Patents Issued in May 6, 2003
  • Patent number: 6557548
    Abstract: An infant breathing aid assembly for administering a vapor of an aromatic substance to a child having trouble breathing. The infant breathing aid assembly includes an oral member for placing in the mouth of the infant. A first end of the oral member has a chamber extending therein toward the second end of the oral member. A face shield is provided for preventing the oral member from being swallowed by the infant. The face shield is preferably mounted on the oral member and positioned generally between the first end of the oral member and the face shield. A vapor emitter is provided that is removably insertable in the chamber of the oral member. The vapor emitter preferably comprises an absorbent member for absorbing an aromatic material. A cover is provided for covering the chamber and allowing passage of the vapors from the absorbent member out of the chamber. The cover is releasably attachable to the first end of the oral member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Ian A. Dickson
  • Patent number: 6557549
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing positive pressure (PP) therapy alone or in combination with an aerosol delivery apparatus. The positive pressure apparatus includes a positive pressure valve having a continuously variable respiratory window. The PP valve may be associated with a patient respiratory system interface alone, such as, but not limited to, a mask or mouthpiece, or in combination with an aerosol delivery apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: James N. Schmidt, Daniel Engelbreth, Rick Blacker
  • Patent number: 6557550
    Abstract: An inhalation device which contains powdered medicament in the form of a medicament compact is provided with a seal comprising a partial ring between the outer wall and inner mandrel of the medicament compact chamber. The medicament is dispensed by abrading the medicament compact by turning the compact relative to the inner mandrel against a blade. Despite only extending around part of the circumference of the mandrel the seal prevents leakage of loose powder from the compact chamber to the rest of the device. The sealing means also provides a frictional braking force on the medicament reservoir sufficient to prevent movement of the medicament reservoir when the drive mechanism for the reservoir is returning to its starting position without making the device difficult to operate by a child or infirm adult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Aventis Pharma Limited
    Inventor: Alastair Robert Clarke
  • Patent number: 6557551
    Abstract: A humidification unit adapted to be disposed in a patient circuit for humidifying the flow of breathing gas delivered to the patient via the patient circuit by an artificial ventilator system. The humidification unit includes an exothermic member having an outer surface and a plurality of hollow fibers disposed on the outer surface of the exothermic member. Each hollow fiber is defined by a peripheral wall having minute openings large enough to allow a gas to pass therethrough yet small enough to prevent a liquid from passing therethrough. Liquid delivered to the hollow fibers is heated by the exothermic member and the gas vapor resulting from the heating passes through the hollow fiber walls and humidifies the flow of breathing gas delivered to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Respironics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazufuku Nitta
  • Patent number: 6557552
    Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet, a heater arranged relative to the flow passage for heating the flow passage, a source of material to be volatilized in communication with the inlet of the flow passage, a valve to open and close communication between the source of material and the inlet of the flow passage, and a pressurization arrangement for causing material in the source of material to be introduced into the flow passage when the valve is in an open position. The aerosol generator further includes a source of power for operating the heater and the valve, and a control device for controlling supply of power from the source of power to the heater and the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Chrysalis Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Cox, Timothy Paul Beane, William R. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 6557553
    Abstract: The adaptive control method for controlling pressure based ventilation utilizes a specific regulator structure designed according to a linear model of the patient/ventilator system. The same model is also used to derive a real time estimate of patient airway resistance, lung compliance, and the connecting tube compliance. These estimates are used to adjust regulator parameters in real time such that closed loop dynamics quickly approach those of a specified system. In the patient/connecting circuit system, G(s) inlet flow and circuit pressure are fed to a parameter estimator, and the output of the parameter estimator is used to adjust the parameters of the compensator, C(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Borrello
  • Patent number: 6557554
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high-frequency oscillation artificial respiration apparatus that includes an inhale gas introducer that supplies an inhale gas containing oxygen to a patient and a patient side path that guides the inhale gas from the inhale gas introducer into the patient. An oscillating air pressure provider that applies an oscillating air pressure having a higher frequency than a respiration frequency of the patient, to the inhale gas flowing through the patient side path, an exhaust path that exhausts an exhale gas containing carbon dioxide exhaled from the patient, into the atmosphere, and an auxiliary inhale gas supply are also provided. The patient side path includes a branching pipe that branches a flow from the inhale gas introducer to the exhaust path side and the patient side and an intrachea insert tube that is connected to the patient side end of the branching pipe can be inserted through a mouth into the trachea of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhito Sugiura
  • Patent number: 6557555
    Abstract: A vent valve apparatus for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurized above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal includes a gas washout vent, a vent valve adapted to progressively restrict the flow area of the washout vent, and a pressure sensitive vent valve controller. The controller is adapted to progressively cause the vent valve to restrict the flow area of the gas washout vent in response to increases in the pressure of the gas supply. Thereby, the vent valve substantially regulates the flow of gas through the washout vent over a range of gas supply pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Shane Douglas Hollis
  • Patent number: 6557556
    Abstract: An adjustable forehead support for a nasal mask. The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system which adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-à-vis the mask and/or air flow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Philip Rodney Kwok, William Edwin John Grant, Robert Stephen Matchett
  • Patent number: 6557557
    Abstract: A non-slip strap that can be connected to a patient monitoring device to resist movement of the device when the patient moves beyond a predetermined distance in his bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Naeil J. Hamama
  • Patent number: 6557558
    Abstract: A medical treatment apparatus capable of performing exact medical treatment is provided. The medical treatment apparatus includes detection means for detecting the condition of a human body to be treated, medical treatment means for treating said human body, and display means for displaying results of computing by computing means for computing a plan for said medical treatment on the basis of detection results from said detection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Fujio Tajima, Masakatsu Fujie, Hiroshi Takeuchi, Etsuji Yamamoto, Koichi Sano, Kazutoshi Kan
  • Patent number: 6557559
    Abstract: Vascular catheter comprises a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode array disposed near the distal end. The electrode array is located proximally of a common electrode, typically located on a movable guidewire, and includes a plurality of isolated electrode terminals. By positioning the common electrode within a stenotic region and contacting a leading surface of the stenotic region with the electrode array, the stenotic material can be heated by applying a high frequency voltage between the electrode array and the common electrode. The stenotic region can thus be recannalized by advancing the distal end of the catheter body through the heated stenotic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventors: Philip E. Eggers, Hira V Thapliyal
  • Patent number: 6557560
    Abstract: A cigarette making machine of the type wherein a portion of tobacco for one cigarette is compressed into a generally cylindrical form within a compressed tobacco chamber. The tobacco is thereafter axially moved and injected by an elongated spoon member into a preformed cigarette tube. A moveable wall member is actuated by a handle exteriorly of the machine through at least two toggle joints linking the moveable wall member to framing of the machine whereby to displace the moveable wall to transfer the tobacco in the tube. A first link of each toggle joint is in pivotal connection with the moveable wall member. A second link of each toggle joint is in pivotal connection with the framing of the machine. Each first link has a substantially rounded head portion at the free end thereof in operative contact with an abutment surface of the moveable wall member, for strengthening the pivotal connection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: CTC Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold Kastner
  • Patent number: 6557561
    Abstract: A cigarette paper having a sidestream smoke smell-improving agent including a lactone in its free state, or a salt of a hydroxy acid corresponding to the lactone, as well as a cigarette wrapped by the cigarette paper. The salt of the hydroxy acid can be an alkali metal salt or an alkaline earth metal salt. The lactone can be a lactone having five or more ring members. The lactone can be a &ggr;-lactone or a &dgr;-lactone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Masato Miyauchi, Toru Sakurai, Hideki Nagae, Hiroshi Tanabe, Hiroaki Nakano
  • Patent number: 6557562
    Abstract: The present invention is deemed to change the very perming concepts and methods that have been used for decades. This new invention relates to the art of permanent waving of hair and reveals an innovative new perming system particularly for the professional salon industry and also for the retail home perm industry. The innovative techniques and concepts of perming with ultra gentle formulations and very short processing times will offer many great safety benefits for the salon clients, hairdressers, environment, and the perm industry. The new invention is primarily designed and focused on dramatically reducing the perming chemicals, the processing time, and the malodor associated with perming by 50 to 75% of the conventional perming products. Achieving a superior perm result using the mildest perm products and shortest processing time in the safest way with least damage to the hair is the highlight of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Jayaseelan Rathnam
  • Patent number: 6557563
    Abstract: A spiral groove 11 is provided in a front cylinder 10, and a spiral piece 32 for constituting a cosmetic material retaining section 31 provided at a tip of a push rod 30 is located in the spiral groove 11 and retains a stick type cosmetic material A. A spiral engagement section 33 subsequent to the spiral piece 32 is engaged with the spiral groove 11 and constitutes a spiral engagement mechanism. An engagement line section 34 provided at an outer circumference of a stopper section 38 of the push rod 30 is engaged with a rotary stop groove 21 of a container body 20 and constitutes a rotary stop mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Suzuno Kasei Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Ohba
  • Patent number: 6557564
    Abstract: A megasonic tank system is provided that employs a monitoring system adapted to monitor power signals reflected from a transducer and to determine cleaning information based on the reflected power signals. The megasonic tank system includes a tank adapted to contain a fluid, a transducer coupled to the tank so as to transmit energy to the fluid, and a power supply coupled to the transducer and adapted to deliver energy thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Manoocher Birang
  • Patent number: 6557565
    Abstract: In order to simplify the cleaning and disinfection of water wells, perforated casings are installed outside and adjacent to a water well casing and screen. This installation provides cleaning and disinfection capability of the well without removing the well's pump. The number of adjacent perforated casings can range from one for a small diameter well to three or more for lager diameter wells. The perforated casings define alternating blank sections and perforated sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Stephen G. McLin
  • Patent number: 6557566
    Abstract: A drum washer has a base, a barrel support structure, and a water delivery system. A hollow drum is turned over and placed on the drum washer by inserting a spray head of the water delivery system through a hole in a top cover of the drum and into the interior of the drum. The barrel support structure holds the drum at a fixed angle while water is sprayed from the spray head onto interior surfaces of the drum. The water rinses the interior surfaces of the drum and drains out the hole in the top cover of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventor: Don Rudolfs
  • Patent number: 6557567
    Abstract: A device for washing a reusable storage bag in a dishwasher formed by a frame assembly of one or more main bar(s) joined with one or more connecting bar(s). Intersecting crossbars act both to spread open the bag and hold it for washing, utilizing a snugness of fit between the crossbars and the bag and its sealing strips. The device has holes in the bottom of the main bar(s), which allow it to be placed and secured onto any of the vertically oriented branches of the dish trays common to conventional dishwashing machines. The device is designed to hold and spread the bag apart wide enough to allow the washing jets of a conventional dishwasher to reach even the corners of the bag, thereby cleaning it inside and out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Stattler A. Mood
  • Patent number: 6557568
    Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables are provided. Liquid formulations comprising detergent surfactant, such as oleate, alcohol ethoxylates, etc., and neutralized phosphoric acid are sprayed onto apples, lettuce and the like to remove soil and unwanted deposits, especially wax. Articles for applying the compositions to produce by spraying are disclosed. Use of the compositions for disinfectancy/sanitization of produce and cleaning/disinfectancy/sanitization of non-food inantimate surfaces are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bruce Prentiss Murch, Brian Joseph Roselle, Kyle David Jones, Keith Homer Baker, Thomas Edward Ward, Toan Trinh
  • Patent number: 6557569
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member includes the steps of: cleaning a substrate of the electrophotographic photosensitive member by cleaning step using a vessel and machining the substrate. The cleaning step includes a first overflowing step and a second overflowing step. In the first overflowing step, the liquid is allowed to be overflowed from a vessel while the substrate of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is immersed in the liquid contained in the vessel. In the second overflowing step, the liquid is allowed to overflow from a vessel while the substrate of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is pulled up in the liquid contained in the vessel. A flow rate Q2 of the overflowing liquid of the second overflowing step is higher than a flow rate Q1 of the overflowing liquid of the first overflowing step. The machining step forms a film of a photosensitive substance on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Katagiri, Yoshio Segi, Hideaki Matsuoka, Kazuhiko Takada
  • Patent number: 6557570
    Abstract: A portable apparatus cleaning a conduit including a housing, a filter and a pump. The filter is attached to the conduit to be cleaned and an aqueous solution reservoir, and is storable within the housing. The pump is attached to the aqueous solution reservoir, and to the conduit to be cleaned, and is storable within the housing. A method for cleaning a conduit, which includes connecting a power supply to a pump, connecting an aqueous solution reservoir to the pump, connecting a conduit to be cleaned to the pump, connecting the conduit to be cleaned to a filter, connecting the filter to the aqueous solution reservoir, running the pump for a specified period of time, disconnecting the aqueous solution reservoir from the pump and filter, connecting the pump and filter to a container of distilled water, and running the pump for at least one cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Luis Gierbolini, Dennis J. Goss
  • Patent number: 6557571
    Abstract: A crutch constructed of two adjacently located, elongated, parallel upper and lower bows which can be moved in relationship to each other to form a vertical support of readily varied length. These bows have the same design and are therefore interchangeable, significantly reducing inventory requirements. Each bow has a series of parallel horizontal notches with the bows positioned so that the notches on each bow are on contacting surfaces. A pin inserted into parallel, adjacent notches on the two bows in cooperation with two or more collars or caps on the ends of one end of each bow fixes the relationship between the shafts which, in turn, defines the length of the vertical support. A similar concept can be used to lock a moveable centrally located lower bow between two parallel outer upper bows. This assemble provides a strong, adjustable length crutch for any height patient using only two different pairs of bow lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Jimmie Reuben Schultz
  • Patent number: 6557572
    Abstract: A tent pole and a connecting structure thereof include a shaft tube part of a prescribed length formed at an end portion of the tent pole, a stopper disposed outside a slanted part of the shaft tube part to restrict an inserted depth of the shaft tube part and a finishing member disposed at the end portion of the shaft tube part. The shaft tube part is inserted into the tent pole, and the finishing member performs a buffering action to the collision of the shaft tube part of the tent pole against the end portion of another tent pole to be connected with the shaft tube part when the tent poles are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Jeh-kun Lah
  • Patent number: 6557573
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a fluid fertilizer distributor (10, 200, 300, or 400) for distributing fluid fertilizer conducted from a supply vessel (11) to each of a plurality of applicator lines (44). The fluid distributor may regulate a fluid fertilizer flow rate by selectively moving a flow restrictor (50, 250, 350, or 450) relative to the distributor housing. The distributor housing may include a supply inlet port (12, 212, 312, or 412) and a plurality of distributor outlet ports (16, 216, 316, or 416) each for fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of applicator lines (44). The fluid distributor may separate the fluid fertilizer into a plurality of fluid flow paths prior to reducing the pressure in the fluid to avoid gas flashing or vaporization prior to separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger
  • Patent number: 6557574
    Abstract: A differential pressure based flow rate measurement device is provided which is coupled to surfaces of a blade 30 within a damper assembly 10, such as that provided within a variable air volume (VAV) box or within a liquid valve assembly. A blade 30 which includes a leading surface 32 opposite a trailing surface 34 is fitted with a sensing structure 50. The sensing structure 50 includes portions 52, 54 which extend away from the leading surface 32. Sensing holes 56 pass into a hollow interior of the sensing structure 50 and pass on to a pressure sensor 60. A similar sensing structure 50 is also provided extending from the trailing surface 34 which also has sensing holes 56 located therein. The sensing holes 56 coupled to the trailing surface 34 also lead to the pressure sensor 60 so that a differential pressure between the sensing holes 56 on either sides of the blade 30 can be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Clifford C. Federspiel
  • Patent number: 6557575
    Abstract: Methods and devices for the management of fluid flow within nanoscale analytical systems, comprising a freeze thaw valve having differing geomentries to constrict a frozen plug within the freeze thaw segment. The freeze thaw valve is directed to use in high-pressure analytical systems. The geometry of an inner diameter of a channel or tube within a freeze thaw segment is configured to cause constriction of a freeze plug when axial force is applied. The constriction is used in the flow-path of a freeze thaw valve to prevent movement of the frozen plug at high pressures to avoid valve leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Geoff C. Gerhardt, Edouard S. P. Bouvier, Theodore Dourdeville
  • Patent number: 6557576
    Abstract: An axially-rotated valve permitting increased flow rates and lower pressure drop is disclosed using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. A cross section of the eccentric split venturi may be non-axisymmetric such as a semicircular cross section which may assist in both throttling capabilities and in maximum flow capacity. Applications are disclosed for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves which may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation. An internal wide radius elbow connected to a rotatable portion of the eccentric venturi may assist in directing flow with lower friction losses. A valve actuator may actuate in an axial manner located outside of the axial flow path. A seat may be used between the two portions that may include a peripheral and diametrical seal in the same plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Big Horn Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Walrath, William R. Lindberg, Robert K. Burgess
  • Patent number: 6557577
    Abstract: A union assembly useful in a fluid flowstream includes a body portion, a pressure indicating device and a removable cover. The body portion includes a bore, an access opening and pressure indicating device cavity in fluid communication, and a first plurality of threads disposed around the access opening. The removable cover includes a passageway and a second plurality of threads disposed around the passageway. Engagement of the first and second pluralities of threads will secure the removable cover to the body portion for use of the union assembly without any additional mechanism connecting the removable cover with the body portion. When the union assembly is assembled, a cut-out portion on the removable cover is disposed at least partially around the pressure indicating device, whereby the pressure indicating device must be disengaged from the body portion before the removable cover may be disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Cor-Val, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby J. Corte, Jr., Durell Kraemer
  • Patent number: 6557578
    Abstract: A fuel vapor treating apparatus includes a lower valve casing and an upper valve casing. A float is provided in the lower valve casing and a valve portion is provided in the float for sealing the flow of fuel. A valve port is provided between the lower valve casing and the upper valve casing and is opened and closed by the valve portion. A vent passage portion is provided in the upper valve casing. A space portion is provided between the vent passage portion and the valve port. A valve portion of the float moves vertically in accordance with a liquid level in a fuel tank and opens and closes the valve port, whereby the fuel tank is brought into communication with the vent passage portion. A vent port is provided in a partition that separates the space portion from the vent passage portion. And, a second float is provided to open and close the vent port. The fuel vapor treating apparatus reliably stops fuel leakage from the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shimamura, Norikazu Sugimura, Hidemi Masuda, Koji Sugiura
  • Patent number: 6557579
    Abstract: A filling valve for a pressurized fluid container, including a valve body with a longitudinal bore and a side opening formed therein, a sealing assembly slidingly disposed in the valve body, the sealing assembly being formed with a bore therethrough, a valve lever pivotally attached to a portion of the valve body, the sealing, assembly including a jutting portion which protrudes in a direction generally away from a bottom portion of the valve body, a float arm attached to the valve lever, and a float mounted on the float arm, wherein when the float is positioned at a generally obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the valve body, the jutting portion of the sealing assembly is raised and supported by the valve lever, such that the sealing assembly is raised and does not block the side opening thereby permitting fluid flow through the side opening, and wherein when the float is sufficiently buoyed by a fluid, the float arm swings upwards and the jutting portion of the sealing assembly is no longer
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: K.C.Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Meir Kozik
  • Patent number: 6557580
    Abstract: An irrigation valve comprises a valve housing made from a valve body joined to a valve bonnet by a plurality of attachment screws. The valve body and valve bonnet have an alignment rib received in an alignment notch when the body and bonnet are joined together such that the holes that receive the attachment screws are automatically aligned with one another. The attachment screws have a smooth portion adjacent a threaded portion such that the smooth portion when visible signals to the user that the attachment screws are clear of the valve body but are still captured in the valve bonnet. The valve includes a solenoid that may be remotely actuated to open the valve. An L-shaped actuator arm is also operatively connected to the solenoid for manually opening the valve with the upper portion of the actuator arm being closer to the user than in previous valves and thus easier to grip and turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Dan Lohde, John Larry Kent, Alan Dawn
  • Patent number: 6557581
    Abstract: A liquid fuel trap device for a vehicle fuel tank, including a housing formed with a confined space with at least one inlet port. The at least one inlet port is connectable to a corresponding fuel valve. There is an outlet port connectable to a fuel vapor recovery system, and a fuel liquid discharge valve adapted for discharging liquid fuel from the space into the tank. The housing further includes a connecting arrangement for attaching the device on an inner surface of an upper wall of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Raviv Precision Injection Molding
    Inventors: Moshe Ehrman, Udi Orenstein, Zohar Moalem, Vladimir Olshanetsky
  • Patent number: 6557582
    Abstract: A flow cell having at least two inlet channels, each connectable with a reservoir and controllable via valves and ending in an inlet chamber is disclosed herein. Each of two ends of the inlet chamber is connected with a discharge channel through at least two outlet channels. Previously supplied fluid remaining in the inlet chamber is displaced into the discharge channel by newly supplied fluid. The at least two outlet channels establish fluid purity in the chamber via rapid fluid transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventor: Jens Peter Krog
  • Patent number: 6557583
    Abstract: A damper assembly in which the position of the damper blades is controlled by an electric powered actuator. The powered actuator rotates a threaded lead screw shaft attached to an operator means attached to the damper blades of the damper, which causes the damper blades to open and close or be positioned somewhere in-between. The actuator can be controlled by sensors in a remote location. The actuator allows the damper to be modulated to set up pressure differentials and to be closed well in advance of oncoming smoke, fire, or other detected toxic fumes. There are a variety of nuts and gear arrangements coacting with the lead screw to drive the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Francis J. McCabe
  • Patent number: 6557584
    Abstract: A brewing machine with brewing water flow control mechanisms for controlling flow between chambers, includes a filling chamber in fluid connection with a heating reservoir. In one aspect of the invention, a control chamber with a sealable opening is formed about a drain hole in the filling chamber so that water must flow through the control chamber to reach the reservoir, and fluid access to the control chamber is controlled by a seal which engages the opening in the control chamber. Engagement of the seal with the opening in the control chamber is controlled by operation of a lid which covers the filling chamber. In another aspect of the invention, a flow rate control valve assembly is at least partially housed within the control chamber and has a portion which is proximate to the drain hole in the filling chamber connected to the reservoir, whereby a rate of flow from the filling chamber to the reservoir is selectively controllable by adjustment of the flow rate control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric E. Lucas, Robert C. Cheich, Mark V. Gorjanc, Marc L. Vitantonio
  • Patent number: 6557585
    Abstract: In a water-supply valve apparatus comprising a first on-off rod 4 for opening and closing a discharge outlet 22 with an intake lever 6, and a second on-off rod 5 for turning on and off the flow of the water from a supply-tube 1 by pressing a pushing member 7, regardless of the operation of the first on-off rod 4, the first on-off rod 4 comprises a stopper having a T-shaped hole arranged at the position where the first on-off rod 4 is at right angles to the second on-off rod 5, the second on-off rod 5 comprises an elastic hook 210 passing through the horizontal part 110 of the T-shaped hole and being hooked on the vertical part 120 of the T-shaped hole, and an anti-rotation wing 200 for preventing the second on-off rod 5 from rotating. The anti-rotation wing 200 is inserted into an anti-rotation hole 300 formed in a guide hole 71 of the pushing member 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Jein Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung Bum Kwak
  • Patent number: 6557586
    Abstract: A control handle support and valve linkage assembly for use in a lift truck or like vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a first stationary bracket and a second bracket that pivots relative to the first bracket. At least one, and preferably an array of control handles are coupled to the second bracket. A seat deck on the lift truck includes an actuator for engaging a member projecting from the second bracket. When the seat deck is in the closed position, the second bracket is kept in a first, retracted position, and hence, the control handle(s) are kept close to and within the comfortable reach of an operator seated in the adjacent seat. Then, when the seat deck is opened, such as when the operator desires to access a battery compartment or the like, the second bracket, and hence, the control handle(s) automatically and simultaneously pivot or rotate relative to the first stationary bracket. This moves the control handles out of the path of travel of the seat deck to avoid creating any interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne David Lockyer, Eugene G. Bruns, Nita Louise Watercutter
  • Patent number: 6557587
    Abstract: A change-over valve comprises a connection portion, a main body, and a switch rod. The main body is connected to the water faucet by the connection portion and is provided with a slide slot, a water discharging channel, and a water discharging cell. The slide slot is provided with a connection duct in communication with a water filter. The switch rod is provided with a small diametrical portion and is slidably disposed in the slide slot such that the small diametrical portion and the slide slot form together a water slot. The switch rod is provided with four washers, two of which are used to separate the flow paths of the water discharging channel and the connection duct, with other two washers serving to make the switch rod and the slide slot leakproof. The water discharging cell is provided with a centrally-located water hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Ching-Ping Chiu
  • Patent number: 6557588
    Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of forming a surface finish on a top surface of a drain cover for swimming pools or spas so that the surface finish of the drain cover matches the surface finish of the pool or spa. The apparatus comprises a ring shaped structure that is adapted to be positioned on the top surface of the drain cover wherein the ring is mounted along the general outer perimeter of the top surface of the drain cover. An exposed aggregate or plaster finish is then formed on the top surface of the cover enclosed by the ring so that the ring retains and shapes the surface finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Splash Pool Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Wright
  • Patent number: 6557589
    Abstract: A hose bending clamp (10) is described for holding a hose in a desired bent shape. The clamp (10) includes a coil 14 designed to slop over the outside over a section of hose to be bent. Each of the turns (12) of the coil are designed to constrain the hose so as to inhibit it from spreading or kinking as it is forced into the desired shape. A malleable spine (16) is provided in connection with the coil (14) and is designed to bend with the hose into the desired shape and to hold the shape when released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: Dennis Bozic, Frank Dobra
  • Patent number: 6557590
    Abstract: A decorative outdoor fabric including a woven structure formed of warp effect yarns and at least some of the fill yarns comprising self-coating yarns formed of high melt and low melt yarn constituents. When the fabric is tentered, the low melt constituents melt and cross-flow to the other fibers in the fill and warp yarns. Both the warp yarns have deniers in the range of 50-4000 and the fill yarns have deniers in the range of 150-4000. Because of the cross-flow of the low melt constituents, the resulting fabric achieves acceptable abrasion resistance, stability, and load recovery and hand without the need for a latex backing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Glen Raven, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Swers, Johnny E. Parrish
  • Patent number: 6557591
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a gaseous product includes a horizontal container having inlet and outlet ports, an elongated hollow tube inside the container, a purifying medium inside the tube, inlet and outlet control means adapted to control delivery of the fluid to the inlet port and to control delivery of a gaseous product from the outlet port. The tube has a first opening, a second opening spaced apart from the first opening, and an internal axis between the first and second openings. The first opening is in fluid communication with the outlet port and the second opening is in fluid communication with a vapor space in the container. A portion of the internal axis adjacent the second opening is at an angle greater than zero degrees relative to the horizontal longitudinal axis of the container. Each of the inlet and outlet control means preferably are single ported valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Martin Pearlstein, Benjamin Lee Hertzler, Lawrence Paul Jarrett
  • Patent number: 6557592
    Abstract: A bottle charged with a gaseous material intended to be discharged through a range of temperatures but not outside that range, has a valve through which the gaseous material is to be directed. The valve has at least a part wholly inside the bottle, which part has a restricted port through it through which the gaseous material passes to issue from the valve, and a thermally responsive member adapted to block the port when the temperature of the interior of the bottle is outside the range. Preferably, the gaseous material is both introduced to the bottle and discharged from the bottle through the same valve, and the valve has a fill port of larger diameter than the restricted port, and an axially moveable actuating element, and the thermally responsive member is carried by the actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Intoximeters, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Nagel
  • Patent number: 6557593
    Abstract: A highly reliable bulk chemical delivery system for high purity chemicals employing a manifold that ensures contamination free operation and canister change outs with a minimum of valves and tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen H. Siegele, Craig M. Noah, John N. Gregg
  • Patent number: 6557594
    Abstract: The processing system for preparing and filling beverage containers with ice and liquid. The beverage processing system simplifies the task of filling multiple glasses, cups or like containers with ice and a beverage, in a short time period, which is required with large crowds at restaurants and banquets. The system features three components including an ice tray, a glass inverter, and a glass filler, which in the best mode combine to the task of filling such beverage containers. Each component might also be used individually to significantly enhance the current art of beverage container filling with ice and liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Jose Guzman
  • Patent number: 6557595
    Abstract: A ventilation-side floating valve 40 is provided for a fuel tank divided into a main tank part and a sub-tank part through a swelling part. The valve 40 includes an upper casing part 41 in which a float 46, a spring 47 and a retainer 48 are accommodated and a lower casing part 42. In arrangement of the valve 40, the upper casing part 41 is arranged on a central-upper part of the fuel tank above the swelling part. The lower casing part 42 is bent avoid the swelling part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsunori Ozaki
  • Patent number: 6557596
    Abstract: A leak fuel gas discharging structure for an automobile includes a hollow reinforcement member extending between a floor panel and a wheel house and interconnecting an underfloor space and an internal space of the wheel house. The wheel house has a portion facing a filler recess and having an opening which through which the filler recess and the internal space of the wheel house are connected together. The filler recess is normally closed by a filler lid with a clearance defined between a peripheral edge of the filler lid and a peripheral edge of the filler recess. By the structure thus arranged, a fuel gas, leaking from a fuel tank disposed in the underfloor space, is discharged outside the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tohru Ono, Yozo Kami
  • Patent number: 6557597
    Abstract: A foodstuff refill (2) intended to be inserted in a foodstuff supply zone of a device for metering, dispensing and/or preparing food products; the refill comprising a container (20) for the foodstuff; a passage (24) for releasing the foodstuff; edges (21) of the device, including at least one pair of first opposed edges (210a, 210b), a film (25) for sealing the passage to form an enclosed space (26); a member (3) for detaching the film from the container; the detachment member including at least one catch member (4) intended to engage a retaining lip of the device when the refill is inserted into the device. The detachment member (3) is secured to the film (25) and is able to be connected to the refill in such a way as to be movable in sliding along the first edges of the device (210a, 210b) to cause the at least partial opening of the film (25) in response to the engagement of the refill in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Alain Riesterer