Patents Issued in February 12, 2015
  • Publication number: 20150040830
    Abstract: Method of mechanically milking a lactating animal, such as a cow, a goat and a sheep, comprising: providing an animal having at least one teat (110), said teat comprising an elongate shaft (112) and a teat end (114) at an end of said shaft, said teat end comprising a teat canal (116) having an external orifice (118); milking the teat (110) by repeatedly alternatingly increasing and decreasing a diameter (D) of at least a longitudinal portion of its shaft (112), while maintaining a substantially axi-symmetric shape of said portion of the shaft, and while continuously applying a milking vacuum to the teat end (114) so as to extract milk from the external orifice (118) of the teat canal (116). Also disclosed is a teat cup liner for practicing the disclosed method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Johannes Leendert van Leeuwen, Pieter Hendrik Hogewerf, Albertus Hendrik Ipema, Cornelis Johannes Aloysius Marie de Koning, Josephus Gerardus Maria van den Boogaart, Marinus Cornelis van Turnhout
  • Publication number: 20150040831
    Abstract: The invention relates to a milking unit comprising a milk collection part and at least two milk tubes that are connected to the milk collection part. At least one end of the milk tube has an essentially spherical clamping body, the central point of the clamping body being offset in relation to the longitudinal axis (S) of the milk tube and/or the clamping body having a channel with a mouth. The longitudinal axis (S) penetrates a plane, on which the cross-sectional surface of the mouth lies at an angle that is not equal to 90°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: GEA Farm Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Auburger, Martin Neumann, Thomas Rohring
  • Publication number: 20150040832
    Abstract: An automated animal feeding station includes a housing having a closable lid that is hingeably attached to the housing. The housing includes a removable liner that forms an interior surface having one or more feeding compartments. The lid is hingeably attached to the housing such that when closed, the lid forms a sealable cover over the opening. The animal feeding station may include a sealing surface that forms a seal to the lid such that when the lid is closed, air and moisture transfer between the interior and the exterior of the housing is reduced. The animal feeding station also includes motor unit that is mechanically coupled between the housing and the lid, and may be open and close the lid upon actuation by motor control signals provided by a programmable control unit based upon a user defined feeding schedule and an identification sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald P. Klein
  • Publication number: 20150040833
    Abstract: A clump-forming hygiene granulate has individual granules, each granule having: at least one inner carrier grain of a porous, mineral, non-swelling carrier material; an intermediate layer mantling the carrier grain or grains including a mixture containing at least one powder of a non-swelling, mineral, porous material, and a gel matrix composed at least of starch that swells in cold water, and a hydrocolloid different from starch, which swells in cold water; bentonite powder or superabsorber meal disposed between the carrier grain or grains and the intermediate layer; an outer mantle layer sheathing the intermediate layer, having a mantle layer surface including a mixture containing at least a powder of a non-swelling, mineral, porous material, and bentonite powder; hydrocolloid gel that swells in cold water, disposed between outer mantle layer and intermediate layer; and hydrocolloid grains of a hydrocolloid that swells in cold water, distributed on the mantle layer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Xella Baustoffe GmbH
    Inventors: Ingrid KORNMAYER, Thomas BELZER, Jens SCARBATH, Thomas SCHEIDEMANN, Henry HANTSCHICK, Marion RITTER
  • Publication number: 20150040834
    Abstract: A feeding stall for an animal that allows a gestating sow or other animal to enter the stall for feeding, in which movement of the sow triggers automatic closure of a gate assembly, without manual intervention from the farmer. This protects the sow from other sows when it is feeding. When the sow has finished feeding, it can readily exit the stall, opening the entrance gate without manual intervention. Opening and closing of the gate is actuated when the sow urges the gate assembly open or closed. The sow need provide only an initial impulse against the gate, with the remainder of the rotation being provided by a biasing member which urges the gate into the fully open or closed position after being tilted past a neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Canarm Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Loos, Dan Martin
  • Publication number: 20150040835
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a teat cleaning and disinfectant before a milking operation is started that comprises one or more controllers that are configured to monitor various operating parameters of the system. In an embodiment, the current supplied to a motor that drives scrubbing elements in an applicator in order to identify or determine when a teat of a cow is inserted and then removed from the applicator during a wash mode and dry mode. The controller is programmed to count each teat that is properly prepped for milking in order to determine the number of cows that have been properly prepped for milking. If certain thresholds, such as predetermined number of teats on a cow, have not been met a cow is not counted as having been properly prepped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin Dole, Larry Bilskie
  • Publication number: 20150040836
    Abstract: An interactive cat entertainment device wherein light elements are incorporated into a carpet in a pattern. The light elements are controlled through a microprocessor or electronic circuitry that activates the lights sequentially to provide the appearance of a moving object to a cat or similar animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Joshua Hanft, Leslie Hanft, James Hanft
  • Publication number: 20150040837
    Abstract: A pet chew product comprising at least three arms wherein a distal end of at least a first arm comprises first and second distal end portions. The arms arranged such that, when the product is located on a planar surface in a rest position, the first distal end portion of the first arm contacts the planer surface and the second distal end portion of the first arm is spaced at a distance above the planar surface, and when a downwardly directed force is a applied to the second distal end portion of the first arm, the product rotates on the first distal end portion of the first arm and at least one other arm rises above the planar surface until the second distal end portion of the first arm contacts the planar surface whereby the product is presented in a raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Glen S. AXELROD, Ajay GAJRIA
  • Publication number: 20150040838
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bird deterrent device to prevent pest birds from landing and nesting in various outdoor areas. The bird deterrent device of the present invention includes an elongated stem with a pointed lower end that is adapted to be inserted into various penetrable surfaces such as soil or ground. The stem further includes a plurality of spike members disposed near the top end thereof, wherein the spike members branch outward from various locations around the elongated stem and extend outward therefrom at various angles. The spike members may also overlap one another to prevent birds from roosting on the bird deterrent device. When the device is positioned, the spike members span out in a fan-like arrangement to eliminate open areas within its immediate perimeter. In this way, the present invention prevents birds from landing and resting in specific areas without harming the pest birds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Beverly Hissom
  • Publication number: 20150040839
    Abstract: A system and apparatus to track and control an animal is described, including a tracking unit to track the animal, and a stimulus unit to provide a stimulus to the animal, wherein the tracking unit and stimulus unit are configured to be coupled together. The stimulus unit is entirely a slave device to the tracking unit and has no independent smart circuitry, no independent power supply and no antennae. Accordingly, the stimulation unit is dependent upon the tracking unit for operation, power and for communication to and from a remote hand held control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Brent Goetzl, Harri Piltonen, Jason Edwards, Kevin Zinn, Kenneth Wacasey
  • Publication number: 20150040840
    Abstract: An animal tracking system may include an actuator with a generator that creates electrical energy upon motion of the actuator. The system may utilize the electrical energy to transmit a signal to determine the location of an animal. The system also utilizes the electrical energy to notify the animal when it reaches a predefined location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ronald Muetzel, Thomas Roesch
  • Publication number: 20150040841
    Abstract: A method for improving a water heater cycle in a system for heating water and conditioning an interior space by operating a water pump at a first rate of speed until the entering water temperature is within a desirable range, or the water pump has operated at the first rate of speed for a predetermined time, then operating the water pump at a second rate of speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Derek Leman, Aaron M. Bright
  • Publication number: 20150040842
    Abstract: A very high efficiency steam producing heater and boiler is disclosed wherein an outer vault encases an inner casing with a small exhaust passage there between. The walls of the casing contain a series of capillary tubes through which water flows. A combustion chamber in the lower portion of the casing provides a source of heat for the water which flows from the casing into a series of water drums located near the combustion chamber. From the water tubes, the heated water then passes through a serpentine series of steam tubes and then upward into one or more steam drums. Steam passes through the steam drums out of the casing and vault for commercial or residential usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Martin CAIN
  • Publication number: 20150040843
    Abstract: A system for managing moisture content of hydrogen and oxygen gas produced by a fuel cell for a fuel supplement for an internal combustion engine, with a tank holding process water and respective separate hydrogen and oxygen header spaces for receiving hydrogen and oxygen gas having moisture content wherein some moisture content forms droplets and falls into the process water yielding dried hydrogen and oxygen gases for communicating through supply lines to the engine as a fuel supplement during operation. A method is disclosed for managing moisture content of hydrogen and oxygen gas produced by a fuel cell for delivery as a fuel supplement to an engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan Goldman, Doug King, Reid Meyer, Chris Petty, Basil Lee Winslett, Jackie Lee
  • Publication number: 20150040844
    Abstract: An apparatus that regulates a flow of hydrogen and oxygen generated by fuel cells as supplemental fuel for an internal combustion engine, in which a microprocessor controller receives engine operating parameters, determines a fuel demand for the engine responsive to the operating parameters, and regulates the supply of power to the fuel cells for generating the supplemental fuel. A supply body holds process water supplied to the fuel cells. The generated hydrogen and oxygen communicate to an intake manifold of the engine. A method of regulating the disbursement of hydrogen and oxygen for supplemental fuel for an engine is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan Goldman, Doug King, Reid Meyer, Chris Petty, Basil Lee Winslett, Jackie Lee
  • Publication number: 20150040845
    Abstract: Air/fuel mixture is received from a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine into an enclosure about a flame kernel initiation gap between a first ignition body and a second ignition body. Air/fuel mixture received into the enclosure is directed into a flame kernel initiation gap. The mixture is then ignited in the flame kernel initiation gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Domenico Chiera, Gregory James Hampson
  • Publication number: 20150040846
    Abstract: A piston cooling apparatus includes: a main body including a communication passage communicating with an oil path formed in an internal combustion engine; a nozzle pipe portion including an oil injection port configured to inject oil having passed through the communication passage toward a piston; and a filter disposed upstream of the nozzle pipe portion on the flow passage of the oil and including a hole having a smaller diameter than the minimum diameter of the oil injection port, the oil being injected toward the piston from the oil injection port, wherein: the filter is removably mounted on the outer surface of the outer wall portion of the main body existing upstream on the oil flow passage; and the main body is mounted on the internal combustion engine in a state where at least a portion of the filter is inserted into the oil path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Tomokazu Kobayashi, Takayuki Osako, Masatoshi Ito, Kenichi Nishimura, Keiji Yamamoto, Masaki Sabato
  • Publication number: 20150040847
    Abstract: A six-stroke cycle engine includes an intake passage including a downstream end connected to a combustion chamber and no throttle valve therein, and an exhaust passage including a catalyst and an upstream end connected to the combustion chamber. The six-stroke cycle engine includes a first valve configured to open and close the intake passage, a second valve configured to open and close the exhaust passage, a valve gear configured to operate the first valve and the second valve so that an intake stroke, a compression stroke, an expansion stroke, and an exhaust stroke are executed, in this order, and to operate only the first valve so that a scavenging intake stroke and a scavenging exhaust stroke are executed, in this order, following the exhaust stroke. The valve gear includes a variable valve mechanism configured to continuously change an opening and closing timing and a lift amount of the first valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ei Tsukahara
  • Publication number: 20150040848
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine including a combustion chamber and configured to perform at least a compression stroke and a power stroke. The method comprises direct injecting a first substance having a positive Joule-Thompson coefficient into the combustion chamber during a compression stroke, thereby reducing an amount of work otherwise may be used to perform the compression stroke and direct injecting a second substance having a negative Joule-Thompson coefficient into the combustion chamber during a power stroke, thereby increasing an amount of work otherwise produced from the power stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Publication number: 20150040849
    Abstract: A fuel recirculating unit (114) for providing an engine fuel system (121) of an internal combustion engine (100) with pyrolysis oil based fuel may comprise a circulation tank (122), a fuel supply line outlet (2600) for fluidly connecting to an inlet of the engine fuel system (121), a fuel supply line (125A) for fluidly connecting the circulation tank (122) with the fuel suppy line outlet (2600), a fuel return line inlet (2610) for fluidly connecting to an outlet of the engine fuel system (121), a fuel return line (125B) for fluidly connecting the fuel return line inlet (2610) with the circulation tank (122), and at least one of a first release valve unit (126A) positioned downstream of the fuel return line inlet (2610), a second release valve unit (126A) positioned upstream of the circulation tank (122) in the fuel return line (125B), and a supply valve unit (2417) positioned upstream of the fuel supply line outlet (2600).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR MOTOREN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Von Der Osten-Sack, Jens-Uwe Reeh
  • Publication number: 20150040850
    Abstract: A corona ignition system that can be operated with relatively low expenditure in the vicinity of its resonant frequency. For each ignition, impedance and frequency values are stored in a data structure and are allocated to a respective voltage value. The data structure is complemented by an adjustment variable whose value specifies whether the present frequency value of the present engine cycle has been classified as too high or too low. The value of the adjustment variable is determined anew in each engine cycle. To that end, a comparison is made between a present frequency value with an earlier frequency value and a present impedance value with an earlier impedance value. Based upon the comparison, a value can be assigned to the adjustment value to cause a lower or higher frequency value of the corona discharge in the next cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Torsten Schremmer
  • Publication number: 20150040851
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine combustion system, including an ignition element and an ignition actuation member. The ignition element is configured to ignite an air-fuel mixture compressed within a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The ignition actuation member is movable between a first position in which the ignition actuation member prevents ignition of the air-fuel mixture when present in the combustion chamber, and a second position in which the ignition actuation member permits ignition of the air-fuel mixture by exposing the ignition element to the air-fuel mixture when the air-fuel mixture is present in the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Powell, Michael Bima
  • Publication number: 20150040852
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a parallel arrangement of at least two valved aspirators, with a high pressure source such as an intake throttle inlet coupled to a motive inlet of the arrangement and a low pressure sink such as an intake throttle outlet coupled to a mixed flow outlet of the arrangement. Intake throttle position and respective valves arranged in series with each aspirator of the arrangement are controlled based on intake manifold pressure and/or a desired engine air flow rate, for example such that a combined motive flow rate through the arrangement increases as intake manifold pressure increases. An intake throttle with a fully closed default position may be used in conjunction with the arrangement; during a fault condition where the intake throttle is fully closed, the valves of the arrangement may be controlled to achieve a controllable engine air flow rate during the fault condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Publication number: 20150040853
    Abstract: The invention relates to a piston ring (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) for pistons of internal combustion engines, having a ring running surface (14), a ring back (11), an upper ring flank (12), a lower ring flank (13), and two ring joint ends spaced apart by a gap (15). According to the invention, at least one opening (17, 121, 217, 223, 325, 407) is provided in the ring running surface (14), which opening forms a fluid connection between the ring running surface (14) and the ring back (11) or a ring flank (12, 13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: MAHLE INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Issler, Daniel Lopez, Jose Valentim Lima Sarabanda
  • Publication number: 20150040854
    Abstract: A rotary engine includes: a frame; a flywheel rotor having an axle rotatably mounted on the frame; a plurality of erectable pistons respectively mounted in an annular trough concentrically recessed in a rim of the flywheel rotor; and a cylinder block fastened on a housing secured to the frame and cooperatively forming an engine cylinder with the annular trough of the flywheel rotor, whereby each erectable piston is operatively erected beyond a cylinder head of the engine cylinder to dynamically define an instant combustion chamber among the cylinder head, the cylinder block, the piston and the annular trough of the rotor; and whereby upon combustion and explosion in the combustion chamber, the explosion gases will force and drive the erectable piston to rotate the flywheel rotor for outputting mechanical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: JUNG-KUANG CHOU
  • Publication number: 20150040855
    Abstract: A stator for a rotary internal combustion engine, with a body having an internal cavity. Each end wall has a scavenging cavity defined therein in fluid communication with the internal cavity through a respective scavenging opening extending through the inner surface thereof, and at least one annular oil seal groove defined in the inner surface thereof concentric with the central bore and located radially outwardly of the scavenging opening. At least one annular oil seal is received in each groove and protrudes from the end wall into the internal cavity for sealing engagement with a surface of a rotor of the engine, each seal being biased axially away from the end wall. A rotary internal combustion engine and a method of limiting radially outwardly directed oil leaks in a rotary engine are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Jean THOMASSIN, Jean-Gabriel GAUVREAU, David GAGNON-MARTIN, Bruno VILLENEUVE
  • Publication number: 20150040856
    Abstract: A ship includes a main pipe that guides CNG whose pressure is increased by an LNG pump to the engine; a pressure sensor that measures the pressure of CNG to be supplied to the engine; a pressure adjustment valve that adjusts the pressure of the CNG to a set pressure according to engine load; a differential pressure sensor that measures a differential pressure before and after the pressure adjustment valve; and a buffer tank that absorbs a variable pressure of the CNG in the main pipe. The discharge pressure of the LNG pump is controlled such that the differential pressure is increased when the pressure is low, and the differential pressure is decreased when the pressure is high.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Masaru Oka
  • Publication number: 20150040857
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a fuel injector seal assembly comprising a seal component fabricated or formed of a first material and a thermally conductive or heat transfer component fabricated or formed of a second material that is different from the first material. The first material has a greater strength than the second material, and the second material has a greater thermal conductivity than the first material. Thus, the injector seal assembly is able to provide a primary benefit of a combustion seal while also providing an enhanced benefit of transferring heat from one portion of the fuel injector to another portion of the fuel injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventors: Gregory S. FRANKS, Joshua G. KNIGHT, Fred M. RASENER, Hanna C. SMALL, Eric L. STACY, Joseph A. WORTHINGTON, Amit YEOLE
  • Publication number: 20150040858
    Abstract: An improved fuel system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The fuel system includes an engine having at least one cylinder, comprising: a liquid fuel injector configured to inject liquid fuel into the at least one cylinder; and a gaseous fuel injector having a nozzle configured to inject gaseous fuel into at least one cylinder, wherein the gaseous fuel injector is positioned outside an airbox associated with at least one cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventor: Rakesh Malhotra
  • Publication number: 20150040859
    Abstract: A system and method can control exhaust braking in a vehicle. The vehicle includes an engine system. The engine system includes internal combustion engine, an intake manifold, a control module, an exhaust system, and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) having a turbine. The turbine includes turbine blades and vanes movable with respect to the turbine blades. The method includes the following: (a) receiving an exhaust brake torque request; (b) determining target pumping losses in the internal combustion engine based on the exhaust brake torque request; (c) determining a target exhaust gas pressure within the exhaust system based on the target pumping losses; and (d) determining a target vane position of the vanes based on the target exhaust gas pressure, wherein the target vane position yields an exhaust brake torque in accordance with the exhaust brake torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Luca Scavone, Simone Barbero, Francesco Castorina, Francesco Cianflone, Andrea Di Giovanni, Andrea De Vito
  • Publication number: 20150040860
    Abstract: A butterfly bypass valve includes a housing defining a bypass flow passage with a pivotable throttle plate therein. An outer edge of the throttle plate in a closed position is in sealing engagement with a sealing portion of the housing such that the throttle plate restricts fluid flow through the bypass flow passage. The throttle plate is pivotable to an open position to allow fluid flow through the bypass flow passage. A port in the housing allows a portion of fluid passing through the bypass flow passage to be removed when the throttle plate is pivoted to the open position. A predetermined amount of pivoting of the throttle plate toward the open position can occur so as to allow flow through the port, while maintaining the edge of the throttle plate in substantially sealing engagement with the sealing portion so as to substantially prevent flow through the bypass passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: James William Reyenga, Mike Guidry, Patrick Beresewicz
  • Publication number: 20150040861
    Abstract: In a vehicle including a power supply network for electrical consumers, a battery, an engine, and a generator coupled to the engine to supply electrical energy to the battery and to the power supply network, an operation saving device includes an electronic processor configured to raise an idling speed of the engine when the battery is disconnected from the power supply network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicants: RENAULT s.a.s., NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Joelle Mollon, Andreea Balasete, Takeshi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20150040862
    Abstract: A method of monitoring an EGR system includes setting up an ignition timing map depending on EGR efficiency when the EGR system operates normally. An output value reflecting the driving state of a vehicle is divided into an active area and an inactive area. A detected value of ignition timing depending on the occurrence of knocking for the active and inactive areas is learned and stored. When knocking occurs in the active area, a corrected value of ignition timing influenced by only the operation of the EGR system is extracted using the difference between the detected values of ignition timing learned in the active and inactive areas. The amount of variation in the EGR efficiency influenced by the operation of the EGR system is measured by measuring the EGR efficiency by applying the corrected value of ignition timing to the ignition timing map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ha Dong Bong
  • Publication number: 20150040863
    Abstract: An engine control mechanism includes intake and exhaust valves that opens and closes a combustion chamber of an engine to be driven with gasoline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaaki KANEKO
  • Publication number: 20150040864
    Abstract: Systems and methods for restarting an engine are presented. In one example, spark timing during engine starting is adjusted in response to engine speed and a second control parameter. The second control parameter may be correlated with crankshaft or rod degradation. Spark may be advanced from minimum spark for best torque when engine speed is greater than desired and when the second control parameter does not provide an indication of engine degradation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O`Connor Gibson, David Bruce Reiche, Steven Wooldridge
  • Publication number: 20150040865
    Abstract: In a method for adapting a torque model for operating an internal combustion engine, which torque model indicates an ignition angle adjustment as a function of an air charge in a cylinder of the internal combustion engine, the torque model is adapted based on a variation of an operating variable of the internal combustion engine caused by a mode switching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sven MERKLE, Matthias PFAU, Matthias SIMONS, Andreas BETHMANN, Stefan GOTTLIEB, Stephan von Adrian-Werburg, Benedikt TACKE
  • Publication number: 20150040866
    Abstract: An engine system for a vessel propulsion device includes an engine including an intake amount adjusting unit and an ignition plug, and configured to generate a drive force for the vessel propulsion device. The engine system includes an ignition timing control unit, a knocking detecting unit, a knocking retard control unit that retards the ignition timing of the ignition plug by a unit retard amount when the knocking detecting unit detects knocking, an abnormality judging unit that, when a state where the knocking detecting unit detects knocking at intervals within a predetermined time continues, judges that an abnormality has occurred based on a continued state of knocking detection, and an intake amount limiting unit that limits the intake amount of the engine based on judgment of an abnormality made by the abnormality judging unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Yoshimasa KINOSHITA
  • Publication number: 20150040867
    Abstract: A fuel injector for a fuel injection system includes a nozzle body defining a nozzle body chamber, a needle movably received within the nozzle body chamber for movement between a seated position and a raised position, and a needle sleeve at least partially surrounding the needle and at least partially defining a control volume. The needle moves from the seated position to the raised position in response to a pressure differential between the control volume and the nozzle body chamber. When the needle is in the seated position clearance exists between the needle sleeve and the needle thereby permitting fuel flow between the control volume and the nozzle body chamber, and when the needle is in the raised position, the needle sleeve deforms to reduce the clearance and restrict fuel flow between the control volume and the nozzle body chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Abhijit P. Upadhye, Joset Morell
  • Publication number: 20150040868
    Abstract: A non-return valve assembly for a high-pressure fuel injection system is disclosed. The valve comprises a valve chamber defined in part by a first body and in part by a second body and defining a valve chamber wall, an inlet passage formed in the first body and opening into the valve chamber at a valve seat defined by the first body, an outlet passage, and a valve ball received within the valve chamber and engageable with the valve seat so as to interrupt fluid flow from the outlet passage to the inlet passage through the valve chamber. The valve chamber wall comprises a plurality of guide portions to guide the valve ball in substantially linear movement within the valve chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Mark S. Graham, Tristan P. Tremethick, Venkata Ravindra Mallela Viswa, Ryan Williams
  • Publication number: 20150040869
    Abstract: A fluid injector includes a valve body, a valve needle and axially moveable in the valve body between a closing position that prevents a fluid injection and further positions that permit the fluid injection, an armature coupled to the valve needle for displacing the valve needle away from the closing position, and a solenoid assembly including at least a first and second coil and operable to magnetically actuate the armature via an electrical signal. A method for operating the fluid injector includes applying the electrical signal to the first coil to generate a magnetic field to move the armature for displacing the valve needle away from the closing position, evaluating a voltage across terminals of the first coil, and controlling the second coil with a further electrical signal to saturate a magnetic field in a portion of the valve body between the armature and solenoid assembly during evaluating the voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Stefano Filippi, Mauro Grandi, Francesco Lenzi, Valerio Polidori
  • Publication number: 20150040870
    Abstract: A method for variably adjusting a compression ratio of combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine employs a device of a piston associated with the combustion chamber. The device is coupled via respective coupling areas to a piston pin for connecting the piston to a connecting rod of the internal combustion engine. To adjust the compression ratio the piston pin, which is associated with the device, is rotated relative to the piston. The piston pin includes at least one eccentric element arranged eccentrically with regard to the coupling area of the piston pin for connecting the piston pin to the connecting rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Dieter Nowak, Tilmann Roemheld, Michael Wagenplast
  • Publication number: 20150040871
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining the velocity of a pintle assembly in a solenoid fuel injector during a closing stroke of the pintle assembly, such that a braking step is performed during the closing stroke, which includes operating an injector driver with a current regulator to establish a braking current in the solenoid coil. The velocity of the pintle assembly is derived from the duty-cycle of the current regulator during the braking step. A method of operating a solenoid fuel injector, in particular for gaseous fuel, using the so-determined pintle velocity is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Francois Ravenda
  • Publication number: 20150040872
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a fuel injection pump 1 wherein it is possible to easily position the second fuel supply path 21b of a housing 21 with the fuel supply hole 22a functioning as the fuel path of an insert piece 22, and to secure the insert piece 22 such that same does not rotate within the housing 21.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Shinya Umeda, Takanori Egashira, Hiroyuki Machiyama, Kazutaka Sone, Stefan Kiechle
  • Publication number: 20150040873
    Abstract: A control device for a fuel pump includes a power storage and a discharger. The fuel pump includes an electromagnetic valve. The power storage is configured to store surge current generated upon stopping supplying electric power to the electromagnetic valve. One end of the power storage is connected to a negative electrode terminal of the electromagnetic valve. Another end of the power storage is connected to a power supply. The discharger is configured to connect the power storage and a positive electrode terminal of the electromagnetic valve upon starting supplying electric power to the electromagnetic valve to discharge an electric charge stored in the power storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Natsuko KITAMURA
  • Publication number: 20150040874
    Abstract: A cooling system for a supercharged internal combustion engine may include a charge air cooling circuit, in which a low-temperature coolant circulates and which may have a low-temperature charge air cooler for cooling charge air and a low-temperature coolant cooler for cooling the low-temperature coolant. The system may include a refrigerant circuit, in which a refrigerant circulates and which has a vaporiser for vaporising the refrigerant and a condenser for condensing the refrigerant. The system may include a coupling heat exchanger for a fluidically separated, heat-transmitting coupling of the charge air cooling circuit with the refrigerant circuit. The coupling heat exchanger may be arranged in a vaporiser bypass of the refrigerant circuit thereby bypassing the vaporiser and be arranged in a coupling branch of the charge air cooling circuit. The coupling branch may branch off via a branching-off point from a feed of the charge air cooling circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Tobias Isermeyer, Peter Wieske, Rene Dingelstadt
  • Publication number: 20150040875
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus for EGR gas and engine oil may include coolant lines through which coolant circulates, an EGR heat exchange part provided between the coolant lines, wherein the EGR gas circulates through the EGR heat exchange part so as to exchange heat with the coolant, a bypass part spaced apart from the EGR heat exchange part, wherein the EGR gas circulates through the bypass part, or bypasses the bypass part so as not to exchange heat with the EGR heat exchange part, an oil heat exchange part provided on the coolant lines and spaced apart from the EGR heat exchange part, wherein engine oil circulates through the oil heat exchange part so as to exchange heat with the coolant, and a control valve provided at an entrance side of the EGR heat exchange part so as to control circulation of the EGR gas into the oil heat exchange part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Jung Jae Han
  • Publication number: 20150040876
    Abstract: Energy to speed heating of a catalyst associated with an internal combustion engine can be provided in the form of sensible energy (heat) via hot combustion products. In some variations, timing of opening and/or closing of an exhaust valve can be manipulated to increase sensible heat delivered to the catalyst in the exhaust gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: James M. Cleeves, Michael A. Willcox
  • Publication number: 20150040877
    Abstract: An engine system is provided. The engine system includes an intake conduit positioned upstream of an engine cylinder and also includes a PCV outlet opening into the intake conduit. The engine system further includes a condensate bypass duct in parallel fluidic communication with and vertically below the intake conduit, the condensate bypass duct including a duct inlet opening into the intake conduit and a duct outlet opening into the intake conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott M. Rollins, Christopher B. Bishop
  • Publication number: 20150040878
    Abstract: An engine includes a EGR valve to regulate a EGR flow rate. A blow-by gas recirculation passage allows blow-by gas generated in the engine to flow in a surge tank to return to the engine. A PCV valve operates in response to negative pressure to regulate a blow-by gas flow rate in the recirculation passage. During deceleration fuel cutoff of the engine, an ECU holds a throttle valve at a predetermined slight opening degree and controls the EGR valve to be forcibly opened from a valve-closed state to change intake pressure (negative pressure) in the surge tank and determines whether or not the PCV valve is in sticking failure based on changes in intake amount detected by an air flow meter before and after the negative pressure changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Mamoru YOSHIOKA
  • Publication number: 20150040879
    Abstract: There is provided a structure of a combustion chamber for an engine which enhances a thermal efficiency of the engine to enhance a fuel efficiency, and an inner wall structure of a flow path through which an intake gas or an exhaust gas of the engine flows. The structure of the combustion chamber for the engine includes a heat-insulating member 1 including a heat-insulating layer 3 formed on the surface of an engine constituting member 21 constituting the combustion chamber for the engine and a dense surface layer 2 formed on the surface of the heat-insulating layer 3. Furthermore, the heat-insulating layer 3 includes ceramic and/or glass, and has pores of pore diameters of 10 to 500 nm and a porosity of 10 to 99%, and the dense surface layer 2 includes ceramic and/or glass and has a porosity of 5% or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Takahiro TOMITA, Mikiya ICHIMURA, Shigeharu HASHIMOTO