Patents Examined by Jason Benton
  • Patent number: 7305938
    Abstract: A stroke-variable engine includes a pivot shaft which is rotatably supported in a crankcase so as to be rotatable about an eccentric axis parallel to a crankshaft and which is connected to a control rod so that a rotational power reduced at a reduction ratio of 1/2 is transmitted from the crankshaft to the pivot shaft. A camshaft of a valve-operating mechanism mounted at an upper portion of an engine body and the pivot shaft are operatively connected to each other. Thus, it is possible to decrease the number of parts of the valve-operating mechanism, increase a rotational speed, and further reduce mechanical noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sei Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7302919
    Abstract: A control valve (10) for a fluid circulation circuit comprises a body (12) which is equipped with a fluid inlet (18) and with at least two fluid outlets (20, 22, 24) and which delimits a housing of revolution for an adjusting element (26) able to rotate about an axis of rotation (XX) and to adopt various angular positions to control the distribution of fluid through the outlets. The adjusting member (26) is surrounded by a sealing ring (42) in the form of an open annulus, which rotates as one with the adjusting member and is arranged with a small clearance around the adjusting member, this allowing the sealing ring to be pressed firmly internally against a side wall (16) into which the fluid outlets (20, 22, 24) open with a view to ensuring sealing under the action of the pressure of the fluid. Application in particular to motor vehicle fluid circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques S.A.S.
    Inventors: Frederic Vacca, Mathieu Chanfreau
  • Patent number: 7296554
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides an internal combustion engine including an engine housing having a crankcase defining a crank chamber adapted to contain a lubricant. The engine also includes a crankshaft coupled to the engine housing for rotation about a crank axis, the crankshaft disposed within the crank chamber, and a counterweight disposed on the crankshaft for rotation with the crankshaft about the crank axis. The engine further includes a splasher disposed on the crankshaft for rotation with the crankshaft about the crank axis. The splasher is adapted to direct the lubricant in a radial direction away from the crank axis and in an axial direction substantially parallel to the crank axis during rotation of the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Nagel, John A. Zbiegien, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7293541
    Abstract: A spark is shot between an ignition point of an ignition plug and an ignition ground. The spark is shot from an acute corner of a core of the ignition plug. A tip end of the core has an acute angle of not more than 45 degrees. With this arrangement, an emitting point of the spark can be concentrated to the tip end of the core. In order to reduce a thermal capacity of the ignition ground so as to enhance ignitability, a side opposite to the spark seating face of the ignition ground is tapered to provide an angle. Further, the ignition ground has an apex end providing an angle which is not more than 45 degrees. Because of the apex portion, thermal capacity of the ignition ground can be reduced and an acute angle can be realized to concentrate spark receiving point at the apex portion. As a result, ignitability can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomomasa Nishikawa, Haruhisa Fujisawa, Shinki Ohtsu
  • Patent number: 7290506
    Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention provide novel fluid-cooled cylinder liners. Preferred liners are annular cylinders containing a plurality of passages, arranged generally parallel to the axis of the cylinders, and integrated between the inner and outer surfaces of the cylinders. Preferably, the integral passages are arranged so that they are typically closer to the outer surface of the liner than the inner surface. Each passage has at least two openings. A passage with two openings on opposite end of the cylinder runs the entire length of the liner, while a passage with a opening at one end of the liner and a second opening along a surface of the liner runs only for a fraction of the liner length. In preferred embodiments, openings on the outer surface of the liner will be arranged in a circle lying on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder, and near either end of the cylinder; ensuring that each passage traverses the majority of the length of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Benmaxx, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Benjamin Rau, III, Dallas W. Jolley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7290505
    Abstract: The invention provides an internal combustion engine system that uses a blended fuel consisting of hydrocarbon and alcohol, and can efficiently operate relative to a wide range of required load. The internal combustion engine system includes: an internal combustion engine 1; a first separating means 2 for separating the blended fuel into an alcohol/water mixture 21 and liquid hydrocarbon 22; a reforming means 13 for reforming the alcohol/water mixture to an ether/water mixture; a second separating means 14 for separating the ether/water mixture into the ether and the water; and control means 16 that controls the ratios of the liquid hydrocarbon 22, the alcohol/water mixture 21, and the ether. The internal combustion engine 1 is a homogeneous charge compression ignition internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Kamio, Kohei Kuzuoka
  • Patent number: 7287507
    Abstract: In order to provide an engine oil supply apparatus including a second oil pump (12) which can draw in and discharge oil quickly regardless of whether or not a first oil pump (11) is driven and which does not need to be large, an engine oil supply apparatus (Y) includes a first oil pump (11) drawing oil through a first oil passage (21) from an oil holder (13) holding oil, a second oil pump (12) connected in series with the first oil pump (11) through a connection oil passage (26) and driven independently of the first oil pump (11), a first supply oil passage (23) for supplying oil to a first circulation section (41) from the first oil pump (11), and a second supply oil passage (24) for supplying oil to a second circulation section (42) from the second oil pump (12). In the engine oil supply apparatus (Y), a first oil reservoir (15) holds oil to be supplied to the second oil pump (12) and is provided independently of the oil holder (13) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumasa Futamura, Makoto Shirai, Toru Fujikawa, Atsutoshi Ikegawa
  • Patent number: 7287495
    Abstract: In a two cycle engine, the bypass as well as the need for mixing fuel and oil are eliminated through the use of a separate compressor. A unique set of inlet and exhaust valves form an integral part of the system. These valve are used to optimize the performance of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Philip Rowe
  • Patent number: 7284512
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine variable compression ratio system includes a piston inner, a piston outer that, while being fitted around the outer periphery of the piston inner, so it slides only in the axial direction, is capable of moving among low (L), high (H), and medium (M) compression ratio positions, and two sets of raising means disposed in line in the axial direction between the piston inner and outer. Each set of raising means includes a movable raising member, which can pivot individually between a non-raised position (A) and a raised position (B) around the axis of the piston inner and outer. It is thus possible to provide an internal combustion engine variable compression ratio system that enables the compression ratio to be appropriately switched between at least three stages, that is, between low, medium and high compression ratios, without rotating the piston outer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Hirano
  • Patent number: 7284525
    Abstract: There is provided a structure for connecting a piston to a crankshaft in an internal combustion engine, including a piston pin fitted into the piston, a crankpin integral with the crankshaft and a connecting rod having a piston pin bearing portion slidably engaged with an outer cylindrical portion of the piston pin and a crankpin bearing portion slidably engaged with an outer cylindrical portion of the crankpin. At least one of the piston pin bearing portion of the connecting rod and the outer cylindrical portion of the piston pin and at least one of the crankpin bearing portion of the connecting rod and the outer cylindrical portion of the crankpin have hard carbon coatings formed thereon with a hydrogen content of 20 atomic % or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimio Nishimura, Yutaka Mabuchi, Takashi Murata, Takuya Hirata, Makoto Kano, Takahiro Hamada, Masashi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7284510
    Abstract: A combustion-engined setting tool for driving fastening elements in constructional components includes a member (32) arranged in the combustion chamber (13) for generating turbulence of an oxidant-fuel mixture filling the combustion chamber (13), an ignition unit (23) for igniting the oxidant-fuel mixture, a drive for at least temporarily driving the turbulence generating member (32), and a switch (22) for actuating the ignition unit (23) and actuated by the turbulence generating member (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Schiestl, Hans Gschwend, Iwan Wolf
  • Patent number: 7281511
    Abstract: This invention describes an improved intake tube for internal combustion vehicles by locally increasing and then decreasing the airflow over the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAS) preventing a lean condition, which over time is catastrophic to the life of the engine. The intake tube has a cross sectional area that decreases in proximity to the MAS, causing the increase in airflow velocity of the intake air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Anthony Quezada
  • Patent number: 7281501
    Abstract: A magnet wheel (1) for an internal combustion engine, especially a drive motor (2) for a portable handheld work apparatus includes a hub (4) for fixing to a crankshaft (5) of the drive motor (2) and a magnet carrier (6) having at least one magnet holder (7) provided peripherally on the magnet wheel (1). The magnet carrier (6) is a sheet-metal packet (9) of lamella-like layered plates (8). The sheet-metal packet (9) is layered modular-like from at least two differently configured profiled sheet-metal piece types (10, 11, 12). At least one profiled sheet-metal piece type (10) is configured as an arm plate (13) with a hub section (14) as part of the hub (4) as well as an arm section (15) which extends from the hub section (14) radially outwardly up to the region of the magnet carrier (6). At least one additional profiled sheet-metal piece type (11) is configured as a centrifugal mass sheet-metal piece (16) which lies essentially radially outwardly in the peripheral region of the magnet carrier (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Leufen, Rainer Widmann, Markus Hüsges
  • Patent number: 7278389
    Abstract: An airflow diverter and replacement air intake plenum is disclosed that provides an increase in the air speed and airflow within the intake plenum of an automobile. The increase is the result of providing appropriately sized and shaped apparatus to smooth out the airflow within the plenum and eliminate turbulence that increase pressure within the plenum and cause a restriction of air movement. The diverter is configured in a triangular shape to divert the air from a single input port into two output ports. The apparatus is ideally configured for use in a Porsche, but can be configured for other automobiles and engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Murat Kirakosyan
  • Patent number: 7273028
    Abstract: A noise suppressing mechanism for balance gear system of an engine crankshaft is disclosed. The balance gear system includes a primary gear, a secondary gear, and a torsional spring and is fit on a balance shaft. The noise suppressing mechanism includes a circular flange formed on the primary gear and the secondary gear forms a central bore rotatably fit over the circular flange for free rotation about the circular flange with respect to the primary gear. The torsional spring is arranged between the primary and secondary gears. The primary gear forming a securing hole in which a stem section of a limiting pin is received and fixed. The secondary gear forms a through hole in which a head section of the limiting pin is accommodated with a gap formed between the head section and an inside diameter of the through hole. The gap allows for a limited angular shift of the secondary gear with respect to the primary gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao-Chang Ho
  • Patent number: 7273044
    Abstract: A hydrogen fuel system for an internal combustion engine includes an electrolyzer for generating hydrogen and oxygen gases. The engine exhaust may be recycled through the electrolyer where it is converted to hydrogen and oxygen. A water reservoir in fluid communication with the electrolyzer maintains the water level in the elctrolyzer. The hydrogen and oxygen generated by the electrolyzer may be routed to the internal combustion engine and provide the fuel for the engine. Hydrogen and oxygen not consumed by operation of the engine is stored in separate pressurized storage tanks. Expanders lower the pressure of pressurized hydrogen and oxygen for use to power the engine and provide electric power to the electrolyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventors: Stephen M. Flessner, Eric S. Flessner
  • Patent number: 7270110
    Abstract: A four-stroke engine with intake air compression chamber. The intake air compression chamber has a pressure responsive displaceable member therein to compress inlet air passively in response to differential pressure between a sealed crankcase and air in the inlet side of the inlet air compression chamber. The displaceable member is substantially impervious to air, oil, and fuel. When the piston moves away from the intake air compression chamber, decreasing pressure draws the displaceable member toward the crankcase, and the movement of the displaceable member draws into the intake side of the inlet air compression chamber through a one way inlet valve. When the piston moves toward the inlet air compression chamber, fluidwise, compressed gas in the crankcase causes increased pressure on the displaceable member, compressing the inlet air, and directing compressed inlet air out through a one-way outlet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Frank Keoppel
  • Patent number: 7270098
    Abstract: A heater for a liquid has a combustion chamber, a jacket for the liquid extending about the combustion chamber and a burner head assembly connected to the combustion chamber. The burner head assembly includes a housing having a burner mounted thereon and a hollow interior. A control module and a fan are mounted in the hollow interior, the fan being connected to an electric motor. A compressor and a fuel pump are mounted on the housing and are operatively connected to the electric motor. The control module may include controls for exercising components of the heater prior to combustion, thereby verifying operation of these components. Preferably there is a speed control for the motor, such as a closed loop speed control which regulates motor speed and accordingly output of the heater. Preferably there is a backup system using a lookup table in the event that the closed loop speed control fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Teleflex Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Young, Douglas Thompson Paul, Angelo Faccone
  • Patent number: 7267093
    Abstract: In a crankcase for an internal combustion engine, including a lubricant chamber for the collection of lubricant, and a bottom plate for providing dry sump lubrication closing the crankcase and being sealingly joined to the bottom end of the crankcase, wherein the crankcase includes auxiliary equipment comprising pumps for pumping lubricant into the lubricant chamber and from the lubricant chamber to various lubrication points, the bottom plate has a width exceeding the width of the crankcase so that it forms a section which is disposed outside the crankcase and auxiliary equipment is disposed on this section outside the crankcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Huster, Dagmar Neu
  • Patent number: 7261062
    Abstract: Process to use water, methyl alcohol, and baking soda to make hydrogen and oxygen to increase fuel mileage on gasoline, diesel and LP gas engines using the process generally known as “Electrolysis” with many modifications. A device and method for producing hydrogen and oxygen gases from Water Solutions and simultaneously using the gases produced to supplement fuels used to operate the vehicle or engine. The solution used in the Electrolytic container is water and sodium bicarbonate. The hydrogen and oxygen—producing device is powered by as many as 5,500 amperes, generator or alternator, using the vehicle engine alternator or generator to produce the current to power the electrolytic cell. The electrolytic container is kept at a constant solution level. The water solution temperature may be controlled by either a low-pressure air conditioning line, a water-cooling line with a thermostatic control valve, on-off temperature control switch or water-cooling fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventors: Cecil G. Holt, Toby D. Baker, John Leland Speight, Iboynne M. Anderson, Jeff Salmon, David Stevens