Patents Issued in October 12, 2010
  • Patent number: 7810432
    Abstract: A wad for a projectile cartridge comprises a holder for holding a projectile, such as a plurality of shot, a charge barrier, and a support for mounting the holder to the barrier. The wad is unitary and is formed from a biodegradable plastic material. The barrier is preferably compressible, and more preferably substantially more compressible than the support. The wad has a first moisture content and is adapted to be conditioned, prior to employment in a projectile cartridge, to have a second moisture content. After conditioning, the weight of the wad may be increased by up to 19%, or the size of the wad maybe increased in at least one dimension by up to 6%. A projectile cartridge employing the wad, and a method of making the wad and the projectile cartridge are also disclosed, together with tools for making the wad and sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Pvaxx Research and Development Limited
    Inventors: Henry Stevens, Peter Morris
  • Patent number: 7810433
    Abstract: The invention describes a device for the assembly and disassembly of a fastening device, more preferably of a rail fastening device on a support body, wherein the device is designed as screw adapter and the screw adapter is to be placed on the rail fastening device. The invention is based on developing a device for the assembly and disassembly of a rail fastening device which sits on the fastening device with an accurate fit and largely guarantees automated screwing in and screwing out of the fastening device in existing engagement stages. According to the invention this is achieved in that the screw adapter comprising an engagement pin at its stem, in the contact surface of its main body possesses a centrally arranged recess to accommodate the head of a fastening element, wherein the main body on both sides next to this recess comprises two mounting pockets designed trough-shaped as well as a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: DB Netz AG
    Inventors: Nicole Kumpfmüller, Harald Mauer, Dieter Mrosowski, Karsten Westerhoff, Andreas Rinsdorf
  • Patent number: 7810434
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved ski lift. The ski lift contains a solar power source which is attached to one or more heating elements. The heating elements heat a passenger's hands during transit up the mountain. As a result, the passenger is made more comfortable during transit, increasing his or her overall skiing experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Allison Flom
  • Patent number: 7810435
    Abstract: A power regulation device and method for a model railway system is provided. The device comprises inputs that connect to a supply of a digital command control (DCC) waveform and to a track section to be powered by the DCC waveform. The device comprises a current measuring circuit that measures current flow associated with the DCC waveform supplied at the inputs. A switch is connected between the inputs and outputs that are in turn connected to respective rails of the track section. A controller is provided that analyzes a current measurement signal produced by the current measuring circuit and controls the switch to disconnect supply of the DCC waveform to the outputs when a true over-current condition is detected. The device may also comprise an auto-reversing function to accommodate reverse loop track sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventors: Lawrence C. Maier, Anthony R. Parisi
  • Patent number: 7810436
    Abstract: A hinge system including a universal adapter for allowing a first member to be pivotally mounted to a second member having stationary brackets defining pivot axes arranged at different distances relative to the second member. The universal adapter defines multiple openings disposed in spaced, generally parallel relation relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Miner Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Gaydos, Rudolph S. Fortuna
  • Patent number: 7810437
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy absorption device as part of a shock absorber for the front or rear region of a railborne vehicle, in particular a streetcar vehicle, wherein the energy absorption device is designed to absorb or dissipate at least a portion of the impact energy which occurs when the vehicle impacts an obstacle. The invention includes a bumper bar which is pivotably connected to the vehicle underframe by a first bearing, a pendulum support connected to the bumper bar by a second bearing and to the vehicle underframe by a third bearing such that the bumper bar and pendulum support form a tripod. The resultant moment of force of the bumper bar pivoting about a pivot axis defined by a first bearing is introduced as linear force into the energy-absorbing mechanism and at least partly absorbed or dissipated there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Mattschull
  • Patent number: 7810438
    Abstract: An overhead storage platform supported by vertical members that includes slotted support beams supporting the platform deck. The vertical support members are affixed to a ceiling or other overhead structure on one end and to the slotted support beams on the other end with a cradle clamp, where they are adapted to be adjustably moved and affixed within a slot channel in the slotted support beams. The vertical support members can be adjustable in length as well. These two adjustment dimensions allow more adaptability to affixing the platform to overhead supports of varying configurations. Multiple platforms may be abutted to provide a larger and substantially continuous platform deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: David L. Ryberg
  • Patent number: 7810439
    Abstract: A portable table system engageable with a trailer hitch receiver mounted on a vehicle. The device features a pair of tables which are rotationally engaged to a support structure to allow movement from a deployed horizontal position, to vertical positions in a stacked arrangement adjacent to the rear of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Frank Brian Bless
  • Patent number: 7810440
    Abstract: A shelf cover for open-wire shelving is provided, comprising a semi-rigid sheet adapted to cover the top panel and front panel of the shelving, wherein the sheet further includes an extended portion adapted to wrap under the front panel, the extended portion further including a securing device for securing the extended portion to wires on the front panel. In one embodiment, the extended portion includes a plurality of tabs adapted to fit securely behind the wires of the front panel. In another embodiment, the extended portion includes a plurality of retaining buttons adapted to fit securely between adjacent wires of the front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Sidney Ward
  • Patent number: 7810441
    Abstract: A burner assembly including a housing having an air inlet, a burner end having an opening, a longitudinal axis extending generally from the air inlet toward the burner end, a motor, an impeller mounted in the housing and being in fluid communication with the air inlet, operatively connected to the motor and adapted to direct air from the air inlet toward the burner end, a coal tube adapted to convey coal toward the burner end, a coal inlet adapted to convey coal to the coal tube, a first bluff body ring, a second bluff body ring and a third bluff body ring mounted at the burner end, a flame bridge disposed between the first bluff body ring and the second bluff body ring, and an igniter mounted in the burner end and being adapted to ignite the air and fuel mixture in the burner end to produce a main flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Astec, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm L. Swanson, Michael S. Swanson, Russell W. Fountain, William Eric Wattenbarger, Andrew Hobbs, Kelly Knight
  • Patent number: 7810442
    Abstract: A snap hook device comprises a detachable pole attached to a snap hook having a side link for securing a rope. The snap hook is generally U-shaped with a sloped spring closure having a first end attached to a first end of the hook and a second end of the spring closure being coiled and resting against a side of a second end of the snap hook. The second end of the U-shaped hook comprises a collar for receiving the detachable pole. The snap hook device enables a boat operator when alone in the boat to remain in the cockpit area of the boat, and capture a chain under a mooring buoy. The operator then maneuvers the boat with a rope attached to a link of the snap hook wherein the rope extends via the bow to the boat operator in the cockpit, so that by pulling the rope, the bow is easily and safely turned to be adjacent to the mooring buoy for attaching a mooring line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventors: Helder F. Duarte, Anthony A. Duarte
  • Patent number: 7810443
    Abstract: A motorboat, in particular a yacht, with a cabin which merges on a rear side into a cockpit which is delimited laterally by side sections. To improve the wind comfort in the cockpit, a respective side guiding element for guiding the flow is disposed on each side of the boat. The side guiding element extends generally vertically upward and generally in the longitudinal direction of the boat from a rear end section of the respective side section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Michael Preiss
  • Patent number: 7810444
    Abstract: A configurable gauge apparatus includes a flat panel display (FPD) for displaying a user-defined gauge face, a transparent panel spaced from the FPD through which the displayed gauge face is viewed, and a mechanical pointer disposed between the FPD and the transparent panel for indicating a current value of a parameter of interest. The pointer includes a stem and a hub that rotatably supports the stem, and the hub is mounted on the FPD or the transparent panel. Pointer position is regulated either magnetically with a pointer magnet and a magnetic field generator disposed behind the FPD, or electrically with a motorized hub activated with transparent conductors formed on the FPD or transparent panel. The stem of the pointer is illuminated by either the FPD, or a hub-mounted LED activated with transparent conductors. Transparent conductors are also used to form a sensor array for detecting pointer position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michel F. Sultan, David K. Lambert
  • Patent number: 7810445
    Abstract: A gauge may employ a dial plate, a pointer shaft driven by a motor, a printed circuit board having a plurality of light sources, such as LEDs, and a motor. An upper pointer may be located on a viewed side of the dial plate and a lower pointer may be located on an unviewed side of the dial plate. The upper and lower pointers are attached to the pointer shaft. The lower pointer is positioned to receive light from the light source and direct the light into indicia and graduations of the dial plate, and into the upper pointer. An area surrounding the upper pointer is more brightly lit than other areas of the dial plate. A light-collecting ring may collect light and transmit light into the lower pointer. The ring may be an integral or attached part of the lower pointer or it may be a detached and separate piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jagadeesh Krishnamurthy
  • Patent number: 7810446
    Abstract: A continuous coating process for chewing gum and bubble gum materials. Small cores or pieces of gum material are introduced into inclined rotating drums in solution material plurality cores or rotating requisite which heated air is circulated and a coating is applied (liquid or powder). The coating is dried on the pieces of material, and a of thin layers are formed on each of the small pieces of material. A series of drums can be provided to provide the number or thickness of coating layers. In an alternate embodiment, initial coatings of material can be provided on the cores by a batch-type process before the materials are introduced into the continuous coating drums. The formulas for the coating solution can also be adjusted at different stages of the coating process in order to provide a more consistent and uniform coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cadbury Adams USA LLC
    Inventors: Marc Degady, Miles van Niekerk
  • Patent number: 7810447
    Abstract: A strip of dental articulating paper is held pincer-like between two biased lateral edges of an outer housing. A grip head overlying a liner protects one lateral edge of the dental articulating paper, with a linear tracing of petroleum jelly formed on the liner adjacent exposed surfaces on both sides of the dental articulating paper. During storage, the grip head is received by and between the two biased lateral edges of the housing. Immediately prior to use, the dental professional slowly removes the grip head from the housing, with the biased lateral edges pressing against the sides of the withdrawing articulating paper, spreading an even, thin film of petroleum jelly over the surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventors: Deborah Manos, Harry-George T. Manos, Joseph R. Mackenroth, III
  • Patent number: 7810448
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the coating of hollow bodies, in particular for the internal coating of plastic drinks bottles by means of a PICVD. It is an object of the invention to ensure a flexible process sequence, a high throughput, an improved supply of fluid and a high-quality coating. The invention in particular proposes a rotary apparatus which comprises a treatment device with double reactors for receiving in each case at least one workpiece, a fluid supply apparatus and at least one fluid control device, which can be used to control the supply of fluid to the treatment device. It is preferable for the vacuum pumps to be arranged on the rotor such that they rotate therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Stephen Behle, Andreas Lüttringhaus-Henkel, Gregor Arnold, Matthias Bicker, Jürgen Klein
  • Patent number: 7810449
    Abstract: A low inductance RF antenna is provided for producing a high-density plasma in a vacuum chamber for semiconductor wafer coating or etching. The antenna has a planar segmented configuration having high and low efficiency segments and produces a generally ring-shaped array of energy concentrations in the plasma around the periphery of the chamber. The antenna has closely spaced conductor segments through which current flows in one or more small cross-section conductors to produce high magnetic fields while alternating widely spaced conductor segments produce low strength magnetic fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Jozef Brcka, Rodney Lee Robison
  • Patent number: 7810450
    Abstract: Cows are milked at a facility including a robotic milker, a pen, a first passage leading from the pen to the milker, and a second passage leading from the milker to the pen. Each passage includes a one-way gate. Each gate includes a barrier that turns about a horizontal axis from a quiescent position in only a first direction in response to the cows pushing against the barrier and turns in the opposite direction about the axis to the quiescent position after each cow has passed through the barrier. The barrier includes plural tines that turn independently of each other about the axis in both directions. In normal operation, the quiescent position of the tines is vertical. For training, the quiescent position of the tines is displaced from the vertical so the tines are above the heads of the animals but below their backs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Luke G. Sensenig
  • Patent number: 7810451
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method and system are described for tracking and managing animals and/or food products. These embodiments can include entering into a computer system identification data for animals and location data for locations occupied by the animals. This data can be collected, for example, by a data service provider and transmitted to a data trustee. The data trustee may filter the data into official data and non-official data. The official data may be sent to an official database. When a public health issue arises, such as an occurrence of mad cow disease, the government may use an identifier for a diseased animal or a location identifier to request a trace report from the data trustee. The data trustee may then use the official data to provide a report showing, for example, which animals have comingled with the diseased animal. Based on this report, other sick or potentially sick animals can be treated, quarantined, or slaughtered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Micro Beef Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: William C. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7810452
    Abstract: A basin including: a front housing compartment (1) in which there is a lower point (3) for collecting the organic material to be removed; an equipment compartment (4) at the back of the basin, connected to the housing compartment; a drainage device, in the equipment compartment (4), which includes an “overflow” pipe (6) fixed to a siphon (7); the drainage device being capable of moving down in order to operate the siphon (7); and, a partition (8) between the housing compartment (1) and the equipment compartment (4), the partition being capable of keeping the animals inside the housing compartment and letting the water pass into the equipment compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Tecniplast S.p.A.
    Inventors: Davide Pieretto, Marco Brocca
  • Patent number: 7810453
    Abstract: A poultry flooring system, comprising a housing structure having four walls and a floor; a substantially inelastic film member raised above the floor to provide a raised floor structure. The inelastic film member comprises apertures to permit waste products and ventilation to pass through the inelastic film member; wherein the inelastic film structure is maintained under tension to reduce need for independent support structures between the film member and the floor. In a preferred embodiment, an air bag system or other mechanical support system is used to reduce sag in the inelastic film supported under tension, whereby the inelastic film may be easily raised and lowered during use and harvest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Raymond Craft
  • Patent number: 7810454
    Abstract: The inventive animal breeding plant comprises an animal stall area (1a-1f), means (11) for sharply flushing a cleaning fluid in said area in order to wash it and a channel which is used for recovering a mixture formed by said cleaning fluid and wastes flushed thereby and is arranged in front of said flushing means with respect to said area. The flushing means comprise at least one bucket (11) which is movably mounted between filling and flushing positions and whose shape is selected such that, when the filling level thereof with the cleaning fluid attains a predetermined threshold, the gravity center of the thus filled bucket (11) is shifted to such a point that the bucket (11) is tilted from said filling position to the flushing position in such a way that the fluid is sharply flushed in the area (1a-1f).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Alain Christian Michel Guy Boulant
  • Patent number: 7810455
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an animal chew comprising an elongated central portion of a first material and a pair of end caps of a second material. The end caps may be connected by a shaft and may vary from the central portion or from each other by one or more properties such as, color, texture, hardness, toughness, functionality, flavor, odor or moisture level. The central portion of the dog chew may comprise a bladder, or a composite of materials such as one or more layers overlying the bladder, having an attractive design in the shape and/or texture of, e.g. a sports ball. The composite may comprise a soft or even fibrous cover overlying an elastomeric bladder, the bladder formed to fit relatively loosely over the shaft, the composite providing a soft and easily compressed central portion compared to the end caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria, Zhenghong Tao
  • Patent number: 7810456
    Abstract: To provide a storage water heater capable of increasing thermal efficiency and quickly boiling when tap water is supplied into a hot-water tank. A storage water heater can heat low-temperature water having a high density because hot water in a hot-water tank is led from a lead-in pipe positioned at the bottom of the hot-water tank to a gas heater. Also, a water supply pipe outlet and a lead-in pipe inlet are provided so as to be opposed to each other on the same axis. Therefore, when tap water is supplied from a water supply pipe, the tap water lower in temperature than the hot water in the hot-water tank is preferentially led to the gas heater. With this, hot water at the lowest temperature in the hot-water tank can be selectively heated, thereby increasing thermal efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Paloma Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7810457
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the temperature of the engine oil of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle are provided. The system includes an engine oil circuit for controlling the temperature of the engine oil, which engine oil circuit includes the internal combustion engine and a coolant/engine-oil heat exchanger; and a coolant circuit for controlling the temperature of the internal combustion engine, which coolant circuit in a main branch, includes the internal combustion engine, a coolant cooler and a first coolant pump and, in an auxiliary branch downstream of the coolant cooler, includes the coolant/engine-oil heat exchanger and a second coolant pump. The heat of the engine oil can thereby be dissipated via the coolant/engine-oil heat exchanger to the coolant and further via the coolant cooler to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Timo Blassnitz, Oliver Wiech
  • Patent number: 7810458
    Abstract: A reciprocating engine (10) operating on the two stroke cycle, comprising a pair of stationary and substantially concentrically aligned mutually opposed pistons (13, 15) and a sleeve (11) adapted to reciprocate about these static pistons. The reciprocating sleeve (11) defining two cavities, each cavity being operatively connected to one of the pistons to define a chamber. The first chamber being a pre-charge chamber (21) and having at least one inlet port (25), and the second chamber being a combustion chamber (19) and having at least one outlet port (35), the two chambers being separated by a pressure operated transfer valve (23). The reciprocating motion of the sleeve (11) can be converted into rotary motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Graydon Aubrey Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7810459
    Abstract: An engine has a crankshaft, rotating about a crankshaft axis of the engine. An expansion piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the expansion piston reciprocates through an expansion stroke and an exhaust stroke of a four stroke cycle during a single rotation of the crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the compression piston reciprocates through an intake stroke and a compression stroke of the same four stroke cycle during the same rotation of the crankshaft. A ratio of cylinder volumes from BDC to TDC for either one of the expansion cylinder and compression cylinder is fixed at substantially 26 to 1 or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Scuderi Group, LLC
    Inventors: David P. Branyon, Jeremy D. Eubanks
  • Patent number: 7810460
    Abstract: A control system for an engine having a camshaft that is associated with an intake valve and a cam phaser that interfaces with the camshaft includes an air flow sensor that outputs first and second air flow signals based on mass air flow (MAF) delivered to the engine. An engine control module communicates with the air flow sensor and the cam phaser. The cam phaser adjusts an actuation time when the camshaft opens the intake valve during rotation of the camshaft. The control module further receives a rotational position signal based on the rotational position of the cam phaser and determines a rotational position of the cam phaser that delivers maximum air to the engine based on a first air flow signal measured prior to adjusting the cam phaser and a second air flow signal measured subsequent to adjusting the cam phaser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Victoriano Ruiz
  • Patent number: 7810461
    Abstract: A return spring is formed using a compression coil spring that is installed so that its axial direction is an up-down direction. The return spring is provided in a high-pressure chamber, and powers a plunger in an upwards direction. A coil diameter of the return spring varies along the axial direction. When the return spring is in a maximally compressed state, an axial direction dimension (up-down direction dimension) is smaller than a dimension that is a thickness of a spring wire multiplied by the number of coil turns. Hence, an overall height of a lash adjuster A can be reduced in comparison to when a return spring with a constant coil diameter over an entire length is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Otics Corporation
    Inventors: Kimihiko Todo, Hiroki Fujii
  • Patent number: 7810462
    Abstract: A method for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, particularly of a motor vehicle, having a laser device which has a laser-active solid that has a passive Q-switch. The duration of a pumping light pulse that is applied to the laser device is selected as a function of a specifiable number of laser pulses that is to be generated using the laser device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Herden, Manfred Vogel, Heiko Ridderbusch
  • Patent number: 7810463
    Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine operable in homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion mode and in conventional spark ignited combustion mode and a method for restart of HCCI combustion therein. Whilst cranking the exhaust valve is arranged to be closed before top dead center (TDC) during an exhaust stroke. The intake valve is arranged to be opened after TDC during an induction stroke. Fuel injection control means are arranged to perform a first fuel injection after closing of the exhaust valve and before TDC of the exhaust stroke. The ignition control means are arranged to cause said spark plug to ignite the first injected quantity of fuel before said opening of the intake valve. The fuel injection control means are arranged to perform at least one further fuel injection in the interval after TDC of the exhaust stroke and before TDC of a subsequent compression stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rob J. Otterspeer, Lucien Koopmans
  • Patent number: 7810464
    Abstract: Procedure for starting a combustion engine with at least one combustion chamber, whereby injections from the high pressure system are deposited into the combustion chamber during the starting process, is thereby characterized, in that at least one injection into the combustion engine can be blanked out in order to limit a pressure drop in the high pressure system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Samenfink, Andreas Kufferath
  • Patent number: 7810465
    Abstract: A power-storage-type engine starting system includes a coil spring for storing power to be used in starting the engine. An end of a crankshaft is configured to pass through a cylindrical shaft part and is passed through a one-way clutch attached to inside of an assist boss so that an assist boss and the one-way clutch can be provided at radially outside of the shaft end, whereby the crankshaft is made shorter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Sato, Hiroshi Moriyana, Shingo Yoneda
  • Patent number: 7810466
    Abstract: A compound bracket system (400) for an internal combustion engine (100) includes a first bracket (112) that is rigidly connected to a crankcase (102) of the internal combustion engine (100). The first bracket (112) forms at least one mounting pad (310) that is arranged to connect to and support a first engine component (114). A second bracket (120) is connected to the crankcase (102) through at least one additional engine component (110). The second bracket (120) forms a component cavity (208) that is arranged to accept and support a second engine component (118). The first bracket (112) forms an interconnection pad (314), and the second component forms a strut (216) having a mounting tab (218). The mounting tab (218) is advantageously connected to the interconnection tab (314) with a fastener (422), thus increasing the rigidity of the second bracket (120) as mounted on the engine (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Erich R. Preimesberger, Donald M. Fenton, Trinadh Koppireddy, Jayakumar Krishnaswami, Martin Wu, Zeguang Tao, Lezza Mignery
  • Patent number: 7810467
    Abstract: An oil supplying apparatus includes a first oil path supplying working oil from an outlet port to a portion to be supplied with the working oil, a second oil path supplying the working oil to an oil pressure control valve, a relief oil path, and a valve body oil path. Depending on first, second, third, and fourth ranges of the oil pressure of the working oil in the first oil path, the working oil is supplied to the first oil path, is supplied to the first oil path and to the relief oil path via the valve body oil path, is directly supplied to the first oil path and is supplied to merge into the first oil path via the oil pressure control valve, and is supplied to the first oil path and to the relief oil path via the oil pressure control valve respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisashi Ono, Koji Nunami
  • Patent number: 7810468
    Abstract: A requested injection time InjT that is necessary for a fuel injector to inject a fuel per one combustion cycle is computed in response to variables of an accelerator manipulated by a driver. An injectable time InjMax per one combustion cycle is computed on the basis of an engine speed, and whether the requested injection time InjT is larger than the injectable time InjMax is determined. Then, when it is positively determined that the requested injection time InjT is larger than the injectable time InjMax, the fuel pump is subjected to load-up operation so as to increase a fuel feed pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuo Hirata
  • Patent number: 7810469
    Abstract: Feedback control of an internal combustion engine is performed based on a signal from a vibration sensor and a crankshaft angle sensor. An energy factor can be computed based on these sensor signals. A vector of energy factor can be computed as a function of crank angle degree over a particular window of engine rotation of interest. Based on the energy factor vector, combustion phasing can be estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Vigild, Charles Tumelaire, Evangelos Karvounis, Daniel Roettger, Thomas Brewbaker, Michiel van Nieuwstadt, Michael Hopka, Diana Brehob
  • Patent number: 7810470
    Abstract: A return-flow electronic fuel pressure regulator for a fuel-injected engine fuel system is plumbed to the fuel rail and return line of the fuel system. The regulator includes a fill chamber connected to the fuel rail, a return chamber connected to the return line and a return reservoir disposed between the fill chamber and return chamber. Fuel flow from the fill chamber to the return reservoir is regulated via a diaphragm valve assembly. Fuel flow from the return reservoir to the return chamber is subject to restriction by an adjustable valve. Integral comparative pressure sensing means measures the fuel pressure drop between the return reservoir and return chamber. An electronic control module, preferably programmed to maintain a constant pressure drop between the return reservoir and return chamber, receives a signal from the pressure sensing means and outputs a power supply signal to the fuel pump to control pump speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Fluid Control Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Scharfenberg
  • Patent number: 7810471
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system comprises a fuel rail having an outlet, and a fuel injector cup associated with the fuel rail outlet. The fuel injector cup includes a cup portion and a ring portion. The cup portion comprises a body, and the body includes a base at a first end, an opening at a second end, and an inner cavity therein between the base and the opening. The cavity of the cup portion is configured to receive a fuel injector, and the first end of the cup portion is configured to be associated with the outlet of the fuel rail. The ring portion of the fuel injector cup is configured to be affixed to the cup portion, and the second end thereof, in particular. The ring portion is further configured to reinforce the second end of said cup portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Millennium Industries
    Inventor: Michael J. Zdroik
  • Patent number: 7810472
    Abstract: A fuel pressure sensor/sensor mount assembly for use in a fuel injection system equipped with fuel injectors which inject fuel, as supplied from an accumulator through fuel pipes, into a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine mounted in an engine compartment of a vehicle. The assembly includes a connector unit and fuel pressure sensors. The connector unit has formed therein a plurality of communication paths each of which is to establish a connection between one of the fuel injectors and the accumulator through one of the fuel pipes. The connector unit also has formed therein sensor mounts exposed to the communication paths. Each of the fuel pressure sensors is disposed in the sensor mount to measure the pressure of the fuel in the communication path. This structure permits steps of installing the fuel pressure sensors within the engine compartment to be decreased and ensures desired measurement accuracy of the fuel pressure sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Kondo, Tomoki Fujino
  • Patent number: 7810473
    Abstract: This control device for an internal combustion engine includes a variable intake valve device and a variable exhaust valve device; and it performs fuel cut-off for a plurality of cylinders of the internal combustion engine. And it further includes: an intake valve control means which, when the fuel cut-off execution condition has come into effect, controls the variable intake valve device, so as to keep in a closed state the intake valve of a cylinder, for which an exhaust valve is not kept in a closed state; and an exhaust valve control means which, when the fuel cut-off execution condition has come into effect, controls the variable exhaust valve device, so as to keep in an open state an exhaust valve of at least a pair of cylinders, between which gases in the pair of cylinders come and go via an exhaust passage as the pistons operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuichi Ezaki, Akio Kidooka
  • Patent number: 7810474
    Abstract: The fuel tank venting device is furnished with a full fuel control valve and a rollover valve that are installed on a fuel tank, and a fuel tank valve unit having a pressure valve that is situated between a canister and the two valves. The pressure valve is furnished with a casing that has a valve chamber, a valve body housed within the valve chamber, and a spring. The valve body has a disk-shaped valve part and a side wall that projects with tubular contours from the outside perimeter of the valve part, and has a cup shape defining a spring chamber that is bounded by the valve part and the side wall. The valve part is perforated by an orifice of smaller planar dimensions than the valve aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kito, Hiroshi Nishi, Shoji Horiba
  • Patent number: 7810475
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring reverse flow of fuel vapors and/or air through a vehicle fuel vapor recovery system, said fuel vapor recovery system coupled to an engine intake of a boosted internal combustion engine. One example method comprises, during boost, when the fuel vapor recovery system is commanded to be sealed from the intake, indicating degradation based on a pressure value in the fuel vapor recovery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark William Peters, Richard Shimon, Robert Roy Jentz, Scott Bohr, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 7810476
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and an article of manufacture to estimate exhaust gas temperature of an internal combustion engine during ongoing operation of the engine. This comprises determining states of a plurality of parameters of a combustion charge. A heat release of the combustion charge is estimated based thereon, and an exhaust gas temperature is estimated based upon the estimated heat release. Exemplary parameters of the combustion charge comprise engine speed, mass air flowrate, engine fueling and fuel injection timing, and, recirculated exhaust gas fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Yue-Yun Wang, Yongsheng He
  • Patent number: 7810477
    Abstract: An oil mist removal device, with oil fill, is provided for an internal combustion engine. A housing has first and second passages, and a separator therebetween. An oil fill port in the first passage is provided for adding oil to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Knauf, Chirag D. Parikh, Mark V. Holzmann, Christopher E. Holm
  • Patent number: 7810478
    Abstract: A method of transitioning between homogeneous charge compression ignition and spark ignition in a combustion chamber of an engine that is configured for homogeneous charge compression ignition under at least some engine operating conditions and for spark ignition under at least some engine operating conditions, the method comprising heating contents of the combustion chamber with a glow plug prior to transitioning between homogeneous charge compression ignition and spark ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Themi Petridis, Lucien Koopmans, Jonas Elfstrand
  • Patent number: 7810479
    Abstract: An improved internal combustion engine is provided with at least one channel or groove on its compression face. The at least one channel or groove can be open and of uniform width. The channel or groove can direct flow of an air-fuel mixture to increase combustion efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Randolph Naquin
  • Patent number: 7810480
    Abstract: A crossbow accessory for coupling to a modular lower receiver of a rifle includes an elongated frame coupled to a riser at a first end, and coupled above the lower receiver at its second end. An upper housing secured to the second end of the frame includes a rope spool and winding gears for retracting the bowstring toward a drawn position. A rope extends from the rope spool to a bowstring release for retracting the bowstring. The bowstring release is retracted into the upper housing proximate the modular lower receiver for selectively releasing the bowstring when a user pulls the trigger of the lower receiver. A method for creating a crossbow using the modular lower receiver is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Precision Shooting Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Edwin Shepley, Kevin Hansen, Allen C. Rasor, David H. Kronengold
  • Patent number: 7810481
    Abstract: A rear sight for mounting on a multifilament bowstring of an archery bow for sighting a target, including a body having a pair of sides with at least one end extending therebetween, each of the sides having a groove for tightly receiving at least one filament of the multifilament bowstring for mounting the sight within the bowstring, a pair of spaced-apart legs extending from the body end, the legs being either parallel to or diverging from each other and being substantially the same length, the facing surfaces of the spaced-apart legs and the end of the body defining therebetween a generally U-shaped sight window, the sight window being located between the filaments which extend in the side grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventors: Scot Sterner, Stephen Duttera