Abstract:
A GPL fuel system for an internal combustion engine, including a GPL fuel tank and a pump immersed in the fuel tank and driven by an electric motor, the pump being kept constantly running when the temperature is below 0null C. or above 80null C., whilst the supply voltage of the electric motor driving the pump is chopper-controlled when the temperature is between the two said values.
Abstract:
A vehicle headlamp comprising two glass panes carrying an array of micro-lenses that can be moved relative to each other both along the optical axis of the headlamp and along a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. These movements are controlled via a number of shape memory actuators.
Abstract:
In an internal-combustion engine with a hydraulic system for variable operation of the engine valves, there is envisaged at least one supplementary reservoir bled off to the atmosphere, communicating with the low-pressure circuit for compensating for the variations in volume of the hydraulic fluid that derive from the variations in temperature and for thus preventing air bubbles from forming in the circuit.
Abstract:
The user interface has a display unit for displaying user-activatable functions, and a selecting and activating device for selecting and activating the functions and operating according to a selection scheme having four selection directions arranged in the form of a cross. The display unit has four display sectors for displaying respective functions, and which are selected by operating the selecting and activating device in the aforementioned selection directions, and are also arranged in the form of a cross corresponding with that of the selection directions.
Abstract:
An actuator device for a control valve is described and comprises a piezoelectric actuating member for bringing about the movement of a closure member of the valve between an open position and a closure position; the member has a reference portion for connection to a fixed portion of the device and a free portion for connection to the closure member, the free portion being movable relative to the reference portion as a result of mechanical deformations produced in the actuating member by the piezoelectric effect. The reference portion of the actuating member is controllable selectively between a condition in which it is locked in a reference position and is fixed firmly to the fixed portion of the device, and a free condition in which it is movable relative to the fixed portion.
Abstract:
There is described a motor vehicle rear suspension comprising, for each wheel, a longitudinal arm carrying the wheel and pivotally mounted onto the fixed structure of the motor vehicle around a transverse axis. The arm includes a torsionally deformable blade arranged substantially in a longitudinal vertical plane and an auxiliary arm connected to the fixed structure of the motor vehicle with the interposition of an articulated rod element and is further connected to the fixed structure of the motor vehicle by means of a transverse rod.
Abstract:
A cooling system for an internal combustion engine of a motor-vehicle has two separate cooling circuits for the cylinder head and the engine block. The cooling fluid which flows through the cylinder head circulates through a radiator in all operating conditions of the cooling system. The cooling fluid which flows through the engine block is instead de-routed so that it does not flow through the radiator and, when it comes out of the engine block, is fed into a conduit at the outlet from the head so that the engine block is kept at a temperature greater than that of the head. An electronic control unit controls the adjustment of a pump for activating the circulation of the cooling fluid, and a flow control valve which de-routes a portion of the cooling fluid at the outlet of the pump towards the engine block. The electronic control unit carries out the above regulations as a function of signals directed thereto from a plurality of sensors which are indicative of a number of engine operating parameters.
Abstract:
A lighting device includes a thin transparent plate in which a plurality of micro-lenses arranged in a matrix are integrated. A second thin transparent plate is supported so as to be movable relative to the first plate by means of at least one pair of flexures. A plurality of micro-lenses arranged in a matrix are also integrated in the second plate.
Abstract:
A LPG reservoir for an internal combustion engine adapted to be operated selectively with LPG and gasoline includes a pump unit which has connecting elements for a LPG outlet conduit and a LPG return conduit, as well as a sensor device for sensing the level of LPG in the reservoir.