Patents Issued in February 19, 2008
  • Patent number: 7331316
    Abstract: If it is determined that an engine has been started, an engine coolant temperature is detected. If the engine coolant temperature is equal to or lower than a threshold value, the catalyst quick warm-up control is started to retard ignition timing, and a signal indicating a command to increase an operate angle is transmitted to a VVLA controller. When a VVT hydraulic pressure is increased to a predetermined value, a signal indicating a command to decrease the operate angle is transmitted to the VVLA controller, and a signal indicating a command to advance open timing of an intake valve is transmitted to a VVT controller so that the open timing of the intake valve is not changed. If the engine coolant temperature is equal to or higher than a threshold value, the catalyst quick warm-up control ends, and the ignition timing is returned to normal timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoo Hirose, Kazuto Ikeda, Hiroshi Morita
  • Patent number: 7331317
    Abstract: A valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of accurately and delicately controlling an amount of intake air, and thereby maintaining excellent combustion state and reduced exhaust emissions. The valve timing control system variably controls the valve-closing timing of an intake valve with respect to valve-opening timing of the same as desired via a variable intake valve actuation assembly. The ECU of the engine determined a basic value of a target auxiliary intake cam phase according to the demanded drive torque of the engine. The ECU calculates a control input to the variable intake valve actuation assembly such that the cylinder intake air amount converges to a target intake air amount and at the same time the auxiliary intake cam phase is constrained to the basic value of the target auxiliary intake cam phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Yasui, Akiyuki Yonekawa
  • Patent number: 7331318
    Abstract: Camshaft adjusters according to the swivel motor principle may be provided with a bar which arrests the rotor in a position relative to the stator. A bar according to the invention is provided with two portions, between which a change of power transmission takes place during the arresting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventor: Steffen Schweizer
  • Patent number: 7331319
    Abstract: A cam hub mounting assembly for a camshaft having a cam cover rotationally mounted within a cam cover retainer with a bearing retainer ring therebetween having a plurality of slots, each slot rotationally maintaining a ball bearing positioned in a smooth U-shaped groove on the outside of the cam cover and in a smooth U-shaped groove on the inside of the cam cover retainer. The method of assembly allows the inner and outer grooves to collectively act as inner and outer bearing races for the ball bearings. The axial position of the cam cover is maintained within the bearing retainer and does not require endplay spacing when the cam cover is attached to the camshaft. The cam cover can have one or more balancing bores therein for rotationally balancing. The cam hub mounting assembly permits a camshaft to be attached thereto and to rotate at speeds exceeding approximately sixteen thousand revolutions per minute (16,000 rpm) for use in racing engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: CV Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Rumley
  • Patent number: 7331320
    Abstract: An engine starting apparatus has a reverse-rotation detection sensor for detecting the reverse rotation of an engine. A control apparatus for controlling the engine starting apparatus performs such control that a starter motor is not rotated while the reverse rotation of the engine is detected by the reverse-rotation detection sensor, even if receiving a predetermined engine start command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiaki Asada
  • Patent number: 7331321
    Abstract: An apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine having a manual recoil starter and starter rope comprises a casing that houses a motor, a source of power, a gear reducer assembly and a spool assembly. The spool assembly includes a spool that adapted to receive the handgrip of the starter rope and allow the starter rope to be wound around the spool during the starting operation. The motor via the gear reducer rotates the spool once the handgrip and cord are properly positioned and the motor is activated to pull the starter rope and start the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Gene Thompson
  • Patent number: 7331322
    Abstract: An intake duct structure having an intake path extending forwardly from a cleaner box, penetrating through an area near a head pipe of a vehicle body frame, and opening at a front end portion of a front cowl. During low speed operation of the engine, an intake valve closes a main intake path MR from a front end intake port and opens a sub-intake path SR from a lower portion intake port. On the other hand, during high speed operation of the engine, the intake valve opens the main intake path MR and closes the sub-intake path SR. The lower portion intake port opens forward of a head pipe inside a front cowl and obliquely downwardly toward the rear. With this arrangement, entry of rainwater into the intake path can be minimized during low speed operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Seki, Hiroshi Nakagome, Toshihisa Nagashii, Hitoshi Akaoka, Jun Hariu
  • Patent number: 7331323
    Abstract: A lubricating oil supplying system for an internal combustion engine includes a lubricating oil storage section for storing lubricating oil. A driven pump is driven by the internal combustion engine to suck the lubricating oil from the lubricating oil storage section and discharge the lubricating oil to a discharge passage. An electric pump is provided for sucking the lubricating oil discharged from the driven pump to the discharge passage and discharge the lubricating oil to a lubricating oil requiring section in the internal combustion engine. A controlling mechanism is provided for drivingly controlling the electric pump in accordance with a control signal. A bypass passage is provided for bypassing the driven pump. A check valve is disposed in the bypass passage to allow the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil storage section to flow only through a path bypassing the driven pump and toward the discharge passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Seinosuke Hara
  • Patent number: 7331324
    Abstract: A crankshaft rotary valve that controls fluid flow between a port located circumferentially on the crankshaft and a crankcase chamber formed by a piston, cylinder, crankcase and crankshaft. As the crankshaft rotates, a channel in the crankshaft communicates with the port and allows fluid flow to pass through the channel into a passageway that communicates between the channel and the crankcase chamber. The diameter of the crankshaft bearing surface is at least the stroke distance to greatly simplify manufacturing and assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Jerome Matthew James
  • Patent number: 7331325
    Abstract: When an engine is in transitional operation, combustion is carried out by spray guide method. Further, when catalyst temperature T is high, namely, equal to or higher than a specified maximum temperature T1, stratified charge combustion by spray guide method is carried out, and when the catalyst temperature T is low, namely, equal to or lower than a specified minimum temperature T2, stratified charge combustion by wall guide method is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Dai Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7331326
    Abstract: A carburetor automatic control system in an engine includes, a temperature-sensitive operating device for operating a choke valve so that the choke valve is opened with a temperature increase of the engine and a governor for opening and closing a throttle valve to maintain a preset rotational speed of the engine. The governor device includes, a stepping motor opening and closing the throttle valve over a range from an idling opening degree to a fully opening degree, and an electronic control unit driving the stepping motor so that the rotational speed of the engine is maintained the preset speed. A relief mechanism is interposed between the choke valve and the temperature-sensitive operating device, the relief mechanism opening the choke valve in response to an intake vacuum pressure within the intake passage when the engine is in a cold state and the choke valve is in a fully closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Arai, Hiroshi Moriyama, Takashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7331327
    Abstract: A knock reduction system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The system includes an engine operating zone selection module that selects a current engine operating zone from a plurality of engine operating zones based on engine speed, air per cylinder, and barometric pressure. A knock detection module generates a knock detection signal based on a detection of engine knock. An octane scaler adaptation module computes an octane scaler based on the current engine operating zone and the knock detection signal wherein engine spark is controlled based on the octane scaler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Birendra P. Bhattarai
  • Patent number: 7331328
    Abstract: An engine control device executes a mechanism of controlling a fuel system during idling including the step of detecting an engine speed NE and an engine load, the step of determining whether fuel can be injected at normal feed pressure from an in-cylinder injector during idling, the step of detecting or estimating a fuel temperature T in a high-pressure delivery pipe, the step of stopping the high-pressure fuel pump and injecting fuel from the in-cylinder injector at the normal feed pressure when the fuel temperature T is not greater than T(0), the step of stopping the high-pressure fuel pump and injecting fuel at the pressure greater than the normal feed pressure when the fuel temperature T is greater than T(0) and not greater than T(1), and the step of driving the high-pressure fuel pump to inject the fuel at high pressure when the fuel temperature T is greater than T(1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Zenichiro Mashiki
  • Patent number: 7331329
    Abstract: Reducing leakage within fuel injectors is one way in which the efficiency of the overall fuel injection system can be improved. In most fuel injectors that include a direct control needle valve, the needle valve member is still biased toward a closed position by a spring that is located in a spring chamber connected to a low pressure vent. In many instances, the needle valve member is guided in a tight clearance region adjacent the spring chamber. Since the internal plumbing of the fuel injector is connected to a high pressure rail during and between injection events, static leakage across the guide region of the needle valve member can reduce efficiency. Static leakage is reduced in the present invention by connecting the spring chamber to the common rail instead of to a low pressure vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Y. Tian, Scott F. Shafer, Daniel R. Ibrahim, Ronald D. Shinogle, Amy M. Hess
  • Patent number: 7331330
    Abstract: A device to suction fuel from a fuel injector and a device to attach a fuel return line to a fuel injector with a C-shaped main body partially encircling the fuel injector having two retaining arms which abut the fuel injector and grip it from the back at least to a small degree, with a connector coacting with a drain passage of the fuel injector and at least one connecting fitting for the fuel return line. The connecting fitting and the connector are fluidically connected. The free ends of the retaining arms have a first section in which they are angled towards each other and towards the base of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Cooper Standard Automotive, Inc
    Inventors: Sylvain Houy, Daniel Saxer, Thomas Vierneisel, Yan Kornatz, Valeri Arendt, André Häckel, Detlef Stuhldreier
  • Patent number: 7331331
    Abstract: To effectively reduce operational noise generated by vibration of the fuel injection valve with a fuel injection valve installation structure of an engine. In the structure, an installation hole is formed in an engine component member that constitutes a part of an engine. The installation hole has an annular shoulder portion, which is formed in the middle portion thereof, and which faces the exterior side. The fuel injection valve is held between the annular shoulder portion and a supporting member attached to the engine component member. A first damper, with high vibration-damping properties, is set between an annular shoulder portion and a fuel injection valve. A second damper, with high vibration-damping quality, is set between a supporting member and the fuel injection valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kaoru Hanawa, Satoru Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7331332
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes multiple combustion chambers. The supply of fuel into at least one subset of the combustion chambers can temporarily be interrupted. It is provided that the fuel be injected into the combustion chambers directly and during a switchover phase for interrupting or resuming fuel injection into the subset of combustion chambers, at least temporarily via multiple injections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Baumann, Frank Ottusch
  • Patent number: 7331333
    Abstract: A direct fuel injection/spark ignition engine control device is configured to enable compression stroke injection when the fuel pressure is low at startup and immediately after startup, and to reduce the wall flow and amount of HC exhaust. When the catalyst requires warming, fuel is injected in the compression stroke, and the fuel injection timing in the compression stroke is set in accordance with the fuel pressure. When the fuel pressure is low, the fuel injection timing injects fuel in the first half of the compression stroke. The fuel injection timing is delayed as the fuel pressure increases until the optimum fuel injection timing is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Maitani
  • Patent number: 7331334
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle, comprising of an engine, and a fuel vapor storage system coupled to the engine configured to store and release fuel vapors, the system further configured to route exhaust gas from the engine to the vapor storage system and where adsorbed vapors are released into the exhaust gas before the exhaust gas is re-inducted into the engine to be burned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Leone, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7331335
    Abstract: A fuel vapor treatment system includes a three-position valve for switching between a first measuring state and a second measuring state, and a pressure sensor for measuring pressure produced by a restriction in a measurement line. In the first measuring state, air flows through the measurement line. In the second measuring state, air-fuel mixture flows through the measurement line. The behavior of change in a first pressure in the first measuring state and the behavior of change in a second pressure in the second measuring state are measured. When that the behaviors of change in the first and second pressures are substantially identical to each other, it is determined that an abnormality occurs in an operation of switching the three-position valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Okuda
  • Patent number: 7331336
    Abstract: Apparatus for magnetically conditioning incoming air and fuel to an internal combustion engine to improve engine operation. Magnets are applied in a bipolar arrangement to the fuel system and air intake apparatus of an internal combustion engine system for reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency. Magnets may also be applied in a bipolar arrangement to the exhaust system and catalytic converter of an internal combustion system of automotive type for reducing exhaust emissions and improving the performance of a catalytic converter. Furthermore, a combination of magnetizing apparatus that, in conjunction with air and fuel magnetizing apparatus, will improve engine efficiency by introducing a magnetic charge to engine exhaust, coolant water, engine oil, transmission fluid, and gear box fluid, in combination with the above embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Econet International Corporation
    Inventor: Hricak Richard Z.
  • Patent number: 7331337
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, safe, and reliable toy water balloon launcher configuration for launching water balloons. For example, a toy water balloon launcher comprises a shaft and a slit designed to receive water balloons. A user then swings the entire water balloon launcher. The resulting force pulls the water balloon from the slit and toward a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Jarret Peter Cuisinier
  • Patent number: 7331338
    Abstract: An arrow rest rotatably having an arrow support movably mounted with respect to an archery bow. The arrow support can be simultaneously urged in one direction away from an arrow shaft during launch of the arrow shaft, and another portion of the arrow support can be urged in a second direction, toward the arrow shaft. The arrow rest of this invention can be used to accommodate or overcome a spined or bent arrow shaft, such as during initial launch of an arrow from an archery bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: New Archery Products Corp.
    Inventor: Robert S. Mizek
  • Patent number: 7331339
    Abstract: A nebule comprising at least one identification marker or label can be coupled an aerosol generator. The identification marker can be sensed by a sensing device on the aerosol generator so as to identify the liquid in the nebule to the controller of the aerosol generator. The controller of the aerosol generator can control the aerosol generator based on the information read from the identification marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Aerogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Niall Smith, John Power, James B. Fink, Michael Klimowicz
  • Patent number: 7331340
    Abstract: A metered dose inhaler for use with a removable pressurized aerosol canister, or reservoir, having a display for indicating to a user the state of the canister. A memory device on the canister or a housing which houses the canister stores information indicative of doses dispensed from, or remaining in, the canister. That information is processed to provide and display information representative of the state of the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Ivax Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Barney
  • Patent number: 7331341
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides an induction chamber used to sedate one or more living specimens. The induction chamber comprises at least one gas inlet through which anesthesia gas and oxygen are supplied. To minimize escape of anesthetizing gas is into the ambient room or surroundings, the induction chamber includes a gas outlet or port that draws anesthesia gas. The induction chamber also comprises a device that obstructs gas flow through the gas outlet based on the position of the door. In one chamber design, when the door closes, the gas outlet is blocked. Thus, opening the door to the induction chamber causes anesthesia gas is to be drawn through the outlet while closing the door allows anesthesia gas to collect in the chamber and sedate any specimens located therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Xenogen Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Bo Nelson
  • Patent number: 7331342
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating breathable oxygen gas from a source of gas and then humidifying the oxygen gas while preventing over humidification of the oxygen gas, the apparatus comprising a gas pathway located on a first side of a water transfer member, an oxygen gas pathway located on a second side of the water transfer member and a separator for separating the breathable oxygen gas from a gas located on the first side of the water transfer member and directing the breathable oxygen gas past the second side of the water transfer member while maintaining the pressure of the gas substantially equal to the pressure of the breathable oxygen gas to thereby humidify the breathable oxygen gas while preventing a moisture condensation in the breathable oxygen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Spearman, John H. Burban, Robert O. Crowder, Carl M. Geisz
  • Patent number: 7331343
    Abstract: Methods and systems for supplying supplemental oxygen to patients for use in sub-acute care which maintains healthy blood oxygen content in the patients by controlled dosing of oxygen with a measured response to the patient's actual blood oxygen content are disclosed. The dosing can be provided by simple ON/OFF control over the delivery of oxygen or the amount of oxygen delivered to the patient with each inhalation can be varied in response to the patient's need as determined by a more sophisticated control scheme, such as a PID loop control algorithm, that utilizes the difference between the patient's actual blood oxygen content and a target blood oxygen content and/or trends in the blood oxygen content. The systems and methods are particularly directed at patients receiving supplemental oxygen in a sub-acute care environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Minnesota Innovative Technologies & Instruments Corporation (MITI)
    Inventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, John S. Buan, Catherine A. Nordman
  • Patent number: 7331344
    Abstract: A breathing device for assisting patients to breath by maintaining positive airway pressure during the breathing cycle comprises a breathing channel in fluid communication with an exhaust channel extending from a junction therebetween. A gas inlet is arranged so as to introduce gas into the breathing channel. A positive pressure may be maintained in the breathing channel wherein the axis of the gas inlet channel is laterally offset at the point at which the gas inlet channel introduces the gas into the breathing channel from the axis of the narrowest part of the breathing channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignees: Electro Medical Equipment Limited, Frazer-Nash Cobnsultancy Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Foster, Stuart Corner, Stephen Harrison
  • Patent number: 7331345
    Abstract: A self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) served by a source of breathing gas with a mask and a demand regulator connected to the mask. The regulator has a flexible diaphragmatic member having a side exposed to pressure differentials to cause a valve mechanism to introduce breathing gas to the mask. An expanding and contracting member and a chamber fluidically connected to the diaphragm compensates for movement of the diaphragm while shielding the diaphragm from ambient contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Survivair Respirators, LLC
    Inventor: David V. Haston
  • Patent number: 7331346
    Abstract: The disclosed method of monitoring the cuff pressure of an LMA provides an estimation of a patient's anesthetic state. Cuff pressure tends to rise and fall during IPPV and spontaneous breathing. One of the disclosed methods activates an alarm if an instantaneous value of the cuff pressure exceeds selected levels. This method may also automatically adjust the selected levels. One of the disclosed methods activates an alarm if activity of the cuff pressure as observed over a period of time exceeds a selected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Indian Ocean Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Zocca, Archibald I. J. Brain, Paolo Mozzo
  • Patent number: 7331347
    Abstract: An endo-tracheal tube retainer used to facilitate the removal of a laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments though a patient's laryngeal opening is provided. The endo-tracheal tube retainer includes a semi-rigid stylet having proximate and distal ends and a soft curved stylet cap secured to the proximal end. The endo-tracheal tube retainer also includes a connection adapter that is tapered from front to rear for secure insertion within a range of endo-tracheal tubes, removably secured to the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Cookgas, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel J Cook
  • Patent number: 7331348
    Abstract: A nasal CPAP cannula seal that includes a strip of flexible material, between about 3 to 10 cm in width and between about 5 to 15 cm in length. The strip defines a pair of substantially round nostril apertures, each aperture having a diameter of between 2 mm and 4.5 mm and being spaced apart by from 1.5 mm to 3 mm. Also, the strip further defines a set of cuts extending outwardly from each nostril aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Timothy R. Beevers
  • Patent number: 7331349
    Abstract: Snoring and sleep apnea are prevented by advancing the mandible of an individual during sleep. Instead of using an intra-oral device that has the potential to cause movement of the teeth, an extra-oral device is used, having a rigid headpiece, mandibular cradles that press against the posterior angle of the mandible, and a connector between the headpiece and the jaw pads to cause the force that maintains the mandible in the forward position to be transmitted to the head, rather than the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Surgical Devices, Ltd., Co. Morningstar Holding Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrick Raymond Brady, Gerhard Emil Maale, Holly Neville
  • Patent number: 7331350
    Abstract: Photochemical tissue bonding methods include the application of a photosensitizer to a tissue, e.g., cornea, followed by irradiation with electromagnetic energy to produce a tissue seal. The methods are useful for wound repair, or other tissue repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Irene E. Kochevar, Robert W. Redmond, Dimitri Azar
  • Patent number: 7331351
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to wigs and manufacturing them. Methods are described in which an attachment fiber, in certain embodiments having adhesive properties, is used to secure the hair to the wig base. In certain embodiments the attachment fiber's outer layer is melted to form an adhesive while the inner layer or layers are not melted and retain their strength. The attachment fiber can then be secured to the wig base in a way which permits the permanent setting of the hair's direction and is less visible than conventional methods at the hairline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Teruyoshi Asai
  • Patent number: 7331352
    Abstract: A device for applying a fluid product to hair. The device includes a product reservoir, and a comb having at least two groups of teeth. The two groups of teeth each include at least two teeth, and the distance between the two groups of teeth is greater than the distance between at least two adjacent teeth in each group of teeth. In addition each group of teeth is supplied with product from at least one product exit opening communicating with the interior of the reservoir. The space between the two groups of teeth is substantially free of teeth or has projections whose average length is smaller than the average length of the teeth in the groups of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Marc Ramet
  • Patent number: 7331353
    Abstract: A hair accessory for receiving and retaining a bundle of hair, a method of making such a hair accessory, and methods of styling hair and instructing others to style hair using such a hair accessory are provided. The hair accessory comprises a thin, resilient, generally rectangular, ductile metallic member having a pair of longitudinal ends. The ductile metallic member is covered by at least one thin sheet-like backing member. The ductile metallic member and the one or more backing members are generally configured in a closed loop by folding the longitudinal ends of the covered ductile metallic member into an adjacent and/or overlapping configuration to form an opening for receiving and retaining a bundle of hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Philis A. Harvie
  • Patent number: 7331354
    Abstract: In process for cleaning tray columns which are used for the purposes of rectifiying liquids comprising (meth)acrylic compounds, a basic liquid is conveyed downward through the tray column and a gas is passed through the column in countercurrent to the basic liquid at an average gas phase differential pressure over all trays of at least 0.5 mbar/tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Juergen Schroeder, Klaus Joachim Mueller-Engel, Volker Schliephake, Ulrich Hammon, Volker Diehl, Ulrich Jaeger
  • Patent number: 7331355
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for cleaning floors. In particular, it relates to aqueous compositions for one-step cleaning and gloss enhancement of wood surfaces, especially floors. The inventive compositions comprise specific levels of a class of copolymer, chitosan, or mixtures thereof, and specific levels of surfactant. The cleaning benefits are delivered every time the compositions are used; the gloss benefits are provided over three to four cleanings and are easily strippable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mary Vjarayani Barnabas, Cynthia Elaine Cella, Beth Hansell Statt, James Thomas Sullivan, Alan Edward Sherry
  • Patent number: 7331356
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dishwasher with a spray manifold fixedly mounted to one of the walls and having multiple circular nozzles, each circular nozzle having multiple openings configured to direct a spray of wash liquid laterally to provide a first wash zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Chad T. VanderRoest, Jay C. Landsiedel, Christopher J. Carlson, Vincent P. Gurubatham, Edward L. Thies
  • Patent number: 7331357
    Abstract: A leak diverter for positioning above a suspended ceiling is disclosed. The leak diverter can comprise a liquid collection tray comprising a flexible or substantially rigid sheet of material. The leak diverter can have a drain in flow communication with the liquid collection tray. The leak diverter can comprise a perimeter frame and can be supported by a plurality of support members. The drain can be positioned to extend through either the liquid collection tray or the side barrier and can be positioned above the suspended ceiling. In one embodiment, the width of the leak diverter is less than the standard width of a suspended ceiling panel in order to facilitate installation of the diverter above the suspended ceiling. In another embodiment, the length of the leak diverter may be greater than the standard length or width of a suspended ceiling panel, and may straddle adjacent ceiling panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: New Pig Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew J. Huff
  • Patent number: 7331358
    Abstract: It is disclosed a device for fastening a tap handle in a removable way, wherein an actuating element is screwed into the control rod of a tap valve and acts on an elastically deformable element abutting against the inner wall of the hub portion of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Metallurgica Gallina S.p.A.
    Inventors: Davide Gallina, Aldo Quirico
  • Patent number: 7331359
    Abstract: A fluid control valve has at its lower inlet end a bi-loading seal. The seal is generally ring shaped in top view. However, it has a first flexible load section for sealing the stationary disk with respect to the housing and a second load section having an annular insert that in cross-section is hook-shaped to form a bend of more than 90 degrees. The insert can be molded within the resilient body of the seal so that its outer rim is disposed at a circular shoulder that bears against a seal stop of the housing. A high load can thus be applied between the bearing shoulder and seal stop to achieve a tight seal, while a lower load can be applied between the flexible, unrigidified part of the seal and a stationary valve disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Christopher M. Shay
  • Patent number: 7331360
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of check valves and more specifically to check valves with substantially low operational noise or low shut off noise. Provided is changing a direction of a fluid that closes a first and second flap to produce a slit, gap or orifice. Also provided is passing the fluid through the slit that reduces the speed of the fluid. The reduced speed fluid slowly closes a third flap and reduces shut off noise. The closed third flap creates a tight seal to stop any further fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Theodore Gerald Camis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7331361
    Abstract: To protect hydraulic assemblies, in particular to protect hydraulic brace systems, pressure relief valves 1 are used, the closing part 10 of which is formed by a piston 15, which is connected to the connection 4, and the valve spring retainer 12, which comprises said piston, is arranged displaceably thereon and accordingly has a cylindrical design. Between the connection 4, which is equipped with a blind hole 5 and radial bores 6, 7, and the displaceable closing part 10 and/or the correspondingly shaped valve spring retainer 12 a damping chamber 20 is formed, which is directly connected to the blind hole 5 and hence to the system pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Wolfgang Voss
  • Patent number: 7331362
    Abstract: A valve includes a hollow pipe defining a first opening and a second opening aligning with each other. A first passage, a second passage, a third passage and a fourth passage are respectively defined in an inner surface of the hollow pipe and communicate with each other. A piston is received in the hollow pipe and forms a first flange and a second flange thereon. A first stop is formed above the first flange and has long sides and short sides. A second stop is formed below the second flange and has long sides and short sides. The first flange and the second flange blocking the third passage and the fourth passage depends on the short sides/long sides being aligned with the third passage and the fourth passage, whereby water discharge path is controlled easily and exactly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Ouyang Huei
  • Patent number: 7331363
    Abstract: Procedure consisting of the of textile weaving of inelastic and elastic fiber forming an elastic weave with one or more rigid loops. Field of application: clothing, footwear, headgear, haberdashery, costume jewelry, items for personal use, travel items, cases, leather goods and imitation leather goods. The inventive procedure consists of the weaving of an inelastic fiber and an elastic fiber, natural or synthetic, which are separated at preset intervals, in this way giving rise to one or more rigid loops that allow the application of laces or other objects that benefit from the combined effect of resistance and/or stability, provided by the loop in inelastic fiber, and of elasticity, provided by the inelastic-elastic weave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Lanzi S.R.L.
    Inventor: Enzo Lanzi
  • Patent number: 7331364
    Abstract: A gas mask filter canister of varying shapes is filled by orienting the a fill opening to face upwardly, introducing into the fill opening a particulate filter material, and vibrating the filter canister at a frequency and amplitude, and for a time until a predetermined packing density is reached. The invention can be used to fill elliptical or other odd shaped filter canisters having a concave profiles to conform closely to the curvature of the wearer's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Avon Protection Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John Schlacchter
  • Patent number: 7331365
    Abstract: A shut off valve (10) is provided for use in an aircraft lavatory system (70) during maintenance sanitizing operations. The shut off valve includes an inlet passage (20) in intermittent fluid communication with an outlet passage (30) and a magnetic flapper body (40) movable between a rest position and a seal position between said inlet passage and said outlet passage. The flapper body is moved by a magnetic actuator (60) whereby upon placing said magnetic actuator within the proximity of the flapper body, the flapper body is moved form the rest position and, with the assistance of fluid flow within the valve, into the seal position, thus preventing fluid communication between the inlet passage and the outlet passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Transdigm Inc.
    Inventor: Hung Nguyen