Abstract: This internal combustion engine comprising a variable compression ratio mechanism either measures an exhaust temperature or exhaust pressure which varies according to an actual expansion ratio, or measures a physical quantity which varies according to the exhaust temperature and/or the exhaust pressure, and estimates the current mechanical compression ratio on the basis of the measured value.

Abstract: A method for operating a fuel system for an internal combustion engine having a metering device, an electrical actuating device, and a valve element includes: activating the electrical actuating device in at least one first cycle in such a way that the valve element switches into a second position corresponding to an open metering device; activating the electrical actuating device in at least one second cycle in such a way that the electrical actuating device is activated from activation to activation, with activation energy which decreases gradually, until a limiting case is reached in which the valve element only just or just no longer switches into the second position; ascertaining a first activation energy, which corresponds to the limiting case; and subsequently activating the actuating device, taking the first activation energy into account.

Abstract: A pressure jet pump of a fuel pump module for a vehicle can prevent an engine from stopping and disordering due to unstable fuel supply, by keeping fuel supply stable in driving under bad conditions. The pump includes: a nozzle portion into which some of fuel pressurized by a fuel pump flows; a fuel intake portion integrally formed at the rear end of the nozzle portion and having a plurality of suction holes around the circumference; a mixing chamber that is integrally formed at the rear end of the fuel intake portion and in which fuels flowing inside through the nozzle portion and the fuel intake portion are mixed; and a diffuser that is integrally formed at the rear end of the mixing chamber and through which fuel sent from the mixing chamber is diffused.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to appropriately control the valve timing (VT) even in a case where a plurality of local maximum points or local minimum points exist on a characteristic line representing a relation between the VT and an air amount. An engine 10 includes VVTs 42 and 44 and the like. When a predetermined operation condition that a plurality of local maximum points exist on a load characteristic line representing a relation between the VT of an intake valve 32 and a load KL is established, an ECU 60 first calculates the VT corresponding to a maximum value KLmax of the load KL as a maximum air amount VT (VTmax). Subsequently, if the maximum value KLmax of the load is less than a target KL, the ECU 60 changes the VT towards VTmax. Thus, the direction in which the VT is changed is determined based on VTmax that is calculated irrespective of a change tendency (slope) of the characteristic line or the like at the current time.

Abstract: The engine boosting system includes an engine having an intake manifold, exhaust manifold and exhaust gas recirculation loop fluidly connected therebetween. A boost circuit including a storage vessel is in fluid communication with the intake manifold and with the exhaust manifold. A throttle is located downstream of the exhaust manifold, the exhaust gas recirculation loop, and the boost circuit. A connection between the boost circuit and the intake manifold is independent of a connection between the exhaust gas recirculation loop and the intake manifold.

Abstract: An EGR gas cooling device for hybrid vehicle provided in an EGR system for refluxing a part of exhaust gas of an engine as EGR gas to an intake passage and configured to cool the EGR gas in a hybrid vehicle including the engine and a motor as travel drive sources of the vehicle includes an EGR cooler for cooling the EGR gas using a refrigerant flowing in a strong electric cooling circuit for cooling the motor.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the oxygen content in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine includes: a sensor element having a measurement electrode; a metal cap that surrounds the sensor element; a heat dissipation element that connects the sensor element and the metal cap; and a bracket for the sensor element. The bracket is in the form of a plastic housing configured to accommodate evaluation electronics for the sensor element.

Abstract: When a blow-by gas collides with an outer circumferential wall of a tubular member, part of oil mist in the collision gas is liquefied (an oil droplet). The oil droplet takes in the oil mist in the blow-by gas which flows into an intake pipe in succession, and moves on the outer circumferential wall of the tubular member in accordance with a flow of an intake gas and the gravity while keeping a liquefied state. The oil droplet flows in from an inlet section while keeping the liquefied state, and uniformly flows into a surface of an impeller to be discharged to a scroll side. A surface of a diffuser is washed uniformly by the oil droplet keeping the liquefied state, and generation or accumulation of the deposit on the surface can be restrained.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a control system for a multi-fuel internal combustion engine capable of using gaseous fuel and liquid fuel, with which variation in an air-fuel ratio of an air-fuel mixture following a switch in the fuel used by the internal combustion engine is suppressed. To achieve this object, the present invention provides a control system for a multi-fuel internal combustion engine capable of using gaseous fuel and liquid fuel, in which, when the fuel used by the internal combustion engine is switched, an amount of burned gas remaining in a cylinder before and after the switch is modified, whereby variation in an amount of wall surface adhered fuel is suppressed using heat of the residual gas.

Abstract: The following invention relates to an ignition coil assembly for an ignition system comprising an ignition coil where said assembly has a main axis and is configured for insertion into and/or removal out of a well associated with an internal combustion engine, wherein the assembly comprises an elongated extension body made of flexible material, said extension body comprising an upper end portion and a lower end portion wherein the extension body is arranged to be transversally bendable in relation to the main axis so that the upper end portion and the lower end portion may assume an angle (?) in relation to each other.

Abstract: A valve (4, 4?) for a fuel system for a combustion engine: A ball retainer (26) is provided with a cavity (28) to accommodate a ball (22). The ball (22) has a first seal surface (30) to cooperate with and abut sealingly against a seat (32). The ball retainer (26) has a secondary seal surface (34) to cooperate with and abut sealingly against the seat (32) when the ball (22) is not in the ball retainer (26). Also, a method for controlling a fuel system for a combustion engine.

Abstract: A fuel injection device is provided with an injection instruction unit that instructs multiple fuel injection valves that inject fuel into respective multiple cylinders of an engine to perform fuel injection while the engine is stopped. The injection instruction unit instructs the multiple fuel injection valves to perform the fuel injection while the engine is stopped on the basis of at least one of an amount of heat from combustion gas with respect to at least one of the multiple fuel injection valves and an amount of heat radiated therefrom. The injection instruction unit refers to an EGR rate before the engine is stopped and reduces the fuel injection while the engine is stopped as the EGR rate is lower.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hand held clay target thrower for throwing one or more targets simultaneously. The associated method is also disclosed. The thrower comprises a handle and a head. The head has two arms which run next to each other and extend laterally from the handle at an angle. The arms are flanged to create inward facing channels wherein clay targets are loaded. The thrower comprises a means for gently holding the targets in place such as a spring positioned in a channel.

Abstract: A projectile launcher having a pair of band securement elements each configured to secure the ends of a band and a pair of members disposed a distance from the pair of securement elements and located to permit the band to wrap about each of the pair of members passing the medial portion of the band between the pair of members to stretch the band toward the drawn condition of the projectile launcher.

Abstract: A device for spearfishing, which device may include a barrel including a first end and a second end, the barrel defining a spear conduit and two band conduits, the spear conduit and the two band conduits extending with the barrel from the first end to the second end. The spear conduit may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The spear conduit may be located between the two band conduits, and each of the band conduits may be parallel to the spear conduit. The barrel may define a recessed groove, which may extend from the first end of the barrel to the second end of the barrel. The device may further include a handle or other accessories that are releasably engaged with the recessed groove. The device may further include band attachment means, such as a cone-shaped plug, for releasably coupling a band to the barrel.

Abstract: A projectile launcher includes a body having a rearward end, and a forward end. A pair of arms is pivotally coupled to the body and a bowstring extends between the ends of the pair of arms and is movable between a cocked position and a released position. Tubular torsion bars are coupled to the pair arms to store and release mechanical energy. A mechanical energy delivery system couples the tubular torsion bars to the pair arms. The mechanical energy delivery system transfers mechanical energy to the tubular torsion bars when the bowstring is moved from the released position to the cocked position, and transfers mechanical energy from the tubular torsion bars to the pair arms to move the bowstring from the cocked position to the released position.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a frame, a first rotatable member supported by the frame, a second rotatable member supported by the frame and a limb supported by the frame. The first rotatable member comprises a first track, a second track and a cam. The cam comprises a power cable track. A bowstring cable segment extends from the first rotatable member to the second rotatable member. A control cable segment extends from the first rotatable member to the second rotatable member. A power cable extends from the limb to the first rotatable member. When the bowstring is drawn, the first track feeds out the bowstring cable segment, the second track feeds out the control cable segment and the power cable track takes up the power cable. In some embodiments, the frame comprises a riser and a spar. In some embodiments, the first rotatable member is supported by the spar.

Abstract: A bow is adapted to shoot a projectile along a direction of flight. The bow includes a riser, a first limb, a second limb, and a drawstring. The riser extends perpendicular to the direction of flight. The riser includes a first mount adjacent a first end and a second mount adjacent a second end of the riser. The first and the second limbs extend along first and second contours from a proximal end to a distal end. The first limb is mounted to the first mount of the riser. The first contour includes a first attachment segment positioned adjacent the first mount. The second limb is mounted to the second mount of the riser. The second contour includes a second attachment segment positioned adjacent the second mount. The drawstring is operably connected to the first and the second limbs adjacent the distal ends. The first and the second attachment segments at least partially extend in the direction of flight from the proximal end to the distal end of the corresponding attachment segment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a bow and methods thereof. In exemplary embodiments, a bow having a centrepiece may include a limb; a string; a string pulley mounted on an end portion of the limb, the string pulley for accommodating the string; a cable pulley connected to the string pulley, the cable pulley adapted to accommodate compensating cables; a subassembly mounted in a rotatable manner, the subassembly comprising the string pulley and cable pulley; and a deflecting stop adapted to limit the deflection of the string, the deflecting stop adapted to strike against a front face of the limb when the string is deflected, the deflecting stop being sufficiently rigid to stop further deflection of the string when the deflecting stop strikes against the front face of the limb.

Abstract: A splitting apparatus comprising a first splitting blade having a smooth top with a width X and a shoulder angle of less than the friction angle, relative to a point in the middle of the top, and a second splitting blade disposed opposite the first splitting blade, the second splitting blade having a smooth top with a width Y and a shoulder angle of less than the friction angle, relative to a point in the middle of the top.

Abstract: A pellet bin insert system for a wood smoker grill includes a container with an open top, first and second parallel opposing sidewalls, a back wall, a front wall, a bottom surface and an inclined panel affixed around its perimeter to the side walls, the front wall and the bottom surface. The container includes a feeder opening in the bottom surface. A slide bar is slideably coupled to a portion of the inclined panel adjoining the bottom surface and has a bottom end slideably coupled to cover the feeder opening in a first position and to open the feeder opening when moved to a second position. The container is adapted to be inserted into a pellet hopper with the feeder hole aligned to drop pellets into a feeder mechanism when the feeder opening is uncovered.

Abstract: The outdoor cooking apparatus comprises an enclosed area defining a heat containment structure, a spine operably connected to the heat containment structure, a collar operably connected to the spine, a quick release device or hinge attachable to a collar on the spine or a spine sleeve, and at least one cooking support attached or attachable to the device or hinge. The device or hinge is adapted for efficient attachment and removal of the cooking support to and from the spine and further adapted for rotatable movement around a central vertical axis of the spine and vertical movement along a vertical length of the spine, thus allowing the user to adjust and customize the intensity of the heat on the cooking support. The cooking supports are also adapted to accommodate a plurality of cooking surfaces.

Abstract: A cooking device having a liquid containing well in a center surrounded by a connected flange positioned or formed at an angle to the well draining liquid into the well, has a controllable flame directed to said well. A collapsible stand has a frame that holds the cooking device and the source of the flame, and has articulated legs selectively collapsible alongside the frame.

Abstract: An outdoor cooker with a fire pit standing on a plurality of legs. Multiple cooking devices can be pivotally connected with the fire pit and are movable between a position over the fire pit and a position away from the fire pit. For example, a cook top, a Shepard's hook for holding a pot, and/or a smoker box could be pivotally connected with the fire pit. In some embodiments, the pivotal connection between the fire pit and the cooking devices are transversely offset.

Abstract: An improved hopper for a pellet grill that permits a first type of flavored pellet to be cleared from the hopper of a pellet grill so that a second type of flavored pellet may be loaded into the hopper for cooking and smoking. The disclosed hopper can also have a viewing window formed in its side for establishing how much, if any, of a pellet material is currently loaded into the hopper.

Abstract: A heat buffering system that has a hydrant boiler for storing energy and a hut for housing the hydrant boiler outside a building being heated using the energy stored in the hydrant boiler. The hut is insulated. The system has a heat source coupling for connecting a local solar energy collector to the hydrant boiler. Heat is stored in the hydrant boiler in separately controllable layers. Heat is transferred from one of the layers to at least one other layer. A controller is configured to control charging and discharging of the hydrant boiler based on the weather forecast. Buffered energy can be used for heating the building or for selling to others via district heating.

Abstract: Heat storage tank comprising an envelope (2) with a longitudinal axis (X) filled with a heat transfer liquid and solid heat storage elements, a first longitudinal end provided with first means (10) for collecting and supplying a liquid at a first temperature and a second longitudinal end provided with second means (12) for collecting and supplying a liquid at a second temperature, in which said solid heat storage elements are distributed across three beds (TH1, TH2 and TH3) superposed along the longitudinal axis (X), separated by a layer of liquid (L1, L2 and L3), the heat transfer liquid being capable of flowing from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating arrangement for heating a fluid, comprising a first heat exchanger loop (5), arranged to act on a fluid to be heated, and a second heat exchanger loop (8), arranged to also act on said fluid to be heated, wherein said second heat exchanger loop (8) is connected to a panel (4) that serves as a solar collector and that is arranged to heat at least a part of said second heat exchanger loop (8).

Abstract: The present application relates to a solar array field (100) having an improved configuration, comprising a plurality of vacuum solar thermal panel (1) and a hydraulic circuit (10) for circulating a heat transfer fluid, said hydraulic circuit (10) comprising at least one circulation path (13, 14, 15, 16) connecting a low-temperature inlet (11) to a high-temperature outlet (12), said circulation path (13, 14, 15, 16) comprising a forward portion (15) successively traversing a plurality of vacuum solar thermal panels (1); said circulation path (13, 14, 15, 16) further comprising a return portion (16) connected downstream to said forward portion (15), said return portion (16) traversing the same vacuum solar thermal panels (1) in reverse order.

Abstract: A method of applying a coating to a glass sleeve with an inner surface and an outer surface, the glass sleeve configured as a part of a solar-receiver tube, is provided. Thereby, the coating is solely applied to one of the surfaces of the glass sleeve. A method of fixing such glass sleeve in an interior of a coating tank, such coating tank and a fixing arrangement for fixing such glass sleeve in an interior of a coating tank, is also provided.

Abstract: A method for shaping a glass sheet having a thickness Ev by applying and adhering a layer of a first material that can be subjected to traction onto a first surface of the glass sheet. The layer has a thickness E1. Either the neutral fiber of the complex moves across into the layer of the first material, the glass being then completely under compression; or the neutral fiber moves towards the first material but remains in the glass sheet, the surface of the glass being then subjected to a level of traction lower than the failure value. The complex comprising the glass sheet coated with the first layer of material is deformed, such that it is close to the final shape and the glass is mainly under compression. A stabilizing element B is applied and adhered or attached onto the complex A and of dimensionally stabilizing the final shape.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a process for the improved hydrolysis of glucans to glucose wherein a portion of the glucose is removed from the process to improve the yield of glucose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of processing lignocellulosic material to obtain hemicellulose sugars, cellulose sugars, lignin, cellulose and other high-value products. Also provided are hemicellulose sugars, cellulose sugars, lignin, cellulose, and other high-value products.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a metered dose dispensing valve for dispensing metered volumes of an aerosol formulation from an aerosol container. The valves described herein are particularly suitable for use with metered dose inhalers for the oral delivery of medicaments. By combining the compliant biasing member and the second valve body into an integral single component it is possible to provide a desirable metered dose dispensing valve for use in inhalation devices or for use in the provision of canisters targeted for use in inhalation devices.

Abstract: A tracheal tube assembly includes an outer cannula configured to be positioned in a patient airway and an inner cannula configured to be disposed inside the outer cannula. The tracheal tube assembly further includes a flange member secured about the outer cannula, and an outer cannula connector coupled to a proximal end of the outer cannula. The inner cannula includes a proximal end region with features that facilitate insertion and/or removal.

Abstract: A device used for generating a breathable vapor from an herbal substance such as tobacco or medical marijuana. The device features a heater assembly having of a rod shape heating element with the heat diffuser-mixer blades attached, and is mounted in a case component having the shape of a tubular cylinder. The heater assembly and case component are configured so that the rod is centered within the tubular cylinder. An herbal chamber, which accommodates an herbal substance, is rotationally and removably insertable into the case component tubular cylinder. A mouthpiece is attachable to the herbal chamber, with a screen component. When electrical power is applied to the heater assembly, the herbal substance is vaporized. The device may also be configured to function as an e-cigarette or an essential oil vaporizer. Rotating the herbal chamber causes the herbal substance to be redistributed.

Abstract: A ventilation device for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of a patient has a gas flow generator, a gas delivery circuit optionally including a humidifier, a controller and sensors monitoring values of operational parameters of the device. The device further includes one or more relationships stored in data storage of the controller relating combinations of parameter values as being indicative of fault conditions of the device operation, the sensors and/or the fault detection process.

Abstract: A device combines a muffler and a filter such as for use with an air compressor. The device utilizes dual expansion chambers with an internal connecting tube to filter the air entering an air intake port of an air compressor or oxygen concentrator.

Abstract: A connection assembly for rotateably and electrically coupling an accessory to a main device includes a housing portion, a rotatable port assembly, and a wire assembly. An end of the port assembly is coupled to the accessory. The port assembly includes an electrical connector member having a first connector end electrically coupled to the accessory. The wire assembly has an electrical wire member having a first end electrically coupled to a second connector end of the electrical connector member and a second end electrically coupled to a power supply. The wire member is spooled around the port assembly and encased in a chamber defined between the housing portion and the port assembly. Rotation of the port assembly in opposite directions causes the electrical wire member to spool more and less tightly around the port assembly without causing pinching or tangling of wires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry powder inhaler device comprising a body having a guide surface formed on an inner surface thereof, a trigger having a socket with a shape complementing the guide surface, and a spring, characterized by comprising at least one retaining element (8) positioned on the inner surface (1) of the body diagonally across the spring (6) to enable the trigger (5) to perform a stable axial displacement and a mechanism check or quality control to be made as one of the parts of the device (7) body is not closed or assembled yet.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a portable handheld pressure support system configured to deliver a blending gas enriched pressurized flow of breathable gas to the airway of a subject. The pressure support system is configured to treat patients suffering from dyspnea and/or other conditions. The therapy provided to dyspnea patients is configured to be used as needed by a subject to rapidly alleviate shortness of breath. The pressure support system is configured to be small and lightweight so that the subject may carry the system and use the system as needed without requiring a device to be worn on the face. In some embodiments, the system comprises one or more of a pressure generator, a subject interface, a blending gas inlet port, one or more sensors, a valve, one or more processors, a user interface, electronic storage, a portable power source, a housing, a handle, and/or other components.

Abstract: The invention related to dry powders that contain a therapeutic agent. The dry powders have characteristics, e.g., they are processable and/or dense in therapeutic agent that provide advantages for formulating and delivering therapeutic agents to patients.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system composed of an inhaler and a capsule, preferably intended for single use. The capsule contains a preferably powdered pharmaceutical preparation which, for inhalation, is expelled from the capsule through at least one hole. The capsule comprises as capsule elements a capsule cap and a capsule body, at least one of which comprises at least one prefabricated hole. The prefabricated hole in the capsule is sealed off in the transporting state of the system and is open in the usage state. The hole is exposed by actuation of a pulling mechanism. Prior to this the hole is closed off by a capsule receptacle or a film. In one embodiment the capsule may be present in two different states, for example in different insertion positions of the capsule elements. In the first state the prefabricated hole is closed off and in the second it is exposed. Also shown is an inhaler suitable as a disposable product, which is manufactured from thermoformed parts or from blister film.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device can include air-receiving section that has a first passageway therethrough to allow air to pass through the air-receiving section, a powder-reservoir receiving section sized to receive a powder reservoir, and a powder-delivery section that has a second passageway therethrough to allow aerosolized powder from the powder reservoir to pass through the powder-delivery section. The first passageway can have a first end and a second end, with the first end being further from the powder-reservoir receiving section and the second end being at or near the powder-reservoir receiving area. The second end of the air-receiving section can include a flattened region so that air exiting the air-receiving section has a generally flattened profile.

Abstract: A mask assembly includes a mask with an inflatable bladder. The internal pressure of the inflatable bladder can be set to be higher than the delivered therapeutic pressure. The pressure offset may be constant, or it may vary over the range of therapeutic pressures. Thus, the force necessary to maintain a contact seal between the mask and the patient can be reduced, thereby providing a system that is more comfortable to the patient, which increases patient compliance.

Abstract: Systems and methods are configured to inexsufflate a subject and provide cough-by-cough feedback during treatment and/or therapy of the subject. Through sensors that are included in the systems, various gas and/or respiratory parameters maybe measured and/or determined in real-time, such as, for example, peak cough flow and/or inspiratory tidal volume.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to an exhalation valve system (10) configured to control gas flow during exhalation of a subject (12). In some embodiments, the system comprises one or more of a pressure generator (14), a subject interface (16), one or more sensors (18), one or more processors (20), electronic storage (22), user interface (23), and/or other components. The system is configured to adjust a rebreathing level of the subject based on detected occurrences of disordered breathing events. By rebreathing exhaled air (and/or other breathable gas) a subject may minimize and/or prevent central sleep apneas. The system monitors the breathing of the subject to detect occurrences of respiratory events related to central sleep apnea. The system monitors accumulated retrograde breathing and adjusts the volume of exhaled rebreathing and/or other system settings affecting the subject's breathing. Through these adjustments, the system may prevent and/or reduce respiratory events related to central sleep apnea.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment apparatus generates an indication of inspiration or expiration based on a measure of motor current of a flow generator. In an example, first and second current signals are derived from the measurement. The first derived current signal may be a long term measure or average of current and the second derived current signal may be a short term measure or average of current. A processor (120) determines an indication of inspiration or expiration as a function of the first and second derived current signals. The function of the first derived current signal and the second derived current signal may be a comparison of the derived current signals. The derived signals may be determined by filtering. The indication of inspiration or expiration may serve as a trigger or cycle control for changing treatment pressure in synchrony with patient respiration without measured signals from pressure, flow or speed sensors.

Abstract: A valve assembly (12) includes a first housing (22), a diaphragm member (24) having a plurality of individually pivotable sealing members (50), and a second housing (26) coupled to the end of the first housing over the diaphragm member. The second housing has a plurality of ports (78) spaced about the second member. The diaphragm member is structured to actuate between (i) a first state wherein the sealing members substantially seal the end of the first housing responsive to a pressure within the first housing being below a certain level, each of the ports being open in the first state, and (ii) a second state wherein the sealing members pivot away from and do not substantially seal the end of the first housing responsive to a pressure in the first housing being at or above the certain level, each sealing member substantially sealing a respective one of the ports in the second state.

Abstract: A headgear assembly is disclosed for use in a patient interface assembly adapted to communicate a flow of gas with an airway of a patient comprising: at least a first headgear portion (9, 11) disposed during use on a first side of a patient's face in an area close to a first eye of the patient; a first stabilization member (2) operatively coupled to the first headgear portion so as to limit the movement of the headgear portion in a direction towards the first eye; and a patient interface assembly comprising such a headgear assembly.