Patents Issued in June 8, 2010
  • Patent number: 7730830
    Abstract: Water draining means (a water drain pipe and a water drain valve (54)) is provided that drains water out of a pot. A control device (80) makes the water draining means drain the water inside the pot when one of the following conditions is fulfilled: [1] the retention time counted by a first time counter (101a) has reached a predetermined time; [2] the total time, as counted by a second time counter (101b), that has elapsed after the water started to be fed has reached a predetermined time; [3] the total amount of water, as detected by a fed water amount detector (102), that has been fed into the pot has reached a predetermined amount; [4] the total water feed time, as counted by a third time counter (101c), for which the water has been fed into the pot has reached a predetermined time; and [5] an instruction to drain the water is entered via an operation panel (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fuminori Kaneko, Yoshikazu Yamamoto, Takao Murai
  • Patent number: 7730831
    Abstract: A pin-less socket apparatus and manufacturing system for assembling a frozen confection using such socket apparatus including a socket for accepting a conical food product therein, the socket having a hook with one or more teeth located at an outer periphery of the socket, a hinge located on an outside of the socket, the hook movably attached to the socket via the hinge, a force mechanism for holding the hook in place against the socket. The force mechanism takes the form of either an annular spring or O-ring located around the socket and hook or a linear spring attached to the hook in a lever-type manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Mange, Matthias Ruppert
  • Patent number: 7730832
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for forming a bale having substantially flat upper and lower surfaces. Also described is a bale having substantially flat upper and lower surfaces, which can be safely stacked vertically for transportation and storage purposes. The apparatus comprises upper and lower platens having a protruding surface for compressing the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, of a compressible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Charles Duane Mullins, Charles Clifton Sanders, Kenneth Wayne Martin, David Weldon Thompson, Paul Ross Hammes, Kenneth Alan Lewis, Lori Ballard Larkins
  • Patent number: 7730833
    Abstract: A method for producing a screen print having a given print pattern formed on a printing material by sliding a squeegee over a screen of a screen printing plate that includes the screen being disposed above the printing material in the form of a printing plate frame while keeping a given clearance therebetween. As such, the ratio (LP/LF) of a length (LP) of a side of the printing pattern perpendicular to the axis of the sliding direction of the squeegee to an internal size (LF) of a side of the printing plate frame perpendicular to the axis of the sliding direction of the squeegee is 0.45 or more, and an optimum clearance between the printing material and the screen printing plate is then selected and set on the basis of the correlation between the clearance and the degree of deviation in printing position of the print pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Ohmori, Yukio Aisaka, Ayumi Ida, Tsutomu Nanataki
  • Patent number: 7730834
    Abstract: The printing apparatus, presented herein, comprises a patterning device having a curved member that supports a stamp on its surface. The curved member is adapted to roll over a substrate to be printed on to transfer the pattern onto the substrate. An illumination system directs light onto the region of the substrate that is being printed in order to set a layer of resist, which has been sprayed onto the substrate. The light is directed via a pattern that is made on the surface of the stamp, thereby transferring the pattern to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: Klaus Simon
  • Patent number: 7730835
    Abstract: A holding apparatus holds a flexible plate wound on a circumferential surface of a holder of a printing machine. A holding apparatus includes a hole section made in the holder along an axial direction of the holder, a groove section made by notching the circumferential surface of the holder along the axial direction to establish a connection with the hole section and accept insertion of a leading edge end portion and trailing edge end portion of the plate, a tension bar inserted and fitted into the hole section for engaging the trailing edge end portion of the plate, and a rotating mechanism provided in the hole section for rotating the tension bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Torao Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 7730836
    Abstract: A reliable method of aligning a printing plate against a stop includes moving the printing plate and the stop relative to each other, detecting temperature changes occurring at a temperature sensor connected to the stop, when the printing plate comes into contact with the stop, deriving signals indicating the position of the printing plate relative to the stop from the signals of the temperature sensor, and deriving a signal indicating the thermal conductivity between the printing plate and the stop from a speed of change of the temperature sensor signal. A signal indicating incorrect alignment of the printing plate against the stop is output if the thermal conductivity drops below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Götz Schnell
  • Patent number: 7730837
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electropyrotechnic initiator comprising: an ignition support (10); an electrical initiation system (11) connecting the ignition support (10) to a source of electricity; and a cap (2) containing at least one explosive composition, the cap being of generally cylindrical shape presenting an open first end (20) connected to the ignition support (10), an opposite second end that is closed by an end wall (21), and a peripheral side wall (22) which presents at least one zone of weakness (3). This initiator is essentially remarkable in that at least one of the zones of weakness extends along a non-closed trace and over a portion only of the side wall (22), i.e. without reaching its opposite ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Stéphane Lahitte, Yann Decaesteker, Adélino Carrol
  • Patent number: 7730838
    Abstract: Embodiments of a buoyancy dissipater and method for deterring a vessel are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a volume of gas is generated from a propellant and diffused below a waterline of a vessel. The resulting gas bubble dissipates the buoyancy of the vessel providing a non-lethal deterring effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: James H. Dupont, William N. Patterson, Richard D. Loehr
  • Patent number: 7730839
    Abstract: An article and a process are provided for reducing the shear stress on an interface of a structural member in intimate contact with a compressive load. The article is in the form of a wedge that is forcibly placed against the sidewall of one end or both ends of the structural member. The wedge may take the form of a ring that can be placed on the inside or outside surface of a hollow cylindrical structural member. The process of forcibly placing a wedge against the sidewall at one or both ends of the structural member produces a transverse compressive stress upon the sidewall. The transverse compressive stress upon the sidewall attenuates the tendency of said sidewall to deflect when the structural member is subjected to a compressive load. A reduction in the deflection of the sidewall reduces the shear stress generated proximal to the interface of the structural member in intimate contact with a compressive load and increases the structural member load bearing capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: James M. Bender, James M. Sands, Robert B. Dooley
  • Patent number: 7730840
    Abstract: A track carrier for a railborne vehicle, especially a magnetic suspended railway comprises a concreted plate (2) projecting laterally from the carrier (1). Stators (15, 16) are arranged at the two lateral ends of the plate (2) on the bottom of the plate (2), lateral guide rails (12) are arranged on the lateral surfaces of the plate (2), and glide strips (8) are arranged on the top side of the plate (2) for driving and guiding the vehicle. Hardenable, especially concreted, positionally correct contact surfaces (5, 6, 7) for the lateral guide rails (12) and/or for the stators (15, 16) and/or for the glide strips (8) are formed on the carrier (1), and the lateral guide rails (12) and/or the stators (15, 16) and/or the glide strips (8) are detachably arranged on, especially screwed to the contact surfaces (5, 6, 7) provided for them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Max Bögl Bauunternehmung GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Reichel, Stefan Bögl, Ralf Waidhauser
  • Patent number: 7730841
    Abstract: A sling table is disclosed having a transparent top and a decorative fabric sling visible through the transparent table top. A frame defines an inner opening of a desired shape. The transparent table top is mounted to the frame in a substantially horizontal orientation. The fabric sling is mounted to the frame within the inner opening via sling rods. The fabric of the sling may match or complement fabric of other pieces of furniture, and may be replaced without having to replace the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Agio International Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Oliver Wang
  • Patent number: 7730842
    Abstract: A template and a method guide a cutting tool during cutting of a quilt block having a selected one of at least two alternate kaleidoscope patterns from a quilting blank having a given pattern of sections seamed together along seam lines intersecting at a common seam origin. The template provides right angle corners and obtuse angle corners for accommodating the alternate kaleidoscope patterns, and includes cutting guides and registration indicators which when registered with seam lines of the quilting blank locate one or more of the cutting guides for cutting one or more segments of the border of a selected kaleidoscope pattern. Indexing of the template and the quilting blank relative to one another relocates the cutting guides for cutting further segments of the border to complete the selected kaleidoscope pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Sharon Sebrow
  • Patent number: 7730843
    Abstract: A line retrieve-release system is provided for mounting on the hull of a boat. First and second jaw mechanisms coupled to the hull face substantially forward and aft, respectively, relative to the boat's bow. Each jaw mechanism is capable of movement between a partially open position and a fully open position. First and second latches are coupled to the first and second jaw mechanisms, respectively. Each latch is biased to cooperate with its respective jaw mechanism in the partially open position thereof to thereby define a corresponding enclosed region. Each latch permits one-way entry to its associated enclosed region when a force is applied thereto from outside of the enclosed region. Each jaw mechanisms' partially open position defines a “ready-to-retrieve” and “line capture” position of the system, while each jaw mechanisms' fully open position defines a “line release” position of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: James E. Sovel
  • Patent number: 7730844
    Abstract: Variations of a bumper systems are disclosed. A bumper system may have one or more rotatable members and/or non-rotatable members configured to protect a vessel or structure during docking maneuvers and mooring. The rotatable and non-rotatable members may be located at any one or more desired locations on the vessel and/or its mooring. In use, rotatable members are rotated from a first rotational position to a second rotational position. Various components of the bumper system may be configured to provide protection due to their compressibility, tiltability, flexibility and/or moveability. The connection between a rotatable member and its substrate may serve as an axis of rotation of the rotatable member, may be configured to include one or more mechanisms for rotating the rotatable member and may also include mechanisms for absorbing and/or dissipating the energy transmitted during physical interactions between vessels, and/or structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Ihab Ayoub
  • Patent number: 7730845
    Abstract: A vertical panel delineator system is capable of withstanding high winds without rotating from a preferred orientation wherein the full width of the device is perpendicular to the direction of oncoming traffic, is stackable without sticking or jamming, and is capable of accommodating multiple reflective sheeting configurations fully within recessed receiving panels on the delineator device. The vertical panel delineator further accommodates, in a secure manner, warning barricade lights of any known construction, and is uniquely capable of retaining secure engagement of the panel body with its ballasting base when being transported or during ordinary deployment, yet readily disengaging body and base upon impact by a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza, Geoffrey B. Maus
  • Patent number: 7730846
    Abstract: A strain-responsive visual indicator comprises a pair of overlapping shutter strips (1, 2) adapted to be mounted to a substrate such that strain in the substrate causes relative movement M between them. Each shutter strip comprises an alternating set of windows (5) or (6) and bars (7) or (8) and the distal strip (2) is backed by a strip (3) of a different color exposed through its windows (6), or the distal strip can instead be printed with a set of alternating colors in place of its windows and bars. The effect is that under different strain conditions different color indications from the distal strip (2) will be visible through the windows (5) of the proximal strip (1), in accordance with the relative positions of the two strips. The indicator can be incorporated e.g. in the shaft of a toothbrush to give a visual warning in response to flexure of the shaft if excessive brushing pressure is applied. Numerous other applications and the use of different types of indicia are indicated in the specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventors: Martin Andrew Pett, Ian Andrew Jamieson
  • Patent number: 7730847
    Abstract: A personal gas flow indicator is disclosed in which a flow indicator is interposed between the proximal end of a gas delivery cannula that conducts breathing-gas from a breathing-gas source to an airway interface device (AID) for introducing the breathing-gas into the airway of an patient. By having the gas flow indicator positioned at the proximal end of the gas delivery cannula, the patient or some other person in visual contact with the patient can easily determine whether or not breathing-gas is flowing through the gas delivery cannula. The flow indicator is sufficiently lightweight that it can be worn by the patient. It is both disposable and portable and can be easily retrofit into existing-gas delivery systems. The flow indicator can be incorporated into an AID, into a gas delivery cannula, or it can be easily retrofit into one-piece gas delivery cannulas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Iris H. Redd, John L. Redd
  • Patent number: 7730848
    Abstract: The invention relates to an indicator apparatus (1) having a ring pointer (2), which is mounted such that it can move in the circumferential direction (5), and having a drive unit (3), which drives the ring pointer (2) in the circumferential direction (5), wherein the ring pointer (2) interacts with a stop (10) in a manner limited in terms of its circumferential movement. Particularly in the case of synchronization, radial disengagement often occurs in conventional ring pointer arrangements, and the aim of the invention is to prevent this. In order to solve the problem, the invention proposes arranging the stop (10) directly next to the drive unit (3). The critical advantage of this is that the tangential force on the ring pointer (2) from the drive unit generates an only small disengagement moment on the ring pointer (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: VDO Automotive AG
    Inventor: Axel Förster
  • Patent number: 7730849
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a photoresist material onto a substrate includes a lid housing at least one nozzle. A solvent supplying port inputs the solvent into the apparatus. A first solvent trap is provided below the nozzle and coupled to the solvent supplying port to hold a given amount of the solvent being input from the solvent supplying port. The first solvent trap is configured to prevent photoresist residues on the nozzle from being converted to powders. A second solvent trap is provided below the first solvent trap to receive the solvent from the first solvent trap. A solvent path is provided between the solvent trap and the solvent container to guide the solvent from the first solvent trap to the second solvent trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Hun Rock Jung, Hee Sung Kim
  • Patent number: 7730850
    Abstract: A spray application system for applying material to a surface of a rotating body such as a beverage can includes a detector that detects the actual speed of rotation of the surface during a spraying operation. This allows a controller to adjust trigger signals for the application device to be adjusted based on speed of rotation to minimize overcoat. A laser sensor may be used as an example. The use of the speed detector also allows for partial wraps as well as full wraps of applying material to the rotating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: James Khoury, Drew Roberts, Lenzie Borders, Charles Nagy, Timothy Wilson
  • Patent number: 7730851
    Abstract: An animal feeder device comprises a trough to receive water and a feed shelf to support particulate feed thereon supported spaced above the trough for accommodating access to a head of one of the animals to the trough. A feed hopper directs feed onto the shelf through a plurality of discharge chutes corresponding to respective feeding stations along the trough. Water is supplied to the trough by a level control arranged to maintain water level in relation to the trough at a set point level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Uplands Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Waldner, Michael George Waldner, Robert Jake Waldner
  • Patent number: 7730852
    Abstract: A portable and inexpensive device for restraining a dog, cat or other animal within a defined area. The device has a main body providing an endless circular groove that confines a wire or ring to rotating movement about the main body. The ring is attached to the animal's leash and allows the animal free movement within a circular area defined by the length of the leash. A plurality of removable pins anchor the device to the ground, with the pins being stored in storage grooves in the main body when not in use. The main body has a central recess that accommodates a bowl for food or water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Robert H. Kramer
  • Patent number: 7730853
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to chew toys comprising a fabric and a polymeric material. The fabric and polymeric material may be present as one or more layers. The chew toys may specifically include a fabric having an outer or exposed surface which may include written/printed indicia. The fabric may be capable of stretching with the polymeric layer and the fabric layer may have an inner surface substantially engaged to the polymeric material. Such engagement may therefore avoid delamination and present a relatively smooth surface without disruptions. Such composite may therefore provide durability and resistance to an animal chewing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Patent number: 7730854
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and process for recovering heat from multiple hot process streams without multiplying instrumentation. Each hot process stream is indirectly heat exchanged with a water circuit which leaves and feeds a steam drum. Heat is added to the steam drum through the addition of water heated outside of the steam drum. The heated liquid and vapor water is heated in heat exchangers decoupled from the steam drum. The water circuits are arranged in parallel with each other and feed a single steam drum to provide a steam product of a desired pressure for which only one set of instrumentation is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Mark VanWees, Jason L. Stahlman
  • Patent number: 7730855
    Abstract: A coolant controller for a coolant circuit of an internal combustion engine has a housing and a thermostat valve arranged therein. The thermostat valve has at least one valve closing member loadable by a working element as a function of a temperature value, a temperature sensor as well as a heating element for the working element. The housing is provided with at least one plug from which connecting lines extend to the temperature sensor. A current supply for the heating element is present. The plug, the temperature sensor, the connecting lines and the current supply for the heating element are provided as a pre-manufactured assembly and this assembly is integrated into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignees: Behr Thermot-tronik GmbH, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellscahaft
    Inventors: Heinz Lemberger, Barbu Frunzetti, Wolfgang Richter
  • Patent number: 7730856
    Abstract: Four-stroke internal combustion engine comprising a housing component having a first series of cylinders, each with an axis and a diameter, and a second series of cylinders, each with an axis and a diameter, in which each cylinder of the first series communicates with at least one cylinder of the second series via a channel which is provided by the housing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Gilbert Lucien Charles Henri Louis Van Avermaete
  • Patent number: 7730857
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a carburetor and an intake channel for supplying fuel and combustion air, wherein a section of the intake channel is formed in the carburetor. At least one fuel opening is provided that opens into the intake channel within the carburetor. The intake channel has an intake opening that is connected to a clean chamber of the air filter of the internal combustion engine, wherein the internal combustion engine takes in air through at least one filter element of the air filter. A choke element is arranged in the clean chamber and moveable into a choke position and into an open position. In the open position, the choke element shields the at least one filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Geyer, Björn Scherraus, Lukas Zürcher
  • Patent number: 7730858
    Abstract: Hydraulic valve actuation systems and methods to provide variable lift for one or more engine air valves by way of a variable position hard stop. Various embodiments are disclosed, including embodiments controlling lift by providing a choice of two different fixed stops, three different fixed stops, stops continuously variable throughout a range of lifts, and a fixed stop and stops continuously variable throughout a range of lifts. The valves controlled by a variable position hard stop may be a single engine intake or exhaust valve, or multiple valves of any number, and of either intake or exhaust valves or both, or of one intake or one exhaust valve for one or more cylinders in engines having more than one intake or exhaust valve per cylinder. Dashpot deceleration of engine valve velocity on opening to the hard stop and on engine valve closure is disclosed, as are other aspects and embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Sturman Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Robert Babbitt, Miguel Angelo Raimao, Charles Conrad Klose, Jeffrey Allen Rogers, Oded Eddie Sturman
  • Patent number: 7730859
    Abstract: A variable valve train system for an internal combustion engine wherein the engagement section of a transmission mechanism is lubricated by means of an existing part for driving a variable valve actuation mechanism. Gears forming the engagement section of the transmission mechanism are arranged at a position where the engagement section is lubricated with a lubricant scattered from an endless elongate member for driving a camshaft. The transmission mechanism can therefore be lubricated without the need for additional use of a lubricant passage and its associated elements, besides the existing parts for driving the variable valve actuation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mikio Tanabe, Daisuke Yoshika
  • Patent number: 7730860
    Abstract: An actuator control apparatus includes: an actuator that changes a state amount of an internal combustion engine; a sensor that detects an actual operation position of the actuator; a controller that controls the actuator to bring the actual operation position of the actuator to a target operation position set based on the operation state of the internal combustion engine; and a diagnosis portion that diagnoses the operation state of the actuator to be normal if the deviation between the target operation position and the actual operation position has been small for a predetermined time period and the amount by which the target operation position has changed in the predetermined time period is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. A method for controlling such an actuator control apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tokiji Ito
  • Patent number: 7730861
    Abstract: A two-step rocker arm assembly is provided having an arm member and a first roller assembly rotatably mounted with respect to the arm member and defining a generally C-shaped opening. A shaft member rotatably supports a second and a third roller assembly. The shaft member extends through the generally C-shaped opening and is selectively translatable therein to guide the second and third roller assemblies with respect to the arm member. A coupling lever is mounted with respect to the shaft member and is operable to selectively retain the shaft member with respect to the arm member for unitary movement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Kwok Y. Ng
  • Patent number: 7730862
    Abstract: A valve mechanism for an internal combustion engine includes a first rocker arm (4) connected to an intake or exhaust valve and supported on a rocker shaft (3a), a second rocker arm (5) supported on the rocker shaft for being rotationally driven by a cam, a cylinder (10) formed on one of the first and second rocker arms (4, 5) and a first piston (11) provided in the cylinder, a contacting projection (4a) projecting on the other one of the first and second rocker arms, a return spring (12) for biasing the first piston in a direction in which the first piston contacts with the contacting projection, and a second piston (14) for displacing the first piston to a position at which the first piston does not contact with the contacting projection. The two pistons extend in parallel to each other when the first piston is at a non-contacting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mikio Tanabe, Shinichi Murata, Masaru Mori, Yusuke Kido
  • Patent number: 7730863
    Abstract: An inexpensive warm-up apparatus for an internal combustion engine having a simple structure and eliminating the need of forming a hole in a heat storage material retainer or the need for a seal around the hole or an electrical circuit. A heat storage material retainer (14) accommodating a latent heat type heat storage material (X) is arranged in a water jacket (13). The heat storage material retainer (14) has a nucleation device (2) that accelerates phase transition of the heat storage material in a supercooled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takasuke Shikida
  • Patent number: 7730864
    Abstract: The invention describes a method for operating glow plugs, that comprise a housing and a heater element projecting beyond that housing, in a diesel engine which interacts with an engine control unit and a glow plug control unit which latter, following a preheating phase, controls the electric power supplied to the glow plugs in response to an input received from the engine control unit. It is provided according to the invention that the engine control unit determines a value representative of a temperature that is to be reached at the heater element and the engine control unit transmits that value as target value to the glow plug control unit which implements that target value using an algorithm stored in the glow plug control unit and with reference to characteristic values stored in the glow plug control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Olaf Toedter, Markus Kernwein, Andreas Bleil, Jörg Stöckle, Franz Pachner
  • Patent number: 7730865
    Abstract: A vehicle, such as a motorcycle, having an arrangement that inhibits the reduction of the fuel tank volume disposed to the rear of a moveable funnel that forms a portion of a variable length air intake. The vehicle includes an engine having an intake port. A fixed funnel introduces air to the intake port of the engine and a moveable funnel is position on the inlet side of the fixed funnel to selectively cooperate with the fixed funnel to deliver air to the intake port of the engine along with the fixed funnel. A parallel linkage moveably supports the moveable funnel. A fuel tank is disposed to the rear side of the moveable funnel and a motor that drives the parallel linkage is disposed on the opposite side to the fuel tank from the moveable funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masato Yokoi
  • Patent number: 7730866
    Abstract: This device is designed for a piston which is designed to move in alternating linear movement parallel to the axis of a chamber divided by the piston into a high pressure volume and a low pressure volume, and is of the type comprising: a circular cylindrical sliding surface bounding the chamber, an annular groove provided in the piston which is coaxial with the sliding surface and open towards the sliding surface, and a closed resilient sealing ring housed in a leak tight manner in the groove and intended to make sealing contact with the sliding surface. According to one aspect of the invention the ring is designed to determine the size of a lubricating oil film between the ring and the sliding surface to a limit lubricating thickness preferably from 0.1 ?m to 1 ?m when it moves from the high pressure volume to the low pressure volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Jean Frederic Melchior
  • Patent number: 7730867
    Abstract: An engine bracket assembly may include a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion, and a support member. The first mounting portion may fix a first end of the bracket assembly to the engine and the second mounting portion may fix a second end of the bracket assembly to the engine. The support member may support an engine component and may be disposed between and coupled to the first and second mounting portions. The coupling between the first and second mounting portions and the support member may provide relative displacement between the first mounting portion and the support member in a longitudinal direction extending from one of the first and second mounting portions toward the other of the first and second mounting portions during thermal expansion of the bracket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl E. Fonville, Michael A. Karram
  • Patent number: 7730868
    Abstract: A gas powered internal combustion engine in which the gas is provided from pressurized liquid gas in an LPG container and in which the LPG container is rigidly mounted adjacent to the internal combustion engine at a preselected angle to be in conductive heat transfer relationship to the internal combustion engine and in vibration receiving relationship to the internal combustion engine whereby the liquified gas in the LPG container is heated and the effective surface area thereof is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Bernardo J. Herzer
  • Patent number: 7730869
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a housing wheel engine that has a wheel shaped combustion housing, the housing wheel engine can hold several pistons which both sides working inside the combustion housing. The housing wheel engine transfers its rotating movement directly to the driveshaft by the planetary gearsets. A four-stroke time mechanism provided by the planetary gearsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Yan Li
  • Patent number: 7730870
    Abstract: A method for controlling an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders using electronic valve actuation, including operating a first portion of the cylinders in a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) mode, operating a second portion of the cylinders in a non-HCCI mode, and adjusting the valve timing of the second portion of cylinders to dynamically load level the engine in response to a transient torque demand. A system for controlling a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine, including a first group of cylinders to operate in an HCCI mode, a second group of cylinders to operate in a non-HCCI mode, and an engine controller operably coupled to the first and second groups of cylinders, said controller to adjust the valve timing of the second group of cylinders to dynamically load level the engine in response to a transient torque demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John O. Michelini, Ilya V. Kolmanovsky, Alex Gibson
  • Patent number: 7730871
    Abstract: A direct injection spark ignition internal combustion engine including a controller that controls a fuel injector to perform a plurality of fuel injections to inject a necessary amount of fuel during an intake stroke, or from an intake stroke to a first half of a compression stroke, when homogeneous combustion is to be performed. The fuel injection control sets an injection prohibition period, in which injection of the fuel is prohibited, to a middle of the intake stroke. The injection prohibition period is decreased as the engine speed and as the intake air pressure increase. In addition, the amount of fuel injected before the injection prohibition period is reduced, and the amount of fuel injected after the injection prohibition period is increased, as the engine speed decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Fumiaki Hattori
  • Patent number: 7730872
    Abstract: A system for an engine, comprising of a cylinder located in the engine, a first injector configured to inject gasoline fuel into said cylinder, and a second injector configured to inject a fluid into said cylinder, said fluid containing at least some water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Michael Howard Shelby, Robert A. Stein
  • Patent number: 7730873
    Abstract: In an engine having at least one cylinder with a reciprocating piston and a connecting rod for driving rotation of a crank disk and a crankshaft, a cam sleeve is moved along the crankshaft in response to a change in engine speed. The cam sleeve is coupled to a cam ring that moves with the cam sleeve and in a spiraling motion about the longitudinal axis of the crankshaft. A follower engages an outer face of the cam ring and is movable against a pushrod that opens an injector valve. The follower is structured and disposed to move in response to contact with a lobe on the outer face of the cam ring to urge the pushrod against the injector valve. The pushrod passes through a throttle control ring that rotates in an arc. Rotation of the throttle ring, with the use of a control lever, shifts the position of the pushrod on the follower relative to a fulcrum of the follower to control the distance the pushrod is driven by the follower and, thus, the amount the injector valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Cyclone Power Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Schoell
  • Patent number: 7730874
    Abstract: A method for controlling a supercharged engine, that includes determining an overlap of valves by opening a supercharged non-fuel-containing air inlet valve and closing an exhaust valve before the exhaust phase of an engine cylinder and in the vicinity of the top dead center (TDC), actuating a blocking means for blocking a supercharged non-fuel-containing air intake means to admit supercharged air flowing in the supercharged non-fuel-containing air intake means into a chamber to scavenge residual burned gases when a pressure of the supercharged non-fuel-containing air is greater than a pressure of the exhaust gases, and actuating the blocking means to shut off the supercharged air flowing from the supercharged non-fuel-containing intake means into the chamber when pressure of the supercharged non-fuel-containing air is less than pressure of the exhaust gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Pierre Leduc, Gaétan Monnier
  • Patent number: 7730875
    Abstract: A spool valve is movably provided in a valve sliding space of a valve casing. The spool valve has a through-hole formed in the inside thereof, and a communication port formed in the spool valve is operatively communicated with a fluid port for controlling an opening area of the fluid port by moving within the valve sliding space. Multiple circular oil grooves are formed at an outer peripheral surface of the spool valve, into which high pressure fluid is supplied so that the spool valve can be smoothly moved in the valve sliding space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumi Mori, Hiroto Fujii, Nobuhiro Akashi
  • Patent number: 7730876
    Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine includes an engine management system, a return conduit connected to a low-pressure fuel system, and a common rail for storing and supplying a relatively high-pressure fuel to injectors. Each injector has a nozzle for injecting fuel into the engine, a valve installed between the common rail and the nozzle, and a spill valve connected by its inlet to the outlet of the valve and by its outlet to the return conduit. A first automatic isolating valve is installed between the common rail and the injector and a second automatic isolating valve is installed between the return conduit and the low-pressure fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Sergi Yudanov
  • Patent number: 7730877
    Abstract: A main suction, that is a portion of a fuel feed-out pipe, and a bent portion, that is a lowermost portion formed at a return pipe, are both disposed within a fuel tank, positioned lower than a lowest liquid surface within a reserve cup, and can always be maintained in a state of existing within fuel. A fuel expelling port of a jet pump is positioned higher than a highest liquid surface at the reserve cup, and is always positioned higher than fuel within the reserve cup. As a result, a fuel tank structure in which suppression of flowing-out of fuel from the return pipe and the like, an improvement in the fuel transferring performance of the jet pump, and suppression of backward flowing of fuel through a transfer pipe, can all be realized is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Touru Suda, Takayuki Usui, Taku Masaki
  • Patent number: 7730878
    Abstract: Embodiments of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) mixing device include an air inlet port and an outlet port disposed at opposite ends of the mixing pipe, an exhaust feeder having a scroll mixing chamber and occupying a portion of the mixing pipe between the air inlet port and the outlet port. The exhaust feeder includes an exhaust feed splitter beam disposed within an open-ended exhaust inlet tube and the scroll mixing chamber, and can be configured to split an exhaust stream into a plurality of exhaust streams before entering the scroll mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Tenghua Tom Shieh, Naveen Rajan, Manoj Sampath
  • Patent number: 7730879
    Abstract: A voltage transformer circuit for supplying ignition power to a spark plug includes a transformer, a primary circuit, and a secondary circuit. The primary circuit is coupled with the secondary circuit via the transformer in order that, when a transistor switch is closed, power is transmitted from the primary circuit into the secondary circuit. The primary circuit includes a discharge path, for demagnetizing the transformer when the transistor switch is open and via which power can be retransmitted from the secondary circuit for shortening the duration of an arc discharge, and the discharge path forms a demagnetizing current with a primary side of the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Georg Maul, Dieter Kuhnert, Gerhard Koerner