Patents Issued in October 2, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080236491
    Abstract: Different gases are separately exposed to RF energy in different zones in inlets to a processing chamber. Plasma is activated in the gases in each of the zones separately and the activated gases are then introduced into the plasma processing chamber where they may undergo mutual interaction within a processing zone. Control of the active species distribution within the processing chamber is provided by control of the energizing of the gases in the separate inlet zones before they are combined in the processing zone. An ICP source energizes gas in each zone through an antenna having one or more conductors, each of which is coupled to a plurality of the zones. This allows gases to be brought together in their active states, rather than being combined and then activated, and allows the same or different parameters to be applied in different inlet zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Jozef Brcka
  • Publication number: 20080236492
    Abstract: In a plasma processing apparatus comprising an evacuable processing chamber, a first electrode disposed in the processing chamber via an insulating body and a second electrode disposed in the processing chamber to face the first electrode, a central conductor and a peripheral conductor are embedded in a main surface of the first electrode via an insulating material while being separately disposed at an electrode central portion and an electrode peripheral portion, respectively. A first radio frequency leaking unit leaks a first radio frequency power applied to the first electrode from a first radio frequency power supply through at least one of the central conductor and the peripheral conductor by a desired current amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Yohei YAMAZAWA
  • Publication number: 20080236493
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus performs a plasma processing on a substrate to be processed by generating plasma between a first electrode and a second electrode disposed to face each other in a processing chamber by applying a radio frequency power to the first electrode from a radio frequency power supply connected to the first electrode. The plasma processing apparatus includes a dielectric body disposed near the first electrode and a conductor provided in the dielectric body. Further, a radio frequency leakage line is connected to the conductor, and the radio frequency power applied to the first electrode leaks through the radio frequency leakage line to an earth ground. In addition, an impedance adjusting circuit is provided on the radio frequency leakage line and controls an amount of the radio frequency power flowing through the radio frequency leakage line by adjusting an impedance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Yosuke SAKAO
  • Publication number: 20080236494
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus, comprising: a processing chamber arranged within a vacuum vessel; a sample table arranged within the processing chamber on which a sample to be processed is placed; electric field supplying means for supplying an electric field to form plasma within the processing chamber; a plate member formed of a dielectric material for constituting a ceiling plane of the processing chamber and transmitting the electric field; a cover member formed of a dielectric material for constituting a part of a side wall for the entire circumference of the processing chamber, facing the plasma, and propagating the electric field radiated from the plate member; and a conductive member internally arranged for almost the entire circumference of the cover member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: TADAYOSHI KAWAGUCHI, Muneo Furuse
  • Publication number: 20080236495
    Abstract: A reactant vapor distribution assembly for Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) apparatus which includes an upper flange which has a plenum disposed on its lower face and vapor injectors for injecting reactant vapors into the plenum. The distribution assembly also includes a lower flange having a peripheral rim surrounding a lower wall and a plenum on its upper face, certain of the vapor injectors are used to inject reactant vapors into this plenum. The lower flange includes fluid channels bored in the lower wall beneath the plenum and a number of gas flow openings bored in the lower wall of the lower flange to permit the precursor gases to flow from the plenum into the deposition chamber. The fluid channels may be used to heat or cool the flange. The lower flange has no welds or joints facing the hostile environment of the deposition chamber and all critical parts of the lower flange may be formed from a single billet of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Gary S. Tompa
  • Publication number: 20080236496
    Abstract: The vacuum evaporation apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a substrate holder which is disposed in the vacuum chamber and holds a substrate, and an evaporation source which is disposed in the vacuum chamber and evaporates a film-forming material. The substrate holder has a substrate holding portion which is made of a first material having a heat conductivity of at least 100 W/m·K and a specific gravity of up to 4.0×103 kg/m3 and a vapor deposition area-regulating member which is made of a second material that is different from the first material and has a melting point of at least 1300° C. This apparatus is capable of preventing a film-forming material from being deposited on the substrate holder surface while keeping the temperature within the substrate holder uniform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yukihisa NOGUCHI, Hiroshi SOHDA
  • Publication number: 20080236497
    Abstract: A processing system for treating a substrate includes a process chamber, a substrate holder, a gas distribution system, and a flow modulation element. The process chamber has a pumping system to evacuate the process chamber. The substrate holder is coupled to the process chamber and supports the substrate. The gas distribution system is coupled to the process chamber. The gas distribution system introduces a process gas to a process space above an upper surface of the substrate. The flow modulation element is coupled to the substrate holder beyond a peripheral edge of the substrate. The flow modulation element includes one or more gas distribution openings that introduce an additive process gas beyond the peripheral edge of the substrate in a direction substantially away from the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTON LIMITED
    Inventors: Mirko Vukovic, James Grootegoed
  • Publication number: 20080236498
    Abstract: There is provided a vacuum film deposition apparatus which forms a film on a substrate by a vacuum film deposition technique, include: substrate holding means for holding the substrate; a deposition preventing member for preventing film deposition at undesired positions within the apparatus; and contacting means for bringing the substrate or the substrate holding means and the deposition preventing member into contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yukinori Nakamura, Makoto Kashiwaya, Takashi Kataoka, Hiroshi Sohda
  • Publication number: 20080236499
    Abstract: A sputter target assembly including vent grooves having a certain configuration so as to reduce target arcing during the physical vapor deposition of a film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Blanchet, JungHoon Hur, Kei Turng Shih
  • Publication number: 20080236500
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method enable monitoring of one or more physiological conditions in an animal including pH. A monitor may take the form of a bolus that may be installed in a stomach of an animal such as in a reticulorumen of a ruminant animal. The monitor may include sensors for detecting one or more of the pH, temperature, pressure, and position. The monitor includes a power source and electronics for processing, storing, and transmitting signals representing the physiological conditions detected by the sensor(s). The monitor may include first and second portions that are releasably joined, and that may support respective components for ease of assembly during manufacture and servicing. The monitor may form part of a system having a receiver for receiving and interpreting the signals from the monitor. The method includes installing the monitor in an animal and monitoring the animal by detecting physiological characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Terry E. Hodges, Todd L. Hodges
  • Publication number: 20080236501
    Abstract: A pet bed cover is presented that is especially suited to accommodate an infant mattress. As such, the pet bed cover provides for an environmentally friendly pet bed, in that, the user is able to convert an infant mattress into a pet bed to thereby extend the useful life of the infant mattress. Additionally, the user is provided an inexpensive option for a pet bed because the user only has to purchase the additional pet bed cover in order to create a highly durable, attractive and comfortable pet bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Heather Leigh Hargrave, Gerald Burk Hargrave
  • Publication number: 20080236502
    Abstract: A creep feeder features a frame having an enclose defined thereon and a trough supported within the enclosure, the enclosure including end walls disposed at opposite ends of the trough and blocking access to the trough from three sides thereof while defining an open side of the feeder through which the trough is accessible. A panel assembly having opposite ends pivotally supported on the frame proximate the end walls features a plurality of panels pivotally interconnected between the opposite ends to allow folding of the panel assembly. The panels are foldable from a deployed condition, in which the panel assembly extends from the opposite ends thereof away from the trough to enclose a feeding area spanning from the trough past the open side of the feeder, to a stowed condition in which the panel assembly extends between the end walls in proximity to the open side to effect closing thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: John Elias, David Elias, Peter Friesen
  • Publication number: 20080236503
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately dispensing, monitoring, quantifying, and controlling liquids provided to one or more animals. In some embodiments, a standalone apparatus having a local user interface is coupled to a liquid source and drinking assembly to monitor, quantify, and control the liquid consumption of one or more specific animals. In other embodiments, multiple standalone apparatuses are each coupled to a liquid source and a respective drinking assembly to monitor, quantify, and control the liquid consumed through the respective drinking assembly. In this scenario, each of the standalone apparatuses shares one or more common remote user interface panels. In yet another embodiment, standalone apparatuses are networked to other standalone apparatuses. User workstations and central control panels resident on the watering apparatus network, or a third-party network interfaced to the network, allow liquid consumption to be monitored, controlled, and quantified both locally and remotely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: John Harold Nardine, Darrell Lawrence Iehle, Carol Ann Novotney
  • Publication number: 20080236504
    Abstract: A waste collection pad for use in training an animal, such as a domestic pet, to urinate or defecate in a predetermined location. The collection pad includes a support frame and a liquid retaining layer mounted above the support frame. The support frame provides structural rigidity to retain the pad in a flattened state. The collection pad is deformable from a first undeformed shape having a first size to a second deformed shape having a second size, smaller than the first size, for example, a more a convenient shape to facilitate handling. The support frame may comprise a perforated sheet having foldable seams allowing the collection pad to be folded. The collection pad may also be rolled into a cylindrical shape to facilitate handling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen Silverman
  • Publication number: 20080236505
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and apparatuses for raising aquatic animals in controlled environments in order to avoid disease and pollution, and for increasing the number of shrimp that can be raised in controlled environments. More particularly, the present invention generally relates to a shelving unit for raising aquatic animals in a controlled environment comprising a plurality of shelves having a top and bottom surface, wherein at least one surface is substantially solid to support the aquatic animals thereon and to allow feeding thereon by the aquatic animals. Also provided are systems comprising closed environments for containing water, at least one shelving unit, a feeding system for dispensing food onto the shelving unit, and a waste disposal system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Laurent Olivier, Steven T. Massar
  • Publication number: 20080236506
    Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: INNOVIVE INC.
    Inventors: Dee L Conger, Thomas M. Perazzo, Asa Cannell
  • Publication number: 20080236507
    Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: INNOVIVE INC.
    Inventors: Dee L. Conger, Thomas M. Perazzo, Matthew D. d'Artenay
  • Publication number: 20080236508
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a poultry cage transportation assembly including: a plurality of improved poultry cages including: a floor panel; a wall frame connected to the floor panel with an tongue and groove fastener; a protrusion disposed on an edge portion of the wall frame; and a mechanical fastener operable for securing adjacent wall frames, wherein the floor panel, the wall frame, and the protrusions are constructed of unitary a durable polymer material; a light-weight trailer; and a binding system designed to secure the plurality of improved poultry cages to the light weight trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Crider Transportation LLC
    Inventor: William Jackson Seay
  • Publication number: 20080236509
    Abstract: An installation for supplying liquid feed to an animal, such as a calf. The installation comprises one or more feed loading places (1) and one or more feed unloading places (2-5), and one or more vehicles (9) that are autonomously displaceable, controlled by a microprocessor or the like, between one or more feed loading places and one or more feed unloading places, each vehicle comprising a drinking nozzle (10), such as a flexible teat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: MAASLAND N.V.
    Inventor: Karel VAN DEN BERG
  • Publication number: 20080236510
    Abstract: A modular enclosure system, for example, for housing plants and/or animals is provided. The enclosure system includes a frame assembly having a plurality of vertical and horizontal members, and a plurality of connectors adapted to engage the horizontal and vertical members. The members include longitudinal projections or ribs adapted to engage a plurality of panel assemblies. The panel assemblies include first ends adapted to pivotally engage a rib of one member and a second end having a releasable locking mechanism adapted to engage a rib of a member. The enclosure may be used for any type of storage or housing, but is uniquely adapted to house animals, for example, pets, or plants. Aspects of the invention also include a structural system having horizontal and vertical members and connectors adapted to engage the members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen Silverman
  • Publication number: 20080236511
    Abstract: A programmable pet toy, where the movement of the toy or an object of interest attached or connected to the toy is automated, and the operation of the toy can be programmed by the pet owner to operate at desired time intervals or after predetermined time delays to provide automated amusement for a pet. The toy may further include devices for making sounds to attract the attention of a pet, and objects of interest that can be replaced by alternate objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Jim Boelke, John Galkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20080236512
    Abstract: An animal toy features the ability to connect two or more separate toys of varying shape, size, color, and/or texture, together to create larger and more complex toy systems. The animal toy allows an almost endless variety of toy systems to capture the interest as well as challenge and develop the animal's problem solving skills. The animal toys are either solid or include internal chambers for holding and ultimately dispensing food. When two or more toys with the internal chambers are combined the food may flow from the chamber of one toy into another toy several times before exiting the toy system. The increased problem of extracting the food challenges and develops the animal's skills. Moreover, by combining solid and food dispensing toys in random combinations further increases the problem solving skills required to completely extract the food from the toy system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: CANINE GENIUS
    Inventors: Alise Shatoff, Birte M. Haakansson
  • Publication number: 20080236513
    Abstract: A control device (1) for a domesticated animal comprises a mechanism (12, 13, 14) for producing a sensation disconcerting to a domesticated animal. A timer (24) is operative to cause the mechanism to produce the disconcerting sensation after a predetermined time period. The control device is configured such that it may be carried by said domesticated animal without undue interference with said animal's freedom of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Ingrid Barlebo-Larsen, Jane Louise Potter
  • Publication number: 20080236514
    Abstract: This invention relates to a training device (10) to be attached to or be worn by an animal (103) for training the animal to adapt its behavior to various environments (105-108), where the training device is operated by a trainer (102) of the animal. The training involves selecting various training setups, which are adapted to the various environments. A receiving means is used for receiving an input from the trainer, or from a training setup device used by the trainer, for initiating a new training setup. A detecting means is used for detecting parameters relating to the animal, wherein the parameters are regularly compared to the training setup. An output means is used for influencing the behavior of the animal if one or more of the detected parameters contradict with the training setup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Mark Thomas Johnson, Ralph Kurt
  • Publication number: 20080236515
    Abstract: A dog training device for use with a kennel can comprise a reflective surface manufactured from a plastic material and a supporting frame adapted to detachably attach to an exterior surface of a side wall of the kennel. The supporting frame can be configured to support the reflective surface so that said reflective surface faces the kennel. A device for covering a top wall of a kennel can comprise a flat sheet made of a durable sheet material and a peripheral ridge overhanging onto the top of a side wall of the kennel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Lisa M. Carl
  • Publication number: 20080236516
    Abstract: A water recirculation system for a steam power plant includes a tapoff line which receives water from a downcomer, and an economizer link which receives water from the tapoff line and transports the water to an economizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Danny E. Gelbar
  • Publication number: 20080236517
    Abstract: A water pump is driven by a driving force generated by an internal combustion engine, and generates a larger driving force as a pressure introduced into a pressure chamber becomes higher. The pressure chamber is connected to a VSV through a first passage. A portion of an intake passage, which is located downstream of a throttle valve, is connected to the VSV through a second passage. An atmospheric pressure space is connected to the VSV through a third passage. In the VSV, the volume of wax in a temperature-sensitive case is increased to increase the ratio of the cross sectional area of an opening portion of the third passage, which is connected to the first passage, to the cross sectional area of an opening portion of the second passage, which is connected to the first passage, as the temperature of a coolant for the internal combustion engine increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kyosuke Togawa, Takasuke Shikida
  • Publication number: 20080236518
    Abstract: A fan shroud assembly includes a fixed fan shroud and a removable fan shroud. An upper retention system integral with the fixed and removable fan shrouds secures the two circumferential ends of the removable fan shroud to the fixed fan shroud. A lower retention system integral with the fixed and removable fan shroud secures the center of the removable fan shroud to the fixed fan shroud. No additional fasteners are required to connect the removable fan shroud to the fixed fan shroud because of the integral nature of the upper and lower retention systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Schaffer, Christopher Wisniewski, Michael Tucker
  • Publication number: 20080236519
    Abstract: A connection between an expansion chamber outlet and a rubber cuff that accommodates an inlet portion of a throttle body exhibits a dovetail connection between an expansion chamber wall and the rubber cuff such that the expansion chamber has a dovetail recession while the rubber cuff has a dovetail projection. The rubber cuff is insert molded around the expansion chamber outlet such that the joined interface between the rubber cuff and the expansion chamber is from the molding. The dovetail prevents separation due to air forces through the chamber and cuff. A cuff groove opposite the dovetail projection, on a cuff inside diameter, receives a protuberance of the throttle body inlet portion. A band clamp fits around the outside diameter of the cuff, adjacent the throttle body inlet protuberance, to prevent movement of the throttle body. The cuff has a projection(s) to also prevent slippage of the throttle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark L. Williams
  • Publication number: 20080236520
    Abstract: A multicylinder engine for a motorcycle includes a valve actuation mechanism having a hydraulically-operated valve pausing mechanism for holding at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of selected cylinders in a suspended state. The valve actuation mechanism operates the intake valve and the exhaust valve, and controls flow of oil through an oil passage which introduces working oil to the valve pausing mechanism from a hydraulic-pressure control device. Air-bleeding holes are formed in the cylinder head. The air-bleeding holes are fluidly connected with portions of the oil passages that are located at a highest level in the oil passages while the motorcycle is parked in an inclined state with its side stand down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hayato Maehara, Shinji Saito, Takaaki Tsukui
  • Publication number: 20080236521
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is charged by a compressor such that for example only a fraction of the charge is supercharged for an operating cycle of the internal combustion engine and is supplied via a separate charging channel with the help of a short-stroke valve which is controlled by the camshaft after closure of the inlet of the internal combustion engine such that the suction/charging stroke of the four-stroke process is maintained entirely or partially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Gunter W. Schabinger
  • Publication number: 20080236522
    Abstract: A V-type vehicle engine includes a main engine body with a front bank and a rear bank defining a V-type structure. A plurality of valve actuation units are respectively located in valve chambers in the front bank and the rear bank, to minimize the size of a cylinder head and a cylinder head cover in at least one of the front bank and the rear bank. A first valve actuation unit, with a double overhead camshaft structure having intake-side and exhaust-side camshafts individually corresponding to the intake valve and the exhaust valve, is located in a valve chamber in one of the front bank and the rear bank. A second valve actuation unit, having a common single camshaft for the intake valve and the exhaust valve, is located in a valve chamber in the other one of the front bank and the rear bank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hayato Maehara, Shinji Saito, Takaaki Tsukui
  • Publication number: 20080236523
    Abstract: In a multi-cylinder engine provided with a cylinder pausing function, a hydraulically-operated valve-pausing mechanism is capable of selectively suspending operation of at least one intake or exhaust valve of one or more selected cylinders, depending on engine operating conditions, such that the suspended valve is temporarily held in a closed state. A hydraulic-pressure control device, for controlling hydraulic pressure supplied to the valve-pausing mechanism, is disposed on an engine body so as to minimize an amount of protrusion of the hydraulic-pressure control device from the engine body, while situating the hydraulic-pressure control device near the valve-pausing mechanism. A recess portion is formed on an external surface of a cylinder head or a head cover, and the hydraulic-pressure control device is disposed on the engine such that at least part of the hydraulic-pressure control device is accommodated in the recess portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hayato Maehara, Shinji Saito, Takaaki Tsukui
  • Publication number: 20080236524
    Abstract: In a V-type engine for a vehicle, in which a hydraulic valve rest mechanism which selectively holds at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve corresponding to a part of plural cylinders in a valve-closed rest state in correspondence with a vehicle running status is provided in a valve actuation unit, and a hydraulic controller which controls hydraulic pressure of the valve rest mechanism is provided in a main engine body, to reduce the distance of oil passage from the hydraulic controller to the hydraulic valve rest mechanism and simplify the structure of the oil passage. A hydraulic controller is provided on at least one side surface of a cylinder head, and may be generally oriented along a line which is substantially parallel to a central axis of a cylinder bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hayato Maehara, Shinji Saito, Takaaki Tsukui
  • Publication number: 20080236525
    Abstract: Hydraulic valve actuation systems and methods to provide variable lift for one or more engine air valves by way of a variable position hard stop. Various embodiments are disclosed, including embodiments controlling lift by providing a choice of two different fixed stops, three different fixed stops, stops continuously variable throughout a range of lifts, and a fixed stop and stops continuously variable throughout a range of lifts. The valves controlled by a variable position hard stop may be a single engine intake or exhaust valve, or multiple valves of any number, and of either intake or exhaust valves or both, or of one intake or one exhaust valve for one or more cylinders in engines having more than one intake or exhaust valve per cylinder. Dashpot deceleration of engine valve velocity on opening to the hard stop and on engine valve closure is disclosed, as are other aspects and embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: STURMAN INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Guy Robert Babbitt, Miguel Angelo Raimao, Charles Conrad Klose, Jeffrey Allen Rogers, Oded Eddie Sturman
  • Publication number: 20080236526
    Abstract: A valve actuating mechanism for an internal combustion engine includes a first rocker arm moving mechanism, a second rocker arm moving mechanism, and a trigger arm. The first rocker arm moving mechanism moves left and right rocker arms from a first operation position side to a second operation position side. The second rocker arm moving mechanism moves the left and right rocker arms from the second operation position side to the first operation position side, and the trigger arm selectively restricts the movement of the left and right rocker arms. During engine operation, left and right rocker-side key portions of the left and right rocker arms, respectively, and left and right trigger-side key portions of the trigger arm selectively maintain or remove a restriction on the movement of the left and right rocker arms, in response to a rocking state of the left and right rocker arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Yamamoto, Masahiro Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20080236527
    Abstract: A device (1) for varying the control times of an internal combustion engine (100) is provided. A device (1) is proposed, with a means for limiting the angle of rotation, this being optimized in terms of the magnitude of the transmittable forces. A further aspect of the invention relates to making the mounting of the device (1) more flexible to the effect that the same components can be used in devices (1) with different relative angle-of-rotation ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs
  • Publication number: 20080236528
    Abstract: A camshaft adjuster (1), in which an adjustment of the camshaft adjuster is limited by a limiting element (11) is provided. The limiting element (11) is connected by an eccentric to the associated component (3), in particular, to an inner rotor. By use of an eccentric adjustment of the limiting element, the position of the limiting element in the peripheral direction can be adapted according to the production conditions within the tolerance range. In this way, the mounting of the camshaft adjuster is simplified and the achievable accuracy of the limiting position is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Steffen Hertrich, Lothar Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20080236529
    Abstract: A control valve (20) for a device for variably setting the control times of gas exchange valves (110, 111) of an internal combustion engine (100). Two working ports (A, B) and one supply port (24) are formed on an outer casing surface of a valve housing (22) of the control valve (20), the working ports (A, B) are arranged directly adjacent one another, and the supply port adjoins them. Further, two pressure medium ducts (40, 41) are formed on the control piston (30), at least one of the pressure medium ducts (40, 41) is embodied so that it is not rotationally symmetric with respect to a longitudinal axis (36) of the control piston (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Scheidig, Ali Bayrakdar, Jens Hoppe, Rainer Ottersbach
  • Publication number: 20080236530
    Abstract: An adjustment device (1) for adjusting the relative rotational angle position of a camshaft (2) in relation to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine is provided, with the device having an adjustment mechanism (3), which is embodied as a triple-shaft transmission and provided with an input part (4) fixed to the crankshaft, an output part fixed to the camshaft, and an adjusting shaft (7) connected to an adjusting motor shaft (5) of an adjusting motor (6). The motor (6) is provided as an electric motor and is arranged parallel to the camshaft (2). The motor generates an adjustment torque that is transmitted to the adjustment shaft (7) via a secondary drive (18) that has a belt drive, a chain drive, a cardan drive, or an additional spur gear stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Martin Steigerwald, Jonathan Heywood
  • Publication number: 20080236531
    Abstract: A valve actuating mechanism for an engine having a rocker arm movement restraining device which controls opening and closing an engine valve. The rocker arm movement restraining device includes a timing arm which engages left and right rocker arms for constraining the axial movement thereof, and a timing cam disposed on an intake-side camshaft. The rocker arm movement restraining device releases the engagement of the timing arm with the left and right rocker arms by activating the timing arm when the intake-side camshaft is rotated, and when the timing arm releases the engagement with the left and right rocker arms, the left and right rocker arms move to a predetermined operating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Yamamoto, Masahiro Kuroki
  • Publication number: 20080236532
    Abstract: A cam-follower rocker arm is provided comprising a flat single plate body containing an axle that extends perpendicular from the vertical wall area for making contact with a valve and a second pivot point axle. The pivot point for the cam-follower rocker arm may be located centrally or at the end of the cam-follower rocker arm that is opposite the cam-follower rocker arm valve arm. An external cam-follower bearing is mounted on the axle and extends on each side of the flat plate wall. The cam-follower rocker arm of the invention is characterized by a relatively reduced mass and has a stiffness that exceeds limits achieved by known prior art designs for an overhead cam and cam-follower valve train; the gain in stiffness being attributed to the body's flat plate cross-section relative to conventional prior art cam-follower rocker arms that have a U-shape or a dual wall cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Scott P. Smith, Blaine R. Lingenfelter, John E. Brune
  • Publication number: 20080236533
    Abstract: In a device for mechanically closing a separation point between an air intake duct associated with a drivers cap and a connecting duct associated with a chassis supporting an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, wherein a locking mechanism is provided which is operable by a tilting of the driver's cab about the driver's cab pivot axis into, or out of, its drive position, the locking mechanism comprises a first locking element supported on the driver's cab and a second locking element associated with an air filter mounted on the chassis and at least one of the locking elements comprises a control cam, which can be moved into engagement with the other locking element by a pivoting of the driver's cab into its drive position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Stefanie Schwingenschlogl
  • Publication number: 20080236534
    Abstract: A resonator for an air intake system of a motor vehicle has a housing and at least one resonator chamber enclosed by the housing. At least one air intake opening for fresh air is provided in the housing and opens into the resonator chamber. At least one air exhaust opening for fresh air is provided in the housing and opens into the resonator chamber. The at least one air exhaust opening is also an intake opening of an auxiliary device, especially an air compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Gerhard Mayer, Torsten Fritzsching
  • Publication number: 20080236535
    Abstract: Rotary valves for internal combustion engines according to embodiments of the present invention comprise a conical valve portion with a first port of the rotary valve for feeding a fuel to the combustion chamber, respectively for an outlet of an exhaust from the combustion chamber, whereas the first port is located within a superficies surface of the conical valve portion; furthermore a cylindrical valve portion is arrange at a thick end of the conical valve portion, whereas a second port of the rotary valve for the fuel, respectively for the exhaust is located within a superficies surface of the cylindrical valve portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Marc Gilbert Ivan van Driessche, Herman Verboven
  • Publication number: 20080236536
    Abstract: An integral engine component is disclosed. The integral engine component may have a solid first member and a second member cast in place relative to the solid first member. A metallurgical bond may exist between the solid first member and the second member, and the melting temperature of the solid first member may be lower than the melting temperature of the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Jeff Alan Jensen, Jose Felix Leon Torres, Michael James Pollard, Tsu Pin Shyu, Adrian Vasile Catalina, Jun Cai, Christopher Anthony Kinney
  • Publication number: 20080236537
    Abstract: An electric motor is cooled by an air flow without restricting the degree of freedom in the arrangement of an oil cooler and an oil filter by utilizing a front face of a front portion of an engine body to arrange the electric motor. The engine includes an oil cooler, an oil filter, and an starter motor for driving a crankshaft to rotate. The oil cooler and the starter motor are disposed on a front face, which is directed in an advancing direction of the vehicle, of a front portion of a lower block which forms an engine body. The oil filter is attached to an attachment seat provided on a side face of the front portion which is directed in the sideward direction. A communication oil path for communicating the oil cooler and the oil filter with each other is provided in the inside of the front portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Koji TERADA, Shinya Wakabayashi
  • Publication number: 20080236538
    Abstract: An engine oil lubricant composition having improved control of oxidation viscosity, and piston deposits is provided. The composition further exhibits performance on the ASTM Sequence IIIG Test of about 90% or less kinematic viscosity increase at 40° C. and about 5.5 or more merits average weighted piston deposits. The composition meets or exceeds the standards of both the ILSAC GF-4 and the General Motors GM4718M specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: William Y. Lam
  • Publication number: 20080236539
    Abstract: A transmission clutch pressure control apparatus is suitable for a configuration that includes a pilot valve and a pressure regulating valve working in tandem. The pilot valve produces a pilot pressure that varies in accordance with a pilot valve drive signal. The pressure regulating valve provides fluid to a clutch at an output clutch pressure that is in turn variable based on the pilot pressure. The apparatus includes a pilot pressure sensor in fluid communication with the pilot valve output and generates a pilot pressure signal. The apparatus also includes a control arrangement having a pilot valve pressure estimation block configured to produce a pilot pressure command in response to a clutch pressure command. The estimation block is configured to reflect the relationship between the clutch pressure and the pilot pressure. The control arrangement also includes a summer that produces an error signal based on the difference between the commanded and sensed pilot pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Quan Zheng, Michael A. Kozan
  • Publication number: 20080236540
    Abstract: A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, permitting optimal compensation of all losses of the internal combustion engine in half-engine operation. The internal combustion engine has several cylinder banks, at least a first cylinder bank being deactivatable, and, during deactivation of the first cylinder bank, the first cylinder bank losses and the losses of a second cylinder bank being taken into account during activation of the second cylinder bank, and the default value of the second cylinder bank quantity being formed in several steps. In at least one of these steps, the first cylinder bank losses and the second cylinder bank losses are taken into account for forming the default value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Dirk Hartmann, Henri Barbier, Huiping Li