Abstract: An actuator unit (1) of a cam shifting system, which actuator unit is mountable on an internal combustion engine or a component thereof and has at least one actuator pin (5) for moving shifting cam units of the cam shifting system into different axial positions by means of at least one shift groove formed on the periphery of the shifting cam units and cooperating with the actuator pin (5). The actuator pins (5) are spring-loaded in a direction toward the shifting cam unit, operable by a solenoid unit, and slidably supported in a housing (2) of the actuator unit (1). The housing (2) of the actuator unit (1) is provided with at least one enlargement in each inner surface facing an actuator pin (5).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine for motor-vehicles, includes a system for variable actuation of the intake valves of the engine having a solenoid valve controllable between a closed condition and an open condition wherein it places a pressurized fluid chamber in communication with an exhaust chamber, with the aim of decoupling the intake valve from the respective tappet and causing the quick closing of the intake valve due to the respective return spring. The solenoid valve has a valve element with a cylindrical body having a first conical surface portion and a second conical surface portion. The conical surface portions are defined by the axially opposite ends of a circumferential groove formed on the valve element. The first conical surface portion cooperates with the valve seat. The other conical surface portion has an outer diameter substantially identical to the diameter of the annular edge defining the valve seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for variable setting of control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine which has a drive element an output element and a side cover. The drive element is brought into drive connection with a crankshaft, the output element is brought into drive connection with a camshaft, and the output element is arranged such that it can be pivoted with respect to the drive element. The side cover, which has a sealing cover with an opening and a mating element, axially delimits the output element and/or the drive element, and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the drive or output element by means of a fastening element. The fastening element reaches at least partially through the opening and interacts with the fastening element producing a rotationally fixed connection between the side cover and output element or drive element.

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

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine a valve actuation control arrangement is provided, which has at least three independently axially displaceable cam elements and a switch gate which has at least one continuous gate track for displacing the at least three cam elements sequentially one after the other.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes, during stopped engine operation, burning fuel in an engine intake heater to generate heated gas, the heated gas bypassing engine cylinders via an exhaust gas recirculation passage. The method further includes during combusting engine operation, burning fuel in the engine intake heater to generate heated gas, and flowing the heated gas through combusting engine cylinders.

Abstract: An intake manifold capable of discharging oil or water in a liquid reservoir in a stable manner includes an introduction section for introducing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, a liquid reservoir provided under the introduction section for retaining a liquid medium, a differential pressure tank including a first chamber, a second chamber, and a differential pressure valve for regulating flow from the second chamber to the first chamber, a return passage for allowing the liquid medium accumulated in the liquid reservoir to return to the first chamber from the liquid reservoir when the pressure in the second chamber is higher than the pressure in the first chamber, and an exhaust passage for discharging the liquid medium having flown into the second chamber from the first chamber to the instruction section when the pressure in the second chamber is lower than the pressure in the first chamber.

Abstract: A mass equalization gear mechanism of an internal combustion engine is provided, having a gear mechanism housing (8) with bearing points (16, 17, 18), at least one equalization shaft (6) with a drive section (9) and an imbalance section (12) and rolling bearings (10, 11, 15) by which the equalization shaft is mounted in the bearing points. In this context, the gear mechanism housing is hydraulically sealed, with the result that the imbalance section and at least one of the rolling bearings is hydraulically separated from the drive section and is provided with autonomous lubrication.

Abstract: An opposed-piston internal combustion engine with one or more ported cylinders and uniflow scavenging includes fuel injectors supported at compound angles with respect to the cylinders in order to directly inject spray patterns of fuel in opposing directions through the side walls of the cylinders.

Abstract: Fuel management system for efficient operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder of the engine. A fuel management microprocessor system controls injection of the anti-knock agent so as to control knock and minimize that amount of the anti-knock agent that is used in a drive cycle. It is preferred that the anti-knock agent is ethanol. The use of ethanol can be further minimized by injection in a non-uniform manner within a cylinder. The ethanol injection suppresses knock so that higher compression ratio and/or engine downsizing from increased turbocharging or supercharging can be used to increase the efficiency or the engine.

Abstract: In a two-stroke opposed-piston engine, a ported cylinder with a pair of opposed pistons is equipped with an engine brake including an engine braking valve that can be opened to release air from the cylinder as the pistons cycle between BDC and TDC positions.

Abstract: A vehicular air intake is configured to produce a turbulent intake air flow in a cylinder of an engine. The air flow may be provided as a vortex. A throttle valve, for controlling an amount of intake air provided to the engine, has a pivot shaft with an axis which is offset from a center axis of an air intake passage in which the throttle valve is installed, and a throttle plate affixed to the pivot shaft. The pivot axis is offset and spaced away from the central axis of the throttle body such that a first portion of a throttle plate disposed on a first side of the pivot shaft, is larger than a second portion of the throttle plate disposed on a second side of the pivot shaft. This arrangement provides the non-uniform turbulent air flow into the engine.

Abstract: A method, comprising: operating an engine cylinder with fuel from a first injector and not a second injector and activating the second injector in response to a rail pressure increase of a fuel rail, the fuel rail coupled to the second injector. In this way, degradation of the second injector may be reduced by activating the second injector and allowing fuel flow through the second injector to reduce the pressure and temperature of the fuel rail.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a fuel system for supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine, an internal combustion engine that includes such a fuel system, a connector for connecting a single-walled high pressure common rail to a double-walled fuel line segment, and a fluid containment system. Each embodiment includes drain plumbing having a leakage drain connector that can be used to provide an interface between a single-walled high pressure common rail and a double-walled high pressure fuel line segment, and also provide part of a low pressure passage fluidly connected with a low pressure passage of the double-walled high pressure fuel line segment. The drain plumbing also can provide an interface with a low pressure fuel drain line fluidly coupled to a leakage detector.

Abstract: A nozzle injection apparatus for use in internal combustion engines includes a fuel pump for intermittently pressurizing fuel, an injection conduit in fluid communication with the fuel pump, the injection conduit permitting the pressurized fuel to be communicated to a fuel injection nozzle a control valve in fluid communication with the nozzle, wherein the control valve dynamically and selectively controls a pressure of said pressurized fuel within the injection conduit.

Abstract: Attaching a fuel injector to a common rail may utilize a fuel injector and an integral tab that has a solid head portion from which a first flexible prong and a second flexible prong protrude and define a gap therebetween. A fuel injector cup may define a notch through which the first prong and the second prong reside to secure the fuel injector to the fuel injector cup, which is attached to the rail. A first prong interior straight wall surface and a second prong interior straight wall surface may face the gap and be parallel. The prongs may define entry contact surfaces and exit contact surfaces that meet at prescribed angles to aid in insertion and hinder retraction of the injector tab from the injector cup. The tab defines a solid head portion below the gap that resides in the notch.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to integrated injector/igniters providing efficient injection, ignition, and complete combustion of various types of fuels. One such injector/igniter can include a body having a base portion opposite a nozzle portion. The base portion receives fuel into the body and the nozzle portion can be positioned adjacent the combustion chamber. The injector further includes a valve carried by the nozzle portion that is movable between a closed position and an open position to inject the fuel into the combustion chamber. An actuator is coupled to the valve and extends longitudinally through the body towards the base portion, and a driver is carried by the body and is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the driver does not move the actuator and in the second position the driver moves the actuator to move the valve to the open position.

Abstract: The present invention includes a fuel vapor processing apparatus including a communication passage connecting between a first space and a second space each containing an adsorption material capable of adsorbing fuel vapor. The communication passage includes a dissipation delaying space capable of delaying dissipation or transmission of the fuel vapor between the first and second spaces. The communication passage further includes throttles positioned to oppose to each other across the dissipation delaying space.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a fuel circuit of a fuel injector that includes a first channel, a second channel, and a valve. The first channel is configured to receive a first fuel and define a flow path for the first fuel. The second channel is configured to receive a second fuel and define a flow path for the second fuel. The valve is in fluid communication with the first channel and the second channel. The valve is adapted to direct the second fuel to the first channel when a pressure in the first channel reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: An intake apparatus of an engine provided with a fuel supply device for supplying fuel into an intake passage. A guide body is disposed in the intake passage located downstream from the fuel supply device, and the guide body may have at least one hole. The volume ratio of the guide body relative to the intake passage range and the volume ratio of the total holes relative to the guide body are ranged in the preferable volume percent.

Abstract: A tunable throttle plate for customizing fuel delivery to a supercharged engine includes a plate that may be coupled to intake manifold of an engine. A fuel aperture extends through the plate. A spray rod is coupled to the fuel aperture. A fuel nozzle is coupled to the spray rod. The fuel nozzle delivers a fuel to the plate through the spray rod. A solenoid is coupled to the fuel nozzle. The solenoid is coupled to a fuel source so the solenoid delivers the fuel to the fuel nozzle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing late burn induced cylinder pre-ignition events. In response to a late burn combustion event in a cylinder, ignition coil dwell time is extended in the cylinder to reduce unintended combustion delays. In addition, pre-ignition mitigating actions are performed in a neighboring cylinder that may be prone to pre-ignition induced by the late combustion event.

Abstract: A spark-ignition engine capable of reducing the content of hydrocarbon in exhaust gas is provided. When viewed from a direction parallel to a cylinder center axis, given a central virtual line passing a squish area maximum-width section and the center of a combustion chamber recessed section, and one area a and the other area b divided by the central virtual line, an intake valve port or an exhaust valve port is opened in one area of any opposed section of opposed sections of the combustion chamber recessed section. A spark-plug attachment hole is formed in the other area of the opposed section, such that, when viewed from the direction parallel to the cylinder center axis, a spark discharge section at a tip of a spark plug does not overlap the central virtual line.

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: A method is provided for checking the functional capacity of a liquid-cooled exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine, having an exhaust line connected to the exhaust manifold, in the course of which an exhaust gas sensor having an electrical heater is arranged. During the operation of the internal combustion engine, the electrical resistance of the exhaust gas sensor is determined, on the basis of which the current value of the exhaust gas temperature is evaluated, and compared to a target value of the exhaust gas temperature, which is expected at this point in the operation of the internal combustion engine. Depending on the result of the comparison, the functional capacity of the liquid-cooling of the exhaust manifold is estimated.

Abstract: A projectile shooter toy has a body with a sidewall forming a space for holding a projectile in a loaded state and a pathway leading away from the space and along which the projectile moves in a forward direction. An actuator is arranged to engage the projectile to move the projectile forward along the pathway. At least two pinching members are spaced forwardly along the pathway from the actuator. The pinching members are separate from, and movable relative to, the actuator and the sidewall, and are configured to exert a force on the projectile as the projectile passes between the at least two pinching members.

Abstract: This invention belongs to the group of projectile throwing instruments working without an explosive or a combustible propelling charge in particular to the group of projectile throwing instruments using strained hard body energy and can be used for the design and construction of a missile throwing weapon using a string—namely a bow and crossbow.

Abstract: An archery bowstring release has a single jaw for retaining a bowstring within a bowstring hook, in contrast to dual-jaw pincer-type releases. The bowstring hook is situated on a release head which bears a trigger for actuating the jaw and releasing the bowstring, and a release body extends between the release head and a release mount (which can connect the bowstring release to a wrist strap, glove, or other anchor affixed to the user's body). The release head and body are pivotally joined, and when the release is ready to fire, the central axis of the release body, and at least the rear of the release head, have central longitudinal axes which are aligned with the notch in the bowstring hook, and are thus aligned with the bowstring, and are parallel to or in line with the arrow. The release therefore has a comfortable, natural, and intuitive feel during operation.

Abstract: A grease removal system for a combination oven, requiring venting and condensation of steam, conducts excess grease through the same drainpipe as the steam to a water-filled condenser, then segregates the grease within a reservoir wall. In this way, a single opening may serve to remove both excess steam pressure and grease and temperature-moderated grease may be readily pumped to a convenient location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas burner for a gas cooking appliance with at least one gas hob and/or one gas oven, wherein the gas burner (10) comprises a heat source (18) and an electric ignition system (24), and wherein an electric or electronic control circuit (38) is provided for controlling the electric ignition system (24). According to the invention the gas burner (10) includes a photovoltaic generator (20) for generating the electric power for the electric ignition system (24).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the thermal protection of LED light modules in a range hood appliance is provided. If the temperature of the LED light module reaches a predetermined temperature, one or more protective actions are taken to prevent over heating the LED light module. Such protective actions can include e.g., decreasing and/or terminating the power to the LED light module, opening a damper to provide air for cooling the LED light module, and/or activating a fan to provide forced convection cooling of the LED light module.

Abstract: A kettle includes a water receiving chamber; a water heating chamber; and a water transfer siphon. The water transfer siphon has a siphon inlet aperture in communication with the water receiving chamber, and a siphon outlet aperture in communication with the water heating chamber. The water transfer siphon is preventable from priming with water from the water receiving chamber through a first rotation of the kettle to increase an elevation of a siphon crest of the water transfer siphon relative to a water level within the water receiving chamber, the first rotation occurring in a first direction.

Abstract: The concentrating heat receiver (10) is provided with a casing (41) which has an opening portion (15) into which sunrays are made incident, a heat receiving portion (42) which is accommodated inside the casing (41) so that a working fluid flows therethrough and receive heat from sunrays made incident from the opening portion, thereby raising the temperature of the working fluid, and hanging members (61, 62) in which the upper end sides thereof are coupled to an upper angle (14) and the other end sides thereof are loosely inserted into through holes (44a, 44b) of the casing (41), thereby supporting in a hanging manner the heat receiving portion (42) inside the casing (41).

Abstract: A nebulizer having an insertable container and a monitoring device for counting actuations of the nebulizer is proposed. The monitoring device is mounted in a detachable housing part and directly detects movements of container during a nebulizing process, an air supply current in the region of a mouthpiece, and/or the production of aerosol, in order to detect this as the actual dispensing of fluid and actuation of the nebulizer, while preferably the time of actuation of the nebulizer is additionally detected and stored. This allows better monitoring and guidance for the user.

Abstract: An interface apparatus identification system for a respiration machine such as, for example, a medical ventilator, includes a detection element which is adapted to communicate with the ventilator, a patient interface assembly including a patient interface apparatus for delivering a flow of gas from the ventilator to an airway of a patient, and a differentiating feature which is incorporated into the patient interface assembly. The patient interface apparatus is selected from a predetermined category such as, for example, a specific make or brand. The differentiating feature is detectable by the detection element to distinguish patient interface apparatus that fall within the predetermined category from those that do not. Operation of the respiration machine in conjunction with the patient interface apparatus is dependent upon detection of the differentiating feature by the detection element. An associated identification method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inhaler is disclosed. It comprises a housing to receive a strip of blisters each having a puncturable lid and containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user, a mouthpiece through which a dose of medicament is inhaled by a user and, an actuator operable to sequentially move each blister into alignment with a blister piercing member. The actuator is also operable to cause the blister piercing element to puncture the lid of a blister such that, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece, an airflow through the blister is generated to entrain the dose contained therein and carry it out of the blister and via the mouthpiece into the user's airway.

Abstract: A device for delivering diluted oxygen to a patient is provided. The device comprises a configurable oxygen delivery unit and multiple orifices in the configurable oxygen delivery unit. Each of the orifices has a size which pertains to a particular oxygen concentration. The configurable oxygen delivery unit is structured to enable selectively altering the oxygen concentration without requiring replacement of any components in a respiratory circuit.

Abstract: A vent valve apparatus (10) for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurized above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal. The apparatus (10) includes a gas washout vent (15), a vent valve (18) adapted to progressively restrict the flow area of the washout vent (15), and a pressure sensitive vent valve control means (20,22,23). The control means is adapted to progressively cause the vent valve (18) to restrict the flow area of the gas washout vent (15) in response to increases in the pressure of the gas supply, thereby substantially regulating the volumetric flow of gas and/or CO2 gas through the washout vent (15) over a range of gas supply pressures.

Abstract: A humidifier for use with a pressure support system. The humidifier includes a body having an inlet, a fluid holding chamber, and an outlet. The inlet is positioned upstream and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. The outlet is positioned downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. A back-flow preventing valve is positioned upstream of the fluid chamber. The back-flow preventing valve is movable between an open position, in which the inlet is unblocked, and a closed position in which the inlet is blocked. In the closed position, the back-flow preventing valve prevents fluid, fluid vapor, or both from entering the pressure support via the inlet to the humidifier.

Abstract: A respiration system feeds an anesthetic gas having, a density ?gas, with a Y-piece for connection to a patient, with a respiration circuit having an inspiration branch and an expiration branch, which extend away from the Y-piece. A first supply line from a branch in the expiration branch leads to an anesthetic gas discharge valve and a second supply line from the branch leads to a reservoir. A too high pressure, opposing expiration, cannot build up in the expiration branch and losses of anesthetic gas are kept to a minimum. A prestressing device exerts a prestressing force onto the valve body of the anesthetic gas discharge valve against the effect of gravity. The mass mvalve and the prestressing force determine a threshold pressure in the anesthetic gas discharge line that results in an opening of the anesthetic gas discharge valve.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface adapted in use to face the patient. A cushion having a side wall is removably attachable to the frame. The cushion has a rim extending away from the side wall, and a membrane provided to substantially surround the rim. An inner edge of the membrane defines an aperture, the aperture having a generally trapezoidal shape.

Abstract: A patient interface is disclosed which is comfortable for the user to wear and includes at least in part a moisture permeable or breathable area in the body of the patient interface. In another embodiment the patient interface is a strapless mask that is moulded to fit the contours of a user's face and maximise the mask-to-skin seal. An adhesive material is bonded to the mask cushion and is stamped in place to form substantially the same shape as the cushion such that it fits the facial contours of the user.

Abstract: A conduit coupling assembly for use in connection with a patient interface device. The conduit coupling assembly includes a coupling retention assembly for retaining the conduit coupling in a predetermined position with respect to the user's face, and an adjustment assembly that permits continuous adjustment of a position of the conduit coupling with respect to a user's face. The conduit coupling assembly is continuously adjustable and retainable in an adjusted position and orientation by the adjustment assembly.

Abstract: A medical device tube having extended retention tabs with notches therein for improved coupling of an inner cannula connector to an outer cannula connector. The medical device tube comprises an outer cannula connector having retention tabs on an outer cannula connector flange attached to the proximal end of an outer cannula. The retention tabs maintain the snap ears of the inner cannula connector when the inner cannula connector is rotated whereby the notches substantially hold the snap ears. The snap ears may further be positioned in notches in the outer cannula flange when the snap ears lock onto the outer cannula connector flange.

Abstract: A medical device tube having opposing support ears for improved coupling of an inner cannula to an outer cannula. The medical device tube comprises an outer cannula having opposing support ears on an outer cannula connector flange attached to a proximal end of the outer cannula. The opposing support ears maintain locking ears of the inner cannula in substantially one position. The opposing support ears substantially prevent the locking ears in contact with the outer cannula connector flange from slipping therefrom by, e.g., rotation, axial displacement, torsional shear, etc.

Abstract: A nasal cannula arrangement for use as part of systems for delivery respiratory gases to a patient is disclosed. The nasal cannula arrangement includes a manifold part adapted to receive gases from a delivery conduit. The manifold includes one but preferably a pair of prongs extending upward and curving towards the rear of the manifold. The prongs are inserted into the nostrils of the patient and deliver gases to a patient. The prongs have a cut out on the rear side of the prongs. The cut out forms a gases outlet in the prongs and are shaped such that the area of the cut out area is greater than the cross sectional area of the prongs at the entry point to the prongs.

Abstract: A dilator assembly for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy includes a dilator element having a wall and a proximal end part extending into a distal tip part via an intermediate part. The wall has a substantially U-shaped cross section defining a dilator opening. The assembly extends towards the distal tip part. The dilator assembly is part of a tracheostomy device. The device has a first branch for arranging inside the trachea, and a second branch co-operative with the first branch. The first branch has a first end and a receiving member while the opposing second end has a first coupling part. The second branch has a first end with a guide for a neck penetration member and an opposing second end with a second coupling part for coupling with the first coupling part of the first branch. The first and second branches are detachably coupled together at their respective second ends.

Abstract: A surgical assembly (20) comprises a post (100) having a longitudinally extending axis (104), a support (56) for resisting movement of the post in a negative longitudinal direction, and a platform (70) offset from the support in a positive longitudinal direction. The platform includes an opening (82) through which the post projects. The opening includes a throat (86). The post has a first dimension which renders the post incapable of passing through the throat and a second dimension which renders the post capable of passing through the throat. Alternate embodiments in which the post can be removably engaged with the support and platform and disengaged therefrom without translating the post in the longitudinal direction are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stabilization bar and a stabilization method for stabilizing patients during radiation therapy treatment.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a gas-delivery device to supply a noble gas or other inert gas to a tissue-treatment region and a rinsing device for rinsing a target region, in particular a tissue-treatment region. In the instrument the rinsing pressure is generated by the inert gas supplied by the gas-delivery device.