Patents Issued in December 16, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040250779
    Abstract: A one-piece piston for an internal combustion engine, having a ring-shaped cooling channel arranged in the outer region of the piston head, is proposed, which is closed off by a ring-shaped cooling channel cover structured towards the side of the pin bosses as a support element. This cooling channel cover comprises at least two arc-shaped cover elements the outer edge of which supports the pin-boss-side face of the ring wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Rainer Scharp
  • Publication number: 20040250780
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process and a system for controlling the intake valves of an internal combustion engine comprising at least two valves per cylinder During the closing of the intake valves of a cylinder, provisions are made for closing a first valve and then for closing a second valve, the time between the closing of the first valve and the closing of the second valve being such that it permits the propagation toward the second valve of at least one overpressure generated in the first port by the closing of the first valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: M. Pascal Turquis
  • Publication number: 20040250781
    Abstract: A valve actuator assembly for an engine includes a movable engine valve, a movable first spool valve, and a movable second spool valve. The valve actuator assembly also includes an intermediate channel interconnecting the first spool valve and the second spool valve, and a driving channel, a first feedback channel, and a second feedback channel interconnecting the second spool valve and the engine valve. The valve actuator assembly includes an actuator operatively cooperating with the first spool valve to position the first spool valve to prevent and allow high pressure fluid flow to the second spool valve and the driving channel to position the engine valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Zongxuan Sun
  • Publication number: 20040250782
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a variable valve actuation device for lifting an intake valve. The device is capable of changing the amount of opening of the intake valve. The device is configured to calculate a first estimated value Gao of the amount of intake air from a parameter regarding the operation state of the engine at the time of opening the intake valve; calculate a second estimated value Gac of the amount of intake air from a parameter regarding the operation state of the engine at the time of closing the intake valve; and calculate an actual amount of intake air Ga based on the first estimated value and the second estimated value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naohide Fuwa, Akira Ohata
  • Publication number: 20040250783
    Abstract: An engine valve actuator is provided. The actuator includes an actuator housing that defines a tank adapted to store a supply of fluid and a bore in fluid communication with the tank. A piston is slidably disposed in the bore of the actuator housing. The piston is adapted to move between a first position and a second position where the piston selectively engages an engine valve. A mechanical biasing element acts on the piston to move the piston towards the second position. A control valve is disposed between the tank and the bore in the actuator housing. The control valve is moveable between a first position where fluid is allowed to flow between the tank and the bore and a second position where fluid is prevented from flowing between the bore and the tank to trap fluid in the bore. The trapped fluid prevents the piston from moving with respect to the actuator housing to thereby prevent the engine valve from moving to a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Wade James Robel, Sean O. Cornell
  • Publication number: 20040250784
    Abstract: A starter includes a motor, an output shaft, a first spline connection member disposed between the motor and the output shaft, a pinion to be engaged with a ring gear of an engine, a second spline connection member disposed between the output shaft and the pinion, a pinion spring to apply its spring force to the pinion toward the ring gear, a lever, an electromagnetic switch to drive the output shaft toward the ring gear when the electromagnetic switch is excited and to operate the motor when the lever moves to a prescribed position, a drive spring to apply its spring force to the pinion when the electromagnetic switch drives the output shaft toward the ring gear. The first and second spline connection members rotate the pinion relative to the output shaft an angle more than a half of a pitch of the pinion when the helical connection member is driven by the electromagnetic switch toward the ring gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sadayoshi Kajino, Youichi Hasegawa, Kazuaki Murase
  • Publication number: 20040250785
    Abstract: A vessel having a drain port having a shape improved for preventing formation of water film to the drain port can be provided without making large a diameter of the drain port. In a sectional plane including a center line 6 of the drain port 5, one 7 of wall section constituting the drain port is inclined with respect to another one 8 of wall sections thereof. Accordingly, water can smoothly drops down by its gravity without forming any water film due to surface tension. Furthermore, since the formation of the water film can be prevented without making large a diameter of the drain port, invasion of the water inside the vessel from the outside of the drain port 5 can be also prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Toshinori Oba, Yasuhiro Suzuki, Masahiro Ota
  • Publication number: 20040250786
    Abstract: In order to improve a starting device (100) for at least one internal combustion engine, in particular a pull-rope type starting device for at least one two-stroke or four-stroke motor, which comprises at least one pulley or rope drum (4) which is rotatably held in at least one housing (1), wherein said starting device, for generating the drive torque for the motor shaft by means of at least one handle (10), in particular by means of at least one starter handle or pull handle, is rotatable by way of at least one load transfer means (9), in particular by way of at least one starter rope or pull-rope, and by way of at least one elastic coupling element (6), in particular by way of at least one spiral spring, is connected to at least one engaging element (5), in particular to at least one ratchet-type engaging element, by means of which the drive torque can be transmitted to the motor shaft, such that not only is overloading of the elastic coupling element (6) prevented in a safe and reliable manner, but also, e
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Olaf Kruse, Klemens Krahn
  • Publication number: 20040250787
    Abstract: A damper spring having a torsion coil spring-like shape is placed on outer peripheries of bosses respectively formed on a rope reel and a cam. The ends of the damper spring are engaged with the rope reel and the cam, respectively, so that the rope reel and the cam are rotatingly coupled with each other. A wire member constituting the damper spring is formed so as to have a section shape in which at least one side is linearly formed, and the damper spring is formed by winding the wire member into a coil-like shape so that the linear portion of the wire member is placed on an inner peripheral side, thereby enabling the inner side face of the damper spring to be tightly wound in a wide area around outer peripheral faces of the bosses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Starting Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isao Tohyama
  • Publication number: 20040250788
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes one or more pistons (3) connected to a common crankshaft (4), a balancer shaft (10) connected to the crankshaft (4) to be rotated thereby at the same speed as the crankshaft (4) but in the opposite sense, the balancer shaft (10) carrying mutually offset eccentric weights (14) at its ends and an integrated starter generator unit (26) including a stator (27) and a rotor (23). The rotor (23) is mounted to rotate about the axis of the balancer shaft (10) and is connected to the balancer shaft (10) by step up gearing (18, 20, 22) such that the rotor (23) rotates in the same sense as the balancer shaft (10) but at a substantially greater speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Philip James Carden
  • Publication number: 20040250789
    Abstract: A lubricating structure for engines, wherein an oil feed pump and an oil recovery pump are disposed so as to avoid interference between the oil feed and recovery pumps and a clutch mechanism and an increase in the size of the engine. The clutch mechanism 38 is disposed at a location toward a left end of a crankshaft 7 as an output shaft 7a, which is rotatably supported between an upper crankcase 5 and a lower crankcase 6, that is, disposed on a left side of an engine room. A magnet cover 60 is fixed to right side parts of the two crankcases 5, 6. A magnet MG is disposed between the two crankcases 5, 6 and the magnet cover 60 at a location toward a right end 7b of the crankshaft 7. An oil pump FEP for feeding lubricating oil is disposed between the two crankcases 5, 6 and the magnet cover 60, and an oil pump SCP for recovering lubricating oil is disposed between the two crankcases 5, 6 and the magnet cover 60.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideshi Morii, Toshio Hayashi, Osamu Sekimoto, Yuji Sonoda
  • Publication number: 20040250790
    Abstract: High compression ratio, homogeneous charge compression ignition engines. In one aspect the engine is dual mode utilizing spark ignition at high load levels including the addition of hydrogen or a hydrogen/carbon monoxide mixture. In another aspect, the engine operates on a high cetane fuel with the addition of hydrogen or a hydrogen/carbon monoxide mixture at low-to-mid-load levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: John B. Heywood, Leslie Bromberg, Daniel Cohn
  • Publication number: 20040250791
    Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine with spark ignition and direct fuel injection. The inventive engine comprises: a cylinder; a cylinder head; a piston which is mounted to slide in the cylinder; a combustion chamber which is defined in the cylinder between the cylinder head and the piston; a fuel injector which opens into the combustion chamber; a spark plug; inlet and exhaust valves; and a fuel injection pump which supplies the injector with a flow of pressurized fuel. According to the invention, the pressure of the fuel flow supplied to the injector exceeds 300 bar and, preferably, reaches or exceeds 500 bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Eric Bourguignon, Pascal Sulkowski
  • Publication number: 20040250792
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted internal combustion engine has a variable lift mechanism for varying the valve lift of an intake valve. During deceleration of the vehicle, an ECU performs fuel cutoff control for temporarily stopping supply of fuel to the engine. During the fuel cutoff control, the ECU performs throttle opening increase control as necessary to set the opening degree of a throttle valve greater than a usual target opening degree that is set when an acceleration pedal is not depressed. If the throttle opening increase control is being performed when resumption of the fuel supply is required during the fuel cutoff control, the ECU controls the variable lift mechanism such that the valve lift is reduced compared to a situation where the throttle opening increase control is not being performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masayasu Mizobuchi, Atsushi Ayabe, Toshio Sugimura
  • Publication number: 20040250793
    Abstract: A method of controlling the fuel injection to a combustion chamber (4), comprises the steps of: supplying fuel to a pump (2), which has a piston (7) reciprocating in the a cylinder (6), pressurizing the fuel by applying a force onto the piston (7) by an actuator (8), so that the piston (7) is displaced from a first end position (9) towards a second end position (10), injection of fuel corresponding to a partial volume of the fuel pressurized in the cylinder (6), into the combustion chamber (4), and returning the piston (7) towards the first end position (9) by the pressurized fuel, so that the piston (7) acts with a driving force on the actuator (8). The invention also relates to a fuel injection device for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Anders Hoglund, Bengt Larsson
  • Publication number: 20040250794
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine having a fuel pump with a drive shaft is provided, the fuel pump conveying fuel into at least one fuel-collection line, the fuel being subsequently conveyed to at least one combustion chamber via at least one fuel-injection device. In the method, a quantity of the fuel conveyed by the fuel pump into the fuel-collection line is set by means of a valve device. The valve device is configured to selectively connect a discharge side of the fuel pump to a low-pressure region of the fuel pump (during deactivation phase), and selectively disconnect the discharge side from the low-pressure region (during supply phase). In supplying the quantity of fuel, a supply rate, defined as the number of supply phases of the fuel pump per rotation of the drive shaft, is determined as a function of at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Jens Wolber, Thomas Frenz, Karsten Hinn, Timm Hollmann, Christian Wiedmann, Stefan Smetana, Laurent Nack
  • Publication number: 20040250795
    Abstract: A fuel volume accumulator is provided to hold rail pressure for hot engine restart and then reduce fuel pressure when the engine is off thereby minimizing evaporative emissions during diurnal cycles by preventing pressure build up as a temperature of a fuel system rises. The fuel volume accumulator comprises a fuel inlet body, and a moving element adapted to communicate with an inner surface of the fuel inlet body to define a fuel chamber. The fuel chamber is adapted to expand with substantially minimal pressure resistance until the extent of its volume is encountered. The fuel inlet body is in open communication at a first end with a fuel pump via a check valve and a fuel rail via an orifice which restricts fuel flow to substantially maintain a quick fuel rail re-pressurization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathleen Stroia, Stephen Kempfer, DeQuan Yu, Ross D. Pursifull
  • Publication number: 20040250796
    Abstract: A method of managing the saturation level of a vapor collection canister for an on-board fuel vapor emission control system. The method includes flowing the fuel vapor through a canister flow path between a first port and a second port of the vapor collection canister, and signaling with a sensor the temperature of an adsorbent disposed in the canister flow path, the sensor being exposed to the adsorbent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Andre Veinotte
  • Publication number: 20040250797
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a small adapter manifold that is constructed and arranged to fit into the standard fuel injector cavity for each cylinder of an automobile engine. The manifold includes a cavity for retaining the standard fuel injector and a liquid fuel passage, wherein the fuel injector can supply liquid fuel directly to the cylinder. The manifold also includes a separate hydrogen passage wherein a solenoid or servo valve regulates the flow of hydrogen entering each cylinder of the engine. A control module communicates with the on-board computer to allow the vehicle operator to choose a fuel. Once the fuel is chosen the computer utilizes the standard sensors to regulate the amount of hydrogen or gasoline supplied to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Shetley
  • Publication number: 20040250798
    Abstract: Arrangement for expanding liquefied gas. The arrangement includes a vaporizing element having a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has an impermeable enclosure containing a heating fluid and a vaporizing tube made of a heat conducting material through which the liquefied gas passes. The vaporizing tube includes an intake connected to a supply reservoir and an outlet supplying vaporized gas. An element is provided for regulating a flow rate and a pressure of vaporized gas. A tube connects the outlet of the vaporizing tube to the element for regulating a flow rate and a pressure of vaporized gas. The element for regulating a flow rate and a pressure of vaporized gas is connected to an engine. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Antoine Di Gennaro
  • Publication number: 20040250799
    Abstract: Magnetic fuel treatment devices are disclosed, the devices comprising, in part, a housing, cover, inner compartment, and magnet, the combination of which forming an inner fuel channel through which fuel may flow for treatment therein. Certain aspects of the invention include designs that concentrate fuel flow within magnetic flux densities ranging from about 600 to about 1,200 Gauss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Wout Lisseveld
  • Publication number: 20040250800
    Abstract: Engineers have learned that if the temperature of coolant within a heat exchanger is raised above the coolant's boiling point by the entering hot fluid, the boiling of the coolant can cause corrosion within the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger of the present invention includes a heat exchanger body that defines a plurality of fluid passages that are operable to exchange heat with a plurality of liquid passages. At least one of the liquid passages is re-sized to include a greater cross-sectional flow area than another liquid passage. Thus, a greater amount of liquid can flow through the coolant passage with the greater cross-sectional flow area, thereby reducing the risk of boiling coolant that may cause corrosion within the coolant passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Samuel C. Nechvatal
  • Publication number: 20040250801
    Abstract: A method and a device for operating a drive unit having internal combustion engine, in particular of a vehicle, making an expansion of the adjusting range of a regulator possible without significant additional complexity. In at least one operating state a setpoint value for at least one manipulated variable of the drive unit) is predefined by the regulator to correct an actual value of a performance quantity of drive unit to a setpoint value of the performance quantity. To set one or more manipulated variables a compressor in an air intake to the internal combustion engine is activated if the setpoint value of the one or more manipulated variables exceeds a predefined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Baeuerle
  • Publication number: 20040250802
    Abstract: A system and method for actuating one or more engine valves to produce one or more internal exhaust gas recirculation events is disclosed. The method of the present invention is a method of providing exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in a multi-cylinder engine, each engine cylinder having at least one engine valve, intake and exhaust manifolds, and a valve actuator. The method comprises the steps of: imparting motion to the valve actuator; actuating the engine valve of a first engine cylinder responsive to the imparted motion; determining a first and a second engine parameter level; modifying the imparted motion responsive to the level of the first engine parameter level and the second engine parameter level to produce an exhaust gas recirculation event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Zhou Yang, Brian Ruggiero, Shengqiang Huang
  • Publication number: 20040250803
    Abstract: A control system for a compression ignition internal combustion engine, which is capable of properly estimating the temperature of combustion gases, and thereby accurately controlling the temperature of working medium according to the estimated temperature of the combustion gases, to thereby prevent knocking and misfire from occurring. A compression ignition internal combustion engine causes combustion of an air-fuel mixture by self-ignition in a combustion chamber, and includes an EGR device that causes part of combustion gases generated by the combustion to exist as EGR gases in the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Kitamura, Yoshimasa Kaneko, Toshihiro Yamaki
  • Publication number: 20040250804
    Abstract: A method for increasing the power output of an internal combustion engine is presented. The increase to the power output of the engine may be accomplished by injecting a pressurized oxygen enhancer, such as nitrous oxide, into the air intake of the internal combustion engine. A portion of the pressure derived from the injection is captured by a pressure port. The captured pressure is delivered to the fuel control device of the internal combustion engine such as the float bowl of a carburetor causing an increased quantity of fuel to enter the engine. A manifold for delivering nitrous oxide or another oxygen enhancer to the air intake of an internal combustion engine is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Rocklund Young
  • Publication number: 20040250805
    Abstract: An evaporative emission control system includes a canister for collecting fuel vapor from a fuel tank, and a purge control valve disposed between the canister and the intake passage of the engine. A controller of the system determines a failure of the purge control valve, executes a purging process by opening the purge control valve, executes a learning process for learning the fuel concentration of the purge gas, and executes a correcting process for correcting the amount of fuel injected into the engine based on the learned value of the fuel concentration. When the purge control valve is normal and conditions for execution of purge control are satisfied, the controller requests execution of the purging process, learning process and the correcting process. When an open failure occurs in the purge control valve, the controller always requests execution of the learning process and the correcting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Akinori Osanai
  • Publication number: 20040250806
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dart device having multi-purpose function, wherein a front rotated dart plate is rotatively connected to a dart support plate and additionally has a rear housing member functioning as a pencil case or a savings box. For this, a dart device having multi-purpose function comprises a dart support plate guiding the rotation of the front rotated dart plate in case that the dart is installed to a wall of a desk and used, the front rotated dart plate rotatively connected to the front of the dart support plate and having various designs for dart game, and a support member inserted in a plurality of support holding units formed on a rear surface of the dart support plate for supporting the dart support plate so that the dart device is installed to a desk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Yong Cheol Kim
  • Publication number: 20040250807
    Abstract: A portable hiking or camping stove, having a base member with an opening dimensioned to receive a burner therein; and three side members dimensioned so as to be assembled together to support the base member therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Scott Reiner
  • Publication number: 20040250808
    Abstract: A gas burner assembly for connection to a source of gas includes a burner body, a burner cap disposed over the burner body, a ceramic igniter positioned adjacent the burner body, and a ceramic igniter protection apparatus positioned adjacent to the ceramic igniter, the ceramic igniter protection apparatus is configured to shield the ceramic igniter from inadvertent contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Joel Meier Haynes, David Joseph Najewicz, Derrick Douglas Little
  • Publication number: 20040250809
    Abstract: A grill grease collection device is disclosed. The grill grease collection device includes an elongated bottom section, front and rear elongated edges, and left and right side edges. The grill grease collection device also includes front and rear elongated walls, and a left and right side wall. Combined, the elongated bottom section, front and rear elongated walls, and left and right side walls form a basin to collect grease from a grill lid. A hanger is formed into the rear elongated wall to hang the grill grease collection device from the lip of the grill. Additionally, the grill grease collection device may include a disposable liner that fits within the basin to collect grease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Anne M. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20040250810
    Abstract: A warm air furnace system has a valve for controlling the flow of fuel, and a mixing component for receiving fuel from the valve and mixing the fuel with air to form an air-fuel premix. The warm air furnace system also has a burner assembly for receiving the air-fuel premix from the mixer, and an inducer for pulling the air-fuel premix through the burner assembly. The air-fuel premix drawn from the burner assembly is ignited into a flame by an ignition element. The flame transfers heat to a heat exchanger in communication with and positioned between the burner assembly and the inducer. The heat exchanger, in turn, transfers heat to air being passed over the heat exchanger by a circulation fan. The heated air passed over the heat exchanger then provides heat to a user of the furnace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Schultz, Rolf L. Strand
  • Publication number: 20040250811
    Abstract: A deep fat fryer burner tube insert for improving heat transfer and efficiency. The insert is stamped and formed from thin stainless steel having a length and a width that substantially equals the length and long dimension the oval cross section of a burner tube, respectively. Pairs of triangular-shaped fins are cut and oppositely bent outwardly perpendicular to the plane of the sheet for disrupting the laminar flow of combustion products through the burner tube. The number of triangular-shaped fins and their shape is selected to accommodate the needs of combustion efficiency and exhaust pollutant minimization. Right triangle-shaped fins having angles of 45° and 60° have been found effictive for use with burner tubes of 14 inch and 18 inch lengths, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Donald W. Moravec, Joseph V. Moravec
  • Publication number: 20040250812
    Abstract: An inhalation device is described for use with a medicament pack in which at least one container for medicament in powder form is defined between two sheets peelably secured to one another. The device comprises means for peeling the sheets apart at an opening station to open the container; and an outlet, communicating with the opened container, through which a user can inhale medicament in powder form from the opened container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Birsha Davies, David John Hearne, Paul Kenneth Rand, Richard Ian Walker
  • Publication number: 20040250813
    Abstract: The present invention solves two main problems inherent to anesthesia design and delivery. By controlling the evaporation of each drop of the liquid agent by providing the required heat at the point of evaporation, an extremely accurate delivery of vaporized anesthestic can be delivered safely to the patient and by using an inexpensive microcomputer, peltier junction or heating element and a liquid tight solenoid or a position controllable stepper motor, the whole machine is much easier and less expensive to construct. This coupled with the simple design of the body being cast in aluminum urethane, the present invention has substantially reduced the cost of manufacture while actually increasing the accuracy of it's output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Terry Michael Post, Dell Parker Baker, Donna Sue Clarke
  • Publication number: 20040250814
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable anesthesia apparatus that is highly accurate and durable. The portable anesthesia apparatus may contain one or more different liquid anesthesia agents. The portable anesthesia apparatus contains a reservoir defined by walls for containing a liquid anesthetic agent, a control shaft having a tapered portion, a seat having a tapered receiving portion, the seat having an exit port, wherein the tapered receiving portion of the seat receives the tapered portion of the control shaft, wherein the exit port is below the tapered receiving portion of the seat, wherein an evaporation chamber containing a conductive material is below the exit port, and wherein rotating the control shaft releases liquid anesthetic agent onto the conductive material for evaporation into a carrier gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Nonlinear Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Post, George Dickherber
  • Publication number: 20040250815
    Abstract: A respiratory circuit incorporates an insulated heater wire comprising a stranded core of three or more electrically conductive strands of wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Hudson
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Scott, James B. Gleeson
  • Publication number: 20040250816
    Abstract: To increase the accuracy of the administration of doses of inhalation therapies for animals, the invention proposes a two-part inhalation mask for animals in which each mask part (9) comprises an aerosol chamber (1) and an adaptation chamber (2). The two chambers are separated by a dividing wall (3) with an opening for the aerosol so that during the inhalation phases, the aerosol passes together with the respiratory air out of the aerosol chamber (1) into the adaptation chamber (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Pari GmbH Spezialisten fur effective inhalation
    Inventors: Frank Kummer, Martin Luber, Markus Mornhinweg
  • Publication number: 20040250817
    Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is unobstructably tethered and of a composite material. The first internal layer is a nonsoftenable flexible framework which will permit the mouthguard to hold its shape during fitting as well as to absorb and dissipate significant impact conveyed to the upper teeth. A hard, durable bite plate wedge lowers the condyle from the temporomandibular joint in a fulcrum action to place the lower jaw in an optimum condition preventing impingement upon the nerves and arteries as well as spacing the upper and lower teeth apart. Elastomeric traction pads are on the bottom of the mouthguard and are grippingly engaged by the posterior teeth of the lower jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Jon D. Kittelsen, Henry D. Cross, Paul C. Belvedere, Mark Herman
  • Publication number: 20040250818
    Abstract: A tool for fitting a mouthguard in the mouth of a wearer consists of a mouthguard holding section; a flexible, positioning handle section; a first finger guide; and one or more second finger guides. The mouthguard holding section and the flexible, positioning handle section are molded as one “shot” during injection molding. The first finger guide and the second finger guides are molded as a second “shot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: William A. Cook, Mark Herman
  • Publication number: 20040250819
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the detection of objects in the work area such as surgical sites, including a detection tag affixed to objects such as used during surgery. The apparatus and method feature an interrogation and detection device with a transmitter for emitting pulsed wideband signals each including a signal prompting the tag element to provide a return signal, and a receiver for reception and analysis of the return signal from the tag element. Multiple pulse signals (of constant or varied height) emitted from the transmitter causes the return signals to build up in intensity at a detectable frequency above the ambient noise levels to facilitate detection of the tag element and object attached thereto. The device features an antenna portion containing a single or a plural ring-shaped antenna. Also, the pulsed wideband interrogation signal may be pulsed-width modulated or voltage-modulated, as two examples thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: William A. Blair, Jeffrey L. Port
  • Publication number: 20040250820
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for detecting a wireless energy receiving device subcutaneously implanted in a patient's body to enable accurate positioning of a wireless energy transmission device outside the patient's body relative to the energy receiving device. Also disclosed is a method for detecting the wireless energy receiving device whereby an energy transmission device can be positioned to efficiently transmit wireless energy to the implanted energy receiving device. The apparatus includes a magnetic device that is subcutaneously implanted in the patient adjacent to the energy receiving device to emit a local magnetic field through the patient's skin adjacent to the energy receiving device. A magnetic detector movable externally along the patient's body is capable of detecting the local magnetic field emitted by the magnetic device. This allows the energy transmission device to be located for the efficient transmission of wireless energy to the implanted energy receiving device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Potencia Medical AG
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Publication number: 20040250821
    Abstract: A method for chemically modifying a tobacco material during a curing process involves treating the tobacco material in a curing enclosure at a temperature and for a time sufficient to produce cured tobacco. The method also involves contacting the tobacco material with a chemical reagent before and/or during the time period that the tobacco material is cured so that the chemical reagent can interact with the tobacco material, thus resulting in further change in the chemical nature of the cured tobacco material. An exemplary chemical reagent is an ammonia source, which can be applied to a tobacco material in a variety of ways, including by spraying an aqueous ammonia source onto the tobacco or by introducing gaseous ammonia into the curing enclosure during the curing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Thomas Albert Perfetti, Watson Minyard Dufour, Stephen Keith Cole, William Monroe Coleman, Marvin Glenn Riddick, Wennuan Liu, Paul Andrew Brinkley
  • Publication number: 20040250822
    Abstract: A method for producing filter segments for one of multi-segment filters and filters for tobacco products. The method includes extruding a rod-shaped extrudate from a starting material, and wrapping the extrudate with at least one of a compressible and an elastic first material. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Harald Gosebruch
  • Publication number: 20040250823
    Abstract: A method and machine produces a continuous filter rod. At least one type of finite, essentially completely separated fibers is transported with transport air to a conveyor. A fiber nonwoven is formed on one surface of the conveyor to result in the fibers at least partially contacting one another. The fiber nonwoven is deposited onto a wrapping material web. The fiber nonwoven is then wrapped a material web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: HAUNI Maschinenbau AG
    Inventors: Peter-Franz Arnold, Sonke Horn, Uwe Heitmann, Thorsten Scherbarth, Alexander Buhl, Stephan Wolff
  • Publication number: 20040250824
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-segment filter (70) of the tobacco processing industry with at least two filter segments (60-62) arranged one behind the other in a longitudinally axial manner, and to a method for producing a multi-segment filter (70) of the tobacco processing industry, whereby a group of filter segments (60-62) is assembled and whereby the group of filter segments (60-62) is wrapped with a first wrapping material (65) to form a multi-segment filter (70). The multi-segment filter according to the invention is characterized in that a compressible and/or elastic first wrapping material (65) is arranged outside around the filter segments (60-62). The method according to the invention is characterized in that the first wrapping material (65) is compressible and/or elastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Harald Gosebruch
  • Publication number: 20040250825
    Abstract: Cut filler compositions, cigarette paper, cigarette filters, cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for smoking cigarettes are provided, which involve the use of nanoscale particle composite catalysts capable of acting as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. The nanoscale composite catalyst comprises metal and/or metal oxide particles supported on nanoscale support particles. The nanoscale composite catalyst can be prepared by forming a mixture by combining nanoscale particles with a colloidal solution, a metal precursor solution with nanoscale particles, or a metal precursor solution with a colloidal solution, and then heat-treating the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Sarojini Deevi, Kent B. Koller
  • Publication number: 20040250826
    Abstract: Cut filler compositions, cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for smoking cigarettes are provided, which involve the use of a catalyst capable converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or nitric oxide to nitrogen. Cut filler compositions comprise tobacco and at least one catalyst. Cigarettes are provided, which comprise a cut filler having at least one catalyst. The catalyst comprises nanoscale metal and/or metal oxide particles supported on a fibrous support. The catalyst can be prepared by combining a dispersion of nanoscale particles with a fibrous support, or by combining a metal precursor solution with a fibrous support and then heat treating the fibrous support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Ping Li, Firooz Rasouli, Mohammad Hajaligol
  • Publication number: 20040250827
    Abstract: Cut filler compositions, cigarette paper, cigarette filters, cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for smoking cigarettes are provided, which involve the use of a catalyst capable converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. The catalyst comprises nanoscale metal and/or metal oxide particles supported on high surface area support particles. The catalyst can be prepared by combining a metal precursor solution with high surface area support particles to form a mixture, or by combining a metal precursor solution with a colloidal solution to form a mixture, and then heat treating the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Sarojini Deevi, Kent B. Koller
  • Publication number: 20040250828
    Abstract: A smoking article composition and a method of making a smoking article composition comprising tobacco cut filler, cigarette paper and/or cigarette filter material further comprising a catalyst capable of converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, wherein the catalyst comprises nanoscale catalyst particles dispersed within a porous aluminosilicate matrix. The catalyst can be formed by combining nanoscale catalyst particles or a metal precursor solution thereof with an alumina-silica sol mixture to form a slurry, gelling the slurry to form the co-gel, heating the co-gel to form a catalyst comprising nanoscale catalyst particles dispersed within a porous aluminosilicate matrix. The catalyst can be incorporated in tobacco cut filler, cigarette paper and/or cigarette filter material by spraying, dusting and/or immersion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Zhaohua Luan, Jay A Fournier, Sarojini Deevi, Ila Skinner, Kent B. Koller, Diane L. Gee