Patents Issued in May 28, 2009
  • Publication number: 20090133628
    Abstract: A continuous vacuum system for processing substrates has an inlet air lock, an outlet air lock, at least one process chamber, and a device for conveying the substrates through the continuous system. To create a continuous system having a compact design and high throughput for plasma-enhanced treatment of substrates at a reduced pressure, which ensures a simple, rapid and secure handling of the substrates with a high capacity of the substrate carrier, the conveying device has at least one plasma boat in which the substrates are arranged on a base plate in a three-dimensional stack in at least one plane at a predefined distance from one another with intermediate carriers in between. At least the intermediate carriers are made of graphite or another suitable electrically conductive material and can be acted upon electrically with an alternating voltage via an electric connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Centrotherm Photovoltaics AG
    Inventors: Roland DAHL, Josef Haase, Moritz Heintze, Thomas Pernau, Hans Reichart, Harald Wanka, Jan-Dirk Kaehler, Reinhard Lenz, Dieter Zernickel, Robert Michael Hartung
  • Publication number: 20090133629
    Abstract: Provided is an in-line film-formation apparatus including: deposition sources, deposition-preventing plates, and a screen. The deposition sources store different film-formation materials, and include openings extending in the width directions of a substrate, which is perpendicular to the conveying direction. The openings, arranged in parallel with each other, are disposed respectively on the upstream and the downstream sides in the conveying direction. The plates, partitioning a co-deposition chamber from adjacent deposition chambers and placed, in parallel to each other, on the upstream and the downstream sides in the conveying direction, limit a deposition region of the vapor from the openings. The screen limits and makes the deposition regions of the substrate for vapor from openings coincide with deposition regions limited by the plates. Thereby, the formation of a mono-content film is prevented and only the mixed film is formed on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Mitsubishi-Hitachi Metals Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Susumu KAMIKAWA, Keiichi SATO, Hiroko KITAMOTO, Toshiro KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20090133630
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus comprises a processing chamber in which a plurality of substrates are stacked and accommodated; a pair of electrodes extending in the stacking direction of the plurality of substrates, which are disposed at one side of the plurality of substrates in said processing chamber, and to which high frequency electricity is applied; and a gas supply member which supplies processing gas into a space between the pair of electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki TOYODA, Yasuhiro INOKUCHI, Motonari TAKEBAYASHI, Tadashi KONTANI, Nobuo ISHIMARU
  • Publication number: 20090133631
    Abstract: An electrode assembly 12 for a PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition) coating installation comprises a base plate 13, a separation plate 14 and an electrode plate 15. The electrode plate 15 includes frame members 16. Fixing elements 17 are provided for fixing the electrode plate 15 to the base plate 13. Furthermore, the electrode assembly 12 comprises a plurality of gas distribution elements 2 that distribute process gas to provide a homogeneous plasma P above the surface of a substrate 19. In this way a uniform coating can be deposited on the substrate 19. The gas distribution elements 2 are modules having a similar or identical construction. Therefore, they may be manufactured in particular machines and handled easily before being integrated in an electrode assembly according to the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Applied Materials Inc.
    Inventor: Stephan Wieder
  • Publication number: 20090133632
    Abstract: Containers for providing vapor phase reactant from liquid sources include bubbler designs and designs in which carrier gas flows over the liquid surface. Among the bubbler arrangements, a bypass conductance is provided to release excess pressure from the gas volume inside the container, or an enlarged bubbler tube is provided with a volume sufficient to accommodate all possible liquid backflow without having the liquid exit the container. Among the overflow designs, flow dividers provide a tortuous path for the gas to increase the time exposure of carrier gas packets to the evaporating liquid surface. The flow dividers can be microporous to encourage capillary action, thereby increasing the evaporating surface. The tortuous gas flow path can be separated from the liquid phase by a breathable semi-porous membrane that permits vapor phase reactant to pass through but prohibits liquid from passing in the other direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: ASM INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventor: Pekka T. Soininen
  • Publication number: 20090133633
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of avian reproduction. In particular, the present invention provides a method of activating an egg in a shell. The invention also provides a method of activating an egg in a shell, whereby a live chick is hatched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Tim Cantrell, Andrew Wooten
  • Publication number: 20090133634
    Abstract: A dairy farm system comprises a plurality of apparatuses (11a-e) for performing actions related to the operation of the dairy farm system, wherein the apparatuses are connected in a network (12), and at least one of the apparatuses (21, 26-28) is movable. The movable apparatus is wirelessly connectable to the network via a short-range radio link (23a-c, 26a-c, 27a-c, 28a-c), preferably a Bluetooth link. Advantageously, the movable apparatus is kept continuously connected in the network (12) via the radio link during operation. In one embodiment the movable apparatus is a feed device (21), wherein feeding instructions are received, and feeding status or error information is sent, by the feed device via the radio link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Lars-Arne Axelsson, Thomas Caldenius, Robert Jonsson, Jianning Li, Helmut Obermuller, Stefan Ihrsen, Bjorn Carlson, Bjarne Nebelong
  • Publication number: 20090133635
    Abstract: A method of feeding an animal in a feeding box. The method comprises at least the following steps, the steps a-c not necessarily taking place in the given sequence: a) identifying the animal in the feeding box, b) closing the feeding box, in such a way that access to the feeding box is impeded for an animal outside the feeding box, c) supplying feed to the animal in the feeding box in a chosen eating period of time. An installation for feeding an animal, which installation is provided with a frame that encloses at any rate at least partially a frame area. A neutral position means for positioning a passage means into one particular neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: MAASLAND N.V.
    Inventors: Howard Sie, Lucien Eliza Niels Voogd, Karel Van Den Berg
  • Publication number: 20090133636
    Abstract: A hummingbird feeder includes a solar panel power source for illuminating a reservoir of liquid hummingbird food so that the hummingbird can find it at night. The solar panel itself preferably hangs below the feeder in a flexible manner so that it can collect the maximum amount of sunlight and swing in the breeze. An LED attached to the solar power source is positioned to illuminate the liquid reservoir from within the reservoir. The parts that comprise the feeder are easily disassembled for washing and cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Simon Nicholas Richmond
  • Publication number: 20090133637
    Abstract: A pet litter receptacle includes a back portion for accepting a selected amount of absorbent material and a front portion comprising a bottom surface having a plurality of protuberances extending upwardly therefrom. A wall separating the back portion and the front portion such that when the animal has completed utilizing the receptacle, the animal must step over the wall and engage at least on paw with at least one of the plurality of protuberances such that the animal's paw pads spread apart and release any absorbent material that was retained in the paw into the front portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Royal Pet Incorporated
    Inventor: Troy Petersen
  • Publication number: 20090133638
    Abstract: An aquarium includes: a box having an accommodating space therein; a dividing board disposed in the accommodating space of the box to divide it into a cultivating layer and a nitrobacteria layer; a pump for drawing water and air, mixing them into bubbles, and sending the mixture out via a transporting pipe; a foam remover connected with the transporting pipe and having a foam outlet and a water outlet. The bubbles received from the transporting pipe are broken into smaller bubbles in the foam remover. The protein impurities in the water are expelled with the bubbles via the foam outlet. The processed water flows via the water outlet into the nitrobacteria layer to decompose the proteins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Jznn-Pyng Ueng
  • Publication number: 20090133639
    Abstract: This invention relates to a Pet toy, comprising a body structure (1) provided with a plurality of retaining compartments (2) presenting openings (3), arranged to enable hiding and retrieving of objects (4) therein, wherein said body structure (1) comprises a plurality of flexible, sheet formed layers (10, 11, 12) fixedly attached to each other one on top of the other, at least one lower layer (11) has a larger size than a layer (12) positioned on top of the lower layer (11), and wherein said retaining compartments (2) are in the form of pockets between next to each other positioned layers (10, 11, 12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Nina Ottosson
  • Publication number: 20090133640
    Abstract: A device for deterring a dog from barking includes a sensor for detecting a bark from a dog and for generating an activation signal upon detection of the bark and an integral housing. The integral housing includes a reservoir for storing a bark deterrent substance, a bobbin integrated with the reservoir, a wall separating the bobbin from the reservoir, and an aperture extending through the wall for allowing fluid communication between the reservoir and the bobbin. The device further includes a spray mechanism for delivery of a dose of the bark deterrent substance to the dog upon receipt of the activation signal from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Pets & Supplies Hong Kong Limited
    Inventor: Weimin Bai
  • Publication number: 20090133641
    Abstract: Disclosed are a device for preventing initial hot water from being discharged from a double pipe heat exchanger and a method of controlling the same, which can temporarily mix cold water with hot water so as to decrease the temperature of the discharged hot water when the high temperature water is initially discharged from the double pipe heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Kyungdong Everon Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae-Sik Min
  • Publication number: 20090133642
    Abstract: So as to provide a latent heat recovery-type water heater capable of certainly preventing drain generated by heat exchange from being discharged out of an exhaust portion through an outlet with entrained by a flow of combustion gas, an exhaust portion 9 is formed by an exhaust portion constituting-body 25 attached above a secondary heat exchanger 7. The exhaust portion 9 includes therewithin a deflector 26 and a distribution board 27 opposed to the deflector 26. The deflector 26 has a deflection board 30 extending substantially vertically downward from a top face 9a of the exhaust portion 9, so as to form a gap 35 between a lower end of the board 30 and a bottom face 9b of the exhaust portion 9. A flowing direction of combustion gas introduced into the exhaust portion 9 through an opening 21 of the bottom face 9b is deflected by passing through the gap 35, and the combustion gas flows toward the distribution board 27.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: NORITZ CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Asakura, Shigehiro Yamamoto, Masamitu Ishikado
  • Publication number: 20090133643
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system and operation of surface equipment to generate steam while reducing the quantity of boiler blowdown and thereby increasing the amount of feedwater that is re-used or re-cycled in generating said steam. The present invention teaches that, on a sustained basis, the blowdown stream at the outlet of a once-through steam generator can be routed to the inlet of a second once-through steam generator that is in series with the first, that blowdown stream can be used to generate additional steam in the second once-through steam generator and further reduce the amount of blowdown, and that this can be accomplished without need of any treatment that reduces hardness or silica levels of the blowdown stream prior to its entering or during its entry into the inlet of the second once-through steam generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Jack C. SUGGETT, Michael J. WASYLYK
  • Publication number: 20090133644
    Abstract: Provided is a boiler equipped with a burner capable of realizing a reduction in emission of harmful substances using a liquid fuel such as kerosene or A-type heavy oil. A burner (20) is equipped with a nozzle part (22) spraying a liquid fuel into a combustion chamber (16) in a boiler body (10) formed by using a plurality of water tubes; provided around the nozzle part (22) is an air jetting part (27) constructed to control flow of air jetted from the air jetting part (27) so as to avoid short-passing of a gas produced by the burner (20) through a gas discharge port provided in the boiler body (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Takashi Shindo, Kenichi Shinomori
  • Publication number: 20090133645
    Abstract: A steam ejection device including a steam generator for generating steam by heating water; a steam eject port for discharging the steam generated in the steam generator; and a steam-guiding portion for delivering the steam from the steam generator to the steam eject port, and the steam ejection device further including a steam-heating block for heating, right before the steam eject port, the steam guided via the steam-guiding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Isoji Yao
  • Publication number: 20090133646
    Abstract: A power steering waste heat recovery system for a vehicle and method of operating is disclosed. The system may include a power steering system and a waste heat absorption system. The power steering system may include a power steering pump, a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger located downstream of the power steering pump and configured to allow power steering fluid flow therethrough, and a steering rack operatively engaging the heat exchanger to receive the power steering fluid therefrom. The waste heat absorption system may include an auxiliary heater loop configured to direct a liquid through the heat exchanger; and an automatically controllable heat control valve having an inlet, a first outlet for directing the liquid to bypass the auxiliary heater loop, and a second outlet for directing the liquid through the heat exchanger in the auxiliary heater loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mukund S. Wankhede, Lee E. Krispin
  • Publication number: 20090133647
    Abstract: A coolant passage in a cylinder head of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is divided into an intake-side passage below intake ports and extending in a cylinder arranging direction, and an exhaust-side passage including plural exhaust-side lateral passages corresponding to respective cylinders and an exhaust-side longitudinal passage. The exhaust-side lateral passages (1) are mutually separated by partition walls at a position corresponding to the section between a corresponding adjacent pair of the cylinders, (2) have an inlet for coolant in the vicinity of exhaust ports of a corresponding one of the cylinders, and (3) extend from the inlet toward the intake port via the vicinity of a top of a combustion chamber formed in the corresponding cylinder. The exhaust-side longitudinal passage extends along the cylinder arranging direction. Downstream ends of the exhaust-side lateral passages connect to the exhaust-side longitudinal passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsumasa Yamagata
  • Publication number: 20090133648
    Abstract: Actuators, and corresponding methods and systems for controlling such actuators, provide independent valve control with a large initial or opening force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Zheng Lou
  • Publication number: 20090133649
    Abstract: An engine can include a first catalyst disposed in a first exhaust passage, a second catalyst disposed in a second exhaust passage to be located upstream of the first catalyst, a variable valve operating mechanism configured to make lifting amounts of a first and second exhaust valves variable between approximate zero and maximum, and a lifting amount control unit for controlling the lifting amounts of the first and second exhaust valves with the variable valve operating mechanism such that an exhaust gas amount passing through the second exhaust passage is larger than that passing through the first exhaust passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Noboru Nowatari, Hideo Fujita
  • Publication number: 20090133650
    Abstract: A guide passage is provided between a driving-side rotator and a driven-side rotator to supply lubricating fluid into an interior of the first rotator. A planetary gear is received in the driving-side rotator and is meshed with a gear portion of the driving-side rotator to make a planetary motion and thereby to change a relative phase between the driving-side rotator and the driven-side rotator. The guide passage guides the lubricating fluid toward a location on a radially outer side of the gear portion and the planetary gear and has a contaminant capturing space to accumulate contaminants contained in the lubricating fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shuji MIZUTANI
  • Publication number: 20090133651
    Abstract: An advancing check valve is placed in an advancing connection passage of a spool to enable a flow of hydraulic fluid in a first direction from a retarding port side toward an advancing port side upon placement of the spool in an advancing position and to limit a flow of hydraulic fluid in a second direction from the advancing port side toward the retarding port side upon placement of the spool in the advancing position. A retarding check valve is placed in a retarding connection passage of the spool to enable a flow of hydraulic fluid in the second direction upon placement of the spool in a retarding position and to limit a flow of hydraulic fluid in the first direction upon placement of the spool in the retarding position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akihiko TAKENAKA
  • Publication number: 20090133652
    Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus for controlling valve timing includes a first rotor, a second rotor, and a controller. The second rotor and the first rotor defines therebetween an advance chamber and a retard chamber. The controller includes a supply passage, at least one drain passage, a spool valve, at least one connection passage, and at least one check valve. The at least one connection passage connects the supply passage to the at least one drain passage when a spool of the spool valve is moved to one of the advance and retard positions. The at least one check valve is respectively provided in the at least one connection passage. The check valve allows working fluid to flow in a direction from the at least one drain passage toward the supply passage and limits working fluid from flowing in an opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiki Fujyoshi, Osamu Sato
  • Publication number: 20090133653
    Abstract: In a spur gear drive for driving the camshaft of an overhead valve internal combustion engine wherein drive power is transmitted from the crankshaft to the camshaft via spur gears mounted on the crankshaft and the camshaft which is rotatably supported on the cylinder head, a third, intermediate, gear is adjustably supported in the power train between engine block-mounted gears and cylinder head-mounted gears so that changes in the distance between the crankshaft and the camshaft can be accommodated and, with the use of smaller gears, the spur gear drive becomes smaller and lighter overall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Duzzie, Frank Eberle, Harald Gieb, Lawrence Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20090133654
    Abstract: A method and system to distribute high-power laser pulses to create sparks in individual cylinders of a multi-cylinder engine are provided. A laser provides laser output pulses. A distributor includes a linear array of mirrors with a respective mirror associated with one of the laser plugs. Each mirror is operatively controlled to move into a laser beam path to direct individual laser output pulses the associated laser plug for providing spark generation. The system enables correct cylinder firing order for predefined multi-cylinder firing sequences and allows for individual cylinder timing variation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Bipin Bihari, Sreenath Borra Gupta, Ramanujam Raj Sekar
  • Publication number: 20090133655
    Abstract: A laser ignition system includes a laser oscillator and an oscillation controller. The laser oscillator is configured to generate laser light into a combustion chamber of an engine. The oscillation controller is configured to cause the laser oscillator to generate a plurality of laser pulses into the combustion chamber in order to ignite the engine. The oscillation controller causes the laser oscillator to generate each of the plurality of laser pulses at a laser oscillation period that is longer than 10 ?s and shorter than 300 ?s.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, NIPPON SOKEN, INC.
    Inventors: Takayuki Inohara, Akihiro Ando, Naoki Kido
  • Publication number: 20090133656
    Abstract: An ignition source for initiating combustion is provided. The ignition source includes an electrical delivery conductor mounted in a delivery conductor mounting structure. An electrical ground conductor is mounted in a ground conductor mounting structure and extends from the ground conductor mounting structure to a point proximate the delivery conductor to define an ignition spark gap between the delivery conductor and the ground conductor. At least one of the delivery conductor and the ground conductor are mounted in a respective one of the delivery conductor mounting structure and the ground conductor mounting structure so as to be selectively positionable with respect to the other one of the delivery conductor and the ground conductor to selectively adjust a width of the ignition spark gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: James C. Warren, Dennis K. Scheer
  • Publication number: 20090133657
    Abstract: An intake manifold for an internal combustion engine comprising an engine head in which there are obtained a number of cylinders; the intake manifold comprises a central body, wherein there are obtained an intake chamber which receives the intake air and a number of conduits each of which connects the chamber to a corresponding cylinder of the internal combustion engine; first passage through holes obtained in the central body for fastening the intake manifold to the engine head by means of first fastening screws screwed into the engine head; a common rail which receives the pressurized fuel and is connected to a number of injectors, each of which injects the fuel into a corresponding cylinder; second blank threaded fastening holes obtained in the central body for fastening the common rail to the central body itself by means of the second fastening screws screwed into the central body and, for each second fastening hole, a metallic reinforcement bracket, which presents a first assembly through hole arranged o
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.
    Inventors: Stefano FORNARA, Stefano CARTA
  • Publication number: 20090133658
    Abstract: Provided is an intake manifold for an engine, including: a plurality of intake distribution pipes arranged in a side-by-side relation to one another along one side wall; an intake inlet pipe provided in one end wall in a direction of arrangement of the intake distribution pipes; a surge chamber provided inside the intake manifold, and providing communication between the intake inlet pipe and the intake distribution pipes; and an intake guide wall provided integrally with the intake manifold, the intake guide wall extending in the direction of arrangement of the intake distribution pipes from an opening end of the intake inlet pipe, which is open to the surge chamber, to an intermediate portion of the surge chamber, and formed to temporarily guide the air, which has been introduced from the intake inlet pipe into the surge chamber, to a middle portion of the surge chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicants: KEIHIN CORPORATION, HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shojiro Fukuda, Takahiro Taira
  • Publication number: 20090133659
    Abstract: A resin molded body constituting a resin intake apparatus includes a surge tank and a plurality of branch passages each branching off from the surge tank. A communication passage is formed in a wall forming the surge tank to communicate a bottom of the surge tank with one of the branch passages. The resin molded body is formed by two split molded parts integrally welded to each other at welded portions so that the communication passage is formed between the welded portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinji Iwata
  • Publication number: 20090133660
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve, especially a rotary piston valve (1), for controlling the temperature and quantity of the returned exhaust gas in internal combustion engines. Said valve comprises a valve housing (2) and a control element (3) disposed therein which interacts with a valve face (140 configured in the valve housings (2), the control element (3) having a conical surface area (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Jozsef Mercz, Jurgen Rosin, Martin Stiegler, Gyula Toth
  • Publication number: 20090133661
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a balance shaft unit for mass balancing for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle including at least one balance shaft having at least one balance weight and a housing part in which the balance shaft is journaled. A first gear is associated with the balance shaft and meshes with a second gear. An introduction passage is formed in the housing part through which, starting from an assembly opening, at least one of the two gears can be introduced into the interior of the housing part, with the introduction passage extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the balance shaft. The first gear and the second gear are arranged sequentially with respect to the direction of extent of the introduction passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Michael Schober, Andreas Holzl, Roland Marzy
  • Publication number: 20090133662
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinder banks, of which at least one first cylinder bank is able to be deactivated. At least one cylinder of the first cylinder bank is intermittently activated again during the deactivation of the first cylinder bank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Dirk Hartmann, Richard Hotzel, Magnus Labbe, Ingo Fecht
  • Publication number: 20090133663
    Abstract: An air cleaner unit for a vehicle includes an air cleaner element and an air cleaner housing to be arranged generally above ring portions of a fan shroud. The air cleaner element is disposed in the air cleaner housing such that a predetermined space is provided between a lower surface of the air cleaner element and an inner surface of a bottom wall of the air cleaner housing. The bottom wall of the air cleaner housing includes at least two arcuate portions to correspond to the ring portions of the fan shroud and a projecting portion between the arcuate portions. The projecting portion projects downwardly and is configured to increase the volume of the predetermined space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiro Maeda, Shinichi Oda, Atsushi Hirota
  • Publication number: 20090133664
    Abstract: This rotary engine configuration combines the four cycles required to produce power, thrust, exhaust, intake, and compression which are merged into a single cycle per revolution. Most engine designs need two revolutions. This requires the mechanical functions to produce power simultaneously; consequently, the parts are performing several functions at the same time. So, only a few parts are needed. The rotor is the big worker. Combustion turns the rotor power cog one way, while the exhaust gases go the opposite way to escape through an opening directly behind the power producing face, into the open air. In this concept, where many power generating functions are going on at the same time, only a few moving parts are needed. Fewer parts used translate into the many benefits described in the claims. An exhaust gas fan reduces the exhaust gas exit pressure further maximizing fuel economy. A kit of energy storing rings is provided. These rings can also provide pitch and roll stabilization forces for the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Jackson Reid
  • Publication number: 20090133665
    Abstract: A revolving piston engine incorporating revolving pistons for improving fuel efficiency, increasing power output, easy cooling and reduced vibration. One or more of revolving piston pairs, each consisting of one piston and one cylinder head, revolve within a ring cylinder, around a common axis in a same direction, but with different velocities. A revolving piston compressor is also disclosed, incorporating appropriately designed and relocated ports/valves for both of associated intake and outlet components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Vishvas Ambardekar
  • Publication number: 20090133666
    Abstract: A homogenous charge compression ignition barrel engine includes an engine housing, a power shaft and a plurality of cylinders surrounding the shaft. Each cylinder has a closed end and an open end. An intake system introduces a combustible mixture into the cylinders. A track is disposed between a first end of the housing and the open ends of the cylinders. The track has a cam surface that longitudinally undulates with respect to the open ends of the cylinders. A piston is moveably disposed in each of the cylinders and is in mechanical communication with the cam surface of the track such that as the cylinders and the track move with respect to each other, the pistons reciprocate within the cylinders. Each cylinder is operable to compress a combustible mixture until the mixture auto ignites, without the introduction of a spark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Thomas Engine Company, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Russell Thomas
  • Publication number: 20090133667
    Abstract: A spark ignition engine capable of operating even with a leaner air-fuel mixture to achieve stable ignition and combustion performance. An ignition plug (7) is fitted to a cylinder head (1) through a sleeve (6), and the ignition electrode (7a) of the ignition plug (7) is disposed in a cylinder (2), facing a single chamber type combustion chamber (5). The sleeve (6) is formed in a blind cylindrical shape, an auxiliary chamber (10) storing the ignition electrodes (7a, 7b) of the ignition plug (7) is formed at the bottom part of the sleeve (6), and a nozzle hole (6a) allowing the auxiliary chamber (10) to communicate with the combustion chamber (5) is formed in the bottom part of the sleeve. The bottom part of the sleeve (6) is projected from an explosion surface (1a) to the inside of the combustion chamber (5) and the position (12) of ignition by the ignition electrode (7a) is set near the explosion surface (1a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Kunihiko Inoue, Toru Takemoto
  • Publication number: 20090133668
    Abstract: A direct injection spark ignition internal combustion engine includes a fuel injector for directly injecting fuel into a cylinder and intensifies a tumble flow using the fuel injected into the cylinder bore at a time near an intake stroke bottom dead center during homogenous combustion. The thrust force of the fuel injected from the fuel injector is set to intensify the tumble flow based on at least one of the state of the combustion chamber, the temperature of the injected fuel, and the orientation of the injection hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Ashizawa
  • Publication number: 20090133669
    Abstract: An airflow control apparatus includes a housing for being provided at an air intake passage of an engine and having a passage for allowing an intake air to flow therethrough, a shaft rotatably provided at the housing to extend across the air intake passage, and a valve body provided in the housing to rotate together with the shaft, wherein an opposing surface is provided at the passage to face a circumferential end portion of the valve body when the valve body is in a closing state, and a first inclined surface formed at a portion of the opposing surface extending in an inner circumferential direction of the passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Ishihara, Motonobu Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20090133670
    Abstract: A fuel injection pump 1 is provided with a diesel engine having a starter 63 started up by a key switch 61. The fuel injection pump 1 comprises a cold start device 30 having a sparking actuator 38, the starter 63 and the sparking actuator 38. The fuel injection pump 1 includes a fault detection means that activates the sparking actuator 38 whenever the key switch 61 is switched on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masamichi Tanaka, Hiroyuki Machiyama
  • Publication number: 20090133671
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive circuit for an injector arrangement comprising a first fuel injector in parallel with a capacitive component. The drive circuit comprises: a selector means and diagnostic means. The selector means is operable to select the first fuel injector and/or the capacitive component into the drive circuit and to deselect the first fuel injector and/or the capacitive component from the drive circuit. When the capacitive component is selected and the first fuel injector is deselected, the diagnostic means is operable to sense a current through the first fuel injector. When the sensed current is at variance from a first threshold current the diagnostic means is operable to provide a first signal on detection of a stack terminal short circuit fault associated with the first fuel injector. The capacitive component may be a second fuel injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Louisa J. Perryman, Martin A.P. Sykes
  • Publication number: 20090133672
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting a leak in an automotive fuel system. The functions of vacuum sensing, vacuum relief (high vacuum relief level) and pressure relief (high pressure relief level) are all performed by a single self-actuated diaphragm-seal valve mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Adrian Crisan
  • Publication number: 20090133673
    Abstract: A fuel vapor treatment system is mounted on a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Even when an internal combustion engine is stopped, a discharge of fuel vapor from a first canister to atmosphere can be detected. When the discharge of the fuel vapor from the first canister is detected, the internal combustion engine is started to perform a purge process. When it is detected that the purge process in the first canister is finished, the internal combustion engine is stopped to terminate the purge process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, NIPPON SOKEN, INC.
    Inventors: Noriyasu Amano, Mitsuyuki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20090133674
    Abstract: A fuel gas supply system of a vessel, such as an LNG carrier, is provided for supplying fuel gas to a high-pressure gas injection engine of an LNG carrier, wherein LNG is extracted from an LNG storage tank of the LNG carrier, compressed at a high pressure, gasified, and then supplied to the high-pressure gas injection engine. In one embodiment, the system includes a boil-off gas reliquefaction apparatus for reliquefying boil-off gas generated in the LNG tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung Han Lee, Dong Kyu Choi, Hyun Ki Park
  • Publication number: 20090133675
    Abstract: An apparatus improves the efficiency and emissions of a combustion process by producing sufficient amounts of ozone in the air flow to the combustion chamber to enable more complete and cleaner combustion of the fuel. An ozone cell comprises a plurality of cylindrical ozone elements for producing ozone disposed within a housing that is placed in the air intake to a combustion chamber such as a diesel engine. The ozone elements are bonded together in a block and placed perpendicular to the air flow in the cell. The ozone elements are bound together in the block with a block plate at the top and bottom of the block with the ozone elements running lengthwise from the top to the bottom of the block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: David M. Clack
  • Publication number: 20090133676
    Abstract: A heating assembly that allows an adequate pre-heating of a fuel used in an internal combustion engine is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Fernando Lepsch, Fernando Augusto Marron, Franz Thommes, Rosalvo Bertolucci Filho, Alvaro Augusto Vasconcelos, Marcos Melo Araujo, Marcello Francisco Brunocilla
  • Publication number: 20090133677
    Abstract: An improved ignition-combustion system for internal combustion engines with preferably a 2-valve engine 17/18 with dual-ignition 14a,14b with squish-flow channels 12a, 12b, and cylindrical high energy density pencil coils with open ends including biasing magnets 42a to 42d, the spark being 300 to 450 ma peak secondary current Is, and the primary current being 20 to 25 amps Ip of 60 to 100 turns Np, or bifiler turns of 120 to 200 turns of wire, with turns ratio Ns/Np of 50 to 70, and coil switches being 600 volt IGBTs; and power convertor with energy storage capacitor storing many times the coil energy of 80 mJ to 160 mJ, of 20 to 60) volts power supply, the engine operating with a single ignition firing of 80 to 16 mJ, except when it is cold started or requires multi-firing for better performance, such as under lean burn or high EGR operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Combustion Electromagnetics, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A.V. Ward