Patents Issued in April 24, 2001
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Patent number: 6220186Abstract: The invention concerns a modular interior furnishing system comprising a plurality of different functional units, such as carcasses, work-surfaces, partition panels, lighting members, display shelves, etc., and at least one integral statically portative construction element. The construction element takes the form of a free-standing vertical closed rectangular frame. A stand extending perpendicular to the frame plane on the underside of the frame and/or a corner connection to a second adjacent frame is used for stabilizing the construction element in the vertical position. The functional units are installed such that they engage through the plane formed by the frame. The frame comprises vertical longitudinal struts with grooves or ribs for securing the functional units at the selected height. Ducts and grooves are provided in the frame for stowing cables.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: USM U. Scharer Sohne AGInventors: Alexander Scharer, Florin Baeriswyl
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Patent number: 6220187Abstract: A system for sturdily joining one or more supporting members to a solid wood surface, such as a table top or raised panel (e.g. a panel used for constructing a door), while minimizing distortion to the table top or door panel, is provided. Such structural assemblies producible in ready-to-assemble format are also provided. Brackets are rigidly connected to the supporting members or structure, but are each connected to the solid wood surface in two ways: (1) with a pin connection, which prevents translation in one or more directions and may prevent separation, and (2) with one or more sliding connections, which prevent separation but allow the solid wood surface to expand or contract freely in a direction perpendicular to that of the wood grain 0n the solid wood surface. The structural assembly produced with the resulting partially restrained connection is sturdy, yet permits the solid wood surface to remain free from distortion when it is subjected to changes in environment.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Joseph A. Grosser
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Patent number: 6220188Abstract: The windbox burner has a register casing (2) with ports (3) for inflow of combustion air, secondary air pipe (35) enclosed by the register casing and having inlet ports (36) for secondary air, a ring damper (20) coaxial with the register casing and axially displaceable and having at each end an annular sealing means (21; 26) which in the closed position of the ring damper sealingly abuts a corresponding sealing arrangement (23; 22) at each axial end of the ports (3), thus preventing the combustion air from flowing through the ports (3) to the burner tip. Each of the sealing arrangements (21, 23; 22, 26) is made of a stainless and heat-resistant material, and each pair of the sealing arrangements is constituted by a plane leaf spring (23; 26) the plane of which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ring damper (20), and a ring (21, 22) with a convex surface on which the leaf spring abuts tangentially in the closed position of the ring damper.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Burmeister & Wain Energi A/SInventor: Bruno Boutrup
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Patent number: 6220189Abstract: A rotatable fluidised bed incinerator comprises a rotatable combustion chamber, a means for rotating the combustion chamber, a means for introducing combustible material into the combustion chamber, and a means for introducing a gas into the combustion chamber to create a fluidised bed within the chamber. A flow area of the combustion chamber remains substantially constant or increases with decreasing chamber radius.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: The University of SheffieldInventor: Joshua Swithenbank
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Patent number: 6220190Abstract: An integral water-cooled, air permeated, vibrating grate system for combusting biomass and other fuels in a boiler includes a grate top surface having air-flow apertures extending therethrough. The grate top surface is supported by a plurality of water-cooling pipes which arc coupled to a water supply. An enclosed air plenum unit is positioned under and attached directly to the grate top surface. The air plenum unit is coupled to an air supply for providing combustion air through the top grate surface air-flow apertures. The air plenum unit includes multiple zones, each of which zones has an associated air flow control damper so that the flow of combustion air can be controlled. Ash siftings formed on the grate top surface when the biomass or other fuel is combusted fall into the air plenum unit and flow toward at least one ash-siftings discharge opening at a discharge end of the air plenum when the grate top surface and the air plenum is vibrated.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventors: George David Dumbaugh, Kevin M. Toupin
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Patent number: 6220191Abstract: The present invention is a planter which embeds planted seeds into the ground and then dispenses liquid in the vicinity of the embedded seeds. The planter includes a flexible arm which drags upon the ground and presses the deposited seeds into the ground and liquid dispensing passage disposed on the flexible arm. The liquid dispensing passage may be integrally with the arm or may be separate from the arm. A flexible hose may be disposed within the passage and connected to a liquid supply tank for communicating the liquid from the supply tank to the embedded seeds. The resulting planted seeds are thereby embedded and substantially free of surrounding air pockets, and provided with liquid after being embedded to provide proper germination and growth.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Jeffrey Peter
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Patent number: 6220192Abstract: A buttonhole sewing machine for the production of a group of at least two buttonholes of varying design and/or size comprises devices for the entry, storage and processing of information on the varying design and/or size of the group of buttonholes and a device for triggering the drives for the successive production of buttonholes on the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Durkopp Adler AktiengesellschaftInventors: Dietrich Kähler, Jochen Fischer
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Patent number: 6220193Abstract: A boat includes a plurality of longitudinal keels below the deck. The space between the keels is closed, at both ends, to form an enclosed downwardly open cavity. Jet propulsion engines are provided at the forward end of each cavity, well above the waterline, to pressurize the cavities with exhaust gases. A cavity enclosing stern plate includes an open tube, fitted with a variable control valve, passing therethrough, well above the waterline. The stern plate, and a cavity enclosing bow plate are set at a forwardly leaning angle, and a flexible trailing seal is fixedly attached to the bottom faces of the plates.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Leslie Dilks
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Patent number: 6220194Abstract: The present invention relates to a hull construction for a vessel, especially a drilling and/or production vessel for hydrocarbons. The invention also relates to the application of the hull construction according to the invention. The invention is especially related to designing hulls for single hull ships which are provided for carrying our operations at sea, and especially vessels which are used for drilling petroleum wells, and for intervention and maintenance of this type of well. With the invention, the aim is to provide a hull shape for a vessel which makes the vessel especially well suited for realising these types of well operations in deeper waters and at sea, and so that the vessel can be operative even under difficult weather conditions which are created by waves, ocean currents and winds.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: LMG Marin ASInventor: Geir Kjersem
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Patent number: 6220195Abstract: An improved trolling plate design that incorporates an outdrive bracket to be attached to a watercraft outdrive, a rotationally linked thrust regulating plate, and a selector subassembly including user operable linkage to engage a plate subassembly extending from the thrust regulating plate. The plate subassembly uses a protruding member extending from the thrust exposed side of the plate to engage a dog pivotally linked to the outdrive bracket so that rotational forces of the plate are compressively transferred to the bracket. This arrangement of force transmission components eliminates elongation of prior art outdrive bracket slots and thrust regulation plate notches, the result being an improved force transmission linkage. Removal of the dog as an intermediary component from between the plate having the protruding member and the outdrive bracket can be accomplished by pivoting the dog so that the protruding member clears the same when the plate is rotated to a trolling position.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Issaquah Development Co.Inventor: Douglas Crews
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Patent number: 6220196Abstract: The invention relates to a water discharge device for a system for launching objects, including torpedoes, mines, or missiles, from at least one tube built into a fixed or movable submerged structure (e.g., a submarine). The tube is provided with at least one end door and one slide valve connecting it hydraulically to the water ram by a impulse tank filled with water. The impulse tank is built into the submarine hull, and comprises a closed, sealed space in which the water is driven to the tube, under the influence of a leading pneumatic ram acting on a following hydraulic ram controlled by the water contained in the chamber and previously drawn in from the marine environment by an intake line. The chamber is immovably located outside the hull.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Etat Francais Represente Par le Delegue General pour l'ArmementInventor: Pierre Escarrat
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Patent number: 6220197Abstract: A device for operating and anchoring a watercraft in congested and hazardous water areas is provided with a spud assembly for easy operation. A pole is provided for moving a watercraft in shallow water. The pole functions through an operating cylinder connected to a maneuvering ring. The spud assembly has a locking device for locking the maneuvering ring and the operating cylinder against movement in order to anchor the watercraft with the pole.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Fred Pohlman
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Patent number: 6220198Abstract: A marine anchoring device (1, 33) for penetration into a sea bed is having at least part of its external surface in the form of a low friction surface (8, 12, 13, 14). The device can comprise (a) a drag embedment anchor (1) or alternatively (b) a direct embedment anchor (1A). The low friction surface can be formed by a low friction coating which is adhered to the external surface of the device, or by a coating which is smeared onto the external surface. A lubricant supply apparatus (16, 19) can be provided to replenish the lubricant lost by the friction action of the soil.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Brupat LimitedInventor: Peter Bruce
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Patent number: 6220199Abstract: A tire with worn tread indicator for providing a visual indication that a tire's tread is worn below a predetermined level. The tire with worn tread indicator includes a tire with a treaded outer surface having a plurality of alternating tread channels and tread ridges. A plurality of spaced apart elongate gel tubes are embedded in the tire and positioned adjacent the treaded outer surface. In the lumen of each gel tube is a visibly detectable colored liquid therein.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Wildon Williams
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Patent number: 6220200Abstract: A line marker apparatus for visibly marking the location of a utility line and the like has a tube disposed vertically in the ground. A locking ring is disposed on the tube and has a plurality of locking fingers extending from the ring. The locking finger are bendable in towards the tube. A cap or marker is removably coupled to the locking ring. The cap has an open end for receiving the locking ring and a protrusion extending into contact with the locking finger for forcing the locking finger in towards the tube. Ribs may be formed on an inner surface of the fingers to prevent the locking ring from rotating on the tube. A slot may be formed in the locking ring or cap to vent the cap. An indentation may be formed in the cap to receive indicia.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Carsonite InternationalInventors: Michael Howard, Charles Li
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Patent number: 6220201Abstract: The invention is embodied in a plasma reactor having a vacuum chamber with a cylindrical side portion and a ceiling at a certain height above the top of the cylindrical side portion, a wafer-holding pedestal near the bottom of the vacuum chamber, gas injection ports near the cylindrical side portion and a vacuum pump, the reactor including a generally planar disk-shaped conductive ceiling electrode adjacent the ceiling, a helical coil antenna having a bottom winding near the top of the cylindrical side portion and a top winding generally corresponding to the second diameter near the planar disk-shaped conductive ceiling electrode, the helical coil antenna substantially spanning the height between the top of the cylindrical side portion and the ceiling, and a switch for individually connecting each one of the coil antenna, the ceiling electrode and the wafer pedestal to one of (a) a respective RF power source or (b) ground or (c) a floating potential (i.e., unconnected to any potential source).Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Romuald Nowak, Kevin Fairbairn, Fred C. Redeker
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Patent number: 6220202Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a film on a substrate by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition at temperatures substantially lower than conventional thermal CVD temperatures comprises placing a substrate within a reaction chamber and exciting a first gas upstream of the substrate to generate activated radicals of the first gas. The substrate is rotated within the deposition chamber to create a pumping action which draws the gas mixture of first gas radicals to the substrate surface. A second gas is supplied proximate the substrate to mix with the activated radicals of the first gas and the mixture produces a surface reaction at the substrate to deposit a film. The pumping action draws the gas mixture down to the substrate surface in a laminar flow to reduce recirculation and radical recombination such that a sufficient amount of radicals are available at the substrate surface to take part in the surface reaction.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Robert F. Foster, Joseph T. Hillman, Rene E. LeBlanc
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Patent number: 6220203Abstract: A device for vacuum coating bulk material includes a rotating holder for accommodating the bulk material, a plasma coating source arranged within the rotating holder, as well as a device, arranged within the rotating holder, for cleaning the bulk material using plasma. During the coating process, the rotational speed of the rotating holder is less than the speed necessary for producing a centrifugal force for fixing the bulk material against the inner wall of the rotating holder. The plasma coating source and the plasma cleaning device are arranged in such a way that their spheres of action overlap.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Kurt Burger, Johannes Voigt, Wolfgang Reuter
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Patent number: 6220204Abstract: A film deposition apparatus to which the present invention is applied comprises a vacuum chamber 11, a plasma beam generator 13, a main hearth 30 which is disposed within the vacuum chamber and which serves as an anode containing a vaporizable material Cu, and an auxiliary anode 31 surrounding the main hearth, the auxiliary anode being formed of an annular permanent magnet 35 and a coil 36. A Cu film is formed on a substrate 41 placed opposite to the main hearth.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Makino, Masaru Tanaka, Kiyoshi Awai, Toshiyuki Sakemi
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Patent number: 6220205Abstract: A mat for protecting a floor in an animal confinement pen. The mat is formed of a durable material which is corrosion and abrasion resistant, impact absorbing, and fluid impermeable, and has a plurality of protrusions disposed on an upper surface of the mat, with the plurality of protrusions being regularly spaced and functioning to provide traction to animals but without accumulating debris on the mat, and also having a plurality of grooves disposed on the upper surface of the mat, with the plurality of grooves being spaced regularly apart and extending between opposite edges of the mat, and having a beveled edge extending around a perimeter of the mat so that animals may not be able to chew on the mat.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Wahoo Concrete Products, Inc.Inventor: Thomas A. Massie
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Patent number: 6220206Abstract: The present invention relates to a cat litter formed from an amount of starch material and, optionally, a filler material, whereby the cat litter contains an amount of gelatinized starch equal to at least 30% by weight of each cat litter particle, and has a bulk density ranging between about 250 kg/m3 and about 300 kgm/m3, and an absorption capacity ranging between about 100% and about 140%. This invention also relates to a method of forming the cat litter, with it preferred that the cat litter be formed from a corn flour byproduct and a wheat middling byproduct.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventors: Vidal E. Sotillo, Wayne R. Moore
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Patent number: 6220207Abstract: In an engine cooling system which includes an intercooler for precooling combustion air supplied to an engine, an oil cooler for cooling a hydraulic working fluid for use in a hydraulic excavator, a radiator for cooling cooling water supplied to the engine, a cooling fan in the form of a centrifugal fan, and a suction duct for introducing the cooling air to the suction side of the cooling fan, an opening diameter of a suction duct downstream end is smaller than an opening diameter of a rotary shroud suction-side end, and the suction duct downstream end is positioned inside the rotary shroud suction-side end in overlapped relation.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Kawasaki, Shigehisa Funabashi, Zenji Kaneko, Masaki Kanahara, Koji Tahara
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Patent number: 6220208Abstract: Combustion engine of the Otto or diesel type, including a cylinder block having at least one cylinder in which a piston with a connecting rod connected thereto are movably provided. The at least one cylinder is arranged in a cylinder block which is rotatable about its axis and the end of the connecting rod remote from the piston is attached to a stationary shaft whose center line does not coincide with the center line of the axis of the rotatable cylinder block.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Leon Ruben van de Werve
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Patent number: 6220209Abstract: A rocking follower mechanism for a three-dimensional cam is provided. The rocking follower mechanism prevents a hit sound without generating excessive abrasion on a cam follower or a cam surface of the three-dimensional cam, while providing a wide portion for the cam follower. The cam follower is restricted from moving in the axial direction. The wide portion of the cam follower is formed at a position so as not to be brought into contact with the cam surface of the intake cam. As a result, collision of the cam surface against an angular portion defined by a thrust surface and an end surface of the wide portion, i.e., direct abutment against the end surface, can be avoided. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hit sound without generating excessive abrasion on the cam surface of the intake cam or the cam follower itself. Accordingly, excellent riding comfort of the vehicle can be maintained.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideo Nagaosa, Yoshihito Moriya, Shinichiro Kikuoka, Shuuji Nakano
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Patent number: 6220210Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solenoid valve driving device having at least two solenoid valves arranged in adjacent relationship. Magnetic fluxes generated in adjacent solenoids of the solenoid valves upon energization thereof are opposite in direction to each other. Accordingly, when the adjacent solenoids are simultaneously energized, a common magnetic circuit between these solenoids is generated to result in an increase in magnetic flux, thereby increasing a magnetic attraction force of each solenoid. Thus, the solenoid valve driving device can sufficiently ensure the magnetic attraction force of each solenoid and can achieve size reduction and power saving.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Kobayashi, Minoru Torii, Minoru Nakamura
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Patent number: 6220211Abstract: An engine accessory retards or advances one or more cam shafts of an engine relative to the crankshaft during engine operation. The accessory acts upon the timing chain that engages wheels on cam shafts and crankshaft. The accessory includes a rod translatably mounted to the engine, wherein a hydraulic cylinder or an electric motor translates the rod in accordance with signals from an electronic controller. The signals from the controller are in response to values of selected variables related to engine condition or are in response to manual input. Chain engagement wheels are journalled on either end of the rod. One chain engagement wheel mates with the part of the timing chain approaching the crankshaft wheel. The other chain engagement wheel mates with the part the chain travelling away from the crankshaft wheel.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Richard J. Line
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Patent number: 6220212Abstract: An automotive valve rocker arm comprises a valve engagement portion and a cam engagement portion which are mounted for independent rocking movement about a rocker shaft. One of the cam engagement portion and valve engagement portion affords a first bush, which accommodates and is rotatable about the rocker shaft, and the other of which affords a second bush, which accommodates the first bush and is rotatable about the first bush and thus about the rocker shaft also. Selectively actuable locking means are accommodated within the space defined by the outer surface of the second bush and are movable between a first position in which relative movement of the valve engagement portion and the cam engagement portion is permitted and a second position in which they are locked together and such relative movement is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Ricardo Inc.Inventor: Russell John Wakeman
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Patent number: 6220213Abstract: A rocker arm (6) that can be uncoupled from the cam lift, the axle (11) of this rocker arm (6) is guided for longitudinal movement in a slot (12) of a pedestal (13), and the rocker arm (6) can be coupled to the pedestal (13) by locking elements (20, 21, 22) or it can be uncoupled from the pedestal (13) by these locking elements (20, 21, 22) for achieving a zero lift of an associated gas exchange valve (9).Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: INA Walzlager Schaeffler oHGInventors: Michael Haas, Dieter Schmidt, Walter Speil
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Patent number: 6220214Abstract: A cylinder liner formed of a cast iron and having an inner peripheral surface subjected to honing which forms cross-hatching grooves on the surface. A resultant surface roughness ranges from 0.4 &mgr;mR3Z to 0.8 &mgr;mR3Z, and an open phase rate of graphite is not less than 80% at the inner peripheral surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Nippon Piston Ring Co., Ltd.Inventors: Genshin Kojima, Fujio Anzai, Munehiko Doi
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Patent number: 6220215Abstract: In an internal combustion engine a spark plug is disposed at a nearly central position of a combustion chamber formed between the underside of a cylinder head and a crown of a piston. Intake valves are disposed on one side of the cylinder head, while exhaust valves are disposed on the other side of the cylinder head. A recess having a generally rectangular bottom is formed in the piston crown and extends in a slap direction connecting the intake and exhaust valves. The recess has vertical wall portions for the formation of squish flows at both ends thereof in the slap direction. The vertical wall portions are contiguous to the piston crown and connect both ends of the recess smoothly with the piston crown. Thus, the piston realizes a stratified charge without obstructing reverse tumbling flows. The symmetric shape of the piston in a slap direction maintains the piston in good weight balance, and thereby eliminates mechanical loss, such as oscillation.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Kazuhiko Morimoto
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Patent number: 6220216Abstract: The invention is directed to a reciprocating internal combustion engine including a four-stroke engine. A longitudinally movable piston drives a crankshaft via a crank drive and a connecting rod. The crankshaft is journalled in a crankcase containing a lubricating oil for the crank drive. The chamber containing the lubricating oil is formed adjacent the cylinder by barrier walls within the crankcase as an oil receptacle to hold the lubricating oil in the overhead position of the cylinder. The crankcase is configured to have a trough-like shape and holds the lubricating oil and the cylinder projects axially into the crankcase and defines the barrier wall of the oil receptacle with its cylinder jacket. In this way, adequate lubrication is guaranteed in every operating position of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.Inventor: Jürgen Häberlein
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Patent number: 6220217Abstract: A number of embodiments of direct injected V-type outboard motors provided with a very effective fuel supply system wherein the number of components can be significantly reduced as well as the elimination of many of the flexible conduits normally employed. This also permits the fuel system to be assembled as a relatively unitary assembly that can be then affixed to the engine. The arrangement is such that purging of the system from vapors during shutdowns is easily accomplished and the system can be purged without complicated construction. Furthermore, the system can be pressure tested by an arrangement where the low pressure system can bypass the high pressure system when the engine is not operating so as to be pressurized for testing purposes.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masahiko Kato
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Patent number: 6220218Abstract: An engine operation control device which sets higher than the target revolution speed for the idling state the target revolution speed of the engine immediately after the engine operation has shifted to the idling state, to prevent troubles caused by bubbles in the working fluid. When the engine operation shifts to the idling state at time t2, the count value Cnt of the idling counter starts counting. When the count value Cnt reaches the set value Cnt1, the revolution speed correction amount And is added to the target revolution speed for the idling state. The correction amount And progressively decreases with the elapse of time after the engine operation has shifted to the idling state.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventor: Suzuhiro Saiki
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Patent number: 6220219Abstract: An improved control method/system for controlling engine speed (ES) of an electronically controlled engine (12) communicating over an industry standard data link. If the difference between engine speed and target engine speed exceeds a reference value ((ES−ESTARGET)>REF?), then the engine is commanded to operate in a torque control mode or a speed- and torque-limiting mode (64).Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: David L. Wadas, James M. Walker, Yei Dei Wang, Sharon L. Gualtieri
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Patent number: 6220220Abstract: A fuel supplying device for an engine comprises an electronic governor (1) and a mechanical governor (2). In this device, the mechanical governor (2) limits a maximum fuel injection amount of an electronic control by the electronic governor (1).Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Masahiro Aketa, Yasuo Fujii, Hajime Yama, Toshio Nakahira, Yasushi Matsuda
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Patent number: 6220221Abstract: In a method to avoid bucking oscillations during acceleration of vehicles, the engine torque is varied. To reliably prevent bucking oscillations without adversely affecting the acceleration behavior and exhaust behavior, it is proposed that during operation of the gas pedal, the engine torque be varied according to a stipulated engine torque curve between a lower torque value and an upper torque value, in which the engine torque curve has a local maximum adjacent to the lower torque value and has a local minimum between the local maximum and the upper torque value.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Roland Flinspach, Andreas Haller, Franz Moser
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Patent number: 6220222Abstract: An accelerator pedal assembly for an electronic throttle control includes a housing, a pedal arm, and a sensor assembly for generating an electric control signal that varies in relation to the position of the pedal arm. The pedal arm is supported for movement relative to the housing and has a first end connected to a pedal pad and a second end pivotally supported on a shaft to define a pivot axis. The sensor assembly includes a sensor member that is pivotally mounted on the shaft for pivotal movement with the pedal arm about the pivot axis. The pedal assembly is characterized by the housing presenting a sensing surface for interacting with the sensor member to generate the electric control signal that varies in magnitude in proportion to the extent of movement of the pedal arm relative to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Teleflex IncorporatedInventor: Avtar Kalsi
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Patent number: 6220223Abstract: A system and method for controlling an engine to limit engine output include determining engine speed, determining vehicle speed, determining a ratio based on the engine speed and the vehicle speed, comparing the ratio to a threshold, and controlling the engine to limit engine output based on the comparison. The ratio used for comparison may be selected from a plurality of ratios based on a current gear ratio which may be an actual or virtual (computed) gear ratio. The threshold may represent a low gear torque limit threshold in one embodiment. A vehicle speed sensor fault may also be considered to determine whether to limit the engine output. In one embodiment, engine output is limited by limiting engine torque.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Detroit Diesel CorporationInventors: S. Miller Weisman, II, Dennis M. LeTang
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Patent number: 6220224Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel-injection system for an internal combustion engine. The fuel-injection system contains a number of fuel injectors which are supplied with fuel by a high-pressure pump via a common inlet pipe and high-pressure lines leading from said pump to the individual fuel injectors. High-pressure storage devices are provided in each of the high-pressure lines in each of the high-pressure lines, the fuel storage volumes of said high-pressure storage devices being between 80 and 300 times, preferably between 120 and 200 times the maximum injection quantity per injection action. The diameter D2 of the high-pressure lines leading from the common inlet pipe to the high-pressure storage devices is measured to minimize the difference in the quantities of fuel injected by the fuel injectors.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: MTU Motoren- und Turbinen-Union Friedrichshafen GmbHInventors: Joerg Matthies, Guenther Schmidt
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Patent number: 6220225Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic control apparatus for forming a fuel-metering signal for an internal combustion engine wherein increased fuel metering occurs during the start and post-start phases of the engine. With the electronic control apparatus, an index is formed for the pressure in the intake manifold of the engine and the gradient of the index is formed. The increased metering of fuel is reduced in dependence upon the gradient.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Bernhard Mencher, Gunter Mueller
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Patent number: 6220226Abstract: A method of controlling torque changes in a direct injection diesel engine having a control unit which controls the amount of fuel in the engine combustion chambers depending on signals fed into the control unit representing at least accelerator pedal position and engine speed. When the accelerator pedal is depressed, for example, thereby requesting a torque (tq), which exceeds a predetermined upper torque limit (b) stored in the control unit, the torque is first controlled up to a lower torque limit (c) stored in the control unit and from there gradually to the upper torque limit (b), from which the torque is then released up to the torque requested by the driver with the accelerator pedal.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventors: Christer Alm, Gote Hansson
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Patent number: 6220227Abstract: A fuel filter 10, constructing a supply unit 8, comprises a filter case 11 having an electric conductivity and a filter element 14. The filter case 11 is formed with an inside wall portion 11A and an outside wall portion 11B into a U shape in lateral cross section, so as to enlarge a contact area contacting with fuel in a fuel tank. The fuel discharged from the fuel pump 9 flows into a fluid chamber 15 of the fuel filter 10, and then be supplied from a fuel supply conduit 20 through a fuel flow passageway 12A to the outside. At this time, static electricity charged in the filter case 11 is discharged through its outer peripheral surface into the surrounding fuel having a slight electric conductivity.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignees: Unisia Jecs Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Okada, Koji Takahashi, Takashi Hashimoto, Taiki Aoyama
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Patent number: 6220228Abstract: A fuel system, particularly a diesel fuel system for a car engine (12), includes a fuel filter (11). The filter (11) has an air outlet (18, 22) spanned by an oleophobic filter medium (26). This allows significant volumes of air to be vented while not wetting out when contacted by fuel and so allowing only very small quantites of fuel to pass the filter medium (26).Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Pall CorporationInventor: Nigel Hedley Atkins
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Patent number: 6220229Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for detecting a leak in an evaporative emission control system for an internal combustion engine including a fuel tank, a canister for collecting fuel vapors from the fuel tank, and a purge control valve disposed between the canister and the intake pipe for allowing flow of the fuel vapors from the canister to the intake pipe such that a fuel vapor flow passage is provided which extends from the fuel tank to the purge control valve by way of the canister.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiko Kawamura, Akihiro Kawano
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Patent number: 6220230Abstract: An evaporative emission control system is provided which includes a bypass valve, purge control valve and a vent control valve. To make a leak diagnosis, firstly the vent control valve is closed while the purge control valve is opened, whereby to negatively pressurize the inside of a fuel vapor conduit portion extending from the bypass valve to an intake pipe side. After the pressure in the fuel vapor conduit portion from the bypass valve to the intake pipe is reduced to a predetermined value, the purge control valve is closed. Then, the bypass valve is opened, and after lapse of a predetermined time from the opening of the bypass valve a variation of pressure in a conduit extending from the fuel tank to the purge control valve is asured. Based on the variation of pressure, a leak diagnosis is made.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiko Kawamura, Akihiro Kawano
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Patent number: 6220231Abstract: A combustion improving device and a combustion improving method for an engine improves the combustion of an internal combustion engine such as a Diesel engine and can reduce noxious emissions, such as sooty smoke, or nitrogen oxides. To achieve this, magnetic poles of two magnets 2 are arranged in proximity to confront each other, so that fuel fed from a fuel tank to the engine is guided to pass through a gap 3 between the magnetic poles. At this passage, magnetic force (an attractive force or a repulsive force) per unit area to act between the confronting magnetic poles is set at 0.15 kgf/cm2 or more, and a time period for the fuel to pass between the confronting magnetic poles is set at 1.7 seconds or more.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Big Bang Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshiki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6220232Abstract: To achieve a very sturdy automatic control of the boost pressure, the integration of system deviation of the boost pressure, which is carried out by an integrator, is limited to a predefinable limiting value. Limiting value is composed of a basic value and a correction value superimposed upon it. Correction value is determined adaptively as a function of speed, a plurality of speed ranges being predefined. Adapted correction value can be increased or reduced stepwise, which mainly depends on whether the integral-action component of the manipulated variable for the boost pressure is smaller or greater than the current limiting value.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Oskar Torno, Carsten Kluth, Werner Häming, Iwan Surjadi, Steffen Franke, Michael Bäuerle
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Patent number: 6220233Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas recirculation valve adapted for coupling to an intake manifold and adapted for connection to an secondary exhaust outlet. The exhaust gas recirculation valve is controllably positioned in one of a first position and a second position, wherein when the exhaust gas recirculation valve is in the first position the exhaust gas from each cylinder is transported through the primary exhaust outlet, and when the exhaust gas recirculation valve is in the second position an exhaust gas flow from at least one of the plurality of combustion cylinders is transported through the secondary exhaust outlet. An actuator is placed in communication with the exhaust gas recirculation valve for effecting a position change thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: David A. Pierpont
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Patent number: 6220234Abstract: A coating for a portion of the flowpath of a diffuser of a centrifugal compressor. The coating covers a portion of the diffuser against which flows high velocity air from the compressor blades. The coating is a smooth, tenacious, heat-resistant powder paint that reduces the aerodynamic drag of the diffuser walls on the high velocity air thus increasing the efficiency of the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Cummins Engine CompanyInventors: Glenn L. Baker, Paul D. Free
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Patent number: 6220235Abstract: A bow tuning apparatus with a nock travel indicator includes a mounting platform for mounting a compound bow having cam wheels, the mounting platform having first and second deflection measuring gauges on respective first and second sides, to contact the cam wheels for measuring bow deflection as the bow is drawn. An outer frame is mounted to the mounting platform, the outer frame including indicia for measuring bow string travel distance. An inner frame is slidably received in the outer frame, the inner frame having a bow press with rollers to deflect the bow limbs as the inner frame is retracted into the outer frame. A first winch, having a strain gauge, is used to draw the bowstring. A marking pen may be secured to the bowstring, to mark a surface as the bowstring is drawn. A second winch is used to retract the inner frame into the outer frame, to slacken the bowstring.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: William L. Sands