Patents Issued in September 14, 2010
  • Patent number: 7793642
    Abstract: In a fuel supply apparatus, a fuel pump draws fuel from a fuel tank, and discharges the fuel to a high-pressure fuel system. A filter unit has a filter element located on a downstream side of the fuel pump to remove foreign matters contained in the fuel discharged from the fuel pump. A jet pump has a nozzle that is installed in a fuel supply passage between the fuel pump and the filter element. The nozzle injects the fuel to a downstream side of the nozzle in the fuel supply passage. The introducing passage introduces excessive fuel from the high-pressure fuel system to the downstream side of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Yonemoto, Yoshihiko Ooya
  • Patent number: 7793643
    Abstract: An ejecting toy mainly includes a cylinder body with a receiving chamber. A front end of the cylinder body is covered by a front cover. A vent hole is formed at a middle position of the front cover and at least one air inlet hole is formed at a periphery of the front cover. A front end of the vent hole is sealed by an elastic object. A rear end of the front cover is arranged by a valve, a periphery of the valve has a diaphragm portion with flexibility which is capable of sealing or unsealing the air inlet hole while suffering a force. A handle has a rod body having a piston in a front end of the rod body. The piston can slide back and forth inside the receiving chamber. When the handle is pulled backwards, the diaphragm portion will deform to unseal the air inlet hole to inflow air into the receiving chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Willy Chen
  • Patent number: 7793644
    Abstract: A firing mechanism for a paintball gun is received in the path of the barrel and a trigger is used to activate the firing mechanism. The firing mechanism includes a driving member, a switch member, a control member and an inner part, all of which are received in the path of the barrel. The driving member drives the switch member to change the air flow in the marker so as to move the control member axially to control the high pressurized air to move the inner part such that the high pressurized air is released to eject the paintballs out from the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Bao Shyan Lai
  • Patent number: 7793645
    Abstract: Apparatuses and structures for dampening vibrational energy from a system are disclosed. Particularly, at least one dampening member including an elongated body comprising a resilient, pliable material may be coupled to the base via at least one coupling structure structured for coupling at least a portion of the elongated body of the at least one dampening member to the dampening apparatus. Such a structure or dampening apparatus may be incorporated or attached to an archery system. Specifically, an archery system or an archery accessory component (e.g., a quiver or sight) may include at least one dampening member including a elongated body comprising a resilient, pliable material and at least one coupling structure structured for accepting at least a portion of the elongated body of the at least one dampening member so as to couple the at least one dampening member to the archery bow or component thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hoyt Archery, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy J. Walk, Jason L. Fogg
  • Patent number: 7793646
    Abstract: A bowstring suppression device can be coupled to a bow to reduce the sound produced by the bowstring when the bow is drawn and released. The bowstring suppression device may include a cushion portion that is positioned adjacent to the bowstring when the bow is in an undrawn configuration. When the bow is drawn and released, the bowstring contacts the bowstring suppression device thereby deadening residual movement of the bowstring and reducing the sound generated by the bowstring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hoyt Archery, Inc.
    Inventors: Darin B. Cooper, Gideon S. Jolley, Randy J. Walk
  • Patent number: 7793647
    Abstract: A device suitable for sawing a workpiece, contains a wire web formed by a sawing wire or adapted to receive such a wire web, a forward feed instrument holding a semiconductor workpiece to be sawed and feeding the workpiece in the direction of the wire web, and a reservoir filled with a sawing suspension, the reservoir being arranged and filled such that at least the part of the sawing wire which is in engagement during the sawing process is immersed into the sawing suspension of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Siltronic AG
    Inventor: Frank Skovgaard-Soerensen
  • Patent number: 7793648
    Abstract: A heating cooker includes a top panel for placing a load thereon and touch operation parts for allowing the user to operate the heating of the heater to heat the load. The operation display parts of the touch operation parts each include display characters disposed under the top panel and a backlight which emits light through the top panel so as to display the display characters in lighting. When not displayed, the operation display parts including the display characters are entirely unlit and made inoperable. This provides a user-friendly heating cooker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Chikashi Satou
  • Patent number: 7793649
    Abstract: A temperature control system for controlling the rate of flow of a flammable fluid at generally constant pressure is disclosed. The system may include a flow control apparatus that is free of a regulator mechanism, for affecting the flow of the fluid. The flow control apparatus may be operable between at least a first flow rate and a second flow rate, and may have at least one upstream opening and at least one downstream opening. The system may also include a first burner in fluid communication with the downstream opening of the flow control apparatus and a conduit in fluid communication at one end thereof with the upstream opening of the flow control apparatus, and configured at the other end thereof for connection to a fuel supply. A thermocouple may be located in the vicinity of the burner, for converting a sensed thermal state into an electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Wolfedale Engineering Limited
    Inventors: Sydney Barkhouse, Stuart T. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 7793650
    Abstract: When a user manually opens/closes the door of the drawer-type heating cooker, a pulse generation means attached to an electric motor generates pulses for counting the number of revolutions. A determination means determines whether the door is opened/closed manually or not on the basis of detection of the pulses. A prediction means predicts whether the manual operation is door opening or door closing in response to the status of position detection switches for detecting the position of the door. A motor control means decides the rotation direction of the electric motor in accordance with the prediction by the prediction means and controls the rotation of the electric motor on the basis of the decision. Hence the burden of door opening/closing operation is alleviated with the help of the driving force of the electric motor even when both hands of the user are occupied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirokazu Nishio
  • Patent number: 7793651
    Abstract: A heat storage apparatus includes heat storage panels having primary fluid passages formed therein; passage plates having secondary fluid passages formed therein; and heat reservoirs. The heat storage panels and the passage plates are layered alternately, and the heat reservoirs are interposed between the heat storage panels and the passage plates in such a manner that the heat reservoirs, the heat storage panels and the passage plates are adhered to one another. Protrusions are formed on surfaces of the heat storage panels in such a manner that the heat reservoirs are supported by the protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Sawada, Hirotaka Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7793652
    Abstract: A free-floating, integrated, solar operated water heater appliance, for heating the body of water includes a flotation device for buoyantly supporting the appliance in the body of water. A water heater element, fueled by solar energy, heats water pumped through the heater element by an integral pump, driven by solar energy. A solar energy reflector/container supports the heater element and concentrates solar energy onto the outer surface of the heater element. A parabolic dish reflector concentrates solar energy onto the inner surface of the heater element. Water is circulated through the heater element and returned, in elevated temperature, to the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Domingo Delgado
  • Patent number: 7793653
    Abstract: The absorber pipe for solar thermal applications consists of a metal pipe and a radiation-selective absorber coating applied to the outer surface of the metal pipe. The radiation-selective absorber coating consists of, in sequence from the outer surface toward an exterior: a diffusion barrier layer, a metallic reflective layer a cermet layer, and an anti-reflective layer. The diffusion barrier layer is an oxide layer on the outer surface of the preferably steel or stainless steel pipe which is formed by an oxidation process during tempering and which includes oxidized components of the metal pipe. The tempering is preferably performed in air in an oven at a temperature of 400 to 600° C. for 0.5 to 2 hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Thomas Kuckelkorn, Wolfgang Graf
  • Patent number: 7793654
    Abstract: A solar tracking system comprising a solar panel, a support base, and a panel mounting section mounted to the support base for rotation about a generally vertical axis of rotation. The panel is mounted to the mounting section to be able to rotate about a generally horizontal secondary panel axis of rotation. There is a panel positioning section comprising a base positioning section and an intermediate positioning section having a rear connecting portion to contact the base connecting region and a forward connecting positioning location to connect to the panel at a forward panel connecting positioning location. The intermediate positioning section has a linking axis extending between the rear connecting positioning location and the panel connecting location. The panel is rotated about the main axis of rotation and the intermediate positioning section changes its angular position relative to the base positioning section to cause the tilt angle of the panel to change to track the sun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony R Thorne
  • Patent number: 7793655
    Abstract: A cartridge for propellant-free administration of a liquid pharmaceutical composition by inhalation includes: an elongate displacing device including an upper end and a lower end, the lower end for at least partial insertion into a container; a cartridge chamber disposed at the lower end of the displacing device and operable store a pharmaceutical formulation, the cartridge chamber including at least one pierceably sealed opening; and a cannula guide extending from the upper end of the displacing device to the cartridge chamber, wherein insertion of a cannula through the guide pierces the sealed opening and releases the pharmaceutical formulation into a liquid solvent in the container to form the liquid pharmaceutical composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Hochrainer
  • Patent number: 7793656
    Abstract: A swim and skin-dive snorkel for providing positive end-expiratory pressure for pressure-balanced exhalation. The snorkel may include inhalation and exhalation conduits. Air can be exhaled into a chamber and released when exhalation pressure within the chamber exceeds a threshold pressure. The threshold pressure that must be overcome to achieve exhalation may be balanced against the compressive forces of the ambient water pressure acting against the user's chest and lungs, which may greatly reduce the resting expiratory flow rate, the minute respiratory rate, and therefore the overall work of breathing. The exhalation pressure may be linearly matched to the ambient water pressure as a function of dive depth, thereby discouraging exhalation while diving. A purge valve may also be placed at the lower aspect of the snorkel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Johnson
  • Patent number: 7793657
    Abstract: A facemask snorkel is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the facemask snorkel includes a facemask having a facemask interior, a snorkel disposed in pneumatic communication with the facemask interior and a resilient mouth seal disposed in pneumatic communication with the facemask interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Wayne Sandusky
  • Patent number: 7793658
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal use assistive breathing device wherein a can adaptor or bottle mounting member is secured to a bottle canister containing a pressurized gas. A mouth piece member retains an action knob positioned for actuating a stem valve on the bottle canister upon a rotation. During use the action knob is spaced away from the mouthpiece and air passages entrain ambient atmospheric air with the escaping pressurized gas. The action knob may be retained in the in-use position without continual pressure allowing hands-free use. During storage, the action knob is spaced in contact with the mouthpiece prohibiting unintended gas release and enabling ready handling without risk of gas-loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Go2 LLC
    Inventor: Kelsey Stratton
  • Patent number: 7793659
    Abstract: A bymixer device and method which provides fast-response, accurate measurements of mixed inspired and/or expired gas fractions in open or closed ventilation circuits and/or in circle circuits used in anesthesia and/or critical care. The bymixer device may include a main flow channel and a bypass flow channel. The bypass flow channel includes a flow-restrictor (e.g, an orifice) that partially blocks the flow of respiratory gas through the bypass flow channel, a mixing chamber positioned upstream of the flow restrictor and a sampling apparatus (e.g., a port for withdrawing samples of gas from said mixing chamber and/or sensor(s) positioned within the mixing chamber).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Peter H. Breen
  • Patent number: 7793660
    Abstract: A compliance monitoring system and method in which a modular compliance monitor is selectively disposed in-line in a patient circuit of a pressure support system. The monitor includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, each of which is selectively connectable to the patient circuit so that the flow of gas in the patient circuit also passes through a passage is provided through the housing. A sensor operatively coupled to the passage detects a parameter indicative of patient breathing. A processor disposed in the housing and receives the output of the sensor and determines, from the output of the sensor, whether the patient is breathing into the patient circuit, and outputs compliance data based on this determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A Kimmel, Gregory Yurko, William A Truschel
  • Patent number: 7793661
    Abstract: An anti-snoring device that attaches to a specific area of the neck. The attachment means can be an adhesive, a clip or an implant. The device exerts a predetermined pulling force on this area of the neck, causing this area of the neck to expand outward from its normal position. This expansion opens a blockage in the throat of a sleeping person, thereby eliminating snoring and helping some people with obstructive sleep apnea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: John A. Macken
  • Patent number: 7793662
    Abstract: An earplug (100) having an adjustable sound deadening rating is disclosed. The earplug (100) includes an ear piece (102) adapted to fit within a user's ear canal and a core (104). The core (104) has a predetermined sound deadening rating. The ear piece (102) includes a coupling assembly (106) for removably coupling the core (104) to the ear piece (102) such that the core (104) may be removed from the ear piece (102) and replaced with another core (108) having a different preselected sound deadening rating to adjust a sound deadening rating of the earplug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: James Carson Elliott
  • Patent number: 7793663
    Abstract: Disclosed is an earplug that includes a sound attenuating portion and a feature formed by laser ablation, wherein the feature comprises a cavity formed in a first end of the sound attenuating portion including a cylindrical shape extending into the sound attenuating portion, along a longitudinal axis of the sound attenuating portion, toward a second end of the sound attenuating portion opposite the first end, the earplug further comprising at least one of a cord, a stem, and a detectable insert disposed in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Duncan Taylor
  • Patent number: 7793664
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for detection and segregation of faulty cigarettes in a production/packaging installation for cigarettes having an apparatus by means of which faulty cigarettes are segregated from the conveyed sequence of cigarettes, wherein the apparatus and method use a generator and evaluation circuits for radio-frequency electromagnetic fields and use a sensor past whose end surface the ends of the cigarettes are passed and which applies the radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to the end surface of the sensor, whose size corresponds approximately to the size of the end surface of the cigarettes, with the changes in the electromagnetic fields as a cigarette passes being evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: TEWS Elektronik Dipl.-Ing. Manfred Tews
    Inventors: Rainer Herrmann, Udo Schlemm, Hendrik Richter
  • Patent number: 7793665
    Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Vernon Brent Barnes
  • Patent number: 7793666
    Abstract: An infected nail of a digit of a patient is treated using apparatus including an enclosure capable of housing at least a distal end of at least one digit of a patient having an infected nail. The apparatus also includes a heater and a nail infection agent-containing member housed within the enclosure and positionable against an infected nail at the distal end of a digit housed within the enclosure. The heater is in heat-transfer relationship with the nail infection agent. In this way heated nail infection agent can be maintained against an infected nail by the nail infection agent-containing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Innovation Biomedical Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd A. Weinfield
  • Patent number: 7793667
    Abstract: A device and method for coloring hair having at least one breakable ampoule contained within a larger container. The ampoule or ampoules are broken to release their contents, which combine to produce a hair coloring solution. The larger container has a brush or sponge like filter applicator through which the hair coloring solution can be dispensed directly onto the chosen hair area. The larger container preferably is manufactured from a squeezable material such as a polymer so that the larger container can be squeezed to assist in dispensing the hair color solution. The ampoules preferably are manufactured from a breakable material such that the ampoules can be broken and their contents released into the larger container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventors: Karen L. Gayton, Stephen Heath Gayton
  • Patent number: 7793668
    Abstract: A cleaning sheet for cleaning foreign matters away from the interior of the substrate processing equipment is provided. The cleaning sheet includes a cleaning layer having substantially no tackiness and having a tensile modulus of not lower than 0.98 N/mm2 as determined according to JIS K7127. Alternatively, the cleaning sheet includes a cleaning layer having a Vickers hardness of not lower than 10 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Namikawa, Yoshio Terada, Jirou Nukaga, Eiji Toyoda, Hirofumi Fujii, Daisuke Uenda, Asami Funatsu, Nobuaki Maruoka, Hitoshi Ishizaka, Yasuhiro Amano
  • Patent number: 7793669
    Abstract: The device for dispensing a washing or rinsing agent for a dishwashing machine comprises: a container which has an inlet opening, which is adapted to be closed in a fluid-tight manner, for filling a quantity of a washing/rinsing agent inside the container; an outlet opening which is adapted to be closed in a fluid-tight manner, for dispensing a quantity of washing/rinsing agent during an operating cycle of the device; a feeder screw mounted rotatably inside the container, coaxial with the outlet opening and capable of conveying the washing/rinsing agent towards said outlet opening; transmission members driven by a motor unit and able to impart a rotation to the screw during an operating cycle of the device; and a closing valve unit able selectively to free and close off in a fluid-tight manner the outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Elbi International S.p.A.
    Inventor: Michele Farano
  • Patent number: 7793670
    Abstract: A fixture for optical elements includes a washing bar, a holder and a vacuum pump. The washing bar includes an inner channel and a connecting portion in communication with the inner channel. A hole is formed in the washing bar for communicating with the inner channel. The holder connects with the washing bar. The holder has a holding surface communicating with the hole. The holding surface has a shape corresponding to a peripheral surface of the optical elements to be held. The vacuum pump is connected with the connecting portion. The vacuum pump is configured for vacuum the washing bar so as to effectively suck the one of the optical elements on the holding surface. The present fixture can hold optical elements firmly and does not damage the optical elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 7793671
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning substrates includes a substrate support that is configured to support a plurality of substrates horizontally as spaced regularly one above the other, a rotating device for rotating the substrate support and a liquid supply system for dispensing cleaning liquid onto the substrates. The substrate support has a base plate and support rods extending upright on the base plate. The support rods include fixed rods and at least one movable rod. The movable rods is movable between an open position to provide a passage that allows the substrates to be placed between the support rods, and a closed position at which the substrates are held by and between the support rods. Once the substrates are supported in this way, the substrates are rotated. Then, the cleaning liquid, such as a chemical solution(s) followed by a rinsing liquid, is dispensed onto all of the substrates as the substrates are being rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Hyung Jung
  • Patent number: 7793672
    Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has frame and a debris removal opening within the frame. The frame is secured to the ground by driving a blunt point of the frame into the ground. Further, the apparatus comprises a faucet positioned above the debris removal opening. Thus, a user may turn the faucet on to begin water flow and insert a garden tool into the opening. As the user inserts and/or removes the garden tool from the opening, the apparatus removes unwanted debris, e.g., mud, gravel, grass, etc., that is attached to the garden tool and washes the tool with the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: SCV Quality Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Samuel C. Vickroy
  • Patent number: 7793673
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for accurate view of the entire sky from the horizon regardless of the location on earth of the user. The device is an umbrella type design that a person stands underneath and views the night sky through the device. The device includes an umbrella portion and a removably attachable drape portion. The umbrella portion provides the structure of the device and the drape provides the mapped out night sky thereon which may be removably detachable and adjustable for an accurate depiction of the sky.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Salvatore Anello
  • Patent number: 7793674
    Abstract: A portable sun and weather shelter is provided. The shelter comprises an umbrella foldable between open and closed positions. The umbrella has a center post, a canopy, and a frame to fold the canopy up and down. A pair of wings are attached to the perimeter edge of the canopy and can be extended outwardly beyond the canopy so as to increase the coverage area of the shelter so as to protect two or more people from the sun and rain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: James Christopher Elder
  • Patent number: 7793675
    Abstract: Method for supplying a high purity gas product comprising providing a first gas stream including a major component and at least one impurity component, determining the concentration of the at least one impurity component, and comparing the concentration so determined with a reference concentration for that component. When the value of the concentration so determined is less than or equal to the reference concentration, the first gas stream is utilized to provide the high purity gas product. When the value of the concentration so determined is greater than the reference concentration, a second gas stream comprising the major component is provided and the first and second gas streams are mixed to yield a mixed gas stream having a concentration of the at least one impurity component that is less than the reference concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Perry Cohen, Frank Kenneth Schweighardt, David John Farese
  • Patent number: 7793676
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying a paint application device with paint, whereby a determined amount of paint is transported between two scrapers through a scraper line, from a first scraper station which can be connected to a paint supply source, to a second scraper station which can be connected to the paint application device. Said scraper line is cleaned on the return path from the second scraper station to the first scraper station, by a cleaning product which is also transported between the two scrapers. In this way, the scraper line can be cleaned in a reliable manner, with a simple embodiment of the scraper, thus rendering the inventive method especially useful when a color change is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Eisenmann Lacktechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Albrecht, Aydin Ucan
  • Patent number: 7793677
    Abstract: A coupler for a faucet is disclosed which couples a first waterway component and a second waterway component, the coupler being an overmold component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Thomas Pinette
  • Patent number: 7793678
    Abstract: A converter valve allows product dispenser operator to change from a first fluid source to a second fluid source without fluid crossover. The converter valve includes a first port in fluid communication with a dispense point, a second port in fluid communication with a first fluid source having a first fluid, and a third port is in fluid communication with a second fluid source having a second fluid. The converter valve includes a passage between the first and second ports, and a plug in fluid communication with third port. The second and third ports of the converter valve are disposed symmetrically about the first port, and, accordingly, the converter valve is rotatable about the first port. As such, the converter valve delivers the first fluid to the dispense point, and delivers the second fluid through the passage to the dispense point when the converter valve is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd
    Inventors: William A. Edwards, Frank Carreño, Michael J. Riley
  • Patent number: 7793679
    Abstract: A drain valve and method for assembling a drain valve. A valve assembly is inserted into a pipe, and a reduced diameter portion is formed in the pipe to create a substantially water-tight seal between a portion of the valve assembly and the pipe. A second reduced diameter portion may be formed in the pipe to provide a thrust bearing surface for resisting sliding movement of the valve assembly within the pipe. A transverse hole is provided in the pipe to provide access to a rotatable mechanism in the valve assembly to permit and restrict fluid flow through the drain valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: A.O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Murphy, Edward Hammond
  • Patent number: 7793680
    Abstract: The electromechanical regulator for passenger oxygen is a hybrid oxygen regulator that provides for electronic or mechanical regulation of oxygen flow. The electronic portion of the regulator consists of an inlet solenoid valve, an outlet solenoid valve, a cabin pressure transducer, a regulated output transducer and a PID based controller, and the solenoid valves are normally biased so that in the event of an electronic system failure or a power supply failure the system will automatically revert to mechanical operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: B/E Intellectual Property
    Inventor: Robert Frederick Frampton
  • Patent number: 7793681
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids. The method includes the steps of identifying a first reservoir for use in performing a fluid process; (a) adjusting a configuration of a valve system operatively coupled to the fluid system to permit a fluid evacuation process to be performed for the reservoir, (b) subsequently performing the fluid evacuation process for the reservoir, (c) subsequently adjusting the configuration of the valve system to permit a fluid refill process to be performed for the reservoir, (d) subsequently performing the fluid refill process for the reservoir; and, subsequently identifying an additional reservoir and performing at least one of the steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) for the additional reservoir, wherein the first reservoir includes a fluid of a type which is different from a type of a fluid of the additional reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: RPM Industries, LLC
    Inventor: John K. Apostolides
  • Patent number: 7793682
    Abstract: A valve assembly (10) able to be mounted with a liquid container, the valve assembly comprising: a housing (20) having a passageway (60) that extends through the housing; a breather float valve (80) mounted within the housing, the breather float valve movable between an open position to allow gas to pass through the passageway and a closed position that prevents liquid from passing through the passageway; a liquid inlet (30), forming part of the housing, the liquid inlet allowing fluid to pass into the housing; and an inlet float valve (41) mounted within the housing, the inlet float valve movable between an open position that permits the flow of liquid through the liquid inlet and a closed position that prevents the flow of fluid through the liquid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Weir Minerals Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Peter Martin Smit
  • Patent number: 7793683
    Abstract: Progressive cavity pump assemblies including one or more mechanisms adapted to regulate intake pressure of the main pump between a minimum intake pressure and a maximum intake pressure. In one embodiment, the mechanism is a sealing member configured to open at a threshold pressure to discharge wellbore fluid and close after falling below the threshold pressure. In an alternative embodiment, the mechanism may be a regulator assembly that adjusts the volume of output from the charge pump to the interconnect according to the pressure in the interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan Noble, Roland Moneta, Lonnie Dunn
  • Patent number: 7793684
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic connector (140) forming a distributor or manifold for a hydraulic circuit of a fluid purification system (100) having a purified fluid inlet (142) and three outlets (143, 144, 145), characterized in that the inlet (142) is connected directly to a first outlet (143) of the three outlets by a pipe and in that a second pipe (141) is hydraulically connected to the first pipe between said inlet (142) and said first outlet (143) and to a third pipe having two ends forming the other two outlets (144, 145) of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Yves Gaignet, Ichiro Kano, Cecilia Regnault, Daniel Darbouret
  • Patent number: 7793685
    Abstract: Apparatus for establishing and controlling a low pressure gas mixture in a vacuum enclosure (8) comprises at least one secondary pump (9) of the molecular, turbomolecular, or hybrid type, followed by at least one primary pump (10), with first control and adjustment means (22) such as a regulation valve (24) for controlling and adjusting the total gas pressure of the mixture of gases in the vacuum enclosure (8) as a function of a total pressure setpoint (27). The apparatus further comprises second control and adjustment means (28) such as a second regulation valve (29a) downstream from the secondary pump (9). The second regulation valve (29a) is controlled as a function of a delivery pressure setpoint (32) to modify the delivery pressure of the secondary pump (9) and thus to adapt its pumping capacity in selective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Desbiolles, Michel Puech
  • Patent number: 7793686
    Abstract: An overpressure safety apparatus having a fuel container body and a mounting cap includes a main housing coupled to the mounting cap, the main housing having an elbow-shaped gas introducing passage, a valve stem disposed in the main housing through the mounting cap. The valve stem is provided with an orifice, an opening/closing seal inserted between a top of the main housing and the mounting cap to selectively open/close the orifice of the valve stem. A sub-housing is connected to a bottom of the main housing, and has a branch line communicating with the gas introducing passage and a receiving cavity with a bottom communicating with the branch line and a top communicating with an exhausting hole formed on the mounting cap. A safety valve is disposed in the receiving cavity to selectively open the branch line in response to variations of internal pressure of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Young-Seok Lee
  • Patent number: 7793687
    Abstract: An inflation/deflation assembly, which can be mounted upon the inflation valve assembly of an inflatable bag, so as to permit both the inflation and deflation of the inflatable as may be desired. The inflation/deflation assembly comprises an outer housing, and a control rod is rotatably disposed within the housing so as to be rotatably movable between two positions angularly spaced apart from each other. When the control rod is disposed, for example, at a first one of the two positions, the inflatable bag can be inflated, whereas, when the control rod is disposed at the second one of the two positions, the inflatable bag can be deflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney S. Smith, Thomas C. Keenan, Joel L. Kennedy, Johnny Buchanan
  • Patent number: 7793688
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to winterize a recreational vehicle having plumbing lines. A hose may be attached to an air compressor and a recreational vehicle winterizer fitting may be attached between the hose and a freshwater inlet connection port of the recreational vehicle. The winterizer fitting may include a nib, a landing, a first transition, a second transition, and a body having a male connector and a fifth chamber. A pressure gage, a butterfly valve, and an antifreeze additive system may be attached to the body of the winterizer fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventors: Elmer C. Gross, Jr., Eugene B. Newcomb
  • Patent number: 7793689
    Abstract: A heat tracing device has one or more heating elements positioned adjacent to a heatable surface, an aerogel high temperature insulation layer adjacent to the one or more heating elements, a low temperature insulation layer adjacent to the aerogel high temperature insulation layer and a locking mechanism effective to fix the position of the low temperature insulation layer to the aerogel high temperature insulation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Thermal Controls LLC
    Inventor: Paul Becker
  • Patent number: 7793690
    Abstract: A water dispenser mounted on a door of a refrigerator freezer that is provided with a spigot that is movable between inner and outer dispensing positions. The dispenser includes a dispenser housing having a dispensing cavity and the spigot is movably mounted in the top of the dispensing cavity. When the spigot is in the inner dispensing position water can be dispensed into a container positioned in the dispensing cavity. In the outer dispensing position the spigot can dispense water into a container positioned outside the dispensing cavity. The dispenser housing can be provided with a movable tray in the bottom of the dispensing cavity. The movable tray can be withdrawn to support a container under the spigot in the inner dispensing position and extended to support a container under the spigot in the outer dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald L. Voglewede, Kevin J. Gilboe
  • Patent number: 7793691
    Abstract: An insulator for a drum of a concrete truck is provided. Because temperature is a factor in the time in which concrete cures, thermal conditions during transport are of paramount concern. There have been efforts to alleviate this problem by providing insulating blankets that control temperature better. However, until now, a durable system that effectively insulates concrete while in transport has not been available. Furthermore, construction of an insulating system large enough to cover a concrete mixer gives rise to numerous fabrication difficulties. With the introduction of a polyethylene foam interposed between truck tarp material, a convenient system that is easily coupled and decoupled from a truck is available that is both durable and cost effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Thermadrum, LLC
    Inventors: William Michael McAnally, James William Kuykendall