Patents Issued in February 18, 2003
  • Patent number: 6520133
    Abstract: The reciprocating engine comprises a rocker valve gear, pistons which are fastened to a connecting rod and connected by crankshaft journals to a crankshaft, a balancer, and a camshaft which is driven by the crankshaft and in turn actuates rockers, the mentioned elements being arranged in a crankcase having a cylinder head and cylinder head cover. The cylinder head is provided with integrally cast or screwed-on receivers serving for the attachment of the hollow camshaft without requiring separately fastened bearing blocks. Correspondingly, the cylinder-head comprises further integrally cast or screwed-on receivers which serve for the attachment of the hollow rockers without requiring separately fastened bearing blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Wenko AG Burgdorf
    Inventors: Urs Wenger, Hans-Rudolf Jenni
  • Patent number: 6520134
    Abstract: A baffle for use in an interior of a cam cover and a method of making the baffle are disclosed. The baffle includes a structural layer, which is made of metal, and an isolation layer that is made of a resilient foam. The isolation layer is disposed on a surface of the structural layer in a pattern that leaves uncovered a portion of the surface of the structural layer. When the baffle is installed in the cam cover, the isolation layer provides an interface between the structural layer and the cam cover, which isolates the baffle from vibrations in the cam cover. Since the isolation layer is applied only where it is needed, the disclosed baffle and process use less material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Plunkett, Thomas E. Staab, Kanu G. Shah
  • Patent number: 6520135
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting valve lift (VVL apparatus) is made up of a substantially cylindrical tappet casing having on an upper end thereof a cam contact portion which comes into contact with a cam which is provided on a camshaft and which has a high lift cam profile; an outer tube coaxially disposed inside the tappet casing; an inner tube coaxially disposed inside the outer tube so as to be axially slidable and circumferentially rotatable; and a helical spring which is disposed between the inner tube and the tappet casing and which constantly urges the inner tube in a direction of increasing an amount of axial displacement of an intake valve. A ramp groove with which pins of the inner tube are engaged is an arcuate groove having a curve of secondary degree. Collision noises in low lift mode are thus arranged to be adequately absorbed. Silence at a low engine speed can therefore be secured and the number of parts is reduced and the weight of the VVL apparatus is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masafumi Sugawara
  • Patent number: 6520136
    Abstract: A warm-up control device for an internal-combustion engine comprises a heat storage device for storing a heating medium heated during operation of the engine, supplies the heating medium stored in the heat storage device to a drive device (a transmission and the like) prior to the start of the engine or:at the start of the engine, and supplies the heating medium stored in the heat storage device to the drive device while maintaining a condition where the heating medium is circulated in the path excluding the heat storage device and including the drive device after the start of the engine. The warm-up control device supplies the heating medium heat-insulated and stored in the heat storage device during operation of the engine, and sets the ratio between the amount of the heating medium supplied from the heat storage device to the and the amount of the heating medium supplied from the heat storage device to the drive device, on the basis of the temperature of the engine and the temperature of the drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasushi Ito, Makoto Suzuki, Katuhiko Arisawa, Masakazu Tabata
  • Patent number: 6520137
    Abstract: A circuit disconnecting member that blows on receiving radiant heat generated by heat generation of a motor circuit is connected to a motor circuit, the blowing temperature being a temperature lower than a thermal breakdown temperature of a combustible substance around the motor circuit, whereby the motor circuit is shut off, when the peripheral part of the motor circuit generates heat, to stop heat generation before an insulation cover or a contact case is subjected to thermal connection breakage. An engine starting device is prevented from being subjected to a thermal breakdown by a small-size, simple construction and an inexpensive technique without impairing the mounting layout properties of the starting motor and the performance within the rated use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehisa Ooizumi, Yoshinori Fukasaku, Toshihiko Iwabuchi
  • Patent number: 6520138
    Abstract: A rotating shaft and a drive shaft are used in an air intake apparatus for an internal combustion engine. At one end portion of the rotating shaft and the drive shaft a sphere portion and a projection portion are formed, and another end portion of the rotating shaft and the drive shaft a cup portion and a faucet portion are formed. The sphere portion is inserted to the cup portion and further the projection portion is engaged with the faucet portion, thereby a universal joint is formed. Since a connection structure between the rotating shaft and the drive shaft is constituted with few component elements, a cost reduction in the air intake apparatus for the internal combustion engine can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhiko Minegishi, Misturu Yamashita, Hiroyuki Nemoto, Akihiro Munakata
  • Patent number: 6520139
    Abstract: Sprockets are fixed to ends of camshafts supported in a cylinder head via camshaft holders. A timing chain is wrapped around these sprockets. The relief oil from a hydraulic control value for controlling a variable valve operating characteristic mechanism passes through an oil passage formed in the plane in which the cylinder head and the camshaft holder are joined and flows out of an oil drain hole, thus lubricating the section where the sprocket is meshed with the timing chain. The section where the sprocket of the camshaft is meshed with the timing chain can thereby be lubricated reliably by a simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6520140
    Abstract: In a method for the operation of an internal combustion engine either on all cylinders (as full engine) or with only some cylinders in operation (cylinder cut-off), the cylinders are divided, in the firing order, into two groups of alternating cylinders which are selectively operative with an angular ignition spacing twice that of the cylinders of the engine when operating as full engine, the two groups of cylinders being activated alternately during engine operation with cylinder cut-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler AG, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Dreymüller, Thomas Ganser, Thomas Monninger, Andreas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6520141
    Abstract: A rewind cover guard for an internal combustion engine. The guard has a mounting surface and a flange. The mounting surface has an inner edge and an outer edge, and is disposed between the blower housing and the starter rewind cover of the engine. The flange is formed integral with the mounting surface and projects outwardly from the mounting surface near the outer edge. The flange is disposed adjacent the starter rewind cover. The flange extends in a direction transverse to the mounting surface, and is disposed vertically above the rewind cover. The flange has a deflecting surface facing away from the rewind cover, and a lip along the free edge of the flange. The guard diverts water and melted snow away from the rewind cover to help prevent moisture from entering the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness
  • Patent number: 6520142
    Abstract: In order to provide a system that lower NOx emission and an improved fuel consumption are obtained by making the igniting control possible in the wide operation range by performing the fuel injection and the ultra lean burning with the homogeneous air-fuel mixture, in the engine having the compression igniting mode, in the in-cylinder fuel injection engine having the compression igniting mode, means for performing the first fuel injection for the initial combustion speed control before igniting and the second fuel injection for the engine torque control after that, are provided. The second fuel injection ratio for the engine torque control is increased according to the engine torque. Furthermore, in order to improve the igniting, the igniting trigger means is provided in the in-cylinder fuel injection engine having a compression igniting mode and the igniting trigger is added by the igniting trigger means after the first fuel injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Nogi, Takuya Shiraishi, Minoru Ohsuga, Noboru Tokuyasu, Yoko Nakayama, Yutaka Takaku
  • Patent number: 6520143
    Abstract: A preinjection valve with a valve body, in which an inlet conduit is embodied which can be filled with fuel at high pressure via a high-pressure pump. An outlet conduit is embodied in the valve body and discharges laterally into the inlet conduit and communicates with a fuel injection valve via a high-pressure line. A preinjection valve member is guided sealingly in the inlet conduit and is moved counter to a closing force by the fuel pressure in the inlet conduit and after executing a preinjection stroke (hv) comes to rest on a deflection valve member guided, likewise sealingly, in the inlet conduit. By the motion of the preinjection valve member, a preinjection quantity is pumped into the outlet conduit and delivered to the fuel injection valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ronbert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Wengert
  • Patent number: 6520144
    Abstract: There is provided a cylinder injection type internal combustion engine capable of performing stratified charge operation at the time of a vehicle speed of 120 km/h and/or an engine rotational speed of 3200 rpm to enhance the fuel efficiency and/or to observe the emission regulations. In the internal combustion engine, a stratum of air and/or air flow is formed between a fuel spray injected from an injection valve and the top face of a piston and/or the wall surface of a combustion chamber, and a face shape contrived to guide the air flow is formed on the top face of the piston. Also, the stratified charge operation can be performed even at the time of cold start or cranking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Shiraishi, Toshiharu Nogi, Minoru Ohsuga, Yoko Nakayama, Noboru Tokuyasu
  • Patent number: 6520145
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve for an internal combustion engine includes a valve body having a valve seat face. A valve member has a valve sealing face that interacts with the valve seat face for forming a sealing cross section. The valve member is displaceable along an axial direction in the valve body. The valve body has a wall with injection holes formed therein which are provided downstream of the sealing cross section as seen in a fuel flow direction. The injection holes are coneshaped injection holes and at least two of the injection holes have different cone angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Steffen Hunkert
  • Patent number: 6520146
    Abstract: A four-stroke internal combustion engine with at least two inlet valves and an inlet flow path with at least two inlet ports per cylinder which branch off from a common inlet pipe and are guided separately up to the inlet valves and of which at least one inlet port is designed as a charge loading port and at least one inlet port as a volumetric port, with a throttle device for volumetric control being provided in the inlet flow path and the inlet flow path is connected with a fuel supply device. In order to achieve in the simplest possible way an improvement of the exhaust gas quality at low fuel consumption, the fuel supply device is formed by a joint carburetor for both inlet ports, with preferably the carburetor being arranged in the zone of the branching of the inlet ports from the inlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Laimböck
  • Patent number: 6520147
    Abstract: An outboard motor comprises an engine mounted within an engine compartment. The engine comprises an induction system having an induction passage extending between an air intake box to a combustion chamber. A throttle valve is positioned along the passage. A bypass passage communicates with the passage at a location between the throttle valve and the combustion chamber. An adjustable valve controls flow through the bypass passage. The adjustable valve is opened as the throttle valve is opened or as the engine speed is increased. The adjustable valve is closed when the throttle valve is rapidly closed or when the engine speed is rapidly decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Kanno
  • Patent number: 6520148
    Abstract: A direct-fuel-injection-type internal combustion engine is equipped with an injector for injecting fuel directly into a combustion chamber of a cylinder. A controller controls the degree of opening of a throttle valve for adjusting the amount of air drawn into the combustion chamber and sets the throttle valve to a closed valve state by setting the degree of opening of the throttle valve to a degree of opening that is on the closed valve side of a post-engine start target degree of opening, when the engine is to be started. After it is determined that a start of the engine has been accomplished, the controller opens the throttle valve by gradually increasing the degree of opening of the throttle valve from the degree of opening of the closed valve state to the post-engine start target degree of opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koichi Yonezawa, Osamu Hosokawa, Jun Takahashi, Senji Kato, Hirohisa Kishi, Noboru Takagi, Takayuki Demura
  • Patent number: 6520149
    Abstract: A knock control apparatus has a knock sensor and a signal processor. The signal processor integrates a knock sensor signal and differentiates the integrated signal. The signal processor detects a period in which the differentiated signal exceeds a threshold, and detects a peak of the differentiated signal. The signal processor then calculates a ratio between the detected signal generation period and the detected peak to determine a knock when the calculated ratio is within a predetermined range. Alternatively, the signal processor detects a peak generation time and calculates a ratio between the detected signal generation period and the detected peak generation time. In this instance, the signal processor determines the knock when the calculated ratio is within a predetermined range and the detected peak generation time is less than a predetermined time reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Kokubo, Hirohiko Yamada, Kenji Kasashima
  • Patent number: 6520150
    Abstract: A fuel injector assembly is provided which includes a pressurization control valve assembly and a timing control valve assembly. A pressure actuated needle valve is positioned between the pressurization and timing control valves. Pressure within the injector is controlled by opening and closing such valve assemblies. In particular, when the pressurization control valve assembly is open and the timing control valve is closed there will be pressure equilibrium within the injector and a spring will hold the needle valve closed. When the pressurization and timing control valves are both closed, fuel in the injector will be pressurized. Upon opening the timing control valve assembly, there will be a net upward force which will open the needle valve. Closing of the timing control valve assembly will create a net downward force closing the needle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: James Anthony West
  • Patent number: 6520151
    Abstract: The present invention relates to engines having common rail fuel injection systems. In traditional common rail fuel injection systems, each fuel injector utilized by the fuel system includes its own solenoid. These individual solenoids must cooperate to ensure that the proper amount of fuel is being injected from each injector at the proper time. Having individual solenoids requires a multiple number of moving electrical components. In contrast to the traditional common rail fuel injection system, the fuel injection system of the present invention includes fuel injectors that are controlled in operation by a common electronic actuator that is positioned remote from the fuel injectors. Therefore, the present invention reduces the number of moving electrical components in the fuel injection system by reducing the need for individual solenoids for each fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Chetan J. Desai, Xinshuang Nan
  • Patent number: 6520152
    Abstract: In a fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine, in which fuel can be injected at least two different, high fuel pressures, via injectors, into the combustion chamber of the engine, having a central first pressure reservoir for the higher fuel pressure and a central second pressure reservoir, supplied from the first pressure reservoir, in which by regulation of its fuel delivery, the lower fuel pressure is maintained, and having a valve unit for switchover between the higher and the lower fuel, the valve unit for switchover between the higher and the lower fuel is provided locally for each injector. With this injection system, improved metering of the lower fuel pressure is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Mahr, Martin Kropp, Hans-Christoph Magel, Wolfgang Otterbach
  • Patent number: 6520153
    Abstract: In a fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine, in which fuel can be injected at at least two differently high fuel pressures via injectors into the combustion chamber of the engine, having a central distributor device for distributing the fuel to the individual injectors and having a central pressure reservoir for the lower fuel pressure, one valve unit for switchover between the two fuel pressures is provided locally for each injector individually. Furthermore, the central distributor device for the higher fuel pressure is disposed parallel to the central pressure reservoir for the lower fuel pressure. To enlarge the injection window for the pre-injection and the post-injection, the lower fuel pressure is metered from the central pressure reservoir, without going by way of the distributor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Mahr, Martin Kropp
  • Patent number: 6520154
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes a body having a nozzle end and a connector end. The body defines a side feed opening disposed between said nozzle end and said connector end. An injection assembly is disposed in the nozzle end and includes an actuating coil, a value actuated by the coil, and a valve seat operably associated with the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis D. Lamb, Daniel F. Smith
  • Patent number: 6520155
    Abstract: The invention relates to a common rail for a common rail fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, having a tubular base body which is equipped with a plurality of connection openings. To enable the common rail to withstand higher pressures than conventional common rails, according to our embodiment at least two connection openings are disposed diametrically opposite one another in the tubular base body. In a further version of the invention, diametrically opposite at least one of the connection openings, there is a machining opening, which is closed by a closure plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich Boecking
  • Patent number: 6520156
    Abstract: A high-pressure fuel supply system includes an accumulator-type booster mechanism which increases the pressure in a high-pressure portion of the high-pressure fuel supply system to a preset starting pressure upon starting of an engine. The accumulator-type booster mechanism is supported on the engine body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Susumu Kojima
  • Patent number: 6520157
    Abstract: The invention relates to an injector for an injection system for injecting highly pressurized fuel into the combustion chambers of internal combustion engines. An inlet from the high-pressure accumulation chamber feeds into a control chamber that can be connected to the nozzle inlet of the injection nozzle by means of a sealing seat that can be opened. In order to close the leakage oil outlet when the inlet line from the high-pressure accumulation chamber is opened, a sealing surface covers outlet-side control edges on the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich Boecking
  • Patent number: 6520158
    Abstract: A fuel delivery control system controls fuel delivery for an engine having a plurality of cylinders and a electronically controlled fuel injection unit for controlling fuel delivered to each cylinder in response to control signals generated by an electronic control unit. The control unit, for each cylinder, determines an engine acceleration value derived from a crank position value generated by an engine crank position sensor, compares the acceleration value to a threshold value, and terminates fuel delivery to only the cylinders for which the comparison indicates unsatisfactory combustion, up to one half of the cylinders. The control unit operates to deliver a normal amount of fuel to cylinders for which the comparison indicates satisfactory combustion, and to cylinders for which fuel delivery has been terminated for a pre-set maximum number of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Wayne Lee Mills
  • Patent number: 6520159
    Abstract: An engine catalytic converter misfire protection method and apparatus which controls engine parameters in response to the detection of potentially damaging cylinder misfire. A misfire counter responsive to engine cylinder misfires, counts misfires over a predetermined time period, with the positive changes in the counter output integrated and then compared with a threshold count to determine if the count corresponds to a damaging misfire condition. The apparatus and method simultaneously samples a short term fuel correction signal and compares the short term fuel correction signal with a second threshold. When both thresholds are exceeded substantially at the same time, the apparatus and method shut off fuel to the misfiring cylinder and shuts off the short and long term fuel control. Verification that the proper cylinder has the fuel shut off is made by repeating the control sequence to determine if the fuel has been shut off to the same cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent A. White, Randal L. DuFresne
  • Patent number: 6520160
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine control unit for hybrid vehicle makes an electric motor function as a main driving source for the vehicle under a predetermined condition and at the same time, controls a hybrid mechanism so as to warm up the internal combustion engine. If a requested engine output to the internal combustion engine exceeds a predetermined output or if an accelerator opening degree exceeds a predetermined opening degree, the same control unit changes the operating condition of the internal combustion engine from the warm-up operation condition to an operation condition fitting to the requested engine output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masakiyo Kojima, Osamu Harada, Katsuhiko Yamaguchi, Yukio Kobayashi, Seiji Hino, Akihiro Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 6520161
    Abstract: The Fuel supply system reduces fuel quantity initially supplied and ineffective residual quantity of fuel. A throat in the shape of a passage is provided at a bottom portion of a sub-tank that supplies fuel from the fuel tank to the interior of the sub-tank by a jet pump. The throat has a suction port communicating with the exterior of the sub-tank and a supply port communicating with the interior of the sub-tank. The throat is inclined with respect to a bottom surface of the tank so that the height of the throat increases gradually from the suction port toward the supply port. The sub-tank has a check valve for opening and closing the supply port. This check valve prevents the fuel in the sub-tank from flowing out to the exterior of the sub-tank through the throat and becomes substantially vertical during valve closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Tadashi Hazama
  • Patent number: 6520162
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injection system, in particular a common rail system, with a pre-feed pump, which delivers a fuel flow from a fuel tank to a high-pressure pump. A fuel filter is disposed downstream or upstream of the pre-feed pump in terms of the feed direction. A safety switch which is dependent upon the fuel filter pressure difference, is provided in order to protect the pre-feed pump and the high-pressure pump by diverting overly pressurized flow back to the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Schueler
  • Patent number: 6520163
    Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus for installation in a fuel tank includes a fuel pump, a housing, and a filter element disposed in the housing and having an upstream side communicating with the discharge port of the fuel pump. A check valve communicates with a downstream side of the fuel filter, and a pressure regulator communicates with the upstream side of the filter element. A sedimentation flow path may be provided for removing sediment from fuel discharged from the pressure regulator. The sedimentation flow path may be substantially cylindrical vortex spaces between fins disposed on the inner periphery of the pump holder and has blind holes at the bottom for trapping the sediments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yoshioka, Seiji Tsutsui, Hideya Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 6520164
    Abstract: An oil drain tube is provided for an internal combustion engine, which prevents oil draining from an oil separator from encountering blowby gases. The oil drain tube includes a first non-horizontal tube portion in direct fluid communication with the oil separator, a second non-horizontal tube portion in direct fluid communication with an oil sump and a tube portion connecting the first non-horizontal tube portion and the second non-horizontal tube portion in fluid communication with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Noel R. Lepp, Maurice E. Moushon
  • Patent number: 6520165
    Abstract: A nozzle (7) for a nitrous oxide system for an internal combustion engine contains outlet (9), to produce a high velocity cylindrical stream of nitrous oxide (9′) expressed in a certain direction (29) and another outlet (11), located on the same side of the nozzle, such as a slot, to produce a thin fan shaped mist of fuel (11′) expressed in a second direction (31) from another location with the directions being inclined at an acute angle (&agr;) relative to one another, preferably forty-five degrees. The spray of fuel and stream of nitrous oxide collide at a location (D1, 18) displaced from the side of the nozzle, wherein the high velocity stream of nitrous oxide further atomizes the fuel and mixes therewith as injected into the intake of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Wayne Steele
  • Patent number: 6520166
    Abstract: An improved method of identifying the cylinder combustion sequence of a four-stroke internal combustion engine accepts of rejects an assumed combustion sequence based on measured ion current combustion quality (CQ) indications. Individual CQ indications for the various engine cylinders are algebraically combined as a function of the assumed combustion sequence so that the combined CQ indication increases in a first polarity if the assumed combustion sequence is correct, and in a second polarity if the assumed combustion sequence is incorrect. When the absolute value of the combined CQ indication exceeds a threshold, the polarity of the combined CQ indication is used to either accept or reject the assumed combustion sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Allen Karau, Raymond O. Butler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6520167
    Abstract: An engine for a marine vehicle includes a controller having a predetermined map defining a relationship between a fuel injection parameter and an engine operation characteristic. Additionally, the controller includes at least one compensation factor for adjusting the fuel injection parameter. The compensation value is derived from data recorded during a test of the engine. The compensation factor is used during the normal operation of the engine to achieve a predetermined air/fuel ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Kanno
  • Patent number: 6520168
    Abstract: An air-fuel ratio correction coefficient calculating component is provided to an air-fuel ratio controller for an engine having the wide range air-fuel ratio sensor. In order to compensate for a time lag in detection of an air-fuel ratio detected by the wide range air-fuel ratio sensor from the time when a mixed gas of the air-fuel ratio is supplied to the engine, the air-fuel ratio controller includes a component for calculating an air-fuel ratio correction coefficient to control an amount of fuel supplied to the engine based on an output signal of the air-fuel ratio sensor. The air-fuel ratio correction coefficient calculating component calculates the air-fuel ratio correction coefficient based on a nonlinear calculation element. The non-linear calculation element has an ON-OFF characteristic, a neutral zone characteristic, a saturation characteristic or a characteristic combining a plurality of characteristics selected from the above-mentioned characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Ishii, Yutaka Takaku
  • Patent number: 6520169
    Abstract: A weapon for centrifugally discharging projectiles at a rapid rate comprising a housing in which is rotatably mounted a disc having a multiplicity of feed channels extending radially therein. Each of the feed channels receives a multiplicity of projectiles and is configured to orient the projectiles in a single file adjacent the disc periphery of the disc projectile locking means. Each of the channels has located adjacent the periphery disc a multiplicity of stops movable between a first position within the channel to preclude movement of the outermost projectile outwardly of the channel and a second position removed from the channel to permit movement of a projectile thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Trinamic Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Charles W. St. George
  • Patent number: 6520170
    Abstract: An adjustment knob assembly for selectably adjusting and securing an arrow deployment parameter of an archery bow. The adjustment knob assembly includes a base block mounted on the archery bow with a base throughbore extending between inner and outer base ends, and an index surface surrounding an outer base aperture leading into the base throughbore. A pivot shaft is rotatably received within the base throughbore and is obstructed from axial displacement in an outward direction. The pivot shaft has one end connected to an adjustment knob and the other end operating to adjust the arrow deployment parameter when rotated by the adjustment knob. Spring-loaded detents of the inner deck engage detent recesses on the index surface as the adjustment knob is rotated to various angular positions. And a preferably screw-type fastener has a threaded shank positioned within a threaded knob throughbore of the adjustment knob, and a knob head connected to the threaded shank which.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel K. Adkins
  • Patent number: 6520171
    Abstract: An improved pneumatic launching apparatus is disclosed having both a partition apparatus for enabling a projectile, such as gelatinous-filled capsules used in paintball, to be loaded and readied for expulsion without applying mechanical force and an improved venting-pressure regulator. When the partition apparatus is in a withdrawn, or open, position, an aperture is exposed to allow a projectile of complimentary size and shape to drop into the firing chamber. The shape of the partition is such that a next projectile is gently cradled and separated from the firing chamber during a closing movement. Further, the partition preferably creates a seal that significantly inhibits the escape of pressurized gas during a firing operation. The venting-pressure regulator utilizes opposed pistons with an escape mechanism to allow venting to occur without requiring a separate adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: James Patrick Reible
  • Patent number: 6520172
    Abstract: An electrically operated paintball gun operable to shoot paintballs including a barrel, a trigger, and a breech connected to a rear end of the barrel, as well as a bolt movable in the breech between a rearward position and a forward shooting position. A spring biases the bolt towards the rearward position. A pneumatic circuit is provided to drive the bolt towards the forward position and includes a control valve in the form of a solenoid valve to receive gas under pressure and direct it into a chamber at the rear of the bolt when the gun is shot. An electronic circuit controls the pneumatic circuit and is operated by an electrical switch operated by the trigger. A gas valve mechanism is opened by engagement by the bolt, when the latter is driven forwardly to the shooting position, to permit the passage of relatively high pressure propellant gas into the barrel to propel a paintball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Zap Paintball Inc.
    Inventor: Aldo Perrone
  • Patent number: 6520173
    Abstract: A portable solid-fuel burning camp-stove with a unique air supply system that allows for sufficient thermal power output to facilitate cooking while keeping the size of the combustion chamber small enough to allow for acceptable packing weight for backcountry hiking. Pack stoves powered by gas or liquid fuels have the major disadvantages of the need to bring fuel and limited fuel supply. Solid fuel stoves have the advantage of being able to use fuel straight from nature in the form of wood, there is no need to carry fuel, generally these stoves are too heavy for backpacking since they need a large combustion chamber which makes these stoves to heavy for back packing. This invention allows for adequate combustion in an acceptably small chamber by blowing additional air into the combustion chamber for a higher combustion rate. The air is blown in by mouth through a hose and nozzle arrangement, thereby eliminating the need for extra air-pump hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Martin Lautner
  • Patent number: 6520174
    Abstract: The cooking apparatus comprises a collection plate and a cooking plate. The collection plate overlie the heat source of a barbecue grill having a center surface with semicircular cross section and a curved lip. The curved lip deflects gases being released by the heat source back toward the heat source reducing flames. Extruded apertures are provided through the center. The extrusions extend oppositely from the concavity of the center to direct a portion of the secretions onto the collection plate. A fluid retention channel is provided about the center. The outer surface of the inner retention wall retains secretions on the center of the collection plate. The cooking plate covers the barbecue grill fire chamber and has a plurality of apertures. The terminal end of a curved flange mates with the inner wall of the barbecue grill. A back stop member is connected to the top of the cooking plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Luigi Scigliuolo
  • Patent number: 6520175
    Abstract: A flue seal (10) utilized in conjunction with a flue (12) within a fireplace (14). The flue seal (10) has a magnetic sheet (18) positionable within the flue (12). The magnetic sheet (18) has a sheet opening (18a) therethrough. A fastener (20) is securely connected through the sheet opening (18a). A pull chain (22) is securely connected to the fastener (20) extending downwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Jennifer L. Jones
  • Patent number: 6520176
    Abstract: An oxygen concentrator portable by a patient, permitting producing a flow of gas containing 50% to 95% of oxygen from air, comprising air compression device, elements for gas separation by adsorption with pressure variations, and electrical energy storage unit keeping its charge for at least 30 minutes, the concentrator having a total weight less than 10 kg. Preferably, the gas separation elements are a PSA system using a zeolite X exchanged with lithium, as the adsorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Anne Dubois, Pierre Bodelin, Xavier Vigor
  • Patent number: 6520177
    Abstract: The device has a face cover, a mouth-and-nose mask, and fasteners for holding the face cover on the face. The face cover is provided with a flexible gasket surrounding the eyes, a sea means at its periphery, and a closable coupling to a filtered gas feed. The mouth-and-nose mask, placed inside the face cover, is fitted with a demand regulator and with a direct exhaust to atmosphere. The breathe-in and breathe-out paths are separated by cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Intertechnique
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Bonhomme, Jean-Claude Urgel
  • Patent number: 6520178
    Abstract: An air and water hose apparatus (10 or 210) for use in an air supply system (100) for firefighters (150). The air and water hose apparatus has an air hose (32 or 232) completely within the water hose (12 or 212). The air and water hose apparatus comprises only a single length of the overall water hose of the system. This ensures that no part of the air hose is exposed to possible damage. The system supplies high pressure air to the firefighters. The system allows for easy connect and disconnect of the air and water hose apparatus to the firefighter's mask (160) and preferably can be used with standard self-contained breathing apparatus (152) having a mask and a regulator (158). A branched conduit (46) allows several firefighters to be attached to a single air and water hose apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Fred E. Baker
  • Patent number: 6520179
    Abstract: A blister pack assembly for an inhaler for administering powder containing medicament by inhalation, comprising: a suction tube (7) through which powder is in use drawn on inhalation by a user; and a blister pack unit (5) comprising a blister pack element (11) which includes a plurality of blisters (12), each containing a dose of powder containing medicament, and an attachment member (13) disposed to one side of the blister pack element (11) to which the suction (7) is attachable when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: AstraZeneca AB
    Inventors: Alfred Von Schuckmann, Björn Ullbrand, Anders Selmer
  • Patent number: 6520180
    Abstract: A device with a gas sensor for measuring a breathing gas component in a breathing gas line is improved such that a pressure correction of the gas concentration measurement can be performed without appreciably affecting the respiration pressure. Provisions are made for branching off a first measuring gas line (23) with a first electrochemical measuring cell (28) from the breathing gas line (7). A first throttling point (26) is arranged in the course of the first measuring gas line (23) between the first electrochemical measuring cell (28) and the breathing gas line (7). A first pressure sensor (29), for the pressure correction, is located downstream of the first electrochemical measuring cell (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Dräger Medizintechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Sahmkow, Tillmann von Blumenthal, Bernhard Ludwig, Dirk Fiebelkorn, Hendrik Hantzko
  • Patent number: 6520181
    Abstract: A face mask is disclosed that includes a mask portion, a resilient member (e.g., a pillowed web), and, optionally, an adhesive portion. The resilient member and the adhesive portion are alternately positionable between the mask portion and the wearer to inhibit the passage of vapor between the mask and the wearer, which prevents fogging of the wearer's eyewear. A method for using the face mask is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Baumann, Shannon L. Dowdell, Matt T. Scholz, Wayne K. Dunshee
  • Patent number: 6520182
    Abstract: A forehead support (10) for a respiratory mask (14). The forehead support (10) includes a pair of arms (22). The arms (22) are each adapted to locate a forehead cushion (30). The arms (22) are also adapted to pivot relative to each other. The arms (22) are also selectively lockable at two or more angular positions relative to each other. The forehead support (10) can thus be adjusted to suit the facial topography of the wearer of the respiratory mask (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Michael K. Gunaratnam