Patents Examined by Maria Aponte
  • Patent number: 8387572
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for a cooling system coupled to an engine in a vehicle. One example method comprises, during engine off, operating an auxiliary pump to flow coolant through a heater core; and, during engine running, operating an engine pump to flow coolant through the heater core and radiator, and selectively operating the auxiliary pump to assist flow through the heater core based on operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 8381698
    Abstract: A center line of a cylinder of an engine of the present invention is inclined by an inclination angle of 60° or more relative to a vertical direction. The engine is provided with a first oil communication hole or opening providing communication between a crank chamber and a rotor housing chamber so as to distribute oil, and a second oil communication hole or opening providing communication between the rotor housing chamber and a transmission chamber so as to distribute the oil. The second oil communication hole opening is arranged at a position where the oil remains in an oil pan when the vehicle is inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyohito Takano
  • Patent number: 8333172
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for controlling operation of an electric water pump configured to circulate a cooling fluid. The method may include detecting a startup of an electric power source associated with the electric water pump. In addition, the method may include monitoring a voltage available to the electric water pump in response to the detected startup of the power source. The method may also include providing an activation signal to the electric water pump if the monitored voltage is equal to or greater than a first threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Andris, Bob Lindsey, Curtis Johnson, Bruce Unger, Michael Betz
  • Patent number: 8276553
    Abstract: A water pump attachment structure of a water-cooled internal combustion engine is provided to facilitate the maintenance of a valve train. A water pump attachment structure of a water-cooled internal combustion engine includes a semicircular cut-away surface of a water pump holder opposed to a semicircular surface of a cylinder head to form a water pump support circular hole. Screw members are passed through respective screw through-holes of the cylinder head and threadedly engaged with internal thread holes of the water pump holder. Thus, the water pump holder is fastened to the cylinder head. A water pump is fitted into and secured to the water pump support circular hole. A cylinder head cover is attached to the cylinder head by allowing their mating surfaces to conform with each other with the water pump holder liquid-tightly sandwiched therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhide Yamanishi, Ryuji Tsuchiya, Kenji Oki, Yutaka Miyake