Patents Issued in May 1, 2001
  • Patent number: 6223735
    Abstract: Control method for an oxygen linear sensor, in which the sensor is located along an exhaust duct of an internal combustion engine to receive into a separate chamber part of the exhaust gas and generate a first signal representative of the swing between the composition of the gases in the chamber and a reference stoichiometric composition; the first signal being processed by a retroactive circuit which pilots an electrical current Ip into the sensor in such a manner as to generate an oxygen ion draining mechanism from and towards the chamber and to cancel the swing; the current being converted into an output signal which saving an error due to current spreads, is proportional to the quantity of oxygen present in the exhaust gases; the method presenting the calculation phase of a correction parameter which is applied to the output signal to make it effectively proportional to the quantity of oxygen present in the exhaust gases; the calculation of the parameter being effected with the sensor located in a control
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luca Poggio, Marco Secco, Daniele Ceccarini
  • Patent number: 6223736
    Abstract: A tile cutter provided with a supporting rail of which cross section is inverted T having a straight supporting ridge portion in a longitudinal direction, a front fixation post having a tile contact portion in a direction at right angles with the supporting rail and attached to an end of the supporting rail, a rear fixation post attached to the other end of the supporting rail, a guide rail arranged on upper ends of the front and rear fixation posts and parallel to the supporting rail, a scale for measuring tile cutting dimension having a tile receiving plate of which upper face corresponds to a top portion of the supporting ridge portion and attached onto the supporting rail as to freely slide along the supporting rail, and a tile cutting operation unit, which has an operation lever on an upper portion and a tile pressing leg and a circular cutting blade on a lower portion, attached to the guide rail as to freely slide along the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Sankei Butusan Co., LTD
    Inventor: Masaki Yasuga
  • Patent number: 6223737
    Abstract: A pellet fuel burner, such as a cooking grill, has a fire box with a generally open top plane. A pellet burner unit is disposed in the fire box below the cooking surface. A pellet feeding device opens into the fire box and is disposed so as to feed pellets into the burner unit. A pressure box has an inlet supplied with combustion air at a positive pressure. A plurality of outlets are provided in the pressure box and disposed so as to create a turbulent combustion air flow in the pellet burner unit. The outlets may include a first outlet disposed above the burner unit and a second outlet disposed below the burner unit. The turbulent combustion air flow and supply of pellets, particularly corn kernels from the pellet feeding device allow for a continuous sustained combustion of the fuel in the pellet burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Carrol E. Buckner
  • Patent number: 6223738
    Abstract: A portable burner has a base with an electrical lighter and a nozzle provided with an inlet and multiple outlets, a gas pipe retrievable received in the base and having a removable connector adapted to connect to a gas source, a support snugly located on top of the base to encase the electrical lighter in the base and having at least three ledges and at least three bosses oppositely formed in relation to the ledges and a cover encasing the support and the gas pipe in the base and having at least two protrusions formed to correspond to at least two keyholes in the bottom face of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Tsen-Tung Wu
  • Patent number: 6223739
    Abstract: A barbecue grill with multiple functions has a base, a body securely mounted on the top face of the base, at least one barbecue holder detachably held in the body, a main frame mounted on the top edge of the body and a heater pivotally mounted in the main frame. A thermo-conductive pan is detachably mounted on the main frame and abuts the heater. By such an arrangement, the barbecue grill can cook on the pan or roast foods in the body by the heater when the heater is rotated relative to the main frame upward or downward. Consequently, the functional use of the barbecue grill will be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Lucas Pai
  • Patent number: 6223740
    Abstract: A gas-fired forced draft air heating furnace is provided with a specially designed self-cooling draft inducer fan that overlies an inshot-type burner section of the furnace and is operatively supported on a heat exchanger plenum portion of the furnace housing. The fan motor is supported on an outboard housing side of the fan, and an umbrella cooling fan is coaxially secured to an outboard end of the fan drive shaft. During operation of the draft inducer fan, the umbrella fan is rotationally driven to direct a flow of ambient cooling air toward the outboard side of the draft inducer fan housing in a manner causing the air flow to sequentially contact and cool the outer shaft end bearing area, the motor windings and the inner shaft end bearing area at the outer side of the draft inducer fan housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Seung-Ho Kim, Robert I. Kepesky, Walter S. Painter
  • Patent number: 6223741
    Abstract: A stove hood, particularly useful for disposition over a stove abutting a kitchen wall, to capture smoke and other gasses arising from the stove heating elements. The hood includes a chamber, one side having a screened opening which is closeable, and a roof which extends from the top of the chamber over the stove heating elements. That portion of the roof defining the top of the chamber is provided with a vent which may be opened or closed, and communicates with a duct leading to a gas discharge area outside the residence. A spray head is disposed within the chamber and connected to a source of fluid under pressure. The floor of the chamber is provided with a drain. When the side opening of the chamber is closed by a plate-like member, the chamber and the screening over such opening, may be cleaned by turning on the fluid source to the spray head. Fluid falling to the bottom of the chamber passes out of the drain to a waste pipe or to a recycling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Mihail Panos
  • Patent number: 6223742
    Abstract: Suitable for melting snow, the apparatus has a flame heater for melting snow directly by flame contact directed from above, a conveyor for transporting snow to the flame heater for melting, and a drainage for allowing water to drain while the snow is being melted. A container is included for receiving snow removed from a road surface. A vibrated netting inside the container receives snow through an opening in the container. The snow passes through the netting while catching larger solid masses of ice contained within the snow. A reservoir holds the drainage water which can be pumped into a storm drain through a wind-up hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Jullen Macameau
  • Patent number: 6223743
    Abstract: A solar energy collection system harvests solar energy from large open areas. A length of flexible solar collector is provided for unrolling along a supporting surface. A first layer of the solar collector is an uninsulated base panel for directly contacting the ground or other supporting structure. A plurality of parallel conduits are sealed along the length of the flexible base panel and have a high light absorption and a low infrared emission for containing a flowing liquid to be heated by solar energy from the sun. A length of a covering material is placed parallel to the base panel and between the parallel conduits and the sun and sealed to the base panel for containing a low pressure fluid to reduce heat loss from the flowing liquid and to inflate the structure formed by the ground cover and covering material. Heated fluid from the parallel conduits is collected in a header for delivery to a power generating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Melvin L. Prueitt
  • Patent number: 6223744
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wearable aerosol delivery apparatus for releasing an aerosol with an active ingredient into an oral or nasal passage of a user. The apparatus comprises a housing comprising a first and a second surface, the first surface being adapted to be disposed against a wrist of the user, the housing defining a reservoir for containing the aerosol under pressure, an aerosol release mechanism connected with the reservoir for releasing a dose of the aerosol from the reservoir when actuated, and a fastener member attached to the housing to fasten the housing onto the user's wrist, whereby the apparatus is worn by the user and effective for delivering the active ingredient into the user's passage on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Multi-Vet Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark Garon
  • Patent number: 6223745
    Abstract: A nebulizer and method for forming a finely atomized aerosol are provided. A first aerosol is formed by passing a gas jet across the mouth of a liquid channel that communicates with a liquid reservoir. The first aerosol then strikes a stop surface and is converted into a second, more finely atomized aerosol. The second aerosol impacts a buffer plate. The larger liquid particles in the second aerosol strike the plate and are either broken up or returned to the liquid reservoir. The smaller particles follow a labyrinthine path through at least one slit-shaped passage in the buffer plate, in the process forming a third, final aerosol. Selection of the passage size allows control of the particle size distribution of the third, final aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: AGA Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Nils Hammarlund, Leif Nilsson
  • Patent number: 6223746
    Abstract: A metered dose inhaler pump for delivering a metered dose of an active compound from an active compound inlet through a spray outlet without the need of a pressurized active compound container. Reciprocating action of an inlet valve, an outlet valve and a plunger alternately draw a metered dose of the active compound from an active compound container into an active compound chamber and pressurize the drawn metered dose of the active compound to eject the metered dose through the spray outlet. The plunger substantially fills and evacuates the metered dose chamber, leaving no void head space therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: IEP Pharmaceutical Devices Inc.
    Inventors: Warren R. Jewett, Robert C. Williams, III
  • Patent number: 6223747
    Abstract: A condom has a ring (6) adjacent the open end (1) for expanding the condom to a maximum diameter to maintain the open end outside the vagina, and a tubular portion (3) extending between the ring and the closed end is of a size to form a loose fit around the penis and is formed with a series of circumferential grooves (5), e.g. 3 to 5 grooves around 0.8 cm wide and 1.0 cm deep, so that the condom naturally folds in a bellows like manner for the condom to collapse to a substantially flat condition prior to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: LRC Products Limited
    Inventors: Janette Mary Rudge, Janette Louise Rogers
  • Patent number: 6223748
    Abstract: A protective eye covering for infants for safely securing a protective eye covering for infants during photo-therapy. The protective eye covering for infants includes a mask having padding material sandwiched between outer layers of material and being adapted to removably cover over an infant's eyes during photo-therapy; and also includes a strap assembly for fastening the mask about an infant's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventors: Kay E. Chaves, J. Jill Ruskoski
  • Patent number: 6223749
    Abstract: A device for stabilizing the cervical spine includes a generally U-shaped upper structure for fitting about the back and opposing sides of a head of a user, a lower support structure connected to and extending downwardly from the upper structure, a pair of shoulder restraints connected to and extending from the lower support structure in a forward and downward arcuate direction to overlie the upper thoracic region on opposite sides of the spinal column of the user. The lower support structure having a length extending to a position which would underlie the scapulas of the user, and a width being generally the approximate width of a person's back. The shoulder restraints having an interior side which substantially conforms with the shape of the posterior midline portions of the shoulders and upper thoracic region of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: W Roger Beaty
  • Patent number: 6223750
    Abstract: A seat face part 20 of a chair 1 is provided with a stimulating coil 3. A projection 10 is made on the top of the stimulating coil 3. When a treated patient sits in the chair 1, the anus of the treated patient is placed on the top of the projection 10, whereby the treated patient can be made to sit at the optimum position for urinary incontinence treatment relative to the stimulating coil 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Nihon Kohden Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Ishikawa, Shin Suda, Tadashi Sasaki, Hidehiro Hosaka
  • Patent number: 6223751
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device for use by patients having incontinence. Disclosed is a cup 16 for receiving the penis of the user. The cup 16 contains a urine pad 30 for absorbing urine which cup is supported in the proper position by a waist belt 22 with buckle 24 having additional straps 12 with buckles 14 for attachment of the cup 16. Clip strings 18 having clip attachment members 20 thereon connect the straps to eyelets 26 disposed on the top rim of the cup 18. The cup 18 is divided into an upper 15 and lower 19 chamber by a funnel-like partition 23 having a drain hole 38 therein. The urine pad 30 is located in the lower chamber 19 of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Douglas K Park
  • Patent number: 6223752
    Abstract: A blood flow path is formed from a heart chamber to a coronary vessel on an exterior surface of a heart wall. A hollow conduit has a vessel portion and a myocardial portion. The vessel portion has an open leading end sized to be inserted into the coronary vessel. The myocardial portion has an open leading end and the myocardium portion is sized to extend through a thickness of the heart wall. The myocardial portion is placed in the heart wall with the open leading end of the myocardial portion protruding into the heart chamber. Blood flow through the conduit from the heart chamber is at least partially blocked. The leading end of the vessel portion is placed in the coronary vessel. Blood flow through the conduit from the heart chamber and into the vessel is then opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: HeartStent Corporation
    Inventors: Guy P. Vanney, Thomas L. Odland, Eric E. Solien
  • Patent number: 6223753
    Abstract: A manual hairdressing and styling device includes two clamping members, two heating members, two bases, and two styling members. The two heating members are respectively fixed in an inner side of a front portion of each (an upper and a lower) clamping member, and two bases are respectively fixed on the two heating members for connecting with each (an upper and a lower) styling member made of ceramics. And a plurality of the upper and the lower styling members with different styling surfaces are prepared for changeably connected with the two bases so as to set different hair styles on hairs. And the upper and the lower styling member made of ceramics have an advantage- of protecting hairs from harming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Zhen-Xing Lo
  • Patent number: 6223754
    Abstract: A single individually molded plastic unit comprises a base member having two opposite side edges with a flat bottom surface and an open top surface having a raised continuous periphery. A cover member has the same shape and two side edges as the base member, and also has a top surface and an open bottom surface having a raised continuous periphery. One side edge of the cover member is secured to one side edge of the base member by a living hinge. A catch is detachably engageable with the bottom surface of the cover member and is supported by an external projection secured to the opposite side edge of the base member. Inward movement of the projection toward the base member releases the catch engagement and allows the cover member to be pivoted about the living hinge away from the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Jerhel Plastics Inc
    Inventors: Joseph H. Burdi, Dennis J. Preteroti
  • Patent number: 6223755
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to various aspects of a plasma process, and more specifically the monitoring of such plasma processes. One aspect relates in at least some manner to calibrating or initializing a plasma monitoring assembly. This type of calibration may be used to address wavelength shifts, intensity shifts, or both associated with optical emissions data obtained on a plasma process. A calibration light may be directed at a window through which optical emissions data is being obtained to determine the effect, if any, that the inner surface of the window is having on the optical emissions data being obtained therethrough, the operation of the optical emissions data gathering device, or both. Another aspect relates in at least some manner to various types of evaluations which may be undertaken of a plasma process which was run, and more typically one which is currently being run, within the processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Lane Smith, Jr., Joel O'Don Stevenson, Pamela Peardon Denise Ward
  • Patent number: 6223756
    Abstract: An apparatus for degreasing solid and/or mass-produced parts, such as small metallic parts comprises a drum with a perforated drum wall rotatable and drivable around a vertical axis. A charge opening is furnished at the top and a discharge opening furnished at the bottom. The discharge opening is closable by an axially movable floor closure. A stationery outer ring channel surrounds the drum and exhibits at the bottom an outer ring trough with discharge port. An inner ring channel is disposed between the outer ring channel and the drum and axially adjustable by way of an adjustment member and including an inner ring trough at the bottom. Feed lines for treatment agent lead into the drum. The inner ring channel is formed adjustable from the starting position, releasing the drum perforations, into a center position covering the drum perforations on the outside, and into a sealing position for sealing the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Turbo-Clean GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Schulze-Eyssing
  • Patent number: 6223757
    Abstract: A toy car wash apparatus includes a plurality of hollow tubes and a plurality of hollow connectors for connecting the tubes together to form a framework having an open front and open back. The apparatus includes an adapter for connecting the apparatus to a water source under pressure. A plurality of water nozzles are coupled to various tubes for dispensing water into an interior space defined by the framework. An actuator is rotatably coupled to each nozzle such that rotation of the actuator selectively adjusts the flow of water dispensed from the nozzle. A pair of wheels are pivotally attached to one end of the framework which in a vertical position for permitting lateral and longitudinal placement of the apparatus. The wheels are pivotally retractable for allowing the framework to bear against a ground surface following placement of the framework. A variety of other water dispensing devices can be mounted to the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventors: Roger C. Horvath, Joseph R. Horvath
  • Patent number: 6223758
    Abstract: A novelty umbrella for a child that includes a rod, a frame, and a cover. The rod has a pair of handles that extend radially outwardly from its proximal end and are shoe-like and a pair of hands that extend radially outwardly from its midpoint and are arm-like. The frame includes a plurality of ribs pivotally mounted to the rod. The cover includes a plurality of panels, each of which extends as a web between a pair of adjacent ribs, is made from a glow-in-the dark material for allowing the child to be more safely visible to traffic, and is provided with a transparent portion for allowing the child to see through the cover without having to lift it up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Allan R. Feldman
  • Patent number: 6223759
    Abstract: Umbrella apparatus is provided for use by disc golfers and others. The device includes a hollow, cylindrical, longitudinal member which can provide a storage compartment for an umbrella slidably disposed therein. A suction cup mounted atop the longitudinal member allows the user to easily pick up discs without having to stoop or bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: J. Franklin Flippin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6223760
    Abstract: A cover for shielding an automobile from radiation from the sun comprising a sheet with a flap having one edge secured to the sheet at a location that permits positioning the cover over the roof of the car with the flap extending through a side window into the interor of the car and with the flap against the outside surface of the car. When the car window is rolled up, the edge of the window clamps the cover to the window frame of the car thereby preventing removal of the cover by a thief.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Mark Hughey
  • Patent number: 6223761
    Abstract: Proportional variable force solenoid valve for controlling pressure of a fluid in a fluid control system comprises a solenoid housing having therein a solenoid coil, an armature movable in response to electrical current applied to the solenoid coil, and a biasing spring for biasing the armature in a direction to establish a valve fluid pressure response to solenoid coil current. An inner armature end cooperates with or engages a damping member residing in a fluid damping chamber to reduce non-linear valve responses resulting from pressure oscillations in the fluid control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Hamid Najmolhoda, David L. Seid, David A. Nezwek, John A. Cruden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6223762
    Abstract: The invention is a device and method for superodorizing an LP-gas tank with a mercaptan odorant for a new LP-gas tank and other situations requiring additional odorant, thus giving the new or older LP-gas tank and its contents the “skunk scent” required for proper leakage detection of the otherwise colorless, odorless LP-gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventors: Hooshang R. Ghaeli, Kevin L. Copple
  • Patent number: 6223763
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle including a distributor, or switch, valve for actuating at least two operational areas and supplying the two areas with sufficient amounts of hydraulic medium is provided. The distributor, or switch, valve preferably comprises a flow regulator valve and a solenoid valve, which function so that the supply of hydraulic medium to the steering system always has priority, ensuring that the vehicle is steerable in any situation. When the steering system is operational, the supply of hydraulic medium to other operational areas, such as the clutch and transmission systems, is completely blocked by operation of the switch valve. If, however, the clutch and transmission systems should require hydraulic medium during operation of the steering system, the switch valve allows a small portion of hydraulic medium to be supplied to the clutch and transmission as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Meyer, Andreas Knecht, Dieter Tischer, Bernd Niethammer, Alfred Trzmiel
  • Patent number: 6223764
    Abstract: An inflation valve assembly for temporarily connecting inflatable devices to sources of pressurized air is provided. The inflation valve assembly includes a valve coupling mechanism adapted for temporary connection to a source of pressurized air. An outlet nozzle is connected to the valve coupling mechanism. The outlet nozzle is adapted for relatively fluid-tight connection to a variety of inflatable devices. At least one grip member is secured between the valve coupling mechanism and the outlet nozzle. The grip member is adapted to orient the inflation valve assembly in a predetermined position when gripped by a user of the inflation valve assembly during inflation of an inflatable device. The valve coupling mechanism can be provided as a schrader valve. The outlet nozzle ca be configured as an annular frustoconical nozzle. The at least one grip member can be provided as a pair of grip members extending radially outwardly from the inflation valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventors: Todd Charlesbois, Richard Hoinville
  • Patent number: 6223765
    Abstract: A casing which provides a fluid and electrical interface between components of a fuel dispensing system. A column pipe which receives fuel pumped from an underground tank connects with a power head mounted in the casing. A check valve controls flow from the power head to a dispensing pipe leading to a fuel dispenser. A hand operated quick connect coupling connects the power head with the check valve housing to facilitate extraction of the power head, column pipe and pump. The check valve element can be removed along with a cover to the check valve housing. Leaking fuel and excessive fuel vapor are returned to the tank by valves. Fuel from the check valve housing used to operate a siphon system is returned to the tank along with fuel needed to relieve excessive pressure in the check valve housing. A junction box in the casing houses electrical wiring and is equipped with a safety barrier plug that accommodates a signal wire from a pressure transducer used to control the fuel flow to the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Marley Pump
    Inventors: Dorsey D. Small, Martin J. Traver, David S. Young, G. Todd Clark, Robert Joe Schwan
  • Patent number: 6223766
    Abstract: A method and assembly (kit) are provided for use by propane tank service personnel to detect escaping gas in propane tank systems. The standard connection between the regulator and tank service valve is replaced with a permanent valve assembly including a main connection between the regulator and valve and a valve unit disposed in a branch connection of the valve assembly. A separate pressure gauge is individually assigned to tank service personnel and adapted to be carried by such personnel in testing the pressure in the propane tank. The pressure gauge is affixed, e.g., through a hose, to a valve unit connector including an actuator, i.e., a valve stem operator, for actuating the valve unit. When the pressure gauge is connected to the valve unit, the latter is actuated to provide an immediate reading of the tank pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Presto-Tap, LLC
    Inventors: Jimmie Bryant Shaw, Thomas W. Young
  • Patent number: 6223767
    Abstract: A receptacle mounted on the outside of a recreational vehicle (RV) is provided for stowing an RV's compressible waste drain hose. The stowage receptacle comprises a housing for receiving and storing the hose in a compressed configuration, and supports for mounting the housing to the outside of the vehicle. The stowage receptacle is mounted preferably under the vehicle, in a location where excess moisture can drain from apertures in the receptacle, and where airflow from the vehicle's movement can pass through the apertures and facilitate drying any residual moisture left in the receptacle or drain hose. Typically, the housing is mounted to an appropriate fame or chassis member, proximate the drain port for the vehicle's waste holding tank(s). When needed, the drain hose may be released and removed from the stowage receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: William Blake Otis
  • Patent number: 6223768
    Abstract: An outlet dust cover, for attachment to a back plate having a wall plate formed to include an aperture within which a valve controlling gas flow in a pipe is received, includes a plate, a valve actuator located in the plate and arranged to be positioned adjacent the valve when the plate is positioned adjacent the wall plate, the valve actuator having a first state in which the valve is not actuated and a second state wherein the valve is actuated, and a vent extending through the cover and positioned to be in communication with the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Hoffman, David M. Garner
  • Patent number: 6223769
    Abstract: A remote sensing and indicating apparatus for a conventional two-stage changeover gas regulator having a mechanical full/empty indicator and at least one inlet for receiving gas from at least one gas storage container. The apparatus includes a housing, retrofittable to the regulator, for accommodating a sensor. The sensor converts the mechanical movement of a pressure sensitive diaphragm and an indicating member biased thereagainst, of the full/empty indicator, into an electrical signal indicative of the “full/empty” status of the supply container. Within the housing, the sensing apparatus includes a plunger movably arranged therein, and biased against the indicating member such that the plunger is collectively movable with the indicating member and diaphragm in response to a change in gas pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: S. H. Leggitt Company
    Inventors: John C. Bragg, Ruth H. Heckler
  • Patent number: 6223770
    Abstract: An interface for connecting a first vacuum source to a first vacuum apparatus, and for selectively connecting the first vacuum source and the first vacuum apparatus to a second vacuum apparatus without venting the first vacuum apparatus. A third fitting is connected to the first vacuum source, and makes a hermetic seal between the first vacuum source and the interface. A vacuum source line, having a first end and a second end, is connected by its first end to the third fitting. The vacuum source line receives a vacuum from the first vacuum source, and conducts the vacuum through the vacuum source line. A first tee section, having a first end and a second end, is connected by its first end to the second end of the vacuum source line. The first tee section receives the vacuum from the vacuum source line and conducts the vacuum through the first tee section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy L. Snow
  • Patent number: 6223771
    Abstract: The present invention is a liquefied gas tank having a sealing partition positioned internally at approximately the eighty percent (80%) liquid volume level as measured from the bottom of the tank, and thus creating an approximately twenty percent (20%) vapor space in the upper portion of the tank. Carried by the partition is an excess flow valve positioned generally perpendicular to the partition in an upward direction such that any flow through the valve will be released into the approximately twenty percent (20%) vapor space. Attached to the top of the tank is a fill valve that allows the inputting and outputting of liquefied and vapor gases. A fill tube extends from the fill valve through the partition and into the liquid space wherein liquefied gas is pumped into the liquid space of the tank. When the liquid space is filled, the excess flow valve will open thereby allowing approximately 1 gal/min to flow into the vapor space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: J. B. Brown
  • Patent number: 6223772
    Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling the flow of refrigerant and coolant through an HVAC system is provided. The valve assembly includes a refrigerant housing defining a refrigerant conduit with a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet. A refrigerant valve is disposed within the refrigerant conduit for controlling the flow of refrigerant between the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet. The assembly also includes a coolant housing defining a coolant conduit with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. A coolant valve is disposed within the coolant conduit for controlling the flow of coolant between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet. An actuator assembly is coupled to the refrigerant and the coolant valves for simultaneously actuating the valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Donald Cummings, Taylor R. Eckstein, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6223773
    Abstract: In a check valve assembly and a valve assembly employing such a check valve assembly, a topping piston may be taken into contact with a main poppet to raise the main poppet from its seat. The main poppet is designed without significant area difference from the valve seat and the topping piston is actuated through a pilot valve, so that the process of raising the main poppet from the valve seat is controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Burkhard Knoell, Winfried Rueb
  • Patent number: 6223774
    Abstract: The redundant regulation valve for controlling fluid flow comprises a valve body defining a passage for the flow of the fluid, a main throttle element movable by means of a main control device to selectively obstruct the passage, and a redundant throttle element movable by means of a redundant control device. When the valve is in its closed position in normal operation, the main element and the redundant element are in contact with each other. In this normal closed position, the main element is close to its fully-extended position in the closure direction and it obstructs only about half of the passage, while the redundant element is in a position of medium extension. The stroke of the redundant element is such that the redundant element can be controlled to obstruct the entire passage even when the main element is in its fully-open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation-S.N.E.C.M.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Fournier, Francis Meyer, Christian Languedoc, David Salze
  • Patent number: 6223775
    Abstract: A pump for moving a fluid has a housing with a internal chamber accommodating a pair of rotating pistons. Each piston has protrusions that register with pockets in the other piston in non-contact relation as the pistons rotate. A fluid accumulator in fluid communication with the pump holds a supply of fluid to prevent excessive pressure rise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventors: Craig N. Hansen, Paul C. Cross
  • Patent number: 6223776
    Abstract: A plugging device for closing an opening defined by an end of a pipe with sealant comprises a cap, an extension, an inner seal, a guide, and at least one stop. The cap has an inner surface which defines a chamber adapted for retaining the sealant. The chamber is dimensioned slightly larger than the end so as to receive the end. The chamber and end define a gap therebetween. The extension has a distal end and is attached to the inner surface opposite the distal end. The inner seal is attached to the extension and sized larger than the opening. The guide is positioned forward of the inner seal and attached to the distal end. The guide is also dimensioned to be inserted into the opening. The stop is attached to the extender, and when the stop is disposed in the pipe, the stop is movable with respect to the conduit in one direction and also prevents misalignment of the cap with the pipe. A handle can also be included to allow the cap to be positioned robotically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Glassell, Scott M. Babcock, Benjamin E. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6223777
    Abstract: An integrally molded, repositionable connector has a collapsible obround body that includes lockable annular members that allow the body portion to extend, compress, bend, and lock into selectable lengths and angular positions. Each lockable annular member includes a static side, a movable side, and a reinforcing bead. Each annular member also has a plurality of arcuate segments defining the obround body. The connector can be extended by manually pulling the movable sides away from the static sides until the movable sides lock into position. The connector can also be compressed by pushing the movable sides towards the static sides until the movable sides lock into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Gutter World, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Smith, Christopher D. Noble
  • Patent number: 6223778
    Abstract: A weft insertion apparatus for a series shed weaving machine contains a unit of fixed location with a plurality of passages (21) and with a plurality of nozzles (25) and a unit which rotates with the weaving rotor (1) with a plurality of nozzles (12) to draw off the weft threads which are supplied to the passages and to shoot them successively into the shed. This apparatus enables the insertion of weft threads of different kinds in rapid succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Sulzer Rueti AG
    Inventors: Robert R. Bucher, Hans Peter, Godert De Jager
  • Patent number: 6223779
    Abstract: A loom with pneumatic weft thread insertion and including a reed, a weft thread guide device connected with the reed and pivotable therewith between an insertion position and a beat-up position, a stationary weft insertion device having at least one blowing nozzle for inserting a weft thread into a guide channel of the weft thread guide device, an arrangement for forming a selvage having edge threads for clamping the weft thread after termination of the weft thread insertion and for guiding the weft thread from the insertion position to the beat-up position, and a shear having a first, stationary blade secured to a loom frame and a second, movable blade movement mounted on the reed for joint movement therewith and which cooperates with the first, stationary blade for cutting off a clamped weft thread in a region of a rear position of the reed outside of the selvage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Textilma AG
    Inventor: Francisco Speich
  • Patent number: 6223780
    Abstract: A textile planar structure for paper machine cloths, transport belts or filtering means has two or more plies, each of which has structural yarns in both the machine and cross-machine directions that bind at least two plies together, and optionally, structural yarns which do not bind the plies together, but which cooperate with the binding structural yarns to form a uniform weave pattern. At least one ply has a group of adjacent structural yarns running in the same direction that alternate in their position within the planar structure, such that when one yarn binds one ply, another yarn in the same group binds another ply, and vice versa. When a binding structural yarn from an adjacently disposed group crosses from a first ply into an inter-ply space between the plies, another yarn from the same adjacently disposed group crosses from a second ply into the inter-ply space without the binding structural yarns laying under or over each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Thomas Josef Heimbach Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung & Co.
    Inventor: Ralf Kaldenhoff
  • Patent number: 6223781
    Abstract: A joining loop in combination with an industrial fabric, each end of the fabric including an arrangement of wefts in multiple layers, where the first end has a remaining weft in at least an upper layer, and a loop forming part below the remaining weft where a removed weft would normally be disposed, the joining loop having first and second warps folded back respectively into the first and second ends to form first and second end-joining loops. A core line is inserted in a common hole of the joining loop, the common hole being formed by engaging both end-joining loops with each other. The first warp of the joining loop is folded back in the loop forming part, woven with the remaining weft, and woven at a tip end of the first warp into an ordinary part to form the first end-joining loop. The second warp of the joining loop is folded back, and woven into the ordinary part without weaving the second warp with the remaining weft, to form the second end-joining loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Filcon Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinzo Yamada, Senri Itoh
  • Patent number: 6223782
    Abstract: A fabric comprising a blend of at least one polyester fiber and at least one elastic fiber for making postoperative garments, athletic garments, and other garments where it is desirable to provide for enhanced muscular support, performance, injury prevention, and comfort. The fabric has an elasticity of about 200-220±10% in both the warp direction and in the fill direction, the difference between the warp and fill direction elasticity preferably being no more than about 3% to about 5%, a compression modulus of about 1 to about 4, and a breathability measurement of 70-100% moisture loss within 30 minutes and an approximate skin surface temperature reduction of about 4-6° F. within about 3-7 minutes as measured by evaporative cooling, and the panels being attachable to each other along one edge by a closure means, such as mated hook and loop fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: William Bruce Campbell Watkins
  • Patent number: 6223783
    Abstract: A filling insertion system for a weaving machine includes a holder (8) for at least two nozzles (10, 11, 50). Each of the nozzles (10, 11, 50) includes a feed connection (20, 21, 52) for a pressurized fluid. The feed connections (20, 21, 52) are all arranged on the same side (15) of the holder (8) and are space apart from each other along the direction of the longitudinal axes (30, 31, 54) of the nozzles (10, 11, 50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Picanol N.V.
    Inventors: Jozef Peeters, Joseph Verhulst
  • Patent number: 6223784
    Abstract: A method and device for producing wave windings for an electrical machine, especially for a three-phase generator, is described in which each phase has a wave winding (12) divided into two winding halves (12a,12b), which are first deformed into a wavy star shape, are offset from one another by one pole pitch, and are finally inserted jointly into the grooves of a stator lamination packet. A simple and reliable method for production of this wave winding includes first winding a first winding half (12a) in a first winding direction in a circular or polygonal shape, and then switching over the continuous winding wire (15) in a winding loop (21) into the opposite winding direction, then winding the second winding half (12b) in the opposite winding direction and deforming both winding halves simultaneously into a star shape, offsetting both winding halves (12a, 12b) with respect to each other by one pole pitch (p) so that the winding loop (21) between the winding halves transitions into the star shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Kirschner