Patents Issued in December 31, 2013
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Patent number: 8616127Abstract: A safety and arming apparatus for use with a projectile includes a rotor pivotable between a safe position and an armed position. A biasing element holds a mass engaged with the rotor to restrain the rotor from rotation and is deformable to allow the mass to displace and disengage from the rotor in response to a setback force on the projectile. A second biasing element includes a displaceable end for engaging with the rotor to restrain the rotor from rotation and is deformable to disengage the displaceable end from the rotor in response to projectile spin. A piston actuator can rotate the rotor to the armed position if the mass is disengaged and the displaceable end is disengaged. A detonator on the rotor can be aligned with a detonation cord when the rotor is in the armed position and unaligned when the rotor is in the safe position.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: Hossein Aliaghai, Kristen L. Gerzina, Dennis Lagerquist
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Patent number: 8616128Abstract: A gas generator assembly and method of operation. A plurality of stacks of laterally adjacent and laterally and axially supported gas generant wafers are contained within a housing. An igniter material is placed between the wafer stacks and an initiator. Upon ignition of the igniter material by the initiator, the wafer stacks are ignited and combust, generating a gas which, when reaching sufficient pressure within the housing in excess of ambient exterior pressures, opens a closed exhaust gas port and is released into a gas discharge structure where the gas passes through a heat sink material, cooling the gas before it exits the gas discharge structure for an intended use.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventor: William P. Sampson
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Patent number: 8616129Abstract: A cartridge useful as an activator of other systems, and related method of manufacture. The cartridge's casing includes a fuse delimited by placing a plate at each end staked to the casing for fixing the fuse. This configuration permits precise control of the length of the fuse during manufacture, eliminates the need for separate structures in the casing to aid fuse location, and simplifies manufacture and assembly. This configuration supports the fuse lessening stresses that can lead to fractures. A portion of the casing is thinned by a preselected amount to permit fracturing of the casing to launch the projectile. The projectile may be attached to the cartridge casing more simply, e.g. by screw threading.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Ryan Barrow, James Mackie-Smith
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Patent number: 8616130Abstract: Improved liners and explosive devices having improved liners are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a liner for an explosive device comprises a plate configured to be positioned against an explosive charge. The plate comprises rhenium, palladium, or a combination thereof, at least a bimodal particle size distribution having a powder grain size no greater than 25 microns, a substantially circular diameter, and a substantially concave interior relative to a surface of the explosive charge.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Sami Daoud
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Patent number: 8616131Abstract: The invention provides rupturing devices for mitigating the explosive reaction of a casing (121), hollow tubular body or container, particularly a munition, when it is subject to an external thermal hazard threat. The devices are based on the use of shape memory alloys. The device comprises an element of shape memory alloy (123) which is joined together by a connector (122) to form an annulus, which may be located on an exterior surface of a munitions casing (121) or launch such that upon heating through its transition temperature range will cause the annulus to contract radially inwardly, thereby rupturing the munition (121), allowing any build up of pressure to be released quickly. Advantageously, the connector (122) is. reversible such that the device will be capable of being retro-fitted or removed during normal servicing of the munition (121).Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Qinetiq LimitedInventors: Abdul-Salam Kaddour, John Cook
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Patent number: 8616132Abstract: An apparatus for distributing irritants or warfare agents includes a container having an interior for providing an irritant or warfare agent, which is dissolved or emulsified in a solution gas in its liquefied state of aggregation, which solution gas is in gaseous condition at room temperature and atmospheric pressure or ambient pressure. In addition, the container has at least one predetermined breaking point for producing an opening of the interior to the surroundings of the container at a predefined bursting pressure in the interior, and the apparatus further includes a pressure generator which can generate an increased pressure in the interior of the container that is greater than the bursting pressure of the at least one predetermined breaking point.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventor: Karl-Heinz Drager
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Patent number: 8616133Abstract: A tamping machine for tamping a track is equipped with a track lifting unit, positioned immediately in front of a tamping unit, and an auxiliary lifting device (19) designed for lifting a branch rail (20) of a switch branching off the main track. The auxiliary lifting device (19) is fastened to a beam (21) extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the machine and has a lifting tool (27) designed to be applied to a rail head (26). Two disk-shaped thrust rollers (32), spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction of the machine and rotatable in a common plane of rotation (33), for application to a first side face (34) of the rail head (26) are connected to the auxiliary lifting device (19). A flanged roller (36) is provided for application to a second side face (35) of the rail head (26) and for resting the auxiliary lifting device (19) on the latter. The auxiliary lifting device (19) is pivotable relative to the beam (21) about an axis (42) by means of a drive (41).Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.Inventors: Josef Theurer, Alfred Schoenaigner
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Patent number: 8616134Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide a transport system powered by short block Linear Synchronous Motors (LSMs). The use of short blocks allows vehicles to move under precise control even when they are in close proximity to each other. The design allows the vehicles to be propelled and guided while negotiating sharp turns and negotiating merge and diverge switches. A coreless LSM can be used to create propulsive force without attractive force so as to allow a relatively high drag vehicle suspension, such as a vehicle sliding on a smooth surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Magnemotion, Inc.Inventors: Nathanael N. King, Brian M. Perreault, Tracy M. Clark, Richard D. Thornton, Jason Young, Michael W. Bottasso
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Patent number: 8616135Abstract: A transit vehicle for use in the transporting of roadway vehicles whose passengers and cargo remain inside the roadway vehicle during transit, and the transporting of roadway vehicles whose passengers travel in a separate passenger area. The transit vehicle is essentially an overland ferry wherein drivers park their roadway vehicles in easy-access bays and remain inside their vehicle during commuter journeys or take a place in the passenger area on longer journeys. With rapid loading and unloading functions, and capable of high speed when powered by an appropriate motive source, the transit vehicle can reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions by transporting a substantial number of commuters.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventor: Don Clark
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Patent number: 8616136Abstract: A work station comprises a work platform that may be mounted on a movable carriage. The work platform may support a keyboard tray on a drawer where the drawer may be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. The tray is mounted for pivoting motion in a first direction and a second direction between a lowered position and a raised position. A gear is operatively connected to the tray such that rotation of the tray causes rotation of the gear. A pawl is biased into engagement with the gear to prevent movement of the tray in the second direction to lock the tray in an angular position when the tray is moved in the first direction. A latch disengages the pawl from the gear when the tray reaches the fully raised position to allow the tray to move in the second direction to the lowered position.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Rubbermaid IncorporatedInventors: Roddy Burgess, Jacob Connelly, Robert Grant McRorie
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Patent number: 8616137Abstract: A tray table system to be mounted onto a seat, particularly in an aircraft, and to an associated aircraft, and a system that includes a retractable tray table having utility-surface dimensions that vary between a storage retracted position and an extended use position. The tray table system includes a tray table including an upper utility surface, and a translation mechanism capable of modifying by translation dimensions of the upper utility surface during movement of the tray table between at least a first general storage position and a second general use position.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: AirbusInventors: Alexandra Collins, Mark Collins
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Patent number: 8616138Abstract: A shelving system includes stand units, mounting connectors and supporting panels. The stand unit includes vertical portions and a horizontal portion. The vertical portion includes securement holes spaced apart from each other. Each mounting connector includes a main body having a through hole including an elastic securement hook, and the main body each includes a protruding block having parallel positioning holes. Two sides of each supporting panel include locking pins. Each mounting connector is mounted onto the vertical portions of the stand units by securing the securement hook into one of the securement holes of the vertical portions to allow the insertion of the locking pins of the supporting panels into the positioning holes to form directionally extended combinations of supporting panels such that the shelving system is configurable to be of different sizes and levels for storage and can be assembled and disassembled with ease.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventor: Kuang-Huan Fu
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Patent number: 8616139Abstract: A cultivation air seeder has an ornamental facing around three sides of its large, metallic bulk seed hopper to enhance the appearance of the hopper and provide environmental protection for sensitive mechanical, electronic and hydraulic components. A front section of one facing panel on each side of the machine is hinged about a generally upright axis to allow the panel section to be opened and closed like a door for operator access to the components behind it. The facing can be stylishly molded from a synthetic resinous material or other non-metallic substance to facilitate manufacture and is disposed to conceal unsightly weld lines and other imperfections on the exterior surface of the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jacob R. Riffel, Verne A. Hubalek
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Patent number: 8616140Abstract: In an air seeder assembly having a base mount member with a at least one base ear with a base bore, and a seed boot with at least one boot ear with a boot bore, a fastening assembly mounting the seed boot to the base mount member is disclosed. The fastening assembly comprises a fastener structure fastening the seed boot to the base mount member by extending through the base bore and the boot bore. The fastening assembly includes a fastener interface device inserted into at least one of the bores. The interface device comprises a substantially tubular insertion portion inserted into the at least one bore and a flange portion connected to the insertion portion, and extends radially outwardly from the insertion portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Lakeview Hutterian BrethrenInventors: Danny Wipf, Joseph Hofer
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Patent number: 8616141Abstract: A method for designing and creating material made from fish skins, wherein said material is made from individual fish skins and can be stretched, mechanically or automatically manipulated, sewn, and ironed to ensure that all the unions and surfaces are perfectly uniform, flat, and free of ripples in order to produce a highly-tensile, uniform cloth of variable dimensions. A material includes a plurality of pieces of fish skin, wherein the pieces of fish skin are connected by sewing and/or adhesive. A method of manufacturing a material includes sewing or adhering pieces of fish skin to each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventors: Stiven Kerestegian Gandarillas, Francisca Apparcel Daniel, José Maria Rodríguez Alcalde
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Patent number: 8616142Abstract: In one example, a watercraft is provided that includes a body. The body has a hull and a ramp that slopes downwardly toward a back of the hull. Additionally, a reverse chine geometry is incorporated in a portion of the bottom of the hull. Finally, one or more projections extend downward from the bottom of the hull.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: Tom Bernard Eckert, Tim Niemier
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Patent number: 8616143Abstract: A boat access hatch and compartment are provided, wherein the hatch cover also serves as a seat for the boat, and includes a three-dimensional, multi-planar configuration. In one embodiment, the hatch cover includes three panels. A generally vertically oriented backrest panel is attached to a rear side of a horizontal seating panel. A front vertical panel is attached to an opposed end of the seating panel. In a preferred embodiment, the three-panel hatch cover is integrally formed into a monolithic, single unit that includes a hinge at or near an upper rear portion of the backrest panel. Seat cushions may be provided on the seat panel and the backrest panel.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Sportsman Boats Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Douglas Hancock, Jr., Dale Leslie Martin
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Patent number: 8616144Abstract: A system for reducing damage by birds to an airplane, the system including: (a) a detector mounted on the airplane, operable to detect a bird in a vicinity of the airplane and to generate detection information indicative of motion of the bird; (b) a processor, connected to the detector, configured to analyze the detection information and to selectively trigger activation of a jetting system that is mounted on the airplane in response to a result of the analysis; and (c) the jetting system, operable to jet a high pressure jet onto a bird.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.Inventor: Aharon Yifrach
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Patent number: 8616145Abstract: A flagpole having a shaft assembly comprising first and second ends. The first end defines a head. Positioned between the head and the second end is a channel. A snap cap has an exterior sidewall with a top face and an exterior bottom edge. An interior sidewall extends from the top face to an interior bottom wall. The interior bottom wall comprises an edge that protrudes inwardly from the interior sidewall. At least two notches are defined at the top face. The at least two notches extend along the interior sidewall to the interior bottom wall. A clamp assembly has a shaft member with third and fourth ends. The third end extends from the second end. Extending from the fourth end is a connector section that terminates as a clamp. In use, the flagpole is mounted onto a tubular section of vessel to display a flag mounted thereon.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventor: George Ferran
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Patent number: 8616146Abstract: An indicator assembly for an aircraft landing gear for providing indication of a hard landing. The indicator assembly including a actuator member movable when the pressure on a shock strut of the aircraft landing gear exceeds a desired load and stroke threshold indicative of a hard landing. A shear pin is coupled to the actuator member which is configured to shear when a desired level of force is applied to at least a portion of the shear pin. A visibly recognizable indictor is moved from a non-indicating position to an indicating position upon shearing of the shear pin.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Goodrich CorporationInventors: Dennis Wayne Martin, James Paul Acks
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Patent number: 8616147Abstract: A disclosed instrument cluster includes dial gauges with an illuminated pointer including light reflecting features for uniformly distributing light within the pointer. The light deflecting structure directs light toward tip of the pointer by reflecting the light of each of the first and second sides. The light deflecting structure provides the desired distribution of luminescence by directing light toward the sides surfaces of the pointer.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Guoging Wang, Vyacheslav B. Birman, Ronald A. Struck
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Patent number: 8616148Abstract: In a gas wiping apparatus for blowing a gas on the front side and the back side of a strip, which exits from a hot-dip plating bath and travels upward, from wiping nozzles to adjust the amount of a plating deposit, the wiping nozzles are supported to be linearly movable beyond the width of the nozzles in the plate width direction of the strip.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi-Hitachi Metals Machinery, Inc.Inventors: Hironori Fujioka, Takashi Yonekura, Masashi Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 8616149Abstract: A manufacturing method for a tampon having an absorbent body that absorbs liquid includes obtaining the absorbent body by compressing and shaping an absorbent-body material, and applying a melted agent to an outer surface of the absorbent body, the outer surface having a temperature lower than or equal to a freezing point of a main ingredient of the agent.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Masashi Hosokawa, Mitsuhiro Wada, Satoshi Nozaki
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Patent number: 8616150Abstract: A device for blocking workpieces for the processing and/or coating thereof, has a support surface for positioning the workpiece to be blocked, a blocking station in which the workpiece can be blocked on a blocking piece by a temporarily deformable blocking material, and a transport device which has a retaining head for the workpiece and by which a relative movement can be created between the workpiece being retained at the retaining head, and the support surface and the blocking station. The transport device has at least four position-controlled movement axes, by which to position the workpiece in a defined manner in consideration of the orientation and geometric information relative to a blocking piece located in the blocking station, and can be retained in the defined relative position to the blocking piece during blocking while leaving a blocking material accommodation gap between the workpiece and the blocking piece.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Satisloh AGInventors: Marc Savoie, Holger Schäfer, Steffen Wallendorf, Peter Jost, Jochen Wagner
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Patent number: 8616151Abstract: A paste formation pattern for odd numbers on which dot groups are arranged in an island form and a paste formation pattern for even numbers on which dot groups are arranged at opposing positions to the dot groups on the paste formation pattern for odd numbers in an island form are set. Further, a paste discharge head is controlled such that the set paste formation pattern for odd numbers is formed on an adhesion surface of an odd-numbered sheet of paper and the discharge head is controlled such that the set paste formation pattern for even numbers is formed on an adhesion surface of an even-numbered sheet of paper.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Masaru Hoshino
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Patent number: 8616152Abstract: An apparatus for coating a stent comprises a coating solution reservoir, a stent support for carrying a stent adjacent the reservoir, transducers for generating waves through the coating solution, and a controller that controls timing at which the transducers are powered in order to eject a droplet of the coating solution.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.Inventor: Yung Ming Chen
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Patent number: 8616153Abstract: Method and device for ensuring high yields during spraying of a settable slurry composition. The slurry is conveyed through a length of hose to a nozzle spray-orifice, and a set accelerator is introduced into the slurry at a distance “D” from the nozzle spray-orifice. The level of accelerator is monitored using a sensor located in the slurry path at a point after the set accelerator is injected. A preferred sensor comprises two pairs of conductivity sensors each having an annular body with a bore corresponding to the diameter of the hose or nozzle bore. Voltage of the slurry can be correlated to yields obtained when a salt-based accelerator fluid is injected into the slurry, such that levels of accelerator can be finely adjusted, and consistently high yields of spray coatings can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.Inventors: Michael Abbott, Dennis M. Hilton, Keith Lipford, Karl Taub
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Patent number: 8616154Abstract: A device for and method of milking dairy animals, in particular cows includes teat cups that are connected by a robot arm to respective teats of the dairy animal. This makes it possible to start the milking of the teats of the dairy animal. A milk flow from the respective teat can be measured. The milking can be ended by a control unit in dependence on a comparison value which is calculated on the basis of a milking parameter representative of a milk flow from the respective teat and in dependence on a deactivation threshold. A second manner of calculating is used for calculating the comparison value of the last teat. The milking of the last teat can also depend on the moment of ending the milking of the one-but-last teat.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Lely Patent N.V.Inventors: Jan Willem Schrader, Pieter Gerlof De Groot
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Patent number: 8616155Abstract: A milking arrangement for animals includes rotary platform (2), a driving mechanism (12) adapted to provide a rotary motion of the platform (2), milking stalls (3) adapted to house the animals (1) to be milked on the platform (2), a blocking system (11, 20, 25) for blocking selected milking stalls (3) on the platform (1) temporarily such that the animals (1) do not have access to the blocked milking stalls (3) during a period of time and the remaining non-blocked milking stalls will be used more frequently.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: DeLaval Holding ABInventors: Kerstin Vollmer, Jan Eriksson
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Patent number: 8616156Abstract: A system for treating water for subsequent consumption by animals. Illustratively, the system includes a wastewater treatment facility configured to treat wastewater effluent from an egg washer for subsequent consumption by egg producing birds. Further illustratively, stormwater run off collected from the facility is treated for subsequent consumption by the birds.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventor: Robert L. Krouse
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Patent number: 8616157Abstract: A steam generating apparatus includes a body for receiving water to be heated and has a first portion including a first metal, and a heating device having a second portion including a second metal. The heating device includes a heating plate connected with the body by forming an intermetallic layer between the first and second portions. A temperature sensor measures temperature indicative of pressure inside the body and thermally contacts the heating device outside the body. A method of controlling the pressure of steam in the steam generating apparatus includes setting the target water temperature for a first time period to a first set temperature; setting the target water temperature for a second time period to a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature; and setting the target water temperature for a third time period to a third set temperature lower than the second set temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Taikang Xiao, Roel Alexander Rethmeier, Tamilselvan Thirumazhisai Sankaralingam, Barry Eng Keong Tay, Hock Soon Tiew, Chaitra Belle
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Patent number: 8616158Abstract: A blower housing of novel two-piece construction is comprised of first and second housing parts of stamped or drawn sheet metal that are attached together. The two-piece construction provides the housing with two interior portions separated by an interior wall. The interior wall has an opening that is spaced from the aligned exhaust opening of the heater and the output opening of the housing. This creates a winding exhaust gas flow path through the blower housing. The interior wall is also provided with a recessed cavity that receives a portion of a fan rotated by a motor supported by the blower housing. Positioning of at least a portion of the fan in the cavity reduces the overall height dimension of the blower housing and facilitates the retrofitting of the blower housing between an existing exhaust opening of a heater and an axially aligned flue pipe.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Regal Beloit Amercia, Inc.Inventors: Michael K. Garrett, John Matukewicz
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Patent number: 8616159Abstract: A wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered electric generator mounts in a rigid frame formed of tubular steel elements. A pair of aligned wheels is pivotally mounted to each opposite side of the frame. One pair of aligned wheels is provided with a locking mechanism that enables both the front and rear wheels to be locked against rotation. The electricity generating components mount to the bottom of the frame. The internal combustion engine mounts toward the rear end of the frame. A propane fuel tank is carried above the engine by the upper rear portion of the frame. A battery and a trickle charger are carried above the engine and secured in a compartment with a locked hinged cover. The frame also supports and contains a locked compartment that houses the electric connector that is used to connect the electric output of the generator to the load.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventor: Bobby L. Hawkins
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Patent number: 8616160Abstract: A cooling apparatus for a water-cooled engine includes a radiator that cools coolant that has been circulated in the engine; a radiator fan that delivers air to the radiator; a determination portion that determines whether the engine is operated under a high load; and a setting portion. If the determination portion determines that the engine is operated under a high load, the setting portion sets an operation rate of the radiator fan at a time point at which the determination portion determines that the engine is operated under a high load, to a value higher than a normal operation rate at the same coolant temperature as a coolant temperature at the time point.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tatsuaki Suzuki
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Patent number: 8616161Abstract: A method for the production of a piston for an internal combustion engine, having a circumferential cooling channel, whereby a blank of a lower piston part is forged, and a blank of an upper piston part is produced, the blanks are pre-machined and joined together to form a piston blank, which is finished to produce a piston. At least one depression or recess is formed into the blank of the lower piston part during the forging process. In the finished piston, the depression forms an opening for a coolant inflow and/or a coolant outflow, or the recess forms an excavation groove for a pin securing ring, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: MAHLE International GmbHInventors: Rainer Scharp, Klaus Keller
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Patent number: 8616162Abstract: A free piston linear alternator includes a cylinder having a pair of bounce chambers, a pair of scavenging chambers, a pair of opposed pistons and a combustion chamber disposed between the opposed pistons. The pistons are axially opposed from each other and generate electric current when each of the pistons linearly translate. Each of the bounce chambers is disposed between respective ones of the pistons and a respective outer end of the cylinder and includes substantially constrained air configured to return respective ones of the pistons to a respective first position from a respective second position after combustion.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Paul M. Najt, Russell P. Durrett, Venkatesh Gopalakrishnan
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Patent number: 8616163Abstract: A lean combustion method is provided for a four-stroke reciprocating internal combustion engine having a cylinder, in which a combustion chamber is delimited by a cylinder head and a piston is movable in a reciprocating manner, the piston being able to vary the volume of the combustion chamber. A fuel can be introduced directly into the combustion chamber, and at least one gas exchange inlet valve and one gas exchange outlet valve are provided for a gas exchange. An intermediate compression can be set in the combustion chamber at a gas exchange top dead center and a main compression can be set at an ignition top dead center.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Walter Huebner, Udo Gerke, Ulrich Spicher, Amin Velji, Michael Hoenl, Konstantinos Boulouchos, Norbert Peters, Olaf Roehl, Christof Schulz, Dennis Bensing, Christian Laemmle
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Patent number: 8616164Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a cylinder (2) wherein a combustion chamber (3) is formed which is delimited by a piston (5) journalled to move back and forth. At least one transfer channel (14) is provided which connects the crankcase (4) of the engine to the combustion chamber (3) in at least one position of the piston (5). The engine has a supply channel (13) which opens with a supply channel inlet (11) at the cylinder bore (34). The supply channel (13) is connected to the transfer channel (14) via at least one piston pocket (22, 42) in at least one position of the piston (5). In order to achieve low exhaust-gas values of the engine, the piston pocket (22, 42) has a distance (a) to a lower edge (27) of the transfer window (15) which is less than the distance (b) to a lower edge (26) of the inlet (11) of the supply channel at bottom dead center of the piston (5).Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KGInventors: Niels Kunert, Werner Geyer, Markus Maurer
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Patent number: 8616165Abstract: An arrangement for coupling two components of an internal combustion engine that are arranged movable relative to each other is provided, in particular, for switching multi-stage valve drives, with at least one coupling element (1) arranged to be movable in one of the components for coupling with the other component to be coupled. Here, at the contact point between the coupling element (1) and the component to be coupled, a force acting on the coupling element (1) during coupling is introduced at an angle relative to the coupling direction (2) of the coupling element (1).Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Norbert Nitz, Stefan Gemein, Joachim Krause
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Patent number: 8616166Abstract: An electric continuously variable valve timing apparatus may include a cam sprocket, a camshaft rotatably connected with the cam sprocket, a motor portion, a lead screw portion which may be disposed within the motor portion, may be screwed-engaged with the motor portion, and moves along length direction of the camshaft according to operations of the motor portion, and a camshaft holder rotatably connecting the lead screw portion and the cam sprocket, wherein the camshaft holder moves along length direction of the camshaft according to the movement of the lead screw portion and varies relative phase angle between the cam sprocket and the camshaft for controlling valve timing.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jei Choon Yang, Byong Young Choi, Jin Kook Kong, Soo Hyung Woo, Young Jin Won, Jin Soon Kim
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Patent number: 8616167Abstract: Actuator device of a sliding cam system, having at least one sliding cam (2) and having an engagement pin (9) which protrudes out of a housing (6), wherein the housing (6) can be fastened to a component of a cylinder head or to the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, and it is possible for contact to be made with the engagement pin (9) by at least one groove (3) of the sliding cam system, which groove (3) has at least one ejection ramp (4), and wherein, within the housing (6), the engagement pin (9) has a permanent holding magnet (11) and, adjoining it, is a controlling stationary coil core (9) which can be magnetized by an electric coil (7), and the engagement pin (9) is spring-loaded in the direction of the sliding cam (2), and wherein an actuating device is installed at least at that end region of the engagement pin (9) which faces the sliding cam (2), which actuating device is active in the region of the run-out of the ejection ramp (4) to the high circle (18) and generates an additional forceType: GrantFiled: April 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Andreas Nendel
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Patent number: 8616168Abstract: A tappet (10) is movable along an axis. The tappet (10) includes a skirt defining an opening (18) and an alignment device (22) positioned at least partially within the opening (18). The alignment device (22) has a generally T-shaped cross-sectional shape when taken through a plane substantially parallel to the axis and has a non-T-shaped cross-sectional shape when taken through a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Koyo Bearings USA LLCInventors: Anthony P. Copper, James Darren Tedder
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Patent number: 8616169Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling the stopping and starting of a heat engine (2) of a vehicle. The invention is of the type in which (i) it is necessary for the vehicle to be in an engine stop request phase, and not in pre-defined operating conditions that oppose the stopping of the engine (2), in order for the engine (2) to be stopped or (ii) it is necessary for the vehicle to be in an engine start request phase, and not in pre-defined operating conditions that oppose the starting of the engine (2), in order for the engine to be started. The invention is characterized in that the vehicle operating conditions that oppose the stopping of the engine (2) comprise slow congested traffic conditions constituting specific identification criteria.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2005Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobile SAInventors: Guillaume Levasseur, Jean-Emmanuel Guy, Arnaud Celisse, Herve Klein
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Patent number: 8616170Abstract: One of the embodiments provides a starter including: a starter case; a rotational torque applying unit; a torque-accumulation spring; a rotating member; a driving pulley; and a rotation regulating mechanism including: a regulating ratchet provided on the driving pulley or the rotating member at a position shifted from a rotation center thereof; and a pressing unit provided on the starter case and urged by a given resilient pressing force to be engaged with the regulating ratchet, wherein, when the rotational torque accumulated in the torque-accumulation spring exceeds the given resilient pressing force, the driving pulley or the rotating member urges back the pressing unit via the regulating ratchet so that the regulating ratchet is disengaged from the pressing unit, to thereby release the rotational torque.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Starting Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinori Horikoshi, Seiichi Nieda, Taro Kihara, Hirotoshi Fujita
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Patent number: 8616171Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention provide a rotary valve system for piston engines. The valve system for piston engines comprises an intake rotary valve, an exhaust rotary valve arranged in conjunction with the intake rotary valve, a crankshaft gear and a plurality of spindle gears. The plurality of spindle gears are connected to at least one of the intake rotary valve and the exhaust rotary valve to transfer a rotary force from the crankshaft gear to at-least one of the intake rotary valves and exhaust rotary valves such that intake rotary valve and the exhaust rotary valve are set in motion. The valve system provides for changing the volume and timing for entering the fuel and the air into the engine and exiting smoke from the engine. The rotary valve system decreases shake of the engine and performs the required performance of the engine within specified range.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventor: Afshin Kiani
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Patent number: 8616172Abstract: The present application relates to a drive and balance mass. In one example, an engine includes, a camshaft, a balance shaft disposed within an interior of the camshaft, and a first gear, intermediate the balance shaft and the camshaft and driving the balance shaft to rotate about a first axis substantially parallel to a crankshaft of the engine in a direction opposite of the crankshaft. In another example, a balance mass and drive for an engine includes, a planetary gear set including a sun gear, a ring gear and a plurality of pinions mounted on a carrier, an input coupled to an input gear of the planetary gear set, a balance mass coupled to an output gear of the planetary gear set, the output gear configured to drive the balance mass to rotate about a first axis substantially parallel to the crankshaft in a direction opposite of the crankshaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Patrick B. Morgan, Kenneth L. Nowaczyk
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Patent number: 8616173Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine block, a first piston, a second piston, and a cylinder head. The cylinder head and the engine block may define a first combustion chamber and a second combustion chamber. The cylinder head may define a first intake port and a second intake port. The first intake port may be in communication with the first combustion chamber and may include a first inlet extending through an upper surface of the cylinder head. The second intake port may be in communication with the second combustion chamber and may include a second inlet extending through a side of the cylinder head.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Alan W. Hayman
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Patent number: 8616174Abstract: A motorcycle engine case comprises crankshaft support portions that are configured and adapted to support a crankshaft in a manner such that the crankshaft is rotatable about a crankshaft axis relative to the engine case. The engine case also comprises an internal cavity that is configured and adapted to house at least one flywheel in a manner such that the flywheel is rotatable about the crankshaft axis with the crankshaft relative to the engine case. The engine case further comprises an adjustable oil scraper that is movable toward and away from the crankshaft axis and that can be locked in position relative to the crankshaft axis. The oil scraper is adapted and configured to remove oil clinging to the flywheel as the flywheel rotates about the crankshaft axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Midwest Motorcycle Supply Distributors Corp.Inventors: John M. Garrison, Brian D. Brace
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Patent number: 8616175Abstract: An internal combustion engine and a method for maximizing fuel efficiency of an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine includes an engine block assembly having an electromagnet coupled thereto and an engine component movable relative to the engine block assembly. The engine component includes a permanent magnet coupled thereto. A control system is provided to selectively provide an electrical current to the electromagnet to produce a desired magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field of the electromagnet cooperates with a magnetic field of the permanent magnet to affect a motion of the engine component in respect of the engine block assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventor: Douglas A. Pelmear
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Patent number: 8616176Abstract: A rotary engine includes a compressor assembly and two power assemblies that receive compressed air from the compressor assembly. Each assembly includes at least two intermeshing rotors. The rotors of the compressor assembly compress air, either alone or in an air/fuel mixture, in a compression chamber located in that assembly. The compressed air is transferred to the expansion chambers of the power assemblies, where fuel is ignited to initiate a power stroke. A line bisecting the axes of the rotors of the compressor assembly is inclined at an acute angle relative to a line bisecting the axes of the rotors of the power assemblies. The power assemblies operate 180° out of phase with respect to one another to minimize power fluctuations in the engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Sumner Properties, LLCInventors: Craig H. Melter, David G. Savich