Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for casting silicon for photovoltaic cells and other applications. With these methods, an ingot can be grown that is low in carbon and whose crystal growth is controlled to increase the cross-sectional area of seeded material during casting.

Abstract: Zinc oxide layer, including pure zinc oxide and doped zinc oxide, can be deposited with preferred crystal orientation and improved electrical conductivity by employing a seed layer comprising a metallic element. By selecting metallic elements that can easily crystallized at low temperature on glass substrates, together with possessing preferred crystal orientations and sizes, zinc oxide layer with preferred crystal orientation and large grain size can be formed, leading to potential optimization of transparent conductive oxide layer stacks.

Abstract: An apparatus for crystal growth including a source chamber configured to contain a source material, a growth chamber, a passage for transport of vapour from the source chamber to the growth chamber, and a support provided within the growth chamber that is configured to support a seed crystal. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the support is greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the growth chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screen insert (70) for a powder container (24) of a powder supplying device, the screen insert (70) having a screen unit (71) for screening coating powder and an ultrasonic transducer (72) for generating ultrasonic vibrations. The screen unit (71) is connected to the ultrasonic transducer (72) in such a way that the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the ultrasonic transducer (72) can be transferred to the screen unit (71). To allow a particularly compact construction of the screen insert (70) to be achieved, according to the invention a screen carrier (73) which can be placed onto the powder container (24) is provided, for holding the ultrasonic transducer (72), with the screen unit (71) connected thereto, in such a way that the screen unit (71) is arranged below the screen carrier (73), so that the screen unit (71) is inside a powder chamber (22), formed by the powder container (24), when the screen carrier (73) has been placed onto the powder container (24).

Abstract: A microwave plasma reactor for manufacturing synthetic diamond material via chemical vapour deposition, the microwave plasma reactor comprising: a plasma chamber; a substrate holder disposed in the plasma chamber and comprising a supporting surface for supporting a substrate on which the synthetic diamond material is to be deposited in use; a microwave coupling configuration for feeding microwaves from a microwave generator into the plasma chamber; and a gas flow system for feeding process gases into the plasma chamber and removing them therefrom; wherein the microwave plasma reactor further comprises an electrically conductive plasma stabilizing annulus disposed around the substrate holder within the plasma chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing an edible consumable substance to an animal, and methods of training an animal, including the provision of a housing with an edible substance therein, a dispensing member provided at one end of the housing, the dispensing member having at least one aperture through which the edible substance is dispensed, a pushing member provided inside the housing to push the edible substance in a direction of the dispensing member, and a control interface to control the movement of the pushing member such that a user can control an amount of the edible substance that is provided to the animal through the dispensing member.

Abstract: A chew for a domestic animal comprises one or more sheets of a chewable bovine rawhide formed into a shape suitable for chewing by a domestic animal, wherein the one or more sheets has a mass loss of at least 45% as measured by the Degradability Standard Test Protocol. The bovine rawhide is made with a process that includes treatment with an enzyme. A process of making a pet chew from a split bovine hide comprises treating the split bovine hide with an enzyme solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic fence apparatus using a GPS, which sets a boundary of an activity area of an animal by using GPS information, determines a position of the animal, and prevents the animal from escaping from the set activity area by applying a vibration or an electronic stimulation when the animal approaches the boundary of the activity area. Accordingly, it is possible to inform the user of a state of the animal while controlling the animal not to escape from a predetermined area by setting the electronic fence through GPS information, detecting the position of the animal, and generating a sound or applying the vibration or the electronic stimulation to the animal when the animal approaches the electronic fence.

Abstract: Provided are a tube sheet of a steam generator installed to support a tube of the steam generator, and a manufacturing method thereof, particularly, a tube sheet of a steam generator having an anticorrosive layer and a manufacturing method thereof.

Abstract: Methods for retrofitting vaporizers to have lances of a different cross sectional shape than lances previously installed in the vaporizers without having to carry out extensive modifications to manifolds that are attached to the lances or without using coupling tubes that transition from a first cross sectional shape to a second cross sectional shape. Plated lances for retrofitting a vaporizer. The plated lances include lances connected to a plate having an orifice configured so that fluid flows through the orifice into a lumen of the lance.

Abstract: An engine system includes a reformer for driving an engine by supplying the engine with a reformed fuel which the reformer reforms from a pre-reformed fuel. The reformer includes a reforming catalyst for reforming the pre-reformed fuel by a water vapor reforming reaction. The engine system also includes a pre-reformed fuel supply adjustment unit for supplying the pre-reformed fuel to the reformer. The reformer includes an extremity portion provided in an engine cylinder. The pre-reformed fuel supply adjustment unit supplies the pre-reformed fuel to the reformer during a suction stroke of the engine, and the reformed fuel is directly supplied from the reformer into the engine cylinder.

Abstract: Periodic torque disturbances that affect cylinder valve operation are anticipated, and an appropriate reaction torque is provided by an electric motor to counteract the periodic torque disturbances to position a cylinder valve at a desired position.

Abstract: The invention proposes a subassembly of a hydraulic variable valve train of an internal combustion engine, having a guide bushing (4) that can be installed in a hydraulic housing (3), and having a piston (5) supported therein so as to be axially movable for actuating a gas exchange valve (1), and having a valve element (7) that, together with the end face (10) of the piston distant from the gas exchange valve, defines a hydraulic pressure chamber (11) in the guide bushing, wherein the valve element is a throttle check valve that allows hydraulic medium to flow out of the pressure chamber throttled by a continuously open throttle opening (16) and allows hydraulic medium to flow into the pressure chamber with little throttling by a ball check valve (17). The subassembly is intended to be implemented as a modular unit assembled outside of the hydraulic housing, wherein the guide bushing and the valve element are fastened to one another, and the piston is secured in a captive manner in the guide bushing.

Abstract: In a valve timing control apparatus employing a helical torsion spring attached at one end to a vane rotor and attached at the other end to a housing, for biasing the vane rotor relative to the housing in a specified phase-change direction under a preload, adjacent coils of the torsion spring being brought into contact with each other at a part of the torsion spring in a circumferential direction under a state where the torsion spring is loaded, a back-pressure relief passage is configured to discharge working oil in a back-pressure chamber of a lock mechanism. The back-pressure relief passage is provided at a predetermined circumferential position that goes across a coil-to-coil contact part that the adjacent coils of the torsion spring are brought into contact with each other when the vane rotor rotates relative to the housing by a maximum angular displacement.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation device for an internal combustion engine includes a variable valve timing mechanism and a valve timing restricting mechanism. When the operating state of the variable valve timing mechanism is in the phase restricting state and the operating state of the variable valve timing mechanism is changed to the phase releasing state on the basis of pressing the accelerator pedal, a torque limiting control is then performed to limit an increase in the torque of the internal combustion engine. With this control the rate of increase of the torque is set less than the rate of increase of the torque corresponding to the operation of pressing the accelerator pedal by retarding and correcting the ignition timing. Thus, when the operating state of the variable valve timing mechanism is changed from the phase restricting state to the phase releasing state, thereby reducing discomfort experienced by the driver.

Abstract: A pressure accumulator for a camshaft phaser of an internal combustion engine, including a housing that accommodates a piston and forms a cavity fillable with a hydraulic fluid. The cavity is configured as a hole and is closed by a cover on at least one side so as to be fluid-tight, whereby the cover is fastened to the housing by a flanged connection. A method for the production of a pressure accumulator for a camshaft phaser, including a pressure accumulator that forms a cavity, whereby a piston is placed into the cavity, and subsequently, a cover is put in place over the cavity—sealing it off towards the outside—in such a way that a material portion of the housing or of the cover creates such a positive connection between the cover and the housing that the cover is affixed in its position relative to the housing.

Abstract: A lifter guide includes a lifter guide body having an outer surface and an inner surface that extend from a first end to a second end. The inner surface defines at least one push rod passage. A plurality of compression members are provided at the first end. The plurality of compression members project proudly from the first end. The plurality of compression members are configured and disposed to be compressed by a cylinder head to retain the lifter guide in a cylinder block. The lifter guide is devoid of mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for operating an internal combustion engine of a vehicle equipped with an exhaust system comprising a catalysed particulate filter in which the engine is supplied with a fuel containing a catalyst for regenerating the particulate filter. The process is characterized in that the concentration of catalyst in the fuel varies discontinuously.

Abstract: In an plasma generation device 30 that generates electromagnetic wave plasma by emitting electromagnetic waves to a combustion chamber 21 of an internal combustion engine 20, combustion is promoted by increasing the amount of gas to be brought into contact with the electromagnetic wave plasma in the combustion chamber 21. An antenna 36 extends along a ceiling surface of the combustion chamber 21. The antenna 36 is provided with an adjustment unit 37 that changes the location of a strong electric field on the antenna 36, which is supplied with the electromagnetic wave. During a generation period of the electromagnetic wave plasma, a control device 10 controls the adjustment unit 37 based on a condition of the combustion chamber 21 and changes the location of the electromagnetic wave plasma.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for starting an internal-combustion engine arranged in a vehicle equipped with an electric machine that at least temporarily drives the internal-combustion engine and a first electrical energy storage unit. An adjusting unit is provided by which the electric machine is connectable with the first storage unit. The adjusting unit is configured to detect at least one defined internal-combustion engine operating state and/or at least one defined vehicle operating state and, at least as a function of the detected internal-combustion engine operating state and/or the detected vehicle operating state, for adjusting an electric quantity which determines an electric power drawn from the first storage unit by the electric machine when driving the internal-combustion engine, or for itself adjusting the drawn electric power.

Abstract: An intake apparatus that mounts an air cleaner and an outdoor air duct inside an engine room and ensures space for maintenance that includes: a bottomed tubular case having an opened end and formed with an inflow port; a cover formed with an outflow port and configured to close the opened end of the case; an air cleaner disposed between the case and the cover and provided with a filter member dividing an interior of the air cleaner into a clean side positioned on the inflow port side and a dust side positioned on the outflow port side; and an outdoor air duct configured to introduce outdoor air into the air cleaner.

Abstract: A cylinder head is formed by positioning a clad preform including a first and second layer in a casting die cavity with the second layer in communication with the die cavity and the first layer facing outwardly to define a combustion surface. Molten material provided to the die cavity is solidified to form a cast portion metallurgically bonded to the second layer. An aperture of the preform forms a port in fluid communication with a passage of the cast portion. A plurality of dome-shaped preforms may define the combustion chambers of a cylinder head formed by the method. The preform may define a cylinder head face. The first layer may be a steel-based layer, and the second layer and cast portion may be aluminum-based, such that the first layer and combustion surface has higher thermal fatigue strength relative to the cast portion.

Abstract: A system and a method for improving fuel efficiency of an engine include the application of at least a pair of magnets coupled to opposite sides of a crankcase ventilation passageway and oriented substantially parallel to each other such that an attractive magnetic force is applied transverse to the passageway. The magnetic force causes realignment of lubricant molecules such that the lubricant molecules substantially cover fuel molecules to increase the compression ratio of the engine thereby improving the fuel efficiency. A system for enhancing brake performance and a magnet installation kit are also disclosed.

Abstract: An injection valve for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine comprises a valve seat, a valve element, at least one injection opening formed in the valve seat and leading to the combustion chamber, the at least one injection opening opened or closed by a stroke motion of the valve element, a catalytic coating provided in a region of the injection valve which faces the combustion chamber, and at least one protuberance which is elongated in a direction of the combustion chamber and projects into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1), preferably for a motor vehicle, having at least one cylinder (2) which encloses a combustion chamber (3) and in which a piston (4) is situated in such a way that it may perform a stroke movement, and having at least one injector (5) per cylinder for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber (3). The respective injector (5) has multiple injection openings (9, 10) through which the fuel exits from the injector (5) and enters into the combustion chamber (3). To be able to react more fuel, first injection openings (9) and second injection openings (10) are situated relative to one another in such a way that first injection jets (15) from the first injection openings (9) reach the piston (4) essentially without contacting second injection jets (18) from the second injection openings (10).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to various embodiments of systems and methods for reducing the production of harmful emissions in combustion engines. One method includes correlating combustion chamber temperature to acceleration of a power train component, such as a crankshaft. Once the relationship between acceleration/deceleration of the component and combustion temperature are known, an engine control module can be configured to adjust combustion parameters to reduce combustion temperature when acceleration data indicates peak combustion temperature is approaching a harmful level, such as a level conducive to the formation of undesirable oxides of nitrogen. Various embodiments of the methods and systems disclosed herein can employ injectors with integrated igniters providing efficient injection, ignition, and complete combustion of various types of fuels.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to accurately detect a sensitivity abnormality of an in-cylinder pressure sensor over a wide operating range without using other sensor outputs or the like. Based on only the output of an in-cylinder pressure sensor 44, an ECU 50 acquires a first parameter that is affected by an output sensitivity of the sensor, and a second parameter that is not affected by the output sensitivity. Specifically, the ECU 50 acquires a heat release quantity PV? as the first parameter, and acquires an indicated torque ratio (A2/A1) as a second parameter. The ECU 50 also calculates a determination coefficient ? that is a ratio between the first and second parameters, and determines that the output sensitivity of the in-cylinder pressure sensor 44 is abnormal when the determination coefficient ? deviates from an allowable range.

Abstract: A method for controlling an ignition system of an internal combustion engine, with which a device for the detection of misfires is provided, comprises operation of the internal combustion engine in a calibration mode, wherein the calibration mode includes stepwise reduction of the ignition energy by changing the ignition parameter starting from an initial value, detecting the reaching of a combustion failure limit based on the signal of the detection device and again reducing the ignition energy if the combustion failure limit has not yet been reached, and storing the ignition parameter at the point in time of reaching the combustion failure limit. When not in the calibration mode, operation of the ignition system takes place according to the stored ignition parameter. With such feedback control, electrode burn of the spark plugs is reduced, leading to an extension of the service life of the spark plugs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method and system for an internal combustion engine incorporating an engine shut-off valve, and in particular an air intake shut-off valve for a diesel or gas-fueled engine. The control system comprises a valve controller unit including a receiver capable of receiving sensor signals, and being in communication with the shut-off valve for permitting or preventing air flow in the shut-off valve upon receiving a triggering sensor signal.

Abstract: An in-cylinder pressure detecting device of a direct injection type internal combustion engine is provided in which a ring-shaped pressure detection element (34) surrounding a fuel injection hole (33b) is provided in the vicinity of an extremity of an injector (20) that injects fuel into a combustion chamber. Since the pressure detection element is provided on the injector, not only is it unnecessary to change the shape or structure of the cylinder head or the combustion chamber in order to provide the pressure detection element, but it is also possible to cool the pressure detection element (34) by fuel passing through the inside of the injector to thus enhance the precision of pressure detection and the durability.

Abstract: A method for activating fuel by saturating the fuel with a gas and delivering the saturated fuel to an internal combustion engine for combustion is provided. Fuel from a fuel tank is delivered to an absorber and gas is directed into the absorber, mixing with the dispersed fuel to form an activated fuel. Activated fuel is directed to a fuel rail by a low pressure pump through a pressure regulating valve and Y-connector. Excess fuel from the engine is directed to a separator through a heat exchanger and then through a pressure regulator and is mixed with fresh activated fuel from the absorber. Released gas is separated in a gas separator. The system runs independently and can be easily turned off and switched to the base fuel supply. If the system loses power, it automatically switches to the base fuel supply system without any interruption of engine operation.

Abstract: A valve device for controlling or metering a fluid includes a housing, a flow duct formed in the housing, and a valve body arranged in the flow duct. The valve body has a sealing section which, when the valve device is closed, rests on a sealing seat on the housing. The sealing section and sealing seat together form a sealing region. When the valve device is closed, a decay chamber is defined immediately upstream of the sealing region in the flow duct. The decay chamber is bounded by a baffle wall that is tilted with respect to the normal to the sealing region at an angle of at most 15° in the flow direction to 60° counter to the flow direction.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve damping insulator damps vibration produced in a fuel injection valve (11). A damping insulator (30) is interposed between a shoulder portion (18) of a cylinder head and a tapered surface (24) of the fuel injection valve (11) that faces the shoulder portion. The damping insulator (30) includes an annular tolerance ring (33) that abuts against the tapered surface (24), and an elastic member (36) that is arranged between the tolerance ring (33) and the shoulder portion (18). An annular coil spring (34) and a sleeve (35) are each embedded juxtaposed in the elastic member (36). A height (H2) of the sleeve (35) is formed lower than an outer diameter (H1) of individual small ring portions that form a helix of the coil spring (34), and at least one of a tolerance ring (33) side and a shoulder portion (18) side of the sleeve (35) is buried in the elastic member (36).

Abstract: Various systems and methods for determining a start of fuel injection including a gaseous fuel in an internal combustion engine are provided. In one embodiment, an end of gas injection, a duration of gas injection, and a start of gas injection in an induction pipe of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine is determined based on one or more operating parameters. An earliest possible start of gas injection is further determined, and if the start of gas injection is before the earliest possible start of gas injection, at least one of the one or more operating parameters is modified such that the start of gas injection does not occur before the earliest possible start of gas injection.

Abstract: The present invention includes: an injection timing correction unit 62 which repeatedly corrects a fuel injection timing in relation to a cylinder in which combustion is determined by a combustion diagnosis device 44 to be less than optimal such that a correction amount accumulates until combustion is determined to be optimal; an allowable correction range setting unit 64 which sets an allowable correction range of the fuel injection timing on the basis of data indicating past fuel injection timings of a plurality of cylinders; an injection timing determination unit 70 which determines whether or not the fuel injection timing corrected by the injection timing correction unit 62 is within the allowable correction range; and a command control unit 72 which outputs an injection command at the corrected fuel injection timing when the determination unit determines that the corrected fuel injection timing is within the allowable correction range.

Abstract: In an engine that includes a liquid fuel injector and a gaseous fuel injector connected to an intake pipe via a fuel passage and that switches fuel supplied into intake air between liquid fuel and gaseous fuel, an electronic control unit increases fuel in an amount required to fill the fuel passage with gaseous fuel at the time of initial fuel injection from the gaseous fuel injector after switching from liquid fuel to gaseous fuel,

Abstract: Embodiments for a charge air cooler are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises increasing intake air flow velocity through a charge air cooler in response to an estimated condensation formation value within the charge air cooler. In this way, condensation accumulation within the charge air cooler may be prevented.

Abstract: Embodiments for a charge air cooler are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises increasing intake air flow velocity through a charge air cooler and coordinately adjusting a position of one or more of an intake manifold throttle and a turbocharger wastegate in response to the increased intake air flow velocity to maintain torque. In this way, intake air flow velocity may be increased while maintaining desired torque.

Abstract: A method for operating a combustion engine comprising charging and charge air cooling, wherein in a critical operating state the charge air volume flow through a charge air cooler is adjusted and/or temporally changed by means of at least one charge air cooler valve in such a manner that condensation water present in the charge air cooler and/or in the subsequent induction tract is fed only in harmless quantities successively into the combustion chamber and is thus discharged.

Abstract: A method determines a correction amount of an EGR valve opening degree. A basic correction amount map is generated indicating a correlation between rotating speed, load factor, and the correction amount, while the opening degree is maintained at a reference opening degree and the EGR rate is maintained at a target EGR rate, based on correction amounts obtained for mutually different individual combinations of the rotating speed and the load factor. Estimated values of the correction amounts not contained in the basic map are acquired by estimating the distribution of the amounts not in the basic map based on a distribution trend. An extended correction amount map is generated indicating a correlation between the estimated values of the rotating speed, the load factor, and the correction amount while the opening degree is maintained at a reference opening degree and the EGR rate is maintained at a target rate.

Abstract: A system for providing air to an internal combustion engine comprises a crankcase ventilation unit that receives unrefined blowby gas from a crankcase, separates oil from the unrefined blowby gas, and discharges refined blowby gas. A conduit delivers the refined blowby gas to an air cleaner housing. The air cleaner housing comprises a first chamber that receives intake air through a first port, a second chamber that receives intake air from the first chamber and refined blowby gas from the conduit through a second port, and a third chamber that receives a mixture of intake air and refined blowby gas from the second chamber and discharges the mixture through a third port. A primary filter element filters the intake air as it passes from the first chamber to the second chamber. A secondary filter element filters the mixture as it passes from the second chamber to the third chamber.

Abstract: A system for improving PCV flow of an engine is presented. The system can reduce engine oil consumption when an engine is exposed to lateral or centripetal force. In one example, the system includes a mechanically operated valve that acts to limit PCV flow in a conduit external to an engine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide double deep, single width ovens for use in aircraft galleys. The ovens are particularly beneficial as they do not change current catering process or equipment, leading to their ease of acceptability and use in the airline galley design and development industry. The ovens may be used with two standard 32-meal carriers, such that the carriers are positioned front to back in the oven. Alternatively, 64-meal carriers may be developed that fit into the double deep oven as well.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a baking oven door 2 and baking oven 1. A camera 10 is mounted inside the door 2 and coupled to a heat sink 8 constituting an outer cover of the door 2.

Abstract: Some embodiments provided herein relate to metal particles, methods of making, and methods of using such metal particles. In some embodiments, metal particles can be coated in silica and can be used as part of a power transmission system.

Abstract: A hob (1) with one or more cooking locations (2), which, as viewed from above, exhibits one or more recesses (4) only in the area (25) around its geometric centre (3), which are respectively connected with one or more devices (5) for removing cooking vapours through suction, wherein these devices (5) for removing cooking vapours through suction downwardly remove the cooking vapours that arise above the cooking locations (2) by suction in a direction pointing vertically below the hob (1), and such a hob (1), which in the assembly unit is designed with a device (36) for operating the hob (2) and downwardly removing cooking vapours by suction.

Abstract: A method of operating an oven having a cooking cavity and a gas heating element provided at a lower portion of the cooking cavity and an electric heating element provided at an upper portion of the cooking cavity.

Abstract: A method (100) for manufacturing a thermal absorber for a solar thermal collector includes arranging (120) a substrate of the thermal absorber on a vacuum coating line and depositing (160) by way of a physical vapour deposition on the substrate that is arranged on the vacuum coating line layers configured to absorb light.

Abstract: A solution of a polysaccharide material, a method of producing such solutions and uses thereof. The solution is formed by the polysaccharide in a solvent which comprises an efficient amount of an active compound selected from the group of diketo compounds, such as glyoxylic acid and salts and derivatives thereof, capable of reacting with the polysaccharide. The solution thus produced can be used as a viscous dope, and for the production of fibers, films and surface coatings and for gluing.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a device for delivering an anesthetic to an individual to reduce reperfusion injury during the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is provided. The device includes a patient connection mechanism for coupling with an airway of the individual and an anesthetic delivery mechanism for receiving the anesthetic and for delivering the anesthetic to the individual via the patient connection mechanism. In some embodiments, the anesthetic is delivered with the assistance of an intrathoracic pressure regulation (IPR) mechanism or an impedance threshold device (ITD) coupled with the patient connection mechanism. The IPR mechanism may be configured to change a pressure in the airway and a thorax of the individual via application of a vacuum source. The ITD device may be configured to prevent respiratory gases from entering the lungs for at least some time during a decompression or relaxation phase of CPR.