Patents Issued in June 19, 2007
  • Patent number: 7231857
    Abstract: A depaneling system is disclosed for cutting a panel. The depaneling system comprises a tooling apparatus and a cutting apparatus. The tooling apparatus helps hold the panel in place with suction during cutting of said panel and collects dust particles generated by the cutting of the panel. The cutting apparatus is comprised of a housing, a drive motor, a cutting unit, and a drive connector. The housing separates the drive motor from the cutting unit. The housing comprises a first section and a second section separated by a dividing member. The drive connector, such as a belt, passes through the first section of the housing. The second section of the housing forms a path for the dust particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventors: Kurt John Hill, Bob Allen Williams, Travis Wayne Groves, Allen W. Duck
  • Patent number: 7231858
    Abstract: A table saw having various embodiments of a measurement and display system. Several embodiments have at least one fence rail on which a removable fence is movably supported and comprise an elongated sensor strip that is located adjacent the fence rail and a sensing unit that is supported and positioned adjacent to the sensor strip and is capable of providing an electrical signal to a display unit that is indicative of the position of the sensor unit relative to the elongated sensor strip. A processing unit is operatively connected to the sensing unit and display unit to provide a digital readout of the position of the sensing unit. A switch is connected to the processing unit and is adapted to provide a zero or reference setting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stephen C. Oberheim
  • Patent number: 7231859
    Abstract: A mail opener comprises a cuffily device which is movable between an operating position and a retracted position where it is inoperative. The position of the cutting device is controllable by a drive device controlled by the postage meter. The arrangement is such that a single post station can be provided for both applying postage and opening mail. The post station incorporates a safety measure to prevent newly franked outgoing mail from being inadvertently opened or damaged by the mail opener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Neopost Limited
    Inventor: Anthony Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7231860
    Abstract: A blade material cutting device has a stationary blade part with a pair of front and rear support faces which are separated from each other by a gap. A pair of opposed front and rear stationary edges are disposed in the pair of support faces. A movable blade part which moves between the members of the stationary blade part. The movable blade part includes movable edges which cooperate with the stationary edges for cutting the blade material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Suehiro Mizukawa
  • Patent number: 7231861
    Abstract: An assembly for modifying an automatic firearm such as a carbine rifle to relocate operation of the firearm charge handle. The assembly includes a fore-grip bracket, a drive rod movable in the foregrip bracket and attached to the charging handle release lever, and a cocking handle attached to the drive rod, the rod being attached to the charge handle for alternately releasing and latching the charge handle for clearing the firearm. In one embodiment, the foregrip bracket is attached to a removable rail attached to the foregrip by a jaw type device. Another embodiment attaches to the foregrip by attaching the foregrip bracket by screws. Another embodiment attaches to a foregrip having no rail by means of a groove cut in the grip, having a pair of spaced apertures into which hooks of foregrip mount, the bracket being held in place by a rod receiver and rotatable latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventors: Justin A. Gauny, Michael O'Neill
  • Patent number: 7231862
    Abstract: A self-contained gimbaled weapon system (GWS) has a shared azimuth axis and two independent elevation axes for a sighting device and a weapon cradle. The GWS allows the weapon cradle to be elevated completely independent of the sighting device. The GWS can be stabilized and operated remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Recon/Optical, Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Quinn
  • Patent number: 7231863
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (18) for retrieving large-calibre ammunition (10), such as shells, from an ammunition magazine and transferring these to a loading and ramming position, in which the respective ammunition unit (10) is located directly behind and coaxially aligned with a barrel (20) of a large-calibre weapon which is mounted in such a way that it can pivot around a horizontal axis (22) to assume different elevation positions. The transferring arrangement comprises a swing arm (26) which is mounted in such a way that it can pivot around the said horizontal axis (22) between a retrieving position and a delivery position for each ammunition unit, and an ammunition pickup unit (30) which is mounted on the swing arm (26) in such a way that it can pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems Hagglunds Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Sture Domeij
  • Patent number: 7231864
    Abstract: A firearm apparatus includes a gun housing which includes a barrel support channel between a front gun housing portion and an intermediate gun housing portion. A reciprocating barrel is housed inside the gun housing and includes a piston-sleeve-contained barrel portion slidingly received in a piston sleeve which is housed in the front gun housing portion and in front of the barrel support channel. Proximal portions of a barrel piston head, the piston-sleeve-contained barrel portion, and the piston sleeve form a pressure space into which a portion of high pressure combustion gasses from a fired cartridge enter. The high pressure gasses propel the barrel forward until the barrel piston head reaches the end of the piston sleeve. Then, a recoil spring returns the barrel to its original position. As the barrel moves back and forth, a fresh cartridge is automatically loaded from a magazine into a barrel chamber portion, the cartridge is fired, and the spent cartridge is automatically discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Andres Ratti
  • Patent number: 7231865
    Abstract: A swiveling motor for a divided stabilizer in an area of a vehicle axle, in which a housing is closed off in a region of its end surfaces by lids. A differential pressure regulating valve located coaxially with the housing and having at least one electromagnet, and two springs of different spring load deflection characteristics directed opposite to one another. One of these springs has a lower spring load deflection characteristic in a region of the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Automotive AG
    Inventors: Holger Wehaus, Volker Middelmann
  • Patent number: 7231866
    Abstract: The cable type opening and closing switch structure for a valve pin control of a gas cylinder is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Korea Gas Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Baek-Hyung Seong
  • Patent number: 7231867
    Abstract: A rotary damper for damping oscillation of a motorcycle front tire includes a vane swingably mounted inside the rotary damper between left and right oil chambers, passages placing the oil chambers in fluid communication with one another, front chambers in communication with the passages to secure a pressure-receiving area adjacent the vane when the vane is at one of its extreme swing positions and begins swinging back towards the center of the damper, and grooves in fluid communication with the front chambers, wherein the grooves are formed shallower than the front chambers, and the passages are opened to the bottom of said grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignees: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Masaru Mishima, Nobumichi Hanawa, Takeshi Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 7231868
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for wine pomace extraction from wine processing tanks in a manner so as to minimize maceration of the wine pomace so as not to taint wine entrained within the pomace. In the present invention, wine pomace is mechanically transported out the processing tank by a conveyor means. Wine pomace is guided into the collecting path of the conveyor means by a mechanical sweeper attached to the conveyor means. In a preferred embodiment, a conveyor with sweeper wing attachments is mounted on a portable cart. The invention is positioned into the processing tank through an entry portal and secured to a tank containing pomace. The conveyor transports pomace to a receiver bin until the majority of pomace is extracted. Sweeper wings are deployed to guide remaining pomace into the collecting path of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: David L. Soberanis
  • Patent number: 7231869
    Abstract: A closure mechanism for a beverage preparation machine comprising a lower part and an upper part, the upper part and lower part being movable relative to one another from an open position in which a beverage cartridge can be received in the closure mechanism and a closed position in which the beverage cartridge is fixedly retained between the upper part and lower part, wherein in the closed position the closure mechanism contacts a top surface and a bottom surface of the beverage cartridge at or near a centre of the beverage cartridge to exert a compressive force of greater than 50N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R & D Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Halliday, Steve Carter
  • Patent number: 7231870
    Abstract: A flow control assembly (20) for use in conjunction with a funnel assembly (22) of a brewing system. The flow control assembly comprises a body (28) which has a magnetic portion (26) and a stopper (24). The body is desirably attached to a portion of the funnel assembly such as a basket (48) contained within the funnel assembly by a couple (42). The flow control assembly further includes a magnetic actuator (90) and a controller (104) connected to the brewing system for controllably displacing the stopper relative to an outlet aperture in a wall of the funnel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin G. Lowe, Randy D. Pope, Michael D. Marsaglia
  • Patent number: 7231871
    Abstract: Baking apparatus for baking edible products located on a conveying surface and preferably travelling along a conveyor track, comprising a number of electric infrared radiators arranged above the conveyor track. The infrared radiators each comprise at least one spiral filament having a gastight, infrared radiation-transmitting, breakable casing, in particular a glass casing. The baking apparatus further comprises monitoring means for monitoring breakage of the casings of the infrared radiators. The invention also relates to a method for baking an edible product by means of an electric infrared radiator having a breakable casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Wegra Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Johannes E. M. Wilbers
  • Patent number: 7231872
    Abstract: A chocolate tempering machine is digitally programmable for controlling the heating, cooling and rotation within the machine. The machine may be programmed to enable agitated, liquid chocolate to retain its proper viscosity for extended periods of time as well as minimizing the amount of porosity in the final product and by controlling bowl rotation length of time, as well as automatically increasing heat at given timed intervals. The machine includes a menu program, whereby a user can adjust and save up to twenty-six different temperature menus or more. This menu program can also be accessed to set and save desired cool down temperatures. Sensors are located such that ambient air and relative humidity can be sensed and audio/visual warnings are provided to the user when these conditions must be altered. A wear-resistant ring for leveling purposes for the machine's bowl also serves to prevent contamination of the interior of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Choco Vision Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Babicz
  • Patent number: 7231873
    Abstract: A print carousel for color images having a plurality of radial arms carrying objects to be printed incrementally reaching a corresponding number of work stations by sequential incremental rotation of the carousel by a certain angle, a silk-screen printing ink-pot functionally installed in several of said work stations alternately to work stations of drying/polymerization of respective silk-screen printing ink or paste applied in the work station precedingly reached by the object to be printed, has at least one of said work station equipped with a supporting structure for a color digital plotter mounted on slides running on radially oriented guides, from an outermost limit position to an innermost limit position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Colorprint Di Macchi L. & C. S.N.C.
    Inventor: Luigi Macchi
  • Patent number: 7231874
    Abstract: A method for generating power in a device is provided. The method includes: generating power from an inherent characteristic of the device; and supplying the generated power to at least one power consuming element associated with the device. Preferably, the inherent characteristic of the device is an acceleration of the device and the generating includes providing a mass which is movable upon the acceleration of the device and converting a potential energy of the mass into an electrical power. Alternatively, the inherent characteristic of the device is a heat generation on at least a portion of the device and the generating includes converting a heat from the heat generation into an electrical power. In another alternative, the inherent characteristic of the device is a spinning of the device and the generating includes converting the spinning of the device into an electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 7231875
    Abstract: A method for non-lethal crowd and personal protection. The method includes: firing non-lethal bullets towards a person; and deploying portions on the non-lethal bullets prior to impacting the person to decrease its impact pressure on the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventor: Jahangir S. Rastegar
  • Patent number: 7231876
    Abstract: A highly effective and also inert active penetrator, an active projectile, an active airborne body or an active multipurpose projectile with a constructively adjustable or settable relationship between penetrating power and lateral effect. The end ballistic total effect which is obtained from the penetrating depth and covering the surface or stressing of the surface is initiated in an active case by means of a releasable arrangement or installation which is independent of the position of the active body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventor: Gerd Kellner
  • Patent number: 7231877
    Abstract: A hybrid energy railway vehicle system having a traction motor with a dynamic braking mode of operation for dynamically braking the traction motor and for generating dynamic braking electrical energy and an electrical energy storage system that is in electrical communication with the traction motor and that stores dynamic braking electrical energy generated by the traction motor. The system also has a hybrid energy railway vehicle with a plurality of wheels wherein the traction motor has a motoring mode of operation for driving one of the wheels in response to electrical input energy. A converter selectively provides stored electrical energy from the energy storage system to the traction motor as electrical input energy for driving one or more of wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar
  • Patent number: 7231878
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a linear steering truck apparatus comprising a bolster member having two ends, the bolster being located along the transverse axis extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, generally located between and parallel to the transversely extending axles, a linear steering truck attachable to the car body, a plurality of pedestals, a pedestal engaged to an axle bearing, the axle bearing being rotationally engaged to one end of a transversely extending axle, and at least one pedestal being movably attached to at least one other pedestal situated in the same plane along the longitudinal axis, and rack and pinion steering components, where the geometry of pivot points from one axle to the bolster form a trapezoid and the geometry of pivot points from another axle to the bolster form a parallelogram, the pedestals being pivotably connected so that a lateral force at one axle is reacted by the other axle, wherein the car body mass acts as a pendulum mass restor
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Active Steering, LLC
    Inventor: Paul S. Wike
  • Patent number: 7231879
    Abstract: Formable pallets that are easy to construct into a generally stably product receiving state and easy to collapse into a storage/transport state. Embodiments of the pallet of which include a construction wherein one or more support beams can be further integrally formed from the sheet material of the pallet itself and function to support a product support surface on an uppermost surface of the pallet. The one or more support beams can be supported internally by structural inserts. Additionally, the supporting inserts may include braces for added stability and strength. The beams, as well as the platform can be further braced and structurally supported by cross braces, which run generally at right angles to the beams and pass through apertures in the beams themselves and slots in the inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Norman H. Gordon
  • Patent number: 7231880
    Abstract: A ship having a multi-mode hull where the draft, seakeeping, and payload-carrying capacity are varied to match the requirements of the required mission. For example, the ship has a hull with first and second hull portions and with an interconnecting hull structure, and has a ballasting system within the hull portions and operable to adjust the draft of the vessel in conjunction with the payload carried by the ship so that the ship can perform a designated mission. The hull is designed to have an adjustable hull depth according to the payload carried to perform the mission and augmented by the ballasting system so as to optimize draft, and thus hull mode, to meet mission requirements. As a result, the ship operates in four distinct modes as follows: very shallow draft (logistics mode), shallow draft (catamaran mode), moderate draft (SWATH mode), and deep draft (stealth/low-freeboard mode).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Terrence W. Schmidt, Gary M. Noland, Anthony J. Mannino, Bruce W. Cobb
  • Patent number: 7231881
    Abstract: A dehumidifying radome vent in open communication between a radome and the external environment for passively ventilating and dehumidifying the radome. The dehumidifying radome vent is a duct receiving a water aerosol comprised of air and water. The duct passively decreases a flow rate of the water aerosol so as to remove water from the air and ventilate the radome. To this end, the duct defines two or more cross-sectional flow areas along a predetermined flow path. These cross-sectional flow areas include a first cross-sectional flow area and a second cross-sectional flow area. The second cross-sectional flow area is larger than the first cross-sectional flow area for passively decreasing the flow rate and dehumidifying the aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Larry A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7231882
    Abstract: A support assembly for loading and securing a tender including first and second subassemblies. The first assembly includes a winch assembly for positioning the tender on the support assembly and the second subassembly includes a releasable securing device. Both subassemblies include a series of pivotal shafts having rollers which help guide and support the tender into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Anchor Welding Inc.
    Inventor: Rudy Zander
  • Patent number: 7231883
    Abstract: An apparatus including: a vehicle; a console attached to the vehicle; and an integrally formed, internally supported, molded canopy attached to the vehicle. In various embodiments, the apparatus further includes a frame attached to the vehicle for supporting the canopy and the canopy may include an internal electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Marine Polymer Design, LLC
    Inventors: William Daniel Cooper, Luther Thomas Smith, Edward Ernest Forbes
  • Patent number: 7231884
    Abstract: A pennant display system comprising a cuff positioned on a structure having predetermined height and means connected to the cuff for moving the cuff along the height of the structure. The system further comprises means positioned on each of the cuff and the moving means for releaseably attaching a pennant thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Corey Rang
  • Patent number: 7231885
    Abstract: A drum-type coating apparatus for applying breading material to food products is configured to eliminate, in most circumstances, a hard cylindrical drum, to be replaced by a U-hanging belt, the belly of which provides all the operative utility of a cylindrical hard drum, but better than that, provides more clearance for cleaning operations, since the upper hemi-cylinder of a hard cylindrical drum provides no utility for tumbling purposes and only, to make matters worse, obstructs cleaning operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventors: Robert G. Nothum, Jr., Robert Mathias Nothum
  • Patent number: 7231886
    Abstract: A teat cup carrier is designed to be able to co-operate with a feed platform, which teat cup carrier is freely movable relative to the feed platform. The teat cup carrier carries, besides teat cups, further milking elements for milking an animal, the further milking elements including at least a milk storage vessel for storing milk, a milking vacuum source and a pulsation vacuum source. The milk storage vessel is provided with a milk outlet. The freely movable teat cup carrier is in particular a self-propelled (autonomous) mobile teat-cup-carrying robot and comprises a control unit for controlling the functioning of the mobile teat-cup-carrying robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Lely Enterprises AG
    Inventors: Karel Van Den Berg, Greorgius Rudolphius Bos
  • Patent number: 7231887
    Abstract: A milking installation comprises a compressed air system with a compressed air line, a pneumatically controllable cylinder and a compressed air pump for supplying compressed air for the cylinder. The compressed air system comprises a dew point sensor for measuring the dew point of the compressed air and for emitting a dew point signal that is representative of the dew point. The milking installation may comprise or form part of a milking robot for automatically connecting teat cups to the teats of a dairy animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Lely Enterprises AG
    Inventors: Cornelis Christianus Franciscus Havermans, Renatus Ignatius Joséphus Fransen
  • Patent number: 7231888
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent cushion for use in pet carriers, crates, cages or other containers. The cushion features a liquid permeable outer layer and a super-absorbent inner layer, to keep the animal dry, even if it urinates. The cushion includes a rigid element which is cushioned and insulating. This rigid element, in the interior region of the cushion, keeps the cushion from bunching up, and provides a comfortable place for the animal to sit. The cushion also has a flexible peripheral region, which allows the cushion to be used in a variety of carriers with similar, but not identical, dimensions, and provides a comfortable nest-like effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: K C Pet Products, LLC
    Inventors: Lisa Kimberly Kelly, Burton Oscar Christiansen
  • Patent number: 7231889
    Abstract: A sweat panel for a saddle is connected to the saddle by a flexible connection member along a portion of the width. The sweat panel perimeter replicates the under panel perimeter to enable the two to be separated by preferably less than one quarter inch. Billets are disclosed that notch the billet leather to receive a connecting strip to connect the billet leather to the tree webbing, thereby reducing the thickness of the billets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Edmund S. Coffin
  • Patent number: 7231890
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method of filling a nectar bird feeder. The bird feeder includes a base with a nectar reservoir and an extension member that downwardly depends from the bottom surface thereof. A hanger is connected to the base and extends upwardly therefrom. A cover, which is releasably attached to the base, has a central aperture to receive the hanger therethrough. The cover is removed from the base and placed on a support surface. The base is then placed on the cover with the extension member being positioned through the aperture so it can be movably positioned so it is level for filling of the reservoir of the base with nectar. After filling, the base is removed from the cover and the cover is reattached to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Aspects, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry D. Colvin
  • Patent number: 7231891
    Abstract: A shelter is disclosed for an animal, the shelter including demountable first and second frames adapted to be releasably connectable to a flexible support and a flexible cover, providing a substantially enclosed space for receiving an animal, particularly a dog, when the shelter is in use. Each of the first and second frames, the flexible support and flexible cover are manufactured from lightweight materials. The components of the shelter can either be totally or partially dismantled to be packed together in a substantially flat configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Gregory Mark Wood
  • Patent number: 7231892
    Abstract: A method and system for extending the load range of Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) in an internal combustion engine includes detecting a current state of the engine, detecting a load demand placed on the engine, determining if the load demand is beyond a power generating capacity of a four-stroke engine cycle based on the current state of the engine and the load demand, and switching from the four-stroke engine cycle mode to a two-stroke engine cycle mode when it is determined that the load demand is beyond the capacity of the four-stroke engine cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Aleksandar Kojic, Jean-Pierr Hathout, Jasim Ahmed
  • Patent number: 7231893
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning exhaust gases from a combustion engine, in which method humid air is fed into the combustion chamber of the combustion engine. In order to reduce nitrogen emissions effectively, particularly when a diesel engine is running at partial power, and in order for the method to be very accurately adjustable to meet the requirements of each particular engine application and use, in accordance with the invention, a mixture of gas and aqueous mist is fed with a spray head (3) into a space (2), which leads to the combustion chamber. The method can be readily implemented by an apparatus, which can be mounted in a small space without having to make substantial changes in the combustion engine. The invention also relates to an apparatus for cleaning exhaust gases from a combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Marioff Corporation Oy
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 7231894
    Abstract: A rotary displacement machine includes a casing having a circular cylindrical internal surface and a rotor disposed in the chamber mounted to orbit about a chamber axis, with the rotor having a circular cylindrical external surface. A vane member is mounted on the casing and pivotable about a pivot axis parallel to the chamber axis. The vane member has a passage way communicating between the exterior of the casing and the operating chamber. A linkage connects the vane member to the rotor so as to keep a tip face of the vane member in sealing contact with an external surface of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: E.A. Technical Services Limited
    Inventor: Ronald William Driver
  • Patent number: 7231895
    Abstract: In a method for operating a camshaft adjusting device, using an actuating drive, the actual setting of a camshaft with respect to the rotation of the crankshaft is followed corresponding to a setpoint setting ascertained in a control unit. In response to the occurrence of a lasting system deviation between the actual setting and the setpoint setting, an error signal is generated. The error signal is designed in multiple stages as a function of the system deviation, different weightings being imputed to the individual stages of the fault indication. By this measure, the fault indications of different weightings may be processed. Faults that are not serious, but nevertheless require attention, may be treated separately from serious faults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Haffelder, Oliver Krannich, Werner Mezger
  • Patent number: 7231896
    Abstract: A VCT phaser having a mechanical feedback in which no elaborate sensors and its concomitant electronic control loop is required. The phaser has center mounted spool valve controlling the flow of control fluid such that when a command positions the same at a predetermined position, passages within the phaser adjusts to a desired position through the mechanical feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Mott, Andrew Mott, Zhenyu Jiang
  • Patent number: 7231897
    Abstract: Internal combustion engine with at least one cylinder, in which a fuel/air mixture can be compressed in a cylinder by a piston, the temperature of the fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber being able to be brought at least to over roughly 80% and up to at most roughly 98% of the spontaneous ignition temperature of the fuel/air mixture and the ignition of the combustion being time-controlled through the introduction of laser light into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: GE Jenbacher GmbH & Co OHG
    Inventors: Günther Herdin, Johann Klausner
  • Patent number: 7231898
    Abstract: A flange seal molded as a single piece from a synthetic material which can withstand the high heat and pressure produced by the engine. The flange seal is shaped to correspond the intake manifold housing. Connecting portions on the flange seal separate the individual port openings. The flange seal is located between the intake manifold housing and the cylinder head to seal the joint. Pressure is applied to the flange seal when the fasteners are tightened to aid in sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventors: Mark Letourneau, Lisa Whaley
  • Patent number: 7231899
    Abstract: A multicylinder engine intake system includes: a plurality of intake paths; a plurality of bypasses detouring throttle valves and connected to the intake paths; and a common bypass control valve for opening and closing the bypasses. The bypass control valve is constituted by a valve body and an electrically operated actuator provided above the valve body and operated for opening and closing the valve body. A portion of a bypass upstream path in the bypasses on upstream side of the valve body is placed below the valve body. Idling air paths branch off from the portion of the bypass upstream path to reach the corresponding intake paths. Thus, it is possible to prevent fuel or dater droplets from staying in the bypasses and appropriately control the amount of first idling air by the bypass control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Wakamori, Kuniaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7231900
    Abstract: A normally closed ignition grounding switch mounted on the engine operates in concert with the fuel valve such that in order to “kill” the engine, the fuel valve must be moved from its open position. In one embodiment, a normally closed push button switch is mounted on the engine shroud in a position such that it is aligned with the sliding fuel valve lever so that the switch is released only when the fuel valve is moved toward its closed position. In an alternative embodiment, a normally open push button switch is mounted to the engine shroud aligned with the lever of the fuel valve such that closing the fuel valve depresses the push button switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Michael S. Hanshaw
  • Patent number: 7231901
    Abstract: An injector having three concentrated fuel spray bands is used, one of the fuel spray bands is directed to an spark plug, and the others are directed to curved grooves on a piston. The sprays that enter each groove advance along each groove, mutually collide substantially under the spark plug, and are ascended. Further, these spray bands are carried to the vicinity of the spark plug by a tumble flow and stable stratified air-fuel mixture is formed. As described above, stable and satisfactory stratified combustion can be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun'ichi Yamaguchi, Hiroshi Fujii, Ryoichi Komuro
  • Patent number: 7231902
    Abstract: At an outlet portion of an injection hole (8) of a fuel injection valve (1), through removal of a part (A1, 7B) of a wall forming the injection hole (8), a restriction to a spray flow is released, thereby, a deflection spray is formed in which the spray is rich at the side of restriction released and is learn at the side of restricted, accordingly, ignition property of an internal combustion engine is improved, and an optimum spray is realized which reduces exhaust amount of unburnt gas components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ayumu Miyajima, Yoshio Okamoto, Yuzo Kadomukai, Shigenori Togashi, Kiyoshi Amo, Makoto Yamakado, Tohru Ishikawa, Hiromasa Kubo, Hiroshi Fujii
  • Patent number: 7231903
    Abstract: A returning spring of the electronic control throttle and a default spring for securing an initial opening degree (default opening degree) of the throttle valve have diameters different from each other, and both of the springs are held around a shaft of the throttle valve shaft and arranged between a gear attached to the throttle valve shaft and a wall portion of the throttle body. A shaft supporting gap of the throttle valve shaft is filled with an air leak preventing material, and a minimum opening degree for control of the throttle valve is set to a value larger than an amount of overshoot of the throttle valve occurring when opening degree of the throttle valve is changed from a maximum opening degree on control purpose of the throttle valve to the minimum opening degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito
  • Patent number: 7231904
    Abstract: A relative position detection-and-control device is designed with multiple Hall Effect sensors. In one embodiment, the multiple Hall Effect sensors comprise two different types of Hall Effect sensors. The two different types can be linear and digital. The output of the sensors is used to determine the position of an accelerator control, such as a twist grip, and to control an engine or motor in accordance with the operator demand evidenced by the position of the accelerator control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruyoshi Hino, Keiko Murota, Hideki Shirazawa, Junji Terada, Tomohiro Ono
  • Patent number: 7231905
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is configured with combustion chamber pressure sensing and exhaust gas recirculation apparatus. Exhaust gas recirculation control includes closed-loop controlling exhaust gas recirculation apparatus in accordance with a predetermined control target. Adjustments to the control target are made based on combustion chamber pressure information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ibrahim Haskara, Anupam Gangopadhyay, Paul Anthony Battiston, Frederic Anton Matekunas, Patrick G. Szymkowicz
  • Patent number: 7231906
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is configured with combustion chamber pressure sensing and exhaust gas recirculation apparatus. Fuel injection timing is adjusted based on combustion phasing and exhaust gas recirculation is controlled based on average fuel injection timing adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ibrahim Haskara, Anupam Gangopadhyay, Paul Anthony Battiston, Frederic Anton Matekunas, Patrick G. Szymkowicz