Patents Issued in January 23, 2007
  • Patent number: 7165548
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for performing pulmonary procedures, and in particular treating lung disease. A flow control element includes a valve that prevents airflow in the inhalation direction but permits airflow in the exhalation direction. The flow control element is guided to and positioned at the site by a bronchoscope that is introduced into the patient's trachea and used to view the lungs during delivery of the flow control element. The valve may include one, two or more valve elements, and it may be collapsible for easier delivery. A source of vacuum or suction may be used to increase the amount of fluid withdrawn from the lung tissue. A device for measuring hollow structures, such as bronchioles, and a device for removing a previously-placed flow control element are disclosed as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Emphasys Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Deem, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Ronald French, Douglas Sutton
  • Patent number: 7165549
    Abstract: A nasal spray with a container for rinsing fluid, which has a delivery aperture, with a valve body kept movable in the region of the delivery aperture with a tube attached to said valve body, such that different swivel positions of the valve body in co-operation with the delivery aperture determine an open position (FIG. 2), in which the tube is in communication with the container, and a closed position (FIG. 1), in which the container is sealed, wherein the valve body can be swivelled into a ventilation position (FIG. 3) which is different from the open and closed positions, in which the container is ventilated and residue can be emptied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Siemen's & Co. und Quellenprodukte des Staatbades
    Inventors: Tom Philipps, Klaus Weber, Olaf Hirsch, Eva-Maria Karow
  • Patent number: 7165550
    Abstract: A cervical isolation and delivery apparatus having a cervical cap removably connected to a syringe such that a bottom opening of the cervical cap is in communication with an internal chamber of the syringe. The syringe is an elongated hollow tube with an elongated rod slidable disposed within an internal chamber of the elongated hollow tube. The cervical cap is removably connected to an application end of the elongated hollow tube such that upon insertion of the apparatus into a patient's vagina, the cervical cap covers the patient's cervix while protecting the tissue surrounding the cervix. The patient's cervix is treated by placing medication, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: West Virginia University
    Inventors: Timothy S. Tracy, Douglas D. Glover, Patrick S. Callery, Andrew P. Soisson, James E. Smith
  • Patent number: 7165551
    Abstract: An apparatus to treat a sphincter has a support member. A sphincter electropotential mapping device includes a mapping electrode. The sphincter electropotential mapping device is coupled to the support member and configured to detect aberrant myoelectric activity of the sphincter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Curon Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart D Edwards, David S Utley, Ronald G Lax
  • Patent number: 7165552
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) generally involve use of a catheter having at least one closure device at its distal end. In some embodiments, the catheter also includes one or more energy transmission members for delivering energy to the closure device(s) and to the tissue adjacent the PFO to induce closure of the PFO. Closure devices may comprise, for example, a bioresorbable matrix or a non-resorbable matrix. In some embodiments, the closure device contains particles dispersed within the closure device to increase conductance and/or to reduce resistance and/or impedance. An exemplary method involves advancing a catheter to position its distal end into the tunnel of the PFO and fixing the closure device within the tunnel of the patent foramen PFO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Cierra, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Deem, Hanson Gifford, III, William Malecki, Kenneth Horne
  • Patent number: 7165553
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Zhaohua Luan, Jay A Fournier, Sarojini Deevi, Ila Skinner, Kent B. Koller, Diane L. Gee
  • Patent number: 7165554
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a supplying unit for supplying artificial hairs onto one surface of a base and a needle movable in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the base. The needle pierces the base in a stretched condition to draw out the artificial hairs toward the opposite surface of the base. The base is supplied to a top surface of a conveyor table movable on a two-dimensional plane in perpendicular directions, movement thereof being controlled to be done at a predetermined pitch in a predetermined order, so that the base becomes stretched. In this stretched condition, the artificial hairs are transplanted. After hair-transplantation, the stretched condition is released. This prevents needle holes, formed by hair-transplantation, from being connected with each other to form a continuous slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Propia Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kohki Fukuyama
  • Patent number: 7165555
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetology manicure spa bath for two hands, wherein the user's nails and hands receive pulsating, heated jets of liquid solution. The basin of the invention is disposed at a declining angle from the user. The receiving area in the invention for the two hands is disposed within the basin and is comprised of two depressions generally in the shape of a hand, with raised projections distributed within these two depressions for massaging the hands while keeping the hands from touching the bottom of these depressions. Features of the invention include at least one wrist rest, at least one built in nail brush, and a manicure implement receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
  • Patent number: 7165556
    Abstract: A composite handle for grooming implements provides improved control during use. Such handle has a rigid and a flexible portion that facilitates use of the implement, especially when a user has a weak or impaired grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Paris Presents, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathryn Gilbert, Neil Davis
  • Patent number: 7165557
    Abstract: A base sheet (11 ) of elastic material is stretched, and the intermediate portion of a hair segment is caught by reciprocating needles (41a) to form a shape-retainable turn (30a) at said intermediate portion. The turn remains on one side of the base sheet and secured to said one side with a first adhesive layer (111), whereas a pair of lengthwise hair extensions (30b) extending from the opposite ends of the turn pass through holes (11a), formed by penetration of the needles during elevation thereof, to beyond the other side of the base sheet. After a predetermined number of the hair segments are transplanted and secured to the base sheet, the stretched condition of the base sheet is released or loosened, so that it contracts due to elasticity to thereby reduce the diameter of the holes. Then, a second adhesive layer (112) is formed entirely on the said one side of the base sheet for fitting on human skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Propia Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koki Fukuyama
  • Patent number: 7165558
    Abstract: A make-up case having pallet is disclosed. The make-up case includes: a body having a hollow tube, a latch locking part, and a lid; a pallet being in the form of a cylinder capable of being inserted into the body, the pallet having a number of compartments for containing cosmetics, latches, and a hollow part formed therein; and a painting tool coupled with the body, the painting tool having a grip, a brush holder, and a brush. A user can grasp the make-up case with one hand as it is in the form of a cylinder and has a small volume. The make-up case can be easily and safely carried and kept as it has a brush and a pallet and there is little possibility to expose the pallet by the small external impact due to screwing between the body and the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Young Kwang Byun
  • Patent number: 7165559
    Abstract: A cosmetic kit has a backing portion on which there are receptacles for containing cosmetics. Each receptacle contains a cosmetic suitable for use on a different portion of the human face. The receptacles themselves or a mask which overlies the receptacles are in shapes which pictorially represent the portion of the face on which each cosmetic is to be used. Thus the user need merely use the cosmetic in the receptacle pictorially representing the portion of the face on which the cosmetic is to be applied; assuring that the proper cosmetic is used for each portion of the face. The kit may be contained in a carrying case which includes a mirror and a receptacle for cosmetic applicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Jessica Goodman
  • Patent number: 7165560
    Abstract: In order to reliably remove, by wet etching, a compound containing a metal and silicon, e.g., a silicate (101a) containing hafnium metal, the silicate (101a) is oxidized and then the oxidized silicate (101a) is wet-etched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Fujii
  • Patent number: 7165561
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing biofilms are described. The systems and methods are particularly suitable for use with conventional aqueous crossflow filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis systems. The addition of the enzyme/surfactant compound has been found to enhance the effectiveness of conventional crossflow filtration processes by decreasing or inhibiting the growth of biofilms and other contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Biocatalytics Corp.
    Inventors: John W. Baldridge, Andrew Michalow
  • Patent number: 7165562
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing device for a baby bottle. According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically wash a bottle body, a nipple and a nipple cap of the baby bottle, and to dry and sterilize the baby bottle after washing thereof. Further, the baby bottle can be used in a convenient and sanitary manner since the baby bottle can be washed with only water, even outdoors. Furthermore, the baby bottle can be washed stably since there is provided a fixture capable of holding a bottle body or a nipple cap of the baby bottle to prevent them from being moved when the baby bottle is washed by injecting a washing liquid under high pressure. Since nozzle tube for injecting the washing liquid toward upper, middle and lower portions of the bottle body accommodated in a baby bottle washing chamber is integrally formed, the nozzle tube can be installed in a simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Jong-hyun Myong
  • Patent number: 7165563
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method is provided for decoupling a cavitation in a liquid from an acoustic energy used to induce the cavitation. Broadly speaking, a pressure adjustment is used to control an acoustically induced cavitation in a liquid contained within a wafer cleaning apparatus, wherein the cavitation is defined by an amount and a size of gas bubbles. An increase in a pressure within the wafer cleaning apparatus results in a suppression of the cavitation. Conversely, a decrease in the pressure within the wafer cleaning apparatus results in an enhancement of the cavitation. Thus, independent control of the cavitation is provided without regard to the acoustic energy or a chemistry of the liquid. Controlling the cavitation allows for a safe and efficient wafer cleaning operation that can be customized to address specific requirements dictated by a particular wafer configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Boyd, Michael Ravkin, Fred C. Redecker
  • Patent number: 7165564
    Abstract: A device having at least one cleaning unit for cleaning installations, especially for the production and/or processing of food stuffs or pharmaceuticals is provided. The device may include a cleaning unit that is configured to move within the installation to be cleaned. The cleaning unit may also be provided with one or more nozzles with rotatable nozzle tips configured to rotate as cleaning agent flows through the nozzle tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Volker Kamm
  • Patent number: 7165565
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes (1) a tank adapted to contain fluid; (2) at least one support component mounted in the tank and adapted to support a substrate in a supported position at least partially submerged in the fluid; (3) a transducer adapted to output sonic energy into the fluid; and (4) a reflector positioned at a side of the substrate and adapted to reflect the sonic energy toward an edge of the substrate so as to provide a 100% duty cycle. The reflector is positioned such that the reflector does not obstruct a path employed to load the substrate into the supported position and to unload the substrate from the supported position. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D Tolles, David P Alvarez, Jianshe Tang
  • Patent number: 7165566
    Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a microstructure using maskless lithography. A first layer is provided in a spaced relationship to a base layer so as to define a construction cavity therebetween. The first layer has a passageway therethrough that communicates with the construction cavity. The construction cavity is filled with material and a polymerizing agent is directed towards a portion of the material so as to polymerize the same. The polymerized material defines a channel network and the non-polymerized material is flushed from the channel network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventor: David J. Beebe
  • Patent number: 7165567
    Abstract: A control valve apparatus for a rotating clutch includes a valve having a spool portion and a mass portion. The spool portion provides a control function to distribute pressure from a static source to a chamber of the clutch. The valve also has a mass associated therewith which is responsive to rotation of the clutch and valve apparatus such that the apply pressure and the centrifugal effective pressure operating on the valve and the mass centrifugal force is compensated for to maintain the pressure at a specific radius of the clutch equal to the static apply pressure of the pressure source independent of rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond J. Haka, Paul D. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7165568
    Abstract: Disclosed is a valve/seal assembly that is adapted for use in a variety of applications, such as for example, medical, consumer beverage, pharmaceutical containers, automobile, household appliance and marine. The disclosed valve includes, inter alia, a valve housing having an upper body portion and a lower body portion and a generally spherical valve member. The upper and lower body portions of the housing define an internal chamber for accommodating the valve member and a central axis for the valve. The generally spherical valve member is seated within the internal chamber of the valve housing and has an axial bore extending therethrough. The valve member is mounted for movement between an open position; wherein the axial bore of the valve member is axially aligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing, and a closed position; wherein the axial bore of the valve member is out of alignment with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Axial Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Michael Ross Kessell, Paul Neville Adams, Steven Lyle Weir, Henry Bolanos
  • Patent number: 7165569
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety shut-off device for sections of fluid circuits, which in case of damage or the like, have to shut off from each other on safety considerations. The safety shut-off device includes two chambers with connections for the sections to be shut off from each other. The chambers are separated from each other by a piston and have two connections each, of which one is closed by closing elements with sealing force elements, when both chambers have the same pressure. Further, two actuating devices are provided which are functionally connected to the closing elements and the piston. When the piston is moved due to a pressure difference between the connections, the closing element in the chamber with the higher pressure opens the associated connection so that fluid can flow from a section with higher pressure into the other section with lower pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Juergen Berbuer
  • Patent number: 7165570
    Abstract: A pressure balancing cartridge for mixing hot and cold water includes a casing having a sleeve therein which further includes a reciprocating balancing spool therein. There are seal members positioned to form a seal between the sleeve and the casing. Further, a spring is incorporated to protect a balancing spool of the valve from “water hammer” shock and to mechanically shear and digest any deposited matter in the area of the spring. Still further, by using material other than stainless steel, failure of the balancing spool is eliminated in “bad” water environments. Finally, the seal members comprise stainless steel clips or inserts. To address issues of mechanical wear, all improvements defined above increase useful longevity of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: Var Lordahl, Scott H. Koepsel
  • Patent number: 7165571
    Abstract: A dual pneumatic quick-disconnect coupler preferably includes a valve body, a sealing ball and two pipe tap sleeves. The valve body includes a ball cavity that retains the sealing ball. A pipe tap nipple extends from one side of the ball cavity and two threaded holes are formed through the other side thereof. A quick-disconnect plug is threaded into one end of the pipe tap sleeve and a ball seat is formed in the other end to receive the sealing ball. An air hose with a quick-disconnect coupler is attached to one of the quick-disconnect plugs. Air traveling through the air hose will force the sealing ball to seal the unused quick-disconnect plug. A second embodiment seals each quick-disconnect coupler with a spring loaded piston. A third embodiment seals each quick-disconnect coupler with a flapper valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Mirko Buzdum
  • Patent number: 7165572
    Abstract: The present invention provides for above-ground fluid storage tanks having an internal spill containment system. In particular, the present invention is directed to an oil storage tank with a valve and spill containment system, where the valves are kept in a warm and dry environment, protected from the elements, but which still readily accessible, and, further, where spillage from the valves is contained. Further, the containment system disclosed allows for convenient retrofit into existing tanks as well as new tank manufacture. The invention discloses a containment chamber that will fit into existing manways and which is bolted to the tank using the existing bolt pattern that held the manway door on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Enviro Vault Ltd.
    Inventor: Russ Hebblethwaite
  • Patent number: 7165573
    Abstract: A pressure-reducing regulator comprising a regulator body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a flow path. A valve element is moved relative to a valve seat by a diaphragm assembly to control gas flow along the flow path. The regulator comprises one or more of: (a) a coalescing filter mounted in the inlet port, (b) the diaphragm assembly coupled to the valve element via a resilient member, (c) a diaphragm chamber comprising a non-constant depth in the regulator body along its diameter, (d) an aspirator tube extending into the outlet port from a passage between the diaphragm chamber and the outlet port, or (e) the valve seat comprising an inner seat and a protective covering over the inner seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Gotthelf
  • Patent number: 7165574
    Abstract: A valve device including a valve chamber having an inlet port at one end and a valve seat at the other end; a valve housing containing the valve chamber; the valve chamber accommodating a spherical valve element which performs opening and closing operation to the valve seat, and a valve spring which urges the valve element in a closing direction; and a push rod which penetrates a center hole of the valve seat and pushes the valve element in an opening direction. A cylindrical valve guide member is fit into the valve chamber, the cylindrical valve guide member including a plurality of guide projections on an inner peripheral surface to guide opening and closing operation of the valve element. Grooves between the plurality of guide projections serve as passages providing communication between the inlet port and the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeto Ryuen, Hiroyuki Chiba, Masamichi Kagawa, Akira Nagasaki
  • Patent number: 7165575
    Abstract: A main valve reduces an unregulated pressure of a high-pressure gas to a regulated pressure by being interlocked with a diaphragm, which receives the regulated pressure within a pressure regulating chamber and is displaced. A subsidiary valve is interlocked with the main valve through a plunger and reduces the unregulated pressure of the high-pressure gas to the regulated pressure. The subsidiary valve is located such that the force, which accompanies a pressure loss occurring at the subsidiary valve and which the subsidiary valve receives, cancels the force, which accompanies the pressure loss occurring at the main valve and acts upon the plunger. An adjustor adjusts a pressure loss value occurring at the subsidiary valve so as to be equal to the pressure loss value occurring at the main valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Yasuaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7165576
    Abstract: A breakaway coupling for a fuel supply hose includes a male tubular valve body interfitting with or female tubular valve body and defining a fuel supply passage, and the valve bodies enclose axially moveable spring biased valve members. The valve bodies are connected by releasable connecting means which provide for moving the valve bodies from a connected position to a disconnected position in response to a substantial axial tension force on the valve bodies. The valve bodies have cooperating peripherally extending and opposing cam surfaces effective to move the valve bodies from the connected position to the disconnected position in response to relative rotation of the valve bodies and cam surfaces. The valve bodies may also define a vapor return passage with an axially movable valve member and disposed either radially outboard or inboard of the fuel supply passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Catlow, Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron D. Carmack, David L. Imler
  • Patent number: 7165577
    Abstract: A cleaning valve drive unit constituted to be able to supply water to a toilet by manual rotational operation of a main shaft in which the main shaft is constituted to be able to pull out from a cleaning operation position to a draining operation position. Whereas an operation limiting mechanism with respect to the main shaft enables to carry out cleaning operation to the toilet by rotational operation around an axis line with respect to the main shaft when the main shaft is disposed at the cleaning operation position, when the main shaft is moved to the draining operation position, the operation limiting mechanism permits to drain water by the rotational operation around the axis line with respect to the main shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Nidec Sankyo Corporation & Inax Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Iwashita, Tsuyoshi Nakasone, Katsunori Tomita, Takanori Idota, Hironao Inoue
  • Patent number: 7165578
    Abstract: A rehabilitating pipe is laid inside an existing pipe to rehabilitate the existing pipe. Support members are intergrally connected to an inner wall surface of the existing pipe so that loop portions of the respective support members extend from the inner wall surface of the existing pipe. The rehabilitating pipe is assembled inside of the existing pipe by mutually coupling segments of the rehabilitating pipe in a longitudinal direction of the existing pipe by inserting coupling members through connecting through-holes of the segments and through the loop portions of the respective support members to thereby support the assembled rehabilitating pipe so that the rehabilitating pipe remains inside of the existing pipe after assembly to rehabilitate the existing pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K.
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii, Takeshi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7165579
    Abstract: A pipeline repair system includes a sleeve adapted to permanently enclose an outer surface of a longitudinal section of a pipeline having a defect. The sleeve includes two or more longitudinal segments of a cylinder joined at the longitudinal edges to form a sleeve with a first and second radial ends. The sleeve is sealed at the radial ends forming an enclosed annular space between the pipeline and the sleeve. An injection port assembly on the sleeve is adapted for temporary connection to an external source of pressurized material. The pressurized material may be a fluid, gas, or slurry. After filling the annulus with pressurized material, the port assembly is sealed. The permanent sleeve receives a majority of the tangential (hoop) stress load from the section of pipeline via the pressurized material in the annular space and may receive a portion of the longitudinal stress load from the section of pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Neil Borland, Henry E. Topf, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7165580
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for attachment to the exit end of a conduit during cable installation through the conduit. The mechanism absorbs the energy from, and captures the projectile and cable assembly exiting from a conduit during cable installation. A clamp is provided to attach the mechanism to the conduit. The clamp can be readily adjusted to fit a variety of conduit sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Arlen K. Bean
  • Patent number: 7165581
    Abstract: Systems and methods for preserving a perishable material sensitive to oxygen and bacterial spoilage are taught. The systems in some embodiments comprise a pressurized source of a first gas other than oxygen and a container for the perishable material, the container having a sealable lid, a passage including a one-way valve through the lid connected by a gas conduit to the pressurized source, and a mechanism for venting the container. In various embodiments oxygen exposure to the perishable material in the container is diluted by at least one cycle of pressurizing the container with the first gas other than oxygen, and then venting the container. In some embodiments oxygen dilution is by vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Vinit Chantalat
  • Patent number: 7165582
    Abstract: There is now provided a beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, a beverage container filling machine, and a beverage container closing machine, wherein only the top portions of containers being processed are disposed in a chamber having rotatable walls and stationary walls. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Volker Till
  • Patent number: 7165583
    Abstract: A capless filler neck creates a vapor-tight closure for a fuel system using a spring-loaded door and a latch structure that anchors the door to create a vapor-tight seal. The filler neck includes a spring that biases the door shut and a wedge arrangement that acts as the latching structure. The wedge arrangement includes a movable plate that selectively engages with the door to pull the door shut with sufficient force to form and maintain the vapor-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Walkowski, Kenneth M. Spink, Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 7165584
    Abstract: A tire comprising a tread, where the tread includes a vulcanized rubber, from about 5 to about 80 parts by weight of a nylon-containing block copolymer per 100 parts by weight of the vulcanized rubber, and from about 1 to about 100 parts by weight filler per 100 parts by weight of the vulcanized rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Chenchy Jeffrey Lin, William L Hergenrother, Terrence E Hogan, Shunji Araki
  • Patent number: 7165585
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a lightweight tire without decreasing durability and to reduce rolling resistance and improve steering stability of the tire. Specifically, the present invention relates to a rubber composition for a tire comprising 20 to 120 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, and 5 to 70 parts by weight of polyethylene powder, based on 100 parts by weight of diene rubber, the tire being prepared by kneading at 140° C. at most. The particle size of the polyethylene powder is preferably at most 500 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kunisawa, Naohiko Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 7165586
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tire having at least one reinforcing ply in the carcass, belt, or bead region of the tire. The reinforcing ply is comprised of a blended fiber cord. The cords, in combination with a preferred cure temperature adhesive, achieve a high degree of thermal stability allowing for the use of such cords in various reinforcing plies for a pneumatic tire and for preferred use for such cords in areas of the tire subject to high temperatures either in curing or performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Walter Kevin Westgate, Robert John Gartland, James Gregory Gillick, Rene Francois Reuter, Frank Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7165587
    Abstract: The invention proposes a technique of preventing a propagation of a damage in a reinforcing layer to a toric air bag even if the reinforcing layer arranged on an outer peripheral side of the toric air bag in a safety tire to suppress an unnecessary size growth of the toric air bag and allowed to a proper expansion deformation of the toric air bag in the puncture of the tire or the like is damaged by foreign matters entered through a puncture hole into the tire, in which the reinforcing layer separately arranged from the toric air bag is fitted on the outer peripheral side of the toric air bag having a hollow torus shape over its full periphery to suppress the propagation of the damage in the reinforcing layer to the toric air bag through an interface layer therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuito Tsukagoshi, Osamu Saito
  • Patent number: 7165588
    Abstract: A band (14) of a tire covers a belt (12). The band (14) is formed by a band ply (36). The band ply (36) includes a side portion (38) and a center portion (40). A band cord having a high modulus (Ms) is used for the side portion (38). Typically, a band cord to be a composite of a nylon fiber and an aramid fiber is used for the side portion (38). A band cord having a low modulus (Mc) is used for the center portion (40). Typically, a nylon fiber is used for the band cord of the center portion (40). A ratio (Ms/Mc) is 2.0 to 4.0. A ratio of a width (Ws) of the side portion (38) to a width (Wb) of the band (14) is 5.0% to 20.0%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyoshi Yoshinaka
  • Patent number: 7165589
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a spiral belt formed by spirally winding a cord(s) along a circumferential direction of a torus tread, wherein the spiral belt is comprised of at least one layer constructed with a combination of two different cords each having an initial tension of not less than 50 cN/cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Tsutomu Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7165590
    Abstract: A heavy duty pneumatic radial tire includes a carcass ply, in which a ply folding portion folding a bead core is successively disposed in a ply body. The ply folding portion includes a main portion folded along the bead core, and a winding-up portion extending continuously to the main portion and apart from the bead core. The winding-up portion extends with an inclination of an angle ? in a direction in which a diameter is increased inward in the tire axial direction, the angle ? being set to 20 to 65 degrees with respect to an upper surface in the radial direction of the bead core, a distance La from the upper surface in the radial direction of the bead core at the inner end point of the winding-up portion being set to 5 mm to 15 mm, and a distance Lb between the inner end point of the winding-up portion and the ply body being set to 1 mm to 5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Sugiyama, Minoru Nishi, Hirotoshi Ohtsuki
  • Patent number: 7165591
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for masking a planar surface and providing information at the point of use of an assembly including the planar surface are disclosed. In one advantageous method in accordance with the present invention, a masking material comprising a substrate and an adhesive disposed over a first face of the substrate is provided. One or more strips of masking material are applied to a planar surface, and an information bearing sheet is applied over the one or more strips of masking material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Cardinal IG Company
    Inventor: Paul Trpkovski
  • Patent number: 7165592
    Abstract: An apparatus for application of strip material to an object comprises a base supporting and mechanically rotating a mandrel projected therefrom, wherein an object is seated onto the mandrel. The object is securely held to the mandrel by a plurality of clamps engaging and impinging the object thereto. At least one applicator assembly is urged forward to apply strip material to the object, each applicator assembly comprising a material spool for dispensing strip material and a back spool for collecting strip material backing separated from the strip material during application. After application of the strip material, an arm and scalpel sever the strip material, and the applicator assembly pivots to apply the remaining end portion of the strip material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Berran Industrial Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dirk Yerian, Marlin Bailor, Carter Bailey, Daniel DiMassa
  • Patent number: 7165593
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for optimizing bead seating (1). According to the invention, a displaceable contact wheel is used to create a tread contact surface (26) between a motor vehicle wheel to be optimized (16) and said contact wheel (2). The contact wheel (2) is pivoted by means of a pivoting receiving element (9), enabling the bead seating to be optimized. In order to ensure a predefinedly high number of vehicle wheels (16) to be optimized, the inventive device for optimizing bead seating (1) is embodied in such a way that the optimization process can be carried out in a fully automated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Heinz-Wemner Schmatz, Karl Seyberth
  • Patent number: 7165594
    Abstract: A blind system includes a first blind vane having an edge portion and a second blind vane having an edge portion. The system includes a cover that forms a u-shaped fold that extends between the first vane and the second vane. A first reattachable fastener detachably couples the cover to the first vane at the edge portion of the first vane. The first fastener is constructed and arranged to allow the cover to be detached and reattached to the first vane. A second reattachable fastener detachably couples the cover to the second vane at the edge portion of the second vane. The second fastener is constructed and arranged to allow the cover to be detached and reattached to the second vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Oxford House, Incorporated
    Inventors: Wayne M. Senesac, Polet Senesac
  • Patent number: 7165595
    Abstract: The entrance security door apparatus has the object of providing security for the receiver in a condominium, etc., when the receiver must confirm an unexpected visitor, etc., by opening and closing a door such as entrance door. A locking tool is provided so that the door can be opened and closed to the side end side of a door opening frame, wherein the security door apparatus comprises: one side end part of an auxiliary door having a predetermined narrow width is connected to the inner side of the open/close side of the door and the other side end part of the auxiliary door is connected to the inner part of the side end of the open/close side of the door opening frame, and the auxiliary door is linked in such a manner that. When the door is opened, the auxiliary door functions as a barrier in the opening part between the door and the door opening frame. The auxiliary door is formed to have a lattice-shape shape, etc., so that the receiver can visually confirm the outside from the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Brande Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shusaku Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7165596
    Abstract: A shade for preventing rain from entering an open double hung window of any width. A pair of side panels extend rearwardly from opposite ends of a front panel so as to form an assembly for attaching to the double hung window by an apparatus. Each side panel is right triangular-shaped. The front panel is length adjustable by being a pair of telescoping panels. The apparatus includes hook and loop fasteners, a magnetic tape, or a channel affixed to the double hung window receiving a depending lip of the front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Donna Helton
  • Patent number: 7165597
    Abstract: There is provided a method of cast molding a cylinder for an internal combustion engine by making use of an insert core, which makes it possible to rationally form the chamfered portions at the rim portion, on the cylinder bore side, of the scavenging ports, the suction port and the exhaust port with high precision and high freedom in dimension and configuration without fluctuation in size and configuration of the chamfered portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventors: Daiju Yamada, Kazuo Sasaki, Fujihiro Matsuura