Patents Issued in August 12, 2008
  • Patent number: 7409946
    Abstract: A vehicle fuel system includes a fuel vapor recovery canister containing a carbon bed configured to capture hydrocarbon material associated with fuel vapor discharged from the fuel tank into the canister. A purge vacuum is applied to the canister to draw fuel vapor carrying reclaimed hydrocarbon material from the canister into an intake manifold coupled to an engine so that the reclaimed hydrocarbon material can be burned in the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy James King
  • Patent number: 7409947
    Abstract: A fuel vapor treatment apparatus is provided with a purging passage for introducing and purging fuel vapor produced in a fuel tank to an intake system for an internal combustion engine, a volume chamber located in the purging passage for enlarging a passage volume and a pump received in the volume chamber for generating a fluid flow in the purging passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Koyama
  • Patent number: 7409948
    Abstract: A regulator is provided for increasing the efficiency of an engine. The regulator is locatable in or adjacent to an engine manifold and has a propeller (18) connected to a power supply (58) for driving the propeller. The propeller is mounted (18) in the manifold. The propeller has a longitudinal pin (16) defining a rotation axis and at least one blade attached to the pin by an elongated blade root that substantially follows the longitudinal axis of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Roger Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7409949
    Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine including a molded ignition housing connected to the crankcase of the engine which protects the electric generator of two-stroke internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Günther Zauner, Ernst Mayringer, Johann Wickenhauser, Mario Schreiber, Thomas Weinzierl, Wolfgang Schrenk
  • Patent number: 7409950
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fall away arrow rest system for use with a compound bow having a string. The arrow rest system is adapted to support a shaft of an arrow while a tail section of the arrow engages with the string for shooting of the arrow. The arrow rest includes a housing, a rotatable shaft having a first portion mounted with and supported by the housing and a second portion extending from the housing, a launcher and a pair of arms defining a channel therebetween for accepting the arrow shaft, an activator operative to selectively urge rotation of the rotatable shaft and movement of the launcher from an upright arrow support position to a lowered position, and including a locking component moveable from an engaging position to releasably lock the position of the rotatable shaft when the launcher is at the upright arrow support position, and a disengaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Ripcord Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Ellig, Roland K. Barner
  • Patent number: 7409951
    Abstract: A handbill is rolled to form a coil that is retained within a collapsible cup as it is ejected from an elongated tube and delivered to its destination. The collapsible cup has a cylindrical wall and a bottom member at one end that does not contribute to the structural strength of the cup. The bottom member has an exposed adhesive within the cup that is encountered when the handbill is inserted within the cup. The elongated tube is connected to a controllable source of pressurized fluid that is used to eject the handbill assembly from the tube. The handbill assembly and delivery system avoids the problems of prior assemblies and systems that projected cone-shaped paper flyers through the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Armando W. Benavides
  • Patent number: 7409952
    Abstract: A portable breathing apparatus has a respirator and a filter. The filter has a multifunctional strainer, a photocatalyst element, an exhauster, a high-pressure generator and an active carbon net in the interior thereof. Via the exhauster, external air can be filtered by the multifunctional strainer and mixed with ozone and negative ions generated from the photocatalyst element and the high-pressure generator thereby filtering and sterilizing the external air. Furthermore, the external air passes through a tube via the active carbon net to the respirator. Hence, it is easy for people wearing the portable breathing apparatus to breathe and experience the functions of air sterilization and filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Yu-Hu Chen
  • Patent number: 7409953
    Abstract: A surgical drape for use during surgery includes a sheet that is configured for covering at least a portion of a patient. The sheet has a top surface and a bottom surface that is opposite from the top surface. An expandable member is carried by the sheet. The expandable member has an unexpanded orientation and an expanded orientation. The expandable member forms a raised portion when in the expanded orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry L. Griesbach, III
  • Patent number: 7409954
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the treatment of either endo-cavital infections or abnormal surface tissue conditions, particularly destructive bacterial infections, post major invasive surgery abscesses and skin infections such as vitiligo and psoriasis. If required, a catheter system is used, which allows the simultaneous drainage of an infected locus and irradiation of the infected locus with laser-generated pulsed ultraviolet light. The laser light wavelength is chosen so as to require radiation, which is lethal to the microorganisms causing the infection, at the lowest possible dose which will provide ameliorative therapty. Alternatively, a diode-pumped solid state Raman laser device is used which can be configured to provide in sequence a selected number of output wavelengths in the ultraviolet spectral range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Genestho Inc.
    Inventors: Vadim G. Dobkine, Alexander E. Dudelzak, Guennadi P. Kouzmine, Mark A. Miller, Olga V. Lovacheva
  • Patent number: 7409955
    Abstract: A combined cigarette cutter and container includes a cigarette cutter illustratively engaged to an upper inside surface of a lid of a container which holds preferably a single cigarette (or cigar). The user may partially smoke it, cut off the used portion using the cutter, insert the unused portion in the container, and close the lid. This provides a convenient carrying mechanism to permit later consumption of the cigarette or cigar. In other embodiments, the case has curved major surfaces with a fixedly-fastened cutter adjacent to one of the end walls. The cutter can be omitted to provide a case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Origin-8, LLC
    Inventors: Beau Austin Mauldin, Richard Garret Mauldiin
  • Patent number: 7409956
    Abstract: Cigarettes are manufactured using modified automated cigarette making apparatus. Those cigarettes possess smokable rods having paper wrapping materials having additive materials applied thereto as patterns. The additive materials, which can have the forms of liquid or paste formulations, can be applied to the paper web using application apparatus possessing rollers. One of those rollers can have a series of pockets in its roll face to receive additive formulation from a reservoir and to define the pattern of the formulation on the paper. A radiant dryer can be used to dry the additive material that has been applied to the paper web. The radiant dryer can be located on one component of a two component assembly that is used to manufacture cigarettes. Spectrometric techniques can be used to ensure proper registration of the additive material on the cigarette rods so manufactured, and to ensure proper quality of those cigarettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Lloyd Harmon Hancock, Carl Carlton Greene, Jr., John Larkin Nelson, Vernon Brent Barnes, Sydney Keith Seymour, Balager Ademe
  • Patent number: 7409957
    Abstract: A device is provided for packaging and applying at least two products, particularly hair-treatment products. The device includes a first compartment suitable for containing a first product, and a second compartment suitable for containing a second product. An applicator end-piece includes at least two orifices for dispensing the product, and the end-piece has an interior distributor dividing the flows of products emanating, respectively, from the compartments. The end-piece also includes a first orifice that dispenses a mixture or ratio of the first and second products in respectively different proportions from those of a mixture or ratio of these products dispensed by a second orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Aline Abergel
  • Patent number: 7409958
    Abstract: A hair trim guide consisting of trim guides attached to a substantial portion of eyeglass frames, consisting of a face frame and a pair of temple pieces is provided. Projecting pegs and apertures enable the trim guides to be removably attached to the frame. Where it is desired to trim sideburns, the trim guides are attached to the temple pieces. When the trim guide is attached to the face frame, bangs may be accurately trimmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Trese J Vacker
  • Patent number: 7409959
    Abstract: A dishwasher with a sound attenuator for attenuating the sound emanating from a motor cavity of the dishwasher. The sound attenuator comprising a sound absorber and a sound barrier. The sound absorber absorbing sound in the motor cavity with the sound barrier blocking the unabsorbed sound from escaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew James Retsema
  • Patent number: 7409960
    Abstract: The invention aims at improving a cleaning fluid container (3) for a cleaning device (RV) for personal needs, in particular for cleaning a shaving head (SK) of a dry shaving apparatus (R), with a housing (20), with an inlet port (15) provided on the housing (20) to admit cleaning fluid (11), with an outlet port (14) equally provided on the housing (20) to discharge the cleaning fluid (11), and with a filter element (F), said filter element (F) being provided with filter pores for filtering out solid particles, particularly hair particles, and being arranged in a flow area between the inlet port (15) and the outlet port (14), in a manner enabling the pump capacity to be significantly reduced or the service life of a cartridge (K) to be substantially increased. This is accomplished in that the filter element (F) has pores of a size causing part of the particles to penetrate the filter element (F) according to their size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Hoser, Daniel Dietzel
  • Patent number: 7409961
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly which functions to chop all fluid entrained soil prior to directing fluid to upper and lower wash arms. A flow conduit leading to the upper wash arm is provided with a sampling port which directs a percentage of the fluid flow into a filter chamber having one or more fine mesh filter screens that open into the dishwasher tub basin. The filter chamber is exposed to a collection chamber that leads to a flapper valve and then to a drain port. A sealing chamber joins the filter chamber with the collection chamber. A sealing member is positioned in the sealing chamber to selectively seal the filter chamber after a portion of the fluid is drained. Once sealed, a drain pump expels the fluid from the washing tub. After the tub is empty, the remainder of the fluid is drained from the filter chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, Barry E. Tuller
  • Patent number: 7409962
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly for establishing a recirculated wash fluid flow within a washing chamber. The pump assembly includes a housing having a recirculation portion and a drain portion. The recirculation portion includes an inlet passage, a recirculation passage and a pump mount. The inlet and recirculation passages share a common wall and open into the pump mount. The pump assembly further includes a pump having a housing, a motor drivingly connected to an impeller and a conduit having inlet and outlet portions projecting from the housing. The inlet and outlet portions are concentrically arranged within the conduit and fluidly connected with the impeller. With this arrangement, the pump unit can be readily secured to the pump mount and, during operation, draws washing fluid in through the inlet and redirects the washing fluid to the recirculation passage of the housing at approximately 180° from the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney M. Welch
  • Patent number: 7409963
    Abstract: A collapsible shelter of the type having a canopy and a frame, the frame having mounting members with a stabilizer, reduced friction pivot shafts and an adjustable locking member having a spring providing for easy adjustment of the height and breadth of the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Go Papa, LLLP
    Inventors: Steven E. Mallookis, Chao-Shun Ko
  • Patent number: 7409964
    Abstract: In a valve, the combination comprising a valve chamber, having a flow inlet and a flow outlet, a valve operator outside the chamber, a stopper in the chamber and operatively connected with the operator for movement toward and away from seat structure in the chamber, to control flow from the valve via the outlet, and the seat structure including first and second seats, the stopper located to seat on the first seat. there being a flexible sealing lip carried by the stopper to sealingly engage the second seat when the stopper sets on the first seat. Relatively movable parts define said operative connection, with configuration and relative movement to allow air inflow to break back siphonage of liquid, and to allow back pressure relief via drain passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Herbert W. Hoeptner, III
  • Patent number: 7409965
    Abstract: A direct acting hydraulic voting trip block defines three separate paths between an inlet and an outlet port. Each path is intersected by a valve cylinder. Valve pistons in each valve cylinder are configured, in the activated position, to block two of thee different paths. As long as at least two of the pistons are in the activated position, communication between the inlet and outlet ports is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Elliott Company
    Inventors: Samuel Blaser, Heinz Vogler
  • Patent number: 7409966
    Abstract: A ball valve includes a valve seat having a chamber therein and bores communicated with the chamber, a ball, which has a plurality of channels, received in the chamber, a shaft connected to the ball, and a plurality of lids connected to the valve seat to close the bores. The ball valve further includes two plugs received in the chamber, each of which has a through hole and a concave portion fitting the ball to completely cover the ball therein when the first plug is combined with the second plug, a first recess, two second recesses at opposite sides of the first recess and two slot around the second recesses respectively, wherein the slots form two receiving slots when the first plug is combined with the second plug, and two pads, each of which has a through hole, received in the receiving slots respectively to cover the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Hung-Chung Chang
  • Patent number: 7409967
    Abstract: A pattern former for assembling wrapped bakery products into predetermined patterns comprises a perforated vacuum turntable. Vacuum is applied to the vacuum turntable while bakery products are loaded thereon and positioned in a predetermined pattern. Once the bakery products are positioned on the turntable in the predetermined pattern, an air assist is applied to the vacuum turntable while the bakery products are unloaded therefrom. The air assist eliminates contact between the wrappers of the wrapped bakery product and the upper surface of the turntable thereby eliminating disorientation of the bakery products within the wrappers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Stewart Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Rinks, John M. Lucido
  • Patent number: 7409968
    Abstract: A faucet with a water outlet controlled by a central pull stick capable of being installed easily comprises a valve body consisting of a main body and a head portion connected together by screw threads. The valve body further comprises a main body and a head portion connected to the main body by a screwing mechanism. A stopper on the main body and a retaining part on the head portion are coupled together upon the screwing so that the retaining part will be fixed on an attached object after the valve body penetrated through the object. Thereby, idle rotation between the head portion and the main body can be prevented. Further, the valve body can be locked onto the attached object by screws applied through the upper surface of the object, facilitating quick installation of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Tsai-Chen Yang
  • Patent number: 7409969
    Abstract: Structure, for sealing, from the outside, a liquid-leaking puncture wound in the wall of a liquid container. This structure includes a patch body having a perimetered cavity selectively securable via a self-torque-limiting bolt to the outside of such a container in a manner whereby the cavity overlies and faces the wound, with the cavity's perimeter surrounding the wound, and a patch pellet contained and confined in the cavity, and formed, at least in part, of a liquid-reaction substance which, with the patch body secured to the container, reacts to contact with liquid leaking from the container at least by imbibing such liquid and swelling to apply wound-sealing pressure, and more preferably by additionally reacting with leakage liquid to form a sticky coagulant mass for aiding in applying sealing pressure to the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventors: Russell Allen Monk, Thomas Stegen Ohnstad, James Jackson Milham Henry
  • Patent number: 7409970
    Abstract: All-woven inflatable fabrics having areas of two layers and attachment points or “seams” where single layers of fabric are formed. Such single fabric layers may be constructed solely through the utilization of basket weave patterns. These specific single fabric layers provide a relatively effective manner of reducing air permeability within the entire fabric article by decreasing the possibility of yarn shifting upon inflation of the inflatable fabric. Alternatively, the presence of at least a second single fabric layer area adjacent to the first and separated by and narrow double fabric layer area can further reduce the possibility of yarn shifting in the first single fabric layer area. Such a fabric may be utilized in numerous and various applications wherein fabric inflation is desired or necessary. In particular, the inventive fabric may be incorporated within an airbag cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: John A. Sollars, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7409971
    Abstract: In a machine (1) for filling containers with fluid products, different fluid substances are directed by means of a rotary valve assembly (19) into a tank (7) furnished with separate compartments (12, 13, 14, 15), isolated one from another and equipped each with at least one filler valve (8) by which a given quantity of one of the fluid substances is dispensed from the tank (7) into each container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A S.p.A.
    Inventors: Davide Bonatti, Enrico Galimberti, Stefano Cavallari
  • Patent number: 7409972
    Abstract: A knife assembly for a chipper, which is intended to be installed in the knife frame includes a counter knife, a reversible knife including two cutting bevel edges, and a clamp. In addition, the knife assembly includes securing devices for securing the clamp and at least one locking piece running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reversible knife to prevent lateral movement of the reversible knife relative to the counter knife. The reversible knife, the counter knife, and the locking piece are arranged in such a way that the position of the reversible knife relative to the knife frame can be set as desired. The locking piece is also arranged to form a fixed part of the reversible knife or the counter knife, and the counter knife is fitted to the knife frame using shape-locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Rummakko Oy
    Inventor: Pauli Haapasalo
  • Patent number: 7409973
    Abstract: A router table assembly including a plate with router mounting clamps, a plate leveling system for securing and positioning the plate in the router table and a plate lift assembly. Components of this system are usable separately. Use of these components together provides a particularly easy to use, highly functional router table apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools Ltd.
    Inventor: Brent K. Hyde
  • Patent number: 7409974
    Abstract: A self-supporting pneumatic tire, capable of continued operation during under-inflation conditions, has at least one insert located in each tire sidewall. Forming the interior surface of the self-supporting tire is a stiffening layer of material having characteristics similar to that of the insert. In the tread region of the tire, and radially inward of the innermost carcass layer, and possibly in the interior bead region of the tire, is a partial inner liner layer of the bromobutyl rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Laurent Luigi Domenico Colantonio, Anne Thérèse Peronnet-Paquin, Filomeno Gennaro Corvasce, Alain Emile Francois Roesgen, Frank Philpott
  • Patent number: 7409975
    Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing the light reflective properties of a sidewall of a pneumatic tire. The tire may include a pair of sidewalls radially extending from a central axis of rotation of the tire. The sidewalls may include an inner diameter and an outer diameter defining an external surface. At least one of the sidewalls may include an annular band formed on the external surface of the sidewall. The annular band may include a pair of spaced apart band edge surfaces, each including a first edge and a sinusoidal second edge that may help to reduce sidewall undulations and enhance the reflective properties of the sidewall, so that indicia formed on the annular band may be legible to a viewer. Additionally, the sidewalls may also include any type of indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC
    Inventor: Bill J. Wallet
  • Patent number: 7409976
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a product comprising a support having a long-acting adhesive and a protective tape disposed thereon, so that said adhesive can be used at a later time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Valco Cincinnati, Inc.
    Inventors: Simone Chevalier, legal representative, Gilbert Eugène Veniard, Patrick André Martial Chevalier, Pierre André´ Marc Chevalier
  • Patent number: 7409977
    Abstract: A method of labeling of a container including a medication includes, in at least one embodiment, reducing the size of the label using a label apparatus and reducing the label size using the label apparatus, applying a surface securing adhesive to at least one surface securing section of the label using an adhesive application apparatus, and attaching the at least one surface securing section of the label to the container with the securing adhesive. The method also includes applying a label securing adhesive to the label to maintain the label in the reduced orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Wayne Rice, James G. McErlean, E. Christian Hess, Andrew P. Booler, Allen Petten, P. Thomas Shupert, Michael Joseph Szesko, Orlando Vidal, Mark A. Detri
  • Patent number: 7409978
    Abstract: A dispenser with a cover whose overall size can be kept compact and which is provided with a cover to protect the applicator tip when not in use is to be provided. The dispenser with a cover is provided with a body, an applicator tip protruding through a tip aperture in the forward part of the body, and a cover for protecting the applicator tip when not in use. The cover is fitted to be rotatable around an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the body, and can turn between a position in which it overlaps at least part of the body from outside and surrounds the applicator tip and another position in which it extends backward from the body in a direction away from the aperture at the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Kotobuki & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kojiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7409979
    Abstract: An attaching apparatus (10) includes a guiding bracket (30), a pivot bracket (40), and a sliding bracket (50). The guiding bracket includes a supporting plate (312), and a first table (32) defining a first space (322). The pivot bracket includes a pivot device having a connecting plate (42) and a pivoting plate, the pivoting plate is pivotably connected to the connecting plate. The sliding bracket slidably engages with the guiding bracket. The first table is movably positioned on the supporting plate. The first table under the first space defines one or more suction holes. The pivoting plate includes a second table (430), and two locators (440, 450) movably positioned on the second table. The second table defines one or more suction holes (434). The attaching apparatus can be readily adjusted to attach LCD panels and polarizers of various different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignees: Innocom Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Innolux Display Corp.
    Inventors: Chung-Sung Huang, Xu Lu
  • Patent number: 7409980
    Abstract: A rolling shutter assembly is formed of a plurality of shutter slats which are designed to fit snuggly against each other when in a rolled up state so as to substantially reduce the diameter of the rolled up shutter assembly. This reduction of the diameter of the shutter assembly permits the use of a smaller housing for the shutter assembly. The smaller housing increases the aesthetic appeal of the assembly and decreases the material required for the assembly housing and thus the cost of the shutter assembly. The rolling shutter assembly includes a shutter support member, a shutter coupled to the support member and a plurality of tracks the guide the shutter while it is being raised or lowered. The shutter slats include a hinge connection along each edge portion of the slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Heissenberg
  • Patent number: 7409981
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shutter device intended to close an opening, the shutter (1) being able to be moved downwards and upwards between an open position and a closed position, this shutter (1) having flexible or articulated roughly continuous lateral edges (8, 9) running with respect to guideways (10, 11) mounted on fixed supports (12) on each side of the opening, means being provided to allow a passage to be created between the guideways (10, 11) that is wider than the distance between the lateral edges (8, 9) of the shutter (1) when the latter is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Dynaco International S.A.
    Inventor: Benoit Coenraets
  • Patent number: 7409982
    Abstract: A mold assembly device for use in sand casting of engine cylinder blocks is disclosed, the mold assembly device includes a magnet for securing a cast-in-place cylinder bore liner during assembly of a mold package, wherein the magnet militates against undesirable movement of the bore liner during assembly of the mold package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Newcomb
  • Patent number: 7409983
    Abstract: A heat dissipating apparatus (10) includes a plurality of fins (20) stacked together along a predetermined direction, and a plurality of projection members (23) extending from each fin. Each of the fins includes a main body (22). The main bodies of two adjacent fins define an air passage (29) therebetween. The projection members of a first fin abut against the main body of a second fin, for dividing the air passage into a plurality of small air channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxcomm Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tong-Hua Lin
  • Patent number: 7409984
    Abstract: When a switching signal to switch the mode to the defroster mode is generated and the target air volume is smaller than a predetermined air volume ?, the target air volume is automatically increased to the predetermined air volume ?. In doing so, an increase starting point of time of increasing the target air volume is determined according to the blowout mode immediately before a switch signal to switch the mode to the defroster mode is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Samukawa
  • Patent number: 7409985
    Abstract: A motor vehicle air conditioning system including a Coanda effect air distributor device and mixing means which allow to vary the temperature of the air available to the different outlet conduits of the distributor device for the same setting of the means for regulating the temperature of the system. In this way, for a same setting of the temperature regulating means, the air conveyed to the outlets situated at the base of the windshield is at a higher temperature than the air conveyed to the other outlets and in particular to those adjacent to the floor of the motor vehicle passenger compartment. Preferably, a third, still lower temperature level is available to the outlets situated in the front part of the dashboard of the motor vehicle in the direction of the motor vehicle occupants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: CRF Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Biasiotto, Andrea Perosino, Francesco Butera
  • Patent number: 7409986
    Abstract: A method for controlling flow rates of outdoor air supplied to a room and room air discharged to an outside of the room in ventilation. The method of the present invention includes the steps of supplying outdoor air drawn through an air supply duct to a room at a first flow rate, and discharging room air drawn through an air discharge duct to an outside of the room at a second flow rate higher than the first flow rate. The first and second flow rates vary with rotation speeds of fans respectively mounted on an air supply duct and an air discharge duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Gi Seop Lee, Kwan Ho Yum, Kyung Hwan Kim, Jeong Yong Kim, Ho Seon Choi
  • Patent number: 7409987
    Abstract: A device for connection of a wireline (2) provided with a conductor (10), the wireline (2) being intended particularly for a wireline tool (4), wherein the wireline is provided with a wireline connector (6) in which each wireline strand layer (12, 14) is biased and clamped between an inner sleeve (16, 26) and an outer sleeve (18, 28), and wherein the tensile load of the wireline (2) is transmitted to a fastening element (38) via the outer sleeves (18, 28), the wireline connector (6) being connected to the wireline tool (4) by means of a releasable disconnection device (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Smedvig Offshore AS
    Inventor: Ole Gunnar Fjelde
  • Patent number: 7409988
    Abstract: A packing element for a blowout preventer includes an annular flexible non-metallic composite body disposed about a longitudinal axis that is adapted to be compressively displaced inwardly towards the axis. A plurality of non-metallic composite inserts are embedded in the body in generally circular fashion spaced apart in respective radial planes extending form the axis for reinforcing the body. Each of the inserts includes upper and lower flanges, and a web element extending between the flanges. The web element includes trailing and leading edges, each having outer arcuate surface that are substantially semicircular in cross-section for distributing the loads applied to a bond line between the insert and the flexible non-metallic composite body during the operation of the packing element. A central rib extends between the leading and trailing edges. The replacement of metal inserts with non-metallic composite inserts eliminates sparks and scoring of string, which leads to explosions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventors: Kelly Borden, Quinn Holtby
  • Patent number: 7409989
    Abstract: A well jet device comprises a packer on a tubing string, a jet pump nozzle and mixing chamber and stepped through channel and sealing unit with an axial channel and mountable in said stepped channel. A flexible tube with logging device for measuring on the lower end thereof is passed through the axial channel, movable with respect thereto. Packer releasing is carried out on attaining a specified depth. The logging device is run into the well in production formation areas via said flexible tube. During downwards running, a sealing unit is mounted in the through channel and background values of physical parameters are recorded. Afterwards, fluid working medium is supplied to the jet pump nozzle, forming a series of different-value depressions in the under-packer space. Well flow rate and physical parameters are measured. The device is raised and tubing string, jet pump and released packer are extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Zinoviy Dmitrievich Khomynets
  • Patent number: 7409990
    Abstract: A two part encapsulated cementing system is mixed downhole in a method of plugging an abandoned well. Using this two part system, one of the components is first placed in the well at the desired plugging depth. Next, the other component is placed in the well above the first placed component. Densities of the components have been selected such that the density of the second placed component is sufficiently higher then the density of the first placed component to facilitate gravity mixing of the two components as the second placed component moves through the first placed component and in the process activation occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventors: Boyce D Burts, Jr., Boyce Donald Burts, III, Freddie L. Sabins, Larry Waters
  • Patent number: 7409991
    Abstract: Improved casing strings, and methods of using improved casing strings in subterranean cementing operations, are provided. An example of an apparatus is a pipe string comprising at least one pipe section and a delivery system of an activator. Another example of an apparatus is a pipe string comprising at least one pipe section and a delivery system of a set retarder. An example of a method is a method of cementing in a subterranean formation. Other examples of methods are methods of cementing in a subterranean formation comprising a well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Anthony M. Badalamenti, Simon Turton, Karl W. Blanchard, Ronald R. Faul, Michael G Crowder, Henry E. Rogers, James E. Griffith
  • Patent number: 7409992
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in perforating a well having a plurality of explosive charges. Each explosive charge is adapted to generate a perforation tunnel in the formation adjacent to the well. In one embodiment, explosive charges are oriented to create perforation tunnels that converge at a location within the formation in order to create a fracture initiation plane capable of mitigating or avoiding hydraulic fracturing complications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Vadim Akhmadikin, Wenbo Yang, Brenden M. Grove
  • Patent number: 7409993
    Abstract: A weight spacer apparatus has a carrier which is tubular in shape and a spacer tube which is also tubular in shape for insertion into the carrier. The weight spacer apparatus also has a plurality of weight bars which may be inserted into the spacer tube after the spacer tube is inserted into the carrier and which are also removable from the spacer tube. In one embodiment, a weight tray is inserted into the spacer tube for receiving the weight bars, and the weight tray may be fabricated from half-round tubing with a welded plate to cover the diametric opening. In another embodiment, a center plate is attached inside the spacer tube along the length of the spacer tube to divide the spacer tube into first and second compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chenghua Han, Bennie Gill, Mark C. Duhon, Robert Ferrence, Jerry D. Campbell, Jr., Ronald Lutz
  • Patent number: 7409994
    Abstract: An additive that increases the density of fluids used in a wellbore during the construction or repair of oil, gas, injection, water, or geothermal wells comprises In one illustrative embodiment the additive comprises a weighting agent, and more preferably an ultra-fine weighting agent. Another embodiment includes a wellbore fluid containing an ultra-fine weighting agent that has an increased density with improved suspension stability without a significant viscosity increase. The wellbore fluid as described herein has rheological properties comparable to a conventional wellbore fluid. An illustrative embodiment of the claimed subject matter is further directed to a method for making the ultra-fine weighting agent and a method for using such ultra-fine weighting agent in a wellbore fluid. In one preferred embodiment the additive has a particle diameter between 4 ?m to 15 ?m. In another preferred embodiment, the additive has a D50 of approximately 3 ?m (1 ?m to 6 ?m).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jarrod Massam, Neale Browne, Mukesh Kapila
  • Patent number: 7409995
    Abstract: An apparatus for washing undesirable matter off of the exterior of tubular conduits forming a conduit string during trip out of the conduit string within a subterranean well. The tubular conduits may be drill or workover pipe, or the like. A cylindrical housing has first and second opposite ends. A removable elastomeric seal means is provided across each of the first and second ends. The seal means is selectively secured relative to the housing. Each seal means defines an open passageway therethrough and which is centrally positioned there across. The open passageway through each seal means is sized for introduction, of the tubular conduits into and out of the cylindrical housing and the seal means. A circumferentially extending lip area of each seal means faces toward the respective passageways for snug, wiping contact around the exterior of the tubular conduits during movements of the conduit string into and out of the cylindrical housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Jon-Paul C. Moynahan