Patents Issued in March 31, 2009
  • Patent number: 7509903
    Abstract: A separable structure includes composite material that is separated or severed by a reactive pyrotechnic material. According to one embodiment, the structure includes a pair of composite laminate structural portions, each including multiple layers of composite material. The portions each extend into an overlap region, within which the composite layers of the two structural portions may be alternately placed, overlapping one another. A reactive material is also placed within this overlap region, for instance being in layers between pairs of the composite material layers. The reactive material may be ignited to cause destruction of the pyrotechnic material, and a matrix or resin material of the composite materials layers in the overlap region. This causes the structure to sever or separate along a line of separation within the overlap region. The separation may occur without need to sever fibers of the composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Andrew B. Facciano, Robert T. Moore, Gregg J. Hlavacek
  • Patent number: 7509904
    Abstract: A device for the remote control of a firearm has a turret head which can be pointed in all directions and is controlled by an azimuth motor. A frame which fixes the firearm is suspended in an upward tilting manner in a pintle of the turret head. A sighting camera is connected to a screen which displays a sighting reticule. A remote control controls the azimuth motor and an elevation motor which controls an elevation of the frame. At least one sensor determines the orientation of either or both the frame and the camera and a ballistic calculator connected to the sensors to calculate and control the super elevation of the frame as a function of the information from the sensors and the distance of the target, such that the camera is driven by the elevation motor, and the frame can be inclined in elevation in relation to the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: FN Herstal S.A.
    Inventor: Philippe Plumier
  • Patent number: 7509905
    Abstract: The present invention describes, generally, a method and system for controlling the dynamics of an actuatable load functioning or operable within a servo or servo-type system, wherein the dynamics of the load are controlled by way of a unique pressure control valve configured to provide intrinsic pressure regulation. The pressure control valve, which may be referred to as a dynamic pressure regulator because of its capabilities, utilizes dual spools that are physically independent of one another and freely supported in the valve body to regulate the pressures acting within the overall system between the control or pilot pressure and the load or load pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Raytheon Sarcos, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Shane Olsen, Michael Morrison
  • Patent number: 7509906
    Abstract: The present invention provides an off-chip apparatus and a method for driving micro fluid wherein one or a plurality of impedance members, plunger positioning members and pressure difference design are used to drive the fluid and control the flow speed in a microfluidic system. The present invention also provides a method for driving fluid and controlling flow speed, wherein a slow pressure balancing mechanism is produced by the foregoing device so the flow speed of fluid can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Bi Chu Wu, Gin Shu Young, Chung Kai Chen, Yu Ching Liu, Su Jan Lee
  • Patent number: 7509907
    Abstract: A frothing device adaptable to a steam outlet for producing milk froth comprising a steam inlet, a milk inlet, an air inlet, a vacuum chamber adapted to receive steam, liquid milk and air therein, a restriction with a limited cross-section adapted for conducting the product there through at high velocity, an emulsifying chamber; the emulsifying chamber having an outlet for draining the product froth out of the chamber and a froth flow regulation system configured for breaking the kinetic energy of the froth stream and for changing its direction sufficiently so that the froth is gently delivered out of the device. The frothing device can be mounted on a coffee machine to deliver cappuccino upon a push of a button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Matthieu Ozanne
  • Patent number: 7509908
    Abstract: A hot beverage brewer (20) with an L-shaped, segmented, hot water tank (36) having a laterally extending side body (50) to which is mounted a membrane mounted tubular brew valve (38) with a dispense tube (66) and an electromagnet (92,94) selectively energized by a micro-computer controller (28) to attract in successive stages a first stage energy plate (98) and a second stage energy plate (102) attached to the dispense tube (66) to move the tube from a closed position (FIGS. 2 and 3) in which an inlet (72) of the tube is above a preselected level (42) of water in the tank (36) to an open position (FIGS. 4 and 5) in which the inlet (72) is beneath the surface to pass hot water to a spray head (76). In one embodiment, one or more of the energy plates are permanent magnets (138,140) and in other embodiments the plates (98,102) are not permanent magnets and are resistive to being permanently magnetized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Zbigniew G. Lassota, Michael W. Lassota
  • Patent number: 7509909
    Abstract: A support system for and method of supporting a printing screen unit in a screen printing machine. In one aspect the support system includes a support assembly comprising: a support unit far supporting a printing screen unit (3) comprising a printing screen (5) including printing apertures (6) through which printing medium is printed onto a workpiece; and a tensioning mechanism (18) for tensioning the printing screen in a screen printing operation, wherein the tensioning mechanism is configured to tension the printing screen to a first tension in a printing phase in printing printing medium onto a workpiece and a second tension, which is lower than the first tension, in a separation phase in separating the printing screen unit and the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Novatec SA
    Inventors: Francis Bourrières, Clément Kaiser, Richard Andre Piatek, Andrew Dean Ure, Mark Alfred Whitmore
  • Patent number: 7509910
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a firing apparatus that provides an arcuate visual effect. The firing apparatus includes a motor, an enclosure housing the motor and an arm connected to a shaft of the motor for moving a pyrotechnic device such as a gerb. Another aspect of the invention provides a pyrotechnic system that includes a firing apparatus including a reciprocal motor, a firing arm having a first end connected to a shaft of the reciprocal motor and a second end adapted to emit an arcuate pyrotechnic effect, a control unit in communication with the firing apparatus for controlling operation of the reciprocal motor and an ignition unit in communication with the firing apparatus for initiating the pyrotechnic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Strictly FX
    Inventors: Reid Nofsinger, Mark J. Grega
  • Patent number: 7509911
    Abstract: The disintegration of a bullet in the body of a wild animal is determined by the power output of the bullet and therefore by the effect of the shot. A different type of disintegration is required for small as opposed to large animals. According to the invention, a disintegrating hunting bullet is provided in the form of an enveloped bullet, characterized in that the core (3) is made of balls (4,5) or granules made of a metal substance and the balls (4,5) or granules are pressed free from cavities in order to create set rupture points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Ruag Ammotec GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Muskat, Heinz Riess, Andreas Hadler, Erich Zeiher
  • Patent number: 7509912
    Abstract: A flat panel workstation system that may be retrofitted into an existing desktop/work surface for supporting and pivoting a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) from a closed position to an open, viewable position in front of a user. The system includes a sliding keyboard and mouse platform mounted underneath the front edge of the desk top/work surface and which automatically pivot a support panel atop the work surface (and attached flat panel display) to an upright position or closed flush position upon extension/retraction of the keyboard and mouse platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Technical Furniture Group, LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Stengel, Thomas White
  • Patent number: 7509913
    Abstract: A table bridge made of sheet steel. The bridge has a metal span that overlaps the tabletops and joins them like a bridge. The bridge butts up to the sides of both tables with a curved wall on the underside of the bridge that is the same diameter as the 36? round tables. The top surface area overlaps the tops of the tables enough to disperse the downward pressure over a wide enough area to be stable. This bridge can be installed in seconds over two tables and, just as quickly can be removed if two separate tables are needed later. The bridges can be stored on the wall. Another variation allows the bridges to be centered on a table to enlarge that table's surface area and seating capacity. Another variation allows a centered bridge to abut another centered bridge and be joined with side pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Franklin Eagle
  • Patent number: 7509914
    Abstract: A folding leg apparatus for an article of furniture having a top and a support leg movable between an extended and a folded position comprises a mounting plate configured for attachment to the top of the article of furniture and including a pair of mounting flanges extending along opposite sides of the mounting plate, an upper pivot rod attached to the support leg adjacent the top end, a first pivoting connection between each end of the upper pivot rod and a corresponding one of the pair of mounting flanges and a second pivoting connection between the support leg and a corresponding one of the pair of mounting flanges offset on the support leg from the upper pivot rod. A latch mechanism is provided that includes a pair of pivot arms, each pivotably mounted to a corresponding one of the pair of mounting flanges and positioned between the flanges. Each of the pivot arms includes an actuator plate positioned between the flanges and adapted to be manually pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Ditto Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7509915
    Abstract: A pneumatic agricultural product delivery system configured to reduce the velocity of agricultural product entering a furrow is disclosed. The system includes at least one product supply chamber, a furrow opening device configured to engage the ground to create a furrow, a plurality of tubes providing an interior passage extending from the product supply chamber to a cyclone rigidly mounted to the tool bar. A pneumatic pressure source is pneumatically coupled to the interior passage to supply pressurized air to the interior passage to move product within the interior passage and a product placement tube extends from an outlet of the cyclone to a location adjacent the furrow opening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Russell J. Memory
  • Patent number: 7509916
    Abstract: A marine dock and integrated boat lift include a dock portion having a framework that carries a plurality of float elements. A lift is mounted within the framework between an upper walking surface of the dock and the underlying body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Ben Nelson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7509917
    Abstract: This invention provides improvements in the efficiency of a sailing vessel through the use of flaps, hydrofoils, or members on the keel of a sailing vessel. One or more are positioned at the top, or root of the keel of the vessel, which primarily generate a force in the windward direction to provide a counter-leeward drift force. One or more are located at the bottom, or tip of the keel of the vessel, which primarily generate a force in the leeward direction to provide a counter-heeling moment. Among other benefits, operation of these flaps, hydrofoils, or members during sailing increases the vessel's efficiency, in particular its velocity made good. Further, since they are mounted on one appendage, sailing vessels of a rudder and keel design can be equipped with counter leeward-drift and counter-heeling attributes without the need for additional appendages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: MagnaSail, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hofbauer
  • Patent number: 7509918
    Abstract: The rudder post (40) for rudders for water vehicles has end sections (41, 42) made of a metallic material, in particular of wrought iron, and a mid post section (45) made of a nonmetallic material connected with the end sections so that the rudder post has a relatively low weight even for a very big length by maintaining a high flexural strength and torsion stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: becker marine systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dirk Lehmann
  • Patent number: 7509919
    Abstract: An installation vessel has upper and lower decks (40, 50) that are vertically spaced about 3 meters apart, with most of the lower deck covered by the upper one, but with a rear portion (60) of the lower deck being uncovered. The upper deck is used primarily for storage, while the lower deck is the one used for installation of anchor chains, wires, ropes, etc. that pass from a winch (81) to a stern roller (84) at the rear of the lower deck, so dangerous conditions of chains, wires, ropes, etc. moving along a deck during installation are confined to the lower deck. A main crane (72) that lies on one side of the vessel, lies forward of the rear end of the upper deck at a location wherein the crane can reach all portions of the uncovered lower deck portion and most of the upper deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Sebellin
  • Patent number: 7509920
    Abstract: An inflatable fender system for protecting a watercraft from damaging contact with a permanent object, such as a dock, wharf, piling and rafted watercraft. Two elongated flexible substantially airtight tubular fenders are provided having a generally flat cross section when uninflated, rolled into a coil and stored at the stern of the watercraft. Each of the tubular fenders is independently extendable along a substantial portion of the length of the watercraft. A controlled air supply or AC or DC compressor on the watercraft is operably connected to each of the tubular fenders for independently selectively inflating and expanding the tubular fenders from the flat cross section during deployment. A hanger system, preferably including a plurality of hangers connectable in spaced relation between the watercraft and each of the tubular fenders support the tubular fenders during deployment to protect the side and gunnels of the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Alan Taylor
  • Patent number: 7509921
    Abstract: A display system for use with a sign panel includes a bracket with a securement for attachment to a sign panel structure such as a support rib, to receive support therefrom. The bracket includes pairs of diagonally spaced apart support surfaces with each pair of support surfaces defining a channel for receiving a respective flag staff, to support opposite sides of a flag staff at spaced apart locations. A pivot connection pivotally attaches the flag staffs to the bracket, bringing the flag staffs into alignment with the support surfaces as the flags are rotated between an open or display position and a closed or storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Dicke Tool Company
    Inventor: Grant D. Dicke
  • Patent number: 7509922
    Abstract: A containment pen for finfish aquaculture, comprising a supporting structure, a net attached to the supporting structure and defining a containment volume for containing finfish, wherein the net comprises a plurality of removable net panels, wherein each of the removable net panels comprises a discrete piece of flexible netting attached along its perimeter to one or more substantially rigid members, and wherein the removable net panels are configured to be removable from the containment pen with the piece of flexible netting remaining attached to the substantially rigid members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Ocean Farm Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen H. Page
  • Patent number: 7509923
    Abstract: A system and method for the sorting of livestock including a livestock processing station, a computer network system, and a trolley system. The livestock processing station confines the individual livestock, allowing individual livestock data to be collected and analyzed. The computer network system includes a first computer for data input at the livestock processing station and a second computer coupled to the first computer via a computer network, the second computer for storing and analyzing individual livestock data and assigning livestock to pens. The trolley system is controlled by the computer network system for transporting livestock from the livestock processing station to the assigned livestock pen. Such system includes a plurality of trolley cars for containing livestock and a conveyor system coupled to the plurality of trolley cars for transporting livestock to the assign livestock pen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Adams Land & Cattle Company
    Inventors: William R. Adams, Jerry D. Adams
  • Patent number: 7509924
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable device between two tubes used as a play place for pets comprises a first connecting unit connected to a first tube, a linking body connected to the first connecting unit, and a second connecting unit connected to a second tube and the linking body. By such arrangements, a pipe is formed as a play place for the pets, and the shape of the pipe is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Ying Yeeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yih Wenn Luo
  • Patent number: 7509925
    Abstract: A pet bathing product for the shampooing or bathing of pets, including dogs and horses. The inventive device includes a distribution head that is attached to a hose and an additive reservoir that allows for the sudsing of the coat directly through the comb. The device has a handle designed to fit easily in the hand while currying a pet. A fluid hose or other fluid supply system is attached, either directly or through an adaptor, to a fluid conduit which runs through the device and directs fluid and/or additive to the curry head. A shutter is located between the fluid conduit and the additive reservoir which can be turned on or off to allow fluid to flow past the additive reservoir. When the shutter open position is selected, the shutter allows additive to diffuse into the stream of fluid. The additive/fluid mixture is applied to the pet through the holes in the distribution head. When the shutter is turned to the off position, fluid flows past it without additive being dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Jill Mari Embry
  • Patent number: 7509926
    Abstract: A pet grooming tool, for use with a furry pet such as a dog or cat having loose hair and non-loose hair, is adapted for removing the loose hair from the pet. The grooming tool comprises a handle portion and a pet engageable portion secured to the handle portion. The pet engageable portion includes a blade portion and a plurality of teeth. The blade portion includes a blade edge. The teeth extend from the blade edge. The blade edge is adapted to engage the loose hair of the pet and pull it from the pet without cutting or pulling the non-loose hair from the pet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Furminator, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Porter, Angela L. Porter
  • Patent number: 7509927
    Abstract: A hydraulic header for a heating system includes a header housing having a vertical longitudinal axis in an installation position and a water chamber formed in an interior of the housing. A boiler inlet flow connection and a boiler return flow connection are provided at a vertical distance to one another on a first longitudinal side of the housing, and each communicate with the chamber. A consumer inlet flow connection and a consumer return flow connection are provided at a vertical distance to one another on an opposite longitudinal side of the housing, each communicating with the chamber, so that a boiler side and a heating circuit side are created in the housing. A dividing element is located in the chamber between the heating circuit side and the boiler side, and an upper and lower bypass between the heating circuit side and the boiler side are formed near a top end and a bottom end, respectively, of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Comfort-Sinusverteiler GmbH
    Inventor: Dariusz Mukomilow
  • Patent number: 7509928
    Abstract: Suspended steam boiler, in which the steam boiler lower portion (5), having inclined tubes, is suspended from the steam boiler upper portion (1), having vertical tubes exclusively from the vertical tubes of the latter without additional external tensile or support elements. (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Power Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Becker, Vu-Tam Lai
  • Patent number: 7509929
    Abstract: A method of controlling alternator temperature and engine temperature for a vehicle is provided. The method comprises rotating a first drive shaft to generate electricity during an operation of an engine; rotating a second drive shaft to cause pumping of coolant to cool at least portion of the alternator and the engine where the first and second drive shafts are operatively coupled such that rotation of the first drive shaft imparts rotation to the second drive shaft; and selectively routing coolant through multiple different fluid pathways in response to an engine operation condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Alexander C. Kurple
  • Patent number: 7509930
    Abstract: A two-stroke barrel engine includes a power output shaft configured to rotate, an even number of cylinders encircling the power output shaft, wherein each cylinder includes opposing first and second power pistons configured to reciprocate within their respective power cylinder, and a pair of non-rotating wobbleplates opposed and hingedly connected to the power pistons. The wobbleplates are configured to transfer the reciprocating motion of the power pistons to rotary motion of the power output shaft via a nutating motion of the non-rotating wobbleplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen duPont
  • Patent number: 7509931
    Abstract: A dual coil half bridge converter adapted to be coupled to a dual coil actuator of a cylinder valve in an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, the converter has a first and second capacitor and a voltage source, where the converter is actuated via switches to individually energizing coils in said dual coil actuator. A voltage regulator is also shown for maintaining midpoint voltage during unequal loading of different actuator coils in the converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Degner, John Grabowski, Gary Flohr
  • Patent number: 7509932
    Abstract: In a control apparatus for controlling a variable valve actuation system employed in an internal combustion engine, engine/vehicle sensors are provided to detect at least a cylinder pressure in an engine cylinder for monitoring a change of state in combustion, arising from fluctuations in states/characteristics of air-fuel mixture such as a change in fuel property. Also provided is a control system that controls the variable valve actuation system responsively to a manipulated variable modified based on the cylinder pressure reflecting the change of state in combustion by a model of combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seinosuke Hara, Tomio Hokari, Makoto Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7509933
    Abstract: In a Type 2 engine, a valve deactivation hydraulic lash adjuster (DHLA) in accordance with the invention replaces a conventional hydraulic lash adjuster in the train of a gas-exchange valve in a compression-ignited engine. In a Type 3 engine, a similar DHLA is disposed within an articulated rocker arm which is made selectively competent (valve activating) or incompetent (valve deactivating) thereby. A solenoid valve within the assembly diverts hydraulic fluid between support and non-support of a piston slidably disposed in a housing and terminating in a ball head. The valve is force-balanced. The preferred hydraulic fluid is diesel fuel, allowing for smaller diameter passages and cleaner operation than in prior art systems, eliminating the need for an accumulator chamber and accumulator piston as in the prior art. An alternate version of a type 3 engine having a DHLA, in accordance with the invention, is also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip J. G. Dingle
  • Patent number: 7509934
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for guiding media in a cylinder block and crankcase of a reciprocating piston in-line combustion engine having a number of cylinders. To this end, the media guide comprises, among other things, at least one cross-channel that leads from one longitudinal side to the other longitudinal side of the cylinder block and crankcase. A structurally advantageous and simple design is provided by virtue of the fact that the cross-channel runs inside a free space, which is formed by recesses of two adjacent pistons in the lower area of the piston skirts and above the crankshaft bearing of the combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Xaver Stemmer
  • Patent number: 7509935
    Abstract: An engine cover (400), such as a valve cover (700) or an oil pan (400), includes a skeleton structure (402) that may have a plurality of ribs (406) and at least one opening. At least one panel (404) is configured to fit in the at least one opening, and is operably connected to the skeleton structure (402). A seal (424) is located between the at least one panel (404) and the skeleton structure (402). The plurality of ribs (406) defines a plurality of channels (802) located around the at least one or more openings. Each panel (404) is held to the skeleton structure (402) by the plurality of channels (802).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Tyler R. Vincer, Abhilash R. Pamulaparthy
  • Patent number: 7509936
    Abstract: An engine with a hybrid crankcase includes the crankcase being a composite construction having an exoskeleton formed of a non-ferrite material having no defined endurance limit as a material, the non-ferrite exoskeleton encapsulating a load bearing skeleton formed of a ferrite material, the ferrite material having a well defined endurance limit, whereby the skeleton acts to carry the highest engine loadings. A method of forming such an engine is further included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Engineered Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Weinzierl, Michael J. Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7509937
    Abstract: An improved lubrication system and method for an internal combustion engine that includes an inertia pump in a piston that reacts to the movement of the piston and conveys a predetermined measure of lubricating oil to the space between the piston and its adjacent cylinder wall immediately below the upper piston rings as the piston reaches top dead center of its stroke cycle. A first embodiment utilizes check valves to responsively open and close passages for the pump in order to control the injection of the proper amount of oil during each cycle. A second embodiment relies on a single moving plunger mass element to provide both the pumping and the valving functions of the inertia pump. A third embodiment utilizes throttle valves to control the injection of the proper amount of oil and allow for a spill path without additional passages. A fourth embodiment utilizes a throttle valve and a check valve in combination to provide secure pumping and a spill path for excess oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Propulsion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Hofbauer
  • Patent number: 7509938
    Abstract: The internal combustion engine control apparatus includes a calculation function of calculating an energy generation rate of an energy generated by combustion of fuel injected into a combustion chamber of a compression-ignition internal combustion engine, and an ignition detection function of detecting an ignition timing of the fuel in the combustion chamber on the basis of a timing at which the energy generation rate exceeds a first threshold value. When the energy generation rate due to a main injection, which is an object of ignition timing detection by the ignition detection function, exceeds the first threshold value at a plurality of timings, the ignition detection function determines an earliest one of the plurality of the timings as the ignition timing of the main injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Youhei Morimoto, Akikazu Kojima, Hiroshi Haraguchi
  • Patent number: 7509939
    Abstract: A throttle control apparatus comprises a throttle valve placed in an intake passage, a motor for driving the throttle valve, an electronic control unit (ECU) for controlling the motor, and a throttle sensor for detecting an actual opening degree of the throttle valve. The ECU determines that the throttle valve is frozen when the actual opening degree does not reach a target opening degree even after a driving time for driving the motor has exceeded a predetermined time, and then stores the actual opening degree at the time as an icing opening degree. The ECU supplies a driving duty to cause the motor to produce required driving torque for removal of icing and reverses the driving duty by open control, and controls the motor to bring an accumulated value of a deviation between the target opening degree and the icing opening degree to zero, thereby repeatedly swinging the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignees: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Asano, Katsumi Ishida, Tsutomu Miyazaki, Kazuhiro Minamitani, Shigeru Kamio, Akihiro Kamiya
  • Patent number: 7509940
    Abstract: A marine engine is arranged such that it compares a detected ion current value with a predetermined sea water-ingress current value, which is indicative of sea water being present in the combustion chamber at the time of combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Takahashi, Yoshibumi Iwata
  • Patent number: 7509941
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with a carbureted internal combustion engine that accurately controls the amount of fuel that passes through the carburetor into the combustion chamber of the engine. A controlled triggering system controls the activation and deactivation of a solenoid. The solenoid, in turn, operates a plunger that varies the flow of fuel during the fuel intake cycle of the engine depending on the amount of fuel needed by the engine under any operating load. Thus, an engine can run leaner under partial load and run richer during periods of load and acceleration. By controlling the air-to-fuel ratio lower engine emissions and fuel consumption can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Phelon Euro AB
    Inventors: Lars Ottosson, Jorgen Bengtsson, Bert Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 7509942
    Abstract: A fuel system for supplying pressurised fuel to a plurality of fuel injectors (14a-14f) comprises an accumulator assembly (16) having first and second accumulator volumes (18, 20) defined within a common accumulator housing (22), supply means (42) for supplying fuel at a supply pressure level to the first accumulator volume (18) and a plurality of unit pumps (10a-10f). Each unit pump is arranged to receive fuel at the supply pressure level from the first accumulator volume (18) and pressurises said fuel to an injectable pressure level for supply to the second accumulator volume (20). Each unit pump (10a-10f) includes a pumping plunger (50) for pressuring fuel within an associated pump chamber (52) and being integrated with the accumulator housing (22) so as to permit communication between the first accumulator volume (18) and the pump chamber (52) internally within the accumulator housing (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew R Knight, Adam Wilkin
  • Patent number: 7509943
    Abstract: A fuel-injection system (1, 1?, 1?) for an internal-combustion engine (2), of the type provided with compressor mechanism (4) for making available the fuel at a high pressure to an storage volume (7), and a plurality of injectors (8, 8?) fluidically connected to the storage volume (7) for taking in the fuel from the storage volume (7) and injecting it into respective combustion chambers (12) of the engine (2). The compressor mechanism (4) advantageously generates at least two distinct delivery lines (14), which are connected to respective distinct fractions (16) of the storage volume (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Mario Ricco, Sisto Luigi De Matthaeis, Annunziata Anna Satriano, Onofrio De Michele
  • Patent number: 7509944
    Abstract: In an engine fuel supply method, a first fuel pressure difference between a fuel injection amount computation timing and a first fuel injection timing and a second fuel pressure difference between the fuel injection amount computation timing and a second fuel injection timing are estimated at the fuel injection amount computation timing based on a control state of a fuel pneumatic transportation amount of a high-pressure fuel pump. The first fuel injection amount is corrected based on the first fuel pressure difference and the second fuel injection amount is corrected based on the second fuel pressure difference. A fuel injection valve is selectively controlled to supply the high-pressure fuel directly into a cylinder of the engine at the first fuel injection timing with the corrected first fuel injection amount and at the second fuel injection timing with the corrected second fuel injection amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Manabu Okamura
  • Patent number: 7509945
    Abstract: A fuel pump controller includes a detecting device for detecting environmental vibrational energy and converting the environmental vibrational energy into an electrical signal. A motor controller is coupled to a fuel pump motor wherein the electrical signal is used by the controller to command the fuel pump motor to operate at one of a plurality of speeds wherein the commanded speed is at least in part a function of the environmental vibrational energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Teets, Trevor L. Enge, Lavern M. Bremmer, Jon R. Donegan, Greg Schoenberg
  • Patent number: 7509946
    Abstract: A method for controlling a piezoelectric actuator of a fuel injector for controlling the quantity of fuel injected into the cylinders of an internal combustion engine controls the voltage across the injector in accordance with a voltage/charge vs. time profile in which the injector is driven at high current up to a level required to start injection, and then at lower current, resulting in a lower voltage/charge vs. time gradient, until the point where full charge is achieved. This results in a reduced variation in minimum delivery pulse and a reduction in the slope of the gain curve, as compared with conventional arrangements in which the voltage/charge vs. time gradient is constant. Alternatively, the injector may be driven at high current up to the charge level required to switch to hydraulic lift amplification. Any point of current change between these extremes may also be used with good effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Cooke, Adrian R. Tolliday
  • Patent number: 7509947
    Abstract: A fuel pump for use in an internal combustion engine comprises a pump housing provided with a plunger bore, a pumping plunger which is movable within the plunger bore by means of a cam drive arrangement to perform a pumping stroke to pressurise fuel within a pumping chamber and a cam follower arrangement interposed between the cam drive arrangement and the pumping plunger so as to transmit a drive force of the drive arrangement to the pumping plunger. The cam follower arrangement includes a timing advance piston for advancing or retarding the timing of the pumping stroke, and control means for controlling the timing advance piston so as to advance or retard the timing of the pumping stroke. The timing advance piston is provided with a groove on its outer surface for receiving fluid, thereby to provide a centralising force to the timing advance piston, in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Onur Mehmet Tansug, George N Felton
  • Patent number: 7509948
    Abstract: A spacer for use with, and to prevent or reduce the occurrence of stiction in, a fluid device such as a pump. The spacer has a generally ring-shaped body, which has first and second facing surfaces separated by a thickness. The spacer is positioned between a movable member of the pump and a stationary member of the pump such that the first facing surface of the spacer is contactable with the movable member and the second facing surface is contactable with the stationary member. The spacer has at least a fluid receiving groove formed in at least one of the first and second facing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. DePayva, Daniel R. Puckett, Gregory William Hefler, Todd A Johnson
  • Patent number: 7509949
    Abstract: A vaporized fuel processing device attached to a fuel tank, includes a casing for forming an outer shell of the vaporized fuel processing device, a diaphragm valve unit opened at the time of increasing the pressure in the fuel tank, and a vent passage communicating with atmospheric air. In the vaporized fuel processing device, the diaphragm valve unit is disposed in a space formed in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignees: Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuharu Muto, Hiroya Tagami, Hideki Matsumoto, Naomasa Kaneko, Tadahisa Nakamura, Shinya Murabayashi, Junichi Koseki, Daisuke Sato, Toshiaki Nakai
  • Patent number: 7509950
    Abstract: A ventilation system of an internal-combustion engine crankcase, in which the blow-by gases can be removed by bores integrated in the cylinder head and ventilation pipes connected thereto. The ventilation pipes are connected to a vacuum source such as a suction pipe, and devices pre-separate oil from the blow-by gases. At least one separate oil separation module is provided, whose oil separation chambers therein have first openings for the introduction of the blow-by gases and second openings for the return of the separated oil into the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Dieterle, Norman Woeckel
  • Patent number: 7509951
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine cover includes a peripheral rail for attaching a cover to an engine component and an enclosure portion formed integrally with a peripheral rail. At least one port formed in the enclosure portion holds an electronic module which is mounted through the port and which may include an oil separator as well as an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas E. Smith
  • Patent number: 7509952
    Abstract: A paintball pocket for a crotch type slingshot, having a pocket strap with opposing elongate end portions, each end portion defining a hole to releasably interconnect with an elastomeric draw strap communicating with the slingshot. The pocket strap having a paintball cavity defined by four tear stop holes and two intersecting through cuts that create four adjacent triangular flaps that bend rearwardly to frictionally engage with a circumferential surface of a spherical paintball, the cavity having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the paintball. A pocket handle having a horizontal loop and a vertical loop, each loop having strap connecting ends stitched to the pocket strap adjacent opposing triangular flaps, and a gripping portion wound circumferentially with thread forming a tapered funnel structure adjacent rearward the pocket strap and the paintball cavity that limits rearward movement of the paintball into the paintball cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventors: Harry L. Aiken, III, James H. Johnston