Patents Issued in February 17, 2004
  • Patent number: 6691659
    Abstract: A push rod (1), more specifically for use in a valve actuation device of an internal combustion engine, which is substantially hollow and is provided with a portion (5) of a maximum cross section dimension arranged preferably in the middle between the ends (1a, 1b) of the push rod (1). In order to provide, in the easiest possible way, a light weight push rod (1) with high buckling resistance, the push rod (1) consists of a first and of a second, substantially hollow rod piece (2, 3), the rod pieces (2, 3) having a maximum cross section dimension in the region of one open front face (2b, 3b) thereof and being rigidly joined together at their open front faces (2b, 3b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Avl List GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Laimböck
  • Patent number: 6691660
    Abstract: A glow plug energizing device for energizing glow plugs in glow ignition engines which includes a glow plug connector configured to be releasably coupled to a glow plug, at least one battery for supplying electrical energy to the glow plug connector, a housing containing the at least one battery, an electrical lead coupled between the housing and the glow plug connector, and a first manual switch coupled to the electrical lead for selectively applying electrical energy from the battery to the glow plug connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Frank W. Silva, II, Larry E. Keeling, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6691661
    Abstract: An tuned induction system for use on a motorcycle having a V-twin engine. The tuned induction system having separate and individual first and second manifold bodies. Each of the separate intake manifold bodies having a flange that couples the individual manifold body to a cylinder head of the V-twin engine. The flange having a continuous radius that maximizes airflow velocity to enhance engine performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: S & S Cycle, Inc.
    Inventors: James Michael Lundgreen, Jeffery John Bailey, Brian C. Hanold, Nathan Lawrence Oium, Brian W. Perkins, Jason Harold Perkins, Scott A. Sjovall, Eric Orvis Wangen, Geoffery D. Ziegahn
  • Patent number: 6691662
    Abstract: The invention concerns an intake manifold (1) comprising a plenum (8) and air ducts (13) one of which at least, for each combustion chamber of the engine, has a sudden enlargement (19) of its passage cross-section, immediately followed in downstream direction by a duct portion (20) having a gradually decreasing cross-section and ending (21) upstream of a flange fixing (16) the manifold (1) to the engine and its cylinder head. The plenum (8) and each of the air ducts (13) at least are made of synthetic material, preferably capable of being molded. The invention is useful for equipping internal combustion engine with pistons driven in reciprocating movement in the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli France
    Inventor: Michaël Pontoppidan
  • Patent number: 6691663
    Abstract: A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine in which any of a plurality of valve guides for guiding intake and exhaust poppet valves provided with valve lifters can be press-fitted in fitting holes of the cylinder head with a substantially uniform press fit force. At least one valve guide is fitted at a different depth in the cylinder head than others of the guides valves. The intake and exhaust poppet valves have substantially uniform thicknesses in the respective longitudinal directions of the valve guides. An idle fitting hole with an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the valve guides is formed above one of the fitting holes which is formed deeper in the cylinder head than the other fitting holes, the idle fitting hole extending upward to a lower side of a valve spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaaki Tsukui, Hiromi Sumi
  • Patent number: 6691664
    Abstract: Disclosed is a variably timed rotary valve mechanism for controlling the air/fuel intake into and exhaust gases out of an internal combustion engine. There are two rotary valve shafts, one intake and one exhaust, that contain two intake and two exhaust valve ports per engine cylinder. These rotary valve shafts are driven by and synchronized with the engine crankshaft via a conventional timing belt. The timing of each of these rotary valve shafts relative to the crankshaft can be varied individually through hydraulic servomotors under control of a computerized engine management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph Samuel Pisano, Joseph Michael Pisano
  • Patent number: 6691665
    Abstract: An air induction arrangement 7 for a variable displacement engine is provided. The air induction arrangement 7 includes first and second plenums 22, 24 fluidly connected to respective first and second throttles 26, 28. The first and second throttles 26, 28 are connected to respective first and second inlets 44, 60. In partial operation, the air induction arrangement 7 induces air into the first plenum 22. In higher power demand operation, the air induction arrangement 7 additionally induces air through the second plenum 24. There is a reduction of the cancellation of acoustic output between the first and second inlets 44, 60 so that an acoustic output of the engine 14 operating with only a first group of cylinders 16 is similar to the acoustic output of the engine when the engine is operating with both groups of cylinders 16, 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Ernest Gray, Cape Alan Hall, Lloyd Bozzi, Takeshi Abe, Vincent Paul Solferino
  • Patent number: 6691666
    Abstract: In a multipart cooled piston (20) for a combustion engine with a piston upper part (1) of steel comprising a combustion bowl (3) and a ring wall (4) with ring belt (11), and with a piston lower part (2) comprising a piston skirt (9), pin bosses (12) for receiving the piston pin connecting the piston (20) to the connecting rod, and pin boss supports (6) connected to the piston skirt (9), and in a method for manufacture of such a piston (20), inexpensive manufacture and good form stability are to be achieved in that a cooling channel (7) formed inside the piston upper part (1) has forged supporting ribs (8) in its area extending to the combustion bowl (3), which each form sections of an all-round ring rib (5) with a connection surface radially to the longitudinal piston axis (K), in that the piston lower part (2) has an annular and all-round carrier rib (10) with a connection surface connected to the pin boss supports (6), and in that the piston upper part (1) and the piston lower part (2) are non-detachably co
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignees: Mahle GmbH, Volvo Powertrain Corp., Hirschvogel Umformtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Berr, Armin Ihle, Henk Ravenshorst, Magnus Horn, Lars Lundin
  • Patent number: 6691667
    Abstract: A casing cover (1, 10, 22) for an internal-combustion engine, particularly valve covers or oil pans, to be mounted detachably and fluid-tight to an engine block (5, 13, 23), having an elastomer seal profile (3, 12, 28) disposed at the peripheral edge (2, 11) of the casing cover (1, 10, 22), and an inside (6, 17), axial extension (7, 14, 26) oriented in the direction of the engine block (5, 13, 23) disposed at the edge (2, 11) of the casing cover (1, 10, 22). The extension projects axially beyond the sealing surface (4, 15) of the engine block when the cover is installed, and a seal (20, 29) is disposed at least between the axial extension (7, 14, 26) and the engine block (5, 13, 23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Sealing Systems Bretten GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralf Salameh
  • Patent number: 6691668
    Abstract: Method and system of overriding a locomotive engine governor oil pressure sensor protective device, which involves closing a normally open solenoid valve which is placed between a locomotive engine and a governor oil pressure sensor, the solenoid valve being operably connected to an automatic shutdown and restart system, the closing of the valve maintaining the existing engine oil pressure on the governor oil pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: ZTR Control Systems
    Inventor: Aldo F. Liberatore
  • Patent number: 6691669
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, John M. Roth
  • Patent number: 6691670
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method providing mixing of at least one gaseous fluid in the combustion chamber of a direct-injection internal-combustion engine comprising at least a cylinder (10), a cylinder head (12), a piston (22) sliding in this cylinder, a fuel-injection nozzle (24), a combustion chamber delimited on one side by the upper face of piston (22) comprising a teat (30) pointing towards cylinder head (12) and arranged in a concave bowl (28), and intake means (14, 16) for at least one gaseous fluid, said intake means being designed so as to admit the gaseous fluid into the combustion chamber with a swirling motion or swirl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Bertrand Gatellier, Bruno Walter
  • Patent number: 6691671
    Abstract: A fuel injection control system and method for delivering multiple fuel injections to a cylinder of an engine during a fuel injection event based upon engine operating conditions, the control system including an electronic controller coupled to an electronically controlled fuel injector, and a plurality of sensors coupled to the controller for inputting certain signals representative of certain engine operating conditions of the engine, the controller being operable to output a fuel injection signal to the fuel injector to deliver a first, a second, and a third fuel shot to the cylinder during a fuel injection event based upon the sensor signals. The controller also delivers each of the multiple fuel injection shots within defined cylinder piston displacement parameters during a particular piston stroke, within defined fuel apportionment limits, and within defined delay limits between each respective fuel shot so as to control exhaust emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Kevin P. Duffy, Eric C. Fluga, Gregory G. Hafner, Brian G. McGee, Matthew R. Roth
  • Patent number: 6691672
    Abstract: The invention concerns a direct injection internal combustion engine comprising a camshaft and at least two cylinders (1), having in each cylinder a mobile piston (2) associated with at least to intake valves (4, 5), each located in an induction pipes (8, 9), and at least an exhaust valve (6, 7). The displacement of said valves is independent of the rotation of the camshaft and is controlled by a computer (15). The induction pipes (8, 9) are designed to produce an air velocity field inside the cylinder (1) parallel to said cylinder axis. The computer (15) controls, cylinder by cylinder, the opening and closing times of said at lent two intake valves (4, 5) to adapt the shape of the air velocity field inside the cylinder (1) to the engine power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli France
    Inventor: Michaël Pontoppidan
  • Patent number: 6691673
    Abstract: An integrated fuel delivery system is cooled by induction air providing a higher density air/fuel mixture to fuel injectors. The fuel delivery system is integrated within an intake passage body eliminating the need for additional fuel delivery conduits, thus decreasing the size of the engine and lowering the production costs of the outboard motor. The integrated fuel delivery system enables the operator to enjoy compact engine design, improved engine performance and increased fuel efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Goichi Katayama
  • Patent number: 6691674
    Abstract: A method and rocker arm assembly for actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The rocker arm may include an integrated hydraulic circuit used to control a lost motion piston. A reset piston may be included in the rocker arm to selectively reset the position of the lost motion piston. A control piston may also be included in the rocker arm to selectively lock the reset piston into a reset position. The rocker arm assembly may be used to achieve compression-release or bleeder braking, main intake, main exhaust, brake gas recirculation, and/or exhaust gas recirculation valve events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Diesel Engine Retarders, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. McCarthy, Samuel H. Pruden
  • Patent number: 6691675
    Abstract: A warm-up control apparatus of an internal combustion engine is installed in a vehicle equipped with a brake booster that uses a negative pressure in an intake pipe of the internal combustion engine. The apparatus performs a warm-up control of the engine by retarding the ignition timing and increasing the amount of intake air. If during execution of the warm-up control, the brake pedal is operated, or the accelerator is off while the vehicle is running at or above a predetermined speed, or the decreasing rate of the amount of accelerator operation is greater than or equal to a predetermined value while the vehicle is running at or above a predetermined speed, the control apparatus recovers the intake pipe negative pressure by reducing the amount of intake air set in relation to the warm-up control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Kidokoro, Keizo Hiraku, Hiroshi Kanai
  • Patent number: 6691676
    Abstract: In order to reduce white smoke emissions immediately after start-up, the present invention is a method for executing engine warm-up control using electronic control units, wherein start-up idle control which does not perform the prescribed fast idle control, is executed until a prescribed period of time t1 has elapsed after engine start-up, whereupon the amount of fuel injection is increased to execute fast idle control. Immediately after engine start-up, the fuel injection amount and number of engine revolutions are restricted compared to those during fast idle control, preventing a large amount of fuel injection and high number of revolutions while the piston wall surface temperature is low, and thereby significantly reducing white smoke emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Atsushi Konno
  • Patent number: 6691677
    Abstract: A fuel delivery device for a fuel delivery system incorporates an electronic compensation device that either incorporates information that is relevant to the specific fuel delivery device or includes a processor that generates an actuator control signal that is based at least in part upon the information contained in the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Eckerle, Ron H. Temple, Lester L. Peters
  • Patent number: 6691678
    Abstract: In a throttle body there are provided a throttle valve for controlling the flow of intake air in an internal combustion engine, and an electrically-driven actuator for actuating the throttle valve. A cover, which covers a receptacle portion, is attached to a side wall of the throttle body. The throttle assembly of the invention is provided with a potentiometer type sensor for detecting the degree of opening of the throttle valve, the sensor comprising a slider and a resistor, the slider being adapted to slide on the resistor and mounted to a peripheral surface of a driven gear so that a tip end thereof faces in a radial direction of a throttle valve shaft. The resistor is constituted by a curved resistor which confronts the slider in the said radial direction. A wall portion which holds the curved resistor is formed by molding integrally with the aforesaid cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Toshifumi Usui, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito, Eisuke Wayama
  • Patent number: 6691679
    Abstract: A control system (10) and method for controlling an operational position of a throttle valve in an engine. The system includes a position sensor (16) operably connected to the throttle valve that generates a first signal. A controller is operably connected to the position sensor. The controller (18) is configured to determine a current position of the throttle valve using a transfer function defining a curve with no breakpoints and the signal from the position sensor. The controller (18) is further configured to change the operational position of the throttle valve based on the current position and a desired position of the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Tobias John Pallett
  • Patent number: 6691680
    Abstract: A marine engine has an air intake device that includes an air regulator (e.g., a throttle valve) and fuel injectors. A control system controls an actuator of the air regulator. A first sensor detects an intake pressure in the intake device. A second sensor detects a state of the actuator. A third sensor detects an engine speed of the engine. A control device controls an amount of fuel sprayed by the fuel injectors relative to an amount of the intake air. The control device controls the amount of the fuel based upon a signal of the third sensor and a signal of the first sensor in a first actuation range of the actuator in which the intake pressure is variable. The control device controls the amount of the fuel based upon a signal of the third sensor and a signal of the second sensor in a second actuation range of the actuator in which the intake pressure is invariable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Chitoshi Saito
  • Patent number: 6691681
    Abstract: A throttle device is provided for driving to open and close a throttle valve which controls an intake air flow rate of an internal combustion engine via an electric actuator. A motor casing receives a motor forming the electric actuator, and a gear casing receives gear mechanism transmitting a driving force of the motor to a valve shaft. Both casings are integrally formed within a throttle body. A motor insertion opening of the motor casing is opened to the gear casings. The motor is mounted by securing a motor bracket by tightening threaded fasteners into a plurality of threaded holes formed on the peripheral edges of the motor insertion opening. The motor bracket has a curved edge between one thread fastening position to another thread fastening position, and the gear casing is provided a curved portion adapting to said curved edge of the motor bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito
  • Patent number: 6691682
    Abstract: Online optimization of injection systems having piezoelectric elements which are used, for example, as actuators in a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, wherein the piezoelectric element is activated by an activation voltage having a value set as a function of operating characteristics of the particular piezoelectric element, and based upon, for example, a correction value for injected fuel volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes-Jörg Rueger, Dirk Samuelsen
  • Patent number: 6691683
    Abstract: A device including an internal combustion engine, an engine control device coupled to the internal combustion engine and manually operable to stop operation of the engine, a fuel tank coupled to the engine for providing fuel to the engine, and a fuel vent closure device communicating with the fuel tank. The fuel vent closure device is automatically and electrically operable in response to the manual operation of the engine control device to substantially seal the fuel tank when the engine is stopped, thereby substantially preventing emissions from the fuel tank. The device also preferably includes a fuel shutoff device automatically and electrically operable in response to the manual operation of the engine control device to substantially block the supply of fuel to the engine when the engine is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Gary J. Gracyalny, John H. Thiermann
  • Patent number: 6691684
    Abstract: A fuel fractionation device is provided for separating a low-boiling fuel fraction from a liquid fuel in an internal combustion engine, having a fuel tank which contains the liquid fuel and having a separator, to which an extracted fuel fraction mixture can be fed, and a reservoir to which the fuel fraction can be fed, and furthermore having a pump which extracts fuel vapor and air and has a pump drive. The pump and the pump drive are fixed in a housing and are accommodated removably in the fuel tank together with the separator and the reservoir, forming a structural unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Ralf Bruenemann, Eberhard Holder, Roland Kemmler, Martin Matt
  • Patent number: 6691685
    Abstract: The air induction system (10) includes a supercharger (12) and a valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a valve (14) and a valve control mechanism (16). The supercharger (12) receives air through a supply opening (18) and pressurizes it. The valve (14) is in communication with the supply opening (18) to control air supply thereto. The control mechanism (16) is coupled to the valve (14) and causes it to vary the air supply to the opening (18) in response to air pressure conditions downstream from the supercharger (12). In one embodiment, the control mechanism (16) varies the air supply responsive to air pressure in the intake in order to both throttle the supercharger (12) as well as substantially eliminate undesirable surge conditions therein. Alternately, the control mechanism (118) varies the air supply responsive to air pressure in the inlet (110) of a turbocharger (106) to provide supercharged air thereto at a substantially constant pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Accessible Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Jones, Glennon J. Roderique, Christopher S. Spies
  • Patent number: 6691686
    Abstract: Intake manifolds for an internal combustion engine and methods of using the same are disclosed. The intake manifolds accommodate the introduction of exhaust gas that has been recirculated from the main exhaust gas stream. The exhaust gas can be introduced into the intake manifold through aerodynamically shaped members that are located inside the manifold. Alternatively, the exhaust gas can be introduced into the manifold at or near the intersection of the primary runners and the plena, or the exhaust gas can be introduced into a mixing chamber located between the primary runners and the plena.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Klas, Lakhi N. Goenka, Mark D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6691687
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of blow-by gas from a crankcase of an internal combustion engine. A particle and droplet filter removes at least some of any particles or droplets in the gaseous stream. The filtered gaseous stream is passed through a primary heat exchanger, and a catalyzed soot filter downstream of the primary heat exchanger. A secondary heat exchanger may be used to heat the gaseous stream with exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. Blow-by gases are cleaned for subsequent discharge to the ambient environment, or for reintroduction to the fuel system of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Cho Y. Liang, Steven R. McCoy
  • Patent number: 6691688
    Abstract: A tunable nitrous plate assembly for fuel injected 5.0 liter V8 engines contains a metal plate (1) that is sandwiched between the upper and lower manifold members of the engine air intake manifold. The plate contains multiple ports (17) mate with the ports in the lower manifold member and, thereby, lead to individual intake runners of the engine cylinders. Each port includes a nitrous oxide spray conduit (21) overlying a fuel spray conduit (23) with both conduits extending across the port transverse to the longitudinal plate axis. Fittings (22, 20) attached to the plate exterior couple an end of respective spray conduits for fluid communication with appropriate nitrous oxide and fuel supplies. Replaceable calibration jets (45, 46) installed in respective fittings (22, 20) in series with the supply lines are selected so that the horsepower generated by the engine cylinders is balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Edelbrock Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel W. Chestnut
  • Patent number: 6691689
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the direction of rotation of an internal combustion engine using a magnet wheel which moves past an electrical ignition coil. For each revolution, at least one current or voltage pulse is induced in the coil having a polarity dependent on the direction of rotation. The magnet poles and the coil have geometric relationships that, upon each magnet wheel revolution, the curve form of the current or voltage pulse has at least two prespecified extreme points with a curve characteristic which is substantially neither rising nor falling and at least one break point with a discontinuity. A direction of rotation signal is derived from these curve characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Prüfrex-Elektro-Apparatebau, Inh. Helga Müller. Geb Dutschke
    Inventor: Leo Kiessling
  • Patent number: 6691690
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for preventing reverse rotation operation of an engine using a system that includes a crank angle sensor (CAS), a cam position sensor (CPS), and an engine control unit for receiving signals from the CAS and the CPS to perform engine control. The method includes determining if a piston in a specific cylinder is at a predetermined location using a level of a CPS signal at a leading edge and a trailing edge of a CAS signal; determining if the engine is rotating in reverse using the CPS signal level at the leading edge and trailing edge of the CAS signal in the case where it is determined that the piston of the specific cylinder is at the predetermined location; and discontinuing operation of the engine if it is determined that the engine is undergoing reverse rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyun-Jin Shin
  • Patent number: 6691691
    Abstract: The table tennis ball distribution and storage apparatus and method described herein stores a plurality of table tennis balls and automatically projects a single ball on command. The apparatus includes an integrated timing system that simultaneously loads a single ball from a storage unit into a firing cavity, cuts power to a motor to keep the ball within the firing cavity, and arms a flipper system. The integrated timing system includes an integrated ball support/feeder system, a flipper system, and an actuator system. The integrated ball support/feeder system both supports the stored balls and loads a single ball into the firing cavity. The flipper system is used on the apparatus to propel the ball in an exact and proper trajectory. An actuator system controls the timing of the flipper system. The table tennis ball distribution and storage method uses the apparatus to store and distribute table tennis balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Brian Beynon, John Stump, Tim Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6691692
    Abstract: An adjustable cam for an archery bow. The adjustable cam is located at the end of one of the bow limbs. The other bow limb has an idler cam located at its end. The bowstring has a bowstring end attached to the adjustable cam. The bowstring passes over the idler cam and the second or end stretch end of the bowstring is also attached to the adjustable cam. A harness string has one end attached adjacent the idler cam and the other end attached to the adjustable cam. An intermediate portion of the adjustable cam may be adjusted to set the draw length of the bowstring. A draw stop or fine draw length adjustment is also provided on the adjustable cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel K. Adkins
  • Patent number: 6691693
    Abstract: A bow case for receiving and carrying a compound bow. The bow case is of non-rigid cloth-like fabric material having a first face and a second face opposite thereto. The second face defines a bow entry opening for receiving the bow to be carried. The first and second faces have a perimeter that substantially conform to the overall shape of the compound bow. The open face includes a drawstring or other tensioning element to tautly secure the bow within the case. A blind is detachably connected to the case, specifically to the interior wall of the first face of the case. The blind is detachably connected within a blind storage pocket sewn to the interior wall of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Blue Sky Investments, Inc.
    Inventor: Hugh D. Trussell, II
  • Patent number: 6691694
    Abstract: A new form of bow-mounted arrow quiver, which will safely and satisfactorily carry a plurality of different kinds of broadhead-tipped arrows, particularly, mechanical broadhead arrows, regardless of shaft size (diameter), while maintaining each different broadhead out of contact with the others contained within the broadhead shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Kwikee Kwiver Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Stinson
  • Patent number: 6691695
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for cutting a stone workpiece to make a pair of stone veneer products which are capable of being handled without breaking, and which are advantageously used as a decorative product on all types of outside and inside wall surfaces in the construction industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis F. Buechel
  • Patent number: 6691696
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw for dicing semiconductor wafers comprises variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Salman Akram, Derek J. Gochnour, Michael E. Hess, David R. Hembree
  • Patent number: 6691697
    Abstract: A method for cutting thin film filter work pieces has two embodiments. In a first embodiment, an intermediate layer (13) binds an augmenting substrate (14) to a glass substrate (12) of the work piece (16) prior to cutting of the work piece. In a second embodiment, the work piece (23) comprises a glass substrate (22) which is thicker than a final desired thickness. After the work piece is cut, a surplus portion (222) of the glass substrate is removed. Both embodiments of the method increase the effective thickness of the work piece, which reduces the residual stress in the final thin film filter product, and reduces the risk of a film stack (11, 21) of the work piece peeling from the glass substrate during the cutting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Charles Leu
  • Patent number: 6691698
    Abstract: A cooking oven includes a housing that encloses a chamber having an inlet and an outlet. A conveyor extends between the inlet and the outlet and through the chamber. The cooking oven additionally includes an air distribution system positioned in fluid communication with the chamber and a curved heat exchanger positioned in fluid communication with the chamber, the curved heat exchanger directing air from the air distribution system through the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: FMC Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Ramesh M. Gunawardena, Robert M. Stacy, Charles McVeagh, Scott M. Kane
  • Patent number: 6691699
    Abstract: A hotplate, such as a plate of vitreous ceramic, intended to equip a cooker having at least one gas burner, includes a raised zone intended to cover the gas burner. The raised zone includes orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Eurokera
    Inventors: Gérald Fafet, Hélène Harmand, Vincent Halbin, Pablo Vilato
  • Patent number: 6691700
    Abstract: A gas grill burner apparatus is provided that fits within barbecue grill cooking chambers of varied configurations and sizes. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a gas grill burner apparatus includes a center manifold configured to form two hollow gas tubes, the gas tubes being substantially parallel. The gas grill burner apparatus also includes first and second C-shaped hollow gas tube end portions slideably engaged within opposing ends of the parallel hollow gas tubes. The apparatus further includes a center grease tent mounted atop the center manifold and first and second telescoping grease tent members mated with the center grease tent. The telescoping grease tent members are configured to move laterally with the first and second gas tube end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: W. C. Bradley Company
    Inventors: Andrew W. Kahler, Chris Cantrell
  • Patent number: 6691701
    Abstract: A solar radiation collection and distribution system includes a solar collection system which includes a primary reflector, a secondary reflector and a planar reflector. The focal points of the primary and secondary reflectors are offset by the same number of degrees, and the primary and secondary reflectors are rigidly fixed in an assembly such that their focal points lie along a common optical axis. The assembly is pivotable in elevation and rotatable in azimuth such that the primary reflector continuously tracks the sun. A pivotable planar reflector, which reflects downwardly the beam from the secondary reflector, pivots at one-half the angular rate at which the assembly pivots. This beam consists essentially of sunlight and is maintained in a substantially constant orientation independent of assembly elevation and azimuth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Karl Frederic Roth
  • Patent number: 6691702
    Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator system adapted to be readily transported by a user includes a rechargeable energy source and a concentrator powered by the energy source. The concentrator converts ambient air into concentrated oxygen gas for the user and includes a plurality of adsorption beds and a rotary valve assembly. The rotary valve assembly is relatively rotatable with respect to the plurality of adsorption beds to provide valving action for selectively transferring fluids through the plurality of adsorption beds for converting ambient air into concentrated oxygen gas for the user. The ratio of adiabatic power to oxygen flow for the concentrator is in the range of 6.2 W/LPM to 23.0 W/LPM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignees: SeQual Technologies, Inc., Teijin Limited
    Inventors: William Scot Appel, David Phillip Winter, Brian Kenneth Sward, Masato Sugano, Edmund Salter, James A. Bixby
  • Patent number: 6691703
    Abstract: A resuscitation device for providing a barrier between a rescuer and a patient requiring mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This resuscitation device includes an inflatable portion which when inflated extends in the breathing direction between the rescuer and the patient so as to be placed around at least one breathing organ of the victim. An inflation member receives airflow from the rescuer to inflate the inflatable portion. In this resuscitation device, a valve assembly permits airflow from the rescuer to the patient and diverts the exhalation and body fluids of the patient from reaching the rescuer. An additional barrier member can also be provided for shielding the rescuer from the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Laerdal Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Larry T. McKinney, James R. Traut, John G. Cline, Sean Landis Phillips, Andrew Serbinski, Mirzat Koc, Mark Rosen
  • Patent number: 6691704
    Abstract: A system and method for aerosol delivery of a drug. The system includes: a disposable cassette containing a dose of the drug. The dose of the drug is supplied within a breakable container. The system further includes a drug release mechanism to break the breakable container and release dose of the drug. Air from the airflow generator flows into the cassette via a first opening and outward via a second opening insuring aerosol delivery of the drug. The method includes supplying a disposable cassette as in the system and operating a drug release mechanism to break the breakable container and release the dose of the drug. The method further includes generating a flow of air top cause aerosol delivery of the drug. An additional method including supplying at least two breakable packets each containing a portion of a pre-measured dose of the drug within a disposable cassette, opening the packets within the cassette and aerosol delivery of the single pre-measured dose of the drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Medihale Ltd.
    Inventors: Noam Bibi, Nimrod Lev, Eitan Landau
  • Patent number: 6691705
    Abstract: An arrangement with a control circuit for controlling a numerical value for patient respiration as well as to a process for controlling the numerical value. The numerical value is controlled on the basis of an evaluation of the EEG (electroencephalogram) of the patient (1) by an EEG sensor (2), e.g., by determining the so-called BIS (bispectral index). A control of the inspiratory gaseous anesthetic concentrations is cascaded to the control of the EEG value in the manner of a cascade circuit. This has the advantage that a metering device (6) belonging to the arrangement meters a gaseous anesthetic mixture directly according to the patient's needs. As an alternative, the control of the numerical value is performed on the basis of an evaluation of the expiratory gaseous anesthetic concentrations resolved for individual breaths at the Y-piece (19) of the respiration circuit (12) by a gaseous anesthetic sensor (8a), preferably an infrared optical gas sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Dräger Medizintechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Dittmann, Swen Grünitz-Post, Steffen Leonhardt, Andrea Gentilini, Adolph Glattfelder, Manfred Morari, Thomas Schnider, Alexander M Zbinden
  • Patent number: 6691706
    Abstract: Personal Humidifier with a horseshoe shaped headset made of plastic and being hollow in construction, the headset having an integral centrally located accordion type connection that allows each end of the headset to flex outward to snuggly fit on a user's head, the headset terminating at one end in a flexible tubular member, the tubular member terminating in a wicking material, the wicking material being covered by a removable, replaceable screen cover, the tubular member and the wicking material being supported by a hand bendable metal wire, the metal wire allowing the user to position the tubular member and the wicking material in close proximity to the user's nose, the wicking material penetrating into one end of the hollow headset and traveling the entire length of the headset, the hollow headset capable of retaining water or the like, the water capable of traveling along the wicking material to provide moisture in close proximity to the user's nose, the water retaining headset being refill
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Harrison Ives
  • Patent number: 6691707
    Abstract: A connector includes a mask end for connecting with the interior of a respiratory mask, a supply conduit end, and a gas washout vent passage having an inlet adjacent to, or forming part of, the mask end in fluid communication with the interior of the respiratory mask and an outlet in fluid communication with atmosphere. The vent outlet of the vent passage is disposed on the side of the connector remote from the mask end. A respiratory mask includes a mask shell, a mask inlet for connecting with the outlet of a breathable gas supply conduit, and a gas washout vent passage. A vent outlet is disposed on the side of the mask remote from the mask interior and is adapted to direct the washout gas in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mask inlet and away from the mask inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Michael K. Gunaratnam, Joanne E. Drew, Geoffrey Crumblin, Phillip Jenkinson, Susan R. Lynch
  • Patent number: 6691708
    Abstract: An adjustable forehead support for a nasal mask. The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system which adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-à-vis the mask and/or air flow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Resmed Limited
    Inventors: Philip Rodney Kwok, William Edwin John Grant, Robert Stephen Matchett