Patents Issued in February 6, 2007
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Patent number: 7171928Abstract: A cylinder block for an internal combustion engine is formed with a knock sensor mounting boss formed on a block side wall, and designed to support an engine knock sensor. The cylinder block further includes a tubular rib projecting from the block side wall, extending in a cylinder row direction over a plurality of cylinders, and being connected with the knock sensor mounting boss.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tetsuo Tomita
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Patent number: 7171929Abstract: A system comprising of an engine having a first group of cylinders and a second group of cylinders, a first variable valve system in said first group, a second variable valve system in said second group, and a controller for determining degradation of operation of at least one of said first and second variable valve systems, said controller determining said degradation in response to controller errors of said valves and differences between operation of said first and second valve systems.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: James Dosdall, Steve Magner, Mrdjan Jankovic
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Patent number: 7171930Abstract: A rocker arm is disclosed for valve actuation in an internal combustion engine. The rocker arm includes at least two rotational axes which can be selected as desired to modify a relation between a force arm and a load arm. Control times and valve lift can thus be influenced in a targeted manner.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Alberto Keel
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Patent number: 7171931Abstract: A variable valve system varies an operation condition of an engine valve by controlling an angular position of a control shaft in accordance with an operation condition of the engine. The system has an actuating mechanism for actuating the control shaft. The actuating mechanism comprises a threaded shaft that is rotated about its axis in accordance with the operation condition of the engine; a nut member operatively engaged with the threaded shaft, so that upon rotation of the threaded shaft the nut member runs axially along the threaded shaft; a link mechanism provided between the control shaft and the nut member, so that the axial movement of the nut member along the threaded shaft induces a rotational motion of the control shaft; and a biasing mechanism that biases the nut member relative to the threaded shaft at least at a predetermined range of the operation condition of the engine valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Tamotsu Todo, Shinichi Kawada, Keisuke Takeda, Mikihiro Kajiura
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Patent number: 7171932Abstract: An internal-combustion engine has a cylinder head, in which two shafts are mounted rotating. A first shaft is a camshaft, equipped both with cams that control the intake valves by means of an electronically controlled hydraulic device and with cams that control the exhaust valves mechanically. The second shaft is without cams and has an end coming out of the engine and constituting a power take-off for control of auxiliary service devices. The engine can be obtained with simple operations starting from an engine of a conventional type.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per AzioniInventors: Francesco Vattaneo, Gianluca Canino, Luca Iannarelli
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Patent number: 7171933Abstract: An intake system for a combustion engine has at least two rows of cylinder heads, each of which features an intake manifold with individual pipes leading to the cylinders. The intake manifolds are connected to one another through transverse ducts equipped with switching valves as well as to an air supply duct leading to one of the transverse ducts, which features a throttle valve to regulate the air volume. The air supply duct is preferably comprised of a double-fluted distributor pipe leading to one of the transverse ducts. A throttle valve housing is connected upstream of the distributor pipe, and an interior wall is integrated into the distributor pipe, thereby dividing the interior space thereof into two interior ducts of virtually equal cross section.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Dr. Ing h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Stefan Fegg, Thorsten Wunsch, Claudia Romberg
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Patent number: 7171934Abstract: In a branch pipe of an intake manifold, portion c in the central part is kept at relatively small constant inner diameter for an interval C, and portion e of which an end is connected to the surge tank is kept at relatively large constant inner diameter for an interval E, whereby the volumetric efficiency at the time of medium speed and high speed of engine is excellent.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Jidosha Engineering Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshinori Takabe, Atsuhito Ito
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Patent number: 7171935Abstract: An engine cylinder liner construction in which a cylinder liner that is cast into a cylinder block has a tubular portion and a number of spines integrally formed on an outer surface of the tubular portion, the engine cylinder liner construction includes a chamfered portion formed at an end portion m of the tubular portion which faces a cylinder head by chamfering the end portion together with the spines located thereat in a tapered fashion.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hirokazu Komai, Takeshi Hasegawa
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Patent number: 7171936Abstract: The present invention relates to a piston adapted for reciprocal movement within the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The piston includes a body having a crown formed at the uppermost margins of the body and a skirt, depending from the crown, adapted for relative sliding motion with respect to the cylinder. The piston further includes a coating bonded to the piston skirt so as to be juxtaposed between the skirt and the cylinder. The coating has a plurality of recesses formed thereon so as to define a predetermined pattern of recesses on the surface of the skirt that retains lubricant between the skirt and the cylinder wall. The coating may also direct lubricant along the outer circumference of the piston skirt during reciprocal movement of the piston within a cylinder. A method of applying the coating to the piston skirt is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Mahle Technology, Inc.Inventors: Wolfgang Rein, David Roth, Jonathan Douglas
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Patent number: 7171937Abstract: An oil pan for internal combustion engine which is lightweight and has improved stiffness and vibration suppression, achieved by reducing the number of components. The oil pan includes an upper portion to be attached to the bottom portion of a cylinder block directly or through an adaptor plate and a lower portion provided on the bottom of the upper portion, with a baffle plate formed integrally downward of the upper portion. An oil supplying means which sucks the oil accumulated in the lower portion and supplies the sucked oil to portions of the internal combustion engine is provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Aichi Machine Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masatoshi Hada, Yasuki Ohta
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Patent number: 7171938Abstract: A dry sump type lubrication device for a motorcycle includes a four stroke engine having, in a crankcase bottom, a first oil pump for collecting lubricating oil and a second oil pump for delivering lubricating oil. A frame supporting the four-stroke engine and having left and right down tubes running around the crankcase from the crankcase front thereof toward a region therebelow is provided. An oil tank is disposed in a region surrounded by a forward end of the crankcase and the left and right down tubes, a return passage for the lubricating oil collected by the first oil pump to be returned to the oil tank. A feed passage for the lubricating oil returned to the oil tank to be introduced into the second oil pump and an overflow passage for the lubricating oil in the oil tank to be returned to the four-stroke engine are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takayoshi Muramatsu
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Patent number: 7171939Abstract: An integrated cam drive and oil pump assembly for motorcycle engines includes an oil pump body, which is connected with the engine crankcase, and has an oil passageway with a pump outlet portion communicating with an oil reservoir. A pinion gear is positioned in the interior of the oil pump body, is connected with the engine drive shaft for rotation therewith, and mates with an idler gear. A first cam drive gear is mounted on a first camshaft, and mates with the idler gear. A second cam drive gear is mounted on the first camshaft in an axially spaced relationship with the first cam drive gear. A third cam drive gear is mounted on a second camshaft, and mates with the second cam drive gear.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: S&S Cycle, Inc.Inventor: Timothy T. Tiller
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Patent number: 7171940Abstract: A heat shield adapted to protect an engine mount is disclosed. The heat shield has a substrate positionable substantially surrounding the engine mount. The substrate has a heat reflecting surface facing outwardly away from the engine mount to block radiant heat transfer to the mount. An attachment member is attached to the substrate. The attachment member is positionable between the engine and the engine mount to fix the substrate in position. The invention further concerns a method including providing a heat shield formed of a flexible substrate, forming the substrate so as to surround the engine mount with the heat reflecting surface facing outwardly from the engine mount and attaching the substrate to the engine mount.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.Inventors: William T. Rubel, Jr., Richard Paoline, Jr.
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Patent number: 7171941Abstract: A positive displacement rotary device and method of use are provided. The rotary device includes coupled chamber halves with a drive disc having at least one drive plate rotatably engaged with the drive disc. The drive disc is mounted on a drive shaft and positioned between the coupled chamber halves. The drive plates include at least two drive lobes with the drive plates rotating about an axis of rotation 90° and tangent to the drive shaft axis of rotation while the drive disc sweeps the drive plates around the drive shaft. The chamber halves include camming chambers that are shaped to follow the path of the drive lobes on the drive plates as they are swept around the drive shaft. The rotary device can be used as a motor, a pump, or even an internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Steve Johnson
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Patent number: 7171942Abstract: A device that controls the engine speed of an internal combustion engine of a hand-held power tool has a protective control unit. The engine has an ignition control unit for controlling the ignition timing relative to a crank angle of a crankshaft based on the crankshaft speed and also has a centrifugal clutch driven by the crankshaft that begins to engage when a first engine speed is surpassed and is fully engaged when a second engine speed is reached. The protective control unit is activated within an engine speed range between the first and second engine speeds and monitors a dwell time of the actual engine speed within the engine speed range. When a predetermined dwell time of the actual engine speed is surpassed, the protective control unit intervenes in the combustion process and corrects the engine speed to a value that is outside of the engine speed range.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KGInventor: Hans Nickel
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Patent number: 7171943Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine can avoid an increase in harmful components in an exhaust gas even if a variable valve timing mechanism is controlled to be driven at the time of executing the correction of basic timing. The apparatus includes a variable valve timing mechanism for adjusting the opening and closing timing of an intake valve, a variable valve timing control device for driving and controlling the variable valve timing mechanism based on an operating state of an internal combustion engine, a rotation speed detection part for detecting an engine rotational speed, and an intake negative pressure detection part for detecting an intake negative pressure in an intake pipe. The variable valve timing control device includes a basic timing correction permission part, a target intake negative pressure setting part, an intake air amount adjustment part, a correction time driving control part, and a basic timing correction part.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Wada, Masakazu Miyasako, Motoyasu Suenaga
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Patent number: 7171944Abstract: A high-pressure fuel pump control device for an internal combustion engine includes a feedback quantity calculating unit (602) for calculating a fuel discharge feedback quantity (QFB) of a high-pressure pump according to a proportional integral operation based on a pressure deviation (?PF) between a target pressure (PO) and a fuel pressure (PF), a flow control valve controlling unit (603) for setting drive timing (TD) of a flow control valve (10) on the basis of a target fuel discharge quantity (QO), and an integral operation update prohibiting unit for prohibiting, when the number of times of calculation of the fuel discharge feedback quantity (QFB) reaches a first predetermined number of times while a sign of the pressure deviation (?PF) does not invert, update of an integral operand (QFBI), and for resuming, when the sign of the pressure deviation (?PF) inverts thereafter, the update of the integral operand (QFBI).Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Takahiko Oono
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Patent number: 7171945Abstract: In a multipurpose engine throttle device having a throttle body disposed at an intake pipe of the engine and housing a throttle valve, a case is integrally attached to the throttle body and housing an electric motor moving the throttle valve, a speed reducer connecting an output shaft of the motor with the throttle valve, an electronic circuit board having an electronic control unit that controls operation of the motor and a connector mounted thereon, and a harness connecting the motor with the connector, thereby reducing in overall size by efficient layout of these components.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hayato Matsuda, Tomoki Fukushima, Takao Tamechika, Shinichi Katsuragawa
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Patent number: 7171946Abstract: An electronic throttle control apparatus can detect a motor open-circuit failure without detecting a motor current. A throttle opening sensor detects an actual throttle opening position (ATOP) of a throttle valve, and a throttle actuator serves to drive the throttle valve and hold the throttle valve at an intermediate opening stopper position (IOSP) during non-energization of the motor. The throttle actuator is feedback controlled such that the ATOP coincides with a target throttle opening position (TTOP). When the throttle valve continues, for a predetermined time, a state in which the absolute value of an opening position deviation between the ATOP and the IOSP is less than or equal to a first predetermined value, and in which the absolute value of a control deviation between the TTOP and the ATOP is larger than or equal to a second predetermined value, it is determined that the motor is in an open-circuit failure.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinji Watanabe
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Patent number: 7171947Abstract: In an electrically-actuated throttle device for a general-purpose engine, supply of current to the throttle motor and choke motor for moving the throttle valve and choke valve is started when cranking is detected after activation (power-up) of the electronic control unit (ECU). In other words, supply of current is not started simultaneously with activation of the ECU but is delayed until cranking is detected. Owing to this configuration, no power of the battery is consumed unnecessarily between power-up and starting of the engine. Decrease in the power supplied to the starter motor is therefore prevented, thereby improving the starting performance of the engine. In addition, even if starting of the engine is not commenced after power-up, the battery is not likely to be excessively discharged.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoki Fukushima, Yasuhide Ono
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Patent number: 7171948Abstract: A capacitor-discharge-type ignition device for an internal combustion engine, comprising: an exciter coil that generates an AC voltage having a positive half-wave voltage and first and second negative half-wave voltages present before and after the positive half-wave voltage synchronously with rotation of the engine; ignition-position detection time data calculating means that arithmetically operates as ignition position detection time data, the time period that is required for the engine to rotate from the generating position of the second negative half-wave voltage to an ignition position suitable in starting period, at the rotational speed of the engine that is obtained from time period from generation of the first negative half-wave voltage to the generation of the second negative half-wave voltage, and from an angle between the generating position of the first negative half-wave voltage and that of the second negative half-wave voltage, wherein a crank angle position when the measurement of the arithmetiType: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Kokusan Denki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akira Shimoyama, Kiyotada Nakauchi, Yasukazu Hatano, Masayuki Sugiyama
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Patent number: 7171949Abstract: A crank angle sensor outputs a crank angle signal pulse every when a crankshaft rotates a predetermined crank angle. A time period sufficient for rotating a crankshaft between adjacent crank angle signal pulses is measured. The time period is referred to as a rotating time period. A next rotating time period between pulses including a next required ignition timing is estimated based on the rotating time period measured at a time when an engine speed is lower than a predetermined value. Then, a start timing at which a primary current begins to be supplied is set based on the next timing period.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Yukihiro Yamashita
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Patent number: 7171950Abstract: A method is described for controlling fuel injection in an spontaneous ignition engine equipped with an electronically controlled fuel injection system and with an electronic control unit receiving engine quantities comprising the pressure in the combustion changer of the engine and closed-loop controlling the fuel injection system on the basis of the pressure in the combustion chamber, in which the pressure in the combustion chamber is determined as a function of engine kinematic quantities such as the engine speed and the crank angle and of the fuel injection law, which is defined by the quantity of fuel injected and by the crank angle at the start of injection.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Giuseppe Palma, Olga Scognamiglio, Mario Lavorgna
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Patent number: 7171951Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine including a fuel injector which can be subjected to fuel at high pressure and is actuatable via a metering valve device by which the pressure in a pressure booster control chamber is controllable such that the pressure in a pressure booster pressure chamber, defined by a pressure booster piston, that can be filled with fuel from the high-pressure fuel source via a filling path in which a check valve is disposed and that is in communication with an injection valve member pressure chamber, is increased by the pressure booster piston such that an injection valve member opens for injecting fuel, whereupon fuel is positively displaced out of a damping chamber via a damping path, in which a damping throttle is disposed.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Hans-Christoph Magel
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Patent number: 7171952Abstract: An internal combustion engine is operated according to a method, in which the fuel is pumped from a first fuel pump to a second fuel pump and from there into a high-pressure region. The fuel passes therefrom into at least one combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, by means of at least one fuel injection device. In certain operating conditions of the internal combustion engine, the pressure in the high-pressure region is lowered by means of a release device. According to the invention, the reliability and security of operating the internal combustion engine may be increased by monitoring the functioning of the release device (58 through 68).Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Klaus Joos, Jens Wolber, Thomas Frenz, Markus Amler
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Patent number: 7171953Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine with an injection device, wherein the method includes the steps of feeding combustion air to a combustion chamber via an inlet port, injecting fuel into the combustion chamber using a fuel nozzle arranged in the combustion chamber, igniting a formed fuel/air mixture at a certain ignition point using a spark plug arranged in the combustion chamber, and, during the starting of the internal combustion engine, selecting a high-pressure or a low pressure start as a function of a minimum fuel pressure built up in the injection device within a defined number of cycles. The minimum fuel pressure and the number of cycles are selected as a function of a combustion-chamber temperature. The injection of the fuel into the combustion chamber takes place in a timed sequence during the starting operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventor: Frank Altenschmidt
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Patent number: 7171954Abstract: A fuel vapor adsorbing device (10, 60, 70, 70?, 80) for adsorbing residual fuel vapors that remain in an intake conduit (1, 2, 3, 4) of an induction system of an internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is stopped may include an adsorbing member (40, 40?) that is constructed to adsorb the residual fuel vapors and is disposed along an inner wall surface of the intake conduit. The adsorbing member is arranged and constructed to form a supplemental intake path (T, T?, T??) between the adsorbing member and the inner wall surface of the intake conduit, so that intake air of the engine can flow through the supplemental intake path.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kouichi Oda, Minoru Honda, Yuushi Matsushita, Koichi Hoshi, Takaaki Itou, Toshiki Annoura, Hideki Suzuki, Futaba Kanehira, Masahiro Mochizuki
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Patent number: 7171955Abstract: A method and system for temperature conditioning of engine intake air by use of controllable intercooler which consists of an active thermoelectric device and a controllable valve system which optimally directs the path of airflow through a plurality of chambers in response to signals from a controller in order to optimally provide temperature conditioned air to the engine. System features temperature storage isolated from heat soaked engine components allowing immediate and efficient conditioning of airflow into an internal combustion engine. Intelligent control of this device removes parasitic power drains during high demand situations.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Michael T. Perkins
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Patent number: 7171956Abstract: The present invention provides an EGR cooler that is easy to manufacture and can accelerate heat exchange. Round in section tubes are plastically deformed in one plane crossing centerlines thereof such that corrugated exhaust gas flow paths are formed inside the tubes.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: T. Rad Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takazi Igami, Toshimichi Kobayashi, Jyohei Yamamoto, Hiroshi Saitoh
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Patent number: 7171957Abstract: An engine (10, 100) utilizes “regular EGR cooling” when operating in HCCI mode within a low load range and “enhanced EGR cooling” that allows the engine to continue to operate in HCCI mode when engine load increases beyond the low load range. When engine load increases to a high load range, the combustion mode changes over to conventional diesel combustion, and exhaust gas recirculation reverts to “regular EGR cooling”. In a first embodiment, cooling is provided by two heat exchangers, one being a regular EGR cooler always used when cooling is needed and the other, an enhancing EGR cooler that is selectively used. In a second embodiment, cooling is also provided by two heat exchangers, one being an EGR cooler through which liquid coolant always flows when cooling is needed, and the other being a radiator used selectively to cool the liquid coolant before it enters the EGR cooler.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Zhengbai Liu, Puning Wei
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Patent number: 7171958Abstract: A method for increasing the power output of an internal combustion engine is presented. The increase to the power output of the engine may be accomplished by injecting a pressurized oxygen enhancer, such as nitrous oxide, into the air intake of the internal combustion engine. A portion of the pressure derived from the injection is captured by a pressure port. The captured pressure is delivered to the fuel control device of the internal combustion engine such as the float bowl of a carburetor causing an increased quantity of fuel to enter the engine. A manifold for delivering nitrous oxide or another oxygen enhancer to the air intake of an internal combustion engine is also presented.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Rocklund Young
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Patent number: 7171959Abstract: The invention relates to an induction regulator (201) for an internal combustion engine which comprises one or more features selected from: at least one perforated element (203) for allowing the passage of fuel/air mixture therethrough, at least one open-topped reservoir (205) for retaining excess unvapourised fuel and means (204) for mounting the regulator in the inlet manifold of an engine, the open-topped reservoir (205) comprising a series of perforations (207) therein; at least one perforated element for allowing the passage of fuel/air mixture therethrough, means for mounting the perforated element in the inlet manifold of an engine and the means (510) for heating the perforated element; and a propeller and means for mounting the propeller (703,803,903) in the inlet manifold of an engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Roger Kennedy
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Patent number: 7171960Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine prevents variation of an air fuel ratio even upon introduction of purge air. A delay time occurring until the intake air detected, after having arrived at the combustion chamber through a surge tank, influences an air fuel ratio sensor, a delay time occurring until purge air containing evaporated fuel generated upon purging a canister, after having arrived at the combustion chamber through the surge tank, influences the air fuel ratio sensor, and a delay time occurring until fuel supplied by an injector, after having arrived at the combustion chamber, influences the air fuel ratio sensor, are represented by simplified physical models. A purge rate in the combustion chamber or in the neighborhood of the air fuel ratio sensor is calculated by using the physical models, and a purge air concentration and a fuel correction amount are calculated based on the purge rate thus obtained.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Dabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideki Hagari
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Patent number: 7171961Abstract: An archery bow includes a riser having an upper end and a lower end. An upper flexible limb extends from the upper end of the riser, and a lower flexible limb extends from the lower end of the riser. The upper limb and the lower limb each have a distal end. The upper limb is longer than the lower limb, and the upper limb has a draw rating which is less than a draw rating of the lower limb. A cam is pivotally coupled to the upper limb distal end, and a pulley is pivotally coupled to the lower limb distal end.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Edgell Terry
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Patent number: 7171962Abstract: A soft oral airway comprising an elongate hollow tubular member having a proximal and a distal end, wherein the member comprises a soft flexible material and an opening at the distal end of the elongate tubular member for insertion into the mouth and pharynx of a patient with the distal end leading the member as the member is inserted into the mouth and pharynx of a patient and an enlarged tapered opening at the proximal end, wherein the enlarged opening is dimensioned to not slip down the throat of the patient and the opening at the proximal end is adapted to receive a nasal cannula.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Gloria Turner Bloem
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Patent number: 7171963Abstract: A product pump for pumping separated product gas from an oxygen concentrator which produces oxygen-rich product gas by utilizing a vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) process. The oxygen concentrator comprises a cartridge containing an adsorbent material for separating the product gas from ambient air, a vacuum pump which provides a vacuum source, a valve for selectively connecting the vacuum pump to the cartridge and product pump, and a reservoir. The product pump comprises a pumping chamber having a product gas inlet and a product gas outlet, a piston movable in the chamber, a vacuum inlet in the chamber on an opposite side of the piston from the product gas inlet and outlet for providing a vacuum to cause the piston to draw product gas through the product gas inlet into the chamber, and a spring for providing a spring force to force the product gas out the product gas outlet.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: VBOX, IncorporatedInventors: Theodore W. Jagger, Nicholas P. Van Brunt, John A. Kivisto, Perry B. Lonnes
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Patent number: 7171964Abstract: The invention is a portable, non-pressurized oxygen generation device. A first chamber holds an oxygen liberating chemical, and a catalyst from a second chamber begins the oxygen liberating reaction when the two chemicals mix. The chemicals are pre-measured, and oxygen generation can begin within seconds of activation.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventors: Bert K. Moore, Steven Hatten, Kevin Haight, Nathaniel Haro, Frank Fosella
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Patent number: 7171965Abstract: A dose tape for use in a dry powder inhaler has blisters formed in a formpack layer. A lidstock layer is attached over the formpack layer, to seal a dose of dry powder within each of the blisters. A tear strip is attached to the lidstock layer over each of the blisters. Pulling on the tear strip shears out an area of the lidstock over the blister, unsealing the powder contents.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Valois S.A.S.Inventors: Matthew Young, Stuart Kay, Neil Harrison, Ian Darby, Peter Crew, Anne Powell, Cheryl Vanessa Rogerson
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Patent number: 7171966Abstract: A breathing mask with a mask body, which has a seal at its edge, which said seal is in contact with the user's face, wherein at least part of the seal that is in contact with the user's face is elastically deformable with spring characteristics ranging from linear to progressive and at least part of the seal that is in contact with the user's face is elastically deformable with degressive spring characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Drägerwerk AktiengesellschaftInventors: Cornelia Schrader, Jörg-Uwe Meyer, Götz Kullik, Hans-Ullrich Hansmann
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Patent number: 7171967Abstract: A mask includes a filter layer and a support base supporting the filter layer. The filter layer has first and second complimentary portions that together form a rim, where the first portion is connected to the second portion at first and second seams. The first seam extends from the rim to a first pleat, while the second seam extends from the rim to a second pleat. The first pleat is connected to the second pleat by an unpleated central portion. The first pleat, second pleat and unpleated central portion are formed by the first and second portions of the filter layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Louis M. Gerson Co., Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Brunell, George A. Snow
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Patent number: 7171968Abstract: A receptacle for receiving and disposing of combustible articles. The assembly has a base member and a cooperating removable top member having a seal structure. A flared inlet extends from the top member and into the base member. Extinguished combustible articles, such as cigarettes, drop into a metal cavity disposed near the bottom of the base member. Securement devices are provided to safeguard the cigarette disposal assembly whereby the top member may be secured to the base member and the entire disposal assembly to a fixed object.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: John J. Olson
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Patent number: 7171969Abstract: The invention relates to a brush that may include a core curved along at least a portion of its length so that an axis of the core defines a curve in a plane of curvature. A plurality of bristles are connected to the core. The bristles may define a cross-section of the brush that varies over at least a portion of the length of the core in a manner that is not geometrically similar. The cross-section of the brush at at least one position along the length of the core may be substantially asymmetric in relation to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature. The core may pass through the center of the cross-section of the brush at at least one location along the length of the core.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.Inventor: Jean-Louis H. Gueret
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Patent number: 7171970Abstract: A hair setting instrument is provided which can set hair easily by supplying charges through a separate path. In concrete, the hair setting instrument comprises a mechanism for setting hair of a user, and an electrostatic charger which supplies charges to a body of the user for electrostatic charges generated by a movement for setting the hair. The electrostatic charger has a charging circuit which generates a predetermined voltage, and a charging plate electrically connected to the charging circuit. Wide spreading of the hair, electrostatic cling to the face or the like, dry hair, and the damage to the hair due to charging can be prevented. Further, for example, the body of hair can be decreased by supplying negative charges when the hair is charged with positive electrostatic charges.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works Ltd.Inventors: Itaru Saida, Hisashi Kitamura
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Patent number: 7171971Abstract: An improved dental floss device, a stackable dental floss holder, and a handle for receiving the dental floss holder are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.Inventors: Harold Ochs, Emanuel Morano
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Patent number: 7171972Abstract: This invention provides a thermal energy system comprising a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy between a source and a load, the heat exchanger having a primary side associated with the source, and a secondary side for conducting a fluid associated with the load, wherein the secondary side of the heat exchanger is passively back-flushed upon consumption of a portion of the fluid. Passive back-flushing prevents fouling of the heat exchanger due to sediments, scale,and mineral deposits which may be present in the circulating fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Queen's University at KingstonInventor: Stephen J. Harrison
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Patent number: 7171973Abstract: The substrate processing apparatus has an enclosure structure enclosing a substrate support member to define a processing space. The enclosure structure has an opening closed by a shutter. A processing fluid supply unit, which supplies processing fluid, such as chemical liquid, is accommodated in a housing. The processing fluid supply unit accommodated in the housing is advanced into the processing space through the opening of the enclosure structure to feed the processing fluid onto the substrate supported by the substrate support member.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Takehiko Orii, Tatsuya Nishida, Osamu Kuroda
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Patent number: 7171974Abstract: At least one of a nucleus forming process, a nucleus growing process, a chemical sensitizing process, and a spectral sensitizing process for producing a silver halide photographic emulsion is performed by using a microreactor. A minute region of the microreactor is used to precisely perform a reaction of nucleus formation. A condition under which host grains are allowed to react with newly supplied silver halide nuclei is made uniform to cause uniform crystal growth. A predetermined quantity of molecules for chemical sensitization is doped in a crystal lattice of a nucleus of silver halide to effect a sensitizing process. Alternatively, a spectral sensitizing process in which a single molecular layer of a spectral sensitizer is uniformly adsorbed on a silver halide nucleus grain surface is securely carried out.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideharu Nagasawa, Yasunori Ichikawa, Fumiko Shiraishi, Hiroshi Maeda, Mamoru Fujisawa
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Patent number: 7171975Abstract: A method for etching an ultra-shallow channel includes using an etch process that is selective for one material to etch a different material in order to achieve a very precise channel depth in the different material. Channels as shallow as 10 nm can be fabricated in silicon with precision of 5 nm or better using the method. Stepped channels can be fabricated where each segment is a different depth, with the segments being between 10 nm and 1000 nm in depth. The method is applied to create a fluidic channel which includes a channel substrate to which is bonded a lid substrate to confine fluids to the fluidic channels so fabricated.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Kionix, Inc.Inventors: James E. Moon, Lincoln C. Young
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Patent number: 7171976Abstract: Provided is a steam trap, in which an inlet and an outlet in a body are formed collinearily and a float for opening/closing the outlet is included. The steam trap having a float within a case includes the case, a cover, a strainer, the float, an arm, a gate, a lever, and a valve plug. The case includes therein an inlet through which condensate and water flow in and an outlet through which the condensate flow out. The cover is bolt-coupled to the case. The strainer is formed in the inlet and filters foreign substances. The float is formed within the case. The arm is formed at the bottom of the float. The gate is screw-engaged with one side of the case and has an orifice formed therein. The lever connects the gate and the arm. The valve plug is formed in the lever and opens and closes the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventors: Soon Kyu Joo, Sun Kyu Joo
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Patent number: 7171977Abstract: A combination or hybrid pressure relief and topping valve for use with inflatable devices such as life rafts and escape slides. The valve including a valve body with a fluid passage therein that includes an internal shoulder. The valve further includes a first poppet with a seal seated therein where the first poppet is biased against the shoulder by a first spring. The first poppet and seal further having an aperture therein. The valve also includes a second poppet biased into the aperture by a second spring. The combination of poppets, springs and the seal provide for a neutral mode where the valve is sealed, a topping mode where fluid is allowed to pass through the valve and into an inflatable device sealed to one end of the valve, and a pressure relief mode where fluid is released from the inflatable device to the atmosphere when overpressure within the inflatable device exists.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventors: Lloyd Wass, Bob Venne