Patents Issued in August 6, 2013
  • Patent number: 8499729
    Abstract: An engine with an output shaft extending through the engine block and generally parallel to the piston, the engine includes a boost piston cylinder integral to the cylinder, and a boost piston for producing compressed air so as to supercharge the engine. The engine further includes an energy translation mechanism translating linear movement into rotary movement, an energy translation mechanism for reducing the side force that the piston exerts against the inner wall of the combustion chamber, an energy transforming member working in concert with an engine torque absorbing/motion control torque reaction device to eliminate the lemniscate motion from being translated to the piston and to absorb all engine torque to case ground through a rolling element bearing, and a port time control system having a shaft phaser to adjust the phase of the pistons or the position of the air control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: High Density Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Cliff Carlson, Steven F. Lowe
  • Patent number: 8499730
    Abstract: The invention provides a two cycle engine which effectively suppresses an intrusion of a combustion gas into a crank chamber. Further, the invention provides a two cycle engine tool provided with the two cycle engine mentioned above. An engine is provided with a cylinder having two scavenge air ports at different positions in a cylinder circumference direction, and scavenge air inflow ports communicating individually with these two scavenge air ports via a scavenge air passage, and a piston in which two scavenge air communication ports are formed at positions corresponding to the scavenge air inflow ports, and is structured to swirl the gas flowing into the piston from the cylinder through the scavenge air passage, in an upper portion of the internal space of the piston, and retains the gas in the upper portion of the internal space of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshinori Yasutomi, Shinki Ohtsu, Junichi Kamimura, Shigetoshi Ishida
  • Patent number: 8499731
    Abstract: A central valve of a camshaft adjuster of an internal combustion engine, which has a valve housing, a control piston and a fastening flange. The valve housing is at least partially arranged within a receptacle within the camshaft adjuster and has hydraulic connections. The control piston bears at least in regions against an inner circumferential surface of the valve housing and is mounted displaceably on the inner circumferential surface. The fastening flange is fixedly connected to a wall of the receptacle and defines the axial position of the valve housing relative to the camshaft adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hubert Burkard, Alexander Baecker
  • Patent number: 8499732
    Abstract: In a housing body of an engine valve timing control apparatus, a vane rotor includes a vane, wherein the vane and shoes of the housing body define advance and retard chambers. The housing body is formed with a pulley adapted to winding of a belt, and formed with first bolt holes extending axially through the housing body, and formed with a sealing recess at an open axial end. A plate is fixedly inserted in the sealing recess, and formed with second bolt holes facing the first bolt holes. An annular first sealing ring is arranged between an inside periphery of the sealing recess and an outside periphery of the plate. An annular second sealing ring is arranged between the plate and an axial end surface of one of the shoes, wherein the second sealing ring extends circumferentially around one of the second bolt holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8499733
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the relative rotation angle position of a rotating shaft (1), in particular of a camshaft, relative to a drive element (2), including a substantially hollow-cylindrical displacement member (3), which is arranged coaxially to the shaft (1) and to the drive element (2) and is coupled to the shaft (1) and to the drive element (2) such that an axial displacement of the displacement member (3) effects an adjustment of the relative rotation position of the shaft (1) relative to the drive element (2), and an actuating unit (4) for axially displacing the displacement member (3), the actuating unit comprising two brake actuators (5, 6) and two counter-rotating threaded drives (7, 8) for coupling the brake actuators (5, 6) to the displacement member (3) such that, upon selective actuation of a brake actuator (5, 6), an axial displacement of the displacement member (3) takes place in one direction or the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sebastian Zwahr, Jens Schafer
  • Patent number: 8499734
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine and an electric motor includes an engine speed control module, an air pressure control module, and an engine torque control module. The engine speed control module increases engine speed during a first calibration period based on a driver torque request and a predetermined torque threshold. The air pressure control module decreases intake manifold pressure (MAP) of the engine during a second calibration period based on the driver torque request and the predetermined torque threshold. The engine torque control module starts the engine during a period after the first and second calibration periods by activating N of M cylinders of the engine, wherein N is based on the driver torque request and the predetermined torque threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Lan Wang, Goro Tamai, Michael J. Pitsch, William L. Aldrich, III
  • Patent number: 8499735
    Abstract: A combustion chamber in an engine includes a piston and an injector with plurality of orifices arranged to inject spray/flame plumes, which impinge on a piston outer bowl section during most of the injection. Between spray/flame plume impingement areas and in a plane substantially perpendicular to reciprocal piston movement are arranged a first type of protrusions protruding into the combustion chamber, having a smooth form for preserving kinetic energy in the flame and for redirecting circumferential flame progress mainly towards a center axis of the piston with minimal flame-to-flame interaction. A second type of protrusions are arranged in the impingement areas, being adapted for redirecting flame progress into a circumferential flame progress direction in a plane substantially perpendicular to the reciprocal piston movement and with minimal flame-to-piston wall interaction and minimal kinetic energy loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Jan Eismark, Michael Balthasar
  • Patent number: 8499736
    Abstract: A vehicle engine in which a water temperature sensor can be protected against debris or foreign matter such as earth and sand, flying stones, etc., from impacting the temperature sensor without taking any protective measure for exclusive use. A vehicle engine includes a head portion of the cylinder fitted with a water temperature sensor for detecting water temperature in a water jacket. The head portion of the cylinder is provided on one side thereof with a sensor mounting hole opening directly under an upstream end opening portion of an intake port. The water temperature sensor is mounted in the sensor mounting hole. Further, the head portion of the cylinder is formed with a left-right pair of hanger bosses which are opposed to each other, with the water temperature sensor therebetween. Engine hanger brackets extend from the body frame and are firmly attached to the hanger bosses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masafumi Taki
  • Patent number: 8499737
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an engine block including a crankshaft which is mounted on the engine block by at least a first and a second main bearings, wherein the main bearings each include a first bearing portion and a second bearing portion, the second bearing portion being part of a bearing cap, wherein at least the first bearing cap is connected to the engine block or to the second bearing cap by at least one dampening structure, the structure including a first support portion fixed on the bearing cap, a second support portion fixed on the engine block or on an adjacent bearing cap, and a dampening portion including an elastomeric material which connects the two support portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Renault Trucks
    Inventors: Amaury Sicre, Frederic Pichot
  • Patent number: 8499738
    Abstract: An oil circulating control system for an engine includes an engine speed module and a mode selection module. The engine speed module determines a speed of the engine. The mode selection module is configured to select a first pressure mode and a second pressure mode of an oil pump of the engine for the speed. The selection module selects one of the first pressure mode and the second pressure mode based on at least one mode request signal. The mode selection module signals a solenoid valve of a variable oil pressure circuit of the oil pump to transition to a first position when operating in the first pressure mode and to a second position when operating in the second pressure mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin J. Storch, David R. Staley, Bryan K. Pryor, Vijay Ramappan, Morena Bruno, Roberto Argolini
  • Patent number: 8499739
    Abstract: A fluid injector for an exhaust treatment device is disclosed. The fluid injector may have a housing at least partially forming a fluid chamber. The housing may have a central axis, and a fluid passageway configured to supply fluid to the fluid chamber. The supply of fluid may be in a tangential direction relative to the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Brian Cox, Stephen Michael Wiley, Alan R. Stockner, Thomas Randall McClure, Xiaohui Gong, Qiang Chen, Robert Lowell Miller
  • Patent number: 8499740
    Abstract: An engine braking system for vehicles may include a rocker shaft having a lubricating oil passage and a braking oil passage, a valve unit selectively supplying part of the oil supplied to the lubricating oil passage, into the braking oil passage, and at least one exhaust rocker arm, into which the rocker shaft is inserted and pivotal about the rocker shaft, wherein the at least one exhaust rocker arm has, therein, a first connection passage communicating with the braking oil passage and a first recess, a stopper fixed above the first recess, and an actuator housed in the first recess and including a pressing piston, wherein the pressing piston moves to contact the stopper by hydraulic pressure of the oil supplied from the braking oil passage into the first recess and thus presses the at least one exhaust rocker arm in a downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Seock Joong Yoon, Kyung Mo Kim
  • Patent number: 8499741
    Abstract: A throttle control device includes a throttle body having at least three air-intake passages aligned in line as being opened and closed respectively by a throttle valve, plural motors including a first motor which commonly operates the throttle valves placed at bilateral end sides among the throttle valves aligned in line and a second motor which operates a throttle valve placed at the inner side between the throttle valves at the bilateral end sides, and a transmitting portion which transmits operational force of the first motor to a first throttle shaft fixed to one throttle valve of the throttle valves at the bilateral end sides and to a second throttle shaft fixed to the other throttle valve thereof so as to rotate the first throttle shaft and the second throttle shaft in synchronization with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Mikuni Corporation
    Inventors: Michihiko Ishikawa, Riki Murasaka, Hiroyuki Shinohara
  • Patent number: 8499742
    Abstract: A valve train of an internal combustion engine having a swing of a link mechanism that is stabilized to stabilize the operating characteristics of an engine valve. A camshaft is provided together with a valve operating cam pivotally supported by the camshaft so as to operatively open and close an engine valve. A link mechanism allows a drive cam rotated integrally with the camshaft to swing the valve operating cam, and a drive mechanism swings the link mechanism, wherein opening and closing of the engine valve are started in a buffer section of the valve operating cam, and opening/closing timing of the engine valve is controlled by the drive mechanism swinging the valve operating cam via the link mechanism, without the provision of a buffer transition section and a buffer constant-speed section encountered at the time of transiting from a base circle to a cam lobe of the drive cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Cho, Tadashi Niino, Toshiyuki Sato
  • Patent number: 8499744
    Abstract: During travel of a vehicle, an apparatus acquires vehicle velocity information detected by a vehicle velocity sensor and a reference accelerator opening degree and an estimated gear position from a reference accelerator opening degree table indicative of relationship between vehicle velocities and accelerator opening degrees during travel of the vehicle at cruising velocity. The apparatus also acquires an estimated number of prime mover rotations at the vehicle velocity from a vehicle-velocity vs. number-of-prime-mover-rotation correlation table, and then calculates a difference between the estimated number of prime mover rotations and an actual number of prime mover rotations detected by a number-of-prime-mover-rotation sensor. Further, a value, obtained by multiplying the calculated difference by a compensating coefficient determined in accordance with characteristics specific to the vehicle, is added to the reference accelerator opening degree, to thereby calculate an estimated accelerator opening degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 8499745
    Abstract: A fuel supply system of a vee engine includes a high-pressure fuel pump. A first delivery pipe is to distribute fuel to injectors disposed on a first bank. A second delivery pipe is to distribute the fuel to injectors disposed on a second bank. The fuel is to be supplied from the high-pressure fuel pump to the first delivery pipe through a first joint pipe. The fuel is to be supplied from the high-pressure fuel pump to the second delivery pipe through a second joint pipe. A direction of a connecting part of the first joint pipe on a side of the high-pressure fuel pump substantially matches a direction of thermal expansion of the first bank. A direction of a connecting part of the second joint pipe on a side of the high-pressure fuel pump substantially matches a direction of thermal expansion of the second bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Ishiki, Kazuaki Naramoto
  • Patent number: 8499746
    Abstract: There is provided an internal-combustion engine that allows plasma to be used safely, efficiently, and in a manner conducive to resource conservation. An internal-combustion engine having an intake valve for opening and closing a combustion chamber, the internal-combustion engine comprising a valve-driving mechanism for driving the intake valve; and a plasma-generating device positioned within a region containing gas used for combustion during a combustion stroke, the plasma-generating device being composed of an antenna and a microwave-generating device, wherein the plasma-generating device composed of the antenna and the microwave-generating device generates plasma at a timing intimately associated with a state of openness of the intake valve in response to the driving of the valve by the valve-driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Imagineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuji Ikeda, Takashi Furui
  • Patent number: 8499747
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine in the form of a spark-ignition engine (2) having the following method steps: pre-compressing the air supplied to the combustion chambers (15A-15D) of the internal combustion engine (2), directly injecting fuel into the combustion chambers (15A-15D) of the internal combustion engine (2), and adjusting the valve overlap of the gas exchange valves corresponding to the load range in which the internal combustion engine (2) is operated, characterized by the following method step: carrying out the pre-compression in a charging device in the form of an exhaust-gas turbocharger having a turbine (5) with variable turbine geometry (VTG), wherein the engine exhaust gas is supplied to the turbine (5) via separate spiral ducts (17A, 18A; 17B, 18B) of a multi-flow turbine housing (16A; 16B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Schmalzl
  • Patent number: 8499748
    Abstract: A device for exhaust-gas recirculation for an internal combustion engine is provided that includes a flange for attaching to a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine. Combustion air flows from a passage region of the flange directly into at least one intake duct of a cylinder, and an inlet for an inflow of recirculated exhaust gas into the combustion air is provided. The inlet for the inflow of the recirculated exhaust gas is arranged on the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Viorel Braic, Georg Feldhaus, Tobias Fetzer, Chi-Duc Nguyen, Mark Schienemann
  • Patent number: 8499749
    Abstract: Arrangements for use in crankcase ventilation are described and shown. Included are serviceable crankcase ventilation filter cartridges which include a media pack axial drain arrangement, for preferred, efficient, operation. A crankcase ventilation filter arrangements including a housing and such a serviceable cartridge is shown. Also shown and described are methods of assembly, operation and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade Stephen Mosset, Robert Lawrence Dahlstrom
  • Patent number: 8499750
    Abstract: An oil mist separator (100) for an internal combustion engine that separates an oil component in a gas, which is introduced from a crankcase of the internal combustion engine, from the gas, includes a porous filter (150) that separates, from the gas, the oil component in the gas, the porous filter (150) being provided in a passage, through which the gas passes, and being coated with a counteragent for neutralizing an acid substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Koyamaishi, Tetsushi Suzuki, Motoichi Murakami, Norio Inami, Ryuji Koike
  • Patent number: 8499751
    Abstract: An ignition coil device according to the present invention is provided with a primary coil to which a primary current is applied; a secondary coil that is magnetically coupled with the primary coil and generates an ignition voltage when the primary current is cut off, so as to produce a spark discharge between a pair of electrodes of an ignition plug; a noise suppression element electrically connected between the secondary coil and one of the electrodes of the ignition plug; and a case made of an insulating material having a noise suppression element containing unit. The device is characterized by including ribs disposed in the noise suppression element containing unit and arranged in such a way as to face the outer circumferential surface of the noise suppression element and a resin insulating material that is filled into the containing unit and makes contact with the ribs and the noise suppression element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Idogawa, Takeshi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8499752
    Abstract: A system for compensating for changes in behavior of an oxygen sensor. In one embodiment, the system includes an oxygen sensor configured to produce an output indicative of an oxygen level in an exhaust stream produced by an internal combustion engine. An electronic control unit receives the output of the oxygen sensor and is configured to cause the internal combustion engine to operate in an overrun mode. The electronic control unit is programmed or otherwise configured to determine whether a change in oxygen level over time is approximately zero. When the change in oxygen level is approximately zero or near zero, the electronic control unit determines a compensation factor for the oxygen sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jan M. S. Bahlo, Dion Tims, Christine I. Wettig, Ulrich Seufert, Chai Kihyun
  • Patent number: 8499753
    Abstract: A cocking device for drawing the bowstring of a crossbow that can be selectively installed on an existing crossbow. The cocking device comprises a shape designed to prevent the cocking device from being improperly installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter's Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Bednar, Michael J. Shaffer, Jacob A. Hout
  • Patent number: 8499754
    Abstract: Arrow securing devices and quivers along with various methods of using and making the same are disclosed herein. An exemplary arrow securing device typically includes a cord, one or two nock coupling end. Additionally, the exemplary arrow securing device typically includes a locking mechanism and a one of an anchor point and an anchor member operatively coupled to the cord. Each nock coupling end is typically located proximal an end of the cord. The locking mechanism can be connected to the cord and is releasably lockable. The one of the anchor point and the anchor member is adapted to couple the cord to a portion of a quiver. Arrow securing devices having the locking mechanism or the one of an anchor point and an anchor member, such as a hooking mechanism, can be attached to various portions of a quiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Evan M Vergin
  • Patent number: 8499755
    Abstract: A mobile kitchen comprises a housing disposed atop one or more wheel axles and a plurality of appliances disposed within the housing. Each appliance is heated by combustion of a distillate fuel. One or more air channels are disposed about each of the appliances, such that each air channel substantially isolates excess heat from combustion of the distillate fuel from a workspace within the housing. One or more first air blowers are associated with the air channels, and each is adapted to force air through the air channels and vent the excess heat to the exterior of the housing. One or more second air blowers are coupled to the housing, and each second air blower is adapted to vent a predetermined volume of air from within the workspace at least once per minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Babington Enterprises
    Inventors: Robert S. Babington, Juan C. Lemus, Ramiro Andrade, Larry Viverette, Luther Barnes, Victor Worsley
  • Patent number: 8499756
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source includes a frame, a thermal actuation element coupled to the frame, a pivotable platform positioned between the radiation source and the thermal actuation element so as to at least partially block energy from the radiation source from impinging on the thermal actuation element, and apparatus for pivoting the pivotable platform in response to a thermally controlled deformation of the thermal actuation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: SunPoint Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Bathurst, Andrew W. Carvey, Eric D. Cohen, Jordan V. Etra, Forrest W. Liau, George C. Whitfield
  • Patent number: 8499757
    Abstract: A breath-powered, dry powder inhaler, a cartridge, and a pulmonary drug delivery system are provided. The dry powder inhaler can be provided with or without a unit dose cartridge for using with the inhaler. The inhaler and/or cartridge can be provided with a drug delivery formulation comprising, for example, a diketopiperazine and an active ingredient, including, peptides and proteins such as insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 for the treatment of diabetes and/or obesity. The dry powder inhaler is compact; can be provided in various shapes and sizes, colors, and comprises a housing, a mouthpiece, a cartridge placement area, and a mechanism for opening and closing the medicament cartridge. The device is easy to manufacture, provides a pre-metered single unit dose, it is relatively easy to use, and can be reusable or disposable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: MannKind Corporation
    Inventors: Chad C. Smutney, P. Spencer Kinsey, Carl R. Sahi, Benoit Adamo, John M. Polidoro, Scott McLean, Dennis Overfield, Anthony Bryant
  • Patent number: 8499758
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhalation-activatable device for administration of medicament in powder form to the respiratory system of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Subhas Balaram Bhowmick, Prashant Kane, Ganesh Sangaiah, Satish Madhukar Gokhale, Ajay Nandgaonkar, Abhijit Takale, Simon James Smith, Samantha Anne Musgrave, Richard Francis Day, Lee Wood, Becky Lynn Pilditch, David Stuart Harris, Jonathan Hugh Wilkins, Duncan Aleck Bishop, Matthew David Allen
  • Patent number: 8499759
    Abstract: It has been discovered that high amplitude, low frequency, broadband spectrum pressure oscillations of sufficient time duration can help stabilize lung volumes and improve gas exchange in a patient receiving ventilation assistance by helping to recruit and stabilize alveoli. A novel device is presented which can produce pressure oscillations having high amplitudes, a low broad-band frequency spectrum and long time duration. Additionally, the device can maintain a patient's mean airway pressure at one or more controlled levels. The device can control the oscillatory amplitude, frequency range and composition, time duration, and mean airway pressure levels by adjusting certain device parameters, such as the angle and depth of the device in a fluid. A device and mechanical system for remotely adjusting and measuring the angle of the device in a fluid are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Seattle Children's Hospital
    Inventors: Robert M. DiBlasi, Jay C. Zignego, Thomas N. Hansen, Charles V. Smith, Peter Richardson
  • Patent number: 8499760
    Abstract: A variable speed blower for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) ventilation of patients includes two impellers in the gas flow path that cooperatively pressurize gas to desired pressure and flow characteristics. Thus, the blower can provide faster pressure response and desired flow characteristics over a narrower range of motor speeds, resulting in greater reliability and less acoustic noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Resmed Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey D. Daly, Alexander Virr, Stephen A. Lea, Dion Charles C. Martin, Nicholas J. Reed, Larry Puckeridge, Timothy Tsun-Fai Fu
  • Patent number: 8499761
    Abstract: A fluid regulation system comprising a fluid source and a tube operatively connected to the source configured to deliver the fluid from the source to a site. A valve is configured to control a rate of fluid delivered from the source to the site via the tube, and a remote control unit is configured to enable a user to control the valve to adjust the rate of fluid delivered from the source to the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Remcore, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Jorczak, Matthew T. Kling, David S. Green, Leonard Polizzotto
  • Patent number: 8499762
    Abstract: An oxygen tubing holder may support oxygen tubing away from a person's ears by providing a clip that may attach to a hat, headband or the like. The oxygen tubing holder may be placed near the ears, thereby permitting standard oxygen tubing to be used with the oxygen tubing holder. The oxygen tubing holder may include a clip end for attaching onto, for example, a hat or headband, and a U-shaped tubing holding end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald Richard Couts
  • Patent number: 8499763
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a connector assembly are provided to removably couple a proximal end of a tracheal tube to components associated with a ventilator or an anesthesiology machine. The disclosed embodiments include a compression fitting, which creates an airtight seal between walls of the tracheal tube and components of the compression fitting, thus allowing air to flow to and from a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Brian Ledwith
  • Patent number: 8499764
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods of their use are described herein. In an aspect, an apparatus includes: a structure defining an aperture at an engagement surface configured to reversibly seal to a surface on an individual body, and further defining an isolation field; at least one gas port; one or more gas inlets operably attached to the at least one gas port, the one or more gas inlets oriented to maintain a non-turbulent gas flow traversing at least a part of the surface on the individual body; one or more gas outlets distally positioned on the structure from the one or more gas inlets, the one or more outlets configured to release a gas from the isolation field while maintaining a positive pressure in the isolation field relative to the outside environment of the structure; and at least one sealable access site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: W. Daniel Hillis, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene
  • Patent number: 8499765
    Abstract: Easier handling during packing and reduced pouch spotting is seen when a moist smokeless tobacco product is at a sub-refrigeration temperature during formation and sealing of portioned product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventor: Gary Fallon
  • Patent number: 8499766
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette with an illumination function, and that generates an aerosol of a fluid when air is drawn through it, includes a housing with a translucent tip, a mouthpiece, and a battery. A fluid reservoir and an atomizer assembly selectively generate an aerosol of the fluid. A draw pressure sensor generates a draw signal in response to a pressure change induced while air is drawn out of the mouthpiece. A draw control circuit activates the atomizer assembly in response to the draw signal. The draw circuit also outputs a lamp signal in response to the draw signal. A lamp circuit with an actuator, a first color lamp, and a second color lamp that are both aligned to illuminate the tip. The lamp circuit selectively, and alternatively in response to subsequent actuations of the actuator, selects between illuminating the first color lamp and the second color lamp in response to the lamp signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Kyle D. Newton
  • Patent number: 8499767
    Abstract: A smoking article comprises a rod of smokable material circumscribed by a rod wrapper and a filter comprising at least one filter segment circumscribed by a filter wrapper. The rod of smokable material and the filter are attached to one another by tipping paper and the smoking article comprises a tear ribbon between the at least one filter segment and the tipping paper. The tear ribbon is affixed to at least one of the tipping paper and the filter wrapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolaus Martin Ricketts, Dionis Borgognon, Charles Kuersteiner
  • Patent number: 8499768
    Abstract: A nail tool holder includes a container having a container base and a lid assembly that together form a storage chamber for nail tools. The container preferably includes a cleaning solution at the bottom of the chamber, means for supporting at least one nail tool from the lid assembly so that the nail tool can be supported at a handle thereof and with the lid assembly including an intermediate piece and a cover piece. A support bar extends outwardly from a container sidewall in a pivotal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Chanty Pheng
  • Patent number: 8499769
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator (1) for applying a hair treatment composition. The applicator (1) comprises a plate (10) and a containment portion (20) movably joined by a connection (30) so that said applicator (1) may alternate between a closed state and an open state. A first fin (50), preferably a first (50) and a second (60) fin, projects from the substantially flat internal surface (101) of the plate (10) and bend the hair strand into the containment portion (20) while the applicator (1) is in use. The hair treatment applicator according to the invention allows for precise, non-messy and even application of a hair treatment composition to the hair, in particular to a hair strand and preferably to a bundle of hair strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Edmund Baker, Paul James Smith
  • Patent number: 8499770
    Abstract: The device (1) for creating hair bundle effects to a hair bundle (11) described herein comprises a first portion (10) movably joined to a second portion (20) by means of a connection (30). The second portion (20) is associated with a system (70) for bending a hair bundle (11) within a cavity (12) provided in the first portion (10). The system (70) for bending the hair bundle (11) consists of at least a first fin (71) and of a second fin (72). The free distal edge (712) of the first fin (71) points toward the free distal edge (722) of the second fin (72). The device (1) preferably comprises a first metering layer (81) and more preferably also a second metering layer (82) to achieve evenness during the application of a hair treatment composition (15) to hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Paul James Smith
  • Patent number: 8499771
    Abstract: The fingernail polish protector includes an adjustable ring portion along with a ventilated protective shield which snaps into the adjustable ring portion. The adjustable ring portion is designed to fit over the distal end of the finger of a wearer whose fingernail has been recently polished such that the ventilated protective portion overlies the fingernail thereby protecting the polish from being damaged while it dries and cures. Ventilation openings allow airflow and can be formed to be both functional and decorative. A positive stop prevents the ventilated protective shield from tilting downward onto a wet nail, while downward curved sides of the shield limit side-to-side movement which also helps prevent damaging newly polished fingernails. A plastic injection molding process allows the two interlocking portions to be formed in various sizes and colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Michelle Lynn Auda, Andrew John Shearer
  • Patent number: 8499772
    Abstract: The present invention includes a vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly that has protective rollers that glide along the surface to be cleaned without interfering with the function of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The nozzle comprises a tubular nozzle conduit in fluid communication with a vacuum conduit on a first end of the tubular nozzle and a nozzle mouth at the second end of the tubular nozzle opposite the first end. The nozzle conduit has a circumferential roller assembly collar attached to the outside of the tubular nozzle, the collar is formed with a plurality of radially spaced apart seats that are sized and configured to securely receive a plurality of respective balls that are rotatable inside the respective seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Courtney Schumacher
  • Patent number: 8499773
    Abstract: The device (1) comprises: a body (2) in which is formed a receptacle (3) having a mouth (4) and intended to receive a quantity of washing agent, a cover (5) connected to the body (2) and movable between a position in which the mouth (4) of the said receptacle (3) is closed and a position in which the mouth is open, and a return spring tending to move the cover (5) towards the open position. The cover (5) has a first portion (5a) hinged to the body (2) about a first axis (7) parallel to the mouth (4) of the receptacle (3) and translatable along guides (6) provided in the body (2), and a second portion (5b) connected to a crank element (8) by hinging about a second axis (9) parallel to the first axis (7). The crank element (8) is, in turn, hinged to the body (2) about a third, fixed axis (10) which is parallel to the first and second axes (7, 9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Elbi International S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Marone, Angelo Canova
  • Patent number: 8499774
    Abstract: A wash pad that includes a wash floor for supporting a wash item and a catch trough disposed in fluid communication with a longitudinal central portion of the wash floor. The catch trough collects at least one of wash fluid and debris from the wash floor. The wash pad also includes an evacuator disposed in fluid communication with the catch trough and an elevator disposed in fluid communication with the evacuator. The evacuator substantially removes wash fluid received from the catch trough, and the elevator elevates debris from a collection height to a dump height for dumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Petter Investments Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Petter, Douglas A. Petter
  • Patent number: 8499775
    Abstract: An umbrella includes an internal shaft fit into an interior chamber of a central post. A cap is fixed to a top end of the internal shaft. An intermediate collar is movably fit to the central post and a runner located below the collar is fixed to the central post. Each of ribs has an inner end connected to the cap. Each of stretchers has two ends connected to the intermediate collar and the respective rib. Each of the driving bars has ends connected to the runner and the respective rib at a location between the connection of the rib to the cap and the connection of the rib to the respective stretcher. A connector is movably fit over the central post below the runner and is connected by a pull bar to the intermediate collar. The connector includes a fixing member engageable and fixable to the central post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Joen-Shen Ma, Yung Cheng Ma
  • Patent number: 8499776
    Abstract: A stick that is excellent in shock absorption and is also excellent in stability is provided. A stick body is provided with a telescopic extension pipe formed by fitting an outer tube and an inner tube together in a nesting manner. Inside the extension pipe, a velocity-dependent damper that damps the relative sliding movement between the outer tube and the inner tube, and a compression coil spring that concentrically fits onto the damper and urges the extension pipe so as to be extended are connected in parallel. According to such a stick, the shock transmitted to the hand can be mitigated as the compression coil spring contracts upon landing. Also, since the damper suppresses unwanted vibration of the extension pipe, the length of the stick quickly becomes stable after landing, allowing the user to keep stable balance with the stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: NCC Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiki Ban
  • Patent number: 8499777
    Abstract: Foldable tent structure that includes the assembly of a number of curved half-poles that are connected to one another in their upper part according to a general radial arrangement to form, in the deployed state, the frame that supports the fabric of the tent and that can be folded against one another to store the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Christophe Garreau
  • Patent number: 8499778
    Abstract: A tent is safely unfolded or folded when used and requires less time to unfold or fold and can be pitched automatically as well as manually to solve the problems of the prior art. In the tent, a worm gear and worm wheels are combined and tent connecting rods are attached to the worm wheels, respectively, so that when the worm wheels are moved, the tent connecting rods are moved to fold or unfold the tent. The worm wheel can be manually moved within the tent or the worm wheel can be automatically operated by providing a motor controlled through a remove controller so that the tent connecting rods can be unfolded or folded. In the tent, a central cavity part of a worm wheel body may be used as an air vent, and used as a passage for a smoke outlet from a heater in the winter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Woogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki Joon Ha, Ki Yun Ha
  • Patent number: 8499779
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments a non-pyrotechnic valve includes an inlet piece, an actuator comprising a shape-memory metal, and an outlet attached to the inlet piece. In some examples, the shape-memory metal includes Nitinol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics Space Administration
    Inventor: Rebecca A. Gillespie