Patents Issued in March 31, 2015
  • Patent number: 8991312
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a flexographic printing original plate where, although it is a flexible aqueous developing plate, reproducibility of fine lines is good. A flexographic printing original plate which is a photosensitive printing original plate where at least (A) a supporting member, (B) a photosensitive resin layer, (C) a protective layer for preventing the polymerization inhibition due to oxygen in the photosensitive resin layer and (D) a heat-sensitive mask layer are successively layered, characterized in that, the photosensitive resin layer (B) is a layer which is able to be developed by water, Young's modulus of the protective layer (C) is 4 MPa to 35 MPa, layer thickness of the protective layer (C) is 0.2 ?m to 2.0 ?m and Young's modulus (MPa) and layer thickness (?m) of the protective layer (C) satisfy the following formula 1: 1?(Young's modulus)×(Layer thickness)2?18??(Formula 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuya Yoshimoto, Tetsuma Kawakami, Yasuyuki Munekuni, Keiichi Motoi, Yukimi Yawata, Toru Wada
  • Patent number: 8991313
    Abstract: Reducing print quality defects can include printing a pattern with an offset printing device having a binary ink developer roller, determining a variation for a hue shift of the printed pattern; and varying gain in a feedback loop of a servo motor coupled to the binary ink developer roller to reduce the variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Matthew G. Lopez, Roya S. Akhavain, James M. Pingel, David F. Chiu
  • Patent number: 8991314
    Abstract: A roller microcontact printing device and a printing method of the device are revealed. The roller microcontact printing device includes a transfer module with a transfer roller and a supply module. The supply module provides an isolating solution and a thin film material to the transfer module to form an isolation layer and a thin film layer in turn on the surface of the transfer roller. Then the thin film is transferred to a substrate by the transfer roller. The microcontact print device and method are used in a roll-to-roll printing process. Thus the production efficiency of the thin film layer on the substrate is improved and the cost is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Metal Industries Research & Development Centre
    Inventors: Jung-Wei Cheng, Chang-Pen Chen, Jeng-Rong Ho, Bo-Wei Li, Yeh-Min Lin
  • Patent number: 8991315
    Abstract: A detonator assembly (10) which includes a housing (16), an explosive (20) in the housing (16), an initiating element (32) exposed to the explosive (20), a circuit for controlling operation of the initiating element (32), and a communication arrangement which can establish communication between the circuit and an external controller (60) at least at one optical frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Detnet South Africa (Pty) Ltd
    Inventors: Andre Koekemoer, Craig Charles Schlenter, Albertus A. Labuschagne, Christopher Malcolm Birkin, Herman Van Der Walt
  • Patent number: 8991316
    Abstract: A delay release device that connects to an aerosol filled canister that releases the aerosol in a delayed manner. The device includes a main body with a first plunger assembly mounted on one end. Formed adjacent to the first plunger assembly is a first chamber filled with a compressed gas pressurized from 40 to 150 psi based on the time delay desired. In the main body adjacent to the first chamber is a second chamber and a third chamber. Located inside the third chamber is a second plunger with a hollow stem introduced into a top valve assembly on the canister. To activate, the first plunger assembly is pressed inward which activates a second valve disposed between the first and second chambers. The second valve allows compressed gas to flow slowly from the first chamber into the second chamber and into the third chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Rory Berger
  • Patent number: 8991317
    Abstract: A transportation unit for a cable transportation system has a chair with a bench; a safety frame movable between an open position and a closed position and having a front bar; and at least one safety barrier, which is fixed to the front bar, extends predominantly between the front bar and the bench when the safety frame is in the closed position, and has a support with an anchoring portion fixed to the front bar, and a projecting portion, which projects from the anchoring portion, is elastically flexible under stress oriented in given or designated directions, and is substantially rigid under stress oriented in other directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Rolic International S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Hannes Fischnaller, Josef Rainer
  • Patent number: 8991318
    Abstract: A stabilized railway car truck consists of two side frames and a holster. The bolster has laterally opposite ends, each end extending into and supported within a side frame opening on a spring group. The stabilized railway car truck also includes a transom extending into, and supported within, a side frame opening. The spring group is supported at each transom end. Each side frame has a pedestal opening at each end that receive a rotating lug to accept a elastomeric steering pad and bearing adapter. The attachment of the side frames and transom is a rigid pivotal connection. Friction shoes between the side frames and bolster provide damping of an initial low to a high rate friction once engaged. The pivotal decoupling of the side frame and transom, and the lateral movement of the friction shoes to the bolster, eliminates track displacement irregularities from reacting at the bolster and into the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: AMSTED Rail Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Steven Wike, Aleynikov Igor Arkadyevich
  • Patent number: 8991319
    Abstract: A portable workstation includes a top panel having a distal edge and a lower surface. Also included are a bottom panel having a proximal edge and an upper surface, and a middle panel connected by a hinge to the distal edge and to the proximal edge. The middle panel and the bottom panel are spanned by a first folding support. The middle panel and the top panel are spanned by a second folding support, so that the first folding support and the second folding support hold the top panel, the bottom panel, and the middle panel in a predetermined, expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Norman Korpi
  • Patent number: 8991320
    Abstract: A workstation is disclosed including a tabletop, a powered height adjuster coupled to the tabletop and configured to move the tabletop vertically between at least a first height and a second height, and a powered depth adjuster coupled to the tabletop. The depth adjuster may be configured to automatically move the tabletop horizontally while the height adjuster moves the tabletop between the first height and the second height. Other workstation embodiments with different moveable elements are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sparx Smart Pods Inc.
    Inventors: Léon DesRoches, Nancy Lee Black
  • Patent number: 8991321
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polyethylene composition comprising a mixture of flame retardants which are bromine-containing polymers. The polyethylene composition is useful in the manufacture of pallets. A process for making the polyethylene composition through a masterbatch route is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Bromine Compounds Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoav Bar-Yaakov, Yaniv Hirschsohn, Ita Finberg, Pierre Alexandre Georlette
  • Patent number: 8991322
    Abstract: The invention relates to a load carrier, particularly a tray (1) for the transport and storage of goods, having a base (2) comprising a receiving surface (4) for the goods to be transported, and a base bottom having a structure (5) made from ribs (6, 7) crossing each other and projecting vertically from the base surface, characterized in that aligned openings (9) are made from one base side to the other in adjacent ribs (7) arranged parallel to each other, into the openings a reinforcement bar (11) can be inserted from one side of the base to the opposite side, wherein the openings (9) in the ribs (7) are formed by means of cut-outs (8) made in the vertical ribs (7) through the receiving surface (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Georg Utz Holding AG
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Dubois
  • Patent number: 8991323
    Abstract: A coal nozzle assembly for a pulverized coal burner includes a diffuser. A flow conditioner also may be used with the assembly. The assembly conditions the coal/air flow before the coal/air flow is introduced to the furnace. The flow conditioner directs the coal into the diffuser where it is swirled to form a fuel rich outer ring disposed about an air rich inner portion before the fuel is delivered to the coal nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert D. Larue, Leonard D. Hazlett, Kurt S. Titmas, Zumao Chen
  • Patent number: 8991324
    Abstract: A waste disposal plant includes a combustion chamber (2) inside which waste laid on a combustion grate (3) is burnt, which permits the entrance of an adequate quantity of combustion air in the chamber. The combustion grate includes at least a handling group formed by of fire bars or plates (7), which move alternatively one with respect to the other by advancing the waste on the grate. A handling group permits the alternate movement of the fire bars (7) which are divided in movable fire bars (7a) and fixed fire bars (7b), alternately disposed one with respect to the other, on transversal rows resting one upon the other according to a longitudinal placement with alternate steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: TM. E. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Emanuele Corbani
  • Patent number: 8991325
    Abstract: A connection system comprises a first latching (5) element mountable on or to a first body (3) and a second latching element (6) mountable on or to a second body (4), and means for drawing the first latching element and second latching element together to facilitate connection of the first body to the second body, said drawing means comprising a buoyant winching system (2). A connection method for connecting a first body carrying a first latching element to a second body carrying a second latching element, comprises the steps of connecting a winch line (11) from a buoyant winching system comprising a winch, through the first latching element to a tether line attached to the second latching element and operating the winch to draw the first and second latching element together to connect the first body to the second body wherein the connection of the winch line to the tether line is carried out without tension in the winch line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Pelamis Wave Power Limited
    Inventors: Richard William Yemm, Edward Charles Maycock, Martin Goldman Shaw, Michael Collee, Elizabeth Anne Jane Dickens
  • Patent number: 8991326
    Abstract: A displace hull with a shape that is both laterally symmetric and fore-to-aft symmetric is disclosed. The hull includes a pair of channels that help to manage a flow of water around the hull. The hull also includes sponsons and propellers that are located amidships on the port and starboard sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Carl Jansen
  • Patent number: 8991327
    Abstract: A signaling device for signaling heating in a mechanical system susceptible to undergo contact heating during operation. The signaling device includes a body containing a thermally triggered charge generating combustion gas, ignition of the charge able to be triggered under the effect of a predetermined heat contribution, from a heating area of the body toward the charge, or under the action of an ignition command, a reservoir containing a fluid, and delivery means delivering pressurized fluid outside the reservoir through the action, directly or through an intermediate member moving in the reservoir, of the combustion gases. The signaling device also comprises at least one visual signaling element for visually signaling combustion of the charge, the visual signaling element being visible at an outer peripheral area of the signaling device after combustion of the charge. The invention also relates to a mechanical system equipped with at least one such signaling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: SKF Aerospace France
    Inventors: Herve Carrerot, Yves Maheo
  • Patent number: 8991328
    Abstract: A system for coating fruit with a substance utilizing a vat that stores a coating substance which can be applied via a dipping process. A dipping cover having a rim is provided for engaging an upper rim of the vat. A dipping tray carries a plurality of fruit items and includes a plurality of receptacles for carrying the fruit items. The dipping tray has a profile smaller than the interior of the vat allowing the dipping tray to be lowered so that the coating substance contained within the interior of the vat may engage the fruit. The dipping cover is configured for supporting the dipping tray in an elevated position once the fruit has been coated allowing excess coating to be vibrated off the dipped fruit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: Kamran Farid, Cynthia Mockler, Ricardo Perez, Carrie Cline
  • Patent number: 8991329
    Abstract: Improved wafer coating processes, apparatuses, and systems are described. In one embodiment, an improved spin-coating process and system is used to form a mask for dicing a semiconductor wafer with a laser plasma dicing process. In one embodiment, a spin-coating apparatus for forming a film over a semiconductor wafer includes a rotatable stage configured to support the semiconductor wafer. The rotatable stage has a downward sloping region positioned beyond a perimeter of the semiconductor wafer. The apparatus includes a nozzle positioned above the rotatable stage and configured to dispense a liquid over the semiconductor wafer. The apparatus also includes a motor configured to rotate the rotatable stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Jungrae Park, Wei-Sheng Lei, Prabhat Kumar, James S. Papanu, Brad Eaton, Ajay Kumar
  • Patent number: 8991330
    Abstract: A substrate support structure for clamping a substrate by means of a capillary force created by a liquid clamping layer having a lower pressure than its surroundings. The substrate support structure comprises a surface provided with a plurality of substrate supporting elements for holding the substrate, and the surface further comprises portions with different capillary potential for inducing, during clamping, a predetermined capillary flow within the liquid clamping layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Mapper Lithography IP B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrik Jan De Jong
  • Patent number: 8991331
    Abstract: A method for providing steerability in a plasma processing environment during substrate processing is provided. The method includes managing, power distribution by controlling power being delivered into the plasma processing environment through an array of electrical elements. The method also includes directing gas flow during substrate processing by controlling the amount of gas flowing through an array of gas injectors into the plasma processing environment, wherein individual ones of the array of gas injectors are interspersed between the array of electrical elements. The method further includes controlling gas exhausting during substrate processing by managing amount of gas exhaust being removed by an array of pumps, wherein the array of electrical elements, the array of gas injectors, and the array of pumps are arranged to create a plurality of plasma regions, each plasma region being substantially similar, thereby creating a uniform plasma region across the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Neil Martin Paul Benjamin
  • Patent number: 8991332
    Abstract: Systems and apparatus are disclosed for adjusting the temperature of at least a portion of the surface of a reaction chamber during a film formation process to control film properties. More than one portion of the chamber surface may be temperature-modulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Satheesh Kuppurao, David K. Carlson, Manish Hemkar, Andrew Lam, Errol Sanchez, Howard Beckford
  • Patent number: 8991333
    Abstract: A substrate processing method includes a first step of subjecting a target substrate to a gas process within an atmosphere containing a fluorine-containing process gas, thereby forming a fluorine-containing reaction product on a surface of the target substrate. The method further includes a second step of subjecting the target substrate treated by the gas process to a heating process and a gas process within an atmosphere containing a reactive gas that reacts with fluorine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Shigeki Tozawa
  • Patent number: 8991334
    Abstract: An arrangement in a rotary milking system includes a rotating platform, an entry thereto and an exit therefrom. A selection gate arrangement at the exit of the rotating platform selectively guides animals, which have been milked in the rotary milking system and leave the rotating platform through the exit, back to the entry of the rotating platform or to a waiting area. A control device is provided for (i) determining whether an animal, which has been milked and leaves the rotating platform through the exit, has at least one udder compartment that was incompletely milked the last time the animal was milked, and (ii) controlling the selection gate arrangement to guide the animal back to the entry of the rotating platform or to the waiting area provided that the animal has at least one udder compartment that was incompletely milked the last time the animal was milked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Delaval Holding AB
    Inventor: Mats Nilsson
  • Patent number: 8991335
    Abstract: A milker unit liner dome having an inner surface and flow diverters joined to the inner surface to redirect teat dip from an inlet to provide more uniform coverage of dip on a teat. The liner dome can also include more than one flow diverter for redirecting teat dip flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GEA Farm Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Torgerson, Duane F. Sellner
  • Patent number: 8991336
    Abstract: A retrieving tool including a retrieving dummy and/or a kit incorporating the same is provided that facilitates training a dog or puppy to find and/or retrieve antlers that were shed by antler bearing animals. The retrieving dummy is shaped to resemble a naturally grown antler and emits an antler scent. A scent carrier may be applied to the retrieving dummy, to allow the retrieving dummy to emit such antler scent. The kit may further include a second retrieving dummy that is less similar in shape, texture, hardness or feel, to a naturally grown antler than the first, and a scent intensity of the antler scent may be varied with use of the one or more retrieving dummies so as to allow for incremental or gradual introduction of the shape, feel, and/or scent of naturally grown antlers to the dog or puppy being trained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Jeremy Frank Moore
  • Patent number: 8991338
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine capable of being intermittently stopped after it is started; a water pump for circulating cooling water, and an ECU. When the cooling water has low temperature the ECU controls the water pump to limit the flow rate of the cooling water to be smaller than when the cooling water has high temperature. When the cooling water has a limited flow rate the ECU sets lower a threshold value of the cooling water's temperature for permitting intermittently stopping the engine than when the cooling water does not have a limited flow rate. When the cooling water has a limited flow rate the engine can nonetheless be intermittently stopped at an appropriate time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryuta Teraya
  • Patent number: 8991339
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multiple zone vehicle radiator, including: a housing; a first zone included in the housing; a second zone included in the housing; a baffle between the first and second zone, located in an outlet manifold of the housing; and a zone modifier configured to regulate coolant distribution between the first zone and second zone according to predetermined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Thomas Gooden, Scott Russo, Michael Joseph Giunta
  • Patent number: 8991340
    Abstract: An electrically-coupled thermal cycle is used to create an electrically-powered heat pump. Energy stored in electrical circuitry is cycled in and out of a working cylinder via windings so that the piston head performs a heat pump cycle. Such a heat pump may be used to extract heat energy from ambient air, and to deliver that heat to an external heat sink by way of the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Altor Limited LC
    Inventor: Jonathan R. Wood
  • Patent number: 8991341
    Abstract: A valve actuation mechanism for an internal combustion engine includes rockers moved by a camshaft, each rocker being adapted to exert a valve opening force on at least a portion of a opening actuator of each cylinder, via an activation piston of the rocker movable with respect to the rocker under action of a fluid pressure raise in a chamber, from a first position to a second position, in which a cam follower of the rocker is adapted to read at least one auxiliary valve lift sector of a cam of the camshaft so as to perform an engine operating function. Each rocker includes a valve for releasing fluid from the chamber, wherein the valve actuation mechanism includes, for each rocker, a stopper fast with a housing of the engine and adapted to exert, on a member of the rocker, a variable force for opening the fluid releasing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Renault Trucks
    Inventor: Romain Le Forestier
  • Patent number: 8991342
    Abstract: A variable valve device for an internal combustion engine includes a first cam phase variable mechanism capable of varying the phases of both first and second intake cams by using operating oil pressure, and a second cam phase variable mechanism having a split change function and capable of varying the phase of the second intake cam relative to that of the first intake cam by using the operating oil pressure. When the engine is operating in a low-speed, low-load region (A) in which the engine rotating speed is lower than a predetermined rotating speed (N2) and at the same time the engine load is lower than a predetermined load (L1), the second cam phase variable mechanism is preferentially controlled over the first cam phase variable mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinichi Murata
  • Patent number: 8991343
    Abstract: A camshaft adjusting device (1) for varying the relative angular position of a camshaft in relation to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, wherein the camshaft adjusting device (1) includes an actuator (2) for actuating a hydraulic valve, wherein the actuator (2) is fastened to a housing element (4) by a fastening element (3), and wherein the actuator (2) has an axis (5) which in the mounted state of the actuator (2) is concentric to an axis of the camshaft adjusting device (1). In order to simplify mounting of the actuator on the camshaft adjusting device, on the outer face (6) facing away from the camshaft adjusting device (1) the actuator (2) includes a grip section (7) having a configuration that is not rotationally symmetrical to the axis (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Hoppe, Markus Kinscher
  • Patent number: 8991344
    Abstract: A directional valve (30) for controlling a hydraulic oil flow from a pressure port (34) via working chambers of a camshaft adjuster (4) to a tank port (58). The directional valve (30) includes an accumulator port (36) for conducting at least a part of the hydraulic oil flowing out of a working chamber into a volume accumulator (54) before said hydraulic oil flows out into the tank port (58), and the accumulator port (36) is connected via a passage (60) to the pressure port (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Martin Steigerwald, Michael Busse, Jurgen Plate, Steffen Racklebe, Andreas Wedel, Olaf Boese, Robert Heinemann
  • Patent number: 8991345
    Abstract: A main lock member is fitted in a main lock bore at a main lock phase for closing an intake valve at a timing later than a timing when a piston reaches a bottom dead center, whereby a rotation phase is locked. In a subordinate lock mechanism, the rotation phase is locked at a subordinate lock phase advancing further than the main lock phase. In a lock control mechanism, a temperature sensing body is changed to an expanded state, whereby a moving member is latched at a first position in which the main lock member is allowed to be fitted in the main lock bore, whereas at a main lock phase in a cold stop state after a timing when the temperature of the stopped internal combustion engine becomes less than a preset temperature, the temperature sensing body is changed to a contracted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yuusuke Yasuki, Shuhei Oe, Makoto Otsubo, Taketsugu Sasaki, Kuniaki Oka, Akira Okada, Takehiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8991346
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control valve is received in a center hole of a vane rotor that is rotatable relative to a housing. A first tubular portion and a second tubular portion are fitted with each other to form an oil accumulation chamber. The oil accumulation chamber accumulates at least one of oil outputted from a gap between the housing and the vane rotor, and oil discharged from an oil passage communicated with the advancing chamber or the retarding chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Soichi Kinouchi
  • Patent number: 8991347
    Abstract: A starting device of a spark-ignition multi-cylinder engine is provided. The device includes a multi-cylinder engine body having cylinders, fuel injection valves, ignition plugs, an intake valve drive mechanism for opening and closing intake valves, a hydraulic variable valve phase mechanism for changing a close timing of each intake valve, an engine-driven hydraulic pressure supply source for supplying a hydraulic pressure, and a start controller for controlling the fuel injection valves, the ignition plugs, and the variable valve phase mechanism. When the supplied hydraulic pressure is below a predetermined pressure, the variable valve phase mechanism locks the close timing. When an engine temperature in an engine-start is high, the start controller retards a fuel injection timing of the cylinder on intake stroke at an engine stopped timing and retards an ignition timing thereof. The start controller does not retard the close timing of the intake valve until the engine-start completes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Miyamoto, Kouji Shishime, Yoshitaka Wada, Tatsuya Takahata
  • Patent number: 8991348
    Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus includes a driving-side rotation member, a driven-side rotation member, a first lock mechanism selectively achieving a first lock state in which a relative rotation phase of the driven-side rotation member relative to the driving-side rotation member is locked at an intermediate lock phase and a first lock release state, and a second lock mechanism selectively achieving a second lock state in which the relative rotation phase is locked at one of a most advanced angle phase and a most retarded angle phase and a second lock release state, the driven-side rotation member being rotatable relative to the driving-side rotation member by a first clearance angle in the first lock state, the driven-side rotation member being rotatable relative to the driving-side rotation member by a second clearance angle in the second lock state, the second clearance angle being smaller than the first clearance angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kawai, Shohei Masuda, Masaki Kobayashi, Kazuo Ueda, Hideomi Iyanaga
  • Patent number: 8991349
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing spring pallets of a switchable roller finger follower. The method includes the steps of forming the spring pallets of the roller finger follower as a single unit, forming a material web between the spring pallets, and separating the spring pallets apart from each other. Also, an intermediate assembly of the spring pallets of the roller finger follower is disclosed. The intermediate assembly includes a first spring pallet, a second spring pallet, and a material web which extends between the spring pallets, and adjoins the spring pallets together. Further, a method of manufacturing an inner arm of the switchable roller finger follower is disclosed in which the inner arm is formed by sheet metal, preferably by stamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Debora Manther, Jeff Villemure
  • Patent number: 8991350
    Abstract: A reset rocker arm braking method and device are provided. A braking piston hole and an oil drain piston hole which are communicated with a braking oil supply passage are arranged inside a rocker arm, and an oil drain passage is arranged between the braking piston hole and the oil drain piston hole. When the rocker arm is driven by a braking cam lobe of a cam, an exhaust valve is opened to realize braking by a braking piston inside the braking piston hole. When the rocker arm is driven by an exhaust cam lobe of the cam, the rocker arm drives an oil drain piston in the oil drain piston hole to open the oil drain passage to discharge oil, and the lift profile of the exhaust valve is reset and reduced to a conventional exhaust valve lift profile without an engine braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Shanghai Universoon Auto Parts Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhou Yang
  • Patent number: 8991351
    Abstract: A roller assembly for a diesel engine used in a high mileage vehicle includes a roller having an exterior roller surface and an interior surface that defines a bore extending therethrough. A pin is positioned in the bore and defines an exterior pin surface. A plurality of rolling elements is positioned between the exterior pin surface and the roller interior surface. Each of the rolling elements rollingly engages the exterior pin surface and the roller interior surface. The roller assembly defines a clearance of between about 0.01 mm to about 0.03 mm between the rolling elements, the exterior pin surface and the interior surface. The roller assembly is configured to achieve extended life criteria wherein the clearance does not increase to more than 0.02 mm to 0.06 mm after 500,000 miles of travel of a vehicle powered by a diesel engine having the roller assembly installed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelvin Smith, Brett Blauner
  • Patent number: 8991352
    Abstract: An intake manifold section for installing in an intake system of an internal combustion engine may have a tube body including an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a fresh air path section running from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. An air mass sensor may be fastened to the tube body and protrude into the fresh air path section. A bypass channel may be disposed on the tube body and bypass the fresh air path section connected to a blow-by gas path at an inlet side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Alexander Kaiser, Gerald Combe, Konrad Kohler, Adolf Kremer, Martin Matt, Hans-Werner Schneider
  • Patent number: 8991353
    Abstract: A valve for an engine cylinder includes a head. The valve is selectively moveable between a closed position in which the head blocks a port and an open position in which the head unblocks the port. A lower stem is formed as one-piece with the head, and a thermal cavity formed within the lower stem. The thermal cavity is at least partially filled with a heat transfer medium. An upper stem is attached to the lower stem opposite the head. A thermal barrier is located adjacent a junction of the lower stem and the upper stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James B. Lewis, Hong Wai Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8991354
    Abstract: An advanced angled cylinder piston engine, pump, or compressor design. A method to determine optimum cylinder(s) orientation to achieve maximum torque. A method to determine proper cylinder(s) orientation achievable based on crankshaft and connecting rod dimensions. A cylinder insert sleeve, and a piston provide clearance for free operation of a connecting rod. A compensating piston provides proper cylinder volume to maintain desired compression ratio. An oil passage provides additional lubrication to cylinder wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald Lewis
  • Patent number: 8991355
    Abstract: The invention discloses a cylinder head of a small-sized general-purpose gasoline engine and a gasoline engine having the same. The cylinder head of the small-sized general-purpose gasoline engine comprises a cylinder head body (1), and an intake passage (9), an exhaust passage (5) and a sparking plug mounting hole (8) arranged on the cylinder head body (1); a combustion chamber surface (7), being a arched smooth curve, is formed at the inner side of the cylinder head body (1); the cylinder head body (1) is provided with an intake valve (11) corresponding to the intake passage (9) and an exhaust valve (4) corresponding to the exhaust passage (5); the intake valve (11) is inclined towards the intake passage (9) from the bottom part to the top part; the exhaust valve (4) is inclined towards the exhaust passage (5) from the bottom part to the top part; and the included angle between the axis of the intake valve (11) and the axis of the exhaust valve (4) is 24±5 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Loncin Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuming Xie, Hongbo Chen, Bing Liu, Ju Lei
  • Patent number: 8991356
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine and a method for maximizing fuel efficiency of an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine includes an engine block assembly having an electromagnet coupled thereto and an engine component movable relative to the engine block assembly. The engine component includes a permanent magnet coupled thereto. A control system is provided to selectively provide an electrical current to the electromagnet to produce a desired magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field of the electromagnet cooperates with a magnetic field of the permanent magnet to affect a motion of the engine component in respect of the engine block assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas A. Pelmear
  • Patent number: 8991357
    Abstract: There is provided efficient compression auto-ignition combustion over intermediate load range extended towards a low and high load range. An internal combustion engine enables compression auto-ignition combustion by securing a so-called sealed duration created by negative valve overlap. It includes a cylinder head, a cylinder, a piston in the cylinder having a top coupled to the cylinder head, a combustion chamber between an inner surface of a cylinder head and a top of the piston, and intake and exhaust valves. Two intake valves are arranged per each combustion chamber and made to differ in valve lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroaki Inoue
  • Patent number: 8991358
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is configured to utilize a reactivity controlled compression ignition process and an exhaust gas recirculation (“EGR”) system. The EGR system directs a portion of the exhaust gasses from the exhaust system to the air intake system. The engine system is adapted to introduce a first fuel charge having a first reactivity to a combustion chamber at a first time during the intake-compression cycle of the engine. The engine system is also adapted to introduce a second fuel charge having a second reactivity at a second time during the intake-compression cycle to generate stratified regions of different reactivity in the combustion chamber. A controller operatively associated with the engine can monitor one or more operating parameters and can adjust either the EGR system and/or the second introduction of the second fuel charge based in part upon the operating parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher R. Gehrke
  • Patent number: 8991359
    Abstract: An intake camshaft device 1 includes an intake camshaft, a first rolling bearing and a second rolling bearing for rotatably supporting both end parts of the intake camshaft, and a first sliding bearing and a second sliding bearing for rotatably supporting the intake camshaft between the first and second rolling bearings. The first rolling bearing is arranged in a same plane as a rotation plane of a sprocket for an intake cam. In other words, the first rolling bearing is positioned in a plane which is overlapped with a plurality of teeth of the sprocket for the intake cam, and perpendicular to a center axis. The first sliding bearing is disposed adjacent to the first rolling bearing backward in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuki Hamada, Hiroshi Ueno, Isao Usuki, Hironori Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 8991360
    Abstract: A coaxial quill assembly is used for supplying gaseous and liquid fuels from separate common rails to individual fuel injectors of a compression ignition engine. Each coaxial quill assembly includes a matched pair of an outer quill and an inner quill that are matched based upon a fuel system dimensional specification that causes both the inner and outer quills to sealingly engage a common conical seat of a fuel injector. During pre-installation handling, the matched pair of inner and outer quills are retained together with a retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David Elliot Hackett
  • Patent number: 8991361
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine (2) that is supplied with fuel from a fuel tank (7), and having a regeneratable filter device (6) for taking up fuel vapors from the fuel tank (7). To improve properties of fuel vapor retaining systems during operation of motor vehicles, the method includes carrying out a forced start of the internal combustion engine (2) promptly after a refueling process in order to regenerate the filter device (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andreas Menke
  • Patent number: 8991362
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of injecting LPG gas into a diesel fuel engine for combustion with diesel fuel therein. One aspect includes injecting LPG gas into an air-stream of an engine air intake or manifold, measuring the percentage of LPG gas injected into the airstream or other efficiency gauge, varying the rate of injection of LPG gas into the airstream in response to the measured percentage of LPG gas therein and injecting the LPG gas at a pre-determined rate so as to maintain an LPG gas concentration in the air intake stream in the range of 0.2% to 0.6% by volume of LPG gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Gas Tek Solutions Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Derek Robert Watkins, Bruce Robert Watkins, Keith Murray Rumbel