Patents Issued in September 6, 2005
  • Patent number: 6938602
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-piece valve for reciprocating piston engines in which the valve stem is connected to the valve head in a manner resistant to both tension and compression. In the area of a center through-opening the valve head has an annular bearing surface for a stem-side flange. In addition, the center opening widens on the combustion chamber-side of the valve head, the head-side end of the valve stem being plastically expanded so that it fills this enlargement, forming a positive interlock. In order to improve the service life of the connection between valve head and valve stem, according to the invention the combustion chamber-side enlargement of the center opening and accordingly also the conformed, end-side expansion of the valve stem are of non-circular design so that a positively interlocking torsionally fixed connection is produced between the valve stem and the valve head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Zdenka Hora, Thomas Marko Hora, Jens Meintschel, Martin Schlegl, Thomas Stolk, Karl-Heinz Thiemann, Alexander Gaisberg-Helfenberg, Paval Hora
  • Patent number: 6938603
    Abstract: A method for the production of a one piece piston for an internal combustion engine. The piston has a ring shaped cooling channel arranged in an outer region of a piston head. The channel is partially closed off by a circumferential projection structured as an oil groove. The piston is produced in a simple and inexpensive manner using a piston blank using cutting work such as lathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Mahle GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Scharp
  • Patent number: 6938604
    Abstract: A cooling channel cover for a one-piece piston of an internal combustion engine, the piston having a closed cooling channel that runs around inside the piston crown, at the level of the piston ring band, and a ring-shaped recess provided between the piston ring band and the piston shaft, wherein the piston shaft is connected with the piston hubs suspended on the piston crown. In such a piston, an easy to assemble cooling channel cover is achieved in that a one-piece, plastic spring steal ring, U-shaped in cross-section, having radially angled outer and inner shanks around the circumference, has at least one film hinge running around the circumference of the ring. The film hinge allows at least one radial deflection of at least one of the shanks, in such a manner that in order to close off the cooling channel, the shanks engage in a stepped conical recess on the inner edge of the cooling channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Mahle GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Gabriel, Michael T. Lapp
  • Patent number: 6938605
    Abstract: An oil cooling system to provide enhanced thermal control for internal combustion engines wherein the oil cooling system of the present invention works in conjunction with the standard oil lubrication circuit and typical liquid coolant system of an engine to maintain the engine temperature in a constant range even when operated in an environment with extreme thermal conditions for a prolonged period of time. The present invention detects when the oil temperature has exceeded a pre-determined range and sends the oil to a radiator with heat sinks and a fan for extracting the heat therefrom and dissipating it before recycling it back to the oil sump where it serves to lubricate and cool the heat-generating components it comes in contact with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Osama Othman Mostaeen Al-Khateeb
  • Patent number: 6938606
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an engine in a vehicle to facilitate determination of engine position sensor correction factors. The vehicle includes a motor, which is operatively connected to the engine, a sensor configured to detect engine position, and a controller, which is in communication with the engine, the sensor and the motor. It is determined when an engine shutdown is requested, for example, when the controller commands the vehicle to be powered by the motor. It is next determined whether engine position sensor correction factors are known. If they are, the engine control routine is stopped. If the correction factors are not known, fuel to the engine is discontinued, and the motor is employed to spin the engine at an approximately constant speed. The engine position sensor correction factors can then be determined while the engine is rotating in a defueled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jae Doo Chung, Arthur Joseph Varady, Marsha Wendel
  • Patent number: 6938607
    Abstract: Fuel-air mixture is supplied with stability to the neighboring area of an ignition plug without any effect on deflection of fuel spray due to the air flow (swirl/tumble) in a combustion chamber, and the deposition of fuel onto the side wall of a combustion chamber is reduced, leading to the prevention of occurrence of smoke. A fuel injection apparatus includes a fuel injection valve having a nozzle opening to a combustion chamber and an ignition plug. The fuel injection valve forms a fuel spray having different levels of average speed. The fuel spray has relatively high speed at least in half of a single cycle of a fuel injection, and after that, the fuel injection valve forms relatively low-speed fuel spray, and consequently, a fuel-air mixture including high-speed fuel spray is supplied to a neighboring area of the ignition plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Nogi, Takuya Shiraishi, Yoko Nakayama, Minoru Ohsuga
  • Patent number: 6938608
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air flow twisting device that can twist the air in an air inlet system of internal combustion engine. This device can be installed between an air filter and an engine combustion chamber. The device includes a body having a bore therethrough and a length. The device can be made from various materials such as metals, polymers or ceramics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Heru P. Wijaya
  • Patent number: 6938609
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for controlling the drive unit of a vehicle is suggested wherein a limiter is provided to limit the engine rpm to a pregiven limit value in at least one operating state. The limiter is controlled to be ineffective in this at least one operating state in dependence upon at least one additional operating variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Mario Kustosch
  • Patent number: 6938610
    Abstract: A fuel injection system includes a pressure chamber having a displacable piston which can be subjected to pressure via a low-pressure-side pressure booster chamber for compressing the fuel in a high-pressure-side pressure booster chamber to be delivered to an injector. The stroke of the piston is controllable essentially by the pressure in a differential chamber of the pressure chamber and is used to vary the fuel pressure delivered to the injector. Provision is made for enlarging the cross section of the outlet cross section out of the differential chamber of the pressure chamber are provided. The fuel pressure during the injection can be varied. A pressure increase can be simply achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Braun, Bernd Mahr, Martin Kropp, Hans-Christoph Magel
  • Patent number: 6938611
    Abstract: The flow meter is a device having a laser Doppler anemometer (LDA) which measures the instantaneous center line velocity of fluid flow in a pipe and processes the instantaneous velocity so obtained to compute the volumetric flow rate, mass rate, and other flow characteristics as instantaneous quantities and/or integrated over a time interval using an electronic processing method which provides an exact solution to the Navier-Stokes equations for any periodically oscillating flow. The flow meter is particularly adapted for measuring the flow characteristics of high pressure automotive fuel injection systems. Three embodiments of the flow meter are described, including a stationary stand for off-line bench testing flow rate in a fuel injection system, a portable flow meter for inline testing in a vehicle's fuel line, and an on-board flow meter sensor connected to an engine control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Combustion Dynamics Corp.
    Inventor: Murad M. Ismailov
  • Patent number: 6938612
    Abstract: An auxiliary fuel dispensing system includes an auxiliary fuel pump disposed in a vehicle fuel tank. An auxiliary dispensing tube is connected at one end to the auxiliary fuel pump and at another end to an auxiliary dispensing location on the vehicle. One end of a fuel delivery hose is releasably connected to the end of the tube at the auxiliary dispensing location. Another end of the hose has a dispensing nozzle attached thereto. A means for selectively activating the pump is operable to pump fuel from the fuel tank, through the tube and the hose, and out the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Donald Kevin Porter
  • Patent number: 6938613
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is comprised of a gas injecting device injecting gas into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, and a gas injection control device controlling the gas injecting device, wherein the gas injection control device provides control such that the gas is injected toward the combustion chamber for a period of time after flame extinguishing timing and before exhaust valve closing timing. Therefore, the internal combustion engine is capable of reliably combusting HC, CO, smoke, and so forth remained in a combustion chamber due to a quenching phenomenon or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuki Tamura, Kazuhito Kawashima, Kazuhide Iwasa
  • Patent number: 6938614
    Abstract: An air intake apparatus for supplying air to an internal combustion engine comprises a hollow enclosure, an air filter and an air compressor which when activated compresses air supplied to the engine. The enclosure houses the air filter and compressor. An engine air supply path through the enclosure passes from an air inlet to the enclosure to an air outlet from the enclosure via the air filter, said enclosure inlet and enclosure outlet defining respectively an upstream end of the air supply path and a downstream end of the air supply path. The enclosure housing is subdivided by a dividing plate which holds the air filter upstream of the air compressor. The dividing plate also has an air inlet feature to allow air to enter an inlet to the air compressor after the air has passed through the air filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Anderton Criddle, Kevin Paul Cutts, Olivier Henri Eugene Desmons, Guy Morgan, Scott John Moore, Guy David Morris, John Charles New, James Justin Tindall
  • Patent number: 6938615
    Abstract: The support devices of the present invention are simple and inexpensive devices. They are for use on the arrow rest ledge of the handle of, e.g., a compound bow and are used in conjunction with conventional fixed and fall away arrow rests. They do not rely on automatic triggers or manipulation by the archer using the hand holding the handle prior to the release of the arrow. In one embodiment, a “pin” support device consists of straight pins fixed to a support base and positioned ahead of a fall away rest. In another embodiment, a “loop” support device, used with a fixed arrow rest device, uses a spring biased wire loop attached to a support base which goes over the arrow to keep the arrow on the arrow rest. The support devices either automatically fall away from the arrow or the arrow moves away from the support device so that there is no interference in the flight of the arrow or contact with the fletching as the arrow passes by.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Arrowglide, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin P. Walker, Terry Peake
  • Patent number: 6938616
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting accessories onto a bow. Accessories are mounted onto a bow in a precise, repeatable manner so that an archer need only to position and calibrate or adjust a particular accessory for a particular bow once. Therefore, when the calibrated accessory is removed from the bow it can later be reattached to the archery bow in the precise previous location thereby eliminating the need for the archer to recalibrate the accessory. Likewise, the present invention requires only one mounting hole in the handle riser to minimize the negative structural ramifications of drilling multiple holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Jas. D. Easton, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy J. Walk
  • Patent number: 6938617
    Abstract: An oven rack assembly including full extension slides. Full extension slides are mounted to an oven rack and oven rack frames or wire racks providing full extension of an oven rack from an oven enclosure. The rack frame is mounted to oven walls or the slides are coupled to wire racks along oven slide walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Accuride International Inc.
    Inventors: Baoloc Le, Quinn Chi, Klaus Dobberstein, Markus Geberzahn
  • Patent number: 6938618
    Abstract: A device for manipulating intrathoracic pressures comprises a compressible bag structure, and an interface member coupled to the bag structure. A one way forward valve is coupled to the bag structure to permit respiratory gas to flow to the patient when the bag structure is compressed. A one way exit valve is employed to allow respiratory gases to be pulled from the person's airway upon decompression of the bag structure to produce a negative intrathoracic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Advanced Circulatory Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith G. Lurie, Vern Menk, Todd M. Zielinski, James W. Biondi
  • Patent number: 6938619
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the delivery of supplemental oxygen gas to a person combined with the monitoring of the ventilation of the person with both being accomplished without the use of a sealed face mask. Preferred embodiments of the present invention combine an oxygen delivery device, a nasal airway pressure sampling device, an oral airway pressure sampling device, and a pressure analyzer connected to the sampling devices to determine the phase of the person's respiration cycle and the person's primary airway. The oxygen delivery device is connected to a controller such that it delivers a higher flow of oxygen to the person during the inhalation phase of the person's respiratory cycle. The invention thus increases end tidal oxygen concentrations with improved efficiency comparative to known open airway devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Scott Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall S. Hickle
  • Patent number: 6938620
    Abstract: Headwear is adapted for use by a patient to position airway tubes of a nasal interface operatively connected to a positive airway pressure device. The headwear includes an elongated head strap for being worn around a head of the patient. First and second tube holders are attached to the head strap, and adapted for engaging and holding respective airway tubes of the nasal interface to retain the tubes in a desired position during use. Each of the tube holders includes an elastic strip extending along a longitudinal dimension of the head strap. The elastic strip cooperates with the head strap to form an eye for receiving an airway tube of the nasal interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Charles E. Payne, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6938621
    Abstract: A disposable plug has a mask with an orifice aligned at the entry into the ear canal when the plug is inserted into the ear. A sealed envelope has a leading elastic tip that extends forward of the orifice into the ear canal and a trailing reservoir that extends rearward of the orifice. A super-cooled liquid salt substantially fills the envelope. The envelope is sized to contain a sufficient quantity of the liquid salt to deliver heat to the inner ear at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time period. A convex disk in the reservoir can be manually popped to concave after the tip of the envelope has been inserted into the ear canal to shrink the reservoir and expand the tip into deeper extension into and compliance with the ear canal and to activate solidification of the liquid salt to generate heat into the ear canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventors: Sareva L. Greenhaw, Lamberto Dionigi
  • Patent number: 6938622
    Abstract: An earplug has an open inserting end, an open inlet end, a cover, a hollow body, a soft sheath, a tube and a sound-processing unit. The sound passes through the open inlet end, is processed by the sound-processing unit and then passes into an ear canal. Alternatively, RF (Radio Frequency) signals pass through the open inlet end and are processed by the sound-processing unit, and then radio signals pass into the ear canal. The soft sheath has a through hole. The tube is mounted through the through hole in the soft sheath and allows the open inserting end to communicate with the ambient air. Furthermore, the soft sheath and the tube are replaceable to conform to sanitary standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Fu-Sheng Huang
  • Patent number: 6938623
    Abstract: A child safety restraining device comprising: (a) an ankle strap having a first end and a second end; (b) means for fastening the first end and the second end of the ankle strap to each other; (c) an anchor strap having a first end and a second end; (d) means for attaching the first end of the anchor strap and the ankle strap to each other; and (e) means for anchoring the second end of the anchor strap to an apparatus, e.g. a shopping cart, in which a child may be seated, at an anchoring point on the apparatus. Also provided are methods of using such a device to restrain seated children and increase their safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventors: Mashelle Anne Graupner, Glennon Harold Paul, Andrew A Paul
  • Patent number: 6938624
    Abstract: A system for applying hair extensions to natural hair growing on the scalp of an individual comprises flared cylindrical tubes, a threading hook and a crimping tool. The threading tool is used to feed scalp hair through the flared tube. The hair extension is then inserted into the flared end or the tube and the tube is crushed flat trapping the threaded scalp hair and hair extension within the crushed structure. The removal of the hair extension is facilitated by use of a removal tool designed to open the crimped flared tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Hairlocs, Inc.
    Inventors: Marisol S. Arroyo, Jose R. Arroyo
  • Patent number: 6938625
    Abstract: A load sensing system for maximizing the cleaning efficiency of particulate raw materials such as sand, gravel, rock, ores, etc. in a log washer by sensing the weight of the aggregate in the log washer tank and adjusting the angle of inclination of the tank for cleaning efficiency. The system includes a log washer tank pivoted at its lower end and supported by hydraulic cylinders at its upper end. A high/low pressure sensor detects changes in the weight of the load by changes in hydraulic fluid pressure, and raises or lowers the upper end of the tank when low or high pressure limits are exceeded through solenoid activated hydraulic valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Timothy L. Stalp
  • Patent number: 6938626
    Abstract: An apparatus for wet cleaning a substrate includes a clean air supplier for supplying the clean air into a cleaning draft, a humidifier for supplying steam or mist like water drops into the cleaning draft, a hygrometer, connected to the humidifier and positioned at the level of the cleaning solution, an exhaust piping and an exhaust rate control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhito Inagaki
  • Patent number: 6938627
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided such that an impurity-collecting filter collecting impurities is detachably mounted to a front of a cabinet, thus allowing the impurity-collecting filter to be easily cleaned, and keeping a bottom of a washing tub cleaner. The dishwasher includes a cabinet, the washing tub provided in the cabinet, a water container installed under the washing tub collecting wash water, and the impurity-collecting filter provided in the water container collecting the impurities contained in the wash water. The impurity-collecting filter is removably mounted in the water container through an external surface of the cabinet at a position around the water container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-Young Jung, Sam-Yong Jang
  • Patent number: 6938628
    Abstract: An eyeglass cleaning station with a wash chamber and tissue dispenser. The wash chamber has removable nozzles for adjusting spray and a primer bulb pump that operates by hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: James Cooley
  • Patent number: 6938629
    Abstract: A rinsing lid for a wet bench cleaning chamber used in the rinsing of acids, chemicals and/or particles from semiconductor wafers. The rinsing lid includes a lid housing having an upper water reservoir for receiving a stream of deionized water or other cleaning liquid. A water distribution plate is provided in the lid housing beneath the water reservoir. Small water openings extend through the water distribution plate at the water inlet end, and large water openings extend through the water distribution plate at the opposite end, of the lid housing. A nozzle plate provides multiple nozzle openings in the lid housing beneath the water distribution plate. The large water openings at the end of the lid housing opposite the water inlet end compensate for diminishing water pressure along the length of the lid housing, providing water sprays of uniform force and volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Chia-Lin Yeh
  • Patent number: 6938630
    Abstract: A device is provided for enabling persons with paresis of lower limbs to walk. The device has vertical elements comprising an upper member and the lower member, each being adjustable in relation to each other. The vertical elements are interconnected by a jacket consisting of a three sided frame with two shorter sides and one longer side, joined together by corners at their respective ends, where the remaining longer side constitutes a closure. One of the connectors is pivotally attached to a connecting bar at the shorter side of the jacket frame, and the other is disconnectedly connected to a lock mounted at the end of another connecting bar of the opposite shorter side of the jacket frame. The shorter sides of the jacket frame, having mounted to them, from above, two adjustable armpit supports. The device has clamping rings for a user's thighs which are mounted to their respective connectors, which in turn are mounted adjustably and pivotally to the vertical elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Firma Ortopedyczna “Medort” S.A.
    Inventor: Barbara Perner
  • Patent number: 6938631
    Abstract: A ventilator for a covering for a boat or other object includes a dome for covering air venting openings. The air vents are provided in a pair of oppositely disposed ventilator plates. The boat or other covering is firmly clamped between the ventilator plates by means of a nut that can be tightened by hand. The venting openings are disposed one above the other with no obstructions therebetween in order to allow for direct air transfer between the inside and the outside of the cover while preventing weather elements from entering the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: William E. Gridley
  • Patent number: 6938632
    Abstract: A hunter concealment system for effectively concealing a hunter without physically interfering with the hunter. The hunter concealment system includes a frame structure having a plurality of openings, a first rail and a second rail on opposing sides of each opening, a recoil unit attached to an end of each opening, a camouflage sheet retained within the recoil unit, a first connector attached to a handle member of the camouflage sheet, and a second connector attached to the frame for catchably receiving the first connector. The hunter concealment system is positioned over a goose pit or other location for the purpose of selectively concealing the hunter. When the hunter desires, they simply engage the handle member thereby releasing the first connector which allows the recoil unit to automatically draw the camouflage sheet into the recoil unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Bradley W. Coursey
  • Patent number: 6938633
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for supplying process liquid s for a machine tool, which are able to reduce the consumption power and power factor of the pump 21 to a large extent in comparison with prior arts while maintaining the effects of process liquid s according to prior arts. The invention is embodied so that process liquid s such as coolant or cleaning fluid is supplied to necessary points by causing the process liquid s to flow down, which is stored in a sub tank 20 installed at a suitable height in a machine tool, by a gravity action when intermittently supplying the process liquid s such as coolant or cleaning fluid to the necessary points such as a workrest 2 and a workpiece w fixed thereon; the supplied process liquid s is collected into a main tank 19 on the other hand; and the process liquid s stored in the main tank 19 is transferred into the sub tank 20 by the pump 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Horkos Corp.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Sugata, Tadashi Makiyama, Takanori Miyata
  • Patent number: 6938634
    Abstract: A control device for regulating delivery of fuel and an associated method of use is disclosed. The control device includes an inlet, an electromagnetic safety valve, having a thermocouple connection, a control valve, wherein the electromagnetic safety valve selectively allows fuel to flow from the inlet to the control valve through the electromagnetic safety valve when the thermocouple connection is heated, an actuator valve, a main valve having a pressure responsive device, having a first side and a second side and including an outlet chamber, a regulator valve having a sensing port and an outlet. There is an adjustment mechanism associated with the control valve that can also direct fuel into a pilot assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Robert Gordon Dewey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6938635
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel level switch which may be employed to detect liquid levels within a process vessel. The level switch of the present invention is self validating so that manual testing is not required in order to ensure proper operation and switch calibration. The switch of the present invention may be easily introduced into existing process vessel designs as a replacement for prior art level detection switches with minimal or no retrofitting effort being required. The self validating level switch of the present invention may be connected to a Safety Instrumented System (SIS) such that process control including process shutdowns to avoid overfilling and low-fluid conditions may be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Daniel B. Bolland
  • Patent number: 6938636
    Abstract: A breakaway coupler for coupling upstream and downstream hose includes one or more locking balls carried by a downstream coupling member. An upstream flapper is pivotally secured with respect to an upstream housing. A pushrod is axially movable in response to engagement by the downstream coupling member. A pry recess on the downstream coupling member is spaced between the downstream housing and the upstream housing, such that a tool inserted into the pry recess is leverageable to move the downstream coupling member to unlock the breakaway coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger
  • Patent number: 6938637
    Abstract: A gas meter installation including gas supply plumbing and point of use plumbing will have a gas meter therebetween. A valve can be installed with the gas meter for shutting off the flow of gas to the point of use. This valve is preferably a gate valve mounted with the a gas meter, and can be retrofitted into existing installations, or installed with the new plumbing installation. The valve can be shut off by remote activation for example due to a seismic sensor causing a controller to send a signal to activate the valve. The control can also interact with electricity shut off apparatus, automatic meter reading apparatus and point of use security systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventors: James C. McGill, Douglas P. Arduini
  • Patent number: 6938638
    Abstract: A gas-circulating processing apparatus which comprises a processing chamber, a gas feeding piping, a gas supply piping, a first exhaust mechanism discharging a gas from the processing chamber, a second exhaust mechanism discharging a portion of a gas discharged from the first exhaust mechanism, a back pressure adjusting mechanism interposed between the first exhaust mechanism and the second exhaust mechanism to adjust a back pressure of the first exhaust mechanism, and a gas circulating piping which is configured to combine another portion of the gas that has been discharged from the first exhaust mechanism with a processing gas supplied from the gas supply piping, wherein the gas feeding piping has a larger inner diameter than that of the gas supply, or the processing gas is introduced into the first exhaust mechanism, or a first heater is provided to heat at least part of the circulating route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kubota, Rempei Nakata, Naruhiko Kaji, Itsuko Sakai, Takashi Yoda
  • Patent number: 6938639
    Abstract: A system and method for collecting distending medium or other fluids discharged during surgical procedures is shown. Also shown is a method for reducing the risk of hyponatremia. The apparatus makes it practical to determine the amount of distending medium retained by a patient during hysteroscopic or other surgical procedures, particularly procedures using non-isotonic distending medium during monopolar electrosurgery. The apparatus and methods are also useful during a variety of laparoscopic, obstetric, cardiovascular, liposuction, plastic, orthopedic, restorative, and other procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Promethean Medical Technologies
    Inventor: Allan R. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6938640
    Abstract: A recessed box assembly (20) for a dryer exhaust hose (72) includes a box portion (22), having walls defining a box interior (26) open at a front, and a frame (24) attachable to the box portion (22). The box portion (22) has a port (42) in one of the walls configured to allow a dryer exhaust vent duct (40) to pass into the box interior (26) for interconnection with the dryer exhaust hose (72). Tabs (44) extend from the planar walls into the box interior (26) and releasably engage with receptacle sections (46) on the frame (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Michael S. Mustoe
  • Patent number: 6938641
    Abstract: A check valve comprises: a pair of cylindrical body elements (1, 4) through which a fluid passes; a cylindrical valve element (7), which is disposed inside an upstream-side one (4) of the cylindrical body elements (1, 4), constantly subjected to a fluid pressure and biased toward its closed position under the influence of a resilient force exerted by a compression coil spring (10) coated with a tubular element; and, a stopper element (24) disposed in a downstream-side one (4) of the cylindrical body elements (1, 4). The check valve is characterized in that at least one of the cylindrical valve element (7) and the stopper element (24) is provided with a spiral seat portion (11) an axial spiral surface of which is brought into stable surface-contact with the compression coil spring (10) to support the compression coil spring (10) therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Abe
  • Patent number: 6938642
    Abstract: A variable device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber. An adjustment cover is provided to adjustably deflect the diaphragm and includes a catch mechanism to allow adjustment of the fluid outlet pressures and also retain the device at a desired value. An indicator arrangement may be provided to visually indicate the fluid outlet pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Massengale, Stanley E. Fry, Charles J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 6938643
    Abstract: The invention relates to a storage structure having a fluid transfer boom for transfer of cryogenic liquids such as liquified natural gas (LNG) from a first storage structure to a vessel. The boom has two arms which are rotatably connected at their first ends via a swivel joint. In one embodiment a liquified natural gas duct is supported within the first and second arms which form a gas tight housing around the liquified natural gas duct. The transfer boom according to the present invention provides a redundant containment system wherein the LNG duct is supported by the structurally strong and self-supporting transfer boom which confines the natural gas in case of a leak in the inner LNG duct. In a further embodiment the transfer boom comprises seven swivel joints in total such that rotation in all directions is possible when the vessel is moored to the storage structure and has to cope with relative motions of roll, pitch, yaw, heave, sway and surge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Pollack
  • Patent number: 6938644
    Abstract: A modular manifold system is provided for interconnecting fluid components of a fluid system in a reduced area. The system is comprised of a one or more bridge fittings having an internal fluid passageway which has an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet port of a first fluid component, and an outlet end in fluid communication with an inlet port of a second fluid component. The bridge fittings may additionally comprise two or more ports, which one of said ports may be in fluid communication with a manifold on another substrate level. The bridge fittings may be mounted within a channel of a backing plate for structural support or in channel blocks of varying sizes. The bridge fittings may be stacked to form multiple layers where bridge fittings of one layer may be in fluid communication with bridge fittings of another layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Paul E. Eidsmore
  • Patent number: 6938645
    Abstract: An annulated tubular sheath which is split down a longitudinal section thereof. According to the invention, a longitudinal strip of the sleeve is made of a flexible material and is disposed in an angular position of 5-180 degrees in relation to the longitudinal section or is disposed in the region of the sheath in which the longitudinal section is made. Preferably, the flexible material is a thermoplastic elastomer. The invention also relates to a method for producing a sleeve by extruding a plastic material, a longitudinal strip made of a flexible material obtained by co-extruding an elastomer material. A device for carrying out said method comprises an extrusion head provided with an insert for placing the co-extrusion in a stop position on a die in order to block the flow of the extruded plastic material and to enable the flow of elastomer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Sofanou S.A.
    Inventors: Domingos Domingues Duarte, Emmanuel Klinklin, Pascal Commeaux
  • Patent number: 6938646
    Abstract: A method of weaving tubular textile articles, comprising: forming first, second, third and fourth superposed layers of warp threads; weaving by weft insertion through sheds formed in said layers, the weaving being performed by first and second weft threads inserted by first and second needles from one side of said warp layers; each weft thread being inserted alternately through a selected pair of said warp layers; and the weft loops at the other side of said layers being knitted together, the first layer with the second layer and the third layer with the fourth layer, to form a pair of selvedges. A tubular textile article formed by the method is provided. A needleloom for weaving such articles is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Vascutek Limited
    Inventor: Michael Gervase Litton
  • Patent number: 6938647
    Abstract: The dobby according to the invention comprises, at the level of each of its blades, an oscillating piece associated with an actuation element, at least one mobile coupling member borne by the actuation element and two pivoting levers subjected, on the one hand, to the action of a reading device and, on the other hand, to that of elastic means which tend to engage catches of the pivoting levers either with a jamming surface provided on the actuation element, or with the coupling member, while the lever in engagement with the jamming surface is out of range of a selector of the reading device. In addition, mechanical members independent of the reading device are adapted to displace, against the action of the elastic means, a lever whose catch is not in engagement with the jamming surface, with the result that it does not interfere with the angular displacement of the selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Pages, Patrick Iltis
  • Patent number: 6938648
    Abstract: In a gripper weaving loom which weaves several different types of weft threads into a fabric, it is desirable to keep weft material waste to a minimum. For this purpose a weft thread (7) already inserted into the loom shed is simultaneously held by a weft presenting clamp (13) and by a holding clamp (18). As soon as the weft is held by both clamps the weft is cut by a cutter (20) effective between the two clamps to form a trailing weft end (7B) of the already inserted weft and a leading weft end (7A) of a weft yet to be inserted. The holding clamp (18) keeps holding the trailing end (7B) until beat-up of the weft by the reed (4) is completed. For this purpose, the holding clamp (18) moves with the reed (4) into the beat-up position. When beat-up is completed the holding clamp (18) releases the trailing weft end (7B) and returns into a weft receiving position (22B). The weft presenting clamp (13) still holds the leading end (12A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Lindauer Dornier Gesellshaft mbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Herrlein, Manuel Renz
  • Patent number: 6938649
    Abstract: A substrate holding part in a substrate processing apparatus includes a fixing table having a suction pipe and a supply pipe, and a holding member having atmosphere flow passages for vacuum-holding a substrate. The holding member is placed on the fixing table. The suction pipe is connected through a pipe to a compressor, and the supply pipe is connected through a pipe and a solenoid valve to a gas supply part. When the substrate holding part holds a substrate, the compressor sucks an atmosphere through the suction pipe to cause the holding member to vacuum-hold the substrate. When the substrate holding part releases the substrate, a gas is supplied from the gas supply part through the supply pipe by opening the solenoid valve while the suction through the suction pipe continues. The substrate holding device and the substrate processing apparatus suppress the deposition of particles on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 6938650
    Abstract: A filling apparatus for attachment to a neck of a fluid reservoir is disclosed. The apparatus has a container for fluid and a stem projecting from the container. Two passages extend through the stem. One of the these passages allows fluid from the container to flow into the reservoir and the other passage allows air to flow into the container to prevent the formation of a partial vacuum in the container. The apparatus includes a tap movable between an ON and an OFF position to allow and prevent the flow of fluid through the passages. The apparatus has a mount for releasably securing the apparatus to the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Private Brand Tools (Australia) PTY LTD
    Inventor: David Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6938651
    Abstract: A material transfer device for transferring material from a pressurized container to the connector on an automotive air conditioning system or tire is provided having an actuator, fluid conveying tube and a quick connect fitting for attachment to the automotive connector. The quick connect fitting has a one piece plastic body and a plastic locking sleeve mounted on the body for attaching and detaching the quick connect fitting to the automotive connector. The plastic body has locking tabs integrally formed therewith for engaging the automotive connector. The locking tab is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking sleeve retains the locking tab in the locked position. The quick connect fitting also has cooperating prongs to allow assembly of its components, restrain disassembly, and provide frictional forces during relative movement of the sleeve and body. A method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Precision Thermoplastic Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall E. Carter, Leslie F. Kohli, Brian D. Schumacher