Patents Issued in February 19, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040031429
    Abstract: A watercraft steer-by-wire control system for watercraft comprising: a direction control system including a rudder position sensor; a helm control system including at least one of; a helm position sensor to produce and transmit a helm position signal and an optional torque sensor to produce and transmit a helm torque sensor signal. The system optionally including a watercraft speed sensor and a master control unit in operable communication with the watercraft speed sensor, the helm control system, and the direction control system. The master control unit includes a position control process for generating the directional command signal in response to the watercraft speed signal, the helm torque sensor signal and the helm position signal. The master control unit includes a torque control process for generating the helm command signal, based on the helm torque sensor signal, the helm position signal and the watercraft speed signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy W. Kaufmann, James M. Petrowski, Scott A. Millsap, Stephen V. Gillman, James M. Card, Ashok Chandy
  • Publication number: 20040031430
    Abstract: Combined herein are the benefits of a flat deck pontoon boat and the speed and versatility of a jet propelled watercraft. The watercraft is equipped with a propulsion source sufficient to move the watercraft at a substantial speed through the water. The seating layout on the deck provides the amenities of an extremely comfortable watercraft capable of seating multiple passengers while providing sufficient storage space for all necessary items for such a voyage. The watercraft is equipped with a substantially flat deck area with an upper bow deck and a lowered recess area which, when filled with water, provides cooling and amusement for the passengers. The watercraft is equipped with a privacy compartment or toilet, a kitchen area, and a double driver seat, which can be rotated from a relaxing position to a driving position. A rear sundeck can be converted into upright seats. Under the kitchen area an ice chest or some other item can be stowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Bombardier Motor Corporation of America
    Inventors: Martin Aube, David Kalhok, Alain Rheault, Rick Adamczyk
  • Publication number: 20040031431
    Abstract: Combined herein are the benefits of a flat deck pontoon boat and the speed and versatility of a jet propelled watercraft. The watercraft is equipped with a propulsion source sufficient to move the watercraft at a substantial speed through the water. The seating layout on the deck provides the amenities of an extremely comfortable watercraft capable of seating multiple passengers while providing sufficient storage space for all necessary items for such a voyage. The watercraft is equipped with a substantially flat deck area with an upper bow deck and a lowered recess area which, when filled with water, provides cooling and amusement for the passengers. The watercraft is equipped with a privacy compartment or toilet, a kitchen area, and a double driver seat, which can be rotated from a relaxing position to a driving position. A rear sundeck can be converted into upright seats. Under the kitchen area an ice chest or some other item can be stowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Bombardier Motor Corporation of America
    Inventors: Martin Aube, David Kalhok, Alain Rheault, Rick Adamczyk
  • Publication number: 20040031432
    Abstract: A boat has a system for converting a utility space used for garaging a dinghy and formed under the cockpit of the boat into an additional living cabin when the dinghy is removed from the garage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: SEAVANNA, LLC
    Inventor: Joe Esposito
  • Publication number: 20040031433
    Abstract: A device for preventing a flag from wrapping around a flagpole. The flag is mounted to at least one device that is positioned on the flagpole. The flag has one edge affixed to a rod, which is therein connected on opposing ends to rotators of the invention. The rotators have a capability of 360 degrees of free rotation. Each rotator is positioned and supported on the flagpole by opposing stabilizers, which support and position the rotators in a suspended relationship with the flagpole, thereby allowing them to rotate while maintaining a proper flying flag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Venanzio Cardarelli
  • Publication number: 20040031434
    Abstract: This invention is a method of making a synthetic gem comprising elements recovered from remains of a species of the Kingdom Animalia, comprising the steps of collecting substantially pure carbon from the remains and creating gems from the carbon using crystal growth sublimation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Russell P. VandenBiesen, Gregory R. Herro, Dean T. VandenBiesen
  • Publication number: 20040031435
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a photonic crystal fiber preform using an extrusion die, comprising the step of extruding a first optical material into a continuous phase, and a second optical material into a plurality of dispersed phases to axially orient the dispersed phases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Joon Yong Park
  • Publication number: 20040031436
    Abstract: The invention provides a scatter-free below 200 nm wavelength transmitting optical fluoride lithography crystal for use with below 200 nm laser light. The invention includes making below 200 nm wavelength transmitting optical fluoride lithography crystals with a calcium fluoride feedstock in a low-chlorine graphite optical fluoride crystal crucible having a chlorine content concentration less than 0.3 ppm Cl by weight. The method includes melting calcium fluoride feedstock in the <0.3 ppm Cl graphite crucible to form a low-chlorine calcium fluoride crystal from the melt in the crucible to provide a grown calcium fluoride scatter-free crystal having a chlorine concentration less than 0.25 Cl by weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Michael W. Price, Gail A. Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20040031437
    Abstract: A method of making a bulk crystal substrate of a GaN single crystal includes the steps of forming a molten flux of an alkali metal in a reaction vessel and causing a growth of a GaN single crystal from the molten flux, wherein the growth is continued while replenishing a compound containing N from a source outside the reaction vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Seiji Sarayama, Masahiko Shimada, Hisanori Yamane, Hirokazu Iwata
  • Publication number: 20040031438
    Abstract: The present invention provides diamond tools, and methods for the formation thereof, using CVD techniques. In one aspect, a mold is provided which has an interface surface configured to inversely match a configuration intended for the working surface of a diamond layer in a tool. An adynamic diamond mass or layer is then deposited upon the diamond interface surface of the mold, and a support layer is joined to the growth surface of the adynamic diamond layer. At least a portion of the mold is then removed to expose the working surface of the diamond which has received a shape which inversely corresponds to the configuration of the mold's diamond interface surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Chien-Min Sung
  • Publication number: 20040031439
    Abstract: Transferring and/or fusing part(s) for electrophotographic use consisting of a base and a releasing layer which is made of an organic-inorganic hybrid material containing fluoroalkyl group and formed on said base, is provided in the present invention. Said transferring and/or fusing part(s) have an excellent heat resistance, durability and toner releasing property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Yuko Shimizu, Takuya Shindo, Shingo Katayama, Yuji Kubo, Noriko Yamada
  • Publication number: 20040031440
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving a uniformity of a thermally grown silicon dioxide layer including thermally growing a layer over the exposed silicon portions including silicon dioxide according to a thermal oxide growing process; exposing the gas reactant feed lines to reactant gases during at least one of the step of thermally growing a layer and a cleaning process following the step of thermally growing a layer; and, purging the gas flow pathways to bypass the reactor chamber with at least one purge gas source including an inert gas to remove residual reactant gas contaminants to improve a subsequently thermally grown silicon dioxide layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pu-Fan Chen, Chao-Po Lu, Hsi-Shen Chuang, Yi-Jen Chen, Chin-Tsai Chen, Tsukada Kazunori
  • Publication number: 20040031441
    Abstract: A processing fluid is not only supplied toward a surface side of a substrate (W) from supply nozzles (13, 13), but also flow directions (R1, R1) of the processing fluid supplied from the respective supply nozzles 13 deviate from each other within the surface of the substrate (W). Therefore, a whirling flow (TF) of the processing fluid is formed over the surface of the substrate (W) and the processing fluid comes into contact with the surface of the substrate (W), thereby performing a predetermined surface treatment (e.g. cleaning, first rinsing, second rinsing and drying).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Yusuke Muraoka, Takashi Miyake, Kimitsugu Saito, Takahiko Ishii, Yoshihiko Sakashita, Katsumi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20040031442
    Abstract: The invention provides an evaporation system which is one of deposition devices promoting an efficiency of utilizing an EL material and excellent in uniformity and throughput of forming an EL layer and an evaporation method therefor. Further, the invention provides a method of efficiently vapor-depositing an EL material to a large area substrate. Further, the invention provides a system capable of avoiding an impurity from mixing to the EL material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Masakazu Murakami
  • Publication number: 20040031443
    Abstract: A bird feeder having an elongate bird feed container open at opposed ends thereof. The bird feed container defines a longitudinal axis A and has a plurality of feeding ports provided in a sidewall of the bird feed container to facilitate eating by a bird. A removable cover covers the top end of the bird feed container, and the cover has both an open position, in which the cover is spaced from the top end to facilitate supplying bird feed into the bird feed container, and a closed position, in which the cover engages with and covers the top end of the bird feed container. A handle member connected to the bird feed container for hanging the bird feeder. A removable base engages with the bottom end of the bird feed container. The removable base has a closed position, for sealing the open bottom end of the bird feed container, and an open position in which the base is removed from the bird feed container to facilitate cleaning of the bird feed container and the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: John D. Ela, Michael Martin Dunn
  • Publication number: 20040031444
    Abstract: A power control device for automatically and proportionately metering power to a heating device used to create a warm microenvironment conducive to the health and growth of an animal during a predetermined incubation period is herein disclosed. The power control device transmits proportionally more power to a heating device where an ambient temperature measured outside of the microenvironment is nearer a predetermined lower limit, and proportionately less power when the ambient room temperature measured outside of the microenvironment is nearer a predetermined upper limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Mark H. Jaeger, Thomas K. Hiniker, Michael W. Lundgreen
  • Publication number: 20040031445
    Abstract: Disclosed is an animal transportation hand truck for travelers. The device features wheels on one end so that it can be rolled when tilted. The container in which the animal is to be carried depends from a support mechanism so that, being pulled in one direction by gravity, the container remains level when the rest of the device is tilted. Portions of the device can be removed or collapsed for greater mobility and convenience. A luggage compartment, retractable cover, a mount for pre-existing pet containers, shock absorbers, heater/air-conditioning unit, and other enhancements to the device are also disclosed. The device can be used to transport items other than pets that a user wishes to keep level during transportation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Shelton E. Harrison
  • Publication number: 20040031446
    Abstract: A modular kennel system, each module including a floor tub having a sloped floor and a gutter formed therein that is supported at a level above the surface on which the system rests for draining wastes therefrom. The system is erected on site without modification of the site in a variety of configurations and sizes and with or without a second level of enclosures. Each module comprising the system includes a substantially vertical panel from which the floor tub is supported and the drain basin formed in the gutter of the floor tub is connected through a plumbing trap to a drainpipe that runs between the module and the next adjacent module to connect the drain basins of the gutters from successive modules. This structure of the modular kennel system prevents cross-contamination, including sewer gases, between enclosures. The system may also include manual, timed, or conductivity-controlled flush systems for ridding the enclosures of waste fluids under a grate that is easy to clean.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Irvin A. Harrison
  • Publication number: 20040031447
    Abstract: This invention provides a novel disinfectant for teats of animals using a microorganism. The disinfectant for teats of animals of this invention is characterized in that it comprises a microorganism belonging to genus Brachybacterium. It is preferable to use a novel microorganisms, which is deposited as a bacterial strain AAA-a of the genus Brachybacterium (Accession No. FERM BP-6848) in the International Depositary Authority.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Naoki Ito, Eizo Ito
  • Publication number: 20040031448
    Abstract: A bandage cover is a vest-type body sock which prevents an animal from disturbing a gauze bandage or wound, aggravating post surgery wounds. The bandage cover fits over the head, neck, and front trunk of the animal and openings provided for the head, front legs, and rear trunk past the chest. The bandage cover is preferably made of spandex polyester fabric so as to fit snugly around the body of the animal. The bandage cover has a single seam running down the neck, chest and trunk sections of the bandage. Hems surround the openings. An elastic band is preferably sewn into a bunched portion of the rolled hem of the rear opening of the vest extending downward, about three-quarters around of the trunk and belly of the animal preventing it from pulling the vest forward. A reversible version covers a wound from removal of a front leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Diana M. Trepanier
  • Publication number: 20040031449
    Abstract: A portable instant water heater. Water is delivered to a base unit of the instant hot water heater by a pump that draws water from a reservoir through a flow control valve. The water flows into a pre-heater that wraps around a base of the burner and that is heated by the burner. Water is heated in a heat exchanger and then exits the base unit through an outlet spout that swings out from the base unit to dispense water and that may be stored and locked into position in a handle for the base unit. The flow control valve may lower the flow of water through the heat exchanger, so the water has more time to absorb heat and to get hotter. The base unit includes a single control knob that turns on the pump and the burner and operates the flow control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Norris Richard Long, Gary Israel
  • Publication number: 20040031450
    Abstract: A gasifier system and process comprises a pulse combustion device in communication with a fluid channel for producing a gas stream having heat or fuel value. The pulse combustion device is operated under sub-stoichiometric conditions such that combustion and steam reforming both occur in the fluid channel. The pulse combustion device also produces a pulsating combustion product stream and an acoustic pressure wave. The acoustic pressure wave serves to cause agglomeration of particles contained within the combustion stream for easy removal. In one embodiment, a sulfur capturing agent is injected into the fluid channel for not only removing sulfur from the combustion product stream but for also facilitating particle agglomeration. Ultimately, a gas stream containing hydrogen is produced that may be used in various processes, such as in the production of electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Manufacturing & Technology Conversion, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi Chandran, Momtaz N. Mansour
  • Publication number: 20040031451
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for regulating the operating temperature of an internal combustion engine, wherein a cooling fluid is transported in a circuit through the internal combustion engine by means of a cooling fluid pump driven by an electric motor. The electric motor can be operated with a power dissipation loss which is increased in comparison with its nominal operation and the waste heat produced in that situation is transmitted to the cooling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Friedrich Atschreiter, Martin Kurz, Wolfgang Bass
  • Publication number: 20040031452
    Abstract: A hot coolant type heat accumulating apparatus for a hybrid vehicle is provided that includes an internal combustion engine having first and second coolant circulation systems through which a coolant is circulated using power from the engine, a heat accumulation tank that recovers, via part of the second coolant circulation system, some of the coolant that has been heated by the internal combustion engine, and stores that heated coolant, and a controller. This controller automatically shuts off the internal combustion engine when a predetermined shutoff condition has been fulfilled, circulates the coolant through the second coolant circulation system while the internal combustion engine is shutoff, and inhibits recovery of the hot coolant while the internal combustion engine is shutoff by automatic shutoff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20040031453
    Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly may include a diaphragm connected to a restricting member. The diaphragm may be configured to change a position of the restricting member based on a pressure on a first side of the diaphragm. A spring may abut a second side of the diaphragm opposite the first side. The spring may apply a force to the second side of the diaphragm. An adjustable portion adjacent the spring may be configured to change the force applied to the diaphragm by the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence B. Forbush
  • Publication number: 20040031454
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided in which an intake valve (9), which opens and closes an intake valve hole (7) formed in a cylinder head (3) so as to face a combustion chamber (5), has a hollow structure, and an exhaust valve hole (22) formed in the intake valve (9) is made to open and close by an exhaust valve (18) coaxially housed within the intake valve (9). The intake valve hole (7), which faces the combustion chamber (5), communicates directly with an intake port (8), and the exhaust valve hole (22), which faces the combustion chamber (5), communicates with an exhaust port (14) via an exhaust passage (21) formed within the hollow intake valve (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Makoto Hirano
  • Publication number: 20040031455
    Abstract: A controller supplies a predetermined constant current as a drive current to an electromagnetic actuator in response to detection of a non-normal state including an abnormal signal system and an abnormal engine start state, and a force that keeps an intake valve of an engine is appropriately controlled with this drive current. With this operation, in an engine in which the intake valve is driven by the electromagnetic actuator, engine start characteristics are improved and an engine operation is maintained even when the signal system is abnormal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Tetsuo Muraji
  • Publication number: 20040031456
    Abstract: A VVA apparatus includes a control shaft arranged rotatable in accordance with the engine operating conditions, an alteration mechanism for changing a lift amount and an operating angle of an engine valve in accordance with rotation of the control shaft, and a drive mechanism for rotating the control shaft and including an electric motor and a reduction mechanism. The reduction mechanism has a reduction ratio set to be larger when the valve is under small lift-amount and operating-angle control than when the valve is under large lift-amount and operating-angle control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: HITACHI UNISIA AUTOMOTIVE, LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Nakamura, Yoshihiko Yamada
  • Publication number: 20040031457
    Abstract: In variable operation intake valve controlling apparatus and method for an internal combustion engine, using both of a cam operational angle variable mechanism and a cam phase variable mechanism, a controller controls an intake air quantity in accordance with valve timings of the intake valve determined according to the operational angle through the cam operational angle variable mechanism and the phase through the cam phase variable mechanism, the controller determining an allowable residual gas quantity from a required air quantity and an engine speed, the required air quantity being determined according to a manipulated variable of an accelerator, calculating optimum intake valve open and closure timings (IVO and IVC) in such a manner that both of the required air quantity and the allowable residual gas quantity enter a cylinder of the engine, and determining the operational angle and the phase from the optimum intake valve open and closure timings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Kawamura, Takeshi Etou
  • Publication number: 20040031458
    Abstract: A line of small internal combustion engines, including twin cylinder engines and single cylinder engines. The engines each include a crankcase, and one or more cylinder members attached to the crankcase, the cylinder members being separate components from the crankcase. A number of different crankcases are provided for various types of single and two cylinder engines, the crankcases having common mounting structure to which the cylinder members may be attached. Thus, the manner in which the cylinder members are attached to the crankcases is the same for each of the different types of crankcases. Two different types of cylinder members are provided, one having a side valve or “L-head” valve train, and the other having an overhead cam (“OHV”) valve train. The cylinder members are therefore modular components which may be selectively used in a variety of different types of engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Dale D. Snyder, Thomas A. Immel, Scot A. Koehler, Gary Stanelle, Karl W. Monis, Mark J. Glodowski, Russell J. Dopke, Paul J. Kragh
  • Publication number: 20040031459
    Abstract: A new two-cycle internal combustion piston engine in which combustion originates within the cylinder head between a positive displacement gear type air compressor and an intake valve sealing the cylinder from the compressor outlet. At approximately TDC fuel is injected into the cylinder head combustion passages initiating combustion and the camshaft opens the intake valve. The opening intake valve allows the burning fuel mixture to flow into the cylinder forcing the piston towards BDC. The compressor is crankshaft driven and continues to force air into the cylinder head combustion passages while the engine runs which causes the fuel to burn more rapidly increasing engine torque. Exhaust valves located in the cylinder head are opened at BDC by the cam as the intake valve closes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: William Delaplaine Green
  • Publication number: 20040031460
    Abstract: An air cleaner, intake manifold, and valve cover are integrated together for attachment to a vehicle engine. The air cleaner is positioned directly between the intake manifold and valve cover to provide a compact induction module. The induction module is mounted to the engine as a single unit. A throttle body is also incorporated into the intake manifold. A tube interconnects the air cleaner and the throttle body. An air filter is installed within the air cleaner to remove contaminants from air prior to entry into the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Vanderveen, Vlad Negrut
  • Publication number: 20040031461
    Abstract: A valve (10) for use in an internal combustion engine comprises a base metal. The base metal is covered with a thin, dense chromium coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Savel, Robert C. McLaren, Doug Mellema
  • Publication number: 20040031462
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to produce a rounding off on a diesel piston comprising a combustion recess and valve recesses that lie at a slant in relation to the piston floor. The rounding off should not significantly increase particle emissions. To this end, the edge of the recess is rounded off in the area of the valve recesses in a special machining phase, the cutting edges of the cutting tool being guided in one or more planes that are parallel to the inclined valve recess surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Albrecht Mayer
  • Publication number: 20040031463
    Abstract: A lubrication system for an engine includes a sump for lubricant, a pump to pump lubricant along a lubricant feed line to lubrication positions within the engine, and a lubricant conditioner, and wherein the pump is an electrically driven pump which is controlled by a system controller, there being a diverter valve which is under the control of the controller selectively to divert at least a proportion of the lubricant from the lubricant feed line to the lubricant conditioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: David John Williams, David Thomas Black
  • Publication number: 20040031464
    Abstract: There are internal combustion engines with at least one cylinder and a reciprocating piston that can be moved in this cylinder, with a cylinder head associated with the cylinder, with a direct injector, and optionally with an electric spark plug, and with a device that is disposed in a stationary fashion on or in the cylinder head and is for absorbing electrical energy so that a surface of the device can be heated and used to at least partially vaporize fuel and at least partially for encouraging the ignition of the fuel/air mixture, particularly when the relevant internal combustion engine needs to be started, for example when cold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Stefan Arndt, Hans Schlembach, Ulrich Brenner, Udo Sieber
  • Publication number: 20040031465
    Abstract: A method for producing a hole in a body, especially an injection hole in a fuel injector is disclosed. The hole (L) is first produced by a percussion boring process or a trepanation boring process using a laser. The percussion boring process lasts less than 3 seconds. The trepanation boring process lasts less than 10 seconds. After percussion boring or trepanation boring a smoothing step is carried out by forcing a medium that is mixed with abrasive particles under pressure through the hole until any roughnesses of surfaces (F) of the body that form the hole (L) are substantially removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Wendelin Klugl, Eberhard Kull, Gerd Schmutzler
  • Publication number: 20040031466
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided with a variable mechanism capable of adjusting the amount of intake air introduced into each cylinder by controlling the operation angle of intake valves. In a low-load region, the intake valve operation angle is minimized, and the amount of intake air is controlled on the basis of the degree of throttle opening. In the low-load region, the operation angle of each valve is set so that there is no period during which both an intake valve and an exhaust valve are open. In a high-load region where the intake pipe pressure becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure, the amount of intake air is controlled on the basis of the operation angle. During this process, the degree of throttle opening is controlled so that the intake pipe pressure can be kept at the atmospheric pressure before and after the intake amount control based on the operation angle is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Ogiso, Tomomi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20040031467
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (30) has a fueling system comprising fuel injectors (36) that utilize oil under pressure to force fuel into engine combustion chambers. Oil is pumped to an oil rail (44) by an engine-driven pump (42) whose effective displacement can be varied. A control system (32) processes certain data, such as engine speed and load, for controlling the effective displacement of the pump. The pump has a larger stage (42B) and a smaller stage (42A). The control system selects and de-selects the stages to control pump displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: John E. Bernhardt, Christopher R. Ciesla
  • Publication number: 20040031468
    Abstract: A hybrid fuel injection system which allows electronic control over the injection processes, wherein selective rate shaping and multiplicity of injections is possible. The hybrid fuel injection system consists of an add-on common rail system (CRS) which provides supplemental fuel injections with respect to the main fuel injections provided by a unit pump system (UPS). Additionally, the CRS can serve to provide fuel injections as necessary to effect a “limp-home” mode of engine operation in the event of a failure of the UPS. Both the CRS and the UPS use common fuel supply, return, injector, and electronic controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Ramesh B. Poola, Richard J. Lill, Paul Gottemoller, Michael B. Goetzke
  • Publication number: 20040031469
    Abstract: An evaporative emission control system for a vehicle comprises a scrubber containing an activated carbon fiber material selected to adsorb butane and/or pentane isomer vapors in low concentrations in air passing through the scrubber and to desorb the adsorbed butane and/or pentane isomers without being heated. A method for reducing bleed emission to below about 3 mg per day uses the scrubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Sam R. Reddy
  • Publication number: 20040031470
    Abstract: An intake device for an internal combustion engine has: a first intake pipe which is connected to the engine so as to conduct an intake air to the engine, and which has an opening portion that is provided in an upstream-side lower portion of the first intake pipe located at an upstream side in a flowing direction of the intake air; and a second intake pipe which has a downstream-side end portion that faces an upstream-side end portion of the first intake pipe, with a gap formed therebetween, and which conducts the intake air to the first intake pipe. An unburned gas reflux passage is provided for conducting an unburned gas from the engine to the first intake pipe. A container surrounds the gap and the opening so as to receive the unburned gas flowing from the opening portion. Thus, it becomes possible to prevent release of unburned gas into the atmosphere by performing a simple process on a conventional structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicants: NIPPON SOKEN, INC., TOYODA BOSHOKU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki Takeyama, Naoya Kato, Takashi Nishimoto, Kouichi Oda
  • Publication number: 20040031471
    Abstract: A device for changing the angular velocity of airflow may be placed in the air intake line of an internal combustion engine. The device may be constructed from one or more stationary fins. The fins may be curved so that as air passes from a first edge of the fin, past a second edge of the fin, the air moves in a curvilinear or vortical path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Brian Leuenberger
  • Publication number: 20040031472
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for use in an internal combustion engine, comprising: an intake passage; a downstream fuel injection valve near the port of each cylinder of the engine and downstream of the intake passage; and a controller, wherein the intake passage includes a fuel injection/evaporation device which has an upstream fuel injection valve; a heater for evaporating injected fuel; and an air passage for supplying the injected fuel with air. The controller is adapted to control the amount of fuel injected from the downstream fuel injection valve and the upstream fuel injection valve, thereby controlling the fuel-air ratio of the injected fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Masami Nagano, Takanobu Ichihara
  • Publication number: 20040031473
    Abstract: The present invention is a toy gun for use by a person in water environment such as a swimming pool. In one embodiment, the toy gun comprises a first body portion having a first handle portion, a first trigger member, first front and back portions, and a first launching portion. The toy gun further comprises a second body portion having a second handle portion, a second trigger member, second front and back portions, and a second launching portion. The second body portion is removably engaged with the first body portion. The toy gun further comprises a first projectile removably engaged with the first launching portion and a second projectile removably engaged with the second launching portion. The first projectile comprises a first propulsion unit and the second projectile comprises a second propulsion unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew F. Fireman, James David Elliot, Tony Tong-Young Hsu
  • Publication number: 20040031474
    Abstract: A device 10 for illuminating luminescent paintballs before the paintballs are projected down the barrel of a paintball gun includes a conduit 12 configured to form a forty-five degree angle to promote the arranging of luminescent paintballs into a single row as the paintballs “fall” from an enclosure and into the conduit 12 to ultimately exit the conduit 12 and drop into a discharge mechanism, a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 14 that are positioned about an inner portion of the conduit 12 to illuminate the luminescent paintballs thereby urging the paintballs to “glow” in the dark, a “horseshoe” configured bracket 16 that disposes the lamps 14 at preselected portions of the conduit 12 that maximizes the exposure of the paintballs to ultraviolet light from the lamps 14, a low voltage D.C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Paul M. Ciesiun
  • Publication number: 20040031475
    Abstract: A portable concrete saw has a rotating concrete cutting blade that is rotated about a rotational axis by rotating drive shaft mounted to the saw and driven by a motor on the saw. A threaded recess in a distal end of the drive shaft is aligned parallel to the rotational axis but offset from that axis. An arbor sleeve is mounted to rotates with the distal end of the drive shaft. The sleeve has a non-symmetric blade mounting portion thereon to orientate the cutting blade in only one orientation. The sleeve has a hole therethrough parallel to the rotational axis through which the distal end of the shaft extends. A clamping plate has a recess aligned with and configured to receive at least one portion of the blade mounting portion in order to align the plate to rotate about the rotational axis. The plate has a geometric center with a hole through the plate parallel to the rotational axis but offset from the geometric center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Charles E. Markley
  • Publication number: 20040031476
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers are disclosed comprising a wafer saw including 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: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Warren M. Farnworth, Tom A. Muntifering
  • Publication number: 20040031477
    Abstract: An adjustable grill has a metal plate with a through hole defined in a center of the metal plate, multiple elongated pivoting bars each securely engaged with a plate which is arranged to cover the through hole, two control bars securely and pivotally located on opposite sides defining the through hole to respectively and pivotally connect to opposite distal ends of the multiple plates and a control knob connected to one of the elongated pivoting bars and extending out of the metal plate so that the user is able to control the dimension of the gaps between two adjacent plates by pivoting the control knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Jui-Ju Yeh
  • Publication number: 20040031478
    Abstract: A grill assembly including a rack assembly and an adaptor. The rack assembly includes a first rack spaced from and connected to a second rack opposite the first rack. The adaptor is adapted to attach to an exiting grill and to receive the rack assembly, wherein the rack assembly selectively rotates with respect to the adaptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Charles J. Gifford