Patents Issued in May 27, 2014
  • Patent number: 8733328
    Abstract: In a method for controlling operation of an engine in which an EGR system is incorporated therein, when the engine is in a pressure-accumulable operational state in which EGR gas can be pressure-accumulated in an EGR passage between an EGR control valve and an on-off valve, these valves are brought into a full closed state, respectively. In addition, when an intake pressure transmitted from an air intake passage to the engine becomes more than or equal to a target value of the intake pressure set based on an operational state of the engine, the on-off valve is switched to a full open state, and then the on-off valve is switched to the full closed state again after elapse of a predetermined time, and high-pressure EGR gas of a low oxygen concentration is temporarily stored in the EGR passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naruto Yamane
  • Patent number: 8733329
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an exhaust gas system, which comprises an exhaust gas line by means of which the exhaust gas can be removed from the internal combustion engine, as well as an exhaust gas recirculation line by means of which the exhaust gas can be recirculated into the internal combustion engine from the exhaust gas line. The exhaust gas recirculation line has an exhaust gas cooler and a condensate line for removing the condensate from the recirculated exhaust gas, wherein the condensate line is connected with a first end to the exhaust gas recirculation line downstream of the exhaust gas cooler in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas and with a second end to the exhaust gas line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Uwe Sailer, Hubert Vollmer
  • Patent number: 8733330
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle propulsion system and method of operation have been provided. As one example, the system comprises an internal combustion engine including at least a combustion chamber configured to propel the vehicle via at least a drive wheel, a motor configured to propel the vehicle via at least a drive wheel, an energy storage device configured to store energy that is usable by the motor to propel the vehicle, a fuel system configured to deliver gasoline and alcohol to the combustion chamber in varying relative amounts, a control system configured to operate the motor to propel the vehicle and to vary the relative amounts of the gasoline and alcohol provided to the combustion chamber in response to an output of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Andri
  • Patent number: 8733331
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for adjusting the operation of a gasoline-fueled engine based on monitored conditions within a combustion chamber of the engine. In some cases, the system monitors regions within the combustion chamber, identifies or determines a satisfactory condition, and applies an ionization voltage to a fuel injector to initiate a combustion event during the satisfactory condition. In some cases, the system monitors the conditions within the combustion chamber, determines a monitored condition is associated with an adjustment, and adjusts a parameters of a combustion event in order to adjust ionization levels within a combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. McAlister
  • Patent number: 8733332
    Abstract: The invention discloses a general-purpose gasoline engine, comprising a cylinder block, a cylinder head main body (1), and an intake passage (12) and an exhaust passage (11) arranged on the cylinder head main body (1); an intake valve (5) is arranged on the cylinder head main body (1) correspondingly to the intake passage (12), an exhaust valve (9) is arranged correspondingly to the exhaust passage (11), the intake valve (5) is correspondingly provided with an intake rocker arm (8) and an intake push rod, the exhaust valve (9) is correspondingly provided with an exhaust rocker arm (2) and an exhaust push rod, a combustion chamber surface (13) is formed on the inner side of the cylinder head main body (1), and the combustion chamber surface (13) is of a spherical structure or an arch structure formed of smooth curves; the part of the combustion chamber surface (13) between the intake valve (5) and the exhaust valve (9) forms a nose bridge region (14), and a through air-cooling passage (10) is arranged on the c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Loncin Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bibo Che
  • Patent number: 8733333
    Abstract: A cam accessible portable bow press is comprised of a pair of press arm, each press arm further comprising a pair of press levers, each press lever comprising a limb lever adapted to be adjustably disposed between a bow's riser and one of the bow's cams and a cam lever adapted to substantially enclosed the outer circumference of a cam without obstructing access to the side of each cam. The press arms are tensioned using a combination of straps and buckles, allowing the user to compress the bow's limbs to aid in stringing or unstringing the bow or to perform maintenance on the bow's cams without to unstringing the bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Anthony Barrios
  • Patent number: 8733334
    Abstract: A toy hand grenade has a plurality of bores which receive soft darts. A launcher is received in each bore and is spring loaded. An actuator retains the launchers in a spring-loaded, unactuated position. The actuator is displaceable relative to the body to release the launchers and substantially concurrently eject the darts from the hand grenade. A pin or a clip may be employed to lock the actuator in a locked position. A timer is employed to delay actuation of the actuator to release the launchers and eject the darts from the hand grenade. A sandbag ring is imposed to ensure proper orientation and stability of the hand grenade for the timer actuated feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: David E. Mroczka, Kevin Mroczka
  • Patent number: 8733335
    Abstract: An archery apparatus includes a combined adjustable neck support, handle and release mechanism for reducing the amount of force exerted by an archer to maintain a bowstring and associated arrow in a generally fully drawn position. In operation, the release mechanism is secured to the bowstring, the handle is grasped by the drawing hand of the archer, with the other hand of the archer on the bow frame, the bowstring is drawn by the archer to the generally fully drawn position so that the release mechanism is proximate the side of the head of the archer and the neck support is selectively and supportably disposed against the archer's neck. Thus, both the manual muscular force exerted by the drawing arm of the archer and the force supplied by the neck support are available in tandem for maintaining a bowstring and associated arrow in a generally fully drawn position. The release mechanism is then actuated to provide the normal proper triggering of the arrow into flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Jim Pierce
  • Patent number: 8733336
    Abstract: In an outer blade cutting wheel comprising an annular thin disc base of cemented carbide having an outer diameter of 80-200 mm, an inner diameter of 30-80 mm, and a thickness of 0.1-1.0 mm, and a blade section disposed on an outer periphery of the base, the blade section comprises diamond grains and/or CBN grains bound with a metal bond having a Young's modulus of 0.7-4.0×1011 Pa and has a thickness which is greater than the thickness of the base by at least 0.01 mm. The outer blade cutting wheel is capable of cutting a workpiece at a high accuracy and a reduced allowance, improves machining yields, and reduces machining costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Kasashima, Takehisa Minowa, Takaharu Yamaguchi, Koji Sato
  • Patent number: 8733337
    Abstract: Heat exchanger for a high efficiency hot air heating appliance (1), with at least one segment (5) and with a primary section (14) and, viewed in the flow direction (A), followed by a secondary condensing section (15), whereby the segment (5) consists of at least one primary element (16) and at least two secondary condensing elements (19), that form part of the secondary condensing section (15) of the segment (5), and the inputs (20) of each of them are connected in parallel to the output (18) of the primary element (16) in such a way that the gas flow coming from the primary element (16) is divided over the secondary condensing elements (19) connected to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Multicalor Industries, Naamloze Vennootschap
    Inventors: Steven Tolleneer, Marcel Franciscus J. Verberck
  • Patent number: 8733338
    Abstract: Self-heating containers comprise a reaction chamber and a heating chamber. The heating chamber is sized to contain a substance to be heated. The reaction chamber contains reactants which, when contacted, exothermically react. The reaction chamber is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment with a barrier therebetween. The barrier comprises a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion. The first barrier portion is attached to a reaction chamber wall and has an opening sized to allow reactants to flow through from one compartment to the other. The second barrier portion is attached to the first barrier portion to close the opening. The barrier can be opened by moving an actuator into engagement with the second barrier portion to dislodge the second barrier portion from the first barrier portion and thereby open the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Heat Wave Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Ford, Douglas Lund
  • Patent number: 8733339
    Abstract: A solar collector includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the upper surface, a sidewall, a transparent cover, and a heat-absorbing layer. The sidewall is arranged on the top surface of the substrate. A transparent cover is disposed on the sidewall opposite to the substrate to form a sealed chamber with the substrate together. The heat-absorbing layer is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate and includes a carbon nanotube composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peng Liu, Pi-Jin Chen, Liang Liu, Kai-Li Jiang, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 8733340
    Abstract: A boiler for a solar receiver includes a first boiler panel having a plurality of tubes fluidly connecting an inlet header of the first boiler panel to an outlet header of the first boiler panel. The tubes of the first boiler panel form a first solar receiver surface. A second boiler panel has a plurality of tubes fluidly connecting an inlet header of the second boiler panel to an outlet header of the second boiler panel. The tubes of the second boiler panel form a second solar receiver surface. The first and second boiler panels are adjacent to one another with a portion of the first boiler panel and an end of the first solar receiver surface overlapping an end of the second boiler panel to reduce solar radiation passing between the first and second solar receiver surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Babcock Power Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Plotkin, Kevin Toupin, Russell Ricci
  • Patent number: 8733341
    Abstract: An atomizer and a method of dispensing and atomizing fluid into individual containers through a nozzle are proposed, where in order to improve the dosing accuracy, a preliminary amount of fluid, flushing the nozzle, is dispensed before each dose is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Boeck, Michael Spallek
  • Patent number: 8733342
    Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel atomizers for generating particles over a broad range of MMAD size distributions, the eliminating the requirement for an impaction baffle in generating the desired particle sizes. In particular aspects, the atomization means communicates with a remote particle filter member configured and positioned to provide for particle size filtering. In additional aspects, the atomization means communicates with a particle dispersion chamber suitable to impart a desired particle flow pattern to particles within and exiting the dispersion chamber. In further aspects, the atomization means communicates with a nasal, ocular, oral or ‘vicinity’ adapter. The novel devices provide for targeted (e.g., nasal, ocular, oral, local vicinity), systemic, and/or topical delivery of an atomized liquid (e.g., via the nasal cavity, olfactory region, and mouth). Further exemplary aspects relate to aerosolization and delivery of perfume, fragrance, essential oil or cosmeceutical agents and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: KURVE Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Giroux, William A. DeGroodt, Joseph R. Pearce, Robert W. Kamp, Finn O. Rinne, Paul C. Leung
  • Patent number: 8733343
    Abstract: A drug delivery device is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device includes a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized into particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Universidad de Sevilla
    Inventor: Alfonso M. Ganan-Calvo
  • Patent number: 8733344
    Abstract: A mouth piece supply valve control system which may be used in connection with mouth piece supply valve with a rebreather. An exemplary mouth piece supply valve control system may include a sensor operative to produce a sensor signal upon sensing a condition, a computer connected to the sensor that may produce a computer signal associated with sensor signal, a logic device operatively connected to the computer for receiving the computer signal, and an automatic actuator operatively connected to the logic device. The automatic actuator may be operatively coupled to a mouth piece supply valve that may be selectable between a first mode and a second mode and the automatic actuator may shift the mouth piece supply valve from the second mode to the first mode upon receipt of a logic device signal from the logic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey Evan Bozanic, Forrest P. Gauthier
  • Patent number: 8733345
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating unit for an inhalation device for the inhalation administration of an inhalation mixture of air and at least one additive material, having a fuel storage (252) which is filled or can be filled with a thermally combustible solid or liquid fuel (258), and with a combustion chamber (256) for the combustion of the fuel (258), which is essentially sealed from the surroundings by a combustion chamber wall (222). The invention further relates to an inhalation device (210) with such a heating unit. According to the invention, the combustion chamber (256) is designed for forming a flame, and the combustion chamber wall (222) has at least some micro openings (224). The micro openings are designed in such a way that the sum of the outer side lengths of all micro openings (224) is at least 140 mm, and the sum of the outer side lengths of the micro openings (224) per surface in the area of the combustion chamber wall (222) averages at least 80 mm/cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Friedrich Siller
  • Patent number: 8733346
    Abstract: An aerosol-releasing inhalation device, fuelling station, and apparatus are provided. The device includes a mouthpiece having a substance depot, and a heating member detachably connected to the mouthpiece for volatilising a substance to release an inhalable aerosol. The heating member includes a housing sleeve having at least one air inlet, and at least one hot air outlet at a mouthpiece end separated from the air inlet; a filling valve at the mouthpiece end to fill a tank with a flammable gas; a premix burner; a regulating valve to control release of the gas to the premix burner by suction on the mouthpiece; and a mass transfer exchanger to heat air by heat generated from the premix burner. The substance depot at least partially passes combustion gases, and a desired inhalation air temperature is selectable by at least a proportion of the combustion gases exiting the mass transfer exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventor: Arno Rinker
  • Patent number: 8733347
    Abstract: A device for detecting the improper adjustment of a ventilatory support machine used on a mammal. The device (12) includes measuring elements (40) for taking a measurement, as a function of time, of a neurophysiological signal involved in the respiratory process of the mammal for at least two successive breathing cycles, each breathing cycle comprising a respiratory initiation time; an input for receiving a respiratory initiation signal (to) which is different from the neurophysiological signal; elements (42) for processing the neurophysiological signals, which are configured to process the neurophysiological signals for each respiratory initiation time over a period of time starting from the respiratory initiation time; and elements (44) for detecting an improper adjustment of the ventilator using the processed signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Universite Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris VI
    Inventors: Thomas Similowski, Mathieu Raux, Christian Straus, Patrick Ray
  • Patent number: 8733348
    Abstract: A device for humidifying respiratory gases. The device includes: a humidification component that holds a water volume; and a heating element that converts received electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume, thereby heating the water volume to achieve a heated water volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: CareFusion 207, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Korneff, Christopher M Varga
  • Patent number: 8733349
    Abstract: A PAP system for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator to generate a supply of breathable gas to be delivered to the patient; a humidifier including a heating plate to vaporize water and deliver water vapor to humidify the supply of breathable gas; a heated tube configured to heat and deliver the humidified supply of breathable gas to the patient; a power supply configured to supply power to the heating plate and the heated tube; and a controller configured to control the power supply to prevent overheating of the heating plate and the heated tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Roderick Bath, Donald Angus Richmond, Nathan John Row, Jianhua Zhu, Timothy Nicholas Shadie, Ronald James Huby, Ivan Dujmovic
  • Patent number: 8733350
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved means of treating tracheobronchitis, bronchiectasis and pneumonia in the nosocomial patient, preferably with aerosolized anti gram-positive and anti-gram negative antibiotics administered in combination or in seriatim in reliably sufficient amounts for therapeutic effect. In one aspect, the invention assures this result when aerosol is delivered into the ventilator circuit. In one embodiment the result is achieved mechanically. In another embodiment, the result is achieved by aerosol formulation. In another aspect, the invention assures the result when aerosol is delivered directly to the airways distal of the ventilator circuit. The treatment means eliminates the dosage variability that ventilator systems engender when aerosols are introduced via the ventilator circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The Research Foundation for the State University of New York
    Inventors: Gerald Smaldone, Lucy B. Palmer
  • Patent number: 8733351
    Abstract: The apparatus provides for the determination of the instantaneous phase in the respiratory cycle, subject's average respiration rate and the provision of ventilatory assistance. A microprocessor (16) receives an airflow signal from a pressure transducer (18) coupled to a port (17) at a mask (11). The microprocessor (16) controls a servo (19), that in turn controls the fan motor (20) and thus the pressure of air delivered by the blower (10). The blower (10) is coupled to a subject's mask (ii) by a conduit (12). The invention seeks to address the following goals: while the subject is awake and making substantial efforts the delivered assistance should be closely matched in phase with the subject's efforts; the machine should automatically adjust the degree of assistance to maintain at least a specified minimum ventilation without relying on the integrity of the subject's chemoreflexes; and it should continue to work correctly in the presence of large leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Michael Berthon-Jones
  • Patent number: 8733352
    Abstract: A pulse oxygen system and methods for providing oxygen to a user are disclosed. An oxygen mask coupled to a metering valve is provided to a user. An oxygen prescription delivery amount is determined based on and as a function of a real-time operation condition. A metering valve timing is calculated based on the oxygen prescription delivery amount to obtain a pulse delivery time. A pressure and time regulated flow of the oxygen prescription delivery amount of pulsed oxygen is then dispensed to the oxygen mask for a duration of the pulse delivery time in response to detecting the user breathing through the oxygen mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Delbert B. Bailey, Karen C. Bradshaw, Paul Kinzer
  • Patent number: 8733353
    Abstract: The breathing assistance apparatus of the present invention includes a manifold that is provided with or retrofittable to gases supply and humidifying devices. The manifold allows gases from an oxygen concentrator to be combined with the flow through a gases supply and humidifying device, most usually air. The combined output of oxygen and other breathing gases (air) is then humidified. The breathing assistance apparatus and manifold of the present invention provides a safe method to add oxygen to the input air stream of a gases supply and humidifying device and reduces the amount of accumulation of oxygen within the gases supply device, reducing fire risk should sparking occur within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Martin Paul Friedrich Kramer, Kevin Peter O'Donnell, Christopher Simon James Quill, Matthew Jon Payton
  • Patent number: 8733354
    Abstract: An oxygen supply device includes: an oxygen tank (10); a pipe (20) which is connected to the oxygen tank; an oxygen mask (30); and a joint (40) which detachably connects the oxygen mask to the pipe, wherein the joint includes a socket (41) provided for the pipe and a plug (42) provided for the oxygen mask, wherein the oxygen mask includes a head attachment portion (31) attached to a head of the user, a pipe body (32) supported by the head attachment portion and having a front end portion extending toward the front side of the head of the user, and a tube (33) connecting a base end portion of the pipe body to the plug (42), and wherein the socket is provided for each component of the pipe, and the plug is connectable to each socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Fukushima O-Two Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Fukushima
  • Patent number: 8733355
    Abstract: A breathable air safety system and method is disclosed. In an embodiment, a safety system of a structure includes a supply unit (100) of a structure to facilitate delivery of breathable air from a source of compressed air to an air distribution system (150, 250, 350) of the structure, a valve (408) to prevent leakage of the breathable air from the air distribution system (150, 250, 350) potentially leading to loss of system pressure, a fill station (102A) interior to the structure to provide the breathable air to a breathable air apparatus at multiple locations of the structure, and a distribution structure (104) that is compatible with use with compressed air that facilitates dissemination of the breathable air of the source of compressed air to multiple locations of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Rescue Air Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Turiello
  • Patent number: 8733356
    Abstract: A support has an interior section positionable on one side of a wearer's head. The support has an exterior section positionable over the wearer's face. The exterior section has a free end with a recess. A plurality of light emitters is located in the recess and adapted to function within the germicidal spectrum for air. An electrical assembly is coupled to the light emitters. A shield of light is formed adjacent to the wearer's nose and mouth. When the wearer breathes air, the breathed air becomes sanitized by the passage of pathogens through a curtain of light immediately prior to being breathed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Jon N. Roth
  • Patent number: 8733357
    Abstract: A Cold or Inclement Weather Exposure Mask is designed to fit snugly around the face, head, and neck. The mask serves vital needs of warmth, humidity, and air flow. A raised, malleable chamber covering the mouth and nose provides a breathing space to allow normal breathing while keeping the face warm and dry. The chamber is affixed to a fabric panel made of a water and wind resistant, non-irritating, comfortable, and stretchable material. A fastening means on the panel holds the mask in place around the wearer. The chamber includes multiple apertures which allow fresh air to pass to the wearer after it is mixed with warm, humid, exhaled air. The apertures also exhaust air and condensation. A raised lip further aids in the removal of condensation. A valve system optionally regulates the flow of air. Colors and pattern selections allow adaptation to all labor and recreation uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Talus Outdoor Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John B. Sullivan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8733358
    Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a frame including a breathable gas port, wherein the frame defines an inner chamber to receive at least one of a wearer's nasal region and mouth, and a cushion including a flange connected to the frame, an inner rim defining an opening to the inner chamber of the frame, and a sealing portion disposed between the flange and the inner rim to contact the wearer's face. The sealing portion includes a nasal seal section to span a wearer's face above the wearer's nares, side seal sections extending from each side of the nasal seal section on both sides of the wearer's mouth, and a chin seal section that extends between the side seal sections, wherein the chin seal section is upwardly curved in an arch to follow the chin's bony contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Perry David Lithgow, Robert Henry Frater, Joanne Elizabeth Drew, Memduh Guney, Timothy Tsun-Fai Fu, Philip Rodney Kwok
  • Patent number: 8733359
    Abstract: The invention concerns a collar with a tracheotomy cannula or tube, wherein the collar embraces a respiratory tube in sealing relationship. The collar comprises separate inner and outer films, the outer film being elastically stretchable. The collar of the device allows no or only small tight folds formed which do not affect sealing integrity between the collar and the trachea wall even at low pressures. The outer film is expandable to a diameter larger than the diameter of a trachea, and in particular is at least 1.5 times the outside diameter of the tube, and the inner film comprises a material of lower elastic stretching. The inner film is produced oversized and without an external restriction at an internal pressure of at most 20 hPa assumes a diameter which is larger than the diameter of a trachea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Tracoe Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Schnell, Franz Waldeck
  • Patent number: 8733360
    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 s effected by passing a current through there resilient structure to the tubal walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer Essure Inc.
    Inventors: Julian N. Nikolchev, Dai T. Ton, Ashish Khera, Donnell W. Gurskis, Steven Bacich
  • Patent number: 8733361
    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 the resilient structure to the tubal walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer Essure Inc.
    Inventors: Julian N. Nikolchev, Dai T. Ton, Ashish Khera, Donnell W. Gurskis, Steven Bacich
  • Patent number: 8733362
    Abstract: A device for prevention of snoring in the form of a neck collar (1) with a middle section (2) for placement under the chin of a user, side sections (3, 4) connecting to said middle section and end parts (5, 6), optionally connectable to each other, consisting of a core of foam plastic contained in a covering. The foam plastic is a soft foam plastic, an opening (7) is formed in said middle section (2) and resilient means (14; 15; 27; 28) for adjustment of the height of the opening (7) and thereby the height of the middle section (2) are arranged in said opening (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Ann-Christine Krook, Jonas Norberg
  • Patent number: 8733363
    Abstract: A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body includes an adjustment element configured to allow in-situ adjustment of the implant body between first and second tensioning forces applied to the site. Methods of using such systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: ReVENT Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Gillis, Andrew Poutiatine, John H. Shadduck, Csaba Truckai
  • Patent number: 8733364
    Abstract: A one-piece molded bruxism treatment device which in upright orientation has top and bottom parts, including: an elongated band having a generally U-shape defining a closed front end part and legs extending rearward and adapted to be positioned around the outer surfaces of a person's upper gums and teeth, and two generally planar resiliently deformable bite pads oriented generally horizontally, each extending from one of the feet of the band medially toward the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Ranir, LLC
    Inventor: Ingram S. Chodorow
  • Patent number: 8733365
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to a product and method to restrain movement, and more particularly to a product and method to releasably restrain the movement of a part of the human body, such as an arm or a leg. In one embodiment of the invention, a first piece is releasably positioned at a part of the body the movement of which is desired to be restrained and a second piece is positioned at the desired location of restraint. The first piece and the second piece are adapted to be releasably connected to each other, such as by magnetic forces, the attractive magnetic forces of two or more magnets, or by mechanical forces such as by a snap, button, buckle, pin, hook and loop fastener or other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald Louis Krenzel
  • Patent number: 8733366
    Abstract: The medical protective cover includes a semi-ovoid shell configured to cover a wound or intravenous site. The shell is attached to a patient's limb or extremity by a pair of adhesive tabs extending from longitudinal ends of the shell and a plurality of adjustable straps extending laterally from the shell. A plurality of ventilation holes longitudinally extend along lateral edges of the shell to allow passage of air for keeping the covered area dry. Each longitudinal end of the shell includes a pair of tubing ports to facilitate mounting and passage of IV infusion tubing to an IV catheter or cannula. The top of the shell also includes a selectively opened slot that permits passage of a needle for the administration or withdrawal of fluids through an access port of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Abdullah Mohammad A Al Otaibi
  • Patent number: 8733367
    Abstract: This relates to treating an asthmatic lung and more particularly, relates to advancing a treatment device into the lung and treating the lung with the device. This also includes additional steps of treating the airway wall, applying energy or heat to the airway wall in an asthmatic lung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Asthmatx, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Danek, Michael Biggs, Bryan E. Loomas, Michael D. Laufer, Gary Kaplan, Kelly M. Shriner
  • Patent number: 8733368
    Abstract: A device which facilitates the absorption of nicotine in order to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking is disclosed. The device includes a tube defining an interior space. The tube has a first end with an opening and a second end. An inhalable, flowable liquid or gel composition is disposed in the interior space of the tube. The composition may include water, at least one vitamin, a flavoring agent, and nicotine. The flavoring agent may include an intense sweetener such as sucralose, and a natural or artificial fruit flavor. A user inhales on the first end of the tube of the device as a substitute oral activity to tobacco smoking and thereby ingests a source of nicotine that reduces the withdrawal symptoms experienced when smoking is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Smoke-Break, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett J. Roth, Terrill S. Clayton
  • Patent number: 8733369
    Abstract: A class of molecularly imprinted polymers that specifically recognizes and binds to TSNAs are useful, for example, in analysis and separation of TSNAs from biological fluids. Such polymers are also useful in methods of treating and manufacturing tobacco products and materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Rees, Johan Billing, Ecevit Yilmaz
  • Patent number: 8733370
    Abstract: Wrapper for cigarette manufacture includes transversely extending band regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The band regions comprise starch, an anti-wrinkling agent such as 1,2 propylene glycol or glycerin, and optionally calcium carbonate. Any suitable printing technique can be used to apply the aqueous solution to the banded regions. The pattern of banded regions may be bands, stripes, two-dimensional arrays, undulated regions, and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The pattern can be applied in one or more layers. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Ping Li, Firooz Rasouli, Rajesh K. Garg, Randall E. Baren, Marc W. Rose, Peter J. Lipowicz, Tony A. Phan, Timothy S. Sherwood, Szu-Sung Yang, Donald E. Miser, Milton E. Parrish
  • Patent number: 8733371
    Abstract: A device for delivering an agent to the skin or the hair or the fur of a recipient. In one form the device has a comb-like extent of tines which are of a carrier material that will melt on contact with skin and thereby deposit an agent that is mixed with the carrier. In other form there is an abrading material in the mixture so as to abrade the skin and thereby allow the agent to be deposited. In the latter case the agent may be an inoculant. The tines may also be placed on a glove so that the agent can be delivered by moving the tines over a selected area to deposit the agent. The device can be in the form of a finger condom having a tine strip. The methods allow delivery of the agent using the various forms of the device and to accomplish various purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Jan Rassman
  • Patent number: 8733372
    Abstract: An improved hair styling device with heating elements and heat retaining clips inside the device's housing. The clips present double concave inner faces, and form an enclosed space when in a closed position. A heat retaining-element with an elevated heat capacity is incorporated into the clips adjacent the inner surface of the jaws of the clips; and also presents a double concave surface to the inside of the clips when in a closed position. The heating elements are made up of elongated heating rods with multiple heating locations along their length. Each heating location has an enlarged double convex area on the surface of the heating rods. The heating locations are complimentary to the shape of the heat retaining element, and therefore heat the clips quickly and evenly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Linda Flowers
  • Patent number: 8733373
    Abstract: Provided is a device intended for the styling of hair including: a base (1000) comprising a fluid reservoir (19), a portable unit (100) detached from the base (1000) and comprising fluid vaporization means (7), steam distribution means (7?, 7?) intended for hair, a cord set (21) comprising at least one line (215) intended for the passage of fluid and arranged between the fluid reservoir (19) and the vaporization means (7), the portable unit (1000) comprises a first treatment surface (4) intended to come into contact with the hair and the fluid vaporization means (7) are exclusively provided in the portable unit (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Xavier Vacheron, Jerome Tougouchi, Martial Maisonneuve
  • Patent number: 8733374
    Abstract: This invention relates to a hair styling device having a body defining a chamber adapted to accommodate a length of hair, the length of hair being styled while it is located within the chamber. The chamber has a primary opening through which the length of hair may pass into the chamber. A rotatable element is provided which is adapted to engage the length of hair adjacent to the primary opening. An elongate member is located within the chamber, the length of hair being wound around the elongate member by the rotatable element. The device has a handle which may be gripped by a user, the handle comprising a first handle part and a second handle part, the first handle part being connected to the body and the second handle part being movable relative to the first handle part. The second handle part can carry a panel which is adapted to close the primary opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: TF3 Limited
    Inventors: Alfredo De Benedictis, Mark Christopher Hughes
  • Patent number: 8733375
    Abstract: A water conducting household appliance, particularly a dishwasher or a washing machine, having a hydraulic circuit, in which cleaning fluid can be recycled and in which at least one further filter is provided for filtering recycled washing liquor. In an exemplary embodiment, the appliance includes a filter in the hydraulic circuit for filtering recycled washing liquor. The filter may be disposed in a region of the hydraulic circuit in which the recycled washing liquor is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Egbert Classen, Helmut Jerg, Hans-Peter Nannt, Kai Paintner, Thomas Wachinger
  • Patent number: 8733376
    Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a treating 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 filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Barry E. Tuller, Rodney M. Welch
  • Patent number: 8733377
    Abstract: An acoustic cleaning system includes an operating device having an interior portion. An acoustic cleaning device provides for the passage of a sound wave into the interior portion of the operating device. The acoustic cleaning device includes a horn section attached to an elongated section having a linear or non-linear shape. Sound waves are configured to pass from the elongated section to the horn section and into the interior portion of the operating device. The elongated section is removable from the horn section such that the elongated section is interchangeable with an elongated section having a different length, such that the sound waves are configured to have a frequency between 55 Hz to 75 Hz depending on a temperature of the operating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: BHA Altair, LLC
    Inventors: Tian Xuan Zhang, David Michael Chapin