Patents Issued in September 7, 2004
  • Patent number: 6786212
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for preventing a reverse rotation of an engine. In connection with starting an engine, when an operation of a starter motor stops while a predetermined monitoring condition for a reverse rotation is satisfied, it is determined whether a reverse rotation of the engine is occurring, and then at least one of fuel injection and ignition of the engine is stopped for a certain period if it is determined that the engine undergoes reverse rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ji Hyeon Choi
  • Patent number: 6786213
    Abstract: A slingshot body for use with an elastic member in slinging a projectile. A fork portion to which the elastic member is to be attached and a gripping portion to be grasped by a user of the slingshot body are provided. Mounting apparatus pivotally connects the fork portion and the gripping portion to one another to allow movement of the gripping portion within the user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Aldric Kuo-Chun Lee
  • Patent number: 6786214
    Abstract: An archery bow comprising a riser extending between opposing first and second ends, with a limb coupled to each end. Each limb has a first end for connecting to the riser and a second distal end. An axle pivotally connects at least one of the limbs to one end of the riser. An actuator operatively couples between at least one of the limbs and the riser adjacent the axle for supporting the limbs about the riser. The actuator includes a resilient member for storing energy as the bow is drawn, and releasing energy as the bow is released. The resilient member pivotally attaches to the riser and the limb, elongating or compressing to dynamically change the angle between the riser and the limb while the bow is in use. After the shot, the resilient member acts as a shock absorber to damp the vibration of the bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Albert A. Andrews
  • Patent number: 6786215
    Abstract: A fry pot includes a burner tube that is secured to the walls of the fry pot with front and rear end welds. A front end weld shield consists of a stainless steel clad first molded ceramic positioned between the gas burner and the front of the burner tube and a rear end weld shield consists of a second molded ceramic having a brim shaped portion positioned in the rear of the burner tube. Both end weld shields have grooves within which the respective end welds are received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Keating of Chicago, Inc
    Inventors: Donald W. Moravec, Joseph V. Moravec
  • Patent number: 6786216
    Abstract: A hand-held breathing device for use by patients having respiratory problems creates a sealed backpressure in the airways of the patient by creating resistance to exhalation. A peep valve is mounted inside a hollow body, and a pre-set compression spring is mounted between the valve and an adjustable cap or cam lever in the main body of the device. A pair of valve openings extend through the wall of the main body, one opening serving as an intake port for inhaling of air by the patient and the second port—for exhalation of carbon dioxide. An intake valve is mounted inside the body between a normally open end of the device and the exhalation valve. In one of the embodiments, the device is attached to a nebulizer to facilitate buildup of positive pressure and delivery of medication to the patients' lungs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Sam O'Rourke
  • Patent number: 6786217
    Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for delivering NO to a patient. The device utilizes a single controller that controls two separate flow controllers to deliver an oxygen-containing gas and a NO-containing gas to the patient. The flow profiles of the oxygen-containing gas and the NO-containing gas are controlled by the controller. In one aspect of the invention, the flow profile of the NO-containing gas is proportional to the flow profile of the oxygen-containing gas throughout patient inspiration. In this regard, the patient receives a steady concentration of NO. In another aspect of the invention, the flow profile of the NO-containing gas is quasi-proportional to the flow profile of the oxygen-containing gas. In this regard, the NO-containing gas flow profile is altered to provide an increased concentration of NO either at the beginning or end of inspiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Sensormedics Corporation
    Inventor: Alex Stenzler
  • Patent number: 6786218
    Abstract: The use of an intravascular cooling element to induce hypothermia in connection with a medical procedure. According to a first aspect of the present, invention, a coronary bypass procedure is conducted in which a patient's blood is oxygenated with the patient's lungs and in which blood is circulated using the patient's heart or using an intracorporeal pump. The procedure preferably comprises: (a) positioning a heat transfer element in a blood vessel of a patient; (b) cooling the body of the patient to less than 35° C., more preferably 32±2° C., using the heat transfer element; and (c) forming a fluid communicating graft between an arterial blood supply and the coronary artery. The body of the patient is preferably heated to about 37° C. using the heat transfer element subsequent to the step of forming the fluid communicating graft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Innercool Therapies, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Dobak, III
  • Patent number: 6786219
    Abstract: A method of navigating a medical device having a changeable magnetic moment within an operating region within a patient, the method includes applying a navigating magnetic field to the operating region with an external source magnet, and changing the direction of the magnetic moment in the medical device to change the orientation of the medical device in a selected direction within the operating region. The magnet moment of the medical device can be created by one or more electromagnet coils, in which case the magnetic moment can be changed by changing the current to the coil. Alternatively, the magnetic moment of the medical device can be created by one or more permanent magnets, in which case the magnetic moment can be changed by mechanically or magnetically manipulating the permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Stereotaxis, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Garibaldi, Roger N. Hastings
  • Patent number: 6786220
    Abstract: A facility and method steps for air curing tobacco in an enclosure include hanging the tobacco in the enclosure having at least one vertically arranged air duct positioned in a central portion of the enclosure, at least one in-line fan positioned in a vertical portion of the at least one vertically arranged air duct, at least one ventilating fan located in an upper portion of the enclosure and at least one openable and closeable opening in at least one side wall of the enclosure. The humidity within the enclosure is lowered by opening the openable and closeable openings in at least one side wall of the enclosure and forcing warm air from the top of the enclosure down through the tobacco within the enclosure by operating the ventilation fans located in a top portion of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: Gordon Herman Bokelman, Maria Skandaliaris Shulleeta, Alfred Shahmoradian, Boris Lydell Kizzie
  • Patent number: 6786221
    Abstract: A process and system for continuous assay and removal of toxins from tobacco. Products such as tobacco contaminated with mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxins, and benzpyrene and its precursors, are subjected to treatment, generally in a solvent medium, to decontaminate the tobacco of the toxin. Continuous monitoring of all harmful toxins eluted from the cleaning solvent is performed by immunoantibody ultraviolet fluorescence, for example. A quality-control process ensures removal of harmful toxins from tobacco before further processing. Decontamination of extracted solvent streams and re-additives ensures safe reuse or disposal of the solvents and re-additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Kerry Scott Lane
  • Patent number: 6786222
    Abstract: A method for removing particles from a semiconductor processing tool is provided. The method comprises providing a pick-up wafer for picking up particles from a semiconductor processing tool, inserting said pick-up wafer into said semiconductor processing tool and placing the pick-up wafer on a receiving member, applying an electrostatic charge to said pick-up wafer, leaving said pick-up wafer in said semiconductor processing tool for a predetermined dwell time; and removing said pick-up wafer from said semiconductor processing tool. Further, a method for processing semiconductor wafers is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry E. Frisa, Scott S. Kellogg, Grant W. McEwan, Michael N. Montgomery, Iraj Eric Shahvandi
  • Patent number: 6786223
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are hard surface cleaners which provide improved fragrance retention properties to the treated hard surface, and methods for using them. The cleaners include a fragrance, a carrier, and a surfactant selected from ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymers, polyglycosides, ethoxylated alkyl alcohols, and ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymers functionalized with a fatty alcohol moiety. The cleaner may also contain water and a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Klinkhammer, Richard S. Valpey, III, Brandon R. Thalmann, Mathew A. Jones, John Tsibouklis, Maureen J. Stone, Richard W. Avery
  • Patent number: 6786224
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly includes a connector tube having a first end and a second end. An outer surface of the connector tube is threaded. A first cap having an opening therethrough is threaded onto the first end of the connector tube. A second cap having an opening therethrough is threaded onto the second end of the connector tube. Each of the first and second caps has a top surface and a threaded inner surface. The nozzle assembly further includes a nozzle having a tubular portion defining a channel. The tubular portion is disposed in the opening of the first connector cap so that a position of the nozzle can be axially and rotationally adjusted. A spin, rinse, and dry station including the adjustable nozzle assembly and a method for spin rinsing the bottom side, i.e., the backside, of a semiconductor wafer also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Ping-Kwan Wong
  • Patent number: 6786225
    Abstract: A three-stage relay control is provided for regulating the flow of gas through, for example, gas valves. The relay control includes a control arm for providing three levels of gas flow and having three adjustment screws, one for controlling the flow at each stage of operation. The control arm preferably pivotally rotates to provide the three gas flow levels. Energizing the relay control at three different amperage levels provides the three-stages. At a low-flow stage, the relay is de-energized. At a high-flow stage, the relay is fully energized. At a mid-flow stage, between the high-flow and low-flow stage, the relay is energized at an intermediate amperage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Mark H. Stark, John J. Love, Mike C. Santinanavat
  • Patent number: 6786226
    Abstract: A system for supplying fluid to a battery, a vehicle and a method for supplying fluid to a battery. The fluid supply system supplies fluid to a battery in a vehicle selectively powered by the battery, the vehicle including a frame supporting the battery, the battery including a battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the cell, gas generated during charging of the battery being transmittable out of the cell. The system is defined as including a tank for holding fluid, and a hydraulic circuit connecting the battery to the tank. The hydraulic circuit is defined as including an inlet conduit connectable between the tank and the cell, and an outlet conduit connectable between the cell and the tank, gas produced during charging causing fluid flow through the outlet conduit and to the tank. In the fluid supply system of the present invention, the gas produced during charging causes fluid flow through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Club Car, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall L. Crook, Daniel T. Aron, Michael A. Vassily, James R. Kerlin, Gerald C. Skelton
  • Patent number: 6786227
    Abstract: A valve, system, and method for controlling evaporative emissions of a volatile fuel. The system includes a fuel vapor collection canister, an isolation valve, and a fuel tank. The isolation valve includes a housing defining a chamber, a diaphragm movable with respect to the housing between a first configuration and a second configuration, and a coil spring biasing the diaphragm toward the first configuration. The housing includes an interior partition that defines an aperture and separates the housing into first and second sections, a first port that is in fuel vapor communication with the fuel vapor collection canister, and a second port. In the first configuration, the diaphragm occludes the aperture, divides the chamber into three sub-chambers, and substantially prevents fuel vapor flow between the first and second ports. In the second configuration, the diaphragm divides the chamber into two sub-chambers and permits generally unrestricted fuel vapor flow between the first and second ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Andrew Weldon, John Edward Cook
  • Patent number: 6786228
    Abstract: The invention is summarized as a method and apparatus for providing a memory function for an air economizing fluid pressure circuit. A latchable or detented valve is used to control an air circuit that defaults to permit the generation of vacuum pressure, but is also cable of ceasing the generation of vacuum pressure generation to air economize. The invention may also include blow off capability for the air circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: William V. Pabst
  • Patent number: 6786229
    Abstract: A compressed-gas tank system has at least two gas vessels, the gas vessels having a base part and a removal part and openings which are assigned to the removal parts. The removal parts of the gas vessels are directly connected to a connecting rail, without any pipelines therebetween. The openings are in communication with a gas passage which runs inside the connecting rail, the connecting rail being assigned a shut-off valve which is common to all the gas vessels. The gas vessels are mechanically connected to a supporting rail, the supporting rail and the connecting rail forming a holding frame for the gas vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Gerardo Friedlmeier, Bernd Loeper
  • Patent number: 6786230
    Abstract: A valve lock to lock gate valves having a truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Maurice Lacroix
  • Patent number: 6786231
    Abstract: A fluid flow regulator having a chamber comprising a port opening and a tapered pin disposed within the opening, for controllably restricting the cross-sectional flow area through the port. The tapered pin moves relative to the bore of the port that it is disposed in, under the influence of a pressure responsive diaphragm. A spring biases the pin towards the diaphragm. The diaphragm's movement is unaffected by any misalignment of the diaphragm with respect to the tapered pin and port, and the tapered pin's movement is unaffected by any diaphragm movement not in line with the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Buescher, Timothy E. Reitz
  • Patent number: 6786232
    Abstract: A check valve for a piston pump of a traction-controlled vehicle brake system includes hollow cylindrical valve seat part and a disk-shaped valve closing body, which is embraced by a spring clip and is secured to and guided against the valve seat part. The invention has the advantage that the check valve can be simply and inexpensively manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schuller, Beate Schumann
  • Patent number: 6786233
    Abstract: The present invention is a boom system comprising a first boom section having a distal end and a proximal end. A second boom section includes a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the second boom section is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the first boom section. At least one of the boom sections is substantially formed from composite materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Schwing America, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Anderson, David R. Bissen, Lawrence P. Schmidt, Brian E. Spencer, Leo B. Willner, Richard T. Atherton, Richard L. Grover
  • Patent number: 6786234
    Abstract: The title flow regulator disclosed is used for regulating the level of water in the fields of an agricultural operation according to seasonal needs by a mechanism for adjusting the outflow of water from the tile line. The regulator includes a housing through which water from the tile line is directed and in which a partition with at least one aperture is positioned. At lease one vertically movable gate is associated each aperture and with a motor, an electric cylinder, and at least one actuator bar such that, upon actuation of the motor, the gate moves either open or close the aperture. If two apertures are included, the regulator can be fully open (both apertures open), fully closed (both apertures closed), or partially open (bottom aperture open, top one closed) to achieve the desired moisture level. Dates on which the gates will be moved can be pre-selected by remote signaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Agri Drain Corporation
    Inventors: Charlie J. Schafer, Leo E. Beebout, William Littler IV
  • Patent number: 6786235
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus comprising a switchable, 3-way valve device that delivers a constant flow rate stream of solution mixture to a chemical analysis instrument. The dilution valve is capable of mixing two input streams of solutions, at any dilution ratio from 0% to 100%, into a single output stream solution mixture. The dilution valve contains a switchable gate inside the 3-way T-junction, and the switching of this gate is controlled by pulsed width modulation of the power supply. This invention also relates to methods involved in the delivery of solution mixtures to chemical analysis instruments, including on-line calibration from a single standard solution, on-line dilution from a single sample solution, and on-line standard addition from a single standard solution and a single sample solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Dong C. Liang
  • Patent number: 6786236
    Abstract: A two, three or four-way valve includes two stages each with working valve components linked by a feedback spring so that a first stage servo unit is auto-nulling and the stroke of the valve member in a second stage valve unit is proportional to the input current to the first stage. An inherently balanced clevis member in the first stage controls flow of pressurized control media, which in combination with direct pressure flow, controls the position of a spool member in the second stage. The spool in turn controls pressure flow to a either one or two metering or input/output flow ports. Transient movement of the clevis due to change in input current to a magnetic servo drive assembly is opposed by bending of the feedback spring arising from the associated movement of the spool, which returns the clevis to its centered null position and stops the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Jansen's Aircraft Systems Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey B. Jansen
  • Patent number: 6786237
    Abstract: An exciting coil is wound on a cylindrical yoke provided with a pair of pole teeth, a cylindrical permanent magnet where N pole and S pole are magnetized in a radial direction is disposed so as to be movable in a hollow portion of the yoke and the permanent magnet is coupled to a spool by a magnet holder, and a displacement sensor is disposed in a hollow portion of the permanent magnet so as to be positioned on a center axial line of the permanent magnet, so that the displacement of the permanent magnet is detected by the displacement sensor and the degree of opening of the spool is controlled by performing feedback of the displacement to a control portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Yajima, Nobuhiro Fujiwara, Daisuke Matsumoto, Seikai Yo, Hiroshi Miyachi
  • Patent number: 6786238
    Abstract: A solenoid valve has an electromagnet with a clapper armature. The clapper armature is installed in a valve chamber, which is provided with an installation opening for the installation of the clapper armature. The electromagnet is provided with a yoke means, which directly closes the installation opening with a closure section. The clapper armature bears in a pivotal fashion at the rear against this closure section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventor: Herbert Frisch
  • Patent number: 6786239
    Abstract: A storage hub is described for the temporary storage of a cap of the type typically threaded onto the outlet of a spigot to prevent leakage. The hub comprises a generally U-shaped body that can be mounted on the valve stem of a spigot, on top of the handle. Alternatively, it can be mounted on the wall of the structure on which the spigot is mounted. The hub has a generally cylindrical body provided with external threads onto which the cap is threaded. Several means are described for securing the hub to the spigot or to the adjoining wall structure. Among them is the use of magnetic attraction, a suitable adhesive, a nail, or a threaded fastener. An alternative is for the hub and the valve handle to be a unitary structure. The hub can be made from a polymer, an elastomer or metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Charles A. Welsh
  • Patent number: 6786240
    Abstract: An improved structure of sprout assembly to allow it to be externally fixed to the faucet without welding and permit faucet and sprout to be plated first before connecting both to each other is characterized by that a connector in the faucet to engage a locking sleeve in the sprout, and a threaded tube being inserted through both of the connector and the locking sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Scott Ouyoung
  • Patent number: 6786241
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a plastic jacket having air spaces formed by a core and a cover used to insulate hot and cold piping systems and the fittings for those systems. The jacket is made by providing a core that has portions that extends away from the element and a cover surrounding the core. The insulation value of the jacket is created by the air spaces created by the jacket. The plastic of the cover alone or the cover and core can be transparent or translucent so that the condition of the piping element and the jacketed space can be checked without removing the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Horizon Resources Corporation
    Inventor: Richard J. Bedner
  • Patent number: 6786242
    Abstract: A textile with first grouping of yarns separated from a second grouping of yarns, and displacement yarns disposed between the first grouping of yarns and the second grouping of yarns such that the displacement yarns progress in a sinusoidal manner to alternately contact the adjacent displacement yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Douglas John Salway, Jan L. Williams, Daniel P. Gillig
  • Patent number: 6786243
    Abstract: An industrial fabric of the variety used in the papermaking and similar industries has machine-direction (MD) yarns and cross-machine-direction (CD) yarns, which may be interwoven with one another to form a woven structure. The industrial fabric includes, as at least some of the MD and/or CD yarns, sheath/core yarns which have a core yarn surrounded by a sheath. The core yarn and the sheath are visually distinguishable by the naked eye from one another, such as by color, so that wear on a surface of the industrial fabric can be monitored visually during its operating life by the visual change that would become apparent when the sheath is worn away from the core yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Albany International Corp.
    Inventors: Michael G. Moriarty, William A. Luciano
  • Patent number: 6786244
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that allow more efficient volume use of a reservoir used in medical infusion devices, such as insulin pumps. The invention provides for having a full reservoir and a full tubing composite when infusion of medication into a patient begins, allowing a volume of medicine substantially equal to the volume of medication in the full reservoir to be infused into the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Paul Jones
  • Patent number: 6786245
    Abstract: A mobile self-contained self-powered station having a plurality of vessels delivers a pressurized fluid to a receiving tank (e.g., a fuel tank of a hydrogen-powered vehicle) without using mechanical compression, external electric power, or other external utilities. The station includes first and second vessels, a conduit in fluid communication with the receiving tank and each of the first and second vessels, means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the first vessel to the receiving tank, means for measuring continuously a pressure differential between the increasing pressure in the receiving tank and the decreasing pressure in the first vessel, means for discontinuing the transfer from the first vessel when a predetermined limit value is reached, and means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the second vessel to the receiving tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Paul Eichelberger, David John Farese, Joseph Perry Cohen, Richard Layton Colwell
  • Patent number: 6786246
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling a cartridge with a liquid comprises, a platform on which the cartridge is supported and which can be lifted relative to a stationary filling needle (5) so that this filling needle is moved into the cartridge (6), a pump (1) feeding liquid through the filling needle (5) into the cartridge (6), a sensor head (10) from which a beam of light is sent from one side of the cartridge to the other along a path immediately over an upper edge of the cartridge (6), and a reflector (11) reflecting the light beam back to the sensor head (10), which is connected to a sensor box (12) which produces a signal stopping the pump (1) and causing the needle (5) to be drawn out of the cartridge (6) when this cartridge is full and the liquid forms a droplet over the opening of the cartridge, which droplet deflects the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Rene Ohms, Flemming S. J. Manique, Preben Kobbero
  • Patent number: 6786247
    Abstract: An inflating device has a tubular body, a connector, an inflating needle, an end cap, a holder, an adapter and an airflow controlling device. The body has a central hole. The connector is formed on the body and has an inlet channel communicating with the central hole. The inflating needle is mounted on the body and has a first inflating channel communicating with the central hole. The end cap is attached to the body. The holder is received in the body and abuts against the end cap. The adapter is received in the body and has a second inflating channel. The airflow controlling device is mounted in the body to selectively communicate the inlet channel in the connector with one of the inflating channels. Accordingly, the inflating device can be adapted to inflate different types of objects and is versatile in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventors: Kurt Kemppainen, Tom Moeller
  • Patent number: 6786248
    Abstract: A fill valve assembly for use in association with a filler device comprising an outer housing, a product dispensing member, a displaceable piston and a seal member. The product dispensing member is associated with the outer housing. The displaceable piston is displaceably positioned within the outer housing. The seal member is fixedly associated with the displaceable piston at one end thereof, and at least one of the outer housing and the product dispensing member, at another end thereof. The seal member is capable of maintaining fixed association throughout displacement of the displaceable piston, such that isolation of outer housing and the product dispensing member can be maintained without the use of seals having slidable engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignees: Fogg Filler Company, Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Randall L. Johnson, Simon P. Edwards, Michael R. Resterhouse, Robert B. Szabo, II
  • Patent number: 6786249
    Abstract: Described is an apparatus for simultaneously sterilizing a large number of packs (1) by means of a gas mixture containing hydrogen peroxide and a carrier gas. The apparatus comprises: supply lines (4) for the carrier gas and for hydrogen peroxide (5), a device (21) for evaporating hydrogen peroxide by heat and mixing it into the carrier gas, supply lines (4, 5) and a substantially horizontally extending distributor line (6, 22) and nozzles (3) which are arranged above the respective pack (1) and are connected to the distributor line (6, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Hans Armbruster, Michael Romer, Karsten B. Sorensen, Michael Wolf
  • Patent number: 6786250
    Abstract: A fuel-dispenser station which comprises one or more fuel hoses with fuel-dispenser nozzles useable to control a flow of fuel, which has been purchased from a fuel vendor, from the fuel vendor's fuel storage tank to the customer's fuel storage reservoir. The fuel-dispenser station comprises one or more hydraulics modules, fuel-hose modules, and/or head electronics modules. Each of the modules of the fuel-dispenser station constitutes a subsystem of the fuel-dispenser station and comprises a module frame-structure to which all of the other components of the module are engaged. Such a module of a fuel dispenser station can be assembled as a unit before being mounted to the fuel-dispenser station and can further be removed from the fuel-dispenser station as an assembled unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Tokheim Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Dean P. Stanley
  • Patent number: 6786251
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating and emitting a continuous stream of bubbles formed from a supply of bubble liquid directs a first airstream into a supply of bubble liquid to create a froth of bubble liquid in a chamber, directs a second airstream against the froth in the chamber to drive the froth from the chamber through an exit chimney so that a film of the driven bubble liquid froth becomes attached to the exit chimney and the second airstream directed against the attached film creates and inflates a bubble attached to the exit chimney, and directs a third airstream peripherally about the exit chimney to facilitate detachment from the exit chimney of the created and inflated bubble attached to the exit outlet and displacement of the detached bubble away from the exit outlet. A self-contained apparatus incorporates a user-operable generator for creating a primary airstream which is redistributed to form the first, second and third airstreams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventors: Craig P. Nadel, Hans R. Bronner
  • Patent number: 6786252
    Abstract: A machine for filling bags with comestible liquids, includes a transfer station rotatable about a vertical central axle mounted on a plate secured to the machine frame, multiple filling stations each comprising an element for gripping and holding the base of a removable closure for a bag and an element for manipulating the upper portion of the closure, and a filling device coacting with the opening of the open closure following removal of its upper portion and supplied with liquid by a pump connected to a reservoir, the assembly of these elements being managed by a control device. The control device is a device with cams mounted fixedly on the machine. The invention is more particularly applicable to the field of packaging and dispensing of liquids, in particular comestible liquids, in small flexible receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Flextainer (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: René Erb, Ferdinando Bertolotti
  • Patent number: 6786253
    Abstract: A multi-channel fluid dispenser includes a reservoir with multiple internal chambers, a multi-channel liquid dispensing head, a plurality of fluid-delivery conduits, and support and positioning elements. The fluid-delivery conduits receive liquid from the chambers in the reservoir and deliver it to the dispensing head. The support and positioning elements are operable to support and position the dispensing head so that it can deliver the liquid from the reservoir to an underlying receiver. The fluid-delivery conduits include one or more optional flow control features that improve the accuracy of the dispensing operation. The multi-channel liquid dispensing head, which includes a valve-support member, a plurality of valves and a plurality of nozzles, is advantageously movable in three directions to facilitate alignment with an underlying receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Pharmacopeia, Inc.
    Inventor: Ilya Feygin
  • Patent number: 6786254
    Abstract: In a retractable air supply connection system for air supply lines extending between a blower supply plenum and hot zone components of a solid-oxide fuel cell assembly, each such hot zone component is provided with a socket for receiving a retractable connector. Each connector has first and second concentric expandable bellows connected between the plenum and a nipple element having a central passage and nipple for mating with the socket. The inner bellows is coaxial with the socket element and is connected to an individual supply port in the plenum for the particular hot zone component. The outer bellows is connected to the main blower output. A return spring between the hot zone component and the nipple element urges the nipple element from the socket to disconnect the supply line from the hot zone by collapsing the outer bellows to break the conductive heat path when the blower is inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Kralick
  • Patent number: 6786255
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bottled water discharging apparatus (2). The bottled water discharging apparatus (2) includes a water bottle support (4), packing cover (11) and a manifold (16). The water bottle support (4) is put on the mouth of a water bottle (1), and includes a sterilizing means, an air inflow pipe (6), a lid member (8) having a water outlet a closing member (9), and an elastic member (10). The hopper-shaped packing cover (11) is put on the opening of a bottled water disperser (2) to accommodate the water bottle the support (4) put on the water bottle (1) and is provided at its edge with a flange (12) to be held by the opening of the bottled water dispenser. The flange (12) is integrated with a packing member (13). The manifold (16) tightly is inserted into the center of the bottom of the packing cover (11) to be connected to hot and cold water containers (14), (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Banpo Marketing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yeon Seok Lee
  • Patent number: 6786256
    Abstract: A table cover comprises a rectangular sheet material such as a cloth, a synthetic resin material etc., and multiple napkin pieces which is of the same material and is formed in a body with the cover, respectively. The napkin pieces project beyond side edges of the sheet material and are cut off at both side portions by a fixed length from the sheet material. The napkin pieces also are attached by optional sets of fastening members or buttons at projected edges and on their opposite portions inward of the side edges of the sheet material. The napkins can be maintained cleanly on the table surface by scraping up spilled foods or spilled liquids thereon into the napkin portions on one's lap and prevent soiling clothing or carpet, during a meal. The napkin pieces can also be held back to fix them within the sheet side portions, when not in use. The table cover then can be used in the usual manner on a dining table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Yukihiro Sugawara
  • Patent number: 6786257
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire. In a block 18 formed on a tread surface, a sipe 24 which is twisted at a predetermined angle from a surface portion 28 toward a bottom portion 30 is provided. Due to ground contact pressure exerted on a contact patch area 26, small blocks 18a to 18d rotate, so that adjacent small blocks abut each other with a strong force. As a result, leaning of the small blocks 18a to 18d is suppressed, and a contact patch area area on the contact patch area 26 increases, so that performance on ice and snow improves. Moreover, due to rotation of the small blocks 18a to 18d, a torque (SAT) for restoring the small block to an original shape is generated, so that SAT generated by steel cords can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Masafumi Koide
  • Patent number: 6786258
    Abstract: A rubber article, such as a tire, composed of at least two rubber mixes with different composition and properties, the said two mixes having a lap joint characterized in that at least one edge of at least one of the two mixes has an end with an oscillatory trace-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Noel Morel
  • Patent number: 6786259
    Abstract: A locking ring assembly for a wheel rim assembly is disclosed. The locking rim assembly includes a locking ring, a retaining key and a clip. The locking ring assembly has a transverse split defining circumferentially opposing terminal ends, and the terminal ends include respective radially outwardly opening recesses. The retaining key has opposite end portions respectively received and circumferentially retained within the radially outwardly opening recesses in the respective terminal ends of the locking ring for holding the terminal ends of the locking ring adjacent one another. The clip engages and restrains the retaining key from radially outward movement from the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Christine Vehar, Michael Martini
  • Patent number: 6786260
    Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire has a tire meridian cross-sectional configuration of a tread surface portion on at least one side of the tire center line which is arranged such that, when a position A is an intersection of the tire center line and the tread surface, and when a position B is an intersection of a straight line P drawn orthogonal to the tire axis from an edge of an innermost belt layer and the tread surface, an angle &agr; between a straight line X connecting the positions A and B and a straight line Y drawn perpendicular to the tire center line from the position A is set in a range of 8 to 10 degrees, when the pneumatic radial tire is attached to a standard rim specified in JATMA with its air pressure being 180 kPa and with no load applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Niwa, Katsuyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 6786261
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a carcass, a belt comprised of at least two belt layers, a belt reinforcement arranged between the carcass and the belt and comprised of at least one belt reinforcing layer, and a tread rubber, in which a widthwise outer end of a widest-width belt reinforcing layer is arranged outward from a widthwise outer end of a widest-width belt layer among the belt layers, and a restraining rubber having a width of not less than 4 mm and a JIS hardness not less than a JIS hardness of a coating rubber for the widest-width belt reinforcing layer is arranged outward from the widthwise outer end of the widest-width belt reinforcing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Tsuruta