Patents Issued in April 12, 2011
  • Patent number: 7921829
    Abstract: A cooling water circulation system (100) is configured so that cooling water is delivered from a water pump (113) toward a cylinder head (111) via a pump delivery pipe (114). Further, the system (100) is configured so that an engine block cooling switching section (170) changes the supply of the cooling water from the cylinder head (111) to a cylinder block (112) in accordance with a cooling water temperature. An EGR cooler branch pipe (151), which branches off from the pump delivery pipe (114), is connected to an EGR cooler (150). The EGR cooler branch pipe (151) is provided with an EGR cooler cooling switching valve (153) that opens or closes in accordance with an operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kunihiko Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7921830
    Abstract: An EGR venturi for use in an EGR system of an IC engine includes a body defining a converging inlet section, a throat, and an interior liquid heat exchange chamber adjacent to the throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jason Schneider, Bradley R. Watkins, Laurentiu Dobrila, Nathan Erickson, Randy Scarf, Doug Brocco
  • Patent number: 7921831
    Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen fuel supplying system includes a water hydrolyzing apparatus, a heat dissipation apparatus connected to the water hydrolyzing apparatus, a filter connected to the water hydrolyzing apparatus, a supercharger connected to the filter, a hydrogen-oxygen container connected to the filter, and a pressure adjusting means connected to the hydrogen-oxygen container. The water hydrolyzing apparatus is used to hydrolyze water thereby producing a mixture gas of hydrogen, oxygen, and water vapor. The heat dissipation apparatus is used to dissipate heat generated in the water hydrolyzing apparatus. The filter is used to filter water vapor in the mixture gas. The supercharger is used to compress the hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen-oxygen container is used to store the hydrogen and oxygen. The pressure adjusting means is used to regulate an output of the hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen-oxygen fuel supplying system can reduce pollution of air and environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Kuo-Fong Huang
  • Patent number: 7921832
    Abstract: A control system for a plant can include a feedback control input which can be calculated so that a controlled output of said plant coincides with a target value. A hold control input can be calculated according to an operating condition of said plant. A control input to said plant is set to the feedback control input when a control deviation between the controlled output and a target value is greater than a predetermined threshold value, and the control input is set to the hold control input when the control deviation is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value. The feedback control input is made to gradually approach to or coincide with the hold control input when the control input is set to the hold control input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirohito Ide
  • Patent number: 7921833
    Abstract: A method of operation of an internal combustion engine including an intake valve coupled to a combustion chamber, and a port fuel injector positioned upstream of the intake valve in an intake manifold including a throttle, the port fuel injector fluidly coupled to a fuel rail included in a fuel delivery system housing a fuel at least partially composed of alcohol. The method including, during a start-up operation when the temperature of the engine is below a threshold value and fuel is actively being injected into the intake manifold, adjusting a cone angle of a fuel spray from the port fuel injector, via adjustment of the throttle and/or fuel delivery system, based on the position of the intake valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, John M. Roth, Mark Peters
  • Patent number: 7921834
    Abstract: Paintballs are loaded into a paintball gun. The paintballs are stored within a drive tube of a paintball loader. The paintballs are loaded into the paintball gun from the drive tube of the paintball loader. A screw is rotated with respect to the drive tube so that the paintballs are constrained to travel along a helical groove of the screw and along one of multiple column grooves on an inner surface of the drive tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Ancient Innovations Corporation
    Inventor: Jared L. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 7921835
    Abstract: A wireless projectile loader system is provided. The system includes at least one sensor for detecting a firing operation of a compressed gas gun and sending a signal to a wireless transmitter. The system further includes a wireless transmitter in communication with the at least one sensor, the wireless transmitter adapted to send a wireless signal in response to the sensor detecting a firing operation. The system further includes at least one wireless receiver for receiving the wireless signal in communication with a motor of a projectile loader and adapted to operate the motor in response to the signal transmitted by the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Kee Action Sports I LLC
    Inventors: John Campo, Louis Spicer
  • Patent number: 7921836
    Abstract: A paintball marker includes a main body and a dual feed adapter coupled to the main body. The dual feed adapter has a hollow interior, a top feed port and a bottom feed port. A top feed storage hopper is detachably connected to the dual feed adapter at the top feed port, and a bottom feed storage magazine is detachably connected to the dual feed adapter at the bottom feed port. A sleeve with an opening is rotatable within the dual feed adapter between a first position where the sleeve opening aligns with the top feed port for feeding therethrough a first group of paintballs from the hopper, and a second position where the sleeve opening aligns with the bottom feed port for feeding therethrough a second group of paintballs from the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Real Action Paintball, Inc.
    Inventor: Khanh Tran
  • Patent number: 7921837
    Abstract: A paintball marker has an inline cylinder that includes a gas governor that reduces gas flow from a compressed gas source to a valve area when the bolt is in a firing position. This bolt operates independent of the valve pin, which increases cycle speed and enables the governor to open and close at an optimum time in the firing cycle. Further, when the bolt/piston is recocking, the gap between the valve pin and governor valve pin enables low pressure gas driving the piston to start pressurizing the cylinder and driving the piston rearwards without resistance from the high pressure gas. The marker also allows a user to remove the inline cylinder without the use of tools, and gives the user a convenient carrying handle for holding the paintball marker, which is commonly called a “snatch grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Kee Action Sports I LLC
    Inventors: Jerrold M. Dobbins, Gerald Dobbins
  • Patent number: 7921838
    Abstract: An apparatus for firing a non-lethal projectile comprises a body with an internal cavity. A light source may be disposed in the cavity to illuminate an area outside the body. A firing mechanism may also be provided to cause a projectile to be propelled through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Tippmann Sports, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis J. Tippmann, Jr., Bryce A. Carrico
  • Patent number: 7921839
    Abstract: The pneumatic launching assembly includes a launching body with a front end and a rear end. A first chamber is positioned in the rear end of the launching body for isolating a gas supply. A bolt is positioned in the front end of the launching body for moving a projectile into a launching position. A second chamber is coaxially forward of the first chamber for isolating the gas supply until the bolt is in a fully forward position. A firing plunger is slidably mounted in the launching body and moveable within the bolt and first chamber for regulating gas flow. In operation, the bolt moves forwardly to position the projectile into a launching position, meanwhile, the firing plunger moves rearwardly to release an gas to propel the projectile. The bolt and firing plunger are coaxially moving in opposite directions to minimize any recoil of the pneumatic launching assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Planet Eclipse Limited
    Inventor: Jack Kingsley Wood
  • Patent number: 7921840
    Abstract: An apparatus for launching projectiles may incorporate a hermetically sealed launch tube, projectile or projectiles within the launch tube with their payload inside or connected via meaning of socket to projectile from outside. The space between the outer surface of the projectile inside the launch tube and the inner surface of the launch tube is filled with compressed gas and hermetically sealed with a fast removable lid. If outside payload is used, then it will be attached to inside projectile via a socket where inside projectile is located inside the launch tube and outside payload connected to the protruded via fast acting valve, portion of projectile and connected to it via the socket. Projectile may incorporate another meaning of control via controllable surfaces or propulsion or constant acting engines. The exhaust gas would be in addition to use for projectile stabilization or additional propulsion, by incorporation a exhaust gas organizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Umbrella Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladislav Oleynik, Gennadiy Albul
  • Patent number: 7921841
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving the conventional high-speed cooking oven based on a combination of hot air impingement and microwave heating by providing a time-dependent spatial variation in the net air impingement and/or net microwave energy applied to the food product in the oven. This is aimed at optimizing heat transfer and microwave efficiencies in a high-speed cooking oven, thereby enabling the oven to deliver an optimal cooking efficiency in comparison to the conventional high-speed cooking oven. In addition, under the present invention, the cooking efficiency may be further optimized by dimensioning the nozzles for hot air impingement to tighten impingement plumes, subject to the space constraint of the oven's cooking chamber, and dimensioning the cooking chamber of the oven in integer multiples of the wavelength of the microwave energy to match the microwave load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Appliance Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip R. McKee, Earl R. Winkelmann
  • Patent number: 7921842
    Abstract: Disclosed is a water-cooled barbecue system with a cooling fluid circulation system which avoids meat from sticking to a grill and from burning. The water-cooled barbecue system comprises: a body, the upper portion thereof being open to provide heat from the supplied fuel, a receiving space being defined by the body; a grill with a frame, the frame having a first communicating hole and a second communicating hole to introduce and/or discharge fluid, a fluid circulation tube communicating between the first communicating hole and the second communicating hole being provided inside of the frame; and a cooling device connected with the fluid circulation tube through the first communicating hole and the second communicating hole, and cooling fluid which circulates inside of the fluid circulation tube. The water-cooled barbecue system, which has the body at the upper portion thereof and the cooling device inside thereof, can further a housing, which can be moved and assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Wellbas Limited
    Inventor: Keun-jin Lee
  • Patent number: 7921843
    Abstract: A mounting system that is used to mount a solar panel array to a flat roof. The system utilizes mounting supports that hold solar panels at an inclined angle. Each mounting support includes a first mounting ledge, a second mounting ledge, a flat base section and an inclined section that is disposed between the flat base section and the first mounting ledge. The first mounting ledge, second mounting ledge, flat base section and inclined section are all integrally formed from a common sheet of metal. A solar panel is attached between two of the mounting supports. Once mounted, the solar panel extends from the first mounting ledge of a first mounting support to a second mounting ledge of a second mounting support. Weights are then placed on the flat base section of the mounting supports to passively anchor the assembly to the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Lyle K. Rawlings
  • Patent number: 7921844
    Abstract: A drug inhaler of the type having an air jet entraining liquid medicine at an entrainment region from a medicine reservoir and nebulize or atomize entrained liquid by impacting a liquid medicine-laden air jet on a flat surface, and deliver the atomized medicine to a patient via a medicine delivery channel. A breath-activated fluidic switch has a power nozzle coupled to a source of air under pressure. The fluidic breath-activated switch has a pair of diverging legs, one of the diverging legs has a control port connected to sense inhalation of the patient, the other of the legs is coupled to the medicine entrainment region, whereby the entrainment of medicine at the medicine entrainment region is prevented by air supplied to the medicine entrainment region from the other of the legs in the absence of sensed patient inhalation at the control port. The fluidic control port is located downstream of the power nozzle a predetermined distance downstream of the wall attachment point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventors: Aland Santamarina, Ronald D. Stouffer, Russell Hester
  • Patent number: 7921845
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a muffler of a linear compressor. In the present invention, a center of an entry pipe of the muffler is in line with that of an inhale port of a piston. Therefore, a flow loss occurred when fluid is inhaled into the inhale port from the entry pipe can be reduced, and inhale efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, the plurality of inhale ports is eccentrically disposed in a front of the piston, and each center of the plurality of entry pipes is formed to be in line with that of the inhale ports. Not only the center but also the number of the inhale port and the entry pipe are agreed, on this account, the flow loss can be decreased and the inhale volume can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jeong Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 7921846
    Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger for both conducting a stream of air produced by a ventilator to a moisturizing medium and internally bypassing the moisturizing medium if aerosolized medication is introduced into the stream includes a housing having a ventilator-side port coupled to an outlet of a ventilator and a source of aerosolized medication. The housing has a patient-side port for coupling to a patient to provide ventilation including either air or air carrying aerosolized medication. A first path conducts air from the ventilator-side port through the moisturizing medium and the patient-side port, and a second path conducts air carrying aerosolized medication from the ventilator-side port directly to the patient-side port. A two-way valve mechanism in the housing selectively couples the ventilator-side port into fluid communication with one or the other of the first and second paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Thayer Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory S. Marler, David T. Sladek
  • Patent number: 7921847
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel device and method for providing a disposable endotracheal intubation device for use with an auxiliary passageway serving as a guide for the placement of an orogastic or other enterally directed device in a patient. The present invention pertains to a combination intubation device comprising an endotracheal tube and a catheter proximate the endotracheal tube to guide the path of an enteral tube. In a preferred embodiment, the endotracheal tube is capable of defining an arcuate path in a first geometric plane between its proximal end and its distal end to facilitate introduction of the tube into the trachea of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the catheter employs a fenestration to facilitate removal of the intubation device from the patient without removal of any enteral device previously directed therethrough into the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Intubix, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Totz
  • Patent number: 7921848
    Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has a helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization is effected by passing a current through the resilient structure to the tubal walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian N. Nikolchev, Dai T. Ton, Ashish Khera, Donnell W. Gurskis, Steven Bacich
  • Patent number: 7921849
    Abstract: A condom applicator (10) is disclosed which comprises a base (12) with a split line (18) across it and two flaps (14) which are connected by flimsy hinges to the base (12). Tubs (16) protrude from the flap (14). The base (12) includes two generally parallel walls (24, 28) and a base (26) which bound a trough (22). The trough receives the hem ring of a condom. There is an opening in the base which is encircled by the inner wall (24). When the flaps (14) are folded over, areas (44) of the flaps (14) cover the trough leaving a gap (G) between the wall (24) and the area (44). The tubs (16) span across said opening. The teat of the condom lies across the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Roelof Mulder
  • Patent number: 7921850
    Abstract: Systems and methods selectively stabilize tissue in the oral cavity. The systems and methods provide a first material sized and configured to be fitted to less mobile tissue in the oral cavity, e.g., the roof of the mouth or upper/lower teeth. The systems and methods provide a second material sized and configured to be releasably fitted to more mobile tissue in the oral cavity, e.g., a region of the tongue. The second material is magnetically attracted toward the first material to stabilize a preferred tissue orientation. During sleep, the systems and methods restrain movement of the more mobile tissue within the oral cavity toward positions in which snoring and/or sleep apnea events can occur, but are capable of otherwise leaving the tongue unaffected during waking hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Lionel M. Nelson, Ronald G. Lax, Eric N. Doelling
  • Patent number: 7921851
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a covering member for a protruding portion of a patient's body. This cover is flexible and collapsible so that it conforms to the shape of the encased portion of the body. This prevents the cover from being noticed while it is worn under clothing. The cover can contain a medicament or agent for pretreating a portion of the body before an examination or procedure. When the cover is used to apply a topical anesthetic to a portion of the body for a recommended period of time prior to the procedure or examination commencing, the amount of discomfort experienced by the patient can be significantly reduced compared to the amount experienced by the patient who has the anesthetic applied for just a few moments before the procedure begins. Alternatively, the cover can be used to hold a medicament or agent on the intended portion of the body in order to heal a wound or cure a condition such as a skin rash or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation
    Inventors: Daniel R. Kurz, Lynn Seely
  • Patent number: 7921852
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming curved sections in a transparent material, especially in a cornea, by producing optical breaks at various points in the material by means of pulsed laser beams focused into the material. The laser beam is deviated in a two-dimensional manner from a deviation point in order to form the section by arranging the optical breaks in a sequence. The two-dimensional deviation occurs such that the areas of the optical opening along a curve, whereon the optical openings are arranged in a sequence, are arranged at a distance in relation to the deviation point according to an angle function which is not linear and which is adapted to the curvature of the section. The areas along the curve adjacent to optical openings inside a specific tolerance range are arranged at an even distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Mario Gerlach, Carsten Lang, Dirk Mühlhoff, Markus Sticker, Mark Bischoff, Michael Bergt
  • Patent number: 7921853
    Abstract: A system and method for phototherapy, including skin tanning, lupus phototherapy, teeth whitening, hair growth and psoriasis phototherapies are provided. The system (1) includes a chamber adapted for at least one type of phototherapy and at least one UV LED, at least one nanostructure UV light emitting device or a combination of UV LEDs and nanostructure light emitting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: LEDeep LLC
    Inventor: Peter Depew Fiset
  • Patent number: 7921854
    Abstract: Improved devices and methods for removing blood from a blood vessel in preparation for endovenous laser ablation are described. The improved methods include one or more of: placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position, applying external compression around the vein, massaging the vein, cooling the vein externally, encouraging spasming of the vein, and removing blood with a suction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: CoolTouch Incorporated
    Inventors: David R. Hennings, Mitchel P. Goldman, Robert A. Weiss, Eric B. Taylor, Don Johnson
  • Patent number: 7921855
    Abstract: A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Asthmatx, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Danek, Bryan E. Loomas, Thomas M. Keast, Michael D. Laufer
  • Patent number: 7921856
    Abstract: A cigarette casing for independent making of a Russian cigarette by a smoker or for bulk production. The casing of the Russian cigarette has an empty mouthpiece and a connected empty envelope and at least a part of the cavity of which is intended for the allocation of the smoking material. It contains a separating partition selectively penetrable for the smoke, installed so that at least a part of the cavity of the mouthpiece could be detached from at least a part of the cavity of the envelope, and so that it is possible to overlap at least a part of a cross section of the cavity of the mouthpiece. Its design impedes minor changes in the composition of the smoke, the penetration of the particles of the smoking material located in the cavity of the envelope into the cavity of the mouthpiece while filling the casing with the smoking material and into the mouth of the smoker during smoking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Yuriy Sergeyevich Bilivitin, Oleg Anatoliyevich Grinevskyy
  • Patent number: 7921857
    Abstract: An applicator for applying a composition to eyelashes and/or eyebrows may include: a stem; and an applicator member at one end of the stem. The applicator member may include: a support that is made of plastics material, and that is elongate along a longitudinal axis. The support may be connected at a proximal end to the stem, and may include a free distal end. The support may include only two branches that extend along the longitudinal axis of the support. The branches may form a single opening therebetween, and together may define a greatest width of the support. At least one row of applicator elements may be disposed on one of the branches. The at least one row may include applicator elements which, over at least half of their length, extend other than over the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 7921858
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting an object from one workstation to another, where the object or workstations may be contaminated with unwanted dirt or dust particles. A movable transfer arm connected to a control unit has an end effector including an array of nano-scale projections, where each projection provides one or more distal contact ends. The density of the contact ends is such as to grip a surface of the object with an intermolecular force sufficient to hold the object for movement in accordance with a control unit program. In accordance with a control unit program, after moving the gripped object to the workstation, the end effector is manipulated to release the gripped object, and before, during or after transport of the object, bring the arm's end effector into contact with a cleaning surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Lewis & Clark College
    Inventors: Kellar Autumn, Wendy R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7921859
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for an ultraviolet cleaning tool. The cleaning tool includes ultraviolet source spaced apart from a surface having contaminant particles. The ultraviolet source can create ozone between the surface and the ultraviolet source which breaks the chemical bonds between particles and the surface. The apparatus includes a gas feed which introduces a gas to aid the chemical bond. Additionally, the gas feed can introduce a gas to remove the particles from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Sematech, Inc.
    Inventors: Abbas Rastegar, Yoshiaki Ikuta
  • Patent number: 7921860
    Abstract: A combined jazzy stick carrying case assembly includes a plurality of top pockets located about a top section of a carrying case and situated exterior of an outermost surface of the carrying case. A plurality of bottom pockets are located about a bottom section of the carrying case and situated exterior of the outermost surface of the carrying case. In this manner, a first one of the top pockets is isolated from a corresponding first one of the bottom pockets such that the corresponding first bottom pocket has a top opening overlapping about a closed bottom end of the first top pocket. Conversely, a second one of the top pockets is in fluid communication with a corresponding second one of the bottom pockets such that a corresponding second bottom pocket has a top opening in continuous communication with an open bottom end of the second top pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Sally McQueen
  • Patent number: 7921861
    Abstract: An adjustable lighted walking aid adapted to be used in low light or dark areas is disclosed and may include a cane having a front light for illuminating obstacles being encountered in front of the user and a back light for simultaneously illuminating the area proximate the feet of the user so that the user may see and thus help avoid upcoming obstacles in front, as well as observe the area at his or her feet while walking. The cane may be used in its generally vertical manner during use to assist properly the stability of the user, and is adjustable in its length to accommodate a variety of users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Randal A. Navarro
  • Patent number: 7921862
    Abstract: An improved frame for tents and structures comprising a generally circular base plate, a plurality of main frame support struts, each including a lower leg section, a generally upright center section, and an upper section such that each of the support struts is generally C-shaped in side elevational view and an indexing ring mounted on the lower face of the base plate which includes a plurality of lower leg section retaining notches circumferentially spaced around the indexing ring to releasably engage and retain the lower leg sections of the main frame support struts. Upper and lower strut connectors pivotably connect the upper ends and lower ends of the struts to one another. A generally circular frame extension ring engages retaining notches of the main frame support struts between the center section and upper sections thereof such that the base plate and frame extension ring retain the main frame support struts in an upright, circumferentially spaced orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Dick Mueller
  • Patent number: 7921863
    Abstract: A self-supporting, high-profile, insect net enclosure made of a fabric membrane that defines an interior rectangular space having two side walls, two end walls, a floor and ceiling with advanced insect protection properties, enhanced comfort, accessibility, ventilation, and lightweight storage characteristics, includes two resiliently flexible segmented poles having two angles each that separate three straight pole sections into one horizontal section and two vertical sections. The enclosure maintains a stable shape as the fabric membrane is pushed out by the poles contained within the interior rectangular space that are biased in place by the fabric membrane when the pole ends are positioned in opposite lower inside corners, with the vertical pole sections crossing diagonally, and the horizontal pole sections parallel to each other along top of side walls. The enclosure has a zipper door opening, and includes a fabric pouch that reverses to store the enclosure with poles for transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: David Edward Ways
  • Patent number: 7921864
    Abstract: A telescoping pole assembly for an erectable, collapsible shelter, includes first and second hollow telescoping sections slidably connected together, the first telescoping section being slidably disposed within the second telescoping section, and a spring loaded detent pin mounted to the second telescoping section. A weighted internal stop member is slidably disposed within the first telescoping section for movement between a first position and a second position. The internal stop member blocks the spring loaded detent pin in the first position, and the internal stop member does not block the spring loaded detent pin in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7921865
    Abstract: The invention concerns an exclusively mechanical stand-alone device for controlled watering by sprinkling, wherein a soil simulating member, having an absorbent body associated with a reclinable cup arranged beneath, contributes to determination of the interval between two watering operations. A balance arm, bearing the absorbent body and an annular magnet, is mounted and balanced by a compressed spring, contributing to the determination of the opening and closing times of a valve. The valve includes a hydraulic relay with a nozzle triggering its opening or closure, in response to the displacement of the magnet field. An impermeable sleeve encloses the core and the nozzle. A sliding canopy enables one of the parameters determining the duration of the watering operation to be adjusted. A thermostatic element has an adjustable position preventing watering in sunshine. The device is mounted rotating on a pivot including the base of the sleeve and a tail unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Bernard Balet
  • Patent number: 7921866
    Abstract: A first stage pressure regulator for a two-stage underwater breathing apparatus, comprises a second movable wall (16, 18) for separating a balance chamber (10) from an ambient exposed chamber (17) . The second movable wall is formed by a disk-shaped piston (16) which is slideably and non sealingly guided along the peripheral walls that delimit the balance chamber (10), and by an elastically deformable diaphragm (18), which overlies the side of the piston (16) facing forward the ambient exposed chamber (17) . The elastically deformable diaphragm (18) forms with said piston (16) a diaphragm type pressure relief valve (20, 318).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Scubapro Europe S.R.L.
    Inventor: Rolando Aluigi
  • Patent number: 7921867
    Abstract: An elbow fluid flow valve exhibiting reduced flow loss and including a body having a specified shape and size and defining a short radius associated with an elbow shaped fluid passageway characterized by a first fluid flow inlet and a second fluid flow outlet. A cover secures over the valve body, and such that a generally sleeve shaped annulus is defined therebetween. A light-weight and linearly translatable sleeve is mounted exteriorly of the valve body and within the intermediately defined annulus. The sleeve is operable to be displaced between a first location permitting fluid flow to the outlet and a second location interrupting fluid flow. A control element is operably connected to a pair of access ports, in turn communicated with one or a pair of interior regions in communication with locations of the displaceable sleeve and, upon experiencing at least one of a pressure and flow disparity between valve inlet and outlet, facilitates displacement of the sleeve to the second (flow interrupting) location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Olmsted Products Co.
    Inventor: Frank W. Groves, II
  • Patent number: 7921868
    Abstract: The invention relates to an airing and venting valve for pipes and fittings carrying fluid, comprising a substantially cup-shaped valve body becoming smaller in cross-section towards the bottom for closing and opening a valve outlet, with a seal cup co-operating with a float of the valve, and a cup seal which is disposed between the valve body and seal cup and is able to move into different closing and opening positions lying across passage orifices of the valve body. By virtue of one aspect of the invention, the seal cup has an internal contour which becomes wider towards the top conforming to the external contour of the valve body. By virtue of another aspect, the valve body is disposed so that it is able to move against its seat at the valve outlet so that it can release and close a passage in the region of the valve body seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: HAWLE Armaturen GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Goetzinger, Helmut Grassl
  • Patent number: 7921869
    Abstract: An on-board inert gas generating system includes a flow control valve modulated according to changes in ambient conditions to minimize changes to oxygen content within a fuel tank. The quality of the nitrogen-enriched air stream that is provided by the air separation module varies in response to flow. Higher flow rates through the air separation module removes less oxygen relative to lower flow rates. The amount of flow through the air separation module that produces the least amount of oxygen within the fuel tank is determined for an ambient pressure and provided by modulating the flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Surawski
  • Patent number: 7921870
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism for a slurry valve, wherein the slurry valve has a valve seat for seating a valve closure member carried on a valve stem, a drive member threadably engaged with the valve stem, the drive member being rotatable relative to the valve stem to axially move the valve stem and closure member relative to the valve seat to open and close the slurry valve, and a driving means for rotating the drive member, the clutch mechanism comprising: a clutch body having an internally threaded bore for threadably receiving the valve stem; and clamping means actuable with the clutch body for clamping the clutch body to the driving means so as to lock the valve stem and drive member together and allow them to rotate in unison to grind scale from the valve seat and valve closure member when they are positioned against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Flow Control Pacific Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Nigel Hardie, Michael Taylor, Paul Delaney
  • Patent number: 7921871
    Abstract: Low-profile garden hose storage apparatus comprises a housing adapted for mounting onto an exterior wall of a building to store a garden hose having first and second ends and an outer diameter ‘d’. A reel, rotatable in the housing, has a central hub and a pair of plates spaced apart at a distance of 1, 2 or 3d. In the preferred embodiment the plates are spaced apart at a distance slightly greater than d such that a single layer of hose may be wound thereon in a ‘pancake’ configuration. A water inlet is coupled to the hub through a swivel fitting, enabling the reel to rotate as water is delivered. The first end of the garden hose is coupled to the hub of the reel between the plates, with the second end of the garden hose extending through an opening in the housing. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for automatically winding the garden hose onto the reel between the plates, thereby retracting the hose into the housing through the opening thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: John E. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7921872
    Abstract: A gas valve has housing and a barrier. The housing has a passageway with an upstream port and a downstream port. The barrier is disposed across the passageway and is formed from a material which is porous to compressed gas but which substantially prevents a low-pressure liquid from advancing through the passageway downstream of the barrier. The passageway may also contain a gas conditioner and/or a filter that is preferably disposed downstream of the barrier. In another embodiment, a valve comprises an inlet opening, a passageway extending downstream of the inlet opening, an attachment portion near the inlet opening, and a movable cap adapted to cover the inlet opening. The cap has a range of motion between a first position, wherein the cap covers the inlet opening, and a second position outside of the passageway, wherein the cap is displaced from the inlet opening. The cap is biased towards the first position. The gas valve may further comprise a gas regulator in fluid communication with the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Shane S. Taylor, Peter T. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 7921873
    Abstract: A combination overfill protection device, fluid level gauge, includes a service valve having a body defining a set of wrench flats, an input port, and a tank port wherein the overfill protection device has a float that rotates a shaft in response to a change in fluid level, the shaft transitioning the overfill protection device between opened and closed configurations and rotating a magnet within the service valve body proximate the wrench flat and wherein a gauge dial has a dial magnet housing sized to fit proximate to the wrench flat such that rotation of the magnet within the service valve actuates a dial magnet housed substantially in the dial magnet housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert G. Ross, Jr., Danny E. Swindler
  • Patent number: 7921874
    Abstract: A non-implantable valve assembly and a method for controlling flow rates in a medical device are provided. The valve assembly includes a valve member being dimensioned for reception at least partially within a lumen of the medical device. The valve member includes a flow regulator for controlling flow rates in a first direction having a first rate and a second direction having a second rate. The second rate is greater than the first rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Kurt J. Tekulve, Ram H. Paul, Jr., Julie E. Urbanski
  • Patent number: 7921875
    Abstract: In the fluid coupling for connecting the fluid passages of a plug (1) and a socket (2), a valve (33), a valve holder (31) and a spring (32) disposed in a compressed state between the valve (33) and the valve holder (31) are accommodated inside each of the plug (1) and the socket (2) to be connected to each other the plug (1) is inserted into the socket (2), the valve (33) of the plug (1) and the valve (33) of the socket (2) make contact with each other so that the valves (33) are retracted resisting an urging force of the spring (32). This fluid coupling further includes conical members (32, 51) which form a conical external shape along a line connecting the outside diameter portion of the valve (33) and the outside diameter portion of the valve holder (31) when the valve (33) of the plug (1) and the valve (33) of the socket (2) make contact with each other, so that the springs (32) are compressed between the valve (33) and the valve holder (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nagahori Shokai
    Inventors: Atsushi Moriiki, Katsuya Nishi, Yoshinori Abura
  • Patent number: 7921876
    Abstract: A rotary control valve and associated actuator control system. An actuator control system comprises a rotary control valve including a generally planar face seal, and an actuator operatively connected to the rotary control valve. Another actuator control system comprises a control valve including multiple faces having multiple ports formed therein. Fluid communication is selectively permitted and prevented between the ports in response to relative displacement between the faces. A differential area is configured to apply a biasing force which maintains sealing engagement between the faces, and which increases in response to an increase in pressure applied to the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Wright, Vincent P. Zeller
  • Patent number: 7921877
    Abstract: A valve (200) for routing a fluid includes a housing (220) having an inlet (222) and at least one outlet port (224). A valve member (218) is located in the housing (220). The valve (218) member has a wall (232) enclosing a cavity (230). A plurality of inlet openings (234) is formed in the wall (232). At least one of the plurality of inlet openings (234) fluidly connects the inlet (222) of the housing (220) with the cavity (230), and the at least one outlet port (224) may be selectively fluidly connected to the cavity (230).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Anil Murgai
  • Patent number: 7921878
    Abstract: A control valve comprises a valve body having a fluid inlet and at least one work fluid outlet for supplying pressurized fluid to the fluid operated device. A valve member is movable in the valve body in a first direction from a null position to a full flow or open position for supplying flow of pressurized fluid from a feed passage to a work fluid outlet. The valve member has a load sense signal shaping device that provides for initial flow from the feed passage to the work fluid outlet through a metering orifice during movement of the valve member from the null position to the full flow open position so as to shape an initial boost pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory T. Coolidge