Patents Issued in December 24, 2013
  • Patent number: 8613236
    Abstract: In a shift lever device, even when a magnet is immovably installed, the shift lever device can shift a shift lever between blocking and allowing operation from a “P” shift position to an “R” shift position because a first link and a yoke plate are slidable, a second link is rotatable with respect to the first link, and the magnet switches between attraction and non-attraction with respect to the yoke plate. For this reason, the magnet can be immovably installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hideaki Ito
  • Patent number: 8613237
    Abstract: A steering arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a rotatable steering handle, in particular a steering wheel, and a steering spindle connected torsion-tight therewith. At least one generator device is provided for generating at least one haptic signal, and at least one rocker bar is fixed on a structural part of the steering arrangement in a fixing region. On the rocker bar, a pinging hammer is held such that it is deflectable with respect to the fixing region, and the rocker bar for the deflection of the pinging hammer is connected with the generator device. The pinging hammer can be brought into contact with a structural part of the steering arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Presta Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Christian Lutz
  • Patent number: 8613238
    Abstract: A control knob for a vehicle has an improved outward appearance by forming a boundary line between two different materials in a portion that is not visible and preventing abrupt differences in color due to light refraction. The control knob is produced by dual injection molding of two different materials, is installed on one end of a shift lever, and functions as a handgrip. The control knob includes an portion of opaque and transparent materials, an overlapping portion opaque and transparent materials, and a coated portion formed of paint applied to portions of the transparent portion that do not overlap with the opaque portion. A boundary surface between the opaque and transparent portions is such that a refractive index of light passing through the transparent portion from the overlapping portion is close to a refractive index of light passing through the transparent portion from the coated portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Joon Young Park, Chang Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 8613239
    Abstract: A convertible driving tool includes a tool handle having a carrier, a tool head having a shank for engaging into a compartment of the carrier, and a latch device includes a shaft engageable through the shank and the carrier, and the shaft includes a catch member for being engaged between the shank and the carrier for selectively latching the shank to the carrier, the catch member of the latch device is disengageble from the shank for allowing the tool head to be easily and quickly and readily attached or coupled to the tool handle and to be disengaged from the tool handle, and for allowing the driving tool head to be easily and quickly and readily changed or replaced with the new ones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Jack Lee
  • Patent number: 8613240
    Abstract: This tool substantially extends in a general plane (XY) and comprises: —at least one working head (12, 13) intended to cooperate with the fastener; —a handle (14) which is integral with the or each working head; the handle extending along a longitudinal axis (X-X) and comprising a linear portion (15) and at least one connection portion (16, 17) which connects the or each working head to the linear portion, the linear portion of the handle having a section transverse to the longitudinal axis (X-X) which comprises a relatively large transverse dimension substantially parallel with the general plane of the tool (XY) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X-X), and a relatively small dimension perpendicular to the general plane of the tool (XY). The large dimension and the small dimension of the transverse section are changing along the longitudinal axis. Use in flat wrenches, combination wrenches and ring wrenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Stanley Works (Europe)
    Inventors: Norbert Pierre-Henri Feraud, Philippe Michel Christian Praudel, Stéphane Thirouin, Benoit Tillet
  • Patent number: 8613241
    Abstract: A restraining device for use in a water environment includes a plurality of tendrils that can be launched from a submerged device when an unauthorized swimmer is proximate the restraining device. Data communication in a neural-network of restraining devices is facilitated by a central command that has the capability of directing restraining devices, normally, aquatic mines, to a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Engineering Science Analysis Corp
    Inventors: Martin A Martinez, Patrick J. Barnhill, Steven A. Floyd
  • Patent number: 8613242
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of manufacturing Anti-ballistic Shelters such as Quonset buildings or huts, tents, pipe, rod, tubular and other frame structures, doors, room dividers, cots, pads and umbrellas using soft armor fabric or hard armor materials. Soft armor consists of flexible high-strength layered anti-ballistic material attached to a frame and layered in at least two directions. Soft armor requires an area of flexibility or expansion to work effectively when struck by a projectile along with a very secure attachment. With the design disclosed within this application the soft armor fabric is affixed to frameworks by an inverted “T” fabric construction method or which allows the flexibility or expansion required for maximum anti-ballistic protection within the shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Peters Security International, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred E. Peters
  • Patent number: 8613243
    Abstract: A standoff protection device intended to fully cover a door and incorporating an opening panel giving access to the door, the opening panel and door each comprising a hinge whose axes of rotation are parallel to one another, wherein the opening panel is wider than the door and is positioned facing the door such that said opening panel completely covers the door, the axis of rotation of the door namely facing the opening panel, the opening panel further incorporating at least one slide perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the opening panel, the slide being connected to the door by an arm integral with the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Nexter Systems
    Inventors: Ulric Gonard, Sébastien Carrie, François-Xavier Querry
  • Patent number: 8613244
    Abstract: A beverage concentrate system (10) includes a brewer (12), a heat exchanger (24) and pump (22). Beverage concentrate is pumped by pump (22) from a receptacle (14), and through the heat exchanger (24), for combining with water via a dispenser (28) to form a finished beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: IBS Interbev, Inc
    Inventor: John E. Wells
  • Patent number: 8613245
    Abstract: A coffee brewer (10, 10? and 10?) is provided with a plurality of solenoid controlled, bi-position dispense valves (40, 40?), a size adjustable valve (60) or a combination of both and a programmable controller (18) for controlling the dispense valves in accordance with preselected brew parameters of batch quantity and dispense time duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Zbigniew G. Lassota
  • Patent number: 8613246
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for extracting a cap (16) comprising a first part (2), a second part (3) which is movable with respect to the second part (2) which is provided with a space for the cap and defines the cap extracting position in a closed position thereof, an introduction and positioning part comprising the cap guiding elements (6, 7) which are arranged in such a way that it is possible to insert the cap by gravity force and position it in an intermediate position and a beverage pouring system (19) in which the second movable part (3) displaces the cap from the intermediate position to the extraction position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Antoine Ryser, Christophe Boussemart, Jean-Luc Denisart, Antoine Cahen
  • Patent number: 8613247
    Abstract: A device for preparing a liquid foodstuff or semi-luxury product from an extraction product contained in a capsule with a liquid extractant comprises a positioning unit, which can be positioned by applying pressure onto a collar of the capsule in an insertion position between two chamber parts that are spaced from one another in an open position. The positioning unit is designed such that when the chamber parts are moved from the open position to the closed position, the positioning unit acts on the collar in such a way that the collar can be released from the insertion position of the positioning unit by bending or turning the collar down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Delica AG
    Inventor: Louis Deuber
  • Patent number: 8613248
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption from at least two ingredients and an amount of liquid such as water which is supplied to the ingredients, wherein a first ingredient comprises a substance to be extracted such as ground coffee, and a second ingredient comprises a substance such as milk powder/creamer, sugar and such additives, soluble in liquid such as water. During a first period, the liquid having, at most, a first temperature, is supplied to the first and second ingredient for obtaining a first beverage part, and, during a second period, the liquid having, at least, a second temperature is supplied to the first and second ingredient for obtaining a second beverage part. The first and second beverage parts are combined for obtaining the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Vincent Jan Steenhof, Joseph Theodoor Knitel
  • Patent number: 8613249
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus facilitates cooking with a heated/boiling liquid of a food item by utilizing a cooking bag, a cooking tray, and/or a cooking film. A food product that utilizes the cooking apparatus and food items produces cooked food that may be plateable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. France, Adam Pawlick
  • Patent number: 8613250
    Abstract: An angled frying pan stand that includes a truncated cylindrical tilt stand rotatably disposed upon a generally circular base, the tilt stand having a bottom side and an upper surface, the upper surface disposed at an acute angle relative the bottom side, each of a pair of side supports retractably extendable upon an extendible track portion disposed on a sidewall, with a first holding edge and a second holding edge configured to support an extant frying pan at an angle upon the top surface, the angled frying pan stand including a strainer piece removably attachable over the rim of a frying pan to partition a segment of the frying pan wherein grease may collect under the influence of gravity separated from any foodstuffs in the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventors: Brian A. Pruitt, Maleeia T. Pruitt
  • Patent number: 8613251
    Abstract: The invention provides a centrifugal juicer with a removable bin for collection of unwanted pulp generated by the juicing process. The pulp is thrown upwardly and outwardly, and exits through a letterbox-like aperture which aligns with a filler aperture in the bin. The bin is slidably movable towards and away from the juicer and is open-topped; being covered during operation by a roof member which extends outwardly from the juicer. The bin (32) is provided, above the filler aperture, with a bridging member having a surface adapted to slide in contact with, or closely adjacent, the underside of the roof, thereby to wipe pulp deposits from the roof when the bin is slid away from the juicer for removal. The wiping surface of the bridging member may be shaped or configured to enhance the wiping action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Kenwood Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Ian Jays
  • Patent number: 8613252
    Abstract: A caul plate system for a laminate structure includes a plurality of layers of curable caul plies disposed over a laminate structure and substantially conforming to a surface of the laminate structure. A resin is applied to the plurality of layers of caul plies. Co-curing of the plurality of layers of caul plies with the laminate structure hardens the plurality of layers of caul plies such that a normal pressure is applied to the laminate structure during cure of the laminate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Bremmer, Jeffrey G. Sauer, Edward Joseph Fabian, Robert A. Lacko, Neil W. Cawthra, Christian A. Rogg, Paul H. Denavit, William E. Hovan, III
  • Patent number: 8613253
    Abstract: A printing apparatus including: a web conveyance unit that conveys a web; a printing unit that prints an image on the web; a web discharging unit that discharges the web on which the image is formed with the printing unit, the web discharging unit being placed downstream of the printing unit; and a web withdrawal unit that withdraws the web into the printing apparatus, the web withdrawal unit including a web withdrawal roller and at least one pressing roller. When the printing apparatus is in a print waiting state, the printing apparatus drives the web withdrawal roller intermittently, while a pressing force from the at least one of the pressing roller is maintained, so as to convey the web intermittently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuuji Ohmura
  • Patent number: 8613254
    Abstract: There is described a method for detection of occurrence of printing errors on printed substrates during processing thereof on a printing press comprising the steps of providing multiple sensors on functional components of the printing press to monitor the behavior of the printing press during processing of the printed substrates and performing an in-line analysis of the behavior of the printing press to determine occurrence of a characteristic behavior of the printing press which leads or is likely to lead to occurrence of printing errors on the printed substrates or which leads or is likely to lead to good printing quality of the printed substrates. In-line analysis of the behavior of the printing press preferably includes performing fuzzy pattern classification of the behavior of the printing press. According to one embodiment of the proposed method in-line analysis of the behavior of the printing press is coupled with an in-line optical inspection of the printed substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: KBA-Notasys SA
    Inventors: Volker Lohweg, Johannes Georg Schaede, Thomas Türke
  • Patent number: 8613255
    Abstract: A mass transit monorail uses an I-beam rail structure having an upper flange portion spaced apart from a lower flange portion, the flange portions joined by a vertical web portion. A frame of a vehicle has a pair of supporting wheels contacting the rail on a first side at an intersection of the web portion with the lower flange portion. A third wheel contacts the upper flange portion on a second opposing side of the rail. The vehicle moves along the rails which form a semi-continuous in-line track. A plurality of such tracks are positioned in parallel to make up a transport corridor with plural right-of-ways where vehicles may move in opposite directions passing each other. The rails are flexible enough to enable a vehicle to move from one semi-continuous in-line track to an adjacent semi-continuous in-line track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Justin Chow
  • Patent number: 8613256
    Abstract: A disposable trash bag system that allows a patient to dispose personal trash when lying in a hospital bed thereby reducing contamination. The system includes a moveable overbed table, a bag holding member, an intermediate member disposed between the bag holding member and the table's perimeter side edge, and a ring element that receives a disposable trash bag. The ring element is connected to the intermediate member that temporarily snap fits against the perimeter side edge and over the table. During use, a disposable trash bag with an upper supportive ring member is placed in the ring element, the bag holding member and the intermediate member are connected together. The intermediate member is forced against the perimeter side edge at a desired location to hold the bag in place. The intermediate member may be easily moved to any location along the perimeter side edge and remove entirely for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Stewart S. Cardon
  • Patent number: 8613257
    Abstract: A multiaxial non-crimp fabric comprising at least two superimposed layers of multifilament reinforcing yarns arranged within the layers parallel to each other and abutting parallel together. The reinforcing yarns within one layer as well as adjacent layers are connected and secured against each other by sewing threads forming stitches proceeding parallel to and separated from each other at a stitch width w, the sewing threads form stitches with a stitch length s, and the zero-degree direction of the non-crimp fabric is defined by the sewing threads. The reinforcing yarns of the layers are symmetrically arranged in respect to the zero-degree direction of the non-crimp fabric and form an angle ? to the zero-degree direction, the angle not being equal to 90° or 0°, and the sewing threads have a linear density from 10 to 35 dtex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Toho Tenax Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Ronny Wockatz
  • Patent number: 8613258
    Abstract: The window-based flag support is an improved flag support that secures to a window of a vehicle in order to support a small flag there from. The flag support has an elongated body so as to accommodate window sun visors located adjacent to said window. The flag support has an elongated body that extends well below traditional flag supports, and of which provides clearance to window sun visors. An alternative embodiment includes in adjustable flag support in which the distance spanning the clip and the base of the flag mast can be adjusted to accommodate differently-sized window sun visors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventors: George Barry, IV, Andrew Weedon
  • Patent number: 8613259
    Abstract: A dust-free litter box system for capturing stray particles generated when a pet uses a litter box features an inner tray with a plurality of slots. A fan notch is centrally located in a posterior tray wall for receiving a fan assembly. The inner tray features motion sensors connected to a power source. An air tube assembly is located around an outer perimeter of the inner tray close to an inner tray top edge. The air tube assembly features perforated tubing connected to the plurality of slots and an air tube manifold connected to a fan shroud. A fan aperture is centrally located in a posterior outer tray wall for receiving a fan filter and a protective grill. The inner tray is located in the outer tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas G. Pharo
  • Patent number: 8613260
    Abstract: A pet kennel that is structured to receive an animal includes an upper kennel portion and a lower kennel portion that include first and second engagement structures that are slidingly engageable. The upper kennel portion is situated in a first position atop the lower kennel portion offset from one another along a longitudinal axis of the pet kennel. The upper kennel portion is then translated along the longitudinal axis with respect to the lower pet kennel portion toward a second, assembled position to cause the first engagement elements and the second engagement elements to become slidingly engaged and to cause the upper and lower kennel portions to become aligned with one another. The upper kennel portion additionally includes a pair of latches that are engageable with the lower shell portion in the second position of the pet kennel to retain the upper and lower kennel portions in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David Veness, Adam Ward Weber, Michael Don Harper, Benedict Joseph Messner, Hector Rodriguez, Kyle Joseph Becker, John Coleman Horton, IV, Anthony William Gatica
  • Patent number: 8613261
    Abstract: A chew for a domestic animal comprises one or more sheets of a chewable bovine rawhide formed into a shape suitable for chewing by a domestic animal, wherein the one or more sheets has a mass loss of at least 45% as measured by the Degradability Standard Test Protocol. The bovine rawhide is made with a process that includes treatment with an enzyme. A process of making a pet chew from a split bovine hide comprises treating the split bovine hide with an enzyme solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Salix Animal Health, LLC
    Inventors: Isaac Mendal, Augusto Urbina
  • Patent number: 8613262
    Abstract: An animal collar system has an animal collar including, a fabric pouch; a flexible plastic collapsible bowl removably housed in the fabric pouch; a plastic circular-shaped housing unit located on the animal collar; and a loop. The animal collar system is useful for controlling relative movement of the animal in relation to a walker and also is able to provide a convenient collapsible bowl, usable when desired, allowing the walker to provide the animal with at least one refreshing liquid in a remote location. The fabric pouch is coupled to the animal collar. The collapsible bowl is foldable into the fabric pouch when in a non-use condition. Further, the collapsible bowl has an interior volume when in an in-use condition for temporarily storing water for the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Mergard
  • Patent number: 8613263
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a first fuel is reformed into a gaseous fuel comprising H, CO, and CH4. The engine is operated by injecting the gaseous fuel and a second fuel to a cylinder of the engine in response to an available amount of gaseous fuel, engine speed and engine load. Further, an engine actuator may be adjusted to vary cylinder charge dilution in response to the available amount of gaseous fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Michael H. Shelby
  • Patent number: 8613264
    Abstract: A gas exchange valve arrangement, especially for an internal combustion engine, with a valve head, which is mounted on a valve body. The valve body can be moved in a straight line in either of two opposite directions by an actuating element, which can be moved in either of the two directions of movement such that, as a result of a movement of the actuating element in at least one direction, the valve body is caused to move in the same direction. The actuating element comprises a piston, which can be moved relative to a space by a fluid medium. The space comprises a feed opening for the fluid medium, and the gas exchange valve arrangement includes a throttle device, which at least temporarily throttles the movement of the actuating element in at least one direction of its movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG
    Inventors: Sebastian Gehrke, Christian Weiskirch, Wolfgang Bauer, Peter Eilts, Reinhard Lämmermann
  • Patent number: 8613265
    Abstract: A detent structure for a rocker shaft includes a camshaft, a rocker shaft, a shaft support, and a detent part. The camshaft is provided at a cylinder head of an engine. The shaft support is provided at the cylinder head to support the rocker shaft and has a support surface supporting the rocker shaft. The detent part is to prevent rotation of the rocker shaft. The detent part includes a bolt insertion hole and a detent bolt. The bolt insertion hole is displaced from a central axis of the rocker shaft and passes through the rocker shaft. The detent bolt is provided in the bolt insertion hole and is fastened to the shaft support to pass across the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sei Maruyama, Machiko Harada, Yoshiki Matsushiro
  • Patent number: 8613266
    Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide an inexpensive cam shaft phase variable device of an engine in which the displacement width of attachment angle between a crankshaft and a camshaft is large and operational sound is silent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Nittan Valve Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michihiro Kameda, Masayasu Nagado
  • Patent number: 8613267
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to valves comprising a member such as a plate or poppet, that is moveable relative to a stationary seat. The state of the member may be maintained against opposing forces with relatively little expenditure of energy. According to one embodiment, a poppet displaced from seating in the valve seat, may be held in position against opposing forces tending to close the valve, until a desired flow of gas through the valve has taken place. The poppet may then be released as desired, such that those opposing forces serve to passively close the valve. The valve may be secured in position utilizing mechanical, magnetic, electromagnetic, pneumatic, electrostatic, or hydraulic approaches. Valve embodiments may be particularly suited to controlling gas flows for compression and/or expansion in an energy storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Gordon Rado, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8613268
    Abstract: A method for securing a balancer shaft module to an engine is provided, the method including the steps of passing a mounting feature into at least two mounting apertures of the balancer shaft module; simultaneously rotating two of the mounting features within the mounting aperture, wherein the simultaneous rotation of the two mounting features laterally moves the balancer shaft module with respect to the engine; and securing the balancer shaft module to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Metaldyne LLC
    Inventor: Steven Joseph Chevalier
  • Patent number: 8613269
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided. The engine comprises at least one combustion chamber. The engine is suitable for various types of fuel. The engine, depending on fuel type, may have at least one spark plug. The engine uses an external source of compressed oxidant, such as air, which is delivered from a compressor and/or pressurized storage tank. Compressed oxidant, such as air, is delivered directly into the combustion chamber. Fuel is delivered directly into the combustion chamber. Oxidant and fuel mixture is ignited either by means of a spark plug, laser ignition, or by other means, or ignites spontaneously, depending on fuel type and pressure in the combustion chamber. The engine may comprise at least one cylinder, or may be of rotary or other type. A hybrid vehicle based on such an engine is provided. An automatic parking system for such a vehicle is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventors: Pavel Shehter, Seva Brodsky
  • Patent number: 8613270
    Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine includes an outer housing and an inner housing and an enclosure defined therebetween. At least one of the outer and inner housings is rotatable relative to the other and at least two barriers are disposed in the enclosure and divide the enclosure into a combustion chamber and an exhaust chamber. At least one barrier is rotatable relative to at least one other barrier and at least one barrier comprises a retractable barrier mounted along a pivot axis and is pivotable between an extended position and a retracted position. An intake port, exhaust port, and ignition source are also provided. A method of combusting a fuel comprises rotating a drive member to expand a combustion chamber and substantially isolate the combustion chamber from an exhaust chamber, and introducing and combusting a combustion fluid and a fuel in the combustion chamber as the combustion chamber is expanding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Scott Hudson
  • Patent number: 8613271
    Abstract: An intake air flow control assembly includes an actuator, a valve shaft, a first valve member and a drive member. The actuator includes a drive shaft defining a first rotational axis. The valve shaft defines a second rotational axis. The first valve member is fixed for rotation with the valve shaft and adjusts air flow from an intake manifold to an engine intake port. The drive member is engaged with the drive shaft and the valve shaft. The drive member extends around an outer circumference of the drive shaft and around an outer circumference of the valve shaft. The drive shaft is rotatable in first and second rotational directions opposite one another to rotate the valve shaft via the drive member and rotationally displace the first valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dingfeng Deng, Fanghui Shi, Yuchuan Liu, Bo Yang
  • Patent number: 8613272
    Abstract: Conventional spark-ignited gas engines with a mechanically controlled fuel feed valve have several disadvantages in terms of operation, expensive control, irregular combustion or unstable and unreliable operation, which in turn can lead to operational and mechanical problems. In order to eliminate these disadvantages it is suggested, according to the invention, that a controlled valve is installed in the fuel line upstream of the fuel feed valve so that in the fuel line between fuel feed valve and controlled valve a defined intermediate volume is created and gaseous fuel is fed via the controlled valve into the intermediate volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Hoerbiger Kompressortechnik Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Mathews, James J. McCoy, Jr., Peter Steinrück
  • Patent number: 8613273
    Abstract: Fuel conditioning modules that condition a combustible fuel prior to combustion are provided so that fuel to be conditioned is brought into contact with a fuel conditioning insert assembly which includes a zeolite catalyst material comprised of a mixture of zeolite particulates and rare earth metal or metal oxide particulates in a solid resin binder disposed in a housing flow through passageway such that the fuel flowing in the passageway between inlet and outlet ends of the housing contacts the fuel conditioning insert assembly. The catalytic metal is most preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, magnesium, chromium, barium, calcium, platinum, palladium, nickel, bronze and iron. The zeolite catalyst material may be dispersed in the form of solid chips throughout a mass of metallic elements form of a catalytic metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Royce Walker & Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Joel S. Ratner
  • Patent number: 8613274
    Abstract: A spark ignition type internal combustion engine of the present invention comprises a variable closing timing mechanism able to change a closing timing of an intake valve after intake bottom dead center and an EGR mechanism making a part of the exhaust gas flow again into a combustion chamber as EGR gas. The EGR mechanism is controlled so that the amount of EGR gas is reduced when the closing timing of the intake valve is at a retarded side, compared with when it is at an advanced side. Due to this, occurrence of variation among cylinders in the air-fuel ratio and intake resistance along with blowback of intake gas can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mamoru Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 8613275
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a golf ball launcher, the golf ball launcher comprising: a frame, a firing barrel, a firing slot, an air compressor, an accelerator housing and an acceleration mechanism comprising an upper belt mechanism and a lower belt mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Steve Ogg, Benjamin J. Karpen, Dana N. Mecke, Elissa T. Morris
  • Patent number: 8613276
    Abstract: A duel fuel gas control valve controls the supply of gas (e.g., natural gas or liquid propane gas) to a gas grill. The duel fuel gas control valve is structured to control either natural or LP gas flow at the desired operating characteristics based on conventional gas supply characteristics and gas grill requirements. A restrictor mechanism, when in first and second configurations, respectively, restricts movement of the valve core to a first predetermined range for a first mode of operation (first type of gas supply) and to a second predetermined range for a second mode of operation (second type of gas supply).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Parrish
  • Patent number: 8613277
    Abstract: The present invention is a knock-down design of an outdoor heater. An outdoor heater without resorting to knock-down designs is heavy and bulky. It is costly to ship due to its sheer size and heavy weight. A knock-down design on the other hand resorts to innovative designs in using light weight components with structural reinforcements to increase load bearing capacities thus achieve the same effect as using heavier traditional materials. A knock-down design also resorts to innovative designs in reducing component size so as to occupy a small footprint for ease of packaging and shipment. Consequently, a knock-down design heater can be packaged in a footprint many times smaller than a full size heater and it weights much less than a traditional outdoor heater. It provides cost advantages in pre-sale shipment and general distribution, post-sale transportation convenience as well as ease of relocation during subsequent years of usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Well traveled livings
    Inventors: Edwin L. Hall, Jr., Hampton Hollis Tanner
  • Patent number: 8613278
    Abstract: A receiver system for harnessing solar radiation. Embodiments of a receiver system include a receiver including one or more receiver elements, each receiver element including: a plurality of transparent tubes including a first tube and at least one second tube at least partially within the first tube; a first passage interposed between the first tube and the at least one second tube, the first passage having an inlet and an outlet; a second passage within the at least one second tube, the second passage having an inlet and an outlet; and an absorber in the at least one second tube, the absorber adapted to absorb the solar radiation. In some embodiments, a receiver further includes a housing having at least one transparent portion, the housing configured to enclose the plurality of receiver elements, whereby a third passage is formed between the first tube and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Esolar, Inc.
    Inventors: Porter Arbogast, William Gross, Steve Schell
  • Patent number: 8613279
    Abstract: A CPAP system for supplying humidified gases to a user is disclosed in which various interfaces are described for gas delivery. A mask cushion including a deformable cushion and thin sheath is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Alastair Edwin McAuley, Christopher Earl Nightingale, Lewis George Gradon, Mark Joseph Haycock, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Daniel Mahon, Fiona Elizabeth Cresswell
  • Patent number: 8613280
    Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Aaron Samuel Davidson, Robin Garth Hitchcock, Matthew Eves, David John Worboys, Susan Robyn Lynch
  • Patent number: 8613281
    Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Aaron Samuel Davidson, Robin Garth Hitchcock, Matthew Eves, David John Worboys, Susan Robyn Lynch
  • Patent number: 8613282
    Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization is effected by passing a current through there resilisent structure to the tubal walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian N. Nikolchev, Dai T. Ton, Ashish Khera, Donnell W. Gurskis, Steven Bacich
  • Patent number: 8613283
    Abstract: A mandibular advancement appliance is described which is secured to a subject's dentition. The appliance may adjust a position of the subject's lower dentition relative to the upper dentition while maintaining a distance between the upper and lower dentition. The appliance may also allow for the free rotation of the lower dentition relative to the upper dentition for increased comfort. Additionally, the appliance may also be utilized with a tongue retention assembly for maintaining a position of the subject's tongue relative to the device for treating sleep disordered breathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Insono Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Anant V. Hegde, Kasey K. Li
  • Patent number: 8613284
    Abstract: A cigarette filter is provided that includes at least one filter segment having at least one biodegradable fiber imbedded therein, the biodegradable fiber optionally carrying an additive capable of altering the flavor or aroma of mainstream smoke, such as an adsorbent material, a flavorant, or a deodorizing agent. Smoking articles incorporating such a cigarette filter are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Ronald Keith Hutchens
  • Patent number: 8613285
    Abstract: A nonaqueous, extrudable composition includes at least one thermoplastic polymer in an amount of more than 20 wt % of the whole composition and tobacco. An extruded bioactive product in the form of a sheet can be made by extruding or hot melt shaping a nonaqueous composition comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer and a bioactive agent, the sheet being soluble in a user's mouth and resulting in sustained release of bioactive to the user. The sheet can be in a form that may be placed in contact with the mucosa of the user, and have an average dissolution time of 5 to 50 minutes for delivering the bioactive to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventor: Richard C. Fuisz