Patents Issued in June 26, 2007
  • Patent number: 7234393
    Abstract: An improved nutcracker and shelling process use centrifugal force to accelerate nuts so that their shells shatter upon impacting a target surface. The nutcracker includes an impeller having an intake for receiving nuts and an outlet for discharging the nuts. During operation, the impeller is spun so that the nuts received at the intake are accelerated as they pass through the impeller. The nuts reach a sufficiently fast speed so that their shells fracture upon hitting the target surface after being thrown from the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Lindsey Family Farm, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Eugene Lindsey, Glenn Fredrick Monnier
  • Patent number: 7234394
    Abstract: A chute corner assembly with a spring loaded chute liner for use in a strapping machine comprises a recess for receiving an end of an adjacent chute liner, a chute liner spring plate for engaging the end of the chute liner, a spring for biasing the chute liner away from the chute corner assembly and towards an opposite chute corner. The chute corner assembly of the present invention is used connection with a chute liner to eliminate the gap between the corner assembly and the chute liner, and to simultaneously dynamically eliminate any gap between the chute liner and the opposite chute corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Lemuel J. Bell, Jr., Ronald W. Gurak
  • Patent number: 7234395
    Abstract: A device for conveying a sheet through a printing machine includes a cylinder, formed with a channel wherein grippers are disposed for holding the sheet at a leading edge, a chain conveyor with grippers fixed to endless chains for holding and picking up the sheet at its leading edge from the cylinder and for holding the sheet at its trailing edge, and rotating sprockets carrying the chains. An actuating device is provided for opening and closing the grippers, and a drive is provided for the cylinder and the sprockets. Gripper pads and gripper tips for the trailing-edge grippers, in opened condition of the grippers, are able to run past the cylinder. The gripper pads and tips lie underneath a path described by the sheet. The trailing-edge grippers are closable in a rotational angle region wherein the chains run off the sprockets for the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschien AG
    Inventors: Peter Förch, Markus Möhringer, Paul Nicola, Marius Stelter
  • Patent number: 7234396
    Abstract: An ink applicator has at least one generally stationary mounting part, a fixed elongated bar fixedly mounted on the mounting part and carrying an elongated applicator blade, and a movable elongated bar mounted on the mounting part, extending parallel to the fixed bar, carrying an elongated applicator blade parallel to the fixed-bar blade, and defining an elongated ink-holding compartment with the fixed bar. The movable bar is supported on the mounting part for movement between an outer position with the movable-bar blade spaced transversely from the fixed-bar blade and defining a gap through which ink can flow out of the compartment and an inner position with the blades engaging one another and closing the gap so that no ink can flow out of the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: KBA-Metronic AG
    Inventors: Josef Karl Kleinschnitz, Thomas Kubert
  • Patent number: 7234397
    Abstract: Devices are used for fixing or attaching at least one packing or dressing to a cylinder. A retaining element is located in a channel in the cylinder and retains one end of the dressing or packing. A spring element is also located in the channel and cooperates with the retaining element to exert a required clamping force on the end of the packing or dressing. The retaining element is pivotably supported in the base of the channel and is fixed in the base, while in its clamping portion, by the spring element. This insures that the retaining element will not be inadvertently unclamped from the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Karl Robert Schäfer
  • Patent number: 7234398
    Abstract: A planarizing element is described for use in a thermal imaging process. The planarizing element includes a support; a planarizing layer comprising a crosslinkable binder having a weight average molecular weight of about 20,000 to about 110,000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Jonathan V. Caspar, Gerald D. Andrews, Jeffrey S. Meth, Gregory C. Weed
  • Patent number: 7234399
    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 26, 2007
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners, LLC
    Inventor: Jahangir S. Rastegar
  • Patent number: 7234400
    Abstract: A crane trolley, especially a single-rail trolley with a short overall height, with a traveling mechanism frame (2) having a hoisting mechanism (1), which can travel by running wheels (3, 3a) on a rail, especially a lower flange (4a) of an essentially horizontal beam (4), wherein at least one running wheel (3a) can be driven, and a friction roller (10) interacting with the driven running wheel (3a) is arranged on the underside (4b) of the rail. In order to create a crane trolley that guarantees a reliable reduction in the slippage of the driven running wheel (3a) with a simple design, a pair of friction rollers (10) is provided, which may be positioned against the underside (4b) of the rail by adjusting the spacing from each other via a common pressing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Demag Cranes & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus-Jürgen Winter, Michael Dammer, Heinrich Flaig, Erik Appel
  • Patent number: 7234401
    Abstract: A lock assembly for a railcar gate assembly including a frame defining a discharge opening, a gate mounted on said frame for sliding movements along a predetermined path of travel between open and closed positions and relative to the discharge opening, and a drive mechanism for moving and movable with the gate between the open and closed positions thereof. The lock assembly includes a stop mounted for movement between locking and unlocking conditions. At least a portion of the stop extends into the path of travel of the gate when in the locking condition thereby operably preventing inadvertent movement of the gate from the closed position toward the open position. The stop is selectively movable into the unlocking condition whereby allowing the gate to be moved toward the open position from the closed position. The lock assembly further includes a spring biased mechanism for positively maintaining the stop in the unlocking condition until after the gate moves a predetermined distance from the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Powerbrace Corporation
    Inventor: Rudolph S. Fortuna
  • Patent number: 7234402
    Abstract: A foldably constructed force-resisting structure comprises a top member and a bottom member foldably constructed and assembled from one or more blanks of sheet material, preferably corrugated paperboard, initially in a flat condition prior to folding. The bottom member includes a base panel and at least one interior support flap folded from the base panel to provide vertical support for a base panel of the top member disposed at least substantially parallel to the base panel of the bottom member. The top and bottom members may be interlockingly secured in various ways by interengagement of various portions of the one or more blanks themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Douglas A. Olvey, James L. Sketo
  • Patent number: 7234403
    Abstract: A hook (15) of a sewing machine (1) is pivotably mounted on a hook carrier (25). The hook (15) is moved from a working position (X) into a bobbin case withdrawal position by a pivoting movement of the hook carrier (25). The pivoting movement displaces the hook (15) and the bobbin case (17) towards or above the opening which is opened by the flap (13) in the lower arm (13). In this way, the withdrawal of the bobbin case (17) or the bobbin is significantly simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft Bernina-Nahmaschinen Fabrik
    Inventors: Hans Fluckiger, Heinz Janouschek
  • Patent number: 7234404
    Abstract: A catamaran-type water craft includes a frame (1) which is fixed on two bodies forming floats (2) and a sail (5) for wind-driven displacement when the floats are on a stretch of water, characterized in that the water craft includes a central piloting station (6–8) whereby the pilot sits on a seat (7) of the piloting station, is provided with a handlebar which is located within arm's reach and which is used to control the orientation of steering rudders respectively provided at the rear thereof with two floats (2), in addition to a tappet for adjusting the useful length of a control element for the orientation of the sail in relation to the frame, passing via a return pulley which is advantageously provided at the end of a swinging boom fixed to the rear of the water craft beyond the floats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Francois Tissier
  • Patent number: 7234405
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for rescuing persons and distressed vessels, up to about 50 tons displacement, in foul weather and for transporting loaded full sized truck/ship containers or other loads by water. Two pairs of long straight pontoons, each having five articulated short pontoon segments, support an upper framework formed by six articulatable legs, three on either side. The legs allow the height and span of the craft to be varied. They are connected to and support a central control pod. The control pod contains winches for the support of a vessel or of other loads under the control pod using two slings. A compartment under the control pod can be created by lowering a bottom platform with cables which support the sides of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Frank Hodgson
  • Patent number: 7234406
    Abstract: This invention belongs to the field of wind propelled vehicles. The goal of the invention is to provide large sails creating no overturning force. This is achieved by placing the top part of the sail above the vehicle and the bottom part of the sail aside from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Sergey Antonov, Alexei I Antonov
  • Patent number: 7234407
    Abstract: Systems and processes for controlling and/or preventing fouling of marine vessel hulls and fixed structures are disclosed. The systems and processes deliver an anti-fouling composition through a dispersing means, such as dispersion tubing, to the surface of a vessel hull or fixed structure below the water line. Also disclosed are methods of controlling the delivery of an anti-fouling composition to the surface of a vessel hull or fixed structure below the waterline, including the steps of generating signals representative of parameters such as current flow direction and speed and water temperature, to identify and control the proper volume release rate of the anti-fouling solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Levine, Joseph P. Madden, A. Stefan Bern, Michael Leer-Andersen
  • Patent number: 7234408
    Abstract: A pivot is coupled to a water craft. A lever arm is pivotally coupled to the pivot at one end. A tow spool is coupled to the lever arm at an end opposite the pivot. The tow spool is configured to provide an attachment for a towline. A recoil device is coupled to the water craft at one end and coupled to the lever arm at the opposing end. The recoil device stores energy as a towing drag force is applied to the tow spool to cause the lever arm to move from a first position to a second position. The recoil device then provides a restoring force to cause the lever arm to move from the second position to the first position as the towing drag force is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: John Dale Clemmons, Michael J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7234409
    Abstract: A wind turbine (1) has a base (5) divided into at least three ballast tanks (12). A vessel (7) has means for displacing the wind turbine between a loading space (25) and an unloading position (26). At its unloading position the vessel has winches (11) with at least three flexible lines (10) that can be connected with horizontally distanced lifting points (23) on the wind turbine base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Logima v/Svend Erik Hansen
    Inventor: Svend Erik Hansen
  • Patent number: 7234410
    Abstract: A buoyancy control system for controlling the buoyancy of a tube may includes generally tubular length of buoyancy control material having a selected buoyancy characteristic. The length of buoyancy control material may be attached to a section of the length of the tube to adjust the buoyancy of the section of the tube. The length of buoyancy control material may be an integral, coaxial layer of the tube or, alternatively, the length of buoyancy control material may be externally attached to tube. In embodiments in which the length of the buoyancy control material is externally attached, the buoyancy control material may have a longitudinal axis that is spaced-apart from a longitudinal axis of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Fiberspar Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Quigley, Stephen C. Nolet, Thomas W. Wideman
  • Patent number: 7234411
    Abstract: A helmet flag for providing added visibility and therefore safety to a rider of virtually any form of transportation that exposes a rider to view. The flag is preferably mounted to the rear of a helmet and is substantially removable. The flexible, interchangeable flag rod is partially comprised of a spring to further insure against breakage. Flags are interchangeable with respect to size, colors, and designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Steven R. Butler
  • Patent number: 7234412
    Abstract: A method includes removing at least a piece of a deposition chamber liner from a deposition chamber by passing it through a passageway to the deposition chamber through which semiconductor substrates pass into and out of the chamber for deposition processing. A replacement for the removed deposition chamber liner piece is provided into the chamber by passing the replacement through said passageway. A liner apparatus includes a plurality of pieces which when assembled within a selected semiconductor substrate deposition processor chamber are configured to restrict at least a majority portion of all internal wall surfaces which define said semiconductor substrate deposition processor chamber from exposure to deposition material within the chamber. At least some of the pieces are sized for passing completely through a substrate passageway to the chamber through which semiconductor substrates pass into and out of the chamber for deposition processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig M. Carpenter, Ross S. Dando, Philip H. Campbell, Allen P. Mardian, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 7234413
    Abstract: In a plasma processing apparatus, microwaves being transmitted in a waveguide pass through a microwave transmitted window via first and second slot antennas provided in a magnetic field side, so as to form surface waves. Process gas in a chamber is excited by the surface waves so as to generate surface wave plasma. A substrate is processed by the plasma. Each first slot antenna is provided with an aperture, which has a curved or bent shape and whose longitudinal direction extends substantially to follow the lines of magnetic force of the microwaves. Each second slot antenna is provided with an aperture which has a rectangular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Masayasu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7234414
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing a milk for mastitis wherein the milk sample is admixed with a detergent under condition that increase the viscosity of the milk sample; the increased viscosity mixture is subjected to a further procedure for further increasing its viscosity; and the further increased viscosity mixture is then tested for an attribute of somatic cells, such as DNA. This determination is then used to establish if the cow from whom the milk came has mastitis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Sensortec Limited
    Inventors: Rodney Wayne Claycomb, David Simon Whyte
  • Patent number: 7234415
    Abstract: A multi-purpose furniture structure and system can be used for caring for an animal throughout the life of the animal. For small animals such as puppies, this furniture system can be used as a dwelling in which the owner can train the animal to behave in a desired manner. Animal toys are stored in the animal living space as well. A removable barrier such as a grate or plastic ventilated sheet could cover a front opening to prevent undesirable movement of the animal in and out of the furniture structure. Animals can use a detachable ramp member to climb to the top of the furniture structure. For larger or older animals, the furniture structure can serve a bed or as a means to help the animal get into the bed of the owner. The furniture structure can form a bed for animals of all ages. The bed can be positioned adjacent an owner's bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Dan L. Dietz
  • Patent number: 7234416
    Abstract: A pest-proof bird feeder for supplying bird feed to song birds includes a storage container for bird food. A cap is mounted on the upper end of the storage container. A lower collar is mounted on the lower end of the storage container. An inner cylinder extends from the base. The inner cylinder has a plurality of food ports. A baffle located toward the lower end of the storage container for directing the supply of bird food to the food ports. A barrier is located in the inner cylinder. An outer sleeve is mounted to slide on the inner cylinder. A lower cable extends substantially from the center point of the barrier. The lower cable is connected to the center point of the perch. An upper cable extends from the storage container and the cap to suspend the bird feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Hoff
  • Patent number: 7234417
    Abstract: A tethering device (10) comprising a support member (12) and a rotatable member (14) rotatably mounted on the support member (12) and about which a flexible tether line (16) can be wound for tethering an animal or object to the support member (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Amos Wilfred Laird
  • Patent number: 7234418
    Abstract: A hummingbird feeder having a cover portion and a bottom portion of a base, as well as a nectar reservoir, is disclosed. The cover portion includes a reservoir coupling region, a feeding region, and a first mating region. The reservoir coupling region is configured to be coupled to the nectar reservoir. The feeding region is configured to accommodate a beak of a hummingbird to access nectar. The a bottom portion includes a second mating region, which is configured to mate with the first mating region of the cover portion. Preferably, the bottom portion further includes a retaining wall located within an outer ridge of the bottom portion. The retaining wall retains liquid within an inner region of the bottom portion and restricts liquid from flowing to an outer region of the bottom portion, providing easier maintenance and less mechanical force on the cover portion during feeder use. The reservoir optionally contains a wide opening for easy maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Daisy Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: W. Grady Fort, II, Randy Alan Love, Michael Ray Stephens
  • Patent number: 7234419
    Abstract: A pet grooming aid comprises a flexible, elongate handle coupled to a head bearing rigid tines adapted to reach through a pet's fur to its skin. The handle includes a reservoir for treatment fluids, the reservoir being coupled through a gate valve to a manifold within the head that distributes the fluid to a tube within each tine. Squeezing the handle forces treatment fluid through the manifold and tines onto the pet's skin, while the gate valve prevents fluid flow when the handle is not squeezed. A recharge nozzle and cap on the handle opposite the head allows filling the reservoir without spilling fluid out the tines, and seals the reservoir for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel K. Hutchinson, Michael S. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 7234420
    Abstract: A pet chew toy for holding consumable treats comprises a body member having a plurality or ribs and a plurality of interstitial spaces formed between the ribs. The ribs and spaces cooperatively act to impinge a treat or treats inserted therein. The ribs and spaces may be disposed substantially parallel to the direction of the bore and a central axis, or may be disposed helically about the bore. The bore may be enclosed at one or both ends by threaded caps, heat bonded caps, or a combination thereof. A sound module may be provided within the bore for emitting a prerecorded or mechanically generated sound upon activation of the sound module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Tsengas
  • Patent number: 7234421
    Abstract: An animal data gathering device comprise: a radio transmitter and receiver, a processor for controlling the operation of the device, and memory for storing, information including a first unique identifier associated with the device, wherein the processor is arranged to transmit a signal, by means of the radio transmitter, and to receive, by means of the radio receiver, one or more signals, each representing a second unique identifier from other devices and the processor is arranged to store in the memory each second unique identifier. Thus a record is kept of all radio devices with which the device has come into radio contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Albert Lobo Natividade, Brian George Merrell, Sarah Margaret Gardner
  • Patent number: 7234422
    Abstract: The present invention provides an engine cooling method and apparatus. The engine cooling apparatus includes a cylinder block having a cylinder head mounted thereto. The cylinder block defines an inlet passage and a block jacket in fluid communication with the inlet passage. The cylinder head defines a lower cylinder head jacket in fluid communication with the block jacket, and an upper cylinder head jacket in fluid communication with the lower cylinder head jacket. The lower cylinder head jacket includes a plurality of nozzles configured to direct engine coolant and thereby provide cooling to portions of the cylinder head located near a plurality of exhaust ports, a plurality of injector ports, and a plurality of intake ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Schlautman, Robert J. Moran, Stephen J. Lever, Andreas Zurk
  • Patent number: 7234423
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an internal combustion engine having reciprocating piston sleeves is realized comprising an engine block with a pair of cylinders, each cylinder having an intake port, an exhaust port and two linearly opposing pistons connected to two opposing crankshafts. A pair of piston sleeves are reciprocatingly mounted in each cylinder, one piston sleeve around each piston. Each piston sleeve is connected to one of two eccentric shafts that run parallel and adjacent to each crankshaft. The piston sleeves have ported slots in communication with either the intake ports or the exhaust ports of each cylinder. The eccentric shafts are mechanically connected to the crankshafts such that they move in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Maurice E. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7234424
    Abstract: In a variable stroke-characteristic engine for a vehicle, a control shaft and a control link are disposed on a front side of a vehicle body with respect to a crankshaft. An actuator for driving the control shaft is disposed on an outer surface of an engine block on the front side of the vehicle body. Thus, the actuator projects as much as possible from a position of the engine block toward the front side of the vehicle body so that traveling wind from ahead of the vehicle is effectively applied to the actuator to enhance the cooling effect. Hence, any temperature increase of the actuator is suppressed. Moreover, the actuator is disposed as far as possible from an exhaust manifold that is heated to a high temperature by the heat of an exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigekazu Tanaka, Taichi Yoshikawa, Koichi Eto, Hisashi Sato, Akinori Maezuru
  • Patent number: 7234425
    Abstract: An actuator for a valve lift controller linearly driving a control shaft of a changing mechanism comprises a feed screw mechanism including a screwed shaft linearly moving along with the control shaft, and a rotation spindle rotating coaxially with the screwed shaft. The feed screw mechanism converts a rotational movement of the rotation spindle into a linear movement of the screwed shaft. Moreover, the actuator comprises a unit attached to the rotation spindle, an electric power distributor located at an opposite side of the screw mechanism relative to the changing mechanism, and an stopper member restricting a movement of the unit in the axial direction from an electric power distributor to the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Kimura, Shigeru Yoshiyama, Taku Itoh, Hideo Inaba, Joji Yamaguchi, Akihiko Kameshima, Toshiki Fujiyoshi
  • Patent number: 7234426
    Abstract: A variable valve apparatus of an internal combustion engine adopts a structure in which, a transmission arm is laid out such that, when a distance from a contact point where a cam contacts a transmission arm to an oscillating fulcrum of the transmission arm is defined as A, and a distance from the oscillating fulcrum of the transmission arm to a point of action of the transmission arm is defined as B to thereby determine a B/A value, ?1 as a B/A value at the time of a high valve lift control for controlling valve lift characteristics, and ?2 as a B/A value at the time of a low valve lift control for controlling valve lift characteristics establish a relation of ?1>?2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinichi Murata
  • Patent number: 7234427
    Abstract: In a locking device for a camshaft adjuster comprising a drive housing with a rotor with spaced rotor vanes disposed in the drive housing between circumferentially spaced axial walls projecting radially inwardly so as to form operating chambers at opposite sides of the rotor vanes to which hydraulic fluid can be selectively admitted for controlling the relative angular position between the rotor to which a camshaft is connected and the drive housing which is driven by the crankshaft of the engine, wherein locking bolts are provided for interlocking the drive housing and the vane rotor and disposed in one of the housing and the rotor elements while a recess is formed in the other for receiving the locking bolt in order to interlock the drive housing and the vane rotor, the locking bolt is arranged in the hydraulic fluid supply path to the operating chambers upstream of the operating chamber in such a way that hydraulic fluid admission to the operating chambers is controlled by the locking bolt and is admitted
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Kai Lehmann, Jens Plank, Holger Rudsinzki
  • Patent number: 7234428
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine including an engine housing having a cam chamber and an aperture providing access to the cam chamber. The engine also includes an insert at least partially made from plastic received within the aperture, a crankshaft coupled to the engine housing for rotation about a crank axis, and a cam shaft defining a cam shaft axis and at least partially made from plastic that is rotatably driven by the crankshaft. The cam shaft includes first and second ends and at least one cam lobe positioned between the ends. The first end is rotatably supported by the engine housing and the second end is rotatably supported by the insert. The engine also includes a metal portion coupled to either the insert or the cam shaft. The metal portion defines a flange having a face in contact with an adjacent surface of the other of the insert and the cam shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Nagel, John A. Zbiegien, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7234429
    Abstract: A spark plug is provided which is designed to be compact without sacrificing a mechanical strength of a porcelain insulator. The spark plug includes a metal shell having a base end and a top end. The porcelain insulator is made of a hollow cylinder which includes a body and an insulator head. The body is retained within the metal shell. The insulator head extends from the base end of the metal shell in a lengthwise direction of the porcelain insulator and has a length made up of a major body leading to the body of the porcelain insulator and an end portion lying far away from the body. The major body has an outer diameter D1, an inner diameter D2, and a section modulus Z at a smallest-outer diameter portion thereof which meet relations of 7.1 mm?D1?8.8 mm, D2?2.8 mm, and Z?33 mm3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuo Abe, Yasushi Kawashima, Tsunetoshi Goto
  • Patent number: 7234430
    Abstract: A method for heating a glow plug for a diesel engine to its desired temperature by supplying power to the glow plug in a controlled fashion. During a certain time interval after termination of a previous glow process, a mathematical model is used to determine the values for the supply of power to the glow plug, which includes the values of the actual thermal state of the glow plug, the time elapsed since the end of the previous glow process and the parameters of the diesel engine relevant for a glow process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Beru AG
    Inventors: Olaf Toedter, Heinz-Georg Schmitz, Andreas Bleil, Joerg Stoeckle, Hans Houben
  • Patent number: 7234431
    Abstract: A starter device (1) for an internal combustion engine has a starter drum (4) which acts upon a spring housing (11) when starting. An intermediate spring (10) is arranged in the spring housing (11). One end of the intermediate spring (10) is fixed to the spring housing (11) and the other end of the intermediate spring (10) can be coupled to the crankshaft (3) of the engine via a first catch (23). The spring housing (11) and the starter drum (4) are journalled on a shaft (7) held at one end. The center of gravity (S) of the spring housing (11) lies in the region of the support of the spring housing (11) in order to reduce the acting bearing forces and to increase the service life of the starter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Roland Adam, Markus Keller, Stefan Kummermehr, Heiko Pinkawa, Jens Kern, Reinhard Friedrich
  • Patent number: 7234432
    Abstract: A crankshaft for a V-type six-cylinder engine is equipped with first through sixth crankpins, first through fourth crank journals, and first through ninth arms for connecting the crank pins and the crank journals to each other. Of the first through ninth arms, the third arm and the seventh arm respectively have surplus weight portions (inclusive of counterweights) whose centers of gravity are situated respectively in a direction substantially opposite the first crank pin and the sixth crank pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventor: Tetsushi Nagira
  • Patent number: 7234433
    Abstract: The disclosed multi-cylinder, poppet-valved engine, has replacement cylinder sleeves larger than the original sleeves, and laterally supported near their upper ends by an aluminum alloy plate having a continuous flange or boss projecting into the cylinder block. The flange has an inner perimeter surface having a profile fittingly engaging upper exterior cylindrical surfaces of the sleeves providing lateral support to the sleeves and heat transfer from the sleeves to coolant and to the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Electromechanical Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Liebert
  • Patent number: 7234435
    Abstract: A method for controlling at least an electrically actuated valve to operate in at least a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, the method comprising deactivating an electrically actuated valve in response to an operating condition of a vehicle electrical system, said electrically actuated valve deactivated in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, John O. Michelini
  • Patent number: 7234436
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, John Ottavio Michelini, John M. Roth
  • Patent number: 7234437
    Abstract: A direct-injection internal combustion engine and a combustion method therefore in which fuel injection timing of a fuel injection valve is so configured that (a) the fuel inverted from a cavity in a crown portion of a piston reaches proximity to the discharge electrode portion of a spark plug later than the time of ignition or (b) fuel injection by the fuel injection valve is completed at approximately the same time of ignition. There is no risk of rich combustion at the discharge electrode portion due to the mixed fuel-air mass having a high fuel density, and consequently problems such as wear on the spark plug or smoke generation can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hiraya, Toshiya Kono, Masahiro Fukuzumi
  • Patent number: 7234438
    Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber with a piston is disclosed. The method comprising during a first mode, adjusting an operating condition of the engine so that a first mixture of air and fuel in the combustion chamber attains an autoignition temperature and therefore combusts without performing a spark from the spark plug; and during a second mode, adjusting said operating condition of the engine so that a second mixture of air and fuel in the combustion chamber approaches, but does not achieve, said autoignition temperature; and performing a spark from the spark plug after top dead center of piston position so that said second mixture combusts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jialin Yang
  • Patent number: 7234439
    Abstract: A control device executes an overlap injection operation, in which one of the plurality of injectors is energized first to inject fuel, and a next one of the plurality of injectors is energized to inject fuel after starting of the energization of the one of the plurality of injectors while the one of the plurality of injectors is still kept energized. The control device corrects an energization period of the next one of the injectors by lengthening the energization period of the next one of the injectors in comparison to a normal energization period of the next one of the injectors, which is set for a non-overlap injection operation of the next one of the plurality of injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kikutani, Hiroyuki Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7234440
    Abstract: A system, comprising of an engine having a cylinder therein, a fuel injector coupled to said cylinder and configured to directly inject fuel into said cylinder, a fuel system coupled to said injector, and a controller configured to control engine starting operation, wherein during a start, said fuel injector performs a first fuel injection at least partially during an exhaust stroke of said cylinder, where fuel from said first fuel injection is mixed with air inducted at least during an intake stroke following said exhaust stroke, said fuel injector performing a second fuel injection after said first fuel injection, and combusting fuel from said first and second fuel injections to perform a combustion event in said cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: James Hilditch
  • Patent number: 7234441
    Abstract: A spark plug system includes a center spark plug and a plurality of peripheral spark plugs, the spark plugs extending into a ridge-roof type combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine from the inner surface of a cylinder head and being disposed approximately on the ridgeline of the ridge-roof. The amount by which the center plug projects into the combustion chamber from the inner surface of the cylinder head is different from the amount by which each of the peripheral plugs projects into the combustion chamber from the inner surface of the cylinder head, whereby the time in which the flame propagation of the center plug reaches the flame propagation of the peripheral plugs is delayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Isaji, Shunichi Mitsuishi, Kouichi Mori
  • Patent number: 7234442
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine may be provided with independently controllable valves, fuel injectors and ignition elements that may be used to start the engine without a separate auxiliary device such as an electric starter motor. The engine may fire the cylinders under a startup mode of control at the same time it fires the cylinders under a normal mode of control in order to smooth the transition from start up to normal operating mode. Additionally, an internal combustion engine may use independently controllable valves to stop the engine and ensure that one or more of the pistons come to rest at a position which allows them to be used to restart the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Hanson, Jun Ma, Benjamin G. K. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7234443
    Abstract: A valve body or a throttle valve is disclosed that is capable of changing the amount of intake air into an engine according to a gradient angle of a valve body rotatably supported in an intake air passage. The valve body includes at least one first end surface and at least one second end surface formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof. Air eddies occurring from air flow contact with the first and second end surfaces are shifted to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuuki Sakai