Patents Examined by Micahel Koczo
  • Patent number: 7226278
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for pumping fluid are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus is a miniature pump that includes a shape memory wire that obtains a plastic condition below a transformation temperature and has a memorized shape such that the shape memory wire produces a work stroke by returning to the memorize shape at least at the transformation temperature. A spring biased against the shape memory wire is deflected by the work stroke to deform the shape memory wire from the memorized shape below the transformation temperature. A fluid pump is coupled to the shape memory wire and driven by the biased spring and shape memory wire to produce a fluid flow. The miniature pump can be incorporated into a self-contained infusion device in the form of a compact self-adhesive patch including a fluid reservoir, control electronics and power supply that is place directly at the infusion site of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Clyde K. Nason, William H. Stutz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5440881
    Abstract: The invention relates to an intake system for an internal-combustion engine charged in one or two stages. The intake system is to be used with as few changes as possible in both a one-stage as well as a two-stage supercharging. The exhaust gas turbochargers, the charge air coolers and the air collecting housings as well as the interconnect pipes between these system parts and the pipes to the inlet ducts of the cylinder heads are used in the same arrangement in both a one-stage and a two-stage supercharging. The arrangement of the charge air cooler used in the one-stage supercharging, is the same as the high-pressure charge air cooler of the two-stage supercharging. The arrangement of the exhaust gas turbochargers in the one-stage supercharging, is the same as that of the high-pressure exhaust gas turbochargers in the two-stage supercharging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: MTU Motor- und Turbinen-Union Friedrichshafen
    Inventors: Hans Sudmanns, Karl Schier