Patents Issued in July 12, 2011
  • Patent number: 7975626
    Abstract: A computer table includes a rear frame, two side frames pivotally mounted on two opposite ends of the rear frame respectively, a support board detachably mounted on the rear frame and the two side frames to support a computer, a drawer board detachably mounted between the two side frames, and a carrier detachably mounted on one of the two side frames to support a host frame of the computer. Thus, the computer table can be folded to have a smaller volume to decrease the cost of packaging, storage and transportation of the computer table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Pi-Liang Wang, Cheng-Chun Wang, Zi-Cong Wen, Chen-Yu Chung
  • Patent number: 7975627
    Abstract: A table including a tabletop and numbers of legs. A number of connecting positions for connecting with the legs are arranged in a bottom surface of the tabletop. The legs are connected with the connecting positions and extend transversely from the tabletop. The connecting positions and the upper ends of the legs are connected together by screw threads. Each of the legs include a recessed tool receptacle for receiving a tool to rotate the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: New-Tec Integration (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Luhao Leng
  • Patent number: 7975628
    Abstract: The combustion system for implementing the process has a combustion grate, hoppers below the combustion grate for supplying primary combustion gas through the grate and nozzles that lead into the furnace above the combustion grate to supply secondary combustion gas. At least one extraction duct for flue gas is provided at the rear end of the furnace above the combustion grate. This duct is connected to the suction side of a fan. The pressure side is connected to nozzles arranged in the upper area of the flue gas pass. The nozzle height allows the flue gases a residence time of at least 1 second after secondary gas is supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignees: Martin GmbH für Umwelt- und Energietechnik, Covanta Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Johannes Martin, Joachim Horn, Oliver Gohlke
  • Patent number: 7975629
    Abstract: A closing wheel assembly having a closing wheel frame and at least one closing wheel pivotally mounted to a lever allows the operator to change the angle at which the at least one closing wheel intersects the ground surface during use. The lever to which the closing wheel is mounted may be pivotally mounted to the closing wheel frame about a lever attachment. The lever may be formed with a lever handle on a first end thereof and a closing wheel mount on the second end thereof, wherein the lever attachment is positioned between the first and second ends of the lever. Accordingly, as the angle of the lever is manipulated about the lever attachment, the angle of the closing wheel pivotally mounted to that lever changes in the vertical and/or horizontal dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald S. Martin
  • Patent number: 7975630
    Abstract: A method for controlling a seeding apparatus including sensing a ground force acting on a furrow opener of the seeding apparatus and providing a ground force sensor signal in dependence upon the ground force acting on the furrow opener. The method further includes providing an actuator to apply a bias force to a packer wheel of the seeding apparatus. The method also includes providing a control device operative to receive the ground force sensor signal and an input from an operator and to adjust the bias force that the actuator applies to the packer wheel in dependence on at least one of the ground force sensor signal and the input from the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Bourgault Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Gerard F. Bourgault, Mark Cresswell
  • Patent number: 7975631
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combine agricultural machine (1) comprising a planting device (3), in particular a potato planting device, provided with at least one storage container (10), an extraction device associated thereto, a setting plow (7) and an downstream mounted end damming device (4). A loosening tool (2) for preparing a seedbed is arranged upstream of the planting device (3) in a travelling direction and one or several wheels (18) for disintegrating soil and supporting the machine are mounted upstream of said loosening tool (2) in said travelling direction. The invention also relates to a method for mechanically planting seeds comprising a stage for preparing the seedbed, a sowing stage and a final damming stage which are simultaneously carried out by means of tools mounted on the agricultural machine (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Andreas Heiss, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7975632
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus, method and system for a seed planter. The seed planter has a planting, dispensing and metering assembly operatively attached to a mobile supporting structure. The metering assembly has separated seed pre-staging and/or staging positions for staging pre-specified counts of seed separated from other counts in the batch and maintaining separation of the pre-specified counts of seed from other counts in the batch for planting. Alternatively, the metering assembly has separated seed staging positions for staging a batch of seed in singulated form for planting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph K. Gogerty, Daniel M. Goldman, Kent L. Hoeppner, James L. Hunter, Jason J. Kelsick, Timothy P. Meyer, Joshua L. Mongan, David C. Smith, Loren Steenhoek, Barry L. Stott, Timothy J. Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7975633
    Abstract: A seaming machine for seaming segments of sheet material to one another to form larger sheets includes a frame defining a sheet-receiving area and a pair of spaced seaming devices on opposed sides of the sheet-receiving area for respectively seaming opposed edges of the segments of sheet material to one another. The frame typically defines a table-receiving space for a table to support the sheet segments. The machine provides for the seaming of multiple sheet segments while the sheet segments remain atop the table or another work surface. Relative back and forth movement between the frame and work surface facilitate the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Miller Weldmaster Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Henry, Rodney M. Tunistra
  • Patent number: 7975634
    Abstract: Leggings with knee pads and patches protect babies when they crawl or fall on hard or abrasive surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Kirsten Dugan
  • Patent number: 7975635
    Abstract: An asymmetric sail furling and unfurling device comprises a tubular outer foil and an inner stay foil, the inner and outer foils providing a foil assembly adapted to transmit a torque for furling an unhoisted sail, which is furled on a sheath foil fitted on the outer foil, with the assembly of the foils and sheath being flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Renzo Greghi
  • Patent number: 7975636
    Abstract: A mechanism for dropping down and picking up an anchor in a controlled manner, the anchor having a chain with one end connected to a capstan in a releasable and retractable manner, an arm section to which the chain is connected from its other end, and a tip section, the mechanism of the present invention comprises a movable carrier which guides the anchor a certain distance as the anchor leaves the marine vehicle and is picked up onto the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Mehmet Nevres Ulgen
  • Patent number: 7975637
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of batteries in a hybrid marine vessel utilize a compartment to store the batteries and various conduits to conduct air to and from that compartment. A heat exchanger can draw air from the compartment and cool the air for use in the cabin of the marine vessel. The air from the cabin can be directed into the compartment to provide a flow of air that carries heat away from the batteries in the compartment and toward the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas E. Nida
  • Patent number: 7975638
    Abstract: A method and device to permit a water vessel to releasably capture a line. The water vessel may include a step cutout portion to receive a line capturing device. The line capturing device includes a device housing having a capturing notch and a pivotal guide arm. The guide arm may be pivoted to a deployed position. When presented with a line, a water vessel with the line-capturing device may capture the line by deploying the guide arm to guide the line into the notch, where the line is releasably latched. Also included is a system for towing a smaller water vessel to a parent vessel, the smaller water vessel including a device for capturing a line. The line may be attached at one end to the parent vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Donald Barnett Harris, Willard Sokol, III, Robert J. Galway
  • Patent number: 7975639
    Abstract: Embodiments of this invention describe a float for use with a running gear entanglement system (RGES) deployed on water, in addition to an improved system and method for using an RGES deployed in water. The floats lock securely onto the RGES mainline rope. The floats may be stacked for additional buoyancy or to allow for multiple RGES ropes in the same deployment. The floats are designed to permit the RGES to be retrieved/stored on and deployed from a reel. The floats may be constructed of any color and may also be luminescent. The floats may be ballasted to assist in anchoring the RGES.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Halo Maritime Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Bishop
  • Patent number: 7975640
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining accessories to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Whiting, Steve Erickson, David Foss
  • Patent number: 7975641
    Abstract: A tennis scoring system utilizing a display unit having a plurality of colored indicia areas disposed within at least a first and second scoring bar, each of such colored indicia areas of the first and second scoring bars representing, respectively, the games and sets to be won by the first and second players, each of such colored indicia areas in the first and second scoring bars to be changed in color in sequence whenever a player wins a game, such changed colored indicia representing the scores of games and sets won by the two players in a tennis match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Dusan Pittner, Ida Pittnerova
  • Patent number: 7975642
    Abstract: An automatic seasoning device that includes a hopper, a seasoning dispenser positioned to receive seasoning from the hopper; and a moveable transition tray positioned to receive seasoning from the seasoning dispensing drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Franke Technology and Trademark Ltd
    Inventors: Brian R. Rudesill, Mark Edward Allegra
  • Patent number: 7975643
    Abstract: The present invention features a telescopic turntable to allow a user to decorate a bakery item at various heights comprising a base for supporting a tube in a vertical position, a cake tray at the top of the tube, and a utensil tray at the middle portion of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Johnney C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7975644
    Abstract: A batter applicator with an adjustable coating mechanism is disclosed which includes a frame, a main batter tank, a structure comprising at least one of a submerger and an overflow structure that is adapted to be positioned proximate the main batter tank and actuatable means for tilting the structure relative to a reference horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Jogesh Chandran
  • Patent number: 7975645
    Abstract: A common body (15) of a coater unit (14) is mounted on a robot device (13). A common body gripper (33) is fixedly mounted on a fixed plate (32) of an atomizing head changing and washing device (31). At the time of replacing a used atomizing head (19?) and a used paint cartridge (24?) by a washed atomizing head (19) and a replenished paint cartridge (24), respectively, the common body (15) is gripped and located in a predetermined position by the common body gripper (33). When the common body (15) is gripped by the common body gripper (33), the robot device (13) is put in a reduced power mode attenuating driving forces to leave said common body (15) in a freely movable state by application of an external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: ABB K.K.
    Inventors: Tokuo Umezawa, Hidetsugu Matsuda, Masaharu Kuromoto, Yutaka Sakata
  • Patent number: 7975646
    Abstract: Device for depositing a coating on an internal surface of a container, of the type in which the deposition is carried out by means of a low-pressure plasma created inside the container by excitation of a precursor gas by microwave-type electromagnetic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Rius, Nicolas Chomel, Yves-Alban Duclos
  • Patent number: 7975647
    Abstract: A milking apparatus that is used to extract milk from dairy animals includes a vacuum source, a milking liner cooperating with a shell to define a pulsation chamber; and a pulsator in fluid communication with the pulsation chamber and the vacuum source. The pulsator is configured to produce at least a four-phase milking cycle in the milking liner with the cycle including at least an A phase and a C phase. The A phase is wherein the liner is changed from a closed configuration to an open configuration during which the pulsator provides fluid communication between the pulsation chamber and the vacuum source. The C phase is wherein the liner is changed from an open configuration to a closed configuration during which the pulsator allows atmospheric air to flow into the pulsation chamber. A restrictor is disposed in the path of the fluid communication between the pulsator and the pulsation chamber with the restrictor slowing the C phase compared to the A phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Lauren AgriSystems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Frank Saho, III, Daniel E. Kandray, Sr., Thomas A. Lance, Aaron Kyle Kochman, Richard J. Carpenter, Charles Jeffrey Laney
  • Patent number: 7975648
    Abstract: An animal feeder includes a hopper above a shelf onto which feed can fall to be taken by the animal or dropped into a trough below the shelf. The height of the shelf is adjustable in a course movement to move the shelf from a low height for smaller animals to a raised height for the animal after they have grown. The shelf is also adjustable in fine movement to change the width of the opening through which the feed passes to control feed rate. The shelf is carried on straps which extend along the end walls of the hopper and are movable by an adjustment linkage defined by a plate carried on the end wall and a manually adjustable lever mounted for pivotal movement on the plate. The lever has two pivot positions on the plate providing the two course adjustments and two graduated scales for the fine adjustment each cooperating with a respective pivot position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Crystal Spring Colony Farms Ltd
    Inventor: Jonathan Kleinsasser
  • Patent number: 7975649
    Abstract: A livestock waterer for use in frigid climates includes a lid which floats on the surface of the water in each basin of the waterer. The lid is hollow with a convex upper surface and with baffle walls depending from the underside of the lid. The baffle walls interrupt wave action on the surface of the water created by depression of the lid into the water when an animal presses down on the lid to gain access to the water. The floor of each basin is provided with an integrally formed mounting post to support a heater within the basin. The baffles walls prevent exhaustion of water within the basin thereby preserving submersion of the heater at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Ruhl A. Barker
  • Patent number: 7975650
    Abstract: A liquid absorbent pad particularly useful for pet maintenance activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher Vicari, Emanuel Comitini
  • Patent number: 7975651
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of sequestering carbon dioxide in aqueous environments. In a first step, an area is assessed to determine whether the area is capable of supporting the addition of organisms of higher trophic level (OHTL). Next, OHTL are added to the area in order to produce enough rapidly sinking and refractory particulate matter (PM) to sequester carbon dioxide above the level of carbon dioxide sequestration that exists before the addition of OHTL. Preferably, the PM produced by the OHTL sinks at rates significantly greater than and/or is significantly less biodegradable than that produced by other components of the biological carbon pump. Finally, this increase in the level of carbon dioxide sequestration is quantified. The method of the present invention may also include the step of reporting the quantified increase in the level of carbon dioxide sequestration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Michael J. Lutz
  • Patent number: 7975652
    Abstract: A blower system for livestock may include a housing. An air inlet may be located on the housing. One or more motors may be located in the housing. One or more fans may be coupled to at least one of the motors. The fans may be located in the housing. The fans may draw air in through the air inlet and expel air out through an air outlet located on the housing. A hollow plate may be coupled to the air outlet. The hollow plate may include a plurality of holes to allow air to exit the plate at a variety of angles and at pressures sufficient to create a whirlpool effect in a volume of water. The blower system may be portable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Boss Technology Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard G. Denison, Henry M. Craig, III
  • Patent number: 7975653
    Abstract: The bird waste catcher for a cage door is a device that is adapted for mounting on the door of a standard wire mesh birdcage. A pair of brackets attaches to the cage door with nuts and bolts and supports a detachable receptacle. The receptacle is mounted on the door of the birdcage for catching excrement and other debris created by a pet bird perched on top of the birdcage door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Karen Cash
  • Patent number: 7975654
    Abstract: A pet containment device for use with a chair comprises a cover for enclosing space underneath the chair. Said device also comprises other novel features that allow the device to connect to a seat of the chair and operate concomitantly with a folding chair. There is also provided a method of containing a pet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Leisureease, LLC
    Inventor: Lisa Kay Beaty Bishop
  • Patent number: 7975655
    Abstract: A device for use in connection with training a dog to retrieve a ball that allows the user to repeatedly launch the ball with a reduced amount of effort while also eliminating the need for the user to physically touch the ball. The device includes a ball receiving portion and a handle that extends outwardly therefrom. The handle includes an integrated treat storage compartment and a dispenser configured to deposit treats onto the ball receiving portion. The user launches the ball and then dispenses a treat onto the ball receiving portion so that upon returning with the ball, the dog can deposit the ball onto the ball receiving portion in exchange for the treat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Gary D. Piaget
  • Patent number: 7975656
    Abstract: Protective suit for a dog allows a dog to work in a cleanroom or other controlled environment. Suit 10 includes particle-blocking coverall 20 and hood 50. Hood 50 includes transparent face shield 52 to cover dog's eyes and snout. Face shield 52 is open at the end to allow air and odors to reach dog's nose unimpeded. Face shield 52 extends slightly beyond dog's nostrils to prevent dog from contacting hazardous chemicals or pathogens. Coverall 20 includes fitted sleeves 22 with integral boots 24; also a tail pouch 30 to keep tail separate and visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Bradley A. Prill
  • Patent number: 7975657
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable heat transfer apparatus designed to supply heat to an external heat load, such as a space-heating unit or a heating garment, in a manner to be usable in outdoor and other environments where it is difficult to receive a supply of electricity or fuel gas, and allows a ratio of LPG and air to be controlled so as to perform combustion in desirable conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Kenji Okayasu
  • Patent number: 7975658
    Abstract: An air port or smelt spout cleaning tip presents a wider cleaning area configuration on an insertion phase, and on retraction, the tip collapses to provide a smaller size to prevent against hanging up on adjacent structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Clyde Bergemann, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A Pingel, Michael deSousa
  • Patent number: 7975659
    Abstract: A fuel injection system for a two-stroke internal combustion engine (1), elastically housed internally of a chamber, comprises a carburetor (30) to which are associated an induction port (9) for an air/fuel mixture and a fuel supply conduit (10) intercepted by means for metering housed in a recess (16) communicating with a second aperture (15) located above the induction port (9), which is in turn connected by an accumulation conduit (12) to a first aperture (14) located below the induction port (9), the apertures (14, 15) being alternatively opened by the piston skirt (3); the accumulation conduit is entirely afforded in the cylinder body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Emak S.p.A.
    Inventor: Nicola Cerreto
  • Patent number: 7975660
    Abstract: A stratified two-stroke engine having a laminated counterweight is disclosed. The laminated counterweight includes a traditional counterweight portion and a laminate portion. The laminate portion has an approximately circular peripheral shape and at least one notch. In operation, the notch may be used to time the opening and closing of a mixture port or a transfer port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Techtronic Outdoor Products Technology Limited
    Inventors: Nagesh S. Mavinahally, David R. Brower
  • Patent number: 7975661
    Abstract: A system and method for fuel tuned variable valve timing is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder being further associated with at least two exhaust valves. A first exhaust valve operates according to a first valve lift curve that is tuned for combustion of gasoline. A second exhaust valve operates according to at least two different valve lift curves that are tuned for E85 fuel. The second lift curve is associated with high engine speeds and the modified second lift curve is associated with low engine speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Marc Odell
  • Patent number: 7975662
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is equipped with a variable valve controlling system, in which the single actuator is disposed in a cylinder head on one side where one ends of the rocker-arm shafts are disposed, while enabling the single actuator to activate the rocker arms irrespective of the arrangement of the rocker-arm shafts. In the internal combustion engine, a hydraulic cylinder of a hydraulic actuator is disposed so as to transverse a timing chamber. Operation elements extend respectively from sidewalls of a plunger in the hydraulic cylinder, and activate respective rocker-arm shafts. In a motorcycle on which the engine is mounted, a frame member of a vehicle frame is disposed outside the hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Nakashima, Yoshihiro Takada, Yuichi Tawarada, Takuya Warashina
  • Patent number: 7975663
    Abstract: A cam phaser assembly may include a drive plate assembly, a cavity plate, and a driven plate assembly. The drive plate assembly may include a drive plate and a first vane fixed for rotation with the drive plate. The cavity plate may be rotationally driven by the drive plate and may define first and second chambers. The first vane may extend into the first chamber. The driven plate assembly may be rotationally driven by the drive plate assembly and may include a driven plate and a second vane fixed for rotation with the driven plate that extends into the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Richard Stephen Davis
  • Patent number: 7975664
    Abstract: The valve drive has a cam follower (10) which is arranged between a cam (3) of a camshaft (4) and the gas exchange valve (5) and is mounted on a support element (8). Support element (8) is stationary in cylinder head (2), with a rigid installation height (feature YP), for the adjustment of the valve play (21) with respect to the cam (3) and/or the gas exchange valve (5). A module (6) which has the cam, follower (10) and the support element (8), defines total installation dimension of the module (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Frank Himsel, Wolfgang Christgen
  • Patent number: 7975665
    Abstract: A spark plug comprising a cylindrical portion which projects into a combustion chamber from an inner wall face of an engine head when the spark plug is fixed to the engine head, wherein the cylindrical portion has one or more ventilating portion comprised of a through hole or a notch in an outer circumferential face thereof. An igniting portion projecting into the combustion chamber improves ignitability. Further, because an air-fuel mixture fed from an inlet of the internal combustion engine flows to inside of the cylindrical portion through the ventilating portion, heat of an insulator is taken away and cooled down, whereby an occurrence of pre-ignition is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoteru Mori
  • Patent number: 7975666
    Abstract: A technique is provided for improved response of internal combustion engines to increased load demands. The engine is equipped with an air storage tank that stores compressed air. The air may be stored at an elevated pressure (e.g., manifold air pressure) during normal full load operation of the engine. Valving maintains the compressed air isolated during normal operation. During transitory periods of higher power output demand, the compressed air is directed to the engine, and output of a turbo-driven compressor can be vented to avoid surge. The technique allows for quicker reaction to load demands, and improved combustion during transitory periods, and reduced particulate and smoke emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Manoj Prakash Gokhale, Yogesh Kumar
  • Patent number: 7975667
    Abstract: A drive shaft and pistons assembly of a split-cycle four-stroke engine that contains a drive rotary shaft that supports at least two circular eccentrics pivotally connected to the first ends of connecting rods, the other ends of which are pivotally connected to the respective pistons. The circular eccentrics are angularly shifted with respect to each other by an angle optimal from the viewpoint of efficiency of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Inden
  • Patent number: 7975668
    Abstract: A control system for an engine comprises an air per cylinder (APC) generating module that generates measured and desired APC values. A combustion transition module selectively transitions the engine from spark ignition (SI) combustion to homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion and from HCCI combustion to SI combustion. A spark control module selectively retards spark during the transitions based on a ratio of the measured APC value and the desired APC value. Alternately, spark retard can be based on measured and desired engine torque representing values (ETRVs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Vijay Ramappan, Allen B. Rayl, Jun-Mo Kang, Peter Kafarnik, Matthew A. Wiles, Hanho Yun
  • Patent number: 7975669
    Abstract: A throttle control valve is provided. It includes a valve housing having an inlet end, an outlet end. A valve body located within the housing has a sealing end and a spindle. The sealing end has a teardrop shaped cross-section for cooperating with the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pochuan B. Hsing, Jia-Shiun Chen, Kuo-Huey Chen, Yeupin P. Yeh
  • Patent number: 7975670
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including: detecting the engine speed NE and the current KL (S1010, S1020) when the ISC learning control is started (“YES” in S1000); changing the ignition efficiency so that the NE and the output torque are kept unchanged even when the throttle valve opening amount changes (S1030); calculating the target torque by multiplying the ISC target torque by the ignition efficiency (S1040); calculating the target KL based on the target torque, the NE and the MBT (S1050); calculating the throttle valve opening amount based on the target KL (S1060); calculating the target ignition timing based on the NE, the current KL and the target torque (S1070); and controlling an engine using the calculated throttle valve opening amount, ignition timing and fuel injection amount (S1080).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiro Ito
  • Patent number: 7975671
    Abstract: An engine speed control device includes an engine speed control lever that generates an engine speed instruction and a device for delivering the indicative information on the actual engine speed. An actuator applies a mechanical force on the lever according to the difference between the instruction and the indicative information on the actual engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Perie, Valerie Roche, Mathieu Dulaur
  • Patent number: 7975672
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a controllable throttle and controllable engine valves and is selectively operative in one of a plurality of combustion modes. An engine control method includes monitoring engine operation, determining a desired air flow, estimating a cylinder air charge, and estimating an intake air partial pressure. The throttle control device and engine valves are controlled based upon the intake air partial pressure and the cylinder air charge to achieve the desired air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jun-Mo Kang, Chen-Fang Chang, Jyh-Shin Chen
  • Patent number: 7975673
    Abstract: A fuel injection arrangement for a piston engine, the arrangement comprising an injector nozzle (1) for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber (6) of the cylinder. A Theological actuator (15) is arranged in connection with the injector nozzle (1), the actuator comprising a space (18) containing Theological fluid and an apparatus (19, 20) by means of which the viscosity of the Theological fluid can be changed for controlling the fuel injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Wärtsilä Finland Oy
    Inventors: Juha Alajoki, Jukka Kiijärvi, Markus Niemi, Jari Kostamo, Jyrki Kajaste, Pekka Hautala
  • Patent number: 7975674
    Abstract: A fuel pump and a method for controlling a fuel pump. At least two pumps run at a mutual phase displacement such that they are able to receive fuel during different periods of time. A control unit causes a valve, which is only settable in an open position and a closed position, to lead a desired amount of fuel to the respective pump. The control unit places the valve in the open position for a variable portion of the periods so that an individually controlled amount of fuel is led to the respective pump during those periods. Maintenance of good efficiency of the fuel pump and low noise emissions is thus made possible in operating situations where the fuel pump delivers a reduced amount of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Scania CV AB (publ)
    Inventors: Kim Kylström, Tomas Flink
  • Patent number: 7975675
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is optionally driven by an electrical machine which can be supplied with power from a galvanic cell or which, during a generating operation, supplies the galvanic cell with power, and by an internal-combustion engine which can be supplied with a combustible liquid from a tank. An activated carbon canister is assigned to the tank for collecting vapors of the combustible liquid, the activated carbon canister being connectible, as required, with the intake system of the internal-combustion engine for carrying out a scavenging, wherein the activated carbon canister is positioned in the area of the galvanic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andreas Menke