Patents Issued in December 2, 2003
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Patent number: 6655350Abstract: An idle speed control system of an internal combustion engine controls a speed of the internal combustion engine during idling. In its attempt to shift the idle speed control after the internal combustion engine has been started from an open-loop control to a feedback control, the system brings an actual engine speed in the open-loop control to a target speed of the feedback control in a step-by-step manner. It can thus damp shock that occurs when the open-loop control is shifted to the feedback control after the internal combustion engine has been started.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Akira Kamoto
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Patent number: 6655351Abstract: An engine control unit, and method of use, uses a power curve or algorithm to pro-actively adjust fuel flow rate to an engine, optionally in combination with a reactive power curve or algorithm, thereby to adjust engine power, in anticipation of changes in loads being imposed on the engine, as well as to respond to engine speed changes. The ECU has a power curve or algorithm stored in memory which responds to certain predetermined operating conditions other than sensed engine speed, by providing a sequence of pro-active change inputs, at predetermined rates of change, in rate of delivery of fuel to the engine combustion chambers, independent of engine speed change, thereby to produce pro-active incremental changes in power output of the engine. Such pro-active incremental power changes are effected in anticipation of changes in load demand on the engine, and correspond generally with expected incrementally progressive changes in load demand on the engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Alan David Sheidler, Kyle John Tingle, Kenny L. Hennings, William A. Brockmann, Mark Peter Sahlin
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Patent number: 6655352Abstract: A mounting fixture for an engine knock sensor is provided. The fixture includes a base and a support member. The support member is joined to the base with a press fit joint. The base includes an aperture and the support member is inserted in the aperture. The support member can be a bolt or a sleeve. The invention can also include a lip, associated with the support member for retaining a spring washer. The spring washer can be deflected between the support member and a knock sensor component for pressing the knock sensor component against the base.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Viswanathan Subramanian, Efren Solis
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Patent number: 6655353Abstract: An engine control system and method smoothes torque during transitions in a displacement on demand engine. A torque loss estimator generates a torque loss signal based on torque loss due to at least one of friction, pumping and accessories. A pedal torque estimator generates a pedal torque signal. An idle torque estimator generates an idle torque signal. A summing circuit generates a difference between the pedal torque signal and the idle torque and the torque loss signals and outputs a desired brake torque signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Allen B. Rayl
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Patent number: 6655354Abstract: A fuel rail damper includes a hollow member having a first end and a second end, opposing first and second sides, a first face and a second face interconnecting and spacing apart the first and second sides, and a width. Each of the first and second ends are sealed in an air tight manner to thereby define a chamber in conjunction with the first and second sides and the first and second faces and wherein the widths of the ends do not substantially exceed the hollow member width.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven M. Curran, Michael A. Bradley, Charles W. Braun, Peter E. Bartell, Kern E. Haynes
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Patent number: 6655355Abstract: In a pressure-controlled fuel injection system, a nozzle needle is subjected to pressure in the closing direction by a nozzle spring. A nozzle chamber for opening the nozzle needle is connectable to a pressure reservoir via a pressure line. A hydraulic device is embodied to reinforce the closing performance of the nozzle needle. As a result, a faster closing performance of the nozzle needle is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Martin Kropp, Hans-Christoph Magel
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Patent number: 6655356Abstract: An internal combustion engine, in particular for a motor vehicle, includes a cylinder head and fuel injection valves. The cylinder head has seats for the fuel injection valves. Alignment devices on the seats and on the fuel injection valves interact with one another such that, when a fuel injection valve is accommodated in a seat, the fuel injection valve is aligned in the seat with respect to a rotation about a longitudinal axis of the fuel injection valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Volkswagen AktiengesellschaftInventor: Eduard Lippert
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Patent number: 6655357Abstract: An abnormality detecting apparatus for an intake system of an internal combustion engine, which detects an abnormality of the intake system, is disclosed. The intake system has a throttle valve, a bypass passage bypassing the throttle valve, and an idling control valve for controlling the amount of air supplied through the bypass passage to the engine. A total intake air amount supplied to the engine is calculated. An amount of intake air supplied through the bypass passage is calculated based on a valve opening control quantity for the idling control valve. A parameter indicative of a leak air amount of the intake system is calculated according to the result of a comparison between the calculated total intake air amount and the amount of intake air supplied through the bypass passage.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akira Murakami, Manabu Niki
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Patent number: 6655358Abstract: An improved engine fuel control detects combustion instability due to the use of high DI fuel during cold start and warm-up and compensates the fuel control for detected combustion instability through temporary enrichment of the delivered air/fuel ratio. When the engine idle speed error magnitude is less than a calibrated threshold, usage of high DI fuel is detected by identifying a surge signal based on the engine speed error fluctuation in a predetermined frequency range attributable to combustion instability due to the presence of high DI fuel in a cold engine. When the average amplitude of the surge signal exceeds a calibrated surge threshold, the presence of high DI fuel is detected. Additionally, the method is disabled for a prescribed period following commanded load transitions associated with the air conditioning system and the automatic transmission.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter James Maloney, In Kwang Yoo, Andrew D. Herman, Hallett D. Breidenbach, Deog H. Yoo, Craig A. Carlson
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Patent number: 6655359Abstract: A temporary increase in an amount of fuel at start of an engine is controlled on the basis of an estimated amount of fuel that has adhered to the perimeter of intake ports at start of the engine. If the engine is restarted soon after being stopped, the increase in the amount of fuel is reduced by a correction amount that is reduced gradually with the lapse of time. If only a considerably short length of time has elapsed, the amount of fuel is not increased. If the engine is started twice within a short period, the increase in the amount of fuel at the latter start of the engine changes continuously from the increase in the amount of fuel at the former start of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keiko Hasegawa, Toshio Inoue
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Patent number: 6655360Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the fuel pressure in a return-free fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine to a desired pressure value. At least one fuel pump is mounted in the fuel supply system. In order to be able to reduce the fuel pressure in the fuel supply system in a simple manner without additional pressure release valves, the suggestion is made that the fuel supply system and the internal combustion engine be operated in a pressure-reduction mode wherein at least one fuel pump of the fuel supply system is so controlled (open loop and/or closed loop) that the desired pressure value is adjusted in the fuel supply system. The fuel supply system is preferably configured as a common-rail storage injection system for a direct-injecting internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Klaus Joos, Jens Wolber, Thomas Frenz, Hansjoerg Bochum, Markus Amler
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Patent number: 6655361Abstract: In an engine equipped with a variable valve timing mechanism that variably controls the valve timing successively, when variably controlling the valve timing, a transient correction amount of fuel supplied to the engine is corrected based on the detection value of the valve overlap amount of the intake/exhaust valves.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Unisia Jecs CorporationInventor: Hirokazu Shimizu
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Patent number: 6655362Abstract: A high-pressure fuel pump which is suitable above all for use in internal combustion engines with direct gasoline injection, in which the pressure surge upon opening of a check valve between the high-pressure line and the pumping chamber of the fuel feed pump is limited by structural provisions.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Helmut Rembold, Bruno Schmidt, Dietmar Krieg, Mathias Schumacher, Uwe Mueller
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Patent number: 6655363Abstract: A fuel supply system for a vehicle is provided with a fuel pump disposed in a fuel tank sitting astride a vehicle body frame. The fuel pump is disposed along a side surface of the fuel tank in a position opposed to a portion of the vehicle body frame. This fuel supply system for a vehicle provides a system in which a fuel pump can be disposed even in a fuel tank of a saddle-ridden vehicle with minimum modifications required in size and shape.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koki Kobayashi, Toshihiko Ichikawa, Hiroyuki Kido, Hiroshi Nakano
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Patent number: 6655364Abstract: A fuel supply system in which a fuel filter has a large filtration area is obtained without increasing an outer diameter of the fuel supply system and an outer diameter of a tank hole through which a pump module is inserted in a fuel tank. The fuel supply system comprises a fuel pump 5, a fuel pressure regulator 9 for regulating pressure of fuel, and a fuel filter 6 having a hollow cylindrical filter case 7for filtering the fuel, and in which the filter case 7 has a holding hole 7a for holding the fuel pump, a center line CL1 of the holding hole is eccentric with respect to a center line CL2 of the filter case 7 by a predetermined distance M, and a first enlarged space portion S1 in which fuel system parts such as fuel pressure regulator 9 are accommodated is formed at a part surrounded by an outer circumferential portion of the fuel pump 5 and an outer circumferential portion of the filter case 7.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Yoshioka
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Patent number: 6655365Abstract: A fuel filter assembly for a fuel delivery module for a fuel system of a vehicle includes a filter housing adapted to be disposed in a fuel reservoir of the fuel delivery module and having a closed end and an open end. The fuel filter assembly also includes a fuel filter disposed in the filter housing and an end cap connected to the filter housing to close the open end. The fuel filter has an integral spring cooperating with the filter housing to urge the fuel filter toward the end cap.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Sharon E. Beyer, Dale R. Jones, Matthew Catlin, Ulf Sawert
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Patent number: 6655366Abstract: A vapor separator in an outboard machine which can continuously inject an accurate and stable fuel toward an intake pipe without drawing bubbles discharged from a pump chamber in a high pressure fuel pump and bubbles within the vapor separator by the high pressure fuel pump. The separator is structured such that a filter (2) is arranged in a bottom portion (1A) of a fuel pump receiving case (1), an upstream chamber (10) of the filter (2) is connected to a vapor separator (V) via a fuel inflow passage (1C), a fuel inflow passage (PA) of a high pressure fuel pump (PH) received and arranged within the fuel pump receiving case (1) is connected to a downstream chamber (5) of the filter (2). A vapor discharge chamber (9) is formed so as to face to a bottom portion (PF) of the high pressure fuel pump (PH).Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Keihin CorporationInventor: Makoto Sakai
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Patent number: 6655367Abstract: An ignition coil unit to be installed in a hole opened through a cylinder head of an engine having a case, an ignition coil installed in the case and comprising a primary coil connected to a power source and a secondary coil connected to a spark plug which is installed in a combustion chamber of a cylinder of the engine for producing spark discharge to ignite air-fuel mixture to generate combustion thereof in the combustion chamber, and a circuit board on which an ionic-current detection circuit, connected to the secondary coil, which detects ionic-current that flows during the combustion of the air-fuel mixture; and a processing circuit, connected to the ionic-current detection circuit, which generates an output indicative of the detected ionic-current, are formed; In the unit, an igniter is also installed in the case, thereby improving detection accuracy of ionic-current and misfiring.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshihiro Ohkama, Yoshihito Ozawa, Kazuyuki Kubo, Kenichi Ishida, Gakuji Moriya
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Patent number: 6655368Abstract: In an ignition coil assembly, a plurality of ignition coils is arranged to be electrically connected to spark plugs received in plug holes of an engine, and a base member detachably engages and holds the ignition coils at corresponding positions, which correspond to positions of the plug holes. Disengaging force for disengaging each ignition coil and the base member from each other is set to be smaller than disengaging force for disengaging each ignition coil and the corresponding one of the spark plugs from each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2003Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Jyunichi Wada
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Patent number: 6655369Abstract: A coating and coating process to improve the efficiency of hydrocarbon fueled engines, wherein the coating includes a high percentage of nickel to create a reaction which improves the combustion efficiency of the hydrocarbon fuel. The coating may also include chromium, iron, and other constituents and is applied to combustion surfaces with a sufficient bonding strength to allow the coating to function in the combustion chamber, while providing a surface having sufficient surface roughness to promote the chemical reaction underlying the combustion efficiency improvement. The nickel causes a catalytic cracking reaction to ease the combustibility of hydrocarbon molecules in the fuel.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Diesel Engine Transformations LLCInventors: Lionel M. Gillston, Ronald P. Pacitti, Richard D. Pacitti
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Patent number: 6655370Abstract: A firecracker launching device for launching a firecracker up to 50 feet so that it would be safely exploded. The firecracker launching device includes a handgun-shaped member having an elongate barrel, and a handgrip stock member. The barrel has an internal cavity, and a longitudinal opening through its top wall and into the cavity. A launching lever is pivotally mounted in the cavity, toward the front of the barrel, the lever having a forward lug member, a rearward catch member, and a firecracker receiving slot. A trigger is pivotally mounted in the cavity, rearward of the lever, the trigger having a latch member engageable with the catch member of the lever, and a finger-engaging portion. A spring extends between the lug member and the trigger, so that when the trigger is pulled, the latch will disengage from the catch, to pivot the lever forward under bias from the spring, to launch a firecracker.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Darry D. Beckwith
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Patent number: 6655371Abstract: A compound archery bow having a cable guard comprising a cable saver adjustably mounted on the cable guard for movement to and from the bow string to vary the distance between the cables and bow string without disassembling of the bow.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Bear Archery, Inc.Inventor: Henry M. Gallops, Jr.
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Patent number: 6655372Abstract: A quick detachable gun barrel assembly for allowing a user to repair one's gun more quickly and easily when needed. The quick detachable gun barrel assembly includes a barrel coupling assembly being adapted to removably attach to a chamber of a gun; and also includes an elongate barrel member being detachably attached to the barrel coupling assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventors: Damion J. Field, Richard A. Prince
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Patent number: 6655373Abstract: A conveyor oven is heated by inshot burners, which eliminate blowers, ducts, and motors heretofore required to supply a force draft of combustion air to the burners. Apertures in front of the inshot burners have a diameter that regulates the amount of combustion air that is delivered to the burners. The only blower in the oven is the one required to circulate and recirculate hot air within the oven which produces three pressure zones that causes an induced draft of combustion air for the inshot burner. A modulating valve adjusts the flow of gas to the inshot burners.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Middleby Marshall, IncorporatedInventor: John Hammons Wiker
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Patent number: 6655374Abstract: The invention is directed to a portable stacking gas grill that can be stacked for ease of transportation and storage. The grill includes a firebox, a at least one cooking grate, a plurality of burners, at least one radiant guard unit, at least one pilot light system, a shelf and a pair of folding legs. The grill is designed so that it can be tilted onto its side to allow the legs to be folded into a recess beneath the firebox without the cook top, burners and radiant guard unit moving out of position. The pilot light system includes a pilot runner tube that allows individual burners to be turned on and off with out the need for an outside ignition source. The firebox is designed so that several grills can be stacked so that the space needed for storage and transportation is greatly reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Grillco, Inc.Inventors: Ross Beller, Mario M. Gonzalez, John Hauptman
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Patent number: 6655375Abstract: A solar thermoaccumulator, including a parallel battery of closed-circuit vacuum solar pipes, and provided with a plurality of accumulation bulbs, which are either immersed in a primary conductive fluid that circulates in an annular chamber having an air space, whose internal wall is the containing wall of a reservoir containing a fluid to be heated; or are put in direct thermally conductive contact with tubular tangs that are attached to and inserted in a reservoir, is disclosed. The reservoir may be single reservoir, or may be associated with and sequentially in fluid communication with at least one other upstream, parallel aligned reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Energineering Di Del Duca AmeliaInventor: Livio Terraneo
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Patent number: 6655376Abstract: Whether a post surgery intubated patient is at risk for aspiration-based pneumonia is determined by requiring the patient to inhale an aerosol of tartaric acid that will stimulate a sensory innervation of the patient's larynx, if functionally recovered, thereby causing the patient to cough. The resulting cough or lack of cough is graded to determine whether the patient is at risk for pneumonia caused by the aspiration of matter present in the patient's mouth. In a further embodiment, the inability or difficulty of a patient to voluntarily expel potentially threatening fluid and matter from the patient's airway can be remedied by repeated applications of the aerosol chemostimulant spray.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1999Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Pneumoflex Systems L.L.C.Inventors: W. Robert Addington, Robert E. Stephens
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Patent number: 6655377Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Saturn Biomedical Systems Inc.Inventor: John A. Pacey
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Patent number: 6655378Abstract: A snorkel including a mouthpiece, a tube and a sealing member is disclosed. The tube extends from the mouthpiece and includes a first end proximate the mouthpiece, a second end and at least one internal passageway having a port proximate the second end. The sealing member is slidably coupled to the tube proximate the second end and is sealed about the tube. The sealing member moves between a closed position in which the member occludes the port and an open position in which the port is open. The sealing member has an interior in communication with the at least one internal passageway when the sealing member is in the closed position. In the exemplary embodiment, the sealing member is sealed to the tube via a flexible membrane. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible membrane preferably includes a bellows.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.Inventor: Thomas R. Swetish
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Patent number: 6655379Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and devices for delivering an active agent formulation to the lung of a human patient. The active agent formulation may be in dry powder form, it may be nebulized, or it may be in admixture with a propellant. The active agent formulation is delivered to a patient at an inspiratory flow rate of less than 17 liters per minute. The bioavailability of the active agent was found to increase at these flow rates when compared to inspiratory flow rates of 17 liters per minute or more.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1999Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Nektar TherapeuticsInventors: Andrew Clark, George H. Foulds
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Patent number: 6655380Abstract: A powder inhaler for administering powder by inhalation, comprising: a flow path defined by a plurality of surfaces through which a stream of air is in use drawn on inhalation by a user; and dosing means (18) for providing a dose of powder to the flow path for entertainment in the stream of air; characterized in that the inhaler further comprises dislodging means for dislodging powder accumulated on a surface of the flow path downstream of the dosing means (18).Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1998Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Astrazeneca ABInventors: Jan Andersson, Allan Dagsland, Hans Strid, Jan Trofast, Stefan Friess, Harald Heckenmueller, Uwe Rollwage, Volker Tiedemann, John Conway
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Patent number: 6655381Abstract: A pre-metered dose assembly for consistently supplying precise doses of medicament is provided for a breath-actuated dry powder inhaler. The assembly includes a cap defining a dry powder delivery passageway for providing air to a dry powder supply port of a swirl chamber of a breath-actuated dry powder inhaler, and a magazine including a plurality of reservoirs for holding pre-metered doses of dry powder. One of the magazine and the cap is movable with respect to the other of the magazine and the cap for sequentially positioning the reservoirs within the delivery passageway of the cap. A breath-induced low pressure at an outlet port of the swirl chamber of the inhaler causes an air flow through the dry powder delivery passageway of the assembly and into the dry powder supply port of the swirl chamber that entrains dry powder from the reservoir positioned in the passageway for inhalation by a patient using the inhaler.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: IVAX CorporationInventors: Laurence Keane, David O'Leary
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Patent number: 6655382Abstract: A spontaneous breathing apparatus and method. The apparatus includes: a source of oxygen containing gas (7); a catheter (5) in flow communication with the source of oxygen containing gas (7) and configured to be introduced into a subject's trachea (1) through a tracheostomy for delivering oxygen containing gas therein; a tracheostomy tube (9) disposed adjacent the catheter (5) and having one end configured to be disposed in the subject's trachea (1); and a pressure actuated threshold valve (32) connected to another end of the tracheostomy tube (9), the valve (32) being configured for venting a gas existing within the subject's trachea (1) at the one end of the tracheostomy tube (9) when the gas exceeds a threshold pressure of the valve (32), the valve (32) thereby being effective for reducing pressure within the subject's trachea 1) when the pressure within the subject's trachea (1) exceeds the threshold pressure.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Health and Human ServicesInventor: Theodor Kolobow
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Patent number: 6655383Abstract: The invention relates to a method of checking the working and/or the state of breathing equipment prior to its use, and also to an arrangement for carrying out the method. The breathing equipment includes a control circuit which, in turn, includes a programmed microprocessor (7), a sensor (10) mounted in the breathing equipment and connected to the microprocessor, and an indicating arrangement (11) connected to the microprocessor (7). The inventive method is characterized by activating the control circuit and therewith measuring or determining at least one functional or state parameter, comparing the measured parameter value with a control value, and indicating an acceptable or unacceptable value in the indicating arrangement (11).Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1998Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Interspiro Europe ABInventor: Mats Erik Lundberg
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Patent number: 6655384Abstract: A method of intubating a patient includes inserting a tracheal tube into the patient, inserting a gastric tube into the patient, attaching a gastric tube retainer to the tracheal tube, and engaging the gastric tube in the gastric tube retainer to thereby secure the gastric tube in position relative to the tracheal tube. The gastric tube is engaged in the gastric tube retainer by spreading apart portions of the gastric tube retainer along a slit, and sliding the gastric tube into the gastric tube retainer along the slit to a gastric tube opening having a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the gastric tube, so that the gastric tube is securely retained in an uncompressed condition in the gastric tube opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventors: Colin Antenbring, Ron Gorospe
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Patent number: 6655385Abstract: A nasal cannula for insufflating a patient with oxygen through one nare of the cannula and separately analyzing the exhaled gases from the patient by drawing the sampling of the exhaled gas from the other nare of the cannula into a conventional carbon dioxide analyzer. A further addition of holes or vents in the nares of the cannula are provided on both the interior and posterior of one or both nares in order to substantially reduce or eliminate the incidence of occlusion of the tip of the carbon dioxide sampling nare.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Salter LabsInventors: James N. Curti, James Chua, Peter W. Salter
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Patent number: 6655386Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for a) revascularization and/or b) performing other medical procedures at vascular or non-vascular intracorporeal locations within a mammalian body. The methods generally comprise the formation of at least one extravascular passageway from a blood vessel to a vascular or non-vascular target location. In the revascularization methods the extravascular passageway is utilized for blood flow. In the medical procedure methods the extravascular passageway is utilized as a conduit for accessing or performing procedures at the vascular or non-vascular target location. Also disclosed are catheter devices and systems which are useable to form the extravascular passageways of the invention, as well as apparatus for modifying, maintaining and/or closing such extravascular passageways.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: TransVascular, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Makower, J. Christopher Flaherty, Timothy R. Machold, Jason Brian Whitt, Philip Christopher Evard, Patrick Edward Macaulay, John Thomas Garibotto, Claude A. Vidal, Russell J. Redmond, Thomas Banks
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Patent number: 6655387Abstract: An improved towel has at least a top edge and first and second side edges, and contains an improvement, which includes a slit cut into the towel, the slit extends partially into the towel from the top edge and is disposed substantially parallel to the side edges, the towel further includes a reinforcement means located on the towel substantially adjacent to an end point of the slit, and an attachment means coupled to two corners of the towel.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: 90 Degree Towel, LLCInventor: David Leslie
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Patent number: 6655388Abstract: A cosmetic device comprises an enclosure that contains a liquid color composition and a liquid catalyst composition. The enclosure also comprises a seal that prevents the liquids from mixing when such mixing is not desired, and allows them to be intermixed to form a color altering composition when such mixing is desired. In a preferred embodiment, the seal is a perforatable seal. Methods of using the device involve applying the color altering composition to the skin or hair with an applicator.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Rachel Stevenson
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Patent number: 6655389Abstract: A device for styling hair comprising a pair of side walls, a top support member connected to the side walls, a bottom support member connected to the pair of side walls. The device also includes an intermediate support member connected to the pair of side walls between the top support member and the bottom support member to form an upper opening between the top support member and the intermediate support member and to form a lower opening between the bottom support member and the intermediate support member. A method for styling a goatee comprising providing a device having an upper opening and lower opening, positioning lips in the upper opening and a chin including a goatee in the lower opening, and trimming an area around the goatee as desired.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Paul Bertucci
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Patent number: 6655390Abstract: An applicator capable of applying a substance, in particular a cosmetic or care product, on the eyelashes or eyebrows, the applicator comprising an open support defining at least one opening situated between two opposite regions of the support, with protruding elements connected to at least one of said regions and extending towards the other region.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: L'OrealInventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
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Patent number: 6655391Abstract: A mascara makeup tool having a first mascara container and a second mascara container each containing mascara; a first cap element and a second cap element; and a first applicator brush and a second applicator brush. The first cap element and second cap element are joined together such that the first applicator brush and second applicator brush are aligned on a substantially straight line and face in mutually opposite directions; and the length of the bristled portion of the second applicator brush is 20 to 60% of the length of the bristled portion of the first applicator brush.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Kao CorporationInventor: Miyuki Sunago
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Patent number: 6655392Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the plenum of a vehicle are disclosed. The apparatus includes an introduction device that is removably attachable to the manifold of an engine in the location of the IAC port. The introduction device atomizes a flow of cleaning solvent and introduces the atomized flow into the plenum at the IAC port.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: BG Products, Inc.Inventors: Harold E. Erwin, Ronald R. Leslie
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Patent number: 6655393Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning passageways such as air ducts or flues. The apparatus includes a body having a nozzle, or plurality of nozzles, rotatably coupled to it. A cage is coupled to the body and surrounds the rotative path of the nozzle or nozzles. The nozzles are configured such that passage of fluid through the nozzle's orifice imparts a rotating motion of the nozzle about the defined axis. The apparatus is placed in a duct or ventilation passageway, preferably at the highest vertical location of the passageway. Fluid is then passed through the nozzle spraying and cleaning the interior of the duct. The rotating motion of the spray causes the apparatus to maneuver its way through the duct system, including through angular transitions, until it travels the entire pathway of the duct.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Grease Duct Technologies, LLCInventor: Mervyn Loughmiller
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Patent number: 6655394Abstract: This invention provides a method for reprocessing a dialyzer for hemodialysis, the method comprising the steps of rinsing the dialyzer with water and cleaning it with electrolyzed strongly acidic water, or the steps of rinsing the dialyzer with water, cleaning it with electrolyzed strongly alkaline water, rinsing it with water and cleaning it with electrolyzed strongly acidic water, as well as a reprocessing apparatus for carrying out the reprocessing method.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1998Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventors: Noriaki Tanaka, Tomiya Abe
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Patent number: 6655395Abstract: A device for pickling or cleaning rolled steel strip which is moved in the form of loops through several pickling and cleaning containers arranged within a treatment line, wherein at least one strip side is subjected tot he action of a pickling or cleaning medium. For this purpose, squirting or spraying units are provided which can be switched on or off and/or are adjustable with regard to their spraying width and/or are operated with controllable squirting or spraying pressure and/or volume flow. Deflection rolls for deflecting the strip are arranged before and after the treatment line for deflecting the strip out of the horizontal strip running plane into an upright vertical strip running plane and vice versa, wherein the deflection rolls are elevated or slanted relative to the horizontal strip running plane.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag AktiengesellschaftInventor: Withold Richert
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Patent number: 6655396Abstract: A closed loop pressure washing system including a pressure washer device for pressure washing an object having a contaminant, and for recovering the the contaminant. The pressure washing system includes a supporting mechanism arranged to support the object while a washing fluid is flowed over the object to remove the contaminant. A collection arrangement is included at least partially located below the supporting mechanism. The collection arrangement is further arranged to receive raw run-off fluid from the support mechanism. A flush assembly is arranged to at least periodically impinge rinsing fluid onto the supporting mechanism to hydro-dynamically sweep the contaminants collecting on the support mechanism into the collection system.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Art Krenzel
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Patent number: 6655397Abstract: An articulating water monitor-cleaning device for cleaning internal surfaces of large-scale combustion devices. The device is mounted to the exterior of a wall of a combustion device and positions a water spray lance to direct a stream of water against internal surfaces over a range of position. Pairs of orthogonally oriented four-bar linkage assemblies are provided, each having rotary actuators. The relative position between a pair of joints affixed to the lance tube allows the position of the lance to be set over a range of positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Diamond Power International, Inc.Inventors: Clinton A. Brown, William E. Hellyer, Stephen L. Shover, Ryan M. Tooill
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Patent number: 6655398Abstract: An umbrella includes a number of strut assemblies each having a beam and a spring rod pivotally coupled between a strut and a rib. The spring rod includes a middle portion slidably coupled to the beam. A pole is slidably secured to the beam and coupled to the middle portion of the spring rod. For example, the pole includes an aperture for receiving the middle portion of the spring rod and for allowing the middle portion of the spring rod to be loosely coupled to the beam and for preventing the spring rod from being bent or damaged by the beam.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Lu Tsai Huang
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Patent number: 6655399Abstract: A portable, absorbable umbrella stand including a hard casing for supporting an umbrella, a nylon case containing a drawstring, the case being attached to the casing for enclosing the umbrella, a sponge for collecting water, and fold-up legs attached to the casing for supporting the umbrella stand.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Andrea Samuels Williams