Patents Issued in December 9, 2003
  • Patent number: 6659019
    Abstract: A foldable device for facilitating the stacking of adjacent pairs of pallets loaded with container arrays includes a pair of pivotally-interconnected sections. Each section includes a generally flat bottom surface adapted to rest on a respective top layer of exposed container tops, and a top surface that include surface features whose uppermost portions cooperate to define a first reference plane. Each section includes a plurality of complementary hinge components defining a pivot axis that lies in a second reference plane located between the section's bottom surface and first reference plane, and further includes detents by which to maintain the bottom surfaces of each section pair in a substantially coplanar relationship when the hinged sections are spread open. Preferably, the surface features of each section pair are complementary such that, the assembly is folded about the resulting shared pivot axis, the bottom surfaces become generally parallel-spaced to facilitate device storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Robert V. Gruber, Trenton M. Overholt
  • Patent number: 6659020
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing an elongate calibrated extrusion of a formable material. The formable material most suitably comprises a thermoplastics polymer having an outer skin (94) and a foamed core (91). It may be formed using an extrusion apparatus (100) having an extruder (101) and a co-extrusion die (104) which delivers the extrudate between opposed sizing conveyors (106). These travel at a speed suitable to allow them to continuously take up the flowable extrudate. The flowable extrudate is caused to adhere sufficiently to the surface of the sizing conveyers in order to cause the extrudate to maintain its shape. The extrudate is detached from the recirculating sizing conveyors after it has solidified sufficiently to exhibit the desire dimensional accuracy. Produce exemplified includes relatively high Young's Modulus composite product fabricated into materials handling pallets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Starlon Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Graeme Matthew Ball
  • Patent number: 6659021
    Abstract: A foldable table has a plastics table plate, a hoop-shaped frame, four corner seats disposed on four corners of the hoop-shaped frame, and four leg tubes. Each leg tube is disposed on the corresponding corner seat. A center panel is disposed on the plastics table plate. The plastics table plate has a periphery flange and a periphery channel. Four square blocks are disposed on four corners of the plastics table plate. Each corner seat has a groove and an elastic blocking angle bar. At least a connection bar is connected to the corresponding corner seat and the corresponding leg tube. At least a connection plate is connected to the corresponding elastic blocking angle bar and the corresponding leg tube. The hoop-shaped frame is inserted in the plastics table plate. Each square block is inserted in the corresponding groove of the corner seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Yung-Zhang Wen
  • Patent number: 6659022
    Abstract: To obviate the discomfort in the use of a so-called laptop computer which because a lightweight object, i.e., typically 10 pounds, is positioned on the lap of the user, there is provided as an alternative a readily assembled table, the stability of which is supplemented by the computer-user while in a seated position at the table closing his/her knees against support legs of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Gilbert J. Holtz
  • Patent number: 6659023
    Abstract: An article of furniture bearing a plurality of tiles on a top surface. A frame is disposed on the top surface for removably securing said tiles thereon. The frame comprises an external frame member surrounding and forming a border along the top surface, and an internal frame comprising a centrally disposed spine with a plurality of ribs extending outward from the spine at regularly spaced intervals. The internal frame is seated within the external frame and subdivides the area therein into a plurality of recesses. The tiles are removably seated within the recesses anywhere within the table top grid, and they can be rearranged on the surface within the recesses according to the whim of the user. Each tile bears a distinctive color or finish, and the user may arrange the tiles on the surface of the table according to his or her whim, for purposes of artistic expression, or purely for entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventors: Glenn Lisa Saltzman, Mark Bocchetti
  • Patent number: 6659024
    Abstract: A powdery fuel combustion apparatus disposed on furnace side plane (7) of vertical square body type furnace in which a vertical plane passing through a fuel jetting directional axis (8) does not cross the furnace side plane orthogonally, and thus the workability of furnace wall tubes and burner panel, and the maintainability of burner nozzle are improved. The apparatus includes a burner nozzle (1) that is formed such that the nozzle has right and left non-symmetrical shapes, with respect to a vertical plane passing through axis (8). Also, the nozzle has a tip portion opening lying in an opening plane (2) which coincides or is parallel to the furnace side plane (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Gengo, Kouichi Sakamoto, Masashi Hishida, Tomomitsu Yokoyama, Akiyasu Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6659025
    Abstract: The present invention is a rubber tire recycling process that does not require the inefficient procedure of cutting and shredding the rubber tires. The entire rubber tire enters the recycling process without ever being cut thereby maintains the integrity of the steel wires within the steel belted rubber tires. The present invention allows virtually every component of the rubber tire to be recycled and results in high quality recycled end products that include, among others, full strands of steel wires and high grade rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Zhian Yu
  • Patent number: 6659026
    Abstract: A control system for providing improved control over the combustion process of a multiple-intertube pulverized-coal burner that commonly forms a portion of a roof-fired boiler. The system utilizes actual mass fuel flow measurements to calculate corrected, optimal secondary and interjectory air demands. The corrected secondary and interjectory air demands are used by a proportional and integral control loop to regulate the respective supply of secondary and interjectory air to the combustion process of each in-service burner. The control system allows for optimal combustion of the fuel and a reduction in NOx emmissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: AEP EmTech LLC
    Inventors: Willis M. Hendricks, John J. Letcavits
  • Patent number: 6659027
    Abstract: A dispenser for seed or feed having a tubular body with an interior volume and a dispensing opening at one end thereof, a handle affixed to the tubular body, a valve positioned within the interior volume adjacent the dispensing opening, and a button affixed to the handle and cooperative with the valve for opening the valve when the button is pushed and for closing the valve when the button is released. A line extends from the button through the interior of the handle and through the interior volume of the tubular body so as to be connected to the valve at the opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Miguel Z Garcia
  • Patent number: 6659028
    Abstract: A planting device includes a housing for engaging into soil and having a rear and two side walls, and a pivotal jaw pivotally secured to the housing and rotatable toward and away from the rear wall of the housing. The pivotal jaw and the side walls and the rear wall of the housing form an enclosed peripheral portion for preventing the soil from entering into the housing when the pivotal jaw is moved away from the rear wall of the housing. A conduit is secured on top of the housing, a tube secured to the housing and the conduit, and a handle adjustably secured to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Lee Hatfield
  • Patent number: 6659029
    Abstract: Inhibition of forest damage exerts by ultraviolet rays. By selecting species having triploid or tetraploid of chromosomes and afforestating to form the ultraviolet resistant forest by forming the artificial forest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventors: Kozo Niwa, Yoshinori Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6659030
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for decreasing drag force by controlling turbulent flow in a hull surface of a ship. The method and apparatus according to the present invention are directed to sucking and ejecting the fluid flowing along a hull surface of a ship, varying the turbulent field of the turbulent flow, controlling the ejection angle with respect to the hull surface and decreasing the friction resistance by providing a pipe housing which is installed in a hull surface of a ship and includes a plurality of slits, a flexible air pipe which is installed in the interior of the pipe housing and performs contracting and expanding operation based on air pumping operation, and a pump which is installed in the hull for contracting and expanding the air pipe and providing air to the air pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignees: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mun-Keun Ha, Hyung-Jin Sung, Bu-Geun Back
  • Patent number: 6659031
    Abstract: A flexible, propulsive wing of the 4-line type especially suitable for kiteboarding, has, at the rear portion of the wing tip a first pulley means attached thereto, the rear line being connected to the rear portion of the wing tip through the first pulley means. A pair of auxiliary re-launch lines are provided at each respective side of the wing, each being fixedly connected at one end thereof to the respective rear line, and at the other end to the trailing edge of the wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Diamond White Servicos de Consultoria Lda.
    Inventor: Bruno Legaignoux
  • Patent number: 6659032
    Abstract: A stabilizer is releasably attached to a canoe-like boat and includes two floats that are located outside the periphery of the boat. The floats are attached to bars, and a lock mechanism attaches the bars to the boat. The bars are releasably attached together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Gerald M. Simon
  • Patent number: 6659033
    Abstract: A mooring device and method for small boats is provided which allows a boat to be quickly, securely moored to a dock. The mooring device comprises a rigid tubular member having a Y-like shape. An endless cord passes through the tubular member and exits both arms and the leg of the Y-like member to secure small boats safely while accommodating waves of up to approximately two feet in height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: G. Russell Donley
  • Patent number: 6659034
    Abstract: A retractable mooring fitting assembly for a marine vessel includes a mooring fitting that has a first end and a second end. A counterweight is disposed toward the second end of the mooring fitting. An axle is interposed between the counterweight and the first end, and the mooring fitting is pivotable about the axle. At least a first bearing provides a load path from the mooring fitting to the marine vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Art Anderson Associates
    Inventor: James R. Levey
  • Patent number: 6659035
    Abstract: A two-piece boat cover for use with open fishing boats as well as boats with a single console or double console is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: William Treytiak
  • Patent number: 6659036
    Abstract: There is provided a plasma sterilization indicator enabling an accurate detection of the end-point of plasma sterilization. This invention relates to a plasma sterilization indicator comprising a support and, as formed thereon, a color-change layer comprised of a variable color ink composition containing an anthraquinone dye having at least one kind of amino groups, primary and/or secondary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Sakura Color Products Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Omatsu, Satoshi Maruyama
  • Patent number: 6659037
    Abstract: A vacuum insulation panel comprises a barrier film and a core material and a vacuum detection indicator. The vacuum detection indicator is configured to facilitate the evaluation of the integrity of the vacuum within the vacuum insulation panel. The vacuum detection indicator may comprise a cavity in the core material which allows the barrier material to form a depression when a vacuum is drawn within the panel. Accordingly, as the vacuum is reduced or lost, the depression formed in the barrier material will be similarly reduced or lost. In addition, the vacuum detection indicator may comprise a viewing window configured with electrical contacts above the barrier material to permit the evaluator to readily determine whether the vacuum has been reduced or lost. Further, the vacuum detection indicator may comprise a spring-like device configured within the cavity to urge the barrier film against the electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Tuscarora Incorporated
    Inventor: Eric M. Hagopian
  • Patent number: 6659038
    Abstract: Safety identification device for collecting fingerprints and DNA related material from an individual, for use in verifying the identity of an individual, such as in documents and forms. The device includes at least one layer for collecting and retaining the fingerprint and the material from the individual, and at least another layer attached to the at least one layer for protecting and preserving the material for determining the DNA of the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Duwimax International S.A.
    Inventor: Eduardo Luis Salva Calcagno
  • Patent number: 6659039
    Abstract: A method automatically controls breeding of free-range animals. In this method, the feed consumed by each individual animal is uniquely identified and registered to enable full traceability between animals or products and the feed. The method comprises active and automatic control of the living conditions of the animals based on the monitored and recorded data so that a minimal amount of human interaction is required in the normal operation of a breeding system controlled by use of the method. Furthermore, a control system, typically comprising a general-purpose computer having a suitable computer program installed thereon, will control the operation of a breeding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Kristoffer Larsen Innovation A/S
    Inventor: Jesper Kristoffer Larsen
  • Patent number: 6659040
    Abstract: A self-metering feed dispensing system including a feed supply hopper having an interior for receiving feed. The feed supply hopper has upper and lower portions, with the upper portion extending over the lower portion and being removably mounted on the lower portion for permitting access to the interior. The lower portion may comprise a pair of hopper sections each terminating at a bottom of the lower portion in an outlet with an opening. The hopper sections may each have a perimeter wall converging toward the outlet and diverging away from the outlet. Optionally, the system may include a feed delivery tube extending downwardly from the feed supply hopper and having an upper end being in fluid communication with interior of the feed supply hopper and having a lower end, and a feed trough below the feed del very tube for holding feed delivered by the feed delivery tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Decker
  • Patent number: 6659041
    Abstract: A bird feeder includes a feed container with a sidewall portion that diverges upwardly from a mouth. A framework nestably receives the container and has first and second support members extending around the container in parallel planes. The first and second support members are interconnected by rigid bars that may be curvilinear in shape. The container mouth attaches to a base that has a passageway with an outer opening that is thus placed in communication with the containers interior. A hanger assembly is used to suspend the feeder from a support. The base may have a plurality of passageways each with an outer opening that are spaced apart from one another. The rigid bars may be decorative, and decorative images may also be disposed on the framework. A method of feeding birds with this feeder is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Perky-Pet Products Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Curts
  • Patent number: 6659042
    Abstract: An economical process that combines bentonite, or similar clays, that form a clump when in contact with cat urine, with waste cellulosic fibrous materials, preferably paper mill sludge, to form a light weight scoopable (clumping) cat litter product. In the process, paper mill cellulose waste is combined with bentonite clay (preferably sodium bentonite) in a mixing auger in varying percentages depending upon the desired end weight of the finished product, transferred to a secondary rotating drum mixer, then to a rotating drum dryer, and from the dryer to a screening process. The finished product is a granule weighing between 20 lbs./cubic foot and 50 lbs./cubic foot. The granule is highly absorbent and capable of forming a distinct clump that can be separated from the surrounding granules without falling apart. A unique characteristic of the process is the combination of heavy clay particles with light weight cellulose particles to form a new composite particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Larry D. Bloomer
  • Patent number: 6659043
    Abstract: A aquarium water circulation system for facilitating removal of water and cleaning of an aquarium. The aquarium water circulation system includes a support member having a base portion. The support member has a plurality of stanchions. Each of the stanchions downwardly extends from the base portion. The stanchions are designed for supporting the base portion on a support surface. A plurality of wall members are coupled to the base portion of the support member. The plurality of wall members define a containment space. The containment space is designed for holding water and fish. The support member has at least one drain portion. The drain portion is coupled to the base portion of the support member. The drain portion is in fluid communication with the containment space whereby the drain portion is designed for draining water out of the containment space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Gerard P. Huska
  • Patent number: 6659044
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for conditioning water in open fish breeding cages, which can solve the problems of “bloom of harmful seaweed” and the “lack of dissolved oxygen concentration in the water”. The apparatus includes a tube having adjustable open upper and lower ends and an impeller for drawing a major water flow in either direction through the tube. To solve the “bloom of harmful seaweed” the apparatus draws water upward from deeper water with low algae concentration to the bloom zone, dissolving and moving the harmful seaweed far away from the cages. To solve the “lack of dissolved oxygen concentration” the apparatus draws water downward from the surface water having high concentrations of dissolved oxygen to deeper water with low concentrations of dissolved oxygen, increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in the middle and the bottom of the cages, where the biggest oxygen consuming fish concentration are located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Tech Master S.A.
    Inventor: Daniel Eduardo Vega Salinas
  • Patent number: 6659045
    Abstract: A structure suitable for use by an animal having paws, said container comprising a housing including a base, substantially contiguous outer walls, and a top and defining an interior and an exit located above the base; a divider separating the interior into a litter region and an exit region, the exit region being located above and substantially beside the litter region and immediately below the exit; a foot cleaner surface within the exit region extending substantially from said litter region to the exit, the foot cleaner surface including a ramp portion, adapted to encourage the animal to extend and flex its paws when ascending the ramp; such that in operation, litter may be placed in the litter region for use by the animal, and the animal must walk along the foot cleaner surface ramp portion to exit the container, causing litter to fall from the paws, thereby reducing the amount of litter remaining on the animal's paws upon exiting the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Vincent S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6659046
    Abstract: An Elizabethan collar is circular in shape having an outer periphery. A central aperture forms an opening for the animal's head. The collar is inflatable, either having a valve filling the collar or a circular bladder placed within the collar and having a valve extending through the cover of the collar for access by the user. In addition to being inflatable, a foam layer may be provided in the collar or the collar may be permanently preinflated without a valve. With the provision of a valve, the foam can be compressed and the valve closed. With the valve closed, the foam will not re-expand until the user opens the valve. This allows the collar to assume a compact configuration when not in use. The collar can be split from the inner periphery formed by the central aperture to the outer periphery of the collar. The two edges formed by the split are joined to one another. The split allows the collar to be put around the animal's neck without sliding the collar over the animal's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventors: Linda Anne Schmid, John A. Rasile
  • Patent number: 6659047
    Abstract: A pet toe nail cover is provided with a predetermined quantity of liquid adhesive that is stored at the tip end of the cover. The liquid adhesive is covered by a frangible seal which can be penetrated by the animal toe nail when the cover is fitted on the toe nail. The adhesive is released and cures in place, firmly attaching the cover to the toe nail. In alternative embodiments, the cover can be provided with a reservoir end covered by an airtight seal or the adhesive can be provided in a capsule or globule that is stored in the cover and penetrated when the cover is applied to a toe nail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Erann Gat
  • Patent number: 6659048
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a hot water dispenser capable of heating water to near boiling temperatures (e.g., 205° F. to 212° F.). When water at near boiling temperatures is required, a secondary heating element is activated. The secondary heating element is in thermally coupled to the dispensing tube so that the water in the tube may be further heated as it passes through the dispensing tube from the tank to the dispensing outlet. Heating the water to near boiling just prior to its being dispensed reduces energy costs because the near boiling temperature water is not stored and allowed to cool. Additionally, the need for expensive insulation or expensive thermostats is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Paul Mark DeSantis, Terrence William Snyder
  • Patent number: 6659049
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for generating hydrogen for use with an internal combustion engine. The system includes a venturi device coupled with an exhaust stream from the internal combustion engine. The venturi device creates a gas flow through a condenser to generate reactant water. After the reactant water is polished to remove contaminants, hydrogen and oxygen are disassociated using a PEM based electrolyzer. The hydrogen gas is used by the internal combustion engine to assist in the combustion process and reduce pollutant emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems
    Inventors: John Zagaja, Trent Molter, Lawrence Moulthrop, William Smith
  • Patent number: 6659050
    Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling the amount of coolant exiting an engine is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve housing that is mounted to the engine and defines a passage that is in fluid communication with a coolant outlet in the engine. A motor in the valve housing drives a valve shaft that extends into the passage and on which a butterfly valve plate is mounted. The physical geometry of the inventive assembly is not significantly effected by changes in coolant temperature or coolant contamination and the integrates the valve member and actuator in a single assembly to improve packaging and material use and eliminates potential coolant leak points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Creech, Reed K. Hauck, Phillip James Weis
  • Patent number: 6659051
    Abstract: An oil-cooled engine assembly is provided for cooling lubricating oil, which has lubricated movable parts of an engine and subsequently recirculating cooled lubricating oil to the movable parts. The engine assembly includes a lubricating oil pump contained in the engine, and a hollow frame body which supports the engine. The hollow frame body has an oil passage through which lubricating oil flows. The lubricating oil pump is connected to the oil passage. Lubricating oil, which has lubricated the movable parts of the engine is air cooled with the frame body. Cooled lubricating oil is circulated again to the movable parts of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Shiomi, Tamotsu Momosaki, Haruhiko Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 6659052
    Abstract: An engageable cam follower (1) for acting on a pushrod in the valve train of an internal combustion engine is provided. This cam follower (1) includes of a thin-walled hollow cylindrical housing (2) in whose borehole (3) is positioned an internal element (4) axially movable with respect to the housing (2). The housing (2) and the internal element (4) each possess a radial borehole (13, 10) aligned in a relative position to each other. Positioned in the radial borehole (10) of the internal element (4) is a piston (11) having a convex end (14) and movable toward the radial borehole (13) of the housing (2) for coupling the internal element (4) with the housing (2) in the relative position. According to the invention, the borehole (3) of the housing (2) is shaped in the area of the radial borehole (13) of the housing (2) as a flattening (15) extending in the longitudinal direction of the cam follower (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Mario Kuhl
  • Patent number: 6659053
    Abstract: A valve control system for controlling both the amount of valve lift (FIG. 7B) and the timing of the valve lift (FIG. 7A) of an internal combustion engine poppet valve (19). The system includes a rocker arm (37) having an engagement surface (69) and a cam member (51) disposed for to and fro movement relative to a camshaft (27) and having a cam surface (71) in generally face-to-face relationship to the engagement surface (69). A first cam follower (55) engages the cam profile (29) on the camshaft, and a second cam follower (61,70) is disposed between the engagement surface (69) and the cam surface (71), and is connected to the first cam follower (55) by a rigid follower linkage (59). A control arrangement (63) changes the to and fro position of the cam member (51) to vary valve lift, and an adjustable timing linkage (57) moves the first cam follower, to advance or retard the valve timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Majo Cecur
  • Patent number: 6659054
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a variable valve control device that varies a lift degree of an intake valve, an air intake passage led to an intake port of the engine that is incorporated with the intake valve and a fuel injection valve arranged to inject fuel into the intake port. The fuel injection valve has a first injection mode wherein each fuel injection shot is entirely carried out during opening period of the intake valve and a second injection mode wherein each fuel injection shot entirely finishes prior to opening action of the intake valve. A control unit is further employed by the engine, which allows the fuel injection valve to select one of the first and second injection modes in accordance with the lift degree of intake valve effected by the variable valve control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanobu Sugiyama, Shinichi Takemura, Tsuneyasu Nohara
  • Patent number: 6659055
    Abstract: When a target timing is determined, a current duty-ratio of a solenoid valve is initially adjusted based on a learned initial value, and then gradually adjusted until a current valve timing corresponds to the target timing. The initial value is chosen from learned initial advance and retard values from a map having independent variables of fluid temperature and battery voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Yong-Jung Park
  • Patent number: 6659056
    Abstract: A valvetrain with a single camshaft is disclosed. The valvetrain has one or more intake valves, and one or more exhaust valves per cylinder of an engine block. The valvetrain comprises a cylinder head. The valve head of each intake valve is removably seated within a corresponding intake valve seat of the cylinder head, and the stem of each intake valve is movably positioned within the cylinder head. The valve head of each exhaust valve is removably seated within a corresponding exhaust valve seat of the cylinder head, and the stem of each exhaust valve is movably positioned with the cylinder head. For each cylinder, an intake crosshead and an exhaust crosshead are pivotally mounted upon the cylinder head. Each intake crosshead is operatively mounted upon the stem top of a corresponding intake valve. Each exhaust crosshead is operatively mounted upon the stem top of a corresponding exhaust valve. For each cylinder, an intake rocker arm and an exhaust rocker arm are pivotally coupled to the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventor: Roger D. Sweetland
  • Patent number: 6659057
    Abstract: A compression relief mechanism for a small four-cycle engine to facilitate cranking. The engine has a single cam actuating both the intake and exhaust valves. The cam has a primary cam surface and a boss extending from its side. The exhaust valve cam follower engages only the primary cam surface. The intake valve cam follower has a first cam follower surface engaging only the primary cam surface and a secondary cam engagement surface engaging only the boss to open the intake valve during a predetermined portion of the engine's compression cycle. The opening of the intake valve during the compression cycle provides compression relief facilitating cranking. The secondary cam follower surface may be provided on either the intake or exhaust cam follower to open either the intake or exhaust valve during the compression cycle to provide the desired compression relief during cranking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventor: Michael Billetdeaux
  • Patent number: 6659058
    Abstract: A V-type engine having an intake system structure formed of a surge tank and intake pipes. The intake system structure is divided into upper and lower blocks by a horizontal dividing surface positioned below the surge tank. The upper block includes the surge tank, and first and second upper pipe parts of the intake pipes. The lower block includes first and second lower pipe parts of the intake pipes. First and second seal parts surround the intake passages on the dividing surface toward the upper block. First and second straight inner sealing surfaces are arranged at the portion where the seal parts extend inwardly of the engine banks. Only these straight inner sealing surfaces are positioned below the surge tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Hisashi Ozeki
  • Patent number: 6659059
    Abstract: A variable displacement valve seat that consists of an annular ring which is affixed concentrically around a standard valve seat. The annular ring is affixed loosely to allow linear coaxial movement along the valve seat center-axis line. The movement is restricted to a small fraction of the valves actual displacement, approximately 12% or less, in the preferred embodiment. The annular ring is affixed to the valve seat insert installed in the cylinder head when used on the exhaust side. The annular ring is affixed to the head portion of the poppet valve itself when used on the intake side. The concept can provide an effective range of early closing times for the valves to control reversion. In addition, the actuation of the moveable seat is variable and automatic, and controlled by cycle exchange functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: EnginTec, Corp
    Inventor: Reggie Dwayne Huff
  • Patent number: 6659060
    Abstract: A crankshaft drive for an internal-combustion engine includes a crankshaft, a connecting rod assembly coupled to the crankshaft, and a balancing shaft arranged parallel to the crankshaft and at a distance r from the crankshaft. A balancing weight extends from the balancing shaft for balancing mass forces caused by the rotation of the crankshaft. A recess is formed in the balancing weight, so that during rotation of the balancing shaft, the balancing weight does not interfere with the rotating crankshaft and connecting rod assembly. The inclusion of the recess allows the distance r between the crankshaft and the balancing shaft to be reduced. Preferably, a rib is formed on one side of the balancing shaft to strengthen the balancing shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfons Linder, Johannes Krauss
  • Patent number: 6659061
    Abstract: A balancer shaft is supported between a right case and a left case in parallel with a crankshaft. A balancer driven gear and a first balance weight are provided at one end with the balancer driven gear being interlocked with the crankshaft. The outer diameter R2 of a maximum diameter of the first balance weight is larger relative to a root circle diameter R1 of the balancer driven gear. The first balance weight is attached to an outside face of the balancer driven gear. A fitting end of a driving shaft is fitted into a fitting hole provided in the core at the end on the side on which the balancer driven gear is provided of the balancer shaft. The fitting end and the fitting hole are coupled to be integrally rotated and for driving a water pump. A second balance weight is integrated with the other end of the balancer shaft. A gear for driving an accessory is integrated with the base of the second balance weight and is engaged with an oil pump gear for driving an oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akifumi Nomura
  • Patent number: 6659062
    Abstract: The invention relates to a piston for internal combustion engines whose piston head presents an annular cooling channel which on its end open towards the piston shaft is closed off by an appropriately shaped wall element which is radially divided in at least one place. The aim of the invention is to improve heat dissipation in such a piston. To this end the periphery of the wall element is provided with several radially arranged, evenly distributed transverse walls which extend axially into the cooling channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Mahle GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Issler
  • Patent number: 6659063
    Abstract: To lighten and miniaturize a piston and form a piston for a high-speed revolution. A top ring groove and an oil ring groove are formed on the periphery of a crown and a lubricator is provided inside the oil ring groove. A pair of piston pin bosses are provided continuously under the crown in opposite positions and a skirt is provided apart by 90°. The lower end of the skirt is located on the upside of the lower end of the piston pin boss and a lubricator is provided in an upper part of the skirt, under and in the vicinity of the oil ring groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akifumi Nomura, Yasuo Shimura
  • Patent number: 6659064
    Abstract: In order to create a compact four-cycle internal combustion engine with mixture lubrication comprising a cylinder which is closed on top by a cylinder head and which changes below into a crankcase, in the cylinder a piston moving up and down, in the cylinder head an intake port with an admission valve and an exhaust conduit with an exhaust valve, a carburetor for forming an oil-fuel-air mixture lubricating the engine, as well as means by which a mixture is transported within each engine cycle from the carburetor into the crank chamber closed by the crankcase and from the crank chamber into the intake port, engine which is constructed in a simple way and which is characterized by a good charging behavior, it is proposed that the carburetor is connected outside the crank chamber with the intake port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Dolmar GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Massmann, Bernhard Auler, Wolf Burger, Eberhard Witzgall
  • Patent number: 6659065
    Abstract: An internal combustion rotary engine that employs resilient, flexible vanes attached to a rotor that spins within an oval cavity in a housing. The vanes, which are long enough to extend slightly radially from the rotor by a distance beyond the interior surface of the cavity, bend in response to the cyclical variation between the rotor and the oval cavity in order to define four chambers and form a sliding seal with the interior surface. As the vanes revolve with the rotating rotor, the volumes of these four chambers vary cyclically and enable the four phases of an approximate Otto Cycle. The engine is more efficient than a conventional, reciprocating engine because the expansion force of the combustion gas acts directly on the rotating element with a minimum of moving parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: David C Renegar
  • Patent number: 6659066
    Abstract: An independent radial vane rotary machine for the production of rotary mechanical power through internal combustion of liquid or gaseous fuel and employing intermeshed gearing for synchronization of major rotational components. The machine functions in general accordance with the principles of the Carnot heat engine cycle but mechanical manipulation of working fluid is accomplished without reciprocating mechanical components and combustion is performed as a continuously sustained process. The machine offers vibration-free operation and good measures of functional efficiency, power density, and inherent reliability. The disclosure presents the geometric and mechanical features necessary to demonstrate functional viability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Matthew Lee
  • Patent number: 6659067
    Abstract: A family of sliding vane rotary power devices provides an internal combustion engine, a pump, a compressor, a fluid-driven motor, an expander device, a fluid-driven pump, and a compressor or a throttling device. All of these devices have an improved method of vane actuation comprising a freely sliding element partially enclosed by a medially extended outer vane portion and partly enclosed at its ends by a mirror-image encircling cam groove formed in a circumferentially-split external housing. As the rotor turns, the sliding elements engage the encircling extended vane portion and the mirror-image cam grooves cause the vanes to reciprocate radially in respective rotor slots while the outer vane tips follow the wall contour of the rotor with a minimal clearance so that the cavities rotate with the rotor and expand and contract as the rotor turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Osamah Mohammed Al-Hawaj
  • Patent number: 6659068
    Abstract: A split injection of gasoline produces stratified charge in at least one cylinder. A sensor measures cylinder pressure or knock and generates a sensor signal indicative of combustion event timing of stratified charge. From the sensor signal, a controller determines an actual value of a characteristic parameter representing combustion event timing in the cylinder. The controller modifies at least one of operating variables governing a split injection for the subsequent cycle in such a direction as to decrease a deviation between the actual value of the characteristic parameter and a target value thereof toward zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomonori Urushihara, Koudai Yoshizawa, Koji Hiraya