Patents Issued in November 16, 2010
  • Patent number: 7832396
    Abstract: A high output, powered air purifying respirator that includes an anti-contamination suit, a filter for filtering particulates from the air, a high powered blower for delivering a cool flow of air to the body, and a stabilization mechanism. The stabilization mechanism is configurable in either head mounted or back mounted modules as desired by a worker. The head mounted configuration facilitates stream lined mobility and includes a head mounted suspension system with a circular rail and roller bearing halo around the worker's head for stabilizing the blower/filter and allowing for rotation of the worker's head inside the halo. The invention also includes additional modules, also configurable by the user, such as personal hydration and independent camera and dosimeter support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Radium Incorporated
    Inventor: Alfred Campbell Abernethy
  • Patent number: 7832397
    Abstract: An aerosol powder delivery device, a method of producing or delivering aerosol particles, a method of making a delivery device, and an inhaler kit are provided. The device can be used to produce an aerosolizable powder by breaking or deagglomerating the aerosolizable powder into aerosol particles for inhalation. The aerosol particles can be produced by mechanically agitating or shaking a hollow device with the aerosolizable powder and a second powder to mechanically break or loosen aerosol particles from the aerosolizable powder. Thus, a small, lightweight, simple, sealed and stable device without complex moving parts, external power sources or heat is provided to aerosolize powder into aerosol particles for transmucosal delivery into a mouth upon inhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: Peter John Lipowicz
  • Patent number: 7832398
    Abstract: Arrangement in connection with an anaesthesia/ventilation system for a patient comprising means for flowing inspiratory gas to the patient and means for flowing expiratory gas from the patient to a gas separation means and further through the gas separation means back to the inspiratory flow. The gas separation means comprises a chamber unit having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, the high pressure side and the low pressure side being separated by a membrane where carriers are fixed on polymer backbone. The expiratory gas from the patient containing retentates such as anaesthetic agents, N2O, O2, air, and permeates such as CO2, flows to the high pressure side of the chamber unit to have contact with the membrane surface whereby the membrane reacts with the permeates so that the permeates flow through the membrane to the low pressure side of the chamber unit and the retentates flow through the high pressure side of the chamber unit without permeating the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: General Elecrtic Company
    Inventor: Santtu Laurila
  • Patent number: 7832399
    Abstract: A medication inhaler having an inhaler body with a medication container chamber for receiving a medication container and at least one air passage connecting the medication container chamber with external air and a mouthpiece axially engageable with the inhaler body and having a mouthpiece chamber for communication with a patient's respiratory system and a hollow medication delivery needle communicating with the mouthpiece chamber. The medication delivery needle extends toward the medication container chamber and has at least one opening for passing exterior air and medication from an interior space of a medication container in the medication container chamber through the needle and to mouthpiece chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: One Dose, LLC
    Inventors: Charles F. Ganem, Jake Ganem, Scott Ganem
  • Patent number: 7832400
    Abstract: A nasal cannula comprising a hollow main body having opposed first and second openings formed therein and the main body defining an internal chamber. A partition divides the internal chamber into first and second flow compartments. A flow passageway of a first nasal prong communicates with the first compartment and a flow passageway of the first mouth piece communicates with the first compartment to define a first flow passageway which communicates with both a first nostril and a mouth of the patient. A flow passageway of a second nasal prong communicates with the second compartment and a flow passageway of the second mouth piece communicates with the first compartment to define a second flow passageway which communicates with both a second nostril and the mouth of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Salter Labs
    Inventors: James N. Curti, Peter W. Salter
  • Patent number: 7832401
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a distractor assembly adapted to couple to a leg and capable of providing a distraction load on the leg in both supine and lateral positions of the leg. The assembly is coupled to a surgical table by a ball joint or a universal joint. A method includes coupling a leg to a distractor assembly, positioning the leg in one of a distraction mode and a femoral acetabular impingement mode, and repositioning the leg in the other of the modes without the need for accessing a draped pelvis/thigh region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Alexander Torrie, Edward J. Daley, II, Paul J. Skavicus
  • Patent number: 7832402
    Abstract: A device for treating breathing problems is disclosed, including a shaped part fitting onto the teeth of the lower jaw, a shaped part fitting onto the teeth of the upper jaw, and at least one adjustable connecting device between the upper and lower shaped part for forward/backward and upward/downward adjustment of the upper shaped part relative to the lower shaped part. One of the shaped parts is provided at the front with a slide mechanism including a slide element which is slidable laterally to a limited extent along a guide element. Further, the adjustable connecting devices are fixedly connected to the other shaped part on one side and to the slide element on the other, thus allowing a precise forward/backward and upward/downward adjustment with a limited freedom of movement of the lower jaw in relation to the upper jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Jozef Frans Nelissen
  • Patent number: 7832403
    Abstract: A pharyngeal airway adjuster, or mandible positioning device, has a maxillary dentition engagement component and a mandibular dentition engagement component, each on opposite sides of a plane extending therebetween. An adjustable connection couples the maxillary dentition engagement component with the mandibular dentition engagement component. The adjustable connection has a first adjustment screw having a longitudinal axis parallel to the plane and a second adjustment screw having a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the plane. The first and second adjustable screws are independently adjustable and structured to effect horizontal and vertical displacement, respectively, of the maxillary dentition engagement component relative to the mandibular dentition engagement component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Respironics, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard W. Halstrom, Elias G. Diacopoulos
  • Patent number: 7832404
    Abstract: A dental appliance for prevention of Bruxism includes a U-shaped buccal strap having opposing right and left aft end portions. A right bite pad assembly is slidingly connected to and completely encloses the right aft end portion of the buccal strap. A left bite pad assembly is slidingly connected to and completely encloses the left aft end portion of the buccal strap. The right bite pad assembly can include a right upper bite surface member for contacting right upper molars of a wearer and a right lower bite surface member for contacting right lower molars of the wearer. The left bite pad assembly can include a left upper bite surface member for contacting left upper molars of a wearer and a left lower bite surface member for contacting left lower molars of the wearer. A right channel extends through the right upper bite surface member and the right lower bite surface member. A left channel extends through the left upper bite surface member and the left lower bite surface member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: DenTek Oral Care, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Jansheski
  • Patent number: 7832405
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for implanting a prosthesis includes implanting a first component into a recess in a bone. The first component defines a main body defining a receiving portion and a locating bore. A second component is located into engagement with the first component, the second component defining a passage therethrough. A rod is inserted through the passage defined on the second component and into the locating bore of the first component. A handle associated with the rod is slidably actuated into contact with the second component to matingly lock the first component to the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Trevor S Schlueter, Robert Metzger
  • Patent number: 7832406
    Abstract: Devices and methods for creating a series of percutaneous myocardial revascularization (PMR) channels in the heart. One method includes forming a pattern of channels in the myocardium leading from healthy tissue to hibernating tissue. Suitable channel patterns include lines and arrays. One method includes anchoring a radiopaque marker to a position in the ventricle wall, then using fluoroscopy repeatedly to guide positioning of a cutting tip in the formation of multiple channels. Another method uses radiopaque material injected into each channel formed, as a marker. Yet another method utilizes an anchorable, rotatable cutting probe for channel formation about an anchor member, where the cutting probe can vary in radial distance from the anchor. Still another method utilizes a multiple wire radio frequency burning probe, for formation of multiple channels simultaneously. Still another method utilizes liquid nitrogen to cause localized tissue death.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis Ellis, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Roger N. Hastings, Lauri DeVore
  • Patent number: 7832407
    Abstract: In some embodiments, methods to sense parameters associated with restriction procedures and/or devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, the parameters are sensed directly from the region of the procedure and/or device and in other embodiments, associated neural pathways are sensed. Methods for further optimization of the obesity treatment regimens are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Gertner
  • Patent number: 7832408
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a switching mechanism which allows a surgeon to selectively advance or retract a staple driver and/or cutting member within a staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument can include a handle, a trigger operatively coupled to the handle, a firing drive, and an end effector. The firing drive can include a first ratchet assembly configured to advance a cutting member in the end effector and a second ratchet assembly configured to retract the cutting member. The trigger can include first and second pawls pivotably mounted thereon which are configured to be selectively engaged with the first and second ratchet assemblies, respectively. In at least one embodiment, the trigger can be configured to slide between a first position in which the first pawl is engaged with the first ratchet assembly and a second position in which the second pawl is engaged with the second ratchet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chad P. Boudreaux, Richard W. Timm
  • Patent number: 7832409
    Abstract: A spring member for an artificial intervertebral disc includes a substantially annular body including an axially extended bore therethrough defining a passageway. A seat extends radially inward towards the bore for seating therein a bearing member for adjusting and compensating vertebral disc motion. An engagement member extends radially outwardly from the bore for engaging a housing member and securing the spring member within the housing member. The spring member absorbs compressive loads between the bearing member and the housing member while controlling motion and position of the bearing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Aesculap Implant Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Richelsoph, Joseph Clift
  • Patent number: 7832410
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic atomization cigarette which only contains nicotine without harmful tar. The electronic atomization cigarette includes a shell and a mouthpiece. The external wall of the shell has an air inlet. An electronic circuit board, a normal pressure cavity, a sensor, a vapor-liquid separator, an atomizer, a liquid-supplying bottle are sequentially provided within the shell, wherein the electronic circuit board comprises an electronic switching circuit and a high frequency generator. A stream passage of the sensor is provided on one side of the sensor, and a negative pressure cavity is provided in the sensor. The atomizer and the liquid-supplying bottle is in contact with each other. An atomization cavity is arranged in the atomizer. A retaining ring for locking the liquid-supplying bottle is provided between one side of the liquid-supplying bottle and the shell, and an aerosol passage is provided on the other side of the liquid-supplying bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Best Partners Worldwide Limited
    Inventor: Lik Hon
  • Patent number: 7832411
    Abstract: A cigarette manufacturing method and machine, whereby a shredded tobacco stream is fed along a channel extending through at least one carding unit and having at least one output portion closed by a suction conveyor belt and for feeding a mat of tobacco onto the suction conveyor belt; and the shredded tobacco stream is cleaned, upstream from the carding unit, to remove relatively heavy parts, such as lumps of tobacco and/or woody tobacco parts and/or any foreign bodies, from the shredded tobacco stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: G. D Societa'per Azioni
    Inventor: Fiorenzo Draghetti
  • Patent number: 7832412
    Abstract: A surface-modified adsorbent comprises a reagent on a porous carrier. Preferred porous carriers are adsorbent carbons such as activated carbon, silica gels, aluminas, polyester resins, zeolites or zeolite-like materials, and mixtures thereof. Preferred reagents are 2-hydroxymethylpiperidine (2-HMP) or a 2-HMP analogue. Surface modified adsorbents can be incorporated into cigarettes, preferably in an amount effective to reduce the concentration of one or more constituents of cigarette smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Phillip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Lixin L. Xue, Kent B. Koller
  • Patent number: 7832413
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to styling tools having a therapeutic agent distributed through the styling tool bristles or pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Goody Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Megan Walters, Michael Defenbaugh, Stan Chudzik, Joni Harrison, Kelly Chapman
  • Patent number: 7832414
    Abstract: A method of hairstyling using a comb urged in a pivotal traverse through a patron's hair to position progressively larger-sized strands thereof in an acute angled cutting plane and after cutting removal, the hair strands remaining have a desirable layered appearance along a head-encircling hairline of the hairstyle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Gino Giannuzzi
  • Patent number: 7832415
    Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a gripping device for dental floss strands, for dental brace wearers. The device comprises a shaft with a bore, a stem that reciprocates in the bore, and optional gripping feature on a distal end of the shaft to facilitate user handling. The stem carries a head through which the dental floss can be inserted. The dental floss is captured between the shaft and the head, eliminating the need for users to hold onto the dental floss manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew J. Pitsis
  • Patent number: 7832416
    Abstract: An imprint lithography apparatus including a service station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Shih-Yuan Wang, Wei Wu, Zhaoning Yu
  • Patent number: 7832417
    Abstract: A drawer-type dishwasher includes a dispenser mounted to a basin slidably supported in an outer body of the dishwasher. The dispenser includes a main body portion, a reservoir formed in the main body portion for receiving detergent and a lid hingedly mounted for selectivity closing the reservoir. The reservoir includes front, rear, bottom and opposing side walls, with one of the front, rear and opposing side walls being provided with a drainage port which is adapted to be closed by the lid. The dispenser is provided with a manual actuator that enables a consumer to open the dispenser lid to add detergent. An automatic actuator is provided to open the dispenser lid, exposing the reservoir and the drainage port, at a predetermined point in a washing operation. In addition to detergent, the dispenser can be provided with a reservoir for retaining and releasing rinse aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Kory A. Gunnerson, Kristen K. Hedstrom, Mark E. Palm, David K. Reynolds, Rodney M. Welch, Dean A. Werthman
  • Patent number: 7832418
    Abstract: In the dishwasher, a washing water distribution pipe on which washing nozzles are installed is arranged within a washing chamber, and is connected removably to a first connecting pipe that communicates with the outlet side of a washing pump. In the same way, a rinsing water distribution pipe on which rinsing nozzles are installed is arranged within the washing chamber, and is connected removably to a second connecting pipe that communicates with the outlet side of a rinsing pump. These connections are made within a washing water tank in the bottom of the washing chamber, therefore the washing water distribution pipe and the rinsing water distribution pipe can be easily installed and removed from the washing chamber. Moreover, the washing water distribution pipe and the rinsing water distribution pipe are unitized, so handling is extremely easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Tameishi, Tomio Suyama, Kouji Suyama, Masumi Notsu, Keiichi Toga, Tadaharu Hosogi
  • Patent number: 7832419
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a cabinet and a wash system slidably mounted within the cabinet in such a manner that it may be withdrawn horizontally out of the cabinet for loading with dishes. The wash system includes an open top wash chamber having a floor and side walls adapted to accommodate dishes within which wash liquid is sprayed. Two rotating spray arms are mounted in the bottom of the chamber for producing a spray of wash liquid within the chamber. A wash pump for pressurizing wash liquid discharges into a manifold located on the floor of the chamber. The spray arms receive wash liquid from the manifold. A drain pump evacuates wash liquid from said chamber. A wash chamber closure is mounted in the top of the cabinet. The closure engages with the wash chamber opening to sealably close off the wash chamber on its retraction into the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Appliances Limited
    Inventors: Wayne Andrew Mason, Robert William Todd
  • Patent number: 7832420
    Abstract: An improved saddle tee for branching a conduit from a main line is disclosed. The saddle tee includes a base unit that defines an opening for receiving a tap and interlocking jaws for securing the base unit to a main line. The tap may include a shaped portion for receiving a tool interface to rotate the tap to drive the tap into the main line. The tool interface could be secured to a power tool to enable rapid driving of the saddle tee into the main line. The saddle tee may also include offset arcuate interlocking jaws to enable the jaws to interlock around the main line with ease. Optional interface surfaces on the tap and base unit enable the tap and base unit to interlock to limit rotation of the tap relative to the base unit when the tap is fully inserted into the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Scot Hoskisson, Tres Wangsgaard, Alan T. Ence
  • Patent number: 7832421
    Abstract: A method, system and device for making hot water available in a water-supply system is disclosed. The water-supply system includes a source of hot water, a hot-water line and one or more tap connections for hot water connected to the hot-water line. The method includes transporting water from the source of hot water through the hot-water line during at least a portion of periods of non-withdrawal through the one or more tap connections such that a temperature profile of water in the hot water line is at least one of substantially temporally constant and varying spatially monotonically along the hot-water line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver Laing
  • Patent number: 7832422
    Abstract: A valve includes a valve element; a valve seat; a coil spring; and a spring bearing portion. The coil spring, provided between the valve element and the spring bearing portion, presses the valve element toward the valve seat. An effective upper winding end of the coil spring and an effective lower winding end of the coil spring are offset from each other by 180 degrees in a plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadao Endoh, Akihiro Kimura
  • Patent number: 7832423
    Abstract: A valve having a body incorporating a filter The disclosure relates to a valve comprising a body defining a duct, a filter member defining filter passages and extending inside the duct, and a valve member mounted to move in the body between a closed position in which it closes the duct, and an open position in which it leaves the duct disengaged, the filter member comprising two filter portions having complementary profiles and secured respectively to the body and to a support element fastened inside the body in such a manner that the filter passages are defined between the facing portions of the complementary profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes de Controle Moteur
    Inventor: José Vaz De Azevedo
  • Patent number: 7832424
    Abstract: A coupler including a nozzle and a socket. The nozzle includes a nozzle body, a movable pin, and a first supporting member. The movable pin is made retractably movable in the axial direction in a nose portion to open and close the channel inside the nozzle. The socket includes a housing, a collar, a ring-like packing, a valve stem, a valve head, and a second supporting member. The valve stem is made retractably movable in the socket in the axial direction to open and close the channel inside the socket. All portions or components which contact liquid fuel in the coupler are formed solely of rubber and/or plastics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kenichi Takahashi, Hideaki Yasui, Hiroyuki Hasebe, Koichi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 7832425
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body, a valve seat, and a valve plug. The valve body defines a flow path for a fluid. The valve plug is adapted for displacement between a closed position and an open position in the valve body. The valve plug includes a crown, a skirt and a protrusion. The crown is for sealingly engaging the valve seat when the valve plug is in the closed position. The skirt defines a flow path for accommodating the fluid when the valve plug is in the open position. The protrusion is substantially concentrically aligned with the skirt. Each of the skirt or the protrusion have a surface treatment for enhancing the flow of the fluid through the valve when in the one or more open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: William E. Wears, Michael W. McCarty
  • Patent number: 7832426
    Abstract: A fluid control device including a valve body, a control member, and a one-piece bonnet. The valve body defines a flow path for a fluid. The control member is disposed in the valve body and adapted for displacement between at least a first position and a second position. The one-piece bonnet is coupled to the valve body and defines a protrusion. The protrusion extends at least partially into the flow path and is arranged to direct at least some of the fluid flowing along the flow path when the control member is disposed between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: William E. Wears
  • Patent number: 7832427
    Abstract: A valve arrangement includes a valve member, which rotates continuously in one sense. The generally cylindrical head of the valve member, within the housing, is formed to co-operate with various ports to create reciprocation in the actuator. It is preferred to provide some vibration of the valve member, to assist in overcoming the effects of friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Aldridge Piling Equipment (Hire) Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: David Coley
  • Patent number: 7832428
    Abstract: Sanitary fitting comprising a basic element which is designed to be fastened to an object and has a passage defining an axis, a fitting part having a sleeve-shaped portion which in a free end region has a casing-side transverse groove, the sleeve-shaped portion reaching through the passage, being mounted in the basic element, and an annular, single-part guide clamp disposed coaxially to the axis and having a guide portion for the mounting of the fitting part in the basic element, and a latching portion for cooperation with the transverse groove configured as a ring groove. The guide clamp is fixed in the transverse groove and has between the guide portion and the latching portion a radial slot running in the peripheral direction. The latching portion protrudes radially outwards over the guide portion disposed in the passage and thereby cooperates with a mating shoulder configured on the basic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: KWC AG
    Inventor: André Leutwyler
  • Patent number: 7832429
    Abstract: Plastic microfluidic structures having a substantially rigid diaphragm that actuates between a relaxed state wherein the diaphragm sits against the surface of a substrate and an actuated state wherein the diaphragm is moved away from the substrate. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic structures formed with this diaphragm provide easy to manufacture and robust systems, as well readily made components such as valves and pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Rheonix, Inc.
    Inventors: Lincoln Young, Peng Zhou
  • Patent number: 7832430
    Abstract: Loss reduction apparatus for a fluid transfer system includes a fluid device. The fluid device defines a first fluid path along which a greater part of a fluid flows in a first condition, and a second fluid path along which a greater part of the fluid flows in a second condition. The apparatus is arranged so that when a leak occurs at a location in the system, the leak causes a relative reduction in fluid pressure at the location, which moves the device from the first condition to the second condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Timothy John Scanlon
  • Patent number: 7832431
    Abstract: A check valve (10) comprises, a flexible tube (11) having first and second end portions defining an inlet (13) and an outlet (14), respectively, and a rigid valve body (12) surrounding the flexible tube (11). The end portions of the flexible tube are sealingly fixed to the valve body (12) to define an enclosed space (17) between the exterior of the flexible tube and the interior of the valve body. A fixed volume of a substantially incompressible fluid is located in the enclosed space (17). When the pressure at the outlet (14) is greater than the pressure at the inlet (13), the flexible tube is substantially collapsed so as to close the valve or allow severely restricted flow. However when the pressure at the inlet is greater than that at the outlet, some of the fluid is displaced from the inlet area towards the outlet area so that the flexible tube (11) is expanded in the area adjacent the inlet and the tube is substantially open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Ian D. Doig
  • Patent number: 7832432
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide ampoule assemblies to contain, store, or dispense chemical precursors. In one embodiment, an ampoule assembly is provided which includes an ampoule containing a first material layer disposed on the outside of the ampoule and a second material layer disposed over the first material layer, wherein the first material layer is thermally more conductive than the second material layer, an inlet line in fluid communication with the ampoule and containing a first manual shut-off valve disposed therein, an outlet line in fluid communication with the ampoule and containing a second manual shut-off valve disposed therein, and a first bypass line connected between the inlet line and the outlet line. In some embodiments, the ampoule assembly may contain disconnect fittings. In other embodiments, the first bypass line has a shut-off valve disposed therein to fluidly couple or decouple the inlet line and the outlet line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Nakashima, Christophe Marcadal, Seshadri Ganguli, Paul Ma, Schubert S. Chu
  • Patent number: 7832433
    Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a fuel storage chamber having a fuel gas stored within a plurality of microspheres. A releasing mechanism releases the gas from the microspheres, such as by fracturing the spheres or diffusing the gas through the spheres. A ratcheting mechanism controls the release of the gas, such as hydrogen, from the microspheres. The ratcheting mechanism is controlled by either the pressure within the fuel storage chamber or an electronic controller. Additionally, the gas-generating apparatus of the present invention includes a fuel introducing system that has a fuel transporting system that is pressure regulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Societe Bic
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 7832434
    Abstract: An automated filling system to conduct a filling operation in which a bulk liquid transport vehicle is filled with a bulk liquid and quality assurance tests are performed by a gas analyzer. A programmable logic controller, employed to control the filling operation, is responsive to pressure within a fill line connected to the vehicle and is programmed to determine that there exists sufficient pressure within the vehicle to conduct an initial quality assurance test and that the fill line is properly connected to the fill line, without breaks in its flow integrity. The programmable logic controller also initiates and controls a pressurization process if there is not sufficient pressure to conduct the initial quality assurance test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Carlins, John P. Maitino, Ralph W. Gese, Jesse Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7832435
    Abstract: A cutter head of a planer machine includes a rotatable mount body having opposite flat mount and counter regions that are symmetrical to each other, a cutter blade disposed to abut against the flat mount region so as to enable a cutting edge to extend beyond a lateral end of the mount region, a press member having a tightened body which is tightened against the mount region, and a pressing strip which is brought to press the cutter blade against the mount region, and a counterweight disposed on the counter region so as to balance the combined weights of the cutter blade and the press member for smoothing the rotation of the mount body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Chin-Yuan Liu
  • Patent number: 7832436
    Abstract: A movable blade unit for wood cutting machine is mounted to the rotating shaft of the wood cutting machine and includes a blade and an inner ring which is located between the blade and the rotating shaft. A movable ring is connected to the movable blade unit and includes a flange, an outer collar and the inner ring, wherein the flange is connected to the outer collar which is rotatably connected to the inner ring. The inner ring is mounted to the rotating shaft and a gap is defined between the inner ring and the rotating shaft. The inner ring includes multiple sets of rotating members which are in contact with the grooves in the rotating shaft so that the inner ring is rotatable and movable relative to the rotating shaft with little or reduced friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignees: Kuang Yung Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Jeffrey Strother
  • Patent number: 7832437
    Abstract: A tree felling head including a gathering arm and a bunching finger. In various embodiments the bunching finger may include inner and outer arms pivotally coupled together with the inner arm also pivotally coupled to a frame portion of the felling head. A biasing member, e.g. a compression spring, urges pivotal movements of the inner arm toward (and/or away from) the accumulation area of the felling head. An actuator connected to the outer arm reciprocally helps urges movement of the finger into and out of the accumulation area of the felling head. In various embodiments, a coupling of the actuator to the outer arm permits folding pivotal movement between the arms when retraction occurs and a tree inhibits outer sweeping movement of the outer finger. Said folding resulting in withdrawal of the outer finger from behind the inhibiting tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc
    Inventor: Mike Trom
  • Patent number: 7832438
    Abstract: A golf club head cover with storage includes a cover body, a closure flap and a pocket. The cover body defines an interior cavity configured to receive a club head. A first portion of the closure flap is fixed relative to the cover body and a second portion of the closure flap is movable between a closed position and an opened position. In the closed position, the closure flap covers an opening of the interior cavity of the cover body. The pocket is disposed on the closure flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Don T. Cameron
  • Patent number: 7832439
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire capable of preventing wandering without impairing wear resistance, including tread portion 2 having circumferential shoulder grooves 6c extending at locations near ground contact edges E and lateral shoulder grooves 7d extending between circumferential groove 6c and ground contact edge E, and having square shoulders such that tread surface 2a and buttress face 14 extending radially inwardly and axially outwardly from ground contact edge E intersects to form an edge or corner, wherein each shoulder block B4 is provided with circumferential sipe 11 in a region apart axially inwardly from ground contact edge E by a distance of 2 mm or more and a distance of 10 mm or less, the buttress face 14 is provided with recess 15 extending circumferentially in at least a part of projection region Z obtained by projecting circumferential sipe 11 onto buttress face 14, and radially innermost end 15B of recess 15 is located at a radial position corresponding to a region ranging from 50 to 100% of the depth of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Ikeda, Naoki Kageyama, Masaki Terashima, Noriko Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 7832440
    Abstract: A machine for applying pressure sensitive sample chips to a card includes a linear conveyor for receiving and transporting cards, and at least one sample application station disposed along the conveyor. The sample application station includes a feed roller overlying and spaced from the conveyor for holding a spool containing at least one row of individual pressure sensitive sample chips on a substrate. A plate has an edge immediately overlying and spaced from the conveyor to permit passage of cards beneath the edge. A drive roller is spaced from the feed roller and from the plate for drawing the substrate from the spool on the feed roller over the plate edge to separate the sample chips from the substrate and apply the chips to the cards. A resilient roller preferably is disposed adjacent to the plate edge for pressing the sample chips removed from the substrate onto the cards transported on the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph T. Richardson, Brian Andrew Bruning, James J. Schutte
  • Patent number: 7832441
    Abstract: In a corrugated cardboard machine and in a method of producing a web of corrugated cardboard, an electronic control device is provided in order to avoid downtimes of the corrugated cardboard machine, said control device being designed such that at least one web length of the web of corrugated cardboard between the at least one production device and a longitudinal cutting device is detectable and an application width of the at least one production device is variable in dependence on the at least one web length. Changing the application width prevents an escape of glue from the sides so that there is no need for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: BHS Corrugated Maschinen-und Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Felix Titz
  • Patent number: 7832442
    Abstract: A fiber lay-up apparatus and method includes one or more fiber sources from at least one fiber supply wherein a fiber may be fed under tension to provide a pre-stress to the fiber. The fiber lay-up apparatus may include a resin impregnator for impregnating a fiber with a resin. The fiber may be impregnated under pressure to reduce friction, to provide a motive force to move the fiber through the impregnator, or to enhance control over impregnation. The fiber may be shaped by a fiber shaping unit including one or more active or passive shaping members that provide enhanced control over the shape and placement of the fiber as the fiber leaves the fiber lay-up apparatus. A cutting element for cutting a fiber as it is being layed-up may be positioned proximal to the one or more shaping members, and may enable the fiber lay-up apparatus to end the lay-up of one fiber (or set of fibers) and begin the lay-up of a new fiber (or set of fibers) without delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Lignum Vitae Limited
    Inventor: Michael Bonaventura Warek
  • Patent number: 7832443
    Abstract: A surface treatment apparatus for printed sheets that is capable of preventing radiation of UV rays onto printed sheets when out of use including a varnishing section for applying UV cure resin varnish on a printed sheet; a cylinder for conveying a printed sheet with the UV cure resin varnish applied thereon at the varnishing section; a film pressing part for pressing a transfer film onto a printed sheet on the cylinder; and a UV radiation part for curing UV cure resin varnish of a printed sheet onto which the transfer film is being pressed by the film pressing part. The UV radiation part is positioned close to the cylinder when the film pressing part is positioned close to the impression cylinder; and the UV radiation part is positioned away from the cylinder when the film pressing part is positioned away from the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ryobi Ltd
    Inventors: Katsushi Hirokawa, Takahiko Nakamura, Hiroyoshi Kuwahara, Yoshifumi Mitsunari
  • Patent number: 7832444
    Abstract: A method and system for closing opened envelopes flaps against the envelope body includes transporting an envelope in a first direction and parking the envelope in a first parked position. An envelope flap closing mechanism is moved to commence the movement of the envelope flap toward said envelope body. The envelope flap is closed against the envelope body while transporting the envelope in a second direction toward a second parked position. The flap closing mechanism may be moveable from a lower position to an upper position. The envelope flap closing system may include a first transport path of travel for envelopes to be moved seriatim in a first direction from an entrance point to an exit point. A moveable flap closing mechanism is mounted along the path of travel for movement between a lower position and an upper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Allen, Thomas M. Lyga, Neil F. Baldino
  • Patent number: 7832445
    Abstract: A laminator assembly comprising a pair of rollers, the rollers defining a compression zone therebetween for compressing a substantially flat lamination pouch as the pouch is fed between the rollers and advanced through the compression zone for exit on the exit side of the rollers, a heat source being provided for heating the lamination pouch as the lamination pouch is compressed between the rollers, the laminator assembly further comprising two sets of blade members positioned on the exit side of the rollers and spaced from the compression-plane of the rollers, each set of blade members being arranged axially along a respective roller and in close proximity to the exterior surface of the respective roller for preventing the lamination pouch from passing between the roller and respective blade members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: ACCO UK Limited
    Inventors: Michael James, Sam Bradley