Patents Issued in April 8, 2003
  • Patent number: 6543441
    Abstract: An apparatus for utilising solar energy is described. The apparatus comprises: (a) a plurality of movable mirrors (3) which are arranged in parallel next to one another, are orientable according to the solar altitude, and are fastened on carriers (10, 10′); (b) at least one stationary collector (14) for absorbing the radiation reflected by the mirrors (3); (c) a drive means for rotating the mirrors (3) and carriers (10, 10′) in order to orientate the mirrors (3) in such a way that the solar radiation impinging on the mirrors is reflected onto the collector (14); and (d) a framework (15) supporting said mirrors (3), said carriers (10, 10′), said stationary collector (14) and said drive means (c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignees: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft, Suria Holdings S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Friedrich Fünger, Reinhold Kappenstein, Lieven Ven, Jacques De Lalaing
  • Patent number: 6543442
    Abstract: A nozzle comprised of a thin, flexible membrane material having a plurality of pores is disclosed. In one embodiment, the pores have an unflexed exit aperture diameter in the range of about 0.5 to about 2 microns (preferably about 1 micron) and are positioned substantially uniformly in the material, preferably about 50 microns apart. The nozzle preferably has a conical or trumpet-shaped cross-section. In another aspect of the invention, the exit aperture of the nozzle is surrounded by an elevated area protruding above the substantially planar exit side of the membrane in order to prevent intrusion of liquid back into the nozzle. The nozzle can be used to form an aerosol containing a pharmaceutical composition from the exit side of the nozzle upon forcible application of the composition to the entrance side of the nozzle. This aerosol can be used to administer the pharmaceutical composition, for example, to the eye or to a selected portion of the respiratory tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Aradigm Corporation
    Inventors: Igor Gonda, Jeffrey A. Schuster, Rajesh S. Patel
  • Patent number: 6543443
    Abstract: A nebulizing device having two or more nebulizing elements. The nebulizing device may be used to deliver two or more fluids to the patient or may be used for enhanced fluid flow of a single fluid. The nebulizing elements are preferably vibrating elements with holes therein through which the fluid is expelled when the vibrating elements are vibrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Aerogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Klimowicz, Richard Stevens, Paul Uster, Joseph Maxwell, Markus Flierl
  • Patent number: 6543444
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately determining air time remaining in a self-contained breathing apparatus quantifies the effects of various non-linearities in order to define an accurate estimate of air time remaining within a gas supply tank. An analytical expression relates a mass equivalent to measured tank pressure through a power function. The system determines the rate of change of pressure with respect to time in order to determine numerical values for a rate of change of mass equivalent with respect to time, as well as the values of a set of constants relating mass equivalent to the pressure power function. A range of pressure:mass equivalent data pairs are produced which express the pressure/mass equivalent relationship over a range of specified mass equivalents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: John E. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6543445
    Abstract: A non-invasive device and attendant method specifically designed to regulate and effectively equalize the pressure between the sinus cavities and middle ear, and the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. The relieving of the pressure within the sinus cavities in turn relieves pain normally associated with such a condition. The pressure equalizing assembly and method comprises establishing a seal about the nose and nostrils of the user and thereby effectively isolating the nasal cavity and nasopharynx, when the user swallows, and further establishing direct fluid communication with a vacuum chamber and a pressure regulating assembly so as to create an initial negative pressure within the nasal cavity and nasopharynx.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: William J. Hopper
  • Patent number: 6543446
    Abstract: An endotracheal tube can be inserted into a patient's trachea during resuscitation by using a face mask and a curved guide. The guide is inserted through a flexible port in the face mask and has a curved distal portion that extends into the patient's mouth and hypopharynx. The patient is initially resuscitated by supplying a flow of air/oxygen through the mask. For example, a resuscitation bag can be connected to a rotatable ventilation port on the face mask. Alternatively, a resuscitation attachment with an air filter and one-way valve can be removably attached to the ventilation port of the face mask to enable a health care provider to directly resuscitate the patient. An endotracheal tube is inserted over the distal end of a fiber optic probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Evergreen Medical Incorporated
    Inventor: Kent L. Christopher
  • Patent number: 6543447
    Abstract: The configuration and arrangement of the instrument greatly facilitate safe placement of the instrument and an associated endotracheal tube. The instrument includes a handle with an arm extending therefrom. The arm includes a base portion and a distal lifter portion preferably having an angle between 5° and 85°, inclusive, and the lifter is sized and shaped to engage or lift the patient's epiglottis, thereby to expose the glottis. In a preferred embodiment, the base portion and lifter portion are substantially the same length, and a viewing device, which is preferably a CCD or CMOS camera positioned near the transition portion between the base and lifter portions, is aligned to provide a perspective view toward the distal end of the lifter. Lights, which are preferably LED units, are positioned toward the distal end of the lifter to facilitate viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Saturn Biomedical Systems INC
    Inventor: John A. Pacey
  • Patent number: 6543448
    Abstract: A method for aerosolizing a powdered medicament comprises coupling a powder inlet end of a feed tube with a penetration in a receptacle containing the powder. Powder is drawn upward through the tube and dispersed in a high pressure gas stream flowing past a portion of the feed tube. Apparatus comprise the feed tube mounted within a base enclosure proximate a holder for one or more receptacles, which may be in the form of a cartridge containing a plurality of receptacles formed in a continuous web. The cartridge may be reciprocated relative to the feed tube and a separate piercing mechanism in order to sequentially piercing the receptacle and thereafter couple the feed tube through the resulting penetration for extracting the powder. Alternatively, penetration(s) through the receptacle may be formed as the feed tube is coupled, or some penetrations formed prior to coupling with other penetrations formed at the time of coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian E. Smith, John D. Burr, Jeffrey W. Etter, George S. Axford, Jack M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6543449
    Abstract: A ventilatory system which may be operated in an invasive and a non-invasive mode is provided utilizing a graphical user interface for presenting only those controlled parameters utilized for that specific mode of operation. Volume and pressure ventilatory support parameters are included for invasive ventilation and non-invasive ventilation control parameters are provided for non-invasive ventilatory assistance. The graphical user interface enables an operator to select the desired mode of operation wherein only those parameters related to that specific mode of operation are presented. Furthermore, a blower is provided for providing an air source to the ventilator enabling the ventilator to be self sufficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Respironics, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul L. Woodring, Gardner J. Kimm, Robert L. Stephenson, David R. Rogers, Donald J. Novkov, Rebecca A. Mabry, Steve Harrington
  • Patent number: 6543450
    Abstract: A simple, lightweight, easily deployable mask designed for use in modern fires. The mask substantially covers a wearer's face and includes a peripheral adhesive seal for preventing contaminants from effecting the wearer's visual or respiratory systems. The peripheral seal preferably comprises an adhesive band employing the skin adhesive commonly used in surgical masks. The adhesive band provides for closed attachment of the mask to the brow, the temporal area, cheek, over the jaw and down under the chin. The mask is anchored firmly to the ears of the wearer by resilient straps. Thus attached, the mask seals the eyes, nasal passages and mouth from the toxic external environment. The mask includes an intermediate seal separating the mask into separate visual and respiratory portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: John T. Flynn
  • Patent number: 6543451
    Abstract: An improved respiratory suction apparatus catheter comprising a manifold for attachment to the distal hub of an endotracheal tube to form a ventilation circuit, a catheter tube which is displaceable through the manifold and into the endotracheal tube to suction secretions from the tube and lungs, and at least one wiper seal disposed adjacent the ventilation circuit to minimize the draw of air from the ventilation circuit of a patient while the catheter is being cleaned. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the catheter is cleaned more thoroughly than in the prior art while simultaneously drawing little or no air from the patient's ventilation circuit, thus extending the usable duration of the catheter apparatus. Another preferred embodiment comprises a valve, most preferably a flap valve distal of the wiper seal within the manifold, improves the cleaning of the catheter by selectively restricting or occluding the retracted catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Chet M. Crump, Edward B. Madsen
  • Patent number: 6543452
    Abstract: A nasal intubation device is used to penetrate a nasal region and provide irrigation and/or medication to the nasal region. This intubation device can also be used in other applications. The intubation device comprises a flexible tube and a distal tip at the distal end of the flexible tube. The distal tip includes flanges forming a generally arrow shape that is capable of penetrating the nasal region and allowing the intubation device to remain within the nasal region. The flexible tube includes a passageway communicating with a perforated region proximate the distal end to provide the irrigation and/or medication. An implantation device, such as a canula-trocart, can be used to implant the intubation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Medilyfe, Inc.
    Inventor: Francois Lavigne
  • Patent number: 6543453
    Abstract: A method of changing the shape and/or size of an intracorneal ring in situ. The intracorneal ring can be a lens. Preferably, the intracorneal ring is made of a collagen-based polymer material such as COLLAMER.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: ScienceVision L.L.C.
    Inventors: William L. Klima, Thomas J. Chambers
  • Patent number: 6543454
    Abstract: A system for assessing the severity of non-addictive and addictive psychoactive chemical use disorders is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Pete S. Katz
  • Patent number: 6543455
    Abstract: A percutaneous tissue removal apparatus having a flexible drill shaft, a cutting tip mounted on the shaft a power source for transmitting motion to the shaft to move the cutting tip against tissue and a suction source for removing tissue fragments along the shaft to a location outside the tissue mass while cutting. The apparatus may include a container for collecting one or more selected components of the harvested tissue fragments for implantation of the fragments preferably into the body of the patient from whom they were removed. Where the tissue to be cut is bone, a cutting tip is preferably made of a polymeric material which is softer than the cortical portion of the bone, although the cutting tip may be made of a ceramic or a composite material. A second flexible shaft may be provided either within or about the flexible drill shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Peter M. Bonutti
  • Patent number: 6543456
    Abstract: A method for intraluminally performing a gastric bypass surgery is provided. Two anastomosis members are inserted transorally and located in a proximal position and a distal position within the digestive system. The stomach and the small intestine are transected to create a gastric pouch, a drainage loop, and a Roux limb. The distal anastomosis member joins the drainage loop to a distal portion of the intestine, and the proximal anastomosis member joins the Roux limb to the gastric pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventor: Lynetta J. Freeman
  • Patent number: 6543457
    Abstract: The application of adhesive to selected non-perforated sections of one side of a running web of tipping paper in a filter cigarette making machine is carried out in such a way that the adhesive is invariably applied only to the non-perforated sections which alternate with perforated sections. To this end, the speed of advancement of the web along its path past an adhesive applicator and thereupon through a severing unit (which subdivides the web into a file of successive uniting bands to be wrapped around filter mouthpieces and plain cigarettes) is temporarily altered when a comparison of first signals denoting detection of successive perforated sections of the running web with second signals denoting the frequency of severing of the web in the severing unit indicates the need for a temporary change of the speed of the web upstream of the adhesive applicator. The latter is installed at a fixed distance from the severing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Hauni Maschinenbau AG
    Inventors: Berthold Maiwald, Torsten Mörke, Karl-Heinz Pawelko
  • Patent number: 6543458
    Abstract: A cosmetic container serves both as a container for containing a liquid cosmetic and a stick type cosmetic material container for housing a stick type cosmetic material in such a manner that the stick type cosmetic material can be fed out. Thus, a container body in which a liquid cosmetic is filled is spirally engaged with a junction tool which freely opens and closes the container body. A stick type pivot which is inserted in the container body and has an applicator is fixed to the junction tool. A front cylinder is rotatably connected to the junction tool. A feeding mechanism for moving in an axial direction a rod, which retains the stick type cosmetic material to be slidably inserted in the front cylinder, by rotations of the junction tool and the front cylinder is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Suzuno Kasei Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Ohba
  • Patent number: 6543459
    Abstract: A method of determining an end point for a remote microwave plasma cleaning system. In one embodiment, the method comprises several steps. The first step is to expose an electrical device to a deposition operation. Next, the electrical device is exposed to a plasma cleaning operation. In the following step, a value for a performance characteristic of the electrical device is measured. In the last step, an amount of cleaning performed on the electrical device is calculated based on a relationship between a baseline value of the performance characteristic and on the measured value of the performance characteristic of the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Rao Venkateswara Annapragada
  • Patent number: 6543460
    Abstract: Seeds are treated in a cold plasma in a reaction chamber to etch the surface of the seeds to remove surface materials, such as fungicides and insecticides, or to disinfect the surfaces. The cold plasma process is carried out using etch gases which do not harm the seeds and for selected periods of time sufficient to remove surface materials without necessarily affecting the viability of live seeds after treatment. Tumbling the seeds while exposing the seeds to the plasma allows the surfaces of the seeds to be etched uniformly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ferencz S. Denes, Raymond A. Young, Sorin Manolache, John C. Volin
  • Patent number: 6543461
    Abstract: A buffer station for an article handling system, the handling system having a general path along which it moves when handling the article, the buffer station including at least two supporting assemblies including supporting elements forming a supporting plane each capable of supporting an article within the supporting plane and located so as to support the article within the general path, at least two receptacles for liquid in which the at least two supporting assemblies are disposed, and at least two drivers associated with the at least two supporting assemblies and the receptacles for shifting them in and out of the general path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd.
    Inventors: Eli Haimovich, Eran Dvir
  • Patent number: 6543462
    Abstract: A cryogenic cleaner for and a method of performing cleaning of a surface that must be substantially free of contaminants has a resiliently mounted nozzle for spraying a cryogenic cleaning medium on the surface. The nozzle is driven in an oscillatory manner at a predetermined amplitude and frequency so the nozzle spray is delivered in a manner to provide pulsing of the spray and to provide as “snow plow” effect on contaminants as the spray delivers the cleaning medium against the surface. The surface is transported past the nozzle, and the cleaning occurs in an enclosed controlled environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Nano Clean Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Lewis, Goodarz Ahmadi, Adel George Tannous, Khalid Makhamreh, Keith H. Compton
  • Patent number: 6543463
    Abstract: A pneumatic pressure line cleaning assembly for clearing the pneumatic lines of a pressure gauge, specifically a speedometer for a power boat, is attached to a cut tube of the pneumatic line between the pressure gauge and the air intake opening with a second port of a three-port valve being connected in flow communication with the pressure gauge and a third port opening of the three-port valve being in flow communication with the pressure intake opening. The first port of the three-port valve is in flow communication with an air compressor. In normal operating conditions, ports two and three of the three-port valve are in flow communication so that the pressure gauge pneumatic line is in flow communication with the pressure intake opening and in a second position, the three-port valve is positioned so that the third-port is in flow communication with the first port. In the second position, the air compressor is actuated to provide pressurized bursts of air in a direction towards the air intake opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Behrooz Jalayer
  • Patent number: 6543464
    Abstract: This invention relates to umbrellas in general. In particular it relates to umbrellas which automatically open and close. This automatic opening and closing of the umbrella in the presented embodiments is accomplished by means of the rotation of a threaded rod. A key improvement disclosed herein includes a simplification both in the construction of the umbrella itself and in the means for conveniently converting the umbrella to the ordinary manually opened and closed umbrella should the necessity occur. It has been discovered by experimentation that parts previously included in the assembly of prior art are unexpectedly not necessary with the proper choice of design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Clyde Calvin Grady, II
  • Patent number: 6543465
    Abstract: A foldable board for use in a tent, addressing the inconvenience of conventional tents by providing a secure resting surface inside the tent. With conventional tents, it is troublesome to keep cups or opened beverage cans in the tent, because the ground is rough and bumpy, with considerable risk that the drink or other item will be upset or fall down on the ground, thereby soiling the tent or clothes and creating discomfort. So, cups and drink cans have to be supported between some props or held by a person. In order to address these inconveniences, a foldable board is provided, the back side of which is attached to the inside of a tent, the sides of which are also provided with props for securing goods, and the bottom of which is PVC laminated and sewn with bias. The bottom can be folded up and pulled down with hook and loop closures attached to the back prop and to a corresponding spot on the PVC laminated bottom prop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Kyong-Jai Choi
  • Patent number: 6543466
    Abstract: A mass flow controller has a sensor section that generates an electrical signal, dependent on the measured flow rate. The controller sends a control signal to a magnetic field generating unit, dependent upon the actual flow rate and the desired flow rate, which in response, generates a magnetic flux in the direction of the fluid input to the fluid output through the body of the controller. This means that the magnetic flux is concurrent with the fluid flow within the mass flow controller body. The magnetic flux alters the position of a plunger button assembly, located between the bypass chamber and the fluid output, relative to an orifice plate to control the flow rate to obtain the desired output flow. By incorporating the proportional control valve within the mass flow controller body, the need for a separate and large valve section is eliminated, reducing the size and cost of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Rajinder S. Gill
  • Patent number: 6543467
    Abstract: A theft resistant valve cap including a liner adapted for threaded engagement with a standard pneumatic tire stem valve, a sleeve rotatably mounted with the liner to shroud it and an interlocking feature to selectively prevent axial displacement between the liner and the sleeve. The liner includes a hollow body with first and second opposed ends that features shoulders positioned proximate to one of said opposed ends. The shoulders, when employed with the sleeve rotatably mounted with the liner to shroud it, facilitates restricting removal of the cap from the valve stem to authorized individuals, only. Specifically, an interlocking mechanism extends between the liner and the sleeve and limits axial movement therebetween, while allowing rotational movement. To remove the cap from the valve stem, a key is employed which forms an interference fit with the shoulders in the liner, once exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Robert R. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6543468
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring instrument installation on a process circuit capable of being subjected to a medium under high pressure, with a locking element between the measuring instrument and the process circuit. According to the invention the locking element is a ball valve 18 provided with a valve body as the ball housing and with a process circuit connection 2 and a measuring instrument connection 3. In addition a ball 7 which can be rotated back and forth between a pass position 6 and a lock position is installed in the ball housing, said ball being provided with a passage bore 8 that can be positioned in the pass position. Furthermore two ball seats 12, 13 pointing respectively in the direction of the process circuit connection 2 and of the measuring instrument connection 3 are provided, each being provided with a sliding sleeve 14, 15 spring-loaded and capable of sliding in the direction of the ball 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Martin Hess
  • Patent number: 6543469
    Abstract: A system for mixing and dispensing a structural foam formed from two or more component foam parts mixed together in a predetermined mass ratio. At least a first one of said component parts is pre-mixed with a blowing agent and maintained under pressure. The system comprises volumetric flow sensors to measure the rate of flow of each of the component foam parts to be mixed, a feedback loop comprising a digital computer, to determine whether the predetermined mass ratio has been achieved on an instantaneous basis, and at least one gear-type variable flow controller to reduce the flow rate of said first one of the component foam parts to be mixed. The gear-type variable flow controller is adjustable by at least one of an electro-mechanical, hydraulic or electrical type braking device in response to the rate of flow data measured by said volumetric flow sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Compsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Lewit, Miles Mackaness
  • Patent number: 6543470
    Abstract: Traps particularly intended for carrying condensate from air conditioner drip trays towards a drainage system are constructed from a single turn of a flexible thermoplastic pipe; each unit being preformed when in a heat-softened state into a shape of a one-turn coil resembling the twist in a pig's tail, or the Greek “alpha” (&agr;) symbol. Traps are made of a transparent flexible durable thermoplastics material, such as polyvinyl chloride, and internal contents may be inspected through the trap wall. Being flexible, the traps can reliably connect mis-aligned conduits. Being flexible, the traps can serve as reliable connectors between conduits where relative movement is a problem such as where vibration or earthquakes occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel Rudolf Mans
  • Patent number: 6543471
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically shutting off a water supply to a leaking water heater includes a water-collecting tray adapted to be positioned beneath a water heater, and a float mechanism removably attachable to the tray. The float mechanism has a float adapted to reside within the tray. An arm extends from the float, and terminates in a trigger extremity located outside the tray. The trigger extremity is positioned to push upwardly upon a holding block that secures an extremity of a coil spring. The holding block also secures a tether that extends to an operating lever of a water shut-off valve. When the float rises in the tank, it causes the trigger extremity to release the coil spring in tensioned state from the holding block. Such action pulls the operating lever downwardly, causing shut-off of the water supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: James H. Carroll
  • Patent number: 6543472
    Abstract: The present invention relates to automatic transmissions of land motor vehicles. Specifically, the present invention relates to pressure regulation in the system of automatic transmissions of land motor vehicles. The present invention is a pressure regulator valve that limits TV pressure. This valve is meant to replace the original equipment valve in the same casing the said original valve sat. The pressure regulator valve is slightly oversized and the kit has an o-ring equipped end plug to more positively seal the valve bore and prevent pressure loss, known in the industry as EPC/TV pressure. Furthermore, the valve has annular grooves added to prevent side loading by properly centering the valve in a bore. The pressure regulator valve comprises a steel ball and a spring combination with a gel like substance being added to prevent high wear and tear of the entire valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Maura Jane Stafford
  • Patent number: 6543473
    Abstract: A casing accommodates therein a movable valve adapted to be moved away from a valve seat by a hydraulic oil flowing through an oil-hydraulic circuit from a hydraulic cylinder to an oil-hydraulic pump. In an event of oscillatory hydraulic pressures in the hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic oil is returned through the oil-hydraulic circuit from the hydraulic cylinder to the oil-hydraulic pump via a second port, a communication path, a minor gap between the movable valve and the valve seat, and a first port. In this process, the communication path allows for a smooth flow of the hydraulic oil from the second port into the movable valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6543474
    Abstract: A flapper-type anti-siphoning check valve for a domestic water system has an auxiliary valve built into the flapper. The auxiliary valve permits slow reverse flow of water through the check valve when the flapper is closed to prevent build-up of pressure in the user's water system, but closes as a result of more rapid reverse flow of water in the event of a sudden drop in supply pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Roy A. Fetterman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6543475
    Abstract: A single stage regulator is disclosed wherein a Belleville disk spring configuration is utilized to regulate an input working pressure as high as 4,500 PSI, to an output delivery pressure of about 700 to 1,000 PSI. The single stage regulator can be used on Paintball guns, markers and similar devices powered by compressed gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel H. Colby
  • Patent number: 6543476
    Abstract: A relief valve for regulating discharged oil pressure of an oil pump at a predetermined level comprises a cylinder including a bore therein and relief grooves formed symmetrically relatively to an axial center of the bore, while each of the relief grooves has a respective opening to an inner peripheral portion of the bore; a valve body disposed in the cylinder so as to be slidably moved in the bore in response to the discharged oil pressure supplied into the bore at one side of the valve body; a spring provided in the other side of the valve body constantly urging the valve body toward the one side of the valve body so as to close the openings of the relief grooves by the valve body; and an adjusting means for adjusting a change rate of an opening area of the relief grooves relatively to one slide movement of the valve body against the force of the spring so that the change rate of the opening area at the beginning of slide movement of the valve body is smaller than that at the end of the slide movement of th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinji Kazaoka
  • Patent number: 6543477
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator has at least one electromagnet and an armature with a shank. The armature is mechanically coupled to at least one restoring device and it can move between a first bearing surface on the electromagnet and a further bearing surface. The shank is either completely hollow or it has a blind bore formed therein. A transmitter of a sensor is disposed in the cavity of the shank body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Bayerische Motorenwerke AG
    Inventors: Erwin Bauer, Wolfram Bohne, Ralf Cosfeld, Hanspeter Zink
  • Patent number: 6543478
    Abstract: Check valves for use in fluid conducting structures such as thermostatic mixing valves are provided. Illustratively, the fluid conducting structure provides a passageway defining an axis, and the check valve comprises a cap coupled to the structure, a seat disposed in the passageway and spaced apart from the cap, a valve member axially movable between a sealed position engaging the seat and an opened position spaced apart from the seat, and a spring urging the valve member to engage the seat, the spring being coupled to the valve member and the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Lawler Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin B. Kline
  • Patent number: 6543479
    Abstract: A water monitoring and control system adapted for residential and commercial use automatically shuts off the water supply after a predetermined period of time, whether the flow is intentional or unintentional, thereby preventing damage from leaks and other malfunctions. The system also gives an indication of all water flow ranging from normal usage to leakage of a few drops and large flow, as would typically occur due to a break in the plumbing system. The system is easily bypassed in the event of power outages. In terms of hardware, the main components of the system include a normally closed water shut-off valve, preferably solenoid-operated. A pressure-responsive switch senses changes in water pressure and sends a signal in the event of a pressure drop, and a timer is provided to start a timing cycle when there is a demand for water, either intentional or unintentional, and shut-off the flow after a predetermined period of time selected by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Flood Knot, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Coffey, Walter G. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 6543480
    Abstract: A valve for controlling a flow of water to an appliance comprises a valve assembly having a pair of inlets for coupling to a water supply and a pair of outlets for supplying water to the appliance. A valve mechanism is coupled to the valve assembly to control the flow of water from the inlets to the outlets. A timer is coupled to the valve mechanism to control the valve mechanism and thereby control the flow of water. The timer allows water to flow from said inlets to said outlets for a preset length of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventors: Dom Mazzei, Frank Pieters
  • Patent number: 6543481
    Abstract: A pilot operated valve assembly including a valve body having a pressurized air supply inlet port in communication with a source of pressurized air and at least one cylinder passage. A main valve bore extends axially within the valve body and a main valve member is movable between predetermined positions within the main valve bore to selectively direct pressurized air from the inlet port through at least one cylinder passage. A pilot valve bore is formed within the main valve member and extends coaxially relative to the main valve bore. A pair of short pilot cylinder ports spaced apart from one another extend between the main valve bore and the pilot valve bore. A pilot valve member is movable between predetermined positions within the pilot valve bore to selectively direct air from the pilot valve bore through alternating ones of the pilot cylinder ports to act upon the main valve member thereby moving the main valve member between predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: MAC Valves, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Neff, Richard A. Fagerlie
  • Patent number: 6543483
    Abstract: A fluid handling port array includes at least one fluid conduction bore, a plurality of insert bores each intersecting at least one fluid conduction bore and being adapted to receive a configuration insert, a plurality of port bores each intersecting at least one of the fluid conduction bores for providing fluid access to the fluid conduction bores. The port array is configured by fixing configuration inserts in the insert bores. In a particular embodiment, the configuration inserts comprise device seats and are adapted to receive configuration devices such as a valves, caps or plugs. Alternatively, the configuration inserts, themselves, embody configuration devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Chemand Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth Alan Johnson
  • Patent number: 6543484
    Abstract: A waste water disposal system includes a carousel that is driven to extend and retract a hose that is connected on one end to a dumping station and at a second end to pipes connecting to the black and grey water tanks of an RV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Roderick Highsmith
  • Patent number: 6543485
    Abstract: Phenomena in water systems caused by hydraulic transients known as “waterhammer” are suppressed by surge vessels containing crushable, cellular, polymeric materials such as polyethylene, polyurethane and polystyrene foam. The foam may be one piece or in the form of several separate particles contained in nylon netting. A water permeable screen is located between a nozzle connection and the cellular polymeric materials for retaining the materials in the surge vessels as the water flows into and out of the vessels. The foam occupies much of the volume in the surge vessels not occupied by the water and the gas contained in the foam can not readily dissolve into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Co. LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Henry, James M. Farrington, Joseph M. Kalebich
  • Patent number: 6543486
    Abstract: An inflatable plug within a fragile streamlined cover attached to a rigid lance tube is pushed through a leakage hole to plug it on an upstream end by being inflated with pressurized fluid conducted through the lance tube to rupture the fragile cover and position the plug against the wall sealingly covering the upstream end of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Joseph H. Morris
  • Patent number: 6543487
    Abstract: A wrapped and curing substrate is secured: with a strap. The strap has two clips, each having a prong. The prong of a first clip is slid in a first direction into a first portion of the wrapped substrate. A second clip is pulled away from the first clip over a substrate edge, and the prong of the second clip is slid into a second portion of the wrapped substrate in a direction opposite the first direction. In one embodiment, the first portion of the wrapped substrate is an overlapping layer of substrate, and the second portion of the wrapped substrate is the layer of substrate extending from underneath the overlapping substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Air Logistics Corporation
    Inventor: Steve R. Bazinet
  • Patent number: 6543488
    Abstract: A flexible metal hose formed by a helically wound metal having an “S” shaped cross-section. The strip is provided with projections and recessions, with projections and recessions of adjoining convolutions meshed, enabling hose flexure without unwrapping. First and second resiliently engaged sealing surfaces extend helically along the hose to block leakage via the projections and recessions. In one embodiment the sealing surfaces are formed on a lip of one convolution and a body portion of the adjoining convolution. A second embodiment is a “smooth bore” hose having a first helical strip, constructed as described, and a second helical strip with first and second smoothly cylindrical axially spaced radially inner and outer regions. One region forms the smooth bore and the other is resiliently engaged between the radially outer lip of the first strip and the radially outer first strip body portion of the adjoining convolution to form the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Hose Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam J. Foti, Santo Foti
  • Patent number: 6543489
    Abstract: A unitary annular reduction duct suitable for joining pipes comprising an annular entrance collar of a given diameter, a corrugated and gradually inwardly tapered reduction portion that is contiguous with the collar section and a corrugated and substantially vertical annular exit portion contiguous with the reduction portion whereby the reduction portion has a diameter less than the collar section. The reduction duct may also be used to join pipes of different shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Building Materials Investment Corporation
    Inventors: Clair A. Luce, Ronald D. Shuck
  • Patent number: 6543490
    Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for custom blending spray paints. A customer provides a sample (S) of a color to be matched. The sample is tested on a spectrophotometer to determine the colors needed to match the sample; or if the paint formula is known, it is entered into the apparatus. A computer control (16) causes metered quantities of each colorant to be pumped from a reservoir (50) to a manifold (68). From the manifold, paint is injected through a filling head (46) into a discharge valve (V) and dip tube (P) of a precharged aerosol container (C) to be filled. Solvent from a tank (74) is used between a final injection of colorant to flush out the manifold and a dip tube (P) of the container. After the colors have been injected into the container, the container is shaken so that the colors intermix with each other to produce a paint of the desired custom color which is readily sprayed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: United States Can Company
    Inventor: Edward F. Owens
  • Patent number: 6543491
    Abstract: The temperature enclosed package, in one embodiment, has a reflector for surrounding the product, a frame with a cavity placed around the reflector, an insulating enclosure placed around the frame, and a diaphragm placed around the insulating enclosure. A vacuum is produced within the temperature controlled package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Jing-Yau Chung