Patents Issued in March 11, 2014
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Patent number: 8667934Abstract: An engine may include a crankshaft, a piston, a connecting rod that connects a crank pin of the crankshaft with the piston, and a compression ratio variable device that varies a distance between the piston and the crank pin, wherein the compress ratio variable device includes: a block cover mounted on an outside of the engine block and a cover journal portion and a worm wheel mounting space are formed therein, a control shaft contacting the cover journal portion and an operating arm protruding from an exterior circumference of the control shaft, and a motor portion, wherein a worm connected to the motor portion is mounted to the block cover, the worm being engaged with the worm wheel so as to rotate the control shaft according to the motor portion, wherein a distance between the piston and the crank pin is varied by a rotation of the control shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Yoonsik Woo, Jin Kook Kong, Dong Seok Lee, Eun Ho Lee, Soo Hyung Woo
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Patent number: 8667935Abstract: An intake/exhaust valve control device for an internal combustion engine including a cylinder having an intake valve and an exhaust valve includes: solenoids for driving at least one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve; a battery for supplying an electric current to the solenoids, a battery state predicting unit for predicting the voltage state of the battery; and an energization start timing setting unit for setting the current carrying start timing of the battery with respect to the solenoids based on the result of the prediction by the battery state predicting unit. According to the intake/exhaust valve control device, since it is possible to obtain the amount of energization necessary for driving the solenoids at an appropriate timing, it is possible to secure the responsiveness of the solenoids.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhito Imai, Ryuji Okamura
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Patent number: 8667936Abstract: A valve control apparatus includes a drive shaft; a control shaft including a control shaft main body configured to be rotationally controlled according to a state of engine, and a control eccentric shaft located eccentrically relative to a rotation center of the control shaft main body; a rocker arm swingably supported by the control eccentric shaft and configured to convert a rotational motion of the drive shaft to a swinging motion; and a swing cam configured to open/close an engine valve according to the swinging motion of rocker arm. Both ends of the control eccentric shaft are formed with fixing holes extending in a radial direction of the control eccentric shaft. The control shaft main body is formed with insertion holes passing through the control shaft main body in a radial direction of the control shaft main body. The insertion holes respectively face the fixing holes. The control eccentric shaft is fixed to the control shaft main body by bolts.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Mikihiro Kajiura, Yoshihiko Yamada
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Patent number: 8667937Abstract: A first target wheel has an opening and rotates about an axis of rotation to move the opening along a generally circular path. A second target wheel adjacent the first target wheel has a second projection projecting into the opening of the first target wheel with the second projection being movable along the generally circular path. A single sensor is positioned adjacent the generally circular path and senses movement of the opening and the second projection past the sensor. An electronic controller may be used to process signals from the sensor to determine the relative angular difference between the first target wheel and the second target wheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Christopher Gallmeyer
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Patent number: 8667938Abstract: A valve actuating cam has a periphery that can be varied in shape to control the opening and closing of one or more valves associated with a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. One portion of a valve assembly can be moved outwardly to change the valve lift. A band can surround the movable cam portion and cam body portion, and can form at least a major portion of the exterior surface of the cam that engages a cam follower such as a valve operating rocker arm. The timing of the opening and closing of one or more valves can be adjusted by adjusting the peripheral shape of the cam. The shape can be adjusted to start a ramp portion of the cam peripheral surface earlier to cause a valve to open earlier and to end a ramp portion later to cause the valve to close later with a first load on the engine and to open and close earlier when the engine is under a second load that is less than the first load.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventor: Michael von Mayenburg
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Patent number: 8667939Abstract: In one form a rocker is disclosed coupled with a valve stem at one end and a cam follower at the other end. The rocker is operable to rotate about a fixed axis. In one form the cam follower includes a set of lower rollers operable to follow one cam lobe and an upper roller operable to follow another cam lobe. A leaf spring can be used to couple the cam follower with the rocker. A cam shaft can have a nested configuration including an inner shaft, an intermediate tube, and an outer tube. Cam lobes can be fastened to the cam shaft in one form by fastening through each of the inner shaft, intermediate tube, and outer tube, and in another form by attaching at least two devices inserted from either side of the cam shaft and that are not inserted at least through the inner shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Cummins Inc.Inventors: David M. Barnes, Adam C. Cecil
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Patent number: 8667940Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine block, a cylinder head coupled to the engine block and first and second lubrication systems. The first lubrication system includes a first pump in communication with the engine block and providing a first fluid to the engine block. The second lubrication system is isolated from the first lubrication system and includes a second pump in communication with the cylinder head and providing a second fluid to the cylinder head.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jason C. Melecosky, Timothy L. Neal
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Patent number: 8667941Abstract: A fuel cock-integrated engine switch is provided that reduces wear resulting from mechanical contact and that can thereby enhance durability. A magnet 14 is provided in a lever 11 that is pivoted turnably between an ON position and an OFF position. A reed switch 12 connected to an ignition device 17 is arranged in the ON position. A shutoff valve 2 of a fuel passage is arranged in the OFF position of the lever 11. In the OFF position, the magnet 14 of the lever 11 approaches a valve 3 formed with a magnetic member, and the member 3 is shifted upward within the case 4 to shut off the fuel passage. When the lever 11 is operated to shift to the ON position, the valve 3 is shifted downward within the case 4 or receives a force applied by a spring to open the fuel passage.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keiichiro Bungo
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Patent number: 8667942Abstract: The present invention is an installation of an emergency starting switching device and/or direct current boosted boost circuit device. When the power of the starting battery is insufficient, the electric energy of the power storage device battery is used to drive the starting motor in order to start the engine by operating the emergency starting switching device. And when the engine is started, the voltage of the ignition device or the fuel injection device is stepped up to strengthen its starting capability by means of a voltage boost by the direct current boosted boost circuit device.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
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Patent number: 8667943Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1), including a cylinder head (2) and a cylinder block (3), with a crankcase (10) being fixed to the cylinder block (3), and with at least one mass balancing shaft (20) being held in the crankcase (10). In order to reduce the production effort it is provided that—when seen in the direction of the axis (19a) of the crankshaft (19)—a first pin (26) which is arranged in a borehole (6) and arranged as an alignment pin is positioned in the region of the face side (5) of the crankcase (10) on a straight connecting line (27) between the axis (20a) of the mass balancing shaft (20) and the axis (19a) of the crankshaft (19), with preferably the first pin (26) being arranged in the crankcase (10) and the borehole (6) in the flanged bush (24).Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: AVL List GmbHInventors: Helmut Melde-Tuczai, Christof Knollmayr, Andreas Zurk
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Patent number: 8667944Abstract: An engine provided herein. The engine includes a cylinder head assembly, a cap including an opening, an oil routing plug positioned in the opening including a recess traversing the plug, the recess and a portion of the wall of the opening defining a boundary of a plug oil passage, and an oil supply passage extending through the cylinder head assembly including an inlet fluidly coupled to a lubrication circuit and an outlet opening into the recess.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Theodore Beyer
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Patent number: 8667945Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine includes a piston base material including a pair of skirt portions opposed to each other in a radial direction of the piston base material. The piston includes a multiple-layer coating formed on at least one of surfaces of the pair of skirt portions. The piston further includes marks provided to respective layers of the multiple-layer coating at locations different from each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventor: Masato Sasaki
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Patent number: 8667946Abstract: A multi-cylinder engine with a crankcase integrated cylinder block including a cylinder block having a plurality of cylinder bores, a plurality of crank chambers formed by an upper crankcase and a lower crankcase, a bulkhead that partitions between the cylinder bores and the crank chambers, and a honing release portion having a cylindrical honing release surface formed continuously with the cylinder bore in the upper crankcase and the bulkhead. The honing release surface forms an arcuate recessed portion in the bulkhead, the bulkhead is formed with a communication hole that includes a first opening edge on a side of the cylinder bore, a second opening edge on a side of the crank chamber having an opening width decreasing with a distance from the cylinder bore, and a third opening edge that extends substantially in parallel with the cylinder axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Masaki Mori, Tomoyuki Oda
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Patent number: 8667947Abstract: An oil passage structure for an engine of a vehicle is provided with a connecting rod swingably coupled to a crankshaft rod by a plurality of crankpins, the plurality of crankpins being disposed between a plurality of crank journals, and a plurality of support portions for rotatably supporting the crankshaft by the plurality of crank journals in a cylinder block. The crankshaft has a first oil passage formed therein, the first oil passage supplying oil from an opening formed in one end face thereof to sliding surfaces of the plurality of crankpins, the plurality of support portions have a second oil passage formed therein, the second oil passage supplying the oil to a sliding surface of each of the plurality of crank journals, and the first oil passage and the second oil passage communicate with each other in some of the support portions and in some of the crank journals.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Hidekuni Ota, Junya Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8667948Abstract: The dwell cycle crank includes a reciprocating piston having a piston head or cylinder, a main body connected to the piston head, a cap detachably mounted to the main body, an S-shaped cam formed between the main body and the cap, a follower disposed in the S-shaped cam, a rotatable crankshaft, and an offset journal disposed between the connecting bearing and the crankshaft to thereby form a torque arm. The S-shaped cam and connecting bearing create periodic dwells and faster strokes in the crank cycle to maximize volumetric and geometric efficiencies of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventor: W. Daniel Hamby
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Patent number: 8667949Abstract: An engine-driven power generator apparatus, which includes, within a case, an engine and a power generator drivable with the engine, and in which an operation panel is provided on a front cover and an air intake louver for introducing air into the case is provided within the case, includes: a waterproof cover covering the operation panel and the air intake louver; an air guide passage of a labyrinth shape provided within the waterproof cover and communicating the outside of the waterproof cover with the air intake louver; and a brush-shaped water separation unit provided in the air guide passage and having a plurality of pins projecting in a direction intersecting flows of air in the air guide passage.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Mizuguchi
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Patent number: 8667950Abstract: Method and apparatus for oil-less engine with a revolving rotor are shown. Oil-less engine allows manufacturers to build environmentally safer oil-free engines, with fewer engine parts and at reduced costs of manufacturing. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method of internal combustion in an oil-less engine casing. The method is, revolving a multi-angular rotor around a center point to sequentially combust with each of a plurality of fireheads, revolving in a manner that each side of the multi-angular rotor successively achieves a top dead center position with a respective firehead. A firehead is a combination of a sparking means, a fuel injector and an air injector.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventor: Thomas Lee Fillios, Sr.
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Patent number: 8667951Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and method for converting ozone and fuel into mechanical energy and waste products. In some embodiments, a super-combustor may be used to provide a combustion engine with an improved ability to combust fuel. Certain embodiments of the invention may provide for an improved spark plug or modified engine having a super-combustor built in.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Megaion Research CorporationInventor: Carlos A. Plata
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Patent number: 8667952Abstract: This disclosure provides a control device for a diesel engine. When the engine is within a particular operating range with a low engine speed and a partial engine load and in a low temperature state where a cylinder temperature at a compression stroke end is lower than a predetermined temperature, a forced induction system sets a forcibly inducting level higher than a predetermined level that is higher than that in a high temperature state where the cylinder temperature is above the predetermined temperature. At least within the particular operating range, an injection control module performs a main injection where a fuel injection starts at or before a top dead center of the compression stroke to cause main combustion mainly including diffusion combustion and performs a pre-stage injection where the fuel injection is performed at least once prior to the main injection to cause pre-stage combustion before the main combustion starts.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Kim Sangkyu, Daisuke Shimo, Kyotaro Nishimoto, Yoshie Kakuda
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Patent number: 8667953Abstract: A system includes a fuel cutoff module and a cylinder deactivation module. The fuel cutoff module generates a fuel cutoff signal when a deceleration fuel cutoff condition occurs, wherein fueling to M cylinders of an engine is disabled based on the fuel cutoff signal, and wherein M is an integer greater than or equal to one. The cylinder deactivation module deactivates the M cylinders in response to the fuel cutoff signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventors: Robert Jack Gallon, Alan W. Hayman, Robert S. McAlpine, James J. Mazzola, III
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Patent number: 8667954Abstract: A valve control system includes an engine speed control module that determines an engine speed and a desired engine stop position. A piston position module determines a desired stopping position of a first piston based on the desired engine stop position. A valve control module receives the desired stopping position, commands a set of valves to close at the desired stopping position if the engine speed is less than a predetermined shutdown threshold, and commands the set of valves to reduce the engine speed if the engine speed is greater than the predetermined shutdown threshold.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventor: Daniel G. Brennan
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Patent number: 8667955Abstract: A handheld work apparatus has a drive motor which drives a work tool and a generator. The work apparatus has a first electrical load and a connectable second electrical load. The generator provides the electrical power for the simultaneous operation of the two loads. The work apparatus has a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the first electrical load. In order to supply approximately the same power independent of voltage fluctuations, a voltage monitoring circuit is provided which, in a first operating state, sets a first signal sequence for operating the first load and, in a second operating state, sets a different second signal sequence for operating the first load. The mean power of the first signal sequence and that of the other second signal sequence are approximately equal.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KGInventors: Heinrich Leufen, Jörg Präger, David Fallscheer
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Patent number: 8667956Abstract: A controllable launcher for propelling a payload through a predictable and repeatable trajectory to a desired height. The launcher has an energy source for propelling a carriage and a piston in substantially opposing directions and a controller for controlling the trajectory of the propelled payload to enable the payload to land gently at a safe impact distance from the edge of a destination structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Richard J. Lanigan
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Patent number: 8667957Abstract: The present invention relates to an oven (1) that comprises a heating chamber (2) wherein the cooking process is performed, a heater disposed inside and at the back side of the heating chamber (2), a rear wall (4) covering the rear side of the heating chamber (2), a fan motor (5) mounted outside the rear wall (4) for rotating the fan (3) in the heating chamber (2), a plate (6) secured outside the rear wall (4) for mounting the fan motor (5) outside the rear wall (4) and wherein the fan motor (5) vibrations transmitted to the heating chamber (2) is prevented by means of the leaf springs (8) disposed between the motor lugs (6) and the plate (6) and the fan motor (4) can be easily mounted and dismounted from the plate (6).Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2008Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventors: Davut Ayhan Serabatir, Ergin Arslan, Ahmet Ali Uslu, Mehmet Gocer
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Patent number: 8667958Abstract: An appliance includes a cooktop, a gas burner assembly disposed in the cooktop, the gas burner assembly having a burner head portion and a burner base portion, and a light disc disposed beneath the burner head portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Paul Bryan Cadima
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Patent number: 8667959Abstract: A modular powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) which is comprised of a fan, motor, scroll, and power source mounted within one housing, and which accepts either traditional or conformal filters. Ambient air is drawn into the PAPR module through the attached filter by a fan, which is driven by direct connection to a motor. The pressurized air is then accelerated by an optimized scroll to the outlet in the PAPR housing. The PAPR module can be employed in multiple use configurations. The PAPR module further comprises a removable battery pack module that is easily retained to/removed from the PAPR module, enabling a user to be able to quickly remove a spent battery pack module and install a fresh battery pack module, thereby replacing the batteries within one breath cycle.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Avon Protection Systems, Inc.Inventors: Greg A. Tilley, James Wilcox, John Patrick Fick
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Patent number: 8667960Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) includes a radial blower. The radial blower includes at least an impeller and a scroll having an upper outer surface and a lower outer surface. In one embodiment, a cross section of an air passageway of the scroll includes sides corresponding to the upper outer surface and the lower outer surface, the sides having parallel slanted segments. In another embodiment, the sides may be substantially parallel and may be curved. In yet another embodiment an upper outer surface of the scroll is concave and a lower outer surface of the scroll is convex. In that embodiment, the PAPR further includes an inlet, and the inlet is disposed at the lower outer surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: David L. Ausen
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Patent number: 8667961Abstract: An inhaler for delivery of a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip has a plurality of blister pockets and uses a pivotable mouthpiece cover to move the blister strip onward via a conveyor, wherein the mouthpiece cover is drivingly coupled with the conveyor by engaging an axle in a recess to drive a conveying wheel.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbHInventors: Ralf Thoemmes, Jessica Frentzel-Beyme
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Patent number: 8667962Abstract: A flow generator for generating a flow of pressurized breathable gas includes a cylindrical housing and a motor supported in the housing. The motor has a shaft having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The shaft is generally coincident with an axis of the motor. A first impeller is attached to the first end of the shaft and a second impeller is attached to the second end of the shaft. A stator directs an air flow from the first impeller back towards the motor axis. The housing includes an inlet adjacent the first end of the shaft having an inlet axis generally coincident with the motor axis and at least one outlet between the first and second impellers. The at least one outlet has an outlet axis generally tangential to the motor axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventors: Barton John Kenyon, Renee Frances Doherty, Enrico Brambilla, Philip Rodney Kwok
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Patent number: 8667963Abstract: A ventilator circuit is provided for use with a ventilator and a low pressure low flow oxygen source to provide a hyper-oxygenated mixture of air and oxygen at the onset of inspiration. The ventilator circuit achieves this result by using its inspiratory limb to store oxygen between breaths. As a result, the oxygen content of dead space gas is increased before delivery to the distal alveoli of the patient. Accordingly, the ventilator circuit achieves an efficient use of available oxygen and requires less oxygen to a desired oxyhemoglobin percentage at the patient.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2007Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: IMPACT Instrumentation, Inc.Inventors: Leslie H. Sherman, George Beck
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Patent number: 8667964Abstract: A patient interface includes a body portion configured to communicate with at least one fluid path, and at least one nostril interface extending from the body portion. The nostril interface includes an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a nostril of a patient and to be in communication with the at least one fluid path. In an embodiment, the insertion portion includes a plurality of laterally directed openings configured to communicate fluid between the fluid path and the nostril. The patient interface also includes a seal portion that is constructed and arranged to provide a seal between the patient interface and the nostril.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: RIC Investments, LLCInventor: Peter Chi Fai Ho
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Patent number: 8667965Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly includes a rigid mask frame and a cushion. A clip secures the cushion to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: RedMed LimitedInventors: Michael K. Gunaratnam, Gregory S. Smart, Philip R. Kwok
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Patent number: 8667966Abstract: An intubating attachment apparatus for use with endotracheal intubation devices comprising an elongated, generally cylindrical support module configured to accommodate a fiber optic intubation scope and at least one of an endotracheal tube or an endotracheal tube exchanger. The invention obviates the need for an attending medical professional to utilize more than one hand when advancing an endotracheal tube and/or endotracheal tube exchanger along with the fiber optic bundle of a bronchoscope into a patient.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventor: Hideo Koike
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Patent number: 8667967Abstract: A patient interface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is configured to be at least partially carried by a patient and to receive gas exhaled by the patient. The patient interface includes first and second cannula tubes each having a first end and a second end, the first ends are configured to be inserted into the nostrils of a patient, the first and second cannula tubes are configured to direct exhaled gas from the patient from the first ends to said second ends. The patient interface also includes first and second sensors positioned near the second ends, and the first and second sensors are configured to provide first and second signals based upon the gas, wherein the first and second signals are indicative of a physiological parameter of the patient. The patient interface also includes a communications link configured to provide the signal to a physiological monitor.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Masimo CorporationInventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Mohamed K. Diab
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Patent number: 8667968Abstract: This invention relates to condoms, prophylactics and contraceptive devices made of silicone rubber having a body comprising a plurality of sections that are capable of folding telescopically, such that each section folds into an adjoining section.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventor: Daniel Resnic
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Patent number: 8667969Abstract: A foam positioner device utilized for maintaining resting limb positioning, hand shape and strength therapies, and other modality therapies. Said device, by means of an integrated strap slot base, incorporates a generic strap which wraps around furnishings such as pillows, recliner footrests, beds, chairs, and various medical apparatus exclusively and does not attach to the person.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventors: David Bruce Tannahill, Kristi Lynn Tannahill
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Patent number: 8667970Abstract: An oral device for improving airway patency includes a base adapted to be held between a patient's upper and lower teeth and a tongue-engaging member. The tongue-engaging member engages the tongue and displaces the tongue anteriorly when the base is held between the patient's teeth. A vacuum is applied through the base and the tongue-engaging member in order to draw the soft palate against a posterior region of the tongue in order to stabilize the soft palate and open or clear the patient's airway.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2013Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Apnicure, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan L. Podmore, Matthias Vaska, John E. Crowe, Sean Christopher Daniel
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Patent number: 8667971Abstract: A spacing member can be positioned between teeth of the athlete to obtain a desired position between the upper and lower jaw. At least one bite registration can be recorded while the lower jaw is in the desired position. The desired position can range from the physiological resting position, to a performance position, in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly in relation to the physiological resting position. The mouthpiece can be formed to include a pair of bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws generally according to the desired position, and a connecting portion can connect the bite portions within the mouth. The connecting portion may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Nova Scotia LimitedInventors: Anil Kumar Makkar, Trevor Robert Laingchild, Preston Joseph Dokuchie, Joseph Youssif Andary, Kris Shailer Astaphan, Deryl Dangstorp
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Patent number: 8667972Abstract: TENS can be applied to the TMJ of an athlete for a period of time to deprogram muscles. After TENS, a desired position of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw can be determined and recorded. The desired position can be a physiological resting position, or a performance position in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly relative to the physiological resting position. A mouthpiece can be prepared including bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws according to the desired position, and substantially prevent movement of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. A connecting portion connects the bite portions within the mouth, and may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: 3162212 Nova Scotia LimitedInventors: Anil Kumar Makkar, Trevor Robert Laingchild, Preston Joseph Dokuchie
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Patent number: 8667973Abstract: A method of minimally invasively reducing a volume of a hyper-inflated target section of diseased lung comprising the steps of introducing a bronchoscope into a patient's airway to a position adjacent the target section and equilibrating air within the target section with atmospheric air to at least partially deflate the target lung section; injecting an inflammation-causing substance into the target section to precipitate adhesion of the walls within the target lung section, preventing substantial re-inflation of the target section by occluding an airway upstream of the target section for a period of time, and removing the airway occlusion after the target section has substantially permanently been reduced in volume. The injected substance can be autologous blood or a constituent thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Spiration, Inc.Inventor: Steven C. Springmeyer
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Patent number: 8667974Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Jordan R. Fountain, Rodney M. Welch
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Patent number: 8667975Abstract: An improved umbrella configured to reduce the likelihood that water on top of the umbrella will drain onto the area around the user when the umbrella is closed. The improved umbrella has a handle supporting a canopy section comprising of an upper canopy, a lower canopy and a collapsible frame attached to and disposed between the upper and lower canopies. An operating mechanism allows the user to move the umbrella between its open and closed positions. When being closed, the operating mechanism inverts the frame so the peripheral edge of the upper canopy is directed upward and the center area thereof is pulled down into an interior cavity at the top end of the handle so water will drain inward to the cavity instead of outward. The upper canopy is pulled into the cavity and the frame, with the lower canopy wrapped around it, is collapsed against the handle.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventor: Charlene F. Chessum
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Patent number: 8667976Abstract: A height self-adjustable walking aid includes two oppositely arranged U-shaped stands which are connected by a front stand. The two ends of each U-shaped stand are sleeved with two outer pipes respectively, and each outer pipe is mounted with a height adjusting apparatus and a control apparatus for height adjusting. The walking aid is adjustable in height according to the heights of users, so as to satisfy the requirement of allowing patients or elders with different heights to use a same equipment, thus providing great convenience for users. The heights of the two ends of each U-shaped stand could be adjustable respectively to generate a height difference between the front end and rear end of the walking end, thus enabling patients or elders to walk up and down the stairs with it.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventor: Junbiao Huang
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Patent number: 8667977Abstract: Methods and embodiments are described for sampling and measuring oxygen concentrations of flowing samples drawn from the ullage of a chemical or fuel tank and from a source of inerting gas used for purging the tank. The sampled flows are drawn with a venturi pump or a pneumatically driven turbine pump and returned to the ullage of the tank. An optical absorption spectrophotometer is used having a diode laser sensor, and both sensor and the pump can be safely located near to the tank. Control systems and apparatus are disclosed for controlling the oxygen level within the ullage of the tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Oxigraf, Inc.Inventors: Bruce W. McCaul, Thomas Mac Winsemius
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Patent number: 8667978Abstract: A methods and system detecting water system leaks provides detecting of water leakage having very low flows. Very low flow leaks are detected by detecting drops in a building water system pressure when the water supply source is disabled. The water system is disabled by an electrically controllable valve, which may be turned off in response to a motion detector that detects that no human activity is present in the building. The rate of pressure drop is used to determine the magnitude of the leak, and multiple thresholds can be used to detect slow leaks versus more serious leaks. A humidity detector may also be incorporated in the system to detect abnormal humidity conditions and shut the electrically controllable valve in response. Appliance current consumption can be detected and used to override motion-sensor based shut-off of the valve, so that water-consuming appliances can continue to operate.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventor: Michael Brent Ford
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Patent number: 8667979Abstract: A battery rack system and method are provided including a battery rack for holding a plurality of batteries. Further included is a liner-equipped containment system connected to the battery rack. The containment system is adapted for containing leaks or spills from the batteries.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Environmental Compliance Solutions, LLCInventor: Douglas Frazier
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Patent number: 8667980Abstract: Disclosed is a non-interrupt meter change out device including a clamp assembly, at least one case assembly, and at least one collar, the clamp assembly including a frame and a distance adjuster.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Mueller International, LLPInventors: James Ola Williams, Leo William Fleury, Jr., Normand James Roy
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Patent number: 8667981Abstract: An outer valve surrounds an inner valve. A plug can move relative to a seat of the inner valve to control flow through that valve. A plug co-operates with the outlet port of the outer valve to control fluid through that valve. The plug comprises part of the inner valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventor: Jens Termansen
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Patent number: 8667982Abstract: An air valve device is adapted to be fitted into an opening of an inflatable article, and includes a valve seat having a seat body that is disposed between an inflating port and a conduit, and a valve disc unit disposed in the conduit to be moved between opened and closed positions, and having a valve disc connected with a plunger, an elastomeric seal ring superimposed on a padded region of the valve disc. A rigid retaining cap is disposed to bring a base layer of the seal ring in an abutting engagement with the padded region of the valve disc so as to secure the seal ring to the valve disc while permitting a sealing marginal layer of the seal ring to be air-tightly engaged with the seat body in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventors: Rong-Jyh Song, Tsung-Ping Yen
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Patent number: 8667983Abstract: A relief valve for an oil pump can prevent a main gallery from being damaged by largely decreasing peak pressure of an oil pump by using bypass flow according to oil pressure of the main gallery in cold start of an engine, and can control the discharging pressure of the oil pump at the optimum level when the engine is warmed up, by defining a housing chamber communicating with the main gallery of the engine and a plunger chamber bypassing some of oil flowing to the main gallery to the oil pump or an oil pan in accordance with oil pressure in the housing chamber using a plunger chamber, and by changing a modulus of elasticity of a coil spring elastically supporting the plunger in accordance with the oil pressure produced in the main gallery, by using a substance that is expanded by temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Doogie Min, Seokjun Yoon