Patents Issued in December 18, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030230230
    Abstract: A tetherable wind indicator is disclosed. The wind indicator includes a hollow body with an inlet opening therethrough, the inlet opening defining an inlet area, the inlet area being smaller than the hollow body's greatest cross-sectional area, the inlet opening permitting wind to enter the hollow body. At least one tether extends from the hollow body. At least one vent is disposed through the hollow body. The vent is oriented to direct wind exiting from the hollow body such that the hollow body rotates when the wind passes therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: PREMIER KITES
    Inventors: Albert Lim, Valentine B. Deale
  • Publication number: 20030230231
    Abstract: A liquid-phase growth process comprising immersing a base substrate in a solution containing reactant species to be grown dissolved therein which is accommodated in a crucible and growing a crystal film on said substrate, characterized in that a capping member is kept afloat on the surface of said solution before said substrate is immersed in said solution and said capping member is subsided in said solution upon immersing said substrate in said solution. A liquid-phase growth apparatus suitable for practicing said liquid-phase growth process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaki Mizutani, Katsumi Nakagawa, Tetsuro Saito, Tatsumi Shoji, Takehito Yoshino, Shoji Nishida
  • Publication number: 20030230232
    Abstract: CVD diamond is heated to temperatures of 1500° C. to 2900° C. under a pressure that prevents significant graphitization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Robert H. Frushour, Wei Li
  • Publication number: 20030230233
    Abstract: A method for minimizing particle generation during deposition of a graded Si1−xGex layer on a semiconductor material includes providing a substrate in an atmosphere including a Si precursor and a Ge precursor, wherein the Ge precursor has a decomposition temperature greater than germane, and depositing the graded Si1−xGex layer having a final Ge content of greater than about 0.15 and a particle density of less than about 0.3 particles/cm2 on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Eugene A. Fitzgerald, Richard Westhoff, Matthew T. Currie, Christopher J. Vineis, Thomas A. Langdo
  • Publication number: 20030230234
    Abstract: In the method of forming fine patterns of a semiconductor integrated circuit, a mask layer is formed over a semiconductor structure having a first region and a second region. A portion of the mask layer over the first region is removed to expose the semiconductor structure, and sacrificial layer patterns are formed over the exposed semiconductor structure. Then, spacers are formed on sidewalls of the sacrificial layer patterns and the mask layer, and portions of the spacers are removed to create fine mask patterns. The semiconductor structure is then patterned using the fine mask patterns to create fine patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Dong-Seok Nam, Ji-Soo Kim
  • Publication number: 20030230235
    Abstract: Lateral epitaxial overgrowth of non-polar (11{overscore (2)}0) a-plane GaN seed layers reduces threading dislocations in the GaN films. First, a thin patterned dielectric mask is applied to the seed layer. Second, a selective epitaxial regrowth is performed to achieve a lateral overgrowth based on the patterned mask. Upon regrowth, the GaN films initially grow vertically through openings in the dielectric mask before laterally overgrowing the mask in directions perpendicular to the vertical growth direction. Threading dislocations are reduced in the overgrown regions by (1) the mask blocking the propagation of dislocations vertically into the growing film and (2) the bending of dislocations through the transition from vertical to lateral growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Michael D. Craven, Steven P. Denbaars, James Stephen Speck
  • Publication number: 20030230236
    Abstract: Provided is a substrate processing apparatus capable of supplying pure water, the nitrogen gas concentration of which is stabilized. A pure water supply path is branched such that a dissolving part generates a high concentration pure water by dissolving nitrogen gas in pure water on one path, and a degassing part generates a low concentration pure water by degassing nitrogen gas from pure water on the other path. Pure water having a desired nitrogen gas concentration C can be supplied stably by sequentially measuring the nitrogen gas concentrations C1 and C2 on their respective paths, and mixing the high concentration pure water and low concentration pure water while the opening and closing of first and second pure water valves are adjusted to control first and second flows X1 and X2, so as to satisfy the following relationships: C1·X1+C2·X2=C·V; and X1+X2=V, wherein V is a total flow of pure water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Shibayama
  • Publication number: 20030230237
    Abstract: An improved hoop support for semiconductor wafers reduces contamination of the wafer during edge beveling operations through the use of support pins that make only line contact with the wafer. The support pins are spaced around the periphery of the hoop and possess a triangular cross section. Two intersecting sides of the pins form an edge that defines the line contact with the wafer. These intersecting sides are preferably inclined relative to the wafer at an angle of between 60 and 80 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsi-Kuei Cheng, Ting-Chu Wang, Yu-Ku Lin, Chin-Te Huang, Huai-Tei Yang, Chun-Chang Chen, Yi-Lang Wang
  • Publication number: 20030230238
    Abstract: This invention describes an apparatus, Scanning Localized Evaporation Methodology (SLEM), for the close proximity deposition of thin films with high feature definition, high deposition rates, and significantly improved material economy. An array of heating elements, each capable of being individually energized, is mounted on a transport mechanism inside a vacuum chamber. The evaporable material is deposited on a heating element. The SLEM system loads the surface of heating elements, made of foils, with evaporable material. The loaded heating element is transported to the substrate site for re-evaporation. The re-evaporation onto a substrate, which is maintained at the desired temperature, takes place through a mask. The mask, having patterned openings dictated by the structural requirements of the fabrication, may be heated to prevent clogging of the openings. The translation of the substrate past the evaporation site permits replication of the pattern over its entire surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Fotios Papadimitrakopoulos, Thomas Samuel Phely-Bobin, Daniel Harrison Grantham, Faquir Jain
  • Publication number: 20030230239
    Abstract: A system for processing substrates includes a first process chamber configured to perform a given process on a first substrate. A second process chamber is configured to perform the same process as the first chamber on a second substrate. A gas source system is configured to output a process gas. A gas flow system includes a flow channel coupled to the gas source system and the first and second process chambers to provide the process gas into the first and second process chambers. The gas source system further includes a gas flow controller to regulate flow rates of the process gas provided into the first and second chambers in order to provide the first and second substrates with substantially uniform process results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Hongching Shan
  • Publication number: 20030230240
    Abstract: A system and method for containing plasma and forming a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) magnetic topology are described in which plasma ions are contained magnetically in stable, non-adiabatic orbits in the FRC. Further, the electrons are contained electrostatically in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. The simultaneous electrostatic confinement of electrons and magnetic confinement of ions avoids anomalous transport and facilitates classical containment of both electrons and ions. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by nuclear force, thus releasing fusion energy. Moreover, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement system and method are not limited to neutronic fuels only, but also advantageously include advanced fuels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Norman Rostoker, Michl Binderbauer, Artan Qerushi, Hooshang Tahsiri
  • Publication number: 20030230241
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for containing plasma and forming a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) magnetic topology are described in which plasma ions are contained magnetically in stable, non-adiabatic orbits in the FRC. Further, the electrons are contained electrostatically in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. The simultaneous electrostatic confinement of electrons and magnetic confinement of ions avoids anomalous transport and facilitates classical containment of both electrons and ions. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by nuclear force, thus releasing fusion energy. Moreover, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement system and method are not limited to neutronic fuels only, but also advantageously include advanced fuels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Norman Rostoker, Michl Binderbauer
  • Publication number: 20030230242
    Abstract: Methods of pooling or localizing the allantoic fluid (16) present in avian shell eggs (10), so that the fluid may be sampled, assessed or injected, are described. The methods involve tilting the avian shell egg so that the major axis of the egg is from about 10 to 180 degrees from the vertically upright position, so that the allantois pools under the uppermost portion of the egg shell. The allantoic fluid may then be sampled, or a substance injected into the allantois, by a vertical needle (17) or probe traveling in a downward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Ann K. Gore
  • Publication number: 20030230243
    Abstract: A device for automatically milking dairy animals. The device has a teat cup for drawing milk from a dairy animal and for generating a milk-air mixture, a robot arm for automatically connecting the teat cup to a teat of the dairy animal, a single milk-collecting vessel provided with a vacuum connection connected to a vacuum source, a milk outlet for discharging the milk to milk-processing means, such as a milk-cooling tank and at least one milk inlet for letting the milk-air mixture in, at least one milk connection device between a teat cup and the milk inlet for conveying the milk-air mixture, and a vessel-cooling device for cooling the contents of a milk-collecting vessel, which vessel-cooling device comprises a cooling surface having a milk side for contact with the milk and having a cooling medium side for contact with a cooling medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: LELY ENTERPRISES AG
    Inventors: Alexander Van Der Lely, Marcel Van Leeuwen
  • Publication number: 20030230244
    Abstract: A pet bowl is disclosed that includes an inwardly directed lip portion to prevent accidental spillage of food or water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Mark D. Morrison
  • Publication number: 20030230245
    Abstract: The invention relates to biological compositions comprising yeast cells that can be added to animal feed which upon ingestion by an animal can reduce the odor of manure produced by the animal. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing the biological compositions, and methods of using the biological compositions as animal feed additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Ling Yuk Cheung
  • Publication number: 20030230246
    Abstract: A water recirculating system for use in producing fish. The water recirculating system includes a fish raising tank that provides an environment for fish to grow and a supply system to deliver contaminated water from the fish raising tank to a filtration system. The filtration system includes a chamber with a hydraulic loading area that is divided into a plurality of cells with smaller hydraulic loading areas. Filter media is positioned in each cell to filter the contaminated water received from the fish raising tank. A delivery system returns the filtered water back to the fish raising tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael B. Timmons
  • Publication number: 20030230247
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for improving the raising of pre-adult anadromous fish, or preparing pre-adult anadromous fish for transfer to seawater. The methods involve adding at least one Polyvalent Cation Sensing Receptor (PVCR) modulator to the freshwater in an amount sufficient to increase expression and/or sensitivity of at least one PVCR; and adding feed for fish consumption to the freshwater, wherein the feed comprises an amount of NaCl sufficient to contribute to a significantly increased level of the PVCR modulator in serum of the pre-adult anadromous fish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: MariCal, Inc.
    Inventors: H. William Harris, David R. Russell, Jacqueline Nearing, Marlies Betka
  • Publication number: 20030230248
    Abstract: An animal communication device is provided which is designed to solicit animal responses based on at least two of the five major senses. The device includes a module having associated therewith a plurality of physically perceivable attributes related to the senses. The animal activates the device by depressing a housing cover which activates a switch. Alternatively, a motion detector is used to detect the presence of the animal. In both instances, a record/playback device is activated so that a pre-recorded message which corresponds to the physically perceivable attributes of the module is then played back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Roger Hotmer
  • Publication number: 20030230249
    Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus reduces the fuel vaporization and leakage by means that the positions of vaporization and leakage and their amount in the fuel tank and the fuel pipe is detected properly in case of using a low boiling point fuel having a vapor phase in the normal temperatures and atmospheric pressures, and the fuel state is controlled based on those detected values. By providing another container made of elastomatic material having an expandable mechanical characteristic inside the fuel storing container, the low boiling point fuel is stored in the separate container. A flow rate controlling apparatus is provided for heating or cooling the fuel pipe leading the low boiling point fuel stored in the fuel storing container to the engine. A flow rate controlling apparatus is provided for adjusting the flow rate of the fuel in the fuel pipe for leading the low boiling point fuel stored in the fuel storing container to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Shiro Yamaoka, Minoru Oosuga, Kinya Nakatsu
  • Publication number: 20030230250
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reproducing energy in an engine driving system, the driving system has an engine with several cylinders and an cooling device connected to the engine, the cooling device has at least one water tank for outputting cooling water to the engine and inputting heated cooling water from the engine. A separator chamber connected to the engine and the water tank. When the heated water flows into the separator chamber from the engine, part of the heated water is decomposed into oxygen and hydrogen. The oxygen and hydrogen is delivered to the water tank from the separator chamber. A storage chamber store the oxygen and hydrogen from the water tank and deliver them to the cylinders of the engine as a reproduced fuel in order to enhance combustion and reduce the emitting of the exhaust of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Kuo Chang Lin, Chau Hwe Chen
  • Publication number: 20030230251
    Abstract: A water tank lid used in a water tank, which can input oxygen and hydrogen from an engine, characterized in that on top of the lid directly facing the entry of the water tank has an opening for connecting a tube, the tube connected to the engine in order to input oxygen and hydrogen from the engine. The water tank lid can further comprise an adapter mounted to the opening for connecting to the tube. A storage chamber can be used to store the hydrogen and oxygen from the water tank and then deliver the oxygen and hydrogen into the cylinders of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Lin Kuo Chang, Chen Chau Hwe
  • Publication number: 20030230252
    Abstract: An apparatus for inputting and outputting oxygen and hydrogen in engine system, the system has an engine with several cylinders and a water tank connected to the engine, for outputting cooling water to the engine and inputting heated cooling water from the engine. Part of the heated water is decomposed into oxygen and hydrogen because of high temperature. The apparatus comprises: a chamber body for separating liquid and gas; an input on the chamber body, connected to the engine for accepting heated cooling water, oxygen and hydrogen; an first output on the chamber body connected to the water tank for delivering heated cooling water to the water tank; and an second output on the chamber body connected to the water tank for delivering the oxygen and hydrogen to the water tank and therefore greatly increase the ability of collecting oxygen and hydrogen for reproducing energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Kuo Chang Lin, Chau Hwe Chen
  • Publication number: 20030230253
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes an insert that is deformable, and a surface of the insert opposing a cylinder bore wall is close to the cylinder bore wall after the insert is inserted into a water jacket. A cooling apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block having a water jacket in which an insert is disposed; the cylinder block is machined so that a water hole or an aperture having a size corresponding to a size of the insert is formed in the cylinder block and the insert can be inserted into the water jacket through the water hole or the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, NICHIAS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Matsutani, Yoshikazu Shinpo, Takanori Nakada, Yasuki Hashimoto, Makoto Hatano, Katsunori Ueda
  • Publication number: 20030230254
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes a closed deck-type cylinder block and an insert. The cylinder block includes a water jacket and an upper deck including a water hole formed therein. The insert is disposed in the water jacket and inserted into the water jacket through the water hole. The insert is fixed relative to the cylinder block at a water hole portion such that the insert is fixed in position in a flow direction of the cooling water. A stopper for preventing the insert from moving downstream in a flow direction of the cooling water may be formed, and the insert engages the stopper such that the insert is fixed in position in the flow direction of the cooling water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, NICHIAS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Matsutani, Yoshikazu Shinpo, Takanori Nakada, Yasuki Hashimoto, Makoto Hatano, Katsunori Ueda
  • Publication number: 20030230255
    Abstract: A mechanism for generating a flame jet has a volume formed of at least one vertical structure and two opposing horizontal structures. A rotatable fan is located within the volume, and is rotatable in a plane generally parallel to the planes of the horizontal structures. The mechanism also contains means for igniting a combustible gas which is contained within the volume, to propel a flame jet outside of the volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: James E. Doherty, Joseph E. Fabin, Larry M. Moeller, James W. Robinson, Christian Paul Andre Ricordi, Richard Urban, Donald L. Van Erden
  • Publication number: 20030230256
    Abstract: A combustion chamber system for use within a combustion-powered fastener-driving tool, and a combustion-powered fastener-driving tool having the combustion chamber system incorporated therein, is disclosed. The combustion chamber system comprises a dual combustion chamber system comprising a pre-combustion chamber and a final combustion chamber. The pre-combustion chamber is characterized a high aspect ratio and has different obstacles fixedly incorporated therein for selectively retarding or enhancing the rate of burn and the rate of speed of the flame front propagating through the pre-combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: James E. Doherty, James W. Robinson, Richard Urban, Christian Paul Andre Ricordi, Donald L.Van Erden, Larry M. Moeller
  • Publication number: 20030230257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an engine in which the stroke of a piston at an expansion stroke is larger than that at a compression stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Sei Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20030230258
    Abstract: A system of controlling the exhaust and scavenge process for two-stroke piston engines with crankcase scavenge and fed by air/fuel mixture, which has a rotary valve adjacent to the cylinder exhaust port/s that rotates in synchronism with the crankshaft enabling the control of the exhaust gases initial speed and preventing the air/fuel mixture from leaking to the exhaust system during the compression stroke; this way, the engine power is improved, and the CO and HC emissions and oil and fuel consumption are reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Hector Alvaro Javier Niemiz
  • Publication number: 20030230259
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine that has a pair of cylinders each having a reciprocating piston connected to a crank shaft by a connecting rod. One of the cylinders is adapted for an air and fuel intake and a compression strokes only, and the other of the cylinders adapted for at least power and exhaust strokes. A conduit exists for transfer of gases from the one into the other cylinder after the compression stroke. The conduit has means for isolating gases in the conduit intermediate the compression and power strokes. Furthermore, the conduit is designed to prevent the transfer of liquefied fuel from the one cylinder to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Nam P. Suh, Nam-Hyo Cho
  • Publication number: 20030230260
    Abstract: An assembled camshaft (10) for engine includes: a cam lobe piece (12); and a hollow shaft member (11) having at least two shaft fixing surfaces (11A) formed by plasticity process on a portion of the hollow shaft member (11) corresponding to a position between cylinders of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takano, Tomoyuki Hirota, Yujiro Ohara
  • Publication number: 20030230261
    Abstract: In a VCT system, a method uses a controller to automatically determine a state of a phaser based on an identifier. The identifier identifies a filtered signal of the crank shaft and cam shaft and uses the same to identify the phaser state. A reset signal is generated by the identifier to reset the VCT system, specifically to reset a control law whereby the unnecessary information retained by the VCT system is cleared. Therefore, the controller is able to promptly and accurately determine the phaser position and state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Zhenyu Jiang, Earl Ekdahl
  • Publication number: 20030230262
    Abstract: In a VCT system having a feedback loop for controlling a phaser angular relationship, a control law disposed to receive a plurality of set point values and a plurality of feed back values is provided to include: a computation block for receiving the plurality of set point values as inputs, the computation block outputting a first output and a second output; a first summer for summing the first output and the plurality of feed back values to produce a first sum (e0); a phase integrator and a phase compensator receiving the first sum (e0) and derivatives (e1) thereof outputting a processed value (e2); a amplifier amplifying the second output by a predetermined scale (Kff); and e) a second summer for summing the processed value (e2) and the amplified second output to produce a second sum (e3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Stanley B. Quinn
  • Publication number: 20030230263
    Abstract: An engine with dependent intake cams requires a different method and formula to determine the phase of the intake cams. The exhaust camshaft drives the intake camshaft and so the intake cam position is dependent upon the exhaust cam position. The present invention provides a VCT cam timing system utilizing calculation of intake phase for dual dependent cams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Earl Ekdahl, Stanley B. Quinn
  • Publication number: 20030230264
    Abstract: A method for compensating for variable cam timing of an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes: a) providing a periodical crank pulse signal; b) providing a periodical cam pulse signal; c) determining a segment, wherein the internal combustion engine speed induces a volatile change upon Zphase values; d) dividing the segment into sub-segments; and e) calculating Zphase values of a plurality of points within the sub-segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Ekdahl, Danny R. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20030230265
    Abstract: In a Variable Cam Timing (VCT) control system, there are conditions when the system must operate in an open-loop mode, and other situations where closed-loop operation is desired. A number of operating states is provided for VCT control system to switch between the states. A control methodology for switching between these two modes of operation, with minimal disturbances, is described. Further, during switching from open loop to closed loop, a scheme that impedes the impact upon the VCT system is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Danny R. Taylor, Earl Ekdahl, Stanley B. Quinn
  • Publication number: 20030230266
    Abstract: A method that uses a dither signal for reducing hysteresis effect in a variable cam timing system is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a dither signal having at least two switchable frequencies; b) determining the frequency characteristics of an engine speed; c) determining at least one frequency beating point in relation to a neighborhood of an engine crank RPM values; and d) changing the dither signal frequency when the engine is operating within the neighborhood of the engine crank RPM values. Thereby frequency beating effect is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Ekdahl, Danny R. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20030230267
    Abstract: In a dual dependent variable cam timing system, the desired intake global phase is reached by directly controlling the global phase of exhaust VCT phaser and controlling the local phase of intake VCT phaser. The global intake set point specified by an engine controller is converted into a local intake set point first, then passed through a set point filter, and compared with the measured local intake phase. The difference (error signal) is passed through a PI controller and a phase compensator, which have the same control structures as those of exhaust VCT phaser control, to form a control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Stanley B. Quinn
  • Publication number: 20030230268
    Abstract: A variable camshaft phase adjustment device (phaser) for an internal combustion engine having at least one camshaft. The phaser has a housing having an outer circumference for accepting a drive force, and a rotor connected to a camshaft coaxially located within the housing. The housing and the rotor are capable of rotation to shift the relative angular position of the camshaft and the crankshaft. The spool valve comprising a spool slidably mounted within a bore in the rotor. In the spool a chamber is present that has an input communicating with the bore the spool is mounted in, an output communicating with the outside, and an air flow restriction. Hydraulic fluid from the input communicating with the bore is prevented from communicating with the outside by the air flow restriction. The air flow restriction is either in the input communicating with the bore or the output communicating with the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Simpson, Franklin R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030230269
    Abstract: A phaser for an internal combustion engine having at least one camshaft. The phaser has a housing and a rotor. The housing has an outer circumference for accepting a drive force and the rotor connects to a camshaft coaxially located within the housing. The housing and the rotor define at least one vane separating chambers, advance and retard. The vane shifts the relative angular position of the housing and the rotor. The phaser also includes a spool valve comprising a spool slidably mounted within in a bore in the rotor. The spool routes operating fluid from a supply of pressurized fluid to the chambers. At least one passage from the supply to the chambers provides makeup fluid. The passage includes a check valve and a restrictor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Simpson, Franklin R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030230270
    Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable finger lever (1) comprising a fork-shaped outer lever (2) between whose arms (3a, 3b) a fork-shaped inner lever (4) is arranged for pivoting relative thereto. The outer lever (2) comprises on an underside (6) in the region of its one closed end (7), a support (8) for the gas exchange valve. The inner lever (4) comprises on the underside (6) on the opposite end (9), a complementary surface (10) for a support element, and on the side of the one end (7), a cam contacting means (12). The latter extends on an axle (13) that is fixed in the outer lever (2). The two levers (2, 4) can be coupled and uncoupled at the opposite end (9) by a transversely displaceable coupling element (5). In this way, a switchable finger lever (1) is obtained that can also be designated as a “buckling” lever and, due to its configuration, has only a small design space requirement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Joachim Seitz
  • Publication number: 20030230271
    Abstract: The major object of the invention is to provide an internal combustion engine stating device capable of improving cost effectiveness and quality assurance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicants: HITACHI, LTD., HITACHI CAR ENGINEERNG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Maruhashi, Tatsumi Nishida, Shigenori Nakazato, Rikio Goto, Tadashi Sakuma
  • Publication number: 20030230272
    Abstract: An engine noise control system (100) controls engine noise in multiple engine operating modes by controlling a size of an air inlet (104) with a movable valve. An actuator (114) moves the valve (112) between an open position and a closed position depending on the engine operating mode, to control the amount of air travelling into an air cleaner. The actuator (114) is coupled to an engine cylinder de-activation unit (200) to link the valve operation to the engine operating mode. When the engine is operating in a low-power mode, which requires less air, the actuator (114) moves a cable drive (204), which rotates an actuation lever (208) that turns the valve (112) into a closed position. When the engine is operating in a high-power mode, the actuator (114) moves the cable drive (204) to move the valve (112) to an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Edward Arthur Stuart
  • Publication number: 20030230273
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fresh gas supply system for an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle. A fresh gas distributor can be connected on the inlet side with a fresh gas feed line, and on the outlet side to an internal combustion engine by means of several connection pipes. The connection pipes are allocated in each case to a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Armin Koelmel, Uwe Paulini, Klaus Schweikert, Holger Tratz
  • Publication number: 20030230274
    Abstract: A lubrication system for an engine including a sump for lubricant, a main pump operable to pump lubricant to first lubrication positions within the engine, and an auxiliary lubricant pump also operable to pump lubricant to second lubrication positions within the engine and wherein the auxiliary pump is an electrically driven pump which is controlled by a system controller the output of the auxiliary pump being controlled according to engine operating conditions, the main pump in use, pumping lubricant to the first lubrication positions within the engine along a main lubricant feed line, and the auxiliary pump when operated pumping lubricant to the second lubrication positions within the engine along an auxiliary feed line, and wherein the main and auxiliary feed lines, are connected via a communication passage which includes a closeable communication valve, the communication valve when closed preventing the flow of lubricant from the auxiliary feed line to the first lubrication positions, and when open permit
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: David John Williams, David Thomas Black
  • Publication number: 20030230275
    Abstract: The in-cylinder fuel injection engine is characterized in that fuel is injected into the combustion chamber in two directions. When the homogeneous charge combustion is performed, a first spray block of fuel is injected inside of the cavity and a second spray block of fuel is injected outside of the cavity. When the stratified charge combustion is performed, both spray blocks are injected inside of the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinya Kuno, Akira Akimoto
  • Publication number: 20030230276
    Abstract: To optimize an ignition timing of premixture for improving fuel efficiency regardless of significant change in an EGR ratio or a fluctuation in temperature of recirculated exhaust gas and temperature in a combustion chamber, there is provided a control apparatus for a diesel engine which controls an injector extending into the combustion chamber to execute a main-injection for injecting fuel and increasing the EGR ratio, so as to attain the premixed compressive ignition combustion while the engine is in the premixed combustion region on the low load side. Just before or after a cool flame reaction occurs in the mixture formed by the main-injection, an auxiliary-injection is executed so that the latent heat of vaporization of the fuel decreases the temperature of the mixture to delay the ignition to a timing near TDC. The auxiliary-injection amount is adjusted according to the estimated value of EGR ratio or the change in the crank angular velocity to optimize the ignition timing of the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Motoshi Kataoka, Yasuyuki Terazawa, Hiroshi Hayashibara, Tomoaki Saito
  • Publication number: 20030230277
    Abstract: In order to provide an intake flow rate detecting apparatus of an internal combustion engine which accurately compensates for an air flow meter detection error due to intake pulsation so as to make it possible to detect an intake flow rate more accurately, regardless of the of type of flow rate control mechanism, an intake flow rate detecting apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention includes a throttle valve which is provided in an intake passage and which adjusts a rate of the air that is taken into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, at least one flow rate control mechanisms which are provided between the throttle valve and the combustion chamber and which control an air flow rate between the throttle valve and the combustion chamber, and a flow rate sensor which is provided upstream of the throttle valve in the intake passage and which detects a flow rate of air flowing through the intake passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Harufumi Muto
  • Publication number: 20030230278
    Abstract: An engine pressure regulator, used in an engine that can collect hydrogen and oxygen. The engine pressure regulator comprises: a body chamber; a connecting tube, through one side of the chamber; a passage mechanism, mounted inside the chamber having a passage connected to the inner space of the chamber; a needle tube mechanism, connected to one end of the connecting tube, and connected to the passage when compressed. The connecting tube is connected to the tube between the engine and the fuel pressure regulator. When the pressure of the engine is to high, the connecting tube will push the needle tube mechanism and the needle mechanism will connect to the passage and the over pressure gas from the engine will be released to the inner space of the chamber and therefore reduce the pressure. When the pressure of the engine is too low, the inside pressure will cause the gas inside the chamber flow to the engine to compensate the pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Kuo Chang Lin, Chau Hwe Chen
  • Publication number: 20030230279
    Abstract: A vacuum system for an engine with variable valve lift includes a controllable vacuum-forming valve at the entrance to the intake manifold and a programmable engine control module (ECM) to increase vacuum as desired within the manifold by modulating the valve as needed to optimize fuel economy. To provide vacuum brake assist, a brake booster diaphragm is connected conventionally to the manifold and a vacuum storage tank and check valve are disposed between the booster diaphragm and the manifold. During periods of vehicle deceleration, when engine load is low, the ECM may switch the VVL-controlled intake valves to a higher lift to increase the pumping capacity of the engine, while simultaneously partially closing the vacuum-forming valve to create vacuum in the intake manifold, the brake booster, and the vacuum storage tank at little or no expense to engine performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: James F. Burkhard, Brian K. Allston, John S. Lylak