Patents Issued in October 31, 1995
  • Patent number: 5462038
    Abstract: An air/fuel control system (8) and method to maintain the air/fuel ratio of each engine bank (28) out of phase with one another. A feedback variable is generated (410-428) in response to a comparison of a difference in exhaust gas oxygen sensors (44, 55) from respective left and right engine banks (56, 57) to a reference (104-120). Separate feedback variables are generated for each engine bank by phase inverting the feedback variable between the banks and adding an adjustment signal (450-462). The adjustment signal is generated from a PI controller responsive to a comparison of the sum of the left and right exhaust gas oxygen sensors (44, 55) to a reference (440-448).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Allan J. Kotwicki, Paul J. Szuszman, Edward L. Christensen, Susan J. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 5462039
    Abstract: During an air-fuel ratio feedback control based on an oxygen concentration in exhaust gases which converges an air-fuel ratio toward a target ratio suitable for a satisfactory purifying efficiency of a catalyst, the air-fuel ratio is coercively deflected so as to make a fuel mixture richer and leaner alternatively. An extent of deflection of the air-fuel ratio is set larger before the catalyst has not yet been activated sufficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Mamiya, Michihiro Imada, Takanobu Morimasa
  • Patent number: 5462040
    Abstract: A method for distinguishing sources of error in a mixture formation or mixture regulating system of an internal combustion engine having an exhaust system with a lambda regulator and a heated lambda sensor is disclosed. A value of a sensor voltage is continuously measured. The value of the sensor voltage is compared with a lower diagnostic limit value and an upper diagnostic limit value. A lambda regulator value of the lambda regulator is varied in an enriching direction to a maximum lambda regulation limit if the lower diagnostic limit value fails to be attained, and the lambda regulator value is varied in a leaning down direction to a minimum lambda regulation limit if the upper diagnostic limit value is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Krebs, Ludwig Kettl, Wojciech Cianciara
  • Patent number: 5462041
    Abstract: An arrow guide comprising a first and a second guiding spool. Each guiding spool has a post and a head adapted to rotate about the post. Further provided is a hollow cylindrical locator which has a first sealed end and a second end. A pair of guiding holes extend through the locator with each guiding post disposed within a hole such that the heads of the guiding spools define an adjustable arrow-receiving guiding space therebetween. A tension spring is included. A first spring is positioned within the locator between the first end of the locator and bottom end of the first guiding post. A second spring is positioned within the locator between the bottom end of the guiding posts of the first and second spools. A third spring is positioned within the locator between the bottom leg of the second guiding post and the second end of the locator. Apparatus is provided for adjusting the tension on the springs for varying the guiding space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Dennis Solecki
  • Patent number: 5462042
    Abstract: A CO.sub.2 powered paint ball gun is provided operative to three times expand CO.sub.2 gas as it is extracted from a container of liquid CO.sub.2 and ducted to a position behind a paint ball disposed in the barrel of said gun. The gun includes three adjustments by which the velocity of the discharge of a paint ball from the barrel of the gun may be adjusted and includes a bolt action which is gas operated. Furthermore, the gun components may be readily disassembled for cleaning and/or repair and replacement and the initial expansion of CO.sub.2 gas under pressure occurs in a passage passing through the hand grip of the gun in a manner such that the chilled first expanded CO.sub.2 gas may be warmed by the heat of the user's hand grasping the hand grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Andrew J. Greenwell
  • Patent number: 5462043
    Abstract: A unitary furnace through which air is circulated for heating purposes is disclosed. A blower forces air through a number of heat exchange tubes horizontally positioned within the combustion chamber for space heating purposes. Another blower is provided for the delivery of air to the burning material disposed upon a fuel support frame within the combustion chamber through an air distribution manifold. The manifold is fitted within the combustion chamber and has a number of air discharge openings positioned above and below the fuel support frame. These openings are oriented and arranged to direct the air passing therethrough generally inwardly toward the fuel on the fuel support frame. An electrical circuit including temperature sensors is provided for regulating air flow from each of the two blowers. One sensor is positioned in the furnace flue outlet and the other sensor is positioned exteriorly of the furnace in the space to be heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventors: Keith J. Rose, William S. Rose
  • Patent number: 5462044
    Abstract: A portable heater includes a burner 10 disposed on the bottom of a combustion cylinder 2, a container to be heated 6 which is disposed in an upper part of the combustion cylinder for storing contents which are heated when the heater is in use, a fuel tank 12 for storing fuel gas to be supplied to the burner, and an ignition means 8 having an ignition lever 21 which causes the ignition of the burner. For use with such a portable heater, a safety device for preventing the container from being heated while it is sealed, a safety device which prevents the emission of gas when flames are unexpectedly extinguished, and an overturn safety device for automatically extinguishing flames when the heater is overturned are obtained in a simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Tokai Corporation
    Inventors: Tomio Nitta, Hideo Mifune, Masato Seki, Yosimitu Kaga, Noriyuki Serizawa
  • Patent number: 5462045
    Abstract: A cooking pan is provided with an open inner cooking pan member and an outer shell member sealed to the inner pan to form an enclosure between the members. The inner pan and outer shell are sealing secured together with a gasket, a plurality of insulating washers and insulating sleeves therebetween so that there is no metal-to-metal contact between the inner and outer members. Water is added to and heated in the enclosure to form pressurized steam, controlled by a pressure control valve fixed to the inner pan, so as to allow high temperature, pressurized steam to quickly heat the inner pan and cook food items, such as sauces and the like, held therein, without burning them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Martin G. Paige
  • Patent number: 5462046
    Abstract: A new and improved fireplace log dispensing apparatus includes a gravity feed chute assembly for receiving a plurality of logs to be burned in a fireplace, and a log dispenser assembly, connected at a bottom of the gravity feed chute assembly, for selectively dispensing logs into the fireplace, preferably onto a grate in the fireplace. The gravity feed chute assembly includes a queue-forming assembly for arranging the plurality of logs into a queue. The log dispenser assembly dispenses one log at a time from the queue onto the fireplace grate. More specifically, the log dispenser assembly includes a number of movable partitions and a stationary wall which define a sequestering chamber for isolating one log at a time from the queue and for moving the isolated log onto the fireplace grate. The movable partitions are in the form of vanes arrayed radially around a central shaft which rotates on bearings. The movable partitions are driven by weight of the queue of logs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Jacquilyn K. Hannah
  • Patent number: 5462047
    Abstract: A solar water heater with integrated storage tank can be filled isothermally with water of which the temperature is freely selected and which, when the tank is full, passes into a thermosiphoning mode. A collector and the storage tank are housed compactly in one flat unit and, because of unpressurized operation, allows easy and economical assembly. Two principles of solar hot-water heating are combined in the invention: primarily cold water is raised to the desired final temperature in ONE PASS through the absorber, thereby achieving good collector efficiencies and rapid response; and, when the storage is full, thermosiphoning circulation sets-in automatically and further heats the storage content and/or compensates for heat losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Klaus Herrmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jurgen Kleinwachter, Ulrich Leibfried
  • Patent number: 5462048
    Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger, which is intended to be connected to a patient to humidify and warm the air inhaled by him, comprises a heat and moisture exchanger unit which includes a plurality of axially oriented layers and a warming device disposed adjacent thereto to increase the heat supply to the air inhaled. The exchanger further includes a humidifying device to increase the humidity of the air inhaled. The humidifying device includes a diffusion rod bearing on one end surface of the heat and moisture exchanger unit, the length of the diffusion rod being substantially equal to the radial extension of the heat and moisture exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Gibeck Respiration AB
    Inventors: Hans Lambert, Jan Grebius
  • Patent number: 5462049
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intraoral device for absorbing tar and nicotine normally inhaled by a smoker. The device includes a flexible pad which is disposed within the mouth of a wearer. A plurality of tar and nicotine absorbent particles are embedded in the flexible pad. Often, a retainer portion is attached to the flexible pad to engage the teeth of the wearer for holding the flexible pad in a desired position within the wearer's mouth. Preferably, the pad will be held along the palate of the wearer. Additionally, the flexible pad may also be impregnated with a breath freshener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Edward Q. Yavitz
  • Patent number: 5462050
    Abstract: Anesthesia masks for infants are disclosed including a bowl-shaped elastic mask body which is designed to seal around the infant's face and which includes a peripheral edge for such sealing purposes and includes a central opening for connection to an anesthesia tube. The body portion of the mask includes a suction teat as part of the mask itself extending towards the infant's face, so that it can be inserted into the infant's mouth to facilitate sealing of the peripheral edge of the mask against the infant's face while the anesthesia is being administered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Engstrom Medical Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Monika Dahlstrand
  • Patent number: 5462051
    Abstract: A medical communication system including (A) a sensor worn on a living body to obtain physical information of the body, and generating a signal representing the physical information; (B) a first device disposed on a side of the living body, receiving the physical information signal from (A) the sensor, and including (b1) a first transmitter which transmits the physical information signal via a communication channel, (b2) a first receiver which receives, via the communication channel, an instruction signal representing an instruction of a medical worker directed to the living body and/or an attendant person, and (b3) an output device which outputs the instruction of the medical worker so that the living body and/or attendant person receives the instruction; and (C) a second device disposed on a side of the medical worker, and including (c1) a second receiver which receives, via the communication channel, the physical information signal from (b1) the first transmitter, (c2) an output device which outputs the ph
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Colin Corporation
    Inventors: Tohru Oka, Chikao Harada, Hidenori Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5462052
    Abstract: A sensor cassette for use in measuring a compositional parameter of blood comprising a housing having a wall defining a passage which is adapted to receive blood. The wall is at least somewhat permeable to the compositional parameter. A support element, which is less permeable to the compositional parameter of blood than the housing, is carried by a region of the wall. A sensor is carried by the support element and provides a signal in response to the compositional parameter. The support element separates the sensor from at least a portion of such region of the wall so that the affect of the permeability of the housing to the compositional parameter on the signal from the sensor is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: John L. Gehrich, Thomas P. Maxwell, Thomas G. Hacker, Mark Z. Holody
  • Patent number: 5462053
    Abstract: A contrast agent adapted for magnetic resonance imaging of a sample, the contrast agent comprising a suspension in a medium acceptable for magnetic resonance imaging of (a) coated particles of a contrast agent possessing paramagnetic characteristics and (b) coated particles of a contrast agent possessing diamagnetic characteristics, each of the coatings being selected from a group of materials which [I] renders the coated particles (a) and (b) substantially comparable with and substantially biologically and substantially chemically inert to each other and the environments to which the contrast agent is exposed during magnetic resonance imaging and [II] which substantially stabilizes the suspension; the nature of each of the coatings and the relative amounts of (a) and (b) in the suspension being such that the positive magnetic susceptibility of (a) substantially offsets the negative magnetic susceptibility of (b) and the resulting suspension has substantially zero magnetic susceptibility and, when employed in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventors: Richard W. Briggs, Zhen Wu
  • Patent number: 5462054
    Abstract: A permanent magnet assembly used for creating a uniform magnetic field across a portion of an air gap has a permanent magnet grouping, including a first, principal magnet, a pole piece contacting said principal magnet, and a set of auxiliary magnets extending about the periphery of the pole piece. Two such magnet groupings are positioned within a test chamber, separated a spacer, with the magnet groupings and the chamber defining the air gap across which the magnetic field extends. The strength and uniformity of the magnetic field is adjusted by including a second set of auxiliary permanent magnets or a set of electromagnetic shim coils positioned within the air gap surrounding and overtapping a portion of the air gap. Further adjustment of the magnetic field is accomplished shaping the front surfaces of the pole pieces, thus affecting the shape and direction of the resulting magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Advanced Techtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Uri Rapoport, Richard Panosh
  • Patent number: 5462055
    Abstract: An MRI machine RF body coil is arranged so that it can also function as a hyperthermia treatment apparatus by arranging the RF body coil as an array of individual antenna element connected to each other by individually controllable switches and feedthrough elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Casey, Robert E. McGill
  • Patent number: 5462056
    Abstract: A multi-head SPECT-capable scintillation camera has one head collimated by a parallel hole collimator and one or more focussing collimators. The focussing collimators are advantageously cone beam collimators or (for scintillation cameras which have rectangular detectors) astigmatic collimators. The scintillation camera is used to acquire information about a relatively small body organ of interest, such as the heart or the brain. From this information, the spatial location of the organ is determined. Then, during rotation of the camera heads about the patient during a SPECT study, the positions of the focussing collimators are controlled so as to maintain the organ of interest in a predetermined position with respect to their field(s) of view. Thereafter, the data acquired during the SPECT study is used to form a SPECT image of the organ of interest. The SPECT image may then be displayed or outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peggy C. Hawman, Jianzhong Qian, Jon D. Treffert
  • Patent number: 5462057
    Abstract: In a phased array ultrasound imaging system, a high quality image is obtained by a combination of line splicing and parallel receive beamforming. Two transmit pulses, one focused in the near field and one focused in the far field, are transmitted sequentially at each steering angle. The transmitted ultrasound energy is preferably focused both in azimuth and in elevation. Ultrasound echos are simultaneously received along two receive scan lines spaced angularly on opposite sides of each transmit scan line. Signals received in response to the near field and far field transmit pulses are spliced together to provide signals that represent a high quality image throughout the region of interest. Image artifacts are reduced by blending the received signals near the splice between the near field and the far field, by dynamically steering the receive scan lines to reduce the effect of line warping, and by weighted averaging of adjacent scan lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hunt, Benjamin M. Herrick, Kimberly K. Robertson, Karl E. Thiele, J. Mark Ziel
  • Patent number: 5462058
    Abstract: There is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic system wherein received signals are generated in such a manner that ultrasonic pulse beams are transmitted within a subject and reflecting ultrasonic waves from an inside of the subject are received, and a tomographic image is obtained on the basis of the received signals. The ultrasonic diagnostic system is capable of detecting a velocity or a velocity gradient as to the tissue within the subject. Two digital complex signals [R.sub.i (t)+j I.sub.i (t)] and [R.sub.i (t+.DELTA..tau.)+j I.sub.i (t+.DELTA..tau.)], which are apart from each other by .DELTA..tau., are obtained from a complex signal (quadrature detection signal) [h.sub.ci (t)+j h.sub.si (t)] outputted from a complex signal conversion circuit. A phase difference .DELTA..theta..sub.i,i+1 (t) is determined from a complex correlation value C.sub.i,i (t,.DELTA..tau.) of these two complex signals. Further, the phase difference .DELTA..theta..sub.i,i+1 (t) is determined from a complex correlation value C.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Isamu Yamada, Akira Shiba, Miyuki Iizuka
  • Patent number: 5462059
    Abstract: A method for assessing and displaying vasculature in a tissue mass using ultrasound and optimal velocity dependent data acquisition to differentiate between received signals from stationary tissue and received signals from slowly moving blood is disclosed herein. For a particular flow velocity, an optimal periodic or aperiodic signaling strategy is determined by matching the observation interval of any group of scatters to the correlated signal interval. Signals from moving blood cells are separated from signals from stationary tissue using a wall filter. Wall filtered signals from moving blood cells are further separated from signals from stationary tissue using a threshold filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Katherine W. Ferrara, V. Ralph Algazi
  • Patent number: 5462060
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for classifying cardiac rhythm by analyzing sensed atrial and ventricular heartbeats, and determining if the rhythm might be pace-terminable in a given chamber. The method maintains a histogram of the sensed beat interval in the chamber of interest and a second histogram of conduction time from the other chamber. The method classifies a rhythm as pace terminable in the given chamber when the intervals in that chamber are stable, and the conduction times to that chamber are unstable. It applies further criteria when the intervals in the given chamber are stable, and the conduction times are also stable. Antitachycardia pacing is deliverable to terminate tachyarrhythmias determined to be pace terminable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: ELA Medical, S.A.
    Inventors: Peter Jacobson, Daniel Kroiss, Christine Henry
  • Patent number: 5462061
    Abstract: A method of measuring respiratory parameters in which a pneumotachograph having an inductively heated fine mesh metallic grid is used. The grid is heated to a temperature to prevent condensation thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignees: Peter Muller, Oscar Sebastiani
    Inventors: Dominique Malouvier, Peter Muller, Oscar Sebastiani
  • Patent number: 5462062
    Abstract: A bone marrow biopsy needle provided with blades which cut and retain a biopsy core. In one embodiment, the blades of the needle are hinged. In a further embodiment, the cutting blades are provided at the end of an inner tube which travels within an outer tube. In one embodiment, the outer tube is tapered at its distal end to push the blades together. In another embodiment, the cutting blade is pre-curved inward. In yet another embodiment, the distal ends of the cutting blades rest within a curved circumferential recess provided in the needle wall, and, when pushed forward, come together to cut and retain the biopsy core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventors: Daniel B. Rubinstein, Alan I. Rubinstein
  • Patent number: 5462063
    Abstract: A universally applicable cell collecting device is provided. The device has a handle and a brush head formed of flexible bristles. The bristles can be positioned such that the cross-sectional dimensions of the brush head are substantially equal in all directions. The bristles can include central bristles surrounded completely by outer bristles that are shorter and thinner than the central bristles. The bristles also can be arranged in a pattern of concentric circles and also can be arranged so that the proximal ends are spaced from one another in a predetermined array with the distal ends contacting one another in a predetermined array. The brush head also can have an outermost row of bristles having an outwardly facing surface with a radius of curvature that matches the radius of curvature of the shape of the brush head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Futura Nova B.V.
    Inventors: Joost Kist, Willem P. G. Rovers, Dirk A. Vanden Berghe
  • Patent number: 5462064
    Abstract: A multi-part system to collect and analyze constituents of body fluid. The use of a multilayered gel matrix to facilitate the collection of analytes fluid and a chemistry detection methodology incorporated into the matrix to aid in the visual or electronic determination of the analyte is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: International Medical Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. D'Angelo, Henry B. Schur, Kedu Han, Daniel J. Glenn
  • Patent number: 5462065
    Abstract: An integrated movement analyzing system (10) that utilizes surface electromyography in combination with range of motion and functional capacity testing to monitor any muscle group in the human body (80). The system (10) consists of an integrated movement analyzer (18) that receives inputs from up to 32 channels of surface EMG electrodes (12), a range of motion arm (ROMA) (14) having six degrees of freedom, and a functional capacity sensor (FCS) (16) having one output channel. When performing upper and lower back protocol testing, the ROMA (14) is connected between the patient's upper back and lower back by a shoulder harness (40) and a waist belt (42). For cervical testing, the ROMA (14) is connected between the patient's head and upper back by a cervical cap (44) and the shoulder harness (40). The output of the IMA (18) is provided via an analog to digital converter (30) to a computer (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: MaryRose Cusimano
  • Patent number: 5462066
    Abstract: An anti-snore device, which includes a U-shaped thermoplastic mouthpiece, moldable to fit the jaw definition of the wearer which device has a generally H-shaped cross section, with rearwardly diminishing elevations of the outer and inner vertical walls, both above and below the base to which these walls are attached. The outer wall features front facing opposed upper concave and lower convex areas. The device also includes a downwardly extending flange which extends into the lingual or tongue side of the teeth vestibule of the user to maintain the lower jaw in a forward posture. An optional removable handle of similar thermoplastic material to aid the custom molding process for the fit to the wearer may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: David T. Snyder
  • Patent number: 5462067
    Abstract: A disposable shield device which serves to keep food away from the gums and teeth during eating is made from an integral piece of thin plastic film having a substantially rectangular perimeter defined by opposed end edges and parallel first and second long edges. A compliant strip is positioned along the first edge for fitting against the front gum line. Two slits entering from the second edge define a center flap and paired outer flaps. An adhesive strip positioned on the center flap adjacent the second edge enable the outer flaps to securely overlap the center flap, thereby achieving close fit against the rear gum line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Ira Shapiro
  • Patent number: 5462068
    Abstract: The device is a diagnostic tool for the determination of the functional loss of the collateral ligaments of the elbow. The device serves to position and to stabilize the arm of a subject and to position the elbow in a predetermined fixed position to allow for X-raying of elbow joints under graded pressure. A first part of the device is a unit for receiving a hand and securing the wrist in a predetermined position. The hand receiving member has a planar upright support section which has a plurality of spaced holes. Preferably, the spaced holes are arranged in a plurality of parallel rows. The first part includes a first rod shaped member or roller positioned in a hole such that it is contacted by the palm of the hand, with the palm upward in supination. The wrist is secured to a second rod or roller mounted in another of the holes, to hold the wrist in a predetermined position relative to the second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Arie M. Rijke, Henry T. Goitz
  • Patent number: 5462069
    Abstract: A device to be used with a post-surgical boot for protecting the toes from injury and uncleanliness, which includes a base section, a toe-covering section, and an integral tongue section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Jack Cohen
  • Patent number: 5462070
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for forming a cigar type product having a filter disposed therein. The filter is positioned inwardly of the ends of the cigar such that the smoke may pass through the filter and subsequently through the additional tobacco filler. A band is provided on the overwrap of the cigar to indicate the location of the filter. This has the advantage of preventing inadvertent smoking of the filter by the smoker. The apparatus is arranged such that the filter may be selectively positioned within the filler of the cigar type product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: P.T. Djarum, Bagian Produski Cerutu, Per Wakilan
    Inventor: Budianto Rahardja
  • Patent number: 5462071
    Abstract: Various machines of a production line in a plant of the tobacco processing industry are installed in an air conditioned enclosure. In order to prevent the heat which is generated and dissipated by selected components of such machines from affecting the conditioned air in the enclosure, the production line is associated with a cooling system which withdraws and/or otherwise receives heat from the selected components and includes a portion outside of the enclosure. The cooling system operates with a fluid coolant which conveys heat from the heat generating and dissipating components and out of the enclosure to be cooled in the portion outside of the enclosure prior to being reintroduced into the enclosure to again withdraw heat from the selected components. This ensures that the air conditioning system for the enclosure is not affected or is not unduly affected by heat which is being generated and dissipated by the selected components of the machines in the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Hauni Maschinenbau AG
    Inventor: Uwe Heitmann
  • Patent number: 5462072
    Abstract: The instant invention is directd to the removal of nicotine from tobacco smoke by the use of compounds containing a metal with a valence of +2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Hoechst Celanese Corporation
    Inventors: Colin L. Browne, Raymond M. Robertson
  • Patent number: 5462073
    Abstract: A novel reconstituted tobacco sheet material is provided which is useful in providing a novel smoking product which has a smoking quality closely approximating that of cigarettes having conventional paper wrappers. The reconstituted tobacco sheet is prepared by a paper-making process in which the water-soluble material extracted in the paper-making process is not added back to the sheet, or if added back, to an extent of no more than 20 wt % of the reconstituted tobacco sheet. In the novel smoking product, a tobacco filler rod is enclosed within an outer wrapper, which usually comprises an inner binder layer and an outer wrapper layer, one or both formed of reconstituted tobacco sheet material. When the tobacco filler rod is double-wrapped, the novel smoking product also exhibits a significant reduction in sidestream smoking production in comparison to a conventionally-wrapped cigarette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Bowen, George E. Ayres, Gary Black, Jacques Daoust
  • Patent number: 5462075
    Abstract: The method relates to a method and a device for controlling the flow of a liquid. In a well (10) having at least one inlet (11) and one outlet (12) the areas of said inlet (11) is adjusted in dependence on the liquid level in said well (10) by a floating body (13) controlled by said level. Said well is provided with an inlet tube (15) ended by said inlet (11), and at least one outlet (12), a floating body (13) arranged movable in a vertical direction in said well (10), and a slide (14) arranged in said well (10) in front of said outlet (12), said inlet tube (15) and said slide (14) being movable in relation to each other in dependence of a movement of said floating body (13) so as to close adjustably by said slide said inlet (11) of said inlet tube (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Mats Persson
  • Patent number: 5462076
    Abstract: Pressure limiting valves intended for use in underground mining and tunnel construction are able to release the pressure medium discharged if an overload occurs without problems into the return line, since the occurring back pressure is directly neutralized in the pressure limiting valve. For this purpose a discharge of the pressure medium is provided even before the spring chamber, for which purpose the crossbores arranged there are constructed in such a way that they expand, forming a water chamber with increased volume. This water chamber is located in ring form around the valve piston that is exposed in this area and is connected via return bores to the return line. The water chamber with accordingly large volume makes it possible that the back pressure acts simultaneously on the spring and the valve piston, so that the described neutralization takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Richard Voss Grubenausbau GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Voss
  • Patent number: 5462077
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for shutting off fluid flow in a pipe main while repairs are being made requires only exposure of the top surface of a buried main and utilizes an anchor system installed in or above the excavation which supports an elongate tubular seal tube against the exposed surface of the main to extend radially therefrom. A jack mechanism compresses the lower end of the seal tube containing a seal member against the exterior surface of the main. A tubular cutting tool installed inside the seal tube is rotated by an air motor to cut a hole in the side wall of the main. A tubular sealant application tool installed inside the seal tube has a nozzle at its bottom end that sprays liquid sealant material onto the interior surface of the main and is then removed. A tubular bladder deployment tool installed inside the seal tube carries a pair of deflated bladders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignees: Brooklyn Union Gas Co., Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Cohen, Curtis E. Leitko, Gerard T. Pittard, Terry P. Clifton, Gerald Rockower
  • Patent number: 5462078
    Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to an apparatus for purging hazardous or volatile materials from external loading lines fixed to the bottom of cargo tank compartments. According to the invention, pressurized gas is directed into each external loading line to force the material to the lowest point in the loading line, through a purging tube, and back into the cargo tank compartment. In one embodiment, the purging apparatus is wholly contained on the cargo tank. In another embodiment, the apparatus is partly contained on the cargo loading facility and partly contained on the cargo tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventors: Roy W. Andenmatten, Ronald P. Andenmatten
  • Patent number: 5462079
    Abstract: A hot and cold water mixing valve for use with faucets, shower/tub controls and other plumbing fittings includes a sleeve having a hot water inlet and a cold water inlet spaced therefrom and an outlet axially spaced from the inlets. There is a stem movable within the sleeve to control water flow from the inlets to the outlet. There is a water passage between the exterior of the stem and the interior of the sleeve and there is an axially extending air passage within the stem having an outer end in communication with air at ambient pressure. There are air outlets in the stem intermediate its ends which connect the air passage with the exterior of the stem. The stem exterior and the sleeve interior cooperate to provide an anti-siphon device to draw air from the air outlets into the water passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Todd C. Loschelder, Erwin F. Mikol
  • Patent number: 5462080
    Abstract: A two piece throttling valve is disclosed. The valve assembly includes a stationary outer housing with an inner removable operable assembly. In this configuration the piping (pump stack) does not have to disassembled to remove, clean or replace the internal valve pieces or the in-line screen. The inner assembly can be quickly removed for cleaning. The entire valve assembly is heated to reduce deposition of volatile process byproducts on the internal valve surfaces and reduce the cleaning frequency. A wedge plate is provided in the outer stationary valve housing to mate with a sloped bottom surface of the inner valve housing such that when the inner assembly is in position in the outer valve housing there is a tight fit between adjacent sealing surfaces around the valve bore. A single flat surface seal provides vacuum sealing between the inner assembly and outer housing. A dual valve stem (shaft) seal seals the valve shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Plavidal, Petru N. Nitescu, Greg Mudwilder, Richard Crockett
  • Patent number: 5462081
    Abstract: A poppet type excess flow valve comprises a body forming a valve chamber having a first portion of a first diameter adjacent a first end and a second portion of a second smaller diameter adjacent second end. A valve seat is located between the first and second portions of the valve chamber. A poppet element is mounted in the valve chamber and includes a first section in the form of a hollow cylindrical body extending into the second portion of the valve chamber and terminating therein in an open end. The outer diameter of the hollow cylindrical body section is only slightly less than the diameter of the second portion of the valve chamber for guided sliding movement therein. The poppet element further includes a second section located in the first portion of the valve chamber and including an end wall carrying a valving surface extending radially outward for cooperation with the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventors: Robert V. Perusek, Ulrich H. Koch, Gregory S. Kalata
  • Patent number: 5462082
    Abstract: A backflow prevention device with a failure indicator designed to determine the functional state of integral backflow prevention device(s) or check valve(s). Check valve(s) are assembled in combination with failure indicator(s) and valve(s) or flow regulation device(s), and is designed to allow a working fluid to flow in the desired direction of fluid flow and prevent backflow. A built in test or procedure enables the functional condition of backflow prevention device(s) or check valve(s) to be determined readily, easily, and reliably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lauria
  • Patent number: 5462083
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary passage for passing liquids and/or other media between a rotary member (1) and a stationary member (2). The rotary passage according to the invention is characterized in that the rotary member (1) and the stationary member (2) comprise hollow-cylindrical sections (59, 10, 16) respectively lamellarly interlaced in pairs, with two rotary passage stages being formed in that sliding surfaces (3, 3', 4, 4') have provided thereon a plurality of horizontal annular channels (6, 11) which extend in parallel with each other and which respectively interconnect feed lines (7,1 2) of the rotary member (1) to discharge lines (8, 13) of the stationary member (2), and that all of the annular channels (6, 11) of the two rotary passage stages have each assigned thereto upper and lower insulation means (14, 15) on the sliding surface (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: EC Engineering + Consulting Spezialmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Kaspar
  • Patent number: 5462084
    Abstract: A cylindrical case (8) is inserted hermetically into a first housing (1) of a socket (A), and the cylindrical case (8) is urged rightward by an advancing spring (9). A sliding cylinder (20) is inserted hermetically into the cylindrical case (8), and the sliding cylinder (20) is urged rightward by another advancing spring (28). As the socket (A) and a plug (B) are connected toward each other, a pushing member (65) arranged at the leading end portion of a second housing (2) of the plug (B) makes the sliding cylinder (20) retreat to an opening position on the left side as well as a first closing member (26) inserted into the sliding cylinder (20) pushes a second closing member (62) inserted into the second housing (2) to , an opening position on the right side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kosmek
    Inventor: Akira Arisato
  • Patent number: 5462085
    Abstract: A four-way change-over valve for an air conditioner has first to fourth piping holes sequentially arranged on a concentric circle at a predetermined pitch in a planar portion of a valve seat formed in a thick disk shape as one portion of a valve case. The change-over valve also has a rotary valve rotatably arranged on an upper face of this valve seat and having at least one communicating groove for independently connecting two adjacent piping holes of the four piping holes to each other. Cooling and heating operations of the air conditioner are switched by rotating the rotary valve. A service valve with a four-way change-over valve for an air conditioner is characterized in that both service valves on liquid and gas sides of a refrigerant circuit are integrated with each other and are further integrated with the four-way change-over valve as one valve unit with one valve seat as a common valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshinori Iwata, Manabu Ota
  • Patent number: 5462086
    Abstract: A dual pressure relief valve selector is formed by a Y-shaped tubular body having an inlet port at its stem position connected with a vessel or a line to be monitored. Each leg of the Y-shaped housing is connected in fluid communicating relation with a safety relief valve. A spring and fluid flow biased open flap valve and valve seat is contained by each leg of the Y-shape adjacent the inlet of the respective relief valve. A pinion journalled by the housing moves a rack to and fro between the flap valves for normally maintaining one of the flap valves in closed position and isolating the relief valve downstream from the closed flap valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventors: Julian S. Taylor, Christopher F. Rooney
  • Patent number: 5462087
    Abstract: A directional control valve and a valve assembly for incorporating a plurality of control valves is disclosed, in which use of a manifold base, subplates and the like is unnecessary and wherein durability is excellent. A supply port (P) for a pressurized fluid, output ports (A, B) and exhaust ports (EA, EB) which open into a valve hole are defined in a main valve body constituting the directional control valve. The main valve body has linking surfaces thereon for linking together a plurality of control valves in a valve assembly. The supply port (P) and the exhaust ports (EA, EB) penetrate in a direction in which the main valve bodies are linked together at positions deviated from an opening position of the valve hole. In addition, the output ports (A, B) open through output passages on one side surface of the main valve body perpendicular to the linking surfaces. Connecting grooves are defined on upper and lower surfaces of the main valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Shoichi Makado, Takeshi Arakawa
  • Patent number: 5462088
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust diffuser for a gas turbine, the diffuser being designed to be inserted downstream from a last expansion stage constituted by an outlet duct of circular cross-section containing a central bulb. The diffuser includes a flared transition duct having an inlet end of circular cross-section identical to the cross-section of the outlet duct of the last stage, an outlet end of square cross-section, and four fixed fins disposed inside the ducts close to respective corners of the square cross-section for directing the exhaust gases toward the corners of the square cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme Dite: European Gas Turbines SA
    Inventors: Jacques Poux, Liberto Gandia, Frederic Rouget