Patents Issued in March 20, 2007
  • Patent number: 7191751
    Abstract: The invention entails a handle for a pull-rope starter of a drive motor, especially of a chain saw. The invention includes at least one handle section, at least one fastening section for a starter rope, and a damping for smoothing out force peaks produced in the handle during the starting of the drive motor. The damping is arranged in the handle section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Dolmar GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Vick, Roland Ladwig
  • Patent number: 7191752
    Abstract: An energy storing starter assembly comprising a pulley, a hub and a buffering component. The buffering component provides a resilient connection between the pulley and the hub, and is designed to store and transmit energy between the pulley and the hub. The ends of the buffering component are further designed to be interchangeable, such that either end of the buffering component may be received by either the hub or the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Husqvarna Outdoor Products Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Schriever, Dennis E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7191753
    Abstract: The present invention provides an engine cover structure for an engine (1) whose cylinder head (7) is covered at three of front, rear, right and left sides thereof by a fuel tank (10), an air cleaner (20) and a muffler (9), respectively, comprising a cover (50) which covers the remaining one side and/or a top side of the cylinder head (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Sagara, Junichi Samo, Toshio Kamiyama, Shinji Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7191754
    Abstract: A control system having a housing with a bore formed within the housing. A valve member is associated with the bore for controlling the passage of a fluid medium through the bore. An induction sensor is aligned with the valve and facilitates determining the valve position. An inductor is connected to an end of the valve member that is in close proximity to the induction sensor. It is contemplated that this control system can be used in a number of different applications including throttle control systems, turbo actuators, canister purge systems and shift control mechanisms. However, it is within the scope of this invention to incorporate the control system on virtually any type of vehicle system where it is possible to determine the position of a valve utilizing induction sensor technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Keefover, Michael J. Halsig, Hal E. Pringle
  • Patent number: 7191755
    Abstract: A system for controlling idle air flow for an engine. The system includes an idle air control valve, a stepper motor, and a controller. The idle air control valve has a first hard stop and a second hard stop. The stepper motor is coupled to the idle air control valve and configured to manipulate the position of the idle air control valve. The controller is in communication with the stepper motor to provide a driving signal. Further, the controller is configured to drive the idle air control valve to the first hard stop and then drive the idle air control valve to the second hard stop after receiving an engine shutdown command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Matti K. Vint
  • Patent number: 7191756
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling stopping position of a crankshaft during shutdown of a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine influence cylinder pressure independent of associated intake/exhaust valves during shutdown of the engine so the crankshaft stops in a position favorable for restarting. Embodiments include an engine having variable compression ratio cylinders with the compression ratio of the cylinders controlled to vary cylinder pressure during shutdown to control stopping position of the crankshaft, or an auxiliary control valve disposed in a cylinder wall to control pressure within the cylinders during shutdown so the crankshaft stops in a position desirable for restarting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Phlips, Bernd Steiner, Klemens Greiser, Ulrich Kramer
  • Patent number: 7191757
    Abstract: Limitation of the opening rate of the throttle valve is prohibited unless the following conditions have been all satisfied: (i) the engine speed detected at starting opening the throttle valve is below a prescribed speed; (ii) the throttle angle detected at starting opening the throttle valve is below a prescribed throttle angle; (iii) the target throttle-open angle is above a prescribed throttle-open angle; and (ix) the target opening rate of the throttle valve is above a prescribed opening rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobutaka Takeuchi, Shinji Nagai
  • Patent number: 7191758
    Abstract: A controller of a engine control device according to the present invention is configured to activate an automatic stop control of an engine when there is met a condition that an open state of a gate lever is detected by a limit switch and a rotation speed of the engine detected by a rotation sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined engine stop rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyasu Umezu
  • Patent number: 7191759
    Abstract: An apparatus for allowing electronic engine speed control comprises a transmitter coil, a receiver coil providing a receiver signal when the transmitter coil is excited due to an inductive coupling to the transmitter coil, and a coupler element mechanically associated with a pedal arm so that the coupler position is correlated with the pedal position. The coupler element modifies the inductive coupling between the transmitter coil and the receiver coil so that the receiver signal is correlated with the pedal arm position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: KSR Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Joong K. Lee
  • Patent number: 7191760
    Abstract: An ignition control device for a two-cycle internal combustion engine that controls an ignition timing for inhibiting detonation while inhibiting an increase in an exhaust pipe temperature, including: map storing means for storing a map that provides a relationship among a throttle valve opening degree and a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine and a delay side allowable limit ignition timing, which is a limit ignition timing on a delay side of the internal combustion engine when the exhaust pipe temperature of the internal combustion engine reaches an allowable upper limit value; arithmetical operation means for arithmetically operating the limit ignition timing by searching the map with respect to the throttle valve opening degree and the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine; and ignition operation stopping means for stopping an ignition operation of the internal combustion engine when an ignition timing of the internal combustion engine is further delayed from the limit ignition
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kokusan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Watanabe, Tsuneaki Endou
  • Patent number: 7191761
    Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including the steps of: determining presence of abnormality in a high-pressure fuel system; when abnormality is sensed in the high-pressure fuel system, and not in an in-cylinder injector, injecting fuel from the in-cylinder injector at the feed pressure; selecting criteria (1) that is the restriction standard for a more gentle output restriction of the engine; when abnormality is sensed in the high-pressure fuel system and in the in-cylinder injector, ceasing the in-cylinder injector; selecting criteria (2) that is the restriction standard for a stricter output restriction of the engine; increasing the VVT overlap; retarding the ignition timing; and restricting the throttle opening according to the selected criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Shibagaki, Zenichiro Mashiki
  • Patent number: 7191762
    Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine comprises a nozzle (2) with an inlet and a cam-driven plunger (5) forming a plunger chamber (7) which is connected to the inlet of the nozzle. The injection system also comprises a common rail (10) for fuel and a control valve (9) installed between the plunger chamber (7) and the common rail (10), wherein the control valve is able to open or close hydraulic communication between the plunger chamber and the common rail upon receiving an electrical control command. An electrically actuated nozzle control valve (21) is used for opening and closing of the nozzle (2). The system also comprises a means (11) for pressurizing the common rail and regulating pressure of the fuel in the common rail (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Sergi Yudanov
  • Patent number: 7191763
    Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus is provided for an intake manifold and a fuel injection system that can be easily and reliably mounted together by a mounting structure, even when the intake manifold has an integrated design in which air intake branches curve steeply upward from a downward side to an upstream side. With this fuel supply apparatus, the fuel injection system is mounted with coupling bolts on the top surface of the outer wall of the downstream portion of the intake manifold. The threads of the bolts engage internal threaded bores in the fuel injection system. The heads of the bolts are disposed on a reverse side of a top surface of an outer wall of the intake manifold, with internal threaded bores of the fuel injection system being disposed on a side of the top surface of the outer wall of the intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Kashima
  • Patent number: 7191764
    Abstract: A control unit calculates a quantity of air that is taken into an engine from an output current from an air flow meter that is located downstream from a throttle valve. The control unit then determines the quantity of fuel to be injected for this quantity of air. The control unit determines a rise in the air intake as being when the quantity of air is on an increasing trend and has exceeded a predetermined threshold value. In contrast, the control unit determines a fall in the air intake as being when the quantity of air is on a decreasing trend and has exceeded a predetermined threshold value. An injection of fuel starts from a rise in the air intake and is ended at an earlier timing than the end of the air intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventor: Shogo Hattori
  • Patent number: 7191765
    Abstract: A description is provided of a device (2) for control of an electro-actuator (3), comprising a first and a second input terminal (4,5) which are connected to an electrical energy source (6); and a first and a second output terminal (10,11) which are connected to the electro-actuator (3). The control device (2) additionally comprises a threshold comparator (30) which can compare the voltage (VHS,VLS) present at the first or second output terminal (10,11) of the control device (2) with a threshold voltage (VTH—EOI) and can generate a signal (VEOI) which is indicative of the instant of end of actuation of the electro-actuator, when this voltage (VHS,VLS) passes through the threshold voltage (VTH—EOI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Anzioni
    Inventor: Paolo Santero
  • Patent number: 7191766
    Abstract: A modified pump follower device (2) and method of retarding injection timing of EMD-type unit injectors by a desired amount of crank degrees includes the steps of providing a modified pump follower (2) whose plunger engagement location, also known as t-slot (7), varies depending on the desired amount of retarding. Specifically, the modified pump follower (2) has a t-slot (7) which has a predetermined distance t? on the modified pump follower (2), as compared to conventional pump followers having a predetermined distance t, such that the t-slot (14) is closer to the top face (9) of the pump follower (2). The difference in spacing between the original timing t and the retarded timing t? is r, which is an amount equal to the amount of retardation, in linear units, that corresponds to the desired amount of retardation in crank degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Haynes Corporation
    Inventors: Schultz Gregory Lee, Ed A. Schlairet, Edward H. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7191767
    Abstract: A reservoir assembly 10 is provided for a fuel tank of a vehicle. The reservoir assembly 10 is constructed and arranged to receive an electric fuel pump assembly 44 or a fuel suction unit 23 in a reservoir 12 thereof. The fuel suction unit 23 and the electric fuel pump assembly 44 are configured so as to be interchangeably received in the reservoir 12. This interchangeability advantageously saves design time and, from a supplier's point of view, provides more flexibility since two separate configurations are no longer required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Jochen Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7191768
    Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a gas fuel supply system in which a controllable range in the fuel injection quantity control by an injector is enlarged. According to one preferable aspect of this invention, the gas fuel supply system comprises an injector provided in an intake pipe of an internal combustion engine, a fuel supply passage for supplying the gas fuel to the injector, and means for controlling pressure of the gas fuel supplied to the injector through the fuel supply passage by using negative pressure in the intake pipe such that the pressure of the gas fuel increases if the negative pressure in the intake pipe decreases, and the pressure of the gas fuel decreases if the negative pressure in the intake pipe increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Isuza Motors Limited
    Inventor: Motohisa Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 7191769
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine with a 2-stage charge loading includes a connection conduit with a supercharger intercooler provided between the compressors of the low pressure stage and high pressure stage. The supercharger intercooler is configured via a cooling unit in the charge air guiding connection conduit between the compressor of the ATL-low pressure stage and the compressor of the ATL-high pressure stage having a cooling medium flowing therethrough as well as by a specially configured section of the connection conduit. The connection conduit in this section forms with its wall the outer wall of the supercharger intercooler and delimits an air through-put volume sufficient to effect, via a cooling medium flowing through the cooling unit, an acceptable cooling of charge air flowing through the cooling unit that is built into the connection conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Man Steyr AG
    Inventors: Gottfried Raab, Peter Kislinger, Heinz Povolny
  • Patent number: 7191770
    Abstract: An engine is made by providing a layer of material between the outer surface of a cylinder liner and the inner surface of the cylinder opening within an engine block. The material can be a polymer or a ceramic. Polyether ether ketone or polyethylene terephthalate can be a polymer used for these purposes. Zirconia or yttria can be ceramic used for these purposes. An electro-deposited paint can serve as the layer of thermally insulative material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin R. Anderson, Eric S. Mueller, Christopher J. Misorski, Mitesh B. Sheth
  • Patent number: 7191771
    Abstract: The aim of the inventive method is to improve the emission values of an internal combustion engine during idling following a cold start. Said aim is achieved by inferring an adaptive value for the required fuel quantity from a characteristic curve in accordance with the temperature of the internal combustion engine and verifying during continuous lambda regulation whether predetermined adaptation conditions are met. If so, an adaptive value is determined from the parameters of the lambda regulator and the characteristic curve is adjusted according the newly determined adaptive value and the measured temperature of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Alexander Ketterer, Hong Zhang
  • Patent number: 7191772
    Abstract: Method of regulating an internal combustion engine in order to reach presettable nitrogen oxide emission values of the internal combustion engine, wherein the internal combustion engine is supplied at least some of the time with a first fuel and at least some of the time with a second fuel, the quantity of the first fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine per unit of time being controlled according to a preset control actual value or kept constant and the quantity of the second fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine per unit of time to reach a presettable nitrogen oxide emission value being regulated according to at least one recorded engine parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: GE Jenbacher GmbH & Co OHG
    Inventors: Reinhard Robitschko, Herbert Schaumberger, Johann Hirzinger, Albert Fahringer
  • Patent number: 7191773
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a magazine for loading paintballs into a guppy. The magazine is in the form of a tapered plastic container defining a chamber, an exit port leading from the chamber and a top loading opening leading to the chamber. A cover is snap mounted to the container and a paintball feed mechanism is mounted adjacent the bottom of the container next to the port. The feed mechanism comprising a slide housing mounted to the container and a slide member defining a beveled aperture sidably mounted in the slide housing, the slide member being spring biased in a closed position to provide selective access to paintballs held in the container chamber allowing a guppy to be mounted to a guppy support member which extends away from the feed mechanism to be loaded with paintballs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Brad L. Vincent
  • Patent number: 7191774
    Abstract: A toy air gun and in particular an improved air gun for generating vortex rings are described. The gun is designed so that the path along the axis of air motion from the rear of the gun to the air exit hole is optically transparent, and contains patterns normal to this axis that assist in accurate sighting. This allows targets to be directly sighted along the axis of air or vortex ring travel. Together with improvements to ensure purely axial air motion, this dramatically increases the aiming accuracy of this class of gun and makes it suitable for target-type activities. A screen with a cylindrically symmetric pattern of openings and aiming marks prevents solid objects placed inside the gun's barrel from being projected outwards, and assists in aiming the gun. An vented safety guard at the exit end of the gun prevents large pressures from developing in the event that the gun exit is blocked while preserving the vortex ring component to the airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Robert E. Thorne
  • Patent number: 7191775
    Abstract: A gun replica includes a grip portion, a gun butt portion detachably connected to the grip portion and a cylinder portion received in a barrel portion which is detachably connected to the grip portion and having a piston movably received inside the cylinder portion so as to press a recoil mechanism and to compress air inside the cylinder of the cylinder portion to fire a bullet from the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Wen-Ho Lo
  • Patent number: 7191776
    Abstract: An improved nebulizer breathing system wherein a supplemental gas may be introduced into the nebulizer head at a position after the liquefied medication has been fractured or nebulized, so that the introduction of the supplemental gas does not effect the rate at which the nebulized liquefied medication is applied to the user, and the mixture of gases to be administered to a patient is added to the breathing system at a position removed from the point at which the gas mixture is administered to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.
    Inventors: Rex A. Niles, Richard K. Pelerossi, Fredrick M. Richards
  • Patent number: 7191777
    Abstract: A medicament dispenser for use in the storage, presentation and/or dispensing of medicament comprising a body shaped for receipt of a medicament container. In association with the body, there is a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving data. A medicament container is receivable by the body. In association with the medicament container, there is a second transceiver for transmitting and receiving data. Data is transferable in two-way fashion from the first transceiver to the second transceiver. The medicament dispenser may be supplied in kit of parts form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventors: Peter John Brand, James William Godfrey, Paul Kenneth Rand
  • Patent number: 7191778
    Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a shield and a mask body. The shield includes an air-impermeable bent sheet that defines a rim-receiving recess. The mask body is detachably connected to the shield and includes a rim that is received in the rim-receiving recess and that defines a chamber therein. The shield cooperates with the mask body to define a gap therebetween. The rim is formed with at least an aperture that is in spatial communication with the chamber and the gap. A filter sheet is permeable to air and is attached to the rim to cover the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventors: Ming-Jeng Shue, Deborah Huang
  • Patent number: 7191779
    Abstract: Provided is a snorkel having a whistler. In one embodiment, the whistler is mounted on a breathing tube. A swimmer wearing the snorkel may seize the whistler by the mouth prior to making a clear, shrill sound by activating the whistler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: QDS Injection Molding LLC
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng Shiue
  • Patent number: 7191780
    Abstract: A continuous high-frequency oscillation breathing device delivers therapy during both inhalation and exhalation in order to assist in clearings secretions the lungs. A fixed shrouded-venturi patient interface circuit is combined with medicated aerosol to deliver continuous high-frequency oscillation therapy. Fixed open apertures in the patient interface circuit allow ingress and egress of flow, and are calibrated to allow exhalation and prevent stacking of successive breaths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Comedica Incorporated
    Inventor: Joseph Dee Faram
  • Patent number: 7191781
    Abstract: A ventilation interface and system is described which can be adapted to be connected to a source of ventilation. The ventilation interface and system may include variable exhaust ports. The ventilation interface system may optionally include feed tubes, y-connector, tube holder, and headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Innomed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wood
  • Patent number: 7191782
    Abstract: A respiratory suction catheter apparatus includes a suction catheter that has a tubular portion with a distal end. The suction catheter may be adapted for removing fluids from a patient by insertion of the tubular portion into an artificial airway of the patient and application of negative pressure to a lumen of the tubular portion. A catheter attachment section is present and has a proximal end that is attached to the suction catheter, and has a distal end that is configured for releasable attachment with an artificial airway structure that is attached to the patient. A valve is located in the catheter attachment section. The valve has a closed position that at least substantially blocks the passageway of the catheter attachment section which causes the tubular portion to be substantially isolated from the artificial airway of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward B. Madsen
  • Patent number: 7191783
    Abstract: A hair foil and hair holding system for applying hair treatments has a hair anchoring strip close to or aligned with the leading edge of a foil or hair holding appliance, by which it is adhered to the scalp in a hands-free, non-lifting relationship. The strip may be the hook component of a hook and loop fabric fastener system. The leading edge may be pinked to provide a pattern of slots for access for picking and placing hair strands on the foil. The appliance may have provision for attaching a foil blank. The foils may have shoulders extending out wider than the leading edge is long. The foils may have flaps to aid in urging them forward with a pick during usage. The foils or appliances may be made from continuous webs of leading edge or foil material and hair anchoring material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: PWAI, LLC.
    Inventor: Marsha A Russell
  • Patent number: 7191784
    Abstract: A dental flossing apparatus having a body with extending retention arms configured for retaining a length of dental floss under tension between the arms. The tension is applied between resilient arms and biased into tension by means of legs coupled to said arms which are manipulated and optionally locked together. By way of example, a bore extending into the bead may be engaged over a post extending proximal the end of the retention arms. Other forms of engaging the floss with the ends of the retention arms are also described. The body of the flossing device or the beads may be configured in the shape of animals, action figures, characters, or other objects to enhance entertainment value. Floss for the flossing device comprise short sections of floss with a bead near each end, which may be separated from a roll of floss upon which a plurality of beads are affixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy J. Landis, Victoria Landis
  • Patent number: 7191785
    Abstract: Semiconductor wafers are cleaned by placing the semiconductor wafers in a processing vessel, forming a pure water film on the surfaces of the wafers, forming an ozonic water film by dissolving ozone gas in the pure water film, and removing resist films formed on the wafers by the agency of the ozonic water film. The pure water film is formed by condensing steam on the surfaces of the wafers. The resist films formed on the surfaces of the wafers can be removed by also using hydroxyl radicals produced by interaction between steam and ozone gas supplied into the processing vessel. Thus, the resist films can be removed highly effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Takayuki Toshima, Kinya Ueno, Miyako Yamasaka, Hideyuki Tsutsumi, Tadashi Iino, Yuji Kamikawa
  • Patent number: 7191786
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting an engine flushing system for flushing the lubrication system of an engine having a detachable engine lubricant filter contained within a casing is disclosed, which may comprise at least one flushing system connection unit adapted to connect the flushing system to at least one of the engine lubricant inlet portion and engine lubricant outlet portion of the detachable lubricant filter through the casing of the detachable engine lubricant filter. The flushing connection unit may comprise a first flushing connection unit adapted to connect the flushing system to the engine lubricant inlet portion and engine lubricant outlet portion of the detachable lubricant filter, through the casing of the detachable engine lubricant filter; and a second flushing connection unit adapted to connect the flushing system to the lubrication system of the engine through an opening utilized for mechanically measuring the level of lubricant in the lubrication system of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Adam A. Awad
  • Patent number: 7191787
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method is provided for using high-frequency acoustic energy with a supercritical fluid to perform a semiconductor wafer (“wafer”) cleaning process. High-frequency acoustic energy is applied to the supercritical fluid to impart energy to particulate contamination present on the wafer surface. Energy imparted to particulate contamination via the high-frequency acoustic energy and supercritical fluid is used to dislodge and remove the particulate contamination from the wafer. Additionally, the wafer cleaning process benefits from the supercritical fluid properties of near zero surface tension, high diffusivity, high density, and chemical mixing capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Fred C. Redeker, John M. Boyd, John Parks
  • Patent number: 7191788
    Abstract: A tent having window shelf that extends into a tent from the bottom of a window opening. The shelf may be formed, for example, by an inner covering of the window. The inner covering may include an outer support such as a pole so that it may maintain its configuration when folded down, and a fabric strip or other structure for maintaining the inner covering in a horizontal position so that it may serve as a shelf. A clasp or a plurality of clasps may be provided for attaching an inner covering of a tent window and permitting the inner covering to drape over the opening for the window without completely closing the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Holub, Ryan J. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 7191789
    Abstract: A system for making modular all of the components of hydronic heating systems so that they can be assembled in various configurations with a minimum of error and labor. The system includes a modular transition adaptor that completes a first hydronic loop and provides a supply outlet and return inlet for servicing a second hydronic loop which is dependent from the first. The transition adaptor has standard spacing and fittings for simple and error free connection to other components such as boilers and mechanical modules. The system also includes a modular supply-return connector that can be connected to the branch outlet and branch inlet of the transition adaptor and to other supply-return connectors. Each supply-return connector includes further branches to provide heated liquid to hydronic radiator loops. The supply-return connectors may include pumps or valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Inventive Development L.L.C.
    Inventor: A. Hoyt Corbett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7191790
    Abstract: A quick pressure reducer and cylinder valve for use with an SCBA includes a cylinder valve that connects to a pressure vessel, a pressure reduction assembly for reducing the pressure of breathing air provided by the pressure vessel, a probe, and an inlet/latch assembly. The probe includes a notch and a threadless probe tip, and the inlet/latch includes a corresponding receptacle and one or more latches adapted to fit into the notch to retain the probe in the receptacle. A pushbutton switch in the receptacle is triggered by insertion of the probe tip therein, thereby providing an electrical signal. Probes of different lengths may be used to correspond to different pressure capacities, and the inlet/latch assembly may be arranged either to permit the insertion of only probe size or may be arranged to accept both sizes but to function differently based on the size of the probe. The latches are inoperable except at or below a nominal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Scott Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald B. Mele
  • Patent number: 7191791
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for actuating double seat valves, which are especially suitable for the food and beverage industry and which have an independently actuated first closing element (3), which is designed as a sliding piston and a fully dependent on this actuated second closing element (4), which is designed as a seat disc, whereby the actuator (100, 200) produces at all times using a main adjustment device (100) for the fully open position (H) as well as, for the case of maximum requirements, the respective individual adjustment devices (200; 200.1, 200.2) which are assigned to the closing elements (3, 4) for generation of the partially open positions (T1, T2) acting in opposite directions for the seat cleaning of the closing elements (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Tuchenhagen GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Burmester
  • Patent number: 7191792
    Abstract: A compressor assembly having a base. Particularly, a compressor assembly including a base defined at least partially by a support surface and a wall extending upwardly therefrom, an elastomeric coating positioned to cover at least a portion of the base to define a substantially fluid tight containment area, and a fluid compressor positioned within the base with at least a portion of the fluid compressor positioned in the containment area. The present invention may further include a method for assembling a compressor assembly, the method including providing a base having a support surface and a wall extending upwardly therefrom to define a first perimeter, coating at least a portion of the support surface and at least a portion of the wall with an elastomeric material to define a fluid containment area, and positioning at least one fluid compressor component at least partially within the first perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Dean P. Hendrix
  • Patent number: 7191793
    Abstract: A shut-off type diaphragm valve adapted for use in an atomic layer deposition system includes a flexible diaphragm operable to flex between an open position whereby a valve passage is at least partially open and a closed position whereby a substantial portion of a first side of the diaphragm is pressed against a valve seat to thereby block the valve passage and facilitate heat transfer between the valve seat and the diaphragm. In some embodiments, a heating body thermally contacts the valve body and extends proximal to a second side of the diaphragm opposite the first side thereof to form a thermally conductive pathway that facilitates maintaining an operating temperature at the diaphragm. A thermally resistive member may be interposed between the valve passage and an actuator, such as a solenoid, for attenuating heat transfer between the valve passage and the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarmo Ilmari Maula, Hannu Leskinen, Teemu Lang, Pekka Kuosmanen, Kari Härkönen, Bradley J. Aitchison
  • Patent number: 7191794
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting a tub/shower mixing valve onto a fiberglass shower stall wall. The assembly comprises a valve mounting sleeve and a locking plate that helps secure the mounting sleeve to the shower stall wall. Alternatively, the mounting sleeve may be secured to the shower stall wall by bolts threadably connected to the mounting sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: B. Eugene Hodges
  • Patent number: 7191795
    Abstract: A venting valve for a fuel vessel of a portable handheld work apparatus has a valve housing which includes a base body and a valve cover. A valve plate is mounted between the base body and the valve cover. The valve plate controls a pressure compensating channel connecting the vessel interior space to the outside of the vessel. A cover cap extends over the valve cover and is fixed with an attachment shoulder on the base body. To reliably prevent a separation of the cover cap from the base body, a collar is provided on the liquid vessel wherein the attachment shoulder of the cover cap engages. The collar overlaps the free end of the attachment shoulder over a pregiven axial length (L). The inner diameter (I) of the collar is configured only slightly greater than the outer diameter (A) of the free end of the attachment shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz Hettmann, Dieter Kremsler
  • Patent number: 7191796
    Abstract: The dual outlet air valve is design feature that would greatly enhance the convenience of the standard valve stem design. In order to accomplish this the dual outlet air valve comprises a multi-port design whereby air can be released or injected through more then one port. The sealing and release of air for each port is controlled by a novel mechanism comprising a spring mounted plug. This spring is helical and surrounds a rod. One end of the rod is attached to a plug that is held in alignment with a hole defined by a wall formed to separate the upper portion of the port from the lower portion. The other end of the rod passes through a partition formed to define a hole at its center. The spring is larger in diameter then the center hole of the partition and is seated between the partition and the plug. The partition is threaded on its circumferance and is seated on threads defined by the inner surface of the port. Rotating the partition causes it to move up or down and alters the compression of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Paul E. Rehmert, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7191797
    Abstract: A rotary distribution apparatus includes a fixed inner distribution member (12) with inner conduit zone; a rotatable distribution member (16) rotatable about the fixed inner distribution member; a plurality of fluid distribution chambers (18) located between the fixed inner distribution member and the rotatable outer distribution member; each fluid distribution chamber having a fixed port (20) in the fixed inner distribution member to which a fixed supply or return conduit for a fluid can in use be connected and at least one distribution port (22) in the rotatable outer distribution member; at least one indexing arrangement (24) including a rotatable indexing member (26) and a fixed indexing member (28); a plurality of passageways (30, 32, 38, 40) extending through each of the rotatable and fixed indexing members (26, 28), the plurality of passageways each having indexing ports (30.2, 32.2, 38.2, 40.2) and connection ports (30.1, 32.1, 38.1, 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Tongaat-Hulett Group Limited
    Inventors: Craig Jensen, Michael Greenfield, Leon Smith
  • Patent number: 7191798
    Abstract: A fluid circuit connector system includes a quick-release connector for connecting a set of tubes to an object. The quick-release connector includes a release button, a lock arm, a lock tab and a cavity configured to receive the tubes and a set of coupler housings. The connector system includes an object fitting having lock recess may be configured to receive the lock tab. The object fitting includes a cavity. The system further includes a set of male coupler housings each including a first unitary valve and a set of female coupler housings each including a second unitary valve. Each female housing is configured to receive and engage one of the male coupler housings. The system includes a set of seals configured to seal each male coupler housing and each female coupler housing when the quick-release connector is connected to the object fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Vital Wear, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Edelman, Howard R. Davidson
  • Patent number: 7191799
    Abstract: A body element for a spool valve is provided that includes a body having an inner surface that defines an internal valving chamber having a longitudinal axis, and at least one transverse surface to the longitudinal axis. The transverse surface has at least one port comprising an annular flow passage, an intermediate flow passage and an outer flow passage extending outward from and in fluid communication with the inner surface of the internal valving chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Lloyd I. Towne, Thomas R. Headley
  • Patent number: 7191800
    Abstract: A fluid power controller device comprises a plurality of valve modules arranged sequentially in a row direction and collected together as an array-like unit, such modules comprising respectively a principal valve having at least one moving valve member and at least one electrically operated valve drive for the principal valve. At least two of the valve modules placed sequentially in the row direction are spaced from each other with the formation of an intermediate space. In such intermediate space a diagnostic module is placed for the detection of at least one operational state of one or both principal valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Michael Berner, Grzegorz Bogdanowicz