Patents Issued in September 6, 2011
  • Patent number: 8011352
    Abstract: A gas introducing structure of an intake path includes a gas introducing path introducing a gas into an intake airflow in the intake path of an internal combustion engine, wherein an inner peripheral surface of the gas introducing path is made of a bottom surface appearing as a straight line at a lower side of a perpendicular cross section of the inner peripheral surface and a curved wall surface appearing as a convex curved line, connecting with each end of the straight line at an angle, at an upper side of the perpendicular cross section of the inner peripheral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumihiro Shinkai, Koichi Maruyama, Toshihiro Kawai, Kiyoshi Naiki, Takanori Kawazu, Takeshi Murakami, Takashi Tsukiyama
  • Patent number: 8011353
    Abstract: A blow-by gas recirculation structure for an engine includes a gas-liquid separating member, a cylinder head, a support member and a mounting bolt. The gas-liquid separating member includes a gas-liquid separating passage to separate oil from the blow-by gas. The cylinder head includes a communication passage communicating with the air intake system. The support member is configured and arranged to rotatably support a camshaft in the cylinder head. The mounting bolt securely fastens the support member to the cylinder head with the mounting bolt threadedly engaging within the communication passage of the cylinder head. The mounting bolt has an axial through hole axially extending there-through and communicating with the gas-liquid separating passage so that the blow-by gas that has passed through the gas-liquid separating passage is recirculated from the axial through hole of the mounting bolt, through the communication passage, and into the air intake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Aichi Machine Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Munehiro Sagata
  • Patent number: 8011354
    Abstract: A housing of an ignition coil has an approximately rectangular shape. A central core is in parallel with both side surfaces of the housing. The peripheral core has a larger size than the central core in a direction of a height of the housing. A first and second side portions of the peripheral core are opposed to both axial end surfaces of the central core, respectively. A third and fourth side portions of the peripheral core interpose the central core, a primary coil and a secondary coil therebetween to magnetically connect the first side portion to the second side portion. A terminal treatment portion for electrically connecting the primary coil to an external electric power source is arranged above or below the first side portion of the peripheral core. The peripheral core is positioned off-center with respect to the central core in the direction of the height of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Norihito Fujiyama
  • Patent number: 8011355
    Abstract: A cartridge-based air gun that fires a BB bullet or a resin bullet inside a cartridge using compressed gas, includes an engaging structure of an extractor that enables blowback and the automatic ejection of the cartridge. An extractor, which engages with a rim that is formed at the rear end of a cartridge loaded in a chamber, is pivotally provided on a side portion of a cylinder so as to be rotatable. A claw portion formed at the tip of the extractor engages with the rim of the cartridge by the urging force of a spring provided between the extractor and the cylinder. A slide moves rearward while the cartridge is held inside the chamber. As the cylinder moves rearward with the stopping of the supply of compressed gas from a gas reservoir, the cartridge comes into contact with an ejector, is released from the engagement by the extractor, and is ejected from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Marushinkogyo Kabushikikaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kawashima
  • Patent number: 8011356
    Abstract: An archery bow comprises an archery bow body defining opposing limb tips and a bowstring extending between the limb tips. The archery bow includes an elongate member extending from the bow body, the elongate member having a length and a proximal end arranged adjacent the bowstring. Additionally, the archery bow includes a dampening element made of a vibration dampening material mounted to the proximal end between the proximal end and the bowstring, the dampening element having a contact face adapted to contact the bowstring. In certain embodiments, the dampening element includes a laterally protruding rib extending outward from the contact face along at least a portion thereof to engage the bowstring when the bowstring is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Bear Archery, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Gordon, Ben Blosser
  • Patent number: 8011357
    Abstract: A cutting and dust collecting assembly comprises a rotatable, circular saw blade (4) having a first side (20), a second side (21), and a cover device (6) with a terminal member (52). The bottom surface (36) of the cover device extends in a plane. A longitudinal passage (45, 46) for the saw blade extends through the cover device from its top surface to its bottom surface. The terminal member comprises a terminal chamber (60) having an inlet (45a), the mouth of which coincides with the plane of said bottom surface. An outlet (58) can be connected to a vacuum source. The direction of rotation of the operating blade is such that the rear part (4a) of the saw blade which has passed beyond the bottom surface of the cover device will move in a direction upwards-rearwards towards the bottom surface. The invention also concerns the cover device, a sealing body belonging to the cover device and a working machine which is provided with the cutting and dust collecting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Husqvarna Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Mats Johansson
  • Patent number: 8011358
    Abstract: A burner for range covers or similar, to allow a broad range of calorific capacities, and a better burner distribution in the cover, with a generally semi-rectangular form, and containing a plurality of ports and a plurality of manners to ignite it, wherein the burner is capable of interacting with other burners at determined length and height distances, creating discontinuous flames between the burners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Mabe Mexico S. DE R.L. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Victor Gerardo Caloca Galindo, José Arturo Lona Santoyo, Roberto Cabrera Botello
  • Patent number: 8011359
    Abstract: Smoke escaping from an outdoor wood burning furnace may be effectively arrested with a smoke arresting unit. By mounting a smoke gathering manifold above the furnace door operatively connected to a vacuum source for drawing smoke discharging from the furnace chamber through an open furnace door, the gathered and arrested smoke may be discharged through a separate discharging chimney. The vacuum source may be activated when the furnace fan is switched off and the furnace door is opened for refueling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher T. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8011360
    Abstract: A vented, gas-fired air heater especially designed for temporary heating applications includes an improved burner design providing effective air and gas mixing and efficient burning in the combustion chamber. Highly efficient heat exchanger including corrugated heat exchanger panels provides enhanced heat transfer characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Haul-All Equipment Ltd.
    Inventors: Sergiu Desi-Seulean, David Wiebe-Neufeldt
  • Patent number: 8011361
    Abstract: A tower type heat dissipating structure is applied to dissipate the heat of a solar power system. The solar power system is provided with a reflector having a hemispheric surface for reflecting the sunlight to a solar cell. The heat dissipating structure comprises a heat-conducting plate, a plate type heat pipe and a plurality of heat dissipating fins. One side of the heat-conducting plate is connected with the solar cell, and the other side is provided with a groove for being embedded an end of the plate type heat pipe. The heat dissipating fins is arranged with an inclination angle against the plate type heat pipe that can promote the heated air within the gaps to rise. The heat is rapidly conduced to prevent the solar cell from being destroyed by overheating for reducing the repairing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Celsia Technologies Taiwan, Inc.
    Inventors: George Anthony Meyer, IV, Chien-Hung Sun, Chieh-Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 8011362
    Abstract: A compact continuous positive airway pressure apparatus and method provide a flatter profile and more compact thickness, including a larger lateral dimension in order to be accommodated in conventional luggage designed to stow laptop computers having a smaller aspect ratio of thickness to length or thickness to width. Air tubing may be coiled within a case or coiled as about a spool-like configuration in the base unit of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Phillip M. Adams
  • Patent number: 8011363
    Abstract: An underwater breathing device, such as a snorkel, may include an exhalation valve. The exhalation valve is configured to produce positive end-expiratory pressure in the airway of a user of the underwater breathing device in order to reduce the overall work of underwater breathing. The exhalation valve includes a plate defining an exhalation port. The exhalation valve also includes a flexible membrane that is sealable against a surface of the plate and is sized and positioned to be capable of sealing the exhalation port. The flexible membrane is configured to have a sealed position in which the flexible membrane seals the exhalation port such that substantially no exhaled air escapes the snorkel. The flexible membrane is also configured to have an unsealed position in which exhaled air escapes the snorkel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Johnson
  • Patent number: 8011364
    Abstract: An underwater breathing device, such as a snorkel, may include an exhalation valve. The exhalation valve is configured to produce positive end-expiratory pressure in the airway of a user of the underwater breathing device. The exhalation valve includes a plate defining an exhalation port and at least one chamber port, an exhalation conduit connected to the exhalation port, and a flexible membrane that is sealable against a surface of the plate. A lower portion of the exhalation conduit is divided by a septum which divides the exhalation conduit and the exhalation port into a first exhalation port connected to a first exhalation conduit and a second exhalation port connected to a second exhalation conduit. The flexible membrane is sized and positioned to be capable of sealing the first exhalation port and the second exhalation port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Mark R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8011365
    Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a CPAP apparatus. The apparatus has a blower (2), a patient interface (6), an air delivery conduit (8) for delivering air from the blower (2) to the patient interface (6), a sensor (4p) for determining the pressure in the patient interface (6), and a control mechanism (15) that causes air to be delivered at a desired pressure to the patient interface (6) and that detects transitions between inhalation and exhalation of a respiratory cycle of a patient in order to synchronise the blower output with the patient's efforts. In one form the CPAP apparatus provides pressure in accordance with a bi-level waveform with at least one characterising parameter of the waveform being automatically adjusted in accordance with indications of sleep disordered breathing. The indications of sleep disordered breathing can be one or more of snoring, apnea, hypopnea, and flow limitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Resmed Limited
    Inventors: Robert Douglas, Anthony John Ujhazy, Glenn Richards, Mark David Buckley, Klaus Henry Schindhelm
  • Patent number: 8011366
    Abstract: A method for acclimating a CPAP therapy patient to a prescribed pressure while the patient falls asleep. During an initial startup period, the CPAP apparatus applies a therapeutic IPAP pressure to the patient's airway and a lower initial EPAP pressure to the patient's airway. The EPAP pressure is ramped up to the IPAP pressure over a sufficient time for the patient to fall asleep. In a modified embodiment, both the initial IPAP pressure and the initial EPAP pressure are less than the prescribed therapeutic pressure. The IPAP and EPAP pressures are then independently ramped up to the prescribed therapeutic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: DeVilbiss Healthcare LLC
    Inventor: Michael B. Knepper
  • Patent number: 8011367
    Abstract: A method for increasing circulation and providing oxygen to a patient in cardiac arrest includes the step of coupling an interface to the patient's airway, the interface providing access to the patient's respiratory system. A valve system is operably attached to the interface. Oxygen is delivered through the interface a rate of between about 1.0 to about 10.0 L/min to provide a continuous supply of oxygen to the patient. While supplying the oxygen, a body structure of the patient is manipulated to increase the magnitude and duration of the patient's negative intrathoracic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Circulatory Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Lurie, Greg Voss
  • Patent number: 8011368
    Abstract: Improved respirator fit-test methods and apparatus featuring an automated, respirator wearer-controlled, air-leak measurement system. For fit testing of a respirator positioned on a test subject's face and connected to a controlled negative pressure testing apparatus, the test subject simply holds his breath and then activates a switch in electrical connection with said apparatus, which results in the automatic closure of the breathing port on the respirator and the initiation of a complete fit-testing protocol. The fit-testing apparatus includes a single, self-contained, automated unit that includes a vacuum source (30), an air-flow measuring device, and an air-pressure transducer (32) for connection to a respirator (10) being tested. By measuring the rate of air exhausted from the respirator in order to maintain a constant challenge pressure, an air leakage rate is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Clifton D. Crutchfield
  • Patent number: 8011369
    Abstract: A connector includes a mask end for connecting with the interior of a respiratory mask, a supply conduit end, and a gas washout vent passage having an inlet adjacent to, or forming part of, the mask end in fluid communication with the interior of the respiratory mask and an outlet in fluid communication with atmosphere. The vent outlet of the vent passage is disposed on the side of the connector remote from the mask end. A respiratory mask includes a mask shell, a mask inlet for connecting with the outlet of a breathable gas supply conduit, and a gas washout vent passage. A vent outlet is disposed on the side of the mask remote from the mask interior and is adapted to direct the washout gas in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mask inlet and away from the mask inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Michael K. Gunaratnam, Joanne E. Drew, Geoffrey Crumblin, Phillip Jenkinson, Susan Robyn Lynch
  • Patent number: 8011370
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus of contraception. The apparatus can include an implant sized for insertion into a fallopian tube. The implant can comprise a plurality of loose, bulked fibers. The fibers can be formed from one or more bioabsorbable materials, for example, the method can include inserting the implant into a fallopian tube and occluding the fallopian tube with the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Halil I. Karabey, Anna G. Prestezog, Michael S. Mirizzi, John W. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8011371
    Abstract: A surgical drape includes a flexible opaque sheet configured to satisfy barrier performance requirements of AAMI PB70:2003, and a flexible transparent sheet disposed within the opaque sheet to form a window sized and shaped to permit the patient to view the surgical procedure therethrough. The window is configured to satisfy the barrier performance requirements of AAMI PB70:2003, and a flexible, opaque cover is sized and shaped to substantially match that of the window. One or more releasable fasteners are configured to releasably dispose the cover in superposed relation with the window, to selectively cover and uncover the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Peter J. Rotolo
  • Patent number: 8011372
    Abstract: A device for filling cigarette tubes with tobacco, wherein the device comprises at least one separating means adapted to detach a tobacco portion from a tobacco block and at least one portioning means adapted to portion the tobacco block, at least one transport means adapted to transport the tobacco block towards the separating means, wherein the portioning means and the transport means are coupled such that the transport means transports the tobacco block in a number of transport steps, and at least one filling means adapted to fill a cigarette tube with the detached tobacco portion. The device further comprises at least one blocking means adapted to block the transport means after each transport step until the at least one filling means has been operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Neumann, Volker Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8011373
    Abstract: A method of treating a tobacco extract solution includes bringing an extract solution, which is obtained by extracting a natural tobacco material with an aqueous extracting solvent, into contact with a polymer containing, in its side chain, a functional group which traps metal ions including at least magnesium, thereby obtaining an extract solution with an amount of at least magnesium reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Torikai, Hiromichi Muto
  • Patent number: 8011374
    Abstract: Mixed metal oxide catalysts are prepared by combining first nanoscale particles and second nanoscale particles to form a mixture of nanoscale particles and then the mixture is heated to form a mixed metal oxide catalyst. The mixed metal oxide catalysts, which are capable of reducing the concentration of carbon monoxide in the mainstream smoke of a cigarette during smoking, are incorporated into a smoking article component such as tobacco cut filler, cigarette paper and/or cigarette filter material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Shahryar Rabiei, Firooz Rasouli, Mohammad R. Hajaligol
  • Patent number: 8011375
    Abstract: This invention provides a unitary hair clip. More specifically, provided is an elastic midsection with a first portion extending from the midsection, the first portion having a first width. A second portion extends from the midsection opposite from the first portion. The second portion provides an aperture having a second width greater than the first width. The aperture is adapted to receive the first portion. The first portion, the second portion and the elastic midsection are formed as a contiguous seamless structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Goody Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Defenbaugh, Regina Hopper, Allison Hardin
  • Patent number: 8011376
    Abstract: The case (1) comprises a lid (2), a base (3) and a holder (7) for a cosmetics applicator; the lid, base and holder being interconnected along a hinge (4). The hinge comprises a boss (5) positioned intermediate its ends and the holder comprises a surface (18) engageable with the boss such that opening the container causes the holder to lift from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Toly Products (UK) Ltd.
    Inventor: Phillipe Parker
  • Patent number: 8011377
    Abstract: A cleaning tool to clean a surface of a component of a lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The cleaning tool includes a sonic transducer, a liquid supply device configured to provide liquid to a reservoir between the surface to be cleaned and the sonic transducer, and a liquid outlet configured to remove liquid provided by the liquid supply device, the cleaning tool constructed and arranged such that, in use, liquid flows into the outlet under the influence of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Anthonius Martinus Cornelis Petrus De Jong, Hans Jansen, Marco Koert Stavenga, Peter Franciscus Wanten, Bauke Jansen, Johannes Wilhelmus Jacobus Leonardus Cuijpers, Raymond Gerardus Marlus Beeren, Kornelis Tijmen Hoekerd
  • Patent number: 8011378
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a megasonic cleaning module. The megasonic cleaning module includes a vibrator having a piezoelectric element mounted therein for generating ultrasonic waves by the vibration of the piezoelectric element, a first vibratory rod having a diameter gradually decreased to concentrate the longitudinal ultrasonic waves generated from the vibrator, and a second vibratory rod for progressing the longitudinal ultrasonic waves, generated from the first vibratory rod, in the transverse direction. The size of the second vibratory rod at one side thereof where the second vibratory rod is coupled to the first vibratory rod is less than that of the second vibratory rod at the other side thereof, with the result that the longitudinal ultrasonic waves are not prevented from affecting the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials
    Inventors: Yang-lae Lee, Eui-su Lim, Hyun-se Kim
  • Patent number: 8011379
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable and compact umbrella capable of being folded compactly without exposing umbrella ribs and umbrella cloth thereby being easily carried and stored. A portable and compact umbrella according to the present invention includes an extendable umbrella stick extended and retracted to change its length, wherein the extendable umbrella stick has a sheltering means provided at one side thereof and a fixing protrusion provided at the other side thereof; and a handle member having both ends communicating with each other and a receiving space defined therein, wherein the receiving space is partitioned by a cylindrical winding unit, the winding unit has an inner space formed inside thereof so that the extendable umbrella stick is retracted and received in the inner space, and the winding unit has an outer space formed outside thereof so that the sheltering means is wound around the winding unit and received in the outer space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Yong Kyun Oh
  • Patent number: 8011380
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cylindrical, single-component two-stage regulator for controlling a pressure and a flow rate of a gas. The regulator includes a housing for holding the two stages having an ingress adapted for connection to a source of gas at a high input pressure and an egress adapted for supplying gas at a lower output pressure than the high input pressure; a first stage for reducing the pressure of the gas from the high input pressure to a fixed intermediate pressure; and a second stage for reducing the pressure of the gas from the fixed intermediate pressure to the lower output pressure and regulating the flow rate of the gas out of the egress. One application of the present invention is for use in scuba (Self-Contained Under-water Breathing Apparatus) applications, where it replaces the traditional two-component user-adjustable regulator. The regulator may be made out of stainless steel, and is small enough to fit into a user's mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Vision Tech International LLP
    Inventors: Paul J. Califano, Michael J. Califano
  • Patent number: 8011381
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a gas to a slit valve opening are provided herein. In one embodiment, a slit valve is described. The slit valve includes a housing having an opening, the opening defined by a plurality of interior sidewalls and sized to allow a substrate to pass therethrough, a door adapted to selectively seal the opening, a gas inlet formed in the housing, and a plurality of nozzles disposed in or on at least one of the plurality of interior sidewalls, each of the plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with the gas inlet and the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Material, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Newman, Douglas H. Burns
  • Patent number: 8011382
    Abstract: A bi-modal bleed valve assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the bi-modal bleed valve assembly includes a housing assembly having a bleed inlet, a bleed outlet, a control servo port, and a control chamber therein. A main flow control valve is fluidly coupled to the control chamber and configured to move between an open position and a closed position to regulate fluid flow from the bleed inlet to the bleed outlet. The main flow control valve is configured to move from an open position to a closed position when the pressure within the control chamber surpasses a predetermined threshold. A switching valve is fluidly coupled between the bleed inlet, the servo control port, and the control chamber. The switching valve is configured to route fluid flow into the control chamber from: (i) the bleed inlet in an autonomous mode, and (ii) the servo control port in a servo-controlled mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Franconi
  • Patent number: 8011383
    Abstract: A fuel tank for an agricultural vehicle, comprises a main fuel tank 10 having a filler pipe 11 and a separate inlet 15 and a removable auxiliary tank 30 having a second filler pipe 32 and an outlet 36 for supplying fuel into the separate inlet 15 of the main tank. To avoid spillage from the filler pipe of the main tank 10, in one aspect of the invention, a valve 16 is provided in the main fuel tank 10 to close off the second inlet 15 when the fuel level within the main tank 10 reaches a predetermined level. In a second aspect of the invention, spillage is avoided by means of an extension tube 40 which sealingly engages the filler tube 11 of the main tank at its lower end and opens at its upper end into the filler pipe 46 of the auxiliary tank 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey William Mowatt, Thomas Charles Kindred
  • Patent number: 8011384
    Abstract: A bridge faucet assembly including a hot water pillar, a cold water pillar positioned in spaced relation to the hot water pillar, and a bridge fluidly coupled to the hot water pillar and the cold water pillar. A spout is supported by the bridge and includes an internal passageway. A coupler is at least partially received within the internal passageway of the spout and is configured to couple the spout to the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Zuhair A. Izzy, Scott K. Jones
  • Patent number: 8011385
    Abstract: A valve assembly is provided that has a valve body defining first and second valve seats and a fluid chamber between the valve seats. The valve assembly includes a first valve that has an extension portion and a plug portion. The plug portion is configured to be selectively seated at the first valve seat. The extension portion is configured to extend within the fluid chamber past the second valve seat when the plug portion is seated at the first valve seat. A second valve is configured to interfit with the extension portion to connect to the first valve for common movement therewith. The second valve is configured to be selectively seated at the second valve seat. Fluid flow through the fluid chamber past the valve seats is controlled by the common movement of the connected first and second valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel W. Bamber
  • Patent number: 8011386
    Abstract: A control valve having a shiftable valve plug includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, a flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, and defining a longitudinal axis, a generally cylindrical valve cage disposed within the valve body and sized to receive the valve plug, with the valve cage including at least one aperture comprising at least a portion of the flow passage, a portion of the valve cage disposed adjacent a portion of the valve body at an interface. A seal having a C-shaped cross section is provided and is disposed at the interface between the valve cage and the valve body, and a retainer is disposed adjacent the interface and positioned to secure the seal against movement along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: James Leroy Gossett, William V. Fitzgerald, Raymond W. Micheel, Donald Sanders, Donald Ray Bush, Wade Jonathon Helfer
  • Patent number: 8011387
    Abstract: A pressure control valve for heavy equipment. The pressure control valve can smoothly operate a working device having a high load pressure by limiting a supply of hydraulic fluid to a working device having a low load pressure in the case of simultaneously operating a plurality of working devices in a hydraulic circuit in which a plurality of control valves (e.g., a boom control valve and a bucket control valve) are connected in parallel to a single hydraulic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Hae Kyun Cheong
  • Patent number: 8011388
    Abstract: A MEMS device is disclosed having a single microvalve actuator for controlling multiple microvalves. Exemplary embodiments include a MEMS device including two microvalves formed on a beam positioned by an actuator, the two microvalves controlling separate flow paths between two separate pairs of ports; a device with a two-way pilot operated microvalve and a four-way pilot microvalve for controlling the two-way pilot operated microvalve; a device with two three-way microvalves actuated by a common microvalve actuator; and a two-way microvalve with a moveable microvalve element and a feedback port formed in the moveable element operable to regulate the pressure on an end of the moveable element relative to the movement of the moveable element between the first position and the second position. Also disclosed is a MEMS device including a beam with a plurality of apertures formed therein, resulting in a mass reduction of at least 10 percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Microstaq, INC
    Inventors: Edward Nelson Fuller, Harry A. Hunnicutt
  • Patent number: 8011389
    Abstract: A manifold valve having two valves, which enables operation of one valve while disables operation of the other valve, is compact, and facilitates installation in and detachment from a pipeline, that is, a manifold valve provided with a main passageway, a branch passageway split off from the main passageway, a main passageway valve opening and closing the main passageway, and a branch valve opening and closing the branch passageway, the main passageway, the branch passageway, the main passageway valve, and the branch valve being integrally formed, wherein the main passageway valve and the branch valve are each a manual valve having a valve element, a stem connected to the valve element, and an operating lever connected to the stem, the operating lever pivoting in an axial direction of the stem to open and close the passageway, the main passageway valve and the branch valve each converting pivoting motion of the operating lever to linear motion of the valve element and pressing the valve element against and sep
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Asahi Organic Chemicals Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiro Hanada
  • Patent number: 8011390
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a regulating device (1) for regulating a fluid flow, the regulating device (1) comprising an actuator element (3) which is provided with a flow area (4) arranged to convey fluid between a fluid inlet (9) and a fluid outlet (13) and which includes a first restriction device (17), and a regulating device body (5) which is disposed at least in a portion of the flow area (4) and which is provided with a second restriction device (19) forming, together with said first restriction device (17), the restriction unit or choke device (17, 19) of the regulating device (1), the actuator element (3) and regulating device body (5) being arranged to move freely independently of each other as a consequence of a material expansion or material contraction, the throughput of the choke device (17, 19) being influenced by an energy source (21) which is arranged to supply energy to at least one of the actuator element (3) and/or regulating device body (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Alf Egil Stensen
  • Patent number: 8011391
    Abstract: A protector device for the ends of the tubular goods, such as tubes for the oil industry, OCTG, line pipes and the like is provided. The protector device may include two pieces, a generally elongate protector body and a bumper reinforcement that may be reversibly connected to the protector body. The protector body may be configured in a cylindrical geometry having a first end and a second end interconnected by lateral walls and defining a socket. The second end of the body further comprises a shoulder and an opening defining a socket in which a tubular good may be inserted. The bumper reinforcement includes an external curved or conical surface, capable of deforming in reaction to an external force in order to protect an enclosed tubular good.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Siderca S.A.I.C.
    Inventors: Luis Roberto Heritier, Hugo Alejandro Ernst, Matías Gustavo Pereyra
  • Patent number: 8011392
    Abstract: An object is to prevent thermal fatigue, resulting from variations in temperature interfaces, of piping having a fluid-mixing region where fluids of different temperatures are mixed. Piping 1 having a fluid-mixing region M includes a reducer 5 including an end portion 5e disposed substantially on a central axis of a main pipe 2. Low-temperature water flows through the reducer 5 at a lower velocity than high-temperature water flowing outside the end portion 5e. The low-temperature water and the high-temperature water have different temperatures. The low-temperature water and the high-temperature water are mixed in the fluid-mixing region M downstream of the reducer 5. The reducer 5 has a weld line 5f formed to connect the end portion 5e and an elbow portion 5d together. The distance between the weld line 5f and a downstream end 5a is equal to or larger than the inner diameter D of the main pipe 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kondo, Koichi Tanimoto, Shigeki Suzuki, Yoshikazu Nitta, Toshikatsu Hasunuma
  • Patent number: 8011393
    Abstract: A process for filling a tube with granular material, which material is guided downwardly in a vertically oriented tube along a line provided with flexible elements in the shape of wires which are arranged substantially to the line, and having a radial dimension which is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube, the line being removed from the tube as the latter is filled with the granules, the line being moved during the removal movement with a non uniform speed which is related to the filling speed of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Unidense Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Richter, Peter Markowski, Mike Dittman
  • Patent number: 8011394
    Abstract: The invention includes a material dispenser that further includes a container containing material, a press plate or puck for exerting pressure on the material, a sensor for detecting the material discharged from the container, and a scale for detecting the amount of material discharged from the container. The sensor and scale provide feedback to a computer which controls the amount of pressure exerted on the material. The computer controls the pulsing of additional material from the container until a targeted amount of material has been discharged from the container. The invention permits the dispensing of a specific amount of material in a controllable, metered fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: GFI Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Luehrsen, John Borkovec, Derek P. Pedraza
  • Patent number: 8011395
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tablet feeding device for supplying tablets accommodated in a tablet feeder to vials by supplying a power source from a surface side of the tablet feeder to a rotor of the tablet feeder and further allowing many tablet feeders to be mounted with high density. The tablet feeder 21 has a stationary guide member 119 having a stationary tilt plate 119c and a movable guide member 121 having a movable tilt plate 121c. The stationary tilt plate 119c is disposed adjacent to a tablet outlet 112 of the tablet feeder 21 and guides the tablets discharged from the tablet outlet 112 to the vials 4. The movable tilt plate 121c is movable between a receiving position and an operating position in association with an attachment and detachment of a driving means 202 with the tablet feeder 21. The movable tilt plate 121c overlaps with the stationary tilt plate 119c at the receiving position and continues to the stationary tilt plate 119c at the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoji Yuyama
  • Patent number: 8011396
    Abstract: An improved multipurpose funnel system for filling a container, which prevents liquid from overflowing, is self venting and is capable of filling hard to reach container locations. The system has a funnel removably coupled to a bottle cartridge which holds bottles therein. A pair of parallel rods hingedly connected to the bottle cartridge and having at least one hollow cone shaped spike extending outwardly therefrom. The funnel has a downspout having venting tubes, and a cap having an elongated threaded tip. The cap and downspout each include semi-circular plates which work in conjunction together as a check valve mechanism for controlling the flow of liquid therethrough. The check valve mechanism includes a closed first position, intermediate second position, and opened third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Travis Carl Harvey
  • Patent number: 8011397
    Abstract: A case clamp (20) for clamping carcass parts to furniture carcasses, such as tail cupboards, top or bottom cupboards, having a base frame (1), a lower compression beam (1?) provided on the base frame (1), at least two supports (2, 3) disposed on the base frame (1), of which at least one is traversable horizontally on the base frame (1), at least two pairs of horizontal compression beams (6, 7) disposed on the supports (2, 3) so as to be horizontally traversable, and an upper compression beam (4) disposed on the supports (2, 3) so as to be vertically traversable, wherein in each case the supports (2, 3) are supported exclusively on the base frame (1) in the vertical direction at least and are free at the opposing end (2?, 3?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ligmatech Automationssysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Bodo Tönnigs, Sven Tönnigs
  • Patent number: 8011398
    Abstract: A dust shroud for gas powered circular saws allows for mounting to a circular saw and for use therewith out hindering the use of the saw. The shroud does not interfere with the ability to operate the saw or set the saw on the ground, and effectively collects dust and debris without reducing the depth of cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Dustless Depot, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Loveless, Spencer Loveless
  • Patent number: 8011399
    Abstract: A woodworking bench includes a table made of granite and mounted on a base of a woodworking machine. A table extension is mounted to a side of the table and made of granite. The side of the table includes two first tracks mounted therein. The table extension includes a side having two second tracks mounted therein and respectively aligned with the first tracks of the table. Two supporting rods each has a first end slidably received in one of the first tracks and a second end slidably received in one of the second tracks. At least one adjusting member is mounted to the second end of each supporting rod for adjusting coplanarity of a top face of the table and a top face of the table extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Lee-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 8011400
    Abstract: A compressed wood product includes a wood whose shape is taken while a volume decreased by compression is previously added, wherein a direction intersecting a fiber direction of the wood is set to a compression direction, and the wood is formed by being subjected to compressive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuya Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8011401
    Abstract: A toilet bowl protecting assembly includes a flexible toilet bowl covering with a top wall having a front edge, a pair of lateral edges and a rear edge. A vertical wall is attached to and extends downwardly from the top wall. The vertical wall is attached to and is coextensive with each of the front and lateral edges. The top wall is positioned on top of a toilet lid and seat of the toilet and the vertical wall extending downwardly over a toilet bowl of the toilet. A flexible tank covering including an upper wall and a perimeter wall is attached to and extending downwardly from the upper wall, the tank covering is positionable on and covering a tank of the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: David K. Utterback