Patents Issued in March 2, 2004
  • Patent number: 6698417
    Abstract: A device for obtaining rapid ignition of a gas burner of a cooking hob fed via a gas pipe provided with a solenoid safety valve, with said burner there being associated a usual igniter and a knob for controlling its activation, the solenoid valve being connected to powering means immersed in the flame generated by the burner to maintain the solenoid valve in a working position which ensures gas feed to the burner, further powering means being provided to maintain said solenoid valve in said working position immediately a user activates the burner by means of the knob, without any further action on the knob by said user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Luca Frasnetti
  • Patent number: 6698418
    Abstract: A motorized door latch assembly for locking an oven door in a locked and sealed position for purposes of cleaning the oven. A motor and cam cause a latch rod extending from side to side to translate, causing a latch plate to move between three different positions. In one position the latch plate prevents the oven door from opening. From this position, the latch plate is pulled inwardly, orthogonal to the direction of motion of the latch rod, so the oven door is in a locked and sealed position. In its locked and sealed position the door may be opened by biasing the latch plate against the bias of a biaser extending between a fixed location on a mounting plate and a fixed location on the latch plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: France/A Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: James Ramsey, Donald E. Smith, Robert G. Sokalski
  • Patent number: 6698419
    Abstract: This invention relates to one kind of ventilation system, with independent and modular components including a smoke extraction part, a joining component, a drying component, and a water tank that can be installed in a kitchen to constitute a smoke extractor. The system can be installed flexibly depending on the space and layout of the pre-existing kitchen, avoiding the waste of dismantling the original equipment and buying a whole set of smoke extractors. Therefore, with better industrial availability, this product can be installed in homes and restaurants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Mong-Yu Lee
  • Patent number: 6698420
    Abstract: A cooking pot apparatus includes a cooking pot having a pot rim and a pot lid assembly for rapidly dissipating heat within the cooking pot, the pot lid assembly being sealingly and lockingly secured to the pot rim and extending across the pot rim, the pot lid assembly including a coolant compartment extending across the pot rim for retaining a quantity of heat absorbing coolant. The pot lid assembly preferably additionally includes a pot safety valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Michael M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6698421
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for nebulising a liquid, in particular for medical use, comprises a box case (2) and a compressor assembly (4) housed internally to the box case (2) and provided with an air intake conduit (5) and an air delivery conduit (6). A device (10) for activating the compressor assembly (4) is housed internally to the box case (2) and is provided with an external command (16) which can be activated by the user. A nebulising bulb (17) is housed in the box case (2), presents a terminal mouthpiece (18) and is provided with an air inlet section placed directly in communication with the delivery conduit (6) of the compressor assembly (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Medel S.p.A.
    Inventor: Lorenzo Attolini
  • Patent number: 6698422
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhaler for effectively delivering medications by inhalation through the mouth of patients, having a spacer for more effectively mixing the medication and air, and easy to operate lever and canister selection mechanisms. A preferred embodiment of the invention has a mouthpiece comprising a flexible, elastic material. A lever arm is provided that is opposed to the body of the inhaler, which allows a patient to use the entire hand to activate the metered dose inhaler canister. In a preferred embodiment a valve assembly and whistle are included in the inhaler to improve the consistency and effectiveness of delivery of medication to the lungs of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Birdsong Medical Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Fugelsang, Martin Muszak
  • Patent number: 6698423
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a much safer and less expensive way of providing portable oxygen from a gas concentrator for patients who do not want to be tied to a stationary machine or restricted by present oxygen technology. The present invention involves a home liquid oxygen ambulatory system for supplying a portable supply of oxygen, where a portion of the gaseous oxygen output obtained from an oxygen concentrator is condensed into liquid oxygen. The system includes an oxygen concentrator which separates oxygen gas from the ambient air, a condenser in communication with the oxygen concentrator for receiving and liquefying the oxygen gas flow, a cryocooler associated with the condenser, and a first storage dewar in fluid communication with the condenser and adapted to store the oxygen liquefied by the condenser, the first storage dewar including means for transferring liquid oxygen from the first dewar to a second dewar for storing a quantity of oxygen suitable for moveable oxygen treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignees: SeQual Technologies, Inc., Teijin Limited
    Inventors: Scott C. Honkonen, Theodore B. Hill, Charles C. Hill, Graham Walker
  • Patent number: 6698424
    Abstract: A connection assembly for use with a respiratory circuit assembly is provided. The connection assembly includes a first connection member that has an opening therethrough to allow for the transport of fluids and objects through the first connection member. The first connection member has a recess on an end thereof. A second connection member is present that is releaseably engageable with the first connection member. The second connection member has an opening therethrough to allow for the transport of fluids and objects through the second connection member. The second connection member has a disconnect member that is engageable within the recess. A snap fit member may be present on at least one of the first and second connection members. The snap fit member hinders unintentional disengagement of the first and second connection members. Relative movement between the first connection member and the disconnect member causes a separation of the first and second connection members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward B. Madsen, David M. Cise
  • Patent number: 6698425
    Abstract: A dry powder inhaler for use with a blister pack is disclosed. The inhaler has a dosing mechanism that releases powder from a variable number of blisters in the blister pack into an inhalation channel, such that the actual dose administered by the inhaler can be varied with each use of the inhaler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: AstraZeneca AB
    Inventor: Carin Widerström
  • Patent number: 6698426
    Abstract: A double-body therapeutics face and tracheostomy mask which functions as both a mask for the nose and mouth of a patient and a mask for the tracheostomy tube area of a patient is disclosed. The mask of the present invention serves as a means for delivering a gaseous medicament or a liquid, such as liquid medication, in the form of a fine spray or mist to the nose, mouth, and trachea of the patient simultaneously. The upper body of the mask fits over the nose and mouth area of the patient and the lower body of the mask fits a patient's tracheostomy tube area. The upper and lower mask bodies are connected to one another and to a nebulizing apparatus by a delivery conduit such as a standard “T” connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Vivian A. Wright
  • Patent number: 6698427
    Abstract: A medical mask assembly includes a medical mask and a comfort ring releasably mated to the mask. The mask includes a interior surface and an exterior surface and a mating edge where the two meet. The comfort ring includes a strip of cloth and two elastic members secured to the cloth, and is formed in the shape of an annular ring with a central aperture therethrough. When mated to the mask, the comfort ring is disposed so as to cover substantially all of the mating edge with one elastic member proximate the interior surface of the medical mask and the other elastic member proximate the exterior surface of the medical mask. As such, the surface touching the patient's face is the outer surface of the comfort ring rather than the interior surface and/or rim edge of the mask. Thus, the patient experiences a surface that is more comfortable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Liselle K. Clowers
  • Patent number: 6698428
    Abstract: In its presently preferred form, an endotracheal tube (ET) is shaped to bring its rounded or bevelled distal tip end into the central axis or midline, for ease of passage into the glottic opening and through the region of the vocal cords; the distal-end shaping also involves a laterally and vertically reducing taper that is symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane of symmetry which includes the central axis. Distal-end ports or perforations are in the symmetrically arrayed walls of a triangular section of the tube which at least characterizes the region of tapering section and which conforms with the triangular-shaped space between the vocal cords, for added ease of insertion into the patient's trachea. The reducing taper of the roughly triangular-shaped section extends preferably and optionally to form a wedging fit against vocal cords, with or without the assistance of a conventional inflatable cuff of similar sectional profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Archibald I. J. Brain
  • Patent number: 6698429
    Abstract: An atomizing nozzle which may be embodied having particular utility to dispense fluid as a mist at an exit of an endotracheal tube. The nozzle may be adapted to maintain a dry exit surface, and to resist unintended leakage of a medication. In one embodiment, a pressure of about 5 psi is required to initiate a discharge of fluid from the nozzle exit orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Wolfe Tory Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry W. Croll, Marshall T. Denton
  • Patent number: 6698430
    Abstract: A laryngeal mask has a blocker at its patient end to prevent entry of the epiglottis during insertion. The blocker has a tear-drop shape plate retained around its edge in grooves in the mask and attached to a flexible strip extending along the outside of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Smiths Group PLC
    Inventor: Christophe Van Landuyt
  • Patent number: 6698431
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for supporting a human body during intimate activities. The apparatuses include a base connected to an adjustable frame and one or more support surfaces for at least partially supporting the human body. The frame includes a main rail connectable to one or more rails arranged to bear weight of the support surfaces and constructed to displace the support surfaces to selected positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Compass Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Harris, David C. Rogers, Sean Horita
  • Patent number: 6698432
    Abstract: A device against snoring which prevents a patient from assuming a supine position but allows the patient to move between lateral positions comprises a pillow which can be positioned on the resting area of a bed or other place for sleeping. The pillow comprises a pillow element and a rigid tensioning element disposed between the pillow element and the resting area. The tensioning element protrudes laterally at both sides of the pillow element and comprises, on its protruding portions, fixation organs in each of which one of two flexible fixation means that are fastened on a upper body clothing of the patient are fixable by their free end portions. The fixation means are fastened on the clothing at areas corresponding to the left and right lateral portions, respectively, of the latissimus dorsi. Also disclosed is a corresponding upper body clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Silent Sleep AB
    Inventor: Robert Ek
  • Patent number: 6698433
    Abstract: A system and method for bracketing a tissue volume (22) and later locating the bracketed tissue volume. The system includes a plurality of markers (30) and a probe (32) and detector (34) for use in locating the markers by providing information usable by a surgeon that is representative of changes in proximity between the probe and the plurality of markers. The markers have various detection characteristics, e.g., they transmit gamma rays, 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. A two-part cutting tool (200) is provided for removing the tissue volume, and a tissue anchor (300) is provided for stabilizing the tissue during removal. The system and method of the invention are particularly useful in bracketing and then removing a tissue volume from amorphous, pliable tissue such as breast tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Calypso Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David N. Krag
  • Patent number: 6698434
    Abstract: A method and unit for forming a tobacco bead, whereby a forming conveyor conveying the tobacco bead cooperates with a pressing device for compacting portions of the tobacco bead equally spaced with a given spacing, and cooperates with a shaving device; and whereby a distance between the pressing device and the forming conveyor is regulated independently of a distance between the shaving device and the forming conveyor, and as a function of a linear travelling speed of the forming conveyor or a physical quantity related to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: G.D Societa′ per Azioni
    Inventor: Fulvio Boldrini
  • Patent number: 6698435
    Abstract: A foldable smoking pipe is constructed from a flat blank of metal, small enough to fit in a wallet, that can be folded into a functional smoking pipe with an integrated bowl, screen, and stem. The stem is formed by multiple flat panels folded to create a passageway having an opening at one end. The stem has an upper panel with holes in it to form the screen. The bowl is formed by multiple flat panels folded to surround the screen. The flat blank of metal has a number of fold lines, which preferably are etched to about one-half the thickness of the metal blank, joining adjacent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: FAB-HK Limited
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Miller
  • Patent number: 6698436
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for preparing a plurality of filter holders for use in a smoking machine both include assembling a plurality of such filter holders, each holder having upper and lower portions constructed and arranged for fitting engagement with one another. A filter element is placed between the upper and lower portions of each filter holder, and each holder is loosely assembled by fitting the upper and lower portions together with the filter element therebetween. The loosely assembled filter holders are placed on a portable tray having a plurality of individual compartments, one for each loosely assembled filter holder. The portable tray is placed within a press for pressing the filter holder portions together to thereby simultaneously seal the upper and lower portions of each filter holder together with the filter element therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: Beverly G. Covitz, Matthew Damien Cooke
  • Patent number: 6698437
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a cleaning device (RV) for cleaning objects of personal use, in particular a shaving head (S) of a shaving apparatus (TR), with a housing (1) having a cleaning bath (8), with a cleaning liquid container (3) containing a cleaning liquid (11), with an integrated filter element (4) as well as with a liquid impelling assembly (6) adapted to be driven by a motor (5) and having a supply conduit (7) to the cleaning bath (8) and a draining conduit (9) to the cleaning liquid container (3), wherein all the walls of the cleaning bath (8) have an angle of inclination (&agr; and &bgr;) in the direction of the draining conduit (9) which ensures that cleaning liquid (11), with or without contaminants, flows to the draining conduit (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Höser, Alf Jahn, Norbert Kreutz, Thomas Schamberg
  • Patent number: 6698438
    Abstract: A fine filter assembly for a dishwasher includes a filter body having a soil accumulation trough. The soil accumulation trough defines a substantially helical flow path between a fine filter inlet and an outlet. A natural flow path is therefore provided to efficiently clean fine the filter assembly with downwardly directed fluid jets generated by a lower spray arm assembly. Soil is directed to a fine filter drain tube with relative ease, thereby facilitating use of more efficient use of a drain pump inlet as a soil collection chamber during wash cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Arjan Johannes Hegeman, David V. Helmlinger
  • Patent number: 6698439
    Abstract: A processing apparatus includes an inner cylinder 25 (a processing chamber 23) accommodated in a carrying unit for carrying an object to be processed and further seals up the object with the inner cylinder 25 or a first stationary wall 34 to process the object in contact with processing fluid. In this processing apparatus with sealing mechanism, flexible hollow packings 100, 101 are arranged doubly in either the inner cylinder 25 or the first stationary wall 34, at its occluded part with the first stationary wall 34 and the inner cylinder 25. The hollow packings 100, 101 have their hollow parts 102 connected with respective pressurized-air sources 103 through pressure-detecting switches 110 and closing valves 105. By expanding or contracting the hollow packings 100, 101, the operation of the apparatus is switched in between its sealing state and non-sealing state. With this arrangement, it is possible to improve the sealing capability and prolong the life of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yuji Kamikawa, Koji Egashira
  • Patent number: 6698440
    Abstract: An umbrella with a chamber for storage of material such as an enclosure canopeum of netting. Included are mechanisms for transport and interchange of various canopeums. By turning a crank handle, netting is transported from its storage chamber to the edge of the umbrella canopy, where it can be lowered to the ground. The canopeum will then shield those under the umbrella from incursions by agents such as insect pests. Turning the crank in the opposite direction transports the canopeum to its stowed and protected position within the chamber. Canopeum accouterments facilitate attachment, removal, and interchange of canopeums having varied compositions, textures, and surface details.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventors: Andrea Elgin Beyer, Steven Larsen Beyer
  • Patent number: 6698441
    Abstract: A collapsible structure has a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. Each panel has a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. One first side of the first panel is coupled to one side of the second panel, and one side of the third panel is coupled to the fabric of the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6698442
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the operation of sewer systems includes a first set of sewer lines connected to a source of other water and a second set of sewer lines of smaller diameter than the sewer lines of said first set connected to sources of sanitary effluent, the first and second sets of lines being separately connected to a sewerage treatment plant. The second set of sewer lines has at least a portion thereof that extends inside the first set of sewer lines and the first set of sewer lines can be an existing sanitary sewer system. The apparatus can include at least one sanitary effluent process device connected to the second set of sewer lines such as a pumping station, a grinder pump or a vacuum system to assist the flow of the sanitary effluent through the second set of sewer lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: E. Wynn Berry, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6698444
    Abstract: In order to free a seized valve, an inspection port is formed in a wall of the valve body and the areas where the valve is seized are determined. One or more injection ports are formed in the valve body adjacent to the seized portions of the valve, pressurized fluid (preferably an insoluble lubricant having a very high cone penetration) is injected through the or each injection port and the injection ports are then closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Peter Enston
  • Patent number: 6698445
    Abstract: A fluid flow control damper assembly having a damper vane and a piston actuator is relatively easy to install when the outer surface of a duct is inaccessible. The piston actuator includes a powder metal piston, lacking an elastomeric (for example, rubber) seal, that is closely received within a glass cylinder. The glass cylinder has a fitting that closes one end of the cylinder and is connectable to a pneumatic control system. A drive rod is connected between the piston and the damper vane to move the damper vane between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Alex Zelczer
  • Patent number: 6698446
    Abstract: A check valve with an elongated body and a hole extending from an inlet end to an outlet end. A piston assembly is mounted within the body and can include a piston, a check valve seal and a piston spring. The piston spring biases the piston to a first piston location preventing air from flowing from the inlet toward the outlet end. The check valve seal can be positioned on the piston assembly to seal against either a check valve seat or the inside diameter of the hole to restrict air flow when the piston is in the first piston location. Movement of the piston to a downstream piston location can remove the check valve seal from the check valve seat and/or from the inside diameter of the hole, allowing air to flow from the inlet end toward to outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: R. Conrader Company
    Inventor: James P. Cornwell
  • Patent number: 6698447
    Abstract: A survey monument comprises a conventional water hydrant with survey indicia or markings attached thereto. The survey indicia can be carried for example on a plate mounted on a flange bolt or attached to the operating nut of the hydrant. These survey monuments can be expanded upon and/or maintained in co-ordination with the expansion and maintenance of a municipality's water supply system. The hydrants can also be utilized in connection with any geographical information system to provide known reference points. The hydrants can also be utlized in connection with GPS devices to assist in localizing, initializing and calibrating the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Darrell G. B. Cline
  • Patent number: 6698449
    Abstract: A replaceable valve seat ring for a valve assembly has an annular ring body and an open flow passage extending through the ring body. A seating surface is provided on the ring body adjacent one end of the flow passage. A tool accepting region of the flow passage is formed concentric with and at least partially along the flow passage. The tool accepting region is adapted to receive a standard tool head therein for installing and removing the valve seat ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Randy J. Hall, Ronald C. Burr, Mark D. Stiehl, Carl D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6698450
    Abstract: A discharge valve including a valve seat and a piston having a head with a bottom surface that is convex across its entirety for engaging the valve seat. The piston has a stem extending upwardly from the head away from the valve seat. A valve guide has a socket for slidably receiving the stem of the piston and a number of apertures intersecting the socket for providing pressure relief thereto. A compressed spring is disposed between the valve guide and the head for normally retaining the piston in engagement with the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Gardner Denver, Inc.
    Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
  • Patent number: 6698451
    Abstract: The invention is a placing boom comprising a plurality of boom sections connected together in an articulated arrangement. A pipeline is carried by the boom sections, wherein the pipeline is disposed inside at least one of the boom sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Schwing America, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Anderson, Lawrence P. Schmidt, David R. Bissen, Brian E. Spencer, Leo B. Willner
  • Patent number: 6698452
    Abstract: A four port reversing valve for a reversible-cycle refrigeration system having a compressor is constructed with the reversing valve having a first inlet port adapted to be connected to the compressor and second, third, and fourth ports. The four port reversing valve is further provided with a valve member operable between first and second positions. The valve member in its first position connects the first inlet port with the second port and the third port with the fourth port, and the valve member in its second position connects the first inlet port with the fourth port, and the second port with the third ports. The second and third ports and the third and fourth ports are arranged so that the angle between the ports is about 135°. In one embodiment the valve member rotates, and in another it translates linearly. Several means are disclosed for actuating the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Gregory Edward Sisk, George J. Sciuto, Thomas Hopkins, Glenn Edison Walters
  • Patent number: 6698453
    Abstract: A pressurization control device (10) for controlling positive pressurization of an electronic equipment enclosure, such as, for example, a telecommunications equipment enclosure (12 or 14), wherein the device (10) combines and integrates a number of valves or other control components and functions into a single, common valve body (28) or manifold providing a single, shared penetration point (54) into the enclosure (12 or 14), thereby advantageously minimizing the number of penetrations into and potential leakage points from the enclosure (12 or 14). The valves or other control components may be substantially conventional and may include, for example, a cable air tube connection fitting (30); a pressure cutoff valve (32); a pressure relief valve (34); and a static pressure valve or air stem (36); an express fitting (38); and an on/off valve (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Special Product Company
    Inventors: Randall D. Hutchison, Tomasz Taubert
  • Patent number: 6698454
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a valve integrally associated with a microfluidic transport assembly that is useful for regulating the flow of a liquid sample through an analytical instrument such as, for example, a biosensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Biacore AB
    Inventors: Stefan Sjölander, Thord Hansson
  • Patent number: 6698455
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid flow rate economizing device having a tubular body and a reduction in the inner diameter, suitable to install inside residential, commercial or industrial hydraulic tubing at fluid intakes, meters and/or registers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Pablo Alvaro Ramirez-Rivera
  • Patent number: 6698456
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protective corrugated plastic tube or pipe, a corrugated piping, wherein according to the invention at least some of the flanks of corrugations of the tube or pipe have extensions (16), which go from one corrugation (11a) towards a neighboring corrugation (11b) and extend in the axial direction of the protective corrugated plastic pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Frankische Rohrwerke Gebr. Kirchner GmbH + Co KG
    Inventors: Tilo Neubauer, Sören Schröter, Peter Winkler
  • Patent number: 6698457
    Abstract: A flexible hose which has a hose body made of soft synthetic resin, a reinforcement made of hard synthetic resin wound spirally and joined to the hose body by fusion, and a conductor arranged inside the reinforcement in its longitudinal direction. The conductor does not adhere to the reinforcement and is movable. The hose body is formed by: extruding a tube made of soft resin from a head of an extruder; pressing and flattening the tube to form a strip; and winding the strip spirally with the adjacent side edges joined together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Tigers Polymer Corporation
    Inventors: Tokujiro Hayashi, Noriaki Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 6698458
    Abstract: Coated inflatable fabrics, more particularly airbags to which very low add-on amounts of coating have been applied, are provided which exhibit extremely low air permeability. The inventive inflatable fabrics are primarily for use in automotive restraint cushions that require low permeability characteristics (such as side curtain airbags). Traditionally, heavy, and thus expensive, coatings of compounds such as neoprene, silicones and the like, have been utilized to provide such required low permeability. The inventive fabric utilizes an inexpensive, very thin coating to provide such necessarily low permeability levels. Thus, the inventive coated inflatable airbag comprises a film laminated on at least a portion of the target fabric surface wherein the film possesses a tensile strength of at least 2,000 and an elongation at break of at least 180%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: John A. Sollars, Jr., Shulong Li
  • Patent number: 6698459
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling coil springs together into a matrix of coil springs. The apparatus has workholders with respective grippers that receive and hold portions of end turns of respective coil springs, and a loader supporting the workholders for moving the workholders through a motion that transfers the respective coil springs from a conveyor to the apparatus. The coil assembling apparatus has, for each coil, a die set having a fixed die and a movable die. The movable die is connected to a drive via linkage. The drive is operable to move the movable die through a motion that maintains a planar die face of the movable die substantially parallel to a planar die face of the stationary die. The coil assembling apparatus is also operable to automatically assemble two rows of coil springs into a row of coaxial coil springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Terry Aronson
  • Patent number: 6698460
    Abstract: A strapping unit for wrapping a tightening strap around a packaged item has a base plate, a tensioning device, a sealing device and a separating device. The tensioning device is provided with an actuable tensioning tool being fastened releaseably to the strapping unit by at least one fastening element. The sealing device is provided with a single- or multi-part sealing tool being fitted on the strapping unit by at least one releaseable, further fastening element. The separating device has a blade which can be brought into contact with the strap. At least part of the separating device is fitted releaseably on the strapping unit by at least one further, releaseable fastening element. The fastening elements are of a design which enables the fastening elements to be actuated by the same tool. Worn parts can therefore be swapped with very little maintenance effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Orgapack GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Marsche
  • Patent number: 6698461
    Abstract: A hazardous fluid materials transfer system is automated to control the transfer of the hazardous fluid while maintaining the fluid within a closed environment for providing maximum personal protection to the operators handling the hazardous materials during the transfer, such as those operations in the mosquito control industry. The system includes the transfer of the fluid to storage tanks intermediate the source and target tanks between the transfer is desired. A pre-programmed processor receiving pressure, weights, and connection signals from transducers, such as pressure sensors and load cells, located throughout the system controls the operation of pumps and valves to allow the fluid being transferred to remain within a closed environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Adapco, Inc.
    Inventors: Avron I. Bryan, Robert D. Husband, Larry D. Heller
  • Patent number: 6698462
    Abstract: Assemblies and methods for automatically and electronically controlling and directing the input of solutions into solution receptacles are disclosed. An assembly may deliver an electronic, computer-generated signal having a specific address via hardwires or using wireless methods. One assembly includes a solution reservoir, a solution receptacle feeder and a computer to control the delivery of solution to a solution receptacle. The assembly may also include a number of transmitters, receivers, or transceivers for delivering the computer-generated signals. The assembly may also include any of variety of mechanisms for use in mobilizing the solution delivery assembly or the solution receptacles or both. Each of the solution receptacles for use of the assembly may have its own identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Scott Schneider
  • Patent number: 6698463
    Abstract: System and method for controlling a hazardous fluid distribution facility wherein a control arrangement is provided at the facility having a power on switch providing for its general energization and de-energization along with a start switch which is actuated by an operator for an interval of time sufficient for a gas pressure control monitor to assume an enable condition causing the actuation of tank valves and the enablement of emergency shut-off valves. A receiver is incorporated with the housing which performs in conjunction with strategically positioned emergency transmitters which are actuated by personnel in the event of a perceived emergency condition. The transmitters transmit an off-state signal which is responded to by the receiver circuit to vent the pneumatic actuation and enablement system as well as to disenable electrical input to pump motors. The transmitters are polled periodically by the receiver circuit to determine their operational status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Tracey T. Lemmon
  • Patent number: 6698464
    Abstract: A product dispenser, solid product, and a dispensing system containing the product dispenser and solid product are disclosed. Methods for using the product dispenser, solid product, and dispensing system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Kay Chemical, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Hennemann, Jr., Roberto Ichaustequi, Daniel F. Brady
  • Patent number: 6698465
    Abstract: A process for filling a powder includes the steps of charging a powder into a cavity of a container and, after the charging step, vibrating a swinging body on the powder which is held in the cavity, thereby filling the powder with a high density. Since the swinging body swings in the cavity, it is possible to fill the powder in the container with a high apparent density being improved much more than conventional processes for filling powders. The process is applicable to an apparatus for filling a powder and a process for producing a composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Katsufumi Tanaka, Kyoichi Kinoshita, Tomohei Sugiyama, Takashi Yoshida, Eiji Kono
  • Patent number: 6698466
    Abstract: A dispensing adapter for connecting pressurized containers to other valved systems such as automobile air conditioners is provided. The housing has a dispensing end, a receiving end, and fluid flow channel communicating between the dispensing end and the receiving end. The receiving end sealingly engages a first valve of a pressurized container, and the dispensing end sealingly engages a second valve such as a service port of an automobile air conditioner. When the dispensing end is attached to the service port, the core depressor opens the service port. A button, when depressed, pushes down and thus opens the valve on the pressurized container. The housing may be angled or straight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Interdynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Cowan, Jochen Schapers, Saul Trachtenberg, Nikolay V. Nikolayev
  • Patent number: 6698467
    Abstract: A system for strengthening containers in a high-speed filling operation is disclosed. The system includes a solenoid-driven injector apparatus positioned at an angle to the containers being filled. The injector apparatus includes a chamber connected via an intake line to a supply tank. A solenoid is adapted to open an injector valve, allowing liquefied gas within a chamber to forcibly flow through an outflow line into the container. The solenoid is also adapted to close the injector valve, thereby blocking the liquefied gas within the chamber from entering the outflow line. The injector apparatus also includes a heater positioned adjacent to the outflow line and an adjustment device for the injector valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Coors Brewing Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Schultz, Christopher S. Derks, Elizabeth J. McTeer
  • Patent number: 6698468
    Abstract: A fuel overflow catch for preventing spillage of gasoline on a motorcycle gas tank includes a bowl member having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The bottom wall has an opening extending therethrough. An exit conduit is fluidly attached to and extends through the bottom wall. The exit conduit is positioned generally adjacent to the peripheral wall. A hose has a first end and a second end. The first end is fluidly coupled to the exit conduit. The second end of the hose is fluidly coupled to a housing for receiving overflowing gasoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Chadwick W. Thompson