Patents Issued in October 16, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030192552
    Abstract: An artificial airway device comprises an air conduit extending between a proximal opening and a mask opening. When the device is in an operative position, the proximal opening remains outside of a patient and the mask opening is open to a laryngeal opening of the patient. The device further includes a seating tip extending distally from the distal end of the airway tube which, when the device is in the operative position, is located on a pharyngeal side of the patient's cricoid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas R. Mongeon
  • Publication number: 20030192553
    Abstract: An O-ring is provided for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector having a stacked or astroidal cross-section and a resilient configuration for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable into a surgical incision. In one embodiment a astroidal cross-section O-ring includes a torsional preloading to enhance snap-action rolling of the O-ring about the cross-sectional center in predetermined increments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Rambo
  • Publication number: 20030192554
    Abstract: A method of adhering musculoskeletal tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and cartilage involves applying one or more substances to enhance adhesion. According to one aspect, scar-forming substances are applied to the tissues that the surgeon wishes to connect. For example, tetracycline, nitrogen mustard, sterile talcum powder, erythromycin, or alternative substances may be applied to the tissues. A second aspect of the invention uses growth factors such as those found in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to accelerate the healing. The growth factors could be sprayed onto the tissues the surgeon wishes to connect. A third aspect uses “glue” such as “fibrin glue” to bond the tissues together. Regardless of the embodiment, an inventive retractable catheter may be used to administer the agent(s) so as not to expose unintended areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Bret A. Ferree
  • Publication number: 20030192555
    Abstract: A method of producing a vascular lesion in an animal that resembles atherosclerosic lesions in humans. The method includes introducing cholesterol enriched with LDL or cholesterol enriched with LDL and monocytes, macrophages, leukocytes, smooth muscle cells or platelets into a proliferative lesion created by standard methods, to promote atherosclerosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Elazer Edelman, Campbell Rogers, Frederick G. Welt
  • Publication number: 20030192556
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating snoring of a patient includes providing an implant for altering a dynamic response of a soft palate of the patient to airflow past the soft palate. The implant is embedded in the soft palate to alter the dynamic response. The implant has multiple fibers braided along a length of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Restore Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Conrad, Mark B. Knudson
  • Publication number: 20030192557
    Abstract: Systems and methods for locating and defining a target location within a human body. The system can include at least one marker, a probe, and a detector for use in locating the markers by providing information to a surgeon that is representative of changes in proximity between the probe and the marker. The marker can have various detection characteristics, e.g., gamma radiation, that are detectable by an associated probe and detector. The tissue volume is removed by manipulating a cutting tool based on the proximity information provided by the detector, which can be used by the surgeon to define the boundary of the tissue volume. The systems and methods of the invention are particularly useful in locating and then removing a tissue volume or other target location from amorphous, pliable tissue (e.g., breast tissue) or other body parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: David Krag, Eric Meier, Steve Dimmer, Duane Durbin, Trevor Moody, Fred Silverstein, Rosemary Harry, Richard Frecksa, Amy Kinsella, Jon Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20030192558
    Abstract: A system for placing an implant in the body includes an elongated member having at least one inner lumen extending from a proximal end portion of the member to an opening in a distal end portion of the member. At least one compressible implant is in the inner lumen of the member. The implant optionally includes anchor members projecting from its outer surface to limit migration of the implant in the body. Structure is provided to push the implant through the opening in the distal end portion of the member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Durgin
  • Publication number: 20030192559
    Abstract: A system for placing an implant in the body includes an elongated member having at least one inner lumen extending from a proximal end portion of the member to an opening in a distal end portion of the member. At least one compressible implant is in the inner lumen of the member. The implant optionally includes anchor members projecting from its outer surface to limit migration of the implant in the body. Structure is provided to push the implant through the opening in the distal end portion of the member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Durgin
  • Publication number: 20030192560
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus using a newly defined nonlinear technology that more accurately describes the biological process of dose titration to calculate next agent dose(s) in single and multi-agent therapy. The overall proportion of each agent is determined by the amount of agent as it relates to the dosing range. The overall proportion as well as the intrinsic potency of the agent is used to determine the total proportional effect that each agent has on the surrogate marker. This parameter is then inserted into the four-parameter equation for calculating dose by adjusting the proportional change in marker that is attributed to the activity of the agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: John P. McMichael
  • Publication number: 20030192561
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided to reconstruct an enlarged left ventricle of a human heart, using a shaper, having a size and shape substantially equal to the size and shape of an appropriate left ventricle, wherein the shaper is adapted to be temporarily placed into the enlarged left ventricle during a surgical procedure. Another aspect of one embodiment comprises a ventricular patch adapted for placement into the left ventricle of a heart made from a sheet of biocompatible material, and having a plurality of markings coupled to the sheet, wherein the markings are configured in distinct patterns for post operatively evaluating movement of the patch. In another aspect of one embodiment, a device is presented, comprising of a handle and a sizing template adapted to be coupled to the handle. Such components are also presented as a kit for use during ventricular restoration surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Gregory Murphy, Suresh Reddy, Albert Davis
  • Publication number: 20030192562
    Abstract: A tobacco odor deodorizing perfume composition contains a mandarin orange essential oil or a mandarin orange essential oil fraction having its terpene hydrocarbons substantially removed therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Nobukazu Higashi, Fumihiro Omori, Tomoko Monobe, Jun Komiya, Satomi Kunieda, Makoto Emura, Yoichiro Nishizawa, Takeshi Ishizuka, Takahiro Ariyoshi
  • Publication number: 20030192563
    Abstract: A brush includes a self-contained ion generator that subjects material being brushed to an outflow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrodes. An outflow of ionized air and ozone is directed between the brush bristles onto the material being brushed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
  • Publication number: 20030192564
    Abstract: The “Easy Groomer”—an exciting new innovation in personal care products. It is a light weight, hand-held automatic brush that is simple to operate. This extraordinary personal care tool will literally pay for itself. Its unique design enables the user, at the flick of a switch, to start the rotary brush that will thoroughly brush short-styled hair, form popular ethnic wave patterns, and eliminate the time and effort involved in these usually, time consuming processes with minimal effort. The “Easy Groomer” comes with interchangeable attachments that can be used to brush hair, beards and mustaches and even includes a scalp massager. It is sure to be a hot seller amongst many Americans that wish to neatly groom themselves in a timeframe consistent with their busy schedules and day to day lives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Ricky Bernard Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030192565
    Abstract: The device of the current invention is a multi-layer clip that is preferably configured for securing hair. The clip has at least three body sections and preferably four body sections. Body sections are configured to coupled with adjacent body sections though hinges, whereby the body sections collectively open in a zig-zag fashion. Preferably, the clip is secured with the body sections in a layered and closed position through two-part snap features, wherein portions of the interlocking snap features are located on adjacent surfaces of adjacent body sections. Preferably, lengths of the body sections are sequentially altered such that body sections collectively close in a layered and cascaded fashion. Adjacent surfaces between adjacent body sections are preferably provided with protruding teeth structures to facilitate the securing of hair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Barbara Stachowski
  • Publication number: 20030192566
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a cleaning device of a vehicle. Said device comprises a sensor device (10) which uses ultrasonic sensors for recognising fixed objects for detecting environmental parameters, such as rain or snow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Achim Neubauer, Martin-Peter Bolz, Jochen Moench, Hartmut Krueger
  • Publication number: 20030192567
    Abstract: A main objective of the present invention is to provide a method of making a foreign matter harmless which can make the foreign matter, after attaching a pellicle, existing on a transmitting region of a reticle with a pellicle harmless, under pellicle attached condition. For attaining the above-described objective, the present invention provides a method of making a foreign matter harmless wherein a foreign matter existing on a transmitting region of a reticle with a pellicle is irradiated with laser, via the pellicle membrane to make the foreign matter harmless.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Koizumi, Katsuhide Tsuchiya
  • Publication number: 20030192568
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning deposition chambers are presented. The cleaning methods include the use of a remote plasma source to generate reactive species from a cleaning gas to clean deposition chambers. A flow of helium or argon may be used during chamber cleaning. Radio frequency power may also be used in combination with a remote plasma source to clean deposition chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Zheng, Vinita Singh, Srinivas D. Nemani, Chen-An Chen, Ju-Hyung Lee, Shankar Venkataraman
  • Publication number: 20030192569
    Abstract: A process for removing residue from the interior of a semiconductor process chamber using molecular fluorine gas (F2) as the principal precursor reagent. In one embodiment a portion of the molecular fluorine is decomposed in a plasma to produce atomic fluorine, and the resulting mixture of atomic fluorine and molecular fluorine is supplied to the chamber whose interior is to be cleaned. In another embodiment the molecular fluorine gas cleans the semiconductor process chamber without any plasma excitation. Molecular fluorine gas has the advantage of not being a global warming gas, unlike fluorine-containing gas compounds conventionally used for chamber cleaning such as NF3, C2F6 and SF6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Haruhiro Harry Goto, William R. Harshbarger, Quanyuan Shang, Kam S. Law
  • Publication number: 20030192570
    Abstract: A single wafer cleaning apparatus that includes a rotatable bracket that can hold a wafer, a rinse fluid having a first surface tension, a second fluid having a second surface tension lower than the first surface tension, a first nozzle capable of applying the rinse fluid at a first location on the wafer positioned in the bracket, second nozzle capable of applying the second fluid at a second location on the wafer where the second location is inboard of the first location, and the first nozzle and the second nozzle are capable of moving across the wafer to translate the first location and the second location from the wafer center to the wafer outer edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Randhir Thakur, Steven Verhaverbeke, J. Kelly Truman
  • Publication number: 20030192571
    Abstract: The apparatus for cleaning a wafer includes an energy concentration relieving member positioned at the side of the wafer. An elongated portion of a probe extends over and substantially parallel to the wafer surface. A vibrator is attached to a rear end of the probe for vibrating the probe such that the elongated portion transfers acoustic vibrational energy to the wafer and dislodges debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: In-Jun Yeo, Byoung-Moon Yoon, Kyung-Hyun Kim, Sang-Rok Hah, Jeong-Lim Nam, Hyun-Ho Jo
  • Publication number: 20030192572
    Abstract: The pharmaceutical, fine chemical, and construction industries have aggressively sought means of eliminating organic solvents from their cleaning operations because many organic cleaning solvents have been characterized as hazardous or toxic wastes. As a substitute, 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in water effectively removed tenacious residues from glass surfaces. In order to simulate industrial cleaning conditions, asphalt was employed as a representative surrogate for tough-to-clean residues. Asphalt cleaning was dramatically enhanced by mild heating: whereas 3% H2O2 at pH 9.5 and 23° C. removed 100% of a fresh asphalt residue within 60 minutes, heating to 53° C. achieved full removal within 2 minutes. As asphalt became aged or dried by exposure to air, longer cleaning durations were required. None-the-less, all of the asphalt could still be removed with 3% H2O2 at pH 9.5 and 70° C. within 2 to 60 minutes, even after the asphalt had dried onto glass for a week.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: MOHAMED E. LABIB
  • Publication number: 20030192573
    Abstract: A floor care machine that includes a deck having a motor, a rotatable floor care element for engaging a floor surface, and a handle apparatus pivotally mounted to the deck is provided. Additionally, there are first and second sets of wheels toward the rear of the deck and on opposite sides of handle apparatus pivot attachment points. In addition to the attachment points, the handle apparatus and the deck are coupled together by a rigid handle link which is pivotally attached to the deck at one end and pivotally attached to the handle apparatus at the other end. The handle link communicates deck pivot forces between the deck and the handle apparatus, and in particular, communicates such forces resulting from a compressing or decompressing of a compressible component provided along the length of the handle apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Loi Tran
  • Publication number: 20030192574
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cleaning and drying a semiconductor structure in a modified conventional gas etch/rinse or dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Donald L. Yates
  • Publication number: 20030192575
    Abstract: A workpiece holder for processing a workpiece in a chamber of a liquified fluid. In one embodiment, the workpiece holder includes a cylindrically shaped rotator having an exterior wall and at least one fluid guide on the exterior wall. The rotator is adapted to rotate and provide fluid flow across a first end of the rotator, and is adapted to provide fluid flow and mixing perpendicular to a surface of the first end of the rotator. A fixture is coupled to the first end of the rotator for securing the workpiece to the first end of the rotator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: John M. Cotte, Matteo Flotta, Kenneth J. McCullough, Wayne M. Moreau, Keith R. Pope, John P. Simons, Charles J. Taft
  • Publication number: 20030192576
    Abstract: A cleaning facility for cleaning tubings of vehicle includes an air tubing system coupled to actuate a pump, and two air valves and two fluid valves coupled to the vehicle. The pump is coupled to a cleaning fluid reservoir for pumping the cleaning fluid to clean the vehicle. An air switch valve and a fluid switch valve are coupled to the air tubing system for selectively switching off the air or fluid valves. The cleaning facility may be operated without specially trained persons and may prevent the fluid container from being over pressurized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Henry C. Chu
  • Publication number: 20030192577
    Abstract: A single wafer cleaning apparatus that includes a rotatable bracket that can hold and rotate a wafer and that also includes a UV light tube capable of being positioned parallel to, and a short distance from, a wafer top surface to radiate oxygen above the wafer top surface with UV light rays to produce ozone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Randhir Thakur, Steven Verhaverbeke, J. Kelly Truman
  • Publication number: 20030192578
    Abstract: A water spray system for dishwasher with an upper dish rack and a lower dish rack, with each said dish rack being mounted for selective movement forwardly out the open front. A spray tube is rotatably mounted on the bottom of each lateral side portion of each said dish rack and has a plurality of spray outlets spaced along the tube and directed generally tangentially in the same direction for causing rotation of the tube. A water supply manifold extends up the rear wall of the dishwasher. A releasable water connection device and conduits mounted on each dish rack connect the manifold to the spray tubes for supplying the water from a pump. Spray spinners are centrally mounted below each dish rack. The spray tubes provide a thorough spray at the lateral sides that the spinners may not reach in a very wide dishwasher. Other rotating spray tube arrangements are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: DISTINCTIVE APPLIANCES, INC.
    Inventors: Orlando P. Ochoa, Joey J. Kitabayashi
  • Publication number: 20030192579
    Abstract: A radio set inside of an elongated hollow support tube of an umbrella, which radio set is electrically connected to a loudspeaker positioned below ribs of the umbrella and a photovoltaic cell which is placed on an outside of the fabric. Radio controls are located on the support tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Juan Miguel Llamas Garijo
  • Publication number: 20030192580
    Abstract: A sunshade comprises a supporting rod, a tube supported by the supporting rod, an elbow connected to an end of the tube, and a canopy support frame. A vertical section of the elbow includes two spaced lugs having a space therebetween, an upper wall defining the space including a toothed section. The canopy support frame includes an upper support base having ribs attached thereto for supporting a canopy, a lower support base having stretchers attached thereto for supporting the ribs, and a suspension member fixed to the upper support base to move therewith. The suspension member includes a toothed portion for releasable engagement with the toothed section of the elbow. The toothed portion of the suspension member is engaged with the toothed section of the elbow when the canopy reaches a fully open state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Benson Tung
  • Publication number: 20030192581
    Abstract: A shielding device for shielding a space between a door and an object when the door is opened, includes two seats, a spool rotatably secured between the seats with a shaft and having a frustum shape, and a sector shield having one side edge secured to the spool and to be wound onto or unwound from the spool when the spool is rotated around the shaft. The seats and the other side edge of the shield are secured to the object and the door respectively for allowing the shield to be unwound from the spool to shield the space between the door and the object when the door is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: En Koung Chang
  • Publication number: 20030192582
    Abstract: The Thermal Electric Generator (TEG) includes a high efficiency multi-layer semiconductor device adapted to enable heat, over a wide temperature range, to be converted into useful power. This is not a simple solar panel. The “heat” referred to here can be from radiation or any other convection or conduction source. One important aspect is that the TEG not only works in a “solar” environment, but is more particularly adapted to recover energy from heat generated by electronic components and circuits, mechanical rotating equipment and machinery, waste energy, furnaces, geothermal, etc. This heat comes in the form of released electrons, thus, the invention is based on the concept of fluctuation voltages and the conversion of the same into useful energy, which translates into an increased efficiency of over 50% compared to the peak existing efficiency (i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Hector Guevara
  • Publication number: 20030192583
    Abstract: An ultrasonic slitting device cuts and seals the edges of photovoltaic cells and modules to encapsulate the photoactive components in an environment substantially impervious to the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Konarka Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Ryan
  • Publication number: 20030192584
    Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, is directed to photovoltaic cells, modules and methods for making the same, wherein a plurality of discrete portions of metal foil having an interconnected nanoparticle material formed thereon are disposed, preferably as strips having a controlled size and relative spacing, between first and second flexible substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Konarka Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill Beckenbaugh, Russell Gaudiana, Alan Montello, Edmund Montello
  • Publication number: 20030192585
    Abstract: The invention, in one aspect, provides a photovoltaic cell including a charge carrier material and a photosensitized interconnected nanoparticle material including nanoparticles linked by a polymeric linking agent, both disposed between first and second rigid, significantly light-transmitting substrates. In one embodiment, the charge carrier material and the photosensitized interconnected nanoparticle material are disposed between a first and second flexible, significantly light-transmitting substrate that are themselves disposed between the first and second rigid, significantly light-transmitting substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Konarka Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill Beckenbaugh, Russell Gaudiana
  • Publication number: 20030192586
    Abstract: A power generation satellite converts electric energy generated from sunlight into a microwave and spreads and applies the microwave through a power transmission antenna of the power generation satellite to any desired area widely on earth. The beam width of the microwave is determined by the aperture area of the power transmission antenna placed in the power generation satellite. To spread and apply the microwave to a wide area, the power transmission antenna provided in the power generation satellite need not be a very large antenna having a diameter of several km or more like a power generation satellite power transmission antenna in a space photovoltaic power generation system in a related art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Takada, Hiroyuki Satou, Izumi Mikami
  • Publication number: 20030192587
    Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and to their method of manufacture. The microfluidic devices are original by their specific structure (of sandwich type) and by the materials from which they are made (mainly glasses, glass ceramics, ceramics), and also by their specific method of manufacture, which is based on a vacuum-forming operation. The microfluidic device includes a first assembly including a microstructure and a first substrate, wherein the microstructure is constructed and arranged on the substrate under vacuum. A second assembly includes a second substrate positioned on the microstructure after the first assembly is presintered and adhered thereto by heat treatment to form a one-piece microstructure defining at least one recess between the first and second substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Guillaume Guzman, Jean-Pierre Themont
  • Publication number: 20030192588
    Abstract: A pressure relief system for detecting and abating an overpressure in a pressurized fluid. The system includes a pressure response assembly that has a pressure responsive member, such as a buckling pin, configured to buckle when a predetermined force is applied to the member. When the buckling pin buckles, a piston slides to expose an inlet to a communication path to an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a pair of sliders that move from a retracted position to an extended position when pressurized fluid enters an actuator assembly housing. The sliders have a rack that turns a pinion when the sliders move from the retracted position to the extended position. The pinion is rigidly attached to a rotatable actuator shaft. Rotation of the actuator shaft causes a valve assembly to open or close to direct the pressurized fluid through an overpressure path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Julian S. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20030192589
    Abstract: A relief valve comprising a diaphragm for control of process pressure is provided. The diaphragm has a fluid pressure on a first side and a process pressure on a second side. The second side is engagable with a process void and at least one vent void such that when the process pressure is below the fluid pressure the diaphragm is engaged with the vent void. When the process pressure is above the fluid pressure the diaphragm is not engaged with the vent void.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Jennings
  • Publication number: 20030192590
    Abstract: A valve stem adaptor is provided for a valve stem assembly having a body with a first end and a second end and having an elongated shaft portion with a first end and a second end and having a passageway extending through the shaft. The shaft second end has external threads displaced thereon, and the body second end has a circular end rim with an end rim groove extending around an end rim perimeter. A fastening mechanism engages an outer surface of a tire rim. The valve stem adaptor includes an adaptor body manufactured from rigid material and has an adaptor rim portion with an upper surface, lower surface and passageway extending through the adaptor body. The valve stem adaptor also includes a first O-ring adapted to fit adjacent an upper surface of the adaptor rim portion, and a second O-ring adapted to fit adjacent a bottom surface of the adaptor rim portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Jerry C. Simmons, Andrew Snyder
  • Publication number: 20030192591
    Abstract: A gas conversion assembly generally has a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The assembly includes a control mechanism for regulating the flow of gas from the inlet to the outlet. The control mechanism is constructed and arranged to adjust from regulating the flow of a first gas to regulating the flow of a second gas. The control mechanism has an actuator for switching the control mechanism from its first arrangement for regulating a first gas to its second arrangement for regulating a second gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew T. Strom
  • Publication number: 20030192592
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle faucet accessible from outside the vehicle includes a housing having an inlet fitting connected to the fresh water supply. An outlet fitting and valve is provided in the housing interior for delivery of fresh water to the exterior of the vehicle through a hose connected to the valve. The housing includes a cover to close the housing interior and a mounting flange for mounting the housing to the vehicle side wall. In one embodiment of the invention, the housing provides a storage compartment for the hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony Warning
  • Publication number: 20030192593
    Abstract: The present invention provides an axially-rotated valve which permits increased flow rates and lower pressure drop (characterized by a lower loss coefficient) by using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. The axially-rotated valve typically may be designed to avoid flow separation and/or cavitation at full flow under a variety of conditions. Similarly, the valve is designed, in some embodiments, to produce streamlined flow within the valve. A typical 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 using the design of the present invention. Such a design can include applications for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves and may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Bighorn Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Walrath, William R. Lindberg, Robert K. Burgess
  • Publication number: 20030192594
    Abstract: There is provided a silent-operating device for feeding water into a tank, in particular for filling a lavatory flush tank; the silencing effect is achieved by feeding the water through a chamber housing flow deflecting members; the members are perforated members arranged successively and spaced apart in the flow direction inside the chamber, and have respective numbers of through holes; the holes of consecutive members being offset with respect to one another to define a labyrinth path, i.e. a number of winding coil-like or zigzag paths, inside the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Noe Figueiredo, Antonio Manuel Gameiro Lopes, Victor Antonio Ferreira Da Costa, Antonio Manuel Moura De Oliveira
  • Publication number: 20030192595
    Abstract: A flow control valve assembly, and a method of determining and controlling fluid flow through the valve, that is relatively simple in design, is relatively inexpensive, is accurate, and has a relatively wide measurement range. The flow control valve is relatively compact and includes all of the flow measurement and control components in a single, relatively compact assembly. Such components may include a differential pressure sensor, pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a position sensor, and a processor. The differential pressure sensor senses differential pressure across the variable area flow orifice. The pressure sensor senses fluid pressure within the valve and supplies a fluid pressure signal. The temperature sensor senses fluid temperature and supplies a fluid temperature signal. The position sensor senses the position of the variable area flow orifice and supplies a position signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Dwayne M. Benson
  • Publication number: 20030192596
    Abstract: An electrically operable valve assembly having an integral pressure regulator provides ease of installation and compact packaging for a water supply control system. The valve assembly is particularly useful for systems that control household water supplies to prevent flooding, but is also useful in other applications such as agricultural and industrial systems where water pressure determined water flow volume must be predicted accurately. The valve may also incorporate a flow meter having a positive flow characteristic permitting determination of very low flow rate flow and the valve may incorporate a manual control. All of the controls and features are integrable within a compact package that occupies essentially the same volume and piping space as a conventional electrically operable valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Brent Ford
  • Publication number: 20030192597
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a fluid regulating control valve includes a housing having an upstream region and a downstream region and having a control orifice formed therein adjacent the downstream region and a piston slidably disposed within the housing. The piston has a fluid passage defining an intermediate region disposed between the upstream region and the downstream region and an edge adjacent the downstream region. The valve also includes an elastic member disposed within the housing for opposing translation of the piston within the housing and a throttling element adjacent the upstream region. The throttling element has a throttling surface adjacent the edge of the piston, in which the throttling surface and the edge define a throttling orifice therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Flow Design, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Trantham, George T. Watson
  • Publication number: 20030192598
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for modulating fluid flow which comprises a first flow path (13) and a second flow path. The second flow path is transverse to the first flow path (13), and has a fluid inlet (31) which opens onto the first flow path (13). The fluid inlet (31) is such that a portion of fluid flowing along the first flow path (13) is diverted into the second flow path. The position of the fluid inlet (31) is set in relation to the direction of fluid flow in the first flow path (13) and in relation to the extent of fluid to be diverted from the first flow path (13) into the second flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: CHADSON ENGINEERING PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Albert Chadwick Hobson, Peter Guy Hobson
  • Publication number: 20030192599
    Abstract: A fuel pump apparatus is made free from the influence of height fluctuations of the surface of fuel in a fuel tank by providing a fuel inlet window in the side wall of a float chamber for containing a fuel gauge, which is provided inside the side wall of a housing. The fuel inlet window provides communication between the float chamber and the fuel storage chamber in the fuel tank. Even when there are height fluctuations of the surface of fuel in the fuel tank due to vibrations or turning during running of the automobile, the height fluctuations of the fuel surface are damped in the float chamber because the fuel inlet window acts as a buffer to prevent direct influence of the height fluctuations of the fuel surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Akira Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20030192600
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a household water supply provides protection of structures and fixtures from water damage due to plumbing failure or other causes. The household water supply is shut-off in conformity with a determination that the household is unoccupied and thereby provides automatic protection from water damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Brent Ford
  • Publication number: 20030192601
    Abstract: A fluid control valve includes a valve body having a fluid passageway, a cage mounted in the fluid passageway, the cage including a wall defining a cage bore having an axis, and a valve plug assembly including a valve plug that is axially slidable in the cage bore. The cage defines one or more windows and a valve seat. Each of the one or more windows includes a plurality of slots each having a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of each of the slots is parallel to or tilted at a relatively small angle with respect to a reference plane that is perpendicular to the cage bore axis. The longitudinal axes of the slots are preferably oriented at an angle of about 0° to 15° with respect to the reference plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Hans D. Baumann