Patents Examined by Noah P. Kamen
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Patent number: 7240647Abstract: A piston engine which has at least one dry-running piston-cylinder unit. It has a first housing (1), at least one cylinder arranged in or on the first housing (1) in which a piston is reciprocably arranged. The piston-cylinder unit further has a first crankshaft (4) and a second crankshaft (5), the first and second crankshafts (4, 5) being arranged parallel to each other and synchronously rotating in opposite directions. The axes of rotation (X, X?) of the crankshafts (4, 5) are arranged parallel to a center plane (Z) of the cylinder, and they are laterally offset relative thereto. First and second piston rods (6, 7) are pivotally connected to piston (3). The first piston rod (6) has a first end pivotally connected to piston (3) and a second end connected to a crank pin (40) of the first crankshaft (4). The second piston rod (7) has a first end that is pivotally connected to piston (3) and a second end that is pivotally connected to a crank pin (50) of the second crankshaft (5).Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Neander Motors AGInventor: Helmut Betzmeir
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Patent number: 7240655Abstract: Combustion devices described herein comprise a compliant combustion chamber wall or segment. The compliant segment deforms during combustion in the combustion chamber. Some devices may include a compliant wall configured to stretch responsive to pressure generated by combustion of a fuel in the combustion chamber. A coupling portion translates deformation of the compliant segment or wall into mechanical output. One or more ports are configured to inlet an oxygen source and fuel into the combustion chamber and to outlet exhaust gases from the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Scott E. Stanford, Harsha Prahlad, Seajin Oh, Jon Heim
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Patent number: 7237511Abstract: There are provided a radiator passage, a thermostat to open and close the radiator passage according to an engine temperature, a heater passage, a flow adjusting device to adjust a flow amount of the coolant that flows in the water jacket according to the engine temperature at an engine start. The flow adjusting device is configured so as to adjust the flow amount of the coolant flowing in the water jacket to be a normal amount when the engine temperature is in an extremely-cold condition, to be zero or smaller than the normal amount when the engine is in a mild-cold condition, and to be the normal amount when the engine is in a warm condition. The heater passage is in opened sate at least when the engine is in the extremely-cold condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Akinobu Aoki, Mitsuo Hitomi
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Patent number: 7237515Abstract: A combustion-type power tool having a cooling arrangement for cooling a cylinder. The tool includes a housing, a cylinder head at one end of the housing, a push lever disposed at another end of the housing, and a combustion chamber frame including a base section and a head section. The head section has a disc like connecting portion extending from an end of the base section and a sleeve like abutment section extending from the connecting portion toward a cylinder head. A fan is disposed in a combustion chamber and is fixed to a rotation shaft of a motor supported to the cylinder head. The fan has fan blades. The fan blades define a widthwise center line in the axial direction of the rotation shaft. The center line is offset from the connecting portion and toward the push lever. The fan blades define widthwise edges in confrontation with the cylinder head. The widthwise edge is positioned in alignment with the connecting portion or offset therefrom toward the cylinder head.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomomasa Nishikawa, Yoshitaka Akiba, Haruhisa Fujisawa
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Patent number: 7237525Abstract: A component (100) for an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of as-cast features (e.g. 116) formed thereon, and a plurality of machined features (e.g. 120). The component (100) also includes at least one witness mark (128), the witness mark (128) including a cavity (202) surrounded by a first lateral surface (204), a first inclined surface (208), a second inclined surface (210), and a valley surface (212). The at least one witness mark (128) is formed during a casting operation, and is used to locate the component (100) on a fixture (300). The plurality of machined features (120) do not encroach onto an area of the at least one witness mark (128). The first inclined surface (208) and the second inclined surface (210) are at an angle (?) with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Robert Z. Olszewski, W. Bryan Snyder, Martin R. Zielke
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Patent number: 7237513Abstract: In an internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle, having a cylinder head and an engine block, each with a coolant inlet port and a coolant outlet port which is common to the cylinder head the engine block, a main coolant pump having an intake side connected to the coolant outlet port and a pressure side connected to a first control valve via which coolant reaches the inlet port of the cylinder head and the inlet port of the engine block depending on the temperature of the coolant, and to a method for operating such an internal combustion engine, wherein the main coolant pump is selectively actuated to pump the coolant through at least one of the cylinder head and the engine block or is shut down depending on the engine operating state.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Harald Pfeffinger, Heiko Sass
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Patent number: 7237524Abstract: Combustion devices described herein comprise a compliant combustion chamber wall or segment. The compliant segment deforms during combustion in the combustion chamber. Some devices may include a compliant wall configured to stretch responsive to pressure generated by combustion of a fuel in the combustion chamber. A coupling portion translates deformation of the compliant segment or wall into mechanical output. One or more ports are configured to inlet an oxygen source and fuel into the combustion chamber and to outlet exhaust gases from the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Scott E. Stanford, Harsha Prahlad, Seajin Oh, Jon Heim
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Patent number: 7234424Abstract: In a variable stroke-characteristic engine for a vehicle, a control shaft and a control link are disposed on a front side of a vehicle body with respect to a crankshaft. An actuator for driving the control shaft is disposed on an outer surface of an engine block on the front side of the vehicle body. Thus, the actuator projects as much as possible from a position of the engine block toward the front side of the vehicle body so that traveling wind from ahead of the vehicle is effectively applied to the actuator to enhance the cooling effect. Hence, any temperature increase of the actuator is suppressed. Moreover, the actuator is disposed as far as possible from an exhaust manifold that is heated to a high temperature by the heat of an exhaust gas.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigekazu Tanaka, Taichi Yoshikawa, Koichi Eto, Hisashi Sato, Akinori Maezuru
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Patent number: 7234435Abstract: A method for controlling at least an electrically actuated valve to operate in at least a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, the method comprising deactivating an electrically actuated valve in response to an operating condition of a vehicle electrical system, said electrically actuated valve deactivated in a desired position.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Donald J. Lewis, John O. Michelini
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Patent number: 7231900Abstract: A normally closed ignition grounding switch mounted on the engine operates in concert with the fuel valve such that in order to “kill” the engine, the fuel valve must be moved from its open position. In one embodiment, a normally closed push button switch is mounted on the engine shroud in a position such that it is aligned with the sliding fuel valve lever so that the switch is released only when the fuel valve is moved toward its closed position. In an alternative embodiment, a normally open push button switch is mounted to the engine shroud aligned with the lever of the fuel valve such that closing the fuel valve depresses the push button switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2005Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Inventor: Michael S. Hanshaw
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Patent number: 7231899Abstract: A multicylinder engine intake system includes: a plurality of intake paths; a plurality of bypasses detouring throttle valves and connected to the intake paths; and a common bypass control valve for opening and closing the bypasses. The bypass control valve is constituted by a valve body and an electrically operated actuator provided above the valve body and operated for opening and closing the valve body. A portion of a bypass upstream path in the bypasses on upstream side of the valve body is placed below the valve body. Idling air paths branch off from the portion of the bypass upstream path to reach the corresponding intake paths. Thus, it is possible to prevent fuel or dater droplets from staying in the bypasses and appropriately control the amount of first idling air by the bypass control valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Keihin CorporationInventors: Seiji Wakamori, Kuniaki Takahashi
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Patent number: 7228838Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a piston reciprocating in a cylinder; a crankshaft; and a multilink piston-crank mechanism linking the piston with the crankshaft. The multilink piston-crank mechanism includes an upper link having a first end connected with the piston by a piston pin; a lower link mounted rotatably on a crankpin of the crankshaft and having a first end connected with a second end of the upper link by a first connection pin; a control link having a first end connected with a second end of the lower link by a second connection pin; a control shaft connected movably with a second end of the control link and configured to rotate in synchronization with the crankshaft and at a half rotational speed of the crankshaft; and a phase adjusting section configured to variably adjust a phase of rotation of the control shaft relative to the crankshaft in accordance with an operating condition of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shunichi Aoyama, Katsuya Moteki, Shinichi Takemura
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Patent number: 7228823Abstract: An engine-driven vehicle cooling device includes an engine room for reception of an engine, a radiator provided within the engine room for cooling down a cooling water circulating through the engine, a cooling fan positioned between the engine and the radiator for blowing an internal air present in the engine room toward the radiator, a charged air cooler smaller in size than the radiator and disposed between the radiator and the cooling fan in a parallel relationship with the radiator, a shroud provided at an intake side of the cooling fan in the engine room for obstructing a stream of the internal air heading for the charged air cooler, and an external air inlet opening provided between the shroud and the cooling fan for allowing an external air present outside the engine room to be supplied to the charged air cooler as the cooling fan is caused to rotate.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Doosan Infracore Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ki Ho Lee
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Patent number: 7228824Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine. The method includes: providing a functional relationship between time rate of change in engine speed, and compression ratio switching engine speed limit; determining time rate of change in engine speed; determining from the determined rate of change of engine speed and the function whether the engine speed exceeds the compression ratio switching engine speed; and commanding the engine to operate at a relatively low compression ratio if the determined time of change in engine speed exceeds the compression ratio switching engine speed limit and commanding the engine to operate at a relatively high compression ratio if the determined time of change in engine speed is less than the compression ratio switching engine speed limit.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chris P. Glugla, David K. Trumpy, In Kwang Yoo
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Patent number: 7228836Abstract: A spring retainer formed from a titanium alloy and comprising a cylinder and a brim formed integrally with the cylinder is disclosed. The brim has on a top thereof a slope formed such that a thickness of the brim decreases radially outwardly.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Tanaka Seimitsu Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Horimura, Kosuke Doi, Yoshikazu Kanazawa, Masahiro Sawai
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Patent number: 7225786Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for achieving precise manufacturing of drain passages such as those used for oil return and blow-by gas discharge in a cylinder block. Grid-like oil drain passage and corresponding core structures are disclosed herein; the oil drain passage structure comprises a plurality of vertical passages that are arranged longitudinally with respect to the cylinder block, wherein the vertical passages are interconnected by a connecting passage that runs longitudinally through the central portions of the vertical passages.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jong-Won Kim
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Patent number: 7225780Abstract: A modular air induction system for a vehicle is provided. The air induction system includes a housing, a partition, and a plurality of holding members. The housing defines a chamber and includes an opening in fluid communication with the chamber. A partition is located within the housing to separate the chamber into a first and second volume thereby changing attenuation characteristics of the chamber. The partition is fixed within the chamber by at least one first holding member, thereby defining a first partition location. In addition, at least one second holding member is located within the housing and is adapted to receive the partition, thereby defining a second partition location.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Roger J. Khami, Mark D. Hellie, William A. Rohrer, Christopher E. Shaw, David J. Moenssen
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Patent number: 7225765Abstract: The present invention provides an engine assembly including an engine housing, a fan that generates an airflow, a fan housing at least partially covering the engine housing and the fan to direct the airflow over the engine housing, and a fuel tank including a plurality of integrally-formed projections engaging the fan housing to couple the fuel tank to the fan housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Briggs and Stratton CorporationInventors: Paul A. Leech, Brian P. Saiia, Christina E. Wisler
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Patent number: 7225781Abstract: The present invention teaches a method for surface treating an engine valve made from titanium or titanium alloy in order to form a hardened coating having a high level of adhesion to the surface of the engine valve, and also having improved abrasion and impact resistances. The method includes a hardening treatment process for forming a hardened layer on the surface of the engine valve by providing oxygen dissolved into the surface of the engine valve as a solid solution; and a coating treatment process applied after the hardening treatment process. The coating treatment process forms a coating on the surface of the engine valve by physical vapor deposition.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tadayoshi Tominaga, Atsushi Taguchi, Norimichi Fukaya
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Patent number: 7225783Abstract: An engine active motion control system for controlling engine dynamic torque includes an engine that generates a first dynamic torque. A first module selectively initiates generation of a second dynamic torque about an axis of rotation of a crankshaft of the engine in a direction opposite that of the first dynamic torque generated through the crankshaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Frederick P. Hohnstadt, Steven A. Tervo, Eric N. Jacobson, Brian E. Ferrari, Donald R. Elzinga, Jr., Eric J. Defenderfer, Scott Wise, Wolfgang Bors, Borz Fariborzi