Patents Issued in June 25, 2009
  • Publication number: 20090158986
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and system of a deep-draft semi-submersible liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating production and storage vessel that can include a pontoon containing LNG tanks, fixed ballast at the bottom in a double-bottom portion, and segregated ballasted tanks with variable ballast located generally above the fixed ballast portion that can assist in keeping the pontoon submerged during various storage levels. Multiple vertical columnar supports can penetrate the pontoon from top to bottom and extend above the water surface to support a deck, including various topside structures. An intermediate double-deck on the top of the pontoon can provide access to the tanks, for example, through the vertical columnar supports. The double bottom structure, deck, and vertical columnar supports can provide overall structural integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventors: Jang Kim, Jim O'Sullivan, Atle Steen
  • Publication number: 20090158987
    Abstract: A spar-type offshore platform includes a buoyant upper hull structure having a lower end to which is detachably connected a buoyant lower module. A plurality of mooring line assemblies is connected to the lower module, the total weight of the mooring line assemblies being sufficient to sink the lower module. A method of separating the upper hull structure from the lower module includes disconnecting the lower module from the lower end of the upper hull structure, and then allowing the weight of the mooring line assemblies to sink the lower module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Manoj Ramachandran, James O'Sullivan, Anil Sablok, Jang W. Kim
  • Publication number: 20090158988
    Abstract: A semi-submersible structure. The hull includes four columns that are supported by two pontoons. The columns support the topsides and the topsides structural framing serves as horizontal framing between the columns. A truss frame is attached to the columns. The truss frame preferably includes heave plates. The truss frame extends downward below the pontoons a sufficient distance in the water such that it minimizes motions caused by environmental forces. The hull section and the truss space frame are constructed separately and assembled together at the offshore site where the structure is used for drilling and/or production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Yun Ding, William Lawrence Soester
  • Publication number: 20090158989
    Abstract: A ship designed for use at high speed and heavy seas having a single long and slender hull with a narrow beam and a more or less vertical bow, whereby the front half of the hull has more or less vertical sides, minimal flare in the bow sections and towards the bow an increase in draught at its center line combined with a more or less similar increase of freeboard and whereby the aft end of the hull has a flat or slightly V-shaped bottom with one or more propellers and/or waterjets as propulsion means. In accordance with the invention the bow has a fillet radius of at least 1% of the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Jan Alexander Keuning
  • Publication number: 20090158990
    Abstract: A payload deployment system for a vessel, such as a submarine, which includes a cable extending between a piston in a piston tube and an ejection element in an ejection tube, wherein the ejection tube is suitable for holding the payload, such as a torpedo. The system is arranged such that movement of the piston in the piston tube causes movement of the cable which, in turn, exerts a force on the ejection element to move it in the ejection tube to eject the payload from the ejection tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: STRACHAN & HENSHAW LIMITED
    Inventors: Bryan Jeffery Owen, Dale Michael Jeffreys, Peter David Clarke, Jeremy William Smith
  • Publication number: 20090158991
    Abstract: Device (10) or apparatus for launching at least one boat (12) from a structure (14), that is at least partially surrounded by water (16), into the water. The device (10) comprises at least one launch ramp (18) and means to effect translational displacement of said at least one launch ramp (18) when the device (10) has been mounted on said structure (14) in order to enable the position of said at least one launch ramp (18) to be changed before launching said at least one boat (12) into the water (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: GVA CONSULTANTS AB
    Inventor: Karlo Velcic
  • Publication number: 20090158992
    Abstract: Indicator devices and systems are provided. Indicator devices include a sleeve, a dome-like transparent member, a connector body, and an indicator. In alternate embodiments, indicator devices include a sleeve and an indicator retained in the sleeve by a retaining ring and a latch held in place by a spring. Indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to an enclosure containing critical equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Publication number: 20090158993
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a monocrystalline or polycrystalline semiconductor material by way of directional solidification, wherein lumpy semiconductor raw material is introduced into a melting crucible and melted therein and directionally solidified, in particular using the vertical gradient freeze method. In order to prevent contamination and damage, the semiconductor raw material is melted from the upper end of the melting crucible. The molten material trickles downward, so that semiconductor raw material which has not yet melted gradually slumps in the melting crucible. In this case, the additional semiconductor raw material is replenished to the melting crucible from above onto a zone of semiconductor raw material which has not yet melted or is not completely melted, in order at least partly to compensate for a volumetric shrinkage of the semiconductor raw material and to increase the filling level of the crucible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Uwe Sahr, Matthias Mueller, Ingo Schwirtlich, Frank-Thomas Lentes, Frank Buellesfeld
  • Publication number: 20090158994
    Abstract: A method for growing a Group III nitride semiconductor crystal is provided with the following steps: First, a chamber including a heat-shielding portion for shielding heat radiation from a material 13 therein is prepared. Then, material 13 is arranged on one side of heat-shielding portion in chamber. Then, by heating material to be sublimated, a material gas is deposited on the other side of heat-shielding portion in chamber so that a Group III nitride semiconductor crystal is grown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michimasa Miyanaga, Naho Mizuhara, Keisuke Tanizaki, Issei Satoh, Hisao Takeuchi, Hideaki Nakahata
  • Publication number: 20090158995
    Abstract: A crystal-growing furnace with a convectional cooling structure includes a furnace body, a heating room, and at least one heater. The heating room is accommodated in the furnace body, and includes an upper partition, a plurality of side partitions, and a lower partition. The upper partition is provided with an upper opening, and the lower partition with a central opening. Further, the heating room is provided with an upper door, a lower door, an upper driver, and a lower driver. When silicon slurry is to be cooled and solidified, cooling gaseous stream flows into a lower portion of the heating room through the central opening. Then the upper opening is opened by the upper door which is driven by the upper driver, so that heated gaseous stream is discharged from the upper opening and flows downward along furnace inside wall, and flows back to the heating room from the central opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Green Energy Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Shiow-Jeng Lew
  • Publication number: 20090158996
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing single crystal silicon comprising: an induction heating coil that is disposed around the polycrystalline silicon rod for fusing the polycrystalline silicon rod; an exothermic ring that has a quartz-coated member covering the conductive member; a support member that supports the exothermic ring and passes through a wall of the housing in a rotatable manner; an operating device that rotates the support member and reciprocates the exothermic ring between a heating position where the exothermic ring is positioned close to the induction heating coil and a stand-by position where the exothermic ring is receded from the heating position; a sealing member that is provided between the wall of the housing and the support member and maintains the hermitic therebetween; and a cooling flow path that is formed in the support member and flows a cooling medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noboru Chikusa, Teruhisa Kitagawa, Masaki Ito, Takanori Ito
  • Publication number: 20090158997
    Abstract: A coating machine (1) for coating confectioneries (5) with a liquid coating mass (7) includes a grid belt (3) being driven in a working direction (4) for transporting the confectioneries (5). A bottom coating apparatus (2) includes a container-shaped box (6) serving to contain liquid coating mass (7). A bottom roller (10) is arranged below the grid belt (3). The bottom roller (10) serves to convey the coating mass (7) from the box (6) in an upward direction. A detaching element (15) is in sliding contact with the bottom roller (10) to remove coating mass (7) from the bottom roller (10) to form a bottom coating mass. A bottom coating mass forming element (16) is designed as a separate element in addition to the detaching element (15). The element (16) is arranged below the grid belt (3) in a way that it redirects and deforms the bottom coating mass such that a part thereof moves through the grid belt (3) in an upward direction to form an upper part of the bottom coating mass (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: SOLLICH KG
    Inventor: Thomas Ellinghoven
  • Publication number: 20090158998
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coating device, in particular for painting motor vehicle bodies, comprising a sprayer (1) for applying a coating material by means of an application element and an internal colour-changer valve assembly (3), said assembly having several colour inlets (4-7) for selecting coating materials of different colours. The internal colour-changer valve assembly (3) is integrated into the sprayer (1) and is connected by its outlet to the application element (2), in order to feed the selected coating material to the application element (2). The invention also comprises an external colour-changer valve assembly (14) with several colour inlets for selecting coating materials of different colours, said external colour-changer assembly (14) having a separate structure from the sprayer (1) and being connected by its outlet to the application element (2), in order to feed the selected coating material to the application element (2). The invention also relates to a corresponding operating method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: DURR SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Frank Herre
  • Publication number: 20090158999
    Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method for an integrated circuit comprising a multi-layer stack and a corresponding integrated circuit. In the method a first layer is deposited on a substrate in a plasma deposition process in a plasma chamber using a first reaction gas having at least one first gas component which is introduced at a first flow rate into the chamber. Thereafter a second layer is deposited in situ on the first layer in the plasma deposition process in the plasma chamber using a second reaction gas having at least one second gas component which is introduced at a second flow rate into the chamber. In a switching transition period from the first to the second flow rate a transition layer including a gradual composition transition from the first to the second layer is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: QIMONDA AG
    Inventor: Mirko Vogt
  • Publication number: 20090159000
    Abstract: Systems are provided for measuring temperature in a semiconductor processing chamber. Embodiments provide a multi-junction thermocouple comprising a first junction and a second junction positioned to measure temperature at substantially the same portion of a substrate. A controller may detect failures in the first junction, the second junction, a first wire pair extending from the first junction, or a second wire pair extending from the second junction. The controller desirably responds to a detected failure of the first junction or first wire pair by selecting the second junction and second wire pair. Conversely, the controller desirably responds to a detected failure of the second junction or second wire pair by selecting the first junction and first wire pair. Systems taught herein may permit accurate and substantially uninterrupted temperature measurement despite failure of a junction or wire pair in a thermocouple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: ASM AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Ravinder Aggarwal, Mark Kleshock, Loren Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20090159001
    Abstract: There is provided a shower head capable of spraying a process reaction gas onto the surface of a semiconductor wafer to deposit the process reaction gas on the surface of the semiconductor wafer as a thin film of uniform thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Pyung-yong Um
  • Publication number: 20090159002
    Abstract: A gas distribution plate for a plasma reactor has an annular gas distribution plenum with an array of gas injection holes and a gas injection port at one end of the annular plenum, the plenum being progressively constricted in cross-sectional area along its azimuthal path by a sloping ceiling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Kallol Bera, Shahid Rauf
  • Publication number: 20090159003
    Abstract: A supplying device has two columnar containers 1, 1? and communicating tube 5 for connecting the insides of containers 1, 1? with each other at the lower ends. Containers 1, 1? are filled with an organic metal compound which is in a solid state at room temperature. The upper portion of container 1 is equipped with gas feed tube 2 for introducing a carrier gas into container 1. The upper portion of container 1? is equipped with gas discharge tube 3 for discharging the carrier gas containing the organic metal compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: UBE INDUSTRIES LTD
    Inventors: Hideki Noguchi, Kouji Ishiji, Tooru Hiratsuka, Hirotaka Yakushijin, Kenji Matsushige, Susumu Yoshitomi
  • Publication number: 20090159004
    Abstract: A vertical chemical vapor deposition apparatus includes a reaction chamber; and a reaction gas supply nozzle for supplying a reaction gas to the reaction chamber. The reaction gas supply nozzle is positioned adjacent to a side wall surface of the reaction chamber. An expanded surface, which protrudes toward the outside of the reaction chamber, is formed in a part of the side wall surface so that the expanded surface is distant from the reaction gas supply nozzle, where the part is adjacent to the reaction gas supply nozzle. The reaction gas supply nozzle sprays the reaction gas toward a center part of the reaction chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventor: Takahiro YOSHIOKA
  • Publication number: 20090159005
    Abstract: Systems and methods of coatings for semiconductor processing equipment. A semiconductor substrate processing system includes an enclosure for containing a semiconductor processing gas. The enclosure has an interior surface that is at least partially coated with a Silicon carbide coating to a desired thickness. The enclosure may be inlet piping for conveying the semiconductor processing gas to a processing chamber for processing the semiconductor substrate, a processing chamber and/or an exhaust flume for conveying used semiconductor processing gas away from a processing chamber. The interior surface may include additional coatings comprising Silicon and/or diamond like Carbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Epicrew Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas E. Deacon
  • Publication number: 20090159006
    Abstract: Provided is a thin film production apparatus that enables cost reduction and improvement of deposition efficiency by employing a common component. In a thin film production apparatus according to the present invention, a volume of a reaction space is optimized by determining the volume of the reaction space with an inner block disposed inside a vacuum tank, that is, by merely altering a size of an inner diameter of the inner block without altering a size of the vacuum tank. Accordingly, film formation on plural kinds of substrates having different sizes becomes possible using the common vacuum tank. Further, increase of the number of apparatus structural components to be prepared for each size of the substrate to be processed can be minimized, whereby the cost of the components can be reduced, and, while simplifying assembling operation, product inspection operation, and adjusting operation, excellent deposition efficiency and stable film formation can be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: ULVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Takakazu Yamada, Osamu Irino, Tsuyoshi Kagami
  • Publication number: 20090159007
    Abstract: A substrate support according to the present invention includes a ceramic base 12 having an upper surface on which a substrate is placed; a first conductive body 16 having a plate-type body, composed of a conductive paste that is sintered, and embedded in an upper side of the ceramic base 12; a second conductive body 18 having a meshed-type body, provided inside the ceramic base 12, and being in contact with a lower surface of the first conductive body 16; and an electrode terminal 20 penetrating a part of the ceramic base 12 from a lower surface of the ceramic base 12 and is connected to the second conductive body 18.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ikuma MOROOKA
  • Publication number: 20090159008
    Abstract: A nutrient dispensing apparatus for birds having a hanger and two interchangeable dispensers supported by the hanger. Each dispenser includes a bottle for holding liquid or solid nutrients, and at least one basin into which the liquid or solid nutrients, water and bird feed, for example, are made available to the birds. The user can change the configuration of the dispensers as desired to provide just liquid nutrients, just solid nutrients or both. The flow rates for dispensing of the nutrients are different for each nutrient alternative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Romilly Humphries, William R. Vaughn, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090159009
    Abstract: A combination liquid container and pet drinking bowl in which the bowl is formed of a plastic sheet secured to the container. The sheet may be flexed into two distinct positions. In a first stored position, the sheet is form-retaining and lies against a portion of the container. In a second operative position, the sheet provides a form-retaining bowl extending longitudinally from the container and may be filled with liquid from said container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Linda Parks
  • Publication number: 20090159010
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for aquaculturing marine life forms such as coral utilizing a rotating tray that exposes the marine life forms to variable water flow conditions during each revolution of the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Karen R. Spartz
  • Publication number: 20090159011
    Abstract: A small animal veterinary incubator is disclosed with an animal holding drawer that can be inserted into a temperature controlled enclosure and removed when not in use for cleaning and disinfecting. In various embodiments the incubator is portable, is at least partly transparent, controls interior oxygen and/or humidity, can use a hose to bring oxygen into close proximity with incubated animals, can introduce water-nebulized air or oxygen into the drawer through a hole, and can include a holder for a humidity bottle that humidifies air or oxygen supplied to the incubator. Some embodiments use an adjustable or regulated lamp to warm the incubator using an infrared bulb of 50 or 75 Watts. Temperature, humidity, and/or oxygen gages or sensors can be included, and the temperature, oxygen, and/or humidity can be automatically regulated. Preferred embodiments include closable vents that can be opened to allow for ventilation when only temperature is controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Patrick Santo
  • Publication number: 20090159012
    Abstract: Among the components of a vertical feeding device for egg collection, particularly egg placement means has a problem of holding an egg for an unnecessarily long time period. In such a case, the egg held drops at a position outside an expected place to sometimes contaminate the egg placement means again, further contributing the egg placement means to hold an unnecessary number of eggs and putting the device in unsanitary conditions by scattered eggs. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] The invention relates to an egg collection conveyor and a vertical feeding device for egg collection, and particularly relates to an a egg roll out mechanism for an egg collector. The egg collection conveyor collects eggs produced at each cage of a multiple-stage chicken cage and conveys the eggs to horizontally one end side of the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Yasushi Tsubai
  • Publication number: 20090159013
    Abstract: A pet shelter having a two piece floor with interlocking connectors for use in support of one piece side wall panels and a front and rear wall panel. Each of said wall panels having bottom edge constructed and arranged to cooperate with the floor panel for securement by use of interlocking tabs, each said wall further coupling to an adjoining wall further by use of interlocking tabs. The front wall panel includes a door for providing ingress and egress. A roof is provided for enclosing the top of the pet shelter, the roof includes a first and second interconnecting panel. The roof panels secure to the top of the each wall panel by use of interlocking tabs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Torrence Anderson, Jed Richardson, Robert Kopp, Robert Stein
  • Publication number: 20090159014
    Abstract: The system has two parts, a carrier and a leash handle housing. The carrier attaches to a pet. The carrier also has structure for the leash handle housing to engage the carrier. Some of the engagement structure helps secure the carrier and leash handle housing together. Some of the structure is designed to be released so that user can pull the leash handle housing from the carrier. A leash on the housing connects to the carrier or elsewhere on the pet. A retraction mechanism in the housing can retract the leash or allow it to retract so that the pet can move away from the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: David Olenick
  • Publication number: 20090159015
    Abstract: An animal collar according to the present invention includes an inner layer of non-porous flexible plastic. The collar may also include an outer layer of non-porous flexible plastic molded over the inner layer of non-porous flexible plastic, the outer layer having first and second ends and being configured to encircle a neck of an animal. A clasp or other fastener may be included for coupling together the first and second ends about the animal's neck. In addition, the inner layer includes an aesthetic property such as a color. The outer layer may also have an aesthetic property such as another color that is different from the aesthetic property of the inner layer. The collar may also include at least one ornament, the inner layer being molded over the at least one ornament and separating it from the outer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Jason Watson
  • Publication number: 20090159016
    Abstract: A slipcover system having a slipcover having a tubular cross-sectional orifice area that is substantially uniform for the longitudinal length of the slipcover; the slipcover being adapted to be fitted over the surface area, and for substantially the entire longitudinal length, of a collar to be used in combination with the slipcover; the slipcover having a longitudinal length that is substantially equal to the longitudinal length of the collar; the slipcover having a substantially closed-loop tubular shape; a decorative slipcover having at least one collar guide that is adapted to be fitted over a longitudinal length of the collar; the collar guide being removably attached to the decorative slipcover by a fastener selected from the group consisting of hook-and-loop faster, adhesive, and buttons; and an alternative collar slipcover that is directly and removably attached to the slipcover by a fastener selected from the group consisting of hook-and-loop faster, adhesive, and buttons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Rebecca Marie Lang, Mark Andrew Lang
  • Publication number: 20090159017
    Abstract: A hot water supply apparatus including: a hot-water supply pipe for guiding hot water generated by a hot-water generator to a hot-water supplying terminal; two hot-water supply temperature sensors for detecting water temperature in the hot-water supply pipe; a temperature control unit for adjusting a temperature of the hot water supplied to the hot-water supplying terminal; a sensor abnormality determining unit for determining sensor abnormality when a difference between temperatures detected by the two hot-water supply temperature sensors is larger than a predetermined permissible error; a sensor selector for selectively setting one hot-water supply temperature sensor detecting a higher temperature as a hot-water supply temperature sensor for temperature control; and a hot-water supply temperature controller for controlling the temperature control unit so that a temperature detected by the hot-water supply temperature sensor for temperature control selected from the two hot-water supply temperature sensors i
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventor: Chikara Tsuge
  • Publication number: 20090159018
    Abstract: A system includes sensors configured to measure parameters related to a vessel including liquid level, gas flow rate, pressure in the vessel, temperature of the vessel, and feed-liquid flow rate. A signal processing unit receives sensor output signals and generates a first filtered output signal representative of liquid level, a second filtered output signal representative of gas flow rate, a third filtered output signal representative of feed-liquid flow rate, a fourth filtered output signal representative of vessel pressure, and a fifth filtered output signal representative of vessel temperature. A flow demand control unit receives the first filtered output signal and generates an output signal representative of feed-liquid flow demand. A shaping unit receives the second, fourth, and fifth filtered output signal and generates an output signal representative of shaped gas flow rate as a function of pressure, temperature, or combination thereof in the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Charudatta Subhash Mehendale, Bruce Gordon Norman, Erhan Karaca, Rajeeva Kumar
  • Publication number: 20090159019
    Abstract: A expansion tank for an engine cooling system comprises a housing forming a main chamber and a swirl chamber, the swirl chamber being defined by a cylindrical wall. An inlet connection discharges through an inlet orifice towards a collector duct having an entrance. From the inlet orifice the coolant is directed as a stream or jet along the adjacent surface of the cylindrical wall towards the entrance of the collector duct, guided by circumferential ribs. The kinetic energy of the stream is converted into pressure energy so that the pressure delivered from the outlet connection is slightly above the pressure at the top of the swirl chamber, above the level of liquid. This swirl chamber pressure is set by the relief pressure allowed by a filler cap, the gain in pressure helping to avoid cavitation in a coolant circulation pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicants: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventor: William Richard Hutchins
  • Publication number: 20090159020
    Abstract: Generally disclosed and claimed is an non-belt driven motor vehicle cooling fan having an interruptible driving force such as electrical or hydraulic driving force. More specifically disclosed is a vehicle cooling fan having an driving force interrupted when the vehicle enters water that may contact the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Derek Scott Hall, Kevin Lee Pfohl, Jahmy Jomont Hindman
  • Publication number: 20090159021
    Abstract: A radiator fan arrangement for a vehicle which is powered by a combustion engine. The radiator fan arrangement includes at least one cooling element for cooling a medium, and a first radiator fan for continuously generating a forced air flow through at least one first region of the cooling element in order to cool the medium during operation of the combustion engine. The radiator fan arrangement also includes at least one extra radiator fan for being activated to generate an increased air flow through at least one second region of said cooling element in situations where the first radiator fan cannot provide sufficient air flow to cool as necessary the medium in the cooling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Zoltan Kardos
  • Publication number: 20090159022
    Abstract: The invention discloses a differential speed reciprocating internal combustion engine. It consists of one or more cylinders, a pair of pistons in each cylinder, and a crank connecting rod mechanism for each piston. The piston pair consists of a power piston and an auxiliary piston that are positioned oppositely in the same cylinder. The pistons keep a differential angle of 35°-75° CA and make differential speed movement under the control of a coordination mechanism. Since combustion takes place at a position close to the middle of the travel of the power piston, the crank connecting rod mechanism has a large lever arm coefficient when it is under the maximum combustion pressure. Thus the combustion thermal energy can be more efficiently utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Zhaoding Chu
  • Publication number: 20090159023
    Abstract: An invention is provided for an internal combustion engine twin power unit. The invention includes a crossover passage fluidly connecting a first cylinder to a second cylinder such that an air-fuel mixture introduced in the first cylinder is transferred to the second cylinder via the crossover passage, and wherein an ignition in any cylinder causes combustion of the air-fuel mixture in both cylinders via the crossover passage. Also included is a rod assembly, which is connected to the first piston and the second piston which are disposed in the cylinders. The rod assembly rigidly fixes the first piston and the second piston in a fixed spatial relation to each other. In addition, an intake port is included that is in fluid communication with both the first cylinder and the second cylinder. To control air passage within the intake port, a one-way valve is included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph E. Springer
  • Publication number: 20090159024
    Abstract: In an adjustment device for adjusting the phase position of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine which includes a hydraulic system for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure to the adjustment device for the controlled admission to, and release thereof from, operating chambers of the adjustment device under the control of a control device including a control valve, the operating chambers are in communication with one another via control valves to permit flow of hydraulic fluid from one set of operating chambers to another by the varying torques effective on the camshaft or by controlling fluid supply to the operating chambers from the hydraulic fluid supply system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Enrico Paul, Uwe Reuter, Holger Rudzinski, Ulrich Stubbemann
  • Publication number: 20090159025
    Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus includes a driving rotation member, a driven rotation member, an advance angle chamber displacing a rotation phase of the driven rotation member relative to the driving rotation member in an advance angle direction, a retard angle chamber displacing the relative rotation phase in a retard angle direction, a groove provided on at least one of an inner surface of the driving rotation member and an outer surface of the driven rotation member for supplying the hydraulic fluid to a sliding contact portion formed by the inner surface of the driving rotation member and the outer surface of the driven rotation member, an advance angle oil passage, a retard angle oil passage, and a groove oil passage for supplying the hydraulic fluid to the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ichiro Kimura, Yoshiyuki Kawai
  • Publication number: 20090159026
    Abstract: In a variable valve system for an internal combustion engine and its driving mechanism, the variable valve system comprises: a variable mechanism that revolves a control axle to change an operation characteristic of an engine valve; a projection section projected at an outer peripheral predetermined position in an axial direction of the control axle and on a tip of which a fixture section is formed; a fixture member fixed in a grasped state for the projection member via an engagement member engaged on the fixture section; a driving mechanism configured to provide a rotating force for the control axle via the fixture member; and control means (a control section) for controlling the driving mechanism in accordance with a driving state of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Yoshihiko YAMADA, Akinobu MAEYAMA
  • Publication number: 20090159027
    Abstract: A variable valve actuating apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust valve operating angle varying mechanism, and an exhaust valve timing varying mechanism. When the internal combustion engine is at rest, the exhaust: valve operating angle varying mechanism sets an exhaust valve operating angle relatively small, and the exhaust valve timing varying mechanism sets an exhaust valve opening timing and an exhaust valve closing timing relatively retarded. Accordingly, when the internal combustion engine is at rest, the variable valve actuating apparatus sets the exhaust valve closing timing at or close to top dead center so as to enable startup of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Makoto NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20090159028
    Abstract: A hydraulically lashed end pivot rocker arm assembly finds application in high performance valve trains of internal combustion engines. The rocker arm is mounted at one end upon an eccentric bearing assembly and includes a surface for engaging a valve stem at the opposite end and a roller engaged by a camshaft disposed between the ends. The eccentric bearing assembly includes a stub shaft or cylindrical body that is received within a bore in the rocker arm and an eccentric bore which receives an inner shaft which extends along the cylinder head and supports the eccentric bearings and the rocker arm assemblies. The stub shaft or cylindrical body includes an ear or lug which is engaged by a hydraulic lash adjuster disposed parallel to and offset from the vertical plane of motion of the rocker arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric C. Douse, Alan W. Hayman, Robert S. McAlpine
  • Publication number: 20090159029
    Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable tappet (1) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said tappet comprising a hollow cylindrical housing (3) comprising a bottom (2), an inner element (5) being guided for relative axial displacement in a bore (4) of the housing (3), an at least indirect support for a gas exchange valve extending on a cam-distal front end (6) of the inner element (5), two diametrically opposing pistons as coupling elements (8) being arranged in a radial bore (7) of the inner element (5), which coupling elements (8), for effecting coupling [full valve lift], can be displaced partly beyond a parting surface (9) between the housing (3) and the inner element (5) into an entraining surface (12) of the housing (3) by the force of a compression spring (10a) clamped between inner front ends (10) of the coupling elements (8), wherein the entraining surface (12) is an direct constituent of a separate annular member (13) that is fixed in a cam-distal region of the bore (4) of the housing (3),
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Mario Kuhl, Lothar von Schimonsky, Norbert Nitz, Lucia Hinkovska, Sandra Schafer
  • Publication number: 20090159030
    Abstract: The switchable hydraulic lash adjuster uses balls that move radially in order to lock and unlock the switchable elements in the hydraulic lash adjuster. An axially movable piston acts on the ball to force it to engage and to allow it to disengage the inner housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Florin BUGESCU, Richard BEST
  • Publication number: 20090159031
    Abstract: An apparatus for the ignition of a fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber of a combustion machine, wherein the combustion chamber has at least one inlet valve and at least one outlet valve, wherein there are further provided a laser light generating device for giving off laser light and a combustion chamber window for coupling the laser light into a combustion chamber of the combustion machine, wherein there is provided at least one fluid feed means which is separate from the inlet valve or valves and with which a fluid can be caused to flow at least on to regions of the surface of the combustion chamber window or between the combustion chamber window and the focal point of the laser light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Friedrich Gruber
  • Publication number: 20090159032
    Abstract: Apparatus for coupling laser light into a combustion chamber of a combustion engine including a combustion chamber window and a structural element, wherein the combustion chamber window is releasably fixable to the structural element, wherein there is provided an optical window which is arranged at the structural element and is at least region-wise covered by the combustion chamber window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Friedrich Gruber
  • Publication number: 20090159033
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment according to the present invention is the use of a laser device to ignite fuel for the purpose of producing mechanical power. The laser replaces the spark plug in the internal combustion engine to ignite the air fuel mixture. The hot photons that is created by the laser is used in the same way as the electrons that is created by the spark plug, but the photons need no ionization path, there for the ignition is almost instantaneous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Lee Steigleman, JR., Jimmy Robert Allen, II
  • Publication number: 20090159034
    Abstract: To provide a material for laser welding, which is excellent in laser transmittance, as well as low warpage and enables a shaped article to be obtained with high weld strength and uniform weld strength by laser welding. This material for laser welding comprises a thermoplastic resin composition containing (A) a thermoplastic resin and (B) a glass fiber having a non-circular cross-section with the ratio between the long diameter and the short diameter in the cross-section at right angles to the length direction being from 1.2 to 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Ube Industries, Ltd., a corporation of Japan,
    Inventors: Tsutomu Katayama, Akio Miyamoto, Yasuharu Fukui, Hideki Harada
  • Publication number: 20090159035
    Abstract: An intake manifold assembly includes an intake manifold having an inlet configured to receive an air/fuel mixture from a carburetor, an outlet configured to discharge the air/fuel mixture into a combustion chamber, an interior wall at least partially defining an intake passageway fluidly communicating the inlet and the outlet, and an aperture in the interior wall. The aperture is positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The intake manifold assembly also includes a first regulator received in the aperture and at least partially positioned in the intake passageway to effectively decrease the cross-sectional open area of the intake passageway. The first regulator is selectable from a plurality of regulators configured to each be at least partially positionable in the intake passageway. The first regulator is configured to be removed and replaced by a second regulator from the plurality of regulators without disassembly of the intake manifold from the carburetor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brett Jury, James J. Dehn