Patents Issued in February 22, 2000
  • Patent number: 6026743
    Abstract: Can-holding device for holding filled beverage cans for printing on their surfaces, consisting of a frame (1) and two jaws (2) displaceable in the axial direction of the beverage can (D)to be held between a closed position (FIG. 2) and an open position (FIG. 1) for gripping the beverage can (D) to be printed at its two ends, with jaws (2) each being pretensioned by a spring (3) into its closed position and with grippers (21, 22) which permit gripping by external opening elements (Z) for optional movement of the jaws into their open position, and with each jaw (2)consisting of a jaw carrier (23) that cooperates with guide (11) on frame (1) and is provided with a gripper (21, 22), and of a jaw body (24) rotatable relative thereto, said body being lockable in a reference rotational position (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Albert Kloti
  • Patent number: 6026744
    Abstract: In stencil printing, a printing matrix is thermally made in a printing matrix area on a stencil material on the basis of image information representing an image on an original. The printing matrix area is determined according to the sheet size of printing paper sheet. The stencil thus obtained is wrapped around a printing drum and a printing paper sheet fed toward the printing drum is pressed against the printing drum by a pressure member. A memory which is provided on the printing drum side stores information on the area of the printing matrix. The sheet size is compared with the area of the printing matrix based on information extracted from the memory. When the former is smaller than the latter, printing is inhibited and an error signal which advises against printing is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Riso Kagaku Corporation
    Inventor: Masakazu Miyata
  • Patent number: 6026745
    Abstract: A tail edge side part 50b of a plate 50 disposed on a cylinder surface of a plate cylinder 1 is pushed in a direction of an arrow 100 with a blade 39 rotated in a direction of an arrow 91. At that time, a tail edge side lower plate 6 maintains an initial position. And the tail edge side part 50b is clamped by closing a tail edge side upper plate 7 with a condition that the tail edge side part 50b is in contact with the tail edge side lower plate 6 by the rotation of the blade 39.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Ryobi Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsushi Hirokawa, Shigeo Fujiwara, Masao Nitta, Mikio Yamaoka
  • Patent number: 6026746
    Abstract: In offset presses in which the printing cylinder is provided with a tensioning spindle or reel rod the printing plate usually has a hooked edge which is inserted in a gap in the printing cylinder. The printing plate is then wrapped around the plate cylinder for insertion in the spindle within the plate cylinder. The tensioning spindle carries a slot for receiving an end of the printing plate. After insertion of the plate end in this receiving slot partial rotation of the spindle tightens the printing plate. A substantial amount of skill is required to fix a printing plate on a printing cylinder. It is not easy to align the gap in the printing cylinder with the slot in the tensioning spindle. Two hands are usually required. Herein the tensioning spindle end shaft carries a pinion capable of moving a rack associated with it when the tensioning spindle is partially rotated. A spring is installed to oppose the rack movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: E. R. Smith Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank A. Andaloro
  • Patent number: 6026747
    Abstract: Multiple winding mechanisms are disposed within a single cylinder, such as the plate cylinder of a printing press, and are actuable so as to pay out material across different cylinder segments. For example, the winding mechanisms may be differentially geared to cylinder rotation, such that rotation of the cylinder in a first direction advances material from a first winding mechanism across a first circumferential portion of the cylinder to a second winding mechanism; while rotation of the cylinder in the opposite direction advances material from the second winding mechanism across a second circumferential portion of the cylinder (which may, for example, be diametrically opposed to the first cylinder portion) to the first winding mechanism. Alternatively, material advancement may be achieved by means of a dedicated motor rather than mechanical coupling to cylinder rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Presstek, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Carme, Richard A. Williams, Douglas D. Fuller
  • Patent number: 6026748
    Abstract: A printing press having a plurality of laterally spaced printing stations is provided with an interstation dryer system, interposed between the printing stations, for effectively drying liquid printing substances, such as inks, coatings, and the like, on a moving printed sheet. The dryer system includes a plurality of infrared elements which are adapted to transmit infrared radiation toward the moving printed sheet to effectuate drying of liquid printing substances thereon and bonding thereto. In order to effectively dry a complete spectrum of ink colors and other liquid printing substances, the infrared elements comprise an alternating and repetitive series of shortwave infrared lamps and mediumwave infrared lamps which generate relatively short wavelength infrared radiation and relatively medium wavelength infrared radiation, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Oxy-Dry Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Reed, William J. Meyer, Michael Van Epps, Dennis Hermann
  • Patent number: 6026749
    Abstract: A combustion inhibiting composition for use in conjunction with a solid, gas-generating charge, the composition comprising an organic polymeric material containing an oxygen-containing organic filler compatible with said polymeric material, the oxygen to carbon atom ratio of the composition being at least 1:3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Imperial Metal Industries (KYNOCH) Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Gordon, Geoffrey Ian Evans
  • Patent number: 6026750
    Abstract: A shaped charge explosive warhead assembly is composed of a one piece shaped charge liner including an explosive initiation charge, and a main explosive charge which surrounds the shaped charge liner. The one piece shaped charge liner includes a forward thin wall section and an integral tail end section having a common longitudinal axis of symmetry. The forward thin wall section includes wall portions having a trumpet or other selected shape, and the tail end section includes a plurality of symmetrically located spoke-like apertures extending radially from the longitudinal axis of symmetry and further includes a central bore hole extending from an end surface of the tail end section and in communication with the spoke-like apertures. The spoke-like apertures and bore hole of the tail end section are filled with the explosive initiation charge. A detonator is coupled to the explosive initiation charge within the bore hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: Carl A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6026751
    Abstract: A collapsible table structure includes a table top having a plurality of top leaves arranged side by side and pivoted to each other. A plurality of legs support the table top. Every two adjacent legs are connected to each other by mean of a pair of centrally pivoted bars, each having an end pivoted to one of the two adjacent legs and another pivoted to a collar that is slidable along the leg, thereby allowing the legs to be moved between a collapsed position and an opened position. One of the legs comprises a joint device provided on the top end thereof for forming a two direction pivotal joint with the table top and another one of the legs has a top retaining device mounted on the top end thereof for releasably retaining the table top thereon. The table top may be released from the legs and the top and legs may be separately collapsed. The collapsed legs may be enclosed in the collapsed table top, thereby minimizing the storage space that is needed for the collapsed table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Ming-Liang Tsai
  • Patent number: 6026752
    Abstract: An operative plate fitted to a wall or a door of a switch cubicle which can be moved from a parallel storage position to a folded-down working position. The operative plate is accessible from three sides in the operative position owing to its special linkage to the wall or door and control by specially articulated arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jurgen Zachrai
  • Patent number: 6026753
    Abstract: A retractable tool support mounts on a wall or other structure above a shop floor. The support is movable between a stored position and a use position. In the stored position. a tool carrier is horizontal and at an elevated position against the wall. In the use position, the tool carrier is horizontal and at a lowered position spaced out from the wall for access. The tool support includes a spring biased linkage biasing the support towards the stored position and counterbalancing the weight of a tool mounted on the tool carrier. The linkage maintains the tool carrier and tool in a horizontal orientation as the support is moved between the stored and use positions. A latch holds the support in the stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: William N. Sharpe
  • Patent number: 6026754
    Abstract: A nestable, single deck member pallet having a pair of sheet members separated by a perimeter frame member and multiple ring support members positioned in apertures cut into the deck member, hollow leg members connected to the ring members, and vibration damping material substantially filing the interior space of the deck member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Frank Anthony Kohlhaas
  • Patent number: 6026755
    Abstract: A counterbalance apparatus (10) for use in moving a work surface (102) is described. The apparatus includes an upper, lower and center member (12, 14 and 24), a pair of inner and outer cam surfaces (20, 22 and 26) and a pair of inner and outer cam followers (58, 60 and 62). The outer cam surfaces are located on the lower member. The inner cam surfaces are located on the center member. The lower member is telescopingly mounted within the upper member. The top (24A) of the center member is connected to the top (12A) of the upper member. One end of the springs (46 and 47) is mounted in the bracket (48) which is connected by connector arms (50 and 52) to the cam followers. The other end of the spring is adjacent the top of the upper member and the center member. In use, as a force is applied to move the work surface in a given direction, the center member moves into or out of the lower member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Dennis L. Long
  • Patent number: 6026756
    Abstract: A method of quilting patterns is provided in which pattern files are generated containing quilting machine control data for use by a controller of a quilting machine to produce different quilted patterns. Product information is generated that identifies pluralities of patterns. In response to the product information, the quilting machine controller sequentially reads the pattern files for each of the patterns of the identified plurality and sequentially quilts the plurality of patterns in the form of sub-patterns on the same panel of multi-layered material to form a combination pattern. A multi-needle quilting apparatus is provided with a controller programmed to carry out the method as part of a quilting system in which pattern and product databases are generated and linked for the production of a variety of individual and combination patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: James T. Frazer, M. Burl White
  • Patent number: 6026757
    Abstract: A conveyor for sewing machines for closing the tip of hoses or the like, having high-versatility use. The conveyor comprises a pair of substantially coplanar flat strips which are laterally adjacent to each other and have, on their mutually facing sides, a pair of protruding ridges which laterally delimit a passage for a portion of the hose, proximate to the tip, which is knitted with a reduced thickness with respect to the contiguous regions. Each ridge has, along the advancement direction of the hose along the passage, an initial portion and a final portion which are substantially parallel, are mutually spaced and are joined by an inclined intermediate portion. An element for advancing the hose along the passage are provided above the flat strips at the passage. Above each one of the ridges, starting from a region of their initial portion, there is a lamina which can move towards or away from the corresponding ridge and forms a resting surface for the upper border of the thinner portion of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Conti Complett S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mario Valle, Renato Pandolfi
  • Patent number: 6026758
    Abstract: Distribution pattern of bubbles produced from a bubble jet of a ship is analyzed by approximating the bubbly flow as a continuous flow of a gas phase and treating the bubbles as diffusing particles dispersing in a flow of the gas phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignees: Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., Hiroharu Kato
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Takahashi, Yuki Yoshida, Hiroharu Kato
  • Patent number: 6026759
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for leveling or adjusting a power-boat's average angle of bank or list about its roll axis RA regardless of side wind or off-center loading to improve passenger comfort, increase fuel efficiency, and smooth hull passage through waves with reduced pounding. Improved operating characteristics are accomplished by adjusting steering force angle-of-attack of a small fin-rudder mounted under a forward portion of the boat's keel. The boat's heading is maintained by applying an opposite steering force by altering thrust direction of the driving and steering mechanism. Altering thrust direction occurs either by a pilot steering the helm or automatically by adjusting thrust direction independently of pilot steering. In an optional automatic mode, an electronic gravity inclinometer adjusts a fin-rudder servo. An electronic filter processes the inclinometer signal to control the boat's average attitude around its roll axis RA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Hazelett Strip-Casting Corporation
    Inventors: R. William Hazelett, Jeffrey Paul Lefebvre, Timothy D. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 6026760
    Abstract: The present invention is a floatation device comprising a foam material coated with an elastomeric material, desirably a polyurea. The floatation device is particularly useful as a support for docks, boathouses, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Innovative Coatings Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry S. Phillips, David W. Brown, Wayne Bean, Donald H. Sigler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6026761
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved arch for a boat. The improved arch includes at least one channel which extends at least partially along the port and starboard sides of the arch and at least partially across the top member of the arch. The channel is designed to receive water and direct that water away from the cockpit area of the boat. Additionally, the present invention includes a canopy mounting system particularly adapted for the arch of the present invention. The system includes a first locking strip attachment to a surface. The first member includes at least one fastening channel having a restricted opening. A locking member is adapted to be attached to a canopy and has at least one locking flange for insertion into the fastening channel of the locking strip. The canopy can be repeatedly connected to and disconnected by positioning the locking member against the locking strip and pressing against the locking member to force flanges into the fastening channel of the locking strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Taylor Made Systems Bradenton, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Parniske, Robert R. Shearer, Albert W. Zirkelbach, Donald A. Zirkelbach
  • Patent number: 6026762
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for an upgraded CVD system providing a remote plasma for efficiently cleaning a chamber, according to a specific embodiment. Etching or depositing a layer onto a substrate also may be achieved using the upgraded CVD system of the present invention. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides apparatus for an easily removable, conveniently handled, and relatively inexpensive, robust microwave plasma source as a retrofit for or a removable addition to existing CVD apparatus. The present invention provides an improved CVD apparatus or retrofit of existing CVD apparatus capable of producing a remote plasma for efficiently cleaning the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Chien-Teh Kao, Kenneth Tsai, Quyen Pham, Ronald L. Rose, Calvin R. Augason, Joseph Yudovsky
  • Patent number: 6026763
    Abstract: A thin-film deposition apparatus includes an arc vaporization portion from which charged particles of a deposition material are generated by a cathodic arc discharge, a plasma duct having a bend and guiding the charged particles from the arc vaporization portion to a substrate, a magnetic field generator for generating magnetic fields to direct the charged particles from the arc vaporization portion to the substrate, and a reflective magnetic field source installed in a convex portion of the bend of the plasma duct, for generating magnetic fields that interfere with the magnetic fields formed by the magnetic field generator so that magnetic flux lines are distributed along the plasma duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-kuk Kim, Seung-ho Nam, Byong-lyong Choi
  • Patent number: 6026764
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for a lower pressure chemical vapor deposition capable of achieving various kinds of thin films having a uniform thickness, preventing parts breakage, achieving automation of the system, and combining the use of a low pressure chemical vapor deposition apparatus and a plasma low pressure chemical vapor deposition apparatus, which includes a deposition base; a reactor disposed on the deposition base and having a reaction region formed therein; a substrate lifted and lowered in the reactor and on which a wafer is placed; a chemical source gas introducer for introducing a chemical source gas into the reactor; a substrate heating member disposed in the substrate for heating the wafer; and a reactor heating member for heating the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Chul-Ju Hwang
  • Patent number: 6026765
    Abstract: A separating and dehydrating device includes a body with two chains reeved through two shafts on two ends of the body, a plurality of compressing boards connected between the two chains. A funnel is connected between the opening of the body and a tube which has a motor connected to a first end thereof and second end which is closed by a door device. The door device includes two parts respectively and pivotally connected to the periphery defining the opened end. Each of the parts is connected to a weight which is located to push the corresponding part to be inserted into the tube so that the droppings in the tube is compressed by the force to open the two parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Chin-Hsun Tu
  • Patent number: 6026766
    Abstract: Dairy freestall apparatus having a plurality of pipe loops removably adjustably clamped to a pair of rails at right angles to such rails to define one or more rows of cow stalls. The rails are removably vertically clamped to a plurality of aligned posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Teo Albers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6026767
    Abstract: A viscous fluid type heater is disclosed. A heat chamber and a heat exchange chamber are disposed closed to each other. The heat chamber accommodates viscous fluid and a rotor that rotates and shears the viscous fluid to generate the heat. The heat is transmitted to the heat exchange chamber thereby circulating fluid passing through the heat exchange chamber is heated. The rotor is made of a first material having a heat conductivity of 100 W/mK.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takahiro Moroi, Takashi Ban, Kenji Takenaka, Kiyoshi Yagi
  • Patent number: 6026768
    Abstract: A heat deflection system is provided for a lawn tractor which has an engine mounted on a chassis and enclosed within an engine enclosure. The engine enclosure has a top, sides and a front grille. The engine also includes a carburetor, an exhaust header and a muffler. The heat deflection system includes a heat shield having at least a portion thereof disposed between the exhaust header and carburetor, a partition having openings therein, wherein the openings extend above the muffler, such that the heated air from the muffler rises and passes through the openings, and the heat deflector extending above the partition for directing soak heat from the muffler away from the carburetor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Charles R. Spitler, William M. Bezilla, Hitoshi Fujii, Masatoshi Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 6026769
    Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder with a combustion chamber defined between the cylinder head and a reciprocating piston, and a carburetor which delivers a rich fuel and air mixture to a compressor with a reciprocating piston driven by the engine to compress the mixture until the mixture is under sufficient pressure to open a differential pressure injection valve and thereby inject the mixture directly into the engine combustion chamber. The mixture is ignited by a spark plug to drive the engine piston through its power stroke and rotate its associated crankshaft which is connected to a crankshaft of the compressor to reciprocate its piston and thereby compress the fuel and air mixture and inject it into the cylinder in timed relation with the engine piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Walbro Corporation
    Inventors: Muniappan Anbarasu, William E. Galka, Martin L. Radue, Ronald H. Roche, Kevin L. Williams, Charles H. Tuckey, J. D. Tuckey, deceased
  • Patent number: 6026770
    Abstract: To provide a carburetor for a two-cycle engine, and prevent water from entering into the engine, using a lubricating system of the engine. Oil sealing members are attached to bearings of a throttle shaft of a carburetor. Oil holes are formed at positions near a barrel passage and inside the oil sealing members, thereby forcibly supplying lubricating oil to the bearings. Therefore, the bearing are continuously lubricated, so that water is prevented from entering into the carburetor. The forcibly supplied lubricating oil leaks from the bearings to the barrel passage, and is supplied to the interior of the engine together with air-fuel mixture produced by the carburetor. The two oil holes communicate with each other via a dovetail groove, so that the lubricating oil from a lubricating oil plug is simultaneously supplied to the bearings at the opposite ends of the throttle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Minoru Ueda, Hideaki Andoh
  • Patent number: 6026771
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a variable actuation system for engine valves. It is based on the natural oscillatory motion of two, hydrostatically coupled masses. One mass consists of an engine valve having a piston at the tip of its stem, the other mass consists of a spring-sprung master piston that is electromagnet-controlled at each end of travel. Separate half cycles of essentially sinusoidal motion of the couples masses are initiated and terminated by alternately releasing and capturing the spring driven master piston at its peak amplitudes which corresponds to the open and closed positions of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Alfonso S. Escobosa
  • Patent number: 6026772
    Abstract: A valve characteristic control apparatus for controlling the operation characteristics of the valves of an internal combustion engine driven by a camshaft is disclosed. A working oil supply control valve is arranged in a support member for supporting the camshaft. A first oil path and a second oil path for leading the working oil from the working oil supply control valve to the first and the second oil chambers include an annular first oil path and an annular second oil path formed in the camshaft and the slide portion of the support member for pivotally supporting the camshaft, a first and a second in-support member oil path for connecting the annular first oil path and the working oil supply control valve and for connecting the annular second oil path and the working oil supply control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeo Shirabe
  • Patent number: 6026773
    Abstract: A vehicle antitheft system includes a housing that is supported by the vehicle's starting current power line between the vehicle's battery and the vehicle's starter motor. The starting current power line is cut, and one end of the line is advanced into an input channel that is established by an input bus bar in the housing. The other end of the line is advanced into an output channel that is established by an output bus bar in the housing. Plural MOSFETs are in electrical contact with the bus bars, and a control circuit controls the MOSFETs in response to a remotely generated rf enable signal. Consequently, the vehicle can be started by turning the ignition switch only after receipt of the enable signal. The starting current power line is held in the channels by set screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Labken, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. LaBelle
  • Patent number: 6026774
    Abstract: A structure is provided for connecting an intake tube to an intake port of a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. The connecting structure includes a socket end portion of the intake port, a connecting end portion of the intake tube for insertion into the socket end portion of the intake port, and a seal ring interposed between the connecting end portion of the intake tube and the socket end portion of the intake port. The seal ring has a groove which is open outwardly away from the intake port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasufumi Kajihara, Akira Shimonishi, Shigenobu Shibuya
  • Patent number: 6026775
    Abstract: An intake system for an engine has an intake manifold attached to the engine. A surge tank is attached to the engine and is located rearwardly of the engine. An air cleaner is attached to the engine and is located on one side of the engine. A resonator or intercooler is attached to the engine and is located adjacent the surge tank and the air cleaner. The resonator or intercooler is located above the engine such that the system is compactly arranged on the engine which results in an engine that takes up less space, is easier to assemble and is better isolated from the car body to reduce vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Syuichi Yamane
  • Patent number: 6026776
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for internally damping vibration and impulse within a crankshaft utilizes the mass of high density inserts and an energy absorbing medium. By placing the inserts into bores in the counter balance weights and surrounding the inserts with the energy absorbing medium, the inserts are allowed to "float" within the counter balance weight, achieving a pendulum damping effect as the inertial mass of the insert responds to vibration propagating along the crankshaft in both directions. In one embodiment the energy absorbing medium is solid but flexible material; in another embodiment the energy absorbing medium is viscous fluid. Because counter balance weights are located at different points along the crankshaft, the present invention damps vibration closer to the sources of the vibration than conventional dampers, thus reducing the propagation of vibration throughout the length of the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Randy S. Winberg
  • Patent number: 6026777
    Abstract: A piston with a cooling channel having a basic piston barrel made from forged steel and a box-shaped shaft, bosses and boss supports and connecting walls between the boss supports as well as a combustion trough. The piston increases the rigidity of the ring part. To accomplish this, the piston has a wall extending all around above the boss bores. A structural component is welded in between the wall and the piston head and limits the cooling channel. This design increases the rigidity of the ring part in pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Mahle GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kemnitz, Michael Ullrich
  • Patent number: 6026778
    Abstract: The invention relates to the measuring of the cetane number of fuels supplied to diesel engines. According to the invention, the combustion chamber of a diesel engine for measuring the cetane number of a fuel is decoked by creating, between two measurement cycles, for 80 to 160 seconds, strong turbulence in the gases inside the combustion chamber. The invention finds its application in research laboratories, test laboratories and the units which manufacture these fuels in crude oil processing plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Elf Antar France
    Inventors: Guy Mille, Joseph Cellier
  • Patent number: 6026779
    Abstract: A cylinder direct-injection spark-ignition engine using at least a homogeneous combustion mode where early fuel-injection on intake stroke produces a homogeneous air-fuel mixture and a stratified combustion mode where late fuel-injection on compression stroke produces a stratified air-fuel mixture, is equipped with an electronic engine control unit connected to an electronic fuel injection system, an electronic spark-timing control system, and an electronically-controlled throttle valve. The control unit permits switching to a homogeneous combustion mode and changes the manipulated variable for engine torque correction to a spark-timing correction quantity, immediately when the demand for switching from stratified to homogeneous combustion mode occurs during a high-response torque correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeaki Obata, Keisuke Suzuki, Nobutaka Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6026780
    Abstract: A method for controlling transfer from use of a first injection waveform type to use of a second injection waveform type in a hydraulically-actuated electronically-controlled fuel injection system of an engine includes sensing an engine speed and an engine load when the first injection waveform type is selected and storing the sensed engine speed and the sensed engine load. An actual engine speed is thereafter compared with the stored engine speed and an actual engine load is thereafter compared with the stored engine load. Transfer from use of the first injection waveform type to use of the second injection waveform type is prevented unless at least (i) a difference between the actual engine load and the stored engine load exceeds a predetermined load amount, or (ii) a difference between the actual engine speed and the stored engine speed exceeds a predetermined speed amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Travis E. Barnes, Michael S. Lukich, Brian G. McGee, Daniel R. Puckett, John P. Timmons
  • Patent number: 6026781
    Abstract: A fuel injection control device in a cylinder direct injection engine which switches between premixed combustion by intake stroke injection and stratified combustion by compression stroke injection in accordance with a change of an engine speed or a required load, where an unpleasant torque shock occurring when the injection mode is changed and the combustion state is changed despite the vehicle operating in the driving pattern such as driving on an upward slope or downward slope is prevented by maintaining the same injection mode while the vehicle continues to operate in the same driving state and where stratified combustion by the compression stroke injection is carried out when the vehicle is in driving on a downward slope, but is augmented by intake stroke injection when the vehicle sharply accelerates and the torque becomes insufficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Toyoda Jidosha Kabushika Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuo Imatake, Shingo Morishima, Kimitaka Saito, Tokio Kohama, Tatsuo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6026782
    Abstract: A throttle body and bracket assembly permits the joining of the bracket to the throttle body without fasteners by incorporating preselected and complementary geometries on a mating portion of the bracket and on a portion of the throttle body. These mating portions, which may be in the form of a dovetail-type configuration, may be fit together in locking fashion, and the bracket may be further held in place by securing a lip or retainer portion of the bracket between the free ends of the air hose and the throttle body when they are joined. Additionally, a throttle body may be molded to include an idle air by-pass passage having an open, exterior surface that is sealed by the mating portion of the bracket when it is placed in its mated position with the throttle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventors: Paul D. Daly, Jakub E. Mika
  • Patent number: 6026783
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for calibrating throttles for engines are disclosed with the methods including positioning the throttle in a predetermined position, detecting that position, and acknowledging the predetermined degree of application of the throttle whereby that predetermined degree of application is locked into correspondence with the predetermined position of the throttle for subsequent use of the throttle. The disclosed apparatus includes an actuator for locking a predetermined position of the throttle within the range of positions into correspondence with a predetermined degree of application of the throttle and acknowledging that predetermined degree of application of the throttle, and a detector for detecting the predetermined position of the throttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: AB Volvo Penta
    Inventors: Per Nestvall, Mats Dahlgren
  • Patent number: 6026784
    Abstract: A method for comprehensive integrated control of an internal combustion engine, such as a compression-ignition engine or a natural gas spark-ignition engine, utilizes an electronic control module which includes an idle shutdown feature to limit the amount of time the engine is allowed to idle when the vehicle is stationary and the ambient air temperature is between calibratable limits. The system and method permit extended idle periods when the ambient air temperature is below a lower limit or above an upper limit to allow operation of the vehicle heating or cooling system, respectively. A selectable operator override permits engine idling for a calibratable period of time when requested by the operator, such as by momentarily depressing the accelerator pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: S. Miller Weisman, Dennis M. LeTang
  • Patent number: 6026785
    Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated fuel injector includes an injector body that defines an actuation fluid inlet, a first actuation fluid passage, a second actuation fluid passage, a fuel inlet and a nozzle outlet. A solenoid actuated control valve is attached to the injector body and includes a spool valve member moveable between a first position and a second position. The actuation fluid inlet is closed to the first actuation fluid passage and open to the second actuation fluid passage when the spool valve member is in its first position. The actuation fluid inlet is open to the first actuation fluid passage and closed to the second actuation fluid passage when the spool valve member is in its second position. A piston is positioned in the injector body and moveable between a retracted position and an advanced position. The piston has an upper end exposed to fluid pressure in the first actuation fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Lianghe Zuo
  • Patent number: 6026786
    Abstract: A method of controlling a fuel injector assembly of an internal combustion engine includes the stop of generating a first injection pulse with an engine control module. The method also includes the step of injecting fuel into a cylinder of the engine in response to generation of the first injection pulse. The method further includes the step of detecting when fuel is injected into the cylinder and generating a control signal in response thereto. Moreover, the method includes the step of determining a time period between generation of the first injection pulse and generation of the control signal. The method also includes the step of adjusting initiation of a second injection pulse based on the time period. An apparatus for controlling a fuel injector assembly of an internal combustion engine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Groff, Stephen R. Lewis, David C. Mack, Robert R. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6026787
    Abstract: A mixture of gaseous fuel (natural gas or propane) and gasoline is used to fuel the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The ratio of gaseous fuel to gasoline is preadjusted by the manual settings of an electronic processor which is used to change the gasoline fuel injection rate and the manual settings of an air/vacuum balance valve connected to a low pressure regulator and mixer are used to regulate the pressure of the gaseous fuel and mix it with air to provide the desired ratio. The fuel injection is also controlled in response to a signal fed to the processor which is in accordance with the output of the vehicle's exhaust oxygen sensors. The flow rate of gaseous fuel to the engine is controlled by means of a mixer which is preadjusted for a desired flow rate. This flow rate is automatically varied in response to the intake manifold pressure of the engine. This manifold pressure drives a valve which controls the gaseous fuel flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Impco Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaobo Sun, Syed Hussein
  • Patent number: 6026788
    Abstract: This invention describes a non-contact fuel-activating device comprising a housing means with a far infrared ray emitting body placed therein that provides a means for enhanced combustion of liquid fuels. The device can be installed externally on the fuel line before the point where fuel flows into a carburetor or fuel injection system. The result is improved fuel burning efficiency, increased engine power, and reduced harmful emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Albert C. Wey
  • Patent number: 6026789
    Abstract: A regulator for compressed natural gas is prevented from being frozen and from being heated to higher than a degree appropriate for prevention of the freezing.A hot-water passage 11 for circulating a portion of the engine cooling water is provided adjacent to a gas passage 24 equipped with a reducing valve 21 in the primary decompression section A of the regulator. A hot-water outlet member 10 is provided at the outlet aperture of the hot-water passage 11. A temperature sensitive valve 42 is mounted in the hot-water outlet member 10 and is set so that the hot-water passage 11 is closed with the valve body 48 when the temperature of the hot-water exceeds the degree appropriate for prevention of the freeze at the outlet aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuo Arai, Naoyuki Enjoji
  • Patent number: 6026790
    Abstract: The present invention provides improvements in EGR control system of a diesel engine by limiting the maximum fuel, in amount, to be drawn into the engine cylinder and EGR rate in response to result of monitoring performance of EGR control. When the actual performance of EGR control falls outside of a predetermined window around the normal performance of EGR control, the maximum fuel is reduced and a throttle valve in the air intake path is fully opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Itoyama
  • Patent number: 6026791
    Abstract: A control valve for an EGR system employs a variable pressure actuator connected to a valve for metering EGR flow and a differential pressure valve connected to supply actuation pressure to the actuator. The differential pressure valve incorporates a proportional solenoid connected to a pressure balancing piston which receives EGR pressure on one side and exhaust flow pressure on the other. The piston is connected to a shaft having an orifice positionable adjacent a pressure source in a first position and a pressure vent in a second position, an outlet of the orifice communicating with the pressure actuator. EGR control is accomplished by providing a signal to the proportional solenoid which shifts the pressure balance point for the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Don Arnold
  • Patent number: 6026792
    Abstract: A method of operating a two-stroke, spark-ignited, internal combustion engine in which the ignition is time-based controlled at low or idle speeds and is crank-angle-based controlled at higher speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Philip D. McDowell, Wolfram Hellmich, Todd D. Craft, Christopher R. Irgens, Wolfgang Heimberg, Francis A. McGinnity, Gregory J. Binversie