Patents Issued in December 4, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080295760
    Abstract: The wear indicator (10) is for a workpiece portion of a personal care appliance such as a power toothbrush (IS). The wear indicator includes a member of water-soluble material which has magnetic particles positioned therein. Upon repeated contacts with water, which correlates with use of the device, the member dissolves or swells, depending on the material selected. A magnet positioned adjacent the member influences the position of the magnetic particles in the member, aligning them into a three-dimensional image which is recognizable by the user, wherein the appearance of the image correlates with sufficient wear on the workpiece that it should be replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Ytsen Wielstra
  • Publication number: 20080295761
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stimulus-indicating device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for evidencing when a stimulus sensitive product has been exposed to a designated or predetermined stimulus for a certain period of time, and the invention relates to a method for manufacturing aspects of that apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Rel S. Ambrozy, Jade Litcher, Raymond C. Jones, Chao Zhu, Bani H. Cipriano, Srinivasa R. Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20080295762
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing, controlling the shape and size oft Pb-chalcogenide nanoparticles. The method includes preparing a Pb (Pb) precursor containing Pb and a carboxylic acid dissolved in a hydrocarbon solution and preparing a chalcogen element precursor containing a chalcogen element dissolved in a hydrocarbon solution. The amount of Pb and chalcogen in the respective precursor affords for a predetermined Pb:chalcogen element ratio to be present when the Pb precursor is mixed with the chalcogen element precursor. The Pb precursor is mixed with the chalcogen element precursor to form a Pb-chalcogen mixture in such a manner that Pb-chalcogenide nanoparticle nucleation does not occur. A nucleation and growth solution containing a surfactant is also prepared by heating the solution to a nucleation temperature sufficient to nucleate nanoparticles when the Pb-chalcogen element mixture is added.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicants: Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., University of California, Berkeley
    Inventors: Taleb Mokari, Minjuan Zhang, Peidong Yang
  • Publication number: 20080295763
    Abstract: A Group III nitride semiconductor crystal is grown according to a flux method. After completion of the crystal-growing process, Na is discharged from a crucible by a recovery device when the temperature of the crucible is 100° C. or higher, and is held in a holding vessel in a liquid state. The recovered Na can be drawn from the holding vessel via a faucet. Na remaining after completion of the crystal-growing process does not contain impurities of high vapor pressure, and is thus of high purity. Therefore, reuse, as flux, of the recovered Na enables manufacture of a Group III nitride semiconductor whose concentration of impurities is low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Hirata, Shiro Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20080295764
    Abstract: A control system and method for controlling temperatures while performing a MBE deposition process, wherein the control system comprises a MBE growth structure; a heater adapted to provide heat for the MBE deposition process on the MBE growth structure; and a control computer adapted to receive a plurality of dynamic feedback control signals derived from the MBE growth structure; switch among a plurality of control modes corresponding with the plurality of dynamic feedback control signals; and send an output power signal to the heater to control the heating for the MBE deposition process based on a combination of the plurality of control modes. In one embodiment, the plurality of dynamic feedback control signals comprises thermocouple signals and pyrometer signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Stefan P. Svensson
  • Publication number: 20080295765
    Abstract: A liquid applicator comprises a guide roll for guiding a sheet, and a slit die, having a slit with an opening extending in an axial direction of the guide roll, for applying a liquid to a surface of the sheet guided by the guide roll. On the rear side of the opening in a rotating direction of the guide roll, the slit die further includes a front lip having a concave surface corresponding to the guide roll. The front lip opposes the guide roll by such a length FA in the rotating direction RD of the guide roll as to have a central angle ? of 0.95° to 3.0° about an axis O of the guide roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazutoshi EMOTO, Kazuo KATAI, Kiyonori HINOKI, Yousuke MIYAKI
  • Publication number: 20080295766
    Abstract: A liquid wiping apparatus that can eliminate the increase in the thickness of membranous liquid and defects in the surface quality resulting from the attachment of splash onto the surface of a metallic strip and can improve the productivity in a manner of accelerating the line speed is provided. The liquid wiping apparatus includes blade wipers for contacting with a molten metal having been attached onto the metallic strip 1 to mechanically wipe the molten metal. In the liquid wiping apparatus, a pressure applying unit 7 of the static pressure pad type using gas is installed at the outlet side of the blade wiper 6 in the strip running direction, and phase-mixed flow of gas/liquid 15 is produced in membranous liquid running between the blade wiper 6 and the strip 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Masashi Yoshikawa, Tatsuya Hirano, Hironori Fujioka, Takanori Nagai
  • Publication number: 20080295767
    Abstract: An assembly (10) for applying a fluid behaviour substance on a shaped closure strip (13, 13?, 13?) of an envelope (12, 12?, 12?) for letters comprising a supplying device (14) of the fluid behaviour substance, a container element (17) of the fluid behaviour substance supplied, a first and a second cylindrical element (18, 19) rotating around their parallel axis and radially arranged facing each other to form a passage for the envelope (12, 12?, 12?), wherein the supplying device (14) comprises a vessel element (15) of the fluid behaviour substance and a connection element (16) for the passage of the fluid behaviour substance from the vessel element (15) into the container element (17), the second cylindrical element (19) comprises a side surface (21, 21?, 21?) partially shaped in a manner complementary with the shaped closure strip (13, 13?, 13?), partially accommodated in the lower part of the container element (17) in contact with fluid behaviour substance supplied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: SITMA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Aris Ballestrazzi, Lamberto Tassi
  • Publication number: 20080295768
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, may include a spray coating device leaving a plurality of casings coupled together to define an exterior contour and a hollow interior of the spray coating device. The spray coating device also may include a plurality of modular components disposed in the hollow interior, wherein the plurality of modular components are configured to cooperate with one another output a spray coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Paul R. Micheli, Christine Laub, Nekheel Gajjar
  • Publication number: 20080295769
    Abstract: A second plate is disposed opposing to a first plate. The second plate is supported by three supporting members which are disposed in a circle about a central axis. The supporting members are provided with extensible portions, respectively and are arranged to be able to extend and contract in a moving direction. A control unit drives to extend and to contract the extensible portions independently to displace the second plate in the moving direction at the supporting portion at which the supporting members support the second plate. Hence, the relative tilt of the second plate relative to the first plate is corrected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Masafumi Kawagoe, Tomoyuki Komura
  • Publication number: 20080295770
    Abstract: In a liquid substance supply device, a three port two valve directional control valve is provided in a transfer line, and a substance container and the transfer line are connected together by a four port three valve directional control valve in such a way that the four port three valve directional control valve and the substance container can be removed from the transfer line as a unit. Furthermore, in a vaporizer, an orifice member is provided to surround the end portion of an internal conduit in which flows a mixture substance consisting of a gas and a liquid substance mixed therewith, and gas for atomization is spouted into a vaporization chamber through a gap defined between the internal conduit and the orifice member. Yet further, the temperature of a vaporization surface in the vaporization chamber can be controlled independently in correspondence with the nature of the liquid substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicants: SHIMADZU CORPORATION, MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoki Yoshioka, Tatsushi Kawamoto, Mitsushi Kawao, Shigeru Matsuno, Akira Yamada, Shoji Miyashita, Fusaoki Uchikawa
  • Publication number: 20080295771
    Abstract: A power-delivery mechanism is provided in the present invention, which utilizes an element with airtight and flexible characteristics coupled to a power-generating unit so as to generate a motion in a specific direction. Besides, an apparatus of plasma -enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is also provided in the present invention, which comprises the power-delivery mechanism to load/unload a workpiece onto a stage for processing automatically. Meanwhile, the present invention also provides a height-adjusting unit and a position-indicating unit allowing the operator to adjust the distance between an upper electrode and a lower electrode of the PECVD so that the operator is capable of monitoring and adjusting the distance easily between the upper electrode and the lower electrode outside the chamber of the PECVD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yuan-Yuan Chiang, Kuan-Chou Chen, Fu-Ching Tung
  • Publication number: 20080295772
    Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus and a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) apparatus that reduce the number of fine particles inside a chamber. The CVD and the PECVD apparatuses each include a chamber; a gas injection unit that injects a gas into the chamber; a gas exhaust unit that exhausts the gas to the outside of the chamber, and is positioned facing the gas injection unit; a film formation unit that incorporates a film formation region on which a film is formed from the gas, and is positioned between the gas injection unit and the gas exhaust unit; and a electrostatic induction unit, which is positioned around a region corresponding to the film formation region in order not to overlap with the film formation region, and is connected to a voltage source that is insulated from the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Woo PARK, Kyoung-Bo Kim, Moo-Jin Kim
  • Publication number: 20080295773
    Abstract: A substrate support for supporting a substrate in a processing chamber comprises a frame for carrying the substrate, at least a first fastening means fixedly attached to the frame for aligning the substrate relative to the frame, and at least a second fastening means movably attached to the frame, the second fastening means being movable relative to the frame and/or the substrate. Furthermore, a processing device comprises an edge exclusion projecting over a portion of the surface of the substrate in order to prevent processing of the portion of the surface of the substrate. A part of the edge exclusion may be moved into a gap between the edge(s) of the substrate and the frame element of the substrate support to form a labyrinth seal between the frame element and the edge of the substrate. A method of placing the substrate on the substrate support is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter Haas, Thomas Berger, Simon Lau
  • Publication number: 20080295774
    Abstract: A method for mass rearing of insects. A web including a plurality of wells is provided. Insect eggs or larvae and growth medium are loaded in the wells. The wells are covered. The web is rolled up. The eggs or larvae are incubated during eggs hatch and larval growth. The web is unrolled and the larvae harvested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Chesapeake Perl, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolai A. Van Beek, David C. Davis, Thomas A. Curran, Wayne C. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20080295775
    Abstract: An inflatable bed is filled with a fluid, whether it is a gas or a liquid, a desirable, in order to form a comfortable bed. The durable pet bed has at least two layers of bullet resistant fabric therein, with a fluid chamber therein protected on all sides by the bullet resistant fabric layers and capable of receiving a gas, fluid, gel, or liquid to provide comfort and safety for the pet using the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Margherita Arvanites
  • Publication number: 20080295776
    Abstract: An inflatable bed is filled with a fluid, whether it is a gas or a liquid, a desirable, in order to form a comfortable bed. The durable pet bed has at least two layers of bullet resistant fabric therein, with a fluid chamber therein protected on all sides by the bullet resistant fabric layers and capable of receiving a gas, fluid, gel, or liquid to provide comfort and safety for the pet using the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Margherita Arvanites
  • Publication number: 20080295777
    Abstract: A squirrel resistant bird feeder having a seed container, a seed tray mounted below the seed container, a shroud extending about the seed member and seed tray, the shroud having openings in a lower portion thereof, with a spring member mounted internally of the seed container and being enclosed by a central tube, the spring member having a first end thereof abutting a portion of the seed tray and a second end acting on the cover and shroud. Any excessive weight placed on the shroud or cover will cause the shroud to move downwardly covering the seed tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Cote
  • Publication number: 20080295778
    Abstract: An extension of the use of calorimetric indicators in clumping litter is to utilize indicators as a visual confirmation that the litter has become soiled. However, all clumping animal litter is susceptible to some degree of crumbling. Since it is the crumbling of a clump that allows soiled litter to remain and propagate malodors, attaching an indicator that undergoes a color change informs the litter user that it is time to change the litter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Jamie K. Pero, Bradley L. Kirsch
  • Publication number: 20080295779
    Abstract: A cage cleaning device is provided. Such cage cleaning device includes an elongated rod member manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size, a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined length. A cleaning member including at least one of at least one scraping member for cleaning a bottom portion of a pet cage, at least one pointed member for cleaning corners of a pet cage, at least one notched member for cleaning in between bars of a pet cage, at least one cut out portion for cleaning bars of a pet cage, and a combination thereof is operably connected to such elongated rod member at a first predetermined end thereof. The cleaning member is manufactured from a second predetermined material and has a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Debra A. Dehoff
  • Publication number: 20080295780
    Abstract: A warming device includes a main body, a receiving socket mounted on the main body, a heating member mounted in the receiving socket to provide a warming effect to the main body, and a control unit connected to the heating member to control operation of the heating member. Thus, the heating member is mounted on the main body to provide a warming effect to a pet when the temperature is very low, thereby providing a comfortable sensation to the pet. In addition, the pet can be received in the main body which has a doghouse shape or directly put on the main body which has a clothing shape, thereby facilitating a user using the warming device. Further, the control unit is power recharageable so that the warming device is used outdoors easily and conveniently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Chun-Yi Huang
  • Publication number: 20080295781
    Abstract: A container device includes a container having a chamber formed by an outer peripheral wall, and a flexible insert engaged into the container and having a compartment for receiving water and pets or users, and a piercing device may be used for selectively piercing the insert after use to allow the water to be discharged from the insert and the container. The piercing device includes a piercing member for piercing the insert and for engaging into a lower outlet mouth of the container and for allowing the water to be discharged from the insert after use, and for preventing the outlet mouth from being blocked by the hairs that are washed or removed from the pet cats and small dogs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Sherry Huang
  • Publication number: 20080295782
    Abstract: A recreational device for pets is provided comprising a base having at least one exposed surface, said surface being corrugated or ribbed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Michael A. Ebert
  • Publication number: 20080295783
    Abstract: The primary aspect of the Controlled Odor Mimic Permeation System (COMPS) is that it provides a field deployable instant and reproducible source of known amounts of target odors. This technology consists of a permeable polymer container (chosen to suit target odor and release rate required), stored inside a non-permeable package. The design allows for the pre-equilibration of the target odors such that the outer surface of the inner package can saturate with odor during storage. Removal of the inner item then provides an instant and reproducible source of known target vapor flux. We have successfully demonstrated this technology by placing the target odor chemicals within permeable membranes such as low density polyethylene which are then sealed within a non-permeable membranes such as metallized polyester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: THE FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Furton, Ross J. Harper
  • Publication number: 20080295784
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water vaporizer including a first flow path connected to a water inlet, a second flow path for receiving superheated water vapor from the first flow path and being connected to a vapor outlet to exhaust the superheated water vapor, and a third flow path extending between an exhaust inlet and an exhaust outlet and being oriented to transfer heat from an exhaust flow to the superheated water vapor. The water vaporizer can also include a first convoluted fin positioned along the second flow path, and a second convoluted fin positioned along the second flow path adjacent to and separated from the first fin to define a gap extending between the first and second fins along a length of the first fin in a direction substantially parallel to the exhaust flow along the third flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Jeroen Valensa, Adam Kimmel, Michael Reinke
  • Publication number: 20080295785
    Abstract: A cooling system is disclosed. The cooling system may have a heat source, a heat exchanger, and a coolant pump located between the heat exchanger and the heat source to direct coolant from the heat exchanger to the heat source. The cooling system may also have a valve located between the heat source and the heat exchanger. The valve may be movable to vary a rate of coolant flow through the heat exchanger and around the heat exchanger to the coolant pump. The cooling system may further have a sensor located at an inlet of the heat source to generate a signal indicative of coolant temperature at the inlet, and a controller in communication with the valve and the sensor. The controller may be configured to move the valve based on the temperature of the coolant at only the inlet of the heat source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: James Wallace Harris, Michael Patrick Ramm, Jeffery Lynn Prewett
  • Publication number: 20080295786
    Abstract: The invention relates to a variable speed fan drive. There is a need for a variable speed fan drive with fewer seals and bearings, which is operated by system hydraulic pressure, which has fewer parts and which is simpler to assemble. A variable speed fan drive is provided for a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. The fan drive has a driver variable sheave unit, a driven variable sheave unit and a belt engaging both the driver and driven variable sheave units. The driver variable sheave unit includes a driver shaft drivingly coupled to an engine output shaft, a first axially fixed half sheave mounted for rotation with the driver shaft, and a first axially movable half sheave member mounted for rotation with the driver shaft and movable axially on the driver shaft. The first axially movable half sheave member includes a belt engaging flange formed integrally with an axially movable piston member mounted for rotation with the driver shaft and movable axially in response to hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Darren James Nelson, Shane Michael Boden, Andy Blaine Appleton, Bradley Thomas Cote
  • Publication number: 20080295787
    Abstract: An engine is provided having an engine block, a cylinder head mounted to the engine block, a valve train mounted to the cylinder head, and a cam cover extending over the valve train and mounted to the cylinder head. A hydraulic system for providing a hydraulic fluid to the valve train is included. The hydraulic system has a first passage extending from the engine block through the cylinder head to the cam cover and connected to a second passage. The second passage extends along a length of the cam cover and is connected to an oil control valve. At least one control passage extends from the oil control valve through the cam cover to the valve train. The oil control valve is mounted to a port in the cam cover and extends into the cam cover in a direction along a width of the cam cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Jeff L. Swain, Craig D. Marriott, Timothy L. Neal, Joseph J. Moon
  • Publication number: 20080295788
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the valve lift (1) of the valves of a combustion engine comprising a lever (3) being driven by a camshaft (4), pushed against the cam-shaft (4) by a spring, which cooperates with at least one valve engagement means and is positioned by a positioning means (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Rudolf Flierl, Mark Andy Mohr, Daniel Gollasch
  • Publication number: 20080295789
    Abstract: The finger follower has an inner and outer body and a torsional lost motion spring positioned at its lash adjuster end of the outer body The torsional lost motion springs have a short leg that abuts the outer body and a long leg that contacts the inner body. The torsional spring is located above the pivot point of the finger follower so as to provide a low mass moment of inertia and to reduce the weight over the valve stem end of the follower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Debora MANTHER, Yunshan LIU, Anna STREHLAU, Richard BEST, Xiaopo MA
  • Publication number: 20080295790
    Abstract: The Independently Moving Rod 12 and Holder 30 for Lobe 24 (Apex) of Crank 20, will allow production of extremely fuel efficient reciprocating piston 42 and cylinder 41 engines, regardless of fuel type, without the need for many years of research and development or, R & D. The efficiency is increased because rod 12 moves independently to crank 20, which controls piston 42's movement and speed during most of the power stroke, and by using greater leverage per any certain amount of stroke. The Apex Engine can also be manufactured to be rebuilt by having a few parts replaced. The Apex Engine is simple, soundly engineered, need not be expensive, and will operate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Carlo Rene' Calalay
  • Publication number: 20080295791
    Abstract: A thermal management system for an engine is disclosed. The thermal management system may have a first hydraulic circuit configured to circulate a fluid through the engine. The thermal management system may also have a second hydraulic circuit pressurized by the engine to heat the fluid during operation of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Dennis P. Holler, Scott D. Vollmer, Travis S. Johnson, Sudhakar R. Kakani, Matthew R. Hulen, Randall J. Anliker, Michael W. Edwards, Larry L. Spurgeon, Victor L. Sheldon, JR., Robert C. Horst
  • Publication number: 20080295792
    Abstract: A spark plug comprises a spark plug body, which carries two electrodes bordering a spark gap at one end, and exhibits a nut with external thread that can rotate around the spark plug body. A cylinder head exhibits a rotational coding complementary to the rotational coding of the spark plug body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Peter SEEGER
  • Publication number: 20080295793
    Abstract: A valve plate is formed as a butterfly-type valve plate including a first and a second valve-plate half portions that extend in opposite directions to each other from a valve shaft. When the valve plate is at a first changeover position, the first valve-plate half portion is directed to the downstream side of a first intake passage from the valve shaft and the second valve-plate half portion is directed to the upstream side of the first intake passage from the valve shaft so that a first plate face of the valve plate forms a part of the first intake passage. When the valve plate is at a second changeover position, the first valve-plate half portion is directed to the downstream side of a second intake passage from the valve shaft and the second valve-plate half portion is directed to the upstream side of the second intake passage from the valve shaft so that a second plate face of the valve plate forms a part of the second intake passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Akihisa, Tsutomu Tsukii
  • Publication number: 20080295794
    Abstract: A working apparatus has a start device arranged in a housing of the working apparatus. The start device comprises a starter grip for actuating the start device, which starter grip is connected to a starter rope. A safety device is provided for the starter grip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jurgen STEINHAUSER
  • Publication number: 20080295795
    Abstract: The engine block for an internal combustion engine is fabricated from laminated pieces of material instead of cast iron or cast aluminum. This provides extreme flexibility of the design of individual engines. Each lamination piece can be designed to complex three dimensional structures and/or passages. The lamination material itself can be changed to improve strength, thermal conductivity, reduce cost, or any other parameter of interest to those skilled in the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Ted Hollinger
  • Publication number: 20080295796
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cylinder head cover (4) for covering a cylinder crank case (14) of an internal combustion engine. It is essential to the invention here that at least one bearing upper part (3) for a camshaft (2) has at least one through-opening (5), which is in alignment on the one hand with a screw-in/through-opening (5a) in a bearing lower part (6) and/or with a screw-in opening (5b) in the cylinder crank case (14) and on the other hand with a through-opening (5c) in the cylinder head cover (4), so that it is possible to fasten the cylinder head cover (4) and the bearing upper part (3) on the cylinder crank case (14) by means of a shared fastening screw (7), in which the cylinder head cover (4) is produced from a material which has different material characteristics from the at least one bearing upper part (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Dunsch, Stefan Ruppel, Torsten Schellhase
  • Publication number: 20080295797
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the reduction of harmful exhaust emissions on ships using diesel engines equipped with a wet emissions reduction system. In particular, the invention relates to a large diesel internal combustion engines installed on a ship and fitted with a wet emissions reductions system that is supplied water by an onboard advanced wastewater treatment system (AWTS).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Randall
  • Publication number: 20080295798
    Abstract: NOx and soot emissions from internal combustion engines, and in particular compression ignition (diesel) engines, are reduced by varying fuel injection timing, fuel injection pressure, and injected fuel volume between low and greater engine loads. At low loads, fuel is injected during one or more low-pressure injections occurring at low injection pressures between the start of the intake stroke and approximately 40 degrees before top dead center during the compression stroke. At higher loads, similar injections are used early in each combustion cycle, in addition to later injections which preferably occur between about 90 degrees before top dead center during the compression stroke, and about 90 degrees after top dead center during the expansion stroke (and which most preferably begin at or closely adjacent the end of the compression stroke). These later injections have higher injection pressure, and also lower injected fuel volume, than the earlier injections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Rolf D. Reitz, Yong Sun
  • Publication number: 20080295799
    Abstract: An arrangement and a method for a combustion engine for self-ignition of a fuel mixture. A first device supplies a first partial quantity of the fuel mixture to the combustion space, and a second device supplies a second partial quantity of the fuel mixture to the combustion space, which second partial quantity of the fuel mixture is at a different fuel concentration from the first partial quantity of the fuel mixture. The devices supply the first and the second partial quantities of the fuel mixture as to create in the combustion space at least one region which is at a higher fuel concentration than other regions and in which the self-ignition of the fuel mixture is intended to start.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Johan Linderyd, Anders Larsson
  • Publication number: 20080295800
    Abstract: A composite throttle body includes a composite body bore band manufactured out of a durable high-performance composite material that is overmolded with a lower cost commercial grade nylon to form the outer shell of the throttle body. By manufacturing the bore band from a high-performance polyimide-based polymer composite material, such as Vespel™ manufactured by DuPont, a better dimensional stability for improved minimum airflow control is achieved. Furthermore, the high-performance composite material provides the bearing surface for the throttle shaft and, therefore, eliminates the need for separate bearings. By using commercial grade nylon for the majority of the throttle body the manufacturing costs are lowered and weight savings are attained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Kim A. Bolinger
  • Publication number: 20080295801
    Abstract: A method for detecting the angular position of a gas knob of a motorcycle; the method presents the steps of: detecting simultaneously four mutually redundant measurements of the angular position of the gas knob by means of two mutually independent angular-position sensors forming part of an acquisition system; making a cross comparison two by two between the four measurements for diagnosing any possible malfunctioning of the angular-position sensors; and determining the angular position of the gas knob, using at least one measurement supplied by an angular-position sensor operating properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Massimo Zanotti, Claudio Grossi, Loris Lambertini
  • Publication number: 20080295802
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining the timing of an injection cycle relative to an operating cycle of a four-stroke engine (ECH, ADM, COMP, DET), the timing being possibly correct or wrong, the method including the step of operating the engine while modifying a first operating parameter of the engine adapted to bring about on the engine operating effects which are different depending on whether the timing is correct or wrong; it consists in simultaneously modifying a second operating parameter of the engine adapted to bring about on the engine operating mode effects which compensate the effects modifying the first operating parameter of the engine when the timing is correct, and which do not compensate the efforts modifying the first operating parameter of the engine when the timing is wrong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: VALEO SYSTEMES DE CONTROLE MOTEUR
    Inventors: Damien Poignant, Pierrick Plouzennec
  • Publication number: 20080295803
    Abstract: A machine having an internal combustion engine includes a camshaft wheel rotatably driven by a crankshaft of the engine. The camshaft wheel includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth. A first engine angle indicator is positioned among the circumferentially spaced of the camshaft wheel and is one of a missing tooth and an additional tooth. A second engine angle indicator is positioned among the circumferentially spaced teeth of the camshaft wheel less than about 90 degrees from the first engine angle indicator. The second engine angle indicator is also one of a missing tooth and an additional tooth. A camshaft wheel sensor produces a pulsetrain in response to detection of the plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth and additional teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Snopko, Robert Weber
  • Publication number: 20080295804
    Abstract: An engine includes a fuel delivery system having a fuel rail and fuel delivery devices, such as fuel injectors, that deliver fuel to corresponding cylinder assemblies. The use of the fuel rail and fuel injectors allows unused fuel to be purged from the engine at the end of the engine's operating cycle, thereby minimizing the creation of fuel vapor within the engine. The fuel delivery system also includes fuel rail coupling members that are constructed and arranged to secure each cylinder assembly to the fuel rail and to absorb load generated by the corresponding cylinder assembly on the fuel rail during operation. The fuel rail coupling members allow motion of the cylinder assemblies relative to the fuel rail during operation and minimize the application of potentially damaging forces on the fuel rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Lycoming Engines, a division of Avco Corporation
    Inventors: Scott E. Matas, Steven J. Bowes
  • Publication number: 20080295805
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine having a high pressure fuel injector (1) which is arranged in a common rail arrangement, in order to improve the accuracy over in particular a service life of a high pressure fuel injector (1), comprising at least one nozzle needle (5), which can be pressed with a pressing force against a valve seat (12), and at least one solid-state actuator (3) which acts on an actuating piston (23) and is connected directly to a rail pressure supply (7), wherein at least one hydraulic operative connection (22) between the actuating piston (23) and a differential piston (4), which is operatively connected to the nozzle needle (5), is provided in such a way that an activation of the solid-state actuator (3) acts directly on the actuating piston (23), thereby permitting a pressure increase by means of the actuating piston (23) above a rail pressure, which pressure increase, via the differential piston (4), counteracts the pressing force such that the nozzle needle
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: FEV MOTORENTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Hermann-Josef Laumen, Karl J. Schmuecker
  • Publication number: 20080295806
    Abstract: An engine comprises a block, a piston, a head, a fuel injector, and a sleeve. The block includes at least one bore. The piston is configured to reciprocate within the bore. The head is coupled to the block and defines with the block and the piston a combustion chamber. The fuel injector is coupled to the head and is configured to deliver fuel to the combustion chamber. The fuel injector includes an actuator extending between a first axial position and a second axial position along a longitudinal axis of the fuel injector. The sleeve is coupled between the head and the fuel injector and extends between a third axial position and a fourth axial position along the axis of the fuel injector. The area between the first and second axial positions at least partially overlaps the area between the third and fourth axial positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David Y. Chang, David J. Lin, Thomas G. Pusch
  • Publication number: 20080295807
    Abstract: The high pressure pump comprises a drive shaft (12) with at least one cam (16) or eccentric and at least one pump element (18) with a pump piston (20), driven in the reciprocating direction by the cam (16) or eccentric on the driveshaft (12) in a reciprocating motion. A support element (44) is arranged between the pump piston (20) and the cam (16) or eccentric on the driveshaft (12) and also a roller (46) running on the cam (16) or eccentric is mounted to rotate therein. A support (60) for the roller (46) in the direction of rotation is arranged adjacent to the same in the direction of the rotational axis (47) of the roller (46). The roller (46) and/or the support (60) comprises a surface with high wear resistance at least in the contact region between the roller (46) and the support (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Bauer, Markus Koch, Gernot Repphun, Wolfram Rittmannsberger
  • Publication number: 20080295808
    Abstract: A fuel pump unit includes a fuel pump which is driven by a motor, a secondary filter case placed to surround the fuel pump and contains a filter, a reserve cup which houses the fuel pump and the secondary filter case, and a pump controller which drivingly controls the fuel pump. A shielding material is provided in the reserve cup to shield electrical noise generated by the fuel pump. The shielding material is grounded. The pump controller includes a pump drive circuit which is provided with an electric filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mamoru Tateishi, Yasuo Hosokawa, Tetsuji Inoue, Lei Zhang, Hiroya Abe
  • Publication number: 20080295809
    Abstract: A fuel system includes a fuel tank and a liquid separator. The fuel tank includes an interior in which liquid fuel and fuel vapor are contained, and has at least one vent in fluid communication with a vapor dome in the interior of the fuel tank. The liquid separator is in fluid communication with the at least one vent in the fuel tank, and has a fuel port disposed at a lower elevation than the at least one vent to enable the liquid separator to be passively aspirated under negative pressure conditions within the fuel tank. The liquid separator may be placed inside or outside the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: TI Group Automative Systems Technology Center GmbH
    Inventors: Andrej Hochstein, Martin Stickel