Patents Issued in January 6, 2015
  • Patent number: 8925487
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container equipped with a dry-type filtering apparatus for transporting live fish, wherein the dry-type filtering apparatus, which can be applied together with an existing wet-type filtering tank or independently, is installed on the upper, side portions of the fish tank to filter the water stored in the tank. The container according to the present invention also enables the culturing of filter microorganisms in a filter medium of the dry-type filtering apparatus to remove the ammonia content contained in the water, thereby enabling purification and improvement of the quality of the water without limitations on the weight of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Daeil Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung Suk Kong
  • Patent number: 8925488
    Abstract: A system and method is described for a controlled electrified fish barrier that induces a potential field in a body of water with an electric field generator, a control system, and an object detection system, so that when the anode and cathode of the electric field generator are inserted in a body of water, and the object detection system detects an object, the object detection system electrically signals the control system; and in response the control system electrically adjusts the electric field generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Smith-Root, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery Smith
  • Patent number: 8925489
    Abstract: A fish cage for use in water comprising a main part (1) made of a watertight, substantially rigid material and has an outlet for effluent (12). The main part (1) is substantially hemispherical, and may slip unhindered through the water along a spherical path without influencing the body of water inside the cage substantially. Because the forces acting on the main part (1) from the surrounding water act mainly along the shell as opposed to perpendicular to the shell, the risk for tearing and the risk for swashing are reduced. Embodiments having flow and lighting conditions adaptable to different species are also disclosed. The cage can be localized in areas with currents and waves, and it can easily be adapted for different species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Maritime Oppdrett AS
    Inventor: Jorn Hoie
  • Patent number: 8925490
    Abstract: A biofilter is provided. The biofilter comprises a housing; an inlet defining an upstream end of the housing; an outlet defining a downstream end of the housing; a chamber comprising an upstream opening and a downstream opening, the chamber configured to contain a filtration medium; and a counter flow generator for generating a counter flow of water in an upstream direction in the chamber. Related methods and systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: JLH Consulting Inc.
    Inventors: John Leslie Holder, Robert Scott McKinley
  • Patent number: 8925491
    Abstract: A portable cat carrier has a sliding floor that momentarily and mildly destabilizes a cat's footing to facilitate transferring the cat in and out of the carrier. The floor is the bottom portion of a movable insert that has a receptacle for receiving the cat. The insert has relatively low side panels to provide the cat with a calming, unrestricted side view. After the cat is lowered into the receptacle, the insert is slid horizontally into an outer housing for containing the cat. When the insert is fully inserted within the housing, a front panel of the insert closes the housing's access opening to prevent the cat from escaping. A back panel of the insert has an elevated impassable rear barrier that prevents the cat from jumping into a trapped area between the insert and the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: K-Kat LLC
    Inventor: Theodore J. Glover
  • Patent number: 8925492
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wire crate for housing an animal. The wire crate includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, and a pair of side panels oppositely disposed from one another. The crate also includes a front opening defined in the front panel. The front opening is configured to provide access to the interior of the crate. The crate further includes a pair of tracks coupled to each side of the front opening and a door slidably coupled to the pair of tracks. The door slides along the pair of tracks between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Mid-West Metal Products Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Cantwell, Michael E. Greene, Terrance L. Jones, Stew Kerr
  • Patent number: 8925493
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for applying bovine foot and hoof treatment compositions having two or more specific and complimentary antimicrobial components in a hoof bath just prior to use to work more effectively. These antimicrobial components may include antimicrobial inorganic salts of certain heavy metals, cationic agents, peroxides, aldehydes, fatty acids, iodines or other suitable compounds effective in the killing of microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GEA Farm Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Torgerson, Robert L. Buck, Nathan Hedlund, Sue Mendell, Randal D. Stevenson, Charles D. Gradle, Alejandro O. Dee, Jeffrey S. Hanson, Glenn Gingrich
  • Patent number: 8925494
    Abstract: Edible animal chew and method of using the animal chew. The animal chew is edible and is configured to clean laniaries and gum tissue of an animal as the animal chews and eats the animal chew. The animal chew comprises all-natural ingredients and is, therefore, free of synthetic ingredients and unhealthy added ingredients, such as added sugars. The animal chew may further contain all-natural vitamins for improving health of the animal. A plurality of first projections and second projections on a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, respectively, are provided to clean laniaries and gum tissue for reducing risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. A plurality of raised nodules is also provided on the distal end portion for massaging gum tissue to reduce risk of periodontal disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventors: David Pang, Jing Zhang
  • Patent number: 8925495
    Abstract: The present invention features a multifunction pet waste scooper. The multifunctional pet waste scooper also integrates with pet leash and plastic bag holder. The multifunctional pet waste scooper comprises a handle housing, a connection tube and two scoops. The scoops are closed in default state and can be opened by a Y-shape bracelet pulled back a spring loaded trigger. When the trigger is released, the spring will push the scoops to be closed. The pet waste scooper further comprises a retractable pet leash to hook a collar used on a pet and a curved slot disposed on the handle housing to hang a bag containing pet waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Chang Sup Lee
  • Patent number: 8925496
    Abstract: A restraint for an animal having a strap forming first and second connection loops and including first and second strap portions, having approximately equal lengths, connected between the connection loops to form a restraining loop. A first connector is affixed at the first connection loop, and a second connector is affixed at the second connection loop. A quick-release connector is disposed in line with and more proximate to one of the first or second strap portions to open the restraining loop. A clamp is slidably disposed over the first and second strap portions. The clamp divides the restraining loop into a primary loop and a secondary loop and maintains the size of the primary loop around the animal's neck, with the quick-release connector positioned to open the primary loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Charles Ross Simons
  • Patent number: 8925497
    Abstract: A waste gas combustion method that includes providing a combustible fuel source, in which the combustible fuel source is composed of at least methane and siloxane gas. A sodium source or magnesium source is mixed with the combustible fuel source. Combustion of the siloxane gas of the combustible fuel source produces a silicon containing product. The sodium source or magnesium source reacts with the silicon containing product to provide a sodium containing glass or sodium containing silicate, or a magnesium containing silicate. By producing the sodium containing glass or sodium containing silicate, or the magnesium containing silicate, or magnesium source for precipitating particulate silica instead of hard coating, the method may reduce or eliminate the formation of silica deposits within the combustion chamber and the exhaust components of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventor: Theodore M. Besmann
  • Patent number: 8925498
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system and a method for promoting the formation of the emulsified fuel of a diesel engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Fu You Te Chemical Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sui Chuan Tan
  • Patent number: 8925499
    Abstract: A wax-type thermostat for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine (ICE) is provided. The cooling system includes a radiator and a coolant loop circuit linking the radiator to the internal combustion engine, and having a by-pass conduit. The thermostat includes a thermostat body with a radiator inlet, an ICE inlet, via the by-pass conduit, and an ICE outlet. The thermostat further includes a piston integral to a closure element that opens or close a thermostat internal pathway connecting the radiator inlet to the ICE outlet, and a wax chamber thermally connected to the coolant within the thermostat body. The thermostat includes a first spring to return the closure element towards its closing position, and means for moving the piston when a volume variation in the wax occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Luca Borgia, Carmine Pezzella
  • Patent number: 8925500
    Abstract: A casing structure of a water-cooled internal combustion engine includes a casing member defining an oil pump chamber and a water pump chamber. A rotor of an oil pump is inserted into the oil pump chamber and an impeller of a water pump is inserted into the water pump chamber. A cover member covers the casing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Kisaichi, Jiro Ueno, Kazuya Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8925501
    Abstract: A crankshaft for an internal combustion engine comprises at least four main journals aligned on a crankshaft axis of rotation and at least three crankpins, each crankpin being disposed about a respective crankpin axis and positioned between the main journals. Each of the respective crankpin axes is oriented parallel to, and spaced radially from, the crankshaft axis of rotation. Each of the crankpins is joined to a pair of crank arms for force transmission between the crankpin and the pair of crank arms. Each pair of crank arms is joined to a respective main journal for transmitting torque between the pair of crank arms and the main journal. At least two of the crankpins are spaced radially a first semi-stroke distance from the crankshaft axis of rotation, and a third crankpin is spaced radially a second semi-stroke distance from the crankshaft axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Alan W. Hayman
  • Patent number: 8925502
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has at least two exhaust ports and a valve assembly. The valve assembly has first and second connectors, first and second actuator pistons connected to their corresponding connectors, the first and second actuator pistons being disposed in first and second chambers respectively, and first and second valves connected to their corresponding connectors. The first connector, actuator piston and valve are movable together between first and second positions. The second connector, actuator piston, and valve are movable together between first and second positions. A first fluid line supplies hydraulic fluid in the first and second chambers on a first side of the first and second actuator pistons. A second fluid line supplies hydraulic fluid in the first and second chambers on a second side of the first and second actuator pistons. At least one fluid pump supplies hydraulic fluid to the first and second fluid lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: BRP US Inc.
    Inventors: Todd D. Craft, Kenneth Chung, Roger Raetzman, Patrick C. Tetzlaff, Tony Urbanik, Peter Lucier
  • Patent number: 8925503
    Abstract: A variable valve actuation device for an internal combustion engine includes a variable valve timing mechanism and a valve timing restricting mechanism. When the operating state of the variable valve timing mechanism is in the phase restricting state and the operating state of the variable valve timing mechanism is changed to the phase releasing state on the basis of pressing the accelerator pedal, a torque limiting control is then performed to limit an increase in the torque of the internal combustion engine. With this control the rate of increase of the torque is set less than the rate of increase of the torque corresponding to the operation of pressing the accelerator pedal by retarding and correcting the ignition timing. Thus, when the operating state of the variable valve timing mechanism is changed from the phase restricting state to the phase releasing state, thereby reducing discomfort experienced by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Miyazato, Toshio Imamura, Yuu Yokoyama, Masaki Numakura
  • Patent number: 8925504
    Abstract: Provided is a variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which can switch, based on an actuation of a single actuator, operating characteristics of valves for a plurality of cylinders collectively and smoothly using a rigid member, while suppressing an increase in wear of a guide rail and reducing the number of delay mechanisms. A changeover mechanism to switch operating characteristics of valves for each cylinder of first and second cylinder groups is provided. The changeover mechanism includes link shafts as a rigid member which is displaced when being engaged with a helical guide rail as a result of the actuation of an electromagnetic solenoid. The changeover mechanism includes a delay mechanism, which delays the displacement of the second link shaft in a cylinder in which the valves are lifting when the electromagnetic solenoid is actuated, at some point in the link shafts between the first cylinder group and the second cylinder group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Motohiro Tsuzuki, Shinobu Shimasaki, Akio Kidooka, Hirotaka Sunada
  • Patent number: 8925505
    Abstract: A finger follower lever of a valve train, which has a lever body that is a pressed and punched component made of sheet metal and has a U-shaped cross-section with two largely parallel side walls. A roller rotatably mounted between the side walls on a pin. The pin is uniformly hardened and inserted at each end into a hole punched out of the side wall and is staked or caulked at the ends. To enable the holes to be punched out simultaneously in opposite directions of a relatively narrow lever body, at least one of the two side walls has, at least on the outside thereof, a flat recess in the region of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Moeck, Michael Kress, Martin Lambert
  • Patent number: 8925506
    Abstract: In a valve timing control apparatus configured to enable rotary motion of a vane rotor relative to a sprocket in a phase-retard direction or in a phase-advance direction by controlling hydraulic-pressure supply-and-exhaust for each of phase-advance hydraulic chambers and hydraulic-pressure supply-and-exhaust for each of phase-retard hydraulic chambers, first and second lock pins are located in a large-diameter rotor portion rather than a small-diameter rotor portion. The rotary motion of the vane rotor relative to the sprocket from an intermediate lock position between a maximum phase-advance position and a maximum phase-retard position is restricted by engagement of the first lock pin with a first lock hole and by engagement of the second lock pin with a second lock hole. The vane rotor is held at the maximum phase-retard position by engagement of the first lock pin with the second lock hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8925507
    Abstract: A camshaft adjuster (1) is disclosed that has a spring (4) that is supported by spring supports (5), and these spring supports (5) have lubricant reservoirs (6) for the lubrication of the contact area between the spring wire (10) and the spring support (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jurgen Weber
  • Patent number: 8925508
    Abstract: A housing is molded from a resin material, and a first flange portion of the bobbin forms a fusing protrusion, which is joined and fused with the housing. The housing includes through-holes, which are located on a radially inner side of the fusing protrusion and extends through a portion of the housing in the axial direction. A yoke includes at least one pressure reducing part, which is configured to reduce a pressure exerted to a projection of the bobbin by a flow of the resin material at a time of molding the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Koichiro Matsumoto, Yoshiyuki Murao
  • Patent number: 8925509
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system (100) for an internal combustion engine. The fuel delivery system (100) includes a diaphragm carburettor (102) for mixing air and fuel, a start preparation system (104) for introducing fuel into the carburettor before a start of the engine, and a fuel enrichment system (106) for providing an enriched fuel and air mixture when the engine is cranked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Husqvarna AB
    Inventors: Paul Warfel, Neal Chandler, Darien Lynn Lacroix
  • Patent number: 8925510
    Abstract: An air induction system for an engine of a vehicle, comprising of a conduit configured to convey intake air to the engine; and a fitting arranged at an inlet end of the conduit, the fitting formed from a different material than the conduit, the fitting configured to interface with a structural support element of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Randall Alan Stec, Michael R. Miller, Ha To Chung
  • Patent number: 8925511
    Abstract: A cooling channel piston has a radially circumferential cooling channel located behind a ring field. The cooling channel piston is forged from a steel material and the cooling channel is worked in by machining between an upper part below the ring field and a lower part above the piston bosses and the piston skirts. The cooling channel extends behind the ring field in the direction of an upper face of the upper part, it being provided that the cooling channel piston has above its piston bosses and piston skirts an outwardly oriented support region. A closing element, which closes the cooling channel after the production thereof, is fastened between the lower edge of the ring field and the support region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: KS Kolbenschmidt GmbH
    Inventors: Franz-Peter Allig, Wolfgang Köhler, Matthias Laqua
  • Patent number: 8925512
    Abstract: A support structure for a water-cooled internal combustion engine supported by a body frame of a motorcycle 2 includes a cooling device that circulates cooling water through an inside and an outside of at least a cylinder head of the engine, a thermo-valve that controls the cooling water circulating in the cooling device, and a thermo-valve case that accommodates the thermo-valve and that is integrally molded with the cylinder head such that a part thereof bulges from a side surface of the cylinder head. A support portion formed on the cylinder head is fixed to the body frame and is integrally molded so as to stride between the cylinder head and the thermo-valve case, whereby the support portion is solidly formed and an area around a thermo-valve case can be reinforced by the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Kitada, Akihiro Iida
  • Patent number: 8925513
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine oil supply system contained in a body of the engine, in which a pump casing common to first and second oil pumps having a common pump shaft rotated interlockingly with rotation of a crankshaft of the engine is provided with a main suction port common to the first and second oil pumps, and first and second relief valves are individually connected to discharge passages of the first and second oil pumps. The main suction port is partitioned into first and second suction ports. The pump casing is formed with a first suction passage extending from the first suction port to a suction side of the first oil pump, and a second suction passage extending from the second suction port to a suction side of the second oil pump. Release ports of the first and second relief valves are connected to the second suction passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masataka Tanaka, Tsuyoshi Arima, Hidetoshi Wakasa
  • Patent number: 8925514
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for heating a liquid supplied to an engine of a motor vehicle by a pump when the temperature of the liquid is low, thereby reducing the operating efficiency of the engine. The method comprises inefficient operation of the pump by constricting flow to create heat that is transferable to the liquid. Inefficient operation of the pump is enacted when service brakes are applied and the vehicle is decelerating to minimize negative impact on fuel economy and overall engine efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy James Bowman
  • Patent number: 8925515
    Abstract: A power system, comprising a turbocharger, an oil sump, a supply passage, a return passage, and a turbocharger bypass passage. The supply passage is positioned fluidly between the turbocharger and the oil sump and is configured to supply oil to the turbocharger. The return passage is positioned fluidly between the turbocharger and the oil sump and is configured to return oil from the turbocharger to the oil sump. The turbocharger bypass passage is positioned fluidly between the supply passage and the return passage. The turbocharger bypass passage comprises a valve that is configured to be in a closed positioned when the turbocharger is in a normal operating mode, and in an open position when the turbocharger is in a failure mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Robert J. McMullen
  • Patent number: 8925516
    Abstract: According to the invention, a rotary engine is disclosed. The rotary engine may include a body, a rotor, and an ignition element. The body may define a rotor cavity, an intake channel, and a first exhaust channel. The rotor may be disposed within the rotor cavity and may define at least one chamber. Each chamber may receive a fuel from the intake channel when the rotor is in a first position. Each chamber may also at least partially contain combustion of the fuel when the rotor is in a second position. Each chamber may further output an exhaust to the first exhaust channel when the rotor is in a third position. The ignition element may be in communication with each chamber when each chamber is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Todd Daman
  • Patent number: 8925517
    Abstract: A gas-powered tool motor includes a combustion chamber with an intake valve at one end, an exhaust valve at another end, and a control plate or control valve between two portions of the combustion chamber. A piston or other positive displacement device is in communication with the combustion chamber. The intake and exhaust valves have closure members that are movable along a common axis in tandem between collective open positions for recharging the combustion chamber with the fuel and air mixture and collective closed positions for detonating the fuel and air mixture in the combustion chamber and displacing the positive displacement device. The control plate or control valve supports limited air flows from a first portion of the combustion chamber to a second portion of the combustion chamber even in the closed position of the control valve for supporting two-stage combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph S. Adams
  • Patent number: 8925518
    Abstract: A system has an engine. The engine has a combustion chamber, a pre-combustion chamber apart from the combustion chamber, and an opening spanning between the combustion chamber and the pre-combustion chamber. The engine also has a first fuel supply system adapted to supply liquid fuel to the pre-combustion chamber and a second fuel supply system adapted to supply a second, different fuel to the combustion chamber. In certain instances, an oxygen supply system supplies oxygen into the prechamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Riley, Gregory James Hampson, Domenico Chiera
  • Patent number: 8925519
    Abstract: A dual fuel system includes a plurality of fuel injectors that each have a non-injection configuration, a liquid fuel injection configuration, a gaseous fuel injection configuration and a combined fuel injection configuration. Each of the fuel injectors includes a liquid control valve member with a guide segment that defines a portion of a leak path from a liquid fuel inlet to a drain outlet, and a gas control valve member with a guide segment that defines a second leak path from the liquid fuel inlet to the drain outlet. Each injector body includes a tip component that defines both a liquid nozzle outlet set and a gas nozzle outlet set. A dual solenoid actuator has a first armature coupled to the liquid control valve member, a second armature coupled to the gas control valve member, and a shared stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Hoisan Kim, Mark F. Sommars, Xiangdong Ding, Dana Coldren
  • Patent number: 8925520
    Abstract: In some examples, reduced engine displacement reduces an engine's ability to provide brake booster vacuum. The present application relates to intake systems including a vacuum aspirator to generate vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Patent number: 8925521
    Abstract: An adjustable restrictor device for controlling flow of induction air into an engine. The restrictor device may comprise a generally flat compact housing which is installed between a carburetor and intake manifold of an engine. The housing may have throughbores to allow air flow, which coincide in location to carburetor bores. The restrictor device may have two individual restrictors enclosed therein, each movable to positions which progressively obstruct and open the throughbores to control flow of inducted air. Each restrictor may be manually controlled in common by a rotatable control shaft. Threading of the knobs may be opposite handed, thereby enabling the restrictors to move similarly in effect as to controlling air flow but in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Rollin Kim Lee
  • Patent number: 8925522
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel metering device for a fuel injection system for internal combustion engines having a plastic housing. According to the invention, the fuel metering device includes a control valve having a valve piston which is actuated by an actuating device. Furthermore, the plastic housing can be produced by spray-coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Landenberger, Tilman Miehle, Jochen Wessner
  • Patent number: 8925523
    Abstract: A fuel pressure relief valve is positioned along a fuel circuit of an internal combustion engine. The pressure relief valve includes a valve body, a first plunger positioned within the valve body, a second plunger positioned within the first plunger, and a valve plug securing the first and second plungers in the valve body. A spring is positioned between the valve plug and the second plunger. Fuel leakage into the pressure relief valve causes the pressure relief valve to lift undesirably in the absence of excessive fuel pressure. The undesirable lifting undesirably affects the operation of the fuel rail and causes wear and shortened life of the pressure relief valve. The first plunger has at least one relief passage or groove located on an exterior surface, relieving the undesirable pressure buildup from a chamber formed between the valve body and the first plunger, eliminating undesirable liftoff events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Deepak Sahini, W. Joseph Satterfield, Robert P. Erickson, Jeffrey J. Sullivan, Donald J. Benson
  • Patent number: 8925524
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes a nozzle body with a nozzle bore, a first valve needle received within the nozzle bore and being engageable with a first seat region to control fuel delivery through a first set of nozzle outlets, and a second valve needle received within a valve bore provided in the first valve needle and being engageable with a second seat region arranged to control fuel delivery through a second set of nozzle outlets. A control chamber for fuel is provided between the first valve needle and the second valve needle, wherein movement of the first valve needle is responsive to fuel pressure in the control chamber, and wherein movement of the second valve needle is mechanically coupled to an armature of the first actuator arrangement. A second actuator arrangement controls movement of the first valve needle by controlling fuel flow into the control chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Michael Peter Cooke
  • Patent number: 8925525
    Abstract: A fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine delivers fuel into a fuel rail via a high-pressure pump. The quantity of the delivered fuel is influenced by a quantity control valve operated by an electromagnetic operating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Wilms, Matthias Schumacher, Joerg Kuempel, Matthias Maess
  • Patent number: 8925526
    Abstract: A method of operating a combustion engine including causing an intake stroke in a first cylinder, causing a compression stroke in the first cylinder thereby creating pressurized fluid and releasing pressurized fluid from the first cylinder. The method further includes cooling the released fluid, directing the cooled fluid into a second cylinder over a first period of time and injecting fuel into the second cylinder over a second period of time whereby the first and second periods of time at least partially overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Anders, Scott B. Fiveland, Carl-Anders Hergart
  • Patent number: 8925527
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and preventing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to a condensate forming region in a charge air cooler, a grille shutter system is adjusted, moving the condensate region to a different location in the charge air cooler. Grille shutter orientation may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions and condensate-forming weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 8925528
    Abstract: An engine is provided. The engine includes a piston operable to reciprocate in a cylinder, a crankshaft rotatably coupled to the piston, and a supercharger rotatably coupled to the crankshaft. The supercharger has an unequal distribution of mass along a longitudinal plane of the supercharger to provide a rotational counterbalance to reduce engine imbalance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ray Alan Kach, Michael Bruno Magnan, Robert Andrew Wade, Vince Paul Solferino, David E. Masser, Jeffrey Eliot Chottiner
  • Patent number: 8925529
    Abstract: A device has an air inlet channel with at an end an inlet opening for fresh air and at the other end an outlet opening for a mixture of air and exhaust gas. A part of a wall of the air inlet channel is provided with mixing openings for supply of exhaust gas. The device further has an exhaust gas recirculation channel connected to the mixing openings and provided with an inlet opening for exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Daf Trucks N.V.
    Inventor: Martinus Nerius Maria Lucien van Hal
  • Patent number: 8925530
    Abstract: An integrated exhaust gas recirculation intake module comprises: an intake system including a fresh air channel; and a coupling device, wherein the coupling device is configured to receive an exhaust gas recirculation valve, wherein the coupling device is configured to connect an exhaust gas channel with a fresh gas channel, and wherein the exhaust gas channel is connected with the coupling device such that a heat transfer is hindered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Veit Bruggesser, Hans-Peter Drespling, Oliver Fischer
  • Patent number: 8925531
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for identifying and indicating degradation of an engine cylinder spark plug. In response to a cylinder misfire event during selected engine operating conditions, followed by an occurrence of a threshold number and/or rate of pre-ignition events in the same cylinder, a controller may determine that the spark plug is degraded. The controller may limit combustion in the cylinder in response to the degradation. Additionally, cylinder pre-ignition mitigating steps may be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Michael Joseph Zaitz, Ken Jahr, Chris Paul Glugla, Robert Sarow Baskins
  • Patent number: 8925532
    Abstract: A method for controlling the power supply of a radiofrequency spark plug in an internal combustion engine up to an electric voltage sufficient for generating a highly branched spark. To this end, the electric voltage for powering the spark plug is increased step by step up to an adequate voltage adapted for ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Maxime Makarov, Frédéric Auzas
  • Patent number: 8925533
    Abstract: An ignition coil for the internal combustion engine has a cylinder portion and a head portion. A pillar portion that forms a part of a ventilation passage that communicates inside and outside of a plug hole via a sealing member, and a cover portion that covers the pillar portion without blockading an upper opening of a ventilation opening of the pillar portion are formed on a side of the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kengo Nakao, Kazuhide Kawai, Katsunori Akimoto
  • Patent number: 8925534
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is presented having at least one combustion chamber, wherein a surface of at least one component of the combustion chamber and/or of an internal-combustion-engine component which is close to the combustion chamber and carries the exhaust gas stream is at least partially coated with a catalytic coating. The surface will come into contact with an air-fuel mixture or with an exhaust gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Eberspächer Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mischa Bachmann, Stefan Langenfeld, Volker Zöllmer, Silvia Calvo Zueco, Torben Seemann, Thomas Jung
  • Patent number: 8925535
    Abstract: A hand-powered projectile assembly is provided for launching projectiles. The hand-powered projectile assembly includes an elastic projectile pouch, a hollow base ring and a hollow locking ring. The elastic projectile pouch having an open end is attached to the hollow base ring. The hollow base ring is attached to the locking ring. The hollow locking ring further maintains a tight seal with the elastic projectile pouch. The hand-powered projectile assembly further includes a cap to maintain the position of the projectiles inside the elastic projectile pouch. The cap maintains a watertight connection with the hollow base ring. The projectile exits through the open end of the elastic projectile pouch and the hollow base ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Shawn Phillips
  • Patent number: 8925536
    Abstract: A cable guard and string stop for use with archery bows. The cable guard and string stop partially reside within a first bore in the archery bow. A screw and retention device is installed in a second bore, orthogonal to and intersecting the first bore. The retention device frictionally engages the cable guard or string stop to secure the cable guard in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Perfect Form Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Michael Derus