Patents Issued in March 18, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040050325
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering process fluids to a substrate processing system is described herein. In one embodiment, the fluid delivery system may include a first conduit for coupling a first fluid to the substrate processing system with a first flow controller for controlling the flow of the first fluid through the first conduit; a second conduit for coupling a second fluid to the substrate processing system with a second flow controller for controlling the flow of the second fluid through the second conduit; and a third conduit for coupling the second fluid to the substrate processing system with a third flow controller for controlling the flow of the second fluid through the third conduit. The fluid delivery system may be used to deliver processing fluids to a substrate processing system during semiconductor fabrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Arkadii V. Samoilov, Paul B. Comita
  • Publication number: 20040050326
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system for providing fluids to a substrate processing system. The fluid delivery system may include a first manifold having a first inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, wherein the first outlet and the second outlet are coupled to the substrate processing system. The fluid delivery system mat further include a first conduit for coupling a first fluid to the first inlet and a flow controller for controlling the flow of the first fluid through the first conduit. The fluid delivery system may also include a computer controlled metering valve coupled to the first outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Karin Anna Lena Thilderkvist, Christopher Todd Fulmer, Paul Comita, Annie A. Karpati
  • Publication number: 20040050327
    Abstract: A chuck assembly for supporting a workpiece within a plasma reactor chamber having sidewalls surrounding an interior region capable of supporting a plasma. The assembly includes a chuck base and at least one support arm extending outwardly from the chuck base perimeter to the chamber sidewalls. The chuck assembly includes a workpiece support member which is supported by one or more vertical translation members arranged between and operatively connected to the chuck base and the workpiece support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Wayne L. Johnson, Steven T. Fink, Jeff Browning, Jovan Jevtic
  • Publication number: 20040050328
    Abstract: A film-forming system comprising a vacuum chamber and an electroconductive partition plate dividing said vacuum chamber into a plasma generating space provided with a high-frequency electrode and a film-forming treatment space provided with a substrate-retaining mechanism for holding a substrate mounted thereon. A gas for generating desired active species by discharge plasma is introduced into the plasma generating space. Said desired active species are supplied to the film-forming treatment space through a plurality of penetration holes formed in the electroconductive partition plate for communicating the plasma generating space with the film-forming treatment space. Said electroconductive partition plate has a first internal space separated from the plasma generating space and communicating with the film-forming treatment space via a plurality of material gas diffusion holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Akira Kumagai, Keiji Ishibashi, Masahiko Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20040050329
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a plasma processing system and a plasma processing method which use inductive coupled plasmas but do not cause disadvantages due to slant electric fields immediately after plasmas have been ignited. Another object of the present invention is to provide a plasma processing system and a plasma processing method which use inductive coupled plasmas and include a Faraday shield to thereby remove slant magnetic fields so as to ensure the ignition of plasmas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Taro Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20040050330
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for machine milking an animal, particularly a cow, according to which a stir phase precedes a main milking phase, whereby during the entire stimulation phase, essentially no milk is withdrawn, and the of the stimulation phase is determined according to the amount of expected cisternal milk and/or alveolar milk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Ebeling, Bernhard Schulze-Wartenhorst, Olaf Suhr
  • Publication number: 20040050331
    Abstract: A rotary milking parlor milker detacher having a pivoting support arm and retracting chain arrangement that is synchronized with a rotating platform position to move the detacher between a storage position, a presentation position, and a milking position to protect the detacher from damage and provide a superior ergonomic design that reduces operator fatigue and turnover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick M. Hein, Jeffrey S. Hanson, Michael Heinrich, Frank Hoelscher, Larry G. Larson, Peter Kaever, Karsten Schonrock
  • Publication number: 20040050332
    Abstract: An attachment (2) for a rotary milking platform (1) characterised in that the attachment (2) is in the form of a frame surrounding at least one elongated aperture (7) positioned on or near the circumference of the rotary platform (1), the frame connected to the platform (1) by spacers (3), wherein the elongated aperture (7) can accommodate hosing associated with milking equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Bruce Battersby, Mary Kerr
  • Publication number: 20040050333
    Abstract: A modular milking parlor has a rigid frame on which the components of the milking parlor such as milking stations and cow control systems are mounted. The milking parlor frame includes a rectangular frame base and upright members extending upwardly from the frame base. The modular parlor can be conveniently shipped as a unit by attaching wheeled carriages to the frame of the modular parlor and elevating the milking parlor by operating jacks on the carriages attached to the wheels. The modular milking parlor as supported by the wheels may be rolled to a truck which transports the modular parlor to the installation site, and can be rolled on the wheels from the truck to the position at which the modular parlor is to be installed, at which point the carriage jacks are operated to drop the modular parlor on the ground, and the carriages are removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: DeLaval, Inc.
    Inventor: Rolf W. Reisgies
  • Publication number: 20040050334
    Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a teat cup assembly. The teat cup assembly includes a tubular sleeve, a milk receiving cup and a liner member. The liner member includes a head portion and a tubular elongate inflation portion. The head portion includes an upper teat chamber defined with a cylindrical wall having an outer exposed surface, an intermediate wall extending substantially orthogonally inward from the cylindrical wall and an upper seal wall laterally extending inward from the cylindrical wall having a central opening defined by the upper seal wall. The cylindrical wall of the head portion includes a cylindrical retaining extension configured to cooperate with and be coupled to an upper end portion of the tubular sleeve. The tubular elongate inflation portion includes side walls with opposite first and second ends defining a liner bore longitudinally along a length of the tubular elongate inflation portion with opposite first and second open ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: SILICONE PLASTICS, INC., dba SILICONE PRODUCTS
    Inventor: Steven J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20040050335
    Abstract: The invention relates to an animal feed supplement containing free D-pantothenic acid and/or its salts, and to an improved method for the production thereof. The invention also relates to the use of the animal feed supplement in the field of animal feeding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Jurgen Muller, Knut Eichler
  • Publication number: 20040050336
    Abstract: Described is a feed distribution system with feed dispensers (20), dispenser trays (22) of which have a convex edge (27) with successive edge areas (61) which have a relatively large radius of curvature and edge areas (62) which have a relatively small radius of curvature; a suitable shape in this connection is an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, a hexagonal shape etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Danny De Rouck
  • Publication number: 20040050337
    Abstract: A system and method for clam farming includes a supply ship coupled to a clam planter via a supply tube bundle having a plurality of individual tubes. The supply ship has a separation station configured for introducing individual clams into the individual supply tubes at a periodic interval. The clam planter includes an underwater vehicle and a plurality of row components that are slideably engaged with the underwater vehicle. Each of the row components is coupled to one of the individual tubes. As the underwater vehicle travels in a forward direction, the row components plow furrows and transport the individual clams into the furrows as they exit the individual tubes according to the periodic interval. A clam farm results having rows of clams near node points spaced from one another by node and row separation distances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas S. McRae
  • Publication number: 20040050338
    Abstract: An efficient economical automated animal house is provided to increase the health and longevity of animals, such as poultry, and swine. The automated poultry house provides for automatic removal of contaminated bedding and replacement with fresh or recycled bedding. The automated animal house also greatly reduces concentration of dust and noxious gases to provide for a cleaner and healthier environment for the animals and workers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Kairos, L.L.C. (an Illinois Limited Liability Company)
    Inventor: Joe Ford
  • Publication number: 20040050339
    Abstract: A pet basket is described. The basket acts as a pet bed, and a hemispherical cover is attachable to the pet bed to create a pet carrier. The cover is designed to allow the animal to have a view of the surroundings while securely transported in the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Debra L. Johnson, Thomas D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040050340
    Abstract: A topical insecticide is provided which can be safe to use and avoids many common deleterious side effects of conventional topical insecticides. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the active ingredient of the insecticide formulation is an amine derivative, having a nitro-methylene group, a nitroamino group or a cyanoamino group, which can be formulated to have low toxicity and excellent insecticidal activity. One particularly suitable insecticide is 1-{(tetrahydro-3-furanyl)methyl}-2-nitro-3-methylguanidine(dinotefuran), an aldulticide that will kill adult fleas, dissolved in a solvent such as ethanol and/or DPM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Ian William Cottrell, Albert Ahn, Michael William Lytwyn
  • Publication number: 20040050341
    Abstract: A topical insecticide is provided which can be safe to use and avoids many common deleterious side effects of conventional topical insecticides. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the active ingredient of the insecticide formulation is an amine derivative, having a nitro-methylene group, a nitroamino group or a cyanoamino group, which can be formulated to have low toxicity and excellent insecticidal activity. One particularly suitable insecticide is 1-{(tetrahydro-3-furanyl)methyl}-2-nitro-3-methylguanidine (dinotefuran), an aldulticide that will kill adult fleas combined with methoprene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Ian William Cottrell, Michael William Lytwyn, Albert Ahn
  • Publication number: 20040050342
    Abstract: An animal behavior training apparatus comprises in combination an activation means and a feeding device (12). The means has a sensing device (7) acting as a switch and being in an electric circuit with an electric motor (34) forming part of a feeding mechanism of the feeding device (12) which has a container (24) to receive foodstuffs or treats. The sensing device (7) when activated causes the feeding mechanism to discharge a measure of foodstuffs or treats form the container (24). The container (24) of the feeding device is upright and has an open top closable by a lid (26) and the bottom of the container (24) communicates with the feeding mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Gavin Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20040050343
    Abstract: Improvements in fall protection are disclosed, including a method for providing fall protection for human and non-human loads in elevated environments. The load is equipped with a safety harness and lanyard apparatus having first and second lanyards attached thereto. A method is disclosed for providing fall protection for human and non-human loads in an elevated environment wherein the load is primarily supported by an aerial lift vehicle or structure generally adjacent to a second structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Michael P. Kurtgis
  • Publication number: 20040050344
    Abstract: A knob adjustment device, particularly for adjusting the temperature in valve units of water-heating apparatus is described. The knob device is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis in a stationary housing of the valve unit and comprises safety means for the unidirectional restraint of the knob relative to the housing so as to oppose rotation of the knob in a first direction of rotation about the said axis, the knob being free to rotate in the opposite direction of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Alessandro Toniolo, Stefano Zanella
  • Publication number: 20040050345
    Abstract: An integrated electronic control unit is configured to execute a routine for controlling operation of the internal combustion engine, along with a routine for controlling operation of the fuel reformer. In one specific implementation, the electronic control unit is embodied as an engine control unit of a vehicle or a stationary power generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Shawn D. Bauer
  • Publication number: 20040050346
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a lift pump mounting bracket for an electronic control module cooler. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lift pump is mounted directly to the ECM cooler by means of a pair of brackets which engage frustoconical-shaped grommets on either end of the lift pump. The grommets provide vibration dampening for the lift pump, while mounting the lift pump directly to the ECM cooler provides a convenient place for such mounting and, typically, ease of access should the lift pump need to be serviced. The frustoconical shapes of the mounting grommet allow the lift pump to be removed upon the disassembly of only a single one of the pair of mounting brackets, thereby making disassembly quicker and more convenient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Charles R. Schenk
  • Publication number: 20040050347
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10) including at least two radial cylinders (17) disposed with their axes coplanar and equi-angular located relative to each other. The cylinders (17) meet to form a common combustion chamber (18). A piston (20) is located in each of the cylinders (17), each piston (20) cooperates with a cam profile (23) formed by the inner wall of a rotor (13). The cam profile (23) is rotationally symmetrical and includes the same number of lobes (26) as pistons (20) with each lobe (26) projecting radially inwards. The lobes are equi-angularly disposed about the inner wall of the rotor (13). In contrast to a conventional crankshaft driven engine, the cammed pistons (20) may move according to a non-sinusoidal time-velocity function. The lobes (26) may be modified in shape, for example, by filing or other reshaping, in order to customise the pattern of movement of the pistons (20) so as to alter the operating characteristics of the engine (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Warwick James Stokes
  • Publication number: 20040050348
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a pair of opposed pistons held within an elliptical guide of the engine housing. The pistons reciprocate within cylinders attached to a shaft. A combustion chamber is formed within the shaft and positioned to be between the pistons. Combustion of fuel causes the pistons to reciprocate and reciprocation of the piston causes rotation of the shaft. A valve having an intake and out take port provide fuel and exhaust to the combustion chamber. A bridge extending upwardly form the bottom of the combustion chamber prevents fuel intake from exiting the exhaust before combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Michel Arseneau
  • Publication number: 20040050349
    Abstract: An engine valve actuator is provided. The engine valve actuator includes a first piston and a second piston. The second piston is moveably received within the first piston. The engine valve further includes an actuator body that has a bore defining a first stop and a second stop. The first stop is configured to engage the first piston to limit movement of the first piston at a first preselected distance of travel. The second stop is configured to engage the second piston to limit movement of the second piston at a second preselected distance. A valve element is operatively connected to the second piston to move in response to movement of the second piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Scott A. Leman, Ronald D. Shinogle, Sean Cornell, Mingchun Dong
  • Publication number: 20040050350
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for gas exchange valves of internal combustion engines is proposed, in which the lifting of the gas exchange valve from the valve seat is effected with great force. The opening motion of the gas exchange valve then ensues at reduced force. Upon closure of the gas exchange valve, the gas exchange valve is braked before striking the valve seat, so that operation of the gas exchange valve with little wear and little noise can be achieved (FIG. 1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Udo Diehl, Karsten Mischker, Uwe Hammer, Volker Beuche, Peter Lang, Stefan Reimer
  • Publication number: 20040050351
    Abstract: In an operating system for a hydraulic valve clearance control element of an internal combustion engine, which includes a hydraulic fluid having a pressure that depends on the engine operating state and wherein the hydraulic clearance control element includes a pressure chamber in which a hydraulic fluid volume is maintained for adjusting the length of the hydraulic clearance control element and means for maintaining the fluid volume when, after engine shut down, the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied by an engine fluid pressure source drops below a certain value so as to maintain the hydraulic clearance control element at its operating length during engine shutdown, means are arranged on the-hydraulic fluid supply line to the hydraulic valve clearance control element for releasing hydraulic fluid to reduce its pressure below the certain value immediately upon engine shut down to safely maintain the hydraulic clearance control elements at their operating length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Schmidt, Holger Steffen, Thomas Stolk, Alexander von Gaisberg-Helfenberg
  • Publication number: 20040050352
    Abstract: The invention relates to a variable valve train (1) for a cam-actuated lifting valve (13) of an internal combustion engine, which valve (13) is loaded by a closing spring (13a) acting against the direction of opening, with an approximately cylindrical force application element (2) located between a cam (14) and the valve (13), whose length can be adjusted hydraulically and whose exterior cylindrical wall face (3) is slidable in a fixed guide cylinder (4), said element (2) being provided with a pressure piston (6) longitudinally slidable in a cylinder (5), which piston (6) is adjacent to a pressure chamber (7) into which opens a pressure channel (8) departing from a port (9) in the wall face (3) of the force application element (2), a fixed pressure line (11) opening into the guide cylinder (4) in the area of the port (9), which line (11) can be subjected to hydraulic high pressure (pH) permitting hydraulic activation of the valve (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Kammerdiener, Peter Herzog, Peter Christian Meurer
  • Publication number: 20040050353
    Abstract: A variable timing duration camshaft has an outer shaft (1) and coaxial inner shaft (2) adapted so that the shafts (1, 2) are relatively slidable but not rotatable about each other. The outer shaft (1) has valve control lobes located on its outer surface and a valve control lobe modifying segments (4) is located on the inner shaft (2) and is slidingly fitted into a mating slot (5) in the outer shaft and in the valve control lobe whereby longitudinal axial movement of the inner shaft (2) relative to the outershaft by a control means (13, 14) causes the modifying segment (4) to move longitudinally and circumferentially relative to the valve control lobes thereby varying the duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Danny Russell Williams
  • Publication number: 20040050354
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve mechanism with a variable valve opening cross section, in which the valve mechanism is disposed at an admission opening of an internal combustion engine and has a gas exchange valve, which is acted on by the force of a valve spring and is displaceable axially back and forth inside a guide by a valve control unit; the position of the sealing slide relative to the gas exchange valve in the axial direction is continuously variable by means of an adjusting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Uwe Hammer
  • Publication number: 20040050355
    Abstract: An engine control system for remotely controlling an internal combustion engine. The engine control system includes a pair of relay systems that are connected with an ignition system and a starting system of the engine. The engine control system, according to the signals received from the transmitter, causes the relay systems to be either energized or de-energized as required to start and/or stop the engine. The relay systems are configured to be energized as either as long as a signal is received from the transmitter or to be energized even after the signal is no longer received. This enables the engine control system to temporarily activate the starting system of an engine until the engine is started while more permanently activating the ignition system until the engine is shut down, at which time the appropriate relay system is de-energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Chuck A. Harris, Alfred J. Morin, John W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20040050356
    Abstract: An internal four-cycle combustion engine with at least one piston that rotates in relation to a hub that acts as a rotary valve is provided. The rotary valve hub includes passageways to provide for fuel/air intake, exhaust, and coolant as well as an ignition devise and services all cylinders that revolve around it. Each piston compresses inward toward the hub and is actuated by its own gear driven crankshaft that is driven by a gear affixed to the hub. The crankshaft gear having one half the radius of the hub gear, will rotate twice as it circles the hub, providing four cycles of piston motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Scott Gregory Stotler
  • Publication number: 20040050357
    Abstract: To provide an air intake system for a vehicle, so simple in structure as to reduce the cost and effective to increase the ram pressure, a front cowling (19) is mounted on a front portion of a vehicle body structure (1). This front cowling (19) has left and right headlight windows (20 and 21) aligned with left and right headlights (22 and 23), respectively, and also has an air intake opening (24) defined therein at a location above the headlight windows (20 and 21) for introducing an external combustion air (A) towards the vehicle engine (E). An intake air passage (35) is provided for introducing the combustion air (A), then entering the air intake opening (24), towards an air cleaner (30) by way of opposite lateral portions of a head tube (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Shoji Idei, Keishi Fukumoto, Masashi Fukuuchi, Takashi Fukami
  • Publication number: 20040050358
    Abstract: This invention is a hybrid steam & combustion rotary engine designed to use combustion to drive a piston in a continious unidirectional circle within a sealed toroidal chamber. Combustion drives the piston(s) and the heat is utilized to create steam by water injection to induce cooling & extra thrust on the piston(s) within the toroidal chamber(s). Magnetically sensitive pistons are magnetically coupled to a drive axle through the nonmagnetic chamber walls, eleminating the need for combustion seals within the pressure chambers. Tempreature & piston locations are monitored by common tempreature and magnetic sensors located outside the toroidal chambers. The valve opening & closings, as well as ignition, water & fuel injection, are controlled via a common micro-processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Ayton Edward Harrison
  • Publication number: 20040050359
    Abstract: A method of optimizing mounting position of a direct injection fuel injector tip that can be used to minimize injector tip deposit formation of one or more selected internal combustion engine and direct injection fuel injector. The combination can be different engines with different injectors or the same engine or the same injector but with different characteristics for the engine and injector. For each combination selected, the method involves generating at least two maps different maps that are analyzed to determine whether a particular engine with the particular fuel injector has a tendency to promote injector tip deposits formation. The first map is a map of the range of injector tip temperatures of a particular engine and injector combination. The first map is a rough indicator of a tendency towards combustion deposits. The second map is an engine characterization map that correlates testing conditions to actual combustion deposits formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: William James Imoehl
  • Publication number: 20040050360
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an internal combustion engine with a fuel injection system which can comprise, in addition to a main injection quantity, an additional amount of pre-injected and/or post-injected fuel for each injection pulse for each combustion chamber for each combustion cycle at a given injection time. A theoretical torque is determined from an accelerator pedal value, rotational speed and air or fuel mass flow while taking into account a factor from a family of characteristics. According to the invention, the calculated theoretical torque is corrected in the case of a pre-injected or post-injected fuel mass flow by taking into account, in a correction factor, a value for a time or phase difference of the amount of pre-injected or post-injected fuel and the main injection quantity for each cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Werner Happenhofer, Hong Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040050361
    Abstract: A valve train is disclosed for an internal combustion engine having a block, a camshaft in the block, and at least two push rods actuated by the camshaft. The valve train comprises first and second rockers, and three valves. The first rocker is actuated by one of the push rods, and the second rocker is actuated by another of the push rods. A first valve is associated with a cylinder of the engine and actuated by the first rocker. A second valve is associated with the cylinder and actuated by the first rocker, and a third valve is associated with the cylinder and actuated by the second rocker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Mark S. Hannon, James R. Klotz
  • Publication number: 20040050362
    Abstract: An operating internal combustion engine with at least one cylinder (2), and a piston (12), which can move in an alternating manner therein, is used to compress a fuel mix in a combustion chamber (11). In order to determine the nitrogen oxide content in oxygen-containing exhaust gases, the quantity of fuel fed to the cylinder (2) and the air mass flowing in an induction pipe (15) are recorded and are fed to an electronic circuit (6). The center of gravity (S) of the combustion is determined from at least one current measured value for the engine operation, and the level of nitrogen oxide emissions is calculated from the value for the center of gravity (S) of the combustion, including the values for the recorded fuel quantity and air mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Helmut Daudel, Guenter Hohenberg
  • Publication number: 20040050363
    Abstract: In a multi-cylinder engine having a compression ignition combustion mode, a vibration detecting sensor that is preferably mounted in a cylinder block or a cylinder head is used to detect a frequency and the detected frequency is appropriately analyzed to detect or estimate a cylinder pressure peak value and peak timing for each cylinder. An amount of internal EGR, a fuel injection condition, an engine speed and the like are then controlled so as to bring each of these parameters into an appropriate range thereof. The control apparatus suppresses variations in combustion states among different cylinders and different cycles arising from unit-to-unit variations or deterioration in the engine or part-to-part variations or deterioration in a component thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shiro Yamaoka, Toshiharu Nogi, Atsushi Shimada, Nobuyasu Kanekawa, Youichi Iihoshi
  • Publication number: 20040050364
    Abstract: To reduce the number of the fuel distribution pipes and fuel joints to make the cost for them inexpensive, a fuel distribution pipe is provided with a fuel distribution passage with one end being opened by a fuel introduction hole, a plurality of injection valve insertion holes positioned apart from a longitudinal axial line of the fuel distribution passage toward one side by a predetermined amount, having longitudinal axial lines thereof crossing orthogonally to the longitudinal axial line, and having a leading end open toward one side a plurality of mounting bosses formed orthogonally to a cross section including the longitudinal axial lines and, and each having an upper end surfaces and a lower end surfaces uniformly protruding upward and, downward a predetermined amount from the longitudinal axial line, and mounting holes provided in the mounting bosses apart from the longitudinal axial line toward one side by a predetermined amount, at least two fuel distribution pipes being prepared, the fuel introducti
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: KEIHIN CORPORATION, Tokyo, JP
    Inventor: Yoichi Yanagii
  • Publication number: 20040050365
    Abstract: A fuel-injection system (1) for injecting fuel into an internal combustion engine, having at least one fuel injector (2) and a fuel-distributor line (4), is provided for each fuel injector (2) with a connecting piece (3), which is connectable to an inflow section (21) of the fuel injector (2). The connecting piece (3) is connectable to the fuel injector (2) via a screw connection made up of a screw cap (23) and a thread (25). A retaining sleeve (26) is able to be slipped with form locking over the screw cap (23) and a counter-hold section (27), matched in form, on the side of the thread (25), in order to prevent a twisting of the screw cap (26) and the thread (25) relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Ferdinand Reiter
  • Publication number: 20040050366
    Abstract: A fuel injector mounting construction for an engine includes an improved thrust member. The engine is a direct injected, internal combustion engine. A fuel injector is provided for spraying fuel into a combustion chamber and inserted into an opening formed in a cylinder head. The fuel injector has a contact surface for receiving a loading or thrust force. The contact surface extends about the nozzle of the fuel injector. A seal member is provided for sealing a space between the fuel injector and the opening. The thrust member has a fixing section and a thrust section. A fixing member affixes the thrust member onto the cylinder head at the fixing section and thereby loads the thrust section onto the contact surface to exert a upon the contact surface toward the combustion chamber. At least one of the thrust section and the fixing section has a convex surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Masahiko Kato
  • Publication number: 20040050367
    Abstract: The invention relates to an injector for high-pressure injection of fuel in self-igniting internal combustion engines. The injector includes an actuator valve for opening and closing the injector; a nozzle needle (17), which in the closed state of the injector closes at least one injection opening (18); a metering valve (4), which establishes a hydraulic communication between the actuator valve and the relief chamber (6) of the injector; a pressure holding device (33), which serves to maintain a static pressure required for the metering valve (4); and a first control quantity line (29) for control quantities (34) that flow via the actuator valve, and a second control quantity line (43) for control quantities (35) that flow via the metering valve (4). The pressure holding device (33) dynamically separates the control quantities (35) of the metering valve (4) from the control quantities (34) of the actuator valve by means of a hydraulic fluctuation damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Kurrle, Reiner Koch, Joerg-Peter Fischer
  • Publication number: 20040050368
    Abstract: An electronic control system for an internal combustion engine comprising a controller having a fuel injection control section to control an injector of a fuel injection unit to supply fuel to the engine and an electric power source section to apply a driving power from a generator driven by the engine to the fuel injection unit and the controller, the controller having a first injection command generation section to generate an injection command when an output voltage of the generator reaches a set value whereby a first fuel injection at a start of the engine is made when the first fuel injection command generation section generates the injection command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Yuichi Kitagawa, Kazuyoshi Kishibata, Hiroyasu Sato
  • Publication number: 20040050369
    Abstract: A fluid system for supplying low and high pressure fluid is provided. A first pump discharges a first pump flow. A filter receives a first portion of the first pump flow and discharges a filter flow. A first accumulator receives a first portion of the filter flow. A valve receives a second portion of the first pump flow and a second portion of the filter flow, and discharges a valve flow. The valve is movable between a first position, providing a first flow path between the second portion of the first pump flow and the valve flow, and a second position, providing a second flow path between the second portion of the filter flow and the valve flow. A second pump receives the valve flow and discharges a second pump flow. A second accumulator receives the second pump flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis D. Feucht
  • Publication number: 20040050370
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filter module (23) for a fuel conveying unit (2) comprising a fuel pump (5) with two pump chambers (20, 21) which are independent of each other. A common filter area (24) is provided for the inlet areas (16, 17) of the pump chambers (20, 21). The filter module (23) has a connector (25) which can be inserted into a recess of a housing part (7). The configuration of the filter module (23) is particularly economical as a result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Johannes Deichmann, Peter Marx, Peter Schuchardt
  • Publication number: 20040050371
    Abstract: The fuel supply system has a fuel tank (12), in which a cup-shaped storage container (14) is disposed in which a feed unit (16) is disposed that pumps fuel out of the storage container (14) to an internal combustion engine (10) of the motor vehicle, and a filter (24) surrounding the feed unit (16) over at least part of its circumference is disposed in the storage container (14), through which filter the fuel pumped by the feed unit (16) to the engine (10) flows. The filter (24) is disposed in the storage container (14) next to the feed unit (16), is embodied with a crescent-shaped curved cross section, and surrounds the feed unit (16) over part of its circumference. The filter (24) has a filter insert (28) folded in star-shaped fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Alfonso Baz
  • Publication number: 20040050372
    Abstract: A system for reduction of vapour release during vehicle fuelling is presented. The system includes a fuel tank, an inlet duct with its lower end attached to the fuel tank for introducing fuel into the tank and a porous flexible sock attached to the lower end of the inlet duct by means of a connector. The porosity of the sock is such that a substantial proportion of the incoming fuel flows through the wall of the sock. Because this flow is over a large area, the velocity is low and therefore results in a reduction of gasses and vapours generated during vehicle fuelling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Lynfel James Owen
  • Publication number: 20040050373
    Abstract: A device and method to extend the useful lubricant life in a diesel engine equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system consisting of placing a chemical filter in an area of relatively higher humidity either in the EGR stream or near the intake manifold. In some cases, placing chemical filters in both locations would be preferred. This device may also be used in combination with a chemical filter placed in the lubricant recirculation system which produces a synergistic effect beyond the individual effects of either component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Jason Zhisheng Gao, Mahmoud Mostafa Hafez, Riccardo Conti
  • Publication number: 20040050374
    Abstract: In an exhaust-gas recirculation system of an internal combustion engine with an exhaust-gas recirculation line extending between an exhaust duct and an inlet duct, wherein the exhaust-gas recirculation line includes an exhaust-gas recirculation valve and also at least one first exhaust-gas cooler, at least one second exhaust-gas cooler is provided in the exhaust gas recirculation line and the exhaust-gas recirculation valve is arranged between the first exhaust-gas cooler and the second exhaust-gas cooler so that only the first exhaust gas cooler is subjected to the high exhaust gas pressure effective during engine braking when the exhaust gas recirculation valve is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Walter Aupperle, Peter Kalisch