Patents Issued in August 25, 2009
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Patent number: 7578240Abstract: Buffers 6, 8 are provided on both sides of a travel rail 10. An overhead traveling vehicle 4 has a SCARA arm movable back and forth to both of the left and right so that a rotation unit 22 and an elevation drive unit 4 can move to a position above either of the buffers 6, 8.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tamotsu Shiwaku
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Patent number: 7578241Abstract: A telescopic rail and carriage assembly for suspending a patient lift. The carriage has a downward projection to which the patient lift is to be connected. The telescopic rail has an inner rail section and an outer rail section. The outer rail section is provided with first longitudinally extending interior support surfaces for supporting a lower set of wheels of the carriage. The inner rail section is provided with second longitudinally extending interior support surfaces for guiding and supporting an upper set of wheels of the carriage. In the extended state, the carriage is guided by the either the first or the second longitudinally extending support surfaces except where the first and second rail sections overlap. In the overlap, the wheels of the carriage are supported by both the first and second longitudinally extending interior support surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Ergolet A/SInventor: Mogens Hjort
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Patent number: 7578242Abstract: In a magnetic levitation transportation system ground coil unit in which inside an annular coil conductor that is annularly wound, a mounting bush 3 including such a mounting hole 3a as to be parallel to a central axis of the coil conductor is disposed, and the coil conductor and the bush 3 are integrally molded using a thermoplastic resin to form a casing 4 of the coil conductor, thickness of the thermoplastic resin of a connection part that provides a connection between the bush 3 and the coil conductor is made smaller than thickness of the coil conductor, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 4b to 4i that are formed using the thermoplastic resin are provided radially from the bush 3 side toward the coil conductor side to be integral with the connection part and the casing 4.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignees: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Central Japan Railway Company, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshifumi Itabashi, Yoshihiro Jizo, Akihiro Fujita, Hiromori Ishihara, Hiroaki Ota, Toru Iga, Haruo Kobayashi, Yaichi Fuwa
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Patent number: 7578243Abstract: A bin assembly capable of being secured to a work surface such as a table top includes an enclosure secured to the work surface. A platform and an elevating mechanism, which is capable of moving the platform vertically, are contained within the enclosure. The assembly also includes a cover pivotally secured over the enclosure and connected to the elevating mechanism for selectively operating the elevating mechanism, to elevate and lower the platform within the enclosure simultaneously with the movement of the cover to retract and expose an item, such as a laptop computer, positioned on the platform. The cover can be locked in the closed position by a locking mechanism engaged between the cover and the enclosure to secure the item within the assembly. The cover can also be locked in the open position by a lock bracket releasably engaged with the cover in the open position to prevent inadvertent closing of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.Inventor: Steven C. Gevaert
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Patent number: 7578244Abstract: An easily assembled and repairable plastic shipping pallet includes two or more plastic runner rails and multiple plastic cross boards secured perpendicularly to the top and bottom of the runner rails by pins and pin receiver/retainers. The pins engage and retain the cross boards by a slide and snap-in mechanism. This construction allows for rapid and easy repair of a pallet that may become damaged. The method of assembly includes placing pairs of holes of the slats over mating pairs of pegs in the proper orientation; and sliding each slat a short distance to engage each projection in its mating recess.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Inventor: Larry Thomas Williams, Jr.
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Patent number: 7578245Abstract: A furniture support system for workstation work tops including a support post (19 having a first locating formation (3) that extends longitudinally along at least a part of the length of the support post (1), and a support element (9, 23) having a second locating formation (15) that is complementary to the first locating formation (3) and engageable therewith, the first and second locating formations (3, 15) being constructed and arranged for sliding movement in the longitudinal direction, such that the position of the support element (9, 23) relative to the support post (1) is adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Ethos (UK) LimitedInventor: Barry Loines
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Patent number: 7578246Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a swing link, a ground engaging tool, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by compensating for changes in draft force caused by changes in terrain elevation. The swing link allows the cylinder to compensate for the forces applied to the ground engaging tool, thereby providing a substantially constant packing force to the soil beneath the packing wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Nicholas George Alfred Ryder, Gerard James Gadzella
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Patent number: 7578247Abstract: An access assembly for an agricultural planter which includes a platform configured for connection to the agricultural planter, a railing which extends from the platform, and a gate pivotably connected to the railing and which extends from the platform.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: CNH America LLCInventor: Rodney S. Horn
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Patent number: 7578248Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Environment Lunch Box Technology LLCInventor: Thomas J. Kryzak
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Patent number: 7578249Abstract: An antivibratory system is provided by means of a servo motor driven shaker affixed to the head or bed frame of a tufting machine and programmed for rotation of a balancing weight to minimize vibration caused by operation of tufting machine at a particular speeds and needle stroke lengths.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Tuftco CorporationInventors: Michael R. Morgante, Paul E. Beatty
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Patent number: 7578250Abstract: The invention is directed to a watercraft hull design that comprises a hull having a bow, stern, top, and bottom. A wedge-shaped wave spreading system is located at a forward portion of the craft. The wave-contacting surface planes of the wave spreading system are positioned substantially perpendicular to the plane of smooth water. The bottom edge of the wave spreading system is positioned near the level of smooth water when the watercraft is at cruising speed. The wave spreading system has a forward apex which forms a substantially perpendicular or vertical leading wedge to the plane of water. Since the apex and planes of the wave spreader are substantially perpendicular to the water, oncoming waves encountered by the wave spreader will tend to be deflected horizontally. Accordingly, the watercraft will more easily “cut through” waves instead of riding over them. Located rearwardly of the wave spreader, an internal hull prow is spaced from the wave spreading system, creating an air space therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Inventor: Elbert H. Baker
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Patent number: 7578251Abstract: The present invention relates to a simulated wood surface covering which is particularly useful in decking and flooring applications, said simulated wood surface covering being comprised of strips adapted to be interconnected aside of each other thereby forming an assembled simulated wood surface covering of desired dimensions to cover a substrate, wherein the strips are comprised of a simulated wood composition which is comprised of polyvinyl chloride, a non-migrating plasticizer, and a coloring agent, wherein the strips have sufficient flexibility to conform to curved surfaces and to surface irregularities, wherein the upper surface of the strips are roughened to imitate the grain structure of wooden material, wherein the strips are void of longitudinal slots wherein a pressure sensitive adhesive covers the underside of the strips, and wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive is covered by a backing so that the pressure sensitive adhesive is sandwiched between the strips and the backing.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Plasteak, Inc.Inventor: William R. Gribble
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Patent number: 7578252Abstract: A whisker pole for a sailboat is provided. The whisker pole includes an inflatable portion that can be pressurized to maintain the position of a headsail. The whisker pole can be deflated for stowage. The length of the whisker pole can be adjusted for different boats and rigging requirements.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Inventor: Paul Urbanek
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Patent number: 7578253Abstract: A small outboard motor powered boat comprises a hull undersurface that defines a generally flat central section, with two generally parallel-sided pontoons extending rearwardly from an upturned bow to a point about half the length of the hull aft. A stern rake section begins at a transverse line near the transom of the hull and forms a downward angle with respect to the flat central section. At speed, air is entrained between the pontoons, providing lift to the bow of the vessel, while the after portion is supported by the stern rake section. Thus, the vessel effectively rides on the pontoons and the stern rake section, reducing wetted surface and thus improving efficiency. The downwardly-extending lengthwise sides of the pontoons provide lateral surface, providing good steering characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Water Skimmer Boats LLCInventor: Karl Mortensen
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Patent number: 7578254Abstract: A sport board for snow sledding or surf body boarding comprises a multi-layered laminated composite foam core coupled with stiffening elements for mechanical strengthening of the board. The composite foam core comprises laminates of polyolefin foam base and stiffening elements composed of substantially polymer foam and has substantial higher compressive strength and flexural strength than the foam base. A front section may be made of the same blank material as the low density polyolefin foam base and is bonded to the front end of the foam core complex to give a full frontal flexibility for a higher directional control by the rider and improved shock absorbing property. Polyethylene foam sheets wrap the foam core complex subassembly and head section for sled integrity and graphic film finishes the sled top, the bottom is also finished with a polyethylene sheet for slickness.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Inventor: Wah Kan Cheung
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Patent number: 7578255Abstract: An integrated peephole, door knocker, and door decoration support hanger constructed as an integral unit to aid in a single installation and preservation of an outward facing door.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Inventor: Lisa Marlene Pittenger
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Patent number: 7578256Abstract: A bookmark has a compartment for storing an article for use by a reader. The bookmark preferably comprises a pouch that is capable of being placed between pages of a book, and a tab that protrudes from a periphery of a book or pages of a book. The pouch holds an article in the compartment, which can be opened to access and retrieve the article. In addition, the tab or pouch may contain data entry fields for inputting data relative to the book and person reading the book. Indicia may also be disposed on a surface of the tab.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Inventor: Matthew Daley
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Patent number: 7578257Abstract: An improved bookmarker including a clip and a page retaining spring carried by the clip. A bottom of the clip defines a slot spaced apart from opposing side edges of the clip and an aperture spaced apart from the slot. The spring includes mounting leg having a retaining loop for insertion into the slot and a marking leg having a terminal loop.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Inventors: Scott A. Capamaggio, Ross C. Amyot
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Patent number: 7578258Abstract: An apparatus for selectively pre-coating a plasma processing chamber, including a chamber wall is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first set of RF electrodes, the first set of RF electrodes configured to strike a first pre-coat plasma, the first set of RF electrodes defining a first plasma chamber zone. The apparatus also includes a first set of confinement rings disposed around the first set of RF electrodes; and a second set of confinement rings disposed between the first set of confinement rings and the chamber wall. The apparatus further includes a gas delivery system configured to apply a first pre-coat layer to the first plasma zone when a first pre-coat gas is delivered and the first set of RF electrodes is energized. The apparatus also includes the gas delivery system configured to apply a second pre-coat layer to the second plasma zone when a second pre-coat gas is delivered and the second set of RF electrodes is energized.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventor: Andreas Fischer
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Patent number: 7578259Abstract: A teat cup carrier is designed to be able to co-operate with a feed platform, which teat cup carrier is freely movable relative to the feed platform. The teat cup carrier carries, besides teat cups, further milking elements for milking an animal, the further milking elements including at least a milk storage vessel for storing milk, a milking vacuum source and a pulsation vacuum source. The milk storage vessel is provided with a milk outlet. The freely movable teat cup carrier is in particular a self-propelled (autonomous) mobile teat-cup-carrying robot and comprises a control unit for controlling the functioning of the mobile teat-cup-carrying robot.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Lely Enterprises AGInventors: Karel Van Den Berg, Greorgius Rudolphius Bos
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Patent number: 7578260Abstract: A milking liner for an automated milking machine includes a barrel that moves between an uncollapsed position and a collapsed condition when it is subjected to a vacuum milking condition. The barrel defines at least three parallel channels open to the inner surface of the barrel. The configuration of the sidewall of the barrel and the channels cause the barrel to uniformly collapse when the barrel is subjected to a vacuum milking condition. In one configuration, ribs protrude from the barrel sidewall and define channels with the same wall thickness as the sidewall segments disposed between the ribs.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Lauren AgriSystems, Ltd.Inventor: Jin-Woong Shin
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Patent number: 7578261Abstract: A pet sustenance device (30, 96) provided includes an upright container (32, 98) which holds a supply of pet sustenance, together with an underlying dish (34, 102). The dish (34, 102) is pivotally coupled to the associated container (32, 98) via connection structure (36, 104) permitting the dish (34, 102) to be selectively moved between a retracted position beneath the container (32, 98) and a pet-access position wherein the dish (34, 102) is pivoted away from the container (32, 98) and presents a sustenance cavity (90, 174). When the dish (34, 102) is in the swung-away pet-access position, the sustenance within the container (32, 98) flows under the influence of gravity into the dish (34, 102). The dish (34, 102) and container (32, 98) are configured to prevent communication therebetween when the dish (34, 102) is in the retracted position thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Bergan, LLCInventor: Orval Lee Fick
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Patent number: 7578262Abstract: A filtration device (10) for aquarium tanks comprises a body (11), divided using special baffles (12) into a set number of intercommunicating chambers (I, II, III etc . . . ) can be housed so that during the filtration process the water follows a zigzag route; it al comprises an infeed point (15) for the water to be purified, a temperature regulation unit (13) and a pump (14) enabling the recirculation of the water. The body (11) is fitted entirely inside the tank and the filtration elements (A; B; C etc . . . ) are located between at least one pump (14) and at least one infeed point (15) to enable entry of the water into the filtration system mainly from below upwards and exit of the water from above downwards.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2004Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Ferplast SpAInventor: Carlo Vaccari
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Patent number: 7578263Abstract: An enrichment article for animals. The article generally includes a platform that is suspended from the floor of a cage or other containment. The article may be a tray having a flange for suspension from the walls of a container. The platform bottom may have an opening for animal access. This article may be truncated so that is fits in one portion of the base, or may have separate compartments to accommodate not only animals, but food and or water.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Inventor: Jerome L. Donohoe
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Patent number: 7578264Abstract: A weather resistant portable pet shelter, including a rigid shell enclosing an interior space, the rigid shell including a lower base portion below the interior space having at least one external, downwardly facing element having a predetermined shape, a side wall portion extending at least substantially around the interior space and including a door opening connecting therewith, and an upper roof portion above the space and including a peripheral portion therearound having an external dish shaped structure defining an upwardly open concave region adapted for receiving and supporting a pet or a pet bed on the roof portion, the external dish shaped structure being configured for mating with and supporting the at least one downwardly facing element of the base portion such that a second pet shelter including the at least one downwardly facing element can be supported by the shell above the roof portion. The pet shelter can be configured for use as a pet entertainer, and also a carrier.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Gravity, IncorporatedInventor: Tony M. Guard
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Patent number: 7578265Abstract: A gas temperature control system for maintaining a desired economizer outlet gas temperature across a range of boiler loads comprises a plurality of tubular configurations having surfaces that are in contact with the flue gas. Each tubular configuration, preferably, comprises a plurality of serpentine or stringer tubes arranged horizontally or vertically back and forth within the economizer, and each tubular configuration having a separate feedwater inlet. Heat transfer from the flue gas is accomplished by controlling the feedwater flow rates through the tubular configurations. In a temperature control system having two tubular configurations, the overall heat transfer capacity of the economizer may be reduced to maintain the desired economizer outlet gas temperature during low boiler loads by reducing feedwater flow through one tubular configuration and by overflowing the other tubular configuration, such that total flow of feedwater through the economizer is maintained substantially constant.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc.Inventor: Melvin J. Albrecht
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Patent number: 7578266Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal-combustion engine comprising at least one cylinder (10) in which a piston (14) slides between a top dead center (TDC) and a bottom dead center (BDC) under the action of a connecting rod (20) of axis XX and a crankshaft (38) controlling the displacement of the piston under the effect of an articulated linking system (26) allowing variation of the engine displacement and/or compression ratio. The articulated linking system comprises a shift lever (26) mounted to pivot around an articulation axle (46) and is displaceable in translation in at least one direction by displacement control means (52, 52V). The shift lever comprises a porthole (44) within which the axle is housed and is connected by one (24) of its ends to the connecting rod and by the other (28) end to a link (32) connected to the crankshaft. Shift lever (26) comprises a slider (78) carrying articulation axle (46) and cooperating with opening (44) of the lever.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventor: Stéphane Venturi
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Patent number: 7578267Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine is disclosed having opposed cylinders, each cylinder having a pair of opposed pistons, with all the pistons connected to a common central crankshaft. The inboard pistons of each cylinder are connected to the crankshaft with pushrods and the outboard pistons are connected to the crankshaft with pullrods. Each opposed cylinder further comprises an integrated scavenge pump for providing positive intake pressure. This configuration results in a compact engine with a very low profile, in which the free mass forces can be substantially balanced. The engine configuration also allows for asymmetrical timing of the intake and exhaust ports through angular positioning of the journals on the crankshaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Advanced Propulsion Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter Hofbauer, Adrian Tusinean
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Patent number: 7578268Abstract: A two stroke engine of a particular configuration can have its power output increased by running bigger pistons and using ports in the piston skirt through which to conduct compressed air within the skirt through short passages in the cylinder housing that conduct the air from within the skirt to above the piston. As a result a larger piston can be used for the same spacing and opening size in the block to save the need to redesign the block and the crankshaft. A position adjuster for the piston moves it axially without rotation of the piston ports out of alignment with inlet ports in the housing. The piston rod is held in the crosshead using a flat to prevent rotation while an adjuster nut that is turned creates axial movement in the piston rod with a lock nut securing the final piston position.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Bruce M. Chrisman, Randy Coleman
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Patent number: 7578269Abstract: In an adjusting apparatus, particularly for an internal combustion engine having cylinders arranged in an engine block, with a crankshaft and with pistons movably disposed in the cylinders, the adjusting apparatus includes a pick-up which causes an adjustment of an adjustable device, and an adjusting element which is operatively connected to the pick-up, the adjusting element being arranged movably on an adjusting shaft (9) which can be moved by an actuator translationally with a cone as adjusting element or rotationally with an eccentric (8) as adjusting element.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Jens Meintschel, Tilmann Römheld, Thomas Stolk, Alexander von Gaisberg-Helfenberg
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Patent number: 7578270Abstract: An electronically actuated valve assembly for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve stem, a shape memory alloy actuator in operative communication with the valve stem, a coolant passage through which at least a portion of the shape memory alloy actuator extends, and a cooling fluid source in communication with the coolant passage.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: William Riley, Mark Zagata, Michael Schrader, Greg McConville
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Patent number: 7578271Abstract: A valve timing controller is provided with a first rotary element including a first gear part, a second rotary element including a second gear part, and a third rotary element including a third gear part and a fourth gear part. The third gear part and the fourth gear part are meshed respectively with the first gear part and the second gear part. A stopper is provided so as to extend in the first rotary element in the radial direction for regulating a relative rotational phase shift angle between the first rotary element and the second rotary element. An interposing assembler is provided on the second rotary element for rotatably interposing the stoppers in an axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Taei Sugiura, Yasushi Morii, Akiyuki Sudou
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Patent number: 7578272Abstract: A multiple cylinder engine includes a plurality of cylinders. Each cylinder includes a valve configured to open and close a port associated with each of the respective cylinders. The cylinders comprises at least a first cylinder group and a second cylinder group. A drive shaft is configured to rotate about an axis. A plurality of valve actuators are configured to transmit rotational movement of the drive shaft to the valve. A change mechanism comprises a control member that is configured to change a transmission state of the rotational movement transmitted from the drive shaft to the valve actuators. The change mechanism is configured to sequentially change an open period and a lift amount of each valve by changing a control amount of the control member. The control member is common to the first and second cylinder groups and the transmission states for the first cylinder group differs from the transmission states of the second cylinder group in accordance with the control amount of the control member.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideo Fujita
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Patent number: 7578273Abstract: In a device for adjusting the phase angle between two rotating, drive-connected elements, which are interconnected by means of an adjustment device, a control arrangement is provided for the energy-saving adjustment of the phase angle based on an alternating torque of one element which is also used in the event of a fault, to provide for an emergency operation in which the relative angular phase position between the two elements is kept essentially constant.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Jens Meintschel, Thomas Stolk, Alexander Von-Gaisberg-Helfenberg
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Patent number: 7578274Abstract: A locking unit of a camshaft adjuster (1) for an internal combustion engine is provided, in which a locking pin (19) establishes a positive connection between a driving element and a driven element of the camshaft adjuster (1). The driving element and/or the driven element are formed by a plastic part. An insert (26) against which the locking pin (19) rests and which is supported relative to the plastic part in the area of an inner and outer contour is inserted into the plastic part. Providing large area support of the contours makes it possible to use plastic as a material in spite of the great stress that occurs, particular attention being paid to a good introduction of force into the plastic part.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Schaeffler KGInventors: Thomas Kleiber, Wolfram Kruhoffer
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Patent number: 7578275Abstract: A device for variably setting the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine is provided having a hydraulic actuator (18) with two reciprocally operating pressure chambers (12, 13) and with a pressure medium supply device (32) for supplying and withdrawing pressure medium to or from the pressure chambers (12, 13). The device (1) also includes at least one rotation angle limiting device (24) that in an unlocked state does not limit the phasing of the output element (3) in reference to the input element (2) but, in a locked state, limits it to a defined angular range or to a defined angle, with the rotation angle limiting device (24) being switched from the locked to the unlocked state by pressure medium being supplied. A control line (19) is provided for supplying and withdrawing pressure medium to or from the rotation angle limiting devices (24), with the control line (19) not communicating with the pressure medium supply device (32).Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: AFT Atlas Fahrzeugtechnik GmbHInventor: Lars Pfutzenreuter
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Patent number: 7578276Abstract: An automatic tappet clearance adjusting device, comprising an adjusting unit adjusting the projected amount of a rocker arm by advancing and retreating an adjust screw to and from the tip of the rocker arm, a pressure setting part electrically controlling the pressure of an air supply source part based on the measurement signals of a primary side pressure sensor measuring the pressure of the air supply source part so that the pressure becomes a specified one, a supply pipeline allowing the air supply source part to communicate with a combustion chamber through a variable orifice, and a control mechanism part controlling the adjusting unit based on measurement signals of a secondary side pressure sensor measuring the pressure of the supply pipeline. The pressure is set to 1.5 kPa by the pressure setting part and the variable orifice.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junichi Matsuura, Takehisa Handa, Tomoaki Tsuyoshi
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Patent number: 7578277Abstract: To provide a pump drive structure for a water-cooled internal combustion engine in which the number of revolving shafts arranged in parallel in an internal combustion engine is reduced and a power transmission mechanism is eliminated. Thus, the internal combustion engine is downsized. The pump drive structure of a water-cooled internal combustion engine is provided in which a balancer shaft is arranged in parallel with a crankshaft at a position where crank webs of the crankshaft and balancer weights are overlapped in the axial direction. An oil pump drive shaft of an oil pump is connected coaxially at one end of the balancer shaft, and a water pump drive shaft of a water pump is connected coaxially with the other end of the balancer shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroatsu Inui, Hiromi Sumi
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Patent number: 7578278Abstract: A rotary engine with multiple pivotally mounted lobes desmodromically extendible and retractable from a rotor to trace asymmetric volumes for inlet and compression and expansion and exhaust based on the contour of the engine case which the lobes sealingly engage.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Gyroton CorporationInventors: William R. Peitzke, Lawrence Howes, Matt Brown, James G. P. Dehlsen
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Patent number: 7578279Abstract: A fuel injection system providing both fuel injection devices (5) and methods of fuel injection for internal combustion engines (1) in which a piezoelectric material (29) generates a current discharged to ignite fuel (8) delivered into the engine combustion chamber (2).Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Point-Man Aeronautics, LLCInventor: Thomas Emanuel Ehresman
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Patent number: 7578280Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine is provided which includes a fuel injector equipped with an actuator and a nozzle needle. The actuator works to lift the nozzle needle to inject fuel into an internal combustion engine. A controller controls an operation of the actuator to change an amount of lift of the nozzle needle a given number of times for a target injection duration, thereby ensuring the uniformity of size of atomized particles of the fuel sprayed from the fuel injector.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Hiroto Fujii
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Patent number: 7578281Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber including a first spark plug and a second spark plug, wherein the first spark plug is configured to operate at a higher temperature than the second spark plug, the method comprising of varying at least a resulting ratio of an amount of a fuel and an amount of a fluid delivered to the combustion chamber responsive to a first condition, and selectively using at least one of the first spark plug and the second spark plug to ignite at least one of the fuel and the fluid delivered to the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John D. Russell, Michael Andri
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Patent number: 7578282Abstract: In a knock sensor signal processing apparatus, a first apparatus which receives an engine knock sensor signal performs A/D conversions of the signal with a predetermined period and transmits successive pluralities of A/D values in parallel, by serial data communication, to a second apparatus in response to respective commands received from the second apparatus. The number of communication lines provided for transmitting the A/D values is made greater than those for transmitting commands from the second apparatus to the first apparatus, so that a high A/D conversion frequency together with low data rate of transmitting the A/D values can be achieved, thereby reducing communication-generated noise.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Takayoshi Honda
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Patent number: 7578283Abstract: An assembly is disclosed having a high pressure fuel source, a low pressure fuel source, and a housing. The assembly also has a piston disposed within the housing and dividing the housing into a first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, and a fourth chamber. The first and second chambers are fluidly connected to the high pressure fuel source. The third chamber is selectively fluidly connected to the high pressure fuel source and the low pressure fuel source, and the fourth chamber is fluidly connected to the low pressure fuel source. The piston is movable from a first position when the third chamber is selectively connected to the high pressure fuel source. The piston is movable to a second position when the third chamber is selectively connected to the low pressure fuel source.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Bradley E. Bartley
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Patent number: 7578284Abstract: An internal combustion engine controller has: a voltage booster circuit for boosting a battery power source; a booster side driver element for flowing a current through the injectors by using the boosted voltage; a battery side driver element disposed in parallel with the booster side driver element to flow a current through the injectors by using the battery power source; a first downstream side driver element provided by controlling currents flowing through the injectors; current regeneration diodes for flowing currents from the downstream side to the upstream side of the injectors; a booster side current detector resistor for detecting currents flowing via the current regeneration diodes; and an injector control circuit for controlling and driving the booster side driver element, battery side driver element and first downstream side driver element.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Takuya Mayuzumi, Mitsuhiko Watanabe, Ryoichi Oura
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Patent number: 7578285Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of an improved hydrocarbon adsorbent coating for the treatment of evaporative emissions from a motor vehicle. More specifically, one or more hydrocarbon adsorbents, in accordance with the present invention, can be coated to any surface area of an air intake system to trap hydrocarbon vapors before they can escape to the atmosphere, through said air intake system. In another embodiment, one or more hydrocarbon adsorbents can be incorporated in the air filter of an air intake system.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: BASF Catalysts LLCInventors: Mark Thomas Buelow, Jeffrey Barmont Hoke, John Joseph Steger
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Patent number: 7578286Abstract: In a procedure for the functional diagnosis of an activateable fuel tank ventilation valve of the fuel tank system of an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle, whereby in specifiable time intervals when the fuel tank ventilation valve is activated to open, regeneration gas is added to the air drawn into the combustion chamber, whereby fuel is delivered to the combustion chamber, whereby the fuel, the air, respectively the fuel, the air and the regeneration gas are combusted in the combustion chamber and whereby by comparison of at least one operating parameter, which characterizes the combustion of fuel and intake air with the corresponding operating parameter, which characterizes the combustion of fuel, intake air and regeneration gas, inference can be made about the functional capability of the fuel tank ventilation valve, the HC-concentration of the regeneration gas is specifically affected by changing the regeneration gas stream.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Andreas Baumann, Andreas Mueller, Andreas Pape, Ralf Gal
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Patent number: 7578287Abstract: In a fuel filter for an automobile, a filter element for filtering fuel is accommodated in a tubular filter case having a bottom surface and a side surface. A fuel heater is mounted on the side surface of the filter case. Therefore, the filter case and the filter element can be heated directly from heat generated by the fuel heater to effectively heat the fuel flowing therethrough, thereby preventing precipitation of a wax component that could clog the filter element. Also, fuel supply passages for supplying the fuel to the filter element are formed along the side surface of the filter case. Therefore, the fuel is brought into sufficient contact with the filter case heated by the fuel heater, thereby effectively heating the fuel.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akira Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7578288Abstract: In a method for operating an internal combustion engine, a sensor for detecting and/or an actuator for setting a performance quantity of the internal combustion engine is/are monitored for the presence of a malfunction. Monitoring is performed at a first operating point of the internal combustion engine at a lower load and at an operating point of the internal combustion engine at a higher load. The two operating points are set alternatingly, and at least one of the two operating points is set multiple times for a single monitoring operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Christof Thiel, Matthias Heinkele, Andreas Bethmann, Kai Jakobs
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Patent number: 7578289Abstract: An inverted compound archery bow including an extended-capacity cam system having two cams, each cam engaging the bowstring and separate cables extending to limbs of the bow. The bowstring and cables are counter-wound on the cams, producing tension opposite and proportional to the inverse ratio of windings. Drawing the bowstring winds the cables onto the cams, producing limb tension that propels an arrow when the bowstring is released. An arrow rest located between full-draw and rest excursions of the bowstring accommodates the extended draw length of the bow. A bowstring arrestor engages the bowstring at an intermediate-draw position. A slide stabilizes and supports a rear portion of the bow, and a receptacle on the slide engages an adapter for a bowstring release mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Inventor: Gregory Norkus