Patents Issued in November 14, 2002
  • Publication number: 20020166505
    Abstract: A squeegee unit comprises a paste pressurizing slope and a squeegee. The paste pressurizing slope is inclined at an angle narrower than 90° to a surface of a screen mask in a printing direction. As solder paste is pressurized by means of the paste pressurizing slope, the solder paste is filled into a mask hole. The squeegee has a paste scraping surface for scraping off the solder paste on the screen mask. The paste scraping surface extends at an angle of 90° or more to the surface of the screen mask in the printing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Toshiya Hikami, Yoshinori Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20020166506
    Abstract: A compartment for powder coating workpieces conveyed through an aperture for the workpieces formed in an end wall and coated by means of automatic coating equipment inside the compartment in which there is negative pressure comprises at least one manual coating station located beyond and adjacent the aperture, as seen in conveying direction of the workpieces for manually coating workpieces outside of the compartment. In this manner, on the one hand, openings in the sidewalls of the compartment for manual coating of the workpieces from the side of the compartment can be dispensed with and, on the other hand, practically unlimited free space is offered during manual coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Christoph Keller, Hans Mendler
  • Publication number: 20020166507
    Abstract: The vacuum degree in a reactor is set to as low as 0.1 Torr. In this state, a butyl acetate solution in which Pb(DPM)2 is dissolved at a concentration of 0.1 mol is transported from a Pb source generator to an evaporator, while the flow rate of the butyl acetate solution is controlled to a predetermined flow rate by a massflow controller, to evaporate the Pb(DPM)2 dissolved together with the butyl acetate by the evaporator. Helium gas is added to these at a flow rate of 250 sccm, and the mixed gas is transported to a shower head. With this operation, source gases are supplied to a wafer in the reactor, while the partial pressure of each source gas is set low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shinriki, Kenji Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20020166508
    Abstract: A vacuum deposition system comprises i) a film-forming chamber the inside of which can be kept at a stated degree of vacuum by a film-forming chamber evacuation means such as a vacuum pump, having a substrate holder which holds a substrate on which a thin film is to be formed and a crucible which heats and evaporates a deposition material to be made into a thin film, and ii) a reaction chamber in the inside of which a gas is to be ionized, which is connected to a reaction chamber gas feed means which feeds a source gas for compensating gas atoms having come short; the film-forming chamber and the reaction chamber being connected through a pressure control means. The source gas fed by means of the reaction chamber gas feed means is previously ionized in the reaction chamber by the action of ionization attributable to the plasma, and thereafter the pressure control means is operated to introduce the ionized gas into the film-forming chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Ryuji Biro, Minoru Otani
  • Publication number: 20020166509
    Abstract: This invention includes a processing vessel capable of being evacuated to make a vacuum therein and a stage placed in the processing vessel capable of supporting an object to be processed thereon. A guide ring is placed on or above the stage so as to surround the outer circumference of the object to be processed mounted on the stage, is adapted to guide the object to be processed onto the stage when mounting the object to be processed onto the stage. A particle generation preventing space is formed between an inner peripheral part of the lower surface of the guide ring and the upper surface of the stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Kentaro Asakura, Takaya Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20020166510
    Abstract: A main litter box base is covered with a partial litter box canopy. Dividing the main litter box container into two different compartments is a sift screen, the sift screen being sealed about its edges with the main litter box container and further being sealed about the edge of the litter box canopy. The litter box screen includes a moveable door for accessing or preventing access to the screened portion of the box. A stop member is provided opposite the access door for preventing the movement of loose excrement and clumped animal litter from atop the sifting screen. A removable or detachable scoop or shovel is mounted to the outer surface of the main litter box base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Russell Asbury
  • Publication number: 20020166511
    Abstract: An improved squeegee with integral nozzle and wiping blade for the washing and grooming of animals, especially large animals such as horses and other livestock, includes a body portion, a valve to regulate the flow of water, a nozzle oriented to direct a spray of water generally perpendicularly downwards relative to the body, and an arcuate wiping blade. The arcuate shape of the wiping blade enables it to be oriented relative to the surface being cleaned so that the curvature of the blade conforms to the shape of the surface. The apparatus is connected to a supply of water such as a garden hose, such that when it is drawn across the animal's body, water from the nozzle wets the animal's coat, and the wiping blade then removes water, soap, and dirt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Stuart J. Porter
  • Publication number: 20020166512
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pet grooming apparatus and more particularly, an attachment to a prior art vacuum for grooming pet hair, and for removal of the loose hair as the pet is being groomed. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a utility nozzle having a wand connector for connecting the nozzle to a prior art vacuum, and a hair comb member, having a plurality of cone-shaped teeth preferably mounted in a single plane, and of study material in order to pass through the hair of a pet. Said hair comb member slidably positioned within the utility nozzle while the apparatus is pulled through the pet's hair, the hair comb member is cabled of collecting hair that is loosened from the pet when the plurality of cone-shaped teeth engage the pet, such collection of loosened hair and debris passing from the plurality of cone-shaped teeth through an air passage of the utility nozzle into the vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Austin Kit Corbett
  • Publication number: 20020166513
    Abstract: A playhouse for cats provides a container with numerous perforations and an interior containing various mouse and other cat toys which may be accessed through the perforations by a cat's arm. The mouse toys may include a figure atop a moveable spring, a removable mouse, one or mice on a turntable, musical and sound mice, etc. Other cat toys can include balls which rattle when moved, and toys which can emit a variety of sounds based on a battery powered sound chip. The playhouse can be used to evaluate feline aggressiveness, docility and other traits for breeding and feeding, for psychological purposes, for exercise, for coordination, to relieve boredom, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Danny R. Van Sluis
  • Publication number: 20020166514
    Abstract: An animal ear holder apparatus capable of being easily, comfortably and securely placed on the head of an animal, wherein the ears of the animal are comfortably restrained in a forward position, thereby preventing undesirable animal behaviors, such as for exemplary purposes only, kicking, biting or bucking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Darla Williams
  • Publication number: 20020166515
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting a gaseous fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine (ICE) cylinder employs a combination of operating modes. First, one of a low load and a high load mode of operation is selected during the operation of the ICE. Low load and high load modes are distinguished by the combustion characteristics of an amount of fumigated fuel added to the combustion chamber. Fumigated fuel that supports combustion will cause high load to be selected. Fumigated fuel that does not support combustion will cause low load to be selected. A directly injected amount of fuel is provided under low load. Under high load, a directly injected quantity of fuel is added when the piston is near top dead center to allow the engine to meet load requirement above that provided by the fumigated fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Ancimer, Konstantin Tanin
  • Publication number: 20020166516
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge thermostat system that permits removal and replacement of the thermostat without removing the housing or coolant manifold. In the cartridge thermostat system, a coolant manifold is mounted on a cylinder head of an engine. The cylinder head has an engine by-pass and a coolant port for receiving a pilot on the coolant manifold. The coolant manifold further comprises at least one thermostat port with an associated cartridge thermostat and at least one passage for appropriate coolant flow. The cartridge thermostat fastens to the thermostat port and operatively positions a plug to an engine by-pass and a sleeve to a coolant passage. A wax plug in the cartridge thermostat expands when the coolant is hot and thereby appropriately and simultaneously positions the plug relative to the engine by-pass and the sleeve relative to the coolant passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Ho Chul (Mark) Song, Bruce B. Dombek, Steve R. Ostarello
  • Publication number: 20020166517
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a method and apparatus for controlling a fan on a work machine is provided. The method includes the steps of sensing a temperature of air at an inlet manifold, sensing a temperature of an engine coolant fluid, sensing a temperature of a hydraulic fluid, and sensing a temperature of a transmission fluid. The method also includes the step of controlling the fan responsive to at least one of the sensed temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Bryan A. Vogt
  • Publication number: 20020166518
    Abstract: A marine drive comprises an open loop cooling system for cooling various engine components using water drawn from the body of water in which an associated watercraft is operating. A water inlet of the cooling system has a filter cover which includes a series of apertures through which water can flow. The apertures have a maximum cross-sectional width. After passing through the water inlet, cooling water is pressurized and directed to an engine coolant passage to cool engine components. A pilot water passage branches off of the engine coolant passage and delivers cooling water through peripheral engine components to cool the components. The pilot cooling water is discharged from the marine drive in a pilot water stream that is visible to the operator of the watercraft. No portion of the pilot water passage has a diameter that is less than the maximum dimension of the water inlet filter cover openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Takayuki Osakabe
  • Publication number: 20020166519
    Abstract: An electronic control unit for a combustion engine having a water coolant passageway in heat transfer adjacency to the unit and adapted to remove heat from the unit. An ECU for combustion engine, comprising: electrical input circuits, electrical control circuits, electrical fuel injection output drive circuits, electrical oil pump output drive circuits and electrical ignition circuits. An ECU is disclosed which is adapted to verify firing of the ignition coils of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: MARK J. SKRZYPCHAK, MICHAEL J. FRENCH, GREGRY M. REMMERS, SCOTT A. KOERNER, PHILIP J. BYLSMA, MIKE A. TANNER, DALE A. WIEGELE
  • Publication number: 20020166520
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pump for fluid media, more particularly to a cooling water pump for internal combustion engines with an electric motor configured as a disk armature for actuating the pump, said electric motor being directly connected to an impeller (6) of the pump. A simple structure and high operational reliability are achieved in that a driving flange (18) projects radially outward on the outer circumference of the pump's impeller, magnets (19) or windings (20) being molded therein for the contactless drive of the impeller (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Markus Heim, Herbert Gosweiner
  • Publication number: 20020166521
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1010) having an adjustable compression ratio is disclosed. The engine includes a housing (1013), a piston assembly (1012) adjustably coupled to the housing, and a cylinder(1014) reciprocatingly disposed within the housing. The cylinder reciprocates relative to the piston assembly during operation of the engine. The engine further includes a compression ratio adjustment mechanism (1300) in communication with the piston assembly. The compression ratio adjustment mechanism is adaptable to adjust the compression ratio of the engine during operation. In another aspect of the present invention, the engine includes an exhaust valve (1052) in fluid communication with the cylinder and a crankshaft (1016) coupled to the cylinder, wherein the crankshaft includes a lobe (1054) for actuating the exhaust valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Walter Schmied
  • Publication number: 20020166522
    Abstract: A valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine for preventing hitching of a lock pin of an actuator at the time of changing a cam angle is provided. The valve timing control system is provided with actuators 15 and 16 connected to cam shafts 15C and 16C, hydraulic pressure supply units 19 and 20 for driving the actuators, and a controller 21A for controlling a hydraulic pressure for the actuators in dependence on engine operation states while changing a relative phase of the cam shafts relative to crank shafts. The actuator includes a locking mechanism for setting the relative phase to a lock-up position, and an unlocking mechanism for releasing the locking mechanism in response to a predetermined hydraulic pressure. The controller executes a releasing operation of the locking mechanism if the lock-up position in the locking mechanism changes from inside a predetermined range to outside the predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Takahashi, Morio Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20020166523
    Abstract: A variable valve actuator assembly includes a main actuator, a secondary actuator and an actuator shaft. The actuator shaft is coupled to each of the main actuator and the secondary actuator. The main actuator and the secondary actuator are each separately and independently selectable for driving the actuator shaft to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel F. Kabasin, John Castellana
  • Publication number: 20020166524
    Abstract: In a VVA apparatus, when an actual lift amount detected by a lift-amount detecting sensor exceeds a basic lift-amount target value by a predetermined value or more, ECU corrects a lift phase through a lift-phase varying mechanism to separate from a piston TDC with respect to a basic lift-phase target value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: UNISIA JECS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Nakamura, Naoki Okamoto, Seinosuke Hara, Akinori Suzuki, Tsuneyasu Nohara, Shinichi Takemura, Takanobu Sugiyama, Shunichi Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20020166525
    Abstract: A desmodromic valve actuation system for opening and closing at least one valve of an engine having a cam assemblage and a driving mechanism for reciprocal movement operably connected to said cam assemblage. The cam assemblage includes a cam mechanism for rotational movement and the driving mechanism also being operably connected to the at least one valve of the engine to move the at least one valve between a valve closed position and a valve open position and between the open position and the closed position in a manner directly related to the rotational movement of the cam mechanism. In addition, a mechanism is provided for adjustably controlling the movement of the at least one valve in order to provide a variable amount of opening of the at least one valve in the open position. The opening and closing of the at least one valve takes place without the intervention of a spring action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Frank A. Folino
  • Publication number: 20020166526
    Abstract: A valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine for preventing dispersion of a control amount and unexpected release of a lock pin is provided. The valve timing control system is provided with actuators 15 and 16 connected to cam shafts 15C and 16C, hydraulic pressure supply units 19 and 20 for driving the actuators, and a controller 21A for controlling a hydraulic pressure for the actuators in dependence on engine operation states while changing a relative phase of the cam shafts relative to crank shafts. The actuator includes a locking mechanism for setting the relative phase to a lock-up position, and an unlocking mechanism for releasing the locking mechanism in response to a predetermined hydraulic pressure. The controller makes a limit of control range small when the controller drives the locking mechanism to control the relative phase within a predetermined range of the lock-up position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Takahashi, Morio Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20020166527
    Abstract: A valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine for preventing dispersion of a control amount and unexpected unlocking of a lock pin is provided. The valve timing control system is provided with actuators 15 and 16 connected to cam shafts 15C and 16C, hydraulic pressure supply units 19 and 20 for driving the actuators, and a controller 21A for controlling a hydraulic pressure for the actuators depending on operating states while changing a relative phase of the cam shafts relative to crank shafts. The actuator includes a locking mechanism for setting the relative phase to a lock-up position and unlocking mechanisms for unlocking the locking mechanism in response to a predetermined hydraulic pressure, and the controller restricts a control of valve timing within a predetermined range of said lockup position in the locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Takahashi, Morio Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20020166528
    Abstract: A spark plug boot keeper assembly interconnects between a spark plug boot and an internal surface of a surrounding structure which defines an elongated spark plug well. A pivoting member of the assembly is located above an annular upper shelf of the internal surface and a circumferential lower rib of the boot. When the boot is properly seated on the spark plug, the lower rib engages the upper shelf. Once engaged, the pivoting member pivots to lock the boot onto the spark plug. The pivot axis lies within an imaginary plane disposed perpendicular to a centerline of the elongated spark plug well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: James C. Holmes, Suzanne Christine Nadasky, Rhoda A. Taylor, Harry J. Slaven
  • Publication number: 20020166529
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling starting of an internal combustion engine is arranged to reduce exhaust emissions and emission variations at engine startup. The starter is driven after a lapse of the predetermined period of time from the moment at which an engine starting command is operated, so that the engine can be started when sensors and actuators attached to the engine are in optimum conditions, thereby reducing exhaust emissions and emission variations. Also, after the engine has been cranked by driving the starter, the starter is stopped after a lapse of the predetermined time from the moment at which the number of engine revolutions becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined number of revolutions. Therefore the engine can be reliably set in a suitably started condition before the starter is turned off even if the engine is in a particular condition, e.g., an extremely-low-temperature condition such that combustion in the engine is unstable and the engine can stall easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Teruaki Kawakami, Tadahiro Azuma, Keiichi Enoki
  • Publication number: 20020166530
    Abstract: A starter for an internal combustion engine is provided for improving the startability and reducing noise associated with starting. The starter for an internal combustion engine comprises an electric motor, an oil pump driven by the electric motor, an accumulator for accumulating an oil pressure pumped by the oil pump, a hydraulic actuator driven by the oil pressure accumulated in the accumulator, an oil pressure supply control valve for controlling the oil pressure supplied from the accumulator to the hydraulic actuator, a driven gear for rotation integral with a crank shaft of the internal combustion engine, a driving gear connected to the hydraulic actuator, and brought into mesh with the driven gear and driven by the hydraulic actuator when the internal combustion engine is started, an oil pressure sensor for detecting the oil pressure in the accumulator, and an ECU for controlling the electric motor based on the value of the oil pressure in the accumulator detected by the oil pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Junya Tachikawa, Ryuichi Mori, Koichi Fushimi
  • Publication number: 20020166531
    Abstract: A method of starting a multi-cylinder, direct-injection, internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle in particular without using a starter motor is described. The position of a piston in a cylinder of the internal combustion engine is determined, and fuel is injected into a combustion chamber of the cylinder whose piston is in a working phase, and the fuel is ignited immediately thereafter, thus triggering the starting operation. To improve the processing of the mixture during the starting operation, as the starting operation continues, immediately after ignition of the fuel in the cylinder which is in the working phase, fuel is injected into a combustion chamber of another cylinder whose piston is in an intake phase, and the injected fuel is ignited while still in the intake phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Manfred Ackermann, Udo Sieber
  • Publication number: 20020166532
    Abstract: There is provided a starter system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of preventing wear of a brush of an electric motor ascribable to the combined use of the electric motor with a hydraulic actuator and the resulting increase in the rotational resistance due to friction of the brush, as well as capable of using one of the hydraulic actuator and the electric motor without difficulty even when the other is disabled. The hydraulic motor is driven by hydraulic pressure. A rotational shaft of the hydraulic motor is driven for rotation by the hydraulic motor. A rotational shaft of an electric motor extends in parallel with the rotational shaft of the hydraulic motor, and is driven for rotation by the electric motor. A ring gear rotates in unison with the crankshaft. A pinion gear is brought into meshing engagement with the ring gear, for starting the engine. An output shaft is connected to the pinion gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryuichi Mori, Junya Tachikawa, Koichi Fushimi
  • Publication number: 20020166533
    Abstract: Conventional leaf blowers that are carried on the back of the operator have a starting device placed outside an engine and an fan which means that there position will be far from the back of the operator. This position of the starting device makes it difficult for the operator to reach it and results in that the center of gravity for the tool will be far from the back of the operator. The position also means that the operator must take the tool down from the back to be able to start the tool. In this application is a new arrangement that solves the above-described problem claimed. This is done by placing the starting device (20) for the engine (11) on the side of the fan that is facing towards the back of the operator when the leaf blower is in its right position on the back of the operator. This moves the center of gravity closer to the back of the operator and makes it possible for the operator to reach the starting device without removing the tool from the back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventors: Marcus Kragner, Anna Sjogren
  • Publication number: 20020166534
    Abstract: An overhead cam motorcycle engine includes a cylinder head, a cam cover coupled to the cylinder head, a sealing gasket, and a substantially rigid insert. The cylinder head includes an aperture that is substantially axially aligned with an engine camshaft axis. The resilient gasket includes a sealing jacket that defines an opening. The gasket is positioned between the cylinder head and the cam cover such that the sealing jacket occupies the aperture. The insert is positioned in the opening in the sealing jacket to seal the cylinder head and cam cover interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Schneider, Klaus Fuoss, Jeffrey P. Coughlin
  • Publication number: 20020166535
    Abstract: The engine includes a housing having a circular cavity with a rotatable flywheel defining a radially extending power piston(s) disposed therein. An abutment disc connects to a compression piston rotor and rotates synchronously with the flywheel. Compression piston(s) rotate on separate axes within the compression piston rotor and move in and out with respect to the outer periphery of the compression piston rotor. A compression piston stator seals off the top of the compression piston rotor causing the compression pistons to compress a charge of gas to be delivered on top of the power piston(s). Fuel is injected and the combustion zone is ignited. The expanding gases force the power piston(s) and flywheel around the housing producing work. The previous products of combustion are forced out the exhaust system in front of the power piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Robert DeFazio
  • Publication number: 20020166536
    Abstract: A four-cycle engine is provided with valve timing adjusters for adjusting opening and closing timing an and an exhaust valve. In medium- to high-speed ranges in medium- to high-load regions of the engine, a closing point (ExC) of the exhaust valve defined as a point of transfer from an acceleration portion to a constant speed portion on its valve lift characteristics curve is set to a point a specific period before an intake top dead center, and an opening point (InO) of the intake valve defined as a point of transfer from a constant speed portion to an acceleration portion on its valve lift characteristics curve is set to a point after the intake top dead center. In addition, the period from the closing point (ExC) of the exhaust valve to the opening point (InO) of the intake valve is made longer in the medium-speed range than in the high-speed range in the medium- to high-load regions of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuo Hitomi, Yasushi Matsushita, Tadashige Ohba
  • Publication number: 20020166537
    Abstract: A fuel injector is provided which has an injector body with a metallic tip having an outer surface. A non-metallic insulator, such as a ceramic, is attached to the tip and covers a portion of the outer surface. Injector tip overheating can be a problem, especially during sustained two-cycle boosted engine compression release braking. In addition, injector tip overheating can be a problem when an engine is experiencing simultaneous engine compression release braking and exhaust braking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald Shinogle
  • Publication number: 20020166538
    Abstract: A multi-strike throttle minimum learning system compares a signal received from at least one throttle position sensor to a predetermined minimum throttle position range based on throttle system component tolerances. A possible throttle obstruction is indicated when all of the sensor signal minimum values are outside the predetermined minimum range. In this case, the system deactivates electrical power for a predetermined delay period and then initiates another learn attempt in an effort to overcome the obstruction. This cycle is repeated until a valid throttle minimum position is detected, the number of learn attempts reaches a preset maximum, or a sensor fault is detected. If a valid throttle position minimum is detected within the allowed number of learning attempts, normal engine startup proceeds; otherwise, appropriate fault codes are communicated to the balance of the engine management system and, ultimately, to the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas E. Gyoergy, Joyce Dale Carsey
  • Publication number: 20020166539
    Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a gas fill of a plurality of cylinders in an internal combustion engine having variable valve timing, in which a detection signal of a filling sensor is sampled with a sampling rate. Furthermore, a detection interval is determined for one cylinder. The sampling values for ascertaining a sampling-value sum are added up within this detection interval. In addition, a number of sampling values within the first detection interval are counted for ascertaining a first count value. The air mass filled into the first cylinder is then ascertained by forming a quotient from the sampling-value sum and the count value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Hermann Gaessler, Udo Diehl, Karsten Mischker, Rainer Walter, Bernd Rosenau, Juergen Schiemann, Christian Grosse, Georg Mallebrein, Volker Beuche, Stefan Reimer
  • Publication number: 20020166540
    Abstract: A method for phase recognition of an internal combustion engine with a plurality of cylinders is preformed in an operating region of the engine having selected operating conditions. A crankshaft sensor serves to determine the angular position of the crankshaft. A control apparatus evaluates the signals of the crankshaft sensor and triggers injection and ignition impulses depending on the angular position of the crankshaft. The method includes the steps of adopting a phase relationship; changing a &lgr;-value for at least one of the cylinders; injecting at a selected time once or twice per working cycle in each cylinder; detecting speed changes of the internal combustion engine through at least one working cycle; and distinguishing whether the phase relationship of step B is correct or incorrect by the point in time of a rotational speed change or by an absence of rotational speed changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Wolfgang Boerkel
  • Publication number: 20020166541
    Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injection valve in an engine injects fuel by opening/closing a fuel flowing path with a valve element. A controller controls opening/closing of the fuel flowing path and changes magnetic force generated by a control coil driving the valve element so that the magnetic force is less during a valve open state-holding period than at an initial valve-opening time. The controller detects the voltage of a battery and applies the voltage fed from the battery to the control coil, while changing a time interval (Tc), for which current is passed through the control coil, based on the detected voltage, in order to change the magnetic force, without raising the voltage from the battery. The controller also detects increase/decrease of a pressing force on the valve element caused by fuel pressure and changes the time interval (Tc) accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Makoto Yamakado, Yoshio Okamoto, Nobukatsu Arai, Yuzo Kadomukai, Yoshiyuki Tanabe, Yasunaga Hamada, Yasuo Namaizawa, Hiromasa Kubo, Kenji Tabuchi
  • Publication number: 20020166542
    Abstract: The fuel injector includes a solid state actuator that operates through an actuator motion amplifying lever to directly control the needle valve motion. Hydraulic forces, which act along the axes of the needle valve and the motion amplifying lever, are compensated by using a control piston, or other biasing means, to reduce the required amplitude of the control current/voltage and to reduce the required strength of the spring biasing the needle valve closed. The fuel injector may also include a control fuel inlet that is separate from the injection fuel inlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph Kirzhner, Lester Peters, John D. Crofts, Wayne Eckerle
  • Publication number: 20020166543
    Abstract: A structure for mounting a fuel pump to an engine includes a cylinder head, a valve drive mechanism provided at the cylinder head, and a cylinder head cover covering the cylinder head and the valve drive mechanism. The cylinder head covers are made of synthetic resin. The fuel pump is mounted to the cylinder head with the cylinder head cover held therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Tomonori Ikuma
  • Publication number: 20020166544
    Abstract: A fuel delivery module for an automotive fuel delivery system includes a reservoir and a fuel pump. The fuel pump delivers fuel from the tank to the reservoir via a fuel tank inlet and reservoir outlet and from the reservoir to the engine via a reservoir inlet and engine outlet. The reservoir is formed with a plurality of contaminant traps for collecting contaminants contained in the fuel as the fuel is pumped through the reservoir such that the contaminants settle unto said contaminant traps thereby reducing the amount of contaminants entering the reservoir inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Duane Gaston, Dequan Yu
  • Publication number: 20020166545
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring heat from the exhaust of an internal combustion engine to a fuel container storing compressed gas fuel, using a gaseous heat transfer medium. The heat transferred to the fuel container assists expansion and/or vaporization of the compressed gas fuel. The expanded and/or vaporized compressed gas fuel may be delivered to the internal combustion engine for use by the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin Stone
  • Publication number: 20020166546
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for chemically heating one or more components of, or intake air flowing to, an internal combustion engine by feeding hydrogen to a catalyst. In accordance with the invention, condensation of fuels on cold engine cylinder walls during and after cold start-ups is prevented, thereby reducing wear on the engine. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for reducing pollutants commonly occurring during cold start-up of combustion engines by heating components of, or intake air flowing to, a combustion engine, in order to quickly warm the engine and its catalytic converter to operating temperatures. Preferably, the hydrogen is supplied from an electrolyzer or other on-board source of hydrogen and the hydrogen and a source of oxygen are provided to the catalyst resulting in exothermic oxidation of hydrogen to heat the air intake or other components of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20020166547
    Abstract: A valve for use in an EGR system for an internal combustion engine has a housing having an exhaust inlet, an EGR outlet, an exhaust outlet and a bleed air inlet. A butterfly plate is pivotally connected to the housing. The butterfly plate has at least a first position and a second position, wherein the first position defines a first fluid path between the exhaust inlet and the EGR outlet and defines a second fluid path between the bleed air inlet and the exhaust outlet, and wherein the second position defines a third fluid path between the exhaust inlet and the exhaust outlet and defines a fourth fluid path between the bleed air inlet and the EGR outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Brett M. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20020166548
    Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an off gas emission engine intake system is provided which uses engine cooling fluid to deliver warm emission gasses to the engine. The heater provides an outer body which has a channel therethrough. The channel is defined by an annular inner surface. An emission intake tube is disposed through the channel defining a toroidal chamber between the inner surface and air intake tube. The outer body further defines a pair of opposed orifices which accept coolant into the toroidal chamber. The system further has a lower extension tube which journally accepts the emission intake tube. A cylindrical chamber, coupled to the toroidal chamber, to further increase the contact area between the intake fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: John S. Leen
  • Publication number: 20020166549
    Abstract: An apparatus for combustion initiation in an internal combustion engine is provided. A capacitive spark plug boot uses the engine cylinder head as an outer capacitor member. The capacitive spark plug boot contains a transformer, an inner capacitor member and an insulator. The insulator surrounds the inner capacitor member, with an outer surface of the insulator sized to engage a cylinder head cavity surrounding the spark plug. The capacitor stores electrical energy received from the transformer, and delivers it to the spark plug upon formation of a spark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Werner Funk, Travis L. Eiler
  • Publication number: 20020166550
    Abstract: A compound archery bow comprising a body having first and second flexible ends. A bowstring has at least a portion of itself trained about a rotational assembly and is anchored to a cam assembly. In addition, an anchor cable has a first cable end fixed to the first end of the bow and a second cable end secured to the cam assembly. The cam assembly has a bowstring anchor projection and an anchor cable anchor projection for anchoring the bowstring and the anchor cable, respectively and an anchor cable track for taking in the anchor cable as the bow is being drawn. The cam assembly also has a bowstring track for letting out bowstring cable as the bow is being drawn and a mechanical linkage permitting limited relative motion between the bowstring cable track and the anchor cable track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Albert A. Andrews
  • Publication number: 20020166551
    Abstract: A toy machine gun or a light-weight projectile launching device including a projectile conveying mechanism and a projectile shooting mechanism. The projectile shooting mechanism includes a projectile shooting pass which is formed by a first and a second opposing projectile engaging surfaces which are adapted to friction drag and compressively engage the projectile to be shot. At least one of the rotating surface is preferably driven by a motor. The projectile conveying mechanism conveys a projectile towards said shooting pass for launching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Chung Hon Lee
  • Publication number: 20020166552
    Abstract: In the dicing machine, a flange cover with which the blade is covered is divided into two, and the first cover is openable. An interlock device is provided so that a blade attaching and detaching device cannot be attached when the first cover is at the closing position, the first cover cannot turn to the closing position when the blade attaching and detaching device is attached, and the processing of the work is not started when detected luminous energy of a blade breakage detector, which is attached to the first cover, is not reduced by a predetermined amount. Thus, the blade and the work are prevented from being damaged by processing the work without applying coolant, the mechanism of the dicing machine and the blade attaching and detaching device are prevented from being damaged by operating the dicing machine without detaching the blade attaching and detaching device, and the work is prevented from being unprocessed but sent out by operating the dicing machine without attaching the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Adachi, Masayuki Azuma, Takayuki Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20020166553
    Abstract: A combustion system for a portable forced air heater having two frusta-conical sections attached to a circular burner tube, wherein each frusta-conical section has pre-determined vent hole patterns that allow the gas heater to have a variable burn rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel P. Topp
  • Publication number: 20020166554
    Abstract: A simulated electric glowing embers system disposed within a fireplace is provided. One embodiment discloses, a fireplace comprising an enclosure defining a chamber, a support structure disposed within the chamber, a plurality of translucent artificial embers disposed upon a top surface of the support structure, and a light source positioned to pass light through at least a portion of the support structure to illuminate the translucent artificial embers. Another embodiment discloses, an apparatus for electrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace comprising an ember support bed, a plurality of translucent artificial embers individually arrangeable upon a top surface of the ember support bed, and a light source positioned to pass light through at least a portion of the ember support bed to illuminate the loose translucent artificial embers. A method for electrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Donald Berg