Patents Issued in February 4, 2003
  • Patent number: 6513435
    Abstract: A process for modifying the surface of a solid substrate includes modifying the surface with at least one oxidizing flame and modifying the surface with at least one silicatising flame. The process is particularly beneficial in preparing glass and other surfaces for printing thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: ISIMAT GmbH Seibdruckmaschinen
    Inventor: Peter Detzner
  • Patent number: 6513436
    Abstract: An electronic module for a detonator, the module comprising an electronic circuit (4, 5, 6) encapsulated in a mass of hardened resin (7) in which there terminates at least one inlet conductor (8) and from which there extend two outlet conductors forming a detonator ignitor line (9), the mass of resin (7) being received in a tubular housing (1) which extends beyond the mass of resin (7) adjacent to the ignitor line (9) to define a cavity (11), the outlet conductors of length greater than the depth of the cavity forming an ignitor line (9) short circuited outside the mass of resin inside the cavity (11), which cavity is provided with a removable end cap (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Delta Caps International DCI
    Inventors: Thierry Bernard, René Roine, Guy Mausy
  • Patent number: 6513437
    Abstract: A detonator device and assembly for the initiating a plurality of signal transmission lines with a pressure impulse. The detonator device comprising a detonator casing having a signal receiving end and a firing end. The firing end of the detonator device being substantially shaped to conform with the pressure impulse initiation therein. The firing end having a contact wall of substantially uniform thickness for contacting a plurality of signal transmission lines in a compatible connector element and transmitting a pressure impulse thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Sek K. Chan, Raymond Carriere, John T. Reid
  • Patent number: 6513438
    Abstract: A method and associated decoy for offering a phantom target for protecting land, air or water vehicles or the like as a defense against missiles possessing a target seeking head operating in the infrared (IR) or radar (RF) range, or a target seeking head simultaneously or serially operating in both wavelength ranges. An effective mass emitting radiation in the IR range (IR effective mass) based on flares and a mass backscattering RF radiation (RF effective mass) based on dipoles are simultaneously made to take effect in an appropriate position as a phantom target. A ratio of dipole mass to flare mass of approx. 3.4:1 to approx. 6:1 is employed; and flares presenting a descent rate approx. 0.5 to 1.5 m/s higher than that of the dipoles are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Buck Neue Technologien GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Fegg, Heinz Bannasch
  • Patent number: 6513439
    Abstract: An apparatus for marking a target. The apparatus includes a soft rupturable capsule and a marking agent contained in the capsule. The capsule is rupturable on impact with the target to release the marking agent from the capsule. The marking agent has a visual staining component and an odorous staining component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Don-B Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Brown, Harvey Lewis Kaufman
  • Patent number: 6513440
    Abstract: A disengageable cable car station includes a support structure (1) extending above the ground (2) for guiding and driving the cable (3) supporting the vehicles transporting the passengers and for guiding and supporting the vehicles which have been disengaged from the cable (3). The cable (3) forms a loop for bringing the vehicles to the station entrance. A device is provided for moving the disengaged vehicles as far as a passenger disembarkation and embarkation area (5). The structure (1, 1a, 1b) supporting, guiding and driving the cable (3) and supporting the disengaged vehicles is elongated in the direction of the cable (3) and is inclined in order to guide the cable (3) and move the disengaged vehicles along a slope in order to decelerate or accelerate the vehicles. The entire station support structure (1) is inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Pomagalski SA
    Inventors: Jean Paul Huard, Jean Souchal
  • Patent number: 6513441
    Abstract: An amusement device comprising a guide structure forming an endless track, along which a vehicle capable of accommodating at least one person can travel, whereby a person present in the vehicle extends substantially parallel to the track during operation. The person present in the vehicle lies with his back towards the track and with his face directed away from the track. The person's view is not impeded by other vehicles and he can only see the track itself when the turns his head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Vekoma Technology B.V.
    Inventors: Petrus Joseph Hubertus Clerx, Christiaan Wilhelmus Peeters
  • Patent number: 6513442
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a sea/land going container for the transportation of a vehicle with dimensions and structure such that two of these sea/land containers piled one on top of the other form one sea/land going container with two levels of the dimensions and structure of a sea/land going container required by ISO standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mifned Ltd.
    Inventors: Haim Miller, Igal Zimerman
  • Patent number: 6513443
    Abstract: A portable collapsible pulpit having a left top wall panel having a right edge and a right top wall panel having a left edge and said respective right edge and left edge are hinged together. Each of the top wall panels has an upstanding rear flange member adjacent their bottom edge. A left side support wall panel has its top edge pivotally hinged to the bottom surface of the left top wall panel adjacent its left edge. A right side support wall panel is pivotally hinged to the right top wall panel adjacent its right edge. A left front wall panel is pivotally hinged to a right front wall panel at their abstract side edges and their respective other side edge is pivotally hinged to the respective left side support wall panel and right side support wall panel adjacent their front edges. Handgrip slots are formed in the respective front wall panels both for the purpose of aiding in collapsing the pulpit and also for the purpose of carrying the pulpit in its collapsed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Ralph Todd
  • Patent number: 6513444
    Abstract: A media cassette (10) including a fluid spray system for spraying media located within the cassette (10) is described. The cassette (10) includes a lid (12) and a body (14). The body (14) includes an absorbent portion (40) in the form of a chemical absorbing sheet for absorbing any fluid not absorbed by the media (42). The sheet (40) is preferably folded and creased into a concertina arrangement so that the sheet (40) can expand and compress as media are removed from or added to the cassette (10). If the fluid spray system is activated when the cassette (10) is only partially full of media (42), then the sheet (40) absorbs the fluid that is not absorbed by the media (42), thereby preventing leakage of the fluid from the cassette (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Neil Walker
  • Patent number: 6513445
    Abstract: A plant for the thermal treatment of waste materials. The plant has a grate, on the surface of which the waste materials lie. The grate has gas passages which are connected to a gas supply for the grate surface. The gas supply has at least one oxygen feed system, the discharge openings of which are arranged at the end faces in cooled grate blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Von Roll Umwelttechnik AG
    Inventors: Stefan Forsberg, Klaus Zoss
  • Patent number: 6513446
    Abstract: In an incineration plant with combination air being fed to its furnace via a pipeline, a mixing chamber, an extractor and an air-preheating device are provided in the direction of flow of the combination air. Heated air is fed from the air-preheating device into the mixing chamber, so that the sucked-in incineration air and, in particular, the moist dust particles entrained by it are dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Martin GmbH für Umwelt-und Energietechnik
    Inventors: Johannes Martin, Horst Augstein, Henner-Siegbert Schloms
  • Patent number: 6513447
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispensing aggregates for lawn improvement. Aggregates are delivered to the site in a primary dispensing vehicle, which is configured to allow a smaller secondary dispensing vehicle to be loaded with the aggregate directly from the primary vehicle. The process includes aerating the soil, distributing a variety of soil amendments evenly over the area to be treated and then dragging a unique drag mat over the area to make a smooth contour and to even the distribution of the aggregate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventors: Richard Guzman, Dennis Wise
  • Patent number: 6513448
    Abstract: A sewing machine capable of preventing formation of no first stitch (skipping stitch), which is readily caused immediately after the sewing machine starts to operate, is obtained. This sewing machine comprises a first detector detecting that a thread engaging part of a balance is located in the vicinity of a forward movement starting point leftward beyond a thread receiving opening of a thread guide plate and an indicator operating on the basis of a detection signal received from the first detector. Thus, the operator can recognize that the thread engaging part of the balance is located in the vicinity of the forward movement starting point leftward beyond the thread receiving opening of the thread guide plate through the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Jaguar International Corporation
    Inventor: Hajime Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6513449
    Abstract: A marine docking device according to the present invention includes a fender having a first end coupled to a first arm by a first attachment member and a second end coupled to a second arm by a second attachment member. The first attachment member and the second attachment member are configured to prevent the fender from rotating about a longitudinal axis that passes through the first end and the second end. The first arm includes a compression assembly that facilitates movement of the first end between a first position and a second position. The compression assembly includes a tubular member that is slidable within a sleeve. A spring is compressed between a first spring abutment provided on the sleeve and a second spring abutment provided on the tubular member. The first spring abutment is continuously urged toward an advanced position by the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Buoyant Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Stewart, Keith Schrader, Michael J. Willis
  • Patent number: 6513450
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating hams is provided. Sugar is uniformly dispensed on an inclined plate that is heated to melt the sugar. The sugar flows into a reservoir from which it is poured onto hams passing below the reservoir on a conveyor. Spices are poured onto the melted sugar that sticks to the ham to form a glaze. Jets of water can cool the glaze to increase retention on the ham. The process can be repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventors: Richard E. Gore, Allen Mottershead
  • Patent number: 6513451
    Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring and controlling formation of organic layers by physical vapor deposition of organic materials in making organic light-emitting devices is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Steven A. Van Slyke, Michael A. Marcus, John P. Spoonhower, Robert G. Spahn, Dennis R. Freeman
  • Patent number: 6513452
    Abstract: A method of adjusting the cathode DC bias in a plasma chamber for fabricating semiconductor devices. A dielectric shield is positioned between the plasma and a selected portion of the electrically grounded components of the chamber, such as the electrically grounded chamber wall. The cathode DC bias is adjusted by controlling one or more of the following parameters: (1) the surface area of the chamber wall or other grounded components which is blocked by the dielectric shield; (2) the thickness of the dielectric; (3) the gap between the shield and the chamber wall; and (4) the dielectric constant of the dielectric material. In an apparatus aspect, the invention is a plasma chamber for fabricating semiconductor devices having an exhaust baffle with a number of sinuous passages. Each passage is sufficiently long and sinuous that no portion of the plasma within the chamber can extend beyond the outlet of the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Applied Materials Inc.
    Inventors: Hongching Shan, Evans Y. Lee, Michael D. Welch, Robert W. Wu, Bryan Y. Pu, Paul E. Luscher, James D. Carducci, Richard Blume
  • Patent number: 6513453
    Abstract: A method for extruding poultry litter into substantially cylindrically shaped plugs of various lengths for use as bait for assorted marine animals wherein all pathogens are destroyed to prevent damaging the environment and any organisms that might consume said processed bait product. Furthermore, fish or shellfish by-products and other materials may be combined with the poultry litter so as to enhance the effectiveness of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Leslie J Johnson
  • Patent number: 6513454
    Abstract: A birdhouse entrance is provided with an entrance opening having two posts projecting vertically from the bottom edge of the opening toward the top edge. The two posts are spaced apart such that a bird of selected size cannot pass between them without opening its wings. Sufficient clearance for the wings is provided between the outer edges of the posts and the side edges of the entrance opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: John S. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6513455
    Abstract: A safe, non-toxic pet toy is provided which is adapted to be placed within the cage of a small captive animal. The pet toy is formed of materials which may be safely ingested by a small animal so that an animal may safely peck, chew, or gnaw on the toy. The toy is made of paper pulp molded to form a three dimensional representation of an object. A dye may be incorporated into the paper pulp to color the object or a non-toxic ink may be applied to a surface of the object to provide a more enticing and realistic appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Theodore J. LaFeber, III
  • Patent number: 6513456
    Abstract: An animal enclosure of the present invention includes a pen sized to hold the animal. The pen is formed from a frame which is covered with a removable, washable cover. A gate for the enclosure includes a panel which is raised to close the gate and lowered to open the gate. The panel can be fixed at a desired position, so that the gate can be left partially opened. A top is provided which can be easily mounted to, and removed from, the pen frame. The top is hingedly connected to the frame and includes a pair of pivotal support arms so that the front of the top can be elevated above the pen a desired amount. A whelping rail is removably received in the pen. The whelping rail comprises a frame having a bar member and legs which support the bar above a bottom of the pen and inwardly from the pen walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventors: Alan Sherman, Wells Bearinger, Neil Koenig
  • Patent number: 6513457
    Abstract: A flea brush adapted to insert sticky paper, brush lead having four sides the fourth of which is integral with the handle, ridges running continuously along the four sides proximity, hollow head, having bristles at bottom to brush the fur or hair of an animal through the action of brushing alone, having a handle and a head, the head having a bottom with slots, and bridges, a living hinge attaching top to head. When in use the bristles trap fleas or insects in the slots on the sticky paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Mitchell Huddleston
  • Patent number: 6513458
    Abstract: A self-medicating applicator device that can be used to apply a treatment to animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventors: Michael John Burridge, Leigh Anne Simmons, William Clayton Simmons
  • Patent number: 6513459
    Abstract: A livestock chute for confining and controlling an animal including a pair of spaced apart side frames connected by support members to provide an elongated space into which the animal may be driven, a tailgate near the rear end of said space and a head gate assembly supported near a front end of the space which includes an expandable and contractible opening which, when expanded, allows the head of the animal to extend therethrough and, when contracted, surrounds the neck of the animal to prevent removal of said animal's head therefrom. A gate carriage is mounted near the top of the side frame for longitudinal movement relative thereto and from which the head gate assembly is suspended for movement between a terminal position near the front of the space and selected positions nearer the rear of said space. Preferred embodiments include a squeeze assembly for engagement with the hip area of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Gene H. Linn
  • Patent number: 6513460
    Abstract: A retaining and guiding configuration may serve as a lead replacement and is always carried along without a person or animal being impeded. The configuration includes an inwardly directed inner band and an outer band guided over the outside of the inner band. The outer band is configured such that it can be lengthened or extended elastically counter to a restoring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Tzanis Fountoulakis
  • Patent number: 6513461
    Abstract: A harness device for assisting livestock to stand, including a dorsal band with a first, front end and a second rear end. An adhesive surface and a thin neck strip are attached to the first end. At the second end of the band are two elastic pieces, each of which includes adjustable ankle attachments in the form of transverse self-adhesive strips. A related method includes placing the band on the animal's back, with the front end of the band toward the front of the animal, and the second end of the band toward the rear of the animal, extending the neck strip about the neck of the animal and removably attaching same via the adhesive surface at the first end of the band, extending the first and second elastic members along the legs of the animal, and removably attaching, respectively, the first and second attachments about ankles of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventors: Josep Sala Prat, Nuria Marce Anglarill
  • Patent number: 6513462
    Abstract: A scale removing device for removes scale adhering to the interior of a shell-and-tube-heat-exchanger-type steam generator. The scale removing device is provided with a flexible lance (58) holding a high-pressure water hose (91) movable with respect to a tube plate, tube support plates, and heat-transfer tubes. A cleaning head (60) is mounted to the forward end of the flexible lance. Formed inside the cleaning head is a cavitation generating nozzle hole (99a, 99b) communicating with the high-pressure water hose. Bubbles are generated at the time of cleaning, and the impact pressure generated when the bubbles collapse is propagated to remove scale over a wide range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Shiraishi, Takehiko Ichioka, Hideya Okada, Fumitoshi Nakao, Toshiyuki Kinugasa
  • Patent number: 6513463
    Abstract: An engine for an outboard motor includes engine components disposed around the engine body. A cooling system includes a first water passage cooling the engine body and a second water passage branching off from the first water passage upstream the engine body and extending through the engine components. One engine component is generally positioned above the engine body. Two engine components are positioned on different sides of the engine body. The first and second water passages have separate discharge ports. The engine components are made of a metal material. The second water passage is defined by tubular members made of a corrosion-resistant material and the respective tubular members are embedded in the respective bodies of the engine components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Goichi Katayama
  • Patent number: 6513464
    Abstract: The stratified two cycle engine comprises: a cylinder having an upper end and a lower end, a head at the upper end and fuel and air intake ports at the lower end; at least one spark plug mounted in the head; a sleeve in the cylinder having an upper end and a lower end and the cylinder having exhaust ports at the upper end which are covered and uncovered by the upper end of the sleeve; a piston in the sleeve and connected to a crank shaft; a first exhaust manifold at one side of the cylinder at the upper end thereof adjacent one exhaust port in the cylinder and having first exhaust gas throttle valve means associated therewith; at least a first and a second fuel and air intake manifolds at one side of the cylinder and at the other side of the cylinder in communication with first and second fuel and air intake ports in the cylinder; throttle valve means in each intake manifold; a reed cage assembly in each intake manifold adjacent the associated intake port for injecting a fuel and air mixture into the cylinder
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Frank Busch
  • Patent number: 6513465
    Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine that emits exhaust gases with reduced amounts of noxious components, such as HC, and has less blow-by of unburned air-fuel mixture has a crank chamber located below a piston and a combustion actuating chamber located above the piston. Either one pair or two pairs of scavenging passageways communicate the crank chamber with the combustion actuating chamber, the scavenging passageways of the one pair or of each of the two pairs being disposed symmetrically with respect to a plane that bisects an exhaust port so as to form a Schnürle-type scavenging system. Each scavenging passageway is throttled at a location proximate to a scavenging inlet port thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Fukuoka, Mitsujiro Mochizuka, Shiro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6513466
    Abstract: The invention relates to a two-stroke engine in the form of a drive motor in a motor-driven chain saw or like portable handheld work apparatus. A combustion chamber (4) is provided in a cylinder (2) of the engine and is delimited by a piston (1). The piston (1) drives a crankshaft (6) via a connecting rod (5) and the crankshaft (6) includes a crankweb (7). The combustion chamber (4) is connected via an outlet to an exhaust-gas muffler. A fresh mixture is supplied to the combustion chamber (4) from the crankcase (3) via a transfer channel (10). The entry of the fresh mixture takes place via the crankcase (3). Also, an air channel (21) is provided for supplying fuel-free air. To reduce the scavenging losses, the air channel (21) is connected via a storage space (20) to the crankcase (3). The transfer channel (10) is either connected directly via a valve (23) to the crankcase or indirectly via the storage space (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventors: Edgar Bignion, Matthias Mugele, Jan Tribulowski, Axel Klimmek
  • Patent number: 6513467
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control device comprising an IVWAV or EVWAV mechanism. The IVWAV mechanism varies a working angle of an intake valve and the EVWAV varies a working angle of an exhaust valve. An IVOPV mechanism varies an operation phase of the intake valve. An EVOPV mechanism varies an operation phase of the exhaust valve, and a control unit controls the IVWAV or EVWAV mechanism and the IVOPV and EVOPV mechanisms according to an operating condition of an engine. The control unit is configured to control the IVWAV or EVWAV mechanism and the IVOPV and EVOPV mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuneyasu Nohara, Takanobu Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 6513468
    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 lock-up position in the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Takahashi, Morio Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 6513469
    Abstract: A variable valve operating system of an internal combustion engine includes a first variable mechanism capable of variably controlling a lift characteristic of an intake valve, and a second variable mechanism capable of variably controlling a valve-open and/or valve-close timing characteristic of the intake valve. A position detector detects current actual positions of the first and second variable mechanisms. A controller responds to a detected failure position of one of the first or second variable mechanisms by controlling movement of the other of the variable mechanisms within a predetermined range that avoids interference between the engine valve and a piston and between the intake and exhaust valves when the one variable mechanism fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignees: Unisia Jecs Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Nakamura, Naoki Okamoto, Shinichi Takemura
  • Patent number: 6513470
    Abstract: A deactivation hydraulic valve lifter includes an elongate lifter body having a substantially cylindrical inner wall. The inner wall defines at least one annular pin chamber therein. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine. An elongate pin housing includes a substantially cylindrical pin housing wall and pin housing bottom. The pin housing wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The pin housing bottom defines a radially directed pin bore therethrough. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the inner wall of the lifter body such that the outer surface of the pin housing wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner wall of the lifter body. A plunger having a substantially cylindrical plunger wall with an outer surface is concentrically disposed within the pin housing such that the outer surface of the plunger wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of the pin housing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick John Hendriksma, Mark James Spath
  • Patent number: 6513471
    Abstract: An engine has switching valve actuators with positive valve lash for actuating or deactivating valves of deactivation cylinders and conventional valve actuators with negligible valve lash for actuating valves of conventional cylinders. Cams for the deactivation cylinders have increased opening and closing ramps relative to cams of the conventional cylinders. This can lead to poor combustion quality at idle and light loads and result in perceived engine roughness by an operator. To compensate for this, timing of exhaust cams of the deactivation cylinders is advanced relative to those of the conventional cylinders to reduce valve overlap of the deactivation cylinders to sufficiently near that of the conventional cylinders to provide stable combustion at idle in both conventional and deactivation cylinders with nearly equivalent power operation of all the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: James B. Hicks
  • Patent number: 6513472
    Abstract: In a valve train (1) of an internal combustion engine (10), a tappet push rod (2) comprises on its first end (3), a tappet (5) and an uncoupling device (8) made as a single component, and on its second end (4), a hydraulic lash adjuster (15) that acts on a rocker arm. Due to this spatial separation of the lash adjuster (15) from the single component (5, 8), a component (5, 8) is obtained that has a reduced mass and a smaller diameter as well as a relatively simple structure. In addition, the lash adjuster (15) can now be supplied with hydraulic medium directly out of the rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Walter Speil, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 6513473
    Abstract: A device (1) for varying the valve timing of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engines, and the invention more particularly concerns a hydraulic camshaft adjusting device of a rotary piston type comprising a drive pinion (5) connected in driving relationship to a crankshaft, and a winged wheel (6) connected rotationally fast to a camshaft (4), the drive pinion (5) comprises a hollow space (10) defined by a circumferential wall (7) and two side walls (8, 9), a plurality of hydraulic working chambers being formed in the hollow space (10) by a plurality of limiting walls and the winged wheel (6) comprises a plurality of radial wings (14) that extend individually into the hydraulic working chambers (12) and divide these into first and second hydraulic pressure chambers (15, 16) which, when pressurized by a hydraulic pressure medium, effect a pivoting or a fixing of the winged wheel (6) relative to the drive pinion (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ina Walzlager Schaeffler oHG
    Inventor: Klaus Daut
  • Patent number: 6513474
    Abstract: An assembly to secure an engine camshaft is provided that includes: a cylinder head provided with a plurality of concave parts into which the camshafts are placed, the concave parts allowing for rotation of the camshafts; and a full cam carrier mounted to the cylinder head over the camshafts and allowing for the rotation of the camshafts, the full cam carrier including a plurality of ribs corresponding to positions of the concave parts and integrally formed to the full cam carrier at predetermined intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ji-Min Yoon
  • Patent number: 6513475
    Abstract: An engine comprises an engine block having at least one combustion chamber and a rotary valve rotatably mounted on top of the engine block. The rotary valve includes an intake passage for diverting air into the combustion chamber and an exhaust passage for exhausting combustion by products from the combustion chamber. The engine further includes a head surrounding the rotary valve. Seals surrounding the combustion chamber seat against the bottom surface of the rotary valve. Seals on the circumference of the rotary valve seat against the head. The seals are arranged to provide a double seal for the combustion chamber during the initial portion of the power stroke. The rotary valve may further include a pressure relief valve to reduce pressure and temperature in the combustion chamber during at least a portion of the power cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Barry Muth
  • Patent number: 6513476
    Abstract: A combustion chamber assembly for use in a diesel engine includes a combustion chamber being defined in a crown of a piston, the piston having a central axis, the combustion chamber having a center portion being elevated relative to a bottom plane of the combustion chamber. The center portion is defined in part by a portion of a sphere, the sphere having a radius, the origin of the radius lying on the combustion chamber central axis. The combustion chamber further has an outer margin, the outer margin being defined in part by a portion of a sphere, the sphere having a radius, the origin of the radius lying on the combustion chamber central axis and being greater than the center portion radius. The spherical center portion and the spherical outer margin are connected by an annular surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: International Engine Inellectual Property Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Zhengbai Liu, Xinqun Gui
  • Patent number: 6513477
    Abstract: A piston for diesel engines includes a piston body formed with a closed oil gallery and a pair of pin bosses having axially aligned pin bores whose surfaces are spaced from one another about their circumference across an intervening gap between the pin bosses. The pin bore surfaces are each formed with a recess which extends in the axial direction of the pin bores across the full width of each of the pin bore surfaces. An oil passage leads from the gallery to each of the recesses and feeds the recesses with lubricating oil from the gallery. The recesses act as retention basins or reservoirs which collect and supply the pin bore surfaces with lubricating oil during the fall cycle of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall R. Gaiser, Carmo Ribeiro, Eduardo H. Matsuo
  • Patent number: 6513478
    Abstract: Provided is a compact generator mounting arrangement for vertical engines and outboard marine drives. The generator is mounted via brackets integrally cast with the crankcase of the engine. The brackets can be conveniently reinforced by a hollow ridge which is integrally cast with said crankcase to define an oil gallery therein. Thus, sturdy generator mounting brackets can be formed without increasing the cost and weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masanori Tsubouchi
  • Patent number: 6513479
    Abstract: In a harness structure of engine relative parts, a unit 11 for controlling the engine is installed in an air cleaner 12 located around the engine, and at the same time, circuits 15 are disposed in a casing body 16 of the air cleaner 12 for electrically connecting between the control unit 11 and electrical equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignees: Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Nozaki, Takamichi Miyamukai, Takeharu Ito, Kenichi Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 6513480
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine block with a laterally extending oil supply gallery formed therethrough. The engine block includes an aperture formed in fluid communication with the oil supply gallery. The hydraulically-actuated valve deactivation system is positioned in fluid communication with the aperture for receiving pressurized oil from the oil supply gallery. A pick-up tube is positioned within the aperture and has a distal end protruding vertically downward into the oil supply gallery to minimize the amount of air in the oil which is communicated to the hydraulically-actuated valve deactivation system. This prevents delay of valve deactivation after engine start-up as oil fills the oil supply gallery and displaces air from the oil supply gallery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: William Conrad Albertson, Rodney E. Baker
  • Patent number: 6513481
    Abstract: An air induction system (10) comprises a flow body (14) and a filter housing (16). (FIG. 1). The filter housing (16) has an opening (26) of a first shape. (FIG. 1). A filter support (34) has an outer periphery (38) of about the first shape and an inner periphery (42) of a second different shape. The support is operatively connected to the housing (16). (FIG. 1). A symmetric filter (46) is also connected to the support (34). (FIG. 1). The air induction system attenuates engine noise for a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Arden Stass, Kent Kallsen
  • Patent number: 6513482
    Abstract: Rotary type fluid machine includes a casing 7, a rotor 31 and a plurality of vane-piston units U1-U12 which are disposed in a radiate arrangement on the rotor 31. Each of the vane-piston units U1-U12 has a vane 42 sliding in a rotor chamber 14 and a piston 41 placed in abutment against a non-slide side of the vane 42. When it functions as an expanding machine 4, the expansion of a high pressure gas is used to operate the pistons 41 thereby to rotate the rotor 31 via vanes 42 and the expansion of a low pressure gas caused by a pressure reduction in the high pressure gas is used to rotate the rotor 31 via the vanes 41. On the other hand, when it functions as a compressing machine, the rotation of rotor 31 is used to supply a low pressure air to the side of pistons 41 via vanes 42 and further, the pistons 41 are operated by the vanes 42 to convert the low pressure air to the high pressure air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuneo Endoh, Kensuke Honma
  • Patent number: 6513483
    Abstract: A pre-combustion chamber assembly for an internal combustion engine is disclosed having an inner housing having a receiver for receiving a spark plug and an inlet for fuel. A connector is provided for securing the pre-combustion chamber in a spark plug well of the internal combustion engine. An outer housing has a first end and a second end and extends around the inner housing, with a chamber being defined between the inner and outer housings. The outer housing is releasably retained around the inner housing so as to allow relative movement between portions of the inner and outer housings while maintaining the integrity of the chamber. A method of modifying an internal combustion engine and an internal combustion engine incorporating the pre-combustion chamber are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas C. Riggs
  • Patent number: 6513484
    Abstract: An arrangement of a four cycle internal combustion engine 7 is provided. In the preferred embodiment the engine 7 has a plurality of combustion chambers 18 having reciprocating pistons 22 mounted therein. A fuel injector 80 is provided for each combustion chamber. The fuel injector injects a stratified 80 charge into the combustion chamber 18 upon a compression stroke of the piston 22. An intake manifold 32 is provided to provide air to each combustion chamber. A charging device 38 is provided to pressurize the air within the intake manifold 32. Preferably the charging device is a variable geometry turbocharger 38. The pressurizing of the air within the intake manifold 32 allows the engine 7 to extend the stratified charge operation of the engine 7 and facilitates in increased gas mileage by allowing the engine 7 to stay in a stratified mode of operation longer than prior stratified charged internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Julia Helen Buckland, Rodney John Tabaczynski, Ilya Vladimir Kolmanovsky, Jing Sun, Richard Walter Anderson