Patents Issued in October 14, 2003
  • Patent number: 6631669
    Abstract: A spring closing assembly is disclosed which is adapted to be selectively installed and removed from a firearm. The illustrated spring closing assembly includes a rod having a free forward end which defines a slot dividing the free forward end into fork prongs. The assembly also includes a spring mounted on the rod, and a projecting part located on a first one of the fork prongs. At least the first fork prong is resiliently displaceable in an inward direction. The assembly also includes a washer dimensioned to be forced onto the free end of the rod by inwardly displacing the first fork prong. At least one of the projecting part and the washer is chamfered to promote the inward displacement of the first fork prong. The washer is captured between the projecting part and the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Weldle
  • Patent number: 6631670
    Abstract: The locking device comprises a plurality of rolling wedging members consisting of diablo-shaped rollers with two cylindrical end portions and an intermediate portion which is concave according to a generatrix in the form of an arc of circle whose radius corresponds to the half-diameter of a cylindrical rod of the actuator to which the device is associated. The rollers are adapted to be wedged between the rod and convergent surfaces which are formed in a fixed body of the device. The convergent wedging surfaces are convex surfaces having cross-sections in the shape of an arc of circle whose radius of curvature corresponds to the radius of curvature of the arched longitudinal profile of the concave intermediate portions of each of the rollers, as well as to the half-diameter of the rod. Each of the convex surfaces is in engagement with the concave intermediate portion of one of the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Ready S.R.L.
    Inventor: Danilo Baruffaldi
  • Patent number: 6631671
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of piston machines, mainly those that include a mechanism without any connecting rod for converting the reciprocating movement of the pistons into a rotating movement of the output shaft. This invention essentially relates to a piston machine that includes a mechanism without any connecting rod and that comprises the following members: a body (1) with a plurality of cylinders (2); a plurality of pistons (5) with piston rods (6); sliding members (13) formed on the rods (6); a plurality of guides for the sliding members (13), each connected to the body (1) and capable of displacing the corresponding sliding member (13) along the axis of the corresponding cylinder (2); two coaxial cranked shafts (7) mounted in the body (1); and a crankshaft (10) mounted between the cranked shafts (7) and having its main journals (11) connected to said cranked shafts (7) while the rod journals (12) are connected to the corresponding piston rods (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Aleksey Feliksovich Vool
  • Patent number: 6631672
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing large hay bales of approximately 750 kg to produce smaller recompacted manageable units to facilitate shipping in containers. The apparatus provides means for cutting the bales into at least two slabs, preferably three slabs, and means for cutting these slabs into two approximately equal pieces. Means are provided for each piece to be recompressed, strapped and cut again to provide units having an approximate weight of 35 kg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Hunterwood Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ed Van Hierden
  • Patent number: 6631673
    Abstract: A transfer device with which the hollow bodies to be printed in a printing machine may be transferred from a supply conveyor means to a capstan plate associated with the printing device. Since the hollow bodies are supplied by the supply conveyor means with a distance between them, which is smaller than the pitch of the receiving capstans of the capstan plate serving to accept the hollow bodies, a transfer rotor is placed in between, which possesses holding units, which perform the hollow body transfer as part of a pitch matching operation. A similar arrangement may also be employed to transfer already printed hollow bodies from the capstan plate to a removal conveyor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Hinterkopf GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Aichele
  • Patent number: 6631674
    Abstract: On each of plural printing drums (25, 26) in a stencil printing machine (1), a stencil sheet (11) made corresponding to printing data is rolled. The machine (1) for a stencil printing process, in which a printing paper is pressed on each printing drum and the used stencil sheet is disposed, has a mode designation section (101) and a controller (102). The section (101) designates whether or not a stencil printing process is performed for plural printing information including common printing data. The control section (102) controls the stencil making process, the stencil disposing process, and the stencil printing process for the printing information. When the printing information includes common printing data, the controller (102) controls the printing drum on which the stencil sheet for the common printing data is rolled so that the stencil making and disposal processes are not performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Riso Kagaku Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Hara, Takeshi Koishi
  • Patent number: 6631675
    Abstract: A screening mask for screening an article, the screening mask including a screening mask body having a screening side and a nonscreening side, an one opening through the mask for screening at least one feature from the screening side to the nonscreening side, and a blind opening for protecting a previously screened feature. The blind opening is blocked on the screening side and open on the nonscreening side. The screening mask is used in double pass screening so that a second feature may be formed on the article without damaging a previously formed feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Brody, Harry D. Cox, John J. Garant, Dinesh Gupta, Dale W. Snowdon
  • Patent number: 6631676
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for gravure printing of an image using an erasable and reusable gravure form including a gravure blank form having a base screen which is designed for accommodating a maximum amount of ink to be transferred. The depressions of the base screen of the gravure blank form are uniformly filled with a liquefiable substance using an applicator device and material is then removed from the depressions in conformity with the intended image using thermal energy applied by an image-point transfer device. The printing form is then linked using an inking system and, finally, is regenerated after the printing process to produce a gravure blank form, wherein the depressions of the base screen are again filled in a uniform manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Armin Weichmann, Arnim Franz-Burgholz, Rainer Stamme, Andreas Schiller, Hans Fleischmann
  • Patent number: 6631677
    Abstract: A printing machine that has a plurality of form cylinders and in which an imaging device images at least two of the form cylinders. The imaging device is arranged in stationary fashion. Laser pulses are deflected onto the form cylinders by light diversion components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Hartmut Fuhrmann, Dirk Probian, Roland Höll, Klaus Peter Reichardt, Karsten Wendt, Thomas Weiss, Albrecht Völz
  • Patent number: 6631678
    Abstract: A device for infeeding a material web into a rotary printing machine includes an infeed element for receiving a material web start, the infeed element being introducible onto an introduction path extending at least approximately parallel to a path of the material web in the rotary printing machine. Also included are suspension stations at which the material web is connectable to the infeed element, the suspension stations being assigned to respective components of the rotary printing machine along the path of the material web through the rotary printing machine; and a web-processing rotary printing machine having a guide path for the infeed element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Philippe Cousin, Jean-Claude Marmin
  • Patent number: 6631679
    Abstract: A process for making printing plate material suitable for imaging by laser radiation. A metal substrate is electrocoated in a bath containing a polymeric resin and laser-sensitive particles, thereby depositing a laser ablatable layer on a principal surface of the metal substrate. In one embodiment, the laser-ablatable layer is treated with a corona discharge for a time sufficient to render the layer non-ink wettable. In other preferred embodiments, the laser-ablatable layer is overcoated with an overlayer such as a non-ink wettable silicone layer or a water-wettable layer comprising an organophosphorus polymer, preferably a copolymer of acrylic acid and vinylphosphonic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Bennett, Sallie L. Blake, Robert E. Bombalski, Kenneth A. Bowman, Joseph D. Guthrie, Thomas L. Levendusky, Daniel L. Serafin, Jean Ann Skiles
  • Patent number: 6631680
    Abstract: A printing unit (1) for a printing machine, having an image cylinder (2), an image generating device (3) for setting an image on the peripheral surface (4) of the image cylinder (2), and an image transfer cylinder (5) which transfers the image from the image cylinder (2) to a printing substrate (6), the image transfer cylinder (5) having a resilient cover (7) which exhibits a deformation (10, 10′) in the force transmission areas (8, 9), and a transport belt (11) that carries the printing substrates (6) and is supported by a back-pressure cylinder (12) driving the image transfer cylinder (5) and the latter driving the image cylinder (2), by friction. The printing unit has a continuous image cylinder speed (v(ü)).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: NexPress Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Metzler
  • Patent number: 6631681
    Abstract: A printing machine includes an observation window, and at least one element selected from the groups consisting of control elements and display elements disposed in the vicinity of the observation window, the at least one of the control and display elements being disposed in the observation window so that, at least in part, it is possible to see a product of the printing machine through the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Volkhard Franke, Eckhard Köbler
  • Patent number: 6631682
    Abstract: A non-aqueous composition cleaning system and method for a printing press recirculation system. The cleaning system comprises two powdered compositions, each composition being applied individually to the recirculation system in a two-step process. The first composition is prepared by dry blending 15-30% by weight of an alkaline cleaning agent, 15-30% by weight of a detergent salt, 15-30% by weight of an emulsifying/wetting agent, 15-30% by weight of a silicone antifoam and 0-10% by weight of a free-flowing silica additive. The second composition is prepared by dry blending 20-40% by weight of an organic acid and 60-80% by weight of a non-foaming detergent/wetting agent. The method comprises dissolving 10 to 40 grams of the first composition in 45 to 200 milliliters of water for each gallon of fountain solution and pouring the resultant solution into the printing press recirculation system. The resultant mixture is then allowed to recirculate for at least 30 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Telluckram Maharaj
  • Patent number: 6631683
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method for customizing wallpaper designs that do not include repeating patterns, typical of prior art wallpaper. The method includes displaying copies of basic designs for wallpaper to customers for review and selection of designs. Each basic design consists of contiguous panel portions, one or more of which can be selected to provide a coherent subdesign. The customer then selects a wallpaper basic design and a subdesign of the selected basic design, which consists of a contiguous portion of the basic design and not the entire displayed basic design. A digital image of the selected basic design is modified by incorporating the subdesign selection to produce a customized digital image. Finally, the customized digital image is printed onto a suitable substrate for the wallpaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Lynn Paula Krinsky
  • Patent number: 6631684
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rock blasting method using air bladders embedded in explosives. The rock blasting method includes the step of drilling a plurality of loading holes into a rock to predetermined depths in a predetermined arrangement. Thereafter, the loading holes are loaded with a plurality of initial explosives, a plurality of primers and a plurality of explosives in such a way that one or more air bladders are inserted into each of the loading holes and surrounded by the explosives. Thereafter, the loading holes are stemmed with stemming materials in the portions of the loading holes situated over the explosives. The primers are detonated so that the initial explosives and explosives are blown up. Hence, the loading lengths of the explosives are increased in proportion to the lengths of the air bladders so that a projection area formed on the free face of the rock is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Dae Woo Kang
  • Patent number: 6631685
    Abstract: A wear plate assembly adapted to engage a friction wedge of a railroad car truck. The wear plate assembly includes a base member having an upper wear member adapted to engage the friction wedge. The upper wear member is formed from a first material such as steel. The wear plate assembly includes a lower wear member located adjacent to and below the upper wear member. The lower wear member is adapted to engage the friction wedge and is formed from a second material such as cast iron. The upper wear member has a coefficient friction with the friction wedge of approximately 0.30 and the lower wear member has a coefficient friction with the friction wedge of approximately 0.15. When a rail car is at tare weight the friction wedge will slidably engage the upper wear member and when the rail car is at fully laden weight the friction wedge will slidably engage the lower wear member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Meridian Rail Information Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Paul Hewitt
  • Patent number: 6631686
    Abstract: An injection molded work surface for use in conjunction with a portable clothes washer includes a decorative laminate top surface and an underlying injection molded substrate. The substrate is provided with a connecting structure facilitating convenient attachment to the upper surface of the clothes washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Premark RWP Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nelson, Mark T. Krejchi, Jon M. Patterson, Frank Villari, Phil LoPresti, James P. Nelson, Mark D. Bauer, Peter Malcolm Green
  • Patent number: 6631687
    Abstract: A keyboard tray apparatus comprising an articulating arm coupled to a table at one end and a keyboard tray at the other. The keyboard tray apparatus provides: (a) a hook and slot system for removably coupling the keyboard tray to an articulating arm with ease; (b) a reversible mouse pad capable of being removably coupled with a spring-biased ball detent to either side of a keyboard tray; and (c) a keyboard tray having a forward two-sleeve set and a rear two-sleeve set and capable of mating with a mouse pad in a forward position or in a rear position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: William T. Knighton
  • Patent number: 6631688
    Abstract: A quilting rack for sewing machines comprising a U-shaped rectangular metal frame supporting a wheeled bottom or queen carriage for side to side translation of a wheeled upper king carriage capable of forward and rearward translation of the sewing machine it is carrying. Three rollers supply, tension and load the quilt for sewing patterns guided by a laser pointer and a template. The quilting rack can be utilized without a sewing machine by mounting on a wall or shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: John D. Maag
  • Patent number: 6631689
    Abstract: Presented is a highly efficient and stable ship concept that is at least partially supported by an artificially produced gas cushion(s). Addition of a stern bustle aft of the gas cushion(s) improves hull efficiency. Special location of water inlets for waterjet propulsors allows the inlets to take in the ship's boundary layer to thereby enhance the waterjet's efficiency. Other features of the invention include an aft stabilizer that can have trim capabilities, a forward stabilizer that can include trim capabilities and that can also provide an expansion of gas cushion area, and forward stabilizing fins that can retract into the gas cushion recess which is an advantage when operating in shallow water or near docks. A further enhancement includes water deflectors disposed mainly in a gas cushion recess(es) whereby impingement of a bow wave on such water deflectors adds to the overall lift and hence efficiency of the ship especially at low to medium speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Donald E. Burg
  • Patent number: 6631690
    Abstract: A V-bottom for fast motor boats with longitudinal reaction walls reacting to a lateral trust from an air-water mixture which are substantially parallel and symmetrical in relation to keel is formed so that the reaction walls are the walls of flat-based grooves in a bottom joined to a flat base by a widely curving radius, or the reaction walls are the walls of ribs having a substantially trapezoidal cross-section and a flat horizontal lesser external base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Riccardo Mambretti
  • Patent number: 6631691
    Abstract: A device for gel-coating seeds having a structure in which a gelling agent is filled into a nozzle, and seeds are charged into and held in the gelling agent to form gel-coated seeds which are then allowed to fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Agritecno Yazaki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazushi Nakatsukasa
  • Patent number: 6631692
    Abstract: A plasma CVD film-forming device forms a film on a semiconductor substrate in such as way that the film quality and film thickness of a thin film becomes uniform. The plasma CVD film-forming device to form a thin film on a semiconductor substrate includes a vacuum chamber, a showerhead positioned within the vacuum chamber, and a susceptor positioned substantially in parallel to and facing the showerhead within the vacuum chamber and on which susceptor the object to be processed is loaded and the central part of the showerhead and/or the susceptor constitutes a concave surface electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: ASM Japan K.K.
    Inventors: Nobuo Matsuki, Yoshinori Morisada
  • Patent number: 6631693
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an absorptive filter network is provided between an RF generator and a semiconductor processing reactor. The absorptive filter network includes an absorptive filter circuit which allows energies at a fundamental frequency to pass while absorbing energies at frequencies away from the fundamental frequency. An absorptive filter circuit is located on the reactor-side of the absorptive filter network to isolate the RF generator from the effects of the non-linear loading presented by a plasma in the reactor. Another absorptive filter circuit is located on the RF generator-side of the absorptive filter network to present a stable voltage waveform to the plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen E. Hilliker
  • Patent number: 6631694
    Abstract: A teatcup liner series, having n liners L1 through Ln, has at least one selected parameter which varies liner to liner to provide selectable milking characteristics. The teatcup liner series is produced by a cost advantaged manufacturing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Mofazzal H. Chowdhury
  • Patent number: 6631695
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for automatically supplying fodder into a large cowshed and an apparatus for carrying out the method, wherein moving rails are built on a passageway of a plurality of partitioned shed groups, a feeder for mixing and feeding the fodder is arranged on the passageway movably back and forth, the fodder being supplied from a storage tank for raw material established outside the cowshed into the feeder for mixing and feeding the fodder while the fodder is measured automatically so that the fodder can be mixed during the movement, and component and ratio of the mixed fodder are set up differently base on the partitioned shed groups, whereby the required mixed fodder is supplied automatically to each of the partitioned shed groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Il-Hyun Shin
  • Patent number: 6631696
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pet toy comprised of a plurality of yarn pieces, a flexible elastic band member on which the pieces of yarn are fixedly attached, and a plastic tie member, which holds the pet toy in a ball-like, or other desired shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Sergeant's Pet Care Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard G. Krumveide
  • Patent number: 6631697
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assisting a large dog traveling on an incline. The apparatus includes a support member and two handles attached to the support member. When a lifting force is applied to the handles, the weight of the dog is partially supported and partially transferred to the support member resulting in increased comfort for the dog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Dallas Solze
  • Patent number: 6631698
    Abstract: A circulating fluidized bed reactor includes a furnace, defined by a substantially vertical and planar first wall, and a particle separator having a return duct adjacent to the first wall. In the lower part of the return duct is arranged a gas seal adjacent to a planar tube wall, which wall is the planar wall or a wall defining a space in gas flow connection with the furnace. The width of the horizontal cross section of the lower part of the return duct, measured in the direction of the first wall, is larger than its depth, measured perpendicular to the width. The gas seal includes a seal structure that includes water tubes bent from the tube wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energia Oy
    Inventors: Timo Hyppänen, Kari Kauppinen
  • Patent number: 6631699
    Abstract: A method for controlling valve actuation comprises the steps of communicating at least one dithering signal to preload the valve. An event signal is then communicated. The dithering signal is altered based on the cycle time for the valve. The preferred application is for camless engine valve control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automative Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Lutz, Manzurul Haque, Piero Caporuscio, Phillip G. Iott, Larry Hiltunen, Herbert Lacher, Nikolaus Kerner
  • Patent number: 6631700
    Abstract: An arrangement 7 of a dual oil feed variable timed camshaft is provided. The arrangement includes a camshaft 10 which has a radial side 22 and an end face 26. The camshaft 10 has first and second passages 30, 42 fluidly connecting end face 26 with the radial side 22. A hub 60 is connected with camshaft end face 26. The hub 60 has a central opening 68 intersecting with the first and second passages 30, 42. The hub 60 has at least first and second axial spaced radial passages 80, 82 intersecting with the hub central opening 68. A timing pulley 90 has relative rotational movement with respect to the hub 60. The timing pulley 90 and the hub 60 define pressure chambers 104 which are divided by vanes 88 into retard angle spaces 108 intersecting with the hub first radial passages 80 and advance angle spaces 112 intersecting with the hub second radial passage 82.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Byrne Diggs, Michael George Aimone, Hoa T. Dinh, Eduard Golovatai-Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6631701
    Abstract: A hollow camshaft (19) lubrication system for aircraft engines that supplies lubricant (14) to cam lobe surfaces (25) from the interior surface (22) of the hollow camshaft (19) even during periods when aircraft operation moves the rotation axis of the hollow camshaft (19) from horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventors: Mark E. Seader, Thomas E. Ehresman
  • Patent number: 6631702
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine, comprising an engine block (1), a crankshaft rotatably journalled in the engine block and a transmission (2) mounted at one side of the engine block is disclosed. The transmission has an input shaft driven by the crankshaft and two concentrically journalled output shafts (11,14). One output shaft (11) is drivingly connected to an integrated starter/generator (3) while the other one (14) is connected to a chain sprocket (25) for a camshaft chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Tonnqvist, Andrzej Zarowiecki
  • Patent number: 6631703
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine, having an engine block (1), a crankshaft rotatably journalled in the engine block and a transmission (2) mounted at one side of the engine block is disclosed. The transmission has an input shaft driven by the crankshaft and two concentrically journalled output shafts (11, 14). One output shaft (11) is drivingly connected to an integrated starter/generator (3) which is mounted relative to the engine block so that an upper portion thereof extends above an upper end plane (1a) of the engine block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Tonnqvist, Andrzej Zarowiecki
  • Patent number: 6631704
    Abstract: There are provided a control system and method and an engine control unit for an internal combustion engine, which are capable of determining an amount of fuel to be injected during a two-stage fuel injection combustion mode and a duration period of this mode such that stable combustion and smooth transition between combustion and smooth transition between combustion modes are ensured. The control system includes an ECU and a crank angle sensor. The ECU calculates a demanded torque PME demanded of the engine, and determines which of the homogenous combustion mode, the stratified combustion mode, and the two-stage fuel injection combustion mode should be selected as the combustion mode of the engine, based on the demanded torque PME. The ECU determines an injection time period ToutD during the compression stroke in two-stage fuel injection combustion mode based on the engine rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ken Ogawa, Toru Kimura, Yutaka Kohda, Kazuhiro Ueda
  • Patent number: 6631705
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel control apparatus with a modular fuel pressure modifying mechanism (i.e., a fuel metering section) and modular fuel regulator mechanism (i.e., a fuel regulator section) that can each be calibrated independently of each other, and independent from the modular air passage mechanism (i.e., an airflow section). The modular fuel pressure modifying mechanism is constructed and arranged to be calibrated prior to being mounted to the air passage mechanism. The fuel regulator mechanism is constructed and arranged to communicate with the airflow in the air passage mechanism and the modular fuel pressure modifying mechanism to regulate an amount of fuel delivered to the engine. The modular fuel pressure modifying mechanism and the modular fuel regulator mechanism are removably mountable to the modular air passage mechanism independently from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Lycoming Engines
    Inventor: Donald J. Rivera
  • Patent number: 6631706
    Abstract: An intake valve automatically opened and closed by pressure of a pressuring chamber is provided in a fuel intake passage, the intake valve is pushed to open by a plunger of an electromagnetic plunger mechanism, pulling-in operating timing of the plunger is controlled according to the operating condition of an internal combustion engine, and opening time of the intake valve during compression stroke of a pump is controlled to make discharge flow-rate of high pressure fuel variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamada, Shigenori Tahara, Atsuji Saito, Yukio Takahashi, Masami Abe
  • Patent number: 6631707
    Abstract: A device for recycling exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine via an exhaust gas line in its intake area is equipped with an exhaust gas valve that is positioned within a valve chamber and closes off or opens up the connection to a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. A valve actuating mechanism is located within the valve chamber. The valve chamber is equipped with at least one cooling channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Franz Bender, Jürgen Huter, Rüdiger Pfaff, Joachim Wiltschka
  • Patent number: 6631708
    Abstract: A control method adjusts fuel injection into an engine having a variable compression ratio. The method determines the cylinder air amount based on various sensors and the current compression ratio. The disclosed fuel injection method can perform both open loop and closed loop control. A method is also disclosed for putting the compression ratio to a base value during engine shutdown so that subsequent engine starts occur with a consistent compression ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John D. Russell, Mrdjan J. Jankovic
  • Patent number: 6631709
    Abstract: An archery bowstring release includes a hand grip having a forwardly extending post pivotally mounting a bowstring hook member releasably engaged by a locking mechanism that serves to adjust the position of the hook on the hook member for releasing a bowstring and projecting an arrow to a target. In one embodiment, the hook member is secured adjustably to the post. In another embodiment, the hook member is mounted pivotally on a support frame carried pivotally on a cam member pivoted to the post and arranged to engage the hook member for release by pivotal movement of the support frame through a small angle by adjustment of the cam member rotationally relative to the post. The hook member may be secured adjustably to the post or cam member either by a pin and groove assembly or by a worm gear engaging a gear on the hook or cam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Carter Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry C. Carter, Jeffrey B. Weissert, Donald S. Kudlacek
  • Patent number: 6631710
    Abstract: The method of cooking in and subsequently cleaning a pyrolytically self-cleaning baking oven includes providing a glass-ceramic baking oven accessory and glass-ceramic cooking vessel for cooking in the self-cleaning baking oven, which have as small as possible a linear thermal expansion coefficient and sufficient temperature stability to remain without damage in the self-cleaning baking oven during pyrolytic self-cleaning of the self-cleaning oven. The glass-ceramic material of the baking oven accessory and cooking vessel has a linear thermal expansion coefficient of less than or equal to 3×10−6/k and a specific thermal stress of less than 0.25 or 0.23 MPa/K with a temperature stability of greater than 500° C. or 550° C. Then after cooking and during self-cleaning of the baking oven the baking oven accessory and the baking oven cooking vessel are placed within the self-cleaning baking oven for cleaning so that a separate manual cleaning is unnecessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Schott Glas
    Inventor: Bernd Schultheis
  • Patent number: 6631711
    Abstract: A self-contained, easily foldable and reconfigurable charcoal lighting and/or grill device. In some variations, the lighting and/or grill device is arrangeable into multiple configurations: 1) in which the device has a thin profile for easy carrying and storage; 2) in which the device facilitates fuel lighting by forming an enclosure; and 3) for the combination charcoal and grill device only, in which the device has a generally U-shaped profile, with extended legs and one or more side handles for grilling foods. Another variation of the device includes an ignition enhancer housing that is suspendably attached to an existing grill. A rack is positioned above the housing, and one or more doors are used in conjunction with the existing grill sides to form an enclosure to enhance lighting of fuel. Upon lighting, the one or more doors are rearrangeable such that the grill may be used normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Eric Patience
  • Patent number: 6631712
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a barbecue ash discharge system comprised of a funnel-like device 18 having a length of outlet conduit 22 suspended under a barbecue grill 16 having a vent forming an outlet aperture 42 in the barbecue grill housing. The present invention provides for a plurality of methods for suspending the funnel-like device 18 under the barbecue grill 16 that may be dependent upon the support structure for the barbecue grill. A first funnel-like device 18 has a funnel harness with a plurality of straps 30 having hooks 34 positioned on the distal ends of the straps whereby the funnel is suspended beneath the barbecue grill 16 by attaching the hooks 34 to the lip 32 of the barbecue grill 16. A second funnel-like device has a flange 54 extending around the periphery thereof whereby a plurality of butterfly clips or the like 52 can be frictionally attached to the legs 50 of the barbecue grill 16 with the jaws 56 of the clips 52 engaging the funnel-like flange 54.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Lawrence J Koncelik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6631713
    Abstract: An endotracheal tube can be inserted into a patient's trachea during resuscitation by using a face mask and a curved guide. The guide is inserted through a flexible port in the face mask and has a curved distal portion that extends into the patient's mouth and hypopharynx. The patient is initially resuscitated by supplying a flow of air/oxygen through the mask. For example, a resuscitation bag can be connected to a rotatable ventilation port on the face mask. Alternatively, a resuscitation attachment with an air filter and one-way valve can be removably attached to the ventilation port of the face mask to enable a health care provider to directly resuscitate the patient. An endotracheal tube is inserted over the distal end of a fiber optic probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Evergreen Medical Incorporated
    Inventor: Kent L. Christopher
  • Patent number: 6631714
    Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for tissue dilators. The present invention encompasses a large variety of discrete structure, all intended to be applied externally to a subject for the purpose of dilating, or lifting, tissue adjacent to nasal passageways of the subject, including the vestibule and/or the valve of the subject so as to decrease resistance to inhalation and exhalation of said subject during respiration. The dilator comprises an alignment feature which is aligned with the uses nasal ridge during application to ensure a proper application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: CNS, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew L. Von Duyke, James B. Easley, David F. Kreitzer, Dan B. Pool
  • Patent number: 6631715
    Abstract: A bridle system for placing and securing a nasal tube in a patient includes a flexible member having a magnet attached to a first end thereof for insertion into a nare of a patient's nose, a magnetic probe for insertion into a second nare of the nose. The magnetic probe attracts the flexible member magnet to assist in retrieving the first end of the flexible member through the second nare of the nose. The system further includes a receiver for securing the nasal tube and the flexible member externally, adjacent the nose to prevent dislodgement by the patient or otherwise. The receiver includes first and second pivotally connected portions forming a main body. Channels are provided for receiving the nasal tube and flexible member in a snap-fit manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kirn Medical Design, L.L.C.
    Inventor: David S. Kirn
  • Patent number: 6631716
    Abstract: A dynamic respiratory control device includes a fast-response valve capable of dynamically imposing multiple resistive loads on the flow of respiratory gas to and from a patient. The resistive loads are applied in response to measured flow rates, patient lung volumes, and/or mouthpiece pressures. The device can precisely constrain tidal breathing, provide precise volumetric control of the airway, and impose multiple specific inspiratory and/or expiratory loading functions to evaluate respiratory function. The device is useful for pulmonary function testing, CT and MRI imaging of the chest, combined CT imaging/interventional radiology, radiotherapy delivery to the thorax/abdomen, and/or as a resistive muscle trainer for weaning patients off ventilators and for respiratory muscle training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Terry E. Robinson, Wallace C. White, Nicholas R. Kalayjian
  • Patent number: 6631717
    Abstract: A re-breathing apparatus including a novel dual chamber reservoir connected to a ventilator circuit by means of a diverting adapter. The dual chamber reservoir utilizes two gas chambers which can be operated in reciprocating fashion. To accomplish re-breathing, expired gas is drawn into one chamber, while gas is ejected from the other chamber. The expired gas is then ejected into the breathing circuit as the patient inspires, while a charge of fresh gas is drawn into the other chamber. The diverting adaptor minimizes mixing of gases being drawn into and ejected from the two chambers. An advantage of the inventive method is that the total volume of gases in the system can be kept constant throughout re-breathing. The preferred embodiment of the inventive reservoir is a one-piece, blow-molded plastic, bellows-like structure which can be manufactured simply and inexpensively for one-time (disposable) use. Actuation of the system may be performed under microprocessor control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: NTC Technology Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Rich, Michael B. Jaffe
  • Patent number: 6631718
    Abstract: A nasal mask includes a flexible shell and a seal. The flexible shell has an inlet and includes a malleable element disposed about a periphery of the shell for maintaining the shell in a user selectable configuration. The seal is disposed along a perimeter of the shell so as to form a chamber within the shell when the mask is donned by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: SleepNet Corporation
    Inventor: John R. Lovell