation apparatus with a speed reducer between a timing sprocket and a camshaft for changing a phase of the camshaft relative to the sprocket, while reducing normal-rotation/reverse-rotation of an electric motor, the speed reducer includes an eccentric rotation member connected to an output shaft of the motor, an annular member connected to the sprocket, a plurality of rollers installed between an inner toothed portion of the annular member and an outer peripheral surface of the eccentric rotation member, and a cage connected to the camshaft for circumferentially partitioning the respective rollers, while permitting a radial displacement of each roller. Depending on a dimension of a clearance space between the eccentric rotation member and the annular member, a suitable one of a plurality of roller sets, each having a different outside diameter, is selected, and then the selected rollers are installed.

Abstract: A variable valve timing control apparatus, includes a drive-side rotary member, a driven-side rotary member, a partition portion arranged at least one of the drive-side rotary member and the driven-side rotary member to partition a fluid pressure chamber into an advanced angle chamber and a retarded angle chamber, a seal member arranged at a portion of the partition portion, which faces the other one of the drive-side rotary member and the driven-side rotary member, the seal member avoiding a hydraulic fluid from leaking between the advanced angle chamber and the retarded angle chamber, and a biasing member biasing the seal member, wherein at least one of the partition portion and a facing surface of the other one of the drive-side rotary member and the driven-side rotary member facing the partition portion is defined by an inclined surface of a tapered portion.

Abstract: The variable valve timing mechanism includes a housing, a rotor rotatably supported within the housing, and a lock pin. The housing includes a plurality of fluid chambers one of which includes a lock bore. The rotor includes a central portion and a plurality of vanes extending radially from the central portion. Each of the vanes extends into the fluid chambers of the housing to define an advanced fluid chamber and a retarded fluid chamber. One of the plurality of vanes includes a pin bore. The lock pin includes a shank section and an insertion section. The insertion section includes a nonlinear outer side profile. The lock pin is slidably received within the pin bore between an unlocked position and a locked position in which the insertion section of the lock pin is received within the lock bore of the housing thereby prohibiting relative rotation between the housing and the rotor.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve lifter apparatus including a seal at the interface of a pushrod seat and a pushrod is provided herein. In one form, the hydraulic valve lifter apparatus includes a body, a piston slidably disposed within the body including a pushrod seat for contacting a pushrod, and a seal located between the pushrod seat and the pushrod.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a first valve, a first valve lift mechanism and a first camshaft. The engine structure may define a first combustion chamber and a first port in communication with the first combustion chamber. The first valve may be located in the first port and the first valve lift mechanism may be engaged with the first valve. The first camshaft may be rotationally supported on the engine structure and may include a first double lobe engaged with the first valve lift mechanism. The first double lobe may define a first valve opening region including a first peak and a second valve opening region including a second peak rotationally offset from the first peak.

Abstract: A plunger relay includes a movable actuating element on which a first solenoid actuator is acting in force-transmitting manner. The plunger relay has at least one second solenoid actuator, which is acting on the same movable actuating element in force-transmitting manner, and whose magnetic force is able to be set independently of the magnetic force of the first solenoid actuator.

Abstract: An intake system of an engine is provided. The intake system including an intake manifold, a vacuum port located in said intake manifold and in an air-flow path downstream of a throttle body and upstream of a plurality of intake runners, the vacuum port including a molded flow disruptor including a cross-beam traversing an outlet of the vacuum port, the cross-beam oriented at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to an axis of a throat in the intake manifold, and a vacuum passage coupling the vacuum port to a vehicle subsystem.

Abstract: An engine air intake tract includes a flexible air intake duct having a flexible tubular body. A plurality of radially extending convolutes are formed in and spaced apart on an axially extending outer wall of the tubular body. Each convolute has a circumferential ring-shaped inwardly extending peak bordered by outwardly extending troughs. A liquid sump is formed into a lower portion of the tubular body and includes a plurality of spaced sump chambers with each chamber formed between and connected to at least two adjacent ones of the convolutes and extending radially outwardly from the convolutes.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion device includes an engine, an intake pathway which has a gas flow hole in the inner surface thereof and is arranged to supply air to the engine, and an air restrictor disposed on the upstream side with respect to the gas flow hole of the intake pathway. The air restrictor has a vent hole, and is arranged to restrict the amount of air to flow into the engine via the intake pathway. The vent hole of the air restrictor is arranged at a position which is near the inner surface of the intake pathway and corresponds to the gas flow hole.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine including a piston body (20). The piston body (20) defines a first cooling chamber (46) that is sealed closed and contains a first cooling medium (48) other than air. During operation of the piston, the first cooling medium (48) extracts heat from the surrounding regions of the piston body (20) to cool the piston body (20). The piston body (20) also defines a second cooling chamber (50) adjacent to the first cooling chamber (46). A cooling oil (51) is projected into the second cooling chamber (50) and against the portion of the piston body (20) separating the first and second cooling chambers (46, 50) to extract heat from the first cooling medium (48). The cooling oil (51) is redirected within the second cooling chamber (50) to extract additional heat from the first cooling medium (48) or directly from the piston body (20).

Abstract: A method for the production of a multi-part piston for an internal combustion engine involves producing an upper piston part having a piston crown as well as an inner and an outer support element, and producing a lower piston part having a skirt and having pin boss supports and pin bosses connected with the pin boss supports, and an inner and an outer support element. A separate cooling oil collector having at least one cooling oil opening is inserted into the upper piston part or the lower piston part. The upper piston part and the lower piston part are connected in such a manner that the inner and outer support elements of the upper and lower piston parts, delimit an outer circumferential cooling channel and a cavity that is open toward the pin bosses and provided with the cooling oil collector.

Abstract: A pre-chamber is provided. In one embodiment, the pre-chamber is part of a two-stroke combustion engine having a cylinder head with a sparkplug receptacle that has a generally frustoconical shape, and the pre-chamber is coupled to the sparkplug receptacle. The pre-chamber may include a cooling jacket with a generally frustoconical shape and a combustion chamber having an upper zone and a lower zone, which may be narrower than the upper zone.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are disclosed for controlling an internal combustion engine system having an internal combustion engine, and a fuel injector which directly injects fuel into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. One example method comprises, when a desired torque for the internal combustion engine system is in a first range, injecting a first stage fuel into the combustion chamber so that it ends during a middle stage of a compression stroke at the latest in a cylinder cycle; determining combustion of the first stage fuel initiated by its compression self-ignition; and injecting a second stage fuel into the combustion chamber in a period when the determined combustion of the first stage fuel continues at a timing determined so as to cause combustion of the second stage fuel with its compression self-ignition.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for fabricating and running an engine in two modes. The first mode is an efficiency mode having a high compression ratio and efficiency for low to medium loads. The second mode is a power mode having high power density for higher loads. The system may use a lean mixture in the efficiency mode, which mixture is made richer for more power in the power mode. The system may also use ignition timing to allow the efficiency mode and the high power mode to be at the same mixture.

Abstract: A system including, an internal combustion engine including a combustion chamber, a first injector to provide a first injection fluid to the combustion chamber, and a heated pressurization system to heat the first injection fluid in a pressure vessel to achieve a sufficient injection pressure. By heating the injection fluid in a pressure vessel, pressure in the vessel can be increased to a specified injection pressure.

Abstract: One aspect is an electronic throttle control system including an electronic control unit configured to receive actuation signals indicative of a user action and to generate an actuation signal indicative of the user action. A throttle plate motor is configured to receive the actuation signal from the electronic control unit and to move a throttle plate in response thereto. A throttle position sensor is configured to sense the actual position of the throttle plate and to generate an actual position signal indicative of the throttle plate position. A throttle modifier is coupled between the throttle position sensor and the electronic control unit and configured to modify the actual position signal into a modified position signal, and to send the modified position signal to the electronic control unit.

Abstract: For operating an internal combustion engine with a combustion chamber delimited by a piston driving a crankshaft in a crankcase, with a device for supplying fuel, an ignition device, and an electronic control unit, wherein a correlation between a power output of the internal combustion engine and a lambda value in the combustion chamber is defined by a power output curve that has a first ascending branch, a maximum, and a second descending branch where the lambda value is smaller than 1, the position of an operating point of the internal combustion engine is determined by adjusting the ignition timing to an adjusted ignition timing and evaluating the engine speed reaction caused by the adjusted ignition timing. The supplied fuel quantity is changed as a function of the determined position of the operating point when the determined position of the operating point is not a desired operating point.

Abstract: A device for feeding fuel from a fuel tank (33) to a multi-fuel engine (12) that uses fuel in which alcohol and gasoline are mixed in an arbitrary ratio. The internal volume of a connecting line (84) provided between a fuel pressure governor (85) and a fuel injection device (50) is a volume equal to or greater than the amount of fuel consumed from startup of the engine until an oxygen sensor (88) reaches a measurement-enabling temperature.

Abstract: A cylinder head sleeve for an engine is provided comprising a sleeve first part and a sleeve second part which form a cavity to contain a fuel injector or an ignitor, and wherein the sleeve first part and the sleeve second part which form a joint for the sleeve first part and the sleeve second part to move relative to each other. A cylinder head assembly is also provided comprising the sleeve and a cylinder head, as well as a method of providing the cylinder head assembly.

Abstract: According to the present teaching, a fuel vapor processing apparatus includes a fuel tank, a canister capable of adsorbing fuel vapor produced in the fuel tank, a fuel pump disposed within the fuel tank, a fuel recovery device configured to recover the fuel vapor from the canister into the fuel tank, and a control device configured to stop recovery of the fuel vapor by the fuel recovery device based on at least one of parameters representing the amount of the fuel vapor remaining within the canister.

Abstract: A combination air pressure system and a plasma ion gas generator system adapted for mounting next to an intake manifold of a turbocharged diesel engine. The system includes a water holding tank for supplying water to a plasma ion gas generator. The gas generator includes a housing with a plurality anode and cathode electrode plates. The system also includes an on/off switch and amp meter. The on/off switch is connected to the vehicle's battery. When the system is turned “on”, power is supplied to the gas generator for generating combustible gases. The air pressure system includes an air line connected to a vehicle's high pressure air line. The system's air line is connected to the water holding tank for pressurizing the gas mixture before it's introduced in the intake manifold.

Abstract: A supercharger cooling system provides a path for coolant from an air/coolant heat exchanger to a supercharger intercooler and loops around a hot outlet end of a screw type supercharger and back to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be a dedicated air/coolant heat exchanger or be a vehicle radiator. The intercooler is sandwiched between the supercharger and intake manifold and cools the flow of hot compressed air from the supercharger into the intake manifold. The supercharger cooling loop circles the front rotor bearings thereby cooling the bearings and seals, the forward ends of the male and female rotors, and the male and female rotor gears. The cooling loop is preferably located in the outlet end wall between the supercharger rotors and the rotor drive gears to form a barrier to heat. A dedicated pump cycles the coolant flow and restrictions control the flow of coolant to the supercharger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger (or a motor vehicle, comprising a first flow path (1) with a number of flow conduits (6) for conducting a fluid to be cooled, a deflection region (13), situated downstream of the first flow path (1) and a second flow path (2), situated downstream ol the deflection region (13). According to the invention, the flow conduits (6) of the first flow path (1) continue in the deflection region (13) and the second (low path (2) as continuous separate flow conduits (6). The invention also relates to a flow conduit (41, 41?, 61, 61?, 71, 71?, 81, 81?, 91, 91?) for a heat exchanger (30,40) for exchanging heat between a first fluid (31) and a second fluid (33). The aim of the invention is to guarantee an improved transfer of heat with a simultaneous acceptable pressure drop, whilst reducing the blocking risk.

Abstract: A band-powered speargun has a release mechanism incorporating a line-drop feature for releasing a coiled line attached to a spear. An approach to attaching the line to the spear involves a linking ring having a size selected so that the ring passes over a protective cone near the spear tip and is captured by an element protruding outward from the spear shaft. The protective cone also shields hinged barbs from impact damage.

Abstract: A draw length adjustment system including a draw stop, an adjustment element and a fastener that joins the draw stop and/or adjustment element with a cam or pulley of an archery bow. The draw length adjustment system is micro-adjustable so that an archer can make minute and/or incremental adjustments to the draw stop, and thus the draw length of the archery bow. The draw stop can be of an eccentric construction that is eccentrically rotatable relative to the cam or pulley to alter the draw length. Alternatively, the draw stop can be selectively moveable relative to the cam assembly via a rack and pinion gear to alter the draw length.

Abstract: An archery rest system comprises a body mounted to the bow. A shaft is mounted within the body and a lever arm is secured to the shaft. An opening is formed in the body with an arrow launcher mounted to the shaft and extending through the opening. A spring biases the arrow launcher in an up position. A cord is secured to the lever arm. A securing mechanism secures the cord to the bow and an in-line dampening spring is mounted between the lever arm and the securing mechanism. With the bow at rest, the launcher moves to a down position out of contact with the arrow. Upon bow draw, the launcher moves into the up position contacting the arrow. Upon bow firing, the launcher moves to the down position with the spring absorbing load imparted on the cord when the shaft reaches a rotation travel limit.

Abstract: An arrow rest for supporting the shaft of an arrow includes a ring-shaped support body with first and second side wall portions and a gap therebetween to receive and capture the arrow shaft. Resilient support arms are cantilevered from the side wall portions. The resilient support arms support the arrow shaft and flex in response to arrow launch. Corrugated dampening members are located between the support arms and a floor of the support body.

Abstract: A portable grill assembly having a frame and a plurality of legs that are pivotally attached to the frame. A removable tray is matingly received within the frame and a screen is removably nested within the tray in spaced relation to the bottom of the removable tray to provide room for charcoal to be burned. At least one wind screen is detachably secured in the frame adjacent the grill to block wind from blowing on the grill. At least one wing is attached to the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for preparing frozen ground for construction-type work includes using arrays of heat sources placed over the surface to be heated. The apparatus can warm the surface in preparation for the construction activity with energy penetrating into the ground affording efficient thawing of materials below 20 centimeters of depth. Heat sources used in the array can include emitted infrared radiation.

Abstract: A device and a process for the heating and humidification of gas, especially respiratory gas. Fluid from a fluid reservoir is supplied to a sprinkling type chamber where, for the purpose of humidification, it is moved through the gas. The point is that the fluid is heated by a temperature controlled heater to a preset temperature. In addition to the description of the device, a description of the process underlying the operation of the device is described.

Abstract: Aerosol delivery systems and methods for delivering an agent to a patient are described herein. In particular embodiments, an insulated receptacle is connected to a housing and holds a vial of an agent to be delivered to a patient. The vial is located in an inverted position within the receptacle. One or more reusable thermal packs can be located on the inner sides of the receptacle, to maintain a selected temperature surrounding the vial. The agent is administered to a patient by placing a prong into one of the patient's orifices and then activating an aerosol delivery system. Such systems can include jet aerosolization and pneumatic and ultrasonic nebulizers and preferably are portable.

Abstract: A respiratory access assembly includes a distal plate having one port and cuff and an axially aligned proximal plate including a first port and first cuff and a second port and second cuff. The distal plate is configured to move relative to the proximal plate. The respiratory access assembly includes an actuator, which has a plurality of predetermined positions. The actuator includes a blocking portion that controls the movement of the plates. The blocking portion moves slidably within an O-ring that prevents loss of pressure from the artificial airway system. The O-ring may be molded in place using an injection molding process, thus ensuring good adhesion to the disk.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breathing assistance device for a patient, the device including: a source of respiratory pressurised gas; a gas transmission duct comprising a distal end coupled to said source and a proximal end coupled to the patient; a gas regulating valve interposed in the gas transmission duct at a proximal location, comprising a leakage orifice and an obstruction means capable of varying the opening of the leakage orifice upon signal of controlling means and allowing a bidirectional gas flow through the leakage orifice in both expiration and inspiration phases.

Abstract: A CPAP device includes a flow generator including an outlet, a humidifier including an inlet, and an adaptor connector between the outlet of the flow generator and the inlet of the humidifier. The connector includes a flexible and conformable sealing portion that is movable to accommodate misalignment.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for detecting and quantifying intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi) of a respiratory patient breathing with the assistance of a ventilator. A processing device receives respiratory airway data from one or more sensors adapted to non-invasively monitor a respiratory patient, calculates from the respiratory airway data two or more parameters that are indicative of or quantify intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure of the patient, and generates a predicted quantitative value for intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure based on the two or more parameters. The respiratory airway data is transformed into a predicted quantitative value for intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining suitable settings for a servo-ventilator to be used during sleep. Respiratory characteristics of a patient are measured during an awake learning period. With these measured characteristics, a target ventilation setting may be calculated by alternative methods. The calculated setting may then be used for enforcing a minimum ventilation during a treatment period where ventilatory support is provided with a servo-controlled ventilator.

Abstract: An assembly for modifying airflow into a nasopharyngeal airway or trachea of a patient. A valve assembly having an inlet and an outlet attaches to a traditional airflow generator. A valve seal within the assembly is operable by a solenoid and is adapted to cycle in response to a programmable controller circuit wherein upon activation of both the airflow generator and the controller circuit, pressurized air from the airflow generator continuously enters the inlet but passes out of the outlet of the assembly only when the solenoid causes the valve seal to retract and to at least partially unblock the outlet such that the pressurized air is converted into a single, repeatable burst exiting the outlet thereby modifying the traditional airflow.

Abstract: A respiratory protective device in which a face piece (11) is located within the volume of a filter canister (10). The filter canister (10) can be in the form of a hollow section or sections which fit around all or part of the face piece (11) or on either side thereof. Contaminated air that has been purified in the filter canister (10) is ducted in an airtight manner through a hollow assembly (18) into the face piece (11).

Abstract: A replaceable forehead liner for the continuous positive airway pressure machine, which includes a base, a support, and a locking member. The base has a plurality of flexible pads and a connecting member for bridging the flexible pads. The support has a plurality of support pillars and a support plate connecting the support pillars. The support pillars, the support plate, and the flexible pads form a hollow area, and each support pillar has a hollow hole. The hollow area and holes make the support pillars elastic and compressible. The locking member forms off the surface of the support pillars and the support plate, with the locking member being wider than the side of the hollow area. The locking member has a locking portion for engaging to the clipping portion of the CPAP mask. Functionally, the replaceable forehead liner is more secured and improves pressure relief for the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method includes a first anatomic positioner for migrating a first anatomic part. The first anatomic positioner includes a first tapered arm for applying a motive force and a first arch at a distal end of the first tapered arm for contacting the first anatomic part. The first arch includes a varying width and a varying density where the first arch is asymmetrically offset from the first tapered arm such that a longitudinal axis of the first tapered arm extends through a lower portion of the first arch.

Abstract: A fastener suitable for connecting two parts of a dental splint together in a prearranged or predetermined spatial relationship to treat a person suffering from a sleep disorder is described. In one form the fastener comprises a base member and a cover member arranged to define a cavity therebetween. A movable connector is located within the cavity, the movable connector interconnecting the two parts of the dental splint. The fastener has an adjustor movably connected to the connector such that the position of the connector is moved in response to movement of the adjustor by adjusting the position of the adjustor, the connector in the form of a hook moves the other part of the dental splint so as to reposition the jaws of a person being treated for the sleep disorder.

Abstract: Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal and other manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide magnetically-enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents to selected tissue are disclosed. The systems and methods involve the use of carrier devices and release devices and two different magnetic fields to move magnetic particles into selected tissue. Movement of the magnetic particles (and any associated therapeutic agent) into the tissue may be assisted by both magnetic attractive forces as well as magnetic repulsive forces.

Abstract: A packaging and applicator assembly may include: a container containing a composition for application, the composition including magnetic bodies; a magnetic device configured to enable a pattern to be made on at least one layer of composition applied on keratinous materials; and at least one item of information representative of a pattern that can be made on the composition with the magnetic device.

Abstract: In the specification and drawings a hair styling apparatus is described and shown with a first barrel half, a second barrel half, and a handle, the handle being releasably attached to the first barrel half and releasably attached to the second barrel half.

Abstract: The quickness, relative effortlessness, and convenience associate with an improved attachment for a hair styling iron or an improved hair styling iron, either one featuring interchangeable comb bristles assemblies located adjacent to and extended outwardly and perpendicular to a hair styling iron heating element for the purpose of contacting and positioning the hair strands in parallel arrangement before, during, and/or after application of heat from a hair styling iron heating element. The interchangeable comb bristle arrangements may be composed of different bristle densities, thicknesses, and/or material to accommodate different types and thicknesses of hair. The improved attachment may be slid over a hair styling iron arm element and be secured to the hair styling iron using a retaining lip which hooks to engage an inner surface of the heating element arm and a security clip that attaches onto one end of the interchangeable comb bristle assembly.

Abstract: A dual gas and AC electric hair styler comprises: a heater, a housing, and a control member movably disposed in the housing. One end of the control member is exposed out of the housing and another end of the control member is inserted in the housing to connect a linkage device of the heater. The linkage device includes a guiding member. A gas supply and an electric power supply are selectively inserted in the housing to the heater and each have a valve which is pressed to achieve connection. The axial movement of the control member causes axial movements of the linkage device and the guiding member to affect connection of the gas and the electric power supply to the heater. The hair styler can be powered by gas or electric power, and the switching of gas and electric power supplies can be done by the control member.

Abstract: A hairclip device includes a clip body having a hair clipping space through which a portion of hair of a user is adapted to pass. The hairclip device further includes a fixing member having a detaining portion and a pyramidal coupling portion. The detaining portion of the fixing member is connected with an end portion of the clip body. The coupling portion of the fixing member is detachably engaged in the other end portion of the clip body for positioning the clip body on the head of the user. The hairclip device can maintain a hairdo stably and can be easily removed from the user's head in order that the user can arrange different hairdos conveniently.