Patents Issued in November 12, 2009
  • Publication number: 20090277429
    Abstract: A system, kit, and service method for exhaust gas recirculation cooling are described. In one example, a removable cooling system for an engine, the engine in a vehicle car body, the system comprising: a removable package including a first exhaust gas recirculation cooler, a second exhaust gas recirculation cooler, and a third exhaust gas recirculation cooler, the first, second, and third coolers coupled together in series, where the removable package is located at a top of the vehicle car body and where the removable package is removably coupled to the vehicle as a unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Marsh, Mahesh Chand Aggarwal
  • Publication number: 20090277430
    Abstract: A system for reducing the temperature of waste heat from a waste heat source of a vehicle engine, including an open loop Brayton cycle having a cooler, a compressor, a turbine, and a shaft coupling the compressor to the turbine. Waste heat and compressed air from the compressor flow through the cooler, thereby transferring heat from the waste heat to the compressed air and lowering the temperature of the waste heat. The heated and compressed air is expanded across the turbine, to cause rotation of the shaft, thereby powering rotation of the compressor. Excess power beyond that necessary to drive the compressor may be drawn off through a generator which has its rotor mounted on the same shaft as the compressor and turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ernst, Christopher R. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20090277431
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a high-pressure exhaust-gas recirculation line and a low-pressure exhaust-gas recirculation line with a low-pressure exhaust-gas recirculation valve. The low-pressure exhaust-gas recirculation line branches off from the exhaust-gas system downstream of a turbine of an exhaust-gas turbocharger and opens into a fresh-air system upstream of a compressor of the exhaust-gas turbocharger. An exhaust-gas flap is disposed in the exhaust-gas system downstream from where the low-pressure exhaust-gas recirculation line branches off from the exhaust-gas system. At least one pressure sensor is disposed in the low-pressure exhaust-gas recirculation line and configured such that the at least one pressure sensor determines a pressure difference in the low-pressure exhaust-gas recirculation line between a point upstream of the low-pressure exhaust-gas recirculation valve and a point downstream of the low-pressure exhaust-gas recirculation valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Nitzke, Jorg Larink, Jens Jeschke, Thomas Lang, Jurgen Wendt, Achim Freitag, Jorn Muller, Axel Groenendijk, Lothar Nee, Uwe Scher, Werner Aberle, Dieter Mannigel
  • Publication number: 20090277432
    Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, the fuel injection system including a plurality of injectors, wherein each of the injectors is adapted to inject at least one of an alternative fuel and a fossil fuel over a full range of operating conditions of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: David Ling-Shun Hung, Guoming George Zhu
  • Publication number: 20090277433
    Abstract: An ignition-engine system for internal combustion engines having two-valves [46, 47] in the cylinder head and an Optimized Coil [9] per plug [20], the optimized coil being a small coil of peak primary current Ip of approximately 20 amps, spark current Is of approximately 350 ma, spark energy Ep is about 160 mJ, a secondary turns Ns to primary turns Np ratio, where Nt=Ns/Np, is approximately 50, and a primary turns Np is approximately 90, and two biasing magnets at the open end of the coil of an open-E coil which are optimized and disclosed to produce the highest ignition coil energy density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Michael A.V. Ward
  • Publication number: 20090277434
    Abstract: An engine system and a method of operation are described. As one example, the method may include: during a first operating condition, operating a cylinder of the engine in a two stroke cycle to combust a first mixture of air and fuel, and adjusting an opening overlap between an intake poppet valve and an exhaust poppet valve of the cylinder to vary a composition of exhaust gases exhausted by the cylinder via the exhaust poppet valve; and during a second operating condition, operating a cylinder of the engine in a four stroke cycle to combust a second mixture of air and fuel, and adjusting a relative amount of fuel contained in the second mixture of air and fuel to vary the composition of exhaust gases exhausted by the cylinder via the exhaust poppet valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Publication number: 20090277435
    Abstract: A crossbow having a bowstring cocking winch apparatus, a cocking winch apparatus usable with a crossbow, and a method of operating the apparatus are described. The cocking winch apparatus includes a projecting alignment member having a non-round cross-sectional shape, where the alignment member is removably securable to a butt portion of a crossbow stock by inserting the alignment member into a correspondingly-shaped hole formed in the stock. The cocking winch apparatus provides a straight and balanced draw to the crossbow bowstring, enabling a user to easily cock the bowstring by rotating a handle to draw the bowstring back, and to place it in cocked position in the crossbow trigger mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: EASTMAN OUTDOORS INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Pestrue
  • Publication number: 20090277436
    Abstract: A continuous firing type trigger structure of a toy gun (air soft gun/BB-gun) includes a valve body disposed behind the output port of a magazine clip in air communication with the gas outlet of a high-pressure gas can, an enclosed socket connected to the rear side of the valve body, a valve tube inserted through the valve body, a spring that pushes the valve tube forwards to keep the air inlet of the valve tube not in communication with the inside space of the valve body, and a piston inserted into the enclosed socket and fixedly connected to a sliding shell on the outside of the toy gun such that the valve tube is moved with the piston forwards (or backwards) to let a high pressure gas be discharged out of the high-pressure gas can into the valve tube to drive an airsoft gun out of the toy gun and to force the piston and the sliding shell backwards after triggering of the trigger of the toy gun, for enabling the piston and the sliding shell to be immediately returned by a return spring for a next firing ope
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Wilson Wei
  • Publication number: 20090277437
    Abstract: A charcoal igniting device includes an envelope, a frusto-conical conduit, and a base. The envelope has an envelope height and an envelope width, the envelope height is greater than the envelope width. The envelope sidewall defines a series of holes. The envelope has an upper envelope rim and a lower envelope rim. The frusto-conical conduit is disposed concentrically within the envelope. The conduit has a conduit sidewall impregnated with wax, an upper conduit rim, an ignition element disposed upon the upper conduit rim, and a lower conduit rim. The base defines a series of holes disposed through the base. The base has an outer base perimeter mated to the lower envelope rim and an inner base perimeter mated to the lower conduit rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: David B. FISCHER
  • Publication number: 20090277438
    Abstract: A charcoal igniting device includes an envelope, a chimney, and a base. The envelope has an envelope height and an envelope width, the envelope height is greater than the envelope width. The envelope sidewall defines a series of holes. The envelope has an upper envelope rim and a lower envelope rim. The chimney is disposed co-axially within the envelope. The chimney has a sidewall impregnated with wax, an upper chimney rim, an ignition element disposed upon the upper chimney rim, and a lower chimney rim. The base defines a series of holes disposed through the base. The base has an outer base perimeter mated to the lower envelope rim and an inner base perimeter mated to the lower chimney rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: David B. Fischer, Peter R. Apostoluk, James E. Lallathin
  • Publication number: 20090277439
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking top (1), in particular adapted to be used in a household environment, comprising at least one gas burner (40) which can be used with at least one fuel gas. The cooking top also comprises flame divider means (9) associated with the gas burner (40) and comprising at least one semi-permeable element (90), which is permeable to gaseous substances and substantially impermeable to liquid substances. The semi-permeable element (90) may be a micro-perforated sheet, a fibrous membrane, or a porous membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Indesit Company S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Gasparini, Silvio Corrias, Luisa D'Alessandro, Paolo Santonicola
  • Publication number: 20090277440
    Abstract: A two-axis solar tracker apparatus is disclosed having multiple dish-shaped monolithic reflectors for concentrating sunlight. The dish-shaped monolithic reflectors are co-axially aligned in an array supported by a moveable frame. The moveable frame forms the elevation structure of a two-axis tracker that has control means for following the movement of the sun across the sky. Each dish-shaped monolithic reflector produces a region of concentrated sunlight suitable for generation of solar energy. A generator is positioned at the focus of each reflector. A preferred generator uses photovoltaic cells to generate electricity at a high output power due to the high solar power input that is directed to the generator by the dish-shaped monolithic reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
    Inventors: Roger P. Angel, Warren B. Davison
  • Publication number: 20090277441
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for solar energy powered gas processing. There is disclosed a processor assembly for use in heating a process or feed gas by means of a convective heat exchanger which receives solar energy from a focused solar energy collector. A specialized heat exchanger is described, which maximizes the area upon which solar energy can radiate, as well as the available area for heat transfer to the flowing gas. Various modes for operating the processor assembly are described. The apparatus and method may be utilized to heat a gas to drive a heat engine. The apparatus and method also may be used to heat feed gasses to drive a gas processing reaction, such as for steam methane reformation or a reverse water-gas shift reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Reed Jensen
  • Publication number: 20090277442
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for solar energy powered gas processing. There is disclosed a processor assembly for use in heating a process or feed gas by means of a convective heat exchanger which receives solar energy from a focused solar energy collector. A specialized heat exchanger is described, which includes a conical envelope into which a metal tube is spirally wound, such that the tube is coiled into a conical spiral corresponding generally to the envelope. A reflective beam spreader is situated near the vertex of the envelope cone to re-direct incident solar radiation toward the exchanger tube. The apparatus thus has a cavity into which solar energy is focused to be incident upon the exchanger tube to superheat a gas or gas mixture flowing through the tube. The heated gas can be used in various gas reaction processes, such as steam methane reformation, a reverse water-gas shift reaction, or to drive a heat engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Reed Jensen
  • Publication number: 20090277443
    Abstract: A continuous moving bed solar steam generation and storage system is provided to generate steam for production processes after loss or reduction of received solar energy. The system includes a receiver 10 that receives a flowing stream of particulate material 30 that absorbs solar radiant energy 15 as it passes through beams of the energy 15 received from collectors 14. The heated stream of material 30 passes into a first chamber 40 to heat a tube bundle 42 therein. Heat from the particulate material 30 is transferred to the bundle 42, evaporating the water to generate, reheat (RH) and/or superheat (SH) steam 46. The cooled material 30 passes to a second chamber 60. The material 30 is drained from the second chamber 60 and carried to a cyclone 80 in the receiver 10. The material 30 drains from the cyclone 80 to complete the flow cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Glen D. Jukkola, Mark Palkes, Bard C. Teigen
  • Publication number: 20090277444
    Abstract: In one aspect, a self-powered pump for heated liquid is provided. The pump includes an airtight container for containing the heated liquid. A heated liquid inlet pipe extends upwardly into the container such that its end is within the container. A heated liquid outlet is lower than the end of the inlet pipe. A breathing pipe extends upwardly into the container such that its end is within the container and is higher than both of the outlet and the end of the inlet pipe but lower than an interior side of the container top. An opposite end of the breathing pipe is outside the container, lower than the container base, and is received by an open container such that the opposite end can become submerged in heated liquid accumulated within the open container during pump operation. A fluid or liquid heating system incorporating the self-powered pump may operate without external power for the pump. In another aspect, a fluid heating and storage tank is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Huazi Lin
  • Publication number: 20090277445
    Abstract: A system for improving the air quality in a pressure cabin of an aircraft comprises a recirculation air circuit by means of which a portion of the cabin air, referred to as recirculation air, is withdrawn from the pressure cabin, filtered and then recirculated into the pressure cabin. To increase the oxygen partial pressure of the air fed back into the pressure cabin, the quantity of recirculation air is passed wholly or partially through a nitrogen generator (52) which generates nitrogen and an oxygen-containing waste gas from the recirculation air supplied. The oxygen-containing waste gas of the nitrogen generator (52), together with any remaining quantity of recirculation air untreated by the nitrogen generator (52), is recirculated into the pressure cabin. The nitrogen generator (52), to which only recirculation air is supplied, utilises a pressure gradient existing in flight between the pressure cabin and the outside of the aircraft for nitrogen generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: AIRBUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Markwart
  • Publication number: 20090277446
    Abstract: Disclosed is an inhaler, especially a powder inhaler, for administering a medicament in the form of inhalable substances, substance formulations, or substance mixtures. Said inhaler comprises a housing that is provided with a chamber (4) for accommodating the substances. The chamber (4) is replaceably disposed inside the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Walz
  • Publication number: 20090277447
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation which comprises: 1) interfacing an airway system with a patient's airway, wherein the airway system includes at least a first lumen and a second lumen; 2) repeatedly performing CPR chest compressions on the patient; and simultaneously with the CPR chest compressions; 3) applying a continuous vacuum to the first lumen for a period of time ranging from 10 seconds to the end of the CPR chest compressions; and 4) injecting an effective volume of oxygen gas into the person's lungs at high velocity through the second lumen. In other embodiments, the invention provides a cardiopulmonary resuscitation system for use during the performance of CPR chest compressions on a patient, a novel locking supraglottic airway device, and a valve device for applying vacuum to a patient's airway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Advanced Circulatory Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Voss, Keith G. Lurie, Michael Makaretz, Anja Metzger
  • Publication number: 20090277448
    Abstract: A breathing apparatus for ventilating the lungs of a patient with breathing gas, has: a breathing circuit configuration; a mechanical ventilation system; a manual ventilation system provided with a manual ventilation bag; a manual ventilation valve for enabling manual ventilation of breathing gas from the breathing circuit; a pressure sensor devised to detect the pressure level in the breathing circuit; an electronically controlled expiration valve (40) that in a mechanical ventilation mode is controlled to control the pressure level in the breathing circuit according to a first set of predetermined control rules adapted to mechanical ventilation mode requirements; said electronically controlled expiration valve in a manual ventilation mode being coupled to enable ventilation of breathing gas from the breathing circuit by means of the manual ventilation system according to a second set of predetermined control rules adapted to manual ventilation mode requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Christer Ahlmén, Pär Emtell, Petter Videbrink, Kin-Chun Wong, Mikael Kock
  • Publication number: 20090277449
    Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory gas supply circuit (1) for an aircraft carrying passengers and crewmembers (30), comprising a source of breathable gas (R1, R2), at least one supply line (2) connected to said pressurized source, a regulating device (12) provided on said supply line for controlling the supply of breathable gas, a mixing device (9) provided on said supply line, said mixing device further comprising an ambient air inlet (10) for mixing said ambient air with said breathable gas to provide to at least one passenger or crewmember a respiratory gas corresponding to a mixture of said breathable gas and ambient air, wherein said regulating device is driven by a control signal (FIO2R) function at least of the breathable gas content (FIO2) in said respiratory gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Nicolas NMI Bloch, Severine NMI Aubonnet
  • Publication number: 20090277450
    Abstract: The present invention comprises nontoxic, environmentally friendly triclosan-containing antimicrobial filters composed of two layers, a filtering layer and a backing layer used to trap any triclosan released from the filtering layer. The filter media can be used in various applications including filter closures for facemasks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Triosyn Holding Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre J. Messier, David Ohayon
  • Publication number: 20090277451
    Abstract: A facial mask for filtering ambient air is formed from a pre-form of a multilayer flexible flat filter member with solid plastic side ribs of a size to extend the filter member over the mouth and nostrils of the user. The flat pre-form filter member can have a trapezoidal perimeter with an endless band of a hypoallergenic adhesive tape encircling a perimeter opening of the filter member and operable for sealing with the user's skin to prevent leakage over extended use. Portions of the adhesive tape can self-seal to form a structural base for maintaining a central concavity by cantilevering the side ribs to ensure a large filtration area offset from the nostrils and mouth of the user. The flexible filter material can further include an activated carbon layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Stanley Weinberg
  • Publication number: 20090277452
    Abstract: A mask system for use between a patient and a device to deliver a breathable gas to the patient includes a mouth cushion, a pair of nasal prongs, an elbow, and a headgear assembly. The mouth cushion is structured to sealingly engage around an exterior of a patient's mouth in use, and the pair of nasal prongs are structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use. The elbow delivers breathable gas to the patient. The headgear assembly maintains the mouth cushion and the nasal prongs in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear assembly provides a substantially round crown strap that cups the parietal bone and occipital bone of the patient's head in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Steven John Lubke, Gregory Scott Smart, Rupert Christian Scheiner, Alison Oldenburg, James William Charles Vandyke, Chritopher Scott Skipper, Michael John Reid, Timothy Shawn Nelson, Philip Rodney Kwok, Karthikeyan Selvarajan
  • Publication number: 20090277453
    Abstract: A forehead-contacting device for a breathing mask includes a support element made from an elastomer material. The support element forms a support face which in an application position is adapted to seat on a forehead area of a user. The support element includes a jacket that defines a hollow chamber adapted to be filled with a viscous medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: MAP MEDIZIN-TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
    Inventors: Johann S. Burz, Achim Biener, Bernd Lang
  • Publication number: 20090277454
    Abstract: A gas supply system is disclosed. The gas supply system includes a housing, a spool, a gas tube, at least one opening, a retract mechanism and a holding member. The spool is configured within the housing. The gas tube is retractably wound on the spool and includes a first end portion and a second end portion capable of being connected to a gas supply and a nasal cannula respectively. The at least one opening is configured on the housing for enabling at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion of the gas tube to extend out of the housing. The retract mechanism is configured in the housing and is capable of retracting a portion of the gas tube extended out of the housing. The holding member extends from the housing and enables the gas supply system to be removably mounted on a supporting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Tom Davis, Nancy Davis
  • Publication number: 20090277455
    Abstract: The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of compositions for occluding or of means for opening conduits. The implantable occlusive material may be delivered pre-formed or in situ cured and, may be a resorbable material that supports tissue ingrowth that eventually replaces the material leaving little or no original material in place. The delivery system is positioned to allow for placement of the occlusive material into the body conduit. Use of delivery systems, methods and devices for re-opening an occluded body conduit are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: FEMASYS INC.
    Inventors: Kathy Lee-Sepsick, Lani L.L. Paxton, Jeffrey A. Marcus, Stephen N. Williams
  • Publication number: 20090277456
    Abstract: Vaginal splints and methods for their use for treating various pelvic floor conditions are provided. One embodiment of the vaginal splint includes a base portion having a configuration defined by first and second sides, a first connecting portion at a proximal side of the base portion and extending between a first end of each of the first and second sides, and a second connecting portion at a distal side of the base portion and extending between a second end of each of the first and second sides. The splint further includes an adjustable portion coupled to the base portion and positioned substantially adjacent to and distal of the second connecting portion of the base portion. The adjustable portion is removable by a user to thereby change the size of the splint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Aida Astani, Burkhard Peters
  • Publication number: 20090277457
    Abstract: An energy delivery probe is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can apply energy to tissue, such as a duct, to shrink, damage, or occlude the duct. In some embodiments, the energy can be applied with a vapor media. In some embodiments, the duct can be a ductus deferens or an ejaculatory duct of the male reproductive system. Another feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can utilize an inflatable member to form a seal to contain the vapor media. Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Hoey, John H. Shadduck
  • Publication number: 20090277458
    Abstract: A condom configurable by a user to cover either an entire penis, just the glans penis, or the glans penis and a part of the penis' shaft. When used during fellatio, the condom preferably covers just the glans penis and thereby enables a maximum of tactile sensation. To achieve a reduced length state, the condom includes a circumferentially-extending weakened area that facilitates the separation and removal of an elongated body part of the condom from a hemispherically-shaped cap part of the condom. The cap part includes a multi-layered band of adhesive that enables its securement to the penis. An expandable backing strip may be employed to cover the band of adhesive prior to the condom's use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel J. McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20090277459
    Abstract: The present invention deals with a nasal device which is useful for prevention of snoring wherein the present device works on keeping the nares normally open mechanically, by abducting the nasal vestibule (upper & anterior portion of the lateral wall of the nose which is covered by skin), forward and laterally, which makes air to flow in and out adequately, a stainless steel Skelton having one continuous stainless steel wire of unique design (as apparent in FIG. 3), configured with the spring (1) having two prominent side knobs (2) and two resilient acute angles (6) to permit the abduction arms (4) and plates (7) to be worn (or inserted) inside the nose, wherein the said arms consisting of abduction plates (7) at its free end. Its base resting on the columellae outside the nose which is in continuity with the abduction arms by the said base arms (3), and the whole said device is coated with a thin layer of latex sponge or silicon to make it comfortable during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Jordan Innovation Center for Engineers and Industrial Enterprises Royal Scientific Society
    Inventor: Nasri Hasan Moh'd Al-Zeir
  • Publication number: 20090277460
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operating drape formed by an impermeable web that has a window (3) for access to the operating site, characterized in that the web consists of two impermeable sheets (10,20) held together, one along the extension of the other, in a sealed manner by an adhesive that allows the sheets to be separated by peeling and in that the window (3) is shared between the two sheets. The invention applies in particular to operating drapes used in surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: VYGON
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Carrez, Valery Dalle, Xavier Hocq, Patrick Lestoquoy
  • Publication number: 20090277461
    Abstract: An oral appliance with opposite channels for receiving the upper and lower dental arches is made from an edible material, in particular a gel. The appliance is integrally molded with protrusions that act as brush bristles to clean the teeth and stimulate the gums when manipulated in a chewing motion. The gel composition is water soluble and degrades in saliva. After chewing on the appliance for a time to clean the teeth, the product becomes masticated, broken up and ingested. The appliance can incorporate a breath freshener or an active dental composition, or can be flavored or can incorporate a food supplement or pharmaceutical, in which case the appliance is intended to be chewed up and eaten after serving its tooth cleaning function. Dentifrice reservoirs, air passageways and lateral braces for manipulation by the tongue can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: John H. Gallagher, JR., Roman Bielski
  • Publication number: 20090277462
    Abstract: An earplug system 10a, 10b that includes a foam earplug 12a, 12b and a deformable sheath 14 that individually surrounds at least the body 16 of the foam earplug 12a, 12b in a noncompressed condition. The deformable sheath 14 allows the earplug to be compressed with a person's fingers in the sleeve before being placed within the user's ear. In this manner, the earplug can be inserted into the ear canal without being soiled or otherwise contaminated from a wearer's unclean hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Sharon R. Garber, Michael E. Hamerly, Philip G. Martin, Lance E. Behymer, Mark K. Nestegard, Bernard A. Gonzalez, Daniel D. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20090277463
    Abstract: Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: CONCEPTUS, INC., A California Corporation
    Inventors: Christian Lowe, Don Gurskis, Ashish Khera, Monica Barnhart, Steven Bacich, Betsy Swann, Roberto Silva-Torres
  • Publication number: 20090277464
    Abstract: The present invention is a gravity assisted passive restraint for use during surgery. The restraint comprises two hand-rings attached with a mostly inelastic connection band. The rings may take any shape, though round and “D” rings are preferred, and may feature finger grooves for added comfort and efficacy. The connection band may take any shape desired. Dimensions will be dependent upon desired location of the patient's limbs, either above or below the patient's diaphragm, and the size of the patient. In use, the patient's relaxed hands are positioned to hook into the hand rings while gravity pulls the hands away from each other, thus positioning the hands by using the tension generated in the band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Colleen K. CHAVEZ
  • Publication number: 20090277465
    Abstract: Improved delivery of additive materials to cigarettes is provided through the use of one or more capsules containing additive materials, such as flavor components, in the filter section of a cigarette. The sealed capsule or capsules are subjected to an external force, such as squeezing, by a smoker prior to or during smoking of the cigarette in order to release at least a portion of the additive material from the one or more capsules and expose the additive material to mainstream smoke passing through the filter. The sealed capsules provide a barrier between the additive materials and other cigarettes components, such as sorbents or filter materials, in order to reduce additive material migration into the other cigarette components prior to desired use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Georgios Karles, Martin Garthaffner, Richard Jupe, Diane Kellogg, Ila Skinner, Jose Nepomuceno, John Layman, Constance Morgan, Jay A Fournier
  • Publication number: 20090277466
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of manufacturing a web which is striped with add-on material, comprising: a first slurry supply which forms a sheet of base web and moves the sheet along a first path; a second slurry supply; and a moving orifice applicator operative so as to repetitively discharge the second slurry upon the moving sheet of base web. The moving orifice applicator includes a chamber box arranged to establish a reservoir of the second slurry across the first path, an endless belt having orifice groups, the endless belt received through the chamber box, and a drive arrangement operative upon the endless belt to continuously move the orifices along an endless-path and repetitively through the chamber box. The orifices communicate with the reservoir to discharge the second slurry as bands of add-on material to the base web. Orifices within the orifice groups can be spaced relative to one another to define bands of add-on material having a relative minimum in thickness or to define spaced apart bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Cunningham, Marc W. Rose, Thomas A. Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20090277467
    Abstract: A stretch comb hair retainer has opposed combs (11, 13) connected together by elastic strands (a-h) that are secured at spaced intervals along the spines of the combs. The elastic strands are interwoven to form a elastic mesh (25) of stretchable openings (27, 29) between the combs which hold down the hair. Hair can be pulled through any of the multiple stretchable openings of the mesh if and as desired to create particular hair styles. The individual elastic strands of the elastic mesh can be used without decorative elements on the strands, or with decorative elements such as decorative beads (31, 33) of various sizes and shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Sennits, LLC
    Inventor: Francesca Kuglen
  • Publication number: 20090277468
    Abstract: A deformable fillet is assembled by a plastic strap, an elastic strap, and a plastic sheet. Each of two ends of the elastic strap is placed upon protruding stripes at an inner surface of a recess of the plastic strap and then the plastic sheet covers upon the elastic strap with a protrusion pressing upon the elastic strap. They are adhered by firstly gluing and then by high frequency combination so that they are combined integrally. The elastic strap has a function of clamping an object. The plastic strap presses upon the user's hair and the elastic strap will clamp a cluster of hairs. The plastic strap can be colorful and variety of appearance. It is comfortable to wear and easy to store.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Wei-Cheng HSU
  • Publication number: 20090277469
    Abstract: A hairclip comprises a first clip body and a second clip body; an elastic buckling ring installed to an upper side of each clip body; the upper side of the first clip body being extended with a first force applying end and the upper side of the second clip body having a second force applying end; the first force applying end and second force applying end being connected by a connecting unit to form as a first acting end and a second acting end; the first clip body being formed with a first recess and the second clip body being formed with a second recess; the elastic buckling ring being secured to the first recess and the second recess. When the first acting end and second acting end are released, the first clip body will engage with the second clip body by resilient force of the elastic buckling ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Wei-Cheng HSU
  • Publication number: 20090277470
    Abstract: A portable digital and electronic nail color and design kit for quickly and easily applying various images to artificial nails that are affixed to natural human nails, and then changing the appearance of the artificial nails, includes a compact case with color, design, and picture images stored in a computer graphics program and at least three windows for selecting and displaying the various images and a light pen connected to the compact case for transferring the selected color, design, and picture image to the artificial nails by touching the light pen tip to a designated area on the upper surface of the artificial nail thereby transferring the data for that image temporarily stored in the light pen tip to the artificial nail for representation on an exceptionally high pixel count mini-monitor on the artificial nail with the compact case being battery or solar powered, and capable of accessing and downloading images stored on a computer or from web sites via the Internet, and the compact case also including
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Monique M. Mitchell, Russell L. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20090277471
    Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus includes a supporting plate supporting a substrate and a shielding unit that is disposed above the substrate to protect the substrate. A portion of the shielding unit, which is adjacent to a focal point where light for generating shock waves is focused, is switched. Therefore, the substrate cleaning apparatus prevents the concentration of plumes and residence beams, which are generated together with the shock waves, on a specific region of the shielding unit and further prevents the recontamination of the substrate by the damage of the shielding unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: SEMES CO., LTD
    Inventors: Se-Won Lee, Jae-Jeong Jeong, Jung-Gun Cho
  • Publication number: 20090277472
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods for removing unwanted material from a work piece. More specifically, the invention pertains to stripping photoresist material from, e.g., a semiconductor wafer during semiconductor manufacturing. Methods involve implementing a pedestal for supporting a wafer, which pedestal has a low emissivity surface to reduce heat transfer by radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: NOVELLUS SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Rivkin, Peter Krotov
  • Publication number: 20090277473
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the cleaning the interior surfaces of tubular members are provided. A flexible conduit having a nozzle disposed on an end can be disposed within the bore of a tubular to be cleaned. The nozzle can have an internal 5-15 degree tapered section with a length-to-diameter ratio of greater than about 2:1. The nozzle can have an outer diameter that is about 80% to 99% of the inner diameter of the tubular. A fluid suspension containing air and solid carbon dioxide can be passed through the nozzle, impinging the surrounding inner surface of the surrounding tubular as the nozzle is disposed within the tubular. The solid carbon dioxide and compressed air suspension can have a solids concentration of from about 0.1% to 10.0% solids. The solids delivery rate through the nozzle can range from about 0.5 lbs/minute to about 5 pounds/minute. The flow of the suspension through the nozzle can be controlled using a remote device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Arlie Mitchell Boggs
  • Publication number: 20090277474
    Abstract: A bore cleaner for a tank that literally crawls through the bore of the tank, and in the process of crawling through the bore, cleans the interior walls of the bore with very little user intervention or monitoring. The bore cleaner extends and retracts as it moves through the bore of the tank, and as it extends and retracts, brushes on the present invention rub against the inside of the bore of the tank and remove debris. When the bore cleaner reaches one end of the bore of the tank, slight user intervention is necessary to reverse the direction of the brushes on the bore cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Doug Minnear, Scott Boyd Huffman, Mark Huffman
  • Publication number: 20090277475
    Abstract: A parts washer comprises a cabinet defining a washing chamber and a tank for holding a volume of liquid. A fluid communication path extends between the tank and a discharge valve. During a normal wash cycle, cleaning fluid is drawn from the tank, passes through the communication path, and is returned to a manifold within the washing chamber to clean articles held therein. A separator is in fluid communication with the tank and separates contaminants from the liquid to produce clean liquid that flows back to the tank. A drain system allows draining of the separator to the tank and comprises a drain valve in fluid communication between the separator and a tank. An actuator system is coupled with the discharge valve and the drain valve to open the drain valve allowing the separator to drain to the tank and, opening the discharge valve allowing the tank (and thus the separator) to be purged via the discharge valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Earl Fenton Goddard
  • Publication number: 20090277476
    Abstract: A cleaning device (10) incorporates drive means (14) and cleaning means (20), wherein the drive means (14) are operable to drive the cleaning means (20) across a surface to be cleaned, and wherein the drive means (14) are operable to adopt first and second driving modes, the first driving mode being a travelling mode and the second driving mode being a turning mode, wherein locking means (40, 42) of the drive means (14) allow selection between the first and second driving modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: RECKITT BENCKISER (UK) LIMITED
    Inventors: Geoffrey Robert HAMMOND, Lawrence T. LEVINE, Lamson NGUYEN
  • Publication number: 20090277477
    Abstract: Multitank conveyor-type dishwasher (2) for washing items (10) to be washed, comprising at least two wash zones (6, 8) which are arranged in succession in the conveying direction (4); a liquid forward-flow apparatus (26) between in each case two successive wash zones (6, 8) for transferring liquid between these wash zones (6, 8) in a forward-flow direction (28) counter to the conveying direction (4); characterized in that a liquid recirculation apparatus (60) is provided for transferring sprayed liquid of a front wash zone (8), as seen in the conveying direction (4), into a rear wash zone (6) which is arranged downstream of the front wash zone (8), as seen in the conveying direction (4), counter to the forward-flow direction (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: PREMARK FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dietrich Berner, Klaus Padtberg, Harald Disch
  • Publication number: 20090277478
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a counter top sized outer case; first and second electric motors disposed inside of the case. A positive displacement liquid pump with a pulsating output is operatively connected to said first electric motor and has an input and output port. A positive displacement gas pump with a pulsating output is operatively connected to the second electric motor and has an input and output port. A liquid source is fluidly connected to the input port of the liquid pump. The method further includes connecting a medical line or instrument to be cleaned to the output port of the liquid pump and operating the pump until the line or instrument has been cleaned. The line or instrument is then disconnected and connected to the output line of the gas pump. The gas pump is operated until the line or instrument has been cleared of liquid and then disconnected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Leon C. LaHaye