Patents Issued in January 24, 2006
  • Patent number: 6988436
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a turret punch press capable of discharging easily the small article work sheet cut off from the material work sheet, without employing a subhead separately from the punch driving mechanism. The punch press comprises a work sheet outlet 12 for discharging small article work sheet cut off from the material work sheet in the punch processing, employed in the lower turret 4. Moreover, a chute 13 connected to the work sheet outlet 12 is employed in a main body frame 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kawai
  • Patent number: 6988437
    Abstract: This device for controlling the rotation of the drum in an apparatus for dispensing wiping material being arranged with a profiled lever articulated at its base against the action of an elastic return means. The lever is arranged in the upper part with a support spindle for a pair of pulleys that are mounted to rotate freely. The lever is arranged to be articulated at its base by two spindles arranged in an angular sector concentric with the point and with the spindle of articulation of the drum. The end plate housing the drum is arranged with two oblong slots formed in sectors concentric with the opening and region of housing of the spindle of the drum. The spindles are introduced into and guided in said slots and an upper end of the lever protrudes beyond the upper edge face of the end plate holding the roll, while at the same time facing the outer wall thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Maurice Granger
  • Patent number: 6988438
    Abstract: A sawguide assembly includes a set of sawguides positioned adjacent to one another to create an array of laterally-abutting sawguides. A sawguide biasing assembly biases the sawguides against one another. The array is supported for movement along a lateral path generally parallel to the axis of the arbor. A lateral driver is used to move the entire array in unison along the lateral path. A sawguide array skewing assembly couples the sawguides to one another so that the sawguides can be pivoted in unison about their respective pivot axes by a skewing driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: COE Newnes/McGehee Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. McGehee, Jeffrey T. Burns, Rory M. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6988439
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a base, a blade-holding arm mounted rotatably on the base, a blade mounted rotatably on the blade-holding arm and rotatable about an axis, and a light-emitting unit mounted on the blade-holding arm and adapted to project an image line on the workpiece. The light-emitting unit is movable in a transverse direction relative to the blade between a first position, in which the image line is disposed at a first lateral side with respect to the blade, and a second position, in which the image line is disposed at a second lateral side with respect to the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: P & F Brother Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Ta-Chung Liu, Yueh-Hsun Chang
  • Patent number: 6988440
    Abstract: A rotary actuator assembly is provided. The assembly has a flexible member that is attached to a piston for linear movement. The flexible member is also attached to a pinion for pivotable movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: PHD, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen A. Morr, Larry E. Keeling, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6988441
    Abstract: An engine includes a rotatable member with one or more cylinders disposed tangentially around its circumference. There are one or more corresponding pistons, each piston is associated with a piston lever pivoted eccentric to the rotatable member. Movement of each piston is controlled so that combustion energy is transmitted to the rotatable member by the cylinder moving away from the piston. Both the cylinders and pistons rotate continuously relative to a stationary part of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Harcourt Engine Pty Limited
    Inventors: Dougal Lamont Harcourt, Robert James Selby, William Lewis White
  • Patent number: 6988442
    Abstract: A brake actuator includes a flange case having a radially outwardly extending annular flange, a head having a radially outwardly extending annular flange, and a diaphragm having a widened outer periphery sandwiched between the annular flange of the flange case and the annular flange of the head. The diaphragm includes a reinforcing member embedded in or attached to an outer surface of the widened outer periphery thereof. The reinforcing member is formed of a material which is more resistant to deformation than a material of which the diaphragm is formed so as to inhibit the widened outer periphery of the diaphragm from pulling out from between the annular flange of the flange case and the annular flange of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Corporation
    Inventor: Albert D. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6988443
    Abstract: An air brake actuator assembly includes a pre-formed air chamber component and a cast brake housing. A portion of the cast brake housing is cast around a portion of the air chamber component. This securely attaches the air chamber component to the cast brake housing without requiring additional fastening structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Braking Systems (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Royston Leonard Morris
  • Patent number: 6988444
    Abstract: A combination grinder and brewer for grinding of coffee beans and delivering ground coffee to a brewing chamber for the brewing of a coffee beverage includes a fan for creating a positive pressure air blanket at the interface between the delivery system and the brewing chamber so as to minimize movement of moistened air from the brewing chamber into the delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Grindmaster Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Pfeifer, Donald E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6988445
    Abstract: Enclosed rotisserie with added convenience, including a countertop resting box-like enclosure housing a safety rear mounted heating element and a power rotated dual horizontal rod spit assembly. The gear driven spit assembly may be easily inserted and removed straight into and out of the enclosure without need for angling or coupling the assembly to a power drive socket. The spit assembly may also be mounted at various distances from the heating element to decrease cooking times. The open front of the enclosure is from time to time covered by an inclined glass panel door which may be opened in various ways to facilitate food insertion into and removal from the enclosure, and which may be easily removed for cleaning or other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Advantage Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Backus, Ron Popeil
  • Patent number: 6988446
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel constitutive nitric oxide synthase (NOS) that utilizes both L-arginine and arginine-rich peptides, oligopeptides or proteins, e.g., bradykinin (BK), as substrates in the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). Also provided are methods of controlling, regulating or modulating NO synthesis in a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: John P.N. Rosazza, Yijun Chen
  • Patent number: 6988447
    Abstract: A fruit squeezer is disclosed. This fruit squeezer forms two transmission movements synchronously in two directions by means of a transmission member to drive the passive pressing cover and the passive rotating member of the fruit squeezer thereby squeezing the fruit by means of forces formed by more than two transmission movements and rotations for obtaining perfect fruit juice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Ruey-Lan Horng
  • Patent number: 6988449
    Abstract: Dynamic baselining of current modulation-based talkback from a slave device to a master device in a system such as an electronic blasting system, wherein the dynamic baselining enhances communication integrity under conditions of environmental noise and the like. With a data packet of appreciable length, the dynamic baselining is preferably performed repeatedly on the bytes or words within the packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Special Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Gimtong Teowee, David T. Jennings, III
  • Patent number: 6988450
    Abstract: Anti-personnel tank fired ammunition designed for attacking personnel at various ranges includes a hollow base member adapted with an electric primer and a plastic or aluminum canister containing a payload at one end thereof. In operation, the hollow cartridge is loaded with a solid propellant. The electric primer which is centrally located in the solid propellant is fired and provides a flash together with the gasses needed to ignite the propellant. The burning propellant then provides the gasses needed to force the canister from the gun tube in which the ammunition is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Peter Georgantzis, Keith J. Martin, Andrew A. Molina, Andrew Gowarty, Anthony P. Farina, Henry E. Hudgins
  • Patent number: 6988451
    Abstract: A rail car mover apparatus for a loader vehicle comprises means to rotatably attach a pair of front rail wheels to a front end of the loader vehicle such that the front rail wheels are spaced to engage the pair of railroad rails and such that the front rail wheels can move up and down in response to forces exerted by a front actuator; means to rotatably attach a pair of rear rail wheels to a rear end of the loader vehicle such that the rear rail wheels are spaced to engage the pair of railroad rails and such that the rear rail wheels can move up and down in response to forces exerted by a rear actuator; and a coupler adapter adapted at a rear end thereof for attachment to a front portion of the loader arms and adapted at a front end thereof for coupling to a rail car hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Brandt Road Rail Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Marcotte, Barry Burt
  • Patent number: 6988452
    Abstract: A furnace system for solid fuel includes a tower distributor for addressing flow imbalance in a heterogeneous stream. The tower distributor comprises four sections: an inlet section, a mixer section, a recovery section and an outlet section. Illustratively, the inlet section includes a first elongated passageway where one, or more, input streams pass into the tower distributor. The mixer section receives the one, or more, input streams and mixes them together thereby creating turbulence while providing a single mixed stream to the recovery section. The recovery section includes an elongated passageway having a length sufficient for turbulence in the mixed heterogeneous stream to substantially subside as the mixed stream flows through the recovery section and exits to the outlet section as a laminar mixed stream. The outlet section provides the laminar mixed stream to multiple outlet pipes for transport to burners of the furnace system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Joel Vatsky
  • Patent number: 6988453
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter is directed toward a pyrolytic waste treatment system comprising an outlet adapted to channel a composition out of a pyrolysis chamber. A mechanism is used for cleaning the outlet during operation of the pyrolytic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: International Environmental Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Cameron Cole, Raul de la Tores, Toby L. Cole, Dan Watts
  • Patent number: 6988454
    Abstract: A combustion boiler for burning fuel and producing heat to generate steam. A method of minimizing discharging of nitrogen oxides from a combustion boiler comprising the steps of spraying a reducing agent into an overfire air stream and supplying the overfire air stream to the combustion boiler. Vaporizing the sprayed reducing agent at least within about 0.1 seconds of the sprayed reducing agent entering the combustion boiler and reacting the vaporized reducing agent with the nitrogen oxides within the combustion chamber to reduce the nitrogen oxides and minimize discharge of nitrogen oxides from the combustion boiler. The reducing agent is nearly substantially instantaneous evaporated/gasified by the high energy of the reducing agent injection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Combustion Technology
    Inventors: Peter D. Marx, Robert W. Pickering, Charles E. Trippel
  • Patent number: 6988455
    Abstract: A sewing machine comprises: a head portion having a sewing needle driven to vertically reciprocate; a lower shaft having a shuttle connected thereto which is driven to rotate synchronized with the vertical movement of the sewing needle cooperating to form stitches; a table positioned above the lower shaft; a retainer positioned above the table to retain a material for forming stitches thereon; a holding frame placed parallel to the table, the head portion being mounted at a position on the holding frame; and supporting posts adapted to support opposite ends of the holding frame for positioning the holding frame above the table. The sewing machine allows a material to be sewn, which is retained retainer, to be easily mounted or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Sunstar Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Hak Lee, Kyong-Min Ryu
  • Patent number: 6988456
    Abstract: A personal watercraft including a hull and at least two pontoons repositionably attached to the hull with at least one pontoon attached proximate the starboard side and at least one pontoon attached proximate the port side. The pontoons are laterally and longitudinally repositionable as between a storage position in which the pontoons are generally longitudinally aligned relative to the hull and have a minimized lateral distance between the pontoons, and a flotation position in which the pontoons are shifted aft relative to the longitudinally aligned storage position and have a maximized lateral distance between the pontoons. Also, a personal watercraft having one or both of (i) a pair of laterally spaced hitch attachments secured to the hull proximate the bow of the hull, and/or (ii) a pair of laterally spaced hitch attachments secured to the hull proximate the stern of the hull 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Timothy E. Schooler
  • Patent number: 6988457
    Abstract: There is disclosed a structure for fastening a shipboard-protecting fender comprising: a plurality of reinforcing rib layers securely provided on the inner and outer faces of a shipboard; a fixed base horizontally fastened on the reinforcing rib layers of the shipboard by means of a plurality of bolts, an accommodating space being formed at the outside of the fixed base; a core layer, one end of which is accommodated in the accommodating space of the fixed base; a bump-preventing layer covering the outer surface of the core layer and the fixed base; a pair of fixed plates supported at the outside of the two ends of the bump-preventing layer; and a plurality of bolts vertically passing through the fixed plates, the bump-preventing layer, the fixed base, and the core layer for fastening them, in which the bump-preventing layer is made from polyurethane (P. U.) material, while the core layer is made from the close cell of ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer (E. V.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Cheng Fung Tsai
  • Patent number: 6988458
    Abstract: A device includes a plurality of buoyant support members having a plurality of cavities formed therein and are provided with a plurality of pivotal access panels to access the cavities. A plurality of elongated rocker arms and a plurality of associated scrubbing assemblies are operably attached thereto. Such rocker arms extend inwardly from the support members and are laterally adjustable such that the scrubbing assemblies can be positioned along alternating planes during operating conditions. A plurality of hydraulic separators are positioned between the support members and include associated pistons secured to the support members such that a spatial relationship between the support members can be adjusted. A mechanism, partially disposed in the cavities, is included for effectively discharging a volume of fluid through the scrubbing assemblies towards the boat hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Wayne P. Walker
  • Patent number: 6988459
    Abstract: Embodied herein is a monohull vessel with a moonpool capable of being used offshore. The monohull vessel includes a moonpool and a deck level. A movable hatch is connected to topside of the moonpool and is countersunk beneath the deck level. A multipurpose tower is mounted on the monohull vessel. The monohull vessel includes an equipment handling system removably mounted on the vessel and a hoist system located inside the monohull vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Itrec B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Robert Frodo Van Kuilenburg, Diederick Bernardus Wijning
  • Patent number: 6988460
    Abstract: A rack for receiving and holding a crab pot includes a first plurality of bars and a second plurality of bars. Each bar in the first plurality is linked to each bar in the second plurality of bars to form a generally planar frame. Both ends of each bar in the first plurality and one end of each bar in the second plurality are provided with retaining members that project to a first side of the generally planar frame An engagement member which projects to an opposite second side of the generally planar frame is also provided on each bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventors: Richard L. Nyseth, James G. Nyseth
  • Patent number: 6988461
    Abstract: A telescoping boat tower apparatus attachable atop a deck structure of a boat. The apparatus includes lower and upper frame assemblies each including spaced upright tubular supports, the lower frame assembly supports attachable at a lower end thereof to the deck. The tubular supports of the upper assembly are connected at an upper end to a standing platform positioned above a console of the boat. The upper frame assembly includes spaced upright elongated second tubular supports, which are connected at an upper end thereof to a body support rail and held in telescoping coaxial alignment and registry with corresponding first tubular members whereby the upper frame assembly is slidably movable vertically with respect to the lower frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph B. James
  • Patent number: 6988462
    Abstract: The invention is for a memory assist device with an indicia field to indicate a number. The memory assist device includes at least two filaments extending between internal walls of the memory assist device to form an indicia field. The memory assist device also includes clips selectively clamped on the filaments to indicate the number. In one embodiment, the memory assist device has a loop portion for attachment to a key chain when using the memory assist device to indicate a floor on which a user has parked his car in a parking garage. In other embodiments, the memory assist device has a first numerical label to associate a numerical expression with a particular clip. In still other embodiments, the memory assist device has a second numerical label to indicate the position of the clips within the indicia field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Meijun Zhu
  • Patent number: 6988463
    Abstract: An ion source is provided wherein depositing gas and/or maintenance gas is/are introduced into the ion source via the vacuum/depositing chamber, thereby reducing the amount(s) of undesirable insulative build-ups on the anode and/or cathode of the source in an area proximate the electric gap between the anode and cathode. In certain embodiments, an insulative and/or dielectric insert(s) and/or layer(s) is/are provided in at least part of an area between the anode and cathode so as to help reduce undesirable insulative build-ups on the anode and/or cathode. More efficient ion source operations is thus achievable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Vijayen S. Veerasamy, Rudolph Hugo Petrmichl
  • Patent number: 6988464
    Abstract: A manually operated dog treat dispensing machine capable of dispensing dog treats one at a time. The dispenser consist of a rectangular housing with a hinged housing door and hinged capital that serves as a food supply reservoir which is gravity fed into a spring loaded spindle chamber mounted on an axel and hand crank. Treats exit the dispenser through a chute output consisting of a hinged chute lid, two side walls and a base block. A retaining plate mounted in the end of the chute lid and adjacent to the spindle chamber acts as a stop preventing dispensing of more than one dog treat at a time. The dispenser can also function using a magazine that is inserted inside the rectangular housing area once the rear interior wall is changed out to accommodate the depth of the magazine. Magazine stop tabs at the base of the magazines along with the retaining plate mounted on the chute lid prevent the dispenser from dispensing more than one dog treat at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Jerry Donald Rutledge
  • Patent number: 6988465
    Abstract: An automatic pet food dispensing device having a container that stores pet food, a circular pipe attached below the container, a dispenser rotatably received in the circular pipe, a motor that rotates the dispenser, and one or more dispensing spouts connected to the circular pipe is provided. The dispenser includes a shaft with a rectangular cross section and two or more circular dispensing discs fixed to the shaft, and each of the dispensing discs has an arc recess positioned opposite of each other. The dispensing discs have evenly spaced grooves cut out around the circumference of each disc and evenly spaced convex bumps slightly protruding upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Sung Ho Park
  • Patent number: 6988466
    Abstract: An apparatus provides rotation of avian enclosures. In a first mode of operation, the apparatus automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a slow speed when a bird is detected, and automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a faster speed when a larger animal, such as a squirrel, is detected. In a second mode of operation, the apparatus may be controlled using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action. In a third mode of operation, the apparatus sends one or more signals via wireless transmission to a wireless notification device, which notifies a user of the presence of a bird or a larger animal. The user then has the option of using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action, which may include rotating the avian enclosure at a desired speed, stopping rotation of the avian enclosure, activating a beeper or vibrator, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Birdquest, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick T. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6988467
    Abstract: A small animal bathing apparatus includes a portable enclosure having a floor, a front wall, a rear wall that is taller than the front wall and a pair of side walls, each wall having an upper edge. One or more drain openings is provided in the floor. One or more hangers are secured to the rear wall at an elevation above the upper edge of the front wall. One or more animal harnesses (each connected to a hanger) are provided that enable an animal that is to be bathed to be secured to the enclosure, preferably to the rear wall. The floor is preferably separable from the walls. The walls are collapsible one upon another for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Candace Smith
  • Patent number: 6988468
    Abstract: An indexing style Automatic Port Cleaner for cleaning furnace combustion air ports employs multiple cleaning tips and rods enclosed substantially in a furnace windbox. An extension bar enclosed substantially in a furnace windbox to which the cleaning rods are attached with the extension bar carries the cleaning rods and tips in a translating and indexing motion. An extension bar is supported by two fulcrum rods and in turn supported by two fulcrum tubes and two fulcrum housings, the fulcrum housings being supported by a faceplate and fixed relative to the combustion air ports. The fulcrum rods translate relative to the fulcrum tubes while the fulcrum tubes rotate relative to the fulcrum housings. A linear actuator is disposed to create a reciprocating translating motion of the fulcrum rods, extension bar, cleaning rods, and cleaning tips. Indexing creates rotation of the fulcrum tubes, fulcrum rods, extension bar, cleaning rods, and cleaning tips, in a reciprocating fashion about the fulcrum housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Clyde Bergemann, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Higgins, Ken Pingle, Todd Hill, Mike Kranda, Jim Payne, Alan Clother
  • Patent number: 6988469
    Abstract: A combustion-engined setting tool for driving in fastening elements includes a combustion chamber (22), a drive piston (8) displaceable in a piston guide (5), which adjoins the combustion chamber, in a setting direction upon combustion of a fuel gas in the combustion chamber (22), a metering chamber (49) for metering a predetermined amount of the fuel gas to the combustion chamber (22), a pressure control valve (53) connected with the metering chamber (49) for adjusting an amount of the fuel gas metered by metering chamber (49), and an ignition device (15) for igniting the fuel gas in the combustion chamber (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Schiestl, Ulrich Rosenbaum, Hans Gschwend
  • Patent number: 6988470
    Abstract: A swash plate engine comprises a counterbalancing swash plate assembly. In certain embodiments, the angle of a first swash plate assembly may be varied to vary the stroke of the engine. The swash plate assemblies may be operable such that during certain operating conditions of the engine a portion of one swash plate assembly passes at least partially through an interior passage provided in another swash plate assembly. In desirable embodiments, the stroke to bore ratio of the engine may be varied from greater than 1 to less than 1 depending on a vehicle operating parameter, such as the horsepower and/or torque of the vehicle engine and/or the position of a vehicle throttle pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Helmut Brueckmueller
  • Patent number: 6988471
    Abstract: An engine valve actuation system includes an engine valve moveable between first and second positions, a valve actuation assembly connected to move the engine valve between the first and second positions, a fluid actuator configured to selectively modify a timing of the engine valve in moving from the second to the first position, a source of fluid, and a pair of passages in the cylinder that allow fluid to flow from the chamber to the fluid source. The fluid actuator includes a cylinder and a piston at least partly defining a chamber. The piston is slidably movable in the cylinder between a first position and a second position, and blocks at least a portion of one of the passages at an intermediate position between the second position and the first position to reduce fluid flow from the chamber when the piston moves from the second position toward the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: David Yu-Zhang Chang
  • Patent number: 6988472
    Abstract: An engine unit includes a valve driving mechanism in which a cam having its cam profile axially varying continuously is slid along the axis of the cam shaft to control continuously a lift characteristic of an intake valve to be steplessly variable. In the control device of the engine, when the engine is, determined to be in a idling state by an idling-state determining unit, a target cam position is obtained according to a target valve lift amount calculated based on the cooling water temperature by a target cam position calculated unit, and the target cam position is corrected according to atmospheric pressure, an engine oil temperature, an ATF temperature, and an intake temperature, so that an engine rotation will be stabilized in the idling state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Takahashi, Isato Taki, Takahiro Suzuki, Minoru Murakami
  • Patent number: 6988473
    Abstract: A variable valve actuation mechanism includes a control shaft assembly and a body. The control shaft assembly is pivotable relative to a pivot axis. The body is pivotally disposed on the control shaft assembly, and includes an input cam follower and at least one output cam surface. The input cam follower engages an input cam lobe, and the output cam surface engages a corresponding output cam follower. A spring engages the body and biases the input cam follower into engagement with the input cam lobe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rohe, Fuat Koro, David J. Trapasso, Thomas H. Fischer, Richard B. Roe
  • Patent number: 6988474
    Abstract: The invention proposes a cam follower (1) comprising a hydraulic clearance compensation device (27) from whose reservoir (8) a controlled and throttled supply of hydraulic medium to lubricating points of the abutting tappet push rod and the associated rocker arm is realized with the help of an oil distributing disk (12) that extends in the reservoir (8). Projections (19) configured, for example, as bulging formations (21), are arranged on an underside (13) of a support (7) for the tappet push rod. In the presence of hydraulic medium pressure, the oil distributing disk (12) is pressed against the projections (19) and enables a purposed and throttled transfer of hydraulic medium between its upper side (18) and the underside (13) into an axial passage (11) of the support (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Calin Petru Itoafa
  • Patent number: 6988475
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine coupled with a cranking motor, which is coupled with an electrical battery, includes connecting a capacitor with an electrical system of another engine or battery, wherein the capacitor is disconnected from the cranking motor coupled with the first engine, and charging the capacitor with the electrical system of the other engine or battery. The method further includes connecting the capacitor with the cranking motor coupled with the first engine, at a time when the first battery has insufficient charge to start the first engine, and starting the first engine with the cranking motor and the capacitor. A portable rapid-delivery power supply apparatus for providing a supplementary source of power to an electrical system includes a capacitor having connectors adapted to be connected to the electrical system and a charging device coupled to the capacitor, wherein the charger is powered by alternating current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Kold Ban International, Ltd.
    Inventor: James O. Burke
  • Patent number: 6988476
    Abstract: An engine cranking system includes an engine, a cranking motor coupled to the engine, a battery, a capacitor and an ignition switch. A first relay is connected between the cranking motor and system ground. A second relay is moveable between at least an open-circuit condition and a closed-circuit position to complete an electrical path connecting the capacitor with the cranking motor. The first relay is connected between the capacitor and the second relay. In one embodiment, a running engine sensory component is coupled between the first relay and system ground. In another embodiment, the engine cranking system includes a running engine sensory component connected to a relay and a control module connected to the relay and the capacitor. In one embodiment, a momentary switch is coupled between the capacitor and the relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Kold Ban International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Dean R. Solberg
  • Patent number: 6988477
    Abstract: An engine is cranked by a motor generator at a start time of the engine. An engine ECU opens an intake valve or an exhaust valve during a compression stroke using a valve control mechanism during a period from when cranking is started until when a predetermined crank angle position (detected by a crank angle sensor) is reached, thereby reducing a compression workload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Kataoka, Kimitoshi Tsuji, Yasushi Kusaka
  • Patent number: 6988478
    Abstract: A resin intake manifold is provided with two separated bodies manufactured by connecting protrusions of weld portions of the separated bodies to each other in accordance with a vibration welding, and a cover wall in which one of the weld portions is arranged in an inner side or an outer side of the protrusion with leaving space with the protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hironori Tanikawa, Kazuhiro Aiki
  • Patent number: 6988479
    Abstract: An idler shaft assembly for an internal combustion engine provides significant cost savings eliminates processing and assembly steps, and provides accurate orientation of components. The idler shaft assembly includes a shaft adapted for rotation about a first axis. A one-piece sprocket and gear assembly is received on the shaft. A sprocket portion of the one-piece assembly has a first diameter that cooperates with an associated drive chain that is driven by the crankshaft, and a gear portion of the one-piece assembly has a second diameter that cooperates with an associated gear of an associated balance shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Cloyes Gear and Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6988480
    Abstract: Increasing the diameter of cylinder bores in a cylinder block requires a longer and heavier cylinder block to accommodate the larger bores. If the cylinder block is not lengthened it is difficult to accommodate the water jacket between the outermost cylinder bore and the cylinder block end wall. The cylinder block of the present invention has an upper part including a number of cylinder bores surrounded by a water jacket. The upper part also has first and second end walls which are generally co-planar with first and second end walls of a lower part of the block, but include projecting portions adjacent the top deck. The projecting portions may curve outwardly from the first and second end walls and generally follow the curvature of the two outermost cylinder bores on the block. By providing the projecting portions on the first and second end walls, a minimum width of water jacket can be accommodated without significantly increasing the length and overall size of the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Frank G. Hughes, Richard Jackson, Howard J. Paul
  • Patent number: 6988481
    Abstract: In a control system for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders whose operation of the engine can be switched between full-cylinder operation during which all of the cylinders are operative and cut-off-cylinder operation during which some of the cylinders are non-operative, and running control, i.e., either cruise control during which the vehicle is controlled to run at a desired vehicle velocity or preceding vehicle follow-up control during which the vehicle is controlled to run at a desired vehicle velocity to maintain a desired inter-vehicle distance from a preceding vehicle, is performed in response to an instruction of an operator, it is judged whether a velocity error between a detected vehicle velocity and the desired vehicle velocity and load of the engine are equal to or smaller than corresponding threshold values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Sen, Tadayoshi Okada, Akira Sugiyama, Kenichi Nishida, Yasuhiko Tomokuni
  • Patent number: 6988482
    Abstract: An engine including a housing formed with a pair of side-by-side intersecting substantially cylindrical cavities, and a pair of counter-rotating power rotors rotatably mounted within the cavities. The pair of power rotors include intermeshing lobes that each define open ended combustion chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Neal Lockett
  • Patent number: 6988483
    Abstract: To provide a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine which can judge an abnormality regardless of one line type or two line type, and can also detect the classification of abnormality. The control apparatus includes: a knock sensor having a piezoelectric element for detecting vibrations that are generated in the internal combustion engine, and a resistor that is connected in parallel with the piezoelectric element; and an interface circuit that detects a knock in accordance with an output from the knock sensor and detects an abnormality of the knock sensor, and the interface circuit includes a bias unit that conducts biasing by pulling up and pulling down an output from the knock sensor, and detects the abnormality of the knock sensor with a direct current component of the bias unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Hagari
  • Patent number: 6988484
    Abstract: A method for reducing the magnitude of a knock retard angle in a vehicle having a quantity of fuel and a system for determining the quantity of fuel. The method determines a previous fuel quantity and a present fuel quantity, determines from said present fuel quantity and said previous fuel quantity whether the quantity of fuel has increased; and decreases the magnitude of the knock retard angle upon determining the quantity of fuel has increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: David J Kujawa, Ken Hardman
  • Patent number: 6988485
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10) is provided with a port injector (28) and an in-cylinder injector (22). Before a port injection is started, the total amount of fuel to be injected is calculated (at an injection amount calculation timing). The port injection fuel amount and the in-cylinder injection fuel amount are calculated by appropriately dividing the total amount between them. If a change of the operating load on the internal combustion engine (10) is detected after the injection amount calculation timing, the load change is reflected in the amount of fuel to be injected in the current engine cycle by increasing or decreasing the in-cylinder injection fuel amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaharu Ichise, Toshimi Kashiwagura, Shinichiro Nogawa, Takashi Hashima
  • Patent number: 6988486
    Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control apparatus for a multiple cylinder engine, having catalytic converters and air-fuel ratio sensors in an exhaust manifold, comprises exhaust air-fuel ratio variation determining means which determines a variation in exhaust air-fuel ratio between one cylinder and other cylinders in one cylinder group when an exhaust air-fuel ratio on one of the rich side and the lean side with respect to a predetermined value is detected as to the one cylinder twice in succession, an exhaust air-fuel ratio on the other one of the rich side and the lean side from the exhaust air-fuel ratio of the one cylinder, and combustion air-fuel ratio control means which feedback-compensates the quantity of fuel injected into the one cylinder, and feedback-compensated the quantity of fuel injected into the other cylinder in a direction opposite to the direction in which the quantity of fuel injected into the one cylinder is compensated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsunori Ueda, Hideyuki Handa, Takashi Kanda