Patents Issued in April 13, 2004
  • Patent number: 6718953
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system for a marine engine provides first, second, and third reservoirs of a fuel vapor separator and first, second, and third pumps to cause fuel to be drawn from the fuel tank and provided to the combustion chambers of an internal combustion chamber. A flow directing component is provided to inhibit recirculated fuel from mixing directly with fuel within the fuel vapor separator that has not yet been pumped to a fuel rail. The flow directing component receives recirculated fuel and also receives fuel from a second reservoir through an orifice formed through a surface of the flow directing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Torgerud
  • Patent number: 6718954
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for cooling fuel by means of the cold side of a thermoelectric unit just prior to entry of the fuel into the fuel delivery components (injectors, carburetors and throttle bodies). An excess of cooling is supplied sufficient to cool the fuel delivery components so as to provide an additional buffer of cooling for the fuel and to prevent substantial re-absorption of heat after the fuel is cooled. The hot side of the thermoelectric unit is cooled by a secondary cooling fluid system separate and distinct from the principal cooling fluid system for the engine block. In one embodiment, excess fuel is shunted by a fuel bypass pressure regulator to a fuel bypass line, and the excess fuel is the cooling fluid which is returned to the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Lee S. Ryon
  • Patent number: 6718955
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple electric motor driven centrifugal air compressor, for example, for gasoline or diesel engine powered vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Geoffrey Knight
  • Patent number: 6718956
    Abstract: A cooler of an exhaust gas recirculating system comprises a housing including coolant inflow and outflow ports and at least one bypass pipe arranged within said housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Cooper-Standard Automotive (Deutschland) GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Klipfel, Ralf Hördt
  • Patent number: 6718957
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a system for operating an internal combustion engine capable of performing auto-ignition combustion as well as spark-ignition combustion. In auto-ignition combustion mode, inlet and outlet control devices are adjusted to retain a portion of exhaust gas for subjecting the retained exhaust gas to compression. In one preferred embodiment, a parameter indicative of engine-surrounding environment is monitored. Closing timing of the outlet control device is adjusted in response to the monitored parameter, thereby to vary an exhaust gas retaining duration when there is a change in the monitored parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Kakuho, Hiroshi Miyakubo
  • Patent number: 6718958
    Abstract: An operation of connecting primary coils and a wiring module of an ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine is carried out smoothly. The ignition apparatus includes a casing (8), closed magnetic circuit cores (2), primary coils (4) each having primary coil connector terminals (40a, 40b) at their opposite ends, respectively, and secondary coils (6) having secondary coil connector terminals (6a). A wiring module (9) is composed of a plurality of wires integrally formed with each other through a resin for supplying current to the primary coils (4). A resin portion (11) is filled into the casing (8) to fixedly attach transformers (1A, 1B, 1C) to the casing (8). A positioning element (9c, 40c) is arranged between the primary coils (4) and the wiring module (9) to position the relative positions of the primary coil connector terminals (40a, 40b) and module connector terminals (10a, 10c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6718959
    Abstract: The invention provides a fuel control method and system for an internal combustion engine. The method includes: calculating an initial amount of fuel based on an amount of intake air, calculating a first cylinder bank air/fuel ratio matching coefficient and a second cylinder bank air/fuel ratio matching coefficient based on an engine speed and a volumetric efficiency, and controlling the amounts of fuel in the second and first banks, using the calculated second bank air/fuel ratio matching coefficient and the first bank air/fuel ratio matching coefficient, respectively. The system includes a control unit and a fuel injection system for implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Youn-Su Kim
  • Patent number: 6718960
    Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus for gas mixture supply apparatus and diagnostic method thereof characterized in that, when any trouble has occurred to gas mixture from a gas mixture supply apparatus, it can be identified as an error; and at least engine startup is ensured, continued operation of the engine can be made enabled without any problem which may cause stalling of the engine, and deterioration of exhaust gas can be prevented. The above object can be attained by the present invention comprising a gas mixture state detecting means for detecting the state of gas mixture when gas mixture is supplied from the aforementioned gas mixture supply means during the operation of the aforementioned evaporation means, and evaluation means for evaluating an error of the aforementioned gas mixture supply means based on the result of detection by the aforementioned gas mixture state detecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Someno, Kiyoshi Amou, Takanobu Ichihara
  • Patent number: 6718961
    Abstract: A football launcher and the method of using same, such that a player can practice receiving a hiked football without the need of another player being present. The football launcher has two triangular base members that support a mounting shaft between them. A pivot arm is rotatably mounted on the mounting shaft by means of an annular sleeve affixed to a point off center on the underside of the pivot arm. There is a fixed collar on each side of the sleeve to maintain the sleeve and therewith the pivot arm in a centered position on the mounting shaft. A football cradle is attached to the long end of the pivot arm and a step plate is attached to the short end. The football cradle is shaped to hold the football and release it in a straight line when the football launcher is activated. Activation is accomplished when the user steps on the step plate causing the football to be propelled in a low arc straight toward the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald J. Woods, Nicholas Fayo
  • Patent number: 6718962
    Abstract: The invention relates to an archery bow having a handle with a longitudinal axis and first and second handle ends. The bow also has an upper limb and a lower limb extending generally in a direction along the longitudinal axis. Each limb has first and second edges defining a limb width, a limb thickness, a proximal end, a distal end, and a working region between the proximal and distal ends of each limb. The first and second handle ends are attached to each limb at the respective proximal end of each limb. The proximal end of each limb has a proximal width and the distal end of each limb has a distal width. Each limb further has a concave surface extending generally between the first and second edges. Each concave surface has an opening and first and second transition points located at opposing sides of the opening of the concave surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: A&H Archery, LLC
    Inventor: O. L. Adcock
  • Patent number: 6718963
    Abstract: An eccentric pulley assembly is provided for a compound bow, including an eccentric base cam having a peripheral track for letting out a draw string as the bow is drawn. A power cam secured to the base cam has a cable track for taking up a power cable as the bow is drawn and a shoulder is provided for spacing the track of the base cam from the track of the power cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Mark G. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6718964
    Abstract: An archery bow stabilizer is formed from a base unit connectable to an archery bow, an elongated damping element connected to the base unit at a first end, a plurality of recessed flutes extend lengthwise along the damping element, and a plurality of elongated linear spring rods connected to the based unit and parallel to the damping element. The rods are configured to fit within the recessed flutes to provide contact between the rods and the damping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Carolina Archery Products
    Inventor: Stephen C. Graf
  • Patent number: 6718965
    Abstract: Disclosed is a convection oven capable of producing a “true” convection cooking environment with a single gas burner disposed underneath the oven bottom in a combustion box. A fan compartment is disposed substantially at the center of the back wall, and defined by a baffle plate with a central fan inlet, a plurality of rearward-extending flanges, and a portion of the oven back wall. A centrifugal fan is disposed within the fan compartment. A flue spout is disposed between the oven cavity and the fan compartment and is adapted to join the combustion box and the oven cavity in fluid communication. Thus the centrifugal fan, located substantially centrally within the fan compartment will draw hot air and flue products upward from the combustion box, through the flue spout, through the central fan inlet, and blow the hot air and flue products into the oven cavity through peripheral fan outlets formed in the fan compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Dynamic Cooking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy L. Rummel, Eric H. Y. Deng
  • Patent number: 6718966
    Abstract: A cooking pot is provided which includes a base portion and a removable cover therefor. An annular lip of the pot is formed with at least one vent opening therein. Airflow between ambient and a cooking chamber defined within the pot is adjustable by rotating the cover relative to the base portion. The cooking pot is also multifunctional in that it is operable in any one of a plurality of cooking modes including but not limited to an open charcoal-grilling mode, a closed charcoal-grilling mode, an externally-heated charcoal-grilling mode, a grilling and smoking mode, a deep-frying mode, a boiling and simmering mode, a steaming mode, and oven modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Barbour International, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney A. Barbour
  • Patent number: 6718967
    Abstract: A wok support for use in a wok range incorporates a refractory insulating material into its structure. The wok support includes a tubular support structure having internal space in its wall. The refractory insulating material is disposed in the internal space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: P. F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Edward Scott Luther
  • Patent number: 6718968
    Abstract: A burner and fan enclosure for an infrared heater includes a low pressure housing 10 with an internal high pressure housing 24. A centrifugal fan 39 is located within the low pressure housing 10 and provides combustion air to the high pressure housing 24. Removable side panels 20,22 for the low pressure housing 10 may be removed for servicing and/or adjustment of the unit without affecting combustion characteristics allowing the unit to be adjusted while in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Cooley, Jill M. Szczech, Gary A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6718969
    Abstract: A medication dosage inhaler system with a main body having a round hollow cylindrical inward portion and a plurality of apertures and a round hollow cylindrical inward portion with a radially displaced round cylindrical hollow medication passageway, a T-shaped adaptor having a stepped gas connector forming an open pathway for the deliverance of a medical gas, an end cap having a one way valve for a one way flow of gas there through and a plurality of apertures, a medication dosage delivery container having a projecting medication delivering tube, a mouthpiece, and an oxygen source to mate with the stepped gas connector of the T-shaped adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Darren Rubin, Howard Rubin
  • Patent number: 6718970
    Abstract: An intubation system for intubating a patient includes an esophageal obturator 10, an intubation slide 30, a directing guide wire assembly 48 and an airway tube 60. In a method for obtaining an unobstructed airway into the patient's lungs, the esophageal obturator 10 is used to occlude the patient's esophagus F. The intubation slide 30 is inserted into the patient's mouth C and provides a guide for a directing guide wire 50 of the assembly 48 to locate a distal end 59 of the wire in the patient's trachea E. A distal end of the airway tube 60, which surrounds, or may be slipped over, the emplaced assembly 48, is also thereby located in the patient's trachea E. The obturator 10, the slide 30 and the assembly 48 are removed, thereby leaving the airway tube 60 in place to provide ventilation for the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph A. Sniadach
  • Patent number: 6718971
    Abstract: This invention relates to a feeding apparatus for breathing masks that allows food and drink intake when the mask is in use, does not reduce the wearer's field of vision, requires little space, and is protected from dirt or other contamination. It is the problem of this invention to provide a feeding apparatus for breathing masks that does not reduce the wearer's field of vision, is protected from dirt or other contamination and allows for contamination-free insertion of a drinking cannula, if required. The problem of the invention is solved by placing a pivoting check valve (1) that can be closed using a sealing cap (5) and tightly encompasses a hollow axle (2) in a fitting 4 on the outside of the breathing mask. The hollow shaft (2) of the feeding apparatus is equipped with a hose and mouthpiece (3) on its end inside the breathing mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Auergeselischaft GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Horn, Klaus-Dieter Dahrendorf
  • Patent number: 6718972
    Abstract: A new and improved inhaler includes an accurate and consistent mechanical dose metering system that dispenses dry powdered medicament in discrete amounts or doses for patient inhalation, a pressure relief system that manages pressure within a medicament reservoir of the inhaler to ensure consistently dispensed doses, and a dose counting system indicating the number of doses remaining in the inhaler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: IVAX Corporation
    Inventor: David O'Leary
  • Patent number: 6718973
    Abstract: An evaporator chamber for mixing water vapor with respiratory gas has a supply opening for the respiratory gas, an inlet opening for the water vapor and an outlet opening for the humidified respiratory gas. With the evaporator chamber, an excellent mixing is achieved with the smallest possible structural volume. The evaporator chamber is configured as a hollow body (1) having an essentially circularly-shaped inner wall surface (5). The supply opening (4) on the upper end of the hollow body (1) is arranged in a manner which conducts in the respiratory gas essentially tangentially to the inner wall surface (5). The outlet opening (6) is located at the lower end of the hollow body (1) and the inlet opening (9) lies between the supply opening (4) and the outlet opening (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Dräger Medical AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Jochim Koch
  • Patent number: 6718974
    Abstract: A humidification device (10) for use with a CPAP unit (18) or similar breathing device is provided which includes a stationary cabinet (12) with a slide-type drawer member (14) adapted to hold a supply of humidifying water. The cabinet (12) includes an input (28) and an output (30) allowing connection of CPAP device conduits (100, 102) respectively for delivering air to the humidifying device (10), and for delivering humidified output air to a patient. Use of the sliding drawer member (14) facilitates filling of the device (10) with water and periodic cleanup thereof. In alternate embodiments, electrical resistance heaters (84, 86) are secured to the drawer member (14). Mating electrical connectors (42, 94) respectively mounted on the cabinet (12) and drawer member (14) provide electrical power to the heaters for water heating purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Moberg
  • Patent number: 6718975
    Abstract: In a method for assessing pulmonary stress, a volume of respiratory gas is received from the lungs of a subject, an ensuing pressure is measured and the pressure-volume (P-V) relationship is analyzed. The analysis includes a determination of the profile of the pressure-volume (P-V) relationship. The profile is straight when no stress is present, convex when there is a risk for over-distension and concave when alveolar units are opened up. Implemented in a breathing apparatus the method can be used to assist an operator in diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in relation to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Elema AB
    Inventor: Urban Blomberg
  • Patent number: 6718976
    Abstract: A tubular housing 13 constituting an air supply mechanism for a regulator 1 for diving is provided with a deflector 21 adapted to cover air outlet ports 24, 26 of the housing 13 from immediately above as viewed in a radial direction of the housing 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Tabata Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsushiro Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 6718977
    Abstract: A regulator 1 for diving has a tubular housing 13 containing therein an air supply valve 72 and this tubular housing 13 is formed with cutouts 101, 102 extending orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the housing 13. A lever 17 interposed between the air supply valve 72 and a diaphragm 10 has its inner end 17B adapted to stride across the housing 13 and to be inserted into the cutouts 101, 102.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Tabata Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsushiro Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 6718978
    Abstract: A manual ventilation bag has a first opening and a second opening, a first soft bag connected to the first opening and a second soft bag connected to the second opening. The manual ventilation bag is advantageously used in combination with a breathing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Elema AB
    Inventor: Pär Emtell
  • Patent number: 6718979
    Abstract: An oxygen mask assembly including an oxygen dilutor assembly with air inlet apertures located in a top wall thereof for diluting the oxygen flowing therethrough. In one embodiment, the mask assembly additionally includes an air reservoir bag assembly, a one-way inhalation valve for maintaining continuous positive airway pressure in the mask and a pressure valve on the mask for adjusting the air pressure in the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: DHD Healthcare Corporation
    Inventors: Danny Britt, Michael Henigman, Kurt Meyer
  • Patent number: 6718980
    Abstract: An improved therapy for both clearing the blood of unwanted carbon monoxide and anaesthetic chemicals and for rapidly re-oxygenating blood suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning or smoke inhalation. It also includes a therapy delivery device for carbon dioxide and oxygen metering and mixing apparatus for gases under pressure particularly for respirators and medical devices which has a plurality of compressed gas supply lines which are connected to a mixing device for delivery into a demand regulator (respirator or face mask). It includes a gas selection device, an automatic shut off of the carbon dioxide, a purging system, metering of the gases and a mixing chamber to promote a homogeneous mixture of gases and sized for field use by emergency care operators. The therapy is a mixture of carbon dioxide and oxygen for promoting the rapid oxygenation of the patient's blood supply for cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation or other cases where the blood oxygen level is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Veritek NGV
    Inventor: Stephen A. Carter
  • Patent number: 6718981
    Abstract: A dental mask which has two separate chambers, one for inhalation and the other for exhalation. The two separate chambers being separated by an elasticized strip across the philtrum area. The mask is designed to be disposable, yet also have the ability to accept, for increased protection, filter insertable pads which can be placed in the inner surface of the mask. An embodiment of the mask would allow the main frame to be reusable, by having means for snapping a disposable filter onto the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Venanzio Cardarelli
  • Patent number: 6718982
    Abstract: A respiratory monitor apparatus comprises, in combination, a flexible mask fabricated from a stretchable fabric, such as spandex, that is designed to support a pneumotach flow measuring instrument in a way that does not require the instrument to be placed in the wearer's mouth, yet still remaining in fluid communication with the wearer's mouth and with little or no dead-space or leakage between the mask member and the wearer's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Mark A. Smith, Rex T. Fasching, C. Peter Howard
  • Patent number: 6718983
    Abstract: A condom which can be fitted onto a penis without requiring for fingers to touch the penis and a condom body when in use, and which preferably does not admit the entry of air during fitting and is free from remnant air after fitting, wherein extension portions (5) of a specified length are ensured on a fitting tape (B) rolled up along with the condom body (A), and the condom body can be stored in a package (C) without this length being increased nor decreased during a packaging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Okamoto Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michio Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6718984
    Abstract: A suspect restraining device is disclosed that includes a device for extending and retracting a plastic-covered cable from one end of a housing and inserting the end of the cable in another end of the housing to selectably releaseably retain that end in the housing. When the free end of the cable is retained in the housing, the opposing end of the cable is restrained in its movement to only allow retraction of the cable into the housing, thus snugly fitting the cable around the torso of a suspect to be detained. The housing may be mounted in vertical position on the wall of a building or on the inside of a police wagon or corrections vehicle or on the outside of a police squad car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: John O'Shea
  • Patent number: 6718985
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally invasive method of performing annuloplasty. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for performing annuloplasty includes accessing a left ventricle of a heart to provide a discrete plication element to the left ventricle, and engaging the plication element to tissue near a mitral valve of the heart. Engaging the plication element includes causing the plication element to gather a portion of the tissue to create a plication. In one embodiment, accessing the left ventricle of the heart to provide the plication element includes accessing the left ventricle of the heart using a catheter arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Edwin J. Hlavka, Jonathan L. Podmore, Paul A. Spence
  • Patent number: 6718986
    Abstract: A method of inducing tolerance without whole body irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventor: Megan Sykes
  • Patent number: 6718987
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to the tobacco industry and may be used in the production of smokers' articles that include a mouthpiece and consist of a new product that conjugates the functional properties and qualities of cigarettes with a cardboard mouthpiece and of filter cigarettes. To this end, this smokers' article comprises a tobacco rod wrapped in a separate sleeve of cigarette paper as well as a flexible and elongated mouthpiece which is connected to said rod and has the size of a cardboard mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is made of a pressed fibrous material and includes a filter member, which is arranged on the tobacco rod side, which is integral with the tubular portion of the mouthpiece and which is made in the shape of a continuous cylinder having a diameter equal to that of the mouthpiece tubular portion. The tobacco rod is connected to the mouthpiece by a paper ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Seiran Pogossian, Semen Pogossian
  • Patent number: 6718988
    Abstract: This invention describes a pressurized drying process particularly useful for changing the aroma of Burley tobacco, and the taste and flavor of cigarettes comprising such processed tobacco. Burley tobacco is treated in a pressurized dryer at temperatures of 120° C. or more in a pressure range of 0.25-7 Bar absolute to provide a processed Burley tobacco with a more toasted character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation
    Inventors: Wendy Stella Cooper, Paul Clive Chadwick, Helen Elizabeth Ruth Howitt
  • Patent number: 6718989
    Abstract: A filter for a cigarette and a filter-tipped cigarette having a high degree of freedom in control of filtering-efficiency of smoke are provided. The filter has a core 10 and a sheath 12 made preferably of tow of cellulose acetate fibers. A plurality of axial passages 16 is formed between the core and the sheath and extend continuously between both end faces of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignees: Japan Tobacco Inc., Filtrona International Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Clarke, John Charlton, Ichiro Atobe, Atsushi Tokida
  • Patent number: 6718990
    Abstract: A cosmetics container (10) is adapted for one hand operation. The body (12) of the container (10) defines a reservoir (14) with cosmetics therein and further defines a passage (24) from the reservoir (14) and container (10). A resilient wiper (16) is mounted adjacent to the passage (24). A cosmetics applicator (18) is slidably supported within the reservoir (14) for movement from a loading position to a use position extending through the passage (24). A drive assembly including a knob (26) on the exterior of the container (10) adapted for one hand manipulation slides a drive belt (22) having one end connected to the applicator (18) in the reservoir (14) and the other end connected to a cover (23). Operation of the knob (26) in a first direction simultaneously withdraws the cover (23) and propels the applicator (18) from the reservoir (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: The Bridgeport Metal Goods Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David P. Chastain, Gauray Rohatgi, Kevin Robert Young, Thorben Neu, Stephanie Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6718991
    Abstract: The process of dishwashing in an institutional dishwashing machine by adding to the wash liquor of the dishwashing machine a low-alkali content detergent composition and adding to a washing tank of the dishwashing machine a detergency booster composition containing an enzyme. Apparatus to practice the process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Jacques Breyer, Guenter Hellmann, Dieter Hemm, Klaus Wilbert
  • Patent number: 6718992
    Abstract: Neutral to basic compositions comprising surfactants other than amphoteric surfactants, copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and an alkylenically unsaturated monomer, and a polysaccharide polymer. Also, employment of these compositions in processes for treating hard surfaces, providing a shine benefit to the hard surfaces, reducing limescale deposits and watermarks from hard surfaces, and for providing a “next-time” cleaning benefit to hard surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Sergio Cardola, Panos Iakovides, Laura Orlandini, Maria Rosa Rescio
  • Patent number: 6718993
    Abstract: A household dishwasher that includes a drain pan designed to relocate leaking fluids to an observable location. The dishwasher is a standard dishwasher with a drain pan for collecting water that unintentionally falls from the interior of the dishwasher. The drain pan is angled for diverting the collected water to a predetermined location exterior to the household dishwasher where an occupant of the household may view the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Karen L. DeMartini
  • Patent number: 6718994
    Abstract: A covering for the underarm support of a medical crutch that provides extra padding and comfort to the patient using the crutch. The crutch underarm support covering consists of a flexible sheet material, e.g., a fabric, that forms the outer and inner faces of the cover having a peripheral edge. The complete peripheral edge of the pad is expandable and recoverable and thereby facilitates both fastening the cover to the underarm support of a crutch as well as reversing the pad faces. Preferably, a cushioning element is disposed in a pocket between the inner and outer faces. The complete peripheral edge of the pad is made expandable and recoverable by the insertion of either an elastic or non-elastic material capable of gathering the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Linda S. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6718995
    Abstract: A collapsible awning (50) for a collapsible shelter (10) including canopy (15) supported by collapsible structure (20) including truss network (40) and legs (21). Collapsible awning (50) includes awning (90) supported by collapsible awning support (51). Awning support (51) includes a pair of side supports (52), each attached to a leg (21) of structure (20). Each side support (52) includes an arm (61) having a proximal end (62) pivotly attached to upper end (23) of leg (21) and a distal end (64) a strut (71) having outer end (74) pivotly attached to arm (61) and inner end (72) pivotly attached to slider (76) that slides up leg (21) to move side support (52) from a collapsed position to an erect position, wherein arm (61) is pivoted outward from leg (21). Awning (90) is attached to and snaps between arms (71).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Martin J. Dotterweich
  • Patent number: 6718996
    Abstract: A combination for supplying fluid to a battery, a vehicle and a method of assembling the combination. The combination includes the battery and a filling pod. The filling pod includes a filling pod housing having a filling pod port fluidly connectable to a fluid source for receiving fluid from the fluid source, a first fluid supply member fluidly connectable to a first cell and for supplying fluid from the filling pod port to the first cell, a second fluid supply member fluidly connectable to a second cell and for supplying fluid from the filling pod port and to the second cell, and an integral channel in fluid communication between the filling pod port, the first fluid supply member and the second fluid supply member. The channel includes a first channel portion in fluid communication between the filling pod port and the first fluid supply member and a second channel portion in fluid communication between the filling pod port and the second fluid supply member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Club Car, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal L. Crook, Daniel T. Aron, Michael A. Vassily, James R. Kerlin, Gerald C. Skelton
  • Patent number: 6718997
    Abstract: A metering and pressure reduction piping system is prefabricated with backbone piping supported by a frame and a plurality of spool pieces that are interchanged at the site with selected metering and valve sections. The interchangeable piping sections having a common length and are connectable to the backbone piping via standardized interface flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Trigen Boston Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond Biszko
  • Patent number: 6718998
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dissipating heat from a steam pressure regulator for a reformer of a fuel cell system. The reformer including an inlet in fluid communication with a steam source, and an outlet providing a supply of hydrogen gas. The steam pressure regulator including a valve body, a valve movable between first and second positions, an actuator, and an intermediate body. The valve body defines an internal flow passage between first and second ports. The first port is adapted to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the reformer. The first position of the valve substantially prevents fluid communication through the internal flow passage, and the second position of the valve permits generally unrestricted fluid communication through the internal flow passage. The actuator includes an actuator body that defines a chamber, a movable actuator wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber spaces, and a shaft that couples the movable actuator wall to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederic Gagnon, Gary Everingham
  • Patent number: 6718999
    Abstract: A cold water distribution system for a multi-storey building has a lower accumulator provided in the building on a lower floor thereof and an upper accumulator provided on an upper floor of the building. A water inlet pipe leads from an external mains water supply into the building and is connected to the lower accumulator through an inlet non-return valve. A riser leads from the lower accumulator to the upper accumulator and is provided with respective lower and upper non-return valves adjacent the outlet from the lower accumulator and the inlet to the upper accumulator. An electrically-driven pump is provided in the riser to pump water to the upper accumulator and a water distribution pipe is connected to the upper accumulator for supplying cold water to at least the upper floor of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen John Elsey
  • Patent number: 6719000
    Abstract: A two-stage vent valve 10 is incorporated into a vehicle fuel distribution system. The vent valve 10 is mounted to the top of a fuel tank of a motor vehicle in a vertically orientated position, so that a fluid inlet is in communication with the interior open air volume of the fuel tank, and an outlet is in communication with the exterior of the tank. The vent valve 10 utilizes a two-stage valve mechanism to allow vapor to escape from the fuel tank, while preventing the leakage of liquid fuel during such operating conditions where the vehicle has tilted due to a small downgrade, sloshing of fuel in a full or near-full tank, or the event of a roll-over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: G. T. Development Corporation
    Inventors: Alan K. Forsythe, Scott F. Coomes
  • Patent number: 6719001
    Abstract: A rotary valve for directing fluid streams which has a circular stationary head having at least one and desirably multiple primary ports for connection with fluid streams at least one secondary port. The stationary head includes a number of first circular concentric channels formed therein and at least one second concentric channel. The first and second channels are associated with the primary and secondary ports, respectively. A rotatable head is provided having radial chambers, each having a first and second port for connection between a first channel and a secondary port. The rotatable head rotates against the stationary head and channels in a fluid sealed manner. An indexable drive rotates the rotatable head to interconnect predetermined primary channels and secondary ports. The timing of rotation can be continuous or intermittent depending upon the associated process of the fluid streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Calgon Carbon Corporation
    Inventors: Brad Kevin Ahlgren, Charles B. Snyder, Ismail Fawaz
  • Patent number: 6719002
    Abstract: A gas delivery system for propane or natural gas includes a gas service line, a pressure regulator connected in the gas service line, and a flow control valve device permanently installed at a predetermined location in the gas service line, e.g., upstream of the regulator or downstream of a gas meter in the case of a natural gas system. The flow control valve device includes a valve body incorporating an integral pressure tap for enabling a measurement of gas pressure at the predetermined locations. The valve device also includes a valve operator having an open position in which flow takes place through the valve device and a closed position in which flow through the valve device is blocked and a locking mechanism with a specialized key issued only to service personnel for selectively locking the valve operator in the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Presto-Tap, LLC
    Inventor: Jimmie B. Shaw