Abstract: A mechanical system, comprising a tappet including a body, a support element defining two bores centered on a first axis, a pin comprising two opposite ends each adapted to be fitted in one of the two bores, and a roller element positioned between the two bores along the first axis and movable in rotation relative to the pin around the first axis. The support element is distinct from the body and fixed thereto, and the support element also comprises at least one antirotation device integrally formed thereto. The mechanical system can be integrated into an injection pump and/or a valve actuator.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for an internal combustion engine is provided with a cam that rotates in conjunction with rotation of a crankshaft, an engine valve that is lifted and opened along with rotation of the cam, a variable lift amount mechanism that is arranged between the cam and the engine valve and varies the maximum amount of lift of the engine valve, and a lost motion mechanism that is arranged between the cam and the engine valve and absorbs the amount of lift of the engine valve by contracting when drive force is received from the cam to maintain a closed state of the engine valve. The maximum amount of contraction of the lost motion mechanism is set to such a value that the lost motion mechanism absorbs the minimum value of the maximum lift amount of the engine valve.

Abstract: A camshaft phaser for controllably varying the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an internal combustion engine includes stator having a plurality of lobes. A rotor is coaxially disposed within the stator and has a plurality of vanes interspersed with the lobes defining alternating advance chambers and retard chambers. A lock pin is disposed within the rotor for selective engagement with a lock pin seat for preventing a change in phase relationship between the rotor and the stator. A lock pin oil control valve is located within the camshaft phaser for 1) selectively receiving the pressurized oil from one of the advance chambers and directing the pressurized oil to the lock pin and 2) selectively receiving the pressurized oil from one of the retard chambers and directing the pressurized oil to the lock pin for disengaging the lock pin from the lock pin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable camshaft for the valve gear of an internal combustion engine, comprising an outer shaft, on which at least one first cam is arranged and connected to the outer shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, and an inner shaft extending through the outer shaft, to which inner shaft at least one second cam is connected in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the second cam connected to the inner shaft in a rotationally fixed manner has a cam hole and is rotatably supported on a seating point on the outer shaft. According to the invention, at least one oil groove is introduced at the seating point in the outer shaft and/or in the inner wall of the cam hole, into which oil groove oil is guided from a gap between the outer shaft and the inner shaft through at least one passage extending through the outer shaft.

Abstract: A mechanical system comprising: a tappet, including a body; an insert mounted in the body; a pin extending along a first axis; and a roller element movable in rotation relative to the pin around the first axis. The insert supports the pin, while the body supports the insert, along at least one first direction parallel to a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. The mechanical system can be integrated into an injection pump and/or a valve actuator.

Abstract: A cam bearing lubrication structure for an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head having a cam bearing region, a plug hole for an ignition plug and a plug tube fitted liquid-tight therein. The cam bearing lubrication structure includes an outer periphery oil path bypassing along an outer peripheral face of the plug tube, a main lubricating oil passage extending through the plug hole and formed to connect to the outer periphery oil path and a guide passage formed in and through the cam bearing region to connect a sliding face of the cam bearing region from the outer periphery oil path and supplying lubricating oil to a sliding face of the cam bearing region and a camshaft. In addition, a lubricating oil supplying structure is provided for a valve apparatus for further increasing the oil supply amount to achieve a further increase in the speed of the engine.

Abstract: A mechanical system, comprising a support element having an outer surface adapted to slide in a housing receiving the mechanical system, a pin extending along a first axis and comprising two opposite ends, each adapted to be fitted in the support element for radial and/or axial retention of the pin relative to the first axis, and a roller element movable in rotation relative to the pin around the first axis. The mechanical system comprises at least one outer insert positioned at the outer surface of the support element. The mechanical system can be integrated into either an injection pump or a valve actuator.

Abstract: Electric starter for internal combustion engine comprising: an electric motor (M) combined with means (R, L) for driving the internal combustion engine and an electronic filter (10) that is arranged on a power circuit (3) of the electric motor (M) that is suitable for at least reducing the electromagnetic disturbance caused by the operation of the electric motor (M). The electronic filter (10) is placed inside a cover (11, 30) of the starter.

Abstract: A starter arrangement for starting a motor vehicle engine, having a starter ring for connecting to a drive shaft, a starter unit for introducing a starter torque into the starter ring via a starter pinion acting on the starter ring, and a clutch connected to the starter ring for coupling the drive shaft to at least one transmission input shaft of a transmission. The clutch is spaced apart in the axial direction from the starter ring by an axial distance s, a forming reserved installation space for positioning an electric machine for a hybrid drive. The starter unit is positioned at least partially, preferably in large part, within the reserved installation space. A smaller installation space requirement for positioning a drive train in a motor vehicle body is possible by the sharing of the reserved installation space provided for the electric machine.

Abstract: The present engine design can comprise one or more three-cylinder modules. Each module can comprise a left-hand combustion cylinder, a compression cylinder and a right-hand combustion cylinder. In an embodiment, the compression cylinder can function as a supercharger providing compressed air to the two combustion cylinders in order to improve performance and efficiency. Each module can comprise a specialized cylinder head comprising an intake air plenum configured to allow pressurized air to flow from the compression cylinder into each of the combustion cylinders. The flow of this pressurized air can be precisely controlled by valves that control airflow into and out of each of the three cylinders. Variable valve timing and computer controls can determine the exact amount of fuel, if any, which will be injected into the combustion cylinders to deliver high fuel economy while delivering an optimal level of power, horsepower and torque.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine may include an encircling ring section in a region of a piston crown. The piston may include a convection region, which has at least one cavity containing a heat transfer medium for dissipation of heat from the piston crown to an underside of the piston. The piston may include a heat insulating region, which is arranged between the ring section and the convection region and thermally insulates the ring section.

Abstract: A technique for making air less likely to enter a strainer in an internal combustion engine in which the strainer is supported by a drain bolt. In an internal combustion engine in which a drain bolt supports a strainer and is configured to discharge a drain is attached to a bottom of a sump. A drain hole into which the drain bolt is screwed and a strainer hole are arranged coaxially. A crankcase is provided with an oil passage through which oil is returned to the sump. The oil passage includes a first passage through which the oil flows in a direction away from the strainer, a return passage that turns around from a forefront end of the first passage, and a second passage through which the oil flows from a forefront end of the return passage toward the strainer.

Abstract: A fuel injection control apparatus of a compression ignition type internal combustion engine includes a controller adapted to control an injector so that pre-stage injection and post-stage injection are performed as fuel injection during one cycle. The controller controls an interval between the timing of the pre-stage injection and the timing of the post-stage injection so that an interval ?t1 between the timing of the pre-stage peak and the timing of the post-stage peak approximately satisfies a condition. The condition is that the interval ?t1 is 0.5 times an inverse number of the frequency f0 at which a combustion noise level becomes the maximum.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a diesel engine starting device, and achieves stable combustion in a short time when the diesel engine is restarted after stoppage of idling. The diesel engine starting device includes injectors (11) that inject fuel in respective cylinders, and glow plugs (13) that generate heat upon receiving electricity to increase the temperature of the respective cylinders. The diesel engine starting device also includes a starter motor (40) that is driven when the engine starts, and an electronic control unit (ECU) (70) that controls the injectors (11), the glow plugs (13), and the starter motor (40). The ECU (70) stops the piston of the cylinder #1 at the bottom dead center of the compression stroke when the idling is stopped, and starts the electricity feeding to the glow plug (13).

Abstract: A valve device for an intake system of an internal combustion engine may include a housing and a flap arrangement. The housing may have one inlet duct per cylinder of the internal combustion engine. The flap arrangement may have a flap for each inlet duct for varying the cross-section of the respective inlet duct through which a flow can pass. The respective flap may be a trough-shaped flap having a curved stirrup region. The respective flap may be arranged between the stirrup ends eccentrically with respect to a flap pivot axis. The flap arrangement may have a common actuating shaft for the common pivoting of the flaps about the flap pivot axis. The actuating shaft may be coupled with an adjusting drive via a lever element having a metallic insert and a plastic body injected onto the insert.

Abstract: A variable valve device for an internal combustion engine is equipped with a variable valve mechanism capable of changing the working angle of an intake valve while holding the maximum lift amount of the intake valve constant. The variable valve device retards the timing for closing the intake valve as the load of the internal combustion engine rises, and enlarges the working angle, while holding the timing for opening the intake valve constant. Operating characteristics of the intake valve are provided in accordance with the load of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A control system is provided for use with a dual-fuel engine. The control system may have a detonation sensor configured to generate a detonation signal indicative of detonation within at least one associated cylinder of the dual-fuel engine, and a governor sensor configured to generate a demand signal associated with a demand for liquid fuel supply into the dual-fuel engine based on an output of the engine. The control system may also have a detection sensor configured to generate a detection signal indicative of a gaseous fuel presence outside the dual-fuel engine, and a controller in communication with the detonation sensor, the governor sensor, and the detection sensor. The controller may be configured to determine undesired flow of gaseous fuel based on any one or more of the detonation, demand, or detection signals.

Abstract: A fuel quality sensor is provided for use with an engine system. The fuel quality sensor may have a single sensing element configured to sense a thermodynamic property of an unknown mixture of gaseous fuel, and a heating element configured to increase a temperature of the unknown mixture of gaseous fuel at the single sensing element to multiple different temperature levels. The fuel quality sensor may also include a microprocessor configured to calculate a fuel parameter of the unknown mixture of gaseous fuel as a function of only the thermodynamic property sensed at the multiple different temperature levels.

Abstract: A conventional gasoline engine is retrofitted and calibrated to operate as a bi-fuel engine using Hydrogen as the second fuel. When operated with Hydrogen, which typically leads to a reduction of engine output power, the engine is preferably operated in a charged mode and in a lean mode with the engine throttle kept in a wide open position during charged and lean mode operation resulting in a more efficient engine with a reduction of engine output power loss.

Abstract: A highly-efficient, yet simply constructed internal combustion engine includes an intake cylinder to accommodate intake and pre-compression of an oxidizing agent, a combustion cylinder to accommodate a further compression of the oxidizing agent, an injection and ignition of fuel, and a partial expansion of combustion gases produced by the ignition of fuel; and an exhaust cylinder to accommodate a further expansion of the combustion gases and subsequent exhausting of the further expanded combustion gases. A reciprocating piston is inside each of the intake, combustion and exhaust cylinders and a crankshaft is coupled to the reciprocating pistons. A first transfer passage facilitates flow of the pre-compressed oxidizing agent from the intake cylinder to the combustion cylinder and a second transfer passage facilitates flow of the partially-expanded combustion gases from the combustion cylinder to the exhaust cylinder.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes: a needle valve including a seat portion in a front end side; a nozzle body including a seat surface on which the seat portion sits, and including an injection hole at a downstream side with respect to the seat surface; and an injection-hole extending member including: a pressure receiving portion that receives pressure in a combustion chamber of an engine; and a movable portion that moves in the injection hole in an axial direction of the injection hole in response to the pressure received by the pressure receiving portion, and that changes length of the injection hole.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments are methods of improving efficiencies of adsorbed gas fuel systems and to recover vapors from gasoline containers.

Abstract: A method for operating a solenoid valve coupled to the inlet valve of a fuel injection pump comprises adjusting a pull-in electrical energy of the solenoid valve based on a fuel injection pump volumetric efficiency.

Abstract: Engines and methods execute a high efficiency hybrid cycle, which is implemented in a volume within an engine. The cycle includes isochoric heat addition and over-expansion of the volume within the engine, wherein the volume is reduced in a compression portion of the cycle from a first quantity to a second quantity, the volume is held substantially constant at the second quantity during a heat addition portion of the cycle, and the volume is increased in an expansion portion of the cycle to a third quantity, the third quantity being larger than the first quantity.

Abstract: A holder for fastening at least one component, particularly a fuel distributor, to an internal combustion engine. The holder includes an elastically deformable damping element, a holder body and a spring element, which are situated lying one behind the other with reference to an axis. In response to an assembly using the fastening arrangement, a prestressing of the spring element and a prestressing of the damping element are made possible. Furthermore, a fuel injection system is described having a fuel distributor and such a holder, which is used for fastening the fuel distributor on an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for determining the quantity of fuel flowing through a fuel injector. The fuel injector has an electric heating device for heating the fuel and a temperature-measuring device for measuring the temperature of the heated fuel. The method includes (a) applying a predetermined electrical heating power to the electric heating device, (b) measuring an increase in the temperature of the fuel as a consequence of the heating power, and (c) determining the quantity of fuel flowing through the fuel injector on the basis of the applied electrical heating power and the measured increase in the temperature. A method for equalizing the fuel feed at at least two cylinders of an internal combustion engine utilizes the method for determining the quantity of fuel flowing through a fuel injector. An engine controller and a computer program carry out the specified methods.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments are methods of improving efficiencies of adsorbed gas fuel systems and to recover vapors from gasoline containers.

Abstract: Embodiments for controlling fuel vapors are disclosed. In one example, a method comprises during a purge of a fuel vapor canister, adjusting a heater of the fuel vapor canister based on a rate of a purge flow exiting the fuel vapor canister and a concentration of hydrocarbons released from the fuel vapor canister. In this way, a fuel vapor canister purge efficiency may be increased.

Abstract: Embodiments for controlling fuel vapors are provided. In one example, a method comprises initiating a purge of a fuel vapor canister responsive to a temperature profile at a vent side of the fuel vapor canister. In this way, release of fuel vapors to the atmosphere may be reduced.

Abstract: An evaporative emission control system for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that indicates the level of loading of a carbon canister of the system. The system has multiple thermocouples positioned space apart from each other along a vapor flow path within the carbon canister. A controller is connected to each thermocouple, which monitors the temperature of the thermocouples. The controller indicates the level of saturation of the carbon canister based on certain pre-determined temperature criteria.

Abstract: A method and system for testing an evaporative emission control system for leaks. The method includes opening a canister purge valve by an amount sufficient to provide a flow equivalent to a predetermined orifice diameter. Then, a vacuum pump evacuates a reference volume consisting of the portion of the evaporative emission control system extending from the canister purge valve to an evacuation level control monitor. The system determines the pressure in the reference volume at the end of a specified evacuation time, and that value is stored as the threshold test value. Then, the system closes the canister purge valve and proceeds to evacuate the entire evaporative emission control system for a predetermined time. At the end of that time, the system identifies the absence of a leak if the system pressure falls at least to the threshold test value. A powertrain control module controls the canister purge valve.

Abstract: Methods and systems for metering at least one EGR valve to a position determined to pass a desired EGR flow for a given set of engine characteristics. The methods include determining the EGR valve position based on pipe flow characteristics, or determining the EGR valve position based on pipe flow characteristics when differential pressure across the EGR valve is less than a pressure threshold.

Abstract: A long-distance projectile throwing toy. A launching section is hingedly attached at one end to a handle section. The distal end of the launching section includes a ball holder for releasably securing a ball/projectile loosely enough to allow the ball to come flying out of the ball holder when the device is whipped by the user. The device is configurable into at least two configurations by selectively moving an angular delimiter on one section into or out of engageability with various ramped portions of the other section. A throwing configuration keeps the launching section at a minimum angle to maximize the force imparted to the projectile and thus its distance and speed. A collapsed configuration enables the launching section to be substantially parallel with the handle section thereby enabling the device to be stored or shipped more easily. The ball holder imparts backspin to the projectile to maximize flight.

Abstract: A handleless slingshot with a folding storage compartment is disclosed. The slingshot does not require that the user grip a handle to shoot it and the folding storage compartment may be removed or omitted if desired. The slingshot includes a storage compartment that can store projectiles (such as steel shot) and/or other supplies. The storage compartment is foldable such that it can be folded into the base of the slingshot to create a compact, portable unit. The slingshot includes a quick-release interchangeable band system that uses clips that matingly engage grooves formed at the ends of the slingshot arms to secure the band. The slingshot includes guard area which protects the web area of the hand when shooting the slingshot. The slingshot moves the thumb and index finger contact points forward of the band to increase stability and eliminate the need to grip a handle when shooting the slingshot.

Abstract: An archery bow system apparatus and related methods for reducing bow torque, comprising: an outer bow grip; an inner bow handle enclosed by the outer bow grip; wherein: when the bow system is in an undrawn state, the outer bow grip is prevented from rotating relative to the inner bow handle; and when the bow system is drawn into in a drawn state, the outer bow grip is enabled to rotate over a limited angular range relative to the inner bow handle.

Abstract: A triggerless back tension archery release is provided. Disclosed archery releases include a bearing ring that rotates relative to a release body. During use, the bearing ring rotates to the same position when force is applied during a draw cycle. This reduces inconsistent placement of the finger and provides consistent release alignment. Disclosed archery releases also include a variety of removable finger extension that provide high mass triggers. An archer can feel subtle movement of the high mass triggers with increased accuracy which provides better control over the archery release.

Abstract: A triggerless back tension archery release is provided. Disclosed archery releases include a bearing ring that rotates relative to a release body. During use, the bearing ring rotates to the same position when force is applied during a draw cycle. This reduces inconsistent placement of the finger and provides consistent release alignment. Disclosed archery releases also include a variety of removable finger extension that provide high mass triggers. An archer can feel subtle movement of the high mass triggers with increased accuracy which provides better control over the archery release.

Abstract: An entertainment venue, amusement attraction, or interactive play center configured to provide a variety of activities for users. The attraction may include blaster cannons, sorting stations, fountain components, registration stations, video monitors, targets, and other interactive elements. Several of these components may receive and/or propel elements (such as foam balls, water, light or lasers, etc.) and accumulate points for users based upon this activity. A registration and tracking system can keep track of specific users and their activities for the purpose of generating or compiling statistics or generating a score for the users. A mobile application associated with the interactive play center may be used during play to indicate additional information or features about the amusement attraction or to allow for continued entertainment by users even after they have left the entertainment venue or interactive play center. This may be conveyed via augmented reality or other visual/audible notification.

Abstract: An air canister for an air cylinder including a valve is provided. The air canister includes an externally threaded head including an axial chamber and a first sealing ring put on a first groove; an internally threaded cap secured to the head; a spring biased sliding rod including an internal first passage, an internal second passage being blocked from the first passage and extending out of the head and the cap, a first port having a first end communicating with the first passage, and a second port having a first end communicating with the second passage; an externally threaded sleeve secured to both the head and the cap and including a second sealing ring put on an internal second groove, a third sealing ring put on an internal third groove, and a fourth sealing ring put on a fourth groove; and a C-ring clamped onto the sliding rod.

Abstract: Provided are devices for determining the correct aiming point of a low velocity projectile and methods and systems for using the devices.

Abstract: A method of producing a sapphire product from a suitable precursor material is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of placing a sapphire product precursor on a support apparatus of a crystalline material processing assembly further comprising at least one cutting tool and two or more x-ray module fixedly positioned around the product precursor. The support apparatus can be tilted and rotated in order to align the crystalline plane orientations to a fixed cutting direction, and the sapphire product can be produced by cutting in that direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stove that operates using liquid fuel of alcohol and water that can be diluted to concentrations as low as 50% alcohol by volume.

Abstract: The cooking device with pyrolysis function includes a cooking cavity, a heating means located within the cooking cavity for emitting heat, a combustion tube having a hollow portion formed to surround the heating means, the combustion tube being heated by the heating means and radiates its heat to the center of the cooking cavity, a combustion space formed between the heating means and the combustion tube in which cooking fumes are decomposed by the heat from the heating means, a fan adapted to withdraw air from the cooking cavity and to discharge a part or ail of the air through the connection tube into the combustion space, a connection tube for connecting fluid communication between the combustion tube and the fan, and a gas outlet for venting the steam and air in the combustion space to the outside of the cooking device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a hood enclosure assembly for cook-top downdraft ventilation and associated systems, techniques, and configurations. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes one or more structural elements for placement on one or both of the cooking surface or a surface adjacent to the cooking surface that is substantially parallel with the cooking surface, the one or more structural elements being configured to form a cavity to house a vent of a downdraft ventilation system. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A burner for a gas-heated cooking appliance includes a pipe for mixing burnable gas with primary air, and a deflecting element which is arranged in an interior space which is bounded by the pipe. The pipe has one end which points toward a nozzle of the burner and another end which points toward a cover of the burner. The deflecting element is arranged in the interior space between a center of the pipe in respect of a longitudinal direction thereof and the one end of the pipe.

Abstract: A solar energy collector includes a first member having a cavity and a longitudinal axis. The first member has a longitudinal window forming a part thereof and a body forming another part thereof. The longitudinal window is made of a material adapted to be transparent to solar radiation. The body has an exterior absorptive surface and an interior reflective surface. A second member is located within the cavity of the first member and is generally parallel to longitudinal axis of the first member. The second member is adapted to carry an energy absorbing fluid. An insulative material fills the cavity between the first member and the second member. A solar energy collection system includes the form going solar energy collector and a solar energy transmitting device for directing solar energy through the window of the collector.

Abstract: A device (1; 10; 11; 12) for storage and transfer of thermal energy associated with an incident solar radiation, which used in a solar plant for the production of energy, based on an optical plant configuration which makes solar radiation converge from above, and comprises: —a containment casing (2); and—a dual bed (31, 32) of fluidizable particles received inside the casing (2) and arranged the one circumscribed to the other one, wherein the casing (2) has at least one receiving cylindrical cavity (20) which extends through the bed (3) of particles and has a open top inlet (21) for receiving the solar radiation concentrated by a field of heliostats and an open or closed bottom (22) at the level of the base of the bed of particles, the overall arrangement being such that one of the beds of particles (31) is arranged in contact with the side skirt (23) of the cylindrical cavity (20) for storing thermal energy received from the solar radiation and the other one bed of particles (32) is arranged in contact with

Abstract: The present document describes an apparatus, and processes for the sterilization and/or pasteurization of sap without denaturing polyphenols and other ingredients present therein, and a sap product prepared from the processes

Abstract: A vaporization device and its method of use, where the device can accommodate a plurality of formulations for dispensing by selecting the desired source. Such formulations can include different drug formulations for providing different effects on the user. Also, an indicator with specialized indicia can be provided to identify the source being dispensed.

Abstract: A surgical helmet assembly including a ventilation system for circulating air around the head of a user. The surgical helmet assembly includes a surgical helmet including a brow bar to be positioned around the head of the user and a chin bar extending from the surgical helmet to be positioned in front of the chin of the user. The chin bar and brow bar include an airflow channel in fluid communication with a fan at the rear of the surgical helmet. The fan generates a flow of air from an airflow inlet at the rear of the surgical helmet through the airflow channel in the chin bar to an airflow outlet in the chin bar and past a user's face in an upward direction and through the airflow channel in the brow bar to an airflow outlet in the brow bar and upward over the user's head.