Patents Issued in July 31, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030140841
    Abstract: An accumulating whistling vent for indicating a level of liquid in a tank having a vent line is disclosed. The whistling vent includes a whistle housing reservoir which has mounting tubes extending from either ends. A whisle is housed in the whistle housing reservoir by insertion into one of the mounting tubes. The whistling vent is coupled between the vent line of the tank such that the tube containing the whistle is closest to the tank. As liquid is introduced into the tank an audible signal is produced by the whistle. Once full, air flowing from the tank through the vent line is replaced by the incoming liquid, thus muting the whistle. Excess liquid is accumulated in the reservoir prior to discharge from the vent line, thereby providing additional time to respond to the change in audible signal. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a transparent reservoir is used to provide a visual indicator in addition to the change in audible signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Murray Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20030140842
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for the controlled return of a pointer driven by a stepping motor in the event of failure of the supply voltage includes a control circuit for actuating the stepping motor. The supply voltage at least for the control circuit for the stepping motor is buffered with at least one buffer capacitor, the capacitance of the at least one buffer capacitor being such that the buffer capacitor supplies the control circuit for the stepping motor with electrical power at least until the control circuit has moved the pointer driven by the stepping motor to a default position. The default position is a zero position in relation to the scale on the display apparatus or to another indicated value which is noncritical in relation to the scaling on the display apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jurgen Adams
  • Publication number: 20030140843
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing silicon single crystals which comprises using the CZ method under application of a magnetic field to the silicon melt and under application of an electric current containing a component perpendicular to this magnetic field, namely using the EMCZ method, adjusting the pulling rate in the process of single crystal growth and thereby growing a single crystal under conditions such that the outside diameter of the potential region of the ring-forming oxidation-induced stacking faults (R-OSF) occurring in the cross section of the crystal is within the range of 70% to 0% of the crystal diameter. By this, wafers for semiconductors excellent in device characteristics such as gate oxide integrity or the like can be produced with high productivity without formation of COPs with not less than 0.1 &mgr;m in size, or of dislocation clusters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Tadashi Kanda, Shunji Kuragaki, Masahito Watanabe, Minoru Eguchi
  • Publication number: 20030140844
    Abstract: A method of forming a SiGe layer having a relatively high germanium content and a relatively low threading dislocation density includes preparing a silicon substrate; depositing a layer of SiGe to a thickness of between about 100 nm to 500 nm, wherein the germanium content of the SiGe layer is greater than 20%, by atomic ratio; implanting H+ ions into the SiGe layer at a dose of between about 1·1016 cm−2 to 5·1016 cm−2, at an energy of between about 20 keV to 45 keV; patterning the SiGe layer with photoresist; plasma etching the structure to form trenches about regions; removing the photoresist; and thermal annealing the substrate and SiGe layer, to relax the SiGe layer, in an inert atmosphere at a temperature of between about 650° C. to 950° C. for between about 30 seconds and 30 minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Jer-Shen Maa, Douglas James Tweet, Tingkai Li, Jong-Jan Lee, Sheng Teng Hsu
  • Publication number: 20030140845
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for processing at least one material in a supercritical fluid. The pressure vessel includes a self-pressurizing capsule for containing at least one material and the supercritical fluid in a substantially air-free environment, a pressure transmission medium surrounding the capsule for maintaining an outer pressure on the capsule, at least one heating element insertable in the pressure transmission medium such that the heating element surrounds the capsule, a temperature measurement means for measuring a temperature of the capsule, a temperature controller for controlling the temperature and providing power to the heating element, a restraint to contain and hold in place the capsule, the pressure transmission medium, and the heating element, and at least one seal between the restraint and the pressure transmission medium for preventing escape of the pressure transmission medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Philip D'Evelyn, Kristi Jean Narang, Robert Arthur Giddings, Robert Vincent Leonelli, Stephen Lee Dole
  • Publication number: 20030140846
    Abstract: In a selective growth method, growth interruption is performed at the time of selective growth of a crystal layer on a substrate. Even if the thickness distribution of the crystal layer becomes non-uniform at the time of growth of the crystal layer, the non-uniformity of the thickness distribution of the crystal layer can be corrected by inserting the growth interruption. As a result of growth interruption, an etching rate at a thick portion becomes higher than that at a thin portion, to eliminate the difference in thickness between the thick portion and the thin portion, thereby solving the problem associated with degradation of characteristics due to a variation in thickness of the crystal layer, for example, an active layer. The selective growth method is applied to fabrication of a semiconductor light emitting device including an active layer as a crystal layer formed on a crystal layer having a three-dimensional shape by selective growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Goshi Biwa, Hiroyuki Okuyama
  • Publication number: 20030140847
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating hams is provided. Sugar is uniformly dispensed on an inclined plate that is heated to melt the sugar. The sugar flows into a reservoir from which it is poured onto hams passing below the reservoir on a conveyor. Spices are poured onto the melted sugar that sticks to the ham to form a glaze. Jets of water can cool the glaze to increase retention on the ham. The process can be repeated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Richard E. Gore, Allen Mottershead
  • Publication number: 20030140848
    Abstract: A lane maintenance machine having wicks that absorb dressing from a reservoir and transfer it to the applicator of the machine has a gravity-fed dressing supply system that maintains the dressing at a substantially constant level within the wick reservoir. A small pilot chamber upstream from the reservoir and in open communication therewith at the same elevation as the reservoir has its fluid level directly controlled by a float sensor to in turn indirectly control the level within the wick reservoir. The float sensor within the pilot chamber provides a signal to a controller when the level within the pilot chamber drops below a predetermined point so that a control valve between the pilot chamber and the main supply tank opens to allow a makeup volume of dressing to flow by gravity from the main tank into the pilot chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Mark E. Davis, Anthony K. Crews, Steven L. Sowards, John M. Davis
  • Publication number: 20030140849
    Abstract: A coater comprises upstream and down stream side bars between which a pocket and a slit are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Shigetoshi Kawabe
  • Publication number: 20030140850
    Abstract: Susceptor designs are provided for controlling damage to wafers, particularly during cold wafer drops-off on a hot susceptor. The designs include axisymmetric grid designs, such that thermal gradients are symmetrical in the circumferential (&thgr;) direction and the same traversing any particular radial line. The grids are preferably arcuate and each have the same surface area. In one embodiment an outer zone is asymmetrically designed to induce predictable wafer curling in a saddle shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Tony J. Keeton, Zachary L. Lutz
  • Publication number: 20030140851
    Abstract: A gas distribution showerhead for use in a semiconductor fabrication process features a face plate having gas outlet ports in the form of elongated slots or channels. The use of elongated gas outlet ports in accordance with embodiments of the present invention substantially reduces the incidence of undesirable spotting and streaking of deposited material where the showerhead is closely spaced from the wafer. A showerhead featuring a face plate having a tapered profile to reduce edge thickness of deposited material at close face plate-to-wafer spacings is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Karthik Janakiraman, Nitin Ingle, Zheng Yuan, Steven Gianoulakis
  • Publication number: 20030140852
    Abstract: A method and a device for regulating a pressure in an epitaxy reactor, wherein the epitaxy reactor has a wafer handling chamber WHC, a process chamber PC, and a gate valve GV connecting the two chambers. The wafer handling chamber is continuously purged with inert gas. The pressure difference between the wafer handling chamber and the process chamber is measured, and the resulting measurement signal is used in a control circuit to regulate the pressure in the wafer handling chamber. In this case the pressure in the wafer handling chamber is reduced if the pressure difference is above a predetermined value and the pressure in the wafer handling chamber is increased if the pressure difference is below a predetermined value. The predetermined pressure difference is defined as a pressure being between 5 and 500 PA. The WHC and the PC each have a gas discharge line and a gas input line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Wacker Siltronic AG
    Inventors: Anton Schatzeder, Georg Brenninger
  • Publication number: 20030140853
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a reaction chamber, a protection cover, a first heater, a second heater, and a gas supply pipe. The reaction chamber has a wall side and the protection cover covers an inner surface of the wall side. The first heater is interposed between the wall side and the protection cover and serves to heat the protection cover. The second heater is positioned in the reaction chamber and serves to heat a substrate transported in the reaction chamber. The gas supply pipe communicates with the reaction chamber and serves to supply material gas on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Wada, Harunobu Sakuma, Toshio Ando, Tsuyoshi Tamaru
  • Publication number: 20030140854
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for growing thin films onto the surface of a substrate by exposing the substrate to alternately repeated surface reactions of vapor-phase reactants. The apparatus comprises a reaction chamber including a reaction space, infeed means connected to the reaction space for feeding into the reaction space the reactants used in the thin film growth process, and outfeed means connected to the reaction space for discharging excess reactants and gaseous reaction products from the reaction space. At least one substrate is adapted into the reaction space and a second surface is also adapted into the reaction space in a disposition opposed to the surface of the substrate. The thin-film growth supporting surface of the substrate and the other surface disposed opposing the same are arranged in the reaction chamber so as to subtend an angle opening in the flow direction of the reactants in relation to the opposed surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Vaino Kilpi
  • Publication number: 20030140855
    Abstract: An improved method for applying a ceramic material, such as a thermal barrier coating to an article. A method for applying a ceramic material as a coating to a substrate article in which the thermal conductivity of the ceramic material is reduced or lowered is provided. The thermal conductivity of a coating applied by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) method is dependent upon its distance from the source(s) of material used for the coating. The thermal conductivity of the applied coating is altered by adjusting the position of the article undergoing the PVD process by increasing the distances of the article or workpiece from the ingot or source of ceramic material to provide a coating of lower thermal conductivity. In accordance with the present invention, the article to be coated is positioned at a distance required to achieve at least a 10% reduction in the thermal conductivity of the applied coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: JOSEPH D. RIGNEY, DAVID J. WORTMAN
  • Publication number: 20030140856
    Abstract: A method of introducing small amounts of a refractory element into a vapor deposition coating. A second material (30), containing at least two elements which are desired to be deposited as a coating on a base material, has placed over it a first material (20) substantially comprising such two elements and a refractory element. The first material (20) is adapted to permit transport of the at least two elements in the second material (30) through the first material (20) when the first (20) and second (30) material are in a molten state and in touching contact with the other so as to permit evaporation of the two elements and the refractory element from an exposed surface. Heat is supplied to the first (20) and second (30) materials to permit evaporation of the at least two elements of second material (30) and the refractory element in the first material (20), and the resulting vapors are condensed as a deposit on a base material (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Reed Roeder Corderman, Melvin Robert Jackson, Richard Arthur Nardi
  • Publication number: 20030140857
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a processing chamber is configured to carry out chemical vapor deposition (CVD). An ampoule vaporizer is fastened to the chamber, and is configured to convert a fluorine-free tungsten-containing solid compound to vapor delivered to the chamber for use in the CVD. In one embodiment, the solid compound is tungsten hexacarbonyl (W(CO)6). In another embodiment, a mass flow controller is fastened to the chamber, and is configured to receive the vapor from the ampoule vaporizer, regulate the flow of the vapor, and deliver the vapor to the chamber. In yet another embodiment, the chamber includes a funnel-shaped dispersion plate configured to receive a gas mixture and direct the gas mixture toward a surface of the wafer in a substantially uniform manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvador P. Umotoy, Lawrence Chung-Lai Lei, Ling Chen, Anzhong Chang, Seshadri Ganguli
  • Publication number: 20030140858
    Abstract: A method for controlling the deposition of an organic layer in making an organic light-emitting device includes depositing at a deposition zone organic material forming a layer of the organic light-emitting device and providing a movable sensor which, when moved into the deposition zone and is being coated during the depositing step, provides a signal representing the deposition rate and thickness of the organic material forming the layer. The method also includes controlling the deposition of the organic material in response to the signal to control the deposition rate and thickness of the deposited organic material forming the layer, moving the movable sensor from the deposition zone to a cleaning position, and removing organic material from the movable sensor to permit reuse of the movable sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Michael A. Marcus, Anna L. Hrycin, Steven A. Van Slyke
  • Publication number: 20030140859
    Abstract: To provide a method and an apparatus for producing semiconductor thin films in which the semiconductor thin films are allowed to grow on a plurality of substrates by dipping the plurality of substrates into a solution filled in a crucible, the solution containing a semiconductor as a solute, while moving the same in the solution, and an angle between a direction of a normal line on a central portion of a growing surface of each substrate and the direction of the movement of the substrates is set to be in 87 degrees or less and the movement of the substrates generates a flow of the solution. Thereby, in mass production of large-area devices such as solar cells, at the time of conducting liquid phase growth of semiconductor layers by the use of the dipping process, the above method and apparatus make it possible to treat a plurality of substrates together while ensuring the uniform thickness of a film produced and improvement in film forming rate, which leads to improvement in mass productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Noritaka Ukiyo, Tetsuro Saito, Tatsumi Shoji, Makoto Iwakami, Takehito Yoshino, Shoji Nishida, Masaaki Iwane, Masaki Mizutani
  • Publication number: 20030140860
    Abstract: A milking parlor for presenting an animal to be milked rearwardly loads the animal into a milking stall through an ingress/egress gate and forwardly unloads the animal from the milking stall through the same ingress/egress gate to pass along a unique exit path to a released area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Fangjiang Guo
  • Publication number: 20030140861
    Abstract: The invention provides a valve (100) comprising, a housing (61) having ant enclosed internal cavity (66), an aperture (68) formed in a wall of the housing providing communication with the enclosed internal cavity, a valve scat (72) surrounding the aperture, an expandable valve member (40) mounted within the housing the expandable valve member having a hollow interior surrounded by a side wall of the expandable valve member, the side wall and hollow interior extending through a portion of the internal cavity clear of the housing where it terminates in an end wall (50), and a port (67) communicating with the hollow interior, wherein the construction and mounting of the expandable valve member and housing re such that the internal cavity of the housing may be evacuated to provide a region of sub-atmospheric pressure around the expandable valve member whereby the application of air pressure greater than sub-atmospheric pressure through the port can act to expand the expandable valve member to bring the end wall (
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Timothy Clarke, Laurie Harold Davis
  • Publication number: 20030140862
    Abstract: A method for improving the comfort, health, and grooming of an animal by providing a bedding material made of cottonseeds. A fragrance and/or a pesticide may be added to the cottonseeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel C. Morrison
  • Publication number: 20030140863
    Abstract: Particles (10) for controlling, treating, feeding of aquatic invertebrate filter feeding organisms such as mussels, clams, oysters and insect larvae comprising a biologically active ingredient (13) embedded within or surrounded by an innocuous carrier material (12). The organism effectively concentrates the active ingredient within its body by feeding on the particles, thereby reducing the total amount of active ingredient required to be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: David Aldrige, Geoffrey Dillwyn Moggridge
  • Publication number: 20030140864
    Abstract: An all weather animal drinker for horses in stalls of a stable or outside in pasture and/or for other animals inside of a barn or outside of a structure in an unprotected environment. The all weather animal drinker is effective to be used inside a stable or barn or outside in an area subject to all types of climatic elements so as to provide potable water to any species of animal or poultry under extreme weather conditions, either extremely hot or severely cold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas William Wenstrand
  • Publication number: 20030140865
    Abstract: A method and system to generate the highest level of return on investment of a cattle ranch producing beef to the consumer. Through the use of computer software integrated with an individual cow and calf identification system, the method and system disclosed herein allows a cattle producer to analyze the yearly production characteristics of each individual cow's calf or calves through all the various phases of growth and production with an accumulation of the economic cost and gain of value up to the end product as a feeder or cull.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: James Fuqua
  • Publication number: 20030140866
    Abstract: A method and device for judging the aiming error of a weapon system and a use of the device are disclosed. The weapon system includes a fire control device (F) for tracking a target (Z), a weapon (W) having a weapon barrel (B), aiming means for aiming the weapon barrel (B), and a data processing facility (EDV). The fire control device (F) continuously tracks the target (Z). An image recording device (V) moved in solidarity with the weapon barrel (B) record images of the target (Z) and its surroundings. An image reproduction device (M) displays the images recorded by the image recording device (V) and a mark (X). The mark (X) represents an aiming line, a deviation (a) of the target (Z) from the mark (X) representing the aiming error of the weapon system. The fire control device (F) performs the aiming of the weapon barrel (B) on the basis of a lead calculation, which takes the movement of the target (Z) into consideration. The device may be used for fixed and mobile weapon systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Oerlikon Contraves AG
    Inventor: Nicolas Malakatas
  • Publication number: 20030140867
    Abstract: Apparatus intended for screening poultry at least at night from crawling vermin such as for instance poultry lice, the apparatus being provided with poultry support means (4) on which the poultry sleeps, the poultry support means being connected to the fixed world via at least one connection, while in each connection (3, 5, 10), a trap (6) is incorporated for crawling vermin, such as for instance poultry lice, so that poultry present on the poultry support means (4) is screened from the crawling vermin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Hendrikus Johannes Jozef Te Wierik
  • Publication number: 20030140868
    Abstract: A structure for training and exercising canines is disclosed having a first and a second inclined surface joined at a hingeable joint. The first surface has generally parallel sides and the second surface has a first region having generally parallel sides and a transition region. The transition region having a first dimension corresponding to the dimension of the first surface and a second dimension corresponding to the dimension of the first region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: James P. Mazrolle, Toby R. Mazrolle
  • Publication number: 20030140869
    Abstract: An electric feline play center having a tunnel, sized for a cat to fit through, a scratching post with a hanging chew toy and an electronic ball tube wherein a fan blows colored balls around within a mesh tube, devised to occupy one or more cats without need of the pet owners direct presence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Tina Rowe, Chester Wood
  • Publication number: 20030140870
    Abstract: An improved portable squeeze chute apparatus includes a chute having an entrance end, an exit end, opposing sidewalls, a base and a frame. Each of the sidewalls has a plurality of openable and removable upper panels and openable lower panels for accessing upper portions and lower portions of an animal positioned in the chute. Each of the sidewalls is selectively positionable along a generally horizontal axis in order to immobilize lateral movement of an animal positioned in the chute. An exit gate is positioned at the exit end of the chute to prevent the animal from exiting forwardly from the chute. An entrance gate has interconnected entrance gate side portions for selectively preventing the animal from exiting rearwardly from the chute. Various portions of the apparatus are each controllable by a respective hydraulic chain drive assembly. One such portion includes a pair of arcably pivoting neck stretchers for selectively immobilizing the animal's head and neck while the animal is being worked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Duane D. Daniels, Donald Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20030140871
    Abstract: A device which functions as a leash training aid providing a humane effective technique for training an animal, such as a dog, to walk on a leash. The device comprises a cylindrically shaped member having an internal chamber and openings at each end. The threaded shaft formed on an eyebolt extends through one opening into the chamber, the end of the shaft being secured within the chamber by a locknut. A coiled spring surrounds the threaded shaft within the chamber, a portion of the threaded shaft operatively engaging a threaded hole formed in one portion of the shaped member. A second eyebolt is provided to couple the dog collar to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Bernard I. Levine
  • Publication number: 20030140872
    Abstract: The invention provides an on-board fuel feed system for a motor vehicle, the system comprising a fuel tank and means for introducing additive into the fuel, said means comprising an additive tank and pumping means for pumping said additive to direct it to an introduction point for introducing the additive into the fuel, wherein said additive tank is housed inside the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: FOLEY AND LARDNER
    Inventor: Jean-Sebastien Fromont
  • Publication number: 20030140873
    Abstract: A water injection device for injecting water into the combustion chambers of an engine is disclosed. Water particles are injected through a system other than the fuel injection nozzle, and the water is injected through a suction system, but as to the injection of the water particles, the injection rate and injection time are optimally controlled in accordance with the internal situations of the combustion chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Hae-Wook Lee
  • Publication number: 20030140874
    Abstract: A piston valve type layered scavenging 2-cycle engine has a reduced engine height, is light and compact, and achieves an exhaust gas purification. Accordingly, an upper edge (14a) of a pilot air port (14) provided in an inner wall of a cylinder (10) is positioned at substantially the same height as that of an upper edge (15a) of an intake port (15). An extended portion (32) extended to a lower side rather than a piston lower edge (31) at a position opposing to the intake port is provided in a lower end portion at a position opposing to the pilot air port in the piston (30). An interval (W1) between the right and left extended portions is set to be larger than an outer width (W2) of a balance weight (23) of a crank shaft (20). A piston groove (34) which connects the pilot air port to the scavenging port (12) at a time of an intake stroke is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the extended portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Ryoji Zama, Takeshi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20030140875
    Abstract: Method for estimating the position and the speed of an actuator body in an electromagnetic actuator for controlling a valve of an engine, according to which, starting from a known value for the position and a first moment, a value is calculated at the first moment of the magnetic flux passing through a magnetic circuit constituted by an electromagnet and by the actuator body, the value for the speed at the first moment is estimated as a function of the magnetic flux and the position at the first moment, and the value is calculated at a second moment following the first moment and separated from said first moment by an interval of time determined by adding to the value of the position at the first moment the product of the speed at the first moment for the interval of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: MAGNETI MARELLI POWERTRAIN S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Panciroli, Michele Morselli, Marco Marchi
  • Publication number: 20030140876
    Abstract: A system and method for actuating an engine valve to provide engine braking and/or exhaust gas recirculation using a common source of hydraulic fluid is disclosed. The system receives high pressure hydraulic fluid from a common rail system, such as those used to provide fuel injection. The fluid pressure is reduced before being used to actuate an engine valve for engine braking or EGR. Preferably an engine valve that is dedicated to the engine braking or EGR function is provided in the engine. The dedicated engine braking/EGR valve may be driven by an electromagnetic actuator in an alternative embodiment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Zhou Yang, Frank Stawski
  • Publication number: 20030140877
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for actuating intake valves and exhaust valves of a four-stroke direct-injection gasoline engine. At low torque, a parallel retardation of the intake valves and exhaust valves is carried out, so that, at the commencement of the intake stroke, the exhaust valve is still open and the intake valve is still closed after top dead center (TDC) of the piston. High internal exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) occurs, irrespective of the pressure in the intake manifold. The resulting internal EGR is sufficient to displace the 50% MFB timing to its optimal position after TDC and to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Ulrich Kramer
  • Publication number: 20030140878
    Abstract: A rocker arm (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine which is pivoted on a support pin (10) about its axis (9), whereby a push rod (7) contacts one end section (5), and the valve shaft (8) of a gas exchange valve contacts the other end section (6). The mounting of the rocker arm (1) on the support pin (10) takes place through two radial roller bearings (16) spaced at a distance from each other, whereby in a manner in accordance with the invention, an additional axial roller bearing (17, 18) is incorporated into the rocker arm bearing arrangement to prevent sliding friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: John Stallmann
  • Publication number: 20030140879
    Abstract: A heat engine has a starting system comprising two starters so arranged that their pinions engage the starter crown of the engine in parallel once the ignition key is turned. Each starter comprises an electric motor and a power interrupter connected in the power circuit of the motor and controlled by energising a coil. The closing of the interrupter of one of the starters is delayed with respect to the other one. Reopening of one of the interrupters due to the voltage drop caused by closing the interrupter of the other starter is avoided by appropriate selection of the time delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: VALEO EQUIPEMENTS ELECTRIQUES MOTEUR
    Inventor: Gerard Vilou
  • Publication number: 20030140880
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a system for preventing stall of a vehicle engine is provided. The system includes an integrated starter alternator operably connected with the engine. The integrated starter alternator is capable of selectively operating as a starter motor for transmitting torque to the engine and as an alternator for producing electric energy. The system also includes at least one electric energy storage device in electrical communication with the integrated starter alternator. The system further includes at least one controller in electrical communication with the integrated starter alternator. The system includes at least one sensor operably connected with the engine sending a signal indicative of engine performance to the controller. The controller compares the signal to a predetermined condition indicative of engine stall and controls the electric energy storage device and the integrated starter alternator to transmit a torque to the engine sufficient to prevent engine stall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gurinder S. Kahlon, Ning Liu, Robert J. Mohan
  • Publication number: 20030140881
    Abstract: An engine starting control apparatus that causes a crankshaft of an engine to rotate reversely to a predetermined position immediately after the engine is stopped to make preparations for next starting of the engine. This action is performed in order to prevent firing by useless ignition upon forward rotation of the crankshaft when the engine is started again. When the engine restarted, the engine starting control apparatus causes the engine to rotate forwardly from the predetermined position. The apparatus includes a starter motor connected to the crankshaft, a reverse rotation means capable of rotating the engine reversely to a predetermined position, an ignition device for igniting the engine in the proximity of the top dead center of a piston, and an ignition suppression device for inhibiting the ignition of the engine for a predetermined period of time after the forward rotation of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Makajima, Takeshi Yanagisawa, Taiichi Imaike
  • Publication number: 20030140882
    Abstract: An tuned induction system for use on a motorcycle having a V-twin engine. The tuned induction system having separate and individual first and second manifold bodies. Each of the separate intake manifold bodies having a flange that couples the individual manifold body to a cylinder head of the V-twin engine. The flange having a continuous radius that maximizes airflow velocity to enhance engine performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: S&S Cycle, Inc.
    Inventors: James Michael Lundgreen, Jeffery John Bailey, Brian C. Hanold, Nathan Lawrence Oium, Brian W. Perkins, Jason Harold Perkins, Scott A. Sjovall, Eric Orvis Wangen, Geoffery D. Ziegahn
  • Publication number: 20030140883
    Abstract: An intake device (1) for an internal combustion engine including a main body (2) and cover element (3; 20) which are securely connected to one another. Main body (2) and cover element (3) form intake pipes (4, 5, 6, 7) of in intake manifold. The cover element (3; 20) includes a plurality of individual shells (14, 15, 16, 17; 24, 25, 26, 27), which are connected to one another. Each individual shell (14, 15, 16, 17; 24, 25, 26, 27) forms a wall section of a respective intake pipe (4, 5, 6, 7) of the intake device (1). A flexible connection element (22) is arranged between two successively adjacent individual shells (25, 26) to compensate for tolerances between the cover element (3) and the main body (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Ralph Kemper, Juergen Lang, Thomas Schermuly
  • Publication number: 20030140884
    Abstract: A recoil starter for a backpack type power working machine, which is capable of easily performing the starting operation of an internal combustion engine with the working machine being carried on the operator's back. In this recoil starter, the recoil rope and the recoil handle are disposed so as to be pulled down obliquely forward at an angle of 100° to 150° to the horizontal plane. The recoil handle is formed into a T-shaped configuration in side view, which comprises the grip portion and a laterally extended stopper portion which is formed on a distal end of the grip portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Matsubayashi, Satoru Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20030140885
    Abstract: A piston includes a ring groove. The ring groove has a top face and a bottom face, and one of the top face and the bottom face is composed of a first material having a preestablished rate of thermal conductivity, the other of the top face and bottom face is composed of a second material having a preestablished rate of thermal conductivity being less than the rate of thermal conductivity of the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: John A. Grassi
  • Publication number: 20030140886
    Abstract: A cam bracket is disclosed for lubricating the vicinity of a thrust plate sufficiently even during starting of the engine. In the cam bracket adapted to support a camshaft for rotation in cooperation with a cylinder head and provided with a support portion having a slot for supporting a thrust plate of the camshaft for rotation, an oil sump is formed in a hollow fashion on the upper surface of the support portion around the edge of the slot at least on one side in a rotation direction of the thrust plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: 1. Aichi Kikai Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatoshi Hada, Hisao Okawa
  • Publication number: 20030140887
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering oil. The apparatus being an oil pan having an integrated oil filter unit, wherein part of the oil pan forms the bottom of the oil filter unit. The oil filter unit is fastened on the oil pan at least by means of a sealing component and one or more punch rivets. A method of fastening an oil filter unit on an oil pan, the method including introducing a seal and an adhesive between the oil filter means and the oil pan and joining the oil pan and the filter means, including the layer there between, by means of punch rivets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Marco Rosendahl, Markus Beer
  • Publication number: 20030140888
    Abstract: Disclosed is a personal watercraft capable of efficiently placing a dry-sump engine in a narrow engine room and of efficiently using a dead space in the engine room. The small dry-sump engine comprises: a plurality of cylinders; at least one cylinder head provided as corresponding to the cylinders; a crankcase chamber; an oil tank chamber independent of the crankcase chamber, the oil tank chamber being located lower than the cylinder head; and an oil return passage configured such that its upper end communicates with the cylinder heads and its lower end communicates with the oil tank chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Tanaka, Yoshimoto Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20030140889
    Abstract: Disclosed is an engine of a personal watercraft having a water jet pump at a rear end thereof, in which a center of gravity of the engine is located rearward for improvement of planing capability of the watercraft. The engine comprises: a crankcase having a front end wall and a rear end wall; a crankshaft provided inside the crankcase; a generator provided at an output end portion of the crankshaft, the generator including a rotor fixed to the crankshaft; a starter motor provided on an output end side of the crankshaft outside the crankcase; and a clutch provided between the starter motor and the rotor of the generator, for connecting/disconnecting the starter motor to/from the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshimoto Matsuda, Yoshinobu Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20030140890
    Abstract: A combustion chamber assembly for use in a diesel engine includes a combustion chamber being defined in a crown of a piston, the combustion chamber having a center portion, the center portion being defined at least in part by a portion of a convex sphere to define a post, the sphere having a radius and an origin, the origin of the radius lying on a combustion chamber central axis and the combustion chamber further having an outwardly radially disposed bottom margin, the bottom margin being defined in part by a portion of a sphere, the sphere being concave and having an origin and a radius. The combustion chamber has more than two spherical surfaces having smooth annular transitions between adjacent spherical surfaces, the spherical surfaces including the spherical center portion and the spherical bottom margin. A piston and a method of forming a combustion chamber are further included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Zhengbai Liu, Xinqun Gui