Patents Issued in October 11, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010027721
    Abstract: A hollow head portion of the piston is provided with a bottomed cylindrical portion and a cap closing an opening of the bottomed cylindrical portion. The cap is in the form of bottomed cylinder including a bottom wall, a cylindrical large diameter portion and a cylindrical small diameter portion. An outer circumferential surface of the small diameter portion is fitted to an inner circumferential surface of the cylinder portion of the bottomed cylindrical portion so that end faces are contacted with each other, and then these end faces are connected to each other by welding. A cap length, which is an axial distance from an apex surface of the cap to the end face thereof is set to be larger than a thickness of the bottom wall so that the welded portion is located far from a boundary portion between the bottom wall and the large diameter portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Takayuki Kato, Seiji Katayama, Takahiro Hoshida, Fuminobu Enokijima
  • Publication number: 20010027722
    Abstract: The invention relates to gas chromatography analysis of a sample having components to be investigated and water contained therein, which after thermodesorption is separated and analyzed, the thermodesorbed sample being transferred by means of carrier gas into a first polar separation column which retains higher-boiling components and water and passes low-boiling components, the lafter being led, past a branching point which leads, on the one hand, to a second polar or non-polar separation column and, on the other hand, to the non-polar separation column, to the non-polar separation column in a fashion excluding access to the second polar or non-polar separation column, after which higher-boiling components and water are transferred to the second polar or non-polar separation column in a fashion excluding access to the non-polar separation column, water being eliminated upstream of the second polar or non-polar separation column by means of cryofocussing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Ralf Bremer, Andreas Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20010027723
    Abstract: A method of separating a first gaseous component from a gas mixture comprising the first gaseous component and a second gaseous component comprising passing the gaseous mixture into an adsorption zone containing an adsorbent material capable of preferentially adsorbing at least one of the gaseous components in the gaseous mixture, to separate the first gaseous component from the second gaseous component wherein the adsorbent material is a monolithic having a plurality of channels throughout, said channels being aligned parallel to the direction of flow of the gaseous mixture and having a wall thickness of less than 1 mm and (b) recovering the non-preferentially adsorbed gaseous component from the adsorption zone. Preferably, the adsorption zone comprises multiple layers of monolithic structures in the shape of a wheel stacked one upon the other in a direction parallel to the direction of the flow of the gaseous mixture and form by spirally winding a sheet of corrugated adsorbable material about a hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Ravi Jain, Alberto I. LaCava, Apurva Maheshwary, John Robert Ambriano, Divyanshu R. Acharya, Frank R. Fitch
  • Publication number: 20010027724
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage unit is provided with a hydrogen storage container containing a hydrogen absorption material, and a filter portion for eliminating impurities contained in stored hydrogen gas. Thereby, the impurities are eliminated from the stored hydrogen gas in the hydrogen storage container, and the hydrogen absorption material is prevented from being poisoned by the impurities. The filter portion can be provided either inside or outside the hydrogen storage container. An adsorbent for adsorbing the impurities can be used in the filter portion. The filter portion is provided with a heating means for enhancing the elimination of the impurities adsorbed in the filter portion, and can be recovered during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Hisayoshi Oshima, Hidehiko Hiramatsu
  • Publication number: 20010027725
    Abstract: A lifting mechanism for moving a trough from a lowered position to an elevated having a pair of guide tracks operably coupled to a trough cradle by a pair of roller mechanisms. A lifting arm operably couples the trough cradle to a drive mechanism. As the trough cradle is elevated, the roller mechanisms move away from the drive mechanism and the trough cradle to rotate about a transverse axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Jack Fletcher, Donald Boyd, Michael Hayden
  • Publication number: 20010027726
    Abstract: A stopper including a collection receptacle, characterized in that the stopper is provided with a valve that permits flow of sediments into said collection receptacle, wherein said valve may be closed to substantially trap said sediments in said collection receptacle and obstruct flow therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: GOTIT LTD.
    Inventor: Shimon Yahav
  • Publication number: 20010027727
    Abstract: An apparatus main body 1 is provided with an air supply passage 19 for supplying compressed air for supporting a borne surface 42 in a shape of a projecting spherical surface of an aligning member 4 on a bearing surface 32 in a shape of a partial recessed spherical surface of an air bearing 3 such that the borne surface 42 can be aligned and for floating the aligning member 4 with respect to the air bearing 3. A lock mechanism for locking the aligning member 4 has contact faces 24 and 44 in contact with each other at a locking portion 25 at a tip end of a piston rod driven by a cylinder driving portion 2 and on a face of the aligning member 4 opposite to the borne surface 42 and the contact faces are formed into partial spherical surfaces concentric with the borne surface 42.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Miyachi, Seiji Takanashi, Satoshi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20010027728
    Abstract: The invention relates to the assembly of a carriage for driving a marking apparatus on at least one guide member, said carriage being fast with a bearing allowing the carriage to slide on the guide member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Marie-Christine Curreno
  • Publication number: 20010027729
    Abstract: A printing agent within a through hole of a screen is smoothly and completely released out when separating the screen from a plate to be printed. 1. In a screen printing method, at a time of applying a printing agent to a plate to be printed by a movement of a squeegee, the plate to be printed is gradually separated from said screen from one side of the screen to the other side thereof step by step during a movement of the squeegee to a movement finishing end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Minami Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takehiko Murakami
  • Publication number: 20010027730
    Abstract: A quality inspection apparatus for a double-sided printing machine which includes a rubber impression cylinder and a rubber cylinder for printing opposite faces of paper; inking units for supplying ink to the rubber impression cylinder and the rubber cylinder, inking units being supported to be brought into contact with and separated from the rubber impression cylinder and the rubber cylinder; and a transport mechanism for transporting the printed paper to a delivery unit while holding the same. The transport mechanism includes a first delivery chain passing through a lower side of the inking units, first through third transport cylinders for transporting the paper from the first delivery chain, and a second delivery chain for transporting the paper from the first through third transport cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Hiroyoshi Kamoda
  • Publication number: 20010027731
    Abstract: In order to reach optimal web tension relationships rapidly in the folder superstructure when starting up a web-fed rotary printing machine, first of all a web is transported with the print in the printing units thrown off, the pull units lying on the web path being operated with first lead values for optimal web tensions and, after printing has been thrown on, the pull units being operated with second lead values for optimal web tensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Michael Schramm
  • Publication number: 20010027732
    Abstract: A mobile tamping machine for tamping ballast under a main track comprises a machine frame supported on undercarriages running on the main track for moving the machine frame in an operating direction, the main track defining a track plane, a ballast tamping unit mounted on the machine frame between the undercarriages, a main track lifting and lining unit vertically and transversely adjustably mounted on the machine frame immediately ahead of the ballast tamping unit in the operating direction, a drive for vertically and transversely adjusting the main track lifting and lining unit, an auxiliary lifting unit mounted on the machine frame for lifting a branch track branching off the main track at a track switch, and a common measuring system for controlling lifting of the track switch, the common measuring system including an emitter of a light beam forming a reference line extending parallel to the track plane, the light beam emitter being positioned at a fixed distance from the main track, and a receiver of the
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen- Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Bernhard Lichtberger
  • Publication number: 20010027733
    Abstract: [[Object] to provide a] A flame retardant for flameproof mesh sheets which does not generate halogen gas at the time of combustion and a flameproof mesh sheet comprising the same. [[Resolution] A] Also disclosed is a flame retardant for mesh sheets comprising 1.5 to 15 wt % of red phosphorus and 10 to 70 parts by weight of an ammonium polyphosphate compound based on 100 parts by weight of the solid content of an aqueous solution of a polyolefin resin having a resin solid content of 2.0 to 45 wt % and a flameproof mesh sheet treated with this flame retardant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Saiji Nozaki, Kuniaki Kamiya
  • Publication number: 20010027734
    Abstract: Disclosed are metal complexes of trisazo dyes of the general formula 4 1
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Clariant GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Geisenberger, Andreas Wuzik
  • Publication number: 20010027735
    Abstract: A surface of solid building material may be waterproofed and impregnated against chemical and biological corrosion by forming first and second aqueous solutions one of which contains calcium ions and the other of which contains sodium and silica ions. The two solutions may be mixed and applied simultaneously to the surface or the two solutions may be applied to the surface sequentially, the solution containing the sodium and silica ions being applied first. In either case there is formed on the building material surface a hard, glass-like transparent coating of sodium calcium silicate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph E. Doumet
  • Publication number: 20010027736
    Abstract: A folding table base is provided which includes a mounting plate adapted to be secured to the bottom of a table. A hinge plate is hingedly connected to the side of the mounting plate. The hinge plate is adapted to pivot between a first position and a second position. A leg is secured to the hinge plate and extends generally orthogonal thereto. A latching mechanism is secured to the bottom of the table. The latching mechanism includes a latch mounting plate and a pull latch. The pull latch being slidably mounted on the latch mounting plate such that the pull latch is operable between a latched position and an unlatched position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: James P. Gosselin
  • Publication number: 20010027737
    Abstract: An energy conversion system which comprises a solid fuel fed combustor system having a first chamber portion with an inlet feed for feeding a metered amount of a solid fuel thereto, a first burner stage having a first traveling conveyor firebelt, a metered amount of air introduced in progressively increasing proportions along the length of the first traveling conveyor. A second burner stage having a second traveling conveyor firebelt with air introduced in a progressively decreasing amount along the length of said second traveling conveyor firebelt and a controller for controlling air introduced to the system. The chamber has a sloped common roof section common to the burner stages and is made of radiative energy reflective fire brick and angled to reflect radiative energy generated from fuel traveling on the traveling conveyor firebelts and directing the radiative energy on fuel traveling on the first firebelt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: STAN E. ABRAMS
  • Publication number: 20010027738
    Abstract: A sewing or embroidery machine with a microprocessor (10), which is connected to an entry device (6, 19-22) for entering commands, to a display screen (5) and to at least one memory (9, 13). A rapid and understandable explanation of certain operating procedures of the machine is possible when needed. The corresponding procedure is displayed by a series of images to explain the operating procedures. Image data explaining the operation of the sewing or embroidery machine, which are read by the microprocessor (10) after entering a corresponding command and are transferred to the display screen (5), optionally after further processing, are stored for this purpose in the memory (9, 13) of the sewing or embroidery machine (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Jurgen Hartwig
  • Publication number: 20010027739
    Abstract: A watercraft is disclosed that includes a hull having port and starboard sides and a propulsion system that generates a stream of pressurized water through a nozzle. A helm operatively connects to the nozzle, whereby turning the helm turns the nozzle. At least one rudder connects to either or both of the port or starboard sides. The rudder is capable of pivoting inwardly and outwardly and can also be moved upwardly and downwardly with respect to the side to which it is connected. The rudder is located a certain distance from the respective side of the hull, which allows the rudder to utilize its inner and outer surfaces to assist in steering the watercraft by deflecting water flowing thereacross. Also, a linking element can connect the nozzle to the rudder. An off-power steering system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Bombardier, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Simard, Renald Plante
  • Publication number: 20010027740
    Abstract: A platform structure for a water structure surrounded by water is disclosed. The platform structure includes a set of inflatable sacks held in place by arm members which are hollow tubes rotatably attached to a hinge structure to a side of said water structure. The platform structure is rotatably attached but may be fixed in a vertical position. The platform structure can be assembled, expanded, contracted and disassembled without the users entering the water. The arm members may alternatively be used to furnish additional storage space beyond the periphery of the water structure. The platform structure may also be put together with additional support components so as to hold a stretched net underwater, thereby providing an underwater platform. The platform structure is designed to provide the option of a waterway for stationing small watercraft adjacent to the water structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Antonio Arias
  • Publication number: 20010027741
    Abstract: A time-temperature indicator device provides a visually observable indication of the cumulative thermal exposure of an object. The device includes a substrate having a diffusely light-reflective porous matrix and a backing. The backing includes on its surface a viscoelastic indicator material for contacting the substrate and a barrier material for substantially inhibiting the lateral and longitudinal flow of viscoelastic indicator material between the substrate and the backing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jean Qiu, Joan M. Noyola, David J. Yarusso, Kevin R. Green
  • Publication number: 20010027742
    Abstract: An indicator dial preferably for a cooktop intensity indicator includes a base portion having an indicator, a shutter rotatably positioned with respect to the base portion, and an actuator rotatably positioned with respect to the base portion wherein at least one of the actuator and the shutter are rotatable between a retracted position exposing the indicator and an extended position at least partially covering the indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Gjerde
  • Publication number: 20010027743
    Abstract: A process for growing a single crystal silicon ingot having an axially symmetric region substantially tree of agglomerated intrinsic point defects. The ingot is grown generally in accordance with the Czochralski method; however, the manner by which the ingot is cooled from the temperature of solidification to a temperature which is in excess of about 900° C. is controlled to allow for the diffusion of intrinsic point defects, Such that agglomerated defects do not form in this axially symmetric region. Accordingly, the ratio v/G0 is allowed to vary axially within this region, due to changes in v or G0, between a minimum and maximum value by at least 5%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Robert J. Falster, Vladimir Voronkov, Paolo Mutti
  • Publication number: 20010027744
    Abstract: A process for forming an epitaxial layer on a semiconductor wafer substrate is provided. The process comprises providing a semiconductor wafer substrate and an area for forming an epitaxial layer on said semiconductor wafer substrate. The formation area consists essentially of an epitaxial layer process chamber. The semiconductor wafer substrate is introduced into the epitaxial layer process chamber and an epitaxial layer is formed on at least one surface of the semiconductor wafer substrate. At least one epitaxial layer surface is substantially hydrophobic. Then, a chemical reagent is introduced into said epitaxial layer process chamber. The chemical reagent reacts with the epitaxial layer surface in situ to form an outer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Gerald R. Dietze
  • Publication number: 20010027745
    Abstract: A device for promoting protein crystal growth (PCG) using microfluidic channels. A protein sample and a solvent solution are combined within a microfluidic channel having laminar flow characteristics which forms diffusion zones, providing for a well defined crystallization. Protein crystals can then be harvested from the device. The device is particularly suited for microgravity conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Bernhard H. Weigl, Jurgen Sygusch
  • Publication number: 20010027746
    Abstract: An extruding coating method comprises steps of feeding a coating liquid into a coating liquid reservoir section provided with a slit having a slit width; and extruding the coating liquid through the slit so as to conduct coating, wherein the coating liquid is extruded through the slit by pushing the coating liquid in the coating liquid reservoir toward all over the slit width by a piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Seiichi Tobisawa
  • Publication number: 20010027747
    Abstract: A device for the automatic regulation of the quantity of adhesive deposited in flexible film rolling machines (20). These machines (20) include a coating column (21) and a bonding column (22), joined to each other by an upper frame (23); the premixed adhesive is loaded in a container (32), which is provided in a space formed between two adjacent cylinders (13, 14) and carried by the motion of two intermediate cylinders (13, 12) to a cylinder (15) designed to drag along the film (31). In this device, the adhesive is fed in a continuous manner from an automatic mixer (40), so as to vary the quantity dispensed per unit time depending on the basic pre-established weight and on the instantaneous speed of the rolling machine, the speed of the intermediate cylinders (12, 13) is varied automatically to increase or decrease the volume of adhesive laid down on the film (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Gianpiero Quetti
  • Publication number: 20010027748
    Abstract: A deposition apparatus includes a chemical discharging nozzle for continuously discharging chemicals to a substrate to be processed, a gas spraying section arranged below the chemical discharging nozzle, for spraying gas on the chemicals discharged from the chemical discharging nozzle and changing an orbit of the chemicals by pressure of the gas, a chemical collecting section for collecting the chemicals the orbit of which is changed by the gas spraying section, the chemical collecting section being arranged so as to interpose the chemicals between the gas spraying section and the chemical collecting section, and a moving section for moving the chemical discharging nozzle and the substrate relatively with each other. The gas spraying section includes a laser oscillator for emitting a laser beam, and a gas generating film that generates the gas when heated and gasified by the laser beam emitted from the laser oscillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ikegami, Nobuo Hayasaka, Shinichi Ito, Katsuya Okumura
  • Publication number: 20010027749
    Abstract: In a discharge processing method wherein an insulating processing medium (13) is interpolated between an electrode (1) and a processing subject (2) and discharging energy is supplied between the electrode (1) and the processing subject (2) so that the processing subject (2) is processed by the discharge, a processing is carried out with the electrode (1) being pressed onto the processing subject (2) at a predetermined pressure so as to allow the processing medium (13) between the electrode (1) and the processing subject (2)to form a thin film while the electrode (1) and the processing subject (2) are being relatively moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Yoshihide Kinbara
  • Publication number: 20010027750
    Abstract: A device for surface-treating, coating or producing construction elements in a continuous process has production chambers arranged successively closely adjacent to one another in a direction of transport of the construction elements through the device. Each production chamber has opposed ends with through openings and is connectable to a vacuum source. Each production chamber has a stationary chamber part of reinforced concrete and a detachable chamber part of reinforced concrete connected to the stationary chamber part, wherein the stationary chamber parts have first edge areas and the detachable chamber parts have second edge areas, wherein the first and second edge areas have sealing surfaces sealing the stationary and detachable chamber parts relative to one another. Each production chamber has walls defining a hollow interior, wherein the walls consist of a metallic skin anchored in the stationary and detachable chamber parts, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Kurt Sager-Hintermann, Emil Bachli
  • Publication number: 20010027751
    Abstract: A feed metering device for distributing fodder and/or drink in metered portions to an animal. The feed metering device is provided with a feed unit for containing fodder and/or drink, an entrance opening to the feed unit, and a feed supplying device for supplying an amount of fodder and/or drink to the feed unit. The feed metering device is provided with a closing means that is movable across the entrance opening in order to deter an animal visiting the feed unit from taking fodder and/or drink. The closing means rotates about an axis, the closing means being driven by a roll that contacts the closing means, which roll is driven by a motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Lely Research Holding AG, a Swiss Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Karel van den Berg
  • Publication number: 20010027752
    Abstract: A boar cart for carrying a boar through alleyways of a sow insemination area for interaction with the sows during insemination is formed by a cage for containing the boar including a cage floor on which the boar stands, two sides each defined by vertical bars on a respective side of a longitudinal center line of the cage assembly for confining the boar so that the boar is maintained extending longitudinally of the cage, a front and a rear defined by vertical bars, at least one of which can be opened as a door to allow entry and exit. The cage is mounted on rear driving wheels and front steering/caster wheels. The cage is defined by a front portion and a rear portion connected together for pivotal articulated movement about one or two pivot couplings defining a vertical pivot axis arranged substantially at the center line such that the cage can articulate to the left and to the right for navigating left and right corners in the alleyways while the boar is retained in the cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Jonathan Kleinsasser
  • Publication number: 20010027753
    Abstract: A cat toilet with mixed carbon bed filter and an air expulsion apparatus to remove noxious odor away and out of the air inside the pet owner's home.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel W. Ball
  • Publication number: 20010027754
    Abstract: A pet toy having a sound device that senses play induced motion and plays an appropriate sound to encourage the pet to continue to play with the pet toy. In one embodiment, the pet toy includes an outer cover having a shape which simulates a natural prey of the pet, such as a mouse or a bird for a cat toy and the sound device emits a sound which simulates the natural sound of the selected prey. In another embodiment, the pet toy includes a sound device capable of recording personalized messages by the pet owner for the pet to listen when playing with the pet toy during the absence of the owner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Steven Tsengas
  • Publication number: 20010027755
    Abstract: An amusement article for a domestic animal comprising an outer textile casing defining a shape in the form of a small article which can be carried by a domestic animal, an inner filling, and a microbe-inhibiting agent or property applied to at least one of the outer textile casing and the inner filling. The toys may be fabricated in various shapes, designs and styles, e.g., animals, bones, hearts, geometric shapes, etc. A process for applying the microbe-inhibiting agent or property to at least one of the outer textile casing and the inner filling is provided. Application methods include spraying, dipping, brushing, and rolling the microbe-inhibiting agent or property onto at least one of the outer textile casing and the inner filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Matthew Denesuk, Eugenie V. Uhlmann
  • Publication number: 20010027756
    Abstract: A water heater comprising a water-tight tank having a combustion chamber located in the bottom portion of the tank. A combustion air blower is operable to draw combustion air into the combustion chamber through a vertical tube in which the air flows from atmosphere downwardly into the combustion chamber. Combustion air entering the combustion chamber supports combustion of gas emanating from burners positioned in the combustion chamber. The products of combustion (flue gases) are drawn upwardly through a plurality of tubes, which extend from the combustion chamber to a flue gas collector box on the top of the water heater. From the flue gas collector box, the flue gases flow into an air/flue product mixing chamber and then out through an exit port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Otto Z. Vago
  • Publication number: 20010027757
    Abstract: An engine of the outboard motor comprises an engine body and a plurality of engine components disposed around the engine body. The cooling system comprises first and second water passages. The first water passage is arranged to cool the engine body. The second water passage branches off from the first water passage upstream the engine body and extends through the engine components. One of the engine components is generally positioned above the engine body. In one arrangement, two of the other engine components are generally positioned on different sides of the engine body relative to one another. In another arrangement, the first and second water passages have separate discharge ports. In a further arrangement, the engine components are made of a metal material. The second water passage at least in part is defined by tubular members made of corrosion-resistant materials and the respective tubular members are at least partially embedded in the respective bodies of the engine components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Goichi Katayama
  • Publication number: 20010027758
    Abstract: A common drive shaft for first and second exhaust control valves is formed of a single piece. A first exhaust valve adjusting exhaust timing and a second exhaust valve adjusting a sectional area of an exhaust passage are provided on the common drive shaft. The second exhaust valve is rotated integrally with the drive shaft. The first exhaust valve is fitted on the drive shaft via an intermediate sleeve and a torsion coil spring. A linkage mechanism is provided so that the intermediate sleeve is stopped at a limit of rotation of the first exhaust valve. Thereafter, only the second exhaust valve is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Junichi Ishida, Hiroyuki Uchida, Shigeyuki Hara
  • Publication number: 20010027759
    Abstract: In electromagnetically operated engine valve position controlling apparatus and method, after such an initialization before an engine start as to hold the engine valve (for example, an intake valve) at a closure position (or at a full open position) and hold another engine valve (for example, an exhaust valve) at the full open position (or at the closure position) is carried out, such a correction for an error in an output value of a position sensor to detect a displaced position of an armature with respect to a pair of electromagnets in the electromagnetically operated valve unit due to an aging effect as to correct a relationship of the output value of the position sensor to a normally detected value of the position of the armature is carried out on the basis of; for example, the two different output signal values of the position sensor which corresponds to a closure position of the intake valve and corresponds to the full open position of the exhaust valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Masaki Toriumi
  • Publication number: 20010027760
    Abstract: A method and apparatus controls an internal combustion engine having electromagnetically driven valves. A target cylinder torque required of one of a plurality of cylinders is individually calculated in accordance with a target engine torque, and a timing for opening and closing each of a plurality of intake and exhaust valves in each of the plurality of cylinders is determined in accordance with the target cylinder torque. Thereby the torque of the internal combustion engine is individually controlled for each of the plurality of cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaaki Tanaka, Yasushi Ito, Shoji Katsumata, Keiji Yoeda, Hideyuki Nishida, Makoto Ogiso, Isao Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20010027761
    Abstract: A device for changing the timing of valves in an internal combustion engine which includes a crankshaft-coupled component and a camshaft-coupled component is provided. The camshaft-coupled component is hydraulically rotatable and lockable with respect to the crankshaft-coupled component for relative rotation or hydraulic clamping of the camshaft (5) with respect to the crankshaft. Movement of hydraulic fluid to and from the device proceeds via a hydraulic-fluid adapter on the device's axial side facing away from the camshaft, against which adapter is additionally positioned an impulse-sending wheel for determining the camshaft position. The hydraulic-fluid adapter includes a diametrically expanded end flange which simultaneously forms the impulse-sending wheel of the device and, together with a washer positioned between the hydraulic-fluid adapter and the camshaft-coupled component that is likewise diametrically enlarged with respect to the hydraulic-fluid adapter, acts as the axial bearing of the camshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Joachim Dietz, Andreas Strauss
  • Publication number: 20010027762
    Abstract: A swing cam to actuate engine valves is rotatably disposed about a drive shaft. A first eccentric cam is tightly disposed on the drive shaft. A ring-link is rotatably disposed on the first eccentric cam. A second eccentric cam is tightly disposed on a control shaft which rotates to a given angular position in accordance with an operation condition of an associated internal combustion engine. A rocker arm is rotatably disposed on the second eccentric cam. A rod-link extends between the rocker arm and the swing cam. A first connecting pin pivotally connects a first arm portion of the rocker arm with the ring-link. A second connecting pin pivotally connects a second arm portion of the rocker arm with an end of the rod-link. A third connecting pin pivotally connects the other end of the rod-link with the swing cam. The first connecting pin is fixed to either one of the first arm portion of the rocker arm and the ring-link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Katsuya Moteki, Shinichi Takemura, Yoshiaki Miyazato
  • Publication number: 20010027763
    Abstract: A hub is secured to a camshaft for rotation synchronous with the camshaft, and a housing circumscribes the hub and is rotatable with the hub and the camshaft and is further oscillatable with respect to the hub and the camshaft within a predetermined angle of rotation. Driving vanes are radially disposed within the housing and cooperate with an external surface on the hub, while driven vanes are radially disposed in the hub and cooperate with an internal surface of the housing. A locking device, reactive to oil pressure, prevents relative motion between the housing and the hub. A controlling device controls the oscillation of the housing relative to the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Roger T. Simpson, Michael Duffield, Marty Gardner
  • Publication number: 20010027764
    Abstract: One of adjacent rocker arms in a valve operating system of an engine is provided with first and second support walls. A roller is disposed between the first and second support walls to come into rolling contact with cams. A cylindrical roller shaft, supporting the roller, is provided between the first and second support walls, so that a switchover pin of an associative-operation switchover means can be slidably fitted into the roller shaft in response to the movement thereof. The roller shaft is press-fitted into at least a second one of the first and second support walls, and a press-fit margin for the roller shaft press-fitted into the second support wall on the side of the other rocker arm is set smaller than a press-fit margin for the roller shaft press-fitted into the second support wall on the side of the roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Chikara Tanaka, Hiromu Nakamura, Noriyuki Yamada, Junichi Iwamoto
  • Publication number: 20010027765
    Abstract: A roller finger follower includes an elongate body having a first side member and a second side member. A bracket having first and second sides is associated with the body. The first side of the bracket is disposed adjacent an inside surface of the first side member of the body. The second side of the bracket is disposed adjacent an inside surface of the second side member of the body. A roller is disposed between the first and second sides of the bracket. The roller defines a shaft orifice therethrough. An elongate hollow shaft extends through the shaft orifice and couples the roller to the bracket. A locking pin assembly is disposed at least partially within the hollow shaft. The locking pin assembly has a first position wherein the shaft is decoupled from the body and a second position wherein the shaft is coupled to the body. The locking pin assembly is switchable between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Nick J. Hendriksma, Jongmin Lee
  • Publication number: 20010027766
    Abstract: In a tappet (1) comprising a hydraulic clearance compensation element (7), a positive opening of its one-way valve (15) is effected during a base circle region &agr; of the contacting cam (5). This is achieved by the invention by the fact that a closing member (16) of the one-way valve (15) is loaded by an adjusting element (21). This adjusting element (21) extends through a bottom (3) of the tappet (1) and cooperates with a groove (22) on the outer peripheral surface (23) of the cam (5). This groove (22) extends over the entire periphery of the cam (5) with the exception of its base circle region. When the base circle region &agr; comes to be situated opposite the bottom (3), a positive opening of the closing member (16) is effected. In this way, no undesired relieving of the gas exchange valve actuated by the tappet (1) nor its opening due to a transmission of undesired opening movements from the cam (5) to the clearance compensation element (7) can occur in the base circle region &agr; of the cam (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: WALTER SPEIL
  • Publication number: 20010027767
    Abstract: A air induction system actuates two variable mechanisms by the resonant supercharging and a volume variable mechanism of the air induction system by a common drive means in order to reduce the manufacturing cost and to improve the output performance in the broader range of the engine speed. The air induction system includes a plurality of independent air intake passages for supplying the induction air to each engine cylinder which are sorted into two air intake passage groups, an air expanding chamber being in communication with the air intake passage groups, a first switching valve for controlling the communication between the air expanding chamber, two branch passages for supplying the induction air into the air expanding chambers, a volumetric chamber, and a second switching valve for controlling the communication between the volumetric chamber and the branch passages, an actuator for driving the first and second switching valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Atsushi Itou
  • Publication number: 20010027768
    Abstract: An engine powered hand-held power tool and engine lubrication method is provided, the power tool being intended to be carried by an operator during use. The power tool has a frame, including a handle to be grasped by the operator, an implement affixed to the frame having a rotary input member, and a small four-cycle, lightweight, internal combustion engine attached to the frame for driving the implement. The four-cycle engine has a lightweight aluminum alloy engine block having a cylindrical bore and an enclosed oil reservoir formed therein. A crankshaft is rotatably mounted in the engine block for rotation about a crankshaft axis. A piston reciprocates within the bore and is connected to the crankshaft by a connecting rod. An oil splasher driven by the crankshaft intermittently engages the oil within the enclosed oil reservoir to splash-lubricate the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: MTD Southwest Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Everts, Katsumi Kurihara
  • Publication number: 20010027769
    Abstract: An engine has an improved fuel injection control apparatus the pressure boosting and method that prevents misfire and prevents unburned fuel from entering the exhaust system. The fuel injection system has two pumps, a primary pump and a booster pump. When an abnormality occurs in the booster pump, it is stopped, and fuel injection is performed by the primary pump. When the booster pump is stopped, a fuel injection valve or an air intake device is regulated such that the air/fuel mixture formed in the combustion chambers will not misfire, and unburned fuel will not remain and enter the exhaust system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Mizuno, Zenichiro Mashiki
  • Publication number: 20010027770
    Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel ram-injector and improved ignitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: George D. Elliott