Patents Issued in September 20, 2005
  • Patent number: 6945200
    Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle includes a first cooling circuit coupled to the vehicle engine for cooling the latter and a pump arranged in the first cooling circuit for pumping a coolant to the engine. The system further includes a second cooling circuit for cooling at least one other component in the vehicle, and an arrangement for coupling the second cooling circuit into the first cooling circuit in order to also supply the second cooling circuit with coolant from the pump. The cooling system further includes a line coupled from the first cooling circuit to the second cooling circuit bypassing the coupling means so that the second cooling circuit is supplied with coolant from the pump via the bypass line even when the coupling means is set to the disconnected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventors: Magnus Bergström, Frederik Grop, Pontus Evertsson
  • Patent number: 6945201
    Abstract: A method and apparatus providing positive crankcase ventilation, for the crankcase of an four-stroke engine having one or more reciprocating pistons exposed on a bottom side thereof to the crankcase, whereby the crankcase and bottom side of the one or more reciprocating pistons define a crankcase volume that varies cyclically with reciprocation of the one or more pistons. The cyclically varying volume of the crankcase, resulting from reciprocation of the one or more pistons, is used for generating a flow of air through the crankcase. The flow of air through the crankcase varies substantially in direct proportion to engine speed. An inlet control device and an outlet control device are attached to the crankcase, for controlling the flow of air through the crankcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Morse N Taxon, Donald D Anderson
  • Patent number: 6945202
    Abstract: A first piston connected to a first shaft and a second piston connected to a second shaft are supported within a housing by using a first leaf-spring unit and a second leaf-spring unit, respectively. Therefore, axial movement of the first shaft or the second shaft can be allowed, while circumferential rotational movement and radial movement can be restricted. The first leaf-spring unit includes two leaf-spring groups that are disposed in a row around the first shaft in the direction of the axis of the first shaft; similarly, the second leaf-spring unit includes two leaf-spring groups that are disposed in a row around the second shaft in the direction of the axis of the second shaft. Therefore, inclinations of the first shaft and the second shaft can be decreased. This results in reduction in contact between the first and second shafts and a cylinder within the housing and friction due to the contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kaneko, Yasumasa Hagiwara, Wataru Mii, Kazuhiro Ojika
  • Patent number: 6945203
    Abstract: A two-cycle engine is provided, especially in a manually-guided implement such as a power chain saw, a brush cutter, a trimmer or the like, and has a cylinder in which is formed a combustion chamber that is delimited by a reciprocating piston that, via a connecting rod, drives a crankshaft that is rotatably mounted in a crankcase. In prescribed positions of the piston, the combustion chamber is connected with the crankcase via at least two transfer channels. At least one air channel is provided that opens out at an air channel window at the cylinder in the region of the piston, and that, in prescribed positions of the piston, is connected with at least two transfer channels via a piston window formed in the piston. To achieve a good scavenging of the combustion chamber, and hence low exhaust gas values of the engine, structural features are provided on the piston window for the defined distribution of air to the transfer channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Helmar Amend, Klaus-Martin Uhl, Werner Geyer, Claus Fleig
  • Patent number: 6945204
    Abstract: A valve actuator assembly for an engine includes a movable engine valve. The valve actuator assembly also includes a movable finger for contact with the engine valve and a rotatable cam for contact with the finger. The valve actuator assembly further includes a finger-support element assembly for contact with the finger having a first piston and a second piston. The first piston and second piston are axially aligned and independently movable in the same direction to provide lift of the engine valve in an activated mode and lost motion of the engine valve in a de-activated mode. In the activated mode, one end of the second piston is the stationary pivot for the finger, and the other end contacts the first piston. The first piston rests on a fluid column. In the de-activated mode, fluid is exhausted hydraulically, yielding lost motion, and the two pistons are displaced away from each other by their biasing springs. The first piston remains stationary, and the second piston undergoes a reciprocating motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Burak A. Gecim, William R. Kuziak Jr.
  • Patent number: 6945205
    Abstract: An internal-combustion engine with a hydraulic device (1) for rotation angle adjustment of a camshaft (2) relative to a crankshaft is provided and includes a rotor with an impeller form (7), which is rotationally fixed via a central fastener (6) to the camshaft, and a stator (4), which rotates synchronously with a drive wheel (3) driven by the crankshaft, wherein on both sides of the impeller blades of the rotor, there are pressure chambers, which are each limited by radial walls of the stator (4) and can be filled with and emptied of hydraulic fluid via a hydraulic system, wherein the hydraulic fluid is guided, on one hand, via an annular gap (13) between rotor (7) and the central fastener (6) and, on the other hand, through generally axial and radial channels into the pressure chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Dirk Heintzen, Gregory Müller, Roger Meyer
  • Patent number: 6945206
    Abstract: A lobe-less cam for use in a springless poppet valve system is disclosed including a cam shaft having at least one surrounding region, at least one asymmetrical cam groove formed in the at least one surrounding region, and wherein the at least one asymmetrical cam groove has a lift portion and a descent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: George Wayne Mobley
  • Patent number: 6945207
    Abstract: A system and method for providing auxiliary power to a large diesel engine allowing shutdown of such large engine in all weather conditions. An auxiliary power unit made up of a secondary engine coupled to an electrical generator is provided. An automatic control system shuts down the primary engine after a period of idling and the auxiliary power unit provides electrical power for heating and air conditioning. In cold weather, the auxiliary power unit maintains the primary engine coolant and lube-oil warm to facilitate engine restart. The coolant system is kept warm using a heat exchanger and electrical heaters. The lube-oil system is kept warm using a recirculating pump and electrical heaters. In warm weather, the auxiliary power unit provides electrical power for air conditioning and other hotel loads. The auxiliary power unit isolates the primary engine batteries during operation and provides electrical power for hotel and non-vital loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: CSX Transportation, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J Biess, Christer Gotmalm
  • Patent number: 6945208
    Abstract: A start control apparatus includes a starter, a number-of-revolutions detection unit of an internal combustion engine, a crank angle sensor, a cam sensor, and a control unit for controlling cylinder ignition based on a crank angle signal and a cam signal. The control unit has a start determination unit for determining whether starting the engine is to be continued or stopped based on the crank angle and fluctuation in the number of revolutions when the starter being switched from on to off is detected, and controls continuing or stopping ignition control in accordance with the determination of the start determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shiro Yonezawa, Ken Tachibana
  • Patent number: 6945209
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. The damper includes a housing and a damper mass arranged in the housing and embedded in a fluid. The damper mass is joined to the housing by a spring device. The spring device is embodied and arranged in such a way that the damper mass is prevented from knocking against the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Jens Erik Franke
  • Patent number: 6945210
    Abstract: A combustion chamber assembly for use in a piston of a diesel engine includes a combustion chamber defined intersecting a crown of the piston, the combustion chamber being defined by a concave surface in cooperation with three convex surfaces, adjacent surfaces having direct smooth junctures. A piston and a method of forming a combustion chamber are further included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Zhengbai Liu
  • Patent number: 6945211
    Abstract: In a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, a plug hole for mounting an ignition plug is formed along a cylinder axis and an intake port and an exhaust port are respectively formed at both sides of the plug hole while sandwiching the cylinder axis therebetween. The cylinder head further includes an intake valve which opens or closes the intake port and an exhaust valve which opens or closes the exhaust port. In such a constitution, a cross-sectional shape of a flow passage of an outlet of the exhaust port is an oval shape extending in the horizontal direction and a water drain hole of the plug hole is formed below the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Nagahashi, Hiroshi Nakagome
  • Patent number: 6945212
    Abstract: A combustion chamber structure for an internal combustion engine is configured with a combustion chamber surface that has a recess disposed around at least a pair of intake openings. The recess defines a pair of intake opening formation surfaces surrounding the intake opening with a pair of steps formed between the combustion chamber surface and the intake opening formation surfaces. A connecting surface interconnects the intake opening formation surfaces. The connecting surface is also recessed from the combustion chamber surface to form a step therebetween and a communication space being formed between the intake openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kanjo Arimatsu
  • Patent number: 6945213
    Abstract: A cylinder block of a multicylinder engine, having a cylinder main body in which multiple cylinder bores are provided in parallel in an axial direction of a crankshaft, and a crankcase having plural journal walls. The crankcase is integrally provided with the cylinder main body, in which a communication hole extending in parallel to the axial line of the crankshaft is provided in the cylinder main body and the crankcase while at least a part of which is opened in the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder bore. This permits the cylinder block to be downsized, increases freedom of positional setting of the communication hole, and reduces ventilation resistance of air flow through the communication hole. A cut-processed member is expanded further outward from a piston slide surface and is formed along a radial direction of cylinder bores, in inner surfaces of the cylinder bores in at least portions closer to a piston at an open edge of a communication hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kawakubo, Tetsuya Nakayasu, Tadashi Kato, Nobuyuki Oya, Tatsuya Hirata
  • Patent number: 6945214
    Abstract: A modular engine assembly includes a cylinder bore block, a cylinder head disposed above the cylinder bore block, and a crankcase assembly disposed below the cylinder bore block. The crankcase assembly includes an upper carrier and a lower carrier each having a plurality of bearing portions therein being integral, unitary, and one-piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Anil K. Sachdev, Brian D. Kaminski, Alexander Millerman, Gary L. Jones, William H. Haverdink
  • Patent number: 6945215
    Abstract: A portable, operator-carried power tool having an implement supported on frame, and a lightweight, four-stroke, engine drivably connected to the implement. The engine has a crankshaft situated in a crankshaft housing and a cylinder block secured to the housing, the crankshaft being provided with a crankcase ventilation passage extending between the crankcase and an outlet end in communication with an air/fuel induction passage. A passage establishes communication between the interior of the crankcase and the valve chamber through a cam and cam gear region of the cylinder block. An oil mist generator is connected drivably to the crankshaft for agitating liquid oil in the crankcase to establish a lubricating oil mist. The crankcase, cam region and valve chamber form a containment whereby oil mist is distributed throughout the engine during operation regardless of angular orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: MTD Southwest, Inc.
    Inventors: Shiro Kawamoto, Harry Gene Rickard, John Sheldon, Yoichi Imgawa
  • Patent number: 6945216
    Abstract: The lubrication distribution system can be used whenever two chambers are separated by a wall with a source of lubrication in one chamber, a suction source in the other chamber and a pair of pathways between them for transporting oil. The oil distribution system for the internal combustion chamber uses appropriately placed ports and centrifugal force generated by a flywheel to provide lubrication for all moving parts in the engine. Oil is delivered from a sump to the cam chest. The cam chest is separated from the flywheel housing by a wall. A venturi port opening in the wall creates suction in the cam chest by virtue of the centrifugal force created by the flywheel. An air-oil mixture is circulated throughout the cam chest and through the venturi port opening. The oil mixture is circulated through the flywheel housing and returned to the cam chest through a second set of ports between the cam chest and flywheel housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: John Trease
  • Patent number: 6945217
    Abstract: Rotor having a pair of parallel side surfaces and a cured perimeter surface therebetween formed of contiguous mutually tangential curves each including a major portion defining a first major arc subtending a predetermined angle at a predetermined center of rotation, and having a first radius; a minor portion defining a first minor arc subtending a predetermined angle at the center of rotation, and having a second, shorter radius, the major and minor arcs arranged along an axis of symmetry; and intervening curves extending tangentially between major and minor arcs, each formed of a second major arc and a second minor arc, of predetermined radii; the curved perimeter shaped for coplanar, non-touching, and same-directional rotation with another identical rotor, and having mutually parallel orientations at the start of rotation and rotated at the same angular velocity, and separated from the curved perimeter of the other rotor by a predetermined fixed distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: DAR Engines, Ltd.
    Inventor: Dan Makler
  • Patent number: 6945218
    Abstract: A rotary piston for use in pumps or motors, the piston having a cylindrical rotor with radially movable vanes rotating within a housing, the movement of the vanes controlled by pins of the vanes travelling in races in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: 1564330 Ontario Inc.
    Inventor: Albert W. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6945219
    Abstract: A combustion chamber and method of distributing fuel in a combustion chamber is disclosed. The combustion chamber includes a first section that is generally centrally positioned in the combustion chamber. A second section is offset from the first section and maintains a uniform distance between a fuel spray and a perimeter of the second section. Such a combustion chamber improves combustion by maintaining a generally uniform fuel spray spacing to the combustion chamber walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventor: Sebastian Strauss
  • Patent number: 6945220
    Abstract: A starting device for an internal combustion engine is capable of increasing starting torque as well as supplying air to a cylinder that is on the expansion stroke without separately providing a means for supplying high-pressure air. Communication control valves control the states of communication between cylinders of the engine. A crank angle detector detects the crank angle of a crankshaft of the engine. A compression/expansion identification part identifies the compression stroke or the expansion stroke of each cylinder. Fuel is injected into a cylinder on the expansion stroke and ignited therein, and the expansion stroke cylinder is placed in communication with a cylinder on the exhaust stroke by a communication state control part for a prescribed time after the ignition thereof, after which the expansion stroke cylinder is further placed in communication with a cylinder on the compression stroke for a prescribed time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuyoshi Hori
  • Patent number: 6945221
    Abstract: A method and a device for operating a drive unit having internal combustion engine, in particular of a vehicle, making an expansion of the adjusting range of a regulator possible without significant additional complexity. In at least one operating state a setpoint value for at least one manipulated variable of the drive unit) is predefined by the regulator to correct an actual value of a performance quantity of drive unit to a setpoint value of the performance quantity. To set one or more manipulated variables a compressor in an air intake to the internal combustion engine is activated if the setpoint value of the one or more manipulated variables exceeds a predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Baeuerle
  • Patent number: 6945222
    Abstract: A method to determine degradation of an idle air throttling device in an internal combustion engine. Degradation is determined in a manner that may permit evaluation of both the idle air throttling device and expected engine operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Kluzner, Margherita Zanini-Fisher
  • Patent number: 6945223
    Abstract: A failure diagnostic apparatus for an intake air stream control valve which is provided in an intake system for an internal combustion engine, and which forms an air stream in the combustion chamber by changing a flow of intake air when the intake air is introduced to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. In the failure diagnostic apparatus, an ignition device is provided in the combustion chamber; an ECU changes ignition timing such that an engine rotational speed of the internal combustion engine becomes equal to a target rotational speed immediately after the engine is started while the engine is cold; and the ECU performs a failure diagnostic control for determining whether a failure has occurred in the intake air stream control valve based on whether the changed ignition timing is different from the reference ignition timing that is a reference for the failure diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichi Hoshi
  • Patent number: 6945224
    Abstract: In a control apparatus for controlling an intake air amount of an engine by variably controlling a lift amount of an intake valve, when a variable valve lift mechanism is failed, the control is switched to a control of the intake air amount based on an opening degree of a throttle valve, and also the opening degree of the throttle valve is restricted within an upper limit value in order to ensure a negative pressure utilized by a brake booster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Yoshizawa, Kenichi Machida
  • Patent number: 6945225
    Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unite, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John David Russell, Brian D. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 6945226
    Abstract: A valve control and diagnostic system uses physical stops to determine whether a connection between the valve motor and the valves has become degraded. The method can detect degradation in both the opening and closing direction, as well as in multi-valve systems, such as used on internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Songping Yu, Gene Andersen, Michael John Cullen, Eric S. Levine
  • Patent number: 6945227
    Abstract: A method for controlling mode transitions, such as from stratified to homogeneous mode, in a direct injection engine adjusts an intake manifold outlet control device, such as a cam timing, to rapidly control cylinder fresh charge despite manifold dynamics. In addition, a coordinated change between an intake manifold inlet control device, for example a throttle, and the outlet control device is used to achieve the rapid cylinder fresh charge control. In this way, engine torque disturbances during the mode transition are eliminated, even when cylinder air/fuel ratio is changed from one cylinder event to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John David Russell, Gopichandra Surnilla, Stephen Lee Cooper
  • Patent number: 6945228
    Abstract: Disclosed is a throttle device for an internal-combustion engine, in which, on one side of the side wall of a throttle body, there are formed a space for mounting a reduction gear mechanism which transmits the power from a motor to a throttle valve shaft and a default opening setting mechanism for holding a throttle valve opening at a specific opening (default opening) when the ignition switch is in off position, and a gear cover mounting frame which edges the mounting space. The frame is formed lower than the mounting level of the reduction gear mechanism. A gear cover for covering the gear mounting space is attached on the frame. A stopper for defining the default opening and a stopper for defining the full-closed position of the throttle valve are juxtaposed so as to enable position adjustments in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Saito, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui
  • Patent number: 6945229
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling knock in an engine having one or more cylinders in which combustion occurs. The system includes a sensor that detects the ionization of the combustion process in the cylinders. The ionization is related to the knock intensity occurring in the cylinders, and the sensor further transmits a signal associated with the knock intensity. The system further includes a controller that monitors the stochastic behavior of the ionization signal and adjusts the ignition timing of the engine to operate the engine with an actual knock intensity that is below a knock borderline limit that defines a desired knock intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Guoming G. Zhu, Ibrahim Haskara
  • Patent number: 6945230
    Abstract: A method eliminates detonation in an internal combustion engine (10) by identifying conditions that identify the imminence thereof. The method centers about the pressure inside the cylinder (16) of the internal combustion engine (10). The method tracks the pressure and when small rapid changes or fluctuations (38) in the pressure occur, the ignition timing is advanced for that particular cylinder (16). An alternative method utilizes a model of pressure based on an array of inputs and how the pressure should act based thereon. The method may also be used to maximize performance of the output of each cylinder (16) by retarding the ignition timing until the small fluctuations (38) appear. The ignition timing could immediately be advanced to prevent a detonation thus identifying a maximized output performance without reaching a detonation condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: TCI Automotive, LLC
    Inventors: Lance M. Ward, John D. Meaney
  • Patent number: 6945231
    Abstract: In a fuel gas mixer 1 including a throttle valve 4 provided in an air intake passage 2 connected to an engine for opening and closing the air intake passage 2 and a fuel gas supply passage 6 connected to the air intake passage 2 upstream of the throttle valve 4. A fuel gas control valve 5 is provided in the air intake passage 2 upstream of the connecting part of the fuel gas supply passage 6 for opening and closing the air intake passage 2, and a fuel gas control value controlling means 11 is provided for varying the degree of the opening of the fuel gas control value 5 depending upon the operating state of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshikatsu Iida
  • Patent number: 6945232
    Abstract: To further enhance the durability of a fuel injection apparatus, to protect the fuel injection apparatus from external force by a simple configuration and to make it possible to readily perform an assembling operation or a maintenance or inspection operation of an engine on which the fuel injection apparatus is mounted. A motorcycle includes an engine having a cylinder extending forwardly and substantially horizontally. An intake port extends substantially rearwardly from an upper portion of a cylinder head of the engine, and a fuel injection apparatus for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber through the intake port, is disposed in the proximity of the cylinder head. A mounting boss is provided on an outer face of the intake port rearwardly of the fuel injection apparatus. The fuel injection apparatus is mounted on the mounting boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Ikeda, Kenji Oki, Koji Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6945233
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing engine emissions in a locomotive are presented. In an embodiment, a fuel injector or a fuel injection pump of a fuel injection mechanism includes a plunger with an upper helix whose angle changes between points on the plunger that correspond to an idle throttle position and a full throttle position. As such, injection timing is optimized, and engine emissions are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: CSXT Intellectual Properties Corporation
    Inventors: Ted E. Stewart, David P. Miller
  • Patent number: 6945234
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for operating an internal combustion engine (1) having a compressor (5) which method makes possible an actualization of a pump limit of the compressor (5). A pressure ratio across the compressor (5) is limited in dependence upon a mass flow through the compressor (5) by means of the pump limit in order to prevent a pumping of the compressor (5). In at least one operating state of the engine (1), a check is made as to whether a pumping of the compressor (5) occurs. The pump limit is corrected in dependence upon the test results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Bleile, Michael Scheidt
  • Patent number: 6945235
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for enhancing exhaust gas recirculation efficiency on a combustion engine by providing a combustion engine having an exhaust system in fluid communication, via at least one juncture, with an exhaust gas recirculation system and locating a reflector in the exhaust system downstream of the at least one juncture. The reflector is adapted to reflect at least a portion of exhaust gas pressure pulses emitting from the combustion engine thereby causing a reflected pressure pulse to occur upstream of the reflector, and deflecting at least a portion of the reflected pressure pulse into the exhaust gas recirculation system thereby enhancing the efficiency of the exhaust gas recirculation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagner AB
    Inventors: Bert-Inge Bertilsson, Ivar Sahlén, Annika Carlsson
  • Patent number: 6945236
    Abstract: According to the invention, an EGR control apparatus of an engine includes intake ports to which an intake passage is connected, the intake ports opening into each combustion chamber of the engine, an EGR port to which an EGR passage branching out from an exhaust passage is connected, the EGR port opening into each combustion chamber of the engine, an electrically-operated compressor disposed in the EGR passage for regulating pressure at which EGR gas is introduced into each combustion chamber, and an EGR control valve disposed in the EGR passage at a point downstream of the electrically-operated compressor for controlling the amount of EGR gas introduced into each combustion chamber. The EGR passage branches out from the exhaust passage at a point downstream of an emission control device disposed in the exhaust passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Nakai, Yoshiyuki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6945237
    Abstract: An intake manifold mixes and supplies air and exhaust recirculation gas (EGR) to an internal combustion engine. The manifold is a casting and includes an air intake port, an intake chamber receiving intake air from the intake port, an outlet plenum communicated with the engine, an EGR inlet port, and first and second EGR valve chambers. A first EGR passage communicates the EGR inlet port with the first EGR valve chamber. A second EGR passage communicates the EGR inlet port with the second EGR valve chamber. A central EGR outlet passage communicates an end of each EGR valve chamber with a central portion of the plenum. First and second EGR outlet chambers receive EGR from the first and second valve chambers, and have outlet ports which communicate with first and second ends of the plenum. A wall separates the intake chamber from the central EGR outlet passage chamber and from one of the EGR inlet passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael Brian Sullivan, Nathan Daniel Carlson, Jack Glen Stabenow
  • Patent number: 6945238
    Abstract: An air intake system for an internal combustion engine includes a conduit defining a passageway that conveys air to a manifold. An EGR inlet in the conduit enables EGR to mix with the air. A plate is sufficiently positioned in the passageway such that air in the passageway is divided into two streams. One of the streams flows on one side of the plate and the other stream flows on the other side of the plate. The plate is sufficiently positioned with respect to the EGR inlet such that at least some of the EGR, and preferably the greater part of the EGR entering the passageway, is diverted to flow on only one side of the plate. The plate deflects at least some of the EGR such that it has more time and space in which to mix with the air before being ingested in an engine cylinder. The plate thus enables more consistent EGR distribution among engine cylinders, resulting in better emissions and fuel economy compared to the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Steven Huebler
  • Patent number: 6945239
    Abstract: A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine make it possible to set a setpoint value for the overall fresh air mass flow as the top control target. The internal combustion engine has a multi-flow air system including a multi-channel air supply and a corresponding multi-channel exhaust gas discharge, exhaust gas being recirculated from the multi-channel exhaust gas discharge into the multi-channel air supply and the exhaust gas recirculation being regulated for setting a setpoint fresh air mass flow. A value for the required overall fresh air mass flow of the internal combustion engine is predefined for at least one exhaust gas recirculation channel as the setpoint for the exhaust gas regulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Eduard Moser, Ahmet Bas
  • Patent number: 6945240
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas recirculation apparatus for an internal combustion engine mounted with a turbocharger in which a turbine is disposed in an exhaust passage and a compressor is disposed in an intake passage, when the exhaust gas recirculation is carried out, a port formed at the intake passage on the downstream side of the compressor is opened. As a result, since an intake air on the downstream side of the compressor is released to the atmosphere and a negative pressure in the exhaust passage is lowered, a differential pressure between an exhaust pressure in the intake passage and the negative pressure in the intake passage is increased, to improve an exhaust gas recirculation rate, so that a NOx discharge amount can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Kobayashi, Shigemi Kobayashi, Takaaki Matsumoto, Nozomi Kaise
  • Patent number: 6945241
    Abstract: A bowstring release includes a handle, a bowstring catch, and a link between the handle and catch. The catch includes a hook for retaining the bowstring, and a cam for holding and releasing the hook. The handle is initially rotatably mounted with respect to the link, so as the bowstring is drawn, the cam will retain the hook to hold the bowstring regardless of handle position. The handle has a spring-biased piston, and the link has one hole that can receive the piston. At full draw, the archer may rotate the handle so the piston will enter the hole in the link, locking the handle and link together. Further rotation of the handle will cause the link and attached cam to rotate out of engagement with the hook, to release the bowstring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Bernard M Pellerite
  • Patent number: 6945242
    Abstract: A method of cutting a rare-earth alloy with a wire 20, on which abrasive grains are fixed with a resin layer provided on the outer surface of a core wire, includes the steps of: providing a wire, of which the surface is coated with a lubricant including a glycol, by reeling the wire up in a pair of reel bobbins 40a and 40b; reeling the wire off one of the reel bobbins and letting the wire travel on a plurality of rollers 10a, 10b and 10c; and cutting the rare-earth alloy with the traveling wire while a portion of the rare-earth alloy being cut with the wire is supplied with a first coolant which is mainly composed of water. As a result, the life of a wire can be extended when a rare-earth alloy is cut with a wire saw machine using a coolant which is mainly composed of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Neomax Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadahiko Kondo, Akira Miyachi, Hazime Ishida
  • Patent number: 6945243
    Abstract: A portable Dutch Oven stand comprising a low aspect ratio and few parts which are integrally pieced together into one transportable unit. In a preferred form the Dutch Oven Stand includes a tray for holding cooking fuel (typically charcoal briquettes) at a safe distance from the ground while also maintaining such fuel from falling onto the ground, and while also supporting at least one Dutch Oven during cooking. The Dutch Oven stand also comprises folding legs permanently attached to the tray, a leveling means forming a part of the tray to level the stand prior to cooking, and a rotatable platform assembly for rotating a Dutch Oven while on the stand without lifting the Dutch Oven from the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Eric Walker, Jonathan B. Orlick, Roy Thomas Powell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6945244
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a range hood for evacuating air or emitted gas, which contains oily smoke and the like generated by cooking on a range, to the outside of a house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Yamazen Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 6945245
    Abstract: An oven rack for an oven provides includes a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion. A pair of handles extend from the first portion to permit a user to easily grasp the oven rack. A support system is attached to the oven rack and extends from the first portion to contact a bottom surface of a cooking chamber when the oven rack is installed in the oven and permits the oven rack to be used as a countertop trivet rack. An oven rack is provided which increases the cooking capacity of the cooking chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Arthur Cameron Wilson
  • Patent number: 6945246
    Abstract: A solar radiation reflector comprising a plurality of arms arranged in parallel, a plurality of driver mechanisms driven, respectively, by the arms, a plurality of reflectors turned, respectively, by the driven mechanisms, a plurality of reflection direction designating members connected, respectively, with the driven mechanisms to designate a predetermined direction of reflection of reflectors, respectively, a common link for turning the arms simultaneously, and a drive mechanism for driving the common link to direct the arms in parallel with the incident direction of solar radiation, and a solar energy system comprising the solar radiation reflector and a solar energy converter. The driven mechanisms driven simultaneously by the driving mechanism through the common link and the arms so that the reflectors may reflect solar radiation, respectively, toward specified directions turn the reflectors, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Mikio Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 6945247
    Abstract: Treatment of pulmonary disorders associated with hypoxemia and/or smooth muscle constriction and/or inflammation comprises administering into the lungs as a gas compound with an NO group which does not form NO2/NOx in the presence of oxygen or reactive oxygen species at body temperature. Treatment of cardiac and blood disorders, e.g., angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, hypertension, sickle cell disease and clotting disorders, comprises administering into the lungs as a gas, a compound which reacts with cysteine in hemoglobin and/or dissolves in blood and has an NO group which is bound in said compound so that it does not form NO2/NOx in the presence of oxygen or reactive oxygen species at body temperature. Exemplary of the compound administered in each case is ethyl nitrite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Jonathan S. Stamler, Eric J. Toone, Andrew J. Gow
  • Patent number: 6945248
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining leak and respiratory airflow are disclosed. A pressure sensor (34) and a differential pressure sensor (32) have connection with a pneumotach (24) to derive instantaneous mask pressure and airflow respectively. A microcontroller (38) estimates a non-linear conductance of any leak path occurring at a mask (12) as being the low pass filtered instantaneous airflow divided by the low pass filtered square root of the instantaneous pressure. The instantaneous leak flow is then the conductance multiplied by the square root of the instantaneous pressure, and the respiratory airflow is calculated as being the instantaneous airflow minus the instantaneous leak flow. The time constants for the low pass filtering performed by the microcontroller (38) can be dynamically adjusted dependent upon sudden changes in the instantaneous leak flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Michael Berthon-Jones
  • Patent number: 6945249
    Abstract: A face mask is disclosed. The face mask includes an inside surface, an outside surface having at least one edge, and at least one loop having a first end and a second end attached to the outside surface, where the loop is less than about 80 millimeters in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry L. Griesbach, III, Linda G. Harris