Patents Issued in July 30, 2013
  • Patent number: 8495955
    Abstract: A tree limb bundling tool includes a cylindrical base container having a bottom surface, a continuous, upstanding outer wall and an open top in communication with an interior chamber. A pair of diametrically-opposed notches extend from the open top to an intermediate portion of the wall. The device also includes a compactor having a circular upper surface with a cylindrical shroud depending therefrom. The shroud likewise includes a pair of opposing notches extending from an intermediate portion to a lower edge. Accordingly, a worker compiles limbs and places them within the notches on the base container. The compactor is inserted into the container with the shroud notches substantially aligned with the base container notches. The worker then either sits or kneels on the upper surface of the compactor at which time a tie or string is wrapped about each end of the compressed limbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis L. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 8495957
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is, in an image-forming machine equipped with plural paper feeders that feed paper to a drum unit at different paper feed speeds due to the difference in the shapes of paper traveling routes, to control the image-forming machine so as to select a paper feeder suitable for the condition of printing-speed-priority. A stencil printing machine has three paper feeders; a paper feed table, a first tray, and a second tray. The maximum allowable printing speeds to a drum unit of the three paper feeders: differ from each other in accordance with the difference in the shapes of traveling routes; increase in the order of the paper feed table, the first tray, and then the second tray; and are stored as data. When a user carries out printing at the setting of speed-priority, a control unit of the machine and a paper feeder selection device select the paper feeder of the highest maximum allowable image-forming speed and carry out the printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Riso Kagaku Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Kato
  • Patent number: 8495958
    Abstract: In a printer for corrugated cardboard sheets and a box making machine for corrugated cardboard sheets, a control device that controls an operation of an air cylinder is provided such that an ink supply roll is moved toward or away from a printing cylinder relative to an intermediate position of a gap between ends of a printing plate attached on a surface of a printing cylinder. With this configuration, ink of an ink supply roll is appropriately transferred to the printing plate, an ink film on the printing plate is uniformized, and then printing precision is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Printing & Packaging Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Sugimoto, Yasunari Suzuki, Osamu Hatano, Mitsuhiro Nadachi
  • Patent number: 8495959
    Abstract: A kinetic fireball incendiary munition is provided having an outer shell or bomb casing, one or more incendiary submunitions therein, and an igniter therefore. Each of the submunitions includes an incendiary portion, at least one rocket motor that propels the submunition inside of a target volume, and an oxidizer for the incendiary portion and rocket motor. The submunitions liberate sufficient heat to produce elevated temperatures inside of a target structure to thermalize the contents thereof without creating a substantial overpressure or explosive effect. The incendiary portion includes a solid propellant and, optionally, one or more energetic materials selected from the group consisting of phosphorous, boron, magnesium, aluminum, Fluorinert™-aluminum and BKNO3. The incendiary submunition may be in the shape of a ball or a circular disk with a rocket motor therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Exquadrum, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L Geisler, Kevin E Mahaffy
  • Patent number: 8495960
    Abstract: A rail vehicle comprising a vehicle body defining a vehicle interior, an internal combustion engine and an exhaust gas system in communication with the internal combustion engine for evacuating the exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine, wherein the exhaust gas system comprises an additive supply unit designed to supply an additive for pollutant reduction to the exhaust gas stream of the internal combustion engine, and the additive supply unit comprises a reservoir for the additive and a supply section connected thereto for supplying the additive to the exhaust gas stream. The reservoir and/or the supply section is arranged in at least one body chamber of the vehicle body, wherein the at least one body chamber is provided with sound insulation and/or thermal insulation at least in the areas adjacent to the vehicle interior and/or the environment of the vehicle, which are frequented by passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Ralph Willbrandt, Steffen Jahn
  • Patent number: 8495961
    Abstract: An improved shipping system includes a base deck section. The system further includes an upper-tier deck section, that moves between a position atop the base deck section through a variety of positions, including positions that put the upper section out of the way of loading and unloading any load on the base deck section. Cartons may be atop both the base deck section and the upper-tier deck section, for shipments, with the upper-tier deck section in the raised configuration. When emptied, the shipping system may be returned with its upper-tier deck section moved down to a position atop the base deck section, and the shipping system stacked upon a similar improved shipping system. Shipping efficiency is increased as much as twenty percent and perhaps more. All components are steel, and may also be plastic, wood and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Charles G. Kiolbasa
  • Patent number: 8495962
    Abstract: A cutting mechanism for cutting off a leading sequin from a continuous sequin strip in response to sewing operation is constructed to cut off the sequin at substantially the same time as a sewing needle pierces a sewing workpiece. For example, the cutting mechanism includes a movable cutter blade, and an abutting member that, in response to sewing operation, abuts against the movable cutter blade to move the movable cutter blade in a predetermined direction so that the sequin is cut off by the movable cutter blade. The abutting member is provided in a presser foot that presses down the sewing workpiece in interlocked relation to the sewing needle during the sewing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Tokai Kogyo Mishin Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Riquan Li
  • Patent number: 8495963
    Abstract: A shallow water anchor is provided. The shallow water anchor comprises a first anchor extension and a second anchor extension axially received by a housing. The first anchor extension is axially received by the second anchor extension such that the first and second anchor extensions are sequentially deployable from the housing an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is controlled by a control interface that is operable to detect when the shallow water anchor has reached a fully extended state and fully retracted state. The shallow water anchor further includes a biasing compensator that compensates for fluctuations in the overall depth of water the anchor is deployed in due to waves or other anomalies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel A. Bernloehr, Gregory Paul Beamer, David M. Samek
  • Patent number: 8495964
    Abstract: An elastic anchor rope has an elastomeric core over most of its length. The core stretches during mooring to permit discharge of persons and items such as on a beach with subsequent retraction of the craft to an offshore location. A bow line permits retraction of the craft to the beach for loading purposes. Tensile loads are transferred from the elastomeric core to an intermediate cord and from the cord to end portions of the rope that do not have the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Kubli N Ronald
  • Patent number: 8495965
    Abstract: A submersible apparatus is configured to eject air and/or water in desired predetermined patterns to simulate particular types of ordnance to facilitate safe and effective splash testing of ship radar systems. The apparatus includes a frame, one or more adjustable buoyancy bodies, a source of fluid such as an air compressor or a water pump, and a plurality of nozzles through which the fluid is ejected to create the desired splash. Fluid can be supplied to the buoyancy bodies to adjust the level of the apparatus in the water as necessary to simulate a particular type of ordnance. Additionally, the nozzles can be individually adjustable to facilitate ordnance simulation. A control system is provided to enable remote and/or preprogrammed control of the apparatus. A wireless or hard wired link can be provided to allow a remote user to control the apparatus in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Hadida, David B. Arnal
  • Patent number: 8495966
    Abstract: An amphibious small boat, including rowing/fishing/motor/sailing boats, canoes and kayaks has a removable, retractable wheeled undercarriage enabling the craft to be trailered or managed singlehandedly on the ground; or the undercarriage retracted inboard. The canoe and kayak undercarriage is easily removed. Working loads are distributed to the fabric of the craft. The boat undercarriage can be manually lever-controlled and the lever anchors the undercarriage. A motorized actuator is also given. An elevated towing hitch is used with all embodiments, and includes a safety, breakaway link for highway needs. Signal/running lights are included with the small boat embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Ranko Lazarevic
  • Patent number: 8495967
    Abstract: A wakeboard tower having an elevated tow point and a bimini or other sun cover integrated to the tower in a manner that does not interfere with the tow point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Xtreme Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Duane Williams, Robert Blaine Metcalf
  • Patent number: 8495968
    Abstract: A honeycomb filter production apparatus includes: a workpiece securing section for securing a base of a honeycomb filter; a powder transfer section for transferring a powder together with an air current by utilizing pressurized gas; an introduction section for introducing the powder that has transferred from the powder transfer section into the base secured by the workpiece securing section when the apparatus is used; a suction section for sucking the gas that has passed through the base secured by the workpiece securing section using suction means; a cleaning section for removing a surplus powder adhering to an end face of the base after the introduction of the powder; a judgment section for judging an amount of the powder adhering to the base; and a workpiece transfer section for transferring the base among the workpiece securing section, the cleaning section, and the judgment section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsuji, Takayoshi Akao, Shuhei Fujita, Kazuhi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8495969
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing electrically conducting nanostructures by means of electrospinning, the apparatus having at least a substrate holder (1), a spinning capillary (2), connected to a reservoir (3) for a spinning liquid (4) and to an electrical voltage supply (5), an adjustable movement unit (6, 6?) for moving the spinning capillary (2) and/or the substrate holder (1) relative to one another, an optical measuring device (7) for monitoring the spinning procedure at the outlet of the spinning capillary (2), and a computer unit (8) for controlling the drive of the spinning capillary (2) relative to the substrate holder (1) in accordance with the spinning procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventors: Stefan Bahnmüller, Andreas Greiner, Joachim H. Wendorff, Roland Dersch, Jacob Belardi, Max Von Bistram, Stefanie Eiden, Stephan Michael Meier
  • Patent number: 8495970
    Abstract: An improved animal feed dispenser is provided having a slow speed paddle wheel and a high speed distributor wheel. The high speed distributor wheel transports feed out of an opening in the device to spread it on the ground. The slow speed paddle wheel moves feed at a measured rate from a storage hopper and feeds it to the distributor wheel. A detachable mounting plate is used to attach the dispenser to a storage hopper, and is releasable therefrom without emptying the hopper of feed. The slow speed paddle wheel is formed from a material flexible enough to prevent feed jams caused by water absorption of the feed and other events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher B. Barley, James Brandon Roach
  • Patent number: 8495971
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to litter compositions including a litter substrate in the form of granules and a stable fragrance coating applied over at least some of the litter granules. The stable fragrance coating provides a fragrance litter composition exhibiting no or a reduced tendency for fragrance to be lost over time. Furthermore, the fragrant litter composition is able to reform a stable fragrance coating after being wetted, upon redrying. The stable fragrance coating comprises a nanoemulsion including an aqueous surfactant continuous phase and a dispersed phase comprising one or more fragrance oils. The fragrance oil is dispersed within the continuous phase as nano-sized droplets having an average diameter of no more than about 100 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Maria G. Ochomogo, Elizabeth Donald
  • Patent number: 8495972
    Abstract: The injection system provides an automated means to safely inject a target animal. In the preferred embodiment, the automated injection system injects an animal with a radio frequency identification device (RFID). The automated injection system includes a baiting station with multiple sensors that confirm the position of a target animal and initiate the injection process. A controller actively controls the injection process and records the identification data associated with each injected animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Joe M. Pound, Gary R. Earl, Randy W. Ryan, Jr., Gordon K. Shelley
  • Patent number: 8495973
    Abstract: This invention provides a thin film vaporizer. The vaporizer includes a primary body having an inlet, an outlet, and an internal surface therebetween. The inlet, outlet and internal surface defining a gas passage between the inlet and the outlet. A first liquid provider is disposed proximate to the inlet and structured and arranged to provide liquid flow upon at least a portion of the internal surface. A first vaporizing zone is provided downstream from the first liquid provider and structured and arranged to provide wetting of the provided liquid flow upon at least a portion of the internal surface. The first vaporizing zone is further structured and arranged with the gas passage to permit vaporizing of the liquid and mixing with a first gas received from the inlet about contemporaneously. A heat source is thermally coupled to the first vaporization so as to apply heat by conduction, convection, radiation and or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Protonex Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph C. Poshusta, Douwe Bruinsma
  • Patent number: 8495974
    Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for burning liquid ammonia in an energy device such as a diesel engine, boiler or gas turbine. In particular, the process and apparatus include mixing a renewable fuel with a low flame speed and high ignition temperature, e.g., ammonia, with a combustible liquid fossil or bio-fuel and supplying the mixture into a closed fuel loop where part is efficiently burned in an engine combustion chamber, and part is used to cool the engine and returned by the loop for mixture with fresh incoming fuel mixture. The invention provides for the mixing and emulsifying in such a way that vapor lock is avoided. In the loop, the mixture is emulsified into a disperse distribution of fuel droplets such that upon injection of a portion into the combustion chamber, the renewable fuel in an emulsified droplet evaporates, mixes with the air and forms a small combustion cell surrounding the liquid fuel droplet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Vito Agosta
  • Patent number: 8495975
    Abstract: A two stroke engine of a particular configuration can have its power output increased by running bigger pistons and using ports in the piston skirt through which to conduct compressed air within the skirt through short passages in the cylinder housing that conduct the air from within the skirt to above the piston. As a result a larger piston can be used for the same spacing and opening size in the block to save the need to redesign the block and the crankshaft. A position adjuster for the piston moves it axially without rotation of the piston ports out of alignment with inlet ports in the housing. The piston rod is held in the crosshead using a flat to prevent rotation while an adjuster nut that is turned creates axial movement in the piston rod with a lock nut securing the final piston position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce M. Chrisman, Randy Coleman
  • Patent number: 8495976
    Abstract: An oil control valve includes: a housing that is connected to an oil passage via which an oil is fed to and drained from a hydraulic device; an elongated spool that changes a state of oil feeding-drainage for the hydraulic device by moving in the housing; and a drain passage which is formed in the spool such that the drain passage extends in an axial direction of the spool and an outlet of the drain passage is provided at a radial side face of an axial end portion of the spool, and via which the oil that has entered the housing from the hydraulic device is drained, wherein the spool includes an elongated spool body, and an attachment that is separate from the spool body and is fixed at an axial end portion of the spool body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinobu Shimasaki
  • Patent number: 8495977
    Abstract: The invention comprises a cylinder block wherein vertical reciprocation of a piston is transmitted to a connecting rod that rotates a crank shaft to generate torque. A cylinder head is joined to the top of the cylinder block, whereof one side is connected to a primary intake and exhaust manifold which is opened and shut by a primary intake and exhaust valve and the other side is connected to a secondary intake and exhaust manifold which is opened and shut by a secondary intake and exhaust valve. A primary cam shaft drives the primary intake and exhaust valve. A secondary cam shaft drives the secondary intake and exhaust valve. A tertiary cam shaft is placed on the upper side of the cylinder head and rotates to interlock with the rotation of the secondary cam shaft. Therefore, intake and exhaust performance of a four-stroke internal combustion engine is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventors: Kwang Jae Song, Se Jin Song
  • Patent number: 8495978
    Abstract: A drive configuration for driving one or more rotating sprockets (e.g., of an engine drive train), including a flexible force transmitting member forming a closed curve enclosing an area; a drive sprocket situated outside the area and driving the force transmitting member; first and second pulleys situated at least partially within the area and on opposing sides of the drive sprocket so as to urge the force transmitting member against the drive sprocket; and one or more driven sprockets each coupled to the force transmitting member. The drive configuration may include a cartridge including a base, one or more secondary pulleys being situated on opposing sides of the first pulley such that a timing belt is urged into contact with a drive sprocket and each of the pulleys. Accordingly, a timing belt may be rapidly installed or removed by inserting or removing the cartridge according to the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Victor A. Grossman
  • Patent number: 8495979
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising valve sets through which combustion air enters a cylinder is mixed with fuel for combustion therein and through which products of combustion exit. A valve train assembly comprises a drive rocker arm, including a first, proximal end in contact with a rotatable camshaft and a second, distal end in contact with a valve shaft of a first valve of a valve set and a driven rocker arm including a first, proximal end in contact with the drive rocker arm at a location that is adjacent to the first, proximal end thereof and a second, distal end in contact with a valve shaft of a second valve of a valve set. The drive rocker arm and the driven rocker arm operate to move the valves reciprocally from a closed to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Gary J. Arvan
  • Patent number: 8495980
    Abstract: A camshaft arrangement for a motor vehicle engine has a hollow outer shaft and an inner shaft supporting inner shaft cams. The inner shaft cams are non-rotatably attached to the inner shaft by at least one connection element that protrudes with clearance through an aperture in the outer shaft and is attached to the respective inner shaft cam which is rotatably mounted on the outer shaft. When inserted into a receiver in the inner shaft, a portion of the connection element protrudes out of the receiver, and the protruding portion is at least partially inserted into an aperture located at the joint diameter of the inner shaft cam. This aperture is open at least towards an end face of the inner shaft cam. The protruding portion has at least two opposite-lying side surfaces lying with an interference fit against corresponding inner surfaces of the aperture of the inner shaft cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta TecCenter AG
    Inventors: Guido Scherzinger, Bernd Mann, Gunther Martin Lugauer, Mario Wolfinger, Frank Altag, Peter Wiesner, Juergen Meusel, Manfred Muster, Alex Meier
  • Patent number: 8495981
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a position determination module and a position control module. The position determination module determines a first cam phaser position for starting the engine prior to engine shut down, and determines a second cam phaser position for starting the engine while the engine is shut down. The position control module adjusts a cam phaser to the first cam phaser position at engine shut down. The position control module adjusts the cam phaser from the first cam phaser position to the second cam phaser at engine start up when a difference between the first cam phaser position and the second cam phaser position is greater than a predetermined difference. A method for controlling an engine is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventors: Etsuko Muraji Stewart, James R. Yurgil
  • Patent number: 8495982
    Abstract: A fuel shroud assembly (100) into which fuel (118) is injected for mixing with an air stream (120) in a fuel manifold. The shroud assembly (100) comprises a plurality of parallel fuel scoops (102) each receiving the injected fuel (118). The fuel stream (118) flows through each scoop (102), exiting at an open scoop end (114A). The air stream (120) flows between scoops, creating a shear region proximate each scoop end (114A) where the fuel exits. The shear causes mixing of the air (120) and the fuel (118) streams, wherein the degree of mixing is not dependent on the momentum ratio of the air (120) or fuel (118) streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter R. Laster, Elizabeth R. Colore, David A. Little
  • Patent number: 8495983
    Abstract: An engine system for a vehicle, comprising of a combustion chamber, a first in-cylinder direct injector configured to deliver a first substance including at least gasoline directly to the combustion chamber at a first pressure; and a second in-cylinder direct injector configured to deliver a second substance including at least an alcohol directly to the combustion chamber at a second pressure less than the first pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. Zubeck, George Carver Davis, Eric Warren Curtis
  • Patent number: 8495984
    Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle includes a variable displacement module that deactivates N of M cylinders of an engine during a fuel management mode. N is an integer and M is an integer greater than 1. A spark control module generates a spark timing signal for the N cylinders based on a pre-dwell time and a fuel management dwell modifier during the fuel management mode. The spark control module reduces dwell time of the N cylinders during the fuel management mode based on the fuel management dwell modifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventors: Robert W. Riegel, Yujiro Suwa, Ronald M. Wozniak, Anthony L. Marks
  • Patent number: 8495985
    Abstract: A fuel delivery pipe with damper function, being constructed of an elongate lower case provided at its bottom with a plurality of injection sockets for connection with fuel injection valves to be opened and closed by a controller unit; an upper case coupled with the lower case in a liquid-tight manner to form an internal space to be filled with fuel under pressure supplied from a fuel pump; a hollow partition wall member the whole periphery of which is brazed to an inner surface of the lower or upper case to form an air chamber isolated from the internal space; and a vent hole formed in the lower or upper case and sealed after communicating the air chamber with the atmosphere therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naruki Harada, Daigo Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8495986
    Abstract: An injector mount clamp for coupling an injector of an exhaust gas treatment system to an exhaust conduit of an engine while the conduit is in an installed position includes a resilient monolithic clamp body having an aperture extending therethrough and being shaped as a split collar having a first end spaced apart from a second end a distance allowing the clamp body to be transversely moved relative to an exhaust flow direction to a position circumferentially surrounding the exhaust conduit. An injector mounting boss is disposed on the clamp body and defines a passage that fluidly communicates with the aperture of the clamp body. The mounting boss has a mounting face configured to oppose the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Reba
  • Patent number: 8495987
    Abstract: Pump piston seizures caused by excessive side loads produced by the uneven loading of a large piston return spring are prevented by separating the tappet return function from the piston return function, thereby minimizing the spring force acting on the piston. Preferably, a stronger, heavier load outer spring is mounted between the pump body and the tappet, such that it imparts no load and therefore no side loads to the pumping piston. A weaker, lighter load inner spring imparts less side load to the pumping piston than a conventional piston return spring, because the inner spring need not carry any tappet load. During both the pumping and charging strokes of the piston, the piston return spring can assist the tappet return spring, but the tappet return spring does not assist the piston return spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Stanadyne Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Lucas, Ilija Djordjevic
  • Patent number: 8495988
    Abstract: A fuel vapor storage and recovery system for a vehicle includes a fuel tank containing a volume of fuel and first and second vapor storage devices fluidly connectable via a controllable valve device. The second vapor storage device includes an electrically heatable substrate thermally coupled to fuel vapor adsorbent material. A vent valve connects to atmospheric air via a second end of the second vapor storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Sam R. Reddy
  • Patent number: 8495989
    Abstract: A gasket of an internal combustion engine includes a discharge line installed in an intermediate layer and having an outer end exposed from the outer peripheral edge of the gasket to be a first connection part and an inner end exposed from a inner peripheral edge around the opening to be an electrode, configured such that discharge is generated between electrodes with voltage applied between first connection parts; an antenna installed at least partly in the intermediate layer at the inner peripheral edge around the opening to radiate electromagnetic waves into a combustion chamber; and an electromagnetic wave transmission line installed in the intermediate layer, having an outer end exposed from an outer peripheral edge to be a second connection part and an inner end connected to the antenna, and guiding electromagnetic waves to the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Imagineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Yuji Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8495990
    Abstract: A pre-injection fuel atomization system for a combustion engine that reduces droplet size of incoming fuel at air intake, creating an aerosol that is injected by fuel injectors into the combustion chambers. The system uses a vibrating crystal in a transducer, the vibrations atomizing the fuel into an aerosol. The droplet size is reduced to around 0.1 microns, providing more surface area available for fast surface combustion. The fuel droplets are maintained in a stoichiometric ratio to oxygen in the air so that burning is complete and clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventors: Joey Rivera, Neal Branstetter
  • Patent number: 8495991
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine in which combustion air is supplied to a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, which air is compressed with the aid of a pulse supercharger, the pulse supercharger being controlled in such a way that optionally, in a first operating mode, the combustion air is compressed in order to support a compressor of a turbocharger, or in a second operating mode, the combustion air compressed with the aid of the compressor is cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Baeuerle, Martin Klenk, Udo Sieber
  • Patent number: 8495992
    Abstract: A method of controlling exhaust gas flow in an internal combustion engine system, and products and systems using same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Roth
  • Patent number: 8495993
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine structure, an air intake assembly and a positive crankcase ventilation system. The engine structure defines an intake port and a crankcase. Furthermore, the air intake assembly is in communication with the intake port. The positive crankcase ventilation system includes a fresh air line, a housing and a foul air line. The fresh air line is in communication with the air intake assembly and the crankcase. The housing defines an air inlet and an air outlet with the air inlet being in communication with the crankcase and partially defined by a wall extending into an inner volume of the housing. An oil separation mechanism may be located in the housing between the air inlet and the air outlet. The foul air line is in communication with the air intake assembly and the air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventors: Alan E. Rice, Thomas A. Spix
  • Patent number: 8495994
    Abstract: The invention relates to a separator for crank housing ventilation of an internal combustion engine. The separator comprises at least one vortex chamber (2) extending along a longitudinal axis (3), wherein the vortex chamber (2) comprises an inlet for a ventilation stream (6), in particular a tangential inlet, relative to the longitudinal axis (3) at an end (4) on the inlet side. The vortex chamber (2) further comprises a common outlet (8) for the ventilation stream (6) and for oil entrained along with the ventilation stream (6), said common outlet being located at the end on the outlet side of the vortex chamber opposite the end (4) on the inlet side, relative to the longitudinal axis (3). The vortex chamber (2) is enclosed in the outlet (8) area thereof by an impact absorber (9) comprising an impact base (10) and a peripheral wall (11), wherein the impact base (10) covers the outlet (8) at a distance therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Mann + Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Schleiden, Andreas Weber
  • Patent number: 8495995
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a muffler configured to reduce exhaust gas noise, a choke valve configured to control a flow of air in a carburetor, a thermally responsive element coupled with the choke valve and configured to move the choke valve in response to a temperature change in the thermally responsive element, and a thermally conductive member. The muffler has a housing defining an interior and an exterior. The thermally conductive member has a first portion positioned in the interior of the muffler in direct contact with the exhaust gases and extends through the muffler housing to the exterior of the muffler. The thermally conductive member also has a second portion positioned exteriorly of the muffler and coupled to the thermally responsive element, the thermally conductive member configured to conduct heat from exhaust gases within the muffler to the thermally responsive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Drew, David W. Branski, Chad J. Gartzke, William H. Mayer, Benjamin R. Miller, Dawn N. Traynor, Gene Zimmerman, Jean-Paul Benjamins
  • Patent number: 8495996
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for an exhaust gas sensor coupled to an exhaust system of an engine. One example method comprises, during selected engine fueling conditions, alternating between applying different voltages to the sensor; and identifying an amount of alcohol in fuel injected to the engine based on sensor outputs at the different voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard E. Soltis, Gopichandra Surnilla, Carolyn Parks Hubbard, Kenneth John Behr, Timothy Joseph Clark
  • Patent number: 8495997
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for attaching a solar panel to a purlin is disclosed, the solar panel further including a frame having a set of frame holes. The apparatus includes a solar panel clip including a solar panel clip bearing surface, a key formed on the solar panel clip bearing surface, a perpendicular locking surface coupled to the solar panel clip bearing surface, and an upper solar panel spacing section configured to provide an expansion joint. The apparatus also may include a solar panel clip washer mount. A solar panel is positioned on the solar panel clip bearing surface and is secured to the purlin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: MBL & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Laubach
  • Patent number: 8495998
    Abstract: A portable, handheld breath-actuated inhaler comprises a generally cylindrical body that comprises body portions 1, 3 that receive a canister 2 of pressured fluid such a nicotine to be inhaled in an aerosol by a user, a mouthpiece 7 in the first body portion 1 configured to deliver an amount of the aerosol to the mouth of the user from the canister. A trigger is cocked ready for releasing pressurized fluid from the canister by manually sliding the body portions 1, 3 towards one another. The trigger comprises a compression spring 26 and a cam 33 which engages a pressure sensitive puff lever 28 with a plate 29 that releases the cocked trigger when a user sucks on the mouthpiece and draws in air through air inlet opening 26. Release of the trigger releases spring 26 which slides the body portions apart and also opens a valve in the canister so as to deliver the aerosol to the mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventor: Steven Michael Schennum
  • Patent number: 8495999
    Abstract: An airway intubation device having a one-piece molded body of biocompatible material with an ergonomically designed hand piece for left hand manipulation. The body includes a cap piece and linear-curved-linear insertion piece having a channel in one side thereof for insertion of an endotracheal tube. The channel has a wide entry portal disposed ahead of the hand piece so that a clinician may load the channel with a tube while the insertion piece is in the mouth of the patient without having to view the entry portal. The device includes illumination means and viewing means comprising an eye piece or a video display unit mounted to the cap piece so that a clinician can view the insertion of the tube between the vocal cords of a patient without contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventors: John Adam Law, Michael Gross, George James Kovacs, Steve Carkner
  • Patent number: 8496000
    Abstract: A snorkel adapter apparatus is disclosed. The snorkel adapter apparatus includes a snorkel tube, a float, a mouthpiece, and a single pivot point. These pieces combined together create a snorkel breathing apparatus that allows the user to submerge the snorkel in water and prevent water from entering the snorkel tube and mouthpiece. When the snorkel is submerged in water, the float rotates around a coupler attached to the pivot attachment point and closes the open end of the snorkel tube. The buoyancy of the float in the water causes it to rotate and seal the snorkel tube closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Glen Keith
  • Patent number: 8496001
    Abstract: A process and a device/system are provided for the automatic identification of the type of a breathing tube. A memory element (5) is connected to the breathing tube (4). The memory element carries stored data identifying the breathing tube (4). The data are read by a reading unit (6), which is part of a respirator (1). The data may be read when the breathing tube (4) is brought into the vicinity of the respirator (1) or connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Schermeier, Heiko Lokotsch, Axinja Schoenbeck, Michael Wilkening
  • Patent number: 8496002
    Abstract: An improved inhalation device is provided for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device includes a staple assembly comprising a plunger and staple that are securely and robustly coupled to one another. Embodiments of the inhalation device have a cap that prevents or reduces the amount of dust and grime entering into the device. The cap is additionally configured to prevent or reduce inadvertent and unintentional operation of the device. The body portion and first casing portion of certain embodiments of the inhalation device are sealably coupled, restricting or reducing undesirable flow pathways that have an adverse effect on the operation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Civitas Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Colleen Ellwanger, Brian Noble, Chuck Ganem, Jake Ganem, Kevin Stapleton
  • Patent number: 8496003
    Abstract: A wick for an anesthetic evaporator is provided as a dimensionally stable wick body (14) transporting anesthetic by means of capillary force is provided. The wick body comprises a hollow cylinder as well as webs by which a gas-carrying cavity is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Kleinschmidt, Karl-Ludwig Gippert, Thorsten Bruhn, Dirk-Stefan Reichert, Michael Riecke
  • Patent number: 8496004
    Abstract: A diversion device is provided for diverting breathing gas, which is laden with CO2, from a pressurized region of an arrangement that includes a breathing mask and serves for delivering a breathing gas at a pressure level that is above the ambient pressure. The device has a tubular stub structure which defines a breathing gas conduit that extends between an inlet cross section on the hose side and an outlet cross section on the mask side, and which is provided, in a region located between the inlet cross section and the outlet cross section, with an outflow orifice portion by way of which the breathing gas to be carried reaches the environment. In a region located between the outflow orifice portion and the outlet cross section on the mask side of the breathing gas conduit, a double-walled structure that surrounds the breathing gas conduit is embodied for sampling the breathing gas to be carried away from a mask interior, while largely circumventing the breathing gas conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Resmed R&D Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Lang, Achim Biener
  • Patent number: 8496005
    Abstract: The auxiliary breathing flow channel apparatus for an oxygen mask for pilots and crew of an airplane includes a flow control device with closed and open positions to regulate flow through an auxiliary channel. A pressure sensor such as an aneroid capsule automatically closes the auxiliary channel upon a decrease in cabin pressure. A handle also allows a user to manually move the flow regulating means to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Mark A. Oswald, James C. Cannon, Bryan N. Rogers, Raymond P. Feith