Patents Issued in May 6, 2003
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Patent number: 6557498Abstract: A pet collar forms a linearly elongated substrate spine upon which are mounted a series of illumination elements. A pair of electrical communication conductors provide for electrical communication among the illumination elements. A light sensor switch is in series between a power source and the illumination elements breaks the electrical circuit upon sensing of sufficient ambient light levels.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventors: David Allen Smierciak, Rochelle Ringer
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Patent number: 6557499Abstract: The steam generator has a combustion chamber for fossil fuel. A vertical gas flue is arranged downstream of the combustion chamber on a heating-gas side and connected via a horizontal gas flue. The structure requires especially little outlay in terms of manufacture and installation. The combustion chamber has a number of burners which are disposed at the same level with the horizontal gas flue.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Joachim Franke, Rudolf Kral
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Patent number: 6557500Abstract: An evaporator in a steam generator extracts heat from high temperature gases to convert heated water into saturated steam. The evaporator includes two sections—a once-through section and a circulation section, both of which include tubes located in the flow of hot gases. Heated water flows through the tubes of the once-through section at a rate sufficient to maintain the interiors of its tube fully wetted while enabling steam to develop in that water, with the steam having a quality of at least 20%. The circulation section includes a drum that is connected to the tubes of that section such that water from the drum circulates through the tubes and then back to the drum, with the circulation being such that the water in the tubes of the circulation section keeps the tubes fully wetted while steam develops in that water. The water from the tubes of the once-through section discharges into the drum as does the water circulating back from the tubes of the circulation section.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Nooter/Eriksen, Inc.Inventor: Joseph E. Schroeder
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Patent number: 6557501Abstract: A water heater includes a water tank adapted to contain water; a flue extending through the water tank and having a first end communicating with the water heater's combustion chamber for the flow of products of combustion through the tank; a damper communicating with the flue; and an apparatus for creating a flow of air proximate the second end of the flue to resist the flow of warm air out of the second end of the flue due to standby convection. The apparatus for creating airflow may be a fan or an ionic wind generator. Additionally, the airflow may be directed into or across the end of the flue at the top of the water heater to either create a downdraft or an air curtain for containing warm air within the flue.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: AOS Holding CompanyInventor: Dennis R. Hughes
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Patent number: 6557502Abstract: In a water discharge mode (heat storage mode) for discharging low-temperature cooling water from a heat storage tank to a side of a heater core that heats air using cooling water from an engine as a heating source, a cooling water amount discharged from the heat storage tank is made smaller as a necessary heating capacity for heating air becomes larger. For example, as an amount of air flowing through the heater core becomes larger, the cooling water amount discharged from the heat storage tank becomes smaller. Further, as the temperature of the cooling water flowing into the heater core becomes higher, the cooling water amount discharged from the heat storage tank is increased.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Koichi Ban, Toshio Morikawa
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Patent number: 6557503Abstract: A method of lowering fuel consumption and NOx levels in a two-stroke diesel engine having at least one piston disposed in at least one combustion chamber comprises the steps of providing a compression ratio within the combustion chamber between about 16.5:1 to about 19:1, providing a ratio of peak pressure to compressed pressure within the combustion chamber below about 1.4; and providing a trapped air charge density within the combustion chamber of at least 2.77 kg/m3. Combustion within the diesel engine results in NOx levels in exhaust gases below a predetermined amount and fuel consumption below a predetermined amount.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: General Electric Co.Inventor: Gregory James Hampson
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Patent number: 6557504Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder (10; 50) with a movable piston (11; 52) in it, which cylinder at its one end has a combustion chamber (16; 51) and at its other end is connected to a crankcase (15; 53). The crankcase and the combustion chamber are mutually connected via a scavenging duct (17; 56), whose opening and closing is controlled by the movement of the piston, and a carburetor (20; 55) is via an inlet port (21) connected to the crankcase. In order to simplify starting the engine it is provided with a device (23-6; 61-65; 70-72) for supply of fuel to the scavenging duct (17; 56) adjacent the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Aktiebolaget ElectroluxInventors: Hans Ström, Bo Carlsson
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Patent number: 6557505Abstract: A control device for an engine provided with an electromagnetic driven intake valves is provided so that the intake valves may perform a desirous control (for example, early activation of a catalytic converter) in an excellent driving state without having to bring about unfavorable phenomena such as a variety of rotation or serge of the engine. The control device serves to make the given cylinders different in the opening or shutting timing of intake valve from the other cylinders according to the driving state.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventor: Toshio Hori
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Patent number: 6557506Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for an internal combustion engine, including a valve housing having a pressure chamber. A piston seperates the pressure chamber into a first subchamber and a second subchamber. A first port is coupled the first subchamber and a second port is coupled to the second subchamber. A valve is coupled to the piston and moveable between an open position and a closed position. The valve is moved from the closed position to the open position by supplying a high pressure working fluid to the first port and coupling the second port to a drain. The valve is moved from the open position to the closed position by supplying the high pressure working fluid to the second port and coupling the first port to the drain.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Sturman Industries, Inc.Inventor: Oded E. Sturman
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Patent number: 6557507Abstract: A rocker arm assembly has a rocker arm that forms an adjusting mechanism bore, an insert bore, and a transverse central bore. An adjusting mechanism, e.g., a screw, is installed in the adjusting mechanism bore and is used to adjust the travel of the rocker arm as it pivots about the central bore during normal operation. An insert having a hemispherical end is installed in the insert bore. Additionally, a button that forms a hemispherical chamber that is sized and shaped to be received to the hemispherical end of the insert is press fitted onto the insert. As the rocker arm assembly pivots about the central bore the button rotates with respect to the insert. The cooperation of structure between the insert and the button allows the button to rotate with respect to the insert, but prevents the button from falling off the insert and damaging the engine in which the rocker arm assembly is installed.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Richard E. Rosenbush, Matthew K. Johnson, Damon B. Vaughan
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Patent number: 6557508Abstract: A composition for forming an electrode for use in a torch jet spark plug is provided. The composition comprises a ceramic material, ceramic particles, and an electrically conductive material. The ceramic particles are dispersed within the ceramic material. At least some of the ceramic particles have a predetermined size. This predetermined size is at least as large as the thickness of the finally formed electrode. The electrically conductive material is capable of being manipulated to form ribbons around the ceramic particles and of being sintered to form the electrode. The resultant electrode has good resistance to explosive erosion mechanisms, which consequently increases the life of the torch jet spark plug.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Savage Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: William J. Labarge, Kaius Kiiren Polikarpus, Keith Michael Brenske
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Patent number: 6557509Abstract: An outboard motor with a manual recoil starter is provided with an electrical system that is manually actuated and provides the required electrical power to an electrical load associated with a fuel pump, fuel injectors, and ignition coils of the engine. When the operator pulls the rope of the manual recoil starter, the required electrical power for the fuel pump, ignition coils, and fuel injectors is provided by a small compact battery pack. When fully charged, the battery capacity is equal to or less than 12 ampere-hours and is sufficient to power the ignition and fuel system, but typically not sufficient to power a starter motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Ronald L. Hall, Richard L. Sleder, Sr., David L. Neumann
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Patent number: 6557510Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes pressure relief devices that reduce pressure due to compression during startup, thereby decreasing the force needed to start the engine. A pressure relief valve mounts on top of the cylinder head and includes a duct to the combustion chamber leading to the valve and a second duct leading to the exhaust port so that gases in the combustion chamber may be vented through the exhaust system. A mechanical actuator having cables directed to each of the pressure relief valves for each of the cylinders manually actuates a first embodiment. A second embodiment includes a solenoid with wiring tied into a starter circuit that actuates the multiple valves from a single actuator.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: S & S Cycle, Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Sjovall, Floyd I. Baker, Steven A. Kensok, Dan Kinsey, Steven W. Svacina
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Patent number: 6557511Abstract: A suction system has an arrangement for utilizing resonance effects and is suitable for an internal-combustion engine having opposed cylinder banks. The suction system has a resonance container which has boundary walls. On the one hand, the resonance container is connected with the atmosphere and, on the other hand, it is connected with cylinders of the internal-combustion engine, the arrangement being provided in the resonance container as a control device which can vary the resonance cross-section, and the resonance container is connected with a feeding device having separate feeding pipes. For optimizing the torque behavior of the internal-combustion engine, the control device is fixed from the idling to a medium rotational speed range in a first end position and, together with the feeding pipes of the feeding device, forms two guiding channels which supply the cylinders the two cylinder banks with air.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Erwin Rutschmann, Armin Schweizer
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Patent number: 6557512Abstract: An adjustable intake pipe, especially for supplying combustion air to an internal combustion engine, which includes a collector chamber arranged in an essentially cylindrical control element. The collector chamber has a larger volume than required for the air supply, so the chamber is not used efficiently. In the invention, the collector chamber volume is used by arranging additional components of the intake tract defined by the intake pipe, i.e. of an internal combustion engine, within the collector chamber (11), for example, by arranging a resonance chamber (20) therein with the resonance chamber connected to the air supply system by through holes (19). This arrangement better utilizes the chamber volume and is particularly advantageous in motor vehicle engine compartments where limited space is available. The intake system also is more compact and has a lower overall weight.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbHInventors: Rudolf Leipelt, Olaf Weber
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Patent number: 6557513Abstract: A cylinder liner has reduced wall thickness in a piston pin plane of the liner. A conventional wall thickness of the cylinder liner is maintained in piston thrust plane regions of the liner, where side-to-side motions of a piston reciprocating within the liner tend to produce deflections of the liner, and of a head gasket which bears against the liner. The piston pin plane of the liner is normally orthogonal to the piston thrust plane. The reduced wall thickness affects only external dimensions of the liner; the interior bore of the liner remains fully cylindrical. The exterior of the liner is slightly elliptical, having its minor axis aligned with the plane of the piston pin. The reduced exterior dimension permits an engine designer to reduce engine length due to shortened bore spacing requirements along the piston pin plane, and or to enlarge the space for coolant flow between individual liners.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: Stephen H. Hill, Mark L. Davis
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Patent number: 6557514Abstract: A monobloc piston has a piston head with a combustion bowl formed in its upper surface and a plurality of ring grooves formed in an outer surface of a ring belt. An oil cooling gallery is formed in the piston head which is defined in part by a wall of the combustion bowl and ring belt. The piston has a unitized, immovable piston skirt which is formed as one piece with the pin bosses and fixed at its upper end to the ring belt. Piston rings are disposed in each of the ring grooves, and the piston head is further formed with an oil drainage groove which is located below the lowest of the ring grooves. The oil drainage groove is closed in the vicinity between adjacent pin bores but is open across outer side faces of the pin bores such that oil collected in the oil drainage is drained to the crank case across the open side faces to better manage the flow of oil scraped from the walls of the piston cylinder during operation of the piston to reduce oil consumption and hydrocarbon emissions.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.Inventor: Randall R. Gaiser
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Patent number: 6557515Abstract: A ceiling surface of a rocker cover mounted on a top of a cylinder head has an oil guide groove and an oil dripping portion. The oil guide groove extends along a rotation direction of a chain and faces the chain for guiding lubricating oil droplets separated from the chain into a single flow in a certain direction. The oil dripping portion is continuous with the oil guide groove and protruding toward a valve-operating device for dripping the lubricating oil guided by the oil guide groove onto the valve-operating device. Oil droplets thrown off from the chain are collected by the oil guide groove and dripped onto the valve-operating device via the oil dripping portion. Therefore, it can effectively supply the oil to a position where the valve-operating cam slidably contacts with the slipper, thereby improving the frictional resistance of the valve-operating device.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akira Furuya, Takao Sakai
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Patent number: 6557516Abstract: An engine unit for a vehicle comprises an engine case in which a crankshaft and a counter shaft are rotatably supported and an oil pump is provided so that rotation of the crankshaft is transmitted to the counter shaft. The counter shaft serves as a driving shaft of the oil pump arranged to be coaxial with the counter shaft. The oil pump has a pump case, which is provided with a tubular engaging member concentrically surrounding the counter shaft to extend in an axial direction thereof and with a discharge passage extending so as to be apart from the counter shaft in the axial direction thereof. The tubular engaging member is fitted into a fitting hole for a counter shaft bearing and the discharge passage having an end portion fitted into an oil supply port formed in the engine case.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinobu Tsutsumikoshi
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Patent number: 6557517Abstract: A device for and method of decarboning a combustion chamber and compression rings in an internal combustion engine. The device is a squid shaped container with a cylindrical body, a screw cap, and conduits depending from the body for transmitting cleaner to the combustion chambers on the engine. Once cleaner is transmitted to the combustion chambers, the engine is bumped to work the fluid into the compression rings. When the engine is bumped, the device allows the cleaner to be vented to the device to avoid hydrolocking the engine. The device also contains the cleaner so that it is not splashed outside the engine.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventors: Richard Augustus, Harold E. Erwin
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Patent number: 6557518Abstract: Cylinder deactivation apparatus includes a simplified hydraulic circuit that provides oil to lash adjusters and to cylinder deactivation control passages through restricted passages adjacent the lash adjusters. A control valve, when open, delivers full pressure oil to the lash adjusting mechanisms while the restricted passages allow oil flow to purge air from the control passages but limit control oil pressure so that the valves are operated normally. When the control valve is closed, pressure in the control passages quickly increases, deactivating the valves of the deactivation cylinders. The flow of oil through the control passages when the valve is open is adequate to purge gaseous vapors such as air from the control passages and maintain the system in condition for prompt deactivation of the cylinders when the valve is closed.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: William Conrad Albertson, Frederick J. Rozario
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Patent number: 6557519Abstract: A reciprocating machine includes a housing (12) and piston means (20) that are cyclically relatively displaceable along an axis (11) to define a variable volume working chamber (50). There is further provided air inlet means and fuel inlet means (100) admitting air and fuel to the working chamber for forming an ignitable mixture after compression of the air therein, and means to exhaust combustion products from the working chamber. The variable volume working chamber (50) includes at least two sub-chambers, a combustion chamber (54) and a main chamber (52) mutually displaced on the axis (11) and in communication at a cross section (53) at which gas in the combustion chamber (54) may expand at least partially laterally as it flows from the combustion chamber (54) into the main chamber (52). The air admission means, the exhaust means and the chambers (52, 54) are arranged so that a swirl of gas is generated and maintained about the axis (11) in both chambers (52, 54) during operation of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Galbraith Engineering Pty Ltd.Inventor: Peter Afton Galbraith
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Patent number: 6557520Abstract: A multizone combustion chamber and method of combustion in a compression-ignited reciprocating engine. The combustion chamber includes a cylinder, a cylinder head located at one end of the cylinder, a piston that reciprocates in the cylinder, an inlet that supplies a gas into the combustion chamber during an induction stroke of the piston, and an injector that supplies a fuel into the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber defines a primary chamber and at least a secondary chamber when the piston is located in a predetermined position near the cylinder head. Combustion is initiated in the primary chamber while preventing combustion from occurring in the secondary chamber. Combustion in the secondary chamber is delayed until after the piston and the cylinder head have been separated and thermodynamic communication between the fuel/gas mass in the primary chamber and the fuel/gas mass in the secondary chamber is possible.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventor: Charles E. Roberts, Jr.
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Patent number: 6557521Abstract: With a composition where there are provided an injection valve installed on each cylinder and a high-atomizing injection valve installed in the upstream, it is aimed to prevent worsened start-up performance and unburnt gas exhaust resulting from adhesion of the fuel on the suction air passage as a result of reduced air for atomization during the start-up cranking. With a composition equipped with an injection valve installed on each cylinder of an internal combustion engine and an air-assist type high-atomizing injection valve in the upstream, there is provided an injection controlling means that injects the fuel by the injection valve installed on the suction port during the start-up cranking.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Takanobu Ichihara, Masami Nagano, Toshiharu Nogi
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Patent number: 6557522Abstract: A cylinder head for a direct-injection spark-ignition internal combustion engine includes, for each cylinder, an inlet valve, an exhaust valve, a first receptacle, a second receptacle, and a third receptacle. The first, second, and third receptacles are respectively configured to receive an ignition device or an injection device. The first receptacle extends substantially parallel to the inlet valve. The second receptacle extends substantially parallel to the exhaust valve. A common camshaft is offset from a cylinder center plane and actuates the inlet valve and the exhaust valve via identically constructed valve actuating elements. The cylinder head is lightweight, compact and easy to assemble and is in particular suited for high performance engines.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Audi AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hartmut Diel, Roland Lohmann, Holger Wagner
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Patent number: 6557523Abstract: An electronic throttle control system with a plastic composite housing member and injection molded motor assembly. The motor assembly is preassembled with a gear shaft member to a metal mounting plate which in turn is injection molded into the composite housing member. A portion of the motor is secured to the electronic throttle control housing during the injection molding process. The distance between the gear shaft member and motor remains constant.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Edward Albert Bos, James Richard Rauch
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Patent number: 6557524Abstract: An apparatus and method control a negative pressure in an internal combustion engine equipped with a brake booster that uses a negative pressure produced on a downstream side of a throttle valve provided in an intake passage of the engine, as a power source for amplifying the pedal pressing force. A controller of the apparatus or method determines whether a negative pressure applied to the brake booster has reached a predetermined level when the internal combustion engine is started, and, if the negative pressure has not reached the predetermined level, increases an operating speed of the engine to a predetermined high speed and then keeps the throttle valve in a fully closed position during a period of time in which the engine proceeds to a steady-state operating mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takashi Tsunooka
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Patent number: 6557525Abstract: There are provided a control system and method and an engine control unit for an internal combustion engine, which are capable of attaining a high combustion efficiency in both of a homogeneous and a stratified combustion modes, thereby improving drivability and fuel economy, as well as a control system for an internal combustion engine which is capable of ensuring stable combustion in both the modes. In one form of the invention, the control system includes an ECU for controlling ignition timing IG of an in-cylinder fuel injection type engine which is operated while switching the combustion mode between the homogeneous and stratified combustion modes. The ECU determines which of the homogeneous and stratified combustion modes should be selected.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ken Ogawa, Isao Komoriya, Shuji Nagatani, Kazuhiro Ueda, Hiroshi Tagami
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Patent number: 6557526Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1) causes an air-fuel mixture produced in a combustion chamber (23) to burn by means of ignition using a spark plug (24). A programmable controller (20) calculates a reaction probability expressing the combustibility of the air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber (23) and the combustion rate of the air-fuel mixture on the basis of the operating conditions of the engine 1 (S13, S27, S32). An air-fuel mixture combustion period is calculated on the basis of the volume of the combustion chamber at the combustion start timing, the reaction probability, and the combustion rate (S29, S34). On the basis of this combustion period, a target ignition timing of the spark plug (24) can be accurately set under a small calculation load.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masato Hoshino
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Patent number: 6557527Abstract: Even in the rapid change of a knock sensor output signal level (noise level) at a transition, a knock erroneous judgement due to noise is prevented in a state where knock controllability is secured. It is judged whether or not a transition state occurs, on the basis of a change of an operating state of an internal combustion engine and under a predetermined judgement condition, and in the case where the transition state occurs, at the time of the judgement of the transition state and during a predetermined time after the judgement, a correction value of a peak hold value of the knock sensor output signal is calculated.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hidetoshi Miyaji
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Patent number: 6557528Abstract: A method of controlling detonation in an internal combustion engine is provided with the steps of: combusting a fuel and air mixture within a combustion cylinder; sensing a plurality of pressures at discrete points in time within the combustion cylinder; determining a pressure profile of the plurality of pressures; detecting detonation within the combustion cylinder; and acting upon the detonation, dependent upon where said detonation occurs on the pressure profile.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Joel D. Hiltner
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Patent number: 6557529Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine has an injector housing having a pressure releasable control chamber for a vertical stroke movement and an annular chamber, an injector body closeable by the annular chamber, an inlet connectable to a high pressure collecting chamber and connected to and emptying into the annular chamber, an injection nozzle having a nozzle inlet and a nozzle chamber, with the nozzle inlet opened or closed by a sealing surface, a hydraulic spring associated with the injector body and including a control element impinged with high pressure via a volume of the hydraulic spring and via the inlet.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Friedrich Boecking
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Patent number: 6557530Abstract: A fuel control system for an internal combustion engine including injected fuel quantity estimation includes a fuel pump responsive to a fuel pump command to supply fuel to a fuel collection unit. A pressure sensor is provided for producing a pressure signal indicative of the pressure of fuel within the collection unit throughout a fuel injection event, and an engine position sensor is provided for producing an engine position signal indicative of a crank angle of the engine relative to a reference crank angle. A control circuit includes means responsive to the pressure signal and a desired fueling value for producing an initial fueling command, and further includes a fuel quantity estimation block responsive to the pressure signal, the engine position signal and a final fueling command to produce a fuel quantity estimation value.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Cummins, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Benson, Taner Tuken, John T. Carroll, III
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Patent number: 6557531Abstract: To perform with high accuracy the analog-to-digital conversion of signals of an air flow meter irrespective of fluctuation of a reference voltage of an analog-to-digital conversion circuit. A thermal type air flow meter including means for measuring an intake air flow rate by heating and controlling a heating resistor and means for performing analog-to-digital conversion of an air flow rate signal of the air flow rate measurement means, which inputs a reference voltage to the analog-to-digital conversion circuit so that the reference voltage can be converted from the analog signal to the digital signal by the analog-to-digital conversion circuit, and the air flow rate signal can be corrected in accordance with the value of the reference voltage. A/D conversion of the air flow rate signal can be executed accurately even when the voltage of the reference voltage source of the A/D converter in an electrical control unit is fluctuating.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hitoshi Ishikawa
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Patent number: 6557532Abstract: With a cylinder direct injection engine in which fuel is injected directly into combustion chambers and air-fuel mixture is guided by an air flow, it is difficult to secure combustion stability under low engine speed and low load conditions such as during idling. Furthermore, there are needs for improvement of emission characteristics and fuel economy in other operation modes as well. An engine according to the invention injects fuel while dividing the same in plural-parts during a compression stroke. The first injection forms a lean air-fuel mixture around an ignition plug, and the second injection makes a flammable air-fuel mixture reach an area around the ignition plug. This ensures efficient stratified combustion and allows improvement in emission and fuel economy performance.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yoko Nakayama, Toshiharu Nogi, Takuya Shiraishi, Yoshihiro Sukegawa
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Patent number: 6557533Abstract: An engine includes an air induction system, a fuel supply system, a lubrication system and a ventilation system. The fuel supply system has a fuel reservoir in which a space for fuel vapors is defined. The lubrication system lubricates a component of the engine with lubricant. The ventilation system couples a crankcase of the engine with the air induction system so as to deliver oil vapors in the crankcase to the air induction system. A fuel vapor passage is arranged to couple the space of the fuel reservoir with the ventilation system.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Goichi Katayama, Masashi Nonaka, Masaki Okazaki
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Patent number: 6557534Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for purging a vapor canister in a Hybrid Electric Vehicle during vehicle idle conditions. The present invention first determines whether purging is necessary by measuring fuel tank pressure and the time since the last purge. If either of these elements exceeds a calibratable threshold, the controller determines that the engine needs to be on and that purging must occur. An electronic throttle controller can also be used to command the throttle plate to low positions to increase intake manifold vacuum while purging. This allows for very rapid ingestion of the fuel vapor without risk of engine stalls, if used in an HEV where the engine speed is controlled by an electric motor. Upon completion of the purging process, the engine is shut “off” and the vehicle is returned to its normal idle conditions.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jerry D. Robichaux, Stephen John Kotre
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Patent number: 6557535Abstract: A system and method for transferring heat from the exhaust of an internal combustion engine to a fuel container storing compressed gas fuel, using a gaseous heat transfer medium. The heat transferred to the fuel container assists expansion and/or vaporization of the compressed gas fuel. The expanded and/or vaporized compressed gas fuel may be delivered to the internal combustion engine for use by the engine.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: ISE Research CorporationInventor: Kevin Stone
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Patent number: 6557536Abstract: A closed crankcase emission control system for an internal combustion engine includes a replaceable filter element having a ring of filter media; a first end cap at one end of the media ring; a sump container defined by a second end cap at the other end of the media ring and a cup-shaped valve pan fixed to the second end cap; and a check valve in the valve pan to block blow-by gas flow directly into the filter element during engine operation, and to allow collected oil to flow out of the sump container during engine idle or shut-down. A shut off valve is provided to prevent oil from passing through the emission control system to the engine. The shut off valve comprises a cylindrical float member with a supporting body and a seal, where the body includes a guide member. The float member could also be a ball valve. The float member floats with the level of oil in the housing, and can fluidly seal against a valve seat to prevent oil passing to the engine.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventor: Stephen F. Burgess
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Patent number: 6557537Abstract: A battery, an energy charge inductance, and a first transistor are connected in series in an ignition system. A primary winding and a second switching device are connected in series between the ground and a point between the energy charge inductance and the first switching device. A drive circuit switches periodically on and off the first switching device and the second switching device during multispark duration of the spark plug such that each switching device has a different switching status from each other. After the multispark duration, the drive circuit switches periodically on and off the second transistor with a short switching interval. The switching interval is set such that a relatively low voltage that almost causes a spark is impressed to the spark plug. An ion current detection is implemented by using this voltage as a power source.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.Inventors: Masatoshi Ikeda, Hiroshi Yorita, Makoto Toriyama
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Patent number: 6557538Abstract: In order to form contact between a control unit and current loads of an internal combustion engine by electrical components through a cylinder head cover which is seated on a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine, a method includes a pre-fixing step for the electrical components, from which step the electrical components are moved into a fixed position directly or indirectly in the cylinder head cover, after the cylinder head cover has been fitted onto the cylinder head, in order to subsequently connect the electrical components to the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Dietmar Munz, Thomas Stolk, Steffen Walter
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Patent number: 6557539Abstract: A process for controlling an internal combustion engine having a regulated turbocharger and integrated exhaust gas temperature is provided. The maximum cylinder filling capacity (rlmax) is taken from a stored characteristic field, which extends over the rpm (n) range. The values stored in the characteristic field are determined in the application and are standardized to a lambda value which can be preset, preferably to be lambda=1. When operating the internal combustion engine, the value of the maximum filling capacity (rlmax) taken from the characteristic field is corrected to the current fuel mixture composition.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AGInventor: Andreas Sterner
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Patent number: 6557540Abstract: A method to calculate valve timing commands for an engine with variable valve timing is hereby disclosed. The method includes determining a valve feedforward term based on an engine performance command and an environmental conditions signal, calculating a valve feedback term based on the engine performance command and an engine performance feedback, and calculating a valve timing command based on the valve feedforward term and the valve feedback term.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence A. Mianzo, Brett D. Collins, Ibrahim Haskara
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Patent number: 6557541Abstract: An arrow support for supporting an arrow in an archery bow. The arrow support provides a simple, compact, lightweight and non-bulky apparatus that corrects distortion induced in the arrow upon its release by the archer. Single screws provide secure, non-rotating connections where adjustments are to be made. A planar ring has locking apparatus extending through the ring to lock support members in place using a single adjustment. The planar ring has a scalloped inner surface, accommodating a range of fletches, with a minimal outside diameter of the ring. Silencers are provided on at least some of the support members to suppress sounds as an arrow is drawn into a shooting position.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventor: Julian P. Pinto, Jr.
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Patent number: 6557542Abstract: A gas accumulator is provided for attachment to a gun having a gun body, a compressed gas chamber in the gun body, and a compressed gas power source. The accumulator comprises a body portion defining a gas accumulator chamber and connector means for connecting the accumulator releasably to the gun body so that the gas chamber in the gun body is in communication with the accumulator chamber. Compression means are provided in the accumulator chamber which is compressed when the accumulator chamber receives gas under pressure, the compression means forcing gas from the accumulator chamber into the gas chamber when the gun is fired.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventor: Robert G. Orr
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Patent number: 6557543Abstract: A convection oven having a high pressure duct distribution system to produce airflow within a cooking chamber of the convection oven. The high pressure airflow is easily tuned to produce a precise airflow pattern within the cooking chamber by opening and/or closing individual nozzles which extend from a duct of the duct distribution system into the cooling chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventors: James T. Cole, Donald E. Fritzsche, David W. Harter, Ronald Jay Forni, Malcolm Reay, Jerry Sank, David McFadden, Douglas S. Jones
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Patent number: 6557544Abstract: The present invention relates to a charcoal cooker being easy to kindle a charcoal and to adjust heat applied to food in cooking. The charcoal cooker comprises: a charcoal burning part for containing and burning charcoal; a cooking part for cooking food by use of heat emitted from the charcoal burning part, a housing for defining an inner space with a top opening; an inner dish arranged on a bottom of said housing for receiving filth and defining said charcoal burning part; a fuel rack arranged at a position spaced from a bottom of said inner dish and in said inner dish; a support means adapted to support a food holder over said fuel rack; and a food holder lifting means adapted to adjust a gap between said fuel rack and said food holder supported by said support means by displacing said support means.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: A-Tech Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yeong Seob Sim
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Patent number: 6557545Abstract: What is disclosed is an improved barbecue grill for outdoor cooking, having an upper cooking chamber portion; a lower fuel storage portion and a countertop member. The upper cooking chamber portion is made up of a hollow cylindrical drum, having a planar rack portion supported horizontally therein. Drum has first and second end plates and a sidewall, with an opening downward in said drum sidewall. Aan arcuate door movably hinged is located on the upward side of said drum. The drum is horizontally positioned and supported upon said countertop member. Countertop member is supported on the lower fuel storage portion and includes an opening therethrough. The lower fuel storage portion is a vertical skirt portion, having an opening upwardly and a bottom plate. A pair of doors covers an aperture in the skirt portion for accessing the interior of said skirt portion. A fuel shelf and a sliding shelf portion for removal of ashes are located inside of the skirt portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventor: Paul L. Williams
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Patent number: 6557546Abstract: A portable gas grill that rests on a substrate is disclosed. The grill includes a grill body having a floor, a burner and a heat shield including a substantially planar main portion and having at least one elongate, covered air channel. The heat shield is positioned between the burner and the floor. The heat shield minimizes heat transmission to the substrate while permitting airflow to the burner.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Uniflame CorporationInventor: Jeffrey R. Gibbons
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Patent number: 6557547Abstract: A portable cooking or barbequing apparatus includes a support frame having a front end with a tow hitch mechanism and ground engaging wheels mounted on opposite sides of the frame. A main housing is mounted on the frame and has vertically extending side walls and an open top. A plurality of smaller housing, each containing a gas burner, are fixedly mounted in the main housing. These smaller housings each have a bottom, vertically extending opposite side walls and opposite end walls connecting the side walls. A gas supply system provides fuel gas to the burners and a burner control system operates the gas burners and controls the flow of fuel gas to the burners. A main lid is preferably pivotally mounted on the main housing to cover its open top.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Move Media Inc.Inventor: Ian Joseph MacIntosh