Abstract:
A signal generator provides a non-linear fuel-control output signal, in response to an analog input-voltage signal which is linearly related to throttle setting. A multi-step switch divides into equal increments the full range of possible throttle-setting signals, and, in conjunction with a resistor network, provides a stepped output, the progression of which is a non-linear function of throttle setting. A dither circuit produces an oscillating sawtooth voltage of amplitude scaled to a one-step increment, and addition of this voltage to the throttle-setting voltage is effective to produce a smooth and effectively continuous non-linear output of the resistor network. A smoothing circuit at output of the resistor network yields a d-c output which is non-linearly related to the throttle setting . Non-linearity can be designed to various requirements merely by selection of component values in the resistor network, without change of the switch and without modifying or adjusting any of the componentry for input-signal supply to the switch.
Abstract:
A system for use with an internal combustion engine which reduces, or eliminates, engine knock and attendant engine damage. An audio transducer (10) is placed on an engine cylinder to convert audio signals occuring within the combustion chamber into an electrical signal. This signal is sampled and filtered (20, 40) and the amplitudes of two time-sequenced segments are compared. One of these segments (C) is timed for an interval during which detonation, if any, is likely to occur, and the other of these segments (B) is timed for an interval during which no detonation is likely to occur. When the amplitude of the sample (C) from the segment of likely detonation exceeds the amplitude of the sample from the segment (B) of unlikely detonation, by a predetermined amount, extra fuel is momentarily added to the combustion chamber to slow down the rate of combustion and cool the walls of the combustion chamber.
Abstract:
A reverse osmosis membrane (10) with improved physical characteristics which is particularly useful in water purification. This membrane includes a thin, active layer (20) of a relatively inert, film forming, polymer, preferably cellulose triacetate, which is capable of dissolving a limited amount of water. The active layer is used in association with a porous support (12), preferably polyvinylidene fluoride. This active layer is disposed on a hydrogel layer (16) which serves to facilitate the movement of water away from the active layer generally toward the pores in the support. The support used is an asymmetric layer or membrane in which the porosity increases with the distance from the hydrogel layer. The complete membrane may be made by employing solvent solutions which are successively applied to the support layer or membrane and from which the solvent is removed.
Abstract:
This invention provides a method of preparing conjugates of bioactive compounds and site-specific compounds in which covalent bonding between the compounds is effected by interfacial condensation while protecting the active binding sites from the condensation reaction. This provides very high yields of the bioactive, site-specific conjugate, the products are homogeneous and it provides novel conjugate products. It is of particular advantage for monoclonal antibodies conjugated with cytotoxic agents.
Abstract:
The invention includes means (40c, 40d) for pneumatically amplifying sensed air flow pressure differential (PD) through an air intake venturi (32) between a first air pressure sensor (50) outside the venturi and a second pressure sensor (46) in the venturi. Pressure at the inner end (45) of the second pressure sensor (46) is reduced by altering the air path (28c, 28d) creating a vacuum at that point (45). A throttle plate (40) in the venturi (32) has a by-pass hole (40c, 40d) therethrough, creating a vacuum by pulling air out of the inner end (45) of the sensor tube (46), to reduce pressure thereat. This maintains a sufficient sensed pressure differential (PD) between the outside of the venturi and the inside of it, and amplifies said differential to provide improved tracking of fuel flow requirements between prescribed lean limit (LL, Figs. 20-22) and rich limit (RL) requirements, at idle and low speed.
Abstract:
A tire fill valve (2) having pressure relief and tire fill fluid gas flow limiting characteristics for use in filling tires to a predetermined pressure from a large flow capacity gas source delivering fill gas at a substantially greater pressure. Gases utilized typically are air or nitrogen. The valve (2) of the invention is wheel mounted intermediate the gas pressurizing source and the tire gas valve inlet (1). Tire fill gas from a high pressure high capacity source passes through a flow limiting orifice (26) having a positive closure or shutoff member (28) and passes through a pressure sensitive chamber (42) as it enters the tire. Chamber pressure is sensed by a spring loaded valve disk (46) controlling relief or venting orifices. When fill pressure in the pressure sensitive chamber (42) exceeds a predetermined value established by the valve disk area and valve disk springs (44), the disk (46) lifts allowing the venting of the fill gas. Overpressurization of the pressure sensitive chamber (42) and tire with the disk (46) in its relief position is prevented by limited flow and/or positive flow shutoff through the chamber entrance or flow limiting orifice (26).
Abstract:
A fluid mount (10) for an inboard marine engine includes a combination of a solid elastomer (13) and a fluid dampening means (34) to significantly improve vibration isolation and cushioning under normal shock loads. The fluid dampening means (34) is constructed to lock-up and become inoperative under heavy shock loads to protect the mount (10) against overload failure. An improved mounting system utilizing the fluid mounts optimizes the performance thereof.
Abstract:
A two cycle crankcase compression fuel injected internal combustion engine has a first set of one or more throttle valves (104, 106) controlling combustion air flowing into the crankcase, and a second set of one or more throttle valves (110, 112) also controlling combustion air flowing into the crankcase. A throttle position sensor (202) is coupled to the first set of throttle valves (104, 106) and controls fuel injection according to throttle position. Increased resolution of sensed throttle position at low engine speed is provided by admitting combustion air only through the first set of throttle valves (104, 106) and not through the second set of throttle valves (110, 112) at low engine speed for an initial given range of motion, such that greater movement of the first set of throttle valves (104, 106) is required to obtain a given amount of combustion air flow for a given engine speed, prior to opening the second set of throttle valves (110, 112), to provide more accurate fuel injection and better driveability. Progressive throttle linkage (200) is moveable to open the first set of throttle valves (104, 106) through a given range of motion prior to opening the second set of throttle valves (110, 112).
Abstract:
In a two cycle internal combustion engine (2), a turbulence generator (70) is provided by a freely rotating fan (72) in the fuel-air stream to the reed valves (16) which supply the fuel-air mixture into the crankcase chamber (8). The freely rotating fan (72) is driven by the fuel-air mixture flow and rotates to generate turbulence to provide more uniform distribution of the fuel-air mixture.
Abstract:
A marine drive unit (1) includes a lower propeller torpedo housing (9) of generally cylindrical configuration having a longitudinal centerline (19). A propeller shaft (17) is mounted in the housing for rotation on an axis (20) offset form the centerline. The shaft is journalled in a forward bearing assembly (18) which is held in place by a support (25) adjustably mounted to the housing and on the offset axis. A nose (30) is removably secured to the forward housing end by a mounting bolt (40) which extends into the support on the offset axis. A single multi-purpose opening or port (34) in the forward end of the nose communicates to an interior entry passage (35) in the nose. The entry passage in turn merges into a pair of passage branches (36, 37). One branch (36) is disposed on the offset propeller shaft axis and receives the mounting bolt. The other branch (37) is positioned to communicate with the cooling water passages (21-23) in the lower unit, and which lead to the marine drive engine (4). A torque retention and sealing member (42) is disposed between the support and the nose. Furthermore, a torque retention and sealing member (44) is disposed between the bolt head and the inner end of its passage branch.