Patents Issued in February 1, 2000
  • Patent number: 6019088
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for mounting a component, for example a fuel injector, in a desired position comprises a sleeve which surrounds part of the component and includes a screw-threaded end region. At a point spaced from the first end, the sleeve defines a groove arranged to receive a resilient member which cooperates, in use, with a groove provided in the component to secure the component to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignees: Lucas Industries, Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John William Stevens, Alan Conway Green, Carl Stalker
  • Patent number: 6019089
    Abstract: An orientation clip (42) has an axially- and circumferentially-united attachment with a fuel injector (13) to orient the fuel injector circumferentially within a cup (32) on a fuel manifold (30). The clip has axially extending orientation tabs (46) that pass through open spaces provided by notches (56) in the rim of the cup to circumferentially locate the clip to the cup, and hence the fuel injector to the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Timothy Gerald Taylor, Matthew Moyler Cole, James Braden Roberts, William Beal Fort
  • Patent number: 6019090
    Abstract: An engine control for an engine powering a watercraft is disclosed. The engine has a body defining at least two combustion chambers. An air supply system supplies air to the combustion chambers, the air supply system including a throttle control for controlling the flow rate of air to the engine, the throttle control moveable between an open and a closed position. A fuel supply system supplies fuel to the combustion chambers. At least one ignition element ignites the air and fuel supplied to the combustion chambers. At least one exhaust passage leads from the combustion chamber to a point exterior to the body through which exhaust may pass. Exhaust control means are provided for controlling the timing of the flow of exhaust through the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeyuki Ozawa
  • Patent number: 6019091
    Abstract: Pumps and injectors having a control valve with an adjustable stroke for rate shaping and associated methods for operating a control valve are provided. The pump or injector comprises a body with a pumping chamber and a control valve chamber. A plunger is disposed in the pumping chamber. An actuatable control valve disposed in the control valve chamber controls fuel. The control valve includes a valve body moveable over an adjustable stroke range including opened and closed positions. The stroke range is adjustable to vary an effective open gap when the valve body is in the open position. An actuatable valve stop assembly adjacent to the control valve chamber includes a main body and a stop member that is moveable between extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Diesel Technology Company
    Inventor: Gregg R. Spoolstra
  • Patent number: 6019092
    Abstract: A ferrous metal housing 1 has an inlet 4 and an outlet 5 at opposite ends. A series of alloy discs 6 are carried on a shaft 7 within the housing, separated by spacers 8. The discs each contain a ring of circular apertures, and the shaft 7 is supported by skeletal spacers 9 and 10 to leave a gap between the periphery of the spacers and the wall of the housing. A ferrite magnet 14 of square outline is supported by the walls of the housing 1 at the outlet end, leaving four gaps between the sides of the magnet and the housing. The device is capable of maintaining high flow rates whilst producing a turbulence pattern which ensures good fuel conditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Fuelsaver Overseas Limited
    Inventor: Michael Gilligan
  • Patent number: 6019093
    Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine includes an air-fuel ratio sensor arranged in the exhaust system of the engine, for detecting the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gases from the engine. An ECU calculates an adaptive control amount, based on an output from the air-fuel ratio sensor, by using an adaptive controller having an adaptive parameter-adjusting mechanism, such that the air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to the engine is converged to a desired air-fuel ratio, and controls the air-fuel ratio of the mixture in a feedback manner, according to the adaptive control amount. When a particular engine operating condition in which the adaptive controller can become unstable in operation is detected, the adaptive parameters are initialized according to the adaptive control amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 6019094
    Abstract: In an engine exhaust recirculation device, a target exhaust recirculation rate is determined based on an engine running state. The required flowpath cross-sectional area of the exhaust recirculation passage to obtain a target exhaust recirculation rate is calculated from the target exhaust recirculation rate, fresh air amount, an intake pressure and an exhaust pressure. By determining a target opening of the exhaust recirculation valve from the required flowpath cross-sectional area of the exhaust recirculation passage and a predetermined coefficient specifying a relation between the required flowpath cross-sectional area and the opening area of the exhaust recirculation valve, the precision of controlling the exhaust recirculation amount is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Itoyama
  • Patent number: 6019095
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for throwing balls with specific throwing parameters with the aid of a pendulum. The device consists of a pendulum having a free end which is suspended so as to be movable about an axis, characterized in that a holding device for the ball is located at the free end of the pendulum shaft and can release the ball in response to an electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignees: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft, Bayer Corporation, Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Sommer, John Clemons, Wolfgang Jacobsen, Ing Kurt Pirk, Arthur Zerbe, Werner Konig, Berthold Justen, Jurgen Giesselmann, William Wasserberger, Raymond Edwards
  • Patent number: 6019096
    Abstract: A machine for tossing or set ting a volleyball into the air, to aid in practice of spiking the ball, includes a cylindrical housing with a ball exit opening at one end, with legs to set the housing on the ground with the exit opening facing upward. A ball support cup with attached rod is slidably supported in the housing by a linear bearing. The ball support cup is spring biased toward the exit end; a brake prevents the rod from passing completely through the bearing. The lower end of the rod includes teeth which are engageable with a sprocket wheel of a timer assembly. When a ball is placed on the support cup, and the cup is pushed down, the teeth will engage the sprocket wheel to activate the timer; after a time, the sprocket wheel will disengage from the teeth, allowing the spring to move the support cup upward to launch the ball through the exit opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Gerard R. Snyder
    Inventors: Gerard R. Snyder, Brian Edwards
  • Patent number: 6019097
    Abstract: A foldable archery bow has a center section and two flexible arms extending in substantially opposite directions, describing a bow plane, and a separation interface disposed in the center section and positioned to allow the bow to be separated into to separate sections. At least one latching connector is attached to a first point on one of the flexible arms, and is adapted, when the flexible arm to which it is attached is substantially flexed, to latch at a second point on the same side of the separation interface as the first point. By drawing the bow, which flexes the flexible arms, and latching the latching connector, all tension is released from the bow string or strings, and all forces thereby removed from the separation interface. The separation interface, normally fastened in a closed position, may then be unfastened and separated, allowing the bow to divide into the two separate sections forming a smaller package than in the assembled aspect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventors: Jimmie D. Cox, Douglas T. Bresette
  • Patent number: 6019098
    Abstract: A self-powered combustion furnace unit. A combustion furnace providing circulating hot fluid heating is equipped with a thermoelectric generator comprised of a plurality of thermoelectric modules mounted on the furnace. The heat from the combustion provides a high temperature hot side heat source for the thermoelectric modules and the fluid of the circulating hot fuid system provides the cold side heat sink for the thermoelectric modules. Electric power produced by the thermoelectric modules powers a motor driving a pump which circulates the circulating hot fluid. In a preferred embodiment low cost, high temperature thermoelectric modules are provided which comprise thermoelectric elements installed in injection molded eggcrates. The thermoelectric modules are held in close contact with the hot side heat exchanger and the cold side heat sink with a spring force such as that provided by Belville springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Hi-Z Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Bass, Daniel T. Allen
  • Patent number: 6019099
    Abstract: A high efficiency gas fireplace unit having a heat exchanger is located in a room in which the heat from the gas fireplace is not wanted. An air duct is connected to the heat exchanger and has a termination point in a room or area remote from the gas fireplace unit. During a heat dump or heat transfer mode of operation, an induced draft fan in an air duct is activated by a remote switch thrown to cause room air to be sucked through the heat exchanger and passed through the air duct and dumped in a remote area so that the fireplace heating effect is nullified or neutralized allowing the fireplace to be operated with or without an air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Heat-N-Glo Fireplace Products Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald John Shimek, Robb Edward Bennett, Daniel Curtis Shimek
  • Patent number: 6019100
    Abstract: The present invention restores the normal low-dose flushing of the lower airways with air from the upper airways, containing nitric oxide (NO) and possible other biologically active agents by aspiration of air from the upper airways and introducing said air in the inspiratory airflow of a ventilator. The inventive apparatus and method is free from the risks associated with traditional administration of exogenous NO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventors: Kjell Alving, Jan M. Lundberg, Jon Lundberg, Eddie Weitzberg
  • Patent number: 6019101
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel improved nasal mask useful for patients suffering from respiratory ailments such as sleep apnea syndrome. The mask includes a shell having a contoured portion circumscribing the nasal area and side wings through which a retention strap passes. A seal is disposed between the shell and the patient's face providing a large contact area to distribute retention forces and reduce facial pressure. Transmission of external loads to and torques induced in the shell are minimized by orienting inlets proximate side wings and supporting a supply conduit along the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: SleepNet Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald L. Cotner, Thomas E. Asacker
  • Patent number: 6019102
    Abstract: A sterile surgical drape is adapted to cover the surfaces of a multiple-tiered table such as is typically used for holding surgical instruments. Those drape sections (300,400) for covering surfaces above the bottom surface (200) are fitted so as to avoid impeding access to and visibility of those surfaces immediately beneath. Clear sections (300) of the drape are provided to extend between tiers for improved visualization from behind the table. Cuffs in the flap top section of the drape (410) are also provided for aiding handling and draping of surgical table by hospital personnel. Hook-and-loop fasteners (310) on the back of the clear middle section (300) are provided to be mated to hook-and-loop fasteners (312) on the under portion of the instrument table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Dan L. Becker
  • Patent number: 6019103
    Abstract: A disposable sanitary eye protector device that includes a molded, flexible plastic, face shield portion having two eye protector openings and nose receiving cut-out; two domed shaped clear plastic eye protectors, one installed through each of the eye protector openings of the face shield portion; and an elastic securing cord having the cord ends thereof secured to the face shield portion to form a head encircling loop. The molded, flexible plastic, face shield portion is molded to the general contours of the eye and nose area of a wearer. Each of the two domed shaped, clear plastic eye protectors includes a transparent domed portion having an eye receiving cavity formed therein that is accessible through an eye insertion opening defined by an attachment ridge formed around the entire perimeter of the eye protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Lynnette Carroll
  • Patent number: 6019104
    Abstract: A method for treating patients to inhibit restenosis associated with coronary intervention, which comprises administering compounds of the class of aminobenzoic acids, specifically 2-(3,4-dimethoxy-cinnamoyl)-aminobenzoic acid or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt at a dosage which is sufficient to maintain the plasma concentration at about 100.mu. molar for a period of time of less than three months.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Juichi Fukuyama, Keiji Miyazawa, Shuichiro Hamano, Arao Ujiie
  • Patent number: 6019105
    Abstract: Before being processed in a pneumatic separator or classifier (13), a stream of cut tobacco, travelling to the separator on a conveyor (12), is passed through an opener (11) to open up tangled masses of tobacco that cannot be handled by the separator. The opener comprises carded rollers (1, 2, 3 and 4) having sequentially increasing peripheral velocities. Rollers (1,2 and 4) rotate in the same direction as each other, away from the conveyor, so that tobacco passes over the top of each roller, whereas roller (3) rotates in the opposite direction. The carding pins on rollers (1, 2 and 4) are inclined 5.degree. to the normal, in the direction of rotation. The pins on roller (3) are inclined at 30.degree., also in the direction of rotation, so as to trap the tobacco as it is moved around underside of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: GBE Internatinal PLC
    Inventor: Victor Albert Montgomery White
  • Patent number: 6019106
    Abstract: A cigarette has a shredded tobacco filler and a paper for wrapping the filler. Many frusto-pyramidal portions biting into the filler are formed so as to be distributed on an inner surface of the paper except on both of the side edge portions of the inner surface. The inner surface, so formed, provides a high coefficient of friction with respect to the shredded tobacco filler. This cigarette contributes to preventing the dropping of shredded tobacco from the cut end of the cigarette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Okusawa, Shichisei Tani, Takashi Koyama, Takashi Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6019107
    Abstract: A detachable hairpiece for attaching to existing hair to create the appearance of longer hair. The detachable hairpiece includes a clip for clipping to a wearer's hair. The clip has an outer portion and a brush portion that is pivotally coupled to the outer portion. The brush portion has a brush panel that extends between opposed side members of the brush portion. The brush panel has a plurality of rows of prongs. Each of the rows extends between the first and second end members of the brush portion. Root portions of a plurality of strands of natural or synthetic hair are coupled to the outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventors: Tatiana L Overmyer, Donald P Vesely
  • Patent number: 6019108
    Abstract: A hair holder includes a first body, a second body, and an elastic member. The first body includes a mounting seat formed on an end thereof and a first retaining groove defined in the end thereof. The mounting seat includes a protruded member on each of two opposite end faces thereof. The first body further includes two restraining blocks formed thereon. The second body includes two spaced engaging pieces formed on an end thereof and a second retaining groove defined in the end thereof. Each engaging piece includes a device for rotatably pivotally holding the protruded members of the mounting seat of the first body. The elastic member is mounted in the mounting seat of the first body and restrained by the restraining blocks. The elastic member has a first end retained in the first retaining groove and a second end retained in the second retaining groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Chin-Chin Chen
  • Patent number: 6019109
    Abstract: A dental flossing tool and method for flossing of the teeth using that tool is provided. The tool includes two elongated, rod-shaped handle elements and a length of dental floss that is removably secured at its opposite ends to respective ones of the handle elements at their terminal ends. Each handle element is provided with a bulb at the terminal end to which the floss is attached with the bulbs being larger in transverse cross-section relative to the longitudinal axis of its handle element than is the adjacent portion of the handle element. This results in a depressed annular region in which floss is wound and functions to retain the floss on a handle element. Each handle element includes a hand-grip section disposed in remote relationship to the terminal end provided with a bulb enabling a user to grip the element in a respective hand for support thereof and independent manipulation in effecting a flossing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Timothy D. Moore
  • Patent number: 6019110
    Abstract: Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignees: Chemfree Corporation, Advanced Bioremediation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. McClure, Thomas W. McNally
  • Patent number: 6019111
    Abstract: A paint roller cleaning system for cleaning a paint roller in a confined and controlled environment thereby preventing outside contamination. The inventive device includes a housing, a first cover attached to a portion of the open end, a second cover pivotally attached to the housing opposite of the first cover, a centrally positioned notch within the first cover and the second cover, a dispensing tube having a plurality of nozzles slidably extending through the first cover through an aperture, an elbow member attached to the dispensing tube, a compression spring secured about the dispensing tube between the first cover and the elbow member, an entry tube attached to the elbow member, and a hose coupler secured to the entry tube for threadably attaching to a conventional garden hose. Water supplied to the hose coupler is dispensed through the nozzles within the dispensing tube toward the sleeve of the conventional paint roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Boyce W. Gillies
  • Patent number: 6019112
    Abstract: A home greenhouse kit including a semi-circular housing member that has an upper portion. The upper portion is formed by two layers of flexible sheeting and a plurality of elongated parallel rib channels formed between the two layers. A pair of ground panels of the semi-circular housing member is interconnected to the upper portion. A plurality inflatable tubes are sized for positioning within the plurality of elongated rib channels for giving the upper portion of the semi-circular housing member vertical integrity. A plurality of interior grommets are positioned about an arc of the upper portion. A pair of support poles forming a front support pole and a rear support pole are provided. Each support pole has a top end with an eyelet. Lastly, an elongated support rope is extended through the plurality of interior grommets. The support rope has a front portion extended through the eyelet of the front support pole and a rear portion extended through the eyelet of the rear support pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Cameron Arthur Matlock
  • Patent number: 6019113
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for opening and closing a high performance shape memory alloy (SMA) fuel injector that minimizes performance variations due to changes in ambient temperature. When opening the injector to commence fuel injection, a relatively high voltage is applied to an SMA element of the injector to quickly heat the element to its high temperature state, quickly opening the valve. The current level is monitored as a measure of the element resistivity, and when the determined resistivity indicates that the high temperature state transition is complete, the voltage is reduced to a hold value, sufficient to continue resistivity measurement. When the determined resistivity indicates that the element is beginning to transition back to the ambient temperature state, the high voltage is re-applied to begin a new control cycle. To close the injector, the electric heating is discontinued, and fuel circulating through the injector cools the element to its ambient temperature state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Keith Allston, Albert Martin Knebel, Michael Raymond Salemi
  • Patent number: 6019114
    Abstract: A bubbler container assembly particularly adapted for use in vapor generating systems comprising a main outer vessel, an inner bubbler vessel, a carrier gas inlet and a vapor outlet such that the inner bubbler vessel is contained within the main outer vessel and the bubbler container assembly is constructed so as to self-meter an incoming supply of vaporizable liquid during the introduction of a carrier gas and extraction of resulting vapor. Preferably, the system further provides for magnetic induced centering and positioning of the inner buoyant bubbler vessel, fluid temperature sensing and control, connection of a fluid makeup supply, carrier gas inlet supply, and vapor extraction outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Icon Dynaamics, LLC
    Inventor: Donald B. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 6019115
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an excess flow valve system having a sliding poppet within a chamber with an orifice at one end, wherein the closing flow rate settings can be adjusted. Precise adjustments can be made externally by turning a threaded member extending through the valve, which causes a retainer, threadably located on the member, to move laterally within the chamber. This movement causes an angled surface on the retainer to engage and slide in relation to a similarly angled surface on the poppet. As the poppet is urged toward the retainer by a coiled spring, the poppet is moved longitudinally within the chamber, either toward or away from the orifice. Turning the threaded member enables the maximum travel distance of the poppet, and therefore, the threshold flow rate of the valve, to be precisely set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Sanders Valve Corporation
    Inventor: R. Gene Sanders
  • Patent number: 6019116
    Abstract: The liquid transfer system includes a liquid supply tank and at least two pressurizable liquid holding vessels. The liquid holding vessels are placed beneath the supply tank, and a liquid supply line connects the supply tank to each vessel. The liquid supply line is operated as a siphon from the tank to each vessel, in order to move liquid from the tank to each vessel. Each vessel is alternately filled and pressurized to dispense liquid from the vessel, such that one vessel is being filled while the other is dispensing liquid, and a constant controllable liquid output flow is achieved. A preferred embodiment includes a liquid recycling line to recycle or constantly move the liquid within the system to achieve thorough mixing, and an in-line filter to improve liquid purity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel Schell
  • Patent number: 6019117
    Abstract: A water line decontamination unit has inlets for connection to a supply of irrigant liquid, a supply of disinfectant, and a pressurized gas supply, and an outlet for connection to a water line inlet. A valve assembly in the unit controls the supply of irrigant liquid, disinfectant and gas to the water line so that only one of the fluids is supplied to the water line at any one time. A manual selector allows an operator to select a run condition in which irrigant liquid is supplied to the water line, a flush condition in which disinfectant is supplied to the water line, and a purge condition in which gas is supplied to purge liquid from the water line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventors: Steven G. Detsch, Scott L. Preston
  • Patent number: 6019118
    Abstract: Cryogenic valve with at least one pair of sealing elements, preferably one with a seat and a tappet, whose seat surfaces are in sealing contact with one another in the shutoff position. At least one sealing element of the pair is formed of a linearly superelastic shape memory alloy, which is stabilized by plastic cold working in the martensitic textural state, i.e., no longer displays a shape memory effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Heinz Voggenreiter, Albert Seidel
  • Patent number: 6019119
    Abstract: A thermal safety device is disclosed which, in the area of the closing element, has an uninterrupted circular cross section. Furthermore, the axial guiding of the closing element during the closing stroke is ensured. In the axial continuation of a seat located within the casing there is a guide pin. A closing spring is aligned on this guide pin, and, when taut, the spring is situated as far as possible inside a blind hole, with a throat acting as a control edge, inside the closing element. Under the influence of the closing spring, a ram forming a part of a detecting element, keeps the control edge adjacent to a clip-stop edge when the safety device is in the open position. Once the thermal solder element melts away, however, the resulting change in position of the ram allows the control edge to move away from the click-stop edge, so that the closing element, under the influence of the closing spring, moves into a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Klaus Schulze
  • Patent number: 6019120
    Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve for regulating the pressure of a pressurized fluid in a fluid control system in proportion to the current level of an electrical input signal including a nozzle housing having an end connected to a solenoid housing and a fixed fluid flow directing tubular sleeve internal thereof and communicated to a supply port for receiving pressurized fluid therefrom. The sleeve includes a primary orifice communicating to a valve seat proximate the end of the nozzle housing and to a control port located proximate a second end of the nozzle housing via one or more longitudinal fluid passages between the nozzle housing and the sleeve. The sleeve includes a secondary bleed orifice located proximate the control port to bleed pressurized fluid thereto in a manner to provide more precise low pressure fluid control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Hamid Najmolhoda, David L. Seid, David A. Nezwek
  • Patent number: 6019121
    Abstract: A pressure reducing valve 30 comprises a body unit 32, a bonnet unit 36, and an operating unit 38 having a handle 126. The pressure reducing valve 30 further comprises a first diaphragm 84, a second diaphragm 86, a third diaphragm 100, and a fourth diaphragm 102 which are provided to extend in the body unit 32 while being separated from each other by predetermined spacing distances, and a nozzle 106 and a flapper 110 which are arranged in a third diaphragm chamber 116.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Teruo Uehara
  • Patent number: 6019122
    Abstract: A membrane-type inflation nozzle applicable to an inflatable envelope. A release sheet is disposed between two nozzle membranes at an opening of the nozzle. An adhesive material is disposed between inner membrane walls of the opening of the nozzle. One end of the release sheet is positioned between the adhesive material and the other membrane wall. The other end of the release sheet extends out of the opening. When inflating the envelope, the release sheet is torn away from the nozzle opening and then the envelope is fully inflated. Therefore, an internal pressure of the envelope makes the nozzle self-close. In addition, the adhesive material at the nozzle opening is able to adhere corresponding inner membrane walls to each other so as to achieve a more tightly air-sealing effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: David Chen
  • Patent number: 6019123
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and kit for preventing freezing in pipes. In its most basic form, the apparatus of the present invention includes three lengths of uninsulated flexible ductwork, each having a pair of connectors attached to each end, and a T-shaped adapter having three openings which are dimensioned to mate with one connector of each length of ductwork. In operation, the first length of ductwork, below the "T", is fitted over the downspout of the system and comes to rest in the system piping pit, the second length of ductwork is attached to a central heating duct and the third length is attached to the water inflow. Thus, when the central heating system is in operation, air is forced down the second duct to the "T" where substantially half of the warm air is directed to the piping pit and the other half is directed along the length of the exposed piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Gibbs
  • Patent number: 6019124
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a valve assembly including a valve body and a poppet member for controlling flow through the valve body. The valve assembly also includes a valve seat adapted to interface with the poppet member to provide a fluid seal, and seat retaining member adapted to be compressed against the valve seat. Additionally, the valve assembly includes a deformable elastic spacer arranged and configured to axially compress the valve body and the seat retaining member together such that relative movement between such components is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Wanner Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Sebion, Frederick Allan Powers
  • Patent number: 6019125
    Abstract: Valve unit, particularly for high-pressure pumps, comprising a cage mainted in position by a screwed plug and containing a valve disc and a valve seat, the screwed plug having a threaded shank provided with an annular groove for a seal gasket in contact with the inner wall of the cavity which receives the valve unit, said annular groove for receiving said seal gasket being positioned adjacent to that end of said thread close to the valve unit, and being inserted into a portion of the plug receiving cavity having a diameter less than the outer diameter of the plug thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Annovi E Reverberi S.R.L., an Italian Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Stefano Reverberi
  • Patent number: 6019126
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically verifying the function of pressure and vacuum relief valves for low-pressure storage vessels and tanks, which can be remotely operator actuated to insure venting when emergencies occur, allows for on-line verification of the relief valve functionality and proper operation. The system periodically checks the set pressure of the valve by attempting to lift its pallet and measures the deviation from a set point. It also indicates unplanned occurrence of valve lifting, as a result of unforeseen upset in storage vessel pressure. This apparatus is electrically operated and controlled and relies on electromagnetic means for tractive or pull-force, as well as for detecting valve lifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Maher I. Kelada
  • Patent number: 6019127
    Abstract: An inner diameter of a filler tube is formed smaller than that of a filler neck of a tank main body. Hence, a clearance is thus difficult to be created between inner peripheral surface of the filler tube and the fuel stream which flows through the filler tube upon supply of fuel, and also leakage of vapor fuel from a fuel filler port can be avoided. In addition, a cylindrical insert whose inner diameter is formed to be substantially equal to its of the filler tube is provided in a neck portion of the filler hose. Accordingly, there exists no portion where the inner diameter is largely changed in the filler neck portion, whereby generation of turbulent flow of the supplied fuel and reduction in a flow rate can be suppressed to their maximum and thus fuel supply performance can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kei Orita, Junichi Hanai
  • Patent number: 6019128
    Abstract: A new fuel injection valve possesses a fuel inlet fitting on which a ridge with sloping flank regions is shaped internally. A retaining section of the fuel filter has a groove which coacts with the ridge to form a snap-lock connection. The groove is shaped such that the retaining section of the fuel filter having the groove rests sealingly against the sloping flank regions of the ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ferdinand Reiter
  • Patent number: 6019129
    Abstract: A valve position adjustable lock mechanism is secured to the handle which is connected to the stem of a valve element to control the position of the valve element and accordingly the size of the opening of the valve element. An indicator ring is secured to the handle and is provided with position indicias thereon to indicate the position of the valve element from a fully open to a fully closed position. An arresting projection arrests the handle at the fully open and fully closed positions. A stopper ring is disposed over the indicator ring and displaceable for engagement and disengagement therewith. The stopper ring has an abutment flange for abutment with a fixed stop element secured to the valve body. The stopper ring has an alignment window to position the abutment means at a desired location selected by the position of the alignment window relative to the position indicias on the indicator ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Preso Meters Corp.
    Inventor: Sami Taha
  • Patent number: 6019130
    Abstract: The invention relates to a water faucet fixture (1, 1', 1"), especially for institutional kitchens and medical establishments, whereby a hot water line and a cold water line (3, 4) open into a mixing and shut-off unit (2) with a lever for manual control, by means of which water is supplied at a certain mixed temperature and flow volume to a spout (6), whereby the water faucet fixture (1, 1', 1") comprises another feed line (5) which, while bypassing the mixing and the shut-off unit (2), allows the supply of water from at least the cold water line (3) into the spout (6). This feed line (5) can be shut off by means of an electrically actuatable valve (9) that is controlled by the sensor signal of a proximity sensor (7, 7', 7"). The proximity sensor (7, 7', 7") is located in the upper area of the fixture in such a manner that movements that serve to operate the fixture manually do not fall within its detection range (20, 20', 20"). This makes it possible to operate the fixture contact-free as well as manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Rosemarie Brand-Gerhart
    Inventor: Hanns Rump
  • Patent number: 6019131
    Abstract: A toilet room flush valve body is connected to a control stop body by means of a tail having a tapered outer surface. The larger end of the tail is connected to the control stop body and the smaller end of the tail is connectd to the flush valve body. The connection between the flush valve body and the tail is fixed, with the connection between the control stop body and the tail being adjustable. The connection between the control stop body and the tail includes a coupling nut threadedly connected to the stop body and having a flange which is inwardly directed toward the tail tapered outer surface. The stop body outlet has an end surface thereon which, with said control nut flange, define a chamber extending peripherally about the tail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: David C. Hall
  • Patent number: 6019132
    Abstract: A plug with retaining packing for a water faucet cartridge where the packing is made in one piece on both sides of the plug. Both the portion of the packing that is on one side of the plug and the portion of the packing that is on the other side of the plug have a part of their surface in contact with and resting on the plug with respect to the axial direction of the plug and being connected to each other by at least one connection portion that extends substantially in an axial direction in a peripherally continuous manner or by sections through appropriate openings in the plug. The packing is formed and shaped on the plug by injecting an elastomer in the liquid state and cross-linking the elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Francesco Knapp
  • Patent number: 6019133
    Abstract: A cross lever valve control device (1), especially for a lifting device such as a crane, with at least one manually actuated cross lever (2,3) which can be swivelled in first cross direction (K.sub.1) and in a second cross direction (K.sub.2), and with at least two control valves (5, 6, 9, 10) which each have one movable valve body (11, 12, 15, 16), cross lever (2, 3) being coupled to valve body (11, 16) of first control valve (5, 10) and valve body (12, 15) of second control valve (6, 9) such that first control valve (5, 10) can be actuated by moving cross lever (2, 3) in first cross direction (K.sub.1) and second control valve (6, 9) can be actuated by moving cross lever (2, 3) in second cross direction (K.sub.2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Riedel & Sohne oHG
    Inventors: Norbert Riedel, Ludger Riedel
  • Patent number: 6019134
    Abstract: A high-pressure accumulator is provided which protects a diaphragm from abnormal displacement. A high-pressure vessel 101 is provided with support portions 107, 108 having contact portions facing the vicinity of the central portion of a diaphragm 106. The support portions are annular and have the same center as that of the high-pressure chamber. The support portions may also have a plurality of holes. The support portions have curved surfaces 107a, 108a which make contact with the diaphragm uniformly when the diaphragm is displaced. In addition, the support portions may be either integrated with or separated from a case 101. A seal portion is disposed on the cylindrical outer wall 109a of a plate 109 disposed in a position on the opposite side of the diaphragm 106 from the case 101.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Onishi
  • Patent number: 6019135
    Abstract: A diaphragm stopper construction for a high-pressure accumulator is provided which prevents excessive concentrations of stress in a diaphragm.The curve of the contact surface of a stopper includes a first curve for the perimeter portion of a diaphragm 86 which is determined on the basis of a first equation expressing deflection when a disk secured around its circumference is subjected to a uniformly distributed load; and a second curve for the central portion which is determined on the basis of a second equation expressing large deflection when a disk secured around its circumference is subjected to a uniformly distributed load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Onishi
  • Patent number: 6019136
    Abstract: A conduit repair system and method are disclosed for repairing ruptures in underground conduits. One embodiment of the system comprises a repair liner including fusible link twine segments and hook and loop fasteners to allow the tautly wrapping of the repair liner around the inflatable bladder of a carrier and to secure the repair liner in place by attaching fusible link twine segments to the leading and trailing edges of a carrier. Another embodiment of the system includes a hook and loop fastener to directly engage the repair liner to the bladder, in combination with a water base releasing agent coated on the bladder, with or without the use of the fusible link twine segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Fiberglass Coatings, Inc.
    Inventors: John Walsh, Scott Hedeen
  • Patent number: 6019137
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible pipe including a hose for carrying hydrocarbons and a connection endpiece at the end of the hose. The hose has an inner carcass, a sacrificial sublayer, and a sealing barrier. The endpiece has a tubular body in which the inner carcass, the sacrificial sublayer, and the sealing barrier are inserted. A sealing bush is crimped onto the sealing barrier. The endpiece includes a retaining ring secured to the inner carcass. A lock advantageously opposes axial displacement of the retaining ring in the direction for dissembling the hose from the endpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Coflexip
    Inventors: Philippe Secher, Eric Buon