Patents Issued in March 18, 2008
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Patent number: 7343885Abstract: A crankcase ventilation system for a reciprocating internal combustion engine includes an exhaust outlet and a collector for gathering gases from the engine crankcase. An eductor is connected to the collector and to the exhaust outlet. The eductor includes a generally cylindrical body extending into the exhaust passage of the exhaust outlet and having discharge, clean out, and receiver ports, so that crankcase gases will be drawn through the eductor and discharged into exhaust flowing through the exhaust outlet.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Michael Patrick Marley
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Patent number: 7343886Abstract: An internal combustion engine control apparatus is provided with a hydraulically operated variable valve operating mechanism for varying the valve timing of air intake valves, and a water temperature sensor for sensing engine coolant temperature to estimate the degree of engine warm-up. The valve operating mechanism is controlled to switch the valve timing from the warm-up idle valve timing with a high idling speed to the post-warm-up idle valve timing with a slower idling speed as the engine temperature approaches the warm-up temperature threshold. The switch in valve timings starts before an engine rotational speed falls below a rotational speed threshold lying between the high idling speed during the warm-up idling and the post-warm-up idling speed during the post-warm-up idling such that a sufficient hydraulic pressure switch the valve timing with a specific degree of responsiveness is attained when the engine rotational speed is at or above the rotational speed threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hajime Miura
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Patent number: 7343887Abstract: An abnormality diagnosis system 100 includes a VVT controller 110, an adjustable valve mechanism 120, a cam angle sensor 130, a model computation module 140, an abnormality detection module 150, and an alarm lamp 160. The adjusable valve mechanism 120 advances or delays a phase angle of an intake cam shaft relative to a crankshaft, thereby varying an open-close timing of a valve. The model computation module 140 computes a physical behavior of the adjustable valve mechanism 120 according to a physical model, in response to a control signal input from the VVT controller 110. The abnormality detection module 150 determines whether the adjustable valve mechanism 120 is abnormal or normal, based on a difference between a theoretical value of phase angle calculated according to the physical model and an observed value of phase angle measured with the cam angle sensor 130. The arrangement of the invention ensures highly accurate abnormality diagnosis of the adjustable valve mechanism 120.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinichi Soejima
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Patent number: 7343888Abstract: A poppet valve actuation system utilizing separate opening and closing cams that press against opening and closing cam followers, respectively. The opening and closing cam followers are linked to each other directly by a tension member so they move in unison. The valve is firmly connected to the opening cam follower. The opening and closing cam followers and valve are all collinear when viewed from the end of the cam shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Pit Bull Products, Inc.Inventor: Charles N VanValkenburgh
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Patent number: 7343889Abstract: A cam angle mounting structure includes a cylinder head, a sensor bracket and a head cover. The cylinder head is configured and arranged to rotatably support a camshaft. The sensor bracket is configured and arranged to support a cam angle sensor. The sensor bracket is mounted on the cylinder head with the sensor bracket contacting the cylinder head. The head cover is non-rigidly mounted on the cylinder head and the sensor bracket via at least one gasket to cover a top opening of the cylinder head with a space being formed around the at least one gasket between the head cover and the cylinder head and between the head cover and the sensor bracket.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideaki Tooyama, Shin Nomura, Hironao Netsu
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Patent number: 7343890Abstract: A two-piece valve cover for use on an engine having an engine cylinder head and a plurality of valve rocker arms. The two-piece valve cover includes a base housing for sealing with the cylinder head and a top cover. The top cover includes a sealing flange adapted to receive a sealing gasket member. The second sealing gasket member is retained on the top cover for forming a seal between said top cover and said base housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Richard B. Platt
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Patent number: 7343891Abstract: A starting device for a model engine includes an electric-operation unit and a rope-operation unit. The electric-operation unit consists of an engage wheel having engage teeth elastically engaged thereon, and a starting shaft slidably fitted at the outer side of the engage wheel. The starting shaft has its inner side bored with a fitting slot having its circumference eccentrically cut with plural arc-shaped grooves matching with the engage teeth of the engage wheel. The arc-shaped grooves of the starting shaft can eccentrically actuate the engage teeth to move back and forth axially on the engage wheel. The rope wheel of the rope-operation unit is fitted on the starting shaft, having its inner side equidistantly and annularly bored with plural tooth grooves elastically engaged by the engage teeth. By changing the positions of the engage teeth, the starting device can be started in two different modes.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Golden Lion Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Lien Sheng Chang
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Patent number: 7343892Abstract: An air-cooled diesel outboard motor comprising an air-cooled diesel engine. The diesel engine includes a vertical crankshaft, an exhausting port and a drive-leg. The drive leg includes a gear-box, a propeller and a water pump in a lower unit, a water cooling exhalation port and a mechanism fastened to the boat. The vertical crankshaft is attached to the drive-leg and an exhalation port of the engine connects to the exhalation port of the drive leg with a water cooled pipe through which the cooling water flows. Propelling power is utilized to push the water into the port.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Boris Kunc
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Patent number: 7343893Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a connecting rod that connects a crankpin and a piston. The connecting rod has first and second connecting rods, and a guide piston is disposed at a connecting portion between the first and second connecting rods. Deformed portions are formed on a lower end portion of a guide piston and on a balancer weight portion of a crankshaft in order to reduce the whole length of the connecting rod, whereby a bottom dead center of the guide piston is set to a lower position. The engine has improved thermal efficiency by reducing the distance between the crank portion and the piston, increasing the speed of behavior of the piston at a position near a top dead center to reduce thermal energy loss, and preventing generation of knocking.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masatoshi Suzuki, Hayato Maehara, Satoshi Iijima
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Patent number: 7343894Abstract: An internal combustion device, rotor self cooled, concentric and symmetric shape, dynamically variable compression ratio; capable of developing multiple Otto cycles per rotation, using modules, each made, mainly of a solenoid gate valve and three chambers operating at the rotor periphery. High power/weight ratio, that improves substantially, by increasing quantity of working modules, and without any drive shaft lengthening. With volumetric asymmetry ratio between chambers, combustion gasses quick exhaust and fast rise of air/fuel mix pressure peak. Proper for many types of combustion and class of fuels, including hydrogen, and efficient use of compressed air as external energy supply. Excels in aircraft use.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Enrique Haluy Leon
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Patent number: 7343895Abstract: A pilot fuel injection valve is mountable in a cylinder head of an engine and injects a liquid pilot fuel directly into a combustion chamber. The pilot fuel injection valve comprises a cooling system to keep the pilot fuel at a temperature that is lower than the lowest initial boiling point for the pilot fuel that occurs inside the fuel injection valve. The pilot fuel injection valve further comprises a thermally insulated nozzle having an outer surface that is not cooled by the cooler cylinder head and the cooler pilot fuel held inside the fuel injection valve. During operation, the nozzle's outer surface can be heated to a temperature that is not significantly lower than the final boiling point of the pilot fuel so that a significant amount of pilot fuel does not condense on the nozzle surface during engine operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Westport Power Inc.Inventor: Randall Mark
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Patent number: 7343896Abstract: A carburetor for a high performance vehicle includes an actuator lever mounted to a first valve linkage for rotating a first pair of carburetor butterfly valves and a crank mounted to a second valve linkage for rotating a second pair of carburetor butterfly valves, a cam mounted on the actuator lever for engaging and moving said crank and rotating said second pair of valves in response to the movement of the actuator lever, and a quick disconnect coupling between said actuator lever and said cam such that the cam is removable from said actuator lever and can be replaced by another cam.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventors: Barry S. Grant, Scott B. Alm
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Patent number: 7343897Abstract: An engine control system includes an engine with an output shaft. A power take-off device interfaces with the output shaft and provides rotational power to an auxiliary device. A user input device includes a first engine speed control that commands an increase in engine speed by a first amount to increase the rotational power to the auxiliary device when a user selects the first engine speed control. A second engine speed control commands an increase in engine speed by a second amount that is greater than the first amount to increase the rotational power to the auxiliary device when the user selects the second engine speed control. The user input device includes a speed cancellation control that commands a reversal of a net increase in the speed of the engine that is commanded via the user input device when the user selects the speed cancellation control.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Kerfegar K. Katrak, Donald A. Eveleth, Barbara A. Shuler
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Patent number: 7343898Abstract: An engine includes a stationary member, a crankshaft supported for rotation by the stationary member, and a flywheel rotatable in response to rotation of the crankshaft. A fan has a plurality of fins and is rotatable in response to movement of the flywheel. A movable air vane includes a surface that deflects air from the fins as the fins move with the flywheel. The engine also includes an intake passageway for intake air and a throttle lever including a throttle pivot point and a throttle linkage aperture. The throttle linkage aperture and the throttle pivot point define a first axis having a first side and a second side. A throttle valve is disposed in the intake passageway to control the flow of intake air. The throttle valve is movable in response to movement of the throttle lever. A throttle linkage is positioned to directly or indirectly connect the air vane and the throttle lever. The throttle linkage and the movable air vane are disposed on the first side of the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Ricky Caldwell, Jason Walker, Daron Wilson, Scott Benson
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Patent number: 7343899Abstract: A propulsion system for a watercraft includes an engine. An air intake device delivers air to a combustion chamber. A throttle valve regulates an amount of the air. A control device sets the throttle valve to a desired position. A remote controller provides the control device with the desired position. The engine can include an auxiliary intake device that delivers supplemental air to the combustion chamber. A control valve normally shuts the supplemental air from the combustion chamber. The control device determines whether an abnormal condition occurs in setting the throttle valve to the desired position. The control device determines whether the amount of the air is insufficient. The control device controls the control valve to allow the supplemental air to move to the combustion chamber when the control device determines that the abnormal condition occurs and the amount of the air is insufficient.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Isao Kanno, Masahiko Kato, Goichi Katayama
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Patent number: 7343900Abstract: To provide an ignition timing controller of an internal combustion engine which prevents poor acceleration due to overcorrection for retard and the occurrence of knocking due to undercorrection for retard regardless of a change in the ratio of fuel injections, the internal combustion engine with an injector (11) for in-cylinder injection and an injector (12) for intake passage injection includes a transitional retard control section for correcting ignition timing for retard to prevent knocking during transitional operation of the engine, wherein a control amount by the transitional retard control section depends on a ratio of an amount of fuel injection from the injector (11) for in-cylinder injection to an amount of fuel injection from the injector (12) for intake passage injection.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takayuki Demura, Tetsuji Nagata
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Patent number: 7343901Abstract: A fuel filter is located downstream of a feed pump to filter fuel discharged from the feed pump. An orifice is located between the fuel filter and a suction quantity control valve to restrict a flow rate of the fuel passing through the fuel filter. A positive pressure of the feed pump is applied to the fuel filter, and a passing pressure at the fuel filter increases. Even if viscosity of the fuel increases and the fuel becomes wax-like at low temperature, clogging of the fuel filter or an insufficient flow rate can be inhibited. The orifice restricts the flow rate of the fuel passing through the fuel filter. Accordingly, an increase in size of the fuel filter can be prevented even if the fuel filter is located downstream of the feed pump.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Katsumi Mori, Akihiro Kuroda
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Patent number: 7343902Abstract: A system and method to provide a desired torque increase from an engine in which some cylinder operate in spark ignition (SI) combustion mode only and some cylinders operate in homogeneous-charge, compression-ignition (HCCI) combustion mode only are disclosed. Such method includes: operating a first portion of engine cylinders in homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion mode while a second portion of engine cylinders are deactivated. The second portion of engine cylinders in spark ignition combustion mode is activated when a torque demand is greater than the first portion of engine cylinders is capable of supplying. Also, the second portion of engine cylinders is activated when a rate of torque demand is greater than the first portion of engine cylinders is capable of supplying.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: John Brevick, Clifford Carlson
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Patent number: 7343903Abstract: A fuel tank in which at least a part of a fuel storing unit is formed of a flexible film is provided with a main chamber having a variable volume by deforming according to a storing amount of a fuel, a sub-chamber having a volume which is kept substantially constant, and a fuel pump housed inside the sub-chamber. The main chamber and the sub-chamber are integrally formed to form the fuel storing unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinya Murabayashi, Shoichiro Kumagai, Koichiro Toyoda, Tohru Wako, Yoshinobu Terada, Manami Endo, legal representative, Yasunobu Endo
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Patent number: 7343904Abstract: Disclosed herein is a canister close valve device for opening or closing a passage of a canister collecting evaporation gas evaporated in a fuel tank and a passage communicating with the atmosphere. The canister close valve device includes a housing which has a first vapor line making the fuel tank communicate with a canister, a second vapor line making the atmosphere communicate with the canister, and a coupling part coupling the first vapor line to the second vapor line. Further, the device includes a first diaphragm valve assembly opening or closing the first vapor line, a second diaphragm valve assembly opening or closing the second vapor line, and a solenoid valve mounted to the coupling part and including a magnetic body which is coaxially and slidably connected to the first and second diaphragm valve assemblies to move the first and second diaphragm valve assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: P & K Industry Co., LtdInventor: Gil Hyun Jo
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Patent number: 7343905Abstract: An engine assembly may include an internal combustion engine configured to combust a gaseous fuel. The engine assembly may also include a fuel intake line operatively connected to the internal combustion engine. The fuel intake line may be configured to direct the gaseous fuel towards the internal combustion engine. The engine assembly may further include a refrigeration assembly operatively connected to the fuel intake line. The refrigeration assembly may be configured to cool the gaseous fuel in the fuel intake line.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Martin L. Willi, Darryl D. Baldwin
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Patent number: 7343906Abstract: A watercraft can include an engine having a crankshaft with its output end extending rearward of a crankcase and a supercharger for compressing air feeding it to the engine. The supercharger can be located forward of a rear end of the crankcase. An exhaust pipe, designed to discharge combustion gas out of the watercraft, can be disposed above the supercharger. Forward of the supercharger, an intake box having an intake duct can be provided. An intercooler can be located beside the supercharger, through which the supercharger feeds the compressed air toward the engine.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shigeyuki Ozawa
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Patent number: 7343907Abstract: A crankcase lower part for a supercharged internal combustion engine, wherein the crankcase lower part extends about a space below the crankshaft. The crankshaft lower part comprises an intercooler, which is cooled by coolant, and/or a charge air intermediate cooler, which is cooled by a coolant. The intercooler and/or the charge air intermediate cooler is integrated into the crankcase lower part.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge Osterreich AGInventors: Gottfried Raab, Heinz Povolny
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Patent number: 7343908Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold, an exhaust manifold, and a turbocharger compressor coupled with the intake manifold. The exhaust gas recirculation system includes an EGR valve fluidly coupled between the exhaust manifold and the intake manifold. The EGR valve includes a valve stem and a purge air inlet associated with the valve stem. The purge air inlet is in fluid communication with the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Craig William Lohmann
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Patent number: 7343909Abstract: An active feed paintball loader for supplying paintballs to a paintball marker. The loader includes a container for storing a plurality of paintballs. An outfeed tube on the container is connected to an inlet tube on the marker. The loader further includes a drive shaft, a feeder rotatably disposed in the container for feeding paintballs into the outfeed tube, and a drive spring having first and second ends. The first end is engaged to the feeder to provide a driving force to rotate the feeder within the container. The second end is coupled to the drive shaft. The drive shaft operates to wind the drive spring to maintain sufficient tension on the drive spring to maintain a paintball stack in the outfeed tube. The loader further includes a mechanical drive handle accessible externally of the loader and connected to the drive shaft to manually wind the drive spring.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Kee Action Sports I LLCInventors: James T. Christopher, Albert G. Schilling, Christ T. Goddard
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Patent number: 7343910Abstract: A method of fashioning a heater from a rock. A first step involves providing a rock having an exterior surface. A second step involves cutting the rock into at least two segments that are capable of being reassembled to reform the rock and maintained in the reassembled condition by force of gravity. A third step involves forming a interior cavity in at least one of the segments. The cavity is spaced inwardly from the exterior surface of the rock and is adapted to conceal a heat source, such as a candle, when the segments are reassembled. A fourth step involves reassembling the segments to reform the rock.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Kenneth Philip Tocheniuk
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Patent number: 7343911Abstract: A tile shaping bench including an elongate guide extrusion having surfaces defining a channel adapted for receiving an edge of a tile, a first surface of the channel defined by a resilient surface, an elongate top extrusion positioned adjacent to the guide extension and including an elongate tile engaging surface, and an elongate clamp extrusion disposed below the top extrusion and including at least one operable clamp mechanism, the clamp mechanism operable to urge a tile against the elongate tile engaging surface of the top extrusion.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Aaron James Crowley
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Patent number: 7343912Abstract: A conveyor oven in which a heated circulating air stream provides impingement air toward a conveyor, which is turned to flow horizontally along the conveyor toward an inlet and/or an outlet thereof. The conveyor oven includes a ductwork that provides a positive pressure airflow to form the impingement air as well as a positive pressure a second air flow that intersects with the horizontal air flow with a more positive pressure adjacent the inlet and/or outlet to redirect the horizontal airflow toward an air return plenum so as to substantially reduce the escape of heat to ambient.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Lincoln Foodservice Products LLCInventors: Douglas Jones, Roberto Nevarez, William Day
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Patent number: 7343913Abstract: A solar concentrating collector includes corrugated board parabolic support segments with flexible strips and side tabs over the cut edge to support a laminate with reflective coated film. The reflector assembly has supporting arms and pivots about a heat absorbing conduit secured to vertical extensions of adjacent stationary posts. Selected external surfaces are weatherproofed. The conduit includes vacuum insulators and means to isolate conduit from insulator expansion. Upper arms support pulleys and cable take-ups for continuous collector position changes. Cross members of the extended post secure the fixed conduit, and at a higher level, a programmable drive to rotate two cable capstans for cables that pivot two adjacent reflector assemblies. Other embodiments include triangular or square fluid conduits with planar surfaces for photovoltaic cells and a modified reflective surface to disperse solar rays into a band of reflected sunlight directed to photocell areas.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: William Paul Niedermeyer
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Patent number: 7343914Abstract: A child-sized adaptor for a DPI or MDI is provided. Also provided is a patient feedback mechanism for signaling and/or teaching proper inhaler use.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Microdose Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Andrew L. Abrams, Anand V. Gumaste
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Patent number: 7343915Abstract: A apparatus and method for self-treatment of cardiac arrhythmia by a patient, comprising a container sized to be portable by the patient and having therein a chamber containing a medicament composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier mixed with a chemoirritant, preferably L-tartaric acid; a nebulizing valve connected to the chamber so as to provide an outlet therefor; a source of motivating force connected with the chamber so as to motivate the composition through the opening in the nebulizing valve to thereby cause nebulization of the composition; a wireless transmitter responsive to activation of the nebulizer for sending a wireless signal requesting medical assistance; and a power source operatively connected for providing power; wherein the chemoirritant is mixed in the composition in an amount sufficient for causing the patient to produce an involuntary cough effective to maintain at least partial blood circulation.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Pneumoflex Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: W. Robert Addington, Robert E. Stephens, Stuart P. Miller
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Patent number: 7343916Abstract: A pulmonary therapy system includes a chest binding apparel apparatus including a plurality of air bladders. The chest binding apparel apparatus is configured to be supported proximate the chest of a patient.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: John P. Biondo, Kenneth L. Kramer, Carl W. Riley, Gregory W. Branson, Richard W. Chance, Tatiana Leblanc, Barry P. Markwick, Peter A. Koloski, Troy D. Acton, Michael E. Cerimele
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Patent number: 7343917Abstract: A method and apparatus are used to perform a clear cycle. The apparatus includes a flow generator in fluid communication with a patient interface via a conduit arranged in a flow path, and sensors to monitor pressures in the flow path. The method includes examining a plurality of operational parameters, determining whether the flow generator should generate flow based on at least one of the plurality of operational parameters, warning the patient to avoid interfacing with the patient interface of the ventilation device prior to generating the flow, and operating the flow generator to generate the flow in accordance with at least one of the plurality of operational parameters. The clear cycle can dislodge debris or water condensate from the flow path. The clear cycle can incorporate fault detection to diagnose debris in the flow path. The clear cycle can be installed as software in a ventilation device.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventor: Richard Llewelyn Jones
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Patent number: 7343918Abstract: A breathing gas feed assembly for the flight crew of an airplane comprises an emergency breathing mask and a stowage box for the mask. The box is adapted to receive the mask diagonally and it is closed by two doors hinged about respective hinge axes situated on two adjacent edges of the box.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: IntertechniqueInventors: Patrice Martinez, Philippe Gerard, Benoit Lelievre, Dominique Lemasson
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Patent number: 7343919Abstract: A surgical drape having a sheet. The sheet includes a distal side and a proximal side relative to a surgical patient. The drape also includes a surgical pouch connected to the distal side of the sheet. The surgical pouch is connected to the sheet via at least two elastomeric portions.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.Inventors: Francis A. Czajka, Kristi R. Camasta
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Patent number: 7343920Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for repairing injured connective tissue. These systems may include, among others, a surgical stapler and staples for repairing partially or completely severed tendons and/or ligaments.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventors: E. Bruce Toby, Randall J. Huebner
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Patent number: 7343921Abstract: The present invention provides a hair extension apparatus and kit and method of making and using such hair extension apparatus. The hair extension apparatus include an anchor band constructed of a flexible material having a frontal outer surface, a rear inner surface and mounting holes for accepting a portion of primary hairs and a plurality of supplementary hairs permanently engaged with the anchor band and extended away from the frontal outer surface so as to drape downwardly. The hair extension apparatus may optionally comprise attachment means to be used in conjunction with the portion of primary hairs to form a secured attachment between the anchor band and the user's head.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Hortencia Salinas
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Patent number: 7343922Abstract: A wafer drying method includes submerging a wafer in a cleaning solution in a dry chamber. An organic liquid vapor from an organic liquid is supplied into the dry chamber at a first volumetric supply rate to form an organic liquid layer on a surface of the cleaning solution, the organic liquid layer having at least a prescribed concentration of the organic liquid. The organic liquid vapor is supplied into the dry chamber at a second volumetric supply rate that is lower than the first volumetric supply rate. During and/or following the supplying of the organic liquid vapor into the dry chamber, at least a portion of the wafer is removed from the cleaning solution through the organic liquid layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae-Hyung Jung, Young-Min Kwon, Jong-Jae Lee, Dong-Hoon Jung
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Patent number: 7343923Abstract: The present invention is directed to a utility hot and cold water mixing system consisting of three components, a hot water Y-coupler with a flow control ball valve on one side, a central Y-coupler with a flow control ball valve and a cold water Y-coupler on the other side. A unique configuration derived by twisting the connecting hoses maintains the central Y-coupler in an upright position. The system has been designed to mount to the hot and cold water faucets used by the washing machine no matter what the spacing is. It allows the temperature of the water to be preset so that each time the control valve is opened the proper temperature water is provided and no adjustments are required while providing full pressure hot and cold water to a washing machine.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Jody R. Foster
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Patent number: 7343924Abstract: Since the system for supplying gas comprises a storage container, a compressor which pressurizes fluorine gas in the storage container, and a pressurized storing container which presses fit and stores the fluorine gas, by supplying fluorine gas or the like to the destination from this system for supplying gas, it is not necessary to change gas source such as a gas cylinder or the like. In this way, fluorine gas or the like can be supplied to the destination inexpensively and safely.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuro Tojo, Jiro Hiraiwa, Osamu Yoshimoto
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Patent number: 7343925Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for extracting liquid samples from containers (1) and/or tubes filled with a medium (2), especially from fermenters, via a filter membrane (5) by means of a partial vacuum. Said filter membrane (5) arranged inside a sample probe (3) consists of a material acting as a sterile boundary, a supply line (6) which can be used to guide gas and a discharge line (7) which can be used to guide the sample being arranged on the sterile boundary side (5a) of the filter membrane (5).Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft ZurInventors: Heiner Sann, Andreas Bock, Udo Reichl
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Patent number: 7343926Abstract: A liquid raw material supply unit for a vaporizer is adapted to supply a liquid raw material to the vaporizer that vaporizes the liquid raw material.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignees: CKD Corporation, Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Tsuneyuki Okabe, Shigeyuki Okura, Hiroki Doi, Minoru Ito, Yoji Mori, Yasunori Nishimura
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Patent number: 7343927Abstract: A closing body (3) which is mounted in a housing (2) in such a way that it can be axially displaced and can be pressed out of an opening position against a valve seat (4) into a closing position. The closing body (3) is rotationally symmetrical and includes, on its outer diameter (D1) in relation to its cross-section, two outer wall sections (5, 5?) which meet at an angle of less than 180°. In this way, a surrounding interference edge (26) is formed, favouring turbulence in the flow and thus a rapid increase in the dynamic pressure. When the closing body is embodied as a hollow body, a spring action also occurs, damping the closing movement.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Rico Sicherheistechnik AGInventor: Juerg Zellweger
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Patent number: 7343928Abstract: A regulator insert for valves includes inflow openings and a plurality of slot-shaped outflow openings extending in the axial direction of the insert and being, via a roller membrane, closable in response to the difference in pressure across the insert under the influence of a spring that seeks to keep the outflow openings open. The slot-shaped outflow openings have at least two different lengths, whereby complete closure of at least some of the outflow openings can take place only consecutively. At least one of the slot shaped outflow openings has such length that complete closure thereof by means of the roller membrane is not possible.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Flowcon International A/SInventor: Peter Moesby
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Patent number: 7343929Abstract: An adjustable pressure control valve includes a body having an inlet port and an outlet port and a handle assembly having a threaded portion and an adjustment knob. A seat assembly disposed within the body includes a seat holder in communication with the outlet port that is received on the threaded portion of the handle assembly, wherein the seat holder is translatable in first and second directions when the handle assembly is rotated in first and second directions. The seat assembly also includes a valve seat fluidly affixed to the seat holder, wherein fluid can pass through the valve seat and the seat holder. The valve includes a pin biased by a pin spring that is engageable with the valve seat, and a main spring engageable with the pin to urge the pin against the valve seat to accommodate the pressure and volume of the fluid in the valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: A&H Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Joseph Hilton
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Patent number: 7343930Abstract: A fluid delivery system including a faucet and a hand-held sprayer is disclosed. The temperature of the water provided by the faucet is controlled independent of the temperature of the water provided by the hand-held sprayer. The temperature of the water provided by the hand-held sprayer may be controlled by a valve supported by the hand-held sprayer. The temperature of the water provided by the hand-held sprayer may be controlled through a control member supported by the hand-held sprayer.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Masco Corporation of IndianaInventor: M. Scot Rosko
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Patent number: 7343931Abstract: A quick-dis/connect coupler including two coupler modules, male and female. Each includes a housing. At least one includes a stopcock valve. The housing bodies are configured such that, as they are engaged/disengaged, each automatically opens/closes the other's stopcock valve. The complete coupler may include seven or fewer components, with five or fewer skus among them. The coupler provides a straight-through, laminar fluid flow path with no dead zones and essentially zero occlusion, and has no springs or other such components inside the fluid flow. The coupler uses inexpensive injection molding and snap-fit components which are dual-latched. The valve-closing springs also provide positive eject force upon disengagement of the coupler.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Trent Packham
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Patent number: 7343932Abstract: A system for connecting multiple pipe lines includes a plurality of multi-port selector valves. Each valve includes a valve body having an inlet port module that includes a body adapted to connect to a fluid source and an outlet port module having a body with at least two outlet ports. Each of the outlet ports may connect to an outlet fluid destination. A port selector rotatably disposed in the valve body includes a rotatable member having a flow path there through that has a path inlet and a path outlet. The path outlet has a second flow direction substantially parallel to said first flow direction with an angle of less than 90 degrees to the first flow direction. An offset portion disposed between the first flow direction and the second flow direction has a longitudinal flow direction. An outlet valve line is adapted to connect one of the at least two outlet ports of a first valve of the plurality of valves to the inlet port of another of the plurality of valves.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Ronald James Manson, Russell Eric McBeth
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Patent number: 7343933Abstract: A multi-port flow selector manifold valve includes a plurality of inlet ports adapted to be coupled to a fluid source, a test outlet adapted to communicate with at least one of the plurality of inlet ports, and a production outlet adapted to communicate with at least at least one of the plurality of inlet ports. A flow path is rotatably disposed between the test outlet and the plurality of inlet ports such that the flow path is rotatably alignable with each of the plurality of inlet ports. The flow path includes an inlet flow path having a longitudinal direction of flow and adapted to communicate with one of the plurality of inlet ports, an outlet flow path having a direction of flow substantially parallel to the inlet direction of flow and adapted to communicate with the test outlet, and an offset portion disposed between the inlet flow path and the outlet flow path. The offset portion has a direction of flow with an angle of less than 90 degrees to the outlet direction of flow.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Russell Eric McBeth, Ronald James Manson
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Patent number: 7343934Abstract: A proportional pressure control valve which includes an electric first stage pilot having a single outlet port configured to provide a variable pressurized hydraulic fluid to the outlet port and at a pressure that is proportional to an electric input signal and which is variable between first and second values and further includes a second stage hydraulic valve which has a spool reciprocally moveable in a bore between first and second positions indicative of a full ON and a full OFF condition. A fluid isolation chamber is oriented in the bore and in a region between a control port and a tank port in the fluid pathway therebetween. The interior wall of the bore and the first and second diameter regions on the spool are configured to always provide a controlled volume fluid flow rate between the control port and the fluid isolation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Fema Corporation of MichiganInventors: Steven R. Pride, II, Charles J. Bowden