Patents Issued in May 14, 1996
  • Patent number: 5515809
    Abstract: A bookmark (10) includes a head member (11) connected to an elongated, flexible tail member (13). Removable adhesive (12) is disposed on the head member for attaching the bookmark to the spine (15) of a book (16). The tail member is draped over the top of the book and positioned between two selected pages. A removable adhesive dot (14) disposed on the tail member allows it to be removably attached to one of the pages, thereby marking a specific piece of information and directing the attention of the reader thereto. In another embodiment, the head member (21) is U-shaped so that the title (27) of the book (26) is visible between the arms of the head. In yet another embodiment, the tail (55) includes several adhesive markers (56) that can each be independently attached to a different location on page. In still another embodiment, the tail (34) is separable along lines of perforations (33) into multiple tails (35) for marking different pages in the same book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Ann M. Weinberg
  • Patent number: 5515810
    Abstract: To manufacture a low-carbon concentration GaAs wafer required for devices such as hall sensors, FETs, HEMTs etc. at a high production yield without deteriorating the semi-insulation characteristics thereof, a method of manufacturing a semi-insulation GaAs monocrystal by controlling carbon concentration during crystal growth by a simple method is disclosed. The method of manufacturing a semi-insulation GaAs monocrystal in accordance with liquid encapsulated Czochralski method, comprises the steps of: preparing a crucible (5) formed with a crucible body (6) and a small chamber (8) communicating with a lower part of the crucible body and a carbon heater (4) processed to reduce surface blow holes thereof; putting a melted GaAs liquid and a sealing compound B.sub.2 O.sub.3 in the crucible housed in an airtight vessel in such a way that the sealing compound B.sub.2 O.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Youji Yamashita
  • Patent number: 5515811
    Abstract: The present invention is a cushion for a pet, preferably a cat, comprising a pad of a plurality of layers of raw unwoven, uncovered polyester. Each layer comprises a solid first fiber and a second fiber that has a core and a sheath surrounding the core. The sheath has a lower melting temperature than the core. The pad is then heated to the temperature, where the sheath of the second fiber melts and sticks to the adjacent fiber, whether a first or a second fiber, and then cooled until the second fiber solidifies, attached to the adjacent fiber. The resulting material is a matted web of layered, electrostatic fibers that is subsequently cut into a pad of suitable size, such as large enough to accommodate a sleeping cat. The edge of the pad is bound by sewing or heat treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: John B. McAlister
  • Patent number: 5515812
    Abstract: A pet litter box includes a waterproof pan having a closed bottom, diverging walls and an open top bounded by a rim, a rack having a liquid-permeable planar portion and a plurality of hangers including inverted-U bights which extend over the rim of the pan so as to suspend the rack within the pan, substantially above the bottom of the pan. The bights are interconnected by elements wholly outside the pan, whereby rack can be lifted from the pan. Litter is spread on a screen having a frame conforming to the interior contour of the pan above the level of the rack. Liquid waste can percolate through the litter to the bottom of the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Ann Faust
  • Patent number: 5515813
    Abstract: An aquatic cultivator (12) suitable for culturing aquatic invertebrates, fishes, and the like requiring broad surfaces for attachment, comprising a base (26), a hub (28), and a plurality of partitions (24). The base (26) contains a plurality of cutouts (36). A socket (34) and post (30), arranged on opposite ends of the hub (28), provide a mortise-and-tenon-like connection for assembling a plurality of aquatic cultivators (12). The aquatic cultivator (12) is contained within a porous container (14) which has openings (38) to permit culturing activities within. A tether (20) with a knot (22) secures the aquatic cultivator (12) to a float and/or anchor at a desired position within the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Douglas D. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 5515814
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine. The heated exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine are brought into direct and indirect contact with a liquid hydrocarbon fuel injected into a fuel chamber to form a mixture of vaporized liquid hydrocarbon fuel and heated exhaust gases. The mixture is passed through a passageway and further heated by non-contacting exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine to reform the mixture to hydrogen gas within the passageway for combustion in the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Transglobal Technologies, Limited
    Inventor: Syd L. Cooke
  • Patent number: 5515815
    Abstract: A cooling water flow control device for a water cooled outboard motor comprising a valve seat for a thermostatic cooling water control valve that provides a wide opening for the passage of foreign matter trapped between the valve stem and seat when the cooling water passing over the valves exceeds a selected limit. The valve seat comprises an annular opening having a side wall smaller at the top than the bottom and varying in diameter. A step in the side wall provides an abrupt enlargement in the water passage through the valve for the passage of foreign matter blocking the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: George E. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5515816
    Abstract: The compact electrical generator set has separate cooling airflows for the cylinder of the driving internal combustion engine, for the electrical generator, and for the crankcase of the internal combustion engine and the general interior of the enclosure of the electrical generator set. An optional fourth cooling airflow is dedicated to the oil cooler of the driving engine. Providing separate airflows allows to reduce the size of the enclosure. Noise generated by the engine exhaust is reduced by enveloping the exhaust gases with cooling air at the location were the exhaust gases exit the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventors: Ronald Ball, William Eldredge
  • Patent number: 5515817
    Abstract: Connection arrangement for pressure medium ducts in a diesel engine for connecting at least two ducts (2,3), included in the same pressure medium system, located parallel in the longitudinal direction of an engine block (1) and being in successive order in the flow direction of the pressure medium circulation of the system, either together or separately with one or more devices or units, for instance with coolers (8,9), located on the side of the ducts and included in the pressure medium system in question so that a desired direction of flow is accomplished and that said connection prevents the pressure medium flow of the inlet side and of the outlet side of the device from being mixed with each other. The arrangement includes a set of different, preferably cylindrical, hollow duct assemblies (4) to be installed in a connection chamber made in the engine block at a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Wartsila Diesel International Ltd Oy
    Inventors: Hannu Nurmi, Sven Jansson
  • Patent number: 5515818
    Abstract: An electromechanical variable valve actuator for selectively opening and closing an intake or exhaust valve in an internal combustion engine having a valve closure member and a valve seat which employs Lorentz forces by using a current carrying conductive armature coil which is connected to the valve closure member and placed in a fixed air gap and movable in a direction perpendicular to a magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator and directed across the air gap. The electromagnetic vector force, known as the Lorentz force, exerted on the armature coil results from the cross product of the current and the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Machine Research Corporation of Chicago
    Inventor: Joseph Born
  • Patent number: 5515819
    Abstract: A biasing device for a free rocker arm in an engine valve actuating system wherein driven rocker arms are selectively engaged with the free rocker arm to provide variable valve operating characteristics. The biasing device includes interfitting, cold-formed cup-shaped members within which a compression spring is received in interference fit at one end with the body and at the other end with the plunger. In a preferred embodiment, at least two coils of the spring are in interference fit with the body to provide spring damping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Groh, Jon T. Barrett, Gary L. Janowiak
  • Patent number: 5515820
    Abstract: A valve operating mechanism for an internal combustion engine for varying the operation of the valve dependent on engine operating conditions. A first rocker arm movable to follow a first cam and a second rocker arm movable to follow a second cam corresponding to a higher speed operating condition than that of the first cam are pivotally supported on a rocker arm shaft. A first connection switching device capable of switching the connection and disconnection between the third and first rocker arms and a second switching device capable of switching the connection and disconnection between at least one of the first and third rocker arms and the second rocker arm independently from the first connection switching device, are disposed at locations displaced circumferentially relative to the rocker arm shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Chihaya Sugimoto, Masakazu Kinoshita, Izumi Sugiyama, Hideki Saito, Shigemasa Kajiwara, Susumu Toki
  • Patent number: 5515821
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inhibiting leakage of lubricating oil into an intake manifold and cylinder of a diesel engine during idling incorporates a seal press fit onto one end of an intake valve stem adjacent a tappet assembly coupled in driving relationship with the valve. In an illustrative form the seal comprises an annular ring sized to the valve stem and having a flexible, circumferential flange adapted for sealing engagement with a valve spring retainer attached to the valve. The flange of the seal engages an inner annular, chamfered surface on the valve spring retainer, the chamfered surface being located adjacent the one end of the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John G. Wolck, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5515822
    Abstract: An induction system for a V-type engine that permits a compact engine configuration and the tuning of two different intake passages for each cylinder for different engine speed ranges. The shorter high-speed intake passages are served by the plenum chamber adjacent the cylinder bank while some of the other intake passages are served by the adjacent plenum chamber and others are served by the other plenum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Manabu Kobayashi, Akira Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5515823
    Abstract: In this engine with precombustion chambers, precombustion chambers are formed in pistons, and an air utilization rate in main combustion chambers formed in cylinders is improved, whereby the mixing of air with flames is promoted with a combustion period reduced. In this engine, main communication ports communicating the main combustion chambers and precombustion chambers with each other are formed in the substantially central portions of piston heads, while auxiliary communication ports are formed around the main communication ports so as to extend incliningly toward the circumferences of the cylinders. The fuel injection nozzles provided in a cylinder head are projected into the main communication ports in positions in the vicinity of the top dead centers of the pistons to close the same, and fuel is injected from multi-bored injection ports of the fuel injection nozzles into the precombustion chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Isuzu Ceramics Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5515824
    Abstract: The invention involves stopping the operation of an internal combustion engine, when actual vehicle deceleration is detected after a vehicle deceleration operation. Alternatively, under conditions wherein it is possible to shut off fuel supply at the time of the deceleration operation, the invention involves stopping the operation of the engine by shutting off the fuel supply to some cylinders, and then shutting off the fuel supply to all cylinders when actual vehicle deceleration is detected. Since the fuel supply to the engine is timed to be shut off when the vehicle is decelerated, the speed is reduced smoothly without an accompanying large torque change. Thus, vehicle ride comfort and fuel consumption can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichiro Yamagishi, Yoshikazu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5515825
    Abstract: An engine control mechanism cooperates with both a manual choke operator and a manual throttle operator. The manual throttle operator actuates a throttle control mechanism and a timing advance mechanism. A lost motion connection interconnects the manual throttle operator and the throttle control mechanism. The manual choke operator actuates a choke control mechanism to close the choke valves associated with the engine charge formers. The manual choke also operates the timing advance mechanism and the throttle control mechanism to advance the spark timing and to slightly open the throttle valves beyond an idle position when the choke valves are closed. Operation of the throttle control mechanism via the manual choke operator, however, does not affect the manual throttle operator due to the lost motion connection between the throttle operator and the throttle control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideto Arai, Takio Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 5515826
    Abstract: An engine air/fuel control system modulates the flow of fuel delivered to the engine with a modulation signal (100, 144) The feedback variable generated (210-228) from a two-state exhaust gas oxygen sensor (16) corrects the fuel flow (156). During each of a plurality of pre-determined intervals, the fuel flow is biased with a rich offset (342). Amplitude of the modulation signal is corrected by a difference between the feedback variable generated during two successive occurrences of the predetermined interval (346-378).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Hamburg, Dennis C. Reed, Nicholas G. Zorka
  • Patent number: 5515827
    Abstract: A multicylinder, four-stroke internal-combustion engine is spark-ignited and has three intake valves and one exhaust valve which interact in the combustion chamber with valve openings having valve opening centers. The valve opening centers are situated on both sides of a longitudinal center plane of the internal-combustion engine. The valves are arranged so that a first intake valve and a second intake valve with their valve opening centers are situated on one side of the longitudinal center plane, whereas a third intake valve and the exhaust valve with their valve opening centers are situated on the other side of the longitudinal center plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Erwin Rutschmann, Claus Bruestle, Frank Ickinger
  • Patent number: 5515828
    Abstract: An electronic engine controller (EEC) controls transient engine operation by generating a desired torque value which is indicative of an engine torque desired by a driver of the vehicle and by generating a desired air/fuel ratio value which is indicative of a desired air/fuel ratio to be combusted by the engine. The EEC also generates an actual torque value which is indicative of the actual engine torque and an actual air/fuel value which is indicative of the air/fuel ratio actually combusted by the engine. The actual A/F may be the output of a standard, switching type EGO sensor. An air/fuel difference value indicative of the difference between the actual air/fuel value and the desired air/fuel value is generated, and a torque difference value, indicative of the difference between the actual torque value and the desired torque value is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Cook, Jessy W. Grizzle
  • Patent number: 5515829
    Abstract: A pressure control system for controlling output pressure of a variable-displacement hydraulic pump used with a hydraulically-actuated electronically-controlled injector fuel system and method of operation is disclosed. The control system comprises a variable-displacement hydraulic pump with a control element adjustable to a range of positions which controls an output of the pump. The control system additionally includes positioning means for positioning the control element responsive to pressure differences between the fluid reference chamber and the output port. Electronic valve means regulates a pressure of hydraulic actuating fluid in the fluid reference chamber. The electronic valve means is electronically connected with the electronic control means to receive the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry A. Wear, Chetan J. Desai, Michael A. Flinn, Scott F. Shafer
  • Patent number: 5515830
    Abstract: A fuel injection equipment for an internal combustion engine capable of reducing a variation in fuel injection time due to a variation in power supply voltage. An injector is incorporated which is constructed so as to exhibit characteristics which permit ineffective time consumed between start of flowing of an exciting current and actual opening of a valve to converge on a constant value while being gradually reduced with an increase in driving voltage. The driving voltage is set to be a value increased sufficient to permit a ratio of variation of the ineffective time to the driving voltage to be within a tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Kokusan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Arakowa
  • Patent number: 5515831
    Abstract: A fuel control system for internal combustion engines is disclosed in which a high temperature re-start state is determined based on a physical volume detecting device and a starting state detected by a start state detecting device. A compensation value is determined so as to compensate the amount of fuel supplied during re-start under high temperatures. The compensation value is determined by routines performed within a central processing unit. Variables that affect the compensation value include the physical volume, an internal pressure of a suction pipe, and the starting state of the engine. The compensation value ensures that fuel injection in the engine occurs over an appropriate timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Yonekawa
  • Patent number: 5515832
    Abstract: A method for reducing hydrocarbon emissions exhausted from an internal combustion engine includes timing the opening and closing of valved intake and exhaust ports to overlap for a predetermined time period, and introducing at least one of a pressure decrease at the intake passage during said overlap and a pressure increase in said exhaust passage during said overlap to reduce late hydrocarbon emissions during the overlap. Preferably, a pressure transducer such as an acoustic transducer may be driven to provide an increased pressure pulse at the exhaust port during the overlap period. Alternatively, a preferred implementation of reduced pressure at the intake port includes the operation of a throttle bypass valve that reduces fluid flow to the intake port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: David K. Bidner, Michael J. Cullen
  • Patent number: 5515833
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) mechanism for transporting a controlled amount of exhaust gas generated by the engine from the exhaust manifold to an intake manifold of the engine. An electronic engine controller (EEC) controls the EGR rate by determining a base EGR rate as a function of a plurality of engine operating parameters and a blending value which increases the base EGR rate over a predetermined period of time. A maximum EGR rate value is then determined as a function of a value indicative of the ratio of current air charge drawn into an intake manifold of the engine to the peak aircharge available to the engine at wide-open throttle and at the current rotational speed of the engine and the ambient barometric. The base EGR rate is then compared against the maximum EGR rate value and the EGR rate is determined as a function of the lesser of the two values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Cullen, Richard L. Wanat, Joseph N. Ulrey
  • Patent number: 5515834
    Abstract: An air-fuel control system for an internal combustion engine is provided in which air-fuel ratio control system a deviation effect due to an amount of evaporated fuel distributed to each cylinder group differing from cylinder group to cylinder group is eliminated when a deviation of air-fuel ratio due to aging of the engine has been learned. A difference value between the air-fuel correction factor and a value of a range of distribution deviation of the air-fuel ratio is obtained so that the difference value is used as the air-fuel correction factor. The difference value is obtained when the engine is determined to be in a purging operation by the first determining means, and when it is determined that learning of the air-fuel ratio correction factor is not completed. The difference value represents a true deviation of the air-fuel ratio due to aging of the engine parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Hoshino, Koji Okawa
  • Patent number: 5515835
    Abstract: A disk thrower is disclosed for simultaneously launching two clay targets. The thrower includes two target holders attached to an adjuster which is mounted to a handle for swinging the thrower. The target holders are adjustable along supports formed on the adjuster. A first one of the target holders is arcuately movable along an arc wherein the first target holder is movable relative to a second target holder while lying in a single plane. The second target holder is movable to different positions on the adjuster whereby the second target holder is adapted to lie in different predetermined planes relative to the adjuster and first target holder such that a target held by the second target holder will follow a predetermined convergent, divergent or parallel trajectory relative to a target held by the first target holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: MTM Molded Products Company
    Inventors: Steven W. Minneman, Michael C. Minneman
  • Patent number: 5515836
    Abstract: A tiller adjustment system for an archery bow includes a tiller adjustment knob for precisely adjusting the tiller of a bow limb. A locking mechanism secures the tiller adjustment knob in place to ensure that the precise tiller adjustments are not disturbed, even when the bow is broken down for travelling and storage. A specialized spacer with a curved top surface is disposed within a similarly curved ceiling of an internal cavity formed in the tiller adjustment knob. In addition, a biasing mechanism in the form of two spring steel members are positioned in the bottom of the limb pocket to urge the bow limb into engagement with the tiller adjustment knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Martin Archery, Inc.
    Inventors: Gail H. Martin, George T. Newbold, Fredrick L. Hatfield, Thomas E. Coffman, James A. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 5515837
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety mechanism for multi-shot air guns having a main housing, a barrel, a launch port located at the barrel of the main housing and adapted for air pressure connection to an aligned nozzle and having a pressurization mechanism and a release for releasing pressure from the launch port to an aligned nozzle and having a multi-shot projectile magazine capable of having one nozzle aligned with the launch port and being advanceable to provide sequential alignments of nozzles for firings of a plurality of projectiles. Each nozzle includes an impediment member contained therein. The safety mechanism includes one or more valves connected to either the launch port or each of the nozzles, to prevent flow of pressurized air into the nozzles when closed and to allow flow of pressurized air when opened; a biasing device for biasing the valve to a closed position; an opening device movably located within the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Larami Corporation
    Inventors: Ku I. Nin, Bruce M. D'Andrade
  • Patent number: 5515838
    Abstract: Disclosed is a paint ball gun having a passage for porting pressurized gas to a ball projectile, a primary gas chamber, and a primary valve for controllably flowing pressurized gas from the primary chamber to the passage. The improved gun has a secondary gas chamber, an aperture connecting the passage and the secondary chamber and a spool-type secondary valve closing the aperture when the primary valve is in the intermediate position. The secondary chamber and secondary valve prevent pressurized gas from flowing into the hammer chamber (for re-cocking) until the ball is well on its way out of the barrel. Higher, more consistent ball velocity results. The new gun, of modular construction, also has a novel arrangement for controlling release of the hammer and "catching" such hammer as it is driven into its re-cocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Donald R. Mainland
    Inventor: Donald L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5515839
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for removing a rack from a grill. In the present invention, a pair of strap members are attached to each side of the rack. These strap members have clips which engage the rack. The clip members are joined together by a strip. The strip can have a sufficient number of notches. A holder is also provided which has a handle joined to a base by two walls. The base comprises a pair of cradles each having a groove and tip. The handles are used so that the grooves engage the strap and the tips are engaged by the notches. The rack can then be removed from the grill at the desired time. The meat can then be turned without risk of flameup. The rack and meat can then be placed back on the grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Eva P. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5515840
    Abstract: A fume exhausting device comprises a housing in which an air flow guiding box and a transverse impeller are disposed. The air flow guiding box is formed by a front plate, a top plate, a rear plate, a left plate and a right plate. The top plate is provided with an opening. The transverse impeller is located horizontally in the air flow guiding box such that the impeller is pivoted respectively at the left end thereof and the right end thereof to the left plate and the right plate of the air flow guiding box, and that the impeller is driven by the motor. A bottom plate is fastened to the housing such that the opening of the front plate of the air flow guiding box is sealed off by the bottom plate which is provided with a plurality of ventilation holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Sun-Sing Jang
  • Patent number: 5515841
    Abstract: An inhalation device including an aerosol generator for dispensing droplets of liquid medicament comprising a housing defining a liquid receptacle having an opening, a nozzle arrangement comprising a plurality of orifices, vibrating means for vibrating the nozzle arrangement, and means for introducing the liquid medicament on the outer surface of the nozzle arrangement. Control means are also provided for controlling the vibrating means such that when the liquid medicament is introduced on the outer surface of the nozzle arrangement, the nozzle arrangement may be vibrated to cause the liquid to enter the liquid receptacle through the orifices and thereafter be expelled from the orifices through the outer surface of the nozzle arrangement in the form of atomised droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Paul A. Robertson, Eric A. Baum, David J. Greenleaf
  • Patent number: 5515842
    Abstract: A medical inhaler generates an aerosol of pharmaceutically effective medication to be absorbed by the respiratory tract of a patient includes a reservoir (1) of liquid medication, a conveyor (2) to expel the liquid from the reservoir, an atomizing vibrator (3) and a feed line (4) to conduct the liquid between the reservoir and the vibrator. The conveyor and the vibrator can be controlled by a process controller (15) which can include a microprocessor. Discharge of liquid medicine is both coordinated with the vibrator and accurately dosable and achieves optimal atomization of the medicine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Disetronic AG
    Inventors: Markus Ramseyer, Rene Gabriel, Peter Michel
  • Patent number: 5515843
    Abstract: A helmet includes a casing engaged in the helmet for accommodating air or pressurized oxygen, a mask secured to the helmet, an inlet pipe connecting the casing to the mask for supplying air into the mask. Fresh air or oxygen accommodated in the casing can be supplied into the mask via the inlet pipe. A bypass is formed in the body and connected to the mask, the exhaled gas in the mask can be sucked out of the mask when air flows through the bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Huang Chang
  • Patent number: 5515844
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for weaning a ventilator-dependent patient employs a transtracheal catheter that is inserted through the patient's tracheostomy tube to continuously augment the flow of oxygen to the lungs as the patient breathes spontaneously. The weaning process involves disconnecting the ventilator from the tracheostomy tube; deflating the tracheostomy tube cuff so that the patient can breathe spontaneously through the upper airway; removably inserting a transtracheal catheter through the tracheostomy tube; and supplying a continuous flow of an oxygen/air mixture through the transtracheal catheter and into the lungs of the patient. The transtracheal catheter is equipped with a button or plug having clips to engage and cover the proximal opening of the tracheostomy tube. In one embodiment, a flexible tracheostomy tube with an adjustable neck flange is used to allow the distal end of the tracheostomy tube to be positioned immediately above the patient's carina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Kent L. Christopher
  • Patent number: 5515845
    Abstract: A process for the recovery of halogenated hydrocarbons from a gas stream comprises passing the gas stream through a bed of hydrophobic molecular sieve adsorbent, preferably of the high silica zeolite type. Such adsorbent has pore diameters large enough to permit molecules of the halogenated hydrocarbons to pass therethrough and be selectively adsorbed in the large internal cavities of the crystal framework, whereby the halogenated hydrocarbons are removed. The gas is continued to be passed through the bed of adsorbent material until the material is saturated to the extent that breakthrough of the hydrocarbons is determined. The adsorbent material with adsorb phase of halogenated hydrocarbons is removed from the machine and regenerated by exposing the saturated material to an inert purging gas stream under conditions which desorb the halogenated hydrocarbons from the adsorbent material into the purging gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Praxair Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Dusanka Filipovic, Fraser Sweatman
  • Patent number: 5515846
    Abstract: A respirator including a mask body with a breathing filter at a breathing connection of the mask body, with a cuff accommodating the breathing filter and with a bellows, which seals the mask interior against the environment. The bellows is connected to the cuff and to the mask body. The breathing filter is locked in the position of use based on the bellows being made in one piece with the breathing connection, as a continuation of the mask body. The bellows surrounds the cuff in the manner of a truncated cone, in at least one partial section of the extent of the breathing filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Dragerwerk AG
    Inventor: Ralf Drews
  • Patent number: 5515847
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring glucose, ethyl alcohol and other blood constituents in a noninvasive manner. The measurements are made by monitoring infrared absorption of the desired blood constituent in the long infrared wavelength range where the blood constituent has a strong and distinguishable absorption spectrum. The long wavelength infrared energy emitted by the person as heat is monitored and the infrared absorption of particular constituents in the blood (such as glucose or blood alcohol) is measured at characteristic infrared absorption wavelengths for those constituents. The measurements are preferably synchronized with systole and diastole of the cardiac cycle so that the signal contribution caused by veins and tissues (which do not pulse) may be cancelled when a ratio of the detected signals is taken. The concentration of the blood constituents are then determined in accordance with a polynomial equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Optiscan, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Braig, Daniel S. Goldberger, Roger O. Herrera, Bernhard B. Sterling
  • Patent number: 5515848
    Abstract: A miniature, electrically-insulated multi-conductor electrical cable suitable for implantation in living bodies and readily connected to sensors or electrodes, and implantable microelectrodes attached to such cables. Individual electrical conductors are coated with at least one layer of, insulating material and stranded together, or optionally bound together by an additional layer of insulating material which is compatible with implantation in living bodies. The individual conductors are separated from one another in terminal portions of the cable and are held by a ribbonizing resin at a predetermined pitch to facilitate connection of each of the conductors. The terminal portions may define microelectrodes. Another microelectrode includes an electrically conductive electrode core member sharpened and coated with a thin layer of a dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: PI Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Scott S. Corbett, III, Jerry Martyniuk, Gerald E. Loeb, Klaus Mewes, W. Eugene Skiens, John J. Stobie, Doris A. Beck
  • Patent number: 5515849
    Abstract: A diagnostic ultrasound apparatus includes a displacement image data frame memory for storing, frame by frame, two-dimensional ultrasound image data of a living body to be observed; displacement image data sampling section for sampling displacement image data which is obtained by comparing two-dimensional ultrasound image data of a newest frame with the two-dimensional ultrasound image data of any one of the previous frames stored in the displacement image data frame memory, the displacement image data representing displacement in the living body between the compared frames; displacement hysteresis image forming section for forming displacement hysteresis image data which represents changes between the thus-formed plural displacement image data by sequentially combining the plural displacement image data with the lapse of time; and a display monitor for displaying a displacement hysteresis image on the basis of thus-produced displacement hysteresis image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Aloka Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Murashita, Hiroyuki Kawada, Toshiyuki Matsunaka
  • Patent number: 5515850
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing efficient transmission of a beam of acoustic wave between an ultrasonic transducer and a remotely located body under examination by the beam. The apparatus includes a housing having an interior arranged so that the ultrasonic transducer is disposed therein. A prism is acoustically coupled with the transducer and with an acoustic waveguide having a longitudinal dimension extending outwardly from the interior of the housing. The acoustic prism is fixedly coupled with a proximate portion of the waveguide so as to provide efficient transmission of the beam of acoustic waves between the prism and the waveguide. Accordingly, The beam of acoustic waves is transmitted from the transducer, through the prism, and along the longitudinal dimension of the waveguide, to a distal portion of the waveguide. The distal portion of the waveguide is inserted into a remotely located patient's body under examination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: J. Fleming Dias
  • Patent number: 5515851
    Abstract: A system and method for injecting fluids during angiographic procedures. A finger activated control pad is used to regulate the injection of fluids by a single operator who simultaneously manipulates the primary catheterization equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: James A. Goldstein
  • Patent number: 5515852
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system where a location in the image has associated with it an amplitude and a velocity derived from a doppler shift assigns a detection strength to each location. Detection strength is a mapping from each possible combination of the amplitude and velocity into a scalar value that represents the likelihood that the velocity is not an artifact of the noise in the environment. The detection strength values are spatially filtered and then used to determine whether to accept or reject the measured velocity. A more optimistic filtering strategy for the measured velocity is now possible, and cooperates with a filtered detection strength to trim away suspicious regions in the image. The filtered detection strength signal can be used to compensate for unwanted side effects of other filtering done during the processing of the measured parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Sydney M. Karp, Jerome F. Witt, Raymond A. Beaudin
  • Patent number: 5515853
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneous measurement of multiple distances by means of networked piezoelectric transducers. Through the use of high frequency digital counters, the propagation delay between the activation of an ultrasonic transducer and the reception by similar transducers is quickly and accurately defined. By alternating the duty cycle between transmit and receive modes, the system can track and triangulate the three-dimensional positions for each transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Sonometrics Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne L. Smith, Ivan Vesely, Andrew W. Gubbels
  • Patent number: 5515855
    Abstract: A radiofrequency resonator for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy of the human head in which the geometry of the resonator comprises a single end ring connected to a plurality of legs which extend along a cylinder and which are joined in pairs on a hemispherical dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research
    Inventors: Kristen L. Meyer, Douglas Ballon
  • Patent number: 5515856
    Abstract: A method for generating anatomical M-Mode displays for ultrasonic investigation of living biological structures during movement of the structure, for example a heart function, employing an ultrasonic transducer (21) comprises the acquisition of a time series of 2D or 3D ultrasonic images (22), arranging said time series so as to constitute data sets, providing at least one virtual M-Mode line (23) co-registered with said data sets, subjecting said data sets to computer processing on the basis of said at least one virtual M-Mode line, whereby interpolation along said at least one virtual M-Mode line is effected, and displaying the resulting computed anatomical M-Mode display (24) on a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Vingmed Sound A/S
    Inventors: Bjorn Olstad, Eivind Holm, James Ashman
  • Patent number: 5515857
    Abstract: A bloodstream velocity image is formed by scanning a two-dimensional region including a blood vessel in a body to be examined with an ultrasonic wave. A velocity profile is formed by distributing either one of average velocities and maximum velocities of bloodstream velocities at a plurality of positions arranged along a first direction, along a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction and extending across the blood vessel. A bloodstream volume is calculated from the velocity profile and a blood vessel diameter. Thus, an error caused by movement of a blood vessel accompanying pulsation can be decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsujino, Eiichi Shiki
  • Patent number: 5515858
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wrist-held monitoring device for independently observing the physical condition of a person by means of motoric activity or movement and physiological conditions, e.g., temperature and/or electric conductivity of the skin. The anomalous condition data is transmitted by conventional techniques on a radio frequency message to one or more receivers, which either set off a local alarm or further transfer the data by conventional techniques to a centralized receiving point for alarm generation there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Matti Myllymaki
  • Patent number: 5515859
    Abstract: A device (10) for detecting a substance in a patient's expired breath (88) such as adenosine indicative of cardiovascular distress. The device (10) shines an infrared light (68) through a chamber (14) containing the breath (88) to a detector (26). The detector (26) measures the intensity of the light (68) at selected frequency corresponding to absorption bands of the substance. Multiple photodetectors (112, 114, 116, 118) at different absorption band frequencies increase the specificity of detection. A reference chamber (16) containing a reference gas and coupled to an infrared photodetector (118) may be used to provide a baseline reference for a quantitative analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Colorado Health Care Research Corp.
    Inventor: Frederick M. Paz