Patents Issued in January 21, 2003
  • Patent number: 6508230
    Abstract: A revolution number control system includes ignition timing delay controlling means for delaying ignition timing from the ignition advance amount n at first prescribed value n2 when the engine revolution number NE is between the first prescribed value n2 and a clutch-on revolution number n4. The first prescribed value n2 is a predetermined revolution number smaller than a present revolution number and the clutch-on revolution number n4 is the present revolution number, and the revolution number control system 40 controls the revolution number by operating the ignition timing delay controlling means when a throttle opening sensor does not detect a change in the throttle opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyoyuki Sugano
  • Patent number: 6508231
    Abstract: The invention relates to an injector for delivering fuel to a combustion chamber of direct-injection internal combustion engines, having a high-pressure connection chamber. A control part closes or opens a valve chamber from which a nozzle inlet line branches off to an injection nozzle, which protrudes into the combustion chamber of the engine. A control chamber is integrated with the high-pressure connection chamber, and with the control chamber, the control part can be actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich Boecking
  • Patent number: 6508232
    Abstract: A fuel injection system for an engine includes an improved construction and provides a method for releasing a needle valve which has adhered to a valve seat in a fuel injector. The fuel injector is a normally closed type and the valve is activated by a solenoid to part from the valve seat to inject fuel. A first power supply unit is provided to supply electric power to the solenoid under an ordinary operating condition of the engine. A second power supply unit is additionally provided to supply electric power greater than the power supplied by the first power supply unit. In one embodiment, the second power supply unit includes a booster to raise the voltage. A switchover mechanism, such as detachable couplers, are provided to switch over between the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masafumi Sogawa
  • Patent number: 6508233
    Abstract: A method for controlling a fuel system of a multiple injector engine provides a primary fuel injector and a secondary fuel injector which are both connected in fluid communication with an air stream flowing to a combustion chamber of the engine. Based on the total magnitude of fuel required to be injected into the air stream and as a function of the engine speed and percent load of the engine, first and second shares of the total magnitude of fuel are determined for the primary and secondary fuel injectors. The primary and secondary fuel injectors are then caused to inject their respective shares of the total fuel magnitude into the air stream, with the primary and secondary shares being determined as a function of engine speed and percent load of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Blake R. Suhre, Jeffery C. Ehlers, Robert E. Haddad
  • Patent number: 6508234
    Abstract: A required fuel amount for an engine is calculated at a predetermined calculation cycle. A fuel injection amount to be injected from an upstream injection valve and a fuel injection amount to be injected from a downstream injection valve are then calculated. After fuel injection on the basis of the calculated fuel injection amounts, a lack of fuel delivered by the fuel injection amounts immediately before re-calculation of a required fuel amount at the calculation cycle until the end of an intake stroke (end of an intake valve opening period), is calculated by subtracting the fuel injection amounts from the re-calculated required fuel amount. The calculated lack of fuel amount is injected from the downstream injection valve during the intake stroke, e.g., in stages 6 and 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Machida, Yoshiaki Hirakata, Toru Takeda
  • Patent number: 6508235
    Abstract: A method of leak detection in a closed vapor handling system of an automotive vehicle, implemented by a system, the method including providing a vacuum detection component having a microcontroller operatively coupled to actuators and sensors, receiving at least one sensor signal from the sensors to the vacuum detection component, processing the at least one sensor signal in the microcontroller, sending output to an engine management system based on the at least one processed sensor signal, processing the output in the engine management system operatively coupled to a control valve, transmitting input from the engine management system to the vacuum detection component based on the processed output, and sending actuator signals from the microcontroller to the actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventor: Laurent Fabre
  • Patent number: 6508236
    Abstract: Atomizing air flowing in an atomizing gas passage is merged with a fuel spray to promote atomization of the fuel, and carrier air flowing in a carrier gas passage is merged with the fuel spray at a further downstream position so as to surround the fuel spray. By doing so, the atomized fuel spray is carried to the downstream side so as to prevent the fuel spray from adhering onto the wall surface. The starting-up performance, fuel consumption and exhaust gas cleaning of an internal combustion engine are improved in this way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Amou, Yoshio Okamoto, Takehiko Kowatari, Ayumu Miyajima, Yuzo Kadomukai, Toru Ishikawa, Masami Nagano, Takanobu Ichihara, Hiroaki Saeki, Kenji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6508237
    Abstract: A method for controlling an internal combustion engine having an EGR circuit including an exhaust gas recirculation valve for diverting exhaust gas from an engine exhaust to an engine intake includes ascertaining a predefined threshold based on at least one engine operating condition and preventing the EGR valve from opening if the at least one engine operating condition is below the predefined threshold to reduce or eliminate visible black smoke which may occur during transient conditions. In one embodiment, the engine operating condition represents EGR boost pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Martin A. Romzek, Richard Marcis
  • Patent number: 6508238
    Abstract: A cylinder head is provided with a gas-liquid separation chamber apart from a chain chamber. The gas-liquid separation chamber is communicated with a crank chamber via a gas inlet and the chain chamber. The gas inlet is opened in the side direction of a chain within the chain chamber, and has an inclined bottom surface. At an upper end portion of the gas-liquid separation chamber is mounted an oil flow back chamber, which has an opening to communicate with a chain chamber. A blow-by gas in the crank chamber is guided into the gas-liquid separation chamber, where an oil component is separated, and then fed into another gas-liquid separation chamber in order to separate the oil component in two steps. Thereby, the oil component in the blow-by gas can be securely separated without adding new components or causing complication in a structure of breather system of an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akira Furuya
  • Patent number: 6508239
    Abstract: An individual ignition type ignition coil device for engine which is directly connected to each spark plug for use, comprises a coil case 6, and a center core 1, a secondary coil 3 wound on a secondary bobbin 2 and a primary coil 5 wound on the primary bobbin 4 each concentrically installed inside the coil case 6 in turn from the inside to the outside. Insulating resin 17, 8 is filled between the interiorly installed structural members. The secondary bobbin is made of material of modified PPO mixed with inorganic matter of 30% or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Shimada, Eiichiro Shimada, Manabu Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6508240
    Abstract: A ferrous cylinder liner for use in diesel engines equipped with exhaust gas recirculation has at least a portion of its inner surface covered by an electroless coating of nickel. The coating has a maximum thickness of 8 micrometers and presents a continuous, non-porous barrier which protects the ferrous liner against attack from the corrosive EGR environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Bedwell, Carmo Ribeiro, Miguel N. D. De Azevedo
  • Patent number: 6508241
    Abstract: An equivalence ratio-based system for controlling transient engine fueling includes an engine controller responsive to a number of engine operating conditions to estimate a mass of oxygen trapped within a number of cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The engine controller is further operable to map current values of engine speed and commanded fueling to one of a number of predetermined maximum fuel-to-oxygen, or equivalence, ratio values (&PHgr;MAX). The engine controller is then operable to determine an oxygen/fuel control (OFC) limited fueling command (FOFCL) as a function of the estimated oxygen mass value and the maximum equivalence ratio, and to limit engine fueling based on the OFC limited fueling command FOFCL. In one embodiment, the engine controller is operable to fuel the engine according to a minimum of the OFC limited fueling command FOFCL and a default fueling command FDEF, although other fuel limiting strategies are contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Miller, Chuan He
  • Patent number: 6508242
    Abstract: A system is provided for estimating engine exhaust temperature in accordance with an exhaust temperature model based on a number of engine operating parameters. In one embodiment, the engine exhaust temperature model is based on current values of engine speed, intake manifold temperature, mass charge flow, default fuel command parameters, and a first set of model constants. In an alternative embodiment, the engine exhaust temperature model is based on current values of engine speed, intake manifold temperature, intake manifold pressure, mass charge flow, default fueling parameters, and a second set of model constants including a lower heating value of fuel constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: Salim A. Jaliwala, Paul R. Miller, Larry J. Brackney, Thomas A. Dollmeyer, John F. Wright, Gary L. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6508243
    Abstract: Pitching apparatus delivers a sequence of different kinds of pitches to a batter and prevents a batter from ascertaining from the position of the pitching apparatus the kind of pitch which the apparatus will deliver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas L. Long
  • Patent number: 6508244
    Abstract: A tile cutting guide arrangement includes a cutting table, slidably supported on the supporting frame, having a main cutting channel wherein a saw blade of a power saw machine is arranged to overhanging travel along the main cutting channel, and a tile guider slidably mounted on the cutting table. The tile guider includes a plurality of rip guides spacedly formed thereon wherein each rip guide has a guiding edge, which is 45 degrees with respect to the main cutting channel, adapted for guiding an edge of a tile on the cutting table, so as to align a diagonal of the tile with the main cutting channel of the cutting table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Wy Peron Lee
  • Patent number: 6508245
    Abstract: Modern cooktops typically have a cook surface which is formed by a glass or glass-ceramic plate (1). As an alternative to the electrically heated cooking locations, cooking locations heated by a gas burner, called burner locations (2), can be provided. The heating location is heated by a gas burner. To avoid the use of complex exhaust-gas channels when using gas radiation burners and to further utilize the heat of the exhaust gas for heating the cooking utensil as well as for avoiding the use of separate pot supports when using atmospheric gas burners, the invention provides that the burner location (2) is formed by a mesa-like protrusion (3) in the glass or glass-ceramic plate (1), below which the gas burner (4, 4a) is arranged, with the mesa-like surface (3a) formed as a pot support surface and with a surrounding flank (3b) in which the openings (5, 6) are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Schott Glas
    Inventor: Martin Taplan
  • Patent number: 6508246
    Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical draft controller. The draft controller is comprised of a draft controller portion, a means for pivoting the controller portion, and a means for counterbalancing the controller portion. The draft controller portion has a surface that is movable in a generally arcuate path with respect to a central axis, a second surface extending between the first surface and the central axis, and two side surfaces extending between the first surface and the central axis. The side surfaces are spaced apart and have the second surface oriented between the side surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Lon W. Fiedler
  • Patent number: 6508247
    Abstract: Solar swimming pool heater panels which are rectangular or circular, black, plastic, floatable, corrugated, connectable, and rollable in bundles for placing on outdoor swimming pools for warming up and covering the water when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: William Karales
  • Patent number: 6508249
    Abstract: Connecting apparatus for placing at least one single fluid flow path in fluid communication with at least two single fluid flow paths of a plurality of single fluid flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Vital Signs, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Hoenig
  • Patent number: 6508250
    Abstract: A disposable oxygenating device (2) comprising a body (4,40) and a collapsible bag (16) coupled thereto, the body including first coupling means (6) being couplable to a source of oxygen, second coupling means (10) being couplable to an endotracheal tube, laryngeal mask or the like, a connector (14) to which the bag (16) is connected, an oxygen duct (7) in fluid communication with the first coupling means having an outlet orifice (22) which in use delivers oxygen from the source of oxygen to inflate the bag with oxygen, and an outlet (20,44), the arrangement being such that, in use, during an inspiration cycle, oxygen from the bag passes through the second coupling means (10) and, during an expiration cycle, expiration products pass through the body (2,40) and are expelled through the outlet (20,44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Philip Stuart Esnouf
  • Patent number: 6508251
    Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is quadruple or quintuple composite material of distinct materials. The first internal layer is a non-softenable flexible framework which will permit the mouthguard to hold its shape during fitting as well as to absorb and dissipate significant impact conveyed to the upper teeth. A hard, durable reverse bite plate wedge is thicker rearwardly and lowers the condyle from the temporomandibular joint in a fulcrum action to place the lower jaw in an optimum condition preventing impingement upon the nerves and arteries as well as spacing the upper and lower teeth apart. Elastomeric traction pads are on the bottom of the mouthguard and are grippingly engaged by the posterior teeth of the lower jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventors: Jon D. Kittelsen, Henry D. Cross, III, Paul C. Belvedere, Mark Herman
  • Patent number: 6508252
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering and installing a new length of tubing between two sections of a patient's existing body organ tubing and at least partly outside of that existing structure. For example, the new length of tubing may be for the purpose of providing the patient with a coronary bypass. The new tubing may be an artificial graft, a natural graft (harvested elsewhere from the patient), or both. The new tubing is installed at the operative site primarily by providing at least one graft location with instrumentation inserted through the patient's existing tubular body organ structure. Assistance in installing the new tubing may be provided by minimally invasive surgical access openings in the patient's chest. The tubing may be delivered through the patient's existing tubular body structure or, alternatively, through the surgical access openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical ATG, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Allen Berg, Daniel J. Sullivan, William J. Swanson, Paul J. Hindrichs
  • Patent number: 6508253
    Abstract: A belt-type compression molding apparatus for a tobacco stream includes a compression belt integral with a tobacco band for forming the tobacco stream, and the compression belt extends from the tobacco band toward a wrapping section of a cigarette manufacturing machine. The compression belt defines a compression molding passage for the tobacco stream in cooperation with a molding groove of a molding bed for guiding wrapping paper. The compression belt travels at the same speed as the tobacco band and serves as a movable ceiling wall of the compression molding passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Yutaka Okumoto, Hisao Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6508254
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing reconstituted tobacco with reduced nitrogenous content by submitting cured tobacco material, including whole leaf, stems, scraps, fines and lamina, as well as burley leaf and stem, to an extraction with a solution containing sodium acetate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or mixtures thereof. The extraction process, in addition to denitrifying the tobacco material, also produces reconstituted tobacco paper with characteristics similar to flue cured tobacco leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation
    Inventors: John-Paul Mua, Terryl V. Baker, Kenneth John Bradley, Jr., William R. Conway, Walter M. Drexler
  • Patent number: 6508255
    Abstract: The present invention is an eyeliner applicator and method of using the applicator. The applicator comprises two arms, each arm having a proximal and a distal end. The proximal ends of the arms are supported such that the distal ends of the arms are maintained in a spaced apart relationship. An applicator surface extends from the distal end of one arm to the distal end of the other arm. The proximal ends of the arms may be connected directly to each other or to an intermediary member. Optionally, a handle may depend from the arms or the intermediary member. Optionally, the applicator surface is treated in any of various ways to enhance its functioning. Optionally, a stabilizing member is provided for bracing the applicator against the body during application. Optionally, a supply of applicator surface material is provided to allow the applicator surface to be replaced between applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Color Access, Inc.
    Inventors: Angela Glover, Jonathan Thayer
  • Patent number: 6508256
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a foundation-retained cosmetic implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Young Kwang Byun
  • Patent number: 6508257
    Abstract: A hands-free, electrically operated food washing device having a fluid dispenser, such as a reservoir, a wash compartment, a motor-driven agitator, a removable food basket, and a drain for removing soiled fluid from the device. Also provided are controls allowing a user to vary wash cycle parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Sandra S. Rich
  • Patent number: 6508258
    Abstract: A semiconductor deposition system in accordance with the present invention includes a CMP apparatus operative to planarize an active surface of a semiconductor wafer, and a wafer cleaner for cleaning wafer after the CMP process. The wafer cleaner preferably includes a wafer rotating mechanism, a steam inlet for applying steam to the active surface of the wafer as it is rotated and a liquid inlet for simultaneously applying a liquid to the back side surface of the wafer. A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit in accordance with the present invention includes subjecting an active surface of the wafer to a plurality of processes selected from a group including deposition, patterning, doping, planarization, ashing and etching, and steam cleaning the active surface at least once before, during, and after the plurality of processes. Preferably, an aqueous vapor phase is applied to the first surface of the wafer as an aqueous liquid phase is applied to the other surface of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: D'Arcy Harold Lorimer
  • Patent number: 6508259
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for use in production processes requiring elevating and ranging of temperatures and pressures during the process cycle, readily adaptable to production line operation, suitable for wafer processing in the semiconductor industry and for other industries and processes. The pressure vessel is configured within an open support frame with a stationary, preferably inverted, orientation. The cover or closing plate is vertically movable towards the mouth of the pressure vessel and functions as the platform by which the object under process is transferred into the vessel. The moving and locking mechanism for the cover is isolated and shielded from the process environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: S.C. Fluids, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Tseronis, Heiko D. Mortiz, Mohan Chandra, Robert B. Farmer, Ijaz H. Jafri, Jonathan Talbott
  • Patent number: 6508260
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle washing system includes a frame comprising a bridge member end opposed and support sections mounted for linear reciprocating movement on spaced apart support rails. Pivoting washing nozzle support arms are mounted on the bridge section and are interconnected by a drive motor and drive pulleys to move in opposite directions to wash the sides and opposite ends of a vehicle. Each arm includes movable arm sections supporting spaced apart nozzle assemblies which may move toward each other or away from each other to size a vehicle according to its width. Each arm includes opposed elongated beam members which also provide fluid conducting passages for conducting washing fluids to the nozzle assemblies. Certain ones of the nozzle assemblies are drivenly connected to an oscillating servomotor. The servomotor is also used to position the pivoting arm sections through a lost motion coupling and a gear drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Hydrobotic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6508261
    Abstract: A cleaning plug (P) adaptable to be placed within an interior passageway (10) of a tubular system (14) includes a generally conically shaped element (16) having a first end (18) and an opposite second end (20). The width (22) of the first end (18) fits within the tube (12). The width (24) of the second end (20) may be less than the first end (18). Rigging (26) is connected to the first end (18) to secure the conical element (16). A valve assembly (28) mounted with the second end (20) has a normally closed position (30) preventing appreciable fluid flow and an open position (32) permitting fluid flow (F) through the valve (28) if the flow pressure therethrough is greater than a minimum selected pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Malvin A. Nezat, II
  • Patent number: 6508262
    Abstract: A folding tent frame for collapsible tents includes upright pole sets, fixed couplers, stoppers, movable couplers and traverse frame members. Specifically, each stopper is provided on the uppermost pole of the upright pole set at a position lower than the fixed coupler so as to prevent the lower pole of the upright pole set from moving up beyond the stopper and so that the movable coupler is slidable over the stopper and the lowest pole of the upright pole set, and is kept from moving up beyond the stopper. The lower pole is larger than the upper pole in cross section. The structure of this folding tent frame provides improved strength and stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: San-E-Protent Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Takayama
  • Patent number: 6508263
    Abstract: The float has an elastomeric valve disk with an annular bead rim caged for limited lost motion movement on the top of the float. A rigid backing plate for the valve disk is pivoted on a curved surface on the top of the float to ensure self-alignment of the valve disk on the vent port seat when the float is moved upward by the rising liquid level for closing the vent during refueling. As fuel is used from the tank, the float drops and the angled top of the cage contacts the bead rim on the valve disk and effects a peel-away re-opening of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Russell C. Jahnke, Maxim V. Zorine
  • Patent number: 6508264
    Abstract: A self-sealing valve is used to fill, empty, and control the volume of fluid within an inflatable device. The valve includes a housing having a fluid inlet, a valve seat and a valve assembly that selectively covers the fluid inlet to provide a self-seal. The valve assembly includes a support member that suspends a flexible diaphragm in a closed position within the valve housing while allowing movement of at least part of the periphery of the diaphragm away from the valve seat to an open position and back towards the valve seat to a closed position. The support member may be manually moved to any of the multiple open positions, either to enable fluid release or to enhance fluid injection. With the injection of fluid, the diaphragm assumes an open position, allowing fluid influx. A fluid pressure created within the device assists in maintaining the diaphragm in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 6508265
    Abstract: A dual fuel tank (10) including first fuel tank (12) and a second fuel tank (14). A single fuel hose (16) allows fuel to enter the first fuel tank (12) from an outside source. When the fuel level in the first fuel tank (12) reaches an overflow level (17), fuel passes through a transfer tube (18) from the first fuel tank (12) into the second fuel tank (14). A transfer fuel pump (20) communicates fuel from the second fuel tank (14) to the first fuel tank (16) such that the level of fuel in the first tank (12) is maximized relative to the available fuel in the system. A main fuel pump (22) communicates fuel from the first fuel pump (12) to a remote target (24). In this way the fuel is available from a single location within the dual fuel tank (10) at a wider range of angles of vehicle travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Anthony Bertouille, James Michael Cook
  • Patent number: 6508266
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve can properly mount a peripheral portion of a diaphragm over the entire periphery and reliably establish a seal between the peripheral edge portion on a liquid side of the diaphragm and a diaphragm mounting seat for preventing leakage of a liquid. The diaphragm valve includes an annular base (27) provided to project from a seat surface of mounting seat (12) for a predetermined height and connected with a bracket mounting flange (16) on the side of valve operating portion by bolts (17). A diaphragm retaining portion (30) is formed integrally with flange (16) for compressing the peripheral edge portion of diaphragm with a constant pressure so that flange (16) and base (27) are connected by bolts (17) in the condition where diaphragm (14) is compressed onto base (12) with constant pressure by diaphragm retaining portion (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Toyo Stainless Steel Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Iritani, Kaoru Ozawa, Toru Tateishi
  • Patent number: 6508267
    Abstract: A plumbing tool includes an elongated hollow shaft and a resilient member attached to the shaft adjacent a shaft end. The resilient member extends radially outward and is sized to closely fit within a pipe inner diameter. Once the pipe has been cut, the tool is forced into the pipe end and the resilient member closely fits within the pipe inner diameter to block fluid flow. As the shaft is hollow, fluid flow is diverted through the shaft. A valve is then passed over the tool to engage the pipe end. As the fluid is being diverted through the tool, the valve is then soldered to the pipe without concern for the heat sink effect of fluid passage through the pipe. Once the valve has been properly soldered to the pipe end, the tool is simply pulled through the valve and removed. Capping of the pipe end with the valve is therefore rapidly achieved with minimal disruption to the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Waterfall, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph D. Rippolone
  • Patent number: 6508268
    Abstract: A vacuum pressure control apparatus includes a vacuum proportional opening and closing valve 18 which is disposed on a pipe connecting a vacuum chamber 11 and a vacuum pump 19 and changes its opening to control the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber 11, and a pressure sensor 17 which measures the current vacuum pressure in the chamber 11. The vacuum proportional opening and closing valve 18 has a valve seat 36 and a valve member 33 provided with an O-ring 35 which is made contact with or separate from the valve seat 36. The vacuum pressure control apparatus configured as above controls the pressure in the chamber 11 by changing an elastic deformation amount of the O-ring 35 which is in contact with the valve seat 36 and thereby changing the flow quantity of gas leaking between the valve seat 36 and the O-ring 35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Kouketsu
  • Patent number: 6508269
    Abstract: A quick connector with a one-way flow valve includes a bearing cage mounted in a bore of a female component housing and supporting a tip end of a conduit lockingly held in the housing by a retainer. A projection extends from one end of the bearing cage and spaces a flow ball movably mounted in the housing bore at a first, flow permitting open position wherein flow paths between the male and female components are established around the exterior of the flow ball and between circumferentially spaced ribs formed in the housing and supporting the flow ball. The flow ball is automatically movable in response to a reverse direction acting fluid pressure differential to a second, flow-blocking position in sealing engagement with a valve seat formed in the housing bore to prevent reverse fluid flow through the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: George Szabo, Shad A. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6508270
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a shut-off valve of limiting flow to a single direction, and a shut-off valve of removing air from the sack and charging the sack with air as well. The shut-off valve has an air passage of a flat and substantially cylindrical form in cross section, which is formed by opposed cladding sheets. The cladding sheet is provided with a valve body sheet which comprises a fixed part attached to the cladding sheet and flap portions with the fixed part placed in the central position therebetween, which flap portions are movable in a vertical direction. One flap portion serves to prevent air from flowing in one direction within the air passage by the close contact with cladding sheet, while the other flap portion serves to prevent air from flowing in the other direction by the close contact with the cladding sheetu The shut-off valve may perform a double function of removing air from the sack and charging the sack with air accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kashiwara Seitai
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Koyanagi
  • Patent number: 6508271
    Abstract: A rotomolded hydraulic reservoir includes a plastic container body defining a container cavity for receiving hydraulic fluid and forming a filter cavity in fluid communication with the container cavity. One or more fluid return lines extend to a depth below the normal fluid level in the container cavity, with the filter cavity forming one of the return lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Alco Industries
    Inventors: Steven R. Evanovich, Alfred L. Baum
  • Patent number: 6508272
    Abstract: Disclosed is a valve device and a method for operating at least two valves actuated by an actuator and arranged for controlling fluid flow in at least two separate fluid lines. The valve device can simultaneously control at least two diaphragm operated valves using a single actuator. The valve device includes a pressure release mechanism constructed to change pressure in a diaphragm chamber of each diaphragm operated valve and thereby open or close the diaphragm operated valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, David Hadley, Robert Shamitz
  • Patent number: 6508273
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for controlling a liquid flow in a liquid channel, comprising: an elongate liquid holder in which a liquid channel is provided in longitudinal direction; first voltage means for applying a first voltage difference over substantially the longitudinal direction of the liquid channel; a conductor member arranged in at least a part of the liquid channel against the liquid holder; an insulator member arranged in the liquid channel against at least the conductor member; second voltage means for providing a second voltage difference between the conductor member and the liquid in the liquid channel; wherein the thickness of the insulator member is a maximum of 1 &mgr;m and preferably in the order of magnitude of some tens of nanometres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Universiteit Twente (Mesa Research Instituut)
    Inventor: Albert Van Den Berg
  • Patent number: 6508274
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a dust plug for insertion into a fluid conduit system. The dust plug is comprised of an insertion end, removal means, and a hollow central body located between the insertion end and the removal means. The insertion end of the plug is formed as a solid flat end so that when the plug is inserted into the fluid conduit system, the hollow interior of the plug does not communicate with the interior of the system. Additionally, the removal means is preferably formed as a continuous lip about the end of the hollow central body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: David Gene Street
  • Patent number: 6508275
    Abstract: A molded fuel filler pipe for use in automobiles, in particular cars, comprises a one-piece structure which is blow molded. The conduit produced in the blow mold has a smooth edged tubular portion and a bellows portion which is molded at the same time. By deforming the bellows portion, flexibility in the relative location of the two ends of the conduit is provided. This eliminates taking two separate pieces and joining those pieces which may give rise to fuel vapour permeation through the joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Salflex Polymers Ltd.
    Inventors: Changize Sadr, Sam Shafiee
  • Patent number: 6508276
    Abstract: A textile tubing comprises inner and outer coatings, and a material made of warp and weft threads manufactured from high tensile strength and high modular strength fibers (high performance fibers) disposed between the coatings. The warp threads are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the tubing and the weft threads are arranged in the circumferential direction of the tubing. The inner and outer coatings are made of a thermolastic synthetic material. The weft thread width is at least 8,000 decitex (dtex) and, preferably, more than 10,000 dtex. The warp thread width is at least 2,000 dtex and, preferably, more than 3,000 dtex. The weft density is at least 40 and preferably more than 50. The textile tubing is especially suitable for cleaning high pressure liquid lines. The textile tubing does not have to be stuck to large surface areas of the inner wall of a pipe due to its high burst pressure of more than 90 bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Radlinger Maschinen-und Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Rädlinger, Horst Stimmelmayr, Frank Heinze, Frank-Michael Köpping
  • Patent number: 6508277
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flexible pipe including a pipe body that extends along a central longitudinal axis. The pipe body is made from a strip that is helically wrapped in a plurality of convolutions. The strip includes inner and outer hook portions that interlock to form an interlock seam between adjacent convolutions. The pipe body includes a mid-portion positioned between first and second end portions. At least the first end portion has an axial length L1 that traverses at least several of the convolutions of the pipe body. The first end portion is crushed radially inward relative to the mid-portion such that the first end portion has an effective outer diameter D1 that is smaller than an effective outer diameter D2 of the mid-portion. A first transition region is positioned between the first end portion and the mid-portion. The first transition region provides a diameter transition between the outer diameter D1 of the first end portion and the outer diameter D2 of the mid-portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian A. Imes, Wayne M. Wagner, John T. Herman
  • Patent number: 6508278
    Abstract: An on-machine-seamable papermaker's fabric produced by modified endless weaving includes machine-direction (MD) and first cross-machine-direction (CD) yarns. The MD yarns weave continuously back and forth between the two widthwise edges of the fabric, each time forming a seaming loop at one of the two widthwise edges. The MD and first CD yarns are interwoven with one another in a first weave pattern. The fabric also includes systems of second and third CD yarns. The second CD yarns are interwoven with the MD yarns along one of the two widthwise edges of the fabric between the system of first CD yarns and the seaming loops in a second weave pattern which may be different from the first weave pattern. Likewise, the third CD yarns are interwoven with the MD yarns along the other of the two widthwise edges of the fabric between the system of first CD yarns and the seaming loops in a third weave pattern which may be different from the first weave pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Albany International Corp.
    Inventor: Glenn J. Kornett
  • Patent number: 6508279
    Abstract: An automated pharmaceutical package machine fills a product package filling guide positioned above a solid pharmaceutical product package having a plurality of cavities corresponding to positions of the filling guide. The automatic filling machine includes a mechanism for vertically displacing the product package to be filled toward the filling guide. Various guide members or plates are utilized in order to pre-fill filling templates so that each of the cavities of a product package may be simultaneously filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Medical Technology Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Siegel, Stuart Bagley
  • Patent number: 6508280
    Abstract: A combined oil drain and fill apparatus includes an oil supply container, oil waste container, supply pump, waste pump, supply check valve, waste check valve, Y-connector, and oil hose. One end of the supply pump is connected to the supply container and the other end is connected to the supply check valve. One end of the waste pump is connected to the waste container and the other end is connected to the waste check valve. The Y-connector has two inlets and one outlet. The supply and waste check valves are connected to the inlets of the Y-connector and the oil hose is connected to the outlet of the Y-connector. The supply and waste check valves may be replaced with a supply shut-off valve and a waste shut-off valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Richard E. Capstran