Patents Issued in February 20, 2007
  • Patent number: 7178521
    Abstract: A unilimb breathing circuit has a proximal end coupling member, a distal end coupling member, an expiratory tube extending between the proximal and distal end coupling members, and an inspiratory tube extending between the proximal and distal end coupling members. The expiratory tube is a corrugated expiratory tube that is expandable between a fully compressed rest position, and a fully expanded rest position, and has a plurality of intermediate rest positions. At the plurality of intermediate rest positions, the expiratory tube is capable of maintaining its rest length without the exertion of an external force. The inspiratory tube is a corrugated inspiratory tube having a length that is variable between a fully compressed rest position and a fully expanded rest position, and includes a plurality of intermediate rest positions between the fully expanded rest position and the fully compressed rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: King Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. Burrow, Dennis Irlbeck, Thomas W. McGrail, Bart H. Burrow, Michael G. Mitchell, David L. Richards
  • Patent number: 7178522
    Abstract: A detector that monitors the presence of halogenated agents and the presence of N2O includes a base to which a filter cannister is removably coupled. The cannister has an input for accepting exhalent from a patient or an anesthesia machine and an outlet for outputting the filtered exhalent as gases to the base. The filtered gases are routed a gas measurement or monitor cell housed in the base. The cell has a halogenated agents sensing system and a N2O sensing system. When the filter material in the filter cannister could no longer filter out the halogenated agents, the agents are passed from the filter to the measuring cell, which would detect the presence of the halogenated agents. An audible alarm sounds when halogenated agents are detected. This tells the user that it is time to replace the filter cannister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Smiths Medical PM, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Baker, Eugene Palatnik, Rahul A. Patil
  • Patent number: 7178523
    Abstract: A bottle contains at least one oxygen chamber allowing a user to breathe pure oxygen by placing their mouth and nose in a facemask contoured to fit the users face. The bottle also holds water so the user can drink clean pure water as well. The oxygen is pressurized allowing more oxygen to be stored in the chambers and to aid the user in getting the oxygen into his or her lungs. The present invention allows a user to drink water and breathe pure oxygen in a safe and convenient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Beverage Creations, LLC
    Inventor: Shaam P Sundhar
  • Patent number: 7178524
    Abstract: A gas administering method for administering gas to an airway of a patient having a nasal vestibule and for use with a gas administering apparatus comprises a primary gas source that is operable to provide gas and a nasal vestibular portion arranged so as to receive the gas from the primary gas source. Further, the nasal vestibular portion is capable of releasing the primary gas into the nasal vestibule. The method comprises inserting the nasal vestibular portion into the nasal vestibule, forming a seal between the nasal vestibular portion and an inner surface of the nasal vestibule, administering an amount of a gas from the primary gas source at a constant flow rate into the nasal vestibule via the nasal vestibular portion, and administering an anesthetic to the patient. The anesthetic induces depression of a portion of the nervous system of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: James P. Noble
  • Patent number: 7178525
    Abstract: A patient interface system having a patient interface and chin support system for supporting the patient interface on the patient and for supplying a flow of gas from a patient circuit to the patient interface. In one embodiment, the chin support is formed from flexible hollow chambered support and extends from either side of the patient interface curving downwardly in front of the patient's cheeks, around the outside of the patient's mouth, to a position beneath the patient's mandible. In another embodiment, the chin support is coupled to a conduit that is coupled to the patient interface. The chin support includes at least a portion that is disposed under the patient's mandible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome Matula, Jr., Peter Chi Fai Ho, Jason P Eaton, Elias G. Diacopoulos, Steven B. Radney
  • Patent number: 7178526
    Abstract: A mask and harness system for use in providing breathing oxygen and protection from pollutants for the eyes and respiratory system includes a face seal, a soft flexible lens, a pneumatically-actuated harness, and a regulator with microphone to control the flow of oxygen and to facilitate communications in aircraft flight decks and other aircraft compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: BE Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Gary R. Hannah, Randy G. Stratman, Gregory R. Jones
  • Patent number: 7178527
    Abstract: A nasal cushion (30) comprises a substantially triangularly shaped frame (32) from which extends a membrane (34). The frame (32) has a scalloped edge (36) by which the cushion (30) is affixed to a mask body. The membrane (34) has an aperture (38) into which the wearer's nose is received. The membrane (34) is spaced away from the rim (40) of the frame (32), and its outer surface (41) is of substantially the same shape as the rim (40). Respective notches (42, 44) receive the bridge of the wearer's nose. The wearer's nose is received through the aperture (38) into the chamber within the mask body (46). The seal forming portion (45) thus contacts both the surface of the wearer's nose and a portion of the wearer's face in the region between the base of the nose and the upper lip, and around the sides and over the bridge of the nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Philip Rodney Kwok, Robert Edward Styles
  • Patent number: 7178528
    Abstract: The present invention is a headgear for noninvasive ventilation interface made up of a nasal cannula including cannula tubing having a given outside diameter, and a headgear yoke with ends including tubing retainers. The yoke is adapted to extend transversely over a wearer's head. The tubing retainers are C-shaped projections having a given length and an inside diameter substantially equal to the tubing outside diameter. The present invention further includes a retainer mating element for each of the C-shaped tubing retainers to prevent the tubing from kinking near the C-shaped tubing retainers. The retainer mating element has an elbow section with an open side and a clip section connected to the elbow section by a rigid beam having a length substantially equal to the C-shaped tubing retainer given length, wherein both of the sections have an inside diameter substantially equal to the tubing given outside diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Greg Y. Lau, Christopher B. Reed
  • Patent number: 7178529
    Abstract: An oral appliance (20) includes first and second mouthpiece elements (22,32) each equipped with adjustable ribs (30,40) on an anterior portion (24) and ramp surfaces (28,38) on each of its posterior arms (26). The ribs (22,32) slope upwardly, front to back at a steeper angle than the ramp surfaces. Preferably, the ribs (22,32) and the ramps (28,38) surfaces have maximum height which define a ratio in the range of between 2 and 2½ to mimic the differential in mouth opening between incisors and molars. The appliance has a plurality of laterally extending protrusions (42,44,46) that are engaged by elastic bands (48) to exert a force which simultaneously pulls the wear's mandible forward and biases the lower mouthpiece toward the upper mouthpiece. Adjustable ribs extend laterally to permit relative movement of the two mouthpiece elements to eliminate the buildup of tension in the wearer's jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Dental Appliance Investors, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles D. Kownacki
  • Patent number: 7178530
    Abstract: A technique and apparatus for ameliorating, at least temporarily, vision-inhibiting effects of cataracts and the like within the lens of an eye, wherein MHz high-frequency ultrasound of relatively low power much less than that which would cause rupturing or fragmentation of the lens is used to treat the eye and for limited irradiation periods sufficient, however, to agitate and move around protein clumps or the like within the lens that cause the cataracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Robert H. Rines
  • Patent number: 7178531
    Abstract: A hair styling device for smoothing and straightening hair strands on a scalp region, comprising, in combination: two hingedly attached, movably opposed arms each of said arms comprising a hair strand gripping means; heating means incorporated into the gripping means for providing heat to the hair strands; a reservoir in fluid communication with a means of delivery of the gripping means which delivers a nonvolatile styling active delivered as droplets having a Dv(90) of less than about 30 microns. A method for straightening hair strands on a scalp region wherein hair to be straightened is passed under tension between a gripping means, wherein the gripping means provides a heating means, and a styling active comprising nonvolatile compounds, wherein the styling active is delivered as droplets having a Dv(90) of less than about 30 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jose Antonio Carballada, Dennis Eugene Kuhlman, David Michael Stentz, Shinji Nishimura, Kazunori Nakasai
  • Patent number: 7178532
    Abstract: A flat iron for styling hair has head portions with heatable inner surfaces that may be pivotally positioned and locked relative to the handle portions to provide enhanced ergonomic comfort and control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: Karen L. Kayser
  • Patent number: 7178533
    Abstract: A beverage container having a recessed storage compartment in the container wall for storing a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. The compartment has access through an exterior opening in the wall so that the toothbrush and toothpaste are dry, when the container contains a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Gil N. Andrion
  • Patent number: 7178534
    Abstract: An assembly for rotating and axially directing a high pressure spray hose and spray head to clean residue from the bores of thermal transfer tubes. Modular subassemblies are concentrically aligned and mounted to rotate in synchrony and direct a high-pressure water hose and spray head. An air controlled operator control gun directs spray pressure and hose movement. A hose drive assembly controls hose rotation and axial hose movement via biased pinch wheels that abut the hose. An eccentric linkage and spring tensioners coupled to the pinch wheels release and re-engage the wheels to the hose at a preset pressure. A layering arm stacks the hose in uniform layers at a hose reel. Rotational sensors and/or a pneumatic booster and a disk brake assembly facilitate hose collection and release without kinking or spillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Aquadynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Garman, Dennis Swanson, Peter Coldagelli, Kevin Celley
  • Patent number: 7178535
    Abstract: An improved umbrella includes a durable hub including a number of spherical rotating joint knuckles captured in a hub body. The joint knuckles provide rotational movement of rib and spreader elements which support a flexible umbrella cover. The joint knuckles provide increased bearing surface area that increases ease of use and durability. The hub design enables identical hub bodies to be used for a spreader hub and a rib hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Fred Eder
  • Patent number: 7178536
    Abstract: An awning construction for a camping accommodation or the like, including a roof and at least one side wall, as well as a container which is mountable on a wall of a camping accommodation, which is arranged to include, in a closed position of the rest, at least the tent cloth of an awning, wherein the container includes, in mounted condition, a substantially horizontal and at least one substantially vertical section, which container further has an open position to take the awning out of the container and put it up and wherein the container is further provided with a fixing device for an edge of the tent cloth of the awning, located, in the operative position, in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Egbert Berend Holtkamp
  • Patent number: 7178537
    Abstract: A ring and connector assembly for a tent. The ring and connector assembly is configured so that the connector attaches to the ring, such as via a loop that is attached to the connector and that extends around a portion of the ring. The ring is attached to the tent, for example at a floor edge of the tent, or at a corner of the tent. The connector is configured to be attached to a pole and may, for example, be a pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy M. Holub
  • Patent number: 7178538
    Abstract: The specification describes a selectively reversible, portable enclosure comprising a collapsible framework having a flexible covering associated therewith, the flexible covering having opposite first and second surfaces each bearing a distinct color, pattern, or other indicia. Without disassociating the flexible covering from the collapsible framework, the enclosure is selectively transitionable between a first condition, wherein the first surface of the flexible covering is disposed outside of the enclosure and the second surface of the flexible covering is disposed inside of the enclosure, and a second condition, wherein the second surface of the flexible covering is disposed outside of the enclosure and the first surface of the flexible covering is disposed inside of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Robert M. Ransom
  • Patent number: 7178539
    Abstract: A collapsible gazebo frame includes a set of four corner support members and a set of four scissor assemblies, each being coupled to a different pair of the four corner support members. Each of four scissor assembly sliders is slidingly coupled to a different one of the four corner support members and serves to extend and retract the scissor assemblies coupled to the respective corner support member when slid along the corner support member. A canopy support frame includes four canopy support members, each being coupled to the top end of a different one of the four corner support members and having a canopy frame joint. The canopy support frame also includes four canopy support arms. Each canopy support arm is coupled to a different one of the four scissor assemblies and to a different canopy frame extender such that the canopy frame joints lock when gazebo frame is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: North Pole Limited
    Inventors: Arvin Patel, Sungho Kim
  • Patent number: 7178540
    Abstract: An improved personal shelter canopy hub is formed using a number of spherical rotating joint elements captured in a hub body. The joint elements provide rotational movement of canopy frame elements to allow easy opening and collapsing of a canopy frame and cover. An improved canopy includes two hubs joined by a cross shaft. Each hub may be formed by molding in high-density plastic and combined with stub arms to facilitate subsequent assembly of a completed canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Fred Eder
  • Patent number: 7178541
    Abstract: The quickly erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. The roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members is formed of pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the extendible perimeter assembly of link members adjacent to the legs, to support the pole members. The outer ends of the pole members are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the legs by pivoting link members that pivot between a lowered position and a raised position extending above the legs when the shelter is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7178542
    Abstract: The lightweight erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. In one embodiment, the roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members comprises pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the legs, to be rotatable upwardly to engage and support the pole members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7178543
    Abstract: An apparatus is shown for attachment to a plumbing system for the rapid on-demand delivery of hot water through the plumbing system to an ultimate point of use. The apparatus includes a diverter valve located in a hot water supply line upstream of the point of use. The diverter valve is actuated for a predetermined interval by a user to initially purge cold water from the hot water line to a drain. After the preset interval, the valve automatically closes. The initial diversion of cold water standing in the water supply line causes rapid delivery of hot water to the point of use once the diverter valve has completed its cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Charles L. Adams
  • Patent number: 7178544
    Abstract: A valve operable with an associated fluid delivery system having fluid flow therethrough includes a housing, a valve body and a resetable excess flow valve. The housing has a first passage and the valve body is disposed along the first passage and including a wall at least partially defining a second passage. The excess flow valve is supported along one of the first and second passages. The valve body is displaceable between a first position permitting flow through the second passage and a second position substantially shutting-off fluid flow and resetting the excess flow valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Perfection Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Robison
  • Patent number: 7178545
    Abstract: A control system for a bypass duct includes a pneumatic damper control assembly, a sensor and a pneumatic switch. The damper control assembly includes a damper vane mountable in the bypass duct for movement between relative open and closed positions to regulate airflow through the bypass duct. The position of the damper vane is controllable via pressure applied through a damper control line. The sensor is mountable to the supply duct to transmit a pneumatic supply duct signal via a supply line based on at least one of air pressure or air velocity in the supply duct. Finally, the pneumatic switch opens or closes the connection between the damper control line and the supply line based on the difference between (1) the pneumatic supply duct signal via the supply line, and (2) the combination of the pneumatic pressure from the damper assembly and a switch biasing pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: ABCO Consulting, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Zelczer, Mark A. Votaw, Joe Ramunni
  • Patent number: 7178546
    Abstract: A valve cover having a valve cover body, preferably of two sections. These sections are placed on either side of a valve. When joined, the sections enclose the valve, but form line apertures around the lines leading to and from the valve. Once the sections are in place, a cap is placed over the sections. The cap is sized to fit the sections tightly and will prevent the sections from separating. The cap may be provided with a tongue in groove mechanism to prevent accidental removal of the cap and to help secure the cap to the valve cover body. The cap and the valve cover body are also preferably provided with locking apertures. When these locking apertures are aligned, the cap may be secured to the valve cover body with a lock. With the valve cover locked in place around a valve, access to the valve is denied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Linelox, LLC
    Inventor: Jack P. F. Gremillion, III
  • Patent number: 7178547
    Abstract: A pneumatically assisted inflator for gas cylinders comprises an inline configuration such that gas contained within the gas cylinder flows axially through the inflator to be exhausted therefrom and inflate an inflatable article. The inline configuration of the inflator reduces the stress otherwise imparted to the component parts thereof and thereby allows most of the component parts to be manufactured from an injection molded high-strength plastic or the like. The inflator comprises an inflator piston positioned within a piston cylinder that moves against a rotatable cam surface, such as a rotatable collar connected to a pull lanyard, to force a pierce pin to make at least a small pin hole in a frangible seal and allow high pressure gas from the gas cylinder to flow into the piston cylinder, whereupon the high pressure gas in the piston cylinder further moves the inflator piston to more fully force the pierce pin into the frangible seal to fully open the frangible seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Halkey-Roberts Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn H. Mackal
  • Patent number: 7178548
    Abstract: A dry safety device for an inflammable gas comprises a case main body having a gas passage which terminates at one end in a primary side open port connectable to a source of inflammable gas and terminates at the other end in a secondary side open port connectable to a gas-fired appliance. A spindle undergoes sliding movement in the case main body between an open position for opening the gas passage and a closed position for closing the gas passage, and a spindle spring normally urges the spindle to the open position and permits the spindle to move to the closed position in response to a counter-flow pressure exerted on the spindle by a counter flow of inflammable gas directed from the secondary side open port to the primary side open port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sanki
    Inventor: Masayuki Abe
  • Patent number: 7178549
    Abstract: A valve coupling device includes a body having a transverse hole between two ends of the body. A first nozzle is mounted in an end of the body for coupling with a valve. A first chamber and a second chamber are mounted in the other end of the body and both in communication with the transverse hole. A switch member is pivotally extended through the transverse hole of the body. A second nozzle for coupling with a valve of another type is mounted in the switch member and in communication with the second chamber. When the switch member is in a first position, the first chamber is in communication with the first nozzle and the second chamber is blocked. When the switch member is in a second position, the second chamber is in communication with the second nozzle and the first chamber is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Scott Wu, Chiang-Pei Chen
  • Patent number: 7178550
    Abstract: A pressure control valve for a packaging container includes a supporting body having a recess a is disposed in an axially captive fashion either by means of gluing or by means of securing projections A device for attaching the pressure control valve to a material web has a stroke die and a sealing die that cooperates with the stroke die and contains a needle holder for producing holes in the material web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Stotkiewitz, Juergen Haak, Thomas Fischer
  • Patent number: 7178551
    Abstract: A valve for fitting to a container, in particular a bottle, in which a pressure has accrued, comprising a valve housing in which at least one valve seat is provided. A valve seat, independent of the bottle pressure is located between a piston and the bottle contents and connected to the piston, whereby the other side of the piston is pressurized by an energy store, the force of which is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Hans Wiederkehr, Kurt Wiederkehr
  • Patent number: 7178552
    Abstract: A valve includes: a valve casing (1); a valve chamber (4) defined between a fluid inlet (2) and a fluid outlet (3) of the valve casing (1): and a plurality of check valve mechanisms (9) arranged in series within the valve chamber (4), the plurality of check valve mechanisms (9) each including: a valve seat (6) having a valve hole (5) formed therein: and a valve body (8) fixed to a valve shaft (7) and arranged on a fluid outlet (3) side of the valve seat (6), the valve shaft (7) passing through the valve hole (5) of the valve seat (6) and movably supported on a fluid inlet (2) side and the fluid outlet (3) side of the valve seat (6), the valve body (8) being adapted to move away from the valve seat (6) to open the valve hole (5) when applied with a fluid pressure from the fluid inlet (2) side and adapted to move toward and into contact the valve seat (6) to close the valve hole (5) when applied with a fluid pressure from the fluid outlet (3) side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Miura Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohisa Takeda
  • Patent number: 7178553
    Abstract: A leak resistant solenoid valve comprises a valve body having an interior chamber, an inlet, an outlet, and at least one valve seat and valve plug located in the interior chamber. The valve plug has a sealing surface and is axially movable between open and closed positions by a solenoid which acts on the valve shaft on which the plug is carried. The valve further comprises a plug actuating mechanism for moving the plug between the open and closed positions with the solenoid energized and a biasing mechanism for biasing the plug back to the open position when the solenoid is de-energized. The plug is preferably loosely received on the shaft so as to provide self-centering. In one embodiment, the valve has a pair of valve plugs and a pair of valve seats, the seats being axially fixed to one another and the distance between the plugs being variable to provide enhanced sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Dana Canada Corporation
    Inventors: Yuri Peric, Mark James Britton
  • Patent number: 7178554
    Abstract: An ultrasonically operated valve a source of ultrasonic energy for excitation of a pressurized liquid. The vibration of the ultrasonic horn imparts a pulsing of the pressure of the liquid within the valve. Selection of a sealing mechanism that responds at a different natural frequency than that of the valve body causes the sealing mechanism to unseat and therefore to enable liquid flow. The sealing mechanism will stay unseated as long as the source is imparting energy to the system and therefore inducing pressure pulses in the liquid thus keeping the sealing mechanism away from the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James Jay Tanner, Robert A. Cool, Thomas D. Ehlert
  • Patent number: 7178555
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve that is mountable to protect packaging so as to vent pressurized gases contained within the packaging. The present invention also pertains to a pressure relief valve which includes at least one passageway defined by at least one inner rail and which is in communication with an aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Plitek, LLC
    Inventors: Roger K. Engel, Dave Carroll
  • Patent number: 7178556
    Abstract: A modular component connector substrate assembly for mounting thereon of at least one fluid control component, the assembly including at least two substrate blocks or one substrate block and an end block, all in fluid communication with each other via internal passages, with a separate fluid pressure connector fluidically interconnecting and fixedly spacing adjacent ones the substrate blocks and/or end blocks with adjacent substrate blocks, wherein the conduits connected by the pressure connector all being located in a common internal plane and thus being capable of extending in any of the compass directions (N,S,E,W) within this common plane. The bottom surfaces of the substrate and end plates abut mounting plates configured to the existing ANSI/ISA SP76 specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Edward Reid, II, Frank Anthony Ruiz, Claire Wang
  • Patent number: 7178557
    Abstract: A drain, waste and vent (“DWV”) fitting is made from chlorinated polyvinyl chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Spears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Douglas Swingley
  • Patent number: 7178558
    Abstract: A modular weaving machine includes a loom chassis and a plurality of modular warp units. The warp units are each configured for being pre-loaded with a plurality of warp threads. The loom chassis is configured to receivably support the warp units thereon, so that the warp threads are disposed in parallel, spaced relation to one another, extending in a downstream direction. A plurality of shedding actuators are coupled to the loom chassis and configured to form a shed with warp threads of each of the warp units. A weft insertion module is configured to insert a weft thread through the shed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Samir A. Nayfeh, Jonathan D. Robrs
  • Patent number: 7178559
    Abstract: Belts and methods of their manufacturing are provided. In one aspect, belts are manufactured by the steps of weaving the belt from a plurality of warp yarns and at least one weft yarn, the belt having a central region and two opposed edges. The warp yarns in the central region have a predetermined shrinkage characteristic. The belts also have at least one edge region between the central region and an edge of the belt has a predetermined number of warp yarns, each having a lesser shrinkage characteristic than the warp yarns of the central region. The method further includes the steps of passing the weft yarn across the warp yarns to effect a weaving in the central region of the belt. Further in the edge region, looping the weft yarn, on each pass, around a selected warp yarn, so that on a plurality of successive passes the weft yarn is looped around each of the warp yarns in the edge region. Subsequently, the yarns in the belt are shrunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Forrester Ketley & Co.
    Inventors: Jac Tielemans, Petrus Johannes Gerardus Maria Van Haaren
  • Patent number: 7178560
    Abstract: A device for inserting weft threads in an airjet weaving machine including at least one main blower and a respective thread clamp associated with the main blower. The thread clamp is constituted of an element configured in a modular form. Such modular form enables several such elements to be assembled in a modular configuration, including one on top of another. Pneumatically actuated elements are used to engage and disengage the thread clamps whereby the thread clamps may be engaged or disengaged by pressure and vacuum supplied through a single supply conduit. A method for inserting weft threads in the shed of an airjet weaving machine includes holding each weft thread at least temporarily in a thread clamp that moves with the sley of the weaving machine and using a thread tensioner outside the shed at a location between the thread supply and the thread clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Picanol N.V., naamloze vennootschap
    Inventors: Jean Marie Bamelis, Chris Delanote, Jozef Peeters, Herman Salomez
  • Patent number: 7178561
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for performing temperature standardization of the volume of a liquid product from a distributor to a consumer. Using a volume measurement device and a temperature measurement device located at a rack, a storage tank, and a dispenser, a gross volume and temperature of the liquid product at, respectively, the rack, the storage tank, and the dispenser can be measured. Volume data indicative of the gross volume and temperature data indicative of the temperature can be generated. A time-stamp system at each of the rack, the storage tank, and the dispenser allocates a time-stamp to each of the volume data and the temperature data so that a reconciliation process can use each of the time-stamps, the temperature data, and the volume data to reconcile gross to net volumes at a single point in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Flying J, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent J. Memmott, John D. Hillam, Richard D. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7178562
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a mold charge pellet to a molding machine having a mold with a mold cavity includes a hub rotated about an axis, at least one arm extending generally radially from the hub to rotate with the hub around the axis, and a cam system extending at least partially around the axis and operably coupled to the arm for moving the arm along a predetermined path with respect to the axis as the hub and the arm rotate around the axis. In one presently preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the arm traveling along a plane that is parallel to the axis during a portion of said path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Graham Packaging PET Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Ritz, Thomas C. Truman
  • Patent number: 7178563
    Abstract: A method of filling a portable tank with compressed oxygen-enriched gas includes the steps of providing a coupling such that when a portable tank is connected with the coupling oxygen-enriched gas can flow through the coupling into the portable tank; directing oxygen-enriched gas from an oxygen concentrator to a compressor; compressing the oxygen-enriched gas in the compressor; directing compressed oxygen-enriched gas from the compressor to a reservoir; storing the compressed oxygen-enriched gas in the reservoir; and thereafter directing stored oxygen-enriched gas from the reservoir to the coupling to enable filling of a portable tank with compressed oxygen-enriched gas from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph B. Richey, II, Gerold Goertzen
  • Patent number: 7178564
    Abstract: A puncture sealant supplying/removing apparatus includes a pressure-resistant bottle, an apparatus body on which the pressure-resistant bottle can be mounted, supply hose means which supplies or returns a puncture sealant accommodated in the pressure-resistant bottle to or from a tire, and a high pressure air source. The apparatus body comprises a venturi flow-path having a venturi portion, a first flow-path extending from the venturi portion into the pressure-resistant bottle, and a second flow-path extending from an inside of the pressure-resistant bottle and connected to one end of the supply hose means. The venturi flow-path is provided at its one end with an air intake which is connected to the high pressure air source, the venturi flow-path is provided at its other end with an opening/closing tool capable of opening and closing the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihide Kojima, Yasuhiro Kubota
  • Patent number: 7178565
    Abstract: A mobile self-contained self-powered station having a plurality of vessels delivers a pressurized fluid to a receiving tank (e.g., a fuel tank of a hydrogen-powered vehicle) without using mechanical compression, external electric power, or other external utilities. The station includes first and second vessels, a conduit in fluid communication with the receiving tank and each of the first and second vessels, means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the first vessel to the receiving tank, means for measuring continuously a pressure differential between the increasing pressure in the receiving tank and the decreasing pressure in the first vessel, means for discontinuing the transfer from the first vessel when a predetermined limit value is reached, and means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the second vessel to the receiving tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Paul Eichelberger, David John Farese, Joseph Perry Cohen, Richard Layton Colwell
  • Patent number: 7178566
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for producing veneer strips, chipped wood or the like, individual pieces of wood being joined together, with grains parallel, to form a group and then a multiplicity of such groups being arranged one behind the other, with grains parallel, to form a closely packed line, whereupon this line is then fed in its longitudinal direction, transverse to the wood-grain direction, to a chipping tool. In order, during the chipping operation, largely to prevent the accumulation of coarse chips, it is proposed according to the invention that the leading group conveyed up against the chipping tool is subjected, via the following group butting against it, to a longitudinal compressive force which acts in the longitudinal direction of the line, which exceeds the relative cutting force to which the leading group is subjected by the chipping tool, and which is largely absorbed by the leading group, which, by way of its advancement speed being braked, acts as an abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Inter-Wood-Maschinen KG
    Inventor: Karl Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7178567
    Abstract: An expandable bag includes a body having a lower portion defining a closed bottom and a generally upstanding lower sidewall having an upper rim defining an upper opening and an upper portion defining an upper sidewall having a lower edge coupled adjacent to the upper edge of the lower portion and having an upper rim defining a top opening. The upper portion is movable between a folded position, in which the upper sidewall is folded within the lower sidewall such that the upper rim of the upper portion and the top opening thereof is disposed generally adjacent to the upper edge of the lower portion to define an interior compartment of a certain size, and an extended position, in which the upper portion is unfolded and extended upwardly, thereby extending the height of the body and, in turn, the bag creating an interior compartment of greater size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ingenious Designs LLC
    Inventor: Joy Mangano
  • Patent number: 7178568
    Abstract: A woman's purse to be hand or shoulder carried, and which has a front face panel of a record jacket attached to a substrate and a rear surface panel formed of a vinyl record preferably laminated for protection, attached to a substrate. The two side and bottom panels form a generally U-shaped section which is attached to each of the front and rear panels, but not attached to the two top edges of the front and rear panels. A handle(s) can be conventionally attached. The purse may be lined and have accessories attached to the interior thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Krystal Wynona
  • Patent number: 7178569
    Abstract: A support ring for a runflat tire system which comprises an annular body made of an elastic material having a radially inner circumferential surface which fits to a mounting portion of a wheel rim when mounted thereon, and a radially outer circumferential surface which comes into contact with the inside of the tread portion of a pneumatic tire mounted on the wheel rim when the tire is deflated and loaded, wherein the outer circumferential surface is wider in the axial width than the inner circumferential surface, and in a cross section including the central axis of the support ring, the outline of the annular body is substantially a trapezoidal shape of which two parallel long and short sides are the outer and inner circumferential surfaces, respectively, and the remaining two sides are inclined at acute angles with respect to the long side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Ishida, Masatoshi Tanaka, Yurie Tanami
  • Patent number: 7178570
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire is provided in the tread portion with circumferential grooves, main oblique grooves and auxiliary oblique grooves. The circumferential grooves include: a pair of axially outer grooves disposed one on each side of the tire equator; and at least one axially inner groove between the axially outer grooves, so as to divide the tread portion into at least four circumferential regions including: a pair of axially inner regions between the axially outer grooves and said at least one axially inner groove; and a pair of axially outer regions axially outside the axially outer grooves. The axially inner regions have an axial width L1 of from 0.15 to 0.25 times the critical tread width TW1. The main oblique groove extends across one of the axially inner regions so that the axially outer end is connected with the adjacent axially outer circumferential groove and the axially inner end is connected with the adjacent axially inner groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takehiko Murata