Patents Issued in July 8, 2008
  • Warm up strategy for ethanol direct injection plus gasoline port fuel injection
    Patent number: 7395786
    Abstract: A system for an engine, comprising of a cylinder of the engine; a first injector configured to inject a first substance to said cylinder; a second injector configured to inject a second substance to said cylinder; and a controller configured to commence combustion in the engine by injecting fuel into said cylinder, where said fuel is injected by only one of said first and second injectors during said start and/or warm-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Donald J. Lewis, Robert A. Stein
  • Air separator for low flow rate cooling systems
    Patent number: 7395787
    Abstract: An air separator for low flow rate coolant systems which removes air from the liquid coolant thereof. The air separator is a closed canister having a bottom wall, a top wall at a gravitationally high location with respect to the bottom wall, and a sidewall sealingly therebetween. A coolant inlet is at the sidewall, a pump outlet is at the bottom wall and a coolant reservoir outlet is at the top wall. The coolant reservoir outlet is connected to a coolant reservoir gravitationally elevated with respect to the canister. A much larger cross-sectional area per unit length of the canister relative to the piping results in a coolant dwell time in the canister that encourages coolant air bubbles to migrate toward the coolant reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: George M. Claypole, Mark D. Nemesh, Lawrence P. Ziehr, Paul S. Lombardo
  • Drill rig and a method for controlling a fan therein
    Patent number: 7395788
    Abstract: In a method for controlling at least one fan (13) for the regulation of the cooling demand of at least two cooling elements (12) included in a drill rig (1), the cooling demand of each one of the cooling elements (12) being determined, that the determined cooling demands are weighted together and that the fan (13) is controlled based on the weighting together. At least one cooling element is equipped with a safety thermostat, which, if required, prevents undercooling by the fact that the fluid in question is not allowed to circulate in this cooling element. Also described is a drill rig for the execution of the above-mentioned method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventor: Henrik Jacobsson
  • Cylindrical engine
    Patent number: 7395789
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved internal combustion engine, having a symmetric cylindrical arrangement and using a bevel gear train to join multiple crankshaft sections. It provides for a naturally smoother operation with less vibration than in-line engines. Better efficiency is expected with the engine than with comparable in-line engines. Manufacturing is expected to be simpler and gasket-sealing better than the in-line and V types of engines. Compactness will add to the engine's utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Saint Louis University
    Inventor: Marty Allen Ferman
  • Reed valve breather for evolution engine
    Patent number: 7395790
    Abstract: A reed valve assembly is provided with a body, at least one flexible member, and at least one rigid member. Preferably, the at least one flexible member has a periphery so as to substantially cover opening(s) in the body when positioned adjacent to the body, and the at least one rigid member has a periphery so as to limit deformation of the at least one flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: S&S Cycle, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy T. Tiller, James Simonelli, Floyd Baker, David Roethel, Jeffrey Bailey, Bill Swiggum
  • Valve timing controller with a stopper
    Patent number: 7395791
    Abstract: A valve timing controller is disclosed that includes first and second rotating elements, and a phase changing mechanism including arm members coupling the first and second rotating elements. The valve timing controller also includes a cam plate and a stopper to restrict rotation of the cam plate. A concave part where the stopper and the cam plate contact. Also, a damper chamber is defined between the concave part and one of the stopper and the cam plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Isobe
  • Deactivation roller hydraulic valve lifter
    Patent number: 7395792
    Abstract: A deactivation valve lifter includes a lifter body. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine and at least one annular pin chamber. A pin housing includes a pin housing bottom. The pin housing bottom defines at least one pin stop aperture and a radially directed pin bore. A deactivation pin assembly is disposed within the pin bore and includes pin members. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the lifter body. A portion of each pin member may be disposed within the annular pin chamber to thereby selectively couple and decouple the lifter body to the pin housing. A drain aperture defined by the pin housing bottom extends from the pin bore to an outside surface of the pin housing. A stop pin is disposed in the at least one pin stop aperture for limiting the inward motion of the pin members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick J. Hendriksma, Mark J. Spath
  • Ignition system for an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 7395793
    Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine, having a combustion chamber and a fuel injection device which injects a fuel directly into the combustion chamber in stream-guided fashion, is configured so that the ignition system has a positive polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Vogel, Gernot Wuerfel, Axel Heinstein, Klaus-Peter Gansert, Axel Storch, Roman Grzeszik, Klaus Ries-Mueller, Detlev Nowak, Stefan Lauter, Robert Koehler, Paulo Ricardo
  • Engine starting apparatus
    Patent number: 7395794
    Abstract: In an engine which starts using a recoil starter, ignition chance during inertia rotation is not missed. If the engine 42 is rotated by the recoil starter 41, output of a power generator which is directly connected to the engine 42 is increased, and a CPU 27 is reset at timing t0. At timing t1, if pulse P1 is input from a revolution number sensor 29 to the CPU 27, the CPU 27 outputs first ignition instructions when predetermined time T1 is elapsed (t2). At timing t3, second pulse P2 is input. At that time point, since the CPU 27 is normally operated, ignition timing is obtained from an ignition timing map 30 in accordance with the revolution number calculated by a time interval between the pulses P1 and P2, and the ignition instructions are output at timing t4 in accordance with the ignition timing. Thereafter, the ignition timing is determined using the ignition timing map 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Riyuuhei Tamamoto, Makoto Yamamura, Mitsuyoshi Kanai
  • Outboard motor
    Patent number: 7395795
    Abstract: An outboard motor is mounted on a hull and has an engine disposed in an upright position in a cowling so that a crankshaft thereof extends generally vertically during cruising. An embodiment of the motor includes a first surge tank disposed on the opposite side of a cylinder head of the engine with respect to the crankshaft of the engine; long intake pipes that communicate with the first surge tank and an intake port of the engine; second surge tanks disposed between the long intake pipes and the engine for communicating with the first surge tank; short intake pipes provided in the midway of the long intake pipes on the engine side for communicating with the second surge tanks; and on-off valves for opening and closing the short intake pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Osakabe, Yoshibumi Iwata
  • Rotational balance adjusting structure and method for engine
    Patent number: 7395796
    Abstract: A rotational balance adjustment structure for an engine includes; a damper pulley having an elastic member provided on the outer periphery of a hub and a damper mass provided on the outer periphery of the elastic member; and an engine assembly having an engine body and a plurality of parts mounted on the engine body, the plurality of parts including the damper pulley. The engine assembly is assembled by mounting a plurality of parts to the engine body, the plurality of parts including the damper pulley, and the rotational balance of the engine assembly is adjusted by attaching a balance piece to the damper mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Michihiko Masuda
  • Piston for internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 7395797
    Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine includes a crown part, a land part extending from the crown part, a skirt part adjoining the land part, and a linking boss protruding from a reverse surface of the crown part and forming a spherical joint with a small end of a connecting rod. The piston is divided into an upper piston part having the land part, and a lower piston part having the skirt part and a plurality of molded plate members formed by press-molding plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kengo Ishimitsu, Hideharu Izumi
  • Engine for leisure vehicle with lubricating oil pump and actuator drive oil pump
    Patent number: 7395798
    Abstract: An engine for a leisure vehicle including a lubricating oil pump configured to feed a lubricating oil to engine components, and an actuator drive oil pump that is provided separately from the lubricating oil pump and is configured to drive an actuator operating with an oil pressure. The actuator drive oil pump is configured to feed an oil with a discharge pressure higher than a discharge pressure of the lubricating oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda
  • Primary housing assembly for a motorcycle engine
    Patent number: 7395799
    Abstract: A primary housing for a motorcycle engine includes an inner housing that defines internal coupling apertures, transmission coupling apertures, and external coupling apertures. Internal fasteners extend through the internal coupling apertures and the transmission coupling apertures to couple the inner housing to the crankcase and the transmission. An outer housing defines coupling apertures that align with the external coupling apertures and fasteners extend through the coupling apertures, through the external coupling apertures, and into the engine crankcase to couple the inner and outer housings to the crankcase. A resonant damping device is rigidly or moveably coupled to an anti-node region of the outer housing to reduce noise emissions from the outer housing during engine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Nan-Jiune Liang, Richard G. Pierson, Scott J. Nash, Alexander J. Bozmoski, Peter J. Duvernell, Sean A. Rusch, William M. Kernen, John W. Schanz, Samir Mesanovic, Brian P. Dondlinger
  • Four-cycle engine and motorcycle comprising four-cycle engine
    Patent number: 7395800
    Abstract: A four-cycle engine of the present invention comprises a gas exhaust outlet that is formed on an upper region of a crankcase to exhaust a gas from the interior of the crankcase to outside; and a rotatable shaft disposed in close proximity to the gas exhaust outlet in the interior of the crankcase. The gas exhaust outlet is configured to open toward a region in the interior of the crankcase, the region extending from a line segment connecting the gas exhaust outlet to a rotational center axis of the shaft, in a rotational direction of the shaft at a cross point where the line segment crosses an outer peripheral surface of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshimoto Matsuda, Seiji Azuma
  • Two-cycle combustion engine
    Patent number: 7395801
    Abstract: To provide a two cycle combustion engine utilizing a connecting structure of a shape that can be formed inexpensively with a simple process to enable the efficiency of cooling of the cylinder block to be maintained at a high level and, also, that can firmly connect the cylinder block with the crankcase with fastening forces exerted by the fastening bolts, the two cycle combustion engine includes a crankcase 2 including first and second crank casings 2A and 2B that are split in a direction conforming to a crank axis C for operatively supporting a crankshaft 11, and a cylinder block 1 having a cylinder bore 1a defined therein and fixedly mounted atop the crankcase 2 by means of a plurality of fastening members 38 and 39 fitted in a direction upwardly from a crankcase-side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuneyoshi Yuasa, Isao Yoshimizu, Masanori Kobayashi
  • Oil supply for internal combustion engine camshaft
    Patent number: 7395802
    Abstract: An oil supply system for an internal combustion engine camshaft includes an oil distribution block configured for attachment to an engine structure adjacent to and above a camshaft, with attachment of the oil distribution block occurring after the camshaft has been installed in the engine. Fixed and movable ring segments, which are mounted to the oil distribution block, cooperate to provide the camshaft with oil under pressure, which may be used for controlling auxiliary devices such as a camshaft phaser or camshaft profile switching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Riley, Mark Zagata
  • Electric oil pump system and controls for hybrid electric vehicles
    Patent number: 7395803
    Abstract: An engine lubrication oil flow control system and control method for an engine in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. An engine lubrication oil pump is powered by a lubrication oil pump motor. Provision is made to start the lubrication pump motor at the initiation of engine cranking upon a transition from an engine-off driving mode to an engine-on driving mode. An engine oil pressure signal is used to indicate engine filter maintenance is needed. The oil pump motor may be powered by a vehicle powertrain traction battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Ledger, George Dolan, Floyd Cadwell, Jeffrey Boismier, Jason Konopa
  • Lubrication structure of engine
    Patent number: 7395804
    Abstract: The lubrication structure of an engine is provided with a crankcase having a crank chamber that houses a crankshaft. A first oil reservoir is in communication with the crank chamber and is formed adjacent a bottom of the crank chamber. A second oil reservoir is in communication with the first oil reservoir and is formed adjacent the side of and on the bottom of the first oil reservoir. A reed valve extends diagonally from the bottom of the first oil reservoir toward the top of the second oil reservoir in an opening where the first oil reservoir and the second oil reservoir communicate with the crankcase. The reed valve includes a valve element that opens and closes according to the variation of pressure in the crank chamber. The valve element of the reed valve is arranged on the side of the second oil reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Takemoto, Tomio Onozato
  • Single cycle elliptical rotary engine
    Patent number: 7395805
    Abstract: A rotary engine having a rotor housing with a bisected, offset elliptical interior wall and a rotor member disposed therein. Four rotor vanes reciprocate radially from within said rotor wherein the opposing vanes perform the same function simultaneously as they pass through the cycle. The rotor vanes are forced out of the rotor by a pressurized oxygen/fuel mixture entering behind the vanes through the ports of the ported side plate. The rotation of the rotor urges the vanes back into the rotor due to the narrowing elliptical walls of the housing thereby forcing the oxygen/fuel mixture through the transfer ports and one-way check valve and into the combustion chamber where it is compressed and ignited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Seth MacMurray
  • Reciprocating internal-combustion engine with direct fuel injection by means of an injector arranged on the intake side
    Patent number: 7395806
    Abstract: A reciprocating internal-combustion engine having at least two gas intake ports (3) with gas intake valves (6), at least one gas exhaust port (4) with a gas exhaust valve (7) and at least one ignition device (14) per cylinder (1) is provided. The engine can also include a combustion chamber (1.1) formed by a cylinder cover (2.1) and a crown (11.1) of a piston (11). A trough-shaped recess (12) can be provided in the piston crown (11.1) and is bounded by a trough base (12.1) and side walls (16). The recess (12) can intersect a roof ridge (11.2) on the piston crown (11.1) and the trough base (12.1) slopes towards a fuel injection nozzle (8) and ends in a wall zone (12.2) extending steeply upwards on its side facing the fuel injection nozzle (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: FEV Motorentechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Jorg Ballauf, Jose Geiger, Martin Winter
  • Fuel injection control system designed to eliminate overlap between multiple fuel injection events
    Patent number: 7395807
    Abstract: A fuel injection control system for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine mounted in a vehicle is provided. The system works to schedule execution of a sequence of multiple injections of fuel into each of cylinders of the engine and determines whether events of any two of the injections scheduled to be executed in any two of the cylinders overlap in time with each other or not. If so, the system determines which of the two of the injections overlapping each other should be rescheduled based on operating condition of the vehicle and reschedules the execution of one of the two of the injections, as determined to be rescheduled, so as to eliminate overlap with any of the events of the injections. This avoids undesirable application of load on the system or the delay in activating fuel injectors which may arise from simultaneous activation of two of the injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsura Watanabe
  • Control system of internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 7395808
    Abstract: There is provided a control system for controlling an internal combustion engine with an exhaust system provided with a catalyst, comprising a fuel cut means for stopping the supply of fuel to the internal combustion engine when the vehicle in which the internal combustion engine is mounted is in a decelerating state, the control system of an internal combustion engine characterized in that, in the case that the fuel cut is executed, when the speed SPD of the vehicle is higher than a predetermined first vehicle speed Sh, the intake air amount Ga of the internal combustion engine is made smaller than the intake air amount Gai of when the internal combustion engine is in the idling state (step 120), while when the speed SPD is the first vehicle speed Sh or less, the intake air amount Ga is made larger than the intake air amount Gai of when the internal combustion engine is in the idling state (step 130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mamoru Yoshioka
  • Internal combustion engine and a method for such an engine
    Patent number: 7395809
    Abstract: A method for controlling a diesel engine in a vehicle is presented. The engine comprises at least one cylinder, a fuel injector for each cylinder for injecting fuel into the respective cylinder, and a throttle valve for controlling the flow of air into the cylinder. The throttle valve is adjusted to assume a not fully open position if an amount of fuel injected into the at least one cylinder is equal to or less than a fuel injection threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kjell Möller, Daniel Gustavsson, Martin Andreasson
  • Engine start control apparatus
    Patent number: 7395810
    Abstract: Oil level detection sensor detects an oil level in a crankcase. First charging circuit includes a serial connection of a first charging capacitor for charging a reverse voltage produced in a primary coil, the detection sensor, and a first diode. Thyristor is turned on, in response to voltage-charging of the first charging capacitor, to disable an ignition operation of an ignition circuit. Second charging circuit includes a serial connection of a second charging capacitor for charging a forward voltage, produced in the primary coil, and a second diode. Transistor is turned on, in response to voltage-charging of the second charging capacitor, to disable a turning-on operation of the thyristor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Iida Denki Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumi Miyashita, Kazutomo Nishida, Toshikazu Nakamura, Toru Taniguchi, Hiroshi Mochizuki
  • Choke device for an internal combustion engine intake system
    Patent number: 7395811
    Abstract: A choke device for an intake system of an internal combustion engine; the choke device has at least one choke body fitted movably inside an intake conduit, and an actuating device for moving the choke body to and from a work position in which the choke body reduces the cross section of the intake conduit; and the actuating device has a filiform actuating member made of a shape-memory material that changes shape when subjected to physical external stress, and having a first portion embedded in the choke body, and a second portion located outside the choke body and secured mechanically to a fixed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.P.A.
    Inventors: Nazario Bellato, Sandro Sirani, Marcello Colli, Eugenio Dragoni
  • Fuel-injection system for an internal-combustion engine
    Patent number: 7395812
    Abstract: The injection system comprises a high-pressure pump (7) with variable flowrate, having a number of pumping elements (18) actuated with reciprocating motion and provided each with a corresponding intake valve (22). An accumulation volume (28) is supplied with fuel at low pressure from an intake pipe (10) of the pump (7) through a solenoid valve (31) controlled as a function of the operating conditions of the engine (2). The accumulation volume (28) is in communication with the intake valves (22) through corresponding outlet holes (29), and the solenoid valve (31) is provided with nebulizer holes (36) such as to generate corresponding jets of fuel, each directed towards at least one of said outlet holes (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Mario Ricco, Adriano Gorgoglione, Raffaele Ricco, Sergio Stucchi
  • Method of controlling the intake and/or the exhaust of at least one deactivated cylinder of an internal-combustion engine
    Patent number: 7395813
    Abstract: A method controls the intake and/or the exhaust of at least one deactivated cylinder (10, 12, 14, 16) of an internal-combustion engine operating in four phases. The cylinder includes an intake with an intake valve (28), an exhaust with an exhaust valve (34), a fuel injector (42), an ignition (48) and a piston sliding within this cylinder between a position corresponding to its top dead center (PMHa, PMHd) and a position corresponding to its bottom dead center (PMBa, PMBd). When the engine runs at low or partial loads, one of the valves (28, 34) of the deactivated cylinder is opened in the vicinity of a top dead center (PMHa, PMHd). This valve is closed in the vicinity of the next top dead center (PMHd, PMHa).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventor: Alexandre Pagot
  • Electronic voltage regulation for a marine returnless fuel system
    Patent number: 7395814
    Abstract: A fuel system for a marine propulsion device controls the pressure of liquid fuel within a fuel rail by altering the pump speed of a fuel pump. The fuel pressure in the rail is measured by a pressure transducer which provides an output signal to a microprocessor that allows the microprocessor to select an operating speed for the fuel pump that conforms to a desired fuel pressure in the rail. By decreasing or increasing the operating speed of the positive displacement fuel pump as a function of the measured pressure in the rail, the microprocessor can accurately regulate the fuel pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Luke A. Doepke, Michael A. Torgerud, Troy J. Kollmann
  • Fuel injection pump
    Patent number: 7395815
    Abstract: The invention provides a fuel injection pump comprising a pump housing and a pumping arrangement associated therewith, wherein the pumping arrangement includes a pumping plunger and a plunger drive arrangement, the pumping plunger having a first end reciprocably received within a plunger bore provided in the pump housing and a second end coupled to the plunger drive arrangement. A biasing spring is provided having first and second spring ends, the first spring end coupled to a spring plate member associated with the pump housing and the second spring end coupled the plunger drive arrangement. The pump housing includes first and second portions aligned on a common axis, the upper portion including a further bore in which at least an upper portion of a locking pin is receivable and wherein the spring plate member defines support means for supporting a lower end portion of the locking pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Onur Mehmet Tansu{hacek over (g)}
  • Evaporative emissions control device for a vehicle fuel system
    Patent number: 7395816
    Abstract: The evaporative emissions control device comprises a housing having an inlet connectable to a vent port of an evaporative emissions control canister and an outlet for venting to the atmosphere, the housing containing a carbon filter, a bypass passage, and a valve for selectively closing the bypass passage and/or outlet. In a first operating state the valve closes the bypass passage and opens the outlet, whereby gases from the vent port of the canister pass through the adsorbent material before the air is released via the outlet port. In a second operating state the valve opens both the outlet and the bypass passage, whereby the gases can bypass the adsorbent material to provide a high flow rate, for example during refuelling. In a third operating state the valve closes both the outlet and bypass passage, preventing the release of any fuel vapour through the outlet and into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Remi B Loevenbruck
  • Evaporated fuel adsorbing apparatus
    Patent number: 7395817
    Abstract: An evaporated fuel adsorbing apparatus includes a surge tank provided in an intake system for an internal combustion engine; a resonator connected with only the surge tank; and a fuel adsorbing member that adsorbs evaporated fuel. The fuel adsorbing member is provided in the resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Fujishiro, Toshikazu Harada
  • Multi-gaseous fuel control device for a combustion engine with a carburetor
    Patent number: 7395818
    Abstract: A fuel control device for a combustion engine capable of running on any one of a plurality of fuels has a fuel selection module with a plurality of fuel type settings for selecting a specific fuel type whereupon the fuel control device controls the outlet pressure of the chosen fuel to a desired fuel pressure corresponding to the calorific properties of the chosen fuel. The fuel selection module preferably operates a plurality of fuel flow circuits each designated for a specific fuel type, and each having a biased closed inlet valve and a biased closed outlet valve. Located preferably between each inlet and outlet valve is a pressure regulator designated for the specific fuel type and controlling the outlet fuel pressure. The device preferably includes a fuel metering apparatus and a shutoff valve that communicate with, and control in part, fuel flow through the fuel flow circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kazuhito Fujisawa, Hironari Ikeda, Takashi Horikawa
  • Gas governor, snatch grip, and link pin for paintball gun
    Patent number: 7395819
    Abstract: A paintball marker has an inline cylinder that includes a gas governor that reduces gas flow from a compressed gas source to a valve area when the bolt is in a firing position; this increases efficiency in the marker because only the required air is used to fire the paintball. This bolt operates independent of the valve pin, which increases cycle speed and enables the governor to open and close at an optimum time in the firing cycle. Further, when the bolt/piston is recocking, the gap between the valve pin and governor valve pin enables low pressure gas driving the piston to start pressurizing the cylinder and driving the piston rearwards without resistance from the high pressure gas. The marker also allows a user to remove the inline cylinder without the use of tools, and gives the user a convenient carrying handle for holding the paintball marker, which is commonly called a “snatch grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: KEE Action Sports
    Inventors: Jerrold M. Dobbins, Gerald Dobbins
  • Receiver tube with receiver tubular jacket and parabolic trough collector containing same
    Patent number: 7395820
    Abstract: The parabolic trough collector includes a single-axis parabolic mirror (1) and a receiver tube (2) arranged at the focal point (F) of the parabolic mirror (1). The receiver tube (2) includes an absorber tube (4) and an outer tubular glass jacket (3) around it. To compensate for focusing errors in the parabolic collector and thus to reduce associated geometric optical losses, the tubular jacket (3) is provided with structural elements (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), which focus sunlight reflected from the mirror as well as sunlight that falls directly on the receiver tube from the sun on the absorber tube. The receiver tube is preferably arranged relative to the parabolic mirror, so that its center is displaced from the focal point (F) by a distance equal to half the spacing between the tubular jacket (3) and the absorber tube (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventor: Thomas Kuckelkorn
  • Multi-dose inhaler
    Patent number: 7395821
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhaler device and provides such a device comprising first and second compartments (4, 6) movable relative to one another such that, upon movement of said components (4, 6), operating means (16, 28, 40, 42, 44, 46) advances a cartridge compartment (140) into a predetermined position relative to medicament extraction facilitating means (14) and extends the medicament extraction facilitating means (14) into a position adjacent said advanced compartment (140) for allowing medicament extraction upon inhalation by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Cipla Limited
    Inventors: Amar Lulla, Geena Malhotra, Xerxes Rao
  • Method and apparatus for adjustable sling for treatment of urinary stress incontinence
    Patent number: 7395822
    Abstract: An method and apparatus for an adjustable sling for treatment of urinary stress incontinence. The present system includes apparatus and methods for postoperative adjustment of sling tension using adjustable elements in the sling assembly. The present system also provides a number of demonstrative embodiments for an adjustable sling where positioning of the bladder is controlled using the adjustable sling and where coaptation of the urethra is controlled by postoperative inflation of one or more balloons mounted in a sling cup. Methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting the adjustable sling after surgical implantation. In one embodiment a self sealing septum is located near the skin for convenient filling using a syringe. Multiple port embodiments are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Uromedica, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Burton, Timothy C. Cook
  • Method and apparatus for local fluorine and nitrogen trifluoride production
    Patent number: 7395823
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for production, shipment, and treatment of a NH4F(HF)x feedstock for local production of fluorine and NF3 for semiconductor chamber cleaning without the need for storage of large quantities of dangerous feeds and intermediate products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P. Satchell, Jr.
  • Cleaning apparatus for pillared devices
    Patent number: 7395824
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for pillared device comprises an outer tank, an inner tank, a lid and a plurality of nozzles. Upper edges of opposing sidewalls of the outer tank include respective openings to support a shaft extending out from two ends of the pillared device. The inner tank within the outer tank for containing a first cleaning solution to dip a portion of the pillared device is constructed above the floor of the outer tank. The lid is rested on the top of the outer tank. The nozzles constructed along a pipeline inside the lid is used to spay a second cleaning solution onto the pillared device mounted in the inner tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Tien-Kuei Wen, Bin-Lin Chang
  • Method and device for activating an element made of a shape memory alloy
    Patent number: 7395825
    Abstract: A simple and cost-effective method is provided, according to which a positive temperature component (PTC) element directly controls the element made of a shape memory alloy. A simple and cost effective device for performing the method has a PTC element series-connected upstream from the element made of a shape memory alloy, in the electric circuit for the element made of a shape memory alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Albert Dirnberger, Rüdiger Eiermann, Helmut Jerg, Stefan Kautz
  • Machine for washing and/or sterilizing supplying-batching devices
    Patent number: 7395826
    Abstract: In a machine for washing and/or sterilizing supplying-batching devices, an enclosing structure has supporting means for a supplying-batching device to be washed and/or sterilized. Feeding ducts are to be connected to a hopper of the supplying-batching device for feeding washing fluids. Working devices are to be connected to batching means and to supplying means of the supplying-batching device, and are to be operated to reproduce working operation of the batching means and supplying means, so as to perform working cycles with said washing fluids fed to the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Tonazzi Vasquali S.r.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Apparatus to produce acoustic cavitation in a liquid insonification medium
    Patent number: 7395827
    Abstract: An apparatus to produce acoustic cavitation by controlling cavitation events in a liquid insonification medium utilizing a waveform to excite a transducer with a series of bipolar inharmonic tone bursts having medium recovery intervals between respective bursts so that the medium repeatedly recovers from cavitation events between bursts. The apparatus may be used to clean a semiconductor wafer, to de-coat a painted surface having, to induce a chemical reaction, and/or to provide recycled paper made from inked paper de-inked by cavitation. Cavitation events are generated using a transducer and a waveform generator, e.g., square wave tone bursts, to excite the transducer with a signal controlled in frequency, burst repetition rate, duty-cycle and/or amplitude, e.g., utilizing bursts having a frequency between 500 KHz and 10 MHz, and a duty cycle between 0.1% and 70%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Sameer I. Madanshetty
  • Collapsible chair umbrella with swivel support shaft mount
    Patent number: 7395828
    Abstract: A collapsible chair umbrella with swivel support shaft mount, the umbrella with a canopy on one end of the support shaft and a cross member on the other, the cross member with a clip on each end for selectively attaching to a chair, preferably a lawn or beach chair or the like, the chair having two upright back supports is disclosed. The cross member further comprises a ball swivel with covered, spring assisted action for pivoting the invention's umbrella about the cross member, thereby aiding in elevation, transport, and convenience of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Carnell Pulley
  • Shock absorber crutch and shock absorber kit
    Patent number: 7395829
    Abstract: A shock absorber conversion kit, for a crutch of the type having a tubular main body and an extension member secured to and fitting within the main body, the kit having a first abutment attachable to the main body, a second abutment attachable to the extension member, a resilient device which can be positioned between the first abutment and second abutment, so that pressure on the main body will cause telescoping movement of the extension member into the main body and will stress the resilient device, and release of pressure will permit movement of the extension member out of the main body and will relax such stress. Also disclosed is a shock absorber crutch in which an extension member is slidable into and out of a main body, and is controlled by a resilient action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Richard R. Chapman
  • Collapsible canopy frame and locking pin assembly for the same
    Patent number: 7395830
    Abstract: A locking pin assembly includes a button that can be moved in a first direction from a first position to a second position, and a first biasing member for biasing the button to be normally in the first position. The locking pin assembly also includes a locking pin member that engages the button and is movable in a second direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, from a third position to a fourth position when the button is moved from the first position to the second position. The locking pin assembly also includes a second biasing member for biasing the locking pin member to be normally in the third position. The locking pin assembly can be used in a collapsible canopy frame to adjust the height of a telescoping side pole by fixing upper and lower sections to each other and/or to fix the edge scissor assemblies and the side poles in an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Caravan Canopy International Inc.
    Inventor: Dong Woog Seo
  • Faucet sealing
    Patent number: 7395831
    Abstract: A faucet improvement including a seat defining a bore, and a valve stem movable toward and away from the seat, comprising a shoulder screw threadably attachable to the stem, and having a head located in the bore, a shank, and a non-metallic O-ring extending about the screw shank to be retained in the bore between the screw head and the valve stem, the O-ring sized to seal off between the shank and the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Herbert W. Hoeptner
  • Fuel tank for spacecraft
    Patent number: 7395832
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a spacecraft stores a liquid fuel and a pressurized propellant gas that drives the fuel out of the tank through a fuel extraction arrangement including a reservoir or collection container and a tank outlet. The collection container bounds a fuel reservoir space that communicates with the interior space of the tank, and fuel flow channels connect the reservoir space to an outlet pipe. A side or area of the collection container opposite the fuel flow channels is provided with one or more grooves. These structures produce a capillary pumping effect and use the surface tension to separate the fuel from the propellant gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: EADS Space Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Kei P. Behruzi, Mark Michaelis, Gaston Netter
  • Check-valve for reduction of leakage caused by valve flapping
    Patent number: 7395833
    Abstract: A check valve that reduces leakage caused by flapping is disclosed. The shape of the heat seals focus the flow of gas in the valve so that the flapping that results from using elongated parallel heat seals is reduced. Alternative embodiments also enable tying of balloons while reducing the risk of leaking. Balloons can also be inflated at a greater rate without risk of leakage thereby reducing labor costs and the reduction in leaks also reduces the return of faulty products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Akira Nakamura
  • Hydrant box
    Patent number: 7395834
    Abstract: The present invention is a wall hydrant box having a unitary front plate welded onto a front portion of the wall hydrant box. The unitary front plate is sufficiently sized to allow a ring or any other such structure to be mounted to a rear portion of the wall hydrant box, so that the structure is obscured when the wall hydrant is viewed from the front. The unitary front plate also provides a uniform and aesthetic look to the front of the wall hydrant box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: David L. Lawson, Robert K. Dimmer
  • Air admittance valve
    Patent number: 7395835
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an air admittance valve includes a base, a screen plate and a diaphragm engageable with the screen plate. The diaphragm may include a first center disk having a stem and a membrane coupled to the first center disk. The membrane may have a continuous material sized to extend beyond a perimeter of the first center disk, be formed of a material more pliable than the first center disk and be adapted to be coupled to the first center disk through the center disk stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Rectorseal Corporation
    Inventor: Henry J. Gohlke