Patents Issued in November 12, 2013
  • Patent number: 8578938
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating sleep apnea and/or snoring is provided. The apparatus includes an appliance sized and structured to be placed in the pharyngeal region of a human or animal and being effective in treating sleep apnea and/or snoring, for example in maintaining openness of an oropharyngeal region of a human or animal during natural sleep, advantageously while not interfering with normal functioning of the epiglottis. The appliance may be made of a super elastic material, for example, Nitinol, and may be submucosally implanted in the pharyngeal walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Quiescence Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Russell Pflueger, Christopher Paul Thompson
  • Patent number: 8578939
    Abstract: A hydraulic device that includes a membrane-covered walled enclosure that enables control of pressure against a body part to be controlled through desired fluid addition or removal from the enclosure. Through pressure control of the membrane a desired traction force is applied to prevent injuries or therapeutically treat a wide variety of medical conditions, including respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and skin disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Dreamscape Medical LLC
    Inventors: Anthony P. Kimani Mwangi, Elijah Charles Walker
  • Patent number: 8578940
    Abstract: An athletic mouth guard comprising an upper component a lower component and first and second joining components. The upper component has a central region and first and second opposing wing regions. These cooperate to define a channel-like configuration which is structurally configured to receive a plurality of teeth of an upper jaw. The lower component has similar structures which are configured to receive a plurality of teeth of a lower jaw. The first joining component is attached to the upper component and to the lower component along corresponding first opposing wing regions and the second joining component is attached to the upper component and to the lower component along corresponding second opposing wing regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Robert D. Van Essen, DDS, PC
    Inventor: Robert Dean Van Essen
  • Patent number: 8578941
    Abstract: A foot garment device to prevent or help prevent or heal pressure ulcers of the foot includes a bumper for positioning around and below an ankle of an individual, and one or more upper adjustable flaps and one or more lower adjustable flaps for removably securing the foot garment to a foot of the individual, wherein the bumper includes a hollow sleeve for receiving padding therein. Also described is a method for securing such a foot garment device to the foot of an the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Mitchell V. Kaminski
  • Patent number: 8578942
    Abstract: An aerosol generator device has an elongate body with an interior passageway extending longitudinally to its mouth end. The device receives an interchangeable, pressurized canister charged with a nicotine containing liquid that is discharged in a metered dose on manual actuation of a button member that causes a valve in the canister to open and discharge through a discharge tube. A sleeve releasably couples the canister to the body. The button member is slidably mounted on the body for reciprocal movement along a trigger axis Y-Y? extending transversely of the longitudinal axis X-X? of the device, and has a manually depressible surface portion and a camming surface portion that drives a slidable nozzle member to press the discharge tube inwardly of the canister to open its valve and release liquid into the nozzle member. Nozzle forms an aerosol from the liquid, which is delivered to the consumer through outlets in the mouth end of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventor: Steven Michael Schennum
  • Patent number: 8578943
    Abstract: Cut filler compositions, smoking articles such as cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for treating cigarette smoke are provided, which involve the use of metal-containing nanowires. The metal-containing nanowires are capable of removing at least one constituent from tobacco smoke, preferably in a selective manner. The metal-containing nanowires may comprise any suitable metal, metal oxide or mixtures thereof. For example, the metal-containing nanowires comprise at least one transition or lanthanide metal or metal oxide thereof. Exemplary metals or metal oxides thereof include, but are not limited to, iron, copper, zinc, titanium, vanadium, palladium, cobalt, molybdenum and manganese.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Zhaohua Luan, Jay A Fournier
  • Patent number: 8578944
    Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by rolling a sheet of material supplied by a roll or rolls (e.g. moistened tobacco leaves) and/or homogenized sheet tobacco about a slit mandrel to form a shaped tube. The shaped tube is then packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The shaped tube remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the shaped tube is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the tube with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the sheet or to the finished tube to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring. The tubes are unfilled when packaged and sent to a consumer/end user in tube form so that they have a “memory” that helps hold a tubular cigar shape after they are filled with selected tobacco fill material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Blunt Wrap U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel S. Sinclair, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8578945
    Abstract: A hair extension that exhibits voluminousness at hair roots and makes the hair puffy when attached to the head of a wearer, a hair ornament using the same, and a method for producing the hair extension. The hair extension of the present invention includes at least main fibers (1) and root fibers (2), wherein the root fibers (2) are crimped fibers having a shorter fiber length in comparison with the main fibers (1) and not longer than 10 cm, and the main fibers (1) and the root fibers (2) are blended and integrated by sewing. In the method for producing the aforesaid hair extension, the root fibers may be blended with the main fibers and then shrunk to crimp. Alternatively, previously-crimped fibers may be used as the root fibers and blended with the main fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Sasayama
  • Patent number: 8578946
    Abstract: A method of fabricating hair extensions including the steps of integrating a person's natural hair strands with a sheet of mesh for the purpose of fabricating a foundation upon which hair extensions may be affixed, fabricating a plurality of connection anchors between the person's natural hair and the sheet of mesh to anchor the sheet of mesh onto the person's scalp, stitching a plurality of hair panels to the sheet of mesh for the purpose of covering bald regions on the person's scalp, and stitching a plurality of custom lace panels to the sheet of mesh near an upper region of the person's scalp. The hair panels and lace panels are secured and anchored firmly to the scalp hair to form a pull-resistant hair extension network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Lucinda Ellery, Inc.
    Inventor: Lucinda Ellery
  • Patent number: 8578947
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic case with a sterilizer and a puff, and more particularly, a cosmetic case including a puff and a sterilizer for sterilizing the puff. The cosmetic case with the sterilizer and the puff according to the present invention is capable of sterilizing the puff combined to the case body with the ultraviolet ray from the sterilizer to prevent bacterial contamination and proliferation of the puff, thereby improving sanitation and storage quality, and is capable of frequent sterilization before and after use of cosmetics, thereby improving user's convenience for sterilization of the puff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Sang Seon Kim
  • Patent number: 8578948
    Abstract: A cosmetic brush includes bristles made from shape memory polymer (SMP) filaments or fibers. The shape memory polymer filaments are selected to exhibit a first shape during assembly of the brush, and a second shape after exposure to an external stimulus in the form of heat or other energy. The SMP filaments are initially assembled to the base of the brush. The first shape can be straight to facilitate assembly of the fibers to the base. The second shape, after assembly and after being subjected to the external stimulus, can be any bristle shape suitable for enhancing the function of the brush, e.g., kinked, wavy or coiled. The brush may be comprised solely of SMP filaments, or may be a blend of SMP filaments and any other suitable filament (e.g., nylon, natural plant or animal fibers, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: ELC Management LLC
    Inventor: William R. Bickford
  • Patent number: 8578949
    Abstract: A multi-texture dental floss includes distinct and alternating segments having varying textures, including smooth segments and textured segments. The smooth segments are more easily inserted into the spaces between teeth, while the textured segments more effectively remove plaque and other debris therefrom. Methods of making the multi-texture floss are also disclosed, including methods that allow the floss to be made as a continuous thread having a plurality of alternating segments, such that the floss can be wound onto a spool for storage and dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Sunstar Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell G. Kalbfeld, David L. Barcus
  • Patent number: 8578950
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a device for adding detergent that can be sealed with a flap-type lid and which is set back in the inside door of the dishwasher and is arranged at an angle on an inclined plane in relation to the plane of the inner side of the door. During the cleaning process, the detergent falls into a dissolving chamber, which is arranged underneath the device for adding detergent, according to the program, wherein the bottom of the dissolving chamber consists of a fine-mesh grid whereat the detergent can be dissolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Rosenbauer, Bernd Schessl
  • Patent number: 8578951
    Abstract: A dish washer comprises a washing tub having a sump, at least one spraying nozzle located within the washing tub, means for feeding fresh water into the sump, a circulation pump for circulating process water from the sump to the spraying nozzle and a conductivity sensor for measuring the conductivity of the fresh and/or the process water. In order to enable use of a single conductivity sensor for measuring the conductivity of both the fresh and the process water, the conductivity sensor is located in a conduit for feeding fresh water into the sump and there further is provided a bypass line which is arranged to cause process water to flow through the conductivity sensor when the circulation pump is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation, N.V.
    Inventors: Jiri Bohac, Rolf Stahlmann, Hansjörg Lampe
  • Patent number: 8578952
    Abstract: A substrate processing system which enables a minute piece of foreign matter attached to a substrate surface to be detected and are suitable for mass production of substrates. The substrate processing system has a substrate processing apparatus that carries out predetermined processing on a substrate. The substrate processing system comprises a substrate surface processing apparatus having a fluid supply unit that supplies onto a surface of the substrate a fluid containing an altering substance that alters a substance exposed at the surface of the substrate, and a substrate surface inspecting apparatus that inspects the surface of the substrate onto which the fluid has been supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nagaike, Tsuyoshi Moriya
  • Patent number: 8578953
    Abstract: A disclosed substrate cleaning apparatus for cleaning a back surface of a substrate includes a first substrate supporting portion configured to support the substrate at a first area of a back surface of the substrate, the back surface facing down; a second substrate supporting portion configured to support the substrate at a second area of the back surface of the substrate, the second area being separated from the first area; a cleaning liquid supplying portion configured to supply cleaning liquid to the back surface of the substrate; a drying portion configured to dry the second area of the back surface of the substrate; and a cleaning portion configured to clean a third area of the back surface of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the first substrate supporting portion, the third area including the second area, and a fourth area of the back surface of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the second substrate supporting portion, the fourth area excluding the second area of the back
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yasushi Takiguchi, Taro Yamamoto, Akihiro Fujimoto, Shuuichi Nishikido, Dai Kumagai, Naoto Yoshitaka, Takahiro Kitano, Yoichi Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 8578954
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a spray arm assembly positioned in the wash chamber of the dishwasher's tub. The spray arm assembly includes a corner arm that is driven by a gear train. The transfer gear assembly of the gear train is operable to decouple the gear train from its input when rotation of the corner arm is obstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Antony Mark Rappette
  • Patent number: 8578955
    Abstract: The present application is directed towards a canopy system. The canopy system includes a canopy that is operably connected to a post and a base that is also operably connected to the same post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Scott David Rothbaum
  • Patent number: 8578956
    Abstract: A supplemental support assembly is provided for supporting a collapsible shelter structure, such as a ground blind for hunting. The support assembly includes a pole having a coupler at one end for coupling with a framework of the shelter structure, and a ground engaging point at the other end. The coupler has a generally cylindrical structure with a plurality of slots formed in a sidewall thereof. Each of the slots have an axial portion open at the top and a circumferential portion extending circumferentially from the axial portion. The axial portions of the slots are arranged to allow the coupler to be pushed over a central hub with spokes of the framework passing through the slots, and the circumferential portions of the slots are arranged to allow the coupler to be rotated into locking engagement with the spokes. The support assembly prevents the shelter structure from collapsing under heavy loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Dankenbring
  • Patent number: 8578957
    Abstract: A safety breakaway connector begins with a body that receives a cooperating insert providing a coaxial flow path. The body has threads, a collar leading to an extension, and a hollow interior. The insert also has threads, a collar that leads to an inner wall, and a hollow interior. The inner wall fits snugly within the extension of the body. Generally, the insert simply slides into and interconnects with the body for quick installation. Two spaced apart biased check valves remain slightly outwardly from the narrow portions of the body and insert. A guard covers the body. Upon the application of the minimum force, the insert separates from the body, and the check valves abruptly close preventing further leakage of fuel. Alternatively, a strategically located O-ring or gasket seals the various components and withstands pressure variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventor: Brian P. Wolff
  • Patent number: 8578958
    Abstract: A bi-directional pressurized system with devices for and configured to mitigate issues associated with leak and creep phenomena at various stages throughout the system, including valves and controls to distribute a leaked amount of fluid prior to delivery to a pressure-sensitive destination and a pressure relief valve to bring an initial pressure within an acceptable range for distribution to reach a target pressure is disclosed. A startup method for mitigating leakage of the system during a rest phase, including selectively reducing the initial pressure upstream of a pressure-sensitive destination, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Shi Jung (Jerry) Chen
  • Patent number: 8578959
    Abstract: The apparatus and method of the invention provides for a rinse valve for controlling the flow of rinse fluid to a vacuum waste receptacle. The rinse valve comprises a primary rinse fluid flow path and a poppet assembly intersecting the primary rinse fluid flow path. The rinse valve also comprises a solenoid-driven fluid control device having a solenoid armature movable between an inactive state in which the armature engages the poppet assembly to block flow of the rinse fluid through a poppet channel and an active state in which the solenoid armature is disengaged from the poppet assembly to allow flow of the rinse fluid through the poppet channel to raise the poppet assembly, permitting the flow of the rinse fluid through the primary rinse fluid flow path and out of the valve, the armature being located at all times out of the primary flow path of the rinse fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Thao Hoang, Mark A. Pondelick, Christopher Hardwick
  • Patent number: 8578960
    Abstract: A gas supply system in the form of a winding device that includes a housing with an aperture, a spool, a one way bearing, an interval locking device, a universal shaft, a spring housing, a spring torque spool and a pair of spring grounding tabs, a main base that stabilizes the housing, a rotating shaft where the main base is disposed on the distal end of the rotating shaft, a rotational bearing that is disposed on the proximal end of the rotating shaft and connects the rotating shaft to the base clamp. The base clamp has a pair of corresponding apertures and secures the gas supply system to a tubular shaped object, and includes an adjustable clamp screw that has a handle and a threaded bolt wherein the proximal end of the threaded bolt is attached to and perpendicularly extends from the handle and the adjustable clamp screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Oliver Davis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8578961
    Abstract: A low profile backwater valve includes a hollow valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a bottom. A pivoting valve member is pivotally movable between a normally open position along the bottom of the valve body and a closed position sealing the inlet. The valve member has a hinge end, a remote end, and opposed sides. A float is positioned as an appendage along at least one of the opposed sides of the valve member, such that the float adds buoyancy to the valve member causing the valve member to float into the closed position in the presence of a backflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Patent number: 8578962
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection fitting for the connection of a ring with at least one consumer to a storey or rising main branch with inlet and outlet openings (2, 4) which can be connected to the branch and an intervening merge opening (34) for the ring main which is preceded in the flow direction (S) by a cross-section constriction (16). The present invention also relates to a water pipe system with at least one storey or rising main branch to which several ring mains are connected via separation and merge openings and a cross-section constriction provided between the separation and merge openings of the assigned ring main in the branch. The object of the present invention is to specify a connection fitting which leads to improved flow characteristics in the region of the ring main assigned to the connection fitting and to provide a water pipe system which fulfills the practical requirements in an improved manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Gebr. Kemper GmbH & Co. KG Metallwerke
    Inventor: Roland Blumenthal
  • Patent number: 8578963
    Abstract: In a nonreturn valve having a tubular body, which can be installed in a vertical section of an exhaust line, a valve seat, formed within the tubular body, for at least one float, and at least one circumferential groove, which is open in the downstream direction, the intention is to make available a solution by means of which it is possible to provide a nonreturn valve that is simple, advantageous in terms of production engineering and has a particularly high performance, and to do so in a way which is simple in terms of design and is economical. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the circumferential rim of the at least one float projects radially over the radially inner circumferential wall section and has an axial lip facing upstream, which extends into the circumferential groove in the axial direction when the at least one float is resting on the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Centrotherm Systemtechnik Gmbh
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen Richter
  • Patent number: 8578964
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for bleeding a hydraulic system. The bleeding device comprises a venting passage which can be closed by means of a valve arrangement. In order to simplify such a bleeding device regarding the operation thereof while preventing air from being delivered in an uncontrolled manner during the bleeding process, the valve arrangement is provided with a valve member (S) which can be lifted from a valve seat (8) of the valve arrangement counter to the force of a spring element (7) in an open position of the bleeding device while being fixed to the valve seat (8) in a closed position of the bleeding device. The invention further relates to a venting screw which encompasses such a valve arrangement according to the principle of a check valve and is to be mounted in a caliper (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Martin Maszull, Peter Rösler, Thomas Wittrock
  • Patent number: 8578965
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device and method for supplying a sorbent, at one or more various desired supply points in a flue gas stream, to boilers, heaters, kilns, or other flue gas-, or combustion gas-, generating devices (e.g., those located at power plants, processing plants, etc.). In one embodiment, the device of the present invention that is designed to supply a sorbent comprises a series of coaxial pipes. In another embodiment, the device of the present invention that is designed to supply a sorbent comprises a mixing section with a plurality of distribution vanes contained in at least one mixing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven S. Klages, C. Malcolm MacKenzie, Xiaojie Zhang
  • Patent number: 8578966
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to fluid control valves and, more particularly, to a mixing valve for use within a faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Kurt Judson Thomas, Michael Scot Rosko
  • Patent number: 8578967
    Abstract: The fluid pressure regulating valve is for use in an aircraft engine. The valve has at least a first fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet. The valve comprises: a valve housing having a first valve spool interior cavity; a first fluid path within the valve housing from the fluid inlet to the first fluid outlet; a second fluid path within the valve housing from the fluid inlet to the second fluid outlet; a first valve spool mounted for reciprocal motion within the first valve spool cavity between a first position and a second position, the first valve spool having a second valve spool interior cavity and being spring-biased to its first position; and a second valve spool mounted for reciprocal motion within the second valve spool cavity between a first position and a second position, the second valve spool being spring-biased to its first position, the second valve spool closing the first fluid path at its second position when the first valve spool is substantially at its first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Johnny Vinski, Daniel Blais, Stephane Fortier
  • Patent number: 8578968
    Abstract: An electric switching valve for controlling a pneumatic actuator element includes a housing with a ventilation connection channel, a vacuum connection channel and a consumer connection channel. The vacuum connection channel comprises a first valve seat and the ventilation connection channel comprises a second valve seat. An electromagnetic drive is arranged in the housing. The electromagnetic drive is configured so that a magnetic armature is translationally movable in a passage channel to form a valve closure body for each of the vacuum connection channel and the ventilation connection channel. A cross-sectional constriction device is disposed in the ventilation connection channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Pierburg GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Buse, Albert Denne
  • Patent number: 8578969
    Abstract: A non-return structure of water valve includes a valve body, two limiting elements, and two non-return elements. The valve body forms two inlets and two annular protrusions around the two inlets respectively. Each annular protrusion encloses a receiving room receiving one of the limiting elements. The limiting element defines a widened hole and a reduced hole, and a stepped portion is formed therebetween. The non-return element includes a blocking portion disposed in the widened hole and having an external diameter larger than the one of the reduced hole, and the blocking portion is resilient. Thereby, returning water is unable to separate the circumference of the blocking portion from the stepped portion to form gaps. Thus, the non-return structure of water valve is able to prevent water from flowing back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Tsai-Chen Yang
  • Patent number: 8578970
    Abstract: A pressure-compensated accumulator bottle is provided. In one embodiment, the accumulator bottle includes a housing and an interior wall that generally define first, second, and third chambers within the housing. In this embodiment, a spring is disposed in the second chamber and configured to apply a biasing force on a first piston disposed within the first chamber. Further, in this embodiment, an additional piston is disposed within the third chamber and is configured to facilitate balancing of the pressure of a fluid disposed in the second chamber with the pressure of the external environment such that the magnitude of a second biasing force applied on the first piston by the pressure of the fluid depends at least in part on the pressure of the external environment. Hydraulic circuits and systems including a pressure-compensated accumulator bottle are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Mac M. Kennedy, Scott D. Ward, Thomas M. Bell
  • Patent number: 8578971
    Abstract: A fluid nozzle for a pipe having a flow meter includes an inner surface having a contour. The contour is substantially defined by a compound of two ellipsoidal bodies of revolution which prevents negative pressure gradients in the fluid along the inner surface as fluid in the pipe flows through the nozzle in the pipe. The nozzle includes a throat, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the throat to a diameter of the pipe upstream of the throat is 0.7 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Gregor J. Brown, Donald R. Augenstein, Herbert Estrada
  • Patent number: 8578972
    Abstract: A fabric having a ground fabric, and a double layer terry or a double layer pile on either or both surfaces of the ground fabric, or a double layer terry on one surface and a double layer pile on the other surface. The double layer terry has an outer terry and an inner terry lower than the outer terry; the double layer pile has an outer pile and an inner pile lower than the outer pile. The outer terry or outer pile is a natural fiber, and the lower terry or lower pile is a microfiber. Methods of manufacturing the fabric are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Hongwei Duan
  • Patent number: 8578973
    Abstract: The apparatus and method of the subject invention facilitates the filling of an air-permeable casement or shell with feather down material. The apparatus of the subject invention includes two chambers which are selectively connected to one another by means of a passageway. The subject invention further includes a mechanism for selectively inducing a partial vacuum in either chamber to facilitate the filling of article casements with feather down. By inducing a partial vacuum in the first chamber and connecting a supply hose to its access port, feather down may be conveyed from a supply container into the first chamber. By selectively opening the passageway and inducing a partial vacuum in the second chamber, the feather down is conveyed from the first chamber to the second chamber in a clean, efficient and controlled manner where it is contained within an air permeable casement formed over the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Pillow Bar, LLC
    Inventor: Mary Stephens Dillon
  • Patent number: 8578974
    Abstract: A portable fluid exchange system comprises a source container, a liquid and vapor pump for pumping liquid from the source container to the destination container and for pumping vapor from the destination container to the source container. The liquid inlet and vapor outlets of the liquid and vapor pump are connected in fluid communication with the source container. A liquid delivery hose delivers liquid from the pump to the destination container. A vapor delivery hose delivers vapor from the destination container to the pump. A selectively controllable actuation mechanism actuates the liquid and vapor pump to thereby concurrently pump liquid from the liquid and vapor pump through the liquid outlet and vapor into the liquid and vapor pump through the vapor inlet, and concurrently pump vapor from the liquid and vapor pump through the vapor outlet and liquid into the liquid and vapor pump through the liquid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fuel Transfer Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Bonner
  • Patent number: 8578975
    Abstract: An oil filter change method and apparatus for use with Harley Davidson motorcycles employs a filter funnel adapted to fit beneath the oil filter prior to removal. A drain hose may be attached to a spout portion of the funnel, the filter is punctured, and oil allowed to drain therefrom. Once drained, the filter is fully removed, and is held in the funnel for removal, with minimal or no oil spillage onto the engine of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory R. Ernst
  • Patent number: 8578976
    Abstract: An above-ground, structure-mounted rain water collection, storage, and utilization apparatus is herein disclosed, comprising a vertical plastic tank situated along a wall of a structure where downspouts are typically present. Rain water would flow from a downspout into a screened top portion of the tank. Once filled, integral overflow spouts may be utilized to divert excess water to either another apparatus unit, a downspout, or a hose for normal grade level dispersal. The apparatus would be supported by a base structure at grade. The bottom of the tank would be tapered to avoid the collection of silt and would terminate in a conventional spigot valve providing conventional connection to a hose system for subsequent recycled use. The apparatus may also be provided with an alternate in-line pump to provide a pressurized supply of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen D. Davis
  • Patent number: 8578977
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas filling and dispensing device that includes a body to be provided in the opening of a pressurized gas storage tank, a gas tapping circuit extending between a first upstream end to be connected to the inside of the tank and a second downstream end to be connected to a gas user, a filling duct having a first upstream end to be connected to the inside of the tank and a second downstream end to be connected to a filling member, said filling duct including at least one portion distinct from the tapping circuit, and the filling duct including a first valve, characterized in that the filling duct includes a second isolation valve arranged in series with the first valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Alessandro Moretti, Philippe Pisot, Maxime Dupont
  • Patent number: 8578978
    Abstract: A device and method to load particles of catalyst on the order of cm in the principal dimension into an annular zone of reaction tubes which may reach a height of more than 10 meters, while satisfying the strict conditions of homogeneity and density of loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: Elena Sanz, Robert Beaumont, Jérôme Colin, Fabrice Giroudiere
  • Patent number: 8578979
    Abstract: A collar for a dispensing connector and a fitment assembly are disclosed. The connector collar engages a valved fitment for a container for holding and dispensing fluid. The fitment includes a spout connected to the container and a sliding internal valve body and an external valve body securely positioned within the spout. The connector collar has a fitment end mateable with the fitment so as to compress the top edge of the external valve body so as to form a seal between the external valve body and the dispensing connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventor: James Johnson
  • Patent number: 8578980
    Abstract: Some embodiments concern a groove forming machine configured to form a groove on the golf club face of a golf club head. The groove forming machine can include: a groove forming tool configured to rotate about an axis of rotation at a first angle substantially greater than zero degrees and substantially less than 90 degrees to the golf club face. The groove forming tool is further configured to actuate from a first end of the golf club face to a second end of the golf club face by contacting a first portion of the groove forming tool with the golf club face to cut the groove with a first cross-section into the golf club face. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Petersen, Michael Jakubowski, John A. Solheim
  • Patent number: 8578981
    Abstract: Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to one example embodiment, a router table may include a table top, a mounting can, a sleeve, and an adjustment mechanism. The table top may have an aperture and a plurality of support members; the support members may be configured to support the table top. The mounting can may be attachable to the table top in a vicinity of the aperture. The sleeve may be engaged to the mounting can, and may be configured to receive a router and to position a router bit of the router along an axis extending through the aperture. The adjustment mechanism may be configured to move the sleeve within the mounting can and relative to the table top to thereby move the router along the axis and position the router bit at one of a plurality of positions relative to the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Sommerville, Sean Hill, Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 8578982
    Abstract: A device for protecting one or more credit or charge cards from radio frequency scanning is disclosed. The device comprises a planar element sized for fitting within a card slot of a personal carrying accessory, wherein the planar element is composed of an uncharged, conductive material and wherein the planar element inhibits the transmission of radio frequency signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Victor Lee, Eric Cohen
  • Patent number: 8578983
    Abstract: This invention relates to a tire having at least one rubber component which contains a cast, extruded, or calendered film of syndiotactic polybutadiene polymer. The syndiotactic polybutadiene polymer film is integral with the surface of the rubber component in a sense of being co-cured therewith. Such film may be added directly to the tire during the building process or involve a separate process of producing a tire component as a composite of the film and a rubber composition (rubber component) prior to the tire building stage. Such composite can be as is or partially pre-cured before being applied in the tire building process. The syndiotactic polybutadiene polymer film is provided to promote both stability and age durability for the tire component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Paul Harry Sandstrom
  • Patent number: 8578984
    Abstract: A wheel for a non-motorized vehicle (e.g., a shopping cart) can include a housing assembly and a tread assembly. The housing assembly can be configured to sealingly house electronics or other components. The tread assembly can removably mate with the housing assembly such that the electronics or other components remain closed and/or sealed within the housing assembly when the tread assembly is mated or unmated with the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Hannah, John C. McKay
  • Patent number: 8578985
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire whose steering stability on dry roads is improved with minimizing lowering of on-snow performances and which has round shoulders and comprises tread portion 2 divided by circumferential main grooves 3 and lateral grooves 4 into blocks 5 provided with sipes 6 each having zigzag part 8, the circumferential grooves 3 including at least a pair of axially outermost circumferential grooves 3o to divide the tread portion 2 into shoulder regions Ysh and crown region Ycr, wherein the zigzag part 8 of sipes 6sh disposed in the shoulder regions Ysh has a larger zigzag amplitude Wsh and a larger zigzag pitch Psh than zigzag amplitude Wcr and zigzag pitch Pcr of the zigzag part 8 of sipes 6cr disposed in the crown region Ycr, and angle ?sh of the sipes 6sh with respect to the axial direction is smaller than angle ?cr of the sipes 6cr with respect to the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Kageyama
  • Patent number: 8578986
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire having a built-in seamless polyurethane sealant layer and its preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Ramendra Nath Majumdar
  • Patent number: 8578987
    Abstract: A run-flat tire (12) comprising: a crown; two sidewalls (40); two beads (50) each one comprising at least one annular reinforcing structure (60); a carcass reinforcement (71, 72) anchored in each of the beads by wrapping it around the annular reinforcing structure so as to form an incoming portion (711) extending from the crown through the sidewalls towards the bead and a wrapped-around portion (712); and at least one sidewall insert (80); at least one sidewall of the tire further comprising at least one additional sidewall reinforcement (90) positioned axially on the inside of the carcass reinforcement and extending radially at least between a radial height H1 of 30 mm, H1 being measured from the radially innermost point of the annular reinforcing structure; and a radial height H2 equal to 30% of the height H of the tire; and a layer (110) of polymeric composition positioned between the additional sidewall reinforcement and the carcass reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: François Hottebart