Patents Issued in April 29, 2003
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Patent number: 6553987Abstract: A metering device suitable for use in a dry powder inhaler comprises a housing defining a reservoir. The reservoir contains a powder. A rotatable auger, having a first and second end, has one or more flutes extending between the ends. The first end of the auger communicates with the reservoir. A dosing member, defining a dosing recess having a desired volume, is positionable adjacent said second end of said auger. Rotation of said auger causes the powder to be transferred through the flutes and into the dosing recess to fill the recess volume with a specific dose of powder.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: SmithKline Beecham CorporationInventor: Michael Birsha Davies
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Patent number: 6553988Abstract: A metered dose inhaler for use with a pressurized aerosol container which is preferably breath-actuated. A preload (80) is applied to the internal aerosol valve by an amount sufficient to result in a dose release, but this is prevented by the application of a pneumatic resisting force (130). The inhaler comprises a release device (110) which, upon actuation, releases the resisting force and allows the preload to actuate the aerosol valve (135). A metered dose of medicament is then released for inhalation by the patient. The pneumatic resisting force is established by a negative pressure region defined in part by a diaphragm. The diaphragm includes a central disk of a first, relatively high stiffness material and a peripheral ring, coupled by a flexure of a second, relatively low stiffness material.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Norton Healthcare, Inc.Inventor: Michael John Holroyd
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Patent number: 6553989Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) that includes an emergency filtration device for use in the event of an SCBA malfunction or exhaustion is described. The SCBA may include an air supply, a visored face mask, a hose connecting the air supply to the face mask, and a regulator controlling the supply of air from the air supply to the face mask. The regulator has a regulator cover or front plate with a given configuration. The emergency air filtration device is adapted to connect to the face mask in place of the regulator, and includes an air filtration media within a housing, and a filtration device cover positioned in front of the device. The filtration device cover has a configuration corresponding to the given configuration of the regulator cover, so that the user responds by “muscle memory” to quickly replace the regulator with the filtration device under stressful conditions with limited visability.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventors: James M. Richardson, Matt R. Davis
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Patent number: 6553990Abstract: A process, system and apparatus for changing the concentration in an anesthesia apparatus with a fresh gas metering unit (14) and a pressure sensor (17) in the breathing circuit, with a volume displacement device (1) in the inspiration branch and a PEEP/PMAX valve (7) in the expiration branch. The fresh gas metering unit (14), the pressure sensor (17), the volume displacement unit (1) and the PEEP/PMAX valve (7) are connected to an evaluating and control unit (15). To bring about a rapid change in the concentration of the anesthetic or fresh gas supplied in the breathing circuit without additional design effort on the anesthesia apparatus the volume displacement device (1) is rinsed, either under the control of the fresh gas supply or under the control of the speed at which the volume displacement device (1) is returned. The rinsing takes place simultaneously with the regular respiration operation of the anesthesia apparatus, which may take place in a volume-controlled or pressure-controlled manner.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Dräger Medizintechnik GmbHInventor: Karsten Hoffmann
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Patent number: 6553991Abstract: A parameter of interest being measured by a sensor is estimated from output response data from the sensor and the known transfer function of the sensor, allowing fast and accurate sensor data from sensors having a dynamic characteristic otherwise precluding assessment of the sensor input. A parameter of breathing gas from a ventilator is determined based upon the known transfer function and a plurality of the sensor output signals at predetermined intervals of time, to provide an estimation of the parameter of interest.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1999Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett IncorporatedInventor: Fernando J. Isaza
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Patent number: 6553992Abstract: The invention is a ventilator whose servo-controller adjusts the degree of support by adjusting the profile of the pressure waveform as well as the pressure modulation amplitude. As the servo-controller increases the degree of support by increasing the pressure modulation amplitude, it also generates a progressively more square, and therefore efficient, pressure waveform; when the servo-controller decreases the degree of support by decreasing the pressure modulation amplitude, it also generates a progressively more smooth and therefore comfortable pressure waveform.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: ResMed Ltd.Inventors: Michael Berthon-Jones, Peter Bateman, Gordon Malouf
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Patent number: 6553993Abstract: An endotracheal tube which facilitates rapid intubation of the trachea, especially in situations where anatomical variation creates difficult intubating conditions, includes a portion that can be bent during placement to control the position of the distal end of the tube. The distal end of the endotracheal tube may be selectively curled or bent by a mechanism or fluid passage accessible from the proximal end of the endotracheal tube. The endotracheal tube provides for manipulation of the insertion end without occluding the lumen of the tube, to facilitate placement of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Merlyn Associates, Inc.Inventors: Andrew J. Toti, Michael H. Wong, Jay Kotin
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Patent number: 6553994Abstract: An orthopaedic support having a substrate having a series of channels in one surface thereof with a series of vent holes in the channels to promote heat dissipation through the substrate. The channels provide cooling of the skin in contact with the orthopaedic support without rendering the substrate prone to damage. Vent holes are located in the channels to provide venting through the orthopaedic support and the dissipation of heat.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: IWI Ltd.Inventor: Maurice R. Bard
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Patent number: 6553995Abstract: The patient positioning kit described herein is a set of vinyl-coated polyurethane foam forms and storage unit. The kit functions to support injured patient extremities during specific surgical procedures. The kit may be tailored to certain surgical specialties such as orthopedic traumatology or orthopedic sports medicine. For the given surgical specialty, each kit is composed of foam forms specifically for the most often performed surgical procedures within that specialty. Each kit contains a significant variety of support pieces such that various patient sizes and extremity positions may be stabilized. Both arm and leg associated procedures are facilitated by component pieces of the patient positioning kit. The kit pieces are coated with a polymeric material that forms a protective shell that increases piece durability and reduces fluid uptake.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventors: Peter Alexander Cole, Douglas Eric Parsell
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Patent number: 6553996Abstract: A dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of a person having occlusal posterior pads optionally with a connective arch or a u-shaped style base with upstanding labial and/or buccal walls. An antimicrobial additive is incorporated into the resin concentrate prior to molding of the dental appliance which will permit controlled migration from the appliance internal regions to the surface of the appliance.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventors: Jon D. Kittelsen, Henry D. Cross, III, Paul C. Belvedere, Mark Herman
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Patent number: 6553997Abstract: This device for the training of a human body extremity in the practice of a specific physical activity, is comprised of a concave mould that, made up of at least a rolled piece of light and substantially rigid material, the first part is shaped on the inside which is adjusted and substantially wraps around the extremity and its joint to a limb. This being the part where the immobilisation is kept held to the optimally correct position for a piece of equipment for the exercising of the type of action in the specific physical activity, and a second part that is adjusted and substantially wraps the part of the member next to the joint.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: G I G Gestio I Assessorament Esporttu S.C.P.Inventor: Elias Galobardes Illas
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Patent number: 6553998Abstract: A wound therapy combination comprising a suction head and a surgical drape. The suction head comprises a planar flange portion and a tubular connector piece on a first face that communicates with an aperture extending to a second face. The second face is formed with projections that define flow channels for facilitating flow of liquids to the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.Inventors: Keith Patrick Heaton, Kenneth William Hunt
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Patent number: 6553999Abstract: Self-made cigarettes, i.e. tobacco products that are supplied in unsmokable condition in the form of a tobacco-bearing component (12) comprising a tobacco rod (14) attached to a porous filter (16) at least part of the surface of which is highly permeable, and an impervious tubular band (10) carried on the component and slidable along it to cover the permeable region. The tubular band can be applied by compressing the tobacco-bearing component to enable the preformed tubular band to be slid onto it. Tubular bands (10) are automatically assembled onto tobacco bearing components by an apparatus that includes a rotary drum (30) around the periphery of which are distributed sets of assembly tools (62) each of which sets comprises a pair of opposed rods (90, 106) which are employed to Introduce the tubular band and the tobacco bearing component into opposite ends of an assembly cylinder (44) wherein the band is slid onto the tobacco component, the assembled product subsequently being ejected.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Imperial Tobacco Canada LimitedInventors: Michael Cardone, Luc Gaetan Duplessis, Marcel Champagne
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Patent number: 6554000Abstract: A hair-curling appliance has a first end and a second end that is rotatably connected to the first end. When the operator moves the hair-curling appliance downward, the first end of the appliance held by an end of an operator is turned to curl the hair of another person, and the second end of the appliance held by the other hand of the operator is not turned during the downward travel of the appliance, thereby keeping a longitudinal axis of the appliance parallel to a horizontal axis and thus preventing deviation of the appliance. A satisfactory hair-curling result is thus obtained.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Hwai-Tay Lin
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Patent number: 6554001Abstract: A vanity case includes a mirror positioned on a center section, the mirror being pivotal between a storage position and a use position and further includes side panels which fold over the mirror in the storage position.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Travel Caddy Inc.Inventor: Donald E. Godshaw
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Patent number: 6554002Abstract: A method for removing fluorine-containing etching residues during dual damascene process comprises providing a dual damascene structure having a copper conductor structure therein, a cap layer formed on the copper conductor structure and the dual damascene structure, and a low dielectric constant dielectric layer on the cap layer. The low dielectric constant dielectric layer formed by spin-on polymer method has at least an opening above the copper conductor structure. The cap layer is etched by fluorine-containing plasma to expose the copper conductor structure. The dual damascene structure is cleaned with a solvent and then the fluorine-containing etching residues are removed by plasma sputtering treatment or baking, or by a combination of both. The addition of baking and plasma sputtering treatment can prevent poor adhesion between the subsequent metal diffusion barrier layer and the low dielectric constant dielectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventors: Chih-Ning Wu, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Chan-Lon Yang
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Patent number: 6554003Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cleaning a thin disc. In accordance with a first aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes a tank adapted to contain a fluid, and at least one support mechanism adapted to support a thin disc such that the thin disc is at least partially submerged in the fluid. The apparatus further includes a plurality of transducers each adapted to produce energy waves in the fluid, and a controller adapted to adjust the energy waves produced by each transducer so as to scan an energy wave maximum along a surface of a thin disc supported by the at least one support mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Manoocher Birang, Bruno Strul
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Patent number: 6554004Abstract: Etch residue, resulting from a process used in forming a via, is removed using a process that does not require using a liquid chemical solvent and does not result in excessive charge build-up in the via. One step is to use a fluorocarbon and oxygen. These gases are energized by both microwave and RF. Another step is to introduce argon, in addition to the other two gases, also energized by microwave and RF. This has the effect of removing any additional residue which tends to stick on the surface above the via as well completing the removal of etch residue in the via. An additional step is simply to apply de-ionized water to remove any remaining fluorinated residue that, as a result of the preceding two steps, is highly soluable in water.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Thien T. Nguyen, Valentin Medina, Jr., Douglas J. Dopp
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Patent number: 6554005Abstract: A method for cleaning polyethylene terephthalate containers including contacting the PET container with an alkaline wash solution having a temperature ranging of less than about 60° C. is disclosed. The alkaline wash solution is formulated from a first concentrate, a second concentrate, an alkalinity source, and a balance of water. The first concentrate preferably has a first nonionic surfactant, a first builder, and acid in an amount effective to provide a phase stable solution. The second concentrate preferably has a second nonionic surfactant and a second builder. The first and second concentrate are present in the wash solution in a concentration ranging from about 0.3 wt. % to 2.0 wt. %. Preferably, the first nonionic surfactant has a cloud point ranging from about 5° C. to 60° C.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Bruce R. Cords, Gerald K. Wichmann, Guang-Jong Jason Wei, David D. McSherry, Brandon L. Herdt, Arturo Valencia
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Patent number: 6554006Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing copper oxide deposits from stator water cooling system piping material surfaces. The present invention disconnects the generator from the stator water cooling system, connects bridging piping to the stator water cooling system at the points from which the generator was disconnected to allow the stator water cooling system to operate without the generator, provides a sufficient amount of an aqueous solution of an agent which dissolves or removes copper oxide deposits from piping material surfaces for a time sufficient to dissolve or remove substantially all copper oxide deposits, and rinses the piping material surfaces with sufficient water until the output water from the rinsing of the piping material surfaces is essentially neutral.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Raymond Grant Rowe
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Patent number: 6554007Abstract: An improved composition and method for cleaning and disinfecting a garbage disposal that does not require aerosol propellants or carbon dioxide gas generating reaction systems. The composition comprises a suds stabilizing surfactant and a disinfecting agent, plus other optional ingredients such as additional detergent surfactant and scouring agents. In the method of cleaning and disinfecting, a flow of water is provided to the garbage disposal and the composition is then added while the garbage disposal is turned on. The mechanical action of the garbage disposal grinder blades rapidly mixes the composition with water to create suds and disperse the suds around the entire interior chamber, thus cleansing and disinfecting the garbage disposal. After the suds are generated, the flow of water is discontinued, with the garbage disposal being turned off within about 1 minute after the flow of water is discontinued.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: William S. Wise
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Patent number: 6554008Abstract: Disclosed are a system and a method for cleaning a trash bin. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes nozzles coupled to lifting means. The nozzles are aimed at the inside of the trash bin. The method includes the steps of lifting the trash bin, inverting it to empty its contents, spraying the inside of the trash bin, and returning the trash bin to the ground. An additional step may include spraying the trash bin when it is returned to the ground.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventors: Dustin Dewey, Ed Mosley
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Patent number: 6554009Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at washing apparatus for washing objects, preferably spray guns, with a washing liquid, preferably a solvent. The washing apparatus (1, 2, 3 or 3A) has at least one wash chamber (5) in which the object (4) is located for washing and at least one first container (B1) for collecting impure washing liquid from the wash chamber (5). The washing apparatus (1, 2, 3 or 3A) further comprises a distilling device (8) for distillation of impure washing liquid and obtaining pure washing liquid. This distilling device (8) includes a third container (B3) in which impure washing liquid is vaporized. Means are provided to see to that the volume (V1) of impure washing liquid which at the most or as a maximum can be brought to flow from said first container (B1) to said third container (B3) is equal to or less than the volume (V3) for washing liquid in said third container (B3) in order to prevent said third container (B3) from located overfull (FIG. 1).Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Hedson Technologies ABInventors: Peter Beijbom, Niklas Johansson, Stefan Cedergren
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Patent number: 6554010Abstract: In a cleaning apparatus for substrates, such as semiconductor wafers, a permeable core member 68 made of a synthetic resin is supplied with distilled water from a distilled water supply path 60 within a head portion 66 of a cleaning tool 24. A planar portion 72 is provided on the lower surface of the core member 68 and a porous resin sheet 69 is attached to the outer surface of the core member 68, to cover it. The cleaning tool 24 is provided with an air bearing cylinder 30 that imparts a vertical driving force to a rod 31 that presses against the surface of a wafer W which is being rotated, and the distilled water supply path 60 is provided within the rod 31. The distilled water supplied from the distilled water supply path 60 permeates through the core member 68 and the porous resin sheet 69 and is sent out of the head 66 so that a flowing film of distilled water is formed on the surface of the wafer W. Thus contamination and damage of the substrate is prevented and the shape of the head is not destroyed.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Keizo Hirose, Kenji Sekiguchi, Tomohide Inoue, Takanori Miyazaki, Kinya Ueno
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Patent number: 6554011Abstract: Method and device for cleaning germination trays. The device includes a moveable carriage comprising at least one telescoping carrier, the at least one telescoping carrier being coupled to at least one supply line, and a cleaning unit coupled to the at least one telescoping carrier. The method includes extending the at least one telescoping carrier from the moveable carriage, moving the moveable carriage, and directing a cleaning fluid onto a portion of the germinating tray using the at least one cleaning unit, wherein the cleaning fluid cleans the portion of the germination tray.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Bühler AGInventors: Wolf-Eckart Bischoff, Walter Faist
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Patent number: 6554012Abstract: A container apparatus for use in combination with an umbrella having an umbrella mast and umbrella canopy includes a food container having a container top wall, a container side wall and a container bottom wall together defining a container interior, with an umbrella mast passing port, a mast engaging structure, and a container interior access door; so that the umbrella mast of may be inserted into the mast passing port and advanced into the interior of the container and engaged by the mast engaging structure, thereby holding the umbrella mast upright relative to the container and so that the container stabilizes the umbrella, which can be opened over the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Samuel F. Patarra
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Patent number: 6554013Abstract: A modulator transportable collective protection system for the decontamination and containment of personnel in a toxic free area. A contamination containment area is provided through which personnel are decontaminated prior to entering the toxic free area. The migration of contaminants is prevented by causing a purge of clean filtered air from the toxic free area to the contamination control area and to the exterior environment. A blower and filter unit provides air to the toxic free area to maintain an over pressure therein, ensuring that all entry to the toxic free area is through a flow of clean air.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: 1289309 Ontario LimitedInventor: Louis Brown
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Patent number: 6554014Abstract: A proportional, pilot-operated directional valve has a sleeve with at least four sets of radial holes, and a spool disposed within the sleeve, with a channel being defined between the spool and the sleeve. The spool has at least two sets of radial holes, and the exterior surface of the spool has annular protrusions, each being in at least partial contact with the inner wall of the sleeve. When the valve is in an open position, the first set of radial holes of the sleeve is in communication with one of the two sets of radial holes of the spool, the second and third sets of radial holes of the sleeve are each at least in partial communication with the channel, and the fourth set of radial holes of the sleeve is in communication with the other of the two sets of radial holes of the spool. The spool may be kept in an open position by pressure from a flow of fluid that is provided at one end of the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: HydraForce, Inc.Inventor: Yakov Beyrak
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Patent number: 6554015Abstract: The invention is directed to a silver/palladium (AgPd) cell for adjusting or measuring a level of hydrogen in a high pressure environment, a high temperature environment, and/or an environment incompatible with stainless steel. The inventive cell includes a hollow diffusion tube of a AgPd alloy operably associated with a hollow connecting member and a connected tube, also operably associated with the hollow connecting member. The cell is operable in environments having a pressure of up to 3,600 p.s.i.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: R. Christopher Witt
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Patent number: 6554016Abstract: A rotary blowout preventer has a first and a second fluid circuit. Each of the fluid circuits are defined into and out of a stationary body and between the stationary body, a rotating body, and two seals. The first fluid circuit is physically independent from the second fluid circuit although they share a seal interface. A fluid is introduced into the first fluid circuit at a pressure responsive to the well bore pressure. A fluid is introduced into the second fluid circuit at a pressure responsive to and lower than the pressure of the fluid in the first circuit. Adjustable orifices are connected to the outlet of the first and second fluid circuits to control such pressures within the circuits. Such pressures affect the wear rates of the seals. The system can therefore control the wear rate of one seal relative to another seal. A thrust bearing is added to share the load placed upon the upper bearings. The thrust bearing is connected between the top end of a packer sleeve and the stationary body.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Northland Energy CorporationInventor: Joseph Kinder
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Patent number: 6554017Abstract: A pressure regulating valve having secondary venting measures. It comprises a control member for the control of the fluid connection between a primary duct and a secondary duct. The position of the control member is able to be influenced by a venting aperture also under the control of the control member and serving for venting the secondary duct. The venting opening is so arranged on the setting member that it is located outside the comparison chamber and in this respect either directly in the secondary duct or in a region in communication with the secondary duct.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Festo AG & Co.Inventor: Rolf Berger
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Patent number: 6554018Abstract: An improved water closet flushing system utilizing a diaphragm flush valve having a fluid flow control means positioned to receive the fluid discharged from the diaphragm flush valve prior to fluid entering the water closet bowl.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Wilton J. Pino
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Patent number: 6554019Abstract: An aeration valve for drink cans with a valve insert radially movable in an elastic bung sleeve is provided. The sleeve includes a holding mechanism and sealings. A radially movable valve insert includes a gripping part formed substantially as plate with an axial projection formed centrally thereon and a holder in which the projection engages. The projection has at least one surface which forms a channel with the inner wall of a soft part of the sleeve. The holder has at least one sealing surface which, together with the inner wall of the sleeve formed by the soft part, seals off the lateral bore against liquid, and at least one surface which forms a channel with the inner wall of the soft part of the sleeve. The plate of the gripping part has recesses which, with the surface of the outer flange, form a channel running parallel thereto. The plate of the gripping part may include a cam formed on the lower side which engages in a recess in the outer flange.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Guenter Grittmann
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Patent number: 6554020Abstract: A pair of tape heaters 11 are arranged respectively on opposite sides of at least one line and held to the corresponding coupling members by a plurality of clips 12. Each of the clips 12 comprises a pair of side walls 13 opposed to each other as spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and a connecting wall 14 interconnecting the pair of side walls 13 at an intermediate portion of the height thereof so as to move lower portions of the side walls 13 away from each other when upper portions of the side walls 13 are subjected to a force acting to move the upper portions toward each other and to restore the side walls 13 to the original state when the force is removed.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Fujikin IncorporatedInventors: Michio Yamaji, Tsutomu Shinohara, Ichiro Mine, Izuru Shikata, Kenji Tsubota
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Patent number: 6554021Abstract: Apparatus for shock-like flushing in a liquid system, comprising an accumulating or blocking element (11, 12, 13) which upon supply of liquid from an inlet (7) is adapted to be set from a normal position to a flushing position accummulated liquid flows through an outlet (6B, 6, 6A) to a following section of the liquid system, and subsequently to be ret to normal position. The blocking element (11, 12, 13) is held in an inclined position (11′, 12′, 13′) by means of spring or weight load (21, 22, 23) until a certain level of accumulated liquid is attained, and the spring or weight load (21, 22, 23) is adapted to bring the blocking element (11, 12, 13) back from the flushing position to normal inclined position when a certain low liquid level is attained. The blocking outlet (6B, 6, 6A) respectively, through flexible tube sleeves (15, 14) which make possible the movement of the U-tube (11, 12, 13) between the two positions for accumulation and flushing, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Cleanpipe AsInventor: Sten Y. Sondov
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Patent number: 6554022Abstract: A pressure regulator having a movable seat and a seat retainer. The seat retainer having a hollow interior with an interior surface. The seat is disposed within the hollow interior of the seat retainer to control fluid flow through the pressure regulator. The seat may be adapted to slidingly engage the interior surface of the seat retainer during movement of the seat to dampen the movement of the seat. The seat may be elastically deformed by the seating surface when seated against the seating surface. The pressure regulator may have a stem extending through the seat retainer orifice and affixed to the solid body of the seat to move the seat in response to movement of a diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Robert W. Wakeman
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Patent number: 6554023Abstract: A valve is disclosed for dispensing a flowable material. The valve has a first chamber (40) at a first pressure wherein said first chamber (40) defines an outlet (28) in communication with said first chamber (40). A second chamber (42) is at a second pressure. The valve has a stop (18) indexed against a third pressure, operating to selectively place the first chamber (40) into communication with the second chamber (42). The stop (18) is operative to connect the second chamber (42) to said first chamber (40) when the first pressure is less than the third pressure.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Hal C. Danby, Mark E. Williamson
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Patent number: 6554024Abstract: A visual signal of pressure between valve stem seals is given by a rising ring, which moves upwardly with the upper stem seal when there is pressure between the stem seals. The rising ring is held to the stem or valve body around the stem by a retaining ring. The rising ring, in its up position, precludes removal of the retaining ring.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Cooper Cameron CorporationInventors: David R. Mefford, Paul M. Gutmann, Daryl L. Ard
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Patent number: 6554025Abstract: A battery watering system includes a filler unit mounted by means of an attachment mechanism to the flanged apertures of a three cell six volt lead acid battery. The filler unit is connected by a supply and drain line to a feed unit in the form of the reservoir tank and pumping assembly including a centrifugal pump, a DC pump motor connected to the pump by a pump coupling, and an auxiliary battery. The pump and the battery form part of a control circuit which includes a current sensing relay having a corresponding set of relay contacts. Water is pumped from the tank into a trough of the filler unit via the supply line. An array of three output ports each include a narrowed inlet, a downpipe extending inwardly into each cell of the battery, and a pair of breather tubes. On completion of the replenishment operation, excess water flows back through the supply and drain line into the tank. The invention extends to the attachment for coupling the filler unit to the battery.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Johan Christiaan Fitter
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Patent number: 6554026Abstract: A valve for controlling flowing media, in particular suction air used in connection with suction heads or the like, in which closing diaphragms (17, 18) made from elastically deformable material are disposed within a valve housing (10) and are subjected to the action of compressed air via actuating lines (14, 15) in the closing or blocking direction, such that when each diaphragm (17, 18) moves into an open position, a subatmospheric pressure is generated on the side ling opposite the closing side.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)Inventors: Heinz Focke, Burkard Roesler
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Patent number: 6554027Abstract: An electromagnetically controlled pressure regulating valve includes a hollow housing bounding a user channel having one end to be connected to a hydraulic medium user and another end, and respective supply and a discharge channels communicating with the interior of the housing between the ends, and at other end of the user channel, respectively. A closing member is mounted in the housing for movement toward and away from a closing position in which it sealingly separates the user channel from the discharge channel and is acted upon at the other end of the user channel by an armature with a variable combined force applied to the armature by an electrically energizable coil and by a return spring. A throttling device including at least two throttling orifices extending in fluid flow parallelism with one another between the supply and user channels and each having a length and a transverse dimension that are in a ratio of at least 2:1 is interposed between the supply and user channels.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1999Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Raymond Schuurman
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Patent number: 6554028Abstract: A weaving or textile machine is provided that has a beamed (20, 21, 22 and 23) base (2) and moving parts, wherein the moving parts, during weaving, cause vibrations (18, 19) which spread to the base (2), and wherein that the beams are joined by or by means of a vibration-absorbing and dimensionally rigid compound (26), which prevents substantial spreading of the vibrations to a foundation (35) supporting the machine (1).Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Texo ABInventor: Jan-Erik Månsson
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Patent number: 6554029Abstract: A harness for a seam weaving machine including a Jacquard machine is prepared while the shedding mechanism is removed from the seam weaving machine. The prepared shedding mechanism is then mounted on the seam weaving machine. The twines extending from the Jacquard machine and the harness cords connected to eyelets of the shedding mechanism are coupled collectively. The seam strip weft threads can be drawn in through the shedding mechanism while it is remote from the seam weaving machine.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Wagner Finckh GmbHInventors: Edgar Hofstetter, Ernst Gluck, Hans Eugen Hacker
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Patent number: 6554030Abstract: A progressive punch is used in a strapping machine for positioning and sealing an associated strap material around a load. The punch is positioned in a jaw assembly that includes a movable punch support and a fixed punch support configured to receive the associated strap therebetween. The movable and fixed supports each include at least one punch having at least two punching heads. The punching heads each have a height that is defined by a distance between an outermost peripheral point of the punching head and a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement. The heights of the punching heads are different from one another so that the punching heads progressively engage the strap, with the punching heads initially engaging the strap material at a different times from one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Nelson Cheung, Janusz Figiel, Peter Drabarek
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Patent number: 6554031Abstract: A fuel filling system is disclosed for dispensing two fluids to a vehicle, which ensures that a reductant tank is filled during dispensing of fuel.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Derek Albert Channing
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Patent number: 6554032Abstract: An apparatus for slicing elongate fibrous material has a slicing device having an axis of rotation about which the slicing device rotates during operation. The slicing device has slicing tools with a blade carrier and a blade unit. The blade units have cutting blade edges that together define a common cutting surface. The elongate fibrous material is fed in slicing cycles in the direction of its longitudinal extension to the blade units. Slicing is carried out parallel to the fiber orientation by realizing a relative movement between the elongate fibrous material and the blade units transverse to the fiber orientation. The slicing tools have an end face with a receptacle extending parallel to the end face. The slicing tools have a cutting element arranged in the receptacle. The cutting element performs a separating cut in a direction transverse to the fiber orientation in the separating plane between two slicing cycles.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Pallmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Wilhelm Pallmann
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Patent number: 6554033Abstract: A luggage handle cover having a body portion with a first end, a second end, an inner side, and an outer side. The body portion has a length and width sufficient to substantially cover a luggage handle. The luggage handle cover also has a fastening mechanism coupled to the body portion to fasten the first end and the second end and an identification display disposed on the inner side of the body portion when the body portion is arranged to substantially cover a luggage handle.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Ma Cher, IncInventor: Derek J. Hydon
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Patent number: 6554034Abstract: A studless tire comprises a tread provided with a plurality of blocks and at least one rib provided with first sipes and second sipes each extending across the rib. The first sipes and second sipes are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the rib at circumferential pitches Pc in a range of from 0.028 to 0.04 times a ground contacting width of the tread. Each of the first sipes and second sipes comprises a deep central part, a shallow part on one side thereof and a mid-depth part on the other side thereof, wherein the deep central part has a depth in a range of from 0.70 to 0.80 times a depth of a main longitudinal groove defining the rib, the mid-depth part has a depth being in a range of from 0.40 to 0.60 times the depth of the main longitudinal groove, and the shallow part has a depth in a range of from 0.04 to 0.35 times the depth of the main longitudinal groove.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Nobuaki Minami
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Patent number: 6554035Abstract: A heavy duty pneumatic tire has a belt disposed radially outside a carcass and radially inside a tread portion, the belt having at least one ply of at least one high-elongation steel cord, the high elongation steel cord is formed by twisting at least three waving steel filaments together to form a core and a sheath surrounding the core, the waving filaments change place repeatedly along the longitudinal direction of the cord such that one of the filaments forms the core in a portion, but in a different portion of the cord, the same filament forms part of the sheath, thereby defining a plurality of first parts with the core and a plurality of second parts without the core which are disposed alternately in the longitudinal direction of the cord, and the elongation at break of the high-elongation steel cord is in the range of from 4 to 10%, whereby the resistance to breakage of the steel belt cords is improved and it becomes possible to decrease the belt weight without deteriorating various performances.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Rie Miyawaki, Masatsugu Kohno
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Patent number: 6554036Abstract: An assembly of a rim and a closed toroidal tire. The tire includes a tire casing and a ring, defining a tight chamber. The ring provides a mounting base on the rim and forms a sleeve designed to rest on said rim in mounting position. The ring includes a protuberance having a locking surface, intended to be engaged in a complementary groove arranged on the rim in order to oppose any relative movement between tire and rim axially in at least one direction. The ring has such a degree of flexibility that a pressure reduction of the chamber causes a displacement of said protuberance toward a larger radius. The tire can, for example, be fitted on the rim, and then the vacuum can be eliminated so that the protuberance will be engaged in the groove.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1999Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Compagnie Générale des Etablissments Michelin & CieInventor: Michel Deal