Patents Issued in February 18, 2014
  • Controlled deposition of metal and metal cluster ions by surface field patterning in soft-landing devices
    Patent number: 8651048
    Abstract: A soft-landing (SL) instrument for depositing ions onto substrates using a laser ablation source is described herein. The instrument of the instant invention is designed with a custom drift tube and a split-ring ion optic for the isolation of selected ions. The drift tube allows for the separation and thermalization of ions formed after laser ablation through collisions with an inert bath gas that allow the ions to be landed at energies below 1 eV onto substrates. The split-ring ion optic is capable of directing ions toward the detector or a landing substrate for selected components. The inventors further performed atomic force microscopy (AFM) and drift tube measurements to characterize the performance characteristics of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: University of North Texas
    Inventors: Guido Fridolin Verbeck, Stephen Davila
  • Plasma processing apparatus
    Patent number: 8651049
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a processing gas supplying unit for supplying a desired processing gas to a processing space between an upper electrode and a lower electrode which are disposed facing each other in an evacuable processing chamber. The plasma processing apparatus further includes a radio frequency (RF) power supply unit for applying an RF power to one of the lower and the upper electrode to generate plasma of the processing gas by RF discharge and an electrically conductive RF ground member which covers a peripheral portion of the electrode to which the RF power is applied to receive RF power emitted outwardly in radial directions from the periphery portion of the electrode to which the RF power is applied and send the received RF power to a ground line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Tatsuo Matsudo, Shinji Himori
  • Automatic animal retrieving platform assembly
    Patent number: 8651050
    Abstract: An automatic animal retrieving platform assembly (10) and its method of operation for retrieving a domestic animal (12) from a stall (29) is described. The platform assembly retrieves and at least partly confines the domestic animal from a stall to effect a job function with the animal, such as for milking a cow in a dairy barn. The platform assembly (10) is displaceable on wheels (13) to position an entrance opening (24) thereof behind the animal stall. A displaceable floor (17) extends to the rear of the stall and retrieving arms (26, 27) are provided to grasp the animal and cause it to back-up slowly onto the displaceable floor where it is at least partly confined in a cage 18. After the job function is completed the retrieving arms (26, 27) release the animal and it returns freely to its stall. To help it return to its stall a tether (70) may be secured to a neck collar 30 of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Gestion Leo Rousseau
    Inventor: Léo Rousseau
  • Milking box with robotic attacher
    Patent number: 8651051
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
  • Powdered bran feeder
    Patent number: 8651052
    Abstract: The present invention provides a game feeder that successfully dispenses powdered forms of grain such as rice bran. The invention adds a semi-flexible cable that attaches by one end to the center of a spinning member of an existing feeder's dispensing mechanism. The cable extends upward through the center of the feed hopper so that the opposite end of the cable is located within a hollow center of the feed made within the feed hopper as the feed is loaded into the feed hopper. The flexible member preferably has a weight attached at its terminal end so that the cable and weight are swung around within the feed hopper as the spinning member rotates providing enough stirring action to the feed to cause it to move downward within the hopper, through the bottom opening of the hopper and to the automated feed dispersing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Troy L. Dugan, Rowdy Givens
  • Gravity fed automatic rotary vein dispenser
    Patent number: 8651053
    Abstract: In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, an automatic feeder comprising a feed bin for storing bulk material, a trough for dispensing the feed to livestock, and a vein assembly positioned horizontally between the feed bin and the trough for transferring the bulk feed from the feed bin to the trough is provided. The vein assembly comprises a vein tube that houses a rotatable vein shaft and flexible wipers affixed as spokes to the shaft that form vein compartments for the feed. A motor assembly with a programmable timer rotates the vein shaft within the vein tube thereby transferring feed from the feed bin, to the vein compartments, and then to the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Wayland Reid
  • Bird feeder with removable ports
    Patent number: 8651054
    Abstract: A bird feeder has a body member, a base, and at least one feed port member. The body member is used for storing bird food having a top end, a bottom end and a sidewall with the sidewall of the body member defining at least one feeding aperture. A base is attached to the bottom end of the body member to prevent bird food from exiting the body member. The at least one feed port member is interfittingly engaged within at least one feeding aperture. The port member includes a frame member and a mesh insert attached to the frame member. The feed port member is releasably secured within the feeding aperture of the body member. In operation, the feed port member can be easily removed from the body member for easy cleaning or adapting to a particular bird feeder construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Aspects, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Colvin, Rolf Richter
  • Gulp guard
    Patent number: 8651055
    Abstract: A pet bowl device designed primarily for pet owners comprises a bowl unit and an insert component. The bowl unit comprises an interior and exterior portion, with the insert component being positioned on the interior portion. The insert component comprises a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of individual openings positioned in a spaced apart relationship along the top surface. The plurality of individual openings is smaller in diameter than the bowl unit. The individual openings will divide up the serving size of pet food. Thus, the individual openings separate the food into smaller sections, which prevents the pet from opening their mouth wide enough to consume large gulps of food at once. Pets will then be forced to take smaller bites while eating, which slows down the rate at which the pet consumes its food and aids in the prevention of abdominal bloating (GDV).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Sheri J. Dreger, Kenneth W. Dreger
  • Pet water bowl cooling system
    Patent number: 8651056
    Abstract: A pet bowl water cooling system includes a bowl, a pump for removing water from the bowl, a heat transfer device, and a conduit adapted to carry the water to the heat transfer device, to carry cooled water back to the bowl. The heat transfer device can include a metal coil submersed in a relatively cool liquid medium. Preferably, the bowl includes a float valve to allow water to flow into the bowl when the float valve is activated. In an embodiment, the liquid medium includes water in a water reservoir of an evaporative cooler. In an embodiment, the evaporative cooler includes a housing that is disposed between studs of a wall. The dog bowl can be mounted on an interior wall or an exterior wall. In an embodiment, the evaporative cooler is disposed within a wall of a dog house and the dog dish is mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Paul Gass, Jon Shrader
  • Photographic animal counter for monitoring movement of aquatic animals
    Patent number: 8651057
    Abstract: A movement monitoring device to monitor and record movement of animals through an aquatic animal passage system, regardless of water turbidity. A housing connected to the aquatic animal passage system has an entrance to receive an animal and an exit for the animal to leave the housing. A ramp within the housing has a lower end and an upper end, and the lower end is positioned at the entrance. A platform within the housing has one end connected to the upper end of the ramp and the other end positioned at the exit. The platform is elevated so that water from the aquatic animal passage system flows underneath the platform, and the animal climbs up the ramp, out of the water, and onto the platform. A photographic system focused on the platform records an image of the animal on the platform out the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventor: Stuart A. Welsh
  • Organic fishery systems
    Patent number: 8651058
    Abstract: A system for improved organic fishery systems for improved aquatic farming, primarily within inland production sites, primarily using a system of enclosed tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Casa Grande Fish Farms JV, LLC
    Inventor: Larry A. Pierce
  • Finfish containment pens and polyhedral structures
    Patent number: 8651059
    Abstract: A finfish aquaculture containment pen having a plurality of panels that when joined together form the majority of the exterior surface of the containment pen. The panels each comprise tension-hearing mesh material forming the exterior surface of the containment pen, a plurality of compression-bearing struts extending along the boundaries between panels, wherein the mesh material is attached to the struts along the lengths of the struts, and a plurality of hubs at which a plurality of struts and the corners of a plurality of panels abut each other. The panels can form a polyhedral structure. The mesh can comprise coated wire mesh. The struts can be curved members with convex curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ocean Farm Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Cartwright, Stephen H. Page
  • Birdhouse
    Patent number: 8651060
    Abstract: A birdhouse having at least four walls, a first gabled roof covering the top of the walls and extending beyond the front wall, and a bottom panel approximately covering and enclosing the bottom of the four walls; where the front wall has a first entrance opening; a front panel attached by at least one spacer to the front wall, wherein the front panel has a second gabled roof extending in front of and behind the front panel, wherein the front panel has a second entrance opening; wherein the first and second entrance openings are approximately the same diameter and are approximately horizontally aligned; wherein the first opening and the second opening are spaced apart by the at least one spacer, wherein the thickness of the spacer and the space it provides is approximately from one-half to 3 times the diameter of the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Ralph Charles Schlemper
  • Swiftlets farming for production of edible bird's nests
    Patent number: 8651061
    Abstract: A swiftlet breeding facility, for use in creating and harvesting edible bird's nests. The facility includes sub-systems for injecting live insect and worm prey, and water, into an aerial enclosure to provide a feeding system imitative of a natural swiftlet feeding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Yik Hei Sia, Jee Hong Tan
  • Easy to insert pet carrier
    Patent number: 8651062
    Abstract: The invention features an animal carrier that is designed to more easily place an animal (e.g., a cat or dog) into the carrier. The carrier features a funnel that can be attached to the body of the carrier, that is sized to permit passage of the animal through the funnel, that is oriented to convey the animal by gravity into the carrier, and that can be removed once the animal has been delivered into the carrier. The invention also features a retrofit funnel that is adapted to be securely attached to an opening of a standard animal carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Marc H. Arsenault
  • Wheeled dog cover
    Patent number: 8651063
    Abstract: A wheeled dog cover (1) having a frame (3) wheels (24) located thereon. Said frame having a top panel (7) and side panels (6, 8) that cover side portions (9a, 9b) and a top portion (10) of the frame to protect a dog from rain and other elements. Panels may also be located on the front and back of the frame to fully enclose the frame. A push handle (22) is provided for controlling movement of the wheeled dog cover. In addition a leash attachment bar (23) is located on the wheeled dog cover for attaching a dog's leash to so as a dog walks the wheeled dog cover moves with the dog. The front wheels of the walker are preferably swivel wheels to allow the wheeled dog cover to be steered right or left.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Dorothy L. Learakos
  • Control system for a boiler assembly
    Patent number: 8651064
    Abstract: A control system for managing and interfacing a plurality of water heaters, e.g. boilers. The control system includes a first boiler unit controlled by a first boiler control unit and a second boiler unit controlled by a second boiler control unit. The first boiler control unit is operable to coordinate the operation of the first and second boiler units in response to changes in output demand. The flues of the first and second boiler units are connected to a common flue. The control system further includes an interface and an interface control system. The interface control system communicates requests from the interface, to report and/or alter the operating parameters of the first and second boiler units, to the first and second boiler control units and communicates the request outcome(s) back to the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lochinvar, LLC
    Inventor: John C. Paine
  • Heated animal water tank
    Patent number: 8651065
    Abstract: An animal water tank that is heated to prevent freezing. The tank has a bottom with at least one upwardly extending sidewall to define sides of the tank. A tunnel defining a watertight channel extends across the tank. The tunnel has a top, sides, and a bottom. Ends of the tunnel terminate at openings in sides of the tank. A burner assembly in the tunnel produces heat from a combustible fuel to heat the tunnel. Openings in sides of the tank are covered by fin plates having fins obliquely angled downward to form louvered openings. Access panels cover the fin plates and extend vertically up the sidewalls of the tank to form chimneys that allow combustion gasses from the burner to draft upwardly out of the tank. Insulation may be added to sides of the tank to retain heat in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Lloyd F. Eash, Allen Yoder
  • Pulse detonation cleaning system
    Patent number: 8651066
    Abstract: A pulse detonation cleaning system is provided and includes a common tube, which is fluidly coupled to a vessel, a first array, including a plurality of elongate detonation tubes arrayed about a common axis, each of the plurality of the detonation tubes being disposed upstream from and fluidly coupled to an interior of the common tube and a second array, including a plurality of detonators arrayed about the common axis, each of the plurality of the detonators being disposed upstream from and operably coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of the detonation tubes such that actuation of each of the plurality of the detonators leads to combustion in the corresponding one of the plurality of the detonation tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: BHA Altair, LLC
    Inventors: Tian Xuan Zhang, David Michael Chapin, Robert Warren Taylor
  • Steam circuit in a power station
    Patent number: 8651067
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steam circuit in a power station, comprising at least one evaporator and at least one superheater, characterized in that a condensate collector and return line is provided between the superheater and the steam generator to trap condensate in the superheater and return the condensate to the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Uwe Juretzek
  • Systems and devices for separating water and contaminants from fuel
    Patent number: 8651068
    Abstract: A device is for separating water and contaminants from fuel that is being supplied from an upstream fuel reservoir to a downstream internal combustion engine. The device comprises a housing configured to couple with the upstream fuel reservoir, the housing having an inlet receiving fuel, water and contaminants, and an outlet discharging the fuel; a gravity separator disposed in the housing between the inlet and the outlet, the gravity separator separating the water from the fuel; and a filter disposed in the housing between the inlet and the outlet, the filter filtering the contaminants from the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Torgerud, Gregory L. Fugar
  • Wax type thermostat for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8651069
    Abstract: A wax-type thermostat for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine (ICE) provided with a radiator and a coolant loop circuit linking the radiator to the ICE, and a by-pass conduit. The thermostat comprises a thermostat body with one inlet from the radiator, one inlet from the ICE, and one outlet to the ICE. The thermostat further comprises a closure element integral to a first piston that closes or opens a thermostat internal pathway running from the inlet from the radiator to the outlet to the ICE, a main wax chamber thermally connected to the coolant within the thermostat body, and a spring to return the closure element towards its closing position. Also provided is a first means for moving the first piston when a volume variation in the wax occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Luca Borgia, Carmine Pezzella
  • Method and apparatus to control coolant flow through an engine, especially for a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 8651070
    Abstract: A method to control coolant flow through an engine, especially for a motor vehicle, wherein the coolant is heated by the engine and cooled by a radiator and the coolant flow depends on the number of rotations of the engine. To prevents cavitations and high pressures on heat exchangers and to allow an optimal coolant flow, a magnetic field for controlling magneto rheological fluid to regulate the coolant flow is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Behr America, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Ursini, Barbara Ruhland-Lindner
  • Variable compression ratio engine control apparatus
    Patent number: 8651071
    Abstract: A variable compression ratio engine control apparatus includes a fuel injection device, a variable compression ratio device, a target compression ratio setting section and a compression ratio controlling section. The fuel injection device injects fuel into an engine for combustion. The variable compression ratio device varies an engine compression ratio of the engine. The target compression ratio setting section sets a target compression ratio. The compression ratio controlling section controls the engine compression ratio toward the target compression ratio. The target compression ratio setting section sets the target compression ratio based on an engine rotational speed, during a fuel cut operating state in which fuel injection by the fuel injection device is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinobu Kamada
  • Spark ignition type internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8651072
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, a variable compression ratio mechanism which can change the mechanical compression ratio and a variable valve timing mechanism which can control a closing timing of an intake valve are provided. When the variable compression ratio mechanism breaks down, the mechanical compression ratio and the intake valve closing timing are made to change from a current operating point toward a low mechanical compression ratio side demanded operating point without entering the no-entry region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Kawasaki
  • Lift-control device for a poppet valve of an internal-combustion engine or operating machine
    Patent number: 8651073
    Abstract: A lift-control device for a poppet valve of an internal-combustion engine including a first valve-lift means, a second valve-lift means, and a means for selective de-activation of the second valve-lift means. In an embodiment, the first valve-lift means is configured to define a first valve-lift law and is operatively connected with a rocker that acts on a stem of said valve to move said stem according to the first valve-lift law; and the second valve-lift means is configured to define a second valve-lift law and is operatively connected with the rocker. In an embodiment, the first valve-lift means comprises a profile of a cam or eccentric acting on the rocker to cause it to oscillate about a first axis so as to move the valve stem according to the first valve-lift law; and the second valve-lift means comprises an auxiliary rocker that co-operates in contact with the first valve-lift means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton S.R.L. Con Unico Socio
    Inventor: Majo Cecur
  • Variable valve timing device
    Patent number: 8651074
    Abstract: A VVT has a movable restriction member and a restriction slot. When the restriction member is in a projected position, the VVT is variable in a restricted range to which the restriction member can be rotatable within the restriction slot. When the restriction member is in a retracted position, the VVT is variable in a range wider than the restricted range. When a condition where the restriction member shall be projected is satisfied, if the variable range of the VVT reaches beyond the restricted range, the device determines that the restriction member is stuck at the retracted position. When a condition where the restriction member shall be retracted is satisfied, if the variable range of the VVT is restricted in the restricted range, the device determines that the restriction member is stuck at the projected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Haruyuki Urushihata, Minoru Wada
  • Engine assembly including camshaft with independent cam phasing
    Patent number: 8651075
    Abstract: An engine assembly may define first and second combustion chamber and may include a camshaft having a first lobe region engaged with the first valve arrangement and a second lobe region engaged with the second valve arrangement and rotatable relative to the first lobe region. The cam phaser may be coupled to the camshaft and may include a first member and a second member rotatable relative to the first member. The first lobe region may be fixed for rotation with the first member and the second lobe region may be fixed for rotation with the second member to vary valve timing for the second combustion chamber independently from the valve timing of the first combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Robert S. McAlpine
  • Adjusting system for camshafts of an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8651076
    Abstract: An adjusting system for camshafts of an internal combustion engine having an emergency running function, comprising a phase shifter gearing with an input drive element driven by a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, an output drive element which drives a camshaft of the internal combustion engine, and an actuating element, by means of which a relative rotation between the drive input element and the drive output element can be realized by means of a device for imparting a braking torque, which is variable for normal operation, to the actuating element. In the event of failure of the device and/or control thereof, an emergency running setting of the camshaft can be attained and maintained as a result of braking or respectively, arresting the actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jochen Walliser, Frank Richter, Ewald Schmitz
  • Fluid-pressure-operated valve timing controller
    Patent number: 8651077
    Abstract: A fluid-pressure-operated valve timing controller includes an outer rotor, an inner rotor, and a spiral spring constructed by an element wire spirally extending. The spiral spring biases the inner rotor in a biasing direction when the spiral spring twistingly deforms in accordance with sliding rotation of the inner rotor in a deformation direction relative to the outer rotor. The spiral spring has a bent part bent to protrude in a radial direction. The bent part of the spiral spring is linearly contact with a part of the element wire located adjacent to the bent part in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yuuki Matsunaga
  • Oil pan for an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8651078
    Abstract: An oil pan for an internal combustion engine has a pan body and a partition disposed in the pan body so as to separate an interior of the pan body into two separate oil chambers. The partition is provided with at least two overflow openings. An adjustable closure element is common to the at least two overflow openings for opening or closing the at least two overflow openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mann + Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Fasold, Holger Findeisen, Thomas Jessberger
  • Deactivating hydraulic valve lash adjuster/compensator with temporary lash compensation deactivation
    Patent number: 8651079
    Abstract: A valve operating mechanism includes a pin housing housed in a lash adjuster and a lash adjustment chamber. A sync pin is slidably received within the housing between an activating position and a deactivating position. A ball valve assembly is provided within the housing for communication with the chamber, and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The valve operating mechanism is operable in an active mode and a deactive mode. In the active mode, the sync pin is in the activating position, a valve is in an active state and the valve operating mechanism is configured to adjust valve lash. In the deactive mode, the sync pin is in the deactivating position and the valve is in a deactive state. The valve operating mechanism is configured to generate valve lash to allow the operating mechanism to move between the active mode and the deactive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Phillip Aquino
  • Internal combustion engine and method for assembling internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8651080
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a one-way clutch including a ring gear connected to the output shaft of a starting motor, an outer race member connected to a crankshaft, and a claw piece arranged between the outer circumferential surface of the ring gear and the inner circumferential surface of the outer race member facing the outer circumferential surface of the ring gear. The ring gear and the outer race member have a threaded hole and a through hole, respectively, to receive a jig for fixing the ring gear and the outer race member to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuaki Sugimura
  • Intake manifold with overmolded structural enhancement
    Patent number: 8651081
    Abstract: A composite intake manifold coupled to a V-engine is provided. The composite intake manifold includes a supporting member overmolded in an unsupported region of the composite intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher William Newman, Mohammad Ali Moetakef, Christopher Snow
  • Premixed compression ignition diesel engine
    Patent number: 8651082
    Abstract: In a premixed compression ignition diesel engine 1 with fuel being injected midway of a intake passage 15, an intake port 6 is formed with an orifice 10 which is throttled in passage cross-sectional area at least in an opening operation of an intake valve 7. This prevents adhesion of the fuel to an inner wall of the intake passage and promotes atomization of the fuel. A combustion chamber is fed with the sufficiently atomized fuel, which prevents combustion failure in the combustion chamber to attain reduction of particulate matters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Youichi Marutani, Yasunori Ashikaga, Mamoru Kurashina
  • Cylinder block and thermally sprayed coating forming method
    Patent number: 8651083
    Abstract: A cylinder block is provided with a cylinder bore and a thermally sprayed metallic coating disposed on an internal wall of the cylinder bore. The internal wall has first and second wall sections that are located at different axial locations along the internal wall of the cylinder bore. The thermally sprayed metallic coating is disposed on the internal wall of the cylinder bore by spraying droplets of a molten metal. The thermally sprayed metallic coating includes a first thermally sprayed coating portion having a first iron oxide concentration and a second thermally sprayed coating portion having a second iron oxide concentration. The first thermally sprayed coating portion is disposed on the first wall section. The second thermally sprayed coating portion is disposed on the second wall section. The second iron oxide concentration is different from the first iron oxide concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Izawa, Akira Shimizu
  • Two-part piston for an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8651084
    Abstract: A two-piece piston for an internal combustion engine has an upper piece and a lower piece, the lower piece having an upper base part with an opening lying coaxial to the piston axis into which a pin on the upper piece is inserted. The upper piece is connected to the lower piece with a hexagonal nut screwed onto the pin. A resilient sleeve is arranged between the upper piece and the lower piece comprising an inwardly directed collar on the against which the upper face of the hexagonal nut lies and in the region facing away from the piston crown, a contact surface facing the piston crown lying on a surface on the inner side of the opening. An economically produced two-piece piston results with a resilient sleeve between both screwed piston pieces which exerts a pre-tensioning and thus provides security for the screw connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Messmer
  • Piston-pin bearing lubrication system and method for a two-stroke internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8651085
    Abstract: An improved lubrication system and method for the normally contacting and abutting piston pin and connecting rod journal bearing surfaces of an internal combustion engine that includes an inertia pump in a connecting rod. The inertia pump reacts to the movement of the connecting rod and conveys a predetermined measure of lubricating oil at a high enough pressure to overcome the forces which cause the surfaces to normally maintain contact. By separating the normally contacting surfaces of the pin and the connecting rod journal, the surfaces become lubricated. Several embodiments of inertia pumps provide variations in implementing the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Propulsion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Hofbauer
  • Internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8651086
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided. Facing pistons eliminate a cylinder head, thereby reducing heat losses through a cylinder head. Facing pistons also halve the stroke that would be required for one piston to provide the same compression ratio, and the engine can thus be run at higher revolutions per minute and produce more power. An internal sleeve valve is provided for space and other considerations. A combustion chamber size-varying mechanism allows for adjustment of the minimum size of an internal volume to increase efficiency at partial-power operation. Variable intake valve operation is used to control engine power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Pinnacle Engines, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Cleeves
  • Engine with an improved arrangement of the carburettor unit
    Patent number: 8651087
    Abstract: In order to create an engine more preferably for a small working machine, for example for garden, forest and landscape work or for an engine-operated tool and the like, with a carburettor unit for mixture provision, in which carburettor unit via an inlet pipe is connected with a cylinder of the engine, wherein the cylinder extends along its piston running direction from its crankcase side as far as to its head end, and wherein a holding device is provided which serves for the mechanical holding of at least the carburettor unit and at least comprises an elastic element with an improved arrangement of the carburettor unit and easy removability of the carburettor, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Christian Vick, Mark Jesse, Christoph Kahler
  • Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8651088
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having an in-cylinder pressure sensor provided on each cylinder, an in-cylinder pressure detection value is corrected into an absolute pressure using an absolute pressure correction value Pr by calculating the absolute pressure correction value Pr (=(P2V2??P1V1?)/(V1??V2?)) from in-cylinder pressure detection values P1 and P2, in-cylinder volumes V1 and V2, and a specific heat ratio K at predetermined crank angles ?1 and ?2 during the adiabatic compression stroke from IVC to the ignition timing. When the adiabatic compression stroke (ignition timing?IVC) is shorter than a predetermined crank angle period CAth, the ignition timing is delayed. When the adiabatic compression stroke is longer than or equal to CAth, IVC is advanced. Preferably, a torque variation is suppressed by controlling the ignition timing of each cylinder before IVC is advanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeyuki Urano
  • Injection system for an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8651089
    Abstract: An injection system for an internal combustion engine has a prefeed pump for delivering fuel from a fuel tank, a high pressure pump for delivering the fuel to a fuel accumulator arranged downstream of the prefeed pump, an accumulator return line arranged downstream of the fuel accumulator and used to return the fuel from the fuel accumulator to the fuel tank, and a valve arranged in the accumulator return line and by which the fuel can be optionally supplied to the fuel tank or to a tank bypass line which hydraulically leads to a point between the prefeed pump and the high pressure pump. A pressure relief valve is arranged in the accumulator return line downstream of the valve and upstream of the fuel tank. The pressure relief valve is suitably designed to allow adjustment of a fuel pressure in the accumulator return line upstream of the pressure relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Anetsberger, Andrej Astachow, Christoph Klesse
  • Beveled dampening element for a fuel injector
    Patent number: 8651090
    Abstract: A direct fuel injection cylinder for an engine of a vehicle includes a direct fuel injector disposed in an injector bore within a cylinder head. A beveled conical wave washer is disposed between a shelf in the injector bore and a shoulder of the direct fuel injector. During operation of the vehicle, the beveled conical wave washer is elastically deformed by radial displacement caused by absorption of high frequency energy from the direct fuel injector. Elastic deformation of the beveled conical wave washer may reduce noise which may be caused by impact of the direct fuel injector and the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Vince Paul Solferino, Paul Zeng, Patrick Brostrom, Giuseppe DeRose, Jr., Scott Lehto
  • Skip fire engine control
    Patent number: 8651091
    Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine in a skip fire variable displacement mode are described. Generally, an engine is controlled to operate in a skip fire variable displacement mode. In one aspect, the spark timing associated with each fired working cycle is based at least in part on the firing history of the fired working chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Adya S. Tripathi, Christopher W. Chandler, Christopher C. Hand, Joshua P. Switkes, Mark A. Wilcutts, Matthew A. Younkins
  • Gas cooler for an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8651092
    Abstract: A gas cooler for an internal combustion engine is provided that includes a gas duct through which a gas flow supplied to the internal combustion engine can flow in a flow direction, and having a heat exchanger which is inserted into the gas duct through a lateral opening in an insertion direction, wherein a fluid or cooling the gas flow can flow through the heat exchanger, and wherein a first profile which runs in the insertion direction is formed on at least one side of the heat exchanger, which first profile meshes with a second profile provided on the gas duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franco Ghiani
  • Sludge adhesion inhibiting structure for internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8651093
    Abstract: A sludge adhesion inhibiting structure for an internal combustion engine according to the present invention is characterized in that a sludge inhibiting layer inhibiting generation or adhesion of sludge is formed on a surface of an area inside the internal combustion engine into which oil as a liquid does not always spread and which is contacted by oil mist as a gas. Preferably, the sludge inhibiting layer is made up of a solid alkali substance. Furthermore, the sludge inhibiting layer is provided in a head cover and formed on an inner surface of an oil separator chamber separating the oil from a blow-by gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Koyamaishi, Toshiaki Tanaka, Tetsushi Suzuki, Takashi Shimura, Teru Ogawa
  • Bow having improved limbs, trigger releases, safety mechanisms and/or dry fire mechanisms
    Patent number: 8651094
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved bows (e.g., crossbows and/or vertical bows). More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous bows having improved limbs, trigger releases, safety mechanisms and/or dry fire mechanisms. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for systems and methods for fabricating bows (e.g., crossbows/vertical bows) having improved limbs (e.g., crossbow limbs), trigger releases, safety mechanisms and/or dry fire mechanisms, and wherein the bows provide increased arrow speed and/or more efficient release of stored energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kodabow Inc.
    Inventors: Charles S. Matasic, Baron E. Abel, Curvin L. Wolfgang, Jr.
  • Bowstring cam arrangement for compound crossbow
    Patent number: 8651095
    Abstract: A compound bow or crossbow employs bowstring cams with bowstring cam grooves and power cord cam grooves. Preferably a pair of generally identical power cord cam grooves are positioned axially above and below the bowstring cam groove. The power cords are anchored to a fixed anchor point, e.g., a pylon, on the near end of the riser or on the near side of the crossbow bar or stock. The power cords do not cross over to the other limb. The reduction in the number of cam wheels and pulleys and in the number of strings or cords results in greater efficiency and higher transfer of energy from the bow to the arrow or bolt. There is no drop-off in pull weight at full draw. The bolt or arrow accelerates throughout the travel of the bowstring, resulting in significantly higher velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: John J. Islas
  • Systems, devices, and/or methods for launching a projectile
    Patent number: 8651096
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium storing machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, controlling the amount of energy delivered to a projectile from a source of compressed gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Long Range, LLC
    Inventor: Lloyd Stephen Sikes
  • Cable guard and guides for archery bows
    Patent number: 8651097
    Abstract: An archery bow is provided including a cable guard and/or cable guide that can flex to selectively move a cable relative to a plane in which a bowstring of the bow travels to minimize cam lean, limb twist, and/or cable wear. The cable guard and/or guide can move toward the bowstring plane as the bowstring is drawn, and away from the bowstring plane, out of the way of the bowstring and any attached arrow, after the bowstring is released. The cable guard can define a bore, for example, an elongated bore, extending through it along an axis that is generally parallel to the bowstring when the bowstring is undrawn. The cable guard bore can operate as a cable guide, and can include a rounded opening to minimize abrasion to a cable moving through it. A ceramic element can be included in the bore to minimize abrasion to the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Grace Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: Louis Grace, Jr., Nathaniel E. Grace