Patents Issued in January 20, 2015
  • Patent number: 8935988
    Abstract: An emergency balloon system for alerting motorists to a stopped vehicle on a roadway featuring a base with a fan and lights, and a balloon component attached to the top of the base. The balloon has a reflective coating, a distress message, and reflective bars on its outer surface. When activated, the fan blows air into the balloon component to extend it upwardly. The system can be placed on a roadway or on a vehicle or any other appropriate location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Jose Praxistelez Perez
  • Patent number: 8935989
    Abstract: A gauge assembly defining an interior direction and an exterior direction includes a gauge faceplate having a plurality of indicators and a hub that is substantially opaque. The hub includes a hub reflective portion that generally faces toward the interior direction. The assembly additionally includes a pointer having a first portion adjacent the hub and a second portion spaced away from the hub. The pointer is operable to move relative to the gauge faceplate such that the second portion distinguishes between the plurality of indicators. The pointer is substantially opaque, and the second portion includes a pointer reflective portion that generally faces toward the exterior direction. Moreover, the assembly includes a light source that emits a light generally in the exterior direction. The light reflects from the hub reflective portion generally toward the pointer reflective portion. The light also reflects from the pointer reflective portion generally toward the exterior direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventor: David Cook
  • Patent number: 8935990
    Abstract: Components of semiconductor processing apparatus axe formed at least partially of erosion, corrosion and/or corrosion-erosion resistant ceramic materials. Exemplary ceramic materials can include at least one oxide, nitride, boride, carbide and/or fluoride of hafnium, strontium, lanthanum oxide and/or dysprosium. The ceramic materials can be applied as coatings over substrates to form composite components, or formed into monolithic bodies. The coatings can protect substrates from physical and/or chemical attack. The ceramic materials can be used to form plasma exposed components of semiconductor processing apparatus to provide extended service lives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 8935991
    Abstract: A small animal veterinary incubator is disclosed with an animal holding drawer that can be inserted into a temperature controlled enclosure and removed when not in use for cleaning and disinfecting. In various embodiments the incubator is portable, is at least partly transparent, controls interior oxygen and/or humidity, can use a hose to bring oxygen into close proximity with incubated animals, can introduce water-nebulized air or oxygen into the drawer through a hole, and can include a holder for a humidity bottle that humidifies air or oxygen supplied to the incubator. Some embodiments use an adjustable or regulated lamp to warm the incubator using an infrared bulb of 50 or 75 Watts. Temperature, humidity, and/or oxygen gages or sensors can be included, and the temperature, oxygen, and/or humidity can be automatically regulated. Preferred embodiments include closable vents that can be opened to allow for ventilation when only temperature is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Patrick Santo
  • Patent number: 8935992
    Abstract: An animal chew including a body and an end assembly. The body may include a first rotating mechanical fastener. The end assembly may be removably affixed to the body and may include a nut, an end knob and a resilient member. The nut may include a second rotating mechanical fastener and a first coupling feature. The end knob may include an opening defined in a first end wherein at least a portion of the nut is received, the opening defined by a side wall and an end wall, including a structure in the side wall to retain the nut. The end knob may also include a second coupling feature to engage the first coupling feature of the nut. A resilient member may bias the first and second coupling features in a disengaged configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Patent number: 8935993
    Abstract: A retracting lead assembly including a casing with an interior surface and an exterior surface and a proximal end and a distal end, the casing having an open space at a center of the distal end; a reel mounted within the casing, the reel having a lead that is on the interior of the casing wrapped at least partially around the reel, the lead having a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the reel, the second end constructed and arranged to attach to an animal; and a handle attached to the exterior surface of the proximal end of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Jacklyn Fox
  • Patent number: 8935994
    Abstract: Gasoline fuel and method of making and using it. The fuel comprises from 5 to 20 vol.-% paraffinic hydrocarbons originating from biological oils, fats, or derivatives or combinations thereof. Further, it comprises oxygenates, such as ethanol present in a concentration of about 5 to 15 vol.-%; or iso-butanol present in a concentration of 5 to 20 vol.-%, preferably about 10 to 17 vol.-%; or ETBE present in a concentration of 7 to 25 vol.-%, preferably about 15 to 22 vol.-%. The bioenergy content of the gasoline is at least 14 Energy equivalent percentage (Eeqv-%) calculated based on the heating values given in the European Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC. By means of the invention, fuels with a high bioenergy content are provided which can be used in conventional gasoline-fuelled automotive engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Neste Oil Oyj
    Inventors: Leena Rantanen-Kolehmainen, Päivi Aakko-Saksa
  • Patent number: 8935995
    Abstract: A wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered electric generator is mounted in a rigid frame formed of tubular steel elements. A pair of aligned wheels is pivotally mounted to each opposite side of the frame, and one pair has a locking mechanism. The electricity generating components are mounted to the bottom of the frame. The battery and trickle charger are carried above the engine in a locked compartment. The engine's muffler is disposed beneath the upper outline of the engine to free space for accommodating the battery and the fuel tank, which is completely within the outline of the frame and holds more than 12 gallons of diesel fuel. The frame also supports and contains a locked compartment that houses the electric connector that is used to connect the electric output of the generator to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Bobby L. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 8935996
    Abstract: An internally cooled internal combustion piston engine and method of operating a piston engine is provided, with the combination of liquid water injection, higher compression ratios than conventional engines, and leaner air fuel mixtures than conventional engines. The effective compression ratio of the engines herein is greater than 13:1. The engines may employ gasoline or natural gas and use spark ignition, or the engines may employ a diesel-type fuel and use compression ignition. The liquid water injection provides internal cooling, reducing or eliminating the heat rejection to the radiator, reduces engine knock, and reduces NOx emissions. The method of engine operation using internal cooling with liquid water injection, high compression ratio and lean air fuel mixture allow for more complete and efficient combustion and therefore better thermal efficiency as compared to conventional engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Nostrum Energy Pte, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nirmal Mulye
  • Patent number: 8935997
    Abstract: A ventilation system for an engine is disclosed. The ventilation system may include a first conduit configured to connect an exhaust system of the engine with a crankcase of the engine, a second conduit configured to connect to a vent of the crankcase, and a valve disposed within the second conduit. Additionally, the ventilation system may include a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a concentration of a gaseous constituent within the crankcase of the engine, and a controller in communication with the valve and the sensor, the controller being configured to selectively move the valve based on the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Gamache Foege
  • Patent number: 8935998
    Abstract: A ported cylinder for an opposed-piston engine has a bore to support movements of a pair of opposed pistons and longitudinally-spaced intake and exhaust ports that are controlled by movements of oppositely-disposed pistons in the bore. The bore includes a central portion where combustion occurs and respective end portions. Each end portion extends from an inner edge of a port to the nearest open end of the cylinder. In the central portion the bore has a standard diameter throughout. The bore has a second, larger diameter in each end portion. When the cylinder liner is cold, the bore diameter transitions continuously in size, from the standard diameter to the larger diameter, in an area running from the central portion to an inner edge of a port. From the inner edge, the bore is of the larger diameter throughout the end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Achates Power, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Tebbe
  • Patent number: 8935999
    Abstract: An electronic control device for controlling an internal combustion engine reduces operation amounts of a high-pressure fuel pump and a vacuum pump, which are auxiliary devices driven by drive force of an intake camshaft, when a rotor of a variable valve timing mechanism is rotated to a lock phase in the phase advancing direction at the engine starting. Thus, the rotor rotates to the lock phase quickly and is fixed to the lock phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toyokazu Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8936000
    Abstract: A head cover having a lubrication structure, and having a box shape, the head cover includes: a side wall; a lower surface side which is opened, and which includes a lower surface circumference portion that is fixed to an upper portion of an engine; a lubrication opening which is opened in an upward direction, and which is disposed on an outer side of the head cover; and a lubrication passage extending from the side wall in an outward direction, and connecting the lubrication opening and an inside of the head cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Mahle Filter Systems Japan Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Nonaka
  • Patent number: 8936001
    Abstract: A valve train device installed in a cylinder head of an engine and driven by a camshaft including a valve unit having an intake valve and an exhaust valve communicated with a combustion chamber of an engine, each of the intake valve and exhaust valve having a linearly extending stem portion and driven in an extending direction of the stem portion; a valve lifter disposed between one end side of the stem portion located apart from the combustion chamber and the camshaft to transmit power from the camshaft to the valve unit; a lost motion unit that interrupts power transmission from the valve lifter to the valve unit; a first spring urging the valve unit in a direction to close the intake valve or exhaust valve; and a second spring having a diameter lager than that of the first spring and urging the lost motion unit against the valve lifter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Keisuke Ito
  • Patent number: 8936002
    Abstract: A cylinder head of an internal combustion engine comprises a camshaft that is mounted in the axial direction via at least one rolling bearing, wherein the at least one rolling bearing may be formed such that all occurring axial forces may be absorbed via the at least one rolling bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Flender, Michael Kreisig, Falk Schneider, Stefan Steichele
  • Patent number: 8936003
    Abstract: A piston for a free piston engine generator, comprising one or more elements arranged coaxially along a piston shaft wherein the length of the piston is at least five times its maximum diameter, wherein at least one of the elements is formed from a magnetically permeable composite material having isotropic electrical resistivity at least twice that of electrical steel this arrangement providing improved free piston position control, more consistent combustion and improved electrical conversion efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Libertine FPE Ltd.
    Inventor: Sam Cockerill
  • Patent number: 8936004
    Abstract: A rotary piston engine is provided that combines most of the advantages of an internal combustion engine with those of a turbine engine. The rotary piston engine improves on the existing internal combustion and turbine technology by achieving the same or better high end performance, while improving the efficiency during off-peak operations. The rotary piston engine includes an engine housing, at least one continuous cylinder doughnut, piston pedals, movable wall valves, at least one rotor and at least one point of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: William Gregory Buchanan
  • Patent number: 8936005
    Abstract: A method for operating a stationary power generating plant, comprising a gas engine with at least one pre-chamber and at least one main combustion chamber, wherein the stationary power generating plant is fed a gas stream—in particular a substantially continuous gas stream—which comprises a hardly inflammable gas, wherein the gas stream is divided in the stationary power generating plant into a main stream and a partial stream, wherein the main stream is fed to the at least one main combustion chamber and wherein the partial stream is treated to increase its inflammability and is fed to the at least one pre-chamber of the gas engine, and also a stationary power generating plant with a gas engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: GE Jenbacher GmbH & Co OG
    Inventors: Friedrich Gruber, Guenther Wall
  • Patent number: 8936006
    Abstract: A system for actuating one or more engine valves for positive power operation and engine braking operation is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, an exhaust valve bridge and intake valve bridge each receive valve actuations from two sets of rocker arms. Each valve bridge includes a sliding pin for actuating a single engine valve and an outer plunger disposed in the center of the valve bridge to actuate two engine valves through the bridge. The outer plunger of each valve bridge may be selectively locked to its valve bridge to provide positive power valve actuation. During engine braking, application of hydraulic pressure to the outer plungers may cause the respective valve bridges and outer plungers to unlock so that all engine braking valve actuations are provided from a rocker arm acting on one engine valve through the sliding pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Groth, Brian L. Ruggiero, Shengqiang Huang, Neil E. Fuchs, John J. Lester, Steven N. Ernest, Joseph Paturzo, III
  • Patent number: 8936007
    Abstract: In a compression self-igniting internal combustion engine, a fuel injection by an auxiliary injection ends before a gas temperature inside a cylinder reaches a temperature at which a fuel starts a low-temperature oxidation reaction. Specifically, an in-cylinder gas temperature (750K) is used as a reference, and the auxiliary injection is carried out before the in-cylinder gas temperature reaches 750K, so as to separate the low-temperature oxidation reaction and a high-temperature oxidation reaction from one another. This control makes a premixed combustion slow before a compression top dead center is reached, and ensures control of the premixed combustion in a temperature controlled manner in accordance with the transition of the in-cylinder gas temperature. This ensures unambiguous determination of the injection time of the auxiliary injection based on the in-cylinder temperature, and facilitates the attempt to simplify the fuel injection control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Nada
  • Patent number: 8936008
    Abstract: A fuel pump module for a vehicle includes a reservoir having a longitudinal axis. An aperture is arranged within a bottom surface of the reservoir. The aperture has a plurality of vanes extending towards a central ring. An umbrella valve having an elongated stem is movably secured within the central ring of the aperture. The elongated stem is movable between a first position completely overlaying the aperture to a second position at a distance from the aperture. A suction filter is located within the reservoir at the bottom surface thereof. The suction filter has an undersurface sized for receipt of the umbrella valve in both the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignees: DENSO International America, Inc., DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Powell, Hajime Danjo
  • Patent number: 8936009
    Abstract: A pressure regulator is disclosed having a body, a valve seat dividing a cavity of the body into first and second portions, and an end stop movable against a bias to selectively engage the valve seat and isolate the first and second portions. The pressure regulator may also have a first inlet port in the first portion, a first outlet port in the second portion and in fluid communication with the first portion via the valve seat, and a second inlet port in the second portion. The fuel system may also have a valve element in the second portion and movable against a spring bias based on a pressure difference between an open position and a restricted position against the end stop. The fuel system may additionally have an actuator biased to urge the valve element toward the second position and selectively actuated to move away from the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar
    Inventors: Daniel R. Puckett, Joshua W. Steffen, Frank J. Lombardi, Steven T. Grant
  • Patent number: 8936010
    Abstract: A fuel heater is provided to heat fuel with a safety feature (fuse effect). The internal combustion engine can be operated with ethanol, gasoline or a mixture of ethanol and gasoline. The fuel heater is an integrant part of the electronic injection system of internal combustion engines. The fuel heater is assembled inside the fuel rail and serves to increase fuel temperature before, during and after ignition at temperatures specified by the engine calibration strategy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Sistemas Automotivos Industria E Comercio Ltda
    Inventors: Eduardo Dos Santos Costa, Marcelo Renato Cavaglieri, Guilherme Henrique Mayer Alegre, Cleber De Jesus Lopes, Marco Aurelio Duduch, Fernando Luiz Windlin
  • Patent number: 8936011
    Abstract: A method of imposing a variable load upon the internal combustion engine as it is typically used in the performance of degassing operations includes coupling a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine to a secondary internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: BRB/Sherline, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernhardt R. Bruns
  • Patent number: 8936012
    Abstract: The first aspect of the present invention is a cylinder head containing a water jacket in which a passage for EGR gas is disposed, and the EGR gas passage has a hollow pipe that is disposed in the hollow pipe and through which the EGR gas passes and an end member that is formed with an insert hole into which the end of the hollow pipe is inserted and fixed. The end member has a bottom that is provided with the insert hole, a side wall that is formed continuously to the bottom, and a wedge portion that is projected outward from the outer peripheral of the side wall and includes a inclined surface facing the wall of the cylinder head and inclined to the flow direction of the EGR gas. The EGR gas passage is fixed to the cylinder head by holding the wedge portion of the end member between a fastening member for fastening the EGR gas passage to the cylinder head and the wall of the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiko Asano, Toshiaki Hamaguri
  • Patent number: 8936013
    Abstract: An engine includes an engine block that defines a drain-back passage and a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) passage. The drain-back passage and the PCV passage are disposed in fluid communication with each other. A cylinder head is attached to the engine block. The cylinder head defines an oil return passage. The oil return passage is disposed in fluid communication with both the drain-back passage and the PCV passage. A head gasket is disposed between the engine block and the cylinder head, and includes a shelf that extends at least partially over the PCV passage to prevent liquids draining through the oil return passage into the drain-back passage, from entering the PCV passage, while allowing gasses flowing through the oil return passage to enter the PCV passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Michael B. Fleck
  • Patent number: 8936014
    Abstract: A handleless slingshot with a folding storage compartment is disclosed. The slingshot does not require that the user grip a handle to shoot it and the folding storage compartment may be removed or omitted if desired. The slingshot includes a storage compartment that can store projectiles (such as steel shot) and/or other supplies. The storage compartment is foldable such that it can be folded into the base of the slingshot to create a compact, portable unit. The slingshot includes a quick-release interchangeable band system that uses clips that matingly engage grooves formed at the ends of the slingshot arms to secure the band. The slingshot includes guard area which protects the web area of the hand when shooting the slingshot. The slingshot moves the thumb and index finger contact points forward of the band to increase stability and eliminate the need to grip a handle when shooting the slingshot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Charles A. Saunders
  • Patent number: 8936015
    Abstract: A repeating mechanism for an air gun includes a high pressure air storage chamber and a driving air chamber. An air stream automatic control valve is arranged between the high pressure air storage chamber and the driving air chamber. An air outlet valve is arranged between the driving air chamber and an air outlet and interlocked with a trigger interlock mechanism. The repeating mechanism can achieve the purpose that corresponding high pressure air can be blown inside according to the designed pressure force of the high pressure air storage chamber and the driving air chamber, and the process of opening or closing the air outlet valve of the air gun can not be limited by the pressure force of the high pressure air, thereby obtaining the air gun with a further firing range or obtaining more firing frequency after aeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Jiahong Ling
  • Patent number: 8936016
    Abstract: A system for ejecting a missile from a submerged vessel includes: a tube for housing the missile; a tank for storing atmospheric gas as a pressurized liquid, whereby a valve is connected to the tank to allow release of the gas into the tube to eject the missile from the tube; and a microwave emitter located within the liquid in the tank to input heat energy into the liquid to maintain evaporation of the liquid into the gas, whereby the microwave emitter is activated simultaneously with the release of the gas into the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Peter T. Phelps
  • Patent number: 8936017
    Abstract: Provided is a cooking/grilling apparatus, primarily for outdoor use, providing smoking and/or direct or indirect heat cooking capability, and offering the user enhanced cooking flexibility, temperature control, safety and convenience of operation. The grill apparatus is unique in that it offers a downward opening lid that rotates, such as on rollers or a pivot mechanism, to a fully open position beneath the base plate of the cooking enclosure, and reverses to an upward rotation to re-close the cooking enclosure. Moreover, the grill apparatus offers a vertically adjustable cooking grate, controlled by a continuous loop cable, moving over a set of pulleys, thereby reliably controlling the height of the cooking grate when affixed to a crank on the outer surface of the grill, wherein movement of the grate can also be locked in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Max Alejandro Holdo Baggott
  • Patent number: 8936018
    Abstract: Device including a casing formed by non-conducting material fastenable to the household appliance, electrical supply means and a lighting circuit carried by the casing, and a spark plug fastenable to the household appliance in proximity of burner means carried by the household appliance so as to be electrically connected to earth; the lighting circuit being adapted to supply a high voltage alternating current to said spark plug to make it generate a spark adapted to produce the lighting of a flame following the feeding of a combustible gas flow to the burner means; wherein the supply means are direct current low voltage generator means carried by and accommodated in the casing and supply in parallel said lighting circuit, through ac/dc transformer means, and a control circuit, through electrical disconnection means from the lighting circuit, the control circuit being electrically connected to the spark plug and to a first terminal of a LED indicator fastenable in use to the household appliance and having a se
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: ITW Industrial Components S.R.L. Con Unico Socio
    Inventors: Massimo Aleardi, Daniele Pianezze
  • Patent number: 8936019
    Abstract: A connecting device for connecting glass panes of a door of a household appliance includes a first retainer configured to connect to an outer glass pane. The first retainer includes a first insertion structure configured to receive an inner glass pane. A second retainer is fixed to the first retainer and configured to pivot from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position. The second retainer includes a locking element configured to retain the inner glass pane in the first position of the second retainer. The second retainer further includes an actuating element including a handle. The handle is configured to pivot the second retainer from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventor: Hermann Bronstering
  • Patent number: 8936020
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to a solar preheater having a central body, which includes a base and an outer cover, wherein the base is arranged to receive the outer cover. The solar preheater includes a first thermal collection mechanism and a second thermal collection mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Fricaeco America SAPI de C.V.
    Inventor: Andres Munoz Ruiz
  • Patent number: 8936021
    Abstract: A method of safely delivering an ophthalmic fluid to an eye, the method including targeting the eye with an ophthalmic fluid misting device and activating an ultrasonic generator to deliver the ophthalmic fluid from the ophthalmic fluid misting device across a space between the misting device and the eye. The method further including maintaining a momentum of the ophthalmic fluid that is insufficient to trigger at least one of the ocular blink reflex and the lacrimation reflex of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Optimyst Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Collins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8936022
    Abstract: A respirator assembly has a respirator hood having a front side that includes a visor and a back side that includes an air inlet opening. The respirator assembly also has a shape stable manifold having an air inlet conduit extending through the air inlet opening of the hood and having, within the hood, a plurality of air delivery conduits in fluid communication with the air inlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Garry J. Walker, Andrew Murphy, Desmond T. Curran
  • Patent number: 8936023
    Abstract: A breathing system is provided that employs a reservoir for holding oxygen or an oxygen and medicine mixture while the patient is not inhaling. The reservoir generally prevents waste and reduces cost and helps prevent the patient from re-inhaling the previously exhaled gases. The reservoir also may include a flange extending from an inlet thereof that allows the reservoir to be positioned in an inverted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Westmed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. McKinnon, James Dale Bickley
  • Patent number: 8936024
    Abstract: A manual emergency resuscitator uses a volume control system having pre-defined setting to accommodate patients of different sizes. An upper plate 305 is attached to a front hinge assembly 103 and a lower housing assembly is attached to the front hinge assembly. The lower housing assembly defines the lower portions of an accordion chamber 206. A selection void 300 is defined within the upper plate 305, with the selection void further defined by voids indexed to a closed position, infant position, child position and an adult position. A volume selector cord 201 has a first end attached to a volume selector, with the volume selector contained within the selection void. Placing the volume selector into one of the predefined positions regulates the amount of air delivered by the resuscitator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Richard S. Pearce
  • Patent number: 8936025
    Abstract: A molded tracheostomy tube may provide enhanced comfort for a patient. A unitary molded coating over areas of the tracheostomy tube that come into contact with the patient's skin may prevent irritation. Further, the overmolding manufacturing process may allow the tracheostomy tube assembly to incorporate features that allow for greater ease of movement for a patient, such as features that allow flexing at the connection point of the tracheostomy tube to other medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert W. Flagler, Carl Kling, Michael H. Vardanega
  • Patent number: 8936026
    Abstract: A protective shield is removably mounted over an orthodontic appliance in a user's mouth and includes an outer resilient compressible material layer joined to an inner adhesive layer. The shield is flexible for easy installation over all exposed surfaces of the orthodontic appliance; but is removable after a period of use. The outer resilient material layer of the shield can be formed of closed cell foam or a gelatinous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Orvance Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric D. Hannapel, David Gerard Jablonski
  • Patent number: 8936027
    Abstract: A method for direct therapeutic treatment of myocardial tissue in a localized region of a heart having a pathological condition. The method includes identifying a target region of the myocardium and applying material directly and substantially only to at least a portion of the myocardial tissue of the target region. The material applied results in a physically modification the mechanical properties, including stiffness, of said tissue. Various devices and modes of practicing the method are disclosed for stiffening, restraining and constraining myocardial tissue for the treatment of conditions including myocardial infarction or mitral valve regurgitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Cormend Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William P. Santamore, Jeanne M. Lesniak
  • Patent number: 8936028
    Abstract: A method of immunotherapy of a mammal, or a laser device therefor, includes the step of treating one or more immune privileged cells, tissues or organs of said mammal with a laser to reduce or eliminate the immune privilege status of said one or more cells, tissues and/or organs to thereby elicit an immune response that is beneficial to the mammal. The method of immunotherapy avoids or minimizes lasting damage to the treated cells, tissues and/or organs. The laser treatment is typically, although not exclusively, to the pigmented epithelium of the eye or eyes. The method may be for treating a disease or condition selected from: a bacterial infection; a viral infection; early AMD; glaucoma; diabetic retinopathy; multiple sclerosis; Parkinson's disease; and Alzheimer's disease. Typically, the radiant exposure level of the laser treatment is no greater than 60-100% of a visible effect threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Malcolm Plunkett
  • Patent number: 8936029
    Abstract: A pack (1) for tobacco industry products, comprises a housing defining an enclosure in which a plurality of tobacco industry products (4) can be accommodated, and a capsule (10) containing a substance such as flavoring substance, disposed in or on the pack, arranged to be opened manually such that, when opened, flavoring substance is released from the capsule and absorbed by tobacco industry products disposed in the pack, to refresh their flavor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin Blick, Dennis Lee Potter
  • Patent number: 8936030
    Abstract: Nail polish remover strips are pre-sized for toe or fingernails and applied to a painted or artificial nail and left thereon for a predetermined period of time to dissolve the nail polish and/or nail bonding agent. Preferably a color change occurs to depict the appropriate dwelling time to dissolve the nail polish. Certain embodiments include odor reducing components. Preferably the strips are layered composites having an exterior odor impervious material, a layer of encapsulated acetone or nail polish removing agent, an absorbent layer, and a peelable backing, with the strips being curved to accommodate contact with a person's nail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventors: Katherine Rose Kovarik, Joseph E. Kovarik
  • Patent number: 8936031
    Abstract: A method and device for flossing teeth utilizing positionally adjustable floss picks holding strands of dental floss. The floss picks fit into a retainer component and are positioned to insert the floss strands into the interproximal spaces between the user's teeth. The position of individual floss picks can be adjusted to achieve the correct fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Joshua Sahoo
  • Patent number: 8936032
    Abstract: An air blanket reflector, which is placed inside and next to the walls of an ultrasonic tank, reflects ultrasonic energy. The air blanket reflector has a relatively thin metal plate, such as 14 gauge stainless steel, facing the interior of the tank and an air-filled cavity on the opposite side of the thin metal plate. The thin metal plate reflects ultrasonic energy away from the walls of the tank to reduce the amount of ultrasonic energy absorbed by the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Crest Oil & Gas, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Michael Goodson
  • Patent number: 8936033
    Abstract: A walker for aiding locomotion comprises a frame structure including: a first and second side frame comprising (i) a first and second anterior frame portion, (ii) a first and second posterior frame portion, and (iii) a first superior frame portion connecting an upper end of the first anterior frame portion with an upper end of the first posterior frame portion, and (iv) a second superior frame portion connecting an upper end of the second anterior frame portion with an upper end of the second posterior frame portion. The first posterior frame portion of the first side frame comprises a first upper posterior collar and the second posterior frame portion of the second side frame comprises a second upper posterior collar. A first and second rotatable hand-rail are connected pivotally to the first and second upper posterior collar of the first and second posterior frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Arvin Jay D. Velarde
  • Patent number: 8936034
    Abstract: A hammock enclosure including a rain fly, insect netting, and a load-bearing gear sling for providing the user of the hammock protection from rain, wind, and insects, and for permitting gear suspended above the ground surface to be stored in the same protected area, while providing access to the gear from both inside and outside of the enclosure, is described. The enclosure further includes opposing tubular end portions disposed in the rain fly through which the load-bearing suspension lines of the hammock pass, whereby protection is provided without having to deploy the enclosure such that it is centered over the hammock, once the tubular end portions are tightened about the suspension lines. The tubular portions further permit the present enclosure to be used with any camping hammock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Richard G. Rhett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8936035
    Abstract: A shelter system includes a substantially cylindrical flexible cover, and two water vessels such as canoes, kayaks or the like. The vessels are positioned along opposite walls inside the flexible cover, with the vessels and flexible covers secured so as to retain the flexible cover in a taut, oblong position. A user may use the habitat established therein as they would normally use a tent. The system may include features such as rain flaps, bug netting flaps, and flap securing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Hubert Kendall Wooten
  • Patent number: 8936036
    Abstract: A flap door having a soft hinge for a lay-down hunting blind comprises a fabric door frame cover, a door frame receiving pocket formed in the door frame cover, a door frame enclosed within the door frame receiving pocket supporting the door frame cover in planar configuration, the door frame having interconnected U-shaped head end and toe end support members having curved head end and toe end hinge corners supported on the framework of the hunting blind's enclosure, a hinge end of the door frame cover attached to one of two opposing lateral edges of the top opening of the fabric enclosure of the blind without any direct mechanical interconnection between the door frame and the support framework of the enclosure such that a pair of flap doors may be moved between opened and closed configurations over the top opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Timothy Parsons
  • Patent number: 8936037
    Abstract: An outlet pipe structure of a faucet contains a metal tube including metal tube, a hose assembly, a hose assembly, and a seat. The metal tube has a first segment, a second segment, and a channel. The first segment includes a first recess, and the second segment has a pedestal. The hose assembly includes: a hose having a passage, an inlet end, and an outlet end; an inlet connector having at least one locking block; an outlet connector having at least boss. The seat includes a first slot, a second slot, a connecting orifice. The connecting orifice has at least one trough with two opposite retaining faces. The seat also includes at least one coupling tab formed on an outer wall thereof and coupling with the pedestal of the second segment after the seat is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Wanhong Tan, Xiaomao Tang, Yaohui Ni, Tingjin Pan