Abstract: A control device is provided for an engine equipped with an electric oil pump for circulating coolant, and having a flow rate of the coolant restricted, when a temperature of the coolant is lower than a threshold value, as compared to a case where the temperature of the coolant is equal to or higher than the threshold value, and the engine control device includes a coolant temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the coolant, and a control unit stopping the engine in accordance with the temperature to be detected by the coolant temperature sensor after the pump is driven so as to increase the flow rate of the coolant, in a case where the flow rate of the coolant is restricted.

Abstract: A rotating screen, for use with a centrifugal fan of an engine, includes a hub having a rotational axis and a plurality of blades extending radially outwardly from the hub. Each of the blades includes a root adjacent the hub, a tip, a leading edge extending between the root and the tip, and a trailing edge extending between the root and the tip. The blades also include an airfoil shape. The rotating screen also includes a band concentric with the hub and interconnecting the tips of the respective blades.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus 1A includes an engine 50A having a cylinder head 52A having a head side W/J 521A equipped with partial W/J 521aA through 521dA individually incorporated into four different cooling systems, first recess/projection portions P capable of generating a flow separation of cooling water in accordance with a change of the flow rate within a range of a maximum flow rate of the cooling water being provided to the head side W/J 521A, and control means for executing a control of changing the flow rate of the cooling water that flows through the first cooling medium passageway in accordance with operating conditions of the engine including a case where the control means partially changes in each of the plurality of the partial cooling medium passageways.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine may include a cylinder block defining a cylinder and a crankshaft having a crankpin. The crankshaft is rotatably received by the cylinder block and rotates along a longitudinal axis, and the crankpin defines a longitudinal axis parallel to and offset by a distance with respect to the longitudinal axis along which the crankshaft rotates. The engine may further include a piston configured to reciprocate within the cylinder and a connecting rod operably coupled to the piston and the crankpin. At least one of the piston and the connecting rod is configured such that a distance between a cross-sectional center of the crankpin and an upper surface of the piston is variable via hydraulic operation.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine wherein a variable compression ratio mechanism which can change the mechanical compression ratio and a detection sensor for detecting the mechanical compression ratio are provided and wherein the mechanical compression ratio is controlled based on the mechanical compression ratio detected by the detection sensor. When a signal line of the detection sensor breaks, the mechanical compression ratio is lowered to the minimum mechanical compression ratio.

Abstract: In a two-stroke opposed-piston engine, a ported cylinder with a pair of opposed pistons is equipped with a decompression port including a valve and a passage with an opening through the cylinder wall that is located between the cylinder's intake and exhaust ports. The decompression port enables release of compressed air from the cylinder after the intake and exhaust ports are closed. The valve is opened to permit compressed air to be released from the cylinder through the passage, and closed to retain compressed air in the cylinder. Engine braking is supported by release of compressed air through the decompression port into an exhaust channel when the pistons are at or near top dead center positions as the cycle transitions from the intake/compression stroke to the power/exhaust stroke. Compression release from the cylinder after intake and exhaust port closure can also support other engine operations.

Abstract: A two-stroke engine has an intake arrangement including a carburetor. An intake channel divides into a mixture channel and an air channel. An intermediate flange is mounted between the carburetor and the cylinder. This flange has a carburetor connecting surface, which faces toward the carburetor, and a cylinder connecting surface which faces toward the cylinder. Referred to the flow direction in the intake channel, the air channel divides upstream of the cylinder connecting surface into two branches. The first branch has a first longitudinal center axis and the second branch has a second longitudinal center axis. The intersect points of the center axes with the connecting surfaces are mutually connected via an imaginary connecting line in the carburetor connecting surface or the cylinder connecting surface. The two connecting lines conjointly define an angle ? in the carburetor connecting surface with this angle being greater than 0°.

Abstract: In a two-stroke internal combustion engine using air for scavenging its combustion chamber (4), a scavenging passage (6) communicating with a crankcase (2) and a combustion chamber (4) is charged first with rich air-fuel mixture generated by a carburetor, next with lean air-fuel mixture, and next with air through an in-piston passage (36). The lean air-fuel mixture is generated in the in-piston passage 36 by diluting the air-fuel mixture with the air. In each scavenging stroke to scavenge the combustion chamber (4), the combustion chamber (4) is supplied first with the air (40) and next with the lean air-fuel mixture (42) from the scavenging passage (6). The use of the lean-air-fuel mixture (42) next to the air (40) contributes to reduce acceleration failure or engine stop caused by sudden acceleration.

Abstract: An engine includes a fluid pump configured to pressurize oil and a cylinder configured to combust a mixture of fuel and air therein. The engine also includes a valve arrangement configured to deliver air or fuel and air mixture to and exhaust post-combustion gases from the cylinder. The engine additionally includes fluidly connected first and second switching mechanisms, and an oil gallery fluidly connecting the fluid pump and the second switching mechanism. The engine additionally includes an oil squirter in fluid communication with the second switching mechanism and configured to spray the pressurized oil into the cylinder. The second switching mechanism is operated by the pressurized oil to selectively activate and deactivate operation of the valve arrangement. Moreover, the first switching mechanism is configured to alternately direct the pressurized oil to the second switching mechanism to deactivate the operation of the valve arrangement and to feed the oil squirter.

Abstract: A valve train for actuating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine includes a camshaft configured to be driven by a crankshaft of an engine and including a camshaft tube. At least one cam support including a plurality of cam profiles is disposed on the camshaft so as to be rotationally engaged and axially displaceable with respect to the camshaft. A switching shaft is disposed in the camshaft tube and is configured to rotate together with the camshaft tube. A dog operatively connects the at least one cam support to the switching shaft. A displacement piece is connected to the switching shaft and is configured to be rotationally engaged with and axially displaceable on the camshaft tube. The displacement piece is actuatable so as to rotate the switching shaft relative to the camshaft tube and displace the cam support relative to the camshaft tube using the dog.

Abstract: A variable valve train for actuating a plurality of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of individual cam sleeves axially displaceable relative to one another and disposed so as to form the camshaft. Each of the plurality of individual cam sleeves include a plurality of different cam profiles. A switching shaft is disposed inside the plurality of cam sleeves and is configured to rotate together with the plurality of cam sleeves. A switching ball operatively connects one of the plurality of cam sleeves to a switching contour disposed on the switching shaft. A displacement piece is disposed so as to be rotationally engaged but axially displaceable on one of the plurality of cam sleeves and connected to the switching shaft. An actuator is operatively connectable to the displacement piece by the switching ball so as to displace the one of the plurality of cam sleeves.

Abstract: A laser spark plug is described for an internal combustion engine. According to the system, at least one volume Bragg grating element is situated in a beam path of the laser spark plug.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for injecting and igniting a fuel using corona discharge for combustion. In one aspect, a method to ignite a fuel in an engine includes injecting ionized fuel particles into a combustion chamber of an engine, and generating one or more corona discharges at a particular location within the combustion chamber to ignite the ionized fuel particles, in which the generating includes applying an electric field at electrodes configured at a port of the combustion chamber, the electric field applied at a frequency that does not produce an ion current or spark on or between the electrodes.

Abstract: An operation control system for an engine having at least one piston includes an engine control unit which drives a fuel pump for supplying fuel to an injector. The engine control unit is configured to perform a control function to cut the electric power supply to the fuel pump when the piston arrives at a position in the vicinity of compression top dead center in the cylinder of the engine.

Abstract: A valve stem seal for an internal combustion engine includes a seal body having a gas seal assembly spaced from an oil seal assembly in the axial direction of the valve stem seal. The gas seal assembly includes a first gas lip and a second gas lip disposed between the oil seal assembly and the first gas lip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine (1) having at least one engine cylinder (2, 3) and at least one piston oscillating therein, and having at least one balancing mass (14) which is driven in an oscillating manner by a crankshaft (11) via a crank throw (15) and a compensating connecting rod (16), and which is guided in a translatory fashion by means of a linear guide (17) assigned in each case to the respective balancing mass (14). The linear guide (17) is formed by at least two guide elements (18, 19), which are spaced apart from one another, for the balancing mass (14). A bearing (23) for articulatedly connecting to the compensating connecting rod (16) is formed on the balancing mass (14) in a central portion between the two mutually spaced apart guide elements (18, 19).

Abstract: A system and method are provided for increasing heating of engine oil during a cold start. In one example, engine oil is returned directly to the oil pump inlet, thus bypassing the sump. In this way, a smaller volume of oil receives more heat and is used for lubricating engine components during a cold start, thus providing reduced friction earlier than otherwise possible.

Abstract: A technique which is capable of suppressing a deterioration of lubricating oil used in an internal combustion engine in a more suitable manner. The present invention is provided with an oil pump, oil pressure control means to control the oil pressure of the oil pump, and a determination means to determine whether the degree of deterioration of the lubricating oil is higher than a predetermined level. When it is determined that the degree of deterioration of the lubricating oil is higher than the predetermined level, the oil pressure of the oil pump is made lower, by means of the oil pressure control means, than that at the time when the degree of deterioration of the lubricating oil is equal to or lower than the predetermined level.

Abstract: A lubrication apparatus for a four-stroke engine includes a piston, a cylinder, a crank chamber and a valve operating chamber. The lubrication apparatus configured to lubricate driving parts while circulating oil mist through an oil circulation pathway, using pressure fluctuation in the crank chamber, the pressure fluctuation being caused by reciprocating motion of the piston. The lubrication apparatus further includes a direct passageway configured to allow communication between the valve operating chamber and the crank chamber when a negative pressure is created in the crank chamber. The direct passageway includes a flexible tube part that is formed out of the cylinder.

Abstract: Reciprocating motion can be converted to rotary motion through a crankshaft and a connecting rod. In a joint between a connecting rod and a piston, the connecting rod rocks with respect to the piston. In some situations, the connecting rod is a pullrod always in tension or a pushrod always in compression making it difficult to lubricate the bearing surfaces. A joint is disclosed in which the bearing surfaces rock with respect to each other with no sliding between the surfaces. The connecting rod has a bearing surface that is part of a cylinder having a radius equal to a distance between a central axis of the journal to which the connecting rod is coupled and the bearing surface. The pin has a convexly- or concavely-curved bearing surface and the local radius is based on material properties and the local peak force that the rocking joint is designed to transmit.

Abstract: Device for transmission of force from the pistons of a piston engine, where the pistons of two opposite combustion cylinders cooperate with alternating power strokes, the common piston rods of the cylinders being supported on a balance arm at a distance from the bearing of the balance arm to perform a rocking movement around the bearing, where the piston rods of two further opposite and cooperating combustion cylinders being supported on the balance arm opposite and at a distance from the bearing, and the balance arm being connected with a flywheel, where the bearings on the balance arm between the bearings of the balance arm and the bearings of the piston rods on the balance arm being directly connected with a shaft for energy transforming means.

Abstract: A Double-Acting Scotch Yoke (DASY) assembly includes a first yoke; a second yoke attached to the first yoke at a first flat-to-flat interface; a first piston attached to the first yoke at a second flat-to-flat interface; and a second, opposing piston attached to the second yoke at a third flat-to-flat interface. The planes of all of the flat-to-flat interfaces are perpendicular to a common, center axis of the first and second pistons. An X-engine crank train includes a plurality of DASY assemblies.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a muffler configured to reduce exhaust gas noise. The muffler has a housing defining an interior and an exterior. A choke valve is configured to control a flow of air in a carburetor and a thermally responsive element is coupled with the choke valve and configured to move the choke valve in response to a temperature change in the thermally responsive element. A thermally conductive member has a first portion positioned in the interior of the muffler and extending through the muffler housing to the exterior of the muffler, and a second portion positioned exteriorly of the muffler and coupled to the thermally responsive element. The thermally conductive member is configured to conduct heat from exhaust gases within the muffler to the thermally responsive element.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a combustion chamber, from which exhaust gas can be discharged by way of at least one exhaust valve. An engine braking device includes an hydraulic additional valve control unit is integrated into a connecting mechanism connecting the exhaust valve to a camshaft and holding the exhaust valve in a partially opened position when the engine brake is actuated. The connecting mechanism includes a rocker lever and an intermediate element between the rocker lever and the exhaust valve. The hydraulic additional valve control unit of the engine braking device has a first piston-cylinder unit for the temporary partial opening of one exhaust valve, and an hydraulic valve lash compensating mechanism has a second piston-cylinder unit for counteracting valve lash. The first piston-cylinder unit is arranged in or on the intermediate element. The second piston-cylinder unit is arranged in or on the rocker lever.

Abstract: A full close position limiting member is adapted to be engaged with a valve gear when a valve is driven in a valve closing direction and reaches a full close position of the valve. An intermediate position limiting member is adapted to be engaged with a return spring when the valve is placed on a side of a predetermined intermediate position where a full close position of the valve is located. The intermediate position limiting member receives an intermediate reaction force from the return spring through engagement with the return spring, and the full close position limiting member receives a full close side engaging force from the valve gear. The full close side engaging force and the intermediate reaction force are generally directed in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A helical torsion return spring and a throttle body assembly for urging a throttle plate of a throttle body assembly to a default position when a throttle motor of the throttle body assembly is disabled. The return spring includes a middle portion, a first end portion, a second end portion, a first spring leg, and a second spring leg. The throttle body assembly includes a throttle shaft, a first bushing, a second bushing, and the spring defined above. A first end portion center axis defined by the first end portion and a second end portion center axis defined by the second end portion are offset from a middle portion center axis defined by the middle portion.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine starts the internal combustion engine by initiating combustion in cylinders belonging to a first cylinder group, from among a plurality of cylinders that make up the internal combustion engine. The control apparatus monitors a change in an amount of negative pressure generated in an intake pipe when the internal combustion engine is started, and obtains information related to an alcohol concentration of fuel used in the internal combustion engine. The control apparatus also calculates a fuel injection quantity necessary to initiate combustion in cylinders belonging to a second cylinder group, based on the amount of negative pressure generated in the intake pipe and the alcohol concentration of the fuel, and initiates combustion in each cylinder belonging to the second cylinder group when the necessary fuel injection quantity enters a range of quantities that are able to be injected by corresponding injectors.

Abstract: A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine having a mass-flow line are provided, which allow the actual charge to be adapted to the setpoint charge of the internal combustion engine at a desired dynamic. A mass flow is supplied to the internal combustion engine via the mass-flow line. A setpoint value is specified for a characteristic quantity of the mass flow to the internal combustion engine. The setpoint value of the characteristic quantity of the mass flow is formed starting from a balance of the mass flow flowing into the mass flow line and the mass flow discharged from the mass flow line according to a predefined time characteristic.

Abstract: An injector including a nozzle that includes an opening and a seat, a needle movably mounted in the nozzle and having an end defining a valve in a contact area with the seat, a mechanism for vibrating the valve, a first acoustic-impedance breaking area at a first distance from the valve along the nozzle, and another first acoustic-impedance breaking area at a second distance from the valve along the needle. Each of the first and second distances is such that the respective propagation time of acoustic waves along the distance is: Ti=ni*[?/2], where ni is a positive integer coefficient different from zero with i=3 for the first distance and i=4 for the second distance, ? being a period of the vibrations.

Abstract: The invention, described herein, is an improved Fuel Injection Servo (“Servo”) for the homebuilt aircraft. The Servo has been designed to allow the manufacturer to more easily fine tune the pressure differential over the air diaphragm. The Servo also provides an idle valve that the manufacturer and homebuilder can easily fine tune. In a second embodiment, the Servo is further adapted to replace the carburetor in smaller aircraft.

Abstract: A vapor management system (10) includes a sense tube (47) disposed in a fuel tank (12). A differential pressure sensor (17) has one side connected to the sense tube and another side connected to a vapor cavity so that the pressure sensor can measure a differential pressure (DP) between a volume of the vapor cavity and a volume of the sense tube containing liquid fuel. A temperature sensor (26) is in the vapor cavity. A processor 1) receives DP and T measurements at certain time intervals to determine the temperature at time zero (T0), the differential pressure at time zero (DP0), the temperature at a certain time (Tt), and the differential pressure at a certain time (DPt), and 2) when (Tt?T0) is greater than a certain value, compares DPt to a certain differential pressure value.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine may include a piston engine having at least one combustion chamber and a fresh air system for feeding fresh air to the at least one combustion chamber including at least one fresh air line. A bloom mixer may be arranged in the fresh air line and configured to divide a fresh air flow conducted in the fresh air line into at least two partial flows and reunite these again on the outflow side subject to the formation of a turbulence.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power system comprising an internal combustion engine. A fan is associated with the engine and configured for providing an air flow. The power system further comprises an EGR system having an air cooled, HT EGR cooler configured for cooling recirculated exhaust gas, wherein the HT EGR cooler is positioned downstream of the internal combustion engine. The HT EGR cooler is further positioned such that the air flow travels across the outside of the HT EGR cooler. The EGR system further comprises an air cooled, LT EGR cooler is configured for further cooling at least a portion of the recirculated exhaust gas, wherein the LT EGR cooler is positioned downstream of the HT EGR cooler. The LT EGR cooler is further positioned such that the air flow travels across the outside of the LT EGR cooler.

Abstract: The disclosure relates methods and related systems for controlling corona discharge in a combustion chamber without causing an arc strike. The methods can include measuring a baseline impedance of a circuit in electrical communication with an electrode, measuring an actual impedance of the circuit, determining an impedance setpoint based at least in part on the baseline impedance, comparing the actual impedance to the impedance setpoint, and adjusting the actual impedance based at least in part on the comparison between the actual impedance and the impedance setpoint. The electrode is arranged to deliver a corona discharge to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An archery bow cable guard includes a base portion and first and second cable rollers. The base portion is configured to mount to a riser of an archery bow. The first and second cable rollers are mounted to the base portion and arranged to contact a cable of the archery bow. Each roller has an axis of rotation that is arranged perpendicular to a length dimension of the cable. The axis of rotation of the first and second cable rollers are spaced apart in a direction parallel to a longitudinal dimension of the archery bow cable guard.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an archery bow comprises a riser supporting a first limb and a second limb. The first limb supports a first rotatable member that defines a first axis of rotation. The second limb supports a second rotatable member that defines a second axis of rotation. The first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation move with respect to one another as the bow is drawn from a brace condition to a drawn condition. The bow defines a reference plane that includes the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation, wherein a distance between a predetermined location on the riser and the reference plane is greater in the brace condition than in the drawn condition.

Abstract: A back-tension archery release finger includes a housing containing a chamber which is adapted to receive a soft rubber insert. The housing includes at least one opening in a side wall thereof which communicates with the chamber to provide access to the insert. The insert projects through the side wall opening to define a contact surface for the finger of an archer. The housing may be contoured to match multiple fingers of the archer.

Abstract: An archery release including release body, a trigger and a trigger bumper, where the trigger bumper reduces or eliminates noise generated by the trigger being actuated from a holding mode to a triggered mode. The trigger bumper can be constructed from an elastomeric material adapted to deaden noise upon impact with the trigger. The trigger bumper can be joined with the release body and/or the trigger.

Abstract: An archery release including a release body, a wrist strap and a hybrid adjuster including both a rigid length adjuster and a flexible length adjuster which enable multiple levels of adjustment to the distance between the wrist strap and the release body. An archery release also is provided including a release body, a wrist strap and a retainer element configured to engage and secure the release body in a stowed position proximate the wrist strap when the archery release is not in use. A method also is provided for operating an archery release including the retainer element to stow the release body.

Abstract: An arrow rest for a bow, according to various embodiments, comprises (1) an arrow rest mount, (2) an arrow rest base that is disposed adjacent the arrow rest mount, (3) a first arrow support that is disposed adjacent a top surface of said arrow rest base and that is defined by a first base potion with a first ramped face and a first angled top portion, and (4) a second arrow support that is disposed adjacent a top surface of said arrow rest base and that is defined by a second base potion with a second ramped face and a second angled top portion. The first and second arrow supports are adapted to rotate to exert opposing lateral forces on an arrow at substantially the same time that facilitate the movement of the arrow up the first and second ramped faces and into a ready to fire position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ball feed mechanism and associated method for use in a paintball loader. The ball feed mechanism includes a feeder which conveys or impels balls toward a feed neck, and a drive member which is concentric with the feeder. The feeder is coupled to the drive member. An electric motor is used to rotate the drive member which in turn causes the feeder to rotate. The feed mechanism includes sensors which detect the motion of the feeder and the drive member. A controller determines the position of the feeder relative to the drive member and actuates a motor when necessary.

Abstract: A backward momentum generating device with coupled spring biased rod mechanism, being disposed through an internal wall settled between a housing and a stop wall of a toy gun, is disclosed. While a piston in the housing produces compressed air, a weight of the backward momentum generating device is pushed along a moving direction of the reciprocating motion of the piston, produces a reaction force, and results in an effect of a backward momentum applied to the housing of the toy gun. The coupled spring biased rod mechanisms include at least one front-section spring biased rod and at least one back-section spring biased rod, wherein the back-section spring biased rod is moveably disposed through a hollow channel formed in the weight of the toy gun.

Abstract: A method for slicing wafers from a workpiece includes providing wire guide rolls each having a grooved coating with a specific thickness and providing rings at opposing ends of a first of the coatings of a respective wire guide roll. The rings are fixed exclusively to the first coating. A sawing wire including wire sections disposed in a parallel fashion is tensioned between the wire guide rolls. The wire sections of the sawing wire are moved relative to the workpiece so as to perform a sawing operation. A change in length of the first coating, brought about by a temperature change, is measured by measuring distances between sensors and the rings. The wire guide rolls are cooled in a manner dependent on the measured distances.

Abstract: A wire saw assembly having a slide frame, support frames, and a tensioning carriage. The slide frame has a mounting plate movably attached thereto. Rotation of a lead screw moves the mounting plate towards a work piece. Two support frames are attached to the mounting plate. Each support frame has a plurality of drive wheels and a hydraulic motor for each drive wheel. The tensioning carriage has a slide plate with an idler pulley attached rotatably thereto. Rotation of a threaded rod moves the slide plate and idler pulley to increase or decrease tension in the wire saw. A diamond wire saw is looped around the drive wheels and idler pulley. The slide frame is attached to the work piece and as the mounting plate is advanced towards the work piece, the diamond wire saw engages and cuts the work piece.

Abstract: A gas burner system for food cooking appliances is provided. The system includes a gas supplying duct for delivery of gas to burner system. A first sump and a second sump are coupled to the duct through a pair of nozzles, such that the first and second sumps mix primary air with gas delivered by the duct. A pair of Venturi effect chambers are connected to the first sump and second sump respectively, and are inclined towards a pair of concentric burner components that include an outer burner component and an inner burner component. The Venturi effect chambers direct the air-gas mixture to the inner and outer burner components. Caps are provided over the first and second burner components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for aerating and deaerating an oven (1), which has at least two oven muffles (2, 3) disposed one above the other, the feed apertures (5, 6) of which are or can be closed in each case by a door (7, 8), comprising the following procedural steps: cooling air (L) is drawn off from an outside area surrounding the oven (1), and the drawn-off air (L) is blown at least partially into interior spaces (9, 10) of the doors (7, 8) and then blown out into the outside area after flowing through at least a part of the interior spaces (9, 10), wherein the drawn-off air (L) is blown into the upper door (7) in an upper section of that door (7) and flows substantially downward from above through the interior space (9) of the door (7), wherein the drawn-off air (L) is blown into the interior space (10) of the lower door (8) at a bottom end section thereof and flows substantially upward through the interior space (10) of the door (8), and that the air blown into the interior spaces (9, 10

Abstract: A cleaning system for a cooking range exhaust having a range hood, a backsplash, and an exhaust flue for exhausting cooking effluent is disclosed. The cleaning system can include a fluid delivery system constructed for partial placement within the cooking range exhaust. The fluid delivery system can include a hood spray conduit constructed for placement within the hood and comprising spray openings for directing a degreasing composition to the backsplash. The fluid delivery system can also include a flue spray conduit constructed for placement within or outside the exhaust flue and comprising at least one spray opening for directing the degreasing composition to an interior surface of the flue. The cleaning system can include a pump system constructed for conveying the degreasing composition from a degreasing composition source and through the fluid delivery system. A method of cleaning a cooking range exhaust and a self-cleaning exhaust system are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a hot water supply system having a solar heater that heats a heating medium with absorbed solar heat, a cogeneration unit that heats the medium by heat exhausted from an engine, a hot water supply unit with a heat exchanger for heat-exchanging between the medium and water supplied from a water supply source to generate the hot water, a medium circulator that circulates the medium among the solar heater, cogeneration unit and heat exchanger, an electric heater that heats the hot water with the power generated by the generator, a heat absorption amount to be adsorbed by the solar heater is estimated and operations of the cogeneration unit and the electric heater are controlled based on the estimated heat absorption amount, thereby enabling to improve energy efficiency of the entire system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar tracker with parabolic concentrator, comprising a parabolic concentrator (1) formed by a composition of mirrors (4) focused towards a Stirling engine (3), the mirrors (4) being located on a bearing structure (5), with securing by means of anchors (6) which allow a regulation in a vertical direction, in a lateral direction and in a depth direction, whereas the Stirling engine (3) is secured on the same bearing structure (5) by means of ties (10) which are attached to said Stirling engine (3) by means of two securing elements which can be adjusted in length, the bearing structure (5) being formed by parallel vertical lattices (14) comprising in their formation sheet metal boxes attached to one another by means of other intermediate sheet metal boxes.

Abstract: A tube structure, and a method for assembling the tube structure, is provided, that is particularly useful in a solar heating system. The tube structure comprises, (a) a tube formed into a predetermined (e.g. coiled) configuration, (b) at least one rafter which engages the tube in a manner designed to hold the tube in the predetermined configuration, and (c) a plurality of snippets connected at predetermined locations to the rafter, the snippets extending away from a bottom surface of the rafter, and configured to (i) hold the rafter away from the substrate to allow flow of water and debris along the substrate without interference from the rafter, and (ii) allow relative movement of the rafter and tube relative to the snippets during expansion and contraction of the tube structure.