Abstract: A head gasket is provided for use in an engine having a cylinder head and a cylinder liner with a side wall defining a combustion chamber, the cylinder liner including a liner flange projecting from the side wall in an outward direction away from the combustion chamber. The head gasket includes a main body layer and a flange layer coupled to the main body layer by a flange wrap portion. The flange wrap portion is sized for axial alignment with the side wall of the cylinder liner, and the flange layer is spaced from the main body layer to define a gap between the main body layer and the flange layer adjacent the flange wrap portion. A core layer is coupled to the main body layer and includes a sealing bead spaced outwardly from the flange wrap portion and sized for axial alignment with the liner flange.

Abstract: A nozzle is provided that is capable providing flowpaths for a combined cycle aircraft propulsion system that in one form includes a gas turbine engine and a ramjet. The gas turbine engine produces an exhaust flow that is offset from an exhaust flow from the ramjet. The two streams can be flowed independent of each other or together depending on the application and relevant portion of a flight envelope. The nozzle includes a movable portion that can selectively open and close an exhaust flowpath for the gas turbine engine. The nozzle includes a surface that provides expansion for both low speed (gas turbine engine) flow and high speed (ramjet) flow.

Abstract: A bypass turbojet engine nacelle that forms a fan casing includes a first, upstream, streamlining element and a second streamlining element that forms a jet pipe. The second element can move translationally between a position ensuring aerodynamic continuity of the nacelle and a downstream position uncovering flow reversal openings. A thrust reverser device is housed in the nacelle and includes flow reverser flaps and cascades of vanes providing radial guidance for the flow. The cascades of vanes providing radial guidance for the flow can move in translation along the axis of the nacelle between a retracted position into the first steamlining element and an active flow-guidance position, the second streamlining element being secured to the cascades of vanes, the reverser flaps being mounted to rotate about axes that are transverse with respect to the axis of the nacelle and secured to the cascades of vanes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a rear nacelle assembly for a turbojet having at least one thrust reversal device to redirect air circulating from upstream to downstream in a flow path of a turbojet and a mast that connects the nacelle to a structure of an aircraft. In one form, the thrust reverser device includes a cradle having a first longeron and a second longeron extending longitudinally opposite sides of the mast. The first and second longeron each include a device for slideably guiding the cowl and the cascade. In another form, a rear portion and a front portion of the cradle connects to the mast by a rear connecting device and front connecting device, respectively, such that the cradle is adapted to follow the movements of the turbojet.

Abstract: An anti-adjusting rotary valve type carburetor includes a high speed adjustment oil needle having an eccentric hole and an idle adjustment oil needle having an eccentric hole. Also disclosed is a specialized adjustment tool having an eccentric convex platform for adjusting the high speed adjustment oil needle and the idle adjustment oil needle. Also disclosed is a high speed adjustment oil needle having an eccentric convex platform and an idle speed adjustment oil needle having an eccentric convex platform. Also disclosed is a specialized adjustment tool having an eccentric hole for adjusting the high speed adjustment oil needle and the idle speed adjustment oil needle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting and diagnosing one or more canister purge valves in a fuel vapor recovery system. In one example, a method may include adjusting one or more canister purge valves in a passage coupled to a fuel vapor canister of the fuel vapor recovery system to allow flow between an intake passage and an intake manifold of the engine based on engine operating conditions. Further, the method may include indicating the one or more canister purge valves are degraded and based on a change in air-fuel ratio after adjusting the one or more canister purge valves.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling engine operation in a hybrid vehicle, where the vehicle engine comprises one or more cylinders dedicated to recirculating exhaust to the intake manifold. In one example, if an engine load decreases below a level where dedicated exhaust gas recirculation may lead to combustion stability issues, engine load may be increased above the demanded load and the excess power used to charge a system battery, or if the battery state of charge is above a threshold, the engine may be shut down and the vehicle propelled via battery power. In this way, fuel economy and combustion stability issues may be improved, NOx emissions reduced, and costs for implementation of dedicated exhaust gas recirculation decreased.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing evaporative emissions in a vehicle during engine-off conditions responsive to an indication of undesired fuel outflow from one or more fuel injectors. In one example, at an engine-off event, an electric motor is operated to spin a vehicle engine unfueled to position a cylinder receiving fuel from a fuel injector with undesired fuel outflow with an intake valve open and an exhaust valve closed, and subsequently an onboard vacuum pump is activated to purge the contents of the cylinder to a fuel vapor canister. In this way, upon detection of undesired fuel outflow from one or more fuel injectors, during engine-off conditions mitigating action may be undertaken such that the undesired fuel outflow is purged to the fuel vapor canister, rather than being released as vapors to the environment.

Abstract: An integrated exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler may include a cooling core having exhaust gas flowing therein, and an integrated housing accommodating the cooling core therein and having a coolant flowing therein, in which the integrated housing includes a coolant introduction port having the coolant introduced from an engine thereinto, a first exhaust port exhausting the coolant to a radiator, and a control valve controlling a flow of the coolant through the first exhaust port, and the cooling core includes U-shaped tubes including a bend so that a surface area is increased.

Abstract: A mixer valve of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes a single servo-motor and a differential. A flap arranged in an intake port and a flap arranged in a exhaust duct are driven by a differential. Spring elements tension the flaps in a base position counter to the stops and determine which of the flaps is driven in which control area of the servo-motor.

Abstract: An air cleaner includes a filter element, a case having an opening and being configured to accommodate the filter element, and a lid configured to close the opening. The case includes a wall including a first surface and a second surface that are formed on at least one of an outer surface and an inner surface of the case and are continuous with each other in an opening direction of the opening through intermediation of a stepped portion. The case further includes a rib formed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface to extend in the opening direction.

Abstract: A pre-filter includes a first stage, a second stage, and a third stage. The first stage includes a first stage screen, a brush disposed against the first stage screen, and an actuator to move the brush and the first stage screen relative to one another. The second stage includes a centrifugal separator. The third stage includes a filter media having pores of a predetermined size.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for a reciprocating-piston engine includes a storage tank; a wall of the storage tank defining a first aperture and a second aperture therethrough; a first fuel injector fluidly coupled with the first aperture of the storage tank via a pressure control module and a first fuel injector supply conduit; a pump fluidly coupled with the second aperture of the storage tank; and a second fuel injector fluidly coupled with an outlet port of the pump via a second fuel injector supply conduit. The pressure control module is configured to maintain a pressure in the first fuel injector supply conduit within a pressure range that includes a pressure value that is less than a pressure inside the storage tank. The pump is configured to maintain a pressure inside the second fuel injector supply conduit that is greater than the pressure inside the first fuel injector supply conduit.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a fluid flow trim apparatus includes an outer housing defining a cavity having an interior surface and an end wall having an orifice therethrough, a valve body comprising a first valve portion disposed at least partly within the cavity, the first valve portion and the interior surface defining a first fluid flow path, a second valve portion in contact with the interior surface and defining a second fluid flow path. A third valve portion is disposed at least partly within the cavity between the first and second valve portions. The second fluid flow path fluidically connects the third valve portion to a trim cavity. A filter media extends from the first valve portion to the second valve portion and divides a third fluid flow path fluidically connecting the first and seconds fluid flow paths.

Abstract: A flexible-fuel internal combustion engine apparatus comprises a combustion chamber, an intake valve, a first fuel injector, a second fuel injector, and a computer. The intake valve is operable to admit an intake charge into the combustion chamber. The first fuel injector injects a gaseous fuel directly into the combustion chamber. The second fuel injector injects a liquid fuel into the intake charge upstream of the intake valve. The computer is operatively connected with the first fuel injector and the second fuel injector to actuate injection of fuel respectively therefrom. The computer is programmed to command a gaseous-to-liquid fuel ratio as a function of at least one operating parameter from a group comprising gaseous fuel pressure, gaseous fuel mass, engine speed, engine torque, inlet air temperature, inlet air humidity, knock detection, operating history, torque command, and emissions.

Abstract: A dual fuel fuel-injector including a first nozzle body having a plurality of respective receptacles, a plurality of nozzle needles, each having a stroke that is controllable by a control fluid and at least one associated control chamber. The plurality of nozzle needles include a plurality of first nozzle needles, each being axially displaceable in the first nozzle body of the dual fuel fuel-injector for selective discharge of a first fuel, whereby the plurality of first nozzle needles are arranged in the first nozzle body in the plurality of respective receptacles. The dual fuel fuel-injector also includes a mixed leakage collecting channel communicatively connected to the plurality of respective receptacles, and a mixed leakage discharge channel on the dual fuel fuel-injector and in communication with the mixed leakage collecting channel.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes a body including a first chamber that supplies fuel of a first pressure, a second chamber that supplies fuel of a second pressure, and an injection hole, a valve chamber member including a valve chamber connectable to the first chamber and the second chamber, a control chamber member including a control chamber connectable to the first chamber, a needle pressed by pressure of fuel in the control chamber in a direction that causes fuel injection from the injection hole to stop, an actuator, a valve element that selectively connects the first chamber, second chamber, and the valve chamber according to the actuator extending and contracting, and a transmission mechanism that when the actuator extends, transmits the force to the needle as a force in a direction that causes fuel to be injected from the injection hole.

Abstract: Fuel is injected by energizing a solenoid of a fuel injector for an on-time that terminates at a first end-of-current timing. An end-of-current trim is determined at least in part by estimating a duration between an induced current event in a circuit of the solenoid and a valve/armature interaction event. An induced current event occurs when an armature abruptly stops, and a valve/armature interaction event occurs when the armature couples with or de-couples from the valve member. Fuel is injected in a subsequent injection event by adjusting the end-of-current timing by the end-of-current trim.

Abstract: A fuel injector is provided and may include an injector body and an injector valve. The injector body may define a longitudinally extending chamber and may include a first intake port, a second intake port and a fuel injection port. The injector valve may be disposed within the chamber and may include a longitudinally extending aperture in fluid communication with the longitudinally extending chamber. The injector valve may be configured to prevent fluid communication between the first intake port and the second intake port, and may be configured to prevent fluid communication between the fuel injection port and the second intake port.

Abstract: A fuel injection device includes a nozzle needle, an actuator for actuating the nozzle needle, a force sensor for detecting a force applied by the actuator, and a control unit which is connected to the force sensor. The force sensor supplies signals to the control unit and the control unit is designed for determining a position of the nozzle needle and for precisely determining an injected fuel quantity, based on the supplied signal.

Abstract: A fluid injector has a solid state actuator and a control piston unit arranged in a recess of an injector body. A transmission pin mechanically couples the actuator to the control piston unit. A first control chamber, coupled hydraulically to a second control chamber, is delimited by the control piston unit and the injector body. A control piston of the control piston unit has an end surface that is coupled to the transmission pin and which delimits the first control chamber. The control piston unit has a control sleeve arranged coaxially with the control piston and an inwardly directed projection that provides a driving coupling between the control piston and the control sleeve after a predefined control stroke of the control piston. The driving coupling results in the control piston influencing a free volume of the first control chamber during an axial movement of the control piston.

Abstract: A fuel pump for a direct injection system having: a pumping chamber; a piston, which is mounted in a sliding manner on the inside of the pumping chamber; an intake channel, which originates from a wall of the pumping chamber and has a housing portion; an intake valve, which is inserted into the housing portion of the intake channel; and a locking ring nut with an annular shape, which is threaded and is screwed into the housing portion of the intake channel so as to strike against the intake valve; the housing portion has an annular abutment, which reduces the diameter of the housing portion and against which the intake valve strikes; the locking ring nut is screwed into the housing portion with a tightening force that is sufficient to determine a plastic deformation of the annular abutment against the intake valve.

Abstract: Where performing a main injection, and a sub-injection that injects a minute amount of fuel in a short region of driving time, a check is conducted to determine whether or not the minute amount of fuel is injected accurately. In a specific cycle at a time of cold starting when catalyst warm-up control is performed, the main injection is omitted and a checking injection corresponding to a sub-injection is performed. Injection conditions of an in-cylinder injection valve are made uniform between the checking injection and the sub-injection. A fuel amount that is actually injected from the in-cylinder injection valve in the specific cycle is calculated based on an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas discharged from an engine and an in-cylinder air amount, and is compared with a fuel amount that theoretically should be injected from the in-cylinder injection valve.

Abstract: Provided is a system of carrying out engagement of a pinion and a ring gear at optimal timing and suppressing a bite-in sound, in a vehicle including an idle stop system. In a vehicle control device including an automatic stop unit which automatically stops an engine on the basis of an operating state of a vehicle; an automatic start unit which controls a starter during a period until the engine completely stops after the automatic stop unit executes the automatic stop of the engine, and restarts the engine; and an engine rotation detection unit which detects or operates a crank phase or a rotation number of the engine, the automatic start unit determines a control command of the starter at an interval shorter than an update interval of a signal of the engine rotation detection unit.

Abstract: A vehicle power source device includes a first group that includes a first battery and a first load group which is connected with the first battery, a second group that includes a second battery or includes the second battery and a second load group which is connected with the second battery, a third group that includes a starting device which starts an internal combustion engine and a capacitor, a first switch that is provided between the first group and the second group, a second switch that is provided between the second group and the third group, a third switch that is provided between the first group and the third group, and a control unit that performs control to turn the first switch off, the second switch off, and the third switch on in a case where the internal combustion engine is started.

Abstract: An engine has an ignition source in a combustion chamber of the engine. An inner housing is provided that includes one or more jet apertures and defines an inner chamber containing the ignition source. An outer housing (or pre-chamber) is provided that includes one or more jet apertures in communication with the main combustion chamber and defines an outer chamber containing the inner housing.

Abstract: A laser ignition system has: at least one arrangement for producing a pulsed laser beam; and at least one arrangement for focusing the produced pulsed laser beam onto a focus zone, e.g., in order to ignite a combustible gas mixture in an internal combustion engine or a burner. The laser ignition system is designed to produce a pulsed laser beam having a normed fluence volume greater than 0.1.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for utilizing a source of liquid to rotate an output shaft and produce rotational torque that operates a machine to produce electricity, operate a pump or accomplish other work. Liquid from the supply of liquid flows into a flow chamber where the liquid is mixed with pressurized gas to form an aerated flow stream that flows upward in the flow chamber to lift the liquid to a position above a liquid-driven rotating mechanism, such as a water turbine or open impeller. The liquid is directed to the rotating mechanism by liquid discharge devices. Liquid passing through the rotating mechanism rotates the output shaft and then flows back into the supply of liquid. A supply of pressurized gas supplies the gas to the flow chamber. Gas discharge vents remove the gas from the aerated flow stream upstream of the liquid discharge devices.

Abstract: An opposed swash plate type fluid pressure rotating machine in which a first piston and a second piston projecting from opposite ends of a cylinder block reciprocate in a cylinder, respectively following a first swash plate and a second swash plate includes a center spring for biasing the cylinder block toward the second swash plate. A housing hole (biasing force receiving part) for receiving a biasing force of the center spring is formed on one end part of the cylinder block. The tip of a second neck (reaction force receiving part) for receiving a reaction force from the second swash plate is formed on the other end part of the cylinder block. The cylinder block is biased only toward the second swash plate by the center spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating wind energy harvesting apparatus for offshore installation, comprising an elongated wind turbine body extending along a longitudinal wind turbine body axis, said wind turbine body comprising a lower body portion and an upper body portion; wind turbine blades attached to the upper body portion; at least a first cavity inside said wind turbine body and arranged within a first radial distance from said longitudinal wind turbine body axis; at least a second cavity arranged within a second radial distance, greater than said first radial distance, from said longitudinal wind turbine body axis; at least a first pump for pumping water from said first cavity to said second cavity; and an energy converter attached to said wind turbine body for converting the rotation of said wind turbine body to electrical energy.

Abstract: A multi-stage radial turbine for usage in energy capture from fluid streams with low to moderate relative speed.

Abstract: Wind turbine consisting of an anchoring to the ground or to a base and a mast, the natural oscillation frequency of which is purposely adjusted to the frequency of appearance of the air vortices or eddies produced after the collision of a laminar and stationary airflow against the surface thereof. The aeroelastic energy thus absorbed is converted into electrical energy due to the use of materials with high electromechanical coupling.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to wind turbine generators, and more specifically to the deactivation of wind turbines in a wind turbine park. A wind park controller may be configured to retrieve data indicating fatigue experienced by each wind turbine of the wind turbine park, and deactivate those turbines determined to be the most fatigued, thereby increasing the lifetime of turbines in the wind turbine park.

Abstract: An automated system for mitigating risk from a wind farm. The automated system may include an array of a plurality of image capturing devices independently mounted in a wind farm. The array may include a plurality of low resolution cameras and at least one high resolution camera. The plurality of low resolution cameras may be interconnected and may detect a spherical field surrounding the wind farm. A server is in communication with the array of image capturing devices. The server may automatically analyze images to classify an airborne object captured by the array of image capturing devices in response to receiving the images.

Abstract: A method and system for converting mechanical energy from a generator operated by a turbine into electric energy to be input into an electric network, comprising the following: (A) supplying a power electronic converter connectable to input of the generator and to output of the electric network; (B) supplying an electrical power outputting the generator to the power electronic converter; (C) adapting the electrical power using the power electronic converter to input the electrical power to the electric network by the following substeps: (C1) calculating rotation speed of the turbine; (C2) calculating wind speed moving the turbine; (C3) calculating reference rotation speed, corresponding to the maximum point of power input to the electric network, using a Maximum Power Point Tracking algorithm; the method comprising substep (C1) implemented by an algorithm carrying out a virtual encoder, and substep (C2) implemented by training a neural network implementing a virtual anemometer.

Abstract: A wind turbine having discrete sets of magnets on the turbine support and the turbine rotor, creating repelling forces and spaces therebetween. The reduction of friction between the turbine rotor and the turbine support allows for an increase in energy production and scale of the wind turbines.

Abstract: A wind turbine (1) is provided, having a wind turbine tower (2) and at least one rotatable blade (5), and further comprising a system for measuring rotor blade vibration of said wind turbine. The system comprises at least one Doppler radar unit (7) operatively configured to emit and receive radar signals, the radar unit being mounted on the wind turbine tower at a position above the lowest position of the at least one blade, the radar unit being positioned so as to measure reflections of an emitted radar signal from the turbine blade. A processing unit is configured to receive measurement data from the radar unit and to determine, by analysis of Doppler shift in received radar signals relative to transmitted signals due to movement of the blade towards or away from the turbine tower, the velocity of the blade in the direction towards or away from the turbine tower.

Abstract: A wind turbine is provided, having a wind turbine tower and at least one rotatable blade, and further comprising a system for measuring rotor blade vibration of said wind turbine. The system comprises at least one Doppler radar unit operatively configured to emit and receive radar signals, the radar unit being mounted on the wind turbine tower at a position above the lowest position of the at least one blade, the radar unit being positioned so as to measure reflections of an emitted radar signal from the turbine blade. A processing unit is configured to receive measurement data from the radar unit and to determine, by analysis of Doppler shift in received radar signals relative to transmitted signals due to movement of the blade towards or away from the turbine tower, the velocity of the blade in the direction towards or away from the turbine tower.

Abstract: A method, system and program product comprise applying a source of heat to a heatable object for a first predetermined period of time. The applying is conveyed by a terminal device. The heatable object is positionable within a sensing range of a motion detector. The applying of the heat source is stopped for a second predetermined period of time. The stopping enables the heatable object to cool in which a cycle of the applying and the stopping with motion of said heatable object is detectable by the motion detector.

Abstract: A propulsion system for spacecraft is based on an electric engine that expels propellant to achieve thrust. The propellant is first ionized to generate a plasma. Plasma particles are selectively accelerated via a pulsed laser that accelerates predominantly the electrons in the plasma. The electrons are expelled first, forming a space charge that acts as a virtual cathode to accelerate the positive ions. Interactions between the laser beam and plasma electrons are predominantly through the ponderomotive force.

Abstract: A damping unit, such as a shock absorber, includes a cylinder (2), a piston (4) dividing the cylinder into a compression chamber 6 and a rebound chamber (8), and a piston rod (10). The rod extends from the piston through at least the rebound chamber. The compression chamber reduces in volume and the rebound chamber increases in volume as the damping unit contracts generating a compression flow across the piston, and the rebound chamber reduces in volume and the compression chamber increases in volume as the damping unit extends, generating a rebound flow across the piston. The piston has a compression chamber piston face and an annular rebound chamber piston face. At least one rebound restriction is provided in or on the piston, such as one or more rebound ports (26)/passages/valving (28), and at least one compression restriction, such as one or more compression ports 14/passages/valving (20) is provided in or on the piston.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump includes an open-bottomed barrel adapted for attaching to the lower end of a production tubing string; a seating assembly having a cylindrical bore and adapted for mounting to a seating nipple at the upper end of the barrel; and a plunger assembly adapted for attaching to the lower end of a sucker rod string. The plunger assembly includes concentric upper and lower plunger sections interconnected by a double-valve, ported valve cage. The plungers are sized for sealing reciprocating engagement within, respectively, the bore of the seating assembly and the bore of the pump barrel. The lower plunger and the ported valve cage define a production chamber within the pump barrel. The upper plunger has ports allowing fluid flow from the tubing into the production chamber. Optionally, the upper plunger and the barrel may be provided with flush ports facilitating flushing of the pump to eliminate vapor lock.

Abstract: Reciprocating fluid pumps include a reinforced shaft including an inner shaft and a protective cover. The protective cover at least substantially encapsulates the inner shaft. The inner shaft exhibits a greater resistance to mechanical deformation than the protective cover, and the protective cover exhibits a greater resistance to chemical corrosion by the subject fluid than the inner shaft. Methods of forming a reciprocating fluid pump include forming a reinforced shaft and positioning the reinforced shaft within a subject fluid chamber and between two plungers.

Abstract: An oil-free compressor for a rail vehicle includes a multi-piece compressor housing, a first piston cylinder supported in a first opening in the compressor housing, a second piston cylinder supported in a second opening in the compressor housing, and a multi-piece crankshaft assembly supported by the compressor housing. The crankshaft assembly is linked to pistons of the first and second piston cylinders by respective connecting rods. The connecting rods connect to a wrist pin associated with each of the pistons, and the wrist pins are respectively supported by a dry lubricant bushing to the associated piston. The compressor housing may have at least a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion and the second housing portion may form respective halves of the compressor housing that are secured together with mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A linear compressor and a refrigerator including a linear compressor are provided. The linear compressor may include a shell coupled to a suction inlet, through which a refrigerant may be introduced, and a discharge outlet, through which the refrigerant may be discharged, a cylinder disposed within the shell to accommodate a piston reciprocated to compress the refrigerant introduced through the suction inlet, a frame that accommodates the cylinder, the frame being mounted inside the shell, and a discharge cover coupled to a front surface of the frame to discharge the refrigerant compressed by the piston to the discharge outlet. A front surface of the cylinder that faces the discharge cover may be spaced a predetermined distance from the discharged cover.

Abstract: A piezoelectric fan includes a vibrating plate including blades and a base that are integral. Piezoelectric elements are mounted on the blade on the side of the base. Piezoelectric elements are mounted on the blade on the side of the base. Piezoelectric elements are mounted on the blade on the side of the base. Support bodies are disposed such that the base of the vibrating plate is sandwiched therebetween. A portion of each of the piezoelectric elements is sandwiched between the vibrating plate and the support plate, and a portion of each of the piezoelectric elements is sandwiched between the vibrating plate and the support plate.

Abstract: A pump motor controller for determining the speeds and run times of a pump motor for use in a pool is provided. The controller is adapted to receive data in the form of at least one of water parameters and outdoor parameters. The controller is further adapted to receive to receive data in the form of desired pool or spa set points. The controller is further adapted to determine the speeds and run times of a pump motor for use in a pool based at least in part on data in the form of at least one of water parameters and outdoor parameters and data in the form of desired pool set points.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pump comprising a dosage head (1) comprising a first part (2) and a second part (7) in which there is provided a hydraulic chamber (8) which is filled with a fluid and a dosage body (14) comprising means for driving a piston (13) of the pump in translation in the hydraulic chamber, a valve (17) for regularization of pressure in the hydraulic chamber, and at least one degassing path (33, 34, 36, 37) which extends in the second part, such that a first end of the path which forms the lowest point of the said path opens out at a junction between the piston and a seal fitted on the piston, and a second end of the path which forms the highest point of the said path opens out into a hollow body of the said valve.

Abstract: A bicycle air pump includes an air cylinder; a joining member on the cylinder and including upper, intermediate and lower chambers, and a passageway communicating the cylinder with the lower chamber and a relief valve; an activation assembly on the joining member and including a hollow spring-loaded stem in both the intermediate chamber and the lower chamber, an end seal, a cap on the upper chamber, a push rod through the cap to urge against the seal and having an axial hole and a lateral hole communicating with the axial hole, a knob secured to the push rod and the cap, and an outlet; a pressure gauge on the joining member and communicating with the passageway; an inlet assembly secured to bottom of the cylinder and including a check valve; and a blocking member secured to bottom of the stem for blocking the passageway when in an inoperative position.

Abstract: A method for operating a progressive cavity pump wherein the stator has at least first and second active stator sections that are at different locations on the stator, comprising inserting a first rotor having a first active rotor section that is aligned with the first active stator section, and rotating the first rotor relative to the first active stator section such that the aligned first active rotor and stator sections generate a pumping force. Subsequently, the first rotor is removed and a second rotor is inserted having a second active rotor section that is aligned with the second active stator section, and rotating the second rotor relative to the second active stator section such that the aligned second active rotor and stator sections generate a pumping force.