Patents Issued in May 11, 2010
  • Patent number: 7712421
    Abstract: A pallet for receiving and transporting loads, having an upper platform for receiving the loads, and a substructure, which supports the upper platform and is constructed of an upper part and a lower part and several support members inserted between them. A good shock absorption, along with a rugged construction, is achieved because the support members each is of a held-together bundle of spike-like individual elements, which extend between the upper part and the lower part, can be laterally deflected with respect to each other and have damping properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Rittal GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Marc Andreas Hartel, Deane Harder, Markus Milwich, Henrique Monnerat, Thomas Speck
  • Patent number: 7712422
    Abstract: A folding table includes a frame with a folding top mounted to the frame. A linkage mounts to the frame and to the top and facilitates movement of the top between a horizontal use position and a folded position wherein the top is substantially vertical. The linkage includes a link mounted to the frame at a first end and to the table top at a second end. A first element mounts to the underside of the top and has a slot with a straight portion and an end portion extending upward at an oblique angle to the straight portion. A follower mounts at the top of the frame and slides in the slot and resting in the end portion when the top is in the use position. The slot, follower and linkage are configured so that the table top does not require latching, but cannot be accidentally folding when force is applied to the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Sico Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard C. Bue
  • Patent number: 7712423
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for introducing a discrete, predetermined amount of material into soil at a plurality of predetermined points in the soil which includes a container for holding the material to be introduced into the soil, and tubing in fluid communication with the container at a first end thereof. At least one electrically controlled injector is provided in fluid communication with a second end of said tubing. Also, at least one shank is provided, which includes a base, and an injector mounting member attached to a surface of the base that is adapted for detachably mounting the electrically controlled injector onto the base. In addition, a controller is provided for activating the electrically controlled injector to introduce the material into the soil. Accordingly, enhanced control of the injection of the material into soil is achieved, and maintenance can be performed easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Arysta LifeScience North America LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Allan, Charles T. Schiller, Edward G. Salla, Frank V. Sances
  • Patent number: 7712424
    Abstract: A multi-hulled vessel for upward ice-breaking is disclosed. The vessel has side hulls that are at least partially submerged while the vessel is underway. The side hulls each have a ridge on their upper surface. To break through ice at sea, the side hulls are positioned under the ice and the trim is adjusted for an upward trim angle. As the vessel moves forward, the ice is lifted and force concentrates along the ridge on the side hulls. The ice breaks along this force concentration, aided by the weight of the ice itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Lewis D. Madden, Stephen L. Bailey, Roger B. Streeter
  • Patent number: 7712425
    Abstract: An improved floating boat lift incorporates a passive hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism, onto which a boat can be driven and positioned ready for storage using only the motive power of the boat itself. The passive hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism provides mechanical advantage in the pivoting action of the apparatus by way of passive hydraulic action, while at the same time dampening pivoting of the apparatus. Embodiments further allow for adjusting the elevation of the pivot point relative to the surface of the body of water by way of adjusting the buoyancy of the pivoting lift mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Samuel T. Basta
  • Patent number: 7712426
    Abstract: A multi-purpose expedition vessel having a aluminum alloy hull, where the aluminum alloy hull can have a aluminum alloy hull bottom with a deadrise bow elevated above a waterline, an aft portion comprising a stern, a port side, a starboard side, a central axis between the starboard and port sides. The aluminum alloy hull of the vessel can have a first plurality of lifting stakes secured to the port side of the deadrise bow, and a second plurality of lifting stakes secured to the starboard side of the deadrise bow. The aluminum alloy hull can have at least a first level disposed within the aluminum alloy hull, and the aluminum alloy hull can have a superstructure disposed on it having various structures, such as a stateroom, a steering station, or a floatation roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Ledder High Risk Capital Ventures, LP
    Inventors: Mark S. Ledder, Roger Fyffe, Edward J. Ledder
  • Patent number: 7712427
    Abstract: A steerable wing-type sail system for a wind powered craft. The system includes first and second secondary airfoils and that are spaced outwardly to the sides of the plane of the main wing, and that are positioned rearwardly of the trailing edge of the wing. The secondary airfoils are selectively pivotable so as to steer the main wing in one direction or the other. The main wing is also provided with a pivoting flap at its trailing edge, which pivots simultaneously with and in the same direction as the secondary airfoils. The secondary airfoils are carried on elongate horizontal booms mounted near the mid-span height of the main wing. The secondary airfoils pivot about vertical axes at the distal ends of the booms, and are operated by control cables that are retracted and paid out by linear actuators or similar mechanisms. The craft may be multi-hull vessel, such as a catamaran.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Harbor Wing Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Ott, David W. Hubbard
  • Patent number: 7712428
    Abstract: A modular floating construction comprises one or more floating bodies having platforms including removable latching means, thereby providing floating stages, wharfs, working platforms to be used on water surfaces in general.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: ISEA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ilario Sestito, Rosolino Tarenzi
  • Patent number: 7712429
    Abstract: A system operable by a single workman safely launches and recovers an unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) using a motor-driven carriage to transport the UUV to the water. The UUV is fitted to a reconfigurable sabot. An elevating ramp on the carriage supports the sabot and UUV on an elongate conveyer assembly having inclined rollers aligned with motor-driven belts to selectively outwardly and inwardly displace the UUV between the carriage and the water. Hinge members are used to rotatably connect the elevating ramp to the carriage, and a lifting mechanism connected to the carriage and ramp rotatably displaces the ramp about the hinge members. The rollers and belts displace the UUV on the conveyer assembly. A winch on the elevating ramp has a line connected to the UUV to lower and raise the UUV during launch and recovery operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Gibson, Robert Peebles, Edward Hendrickson, Danny Smith, Sauer Brian, William R. Walton
  • Patent number: 7712430
    Abstract: The present electric horn system includes a monolithic rigid housing member having a receiving opening for fixably housing, in a non-removable and secure manner following assembly, a compressor member, thereby preventing unintended separation and improving a reliability of the electric horn system. An acoustic sound wave generator includes an acoustic duct chambering system associated throughout with the monolithic rigid housing member. The acoustic sound wave generator receives compressed air from the compressor member to produce sound and propagate the same externally. A horn mounting system enables ready attachment of the system to a consumer-desired surface: mechanically, magnetically, adhesively, or via any other known attachment or mounting system. Optional weather and water resistant systems prohibit unintended water access to the electric horn system enabling use of the system in exposed weather conditions for improved user convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Wolo Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Stanley Solow
  • Patent number: 7712431
    Abstract: Washers partially coated with a thermochromic material are incorporated into bolted electrical connections to monitor or record temperature changes undergone by the electrical connections as indications of the performance or integrity of the electrical connections. For monitoring ongoing performance, the color changes undergone by the thermochromic coated washers can be compared to each other within a common field of view or to a common datum, such as a nearby thermochromic coated washer mounted in a bolted non-electrical connection. Irreversible thermochromic materials can be used to record elevated temperature events such as approaching or reaching a design temperature limit or a fault condition. Different thermochromic materials can be combined within the same washers to monitor different ranges of temperature or to record multiple threshold events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Richard M. Roche
  • Patent number: 7712432
    Abstract: In printing of a bonding material in which a board is supported from a component mounting-side surface on which a plurality of components are mounted, and a bonding material is printed on a working-side surface which is a surface opposed to the component mounting-side surface of the board, an edge portion region of the board supported by a board transporting unit is included in a support region of the board during the printing so as to enlarge the support region of the board having the components mounted thereon in high density and to achieve reliable and high precision printing of the bonding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoichi Chikahisa, Hiroshi Yamauchi, Jun Shirai, Toshiaki Yamauchi, Yoshiyuki Fujita, Masanori Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 7712433
    Abstract: A spray nozzle for use in the manufacture of an image display device includes a first body having a first injection hole, and a second body configured to be rotatably coupled to the first body and having a second injection hole to inject fluid that is supplied thereinto from the first injection hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Su Hyun Lim
  • Patent number: 7712434
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a heater in thermal contact with a showerhead electrode, and a temperature controlled top plate in thermal contact with the heater to maintain a desired temperature of the showerhead electrode during semiconductor substrate processing. A gas distribution member supplies a process gas and radio frequency (RF) power to the showerhead electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Rajinder Dhindsa, Eric Lenz
  • Patent number: 7712435
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes: a reaction chamber; two electrodes provided inside the reaction chamber for generating a plasma therebetween, wherein at least one of the electrodes has at least one gas inlet pore through which a gas is introduced into the reaction chamber; and a gas inlet pipe coupled to the gas inlet pore for introducing the gas into the reaction chamber. The gas inlet pipe is grounded and insulated from the gas inlet pore, wherein an insulation member is placed inside the gas inlet pipe and the gas inlet pore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: ASM Japan K.K.
    Inventors: Yu Yoshizaki, Ryu Nakano
  • Patent number: 7712436
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a first high frequency power for outputting a first high frequency, electrically connected to a first electrode disposed inside a depressurizable processing chamber; a heater power supply electrically connected to a heating element provided in the first electrode via filter circuits for reducing noise of the first high frequency. The plasma processing apparatus further includes air core primary inductors provided in primary stages of the filter circuits when seen from the heating element; and a grounded conductive case for surrounding or accommodating the primary inductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Yohei Yamazawa
  • Patent number: 7712437
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile pet bed wherein the top and bottom units of the mobile pet bed are reversibly attached to each other. When the top unit is removed from the bottom unit the mobile pet bed functions similarly to a traditional pet bed. When the top unit is attached to the bottom unit the mobile pet bed functions as a pet carrier. Additionally, the top unit of the mobile pet bed has a door portion that can be opened and closed to permit pet ingress and egress as well as permitting easy loading of the mobile pet bed with the animal without necessitating the removal of the top unit from the bottom unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Launchlab, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Leung
  • Patent number: 7712438
    Abstract: An animal behavior modification kit including a collar mountable receiver and a plurality of circuit boards. The collar mountable receiver has a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal. Each of the plurality of circuit boards are selectively mechanically connectable to both the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal. The plurality of circuit boards include at least one electrical component having an electrical characteristic. The electrical characteristic of each of the plurality of circuit boards being different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony J. Reinhart
  • Patent number: 7712439
    Abstract: In this method, during the same operating cycle of the cylinder, the following phases are carried out: an opening phase at the exhaust (OE-OF); a first opening phase at the intake (OA1-FA1); a second opening phase at the intake (OA2-FA2); a fuel injection phase (OI-FI) and a combustion phase. The exhaust closing time (FE) is between the first intake opening time (OA1) and the second intake opening time (OA2). The invention also relates to an internal-combustion engine having a cylinder which operates in accordance with such a method, and a motor vehicle provided with such an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventor: Fabien Lanteires
  • Patent number: 7712440
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine for motor vehicles. The engine can be operated in homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion mode and in conventional spark ignited (SI) combustion mode. For increasing volumetric efficiency and charge temperature during homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion operation timing, duration and lift of the intake valve and the exhaust valve respectively, being controlled such that an amount of residual exhaust gases is trapped in the cylinder of the engine. An intake valve is opened at a timed moment after top dead center during an induction stroke of the piston such that a pressure wave is generated from an intake manifold into the cylinder. The intake valve is closed at a timed moment before the pressure wave is reflected within the cylinder such that a charge mass of said pressure wave is retained within the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: H. Sandquist, Rob J. Otterspeer
  • Patent number: 7712441
    Abstract: A control module may include a cam phaser control module, a cam phaser oil pressure determination module, and a system oil pressure prediction module. The cam phaser control module may control an oil control valve (OCV) to control an oil flow to a cam phaser. The cam phaser oil pressure determination module may be in communication with the cam phaser control module and may determine a first engine oil pressure at a location between the OCV and the cam phaser when the OCV is in a open position. The system oil pressure prediction module may determine a second engine oil pressure at a location between the OCV and an oil pump outlet based on the first engine oil pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Cinpinski, Byungho Lee, Liyun Zheng
  • Patent number: 7712442
    Abstract: In order to produce a variable valve lift control system for a combustion engine with underneath camshaft for the adjustment of a valve lift and an opening time of at least one inlet valve and/or outlet valve, load-dependently and rotation speed dependently as well as for the switch-off of individual cylinders of an internal combustion engine, it is suggested that an underneath camshaft (1) drives by means of a push rod (3) via a hydraulic valve clearance adjustment element (2) a rocker lever (4), which has a curve contour (14), which runs on a roller (13) of an intermediate lever (9), which is moveable by means of two rollers (15), which are arranged on one axis, in slotted links (10), which are connected in a fixed manner with a cylinder head, whereby the intermediate lever (9) supports with one contour at an adjustment bar (11), which is conducted in a housing, and rolls with a work curve (16) on a roller (8) of a cam follower (7), and whereby the cam follower (7) acts with engagement areas, which are prov
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Entec Consulting GmbH
    Inventors: Gerlinde Bösl-Flierl, Rudolph Flierl
  • Patent number: 7712443
    Abstract: The invention relates to a switchable cam follower of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, comprising an outer follower and an inner follower interposed between the lateral walls thereof. A roller extends between arms of the inner follower, float-mounted on a pin, as the counter face for an eccentric disk. The followers are disposed on one end on a common axis. On the distal end, they have elongate seats that, at the base of the cam, are mutually aligned. A coupling element is located in the seat of the outer follower and can be displaced step by step into the seat (here follower surface) of the inner follower. The pin on the inner follower slightly projects over the arms of the inner follower with one projection each. When coupled, upper sides of the projections rest against lower sides of stop surfaces that are mounted on the inner surfaces of the lateral walls of the outer follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Stefan Gemein
  • Patent number: 7712444
    Abstract: A sheathed-element glow plug is used to be situated in a chamber in an internal combustion engine. The sheathed-element glow plug has a housing, a pin-shaped heating element, which extends partially from the housing and a pressure sensor which is situated in an inner chamber of the housing. A prestressing sleeve is provided, in this context, which applies a prestressing to the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Kern, Reinhold Hess, Reiko Zach, Michael Kleindl, Peter Wolfer, Steffen Schott, Claudio Cavalloni, Pavlo Saltikov, Michael Mueller, Andrea Bertola
  • Patent number: 7712445
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing pressurized fuel for an engine includes an engine starting apparatus including an electric motor operative to crank the engine and a fuel pump operatively coupled to the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Ma, William C. Albertson, Frederick J. Rozario
  • Patent number: 7712446
    Abstract: A control device of an internal combustion engine includes: a target negative pressure setting section that set a target negative intake pipe pressure during cold acceleration to a negative intake pipe pressure larger than a negative intake pipe pressure prior to the cold acceleration; a throttle valve control section that controls a throttle valve so that the negative intake pipe pressure increases during cold acceleration; and an intake valve control section that controls a variable valve mechanism of an intake valve, based on the target negative intake pipe pressure, to obtain a target intake air amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Youhei Hosokawa, Tomohiro Shinagawa
  • Patent number: 7712447
    Abstract: A component, such as an intake manifold or a throttle body, has an air passage. A structure may extend into the air passage so that the structure intersects a part of a total air-flow passing through the air passage. The structure may have a first through-hole and a second through-hole. Each of the through-holes define a cross-sectional area that may tapers in a direction of air-flow that is passing through the air passage so that a cross-sectional area of an entrance of the respective through-hole is greater than a cross-sectional area of an exit of the respective through-hole. The structure helps attenuate acoustic noise that may occur in the component due to the air-flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Sheldon K Plaxton
  • Patent number: 7712448
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a starter device, wherein the starter device has a drive member and a driven member and a locking mechanism for coupling the drive member and the driven member to one another for starting the internal combustion engine. The locking mechanism has at least one pawl that is pivotably supported on the driven member. For decoupling the drive member and the driven member, the at least one pawl is pivoted outwardly relative to an axis of rotation of the starter device. The at least one pawl has at least one pivot position in which the at least one pawl contacts at least one contact area of the driven member. The at least one pawl has at least one cover covering the at least one contact area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Helmut Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7712449
    Abstract: A method and system for actuating an internal combustion engine exhaust valve to provide compression release actuation during an engine braking mode of engine operation and early exhaust valve opening actuation during a positive power mode of engine operation is disclosed. The system may include a first cam having a compression release lobe and an early exhaust valve opening lobe connected to a hydraulic lost motion system including a first rocker arm. A hydraulically actuated piston may be selectively extended from the hydraulic lost motion system to provide the exhaust valve with compression release actuation or early exhaust valve opening actuation. The hydraulically actuated piston may be provided as a slave piston in a master-slave piston circuit in a fixed housing, or alternatively, as a hydraulic piston slidably disposed in a rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Schwoerer
  • Patent number: 7712450
    Abstract: In an ignition timing control apparatus for an engine, a KCS learning value learned when the engine is in a given operating state is used in an ignition timing control executed when the engine is in the other operating state. An estimated knocking occurrence ignition timing is set based on a most retarded ignition timing using the KCS learning value. A final ignition timing is set by changing a KCS feedback correction value based on whether knocking occurs when ignition is performed at the estimated knocking occurrence ignition timing. When a point indicating the engine operating state moves into a region where it is difficult to set the estimated knocking occurrence ignition timing, the KCS feedback correction value is changed to retard the final ignition timing, and the final ignition timing is set using the KCS learning value and the changed KCS feedback correction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichiro Sato, Tomohiro Fujita, Akito Onishi, Mitsuhiro Nada
  • Patent number: 7712451
    Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, the fuel injection system including a plurality of injectors, wherein each of the injectors is adapted to inject at least one of an alternative fuel and a fossil fuel over a full range of operating conditions of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Ling-Shun Hung, George Guoming Zhu
  • Patent number: 7712452
    Abstract: An engine includes a fuel delivery system having a fuel rail and fuel delivery devices, such as fuel injectors, that deliver fuel to corresponding cylinder assemblies. The use of the fuel rail and fuel injectors allows unused fuel to be purged from the engine at the end of the engine's operating cycle, thereby minimizing the creation of fuel vapor within the engine. The fuel delivery system also includes fuel rail coupling members that are constructed and arranged to secure each cylinder assembly to the fuel rail and to absorb load generated by the corresponding cylinder assembly on the fuel rail during operation. The fuel rail coupling members allow motion of the cylinder assemblies relative to the fuel rail during operation and minimize the application of potentially damaging forces on the fuel rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Lycoming Engines, a division of Avco Corporation
    Inventors: Scott E. Matas, Steven J. Bowes
  • Patent number: 7712453
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a depressurizing valve mounted to a common rail for a fuel injection device, in which a direction of a connector for the depressurizing valve can be adjusted, without affecting an air gap and a sealing performance. The depressurizing valve has a valve unit and a coil unit which is detachably assembled to the valve unit by a mounting member, such as a retaining nut. A valve housing has an inside space, which is fluid tightly separated into first and second spaces by a connecting member, which is fluid tightly connected to the valve housing and a stator core. A valve body and a spring are arranged in the first space for closing a flow control port. A cylindrical coil is accommodated in the second space, such that the coil is rotatable with respect to the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeru Nonoyama, Naoki Mitsumata, Fumiaki Murakami
  • Patent number: 7712454
    Abstract: A fuel delivery module (10) for a fuel tank of a vehicle includes a mounting flange (37) constructed and arranged to be mounted to an opening in a fuel tank of a vehicle. A pump and filter structure (20) is provided and includes a fuel pump (14) having an inlet and an outlet, and a fuel filter (22) surrounding at least a portion of the fuel pump for filtering fuel exiting the outlet of the pump. A crimp connection (27) couples the pump and filter structure to the flange. An electrical connector (34) is provided through the flange and is constructed and arranged so as not to be exposed to fluid pressure of the module. The electrical connector is electrically connected to the fuel pump. A fuel regulator (28) is coupled to the pump and filter structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: John Patrick Wattai, Brandon John Goll
  • Patent number: 7712455
    Abstract: Magnetic device (1) for treating liquids and gaseous materials, comprising a housing (2) within which permanent magnets (6) are arranged defining a flow path (3). The housing (2) is made of magnetizable material, preferably soft iron, the flow path (3) consists of at least one magnetic pretreating unit (4) and at least one magnetic aftertreating unit (5) in which the permanent magnets (6) are arranged at the boundary of the flow path (3) in such a manner that the north (N) pole or the south (S) pole of the permanent magnets (6) faces the flow path (3). In the magnetic pretreating unit (4) the permanent magnets are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction (10) with alternating polarity, while the permanent magnets (6) are arranged with the same polarity in the magnetic aftertreating unit (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Tamás Szalai
  • Patent number: 7712456
    Abstract: An upstream portion of an intake passage is positioned upstream of a supercharger. An intermediate portion is positioned between the supercharger and a throttle valve. A downstream portion is positioned downstream of the throttle valve. A blow-by gas processing apparatus has a first breather passage, a second breather passage, and an introduction passage. The first breather passage connects an interior of the engine with the downstream portion. The second breather passage has a pump that pressure feeds gas from the interior of the engine to the intake passage. The introduction passage connects at least one of the upstream portion and the intermediate portion with the interior of the engine. Accordingly, the interior of the engine is efficiently ventilated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Hirano
  • Patent number: 7712457
    Abstract: The invention deals with a method for operating an internal combustion engine with engine oil as the lubricant and a fuel supply by means of direct injection, wherein an air number (lambda) of a fuel-air mixture supplied to the internal combustion engine is determined. Provision is made in the method according to the invention for the internal combustion engine to be transferred to an operating state with higher fuel consumption, when a low air number (lambda) is detected in driving conditions with a high percentage of fuel ingress from a crankcase ventilation system into the fuel-air mixture. By means of this increase in the fuel requirement, the fuel, which exited the engine oil into the intake air of the internal combustion engine, can be combusted; and an increase in the exhaust gas emissions by means of incompletely combusted fuel, in which typically hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide arise, can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Guido Porten, Markus Amler, Corren Heimgaertner, Andreas Kufferath
  • Patent number: 7712458
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus for raising the spark energy in capacitive ignition systems comprising at least one charge winding (L1) which via a first rectifier device (D1) charges a charge capacitor (C1) connected to the primary winding of an 5 ignition voltage transformer in order to provide said primary winding with energy for generation of a spark characterized in that additionally a second rectifier device (D2) and a switching device (Q2) are arranged in such a way that the switching device periodically can short circuit the charge winding and thereby increase the charge of the charge capacitor at low engine speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: SEM Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Johan Olsson
  • Patent number: 7712459
    Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system includes an air-fuel ratio sensor (23, 24) disposed upstream or downstream of an exhaust purification catalyst, and performs feedback control of the fuel supply amount such that an output value of the air-fuel ratio sensor is controlled to the target air-fuel ratio. The feedback control is performed by calculating a correction amount by summing up the value of a proportional and the value of an integral calculated based on the deviation between the output value of the air-fuel ratio sensor and the target air-fuel ratio, and correcting the fuel supply amount based on the obtained correction amount. At cold startup of the internal combustion engine, the value of the integral is set to be a smaller value from the startup of the internal combustion engine until a predetermined period elapses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryo Ishii, Norihisa Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7712460
    Abstract: A release device with a follow-through or recoil motion for use with mechanically launched projectiles. A recoil motion is in a direction opposite the path of the projectile. Releasing an arrow from a bow provides correct form and follow-through motion of a user hand directly opposite to a direction of a path of the launched arrow, to improve flight accuracy. The release device includes a housing, a trigger, a keeper and a recoil assembly. This invention also relates to a method of using the release device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: New Archery Products Corp.
    Inventors: Miroslav A. Simo, Gregory C. Smith
  • Patent number: 7712461
    Abstract: An air propelling toy for directing a quantity of air in a desired direction includes a housing including a perimeter wall that defines an interior space of the housing. The housing has an outlet port that extends through the perimeter wall and is in fluid communication with the interior space. A diaphragm is coupled to the housing and positioned in the interior space of the housing and divides the interior space into an air space and a mechanism space. The air space is in fluid communication with the outlet port. An actuating assembly is operationally coupled to the housing and the diaphragm. The actuating assembly is actuated to draw the diaphragm into the mechanism space to draw air into the sir space through the outlet port and quickly release the diaphragm to force the air out of the air space and out the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Jackson J. Souffrant
  • Patent number: 7712462
    Abstract: A portable motor driven air gun powered by a power source includes a motor that is coupled to a pinion which drives a rack connected to a piston. The piston compresses air in a chamber producing high-pressure air. When sufficient energy is stored within the air stream by the piston, a valve opens which releases the compressed air to push a projectile through a barrel. The pinion rotates until it comes to an interrupted thread surface, at which point the rack and pinion are returned to the starting position via a spring. The piston may be coupled to a bolt thru a lost motion device to facilitate positioning of the projectile for firing. The direction speed and operative modes of the gun may be controlled with an electric circuit. The power source may be rechargeable, allowing the air gun to be operated independent from either a wall outlet or a compressed air supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Impulse Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Pedicini, John Witzigreuter
  • Patent number: 7712463
    Abstract: A self-regulating valve assembly for a compressed gas gun includes a valve housing and a valve body disposed within the valve housing. The rearward end of the valve body defined an outlet port. The forward end of the valve body defines a gas balance reservoir open to and in communication with the breech of the gun. A valve gas passage is provided between the valve body and the valve housing, the valve gas passage providing communication between the outlet port of the valve body and the gas balance reservoir of the valve body. A slidable valve poppet is disposed within the valve body and includes a sensing end adjacent to and at least partially within the gas balance reservoir, the sensing end having a sensing face adapted to react to gas pressure within the gas balance reservoir. The valve poppet is slidable between a closed position and an open position. A valve spring within the valve body biases the valve poppet toward the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: KEE Action Sports I LLC
    Inventors: Michael Quinn, Kerry Johnson
  • Patent number: 7712464
    Abstract: A valve for paint ball guns includes a case for receiving a first piston rod therein in which a first end of a second piston rod is movably received. The case includes several chambers defined therein so as to introduce pressurized air into the barrel of the paint ball gun. The first piston rod includes two piston rings and one of which is larger than the other. The first piston rod is biased by a first spring. The first end of the second piston rod in the first piston rod is biased by a second spring which is easily overcome by pushing the second piston rod by a driving member. The movement of the second piston rod introduces pressurized air to apply to the piston ring of larger area to generate a force to overcome the force from the first spring and the piston ring of the smaller area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Yao-Gwo Gan
    Inventor: Sheng-Jen Lian
  • Patent number: 7712465
    Abstract: In a paintball gun 10 the valve member 17 which controls communication between the gas canister 13 and the barrel 11 of the gun is balanced by a piston 23. When the chamber 21 is pressurized the piston 23 helps to unseat the valve member 17 when the latter is struck by a hammer 15, thus reducing recoil and permitting use of lighter, less robust materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Black Market Sportz Limited
    Inventors: Martin Carnall, Paul Garry
  • Patent number: 7712466
    Abstract: An improved nebulizer places a venturi in close proximity to or inside a patient's oral cavity. One or more medicine feed lines feeds the medicine to a location proximate to a venturi. A plurality of medicines may be administered simultaneously to the patient, with preferably each medicine vial being shape-keyed to a medicine receiver of corresponding shape. The medicine vial or vials may contain a standard unit dose of medication. A portable gas canister can be utilized to supply air pressure to the venturi when a press open release closed type valve is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Pneumoflex Systems, LLC
    Inventors: W. Robert Addington, Stuart Miller, Mary W. Briganti
  • Patent number: 7712467
    Abstract: An artificial airway device comprises an air conduit extending between a proximal opening and a mask opening. When the device is in an operative position, the proximal opening remains outside of a patient and the mask opening is open to a laryngeal opening of the patient. The device further includes a seating tip extending distally from the distal end of the airway tube which, when the device is in the operative position, is located on a pharyngeal side of the patient's cricoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Vital Signs, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas R. Mongeon
  • Patent number: 7712468
    Abstract: A removable magnetic dental appliance is provided. The magnetic dental appliance can be used in the treatment of various conditions, including but not limited to, snoring, sleep apnea, some forms of temporomandibular joint pain or inflammation, myofascial pain or bruxism. The appliance includes an upper arch attachment member and a lower arch attachment member, each for removably engaging at least a portion of the dentition. A magnetic component is positioned anteriorly on one of the upper arch attachment member or the lower arch attachment member and a non-magnet magnet-attracted element is provided on the other arch attachment member for magnetic engagement with the magnetic component when the upper and lower arch attachment members are substantially vertically aligned. The appliance uses magnetic force to selectively position the mandible while still permitting movement of the mandible relative to the maxilla for improved comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Paul K. Hargadon
  • Patent number: 7712469
    Abstract: Earplugs (22, 24) and a combination (20) of a pair earplugs and a cord (26) that joins them, each can be detected by metal and/or magnetic detectors even if the parts of the combination becomes separated and fall into a batch of food, etc. Each earplug includes an earplug core (32) formed of a first elastomer with a multiplicity of metal-mag detectable particles (36) (particles detectable by electrical or magnetic detectors) embedded in the first elastomer, and an earplug covering (32) of a second elastomer (that may be the same as the first one) that is devoid of such particles. The cord includes a cord core (50) formed of a first flexible polymer with metal-mag detectable particles embedded therein, and a cord covering (54) formed of a second polymer that is devoid of such particles. The particles are preferably of iron, which is magnetically detectable but that can mark skin or clothing that it contacts, but which is isolated from the skin and clothing by the earplug and cord coverings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC
    Inventor: John Allen Jenkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7712470
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an elongate body with a proximal end and a distal end is disclosed and which is controllable by an operator at the proximal end; in one embodiment, the elongate body is a catheter and the catheter tip is located at the distal end. The body contains numerous magnets along its length, at least one of which is an electromagnet, controllable by means of a current delivered by the operator of the body at the proximal end of the body. The magnets are placed such that a force is created at the distal end of the elongate body. The magnetic forces which control the distal end of the body originate from the controllable magnets placed on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Gertner