The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 07, 2005
Filed:
Apr. 26, 2004
Erik John Oberg, Brighton, MI (US);
Teng-hua Shieh, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Erik John Oberg, Brighton, MI (US);
Teng-Hua Shieh, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Toyota Technical Center USA, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides a variable runner length intake air manifold operative to optimize the performance of an internal combustion engine over a wide range of engine speeds. The manifold includes a housing formed of upper and lower halves fixedly attached via conventional fastening means. The upper and lower halves define a plurality of runners having constant cross-sectional areas but different cross-sectional shapes. A tapered drum is disposed within the housing and includes one open end and a plurality of openings formed in the outer surface that communicate with corresponding runners of the housing. The tapered drum is rotatably mounted within the housing such that the effective runner length or airflow path of the manifold is made adjustable by varying the angular position of the tapered drum disposed within the housing.