Patents Issued in May 20, 2008
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Patent number: 7373892Abstract: Novel prefabricated structural components such as precast concrete boxes having forms including rectangular parallelepipeds and hexagonal cylinders are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,697,736 and 5,697,473 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, levees and breakwaters. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes and arrays thereof are disclosed, including modular vessels having bow and stern sections which can be connected directly together or mounted to a mid-section containing assemblies of such boxes, other structural elements or other vessels such as floating drydocks. Modular vessels can be assembled with any or all of the bow, midship and stern sections comprising honeycomb arrays of vertically-oriented hexagonal boxes.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Inventor: Sidney E. Veazey
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Patent number: 7373893Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of for providing a spinnaker pole are disclosed herein. A spinnaker pole as disclosed herein comprises a first elongated face, a second elongated face, a third elongated face, a first tapering, and a second tapering. The first elongated face concaves towards the longitudinal axis of the spinnaker pole. The first elongated face can have two longitudinal sides. A second elongated face concaves towards the longitudinal axis of the spinnaker pole. The second elongated face has two longitudinal sides. One of the two longitudinal sides of the second elongated face is joined to one of the two longitudinal sides of the first face at a first spinnaker pole edge. The third elongated face concaves towards the longitudinal axis of the spinnaker pole. The third elongated face has two longitudinal sides. One of the two longitudinal sides of the third elongated face is joined to one of the longitudinal sides of the first elongated face at a second spinnaker pole edge.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: King Marine Argentina S.A.Inventors: Joaquin Gutierrez, Enrique L. A. Mich
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Patent number: 7373894Abstract: Disclosed is a window housing for use in combination with a transducer style thru-hull fitting. The window housing is sealingly attached to the thru-hull fitting by use of a first securement cap. The window housing having a window panel positioned adjacent to the outer side surface of the vessel hull. A tubular shaped light assembly preferably housing LED's may be inserted into the window housing and secured thereto by the use of a second securement cap. Alternatively a tubular shaped camera assembly may be inserted into the window housing and secured thereto by the use of a second securement cap.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Inventor: Steven Rowley
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Patent number: 7373895Abstract: An inflatable boat possessing at least two inflatable chambers (1) and a device (2) for distributing gas under pressure, the device comprising: a leaktight enclosure (3) possessing a first orifice (5) and at least two second orifices (6) connected to said chambers (1); at least two closure valves (7) associated respectively with the two second orifices (6) and normally urged into a position for closing the respective second orifices (6); and means (9) for simultaneously driving all of the closure valves (7) selectively in the opening direction or in the closing direction; this makes it possible to control simultaneous inflation or deflation of all the inflatable chambers (1).Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Zodiac InternationalInventor: Dominique Zeromski
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Patent number: 7373896Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for making a boat. The boat includes a port side positioned opposite from a starboard side. The boat also includes a floor and stingers supports positioned within the hull. The method includes providing a insert having two spaced-apart elongated portions interconnected by at least two spaced-apart transverse portions that extend between the elongated portions. The elongated portions are sized and relatively positioned for one of the elongated portions to extend along the port side of the hull and the other of the elongated portions to extend along the starboard side of the hull. The method also includes positioning the insert in a chamber defined between a male mold piece and a female mold piece. The method further includes providing fibrous reinforcing material that surrounds the insert within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: VEC Industries, L.L.C.Inventors: Ronald C. Sahr, Michael D. Nelson, Robert L. Retka
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Patent number: 7373897Abstract: A boat cover system that can provide some level of protection to the interior of the boat when the boat is not in use, and can also provide some level of protection to the occupants of the boat when the boat is in use. The cover system may include a cover assembly that includes a support frame and a cover, where the support frame supports the cover. One or more cover supports may be provided for supporting the cover assembly. The one or more cover supports may be adapted to allow the cover assembly to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. In some cases, more than one cover assembly may be used on a boat.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: i3 VenturesInventor: Brian N. Tufte
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Patent number: 7373898Abstract: A pointer for a display snaps into a hub device. The hub device has a body including a cap, a light shield and a pointer stem molded together as one part. A passage within the body receives an insertion section of the pointer. A latch arm extending into the passage from the body snaps into a slot within the insertion section of the pointer. An area of the insertion section of the pointer is exposed to directed light through a cavity in an underside of the body. The area transmits the light to an indicating section of the pointer. The light shield is arranged on the body to prevent the directed light from reflecting off the hub device onto the display. The pointer stem receives a drive shaft that rotates the hub device and positions the indicating section of the pointer on the display according to measured parameters.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.Inventor: Franky Tenka
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Patent number: 7373899Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus having a processing chamber connected to a vacuum exhauster so that its inside pressure can be reduced by the vacuum exhauster, a gas feed unit for supplying gas into the processing chamber, a substrate electrode provided in the processing chamber and on which a sample can be placed, an RF power supply connected through a matching circuit to the substrate electrode, plasma generating means for generating plasma within the processing chamber and a voltage waveform control circuit provided within the matching circuit or between the substrate electrode and the matching circuit to flatten the voltage waveform from the RF power supply.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Masahiro Sumiya, Naoki Yasui, Seiichi Watanabe, Hitoshi Tamura
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Patent number: 7373900Abstract: A pet bed covering apparatus has a pillow region and a side region. The pillow region is adapted to at least substantially cover the bottom portion of a pet bed, and the side region is adapted to at least substantially cover the interior sides of the pet bed. A removable pillow is positioned within the pillow region.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Inventor: Vern Duncan
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Patent number: 7373901Abstract: A bird feeder having an upstanding circular housing with a cone shaped floor, a plurality of openings arranged about a lower edge of the housing and a feed assembly, associated with each opening. The feed assembly comprises a collar mounting a spout and includes an extension arranged beneath the spout. The extension has a threaded bore which receives a threaded first end of a rod. The opposite end of the rod is vertically offset from the first end providing a perch. The rod is laterally adjustable by adjusting the position of the first end in the bore which positions the perch at variable distances horizontally of an outer end of the spout. The position of the perch relative to the spout determines the size birds the feeder may accommodate.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Black River Tools, Inc.Inventor: D. Calvin Baynard
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Patent number: 7373902Abstract: A device for amusing a cat or other pet is provided that has a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion, a motor disposed in the housing, a belt attached to the housing via an upper shaft and a lower shaft, a string having a first end attached to the belt and a second end extending freely from the belt, and means for activating the motor. In operation the motor rotates the belt causing the string to repeatedly fling outwardly from being hidden within the frame and amuse the cat. Methods for amusing a pet are also disclosed that comprise the steps of automating a string, whereby a free end of the string appears and disappears from view. These methods are preferably accomplished by attaching one end of the string to a rotating belt within a housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Inventor: Michele Levan
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Patent number: 7373903Abstract: A medical waste treatment apparatus which comprises: a processing chamber where medical waste is loaded and heated; a combustion chamber having fuel burning means for burning a fuel to produce superheated water vapor by heating one of water and steam; superheated water vapor supply means having the combustion chamber for supplying the superheated water vapor to the processing chamber; a jacket surrounding at least a part of the processing chamber and forming a jacket space surrounding at least a part of the processing chamber between outer walls of the processing chamber; and a combustion gas introduction path interposed between the jacket and the combustion chamber for introducing combustion gas generated by the fuel burning means into the jacket space.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Natsuhara CorporationInventors: Kazuo Kojima, Koutarou Mine, Kiyohiro Furuno, Takatoshi Kanou
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Patent number: 7373904Abstract: A stratified vapor generator (110) comprises a first heating section (H1) and a second heating section (H2). The first and second heating sections (H1, H2) are arranged so that the inlet of the second heating section (H2) is operatively associated with the outlet of the first heating section (H1). A moisture separator (126) having a vapor outlet (164) and a liquid outlet (144) is operatively associated with the outlet (124) of the second heating section (H2). A cooling section (C1) is operatively associated with the liquid outlet (144) of the moisture separator (126) and includes an outlet that is operatively associated with the inlet of the second heating section (H2).Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: Desikan Bharathan, Vahab Hassani
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Patent number: 7373905Abstract: The present invention is an engine, including two banks of cylinders in a flat, opposed cylinder arrangement and a crankshaft having a plurality of paired throws, the two throws of each respective pair of throws being disposed adjacent to each other and coplanar with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Schrick, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Fuchs, Steven M. Weinzierl
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Patent number: 7373906Abstract: A power tool is driven by a two-stroke engine. The two-stroke engine has a cylinder and a piston reciprocating within the cylinder. The cylinder has a combustion chamber delimited by the piston. The two-stroke engine has a crankcase and a crankshaft rotatably supported in the crankcase and driven by the piston with a connecting rod. The two-stroke engine has one or more transfer passages connecting the crankcase to the combustion chamber in at least one position of the piston. The two-stroke engine has a mixture passage that is connected to a piston-controlled mixture intake provided at the cylinder and supplies a fuel/air mixture. The combustion chamber has an exhaust port provided within the cylinder. The two-stroke engine has a transverse plane dividing the cylinder parallel to and along the longitudinal cylinder axis. The exhaust port and the mixture intake are arranged on the same side of the transverse plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KGInventor: Antonio Fattorusso
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Patent number: 7373907Abstract: A valve lifter guide (100, 900, 1100) includes at least one conduit (101, 901, 1101). The conduit (101, 901, 1101) has a first inwardly-curved surface (103) opposed to a second inwardly-curved surface (105) such that the conduit is capable of holding a valve lifter (200) between the first inwardly-curved surface (103) and the second inwardly-curved surface (105). The valve lifter guide (100, 900, 1100) may optionally include inwardly-curved alignment surfaces 1103.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Sriram Balaraman, Susan L. Lukasik, Kenneth R. Seymour, II
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Patent number: 7373908Abstract: An engine starting system that regulates a position of a pinion gear of a starter motor between an engaged position and a disengaged position includes a solenoid pinion armature (SPA) that is coupled to the pinion gear and that is movable between a first position and a second position to move the pinion gear between the disengaged position and the engaged position. A damper dampens a velocity of the SPA during movement of the SPA to the second position to inhibit noise generation.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Dimitrios Rizoulis, Craig D. Marriott, Kenneth J. Buslepp, Douglas R. Verner, William C. Albertson
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Patent number: 7373909Abstract: An apparatus includes a valve member configured to be reciprocatably disposed within a valve pocket defined by an interior surface of a cylinder head. The valve member has a tapered portion defining multiple flow passages and including multiple sealing portions. At least one sealing portion is disposed adjacent each flow passage and is configured to contact a portion of the interior surface of the cylinder head such that each flow passage is configured to be fluidically isolated from an area outside of the cylinder head.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: JP Scope LLCInventor: Charles E. Price
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Patent number: 7373910Abstract: An arrangement for sealing a housing with a cover that includes a central hole for holding a gasket for a shaft extending through the gasket in the installed state, and at least first and second hollow-cylindrical protuberances which project roughly in the direction of the shaft relative to the areas of the cover which directly surrounds them. The protuberances are inserted into the corresponding cavities of the housing. The peripheral surfaces of the first protuberance and its respective cavity adjoin one another essentially without play, and the second protuberance can be essentially freely positioned within its cavity in the direction of a line which connects the two center points of the two protuberances, with the second protuberance adjoining at least one point of the peripheral surface of the cavity in the direction of the cavity diameter which is perpendicular to the line.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: AB SKFInventors: Thomas Kamps, Jurgen Kurth
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Patent number: 7373911Abstract: An engine oil return device for an engine having a cylinder head and a cylinder block is disclosed. The oil return device comprises an oil pan and an oil return path. The oil return path includes at least one oil return main path and at least one oil return extension path. The oil return main path is disposed at a first side surface of the cylinder block. The oil return extension path includes an upstream end and a downstream end. The upstream end is connected to the oil return main path. The downstream end is positioned at a distance from the first side surface such that the oil return extension path extends in a direction of the second side surface of the cylinder block. At least a portion of the oil return extension path is defined by a portion of the oil pan.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Arata Taguchi
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Patent number: 7373912Abstract: An oil level indicating system for an internal combustion engine includes an indicator passageway extending through a cylinder block, cylinder head and up through a ported boss extending through an upper engine cover. The ported boss is sealingly engaged with the cylinder head of the engine so as to prevent fugitive oil from entering indicator passageway, thereby preventing erroneous oil level readings.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Daryl Self, Jamie Mink, Paul Reinhart, Dave Frayne
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Patent number: 7373913Abstract: A small internal combustion engine including a crankcase, a crankshaft rotatably mounted in an interior of the crankcase by crankshaft bearings of the crankcase, a first oil passage disposed below the crankshaft bearings to extend substantially in parallel with the crankshaft, the first oil passage being configured to feed lubricating oil to the crankshaft bearings, and a second oil passage disposed at a location higher than the first oil passage to extend substantially in parallel with the first oil passage, the second oil passage being configured to feed the lubricating oil to a component other than the crankshaft bearings.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda
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Patent number: 7373914Abstract: A lubricating apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided in which an oil discharge passage, extending from the oil pump, is provided for straddling the oil pump case and the tank body. A direction of the extension of the oil discharge passage is changed in the tank body such that the oil discharge passage further extends in parallel with a junction plane between the oil pump case and the tank body. An opening for pressure reception by a relief valve is provided in the oil discharge passage portion extending in parallel with the junction plane. By attaching the oil pump case such that an outside end portion of the relief valve is held by a portion of the oil pump case, the relief valve is fixed between the tank body and the oil pump case.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yosuke Hoi
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Patent number: 7373915Abstract: An improved piston engine includes a rocker arm and a connecting link between the piston rod and the crankshaft to allow its motion to be altered from that of the classic piston engine in order to overcome inherent limitations of the latter and realize greater efficiency. By inserting these two components between the end of a rigidly attached piston rod and a conventional crankshaft, the motion of the piston with respect to the crankshaft can be altered in important ways. For example, the dwell at top dead center can be increased relative to dwell at bottom dead center to the point where they are equal or in fact where dwell at top dead center is greater. Furthermore, because the piston rod is not directly connected to the crankshaft, ignition of the fuel can be timed to occur before top dead center so that pressure is maximized at top dead center in order to improve efficiency. Furthermore, the piston stroke can be shortened and slowed by the geometry of the rocker arm, thus increasing engine life.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Inventor: Alexander F. Joniec
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Patent number: 7373916Abstract: A method for restoring a length of at least one of a master rod and an articulating rod, the method including determining a length of the rod, if the rod is within an acceptable length, cleaning the rod, applying a masking material to a part of the rod to be protected, grit blasting the part of the rod not protected by the masking material, and applying a thermal spray to the part of the rod not protected by the masking material to increase the length of the rod.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Alistair Jeffrey Smith, Wayne Alan Demo, Ronald Lance Galley, Stephen Joseph Ferrigno, Brian Robert Graham
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Patent number: 7373917Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a hybrid vehicle with a drive train which comprises an internal combustion engine driven by diesel fuel and at least one electric driving machine. In order to reduce the nitrogen oxide and exhaust particulate emissions it is provided that the internal combustion engine is operated with an alternative diesel combustion method in at least one operating range of the vehicle and the electric driving machine is switched in.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: AVL List GmbHInventors: Raimund Ellinger, Wolfgang Kriegler, Michael Weissbäck, Peter Ebner
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Patent number: 7373918Abstract: When a learning condition is satisfied, an operational state of an engine is adjusted in a retarded combustion operation to a misfire inducing state, at which misfire is prone to occur in a cylinder of the engine due to shortage of a pilot flame generative injection quantity. When the misfire is sensed, the pilot flame generative injection quantity of the misfired cylinder is progressively increased. Then, when the misfire is eliminated through this, a pilot flame generative correction quantity at the time of eliminating the misfire is stored. Thereafter, the pilot flame generative injection quantity is corrected based on the stored pilot flame generative correction quantity.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Ken Uchiyama
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Patent number: 7373919Abstract: An electric power generation control system has an electric power generation amount determining section for determining an electric power generation request amount of a vehicle alternator by monitoring vehicle conditions, an electric power generation amount increase judgment section for judging presence/absence of an electric power generation amount increase request to the vehicle alternator based on change of the electric power generation request amount in passage of time, an idle state judgment section for judging whether or not a vehicle engine falls in idle operation state, and an electric power generation amount suppressing control section for suppressing an electric power generation amount of the vehicle alternator. In the idle operation state of the vehicle engine and the presence of the electric power generation amount increase request, the electric power generation amount suppressing control section halts the control of suppressing the electric power generation of the vehicle alternator.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Tadatoshi Asada, Fuyuki Maehara
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Patent number: 7373920Abstract: For controlling an internal combustion engine, the activation of an accelerator pedal is sensed and a setpoint value for the angle setting of the throttle valve is determined in dependence on the measured variable of an accelerator pedal value signal transmitter and on further influencing variables from a vehicle movement dynamics control device, a cruise controller device and/or a gearbox control device. The setpoint value is restricted to an unthrottled throttle valve angle of an unthrottled state of the engine. An over travel of the throttle valve, which corresponds to an adjustment range of the throttle valve between the unthrottled throttle valve angle and a fully open setting of the throttle valve is used, in dependence on the measured variable and at least one of the influencing variables, to open the throttle valve beyond the unthrottled throttle valve angle.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AGInventor: Thomas Gruenter
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Patent number: 7373921Abstract: A manually guided implement having a motor unit and a tool unit driven by the motor unit. The motor unit includes an internal combustion engine having a carburetor, and a butterfly valve. A throttle acts upon the butterfly valve via a transfer mechanism. A speed regulator is provided for the internal combustion engine. The transfer mechanism is divided into two transfer portions. The speed regulator is a mechanical speed regulator and is disposed between two transfer portions such that the throttle, via the first transfer portion associated therewith, as well as the speed regulator together act upon the second transfer portion, which is associated with the butterfly valve, whereby as its speed increases, the speed regulator effects a closing of the butterfly valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KGInventors: Klaus Geyer, Lars Bergmann, Klaus-Martin Uhl, Stefan Anspann
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Patent number: 7373922Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the intake air amount in an internal combustion engine provided with a throttle valve and an intake air amount changing means linked with the same, the intake air amount control apparatus and method of an internal combustion engine finding a target intake air amount mcta based on an accelerator opening degree and engine speed (step 101), determining a target setting Cvta for said intake air amount changing means based on at least said target intake air amount (step 103), and finding a target throttle opening degree ?tta based on model equations creating a model of an engine intake system and expressing the air passing through the engine intake system from said target intake air amount mcta and the target setting Cvta (step 107).Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Harufumi Muto, Yuji Miyanoo, Akira Eiraku, Masashi Hakariya
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Patent number: 7373923Abstract: A method for improving engine starting for an engine having a variable event valvetrain is described. According to one aspect of the description, valve timing is adjusted during a start to reduce engine emissions and fuel consumption.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Nate R. Trask, Thomas W. Megli
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Patent number: 7373924Abstract: A method and system for controlling a fuel pressurizing system in a direct-injection, spark-ignition engine is disclosed such that the ticking sound of a solenoid valve in the high pressure pump is disabled at certain engine operating conditions. The fuel pressurizing system includes two pumps in series: a low pressure lift pump and a high pressure pump. Based on an engine operating parameter (speed, load, temperature, fuel delivery rate, as examples) the high pressure fuel pump is disabled when the engine operating parameter is below a threshold. The disablement of the pump is accomplished by turning off the normally-open solenoid valve on the inlet side of the high pressure pump, particularly at low speed and/or low torque conditions, e.g., idle, when the ticking of the injector is particularly noticeable. When the pump is disabled, fuel is supplied to the fuel injectors at lift pump pressure.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Eric Krengel, Mansour Beshay, Deanna Hoffman
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Patent number: 7373925Abstract: A compensating element for supporting a fuel injector in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine has an annular design and is situated between a valve housing of the fuel injector and a wall of a receiving bore of the cylinder head. The compensating element includes at least two side pieces, which are supported on the fuel injector and the cylinder head.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ferdinand Reiter, Martin Scheffel
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Patent number: 7373926Abstract: A support element for the mutual support of a fuel injector in a valve seat, in particular the valve seat of a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, and of the fuel injector against a fuel distributor, having a clamp and clips provided thereon, as well as a bracket, the fuel injector protruding through a hole therein.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Andreas Eckbauer, Martin Riemer
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Patent number: 7373927Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine in which a valve needle of a fuel injector is adjusted from a closing position via an intermediate position to an opening position and back again. The adjustment is carried out with the aid of a piezoelectric actuator to which a trigger signal is applied. To reduce the contamination danger of the fuel injector and to keep wear of the valve needle low, the trigger signal for triggering the piezoelectric actuator has a greater slope steepness during the transition of the valve needle from the closing position to the intermediate position than during the transition of the valve needle from the intermediate position to the opening position.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Marco Vorbach
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Patent number: 7373928Abstract: A method for starting an engine having fuel injected directly into cylinders of the engine is presented. The method can use multiple injections of fuel to start the engine even when the absolute position of each piston is not known. Furthermore, once the engine is started the individual piston positions can be determined and then the engine can be operated in a conventional manner.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Inventor: Joseph Thomas
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Patent number: 7373929Abstract: A fuel nature measuring device for measuring the nature of fuel stored in a fuel tank includes a measurement passage, a gas flow generator, a pressure detector, an concentration operator, a temperature detector, and a volatility calculator. The measurement passage has an orifice. The gas flow generator generates gas flow in the measurement passage. The pressure detector detects a differential pressure between opposite ends of the orifice. The concentration operator determines a concentration of evaporated fuel in the fuel tank based on the differential pressure detected when the opposite ends of the measurement passage communicate with the fuel tank and the fuel flows in the measurement passage. The temperature detector determines a temperature of the fuel in the fuel tank. The volatility calculator calculates a volatility of the fuel in the fuel tank based on the concentration of the evaporated fuel and the temperature of the fuel in the tank.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Denso CorporationInventors: Noriyasu Amano, Takanobu Kawano, Nobuhiko Koyama
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Patent number: 7373930Abstract: A multi-port check-valve for a fuel vapor emissions system coupled to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine with forced induction and of the type including a purge canister and a purge valve, comprising a first port coupled to the purge valve, a second port in fluid communication with the first port and having a first check-valve with a fixed orifice arranged to open in response to engine vacuum, and bleed intake manifold boost pressure.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Chrysler LLCInventor: Christopher Hadre
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Patent number: 7373931Abstract: An apparatus for delivering two fuels to a direct injection internal combustion engine comprises a liquid-fuel supply rail, a gaseous-fuel supply rail, a drain system with a shared drain rail for collecting both liquid fuel and gaseous fuel, and a venting device for venting gaseous fuel collected by the drain rail. The method comprises separately delivering a liquid fuel at injection pressure to an injection valve through a liquid-fuel rail, and actuating the liquid-fuel injection valve to introduce liquid fuel directly into the combustion chamber. The method further comprises delivering a gaseous fuel at injection pressure to an injection valve through a gaseous-fuel rail and actuating the gaseous-fuel injection valve to introduce gaseous fuel directly into the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Westport Power Inc.Inventors: Tim Lennox, Adrian Post, Michael Wickstone
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Patent number: 7373932Abstract: A heating apparatus for a liquefied gas fuel supply system includes a heating unit, a detecting unit and a setting unit. The liquefied gas fuel supply system vaporizes liquefied gas fuel to supply the vaporized gas fuel to an internal-combustion engine. The heating unit heats the liquefied gas fuel before the liquefied gas fuel is vaporized. The detecting unit detects vapor pressure characteristic of the liquefied gas fuel. The setting unit sets an amount of heat to be applied to the liquefied gas fuel on a basis of a detection result by the detecting unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LImitedInventors: Kenji Hayashi, Takao Komoda, Masanori Torii, Toshinari Saiki, Masayuki Kosaka, Toshimitsu Taguchi
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Patent number: 7373933Abstract: A control apparatus/method curbs the degradation of emission gas, for a vehicular driving apparatus including an engine and a second driving power source that assists the engine in the output of driving power. Torque assist is executed by a hybrid controller through the use of a first motor-generator and/or the second motor-generator so that the EGR rate achieved by an EGR device becomes greater than or equal to an EGR rate threshold value (first EGR rate) determined on the basis of the load state of an engine. Therefore, it becomes possible to put the engine in a low load state where the EGR rate, which decreases as the engine shifts to higher load states, is greater than or equal to the EGR rate threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Kamada, Atsushi Tabata
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Patent number: 7373934Abstract: The present invention is an improved compound bow. In particular the present invention is directed to an adjustable compound bow for hunting and archery with noise reduction features. The preferred embodiment of the bow comprises a riser having a main riser length with two ends, each end attached to an adjustable hub with a limb base. Each limb base preferably has a pocketless flat surface with vibration dampening material. Each hub is secured to the main riser length by an adjustment screw and a hub pivot. A limb is preferably secured to each limb base at two points on the pocketless flat surface. A bowstring is strung under tension between the limbs. The bowstring's tension can be adjusted by adjusting the adjustable hubs with the adjustment screws. The bow preferably has a storage position and an in-use position caused by rotating the limbs around the adjustable hubs. Adjustment of the bow can be accomplished without use of a bow press.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Inventors: Steve C. Smith, Roland T. Clark
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Patent number: 7373935Abstract: This invention relates to a carbide wire blade that is suitable for use in sawing through subsea structures. The carbide wire blade employs a tungsten carbide cutter, a vibration dampening member, and the first cylindrical spacer, slideably mounted on a solid cylindrical body.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.Inventors: Kinton Lawler, John Davis
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Patent number: 7373936Abstract: The instant invention relates to power tools. More specifically, the instant invention is a portable device for shaping, contouring and polishing the edge of a workpiece consisting of a hard material. The device includes a guide-way constructed and arranged to attach directly to the upper surface of the workpiece. A carriage is slidably supported on the guide-way for movement along the length thereof. Secured to the carriage is a motor for rotation of a rotary tool. A pneumatic cylinder is provided to force the rotary tool into the workpiece with a predetermined pressure along a predetermined axis of approach. The carriage is constructed and arranged for vertical positioning and angular rotation of the rotary tool.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Inventor: Viateheslav Zagorouiko
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Patent number: 7373937Abstract: A draft control system and method can provide for automated control of the air drafting for heating systems. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary draft control system comprises at least one draft plate and a draft plate control system. Draft plate control system can comprise a control unit, one or more input devices, and one or more actuation systems. During operation, the control unit can receive a signal from an input device and use the actuation system to automatically adjust the amount of air intake by controlling movement of one or more draft plates.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd.Inventors: Robert A. Little, George H. K. Lau, E. Wayne Thurber
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Patent number: 7373938Abstract: A disposable aerosol generator for use with an inhaler device which includes a heater adapted to volatilize fluid stored in the disposable aerosol generator and method of using the inhaler. The disposable body includes a sealed chamber and an outlet, the chamber being located between first and second layers of material. The chamber holds a predetermined volume of a fluid which is expelled through the outlet when the fluid in the chamber is volatilized by the heater. The disposable body can include a series of spaced apart aerosol generators, each of which can be advanced to a release position at which the heater can heat one of the fluid containing chambers. Prior to heating the fluid, the outlet can be formed by severing the first and/or second layer with a piercing element and the volatilized fluid can be expelled from the outlet into a passage of a dispensing member.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Walter A. Nichols, F. Murphy Sprinkel, Jr.
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Patent number: 7373939Abstract: An integrated tool may be used to perform a tracheotomy. The integrated tool may include a trocar and a delivery mechanism, where the delivery mechanism may deploy a stoma stent. The trocar may be actuated impulsively.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Cardica, Inc.Inventors: Brian R. DuBois, Luke W. Clauson, Douglas T. Ellison, Scott O. Chamness, Theodore M. Bender
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Patent number: 7373940Abstract: The present invention is directed toward overcoming the disadvantages associated with previously known hairstyling devices, including but not limited to flexible snap clips. The apparatus incorporates a combination of a snap clip closure mechanism and a comb-like bottom with elongated teeth for gathering and holding hair.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Helen of Troy LimitedInventor: Lisa V. Lloyd
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Patent number: 7373941Abstract: A cavitation cleaning system and method for using the same to remove particulate contamination from a substrate including providing at least one substrate immersed in a cleaning solution said cleaning solution contained in a cleaning solution container. The container further includes means for producing gaseous cavitation bubbles of ultrasound energy, said gaseous cavitation bubbles arranged to contact at least a portion of the at least one substrate; applying ultrasound energy to create gaseous cavitation bubbles to contact the substrate to remove adhering residual particles in a substrate surface cleaning process; and, recirculating the cleaning solution through a particulate filtering means.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. LtdInventors: Chun-Li Chou, Hun-Jan Tao, Peng-Fu Hsu