Patents Issued in December 15, 1981
  • Patent number: 4305321
    Abstract: A potentiometer comprises a support member having first and second support regions and an intermediate region located therebetween, a resistive member supported on the support member at the first support region thereof and having a longitudinal dimension extending transversely of a line from the first support region to the second support region, and a resilient contact member secured to the support member at the second support region and extending over the intermediate region and terminating superjacent the resistive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Inventor: James M. Cohn
  • Patent number: 4305322
    Abstract: A stringed musical instrument is disclosed in which the strings are stretched between the ends of an elongate curved bow member. The bow member is adapted to be held by the player with a side of the upper end against the cheek of the player. The playing strings are all attached to a peg at the lower end of the bow member and to tuning keys at the upper end of the bow member. When played, the vibrations caused by the playing strings are transferred to the cheek of the player such that the mouth of the player, when opened and shaped to various degrees and forms, constitutes not only a sound box but permits the playing of a tune. Where the bow member is flexible, a reinforcing member running from one end of the bow member to the other along the outside curved portion can be used to counteract the pulling force of the playing strings as they are tensioned. In this manner, the tuning of the playing strings can be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Inventor: Lester X. Ray, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4305323
    Abstract: A Harmonic Conversion Wheel is disclosed comprising a circular disk, a faceplate and attaching means joined together along a common axis which is the centerpoint of said elements. By rotation of the disk about said axis and proper registration of said disk with the windows positioned in the faceplate, an artist, composer, student of music, performer or arranger has at their disposal a multitude of information regarding the law of intervals and similar musical relationships concerning tonics, chords, scales and notes within a scale. Thus, a person without analogous skills can perform, rearrange, transpose or learn music to the best of his ability while developing his own caliber of musical knowledge and expertise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Inventor: Bruce L. Graham
  • Patent number: 4305324
    Abstract: Charge for an explosive projectile characterized in that it comprises a plurality of adjacent, coaxial and annular layers, the peripheral layer having a higher content of heavy powerful explosive than the immediately adjacent layer and so on to the central axial layer which is a solid cylinder and has the lowest content of heavy powerful explosive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Societe d'Etudes, de Realisations et d'Applications Techniques
    Inventor: Michel Precoul
  • Patent number: 4305325
    Abstract: A general purpose decoy launcher comprising two concentric cylinders and ing a launch platform attached to the inner cylinder by a load bearing hinge. The muzzle portion of the launch platform is attached to one end of an elevating mechanism, the other end of which rides in an inclined surface fabricated as part of the outer cylinder. Motion of the launcher to and from the firing configuration is accomplished by the holding of the outer cylinder stationary while rotating the inner cylinder with respect to it. Relative motion between the cylinders causes the elevating mechanism to rise on the inclined surface, thus elevating the launch platform to the firing angle. Launching tubes are located within the confines of the launching platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert G. Lange, Lawrence P. Dorsett
  • Patent number: 4305326
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes axially aligned shafts, one driving and one driven, the driving shaft including a plurality of slots and the other a plurality of apertures aligned with the slots. Elongated roller bearings are positioned in the slots and apertures to lock the shafts together, a resilient member being used to urge the bearings radially inwardly. In the event that one of the shafts slows substantially relative to the other, the bearings move radially outwardly to declutch the shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Hughes Helicopter, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Sallach, Dale E. Schmaenan
  • Patent number: 4305327
    Abstract: An engine is provided which converts pressurized gas into useful mechanical energy. The engine uses pressurized gas in such a way to avoid contact between the gas and sliding metal parts. As such, the engine is particularly adapted for use with naturally pressurized geothermal gases which may contain substances harmful to metal. In the preferred form, the engine includes a plurality of reciprocating plungers which serve as energy transfer means. Deformable enclosures such as spheroidal hollow balls made of an elastomer material are positioned on opposite sides of each plunger along its axis of movement. The deformable enclosures exert a force against the plungers to move the plungers when filled with pressurized gas. Each plunger alternately collapses each of the deformable enclosures as it reciprocates. A valve system for controlling the ingress and egress of pressurized gas to the deformable enclosures is responsive to the motion of the plungers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Inventor: Arnold F. Willat
  • Patent number: 4305328
    Abstract: A coffee vendor comprising a brewer having a horizontal relatively small-mesh screen therein dividing the brewer into upper and lower chambers, a line for delivering hot water to the upper chamber of the brewer, a line for delivering filtered brewed coffee from the brewer, an air compressor for delivering compressed air to the upper chamber of the brewer, and a sanitizing system for cleaning the brewer and the delivery line. The sanitizing system includes a programmer motor for operation of the vendor through a sanitizing cycle comprising a series of successive hot-water rinse cycles. Switches operated by cams driven by the programmer motor program the sanitizing cycle, which is initiated by closure of a manual start switch, the cycle being automatically terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: UMC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Kueser, Dean W. Fath
  • Patent number: 4305329
    Abstract: A gas-fired turntable oven for baking food such as pizza pies for fast food operations comprises a lower baking chamber and an upper holding chamber. Fresh pies are placed onto the turntable in the baking chamber and are baked to completion as they travel one revolution on the turntable. Partially baked pies having completed a predetermined fraction of a revolution on the turntable, may be removed from the baking chamber and kept warm in the holding chamber, to be later returned to the baking chamber and baked to completion while travelling the remaining fraction of a revolution on the turntable. This oven enables the cook to serve many pies in a short time during periods of peak demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Inventor: Bernard F. Fenoglio
  • Patent number: 4305330
    Abstract: In a pressure application type image fixing method and apparatus for applying a predetermined pressure to a developed image on a recording medium, a pressure application means for fixing the image to the recording medium is reciprocated in the direction normal to the moving direction of the recording medium and the image fixing is performed by moving both the recording medium and the pressure application means, and rollers and spring means are employed as the pressure application means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masato Ogihara
  • Patent number: 4305331
    Abstract: A screen printer has a flat bed coplanar with a loading and an unloading surface on opposite sides thereof, the bed being divided into a stationary middle section and two movable outer sections confronting one another along boundary lines paralleling the direction of movement of copy sheets from the loading surface to the unloading surface. Such movement is effected with the aid of a conveyor comprising two chains underneath the bed entraining sheet-gripping jaws through the gaps formed between these sections when they are transversely separated. The jaws are almost flush with the plane of the bed and the loading and unloading surfaces; upon closure of the bed sections, they are received in cutouts of the outer sections and are thus immobilized while a printing screen descends into contact with a copy sheet overlying the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: The Argon Service Ltd. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Fabio Colapinto
  • Patent number: 4305332
    Abstract: A two-web, dual purpose printing press and method is provided which can be used to "make ready" and proof gravure rollers on a first web, and to print a sample using the rollers on a second web and under substantially identical conditions during both operational modes. The press includes an interchangeable gravure roller, a pair of impression rollers, (one associated with each of the webs), and structure for selective shifting of the impression rollers between positions wherein each roller alternately forms a web-receiving and printing nip with the gravure roller. A motion-limiting stop arrangement is provided to insure that the respective impression rollers assume a substantially identical position relative to the gravure roller during the respective operational sequences of the press; in this manner printing conditions are uniform during both proofing and sampling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards Incorporated
    Inventors: Kurt A. Pfahl, Stanley W. Otto
  • Patent number: 4305333
    Abstract: Warhead for projectiles and rockets in which the projectile or rocket casing can be relied upon to decompose into splinters of predetermined size, shape, and distribution. To accomplish this result, a thin-walled insert is positioned between the projectile or rocket casing and the explosive charge, such insert being provided with a number of ribs forming a series of saddle-roof shaped structures which exert a cutting charge effect on the casing on the detonation of the explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst-Wilhelm Altenau, Wolfram Witt
  • Patent number: 4305334
    Abstract: The invention relates to conveyor apparatus, particularly for use in conveying large quantities of heavy bulky and/or dry materials over a long distance. Moreover, the apparatus of the invention may be constructed in out-of-the-way areas over deteriorated or difficult courses, such as rubble. This is achieved by the use of a tube-like elongated passage through which a plurality of joined conveyor cars pass. The elongated passage has openings in the bottom for receiving therealong spaced apart primary windings for a linear electric motor. The cars, in turn, have mounted in the bottom surface thereof the secondary of the motor. The apparatus includes air vents for accommodating air movements ahead of and behind the cars switching arrangements and provision for loading and unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Augenreich, Klaus Ropelius, Conrad Poppenhusen, Norbert Hering, Robert Thomas, Peter Bauer
  • Patent number: 4305335
    Abstract: Endless conveyor for transporting roll containers of which two wheels are located on one fixed axis and the other wheels are swivelling. The supporting surface of the conveyor is at about the same height as the floor on which the containers can roll or be wheeled. In cross-section the supporting surface has the shape of a channel, in consequence of which the wheels on the fixed axis can be transversely fixed, so that their axes are placed lengthwise over the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Staat der Nederlanden (Staatsbedrijf der Posterijen, Telegrafie en Telefonie)
    Inventor: Jacobus P. E. H. Plugge
  • Patent number: 4305336
    Abstract: A derail guard to prevent derailment of railed vehicles which can be readily attached to existing equipment is disclosed. The derail guard is particularly useful for track construction and repair equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Inventors: John C. Hunsberger, Buddy J. Payton
  • Patent number: 4305337
    Abstract: A seedling planter for use for a self-propelled tiller or garden tractor comprises a transport trough for the seedlings with a row digger and seedling guide in spaced relation to the lower end of the trough, trailing ground engaging blades direct the ground around the set seedlings firmly positioning the same in the row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Inventor: Armando P. Centofanti
  • Patent number: 4305338
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for affixing, specifically, sewing, labels to garments and the like. The process comprises the removal of labels one by one from a vertically disposed stack of the same located adjacent the sewing station. These labels are lifted vertically from the stack, transferred to the sewing station by swinging the label transversely from over the stack to a position over the sewing station. Upon arrival thereat the label is lowered vertically onto the workpiece such as a garment at said sewing station. The label is then held in contact with the workpiece by pressing downwardly about at least a portion of its periphery and while so held is sewed to the workpiece. The apparatus comprises a magazine for a vertically arranged stack of labels, together with a pneumatic pick-up device which is operable to remove the labels one by one from the top of the stack and transfer them to the sewing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Russell Corporation
    Inventor: Fletcher D. Adamson
  • Patent number: 4305339
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooling the needle of a sewing machine to reduce problems of thread breakage because of frictional heat build-up. The apparatus includes a vortex tube secured to the worktable for a sewing machine at a point remote from the sewing head of that machine, a nozzle assembly affixed to the pressure foot bushing of the machine and directed towards the sewing needle, and an elongated insulated noise-muffling hose extending from the cold air outlet of the remotely-positioned vortex tube to the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes a generally vertically oriented nozzle tube having a plurality of side openings for directing jets of cooling air towards the sewing needle, and an adjustable sleeve for controlling the discharge of such air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Vortec Corporation
    Inventor: Leslie R. Inglis
  • Patent number: 4305340
    Abstract: A safe box-like structure of good appearance is formed in a simplified manner from a flat metal sheet by folding at right angles the opposite side portions of a flat rectangular metal sheet, for instance, of a steel sheet to provide a channel-shaped metal sheet, forming in each end portion of the upright side sections of the channel-shaped metal sheet a diagonal crease extending from an inner end of a prescribed vertical fold line disposed substantially perpendicular to the bottom section of the bottom section of the channel-shaped metal sheet to the outer corner point of the end portion of the side section, pressing a triangular intermediate section between the prescribed vertical fold line and the diagonal crease inwardly of the channel-shaped metal sheet, folding the triangular intermediate section and an outer triangular section toward each other along the afore-mentioned prescribed vertical fold line and diagonal crease, and upbending opposite end portions of the channel-shaped metal sheet at right angle
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Yuwa Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Iwaki, Takeji Tanaka, Yoshitomo Tanaka, Hiroshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 4305341
    Abstract: A mooring system for a vessel comprising a floatable vessel having a vertical well therein, extending through the vessel bottom, defined by a bulkhead; a vertical spindle supported by the vessel within the well; the spindle being anchorable in place in water against significant lateral movement and against rotation about a vertical axis; and machined bearing retaining and contacting sleeves, cooperatively supported by the well bulkhead and the spindle, containing radial-thrust bearings at the top and bottom side portions of the spindle and vertical-thrust bearings along the side of the spindle. The bearings are maintained immersed in lubricant to protect them, such as from sea water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Chicago Bridge & Iron Company
    Inventor: Donald C. Stafford
  • Patent number: 4305342
    Abstract: A barge-carrying vessel of the flotation loading and unloading type. Each barge-stowage hold has parallel, vertical side walls that are only slightly further apart from each other than the width of the barges to be stowed. The barges are held down against the bottom of the hold, enabling transfer of buoyancy from the barges to the vessel when the hold is flooded. For this purpose, a series of guides is secured to one side wall of the hold, each guide comprising a pair of parallel vertical tracks. In between each pair of tracks is a wedge having a sloping outer face for engagement with a barge in a wedging manner to force this barge against the opposite side wall. The wedges are raised and lowered as needed, and are positively secured in place in their barge-hold down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Wharton Shipping Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Kirby, David J. Seymour
  • Patent number: 4305343
    Abstract: A method for polymer coating of chain link fence is disclosed. The thermoplastic polymer is applied in a fluidized bed after the fence is woven. The fence is compressed in the fluidized bed to allow coating of all portions of the chain link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Sonco Wholesale Fence, Inc.
    Inventor: Clyde A. Long
  • Patent number: 4305344
    Abstract: A surface processing apparatus for painting or otherwise treating variously contoured surfaces. A track includes an elongated pliant beam to which a bending apparatus is attached for the purpose of conforming it to the contour of the surface to be processed. A carriage is mounted on the track for movement along the length thereof and in turn mounts a surface processing tool. The tool is operable to process a strip of the surface adjacent the track. Apparatus is provided for moving the track incrementally along the surface, processing strips sequentially until the entire surface has been processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Inventor: Theodore N. Baskett
  • Patent number: 4305345
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of paper pulp containing particles for the treatment of excrement of primarily domestic animals and pets. Hot water and a filler are added to a paper pulp in solidified condition and they are agitated so as to form a slurry of the paper pulp. The slurry is subjected to a first dehydration and lumps of the pulp are produced which are subsequently cut into a plurality of smaller lumps. The smaller lumps are then rolled and become coarse particles which are dehydrated once again. The dehydrated particles are rotated and finally dried. The resultant particles are of high density and absorb water. The particles are also water-soluble so that, after use, they can be flushed down a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Inventor: Masaaki Otoguro
  • Patent number: 4305346
    Abstract: An upwardly opening cup is provided including a lower inlet for upwardly directing spray jets of fluid thereinto and open and contoured at its upper end to fittingly accommodate not only a depending teat but also the portion of the udder immediately surrounding the selected teat. The interior of the cup includes radially inwardly projecting bristle-type blades for effecting a scrubbing action on the exterior of an associated teat in response to spray jets of liquid being upwardly directed onto the blades and the associated teat from the cup lower inlet, and the upper axial end of the cup includes a circumferentially extending zone of upwardly projecting flexible blades for contacting the udder area immediately surrounding the associated teat and tactilly stimulating the udder to facilitate quick and complete milk "let-down".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Inventor: Anders V. Sparr, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4305347
    Abstract: A multi-level, animal inhalation toxicology research chamber system is disclosed. It has an enclosed airtight chamber defining a central enclosure with vertically extending inlet and outlet plenums at its opposite ends. A plurality of vertically spaced horizontally extending perforated shelves with underlying collection pans are provided for supporting laboratory animal cages vertically spaced on a plurality of levels. Air is distributed from the inlet plenum to the outlet plenum means through the animal cages in a horizontal direction. The collection pans prevent vertical fluid communication and the perforated shelves permit passage of animal waste into the collection pan, thereby preventing animals from contacting their own waste and preventing waste from falling on animals located beneath an upper cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: The Baker Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hemenway, Linwood A. Stedman
  • Patent number: 4305348
    Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine structure, and addresses the problem of preventing coolant and lubricant from mixing therein.A seal structure is provided for sealing between an engine block 10 and a cylinder liner 34 in an internal combustion engine. The seal structure 40, 42 comprises an annular insert member preferably made of a high temperature resistant resinous material. The insert 100 fits in a recess 136, 134 in the engine block 98 and encircles the cylinder liner 94. A resilient seal member 110, 112, 114 in a groove 104, 106, 108 in the inner surface 130 of the insert 100 seals against the cylinder liner 94.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Ramsey Corporation
    Inventor: Jon W. Martin
  • Patent number: 4305349
    Abstract: An air control valve (20, 21) is coupled to the minimum volume region of each cylinder (11, 12) in an internal combustion engine. The open interval of the valves during each engine cycle is controlled responsive to the throttle (FIG. 2) to equalize the air-fuel ratio. The clearance of the pistons is also adjusted responsive to the throttle (FIGS. 3A and 4A) to equalize the compression pressure during engine operation. Specifically, in an engine with two cylinders each having opposing pistons, the coupling systems between the piston rods and the crankshaft exhibit diagonal symmetry (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Inventor: Harold L. Zimmerly
  • Patent number: 4305350
    Abstract: A dual fuel system is disclosed which, when retrofitted to a standard gasoline engine of an automobile, permits the automobile to run on one of two fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Inventors: Michael H. Brown, James R. Cofield, Harold J. Jenks
  • Patent number: 4305351
    Abstract: The invention contemplates electronically controlled fuel-injection for a multiple-cylinder two-cycle internal-combustion engine wherein each cylinder has its own independent crankcase region in which to receive and compress inlet air and fuel, prior to delivery of combustible mixture to the head or combustion end of the cylinder. Fuel is injected into each crankcase region during only a portion of the stroke involving induced intake of air therein, i.e., during only a portion of the rise of each piston in its approach to top-center position, and while pressure within the crankcase region is relatively uniform. The time-duration of actual injection is relatively short, thus enabling a plurality of different cylinder injections to be made concurrently, resulting in simplification of fuel-injection control circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Richard E. Staerzl
  • Patent number: 4305352
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is so constructed that the timing of the intake and exhaust valves can be changed during operation of the engine making it possible to select the optimum timing for the valves in accordance with the operating conditions. The timing can be changed from the exterior of the engine on the basis of factors such as the quantity and nature of pollutants in the exhaust gases, the rate of revolution of the engine and the load on the engine. Adjustment can be effected either manually or automatically.The construction of the engine is such that the cam shaft or cam shafts can be replaced with cam shafts of a different design and that the cylinder head can be replaced with a head of a different design.Adjustment of the timing of the intake and exhaust valves is effected through the use of a planetary gear train which also provides the necessary reduction in the speed of the cam shaft relative to the crank shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo Kenkyusho
    Inventors: Yujiro Oshima, Takatoshi Banno
  • Patent number: 4305353
    Abstract: A motor brake control system for use on a motor having a motor brake retarder and a throttle fuel control is designed to respond to manual selection for sequentially retarding the selected cylinders in the motor. A transducer for sensing the speed of the motor is provided for generating a series of output pulses which access a high RPM detector and a low RPM detector. In the event that the motor exceeds a predetermined high RPM value, the brake control system activates all of the retarders to fully brake the motor. In the event that the brake retarders are on, either fully or partially, and the motor drops below a predetermined low RPM value, the brake retarders are released. Provision is made to prevent retardation of the motor as long as the throttle of the motor is being activated and retardation is further provided after deactivation of the throttle until the fuel in the fuel delivery system has been consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Charles E. Robinson
    Inventors: Charles E. Robinson, Melvin Nieberger
  • Patent number: 4305354
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating a dead, cold, fluid cooled internal combustion engine which includes the use of another internal combustion engine with a cooling system having heated coolant circulated by a circulation pump and transferring the heated coolant to the cold engine cooling system. The apparatus includes three male quick couplings communicating with the cooling system and rigidly attached to each engine and a pair of coolant transfer conduits with female quick couplings at both ends. The male quick couplings are connected by the transfer for conduits and the heated coolant is transferred to the cold, dead engine and back to the hot service engine to be warmed up again. Either engine may be used as the hot service engine or can receive heated coolant from a hot service engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Steiger Tractor Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Majkrzak
  • Patent number: 4305355
    Abstract: A control system (10) for a varible displacement internal combustion engine (12) is disclosed as including a sensor (14) for sensing intake manifold vacuum and a control unit (20) for operating valve deactuators (22a, b, c, and d) of the engine with a hysteretic action in response to the vacuum sensed so as to prevent oscillatory on-off operation of the valve deactuators. In its preferred construction, the control unit includes switches (28a, b, c, and d) for operating the valve deactuators and a switch operator (32, 34) including a lost motion connection that provides the hysteretic operation of the valve deactuators. The switch operator preferably includes rod (32) that is movable in response to the vacuum sensed and a switch operating member (34) slidably mounted on the rod and moved by stops (36, 38) to provide the lost motion connection. Electrical, fluid, and mechanical systems are all capable of operating valve deactuators by the hysteretic operation disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: LPK, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul T. Jordan
  • Patent number: 4305356
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved valve selector assembly (10) for enabling and disabling the intake and exhaust valves of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine of the type having rocker arms (12 and 14) for opening and closing the valves in response to periodic forces pivoting the rocker arms about fulcrums (26 and 28) slidably mounted on studs (44 and 46). The selector assembly includes spring capsules (34 or 36) mounted on each stud and interposed between the associated fulcrum and a latch (38). The spring capsules are formed by stamping from sheet metal stock and the latch is a flat plate linearly movable between a valve enabling position preventing collapse of the spring capsules and a valve disabling position allowing collapse of the spring capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Michael M. Walsh
  • Patent number: 4305357
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an ignition chamber communicating with a main combustion chamber via at least one transfer channel, with the ignition chamber forming a closed circular cylinder and its cylindrical wall being protected by an annular thermal pipe from too-rapid cooling and from overheating. In the wall of the ignition chamber, partial electrodes disposed in an insulated manner are provided which are electrically connectable via spark gaps with each other and with the ignition voltage supply line. As a result, ignition occurs near the wall in an area at an elevated temperature level and, in particular, in the immediate vicinity of the entry point of the fresh fuel-air mixture via the overflow channel so that, as a result, the flammability is maintained with increased leaning of the fuel-air mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Scherenberg, Walter Benedikt
  • Patent number: 4305358
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a combustion chamber, an injection chamber connected thereto through an injection port, a secondary inlet passage opening to the injection chamber, and a secondary inlet valve for opening and closing the secondary inlet passage. A spark plug extends into the combustion chamber with the spark gap of the plug close to the injection port. At the suction stroke of the engine, air in the injection chamber is injected near to the spark gap through the injection port to blow away the combustion gas around the gap and also to generate a strong swirl and turbulence of the mixture in the combustion chamber, thereby improving firing and combustion of the lean mixture in the combustion chamber to reduce the discharge of noxious components in the exhaust gas and to improve the fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirokazu Nakamura, Tsuneo Ohinouye, Kenji Hori, Yuhiko Kiyota, Tatsuro Nakagami, Yutaka Tsukamoto, Katsuo Akishino
  • Patent number: 4305359
    Abstract: A device for the transmission of the position of a control element, particularly a gas pedal, (which control element is actuatable by the vehicle driver and controls the traveling speed of a motor vehicle, the gas pedal being connected with an electrical position encoder), to an actuator via electrical transmission means, the actuator being coupled with a regulating member, particularly a throttle valve, which member controls the fuel-air mixture of an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AG
    Inventors: Arnold Mann, Bernhard Stier
  • Patent number: 4305360
    Abstract: Apparatus for automatically controlling the idle speed of an internal combustion automobile engine. A sensor senses the operating speed of the engine and develops an electrical signal representative thereof. Movement of a carburetor throttle valve from an open to a substantially closed position is sensed and an electrical signal indicative thereof is generated. Closure of the throttle valve indicates the engine is operating at idle. A controller is responsive to the second electrical signal to process the electrical signal from the sensor and generate an electrical control signal. The controller processes the electrical signal from the sensor means in accordance with a predetermined format based upon a transfer function derived for the engine. An electromechanical device is responsive to the control signal for moving the throttle valve to a desired position at which engine idle speed is a preselected speed determined in accordance with the transfer function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Meyer, Richard D. Doerr, Steven R. Bollinger, Mark A. Jefferis, Chusak Tansuwan
  • Patent number: 4305361
    Abstract: A two cycle internal combustion engine with improved cylinder scavenging. The described engine embodiment is a baffled piston two cycle internal combustion engine whose power is substantially increased by directing fuel mixture in the normally spent gas filled region behind the piston baffle during each intake-exhaust portion of the engine cycles to scavenge spent gas from this region and increase the total volume of fuel mixture in the cylinder at the time of ignition. According to the preferred practice of the invention a portion of the fuel mixture displaced from the engine crankcase to the cylinder intake port or ports is diverted to auxiliary ports in the cylinder wall which direct the mixture against the rear side of the piston baffle to effect through scavenging of the region directly behind the baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Inventor: John C. Perry
  • Patent number: 4305362
    Abstract: A centrigural rpm governor for fuel injected internal combustion engines is proposed in which an adaptor assembly located inside the governor can be used over the entire range of practical applications of such a governor. The governor includes parallel coextensive arms, a governor lever and a cooperative governor rod which has a counterstop provided with a sliding block that is movably disposed between the parallel coextensive arms against the initial stressing force of a spring member with the counterstop being arranged to cooperate with a stop means pivotally associated with the housing. The spring member is arranged to load the sliding block and adjustable for the purpose of varying the initial stress and setting the onset of adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Schwartz, Ernst Ritter, Rolf Muller, Werner Bruhmann
  • Patent number: 4305363
    Abstract: A centrifugal governor for internal combustion engines in which the engine speed at which governing action starts varies as a function of the spring constant of a control spring. At least two control springs are provided in a fashion that their respective spring constants are adjustable independently of each other. The governing action can thus take place in two or more different engine r. p. m. ranges with respective percentages of speed change freely settable at optional values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Diesel Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideichi Yanagi
  • Patent number: 4305364
    Abstract: A fuel control system is provided for a spark-ignition internal combustion engine having a source of fuel and means for supplying the fuel from the fuel source and to the engine at variable flow rates. The fuel control method of the present invention is particularly suited for a reciprocating piston aircraft engine and is designed to minimize brake specific fuel consumption of the engine during operation at constant engine rotational speed and load but is capable of supplying additional fuel to the engine during transient operation, for example during an acceleration phase. In brief, when the engine is operating under constant engine rotational speed and load, an engine parameter, such as the exhaust gas temperature, which is correlated to the brake specific fuel consumption for the engine is iteratively sensed and compared to the previously determined value for this parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Stuckas
  • Patent number: 4305365
    Abstract: An electronic controlled fuel injection system is disclosed for use in an internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders each fitted with a fuel injection valve. The system comprises a fuel injection control circuit timed to engine rotation for providing a drive pulse signal to the fuel injection valves. A deceleration detecting circuit detects deceleration of the engine in accordance with the positions of the associated throttle valve and foot brake. A coupling circuit is responsive to engine rotational speed for allowing or impeding the passage of the drive pulse signal to the fuel injection valves during deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Haruhiko Iizuka, Fukashi Sugasawa, Junichiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 4305366
    Abstract: An injection timing control system for a fuel-injection pump for an engine has a phase angle regulator for varying the rotational phase angle of a drive shaft of the fuel-injection pump. The regulator has a cylindrical extension of one of an input shaft adapted to be driven by the engine and an output shafts for driving the drive shaft of the pump coaxially surrounding an end portion of the other shaft in spaced apart relationship. A male spline and female spline are formed respectively on the end portion and the extension over some axial length thereof, at least one of the splines being a helical spline. A slider is located in an annular space between the splines and formed with splines meshing therewith respectively. An annular cylinder is formed between the substantial parts of the rest axial length portions of the cylindrical extension and end portion. A piston is reciprocally received in the cylinder, the slider and piston being formed as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignees: Sanwa Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd., Hino Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazunari Imasato, Shigeru Yoshizawa, Takayuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4305367
    Abstract: An injection timing control system for a fuel-injection pump for an engine has a phase angle regulator for varying the rotational phase angle of a drive shaft of the fuel-injection pump in which a cylindrical extension of one of an input shaft adapted to be driven by the engine and an output shaft for driving the drive shaft of the pump surrounds an end portion of the other shaft in spaced apart relationship. A male spline is formed on the end portion over some axial length thereof while a female spline is formed on the extension over some axial length thereof, at least one of the splines being a helical spline. A slider is located in an annular space between the splines and formed with splines meshing therewith respectively. An annular cylinder is formed between the substantial parts of the rest axial length portions of the extension and end portion, and a piston is reciprocally received in the cylinder, the slider and piston being formed as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignees: Hino Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Sanwa Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunari Imasato, Shigeru Yoshizawa, Tadakazu Shiozaki
  • Patent number: 4305368
    Abstract: Apparatus for venting fuel vapors present in the fuel bowl of a carburetor for an internal combustion engine. A carburetor has at least one air passage through which air is drawn into the engine, a throttle valve positioned in the air passage and movable between an open and a closed position to control the flow of air therethrough, a fuel circuit by which fuel is delivered from the fuel bowl to the air passage for mixing with air passing therethrough, and means responsive to the movement of the throttle valve for controlling the quantity of fuel delivered through the fuel circuit. A fuel bowl cover has a vent through which fuel vapors discharge when the vent is open and a valve opens and closes the vent. A fuel pump supplies fuel from the fuel bowl to the air passage as the throttle valve opens and moves the valve to a vent opening position in response to the movement of the throttle valve. The pump is actuated as the throttle valve opens whereby the valve is opened and vapors in the fuel bowl are vented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Phelan, Larry J. Tipton
  • Patent number: 4305369
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for controlling the vehicles fuel-air mixture by regulating the air in the ventilation passage leading to the engine air intake from the crankcase. In a vehicle provided with a PCV valve, the device is located in the ventilation passage leading from the crankcase to the engine air intake and the device is downstream of the PCV valve. The device admits outside air to the ventilation passage to lean the gas mixture when the engine creates a vacuum less than 8 PSI in the ventilation passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Ecotroleum, Inc.
    Inventor: Juanita Norman
  • Patent number: 4305370
    Abstract: To provide a composite output pulse in which the pulse length increases relative to the angle of rotation as the speed of a rotating element, typically a rotor coupled to an internal combustion engine increases so that the closing angle of current supply to an ignition coil increases with speed, a magnetic element or other marker on a rotor is exposed to two transducers, one of which provide a signal which is position dependent and the other one a signal which is speed dependent. The output signals from the transducers are combined. The position dependent transducer provides an output pulse of fixed pulse length, relative to angle of rotation of the rotating element, the speed dependent pulse providing output pulses of variable pulse length which overlap with the pulse of fixed pulse length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Gerd Hohne