Sequentially Progressive Opening Or Closing Of Plural Valves Patents (Class 137/628)
  • Patent number: 6200111
    Abstract: A controllable positive displacement pump for liquids and gases which may contain dispersed phase particles includes a pair of pistons operating out of phase. Each of the pistons is associated with an inlet valve which includes a fixed grating defining slots which extend parallel to piston travel and a complementarily configured grating which reciprocates transversely in timed relationship with the piston to control the influx of fluid. A rotary outlet valve is also associated with each piston and includes a rotating member disposed transversely across the cylinder head and which rotates in synchronism to open a through, radial port in the member in timed relationship to the piston travel. The positive displacement pump finds particular application to transport powder paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: John F. Foss
  • Patent number: 6192920
    Abstract: A valve for maintaining a given level of liquid in a tank, reservoir, or other container having a liquid-gas interface. Said valve being actuated by a float that rises and falls along with the liquid in the container. Said valve float actuates a series of valves in sequence wherein the higher the float rises, the more valve ports are opened allowing a higher flow rate through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Lance W. Hellerman
  • Patent number: 6167869
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes first and second valves and a solenoid including a solenoid coil and an armature assembly wherein the first and second valves are coupled to the armature assembly. A solenoid drive circuit is coupled to the solenoid coil and delivers a first current waveform portion to the solenoid coil at a first time to cause the armature assembly to operate the first valve without operating the second valve. A second current waveform portion different than the first current waveform portion is applied to the solenoid coil at a second time later than the first time to operate the second valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Martin, Glen F. Forck, Dana R. Coldren, Marvin P. Schneider, Prabhakar Ramalingam
  • Patent number: 6047718
    Abstract: A solenoid valve having a coil, a pair of armatures including an inner armature slidable within a coaxial outer armature and the outer armature slidable within the coil, and a pair of valves. One of the valves is at or near the end of the outer armature extending from the coil, and the other valve is at or near an end of the inner armature extending from the valve-bearing end of the outer armature. Thus, both valves are at the same side of the solenoid valve assembly. When a magnetic force is applied by a current flowing in the coil, at least the inner armature is drawn in a direction into the coil so as to open the valve at its end. An increased magnetic field caused by increased current in the coil eventually results in the outer armature being drawn into the coil, thereby also opening the valve at the end of the outer armature. The valve is suitable for use in many fluid control applications, but is especially useful for control of gases and for control of intermittent gas ignition systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: EmersonElectric Co.
    Inventors: Steven J. Konsky, John J. Love, Mike C. Santinanavat
  • Patent number: 6029705
    Abstract: A gas control valve is disclosed which enables a variable adjustment of the gas flows. Furthermore, a remote control may be utilized in conjunction with the gas control valve. The manufacturing expense and the size is kept at the lowest possible minimum. The main valve in the casing is followed by a switch which is known per se and equipped with a springy element and which, in conjunction with two valves, enables a modulating control with jerk-like on/off switching in the partial load range. This switch can be actuated by a tappet which is movable in longitudinal direction and projects beyond the gas-bearing casing to the outside and whose position can be changed by means of an operating element. The operating element can be actuated manually and/or via a driving unit in the form of an electrically driven motor coupled with a battery. The gas control valve for a gas-heated fireplace or similar installation serves the largest possible manipulation of the visible flames, in particular for decorative reasons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Barbara Happe
  • Patent number: 5941280
    Abstract: A valve device for reducing the brake pipe pressure in a railroad train brake pipe at a location remote from a train locomotive including a pair of valves, a first valve to controllably vent brake pipe pressure from the brake pipe for purposes of service brake applications and a second valve to quickly vent brake pipe pressure from the brake pipe at a relatively high rate for purposes of emergency brake applications, and a pneumatic drive means to open the first valve in response to a controlled supply pressure and open the second valve in response to an emergency supply pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventors: James E. Hart, Angel P. Bezos
  • Patent number: 5881768
    Abstract: A valve device is used to reduce the air pressure in a brake pipe disposed on a railroad car in a train consist at a location in the train consist remote from the locomotive of the train consist. The valve device defines a primary supply passage, a branch supply passage and an exhaust passage. The primary and branch passages communicate with the brake pipe. All of the passages communicate with an elongated bore defined within the valve device. The valve device includes an adjustable first valve, a second valve, an electric motor drive and a pneumatic drive. The adjustable first valve and the second valve are both part of an elongated valve body member that can move reciprocatingly within the elongated bore. The adjustable first valve is used to vent air pressure from the brake pipe via the primary and exhaust passages at various rates of discharge. The rate of discharge is in proportion to the extent the adjustable first valve is commanded open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventors: Angel P. Bezos, James E. Hart
  • Patent number: 5799698
    Abstract: A switch for a gas burner includes a shaft and a rod engaged with the shaft so as to be rotated by the shaft. A cylindrical member has two depressions formed in one end for engaging with the rod. A disc is secured to a housing and has a recess communicating with a slot. A barrel is rotatably engaged in the housing. A stem is engaged in the barrel and has a plug for enclosing the bore. The bore of the barrel is enclosed by the plug when the rod is engaged in the depressions of the cylindrical and is opened when the stem is moved by the rod and the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Hsing-Chu Lin
  • Patent number: 5704386
    Abstract: A multi-stage regulating valve is provided with a cylinder and an adjusting piston guided inside it to which a regulating pressure can be applied from one side and a return force from the other. Depending on the regulating pressure, the piston keeps at least one outlet aperture in the cylinder wall closed or partly or fully opens it and thus closes off a connection to the side of the piston to which the regulating pressure is applied or partly or fully opens it via the outlet aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Uwe Lehmann, Bodo Stich, Maik Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 5662083
    Abstract: In an engine air assisted fuel injection system, it is desirable to provide a first range of air flow during engine idle and at low loading conditions. At greater engine speeds and higher loading conditions, a substantially greater second range of air flow is desired. This flow characteristic is achieved by the subject air metering device having dual valve members mounted on an axially positionable shaft. The valves are mounted so that initial movements of the shaft opens only one valve to provide flows within the first range. Further movement of the shaft then opens the second valve to provide flows within the second range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Michael P. Patyi
  • Patent number: 5518024
    Abstract: An overfill prevention device for storage tanks includes an elongate tubular housing having a liquid flow passageway. A normally open main valve and a normally closed vapor retaining bleed valve are associated with the fluid passageway. Closure of the main valve interrupts the primary flow of liquid through the passageway and closure of the bleed valve prevents any further liquid from entering the tank and also prevents the escape of vapors from the tank. Operation of the main valve is controlled in significant part by a valve latch assembly which is carried by the housing and a relatch assembly which is carried by the main valve. The relatch assembly ensures operative engagement of the main valve with the valve latch assembly upon movement of the main valve from the intermediate position to the open position. Operation of the main valve and vapor retaining bleed valve is also controlled indirectly by a plurality of floats which are maintained in a float chamber extending adjacent the liquid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Emco Wheaton, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis B. Weeks, George R. Cockram
  • Patent number: 5293914
    Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for uniform controlled movement of stripping and guiding arms in a tree delimbing apparatus. A pair of flow divider combiner valves allow equal amounts of pressurized fluid to communicate with and actuate said cylinders. The piston rods of said cylinders are mechanically coupled to rotate tubular sleeve members with affixed stripping and guide arms between outward and inward positions. The flow divider combiner valves provide equal rates of said fluid to flow to said cylinders to insure said piston rods and mechanically affixed stripping arms and guide arms are moved at equal rates of speed. Thus the stripping levers and guide arms open and close about a felled tree in a uniform manner for delimbing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Thomas H. Hudson
  • Patent number: 4891185
    Abstract: A device for monitoring the release of a substance from a substrate, e.g., the release of ions through membranes, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Inventor: Stanley M. Goldin
  • Patent number: 4794953
    Abstract: A torch device with a torch body having separate ducts for oxygen and combustion gas supply is disclosed, wherein regulating and shut-off valves are provided in the torch body in substantially opposite relationship. A common actuating device for the shut-off valves is adapted for completely closing the shut-off valve for the combustion gas before starting the closing of the shut-off valve for oxygen. All gas ducts inside the torch body are formed by bores extending parallely to each other, while connecting passages are formed by bores extending orthogonally thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Castolin S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Delaplace, Hans-Theo Steine
  • Patent number: 4742851
    Abstract: A faucet for a liquid container includes a tubular housing which is mounted in an opening in the container and a tubular valve which is slidably mounted in the housing. The tubular housing includes open front and rear ends, and the valve extends forwardly from the front end of the housing. The valve includes a dispensing opening, and the valve is movable between a closed position in which the dispensing opening is positioned rearwardly of the front end of the housing and an open position in which the dispensing opening is positioned forwardly of the front end of the housing. A first seal is mounted on the front end of the valve forwardly of the dispensing opening for sealingly engaging the front end of the housing when the valve is closed, and a second seal is mounted on the rear end of the valve for sealingly engaging the housing as the valve is opened until the dispensing opening is at least partially open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gene D. Lundblade
  • Patent number: 4551072
    Abstract: A fluid pressure operated actuator, for example for controlling operation of a pneumatically driven metering pump for liquids. In a specific embodiment, the actuator is a rotary actuator and includes a piston/cylinder unit coupled at one end to a rack and pinion drive for reciprocating a rotary control valve of the pump, and at its opposite end to a valve which controls the air supply to the main liquid delivery plunger of the pump. The coupling to the air supply valve is designed to allow limited lost motion at each end of the stroke of the piston so as to ensure that the rotary valve is turned before the plunger of the pump begins to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Hibar Systems Limited
    Inventor: Heinz Barall
  • Patent number: 4438782
    Abstract: An isolation steam valve arrangement for use on the exhaust side of a steam urbine for directing exhaust steam therefrom to steam operated auxiliary equipment and for relieving or venting steam to the atmosphere. The valve arrangement includes a casing, or body provided with a single inlet and plural outlets. A main valve between the inlet and one of the outlets is selectively positionable from fully open to fully closed for controlling steam flow through one outlet for operating auxiliary equipment. A normally closed vent valve between the inlet and other outlet is adapted to open upon closure of the main valve to establish open communication between the inlet and other outlet in order to continuously vent to the atmosphere a low volume of steam from upstream of the main valve. A normally closed pressure operable relief valve is adapted to relieve to the atmosphere a high volume of pressurized steam from upstream of the main valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Joseph E. Kelly
  • Patent number: 4437830
    Abstract: The movable elements of two normally closed valves are actuated by a thermal element responsive to ignition at a pilot burner supplied fuel through one of the valves. The two valve elements form a mechanical train from the thermal element which simultaneously unseats the second valve controlling fuel to the main burner and releases a manually operable mechanism with which the pilot burner valve is initially unseated for ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis K. Harris, Billie S. Burrus
  • Patent number: 4425930
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for controlling the flow of a fluid to a fluid-actuated system. The system is controlled by a sensor which senses a variable characteristic of the system, such as the air temperature. The apparatus includes a pair of solenoid valves, one valve being set to deliver a first volume of fluid per unit time and the other valve being set to deliver a second volume of fluid per unit time. The solenoid coil of one of the valves responds to the actuation and de-actuation of the sensor. The second valve has a solenoid coil controlled by a pair of switches. One of the switches is responsive to a first timing signal and the second switch is responsive to a second timing signal. One of the switches allows the second valve to be open for a first time interval during which the first valve is open; thereafter, the second valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1984
    Inventor: Donald Kruto
  • Patent number: 4349200
    Abstract: A gas gun has a charge chamber, an inlet valve to admit a charge of compressed gas to the charge chamber and either a plane or rifled barrel which communicates at its breech end with the charge chamber via a rotary outlet valve. Preferably the inlet valve is linked to the outlet valve so that closing of the inlet valve immediately precedes the opening of the outlet valve. The outlet rotary valve includes a frestoconical valve member which rotates within a complementary seat and has a radial bore which can connect two or more ports in the wall of the seat and is strongly biassed to the open position. The inlet and outlet valves may be combined in a three-way valve. In use a projectile is placed at the breech end of the barrel and the inlet valve is opened and the outlet valve closed. After compressed gas, preferably helium, has been introduced to the charge chamber to the desired pressure, the gun is fired by closing the inlet valve and immediately thereafter opening the outlet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Inventor: Felix R. Wakefield
  • Patent number: 4305469
    Abstract: A fire protection system including a discharge valve for discharging a pressurized extinguishing agent from a storage container into a distribution manifold. Discharge of the agent is induced by a pneumatic release mechanism that responds to the application of fluid pressure. Mounted in predetermined protection zones are a plurality of discharge nozzle arrays, each connected to the outlet of a distribution valve, the inlet of which is connected to the distribution manifold. Each distribution valve comprises a valve closure movable between a closed position that seals the valve inlet from the valve outlet and an open position that permits fluid flow therebetween, a pneumatic actuator for moving the valve closure to the open position in response to the presence of fluid pressure and a fluid pressure transfer mechanism that transmits fluid pressure from the actuator to the discharge valve release mechanism in response to movement of the valve closure to its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Walter Kidde and Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Milton J. Morrisette
  • Patent number: 4281685
    Abstract: An electromagnetic locking type actuator is constituted by a control member reciprocatable in a fluid passage to control the fluid pressure in the passage, an electromagnetic device for applying a first magnetomotive force to the control member, and a magnetic device for always applying a second magnetomotive force to the control member. In the actuator, when an electric current in one direction is applied to the electromagnetic device the first and second magnetomotive forces are added to move the control member in an attracting direction so that the control member is attracted and held at its movement terminating position by the magnetic device even after the first magnetomotive force no longer acts at that position. When an electric current in a direction opposite to the one direction is applied to the electromagnetic device the first and second magnetomotive forces cancel each other thereby maintaining said control member in a magnetically released state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1981
    Assignee: Tokico Ltd.
    Inventor: Tamio Uemura
  • Patent number: 4276237
    Abstract: A carburetor air control valve device which accurately meters air flow to each of the ports of a carburetor. A plurality of closure members of the poppet type are operated by expansion of a bellows member, as the bellows member expands in response to changes in density of the air to which the valve device is subjected. Each of the closure members is adapted to control flow of air to a port of an automotive carburetor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1981
    Assignee: Standard-Thomson Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn B. Barker, William K. Coburn, III
  • Patent number: 4272013
    Abstract: Thermally actuated damper for vents or flues of gas-fired heating appliances having bimetallic slotted blades each of which performs both the sensing and the closing function. In the present invention the slots, which are necessary to enable the bimetal blade to flex in the desired direction, are covered, or eliminated, or substantially reduced for a more complete closure of the damper in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Inventors: Werner Diermayer, Luitpold Kutzner
  • Patent number: 4266574
    Abstract: A system for filling and emptying a fluid storage tank includes an air pressure source 11, a vent valve 12, and a fill valve 14. The vent valve 12 includes first and second housing portions 23 and 24 and a main valve member 18. A coil spring 20 acts between the second housing portion 24 and a valve stem 19 to close the main valve member 18 and to bias the housing portions 23 and 24 together. A piston 21 cooperates with the second housing portion 24 to define an expansible chamber 39, and air pressure from the source 11 enters the chamber 39 to move the piston 21 and open the main valve member 18. A secondary valve member 40 isolates the fill valve 14 from the air pressure source 11 until the main valve member 18 is opened, and then communicates air pressure to the fill valve 14 to open the fill valve 14 and permit filling or emptying the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1981
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Basil B. Tilling
  • Patent number: 4227548
    Abstract: A mixing valve particularly suited for use as a water faucet includes separate finger-operated lever controls for selectively delivering an unmixed flow of cold water, an unmixed flow of hot water, and one or more mixed flows of intermediate temperature water. An intermediate temperature flow is obtained by combining and mixing separate flows of cold and hot water in a mixing chamber. A temperature selection lever is provided for positioning a flow restriction element to control the relative proportion of the flows of cold and hot water delivered to the mixing chamber so that any desired intermediate temperature can be selected for the mixed flow delivered from the mixing chamber. Constant temperature of a mixed flow is maintained throughout the available range of flow rates in part by coordinating the admittance of cold and hot flows to the mixing chamber with respect to the discharge of mixed fluid from the mixing chamber so that suitable back pressure is maintained in the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Inventor: Irlin H. Botnick
  • Patent number: 4185652
    Abstract: A subaqueous sequence valve mechanism includes one or more main valves each adapted to be disposed in the water below the surface thereof. A first expansible chamber hydraulic actuator on the main valve operates that valve and also operates a second expansible chamber device against a spring. A hydraulic pressure line or lead from a controlled source above the surface is joined to and controls the submerged actuator. The second expansible chamber is connected in sequence through a throttle valve and a pressure relief valve to one side of a movable barrier in a hydraulic accumulator. On the other side of the movable barrier the accumulator is open to the water. There is also a return, one way flow valve shunting the pressure relief valve. The accumulator is hydraulically protected by a spring loaded check valve discharging into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1980
    Assignee: NL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Zintz, Richard C. Fisher, John F. Gee
  • Patent number: 4136707
    Abstract: The device comprises an annular case having a first portion which projects from the wall and a second portion which is embedded in the wall. A tubular element connected to two pipes of the piping defines a passage through the case. The tubular element has a first section and a second section respectively located in the first portion and second portion of the case. The tubular element is of a material which is rigid at ordinary temperature and softens under the action of heat. At least the first section is of a fusible material having a distinct point of fusion. The first portion of the case is provided with means for instantaneously closing the passage as soon as the first section has disappeared. The second portion of the case is filled with a material which swells radially under the action of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1979
    Assignee: Pont-a-Mousson S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Gaillot, Bernard P. Kirch
  • Patent number: 4069834
    Abstract: A thermally activatable safety valve apparatus is provided with a timing assembly and valve means operationally associated with the timing assembly. First and second fluid transmission means are provided through the apparatus, with one of the first and second fluid transmission means being isolatable by activation of the timing assembly. A thermally activatable trigger means isolates the other of the said first and second fluid transmission means and also initiates the closure of the valve means associated with the timing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1978
    Assignee: Baker Cac, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward C. Bern, Donald B. Gemeinhardt
  • Patent number: 4027474
    Abstract: A fuel distributor valve for splitting and proportioning fuel feeding more than one set of fuel nozzles of a turbine type power plant is improved upon by adding thereto means to prefill the secondary nozzle and its attendant manifold and fuel passages immediately preceding actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1977
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: John P. Demase
  • Patent number: 3993100
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for controlling a plurality of remotely positioned hydraulically actuated underwater devices by a single hydraulic control line extending underwater. A reference hydraulic manifold is connected to the single control line and a signal hydraulic manifold is connected to the single control line. A pilot actuated hydraulic control valve is connected to each of the underwater devices controlling the flow of actuating fluid thereto. The pilot of each valve is connected to both the reference manifold and the signal manifold, but the pilot of each of the valves is actuated by different pressure levels in the signal manifold whereby the underwater devices may be controlled in a predetermined sequence by applying predetermined pressure levels to the single hydraulic control line. A pressure regulator is positioned in the control line upstream of the reference manifold to maintain the reference manifold at a predetermined pressure level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1976
    Assignee: Stewart & Stevenson Oiltools, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry W. Pollard, David P. Herd, Jack Whiteman
  • Patent number: 3948286
    Abstract: A breathing system control valve having a housing with a distribution chamber therein which communicates with a source of air under pressure. A shaft which extends into the distribution chamber engages a plurality of discs and is operatively connected to a motor which provides the shaft with a rotative torque to alternately communicate air under pressure through a portion of the discs to either a first chamber or a second chamber wherein an oxygen enriched product effluent is developed while another portion of the discs allows a purge fluid from the other of the first and second chambers to escape to the atmosphere. Prior to the transfer of the air under pressure from one of the first and second chambers to the other, an equalization passage is opened to permit communication therebetween to establish a rapid operational build-up of air under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1974
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1976
    Assignee: The Bendix Corporation
    Inventors: Jack E. Dunbar, Richard W. Hradek
  • Patent number: 3941143
    Abstract: A valve spool and a piston are disposed substantially parallel to each other and are pivotably connected with a lever which is movable by the accelerator pedal of a prime mover. The force differential biasing the valve spool to withstand the force of the lever tending to move the valve spool is approximately zero. The valve spool has a valve land with a width equal to that of a port connected with a throttle pressure passage, and a constant neutral position in which the valve land registers with the port and hydraulic pressure in the passageway is equal to a throttle pressure depending on the position of the accelerator pedal. The piston is biased by the hydraulic pressure in the passageway and a spring in opposite directions to cause the valve spool to occupy the netural position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1976
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Iijima