Patents Issued in September 11, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030168048
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel pump drive system which can change revolution ratio of an engine to a fuel pump to one-to-one without vast increase in cost, allowing the fuel pump to be smaller-sized fuel pump. The system has a conventional flywheel housing with a gear through hole opened to a gear train accommodation space and adapted to receive a conventional input gear as an element of a gear train for transmission of the torque to the fuel pump through meshing with an output gear with revolution ratio of the engine to the fuel pump being two-to-one, an air compressor gear (new input gear) for transmission of the torque to the fuel pump through meshing with a smaller main idle (output gear) via an idle gear within a range of the gear through hole with revolution ratio of the engine to the fuel pump being changed to one-to-one, and an adapter interposed between the flywheel housing and the fuel pump for rotatably supporting the idle gear in a position for meshing with the air compressor gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: HINO MOTORS LTD.
    Inventors: Ryuuichi Koga, Hideyuki Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20030168049
    Abstract: An ignition coil assembly for providing ignition energy to a spark plug in accordance with a dwell pulse and transmitting diagnostic data related to an ignition event occurring after the dwell pulse. The assembly has an ignition coil with a spark plug terminal adapted to mate with the spark plug, and a transistor for conducting current flow through the primary winding of the ignition coil. The current flow is in accordance with the dwell pulse, which arrives over a signal line. A diagnostic block receives at least one electrical signal from the ignition coil and derives diagnostic data therefrom for transmitting over the same signal line in the absence of the dwell pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Mikhail Zarkhin, Michael S. Boggess
  • Publication number: 20030168050
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive ignition device for an internal combustion engine, having an ignition coil (ZS) with a primary coil (L1) and a secondary coil (L2), wherein a diode (D) is provided on the side of the secondary coil (L2), having a spark plug (ZK) with at least one electrode, and having a measuring device for detecting an ionic current (14). A shunt device (16) is provided in order to decrease a residual charge that is present between the diode (D) and an electrode of the spark plug (ZK). The shunt device (16) preferably contains a high-impedance resistance (R) connected in parallel with the diode (D). This permits a reliable detection of combustion misses in the ionic current signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Markus Ketterer, Achim Guenther, Juergen Foerster
  • Publication number: 20030168051
    Abstract: A suspension system is provided for dampening vibrational energy and noise in an archery bow. The suspension system includes a limb including an axle clearance hole extending axially therethrough, an axle shaft extending through the axle clearance hole, and a bushing seated within the axle clearance hole for rotatably receiving the axle shaft therethrough. In addition, the suspension system includes a dampening member positioned and extending radially between the bushing and the limb for decoupling the axle shaft from the limb and dampening vibrational energy exerted through the axle shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Albert A. Andrews
  • Publication number: 20030168052
    Abstract: A compressed gas powered projectile accelerator employing “dynamic-regulation” as herein defined; having, in a simple-to-manufacture, easy-to-maintain, durable preferred embodiment; either a slider, reciprocally moveable within a passage, being releasable by the action of a sear and trigger from a cocked position, controlling flow of compressed gas into a breech; or an electric valve performing the same function under the control of an electronic circuit and trigger; and a spring-biased slider, reciprocally moving within said breech and a barrel, controlling the flow of projectiles and compressed gas into said barrel. Said compressed gas-powered projectile accelerator circumvents many of the problems associated with projectile accelerators known to be in the art, capable of reliable semi-automatic and fully-automatic operation using carbon dioxide liquid/gas mixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Kenneth Masse
  • Publication number: 20030168053
    Abstract: A paintball gun loader. The loader is used in a closed-bolt paintball gun. The loader provides a paintball contact surface that moves in oscillating fashion in response to movement of the bolt to load individual paintballs into the gun while the gun loading port is open, which occurs as the gun cycles when fired. The loader includes a spring element that limits the force exerted on the paintball being loaded, even in case of a jam when the paintball contact surface is urged toward the paintball. In one embodiment, a pivotally mounted flexible lever arm having a paintball contact surface oscillates through an angular range of motion in response to a cam surface of the bolt engaging a cam follower on the the loader. In such embodiment, the cam follower is urged toward the cam surface of the bolt, which in turn biases the paintball contact surface toward an open, paintball receiving position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Farrell
  • Publication number: 20030168054
    Abstract: The portable concrete saw of the present invention includes a frame with first and second side members and cross members that connect the first and second side members together. It also includes a cantilever member pivotally mounted to the frame and an actuator for moving the cantilever member to a selected position and holding it at that position. The cantilever member supports an internal combustion engine, electric motor or other power source and a cutting blade driven by the power source. The method of forming this saw includes forming openings in the side members, inserting end portions of the cross members into the openings to form the frame, and pivotally mounting a cantilever member to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: MK Diamond Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Governo, Scott M. Hulett
  • Publication number: 20030168055
    Abstract: A method for cutting a liquid crystal display panel is disclosed in the present invention. The method includes forming a plurality of unit liquid crystal display panels on first and second mother substrates, wherein the unit liquid crystal display panels have at least two different sizes, forming a plurality of first scribing lines on a surface of the first mother substrate, rotating the first and second mother substrates by 90°, and forming a plurality of second scribing lines on the surface of the first mother substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: LG Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung-Su Chae
  • Publication number: 20030168056
    Abstract: A venetian blind type solar heater. The top outer half of the slats are coated with a heat absorbing material while the rest of the slats are coated with a non-heat absorbing material. Thermal conduction in the metal slats heats the entire slat. The distance between the slats are half the width of the slat so that the slats overlap. The number of slats increases thereby increasing the total surface area available for heat transfer to the inside room air by convection and thermal radiation. When the orientation of the slats are reversed the heat absorbing surface area is shielded from outside solar radiation and any stray inside room radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: John Frederick Fidler
  • Publication number: 20030168057
    Abstract: An aerosolization device comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet and an airway extending from the inlet to the outlet. A valve in the airway comprises a piezoelectric element which controls the valve, and a reservoir in communication with the airway is adapted to contain a pharmaceutical formulation so that the pharmaceutical formulation may be introduced into the airway and passed through the outlet in an aerosolized form. The piezoelectric element may alternatively or additionally be used to sense a condition in the aerosolization device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Herman Snyder, Carlos Schuler, William Alston
  • Publication number: 20030168058
    Abstract: A combination spirometer or peak flow meter and nebulizer system is provided. Utilization of common elements, on a time sharing basis is accomplished by the combined instrumentation. The sharing of a common chamber by a peak flow meter and a nebulizer system is controlled by valves operated in response to phases of the respiratory process of a patient. With this combination vaporized medication is provided to a patient for inhalation during the inhale phase of the respiration cycle and the effectiveness of the inhaled medication is monitored by measuring the rate of flow of the breath exhaled during the exhale phase of the same respiratory cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph J. Walker, Frank A. Schimansky
  • Publication number: 20030168059
    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 Charged Coupled Device (“CCD”) or Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (“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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: John A. Pacey
  • Publication number: 20030168060
    Abstract: A respirator (1) comprises an inner, oronasal, mask (2) enclosed within an outer, face sealing, mask (3) so as to define a cavity (4) therewith, a screw-threaded air inlet (5) for conducting inhaling air to the interior of the inner mask (2), a filter canister (7) for filtering the inhaling air, and an air outlet (8) for conducting exhaled air from the interior (6) of the inner mask (2). In normal operation, air is inhaled and exhaled solely through the inner mask (2) and so substantially no air pressure differential exists between the ambient atmosphere (9) and the cavity (4) which will allow ambient air to enter the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Grant Stuart Richardson, William Georges Mathers
  • Publication number: 20030168061
    Abstract: A versatile underwater breathing device which comprises, a pressurised gas reservoir or tank (21), a buoyancy bladder (72), bladder inflation control means (76), a breathing regulator (32) in communication with the gas reservoir; and a flexible adaptable carrier having straps (88, 90) for securely attaching the carrier to the back of a diver, which carrier wholly contains the buoyancy bladder and the gas reservoir. The bladder inflation control means operatively couple the buoyancy bladder to the reservoir so that the bladder may be inflated and deflated to control the buoyancy of a diver, and the breathing regulator is also coupled to the gas reservoir to permit the breathing of the contained gas by the diver. The flexible carrier is adapted to be carried on the back of a wide range of differently sized divers so allowing a single piece of equipment to be used by a variety of people.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Patrick Hart
  • Publication number: 20030168062
    Abstract: A pulmonary dosing system and method for supplying to a patient a predetermined amount of respirable therapeutically active material is disclosed. The system comprises a patient interface to introduce the material into the patient's lungs and an apparatus for providing pulsed amounts of the material to a plenum chamber. The plenum chamber has a diffuser baffle which increases the efficiency of the dosing system by preventing axial flow of the active material thereby utilizing the available volume of the chamber for holding the aerosolized drug prior to inhalation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin Sanford Blythe, Anthony Rocco Imondi, Daniel Duane Meek, Andrew O. Ross
  • Publication number: 20030168063
    Abstract: Disclosed is a positive pressure full-face mask comprising a foam cuff, preferably made from a non-reticulated ester polyurethane. The disclosed face mask provides a superior seal to the user's face compared with face masks with air-filled cushion or silicone gasket cuffs, while providing a more comfortable user experience. Also disclosed is a nasal mask with a foam cushion that is more comfortable to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony Joseph Gambone, Glen Gee, Donald Lee Brisco
  • Publication number: 20030168064
    Abstract: A double-ended variable speed blower for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) ventilation of patients includes two impellers in the gas flow path that cooperatively pressurize gas to desired pressure and flow characteristics. Thus, the double-ended blower can provide faster pressure response and desired flow characteristics over a narrower range of motor speeds, resulting in greater reliability and less acoustic noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Geoffrey D. Daly, Alexander Virr, Stephen A. Lea, Dion Charles C. Martin, Nicholas J. Reed, Larry Puckeridge, Timothy Tsun-Fai Fu
  • Publication number: 20030168065
    Abstract: A ventilation device for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of a patient has a gas flow generator (1, 2), a gas delivery circuit (5, 6) optionally including a humidifier (H), a controller (4) and sensors (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) monitoring values of operational parameters of the device. The device further includes one or more relationships stored in data storage of the controller relating combinations of parameter values as being indicative of fault conditions of the device operation, the sensors and/or the fault detection process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Gregory A. Colla, Barton Kenyon
  • Publication number: 20030168066
    Abstract: A mechanical breathing aid for providing a regulated supply of a breathing gas has an expiratory pressure regulator for regulating gas pressure within an expiration gas flow path dependent on an input regulatory signal and an expiratory pressure sensor disposed to sense an actual gas pressure within the expiration gas flow path and to provide an output signal indicative thereof. A control unit is operably coupled to the expiratory pressure regulator and to the expiratory pressure sensor for calculating a target pressure as a function of time dependent on a value of compliance calculated from measurements of pressure and flow of provided breathing gas made during an inspiration phase, and for generating the regulatory signal dependent on a magnitude of the difference between the target pressure and the actual pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Siemens Elema AB
    Inventor: Joachim Sallvin
  • Publication number: 20030168067
    Abstract: A nasal cannula for use in administering a gas under pressure through a nasal passage of a user comprises at least one tubular nasal prong assembly. The assembly includes an inner tubular prong 4 having a distal end to be placed in or adjacent the nasal passage and a proximal end for connection to a supply line 2 for the gas, and also includes an outer sleeve 8 extending over at least a portion of the inner tubular prong 4 to define therewith an annular passage 10 in communication with supply line 2. The arrangement is such that when gas flows through the supply line 2 most will flow out of the distal end of the prong 4 but some will pass through the annular passage 10 to form a shrouding stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Silvia Beatriz Dougill, Christian Juan Feldermann
  • Publication number: 20030168068
    Abstract: A body cavity lining means is disclosed having a fluid chamber (9) and at least one further means (23) for providing liner means rigidity, in use. Means (23) comprises a further fluid chamber. The provision of two fluid chambers provides much greater control over the insertion and removal of the lining means. The provision of two separate fluid chambers allows the rigidity of the chambers to be controlled independently of eversion. In one embodiment the lining means is used to assist in the insertion of an endoscope for performing a colonoscopy. In one embodiment the at least one further means for providing liner means rigidity comprises a resiliently deformable extendible elongate member. In another embodiment one of the two fluid chambers is formed partially by the endoscope or other semirigid member, and means is provided for advancing the endoscope within the colon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony George Poole, Antony John Young
  • Publication number: 20030168069
    Abstract: A cigarette filter assembly machine wherein a rolling unit is defined by a rolling drum and a guide drum coaxial with each other and connected to each other in angularly-fixed, axially-sliding manner; and wherein the rolling drum has a number of suction rollers (54) rotated, with respect to the rolling drum, by respective independent drive units; the guide drum has a number of semicylindrical cavities, each coaxial, and defining a relative rolling channel, with a relative suction roller; the suction rollers receive, with a first spacing, relative groups of component parts of a relative double cigarette; and each drive unit rotates the relative suction roller to roll the relative group inside the relative rolling channel and to extract a relative double cigarette from the relative rolling channel, and reverses the relative suction roller to release the relative double cigarette with a second spacing smaller than the first spacing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Salvatore Rizzoli, Umberto Zanetti, Fiorenzo Draghetti
  • Publication number: 20030168070
    Abstract: A process of impregnating fine adsorbent particles such as carbon dust or APS silica gel powder into the micro-cavities of shaped fibers comprises the steps of continuously conveying shaped fibers with micro-cavities to a reservoir of the fine adsorbent particles. The fibers pass through the reservoir to thereby produce relative motion between the fibers and the particles. Additionally, impact forces are created between the shaped fibers and the fine particles to assist in impregnating the particles into the micro-cavities of the fibers. Any excess particles are removed from the fibers outside the reservoir, and subsequently the shaped fibers impregnated with fine adsorbent particles are collected for later use in filter applications such as cigarette filter and air filter applications, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Lixin Luke Xue, Kent B. Koller, Qiong Gao, Tim Sherwood, Charles E. Thomas, George R. Scott, Liqun Yu
  • Publication number: 20030168071
    Abstract: Disclosed is a loess containing cigarette comprised of a tobacco part and a filter that contain respectively sintered loess powder and sintered granular loess particles, in which tobacco fragrance has been absorbed. The loess containing cigarette can reduce inspiration amount of harmful materials through absorbing and filtering the harmful materials by means of the porous structure of loess, and is highly liked by smokers because tobacco fragrance component is emitted slowly. It is also good for promoting health because of the emission of far infrared rays and efficacious component of the herb material. According to the method for producing loess containing cigarette, as it is simple to add tobacco fragrance and loss of fragrance component can be reduced, the method for producing loess containing cigarette is useful in economic aspect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: DaMin Bio-Tech. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung Hee Han
  • Publication number: 20030168072
    Abstract: A hair-holding device has been improved to allow for the attachment of a removably mounted chemical light stick. In an aspect of the invention, this improvement is accomplished by having a grasping means attached to the hair-holding device to grasp a chemical light stick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Dean Valdez
  • Publication number: 20030168073
    Abstract: Methods for reducing skin irritation associated with shaving (i.e., before, during, and/or after shaving) using compositions including a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 20:80 to 100:0, between at least 0.5% and 8.0% by weight thickener system comprised of at least one emulsifier, each emulsifier present in at least 0.05% by weight wherein the composition free of auxiliary thickeners has a viscosity of at least 4,000 centipoise at 23 degrees C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Wei C. Moline
  • Publication number: 20030168074
    Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping hair with a cord is provided and includes a housing; a main spindle operatively coupled to the housing and defining a main spindle bore for receiving cord and hair; a rotatable spool carrier and at least one spool. The spool carrier has a platform and a drive spindle operatively coupled to the main spindle so that rotation of the main spindle is translated into rotation of the platform. The drive spindle has guides for receiving cord and permitting the cord to be disposed through a bore extending through the drive spindle. The rotation of the main spindle causes cord to be dispensed through the one guide and the drive spindle bore and the main spindle bore, hair is disposed through the drive spindle bore and the main spindle bore, and the main spindle is rotated to wrap the hair with cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Elysee Beauty Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: David Leason , Edward J. Ellis , Eugene J. Lattuga
  • Publication number: 20030168075
    Abstract: A tooth polisher includes an elastic finger shaped finger cloth having two opposing sides for fitting tightly over a finger. A rough cloth is disposed on a first of said opposing sides polishes the teeth. A chamois cloth on the other of said opposing sides is soft and is used to buff the teeth after polishing with the rough cloth. A finger pull tab connects to said finger cloth between said rough cloth and said chamois cloth and allow the tooth polisher to be rotated to orient the rough cloth and chamois cloth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Ira Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20030168076
    Abstract: A dispenser for material including an applicator, an elongated housing member with a well at one end thereof for receiving the applicator to shield the applicator, a laterally opening receptacle carried by the housing member for holding a coherent body of the material to be dispensed and applied, and structure carried by or forming a part of the housing member for closing the receptacle to shield the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Valerie Vieu, Thaddeus I. Kingsford, Michael M. Malvar, Volker Schrepf
  • Publication number: 20030168077
    Abstract: Disclosed are coated micromesh dental devices overcoated with biofilm-responsive, imbedded, particulate abrasives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Dale G. Brown, Michael R. Schweigert, Ira D. Hill
  • Publication number: 20030168078
    Abstract: A substrate is cleaned by supplying an ultrasonically-agitated cleaning liquid onto the substrate from a nozzle provided above the substrate while spinning the substrate. The substrate being cleaned is spun at a rotational speed of 2600 rpm or more and 3500 rpm or less, or at a rotational speed of 260×V/D (rpm) or more and 350×V/D (rpm) or less, where D (mm) is a diameter of the nozzle and V (mm/sec) is a moving velocity of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Deguchi
  • Publication number: 20030168079
    Abstract: A cleaning agent or a rinsing agent having no flash point which comprises a chlorine-free fluorine-containing compound having a vapor pressure at 20° C. of 1.33×103 Pa or more and one or more components having a vapor pressure at 20° C. less than 1.33×103 Pa and optionally an additive such as an antioxidant; a method for cleaning which comprises cleaning with the cleaning agent and rinsing and/or vapor cleaning utilizing a vapor being generated by boiling the cleaning agent or a condensate thereof; a method for separating a soil which comprises contacting a cleaning agent in a cleaning tank with a condensate of the vapor of the cleaning agent in a soil separating tank, to thereby continuously separate and remove a soil contained in the cleaning agent; and a cleaning apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Kazuo Kabashima, Kenichi Kato, Shoji Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20030168080
    Abstract: A dishwasher having the advantage of fast interrupt of the operation of its dishwasher components is disclosed. The dishwasher has an openable cabinet and a washing compartment disposed within the openable cabinet. The dishwasher further includes a handle associated with the openable cabinet for opening the cabinet to provide access to the washing compartment and a sensor in operative communication with the handle such that when a user grasps the handle, the sensor senses the user's presence prior to opening the cabinet so that operation of the dishwasher can be interrupted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Scott D. Raches
  • Publication number: 20030168081
    Abstract: A motor-driven, fixed or adjustable spray system is provided, in which the motor overrides and augments the natural rotational force supplied by the input water pressure through one more inclined spray nozzles, thereby increasing the strike force and efficient water impacting of the floor surface. This enhances water delivered from one or more nozzles to impact into the floor surface such as cement, tile, pebble-reinforced concrete, patio stones, linoleum and the like and thereby dislodge various contaminants compared to conventional floor cleaning systems. The spray system may be adjustable from about horizontal to vertical and is also adapted to utilize cleaning pads such as from fibers, cloths, abrasive pads, etc. Use of the cleaning pads may also be augmented by the water spray. Rotary movement of the spray system and/or the cleaning pads may be effected by electrical power, including battery power, or by an equivalent pneumatic (i.e., air driven) power, hydraulic power, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: TIMBUCKTOO MFG., INC.
    Inventors: Kyu H. Lee, Larry W. French
  • Publication number: 20030168082
    Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for cleaning a plurality of injection needles having a hollow tubular body of a generally constant outer diameter, a proximal opening, and a distal opening. The device includes a housing defining a manifold. The housing has a plurality of corresponding openings through a top and a bottom surface. The openings have a diameter approximately equal to the needle diameter. The device further includes a high-pressure air source coupled to the housing and in fluid communication with the manifold. The method includes inserting needles into the openings, such that a proximal opening of the needle is located within the manifold, and injecting air into the manifold and through the bore of the needles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Curtis J. Cundith, Timothy A. Whitman, Thomas McLaughlin
  • Publication number: 20030168083
    Abstract: A vacuum extraction system is provided for extracting contaminants from rotating electrical devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the vacuum extraction system extracts conductive dust from the current collection system of a synchronous generator with a static excitation system. As the brushes (24) of the static excitation system wear against the collector rings (26), they produce conductive dust, which if permitted to accumulate, may cause electrical shorts and arcing and severe damage to the rotating electrical device. Methods and systems consistent with the vacuum extraction system of the present invention extract conductive dust from a rotating electrical device through vacuum passages (50, 62, 67, 72, 77) in the rotating electrical device into a removable dust capture media (46) to prevent dust accumulation and possible electrical damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventor: Maurice A. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20030168084
    Abstract: A washing machine and a method for guiding use of the same are disclosed. The method for guiding use of a washing machine having an LCD includes the steps of displaying at least one or more washing strokes on the LCD if a user selects a washing following menu displayed in the LCD by applying a power source, selecting a desired washing stroke from the displayed washing strokes, and displaying a guide message for processing the selected washing stroke. The method provides the user with convenience for use and processes the exact washing stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Seong-Jin Jo, So-Young Cho
  • Publication number: 20030168085
    Abstract: During the rinse cycle of a re-circulating dishwashing machine (132), water is simultaneously diverted into a dispenser (100) as water is delivered to the rinse arms (133) of the dishwashing machine (132). The cavity (118) of the dispenser (100) contains a solid detergent block (125) and is flooded with water during the rinse cycle. The water contacts the detergent (125) during the rinse cycle to create a use solution, and the use solution exits the dispenser (100) and flows into a wash water storage tank (135) of the dishwashing machine (132). During the wash cycle of the dishwashing machine (132), the wash water containing the use solution from the dispenser (100) is pumped into the wash arms (134). The wash water becomes diluted during the subsequent rinse cycle, however, the water diverted into the dispenser (100) during the rinse cycle replenishes the detergent (125) concentration in the wash water for use in the subsequent wash cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Eddie D. Sowle, John J. Rolando, John P. Furber, Allan L. Schuman, Katherine M. Sanville
  • Publication number: 20030168086
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for drying washed objects being capable of drying the objects in a reduced period of time, effectively preventing contamination of the objects, and preventing energy loss are provided. The apparatus for drying washed objects includes a drying tank having an opening on the upper portion thereof so that the washed objects can be placed or taken out from above, and a rinsing tank formed integrally with the drying tank, and is capable of being sealed hermetically by closing the openable and closable lid. The drying tank includes a mist-straightening vane for supplying organic solvent mist at normal temperatures to the washed objects, so that the washed objects are dried by organic solvent mist emitted from the mist-straightening vane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: KAIJO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kensuke Yamaguchi, Yoshinori Ishikawa, Ki Han
  • Publication number: 20030168087
    Abstract: A washer includes a plurality of washing means for spraying washing water to an object to be washed from various directions of a washing tub and a washing water feeding means for feeding the washing water. The washing water is sequentially sprayed from respective washing means. Thus, the washing water can be sprayed to eating utensils from the various directions without increasing fed water, and a washing effect is improved. Speedy washing, energy saving, and water saving can be also achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroaki Inui, Makoto Oyama, Masaki Yura
  • Publication number: 20030168088
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical solution treatment apparatus for dissolving and removing ruthenium-based metal adhering to a substrate by a chemical solution, comprising: a chemical solution treatment unit which make the substrate come into contact with said chemical solution; a reservoir unit for storing the chemical solution which is used in said chemical solution treatment unit; and a chemical solution circulation system having said reservoir unit, a chemical solution supplying means for supplying the chemical solution inside said reservoir unit to said chemical solution treatment unit, and a chemical solution returning means for returning the chemical solution, which is used and recovered in said chemical solution treatment unit, to said reservoir unit, wherein: said chemical solution treatment unit comprises a chemical solution supplying nozzle for supplying the chemical solution to the substrate, and a recovering mechanism for recovering the used chemical solution; said reservoir unit has a
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Kaori Watanabe, Hidemitsu Aoki, Norio Ishikawa, Kiyoto Mori
  • Publication number: 20030168089
    Abstract: An apparatus continuously supplies an acid solution to a central portion of a surface of a substrate while the substrate is rotating, and also supplies an oxidizing agent solution continuously or intermittently to a periphery of the substrate. In addition, the apparatus supplies an oxidizing agent solution and an acid solution either simultaneously or alternately to a reverse side of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Ichiro Katakabe, Shinya Morisawa, Haruko Ohno, Sachiko Kihara, Akira Fukunaga
  • Publication number: 20030168090
    Abstract: The present invention provides an umbrella fan which includes a pole, an upper hub, main umbrella support members, a lower hub, lower umbrella support arms and a main umbrella fabric cover attached to the main umbrella support members. At least one fan member is attached to the main umbrella fabric cover and depends downwardly therefrom. A motor mounted to the pole is operably connected to at least one of the upper hub and the lower hub and is adapted to rotate the upper hub, the main umbrella support members, the lower hub, the lower support arms and the main umbrella fabric cover and at least one fan member relative to the pole. This causes the fan member to direct a flow of air downwardly when the motor is operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Phillip C. Apple
  • Publication number: 20030168091
    Abstract: A fan assembly with a split collar clampable about a pole, the split collar including a drive ring support. A split motor housing is clampable about the split collar and the split motor housing includes a drive mechanism. A split drive ring is rotatably clampable about the split collar and supported by the drive ring support. The split drive ring includes a driven mechanism driven by the drive mechanism. A plurality of fan blades are coupled to the split drive ring. The fan assembly can be easily raised up or lowered down an umbrella pole. When the fan assembly is in the lowered position and the fan blades are removed, the umbrella can be easily stored away with the fan assembly still assembled about the umbrella pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald B. Cohen, Wayne Wallen
  • Publication number: 20030168092
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic umbrella, which is comprised of an open mechanism, a central handle assembly, wherein said open mechanism is consisted of an upper rib nest, a low rib nest and proper number of ribs attached with restoring springs; said automatic umbrella also includes a ratio mechanism and a handle control device; said central handle assembly is consisted of a couple of inner and outer telescopic tubes connected together in socket joint, and an extension spring; said extension spring is located on the inside of said outer telescopic tube and the top end of said inner telescopic tube; said ratio mechanism set upon the inside of said central handle includes a movable block base, a standing block base, a stay wire and a stick with a catch head; said standing block base is retained on the upper end of said outer telescopic tube of said central handle nearing to said upper rib nest, said stay wire is fastened on said standing block base with one end, and another end is threaded crossly
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Lung-Chiao Chou
  • Publication number: 20030168093
    Abstract: A collapsible structure having at least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form at least one panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, and a mat coupled adjacent the bottom side of at least one of the at least one panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20030168094
    Abstract: A thermoelectric material is prepare by mixing and melting at least two members selected from bismuth, tellurium, selenium, antimony, and sulfur to obtain an alloy ingot; grinding the alloy ingot to obtain powder of the alloy ingot; and hot pressing the powder of the alloy ingot. The hot pressing is performed under the conditions of a temperature of 500° C. or higher and 600° C. or lower and a pressure of 20 MPa or higher and 45 MPa or lower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: MITSUI MINING & SMELTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norihiko Miyasita, Tomoyasu Yano, Ryoma Tsukuda, Isamu Yashima
  • Publication number: 20030168095
    Abstract: This device is a specially designed sealed compartment with a highly reflective or mirrored interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Robert William Jackson
  • Publication number: 20030168096
    Abstract: A thin-film solar cell including a transparent electrode layer, a semiconductor photovoltaic conversion layer, a rear transparent electrode layer and a rear reflective metal layer, said layers being formed in this order on a transparent substrate, wherein the rear transparent electrode has a two-layer structure of an ITO or ZnO:Ga layer and a ZnO:Al layer formed in this order on the semiconductor photovoltaic conversion layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Takashi Ouchida, Hitoshi Sannomiya
  • Publication number: 20030168097
    Abstract: The microvalve comprises a mini-piston moving due to the thrust of gases given off by firing of a pyrotechnic charge and comprising an aperture designed to enable communication to be established between ends of microchannels of a microfluidic component. When the ends between which communication is to be established open out onto a face of a first planar substrate, the mini-piston is formed in a second planar substrate, adjoined to the first, and comprises a part that is mobile in translation or in rotation in the plane of the second substrate. If a transverse slot is arranged between the ends of the microchannels between which communication is to be established, the mini-piston comprises a rod designed to slide in the slot and the aperture is formed by a transverse orifice formed in the rod of the mini-piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Commissariat A I'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Gilles Delapierre