| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07641610B2 |
Endoscope electric connection device
An endoscope electric connection device accommodated within a scope connector for connecting an electronic endoscope and an external apparatus, the device including a first band having a first contact portion to which a signal line of a transmission cable for transmitting an image signal from an image pickup unit of the electronic endoscope is connected and a second contact portion to which a ground line of the transmission cable is connected, a second band having a third contact portion connecting to a connector for electrically connecting to the external apparatus and having flexibility, and a transmitting portion provided in the first band and second band for electrically connecting the first contact portion and second contact portion to the third contact portion, wherein the transmitting portion can keep electric connection between the first contact portion and second contact portion and the third contact portion even with the second band bent. |
| US07641609B2 |
Endoscope device and navigation method for endoscope device
In an endoscope device 1 in accordance with the present invention, a navigation screen 51 is displayed. The navigation screen 51 includes: an endoscopic live image display area 52 in which a live image produced by a bronchoscope 2 is displayed; a VBS image display area 53 in which a VBS image is displayed; and a thumbnail VBS image area 54 in which images constructed by reducing VBS images that represent all branch points on a route are displayed as thumbnail VBS images representing branch points. Consequently, an endoscope can be reliably navigated to reach a target region using guide images that represent actual branch positions. |
| US07641605B2 |
Methods and apparatus for back exercise
Methods and apparatus for back exercise are provided. An exercise bench apparatus includes a beam positioned at an incline with respect to the horizontal, a seat member coupled to the beam wherein the seat member is configured to be positioned at a selectable position along the beam, a knee brace coupled to the beam, the knee brace configured to be positioned at a selectable position along the beam, and a stabilizer arm rotatable with respect to the beam and configured to be rotated away from a user in a first position, the stabilizer arm configured to engage the user in a second position such that a pelvic region of the user is substantially immobilized. |
| US07641601B2 |
Martial art training tool
The present invention is a martial arts training device. The present invention comprises a post member supported within a cylindrical shape base member that is firmly implanted below ground level. The post member extends vertically upward from the base member to a predetermined height above ground level. A ball target member is releasably connected to a swivel joint connector. A rope is used to releasably tether the swivel joint connector to a cap firmly affixed to the top end of the post member. The loop design of the rope also reduces long term fraying. When hitting and kicking the ball target member, the swivel joint connector allows free rotation of the ball target member thereby preventing rope encumberment. The increased mass and free spinning nature of the swivel joint connector increases inertia, reduces sporadic behavior, and increases stability in the ball target member. |
| US07641595B2 |
Golf exercise device
An exercise device is provided that comprises a support arm having an upper support arm member defining an upper support arm axis and a lower support arm member defining a lower support arm axis. The exercise device further comprises a support structure to which the support arm is pivotably attached by a longitudinal pivot mechanism and a lateral pivot mechanism. The longitudinal pivot mechanism is adapted so that the support arm may be selectively rotated about a longitudinal pivot in a pitch plane that includes the upper support arm axis. The longitudinal pivot mechanism is also adapted so that the support arm may be selectively locked at a selected pitch rotational position. The lateral pivot mechanism is adapted so that the support arm may be selectively rotated about a lateral pivot point in a vertical plane that is orthogonal to the pitch plane. The lateral pivot mechanism is also adapted so that the support arm may be selectively locked at a selected lateral rotational position. The exercise device also comprises a yoke pivotably attached to the upper support arm at a yoke attachment point so that the yoke may be rotated about the upper support arm axis. The yoke is adapted for being grasped by a user for rotating the yoke about the upper support arm axis. |
| US07641590B2 |
Swimming lap counter
A lap counter for use by a swimmer, has a case for attaching to the swimmer, and a compass sensor housed in the case for providing an output signal which changes between opposite directions along which the swimmer swims back and forth. An operating circuit includes a processor programmed to distinguish the change in the output signal of the compass sensor between the opposite directions to identify a reversal in direction of swimming by the swimmer and to count laps, each lap being based on two successive reversals in direction. The processor may also be programmed to distinguish the change in the compass sensor output signal to detect a rise above an upper threshold and a subsequent fall below a lower threshold, or vice versa, to identify, a wave in the output signal that represents a swimming stroke of the swimmer and to count the strokes. |
| US07641589B2 |
Motor vehicle equipped with a service brake and with a parking brake
A motor vehicle with a parking brake (3) which, in addition to functioning as a parking brake (3), may also be used as an auxiliary brake for assisting the main brake (2) and/or a sustained-action brake. The parking brake (3) is preferably incorporated in the transmission (1) of the vehicle and designed as a rotary disk brake in an oil bath. |
| US07641588B2 |
CVT system having discrete selectable speed ranges
A continuously variable transmission control system is disclosed. The control system has a first operator input device to receive operator input and produce a corresponding first signal indicative of a selected one of a plurality of available predetermined discrete machine travel speed ranges. The control system also has a second operator input device to receive operator input and produce a corresponding second signal indicative of desired machine travel. The control system also has a power source operatively coupled to drive a continuously-variable transmission, and a controller configured to regulate at least one of an output of the power source and an output of the continuously variable transmission in response to the first and second signals such that an actual machine travel speed remains within the selected one of the plurality of predetermined discrete machine travel speed ranges. |
| US07641585B2 |
Rear-drive vehicle with an electronically controlled self-locking differential
A rear-drive vehicle having a self-locking differential; a regulating device for regulating the lock percentage of the differential; a number of sensors for real-time detecting dynamic parameters of the vehicle; and a central control unit for controlling the regulating device to regulate the lock percentage of the differential as a function of the dynamic parameters of the vehicle. |
| US07641584B1 |
Vehicle with primary cruiser engine and auxiliary accelerator engine
A fuel-efficient automotive vehicle is provided having a power train including a primary internal combustion engine, an auxiliary engine, and a coupling system which selectively transfers power from the auxiliary engine to the primary engine when the speed of operation of the auxiliary engine equals the speed of the primary engine. The speeds of both engines are controlled by separate gas pedals conventionally located within the vehicle. The primary engine is of smaller power and better fuel efficiency than an engine which would generally be required by the vehicle. Although the primary engine can maintain the vehicle at a cruising speed, it relies upon the added power of the auxiliary engine for acceleration and hill-climbing. |
| US07641580B2 |
Transmission
The invention relates to a transmission, in particular between a drive shaft and a wheel driving shaft of an engine, in particular of an automotive engine, such as a riding mower engine, whereby this transmission is of the belt-controlled variable-speed drive unit type (2) combined with a clutch device (7).This transmission is characterized in that it is equipped with at least one progressive-type clutch device (7), preferably friction-based, and comprises a control mechanism (20) that is common to clutch device(s) (7) and to the variable-speed drive unit (2), whereby this control mechanism (20), in a first step, acts on the clutch device (7) to pass from the disengaged position, so-called of zero speed, to the engaged position that corresponds to the minimum operational speed of the variable-speed drive unit (2), then, in a second step, acts on the speed variation mechanism (6) of the variable-speed drive unit (2) to regulate as desired the speed of the engine that is equipped with such a variable-speed drive unit (2). |
| US07641579B2 |
Eccentric gear mechanism and method of transfering turning force thereby
An eccentric gear mechanism, comprising an input drive having a centric portion rotated about an axis and an eccentric portion; a movable inner ring gear having outer circumferential gear teeth, so that said centric portion and said eccentric portion of said input drive turn in one direction against said movable inner ring gear, said inner ring gear being configured in such a way that it allows an eccentric movement by said inner ring gear and transfers a given turning force derived by said inner ring gear in an opposite direction to said one direction; an outer ring gear having inner circumferential gear teeth partially engaged with said outer circumferential gear teeth of said inner ring gear, so that when said given turning force is derived by said inner gear ring in said opposite direction said outer ring gear rotates around said axis, and said outer ring gear transfers said given turning force in said one direction outwardly along said axis. |
| US07641578B2 |
Double-face driving silent chain and silent chain power transmission device using the same
There is provided a double-face driving silent chain wherein the size of each inner link plate of an exterior driving link train to a back face thereof is set to be equal to or greater than the size of each link plate of an interior driving link train. Thereby, inner side planes of the back face of the inner link plate abut against the both side planes of an interior driving sprocket and guide and prevent the silent chain from engaging with the sprocket in twist. All the link plates, other than the inner link plates of the exterior driving link train, have the same shape when seen from the side and the outermost link plate of the interior driving link train is thin as compared to the other link plates. |
| US07641576B2 |
Reversible locking device for a timing chain tensioner
A reversible locking device 1 for a tensioner 100 of a timing chain 20 includes a locking device body 3, integral with the tensioner 100 and protruding with respect to the body of the tensioner 100, which has a shaped slot 2. A perforated protrusion 4 is integral with the shoe 5 carried by the piston 6 and protrudes with respect to the shoe 5 so that its hole is aligned with the shaped slot. A rod 7 has a first part 8 with a shape complementary to that of the shaped slot 2 and a second part 9 bearing at one end a conical portion 10 adapted to couple it irreversibly to the perforated protrusion 4 integral with the shoe 5. |
| US07641572B2 |
Golf ball dimples with a catenary curve profile
A golf ball having an outside surface with a plurality of dimples formed thereon. The dimples on the ball have a cross-sectional profiles formed by a catenary curve. Combinations of varying dimple diameters, shape factors, and chordal depths in the catenary curve are used to vary the ball flight performance according to ball spin characteristics, player swing speed, as well as satisfy specific aerodynamic magnitude and direction criteria. |
| US07641570B2 |
Golf club head
A golf club head comprises a face portion whose front face forms a clubface having a clubface roll of a radius R, and the clubface is provided with a plurality of parallel grooves extending straight at an angle of not more than 10 degrees with respect to the toe-and-heel direction of the head so as to form at least one lateral zone between the parallel grooves, wherein the above-mentioned at least one lateral zone is provided with a convex curve of a radius (r) smaller than the radius R of the clubface roll. |
| US07641567B2 |
Gold putting training apparatus and method
Apparatus for training golfers in putting techniques and the method for its use are taught. The principle of the apparatus of the invention provides two reference points, one of which is adjustable and fixed relative to the head of a putter. By sliding the two reference points along a guidance surface, the putting head moves parallel to the guidance surface with the face of the putting head at a constant angle to the guidance surface. i.e. this is a putting stroke. One of the reference points may be a part of the putter head and the other is a member, removably attachable to the putter and adjustable so that a contact head touches, and is slidable along, the guidance surface. |
| US07641556B2 |
Shock prevention device and system for display
A gaming machine shock prevention device having a door hingedly coupled to a cabinet of the gaming machine, a gaming machine display positioned between the cabinet and the door, the gaming machine display hingedly coupled to the cabinet, and at least one spring, a first end of the spring coupled to the gaming machine display and a second end of the spring coupled to a cabinet interior, wherein the gaming machine display and door are moveable between a first position which defines the cabinet interior and a second position which exposes the cabinet interior, wherein compression of the at least one spring reduces shock to the gaming machine display when moved to the first position, and wherein opening the door to the second position releases the at least one spring to move the gaming machine display to the second position. |
| US07641555B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated configuration of gaming machine operating parameters
An automated method of configuring a gaming machine using a storage medium such as a paper ticket containing gaming machine configuration parameter data. The storage medium is read by a gaming machine peripheral device, such as a bill validator, which transmits the data to the gaming machine's central processing unit. The central processing unit stores and implements the new configuration parameters. The storage medium is encoded with a machine-readable indicium such as a bar code, a two-dimensional bar code, or any other format including magnetic storage, holograms, etc. An alternate embodiment uses a computer in communication with the gaming machine's central processing unit to download configuration parameters by electronically simulating the gaming machine's pushbutton controls. |
| US07641550B2 |
Game device changing action of game object depending on input position, storage medium for storing game program and method used in game device
A game device 1 that executes a game program stored in a storage medium of the present invention detects and stores coordinates on a game image corresponding to an input while the input by the player is detected. Then, based on an input locus having a predetermined shape shown by the stored coordinates, a direction shown by the input locus is calculated. When the direction is calculated, the game device determines whether or not a coordinate of a starting point is included in a predetermined range 35 that is based on coordinates showing a position in which the player object 32 is displayed in the game image. When it is determined that the coordinate of the starting point is included in the predetermined range 35, the player object 32 performs a moving action in the calculated direction. When it is determined that the coordinate of the starting point is not included in the predetermined range 35, the player object 32 performs a kicking action in the calculated direction. |
| US07641542B2 |
Net rucking apparatus and method
An apparatus and a method for rucking netting onto a tube are described. The apparatus, in a first embodiment, comprises a frame having an axis, a passage along the axis, means for reciprocating movement along the axis, a netting tube releasably attachable to the means for reciprocating movement, a second tube comprising a frustum having a bore, the second tube being slidable co-axially to the netting tube, an annular space defined by the second tube and the netting tube, and spring-loaded fingers attached to the frame and extending into the passage. In another embodiment, a method for rucking netting onto a tube comprises attaching a netting tube to a moveable platform, mounting a second tube axially over the netting tube, the second tube comprising a frustum having a bore therethrough, placing an end of a netting over the second tube, forming an annular space between the netting tube and the second tube, and moving the second tube reciprocatingly through spring-loaded fingers. The second tube is a frusto-conical shape, a frusto-pyramidal shape, or another frustum shape |
| US07641539B2 |
Holder for sanding block
A holder for releasably retaining an abrasive block includes a base having a bottom surface and a wall extending outward therefrom which together define a abrasive block receiving surface to friction fit receive the abrasive block, and a polyfoam handle connected to the base and which extends upward from a top surface of the base. |
| US07641534B2 |
Organic magnetic construction module
In at least one embodiment, the invention includes a magnetic construction module having a body and at least one elastic limb extending from the body, the at least one limb having a first end portion including a first magnet disposed therein, the limb and the body comprising a gelatinous elastic material having sufficient stiffness to maintain its form under the force of gravity and having sufficient flexibility to easily bend such that the end portion is contiguous to the body. |
| US07641528B2 |
Enclosed shaft system for marine propulsion
The system is an enclosed, oil filled, shaft and thrust bearing assembly which includes an oil pump to circulate the oil throughout the system. The thrust bearing assembly allows the thrust to be directed to the shafts mounting system rather than through the vessels main propulsion engines and isolators thereby reducing vibration and noise emissions. In addition the elimination of thrust loading transmitted directly to the propulsion engines reduces wear and tear on the engine mounts, isolators and engine support structures. The non rotating casing of the shaft assembly allows clean water to flow to the propeller which allows more delivered horsepower to be used by the propeller. |
| US07641519B1 |
USB connector
A USB connector includes an electrically insulative housing, which has an exposed space area defined in the bottom wall of a tongue plate at the front side of an upper base member thereof and terminal grooves formed in the bottom wall of the tongue plate, first metal terminals embedded in the upper base member and the tongue plate each having a contact end positioned in a respective locating groove in the exposed space area and a bonding end extended out of the upper base member for bonding, and second metal terminals each having a base portion respectively upwardly forced into the terminal grooves in direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of a matching plug and a front contact end suspending outside the terminal grooves and a rear bonding end extended out of the rear side of the upper base member for bonding. |
| US07641511B2 |
Jack cable assembly with support tray and method of making same
An electrical jack cable assembly includes a jack cable connector and an adaptor coupling for attaching the connector to a support. The adaptor coupling has a face plate and a tray that extends to a rear wall. The connector body is retained in the tray behind the abutment wall so that the rear wall resists any movement of the connector body with respect to the adaptor coupling in the plug-in direction. The jack cable assembly is made by providing a jack cable connector providing an adaptor coupling having a tray that extends rearwardly to a rear wall and assembling the connector body to the tray by slanting the connector body and inserting the slanted connector body into the tray until it passes over the rear wall of the tray. The rear end of the connector body is then pushed down for retaining the connector body firmly and positively in the tray. |
| US07641510B2 |
Four way jumper/half block
A jumper assembly (100) adapted for use in connecting junction block to conduit having electrical cable running therethrough and wherein the junction blocks are half junction blocks, the jumper assembly including: a first plurality of wire conductors (306) and a second plurality of wire conductors (308) are each electrically and structurally connected to a terminal set comprising a half H-shaped terminal set having a series of first terminal blades (312) and a series of second terminal blades (314), each set of terminal blades bein commonly integral with an elongated common blade (316). |
| US07641509B2 |
Battery connector having polarized arrangement
A battery connector comprises an insulative housing comprising mounting surface and a top surface opposite to the mounting surface. A receiving chamber is defined in the housing from the top surface with first and second conductive terminals spatially arranged within the chamber. The chamber features at least a rounded corner for conforming to a rounded edge of a battery to be inserted so as to prevent the battery from being inserted incorrectly. The rounded corner has a curve surface tangent to two inner side walls of the chamber. |
| US07641507B2 |
Cable connector
A cable connector includes an insulative housing, some terminals, an insert and a shield. The insulative housing includes a main body, a pair of side arms respectively rearward extending from the middle of the two sides of the main body to form a receiving space between the two side arms. The forward section of said main body is a mating portion with some evenly disposed grooves. The rearward section of said main body is a connecting portion with some troughs corresponding to the grooves. Each side arm includes two pair of separated receiving slots on the tail thereof to be connected to the receiving space. Each of terminals includes a mating piece on the forward part thereof to be received in the mating portion and a connecting piece on the rearward part thereof to be received in the connecting portion. The insert includes a main body with a grid to form some passages corresponding to the troughs of the housing and two pair of fastening portions respectively extending from two sides of the main body. The main body of insert is received in the receiving space between the two side arms of the housing through said fastening portions being inserted into the receiving slots of the housing. The shield includes an upper cover assembled on the upper surface of the housing to cover the connecting portion and the insert, and a lower cover assembled on the lower surface of the housing to cover the connecting portion and the insert. |
| US07641503B1 |
Cable strain reliever
A combined cable strain reliever and cable rotation restrainer is disclosed. The combined cable strain reliever and cable rotation restrainer comprises a first part, a second part and a cable. The first part is adapted to be connected to the cable and to the second part, wherein the first part and the second part are arranged to interact for absorbing/taking up forces exerted on the cable connected to the first part. The cable strain reliever and cable rotation restrainer is adapted to be used with a portable electronic device. The cable strain reliever and cable rotation restrainer prevents the cable from being damaged and rotated inside the second part when being assembled therein. |
| US07641502B2 |
Connector device
Front shake preventing ribs (37) are provided at positions spread over the entire inner periphery of a front end of an inner housing (23) and contact a receptacle (14) of a male housing (10) to prevent shaking between an inner housing (23) and a receptacle (14). A wall (31) faces an opening edge portion of the receptacle (14) at a rear end of the inner housing (23) with respect to the connecting direction with the male connector (10). The receptacle (14) is formed with an annular rib (18) projecting in a connecting direction the connectors (10, 20) at a position to surround the inner housing (23) over the entire periphery. The wall (31) has an annular groove (32) that engages the annular rib (18) to prevent shaking between the connectors (10, 20). |
| US07641501B2 |
Connector holding clamp and connector retaining structure
An upper panel section includes an inserting hole into which a tip of a longitudinal-type equipment-side connector that is mounted on a PCB board of an electrical device at right angles and includes a spring section formed on its lateral surface is inserted. A foot section supports the upper panel section on the PCB. An inner circumference of the inserting hole has a shape surrounding substantially an entire circumference of the tip of the equipment-side connector. The foot section is provided at a position that opens up the lateral surface of the longitudinal-type equipment-side connector on which the spring section of the equipment-side connector is formed. |
| US07641499B1 |
High voltage connector and interlocking loop connector assembly
A high voltage and interlock loop assembly has first and second high voltage connector housings complementarily constructed for releasable engagement with each other and for having a high voltage circuit running therethrough. First and second connectors for an interlock loop circuit are complementarily constructed for releasable engagement with each other with one of the interlock loop connectors being mounted on one of the high voltage connector housings. The first and second interlock loop connectors have complementarily abutment shoulders with one abutment shoulder being on a flexible tab. The flexible tab is movable to misalign its abutment shoulder from the other abutment shoulder when the high voltage connector housings are properly engaged together to allow full engagement of the first and second interlock loop connectors. |
| US07641498B2 |
Universal serial bus plug and receptacle coupling arrangements
A Universal Serial Bus socket-equipped arrangement (USB-SEA) configured for mating with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug having a plug metal housing and an aperture disposed in the plug metal housing. The arrangement includes a plug-receiving cavity configured to receive the USB plug. The arrangement further includes a spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is biased toward an interior region of the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is also configured to slide along the connector metal housing of the USB plug when the USB plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity and to movably mate with the aperture disposed in the plug metal housing when the USB plug is in a terminal mating position with the USB socket assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism represents one of a spring-loaded ball and a spring-loaded pin. |
| US07641497B2 |
Socket with bolt
A socket, for electrically connecting an IC package and a printed circuit board, comprises a base received with a plurality of contacts, a stiffener surrounding the base and bolts mounting the socket to the printed circuit board. The stiffener has a horizontal plate, which has engaging holes by drawing, so the engaging hole has a sidewall extending beyond the horizontal plate to keep the bolt in the engaging hole of the stiffener. |
| US07641494B2 |
Waterproof connector and method for manufacturing the same
In a waterproof connector and a method for the same, the waterproof connector includes a plurality of electrically conductive terminals, an electrically insulating base, an electrical wire, a hollow cylinder and a cladding. The electrically insulating base has a receiving section. The electrical wire has a plurality of cores. Each core is connected to one end of each electrically conductive terminal. The hollow cylinder is connected to the receiving section and located to one side of the electrical wire. The cladding is used to cover the receiving section, the hollow cylinder, the core and one end of electrically conductive terminal. Further, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing the waterproof connector so as to enhance the yield rate and prevent the penetration of moisture. |
| US07641493B1 |
Waterproof tightening structure for a signal connector
A waterproof tightening structure for a signal connecter includes a bolt sleeve bored with a through insert hole provided inside with an annular stop edge formed with an annular holding groove and a first engage surface. A tightening connecter is inserted in the insert hole, and has a flange resisting the stop edge of the bolt sleeve and its second engage surface loosely fixed with the first engage surface. A fixing outer sleeve is secured with the annular projection of the tightening connecter. An elastic waterproof washer is received in an annular recess between the annular projection and the second engage surface and resisted by both the annular holding groove of the bolt sleeve and the front end of the fixing outer sleeve. Thus, the waterproof washer is closely and elastically held by the bolt sleeve, the tightening connecter and the fixing outer sleeve, able to block off moisture. |
| US07641492B2 |
Electrical connector having vibration-resisting structure
A connector including: a first connector housing having a tube-shaped hood part; a second connector housing to be fitted to the first connector housing; and a groove part provided on the second connector housing, wherein a terminal receiving part of the second connector housing is positioned in the hood part so that the first and second connector housings are fitted to each other, wherein an end part of the hood part enters the groove part when the first and second connector housings are fitted to each other. |
| US07641484B2 |
Connector cover structure of bill storage box
Disclosed is a connector cover structure of a bill storage box, which can prevent a connector for electric power supply from being exposed to dust or foreign substances, during the process of mounting or dismounting a cassette box in or from the bill storage box. The disclosed connector cover structure includes: a connector-fixing bracket fixedly assembled with the connector, and having assembling holes formed through opposite sides of the connector-fixing bracket; a cover having a hinge shaft rotatably fitted in the assembling holes of the connector-fixing bracket, thereby covering a connecting pin; a contact part protruded by a certain length in front of one end of the cover, and having a curved shape; and elastic springs fixedly assembled to the hinge shaft in such a manner that the cover can be returned to its original position. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent poor connection or electrical short circuiting by preventing the exposure of the connector to dust or foreign substances. |
| US07641478B2 |
Card bus connector assembly
A card bus connector assembly mounted within a housing (40) includes a card bus connector (10) and an electronic card (20) having a number of grounding pads (23) disposed on a bottom surface thereof and a wedge-shaped protruding portion (29) disposed in an end portion of the electronic card. The card bus connector has a base (11) and a grounding plate (4) mounted to a bottom surface of the base. The grounding plate has a number of grounding terminals (431) extending upwardly for engaging with the grounding pads of the electronic card. |
| US07641475B2 |
Program, method and apparatus for generating fill-in-the-blank test questions
A pointing information extraction unit extracts pointing information indicating a pointing position and a pointing time on a slide from a slide file used in a lecture and a video file of a lecture video using a pointing device. A word information generation unit analyzes a text sentence extracted from the slide file to generate a word information file indicating a word and a position thereof. A word pointing information generation unit estimates a word closest to the pointing position on the slide to generate a word pointing information file with the pointing time assigned. A fill-in-the-blank word extraction unit extracts a word having a pointing time equal to or longer than a predetermined time from the word pointing information as a fill-in-the-blank word file. A fill-in-the-blank test question is generated by setting the fill-in-the-blank word of the slide information as a blank region. |
| US07641473B2 |
Method and apparatus for digitally evaluating insertion quality of customized orthodontic arch wire
A method and apparatus is provided for digitally checking the insertion quality of a target customized virtual arch wire designed during treatment planning prior to actually manufacturing the target arch wire. The method includes the steps of digitally simulating the insertion of the customized target virtual arch wire into the virtual brackets placed up on virtual teeth of a patient in an initial state of interest for checking if the arch wire could be inserted into the virtual brackets without conflicts or collisions. The initial state may be a malocclusion state or any intermediate treatment state of the patient. In the event the target virtual arch wire would cause conflicts, then the simulation optimizes the arch wire design in an attempt to eliminate the conflicts. In another aspect, a method is provided for selecting the recommended starting point for inserting the customized arch wire in the brackets placed on the dentition of the patient in the initial state. |
| US07641470B2 |
Multi-gas cooker, with a rotary valve provided with interchangeable regulating means
The cooking appliance (1) having a control panel (2) is equipped with one or more gas flow (Q) regulating valves, wherein the rotary regulating plug (6) is provided with various peripheral through holes (16-19). The control knob (9) being interchangeable for fitting to the actuating shaft (7), is chosen from the two units available, one and the other permitting different angular limit positions of the regulating plug (6) for the supply of a constant minimum gas flow Qmin, adjusted each one for a different type of gas N gas or LP gas. The outlet conduit (5) of the valve is equipped with a further injector nozzle (21,23) for adjusting a constant gas flow Qmax to be fed into the conduit (25) of the correspondent burner, when the cooking appliance is supplied with a LP gas. |
| US07641469B2 |
Fastener molding
The invention relates to fastener molding. In one aspect, a molding apparatus includes a cylindrical member defining a void extending radially inward from a peripheral surface of the member. The molding apparatus also includes an insert member configured to be disposed within the void. |
| US07641466B2 |
Tablet press
A tablet press with a rotor, which is rotatably mounted in a stand of the tablet press and which has an upper punch accommodation for the upper punches and a lower punch accommodation for the lower punches of the tablet press, as well as a die plate with a series of die bores which are aligned with the upper and the lower punches, wherein the die plate consists of at least two ring segments which can be attached on the rotor by means of a fastening device, wherein clamping elements are arranged in axis parallel passages of the rotor spaced apart in the perimeter distance, which act against the ring segments from the bottom side and clamp against an abutment surface of the rotor, characterized in that at least one drive device for the clamping elements is arranged in the stand of the tablet press, with a coupling element adjustable in the height, which can be selectively set into engagement with the lower end of the clamping element. |
| US07641461B2 |
Robotic systems for automated construction
A robotic system may include a movable gantry robot, and a nozzle assembly movably coupled to the overhead beam of the gantry robot. The gantry robot may include an overhead beam extending between, and supported by, at least two side members slidably mounted on a pair of rails. The nozzle assembly may be coupled to the overhead beam of the gantry robot, and may be configured to extrude material through an outlet. The robotic system may further include a position controller configured to control position and movement of the gantry robot and the nozzle assembly. |
| US07641460B2 |
Cotton candy handling device
A device and method for continuous production of cotton candy and automated handling of the cotton candy in a way that collects and condenses the cotton candy into a continuous strand. |
| US07641459B2 |
Foam cushion molding system and method
A molding system for foam-in-bag cushions comprises a mold defining a mold cavity, an air plenum separate from the mold cavity, a plurality of air passages that connect the mold cavity to the air plenum, and at least one port connected to the air plenum. The mold cavity has an open side and the mold includes a door that is movable between a closed position closing the open side of the mold cavity and an open position allowing a cushion to enter and exit through the open side. The system further comprises a pneumatic vacuum/blowout system connected with the at least one port. The vacuum/blowout system comprises a vacuum source, an air tank containing pressurized air, and a vacuum/blowout valve structured and arranged to alternately couple the at least one port either to the vacuum source or to the air tank. |
| US07641458B2 |
Systems for providing a labeling region on a vehicular body panel
A system includes a mold having a receptacle. The mold is configured to form a body panel of a vehicle. Alternating inserts are each configured to be selectively retained by and released from the receptacle. Each respective alternating insert, when selectively retained by the receptacle, is configured to form a labeling region on a body panel formed in the mold. A method for forming a body panel of a vehicle includes providing a mold having a receptacle. A first insert is selectively retained within the receptacle, and a first body panel is formed in the mold to have a first labeling region provided by the first insert. The first insert is released from the receptacle and a second insert is selectively retained within the receptacle. A second body panel is formed in the mold to have a second labeling region provided by the second insert. |
| US07641455B2 |
Scroll compressor with reduced oldham ring noise
Impulsive sound of an Oldham ring is reduced and a driving noise of a scroll compressor is prevented from increasing. When a width of the key of the Oldham ring made of iron-based material is defined as t and a width of the orbiting-side key groove in the back surface of the surface plate of the orbiting scroll made of aluminum-based material and a width of the fixed-side key groove of the main bearing member made of aluminum-based material on the side of a thrust surface are defines as s, a gap d generated at s−t with respect to a key pitch L of the Oldham ring I set in a range of (6×10−5)≦d/L≦(3.5×10−4). With this, even if the key of the Oldham ring vibrates in the key groove, a collision force against the key groove is weakened, impulsive sound of the Oldham ring becomes small, and a driving noise of the scroll compressor is can be reduced. |
| US07641450B2 |
Transporting method and transporting facility for easily polimerizable material
The present invention aims to provide a transfer method and a transfer facility for an easily polymerizable substance that limits standing retention of the easily polymerizable substance in the feed pump, etc., and the generation and adherence of solid matter such as polymer or precipitate that accompanies such retention, in a facility in which respective feed pumps are disposed at the plurality of passages that branch off at the easily polymerizable substance inflow side and converge at the easily polymerizable substance outflow side. In this easily polymerizable substance transfer method, in the case where one feed pump 13 operates and the other feed pump 14 is stopped, a portion of the easily polymerizable substance is fed to feed pump 14 and second passage 12 in a direction that is opposite to the direction of flow of the easily polymerizable substance when feed pump 14 is activated. In this easily polymerizable substance transfer facility, a check valve 22 provided downstream to feed pump 14 has a hole in the valve plug that permits passage of the easily polymerizable substance. |
| US07641449B2 |
Air compressor having a controller for a variable speed motor and a compressed air tank
For a motor that drives a compressed air generator, three operating modes which includes a powerful mode for rotating a motor in a high speed range, a silent mode for rotating the motor in a low speed range, and an automatic mode for automatically changing the rotation speed of the motor from the low speed to the high speed in accordance with a setup condition are prepared. A user can designate a desired operating mode by using an operating mode selection switch. |
| US07641445B1 |
Large tapered rotor blade with near wall cooling
A turbine rotor blade for use in a gas turbine engine, the blade including a serpentine flow cooling circuit that includes a first leg forming a leading edge cooling channel, a second leg that includes an upper channel with trip strips and a lower portion with near wall cooling channels that split off from the upper portion of the second leg to form near wall cooling channels extending along the pressure side and the suction side of the blade, the near wall cooling channels being separated by a dead cavity, and a third leg formed along the trailing edge of the blade with a collecting cavity formed in the blade root and providing the fluid communication between the trailing edge third leg and the near wall cooling channels. The trailing edge channel is connected to a plurality of metering and diffusion holes spaced along the trailing edge. These exit holes include a metering hole, a first diffusion hole, and a diffusion slot located on the pressure side of the trailing edge of the blade. A plurality of the metering and diffusion holes opens into a single diffusion slot. The diffusion slots each include a second diffusion hole and a third diffuser arranged in series. |
| US07641444B1 |
Serpentine flow circuit with tip section cooling channels
A turbine blade having a three pass forward flowing serpentine flow cooling circuit with a first leg connected to exit cooling holes along the trailing edge of the blade, a third and last leg discharging cooling air from the serpentine flow circuit through pressure and suction side film cooling holes, and two blade tip peripheral cooling channels extending along the pressure side and the suction side of the blade tip to provide cooling. Each peripheral channel includes film cooling holes on the blade tip side walls and exit cooling holes on the tip cap. All of the cooling air from the first leg channel that does exit out the trailing edge holes flows into the last leg without discharging through holes in the blade tip. All of the cooling air flowing out the peripheral channel cooling holes flows out from the last leg of the serpentine flow circuit. |
| US07641438B2 |
Variable-sized molded product tray denesting apparatus
A tray denesting apparatus is provided comprising a receptacle for holding at least one nested stack of packing trays. A conveyer belt is further provided for receiving each of the packing trays upon release from the receptacle. The denesting apparatus has at least one set of soft flexible suction cups disposed below the conveyer belt and which are disposed on a bellows assembly which is moveable between a first position and a second position so that at least one of the soft flexible suction cups may adhere to a first one of the packing trays, and successive packing trays. The tray denester further may include an automatic adjustment apparatus to correspond with selected size parameters of the trays being utilized. As a result, an individual tray may be removed from the receptacle, deposited on the conveyer belt and the conveyer belt then advancing the selected tray to the required area of use. |
| US07641437B1 |
Sod slab handler
An apparatus and method for transferring sod slabs in an unrolled condition including a retractable bed for allowing a sod slab to fall under the influence of gravity from one sod bed to another sod bed with a further sod bed to allow a sod pickup mechanism to place and remove sod slabs thereon from different directions. |
| US07641430B2 |
Nut plates and threaded inserts and methods of assembling and installing the same
This disclosure relates to a pre-assembled fastener assembly having a retainer, a nut member, and a cold expansion mandrel that is forcibly removable after the assembly is installed into an opening of a structural workpiece. The mandrel is captured between a portion of a retainer and a portion of a nut member. The forced removal of the mandrel expands the retainer into the opening, securing the fastener assembly therein. The assembly may also include a cap coupled to the retainer to seal the opening in the structural workpiece. The nut member can be fixed or free-floating with respect to the retainer. In addition, the nut member can be threaded to receive a fastener. The mandrel is recyclable or disposable. |
| US07641427B2 |
Insert for a sandwich component having a honeycomb core
An insert (10) for a sandwich component (30) having a honeycomb core (31) has an inner hollow-cylindrical sleeve (12). To improve the force-transmitting ability between the insert (10) and the sandwich component (30), the insert (10) further has an outer sleeve (16) which is connected to the inner sleeve (12) by means of a plurality of radial webs (18) forming a plurality of axial chambers (20). Introduction of a push-in part (32) into the chambers (20), cause the anchor elements to exit, with their pointed end (24) in front, through exit openings (28) radially out of the chambers (20). |
| US07641426B2 |
Device for fixing an object to a rail
A device for fixing an object to a rail by way of a fitting (P1, P2, P3, P4) that is movable along the rail within a groove together with a sliding member and is provided with a retainer which can be sunk into at least one lateral groove cavity in the rail. The retainer is joined to a sliding member via a connecting element. The retainer is supported relative to the sliding member and/or a rotating element via at least one energy accumulator while the pressurized retainer is fixed relative to the rail in at least two vertical positions. |
| US07641424B1 |
Non-pneumatic clamp and drilling system
A non-pneumatic clamp and drilling system with a cabinet having a work surface with a drill bit opening. A fence rests on the work surface to guide a side surface of a workpiece. A clamp is secured to the cabinet. The clamp includes clamp pad positioned above the work surface. A drill with a collet is movably secured to the cabinet beneath and at an acute angle to the work surface. The collet can hold a drill bit such that the longitudinal axis of the drill bit is parallel to the acute angle. A handle is operatively coupled to the clamp and the drill to simultaneously move the drill collet along the longitudinal axis and move the clamp pad. By manually moving the handle, the workpiece can be secured by the clamp pad and fence when the drill collet moves toward the drill bit opening in the work surface. |
| US07641423B2 |
Apparatus for chip removing machining
A device for chip removing machining includes first and second parts coupled together, wherein one of the parts includes a cutting edge. A coupling between the first and second parts includes two interacting surfaces and a clamp for forcing the surfaces together. The surfaces are profiled with male and female members, respectively, that are intercoupled to establish a form locking of the first and second parts against each other. The first and second parts are provided with central holes for receiving the clamp. The male and female members are configured to define only a single position of intercoupling. |
| US07641420B2 |
Residential sealcoating machine having cleanable manifold
A towable, residential sealcoating apparatus and related methods for applying sealcoat to a residential, asphalt driveway. The towable, residential sealcoating apparatus can include a towable implement having a mounting frame, a sealcoat reservoir, a distribution manifold and an applicator member. The sealcoat reservoir can supply sealcoat to the distribution manifold and applicator member at the direction of a supply valve accessible to an operator on a tow vehicle. The applicator member can be vertically adjustable from an upward transport disposition to a downward application disposition. The distribution manifold is operably removable so as to allow for cleaning of the distribution manifold following completion of the sealcoating process. |
| US07641418B2 |
Method for depositing pavement rejuvenation material into a layer of aggregate
In one aspect of the invention a method includes the steps of providing a channel attached to a vehicle adapted to transverse an area, the channel being in communication with at least one supply of pavement rejuvenation material, and the area having a layer of pavement aggregate; positioning the channel so that at least a portion of the channel is disposed within the layer; and adding the pavement rejuvenation material into the layer from an opening in the channel positioned below the surface of the layer. |
| US07641417B2 |
Tire deflation device
A tire deflation device includes (1) a component having a plurality of bores, (2) a plurality of spikes removably insertable into the plurality of bores and (3) a keeper within each among the plurality of bores, the keeper being configured to contact a sidewall surface of a spike among the plurality of spikes and to exert force upon the sidewall surface. In an embodiment, the tire deflation device includes (a) a component including a bore in a material, the bore including a receiving region, a sidewall surface and a base surface, (b) a channel extending from the sidewall surface into the material, (c) a keeper having a first section housed within the channel and a second section which extends past the sidewall surface into the receiving region, and (d) a spike removably insertable into the bore. |
| US07641414B1 |
Furniture and joint systems
Asymmetrical joint systems, structures having interlocking joints, methods of fabricating asymmetric joint systems and methods for fabricating structures having interlocking joints. In a preferred embodiment, the invention a joint system comprising an asymmetrical mortise into which an asymmetrical tenon fits. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a quadrilateral structure that incorporates a diamond-shaped bracing system. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a quadrilateral structure that incorporates a rotational lockdown component. |
| US07641410B2 |
Toothbrush with dentifrice dispenser
A cleaning brush with a dispenser for cleaning product. The cleaning product is stored in a cavity, and is dispensed by pressing on a flexible membrane on one side of the cavity. When thus depressed, the cleaning product is extruded through holes in the head into the region of the bases of bristles on the front side of the brush. The toothbrush is ergonomically shaped in a concave spoon like shape to fit a user's hand more comfortably. The brush may include a cover which has a general appearance of a fountain pen to facilitate an in obtrusive carrying of the brush. |
| US07641405B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus with integrated top and edge cleaning unit
A substrate processing apparatus arranged adjacent to an exposure device includes a processing section that subjects a substrate to processing and an interface provided adjacent to one end of the processing section configured to transfer and receive the substrate between the processing section and the exposure device. The processing section includes a photosensitive film formation unit configured to form a photosensitive film composed of a photosensitive material on the substrate that has not been subjected to exposure processing by the exposure device, a top surface and edge cleaning unit configured to clean a top surface and an edge of the substrate, and a development unit configured to subject the substrate to development processing after the exposure processing by the exposure device. |
| US07641403B2 |
Camera module
A camera module includes a holder provided with a lens unit and displaceable along an optical axis; a coil formed from a wound wire having lead wires; a yoke and magnets for providing a magnetic field to the coil; a flexible printed circuit board for supplying an electrical current to the lead wires; and upper and lower leaf springs for supporting the holder displaceably along the optical axis. Each of the upper and lower springs includes an outer annular portion and an inner annular portion, and coupled by bridge portions. Part of the flexible printed circuit board is formed into a tongue part arranged in a space between a bridge portion of the lower leaf spring and the lead wires to prevent contact with the lead wires. |
| US07641402B2 |
Transport system for monitoring industrial process
A system transports a device into a piece of industrial equipment for the purpose of collecting data inside of the industrial equipment. In an embodiment, the industrial equipment is a furnace and the device is an IR camera. The system opens a door covering an opening on the furnace, moves the IR camera inside of the furnace for a short time, the IR camera captures images, and the system removes the camera from the furnace and closes the door. |
| US07641400B2 |
Electro-optic device packages
A package design for electro-optic devices has been developed in which the substrate supporting the electro-optic element serves also as the base of the device housing. The electro-optic element is flip-chip bonded to the substrate. In a preferred embodiment the substrate is a multi-level wiring board. |
| US07641396B2 |
Connection device with a cable gland having housing parts enabling relative movement therebetween
A connection device for connecting an optical fiber to an electrical device has a housing, a cable gland, and a plug for insertion into the corresponding socket of the electrical device, the housing having a cable passage for insertion of the optical fiber, the plug being held at least partially in the housing and being connectable to the fibers of the optical fiber which has been inserted into the cable passage. The housing has a first housing part for holding the plug and a second housing part for connection to the cable gland. The first and second housing parts are connectable in a manner enabling them to be axially moved relative to each other in the connected state by an extent defined by at least one stop on the second housing part that is engageable with at least one opposing stop on the first housing part. |
| US07641393B2 |
Hub unit mounting structure
A hub unit is fixed to a body's side in such a state that a lubricating ring member is held between a hub receiving surface which constitutes a step portion of a large-diameter portion and a vehicle inner side end face of an inner ring with at least either of an abutment surface of the lubricating ring member with the hub receiving surface and an abutment surface thereof with the vehicle inner end face of the inner ring made to constitute a lubricant holding surface which holds a lubricant, whereby the hub receiving surface and the vehicle inner side end face of the inner ring are made to easily slip relative to each other, thereby making it possible to prevent the generation of an abnormal noise between contact surfaces of the inner ring and the hub receiving surface of the axle. |
| US07641390B2 |
Digitally modified resistive output for a temperature sensor
A method for digitally controlling the resistive output of a temperature probe is disclosed. The system is comprised of a temperature sensor, a processor and a means under the control of the processor for modifying the resistive output such as a digital potentiometer. In one embodiment, the processor reads the temperature sensor and adjusts the potentiometer based on a correlative or predictive technique so as to provide a modified output that matches that of a standard resistive temperature probe and is compatible for display on a multi-parameter monitor. |
| US07641388B2 |
Temperature sensor and method of manufacturing the same
A temperature sensor includes a temperature sensor element, a housing and a supporting member. The temperature sensor element detects a temperature of media. The housing accommodates a terminal electrically connected to an outside circuit. The terminal is connected to the temperature sensor element through a lead having a strength insufficient for supporting the temperature sensor element. The supporting member accommodates the lead. The supporting member is made of a hot-melt adhesive, and connected to a part of the housing. |
| US07641387B2 |
Power line temperature and sag monitor system
The combination of a temperature sensor and an inclination sensor or the combination of a temperature sensor and a tension monitor properly positioned in conjunction with an energized electrical conductor produces outputs that are dependent on the conductor's average temperature in real time. A transmitter is used to communicate this information in real time to a central location such that up to optimal or maximum power transmission is feasible through the conductor while maintaining a safe clearance to the ground. This allows for close monitoring of thermal expansion resulting from increased load as well as varying environmental conditions. |
| US07641384B2 |
Thermal analysis system and method of drying the same
To enable the reduction in working efforts by hand by performing control a drying operation by appropriately selecting dry conditions depending on the connection mode of the cooling device, and removal of moisture and the like without fail. The thermal analysis system uses a heater and a cooling device to raise and decrease the temperature inside the purge box. In the drying method for the thermal analysis system, the drying operation is performed by: previously setting dry conditions depending on the connection mode of the cooling device; starting control of an opening time dry process upon activation of the thermal analysis system; supplying a predetermined amount of dry gas into the purge box in accordance with the dry conditions corresponding to the selected connection mode of the cooling device with the cooling device kept off; and making the temperature control module control the temperature of the dry gas. |
| US07641383B2 |
Thermal switch calibration apparatus and methods
An apparatus and method for testing thermal switches is disclosed including modulating the temperature of a receiver in thermal contact with a thermal switch at a first rate within a range containing the nominal switch temperature of the thermal switch. A first temperature at which the switch changes state is recorded. The temperature is then modulated at a second rate and a second temperature at which the switch again changes state is recorded. The temperature may be modulated at a third rate slower than the second rate to determine a third temperature. The first, second, and third switch temperatures are then processed and output to an operator. The first, second, and third rates may be determined according to an exponentially decreasing function. |
| US07641381B2 |
Mechanical oscillator system
A mechanical oscillator system comprising a balance wheel and a spiral or helicoidal balance spring for use in horological mechanisms or other precision instruments. The balance spring is made of a non-magnetic composite, polymer, carbon or ceramic material, preferably a composite material of carbon fibres in a polymer, carbon or ceramic matrix, and the balance wheel is made from a non-magnetic ceramic. The values of the thermal expansion coefficients for the balance spring and balance wheel are similar, very small and stable over a wide temperature range. The expansion coefficients in the axial sense of the spring and of the balance wheel are of opposite sign and they compensate one another. The density of these materials is smaller than that of the currently used metals. Through this combination of materials it is possible to obtain significant advantages and a higher level of accuracy and stability compared with metal oscillator systems. |
| US07641380B2 |
Blender/food processor blade arrangement for small throated blender jars
A blade assembly suited for both blending and food processing in small throat blender jars is provided. The blade assembly comprises a plurality of blade forms each designed to perform a specific blending or processing task while simultaneously working together and with the geometric restrictions of the jar to optimize the assembly's capability to crush ice, blend or mix liquids and/or semi-solid materials, and to chop, cut, or slice solid food items without the need for user interaction to clear compacted items from the blades and/or the walls or bottom of the jar during its operation. The improved performance also serves the beneficial side effect of improved bearing and motor life in the blender/food processor. |
| US07641377B2 |
Display device
An object of the present invention is to provide a display device with high withstand mechanical-shock property, and improve quality of the product by controlling occurrence of display defects such as uneven luminance. The display device includes a light guiding plate 1 being provided a light source 5 on an upright surface 1b, optical sheets 2 being provided at a side of light emitting surface of said light guiding plate, a light source supporting member being provided for supporting said light source and a frame 4 having a protrusion 4a for supporting said light guiding plate from the upright surface 1b of said light guiding plate 1. Furthermore, a projection is formed at optical sheets, and cut-out, which includes the projection therebetween, is provided at the frame 4. |
| US07641375B2 |
Spread illuminating apparatus
A spread illuminating apparatus of side light type includes a transparent resin plate, a reflector disposed at one major surface of the transparent resin plate, and a light source disposed in a light source space formed toward one end of the transparent resin plate, wherein the reflector includes a main part having a rectangular shape and fold parts formed at peripheral edges of the main part so as to rise up therefrom, slits are formed through portions of the transparent resin plate located inside and off its peripheral edges, and wherein the fold parts of the reflector are inserted though the slits of the transparent resin plate. |
| US07641374B2 |
Backlight module and light guide plate thereof
A backlight module includes a light source and a light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a light-receiving surface next to a light source, a light-emitting surface, and a light-reflecting surface oppose to the light-emitting surface. A plurality of notches are formed on the light-reflecting surface, and each notch has a first inner surface facing the light source and a second inner surface back to the light source and opposite to the first inner surface. The inclination angle of the first inner surface with respect to the light-reflecting surface is no more than 35 degrees. |
| US07641370B2 |
Lighting apparatus for a vehicle cab
A lighting apparatus for a vehicle cab or cabin, having a plurality of reading lights for a plurality of passenger seats. A number of the reading lights is at least equal to the number of passenger seats, and a mean distance between the reading lights is less than a shortest possible distance between the passenger seats. |
| US07641369B1 |
Emergency under-lighting systems for vehicles
The present invention features an emergency lighting system for vehicles. In some embodiments, the system comprises a light pod and a microprocessor. The lights are turned on when an air bag is activated, the vehicle battery is cut off and/or the vehicle is rolled over. |
| US07641364B2 |
Adapter for light bulbs equipped with volatile active dispenser and light emitting diodes
An adapter device for a lamp or light fixture includes a male connector, a female socket and control circuitry. The adapter supports at least one RGB LED cluster positioned so as to emit a colored light show. The male connector is configured to be received in a conventional light socket. The adapter also includes a slot for receiving and securing a replaceable volatile active insert for enabling the device to emit an active ingredient from the insert when the insert is secured in the slot. A conventional light bulb or a CFL may also be connected to the female socket as a source of illumination. Thus, a single adapter is used to combine a conventional light source/colored light show source/volatile active source. |
| US07641363B1 |
LED streetlight structure
The present invention discloses an LED streetlight structure, which comprises: a heat-conduction pipe frame, an upper casing, a lower casing, a light concentration plate, and a transparent cover. The upper and lower casings are made of a plastic material and pivotally coupled to each other. The heat-conduction pipe frame has a heat-dissipation seat with main heat-dissipation fins. Two stabilizer boxes with fins are respectively arranged at two sides of the heat-dissipation seat. Heat-dissipation lamp sets insert through the bottom of the heat-dissipation seat. The present invention installs the main heat-dissipation fins on heat-conduction pipe frame and installs the fins on the stabilizer boxes to increase heat-dissipation area. Further, an auxiliary heat-dissipation ventilation device is arranged above the heat-conduction pipe frame and made of aluminum, and aluminum itself benefits heat dissipation. Furthermore, air can be compulsively conducted to the main heat-dissipation fins, then can enhance the dissipation effect. |
| US07641360B2 |
Light-emitting unit and backlight module
A light-emitting unit includes a bounding frame, a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a first reflecting sheet. The first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are disposed in the bounding frame, and emit light in different directions. The first reflecting sheet is disposed on the bounding frame, and has a reflecting surface on one side away from the bounding frame. |
| US07641357B2 |
Light-emitting module and light-emitting system
Disclosed is a light-emitting module wherein light entering into a solar cell is not attenuated, thereby preventing power output decrease of the solar cell. In addition, this light-emitting module can be produced by a simple process. Specifically disclosed is a light-emitting module wherein at least (a) a solar cell unit (b) a first adhesive layer, (c) a light-emitting unit composed of a second light-transmitting insulating substrate (transparent PET), a second metal layer (circuit pattern) and a light-emitting element (chip LED), (d) a second adhesive layer and (e) a third light-transmitting insulating substrate are sequentially stacked. The transparent PET having a thickness about 50-500 μm which is provided with the circuit pattern in advance is used for producing the light-emitting unit. A silver paste which can be cured by 30-minute heating at 150° C. is used as a circuit pattern material, and the circuit pattern is formed on the transparent PET by screen printing, and then thermally cured. |
| US07641356B2 |
Bedside flashlight cradle
A bedside flashlight cradle for supporting a flashlight from the side of a bed frame for ready access. The cradle includes a grasper end for connection to the bed frame, a middle section, and a cradle. The grasper end may attach to the bed frame without fastener, for example, by sliding over the vertical side wall of the bed frame. The middle section may cant backward in order to support the flashlight flush with the edge of the bed frame. The cradle may be provided in spaced apart pairs to support the flash light or in other configurations such as an integral unit that has sufficient width to support a flashlight or an integral unit that has a single grasper end of sufficient width with a pair of spaced-apart cradles. |
| US07641351B2 |
Lighting balloon apparatus
A novel lighting balloon apparatus is provided for various indoor and outdoor lighting applications. The lighting balloon apparatus is comprised of a unique rectangular-shaped balloon envelope body constructed from a medium weight laminate of polyester film weaved into polyester fabric using an adhesive containing an antimicrobial additive and an ultraviolet inhibitor. The rectangular-shaped body of the balloon envelope provides a means for controlling the emission of light by allowing for the accommodation of lightweight taffeta panels without compromising control. The lighting balloon apparatus is further configured to accommodate multiple lighting sources, as well as applicable mixtures thereof. The various lighting sources that may be employed are securely coupled to a harness assembly suspended within the body center of the balloon envelope structure, which is sealed with a helium tight cap system and coupled to a relay bypass system for regulating multiple lighting source socket arrangements. |
| US07641349B1 |
Systems and methods for collector mirror temperature control using direct contact heat transfer
As disclosed herein, a device may comprise an optic disposed in a near vacuum environment, the optic formed with a surface portion; a temperature controlled member formed with a surface portion conforming to the optic surface portion; and a liquid interposed between the optic surface portion and the member surface portion to conduct heat therebetween. |
| US07641345B2 |
Star field projection apparatus
A projection apparatus for generating a moving star field and a cloud-like effect comprises a means for generating a cloud-like effect using at least one non-coherent light source, a means for generating a moving star field using at least one coherent light source and a means for regulating and supplying electric power. The means for generating cloud-like effect using at least one non-coherent light source comprises at least one pair of condenser lenses and an interferential filter wheel rotated by a motor, disposed between at least one pair of condenser lenses. The means for generating the moving star field using a coherent light source comprises a grating wheel rotated by a motor and a diffractive optical element disposed between the at least one coherent light source and the grating wheel. |
| US07641337B2 |
Ophthalmic lens including photochromic material
An ophthalmic lens, comprising an optic including at least one photochromic region having a first chromaticity and a second region of lesser photochromaticity. A method of treating a subject having presbyopia or aniridia comprising applying to the subject's eye an ophthalmic lens comprising an optic including at least one photochromic region having a first chromaticity and a second region of lesser photochromaticity. |
| US07641329B2 |
Conveyance control device, conveyance system and image forming system
The conveyance control device includes a detector that detects the conveyance distance of an object by a conveyance device, a section determiner that determines to which section within an object a reference point of the object belongs, and a target setter, based on a determination result of the section determiner, sets the target conveyance speed corresponding to the section to which the reference point belongs. Based on a detection result of the detector, the operation amount calculation sequentially calculates the operation amount of the conveyance device. The conveyance controller provides a control signal corresponding to the operation amount calculated by the operation amount calculator for the conveyance device and makes the conveyance device convey the object to move a reference point of the object from the conveyance start point to the conveyance destination at a speed corresponding to the target conveyance speed. |
| US07641328B2 |
Ink for ink jet recording
An ink for ink jet recording includes water, a water-soluble organic solvent, a water-insoluble color material, a dispersant, and a compound expressed by the following chemical formula: R—O—(CH2CH2O)n—H (I) where R is an alkyl group having a carbon number of 25 to 150 and n is from 2 to 100. The ink not only can maintain performances such as storage stability and high-quality recording images, but also can effectively prevent nozzle clogging, exhibit good dispersion stability, and achieve a high redispersion property that ensures stable ejection both during long continuous operation and after stopping the operation for a long time. |
| US07641326B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus
An ink jet recording apparatus configured as a multi-function device is provided. The multi-function device can have four ink tanks, which store black ink, cyan ink, yellow ink and magenta ink. The multi-function device may have greater than four sub-tanks, which can be held in a scanning carriage and configured to move with a recording head. By moving the scanning carriage, the positions of the ink tanks can be aligned with the positions of the sub-tanks. In this manner, the basic inks can be supplied from the ink tanks into basic ink sub-tanks, and predetermined combinations of basic inks can be supplied into the other sub-tanks to create mixed inks. |
| US07641324B2 |
Liquid-jet head, method of manufacturing the same, and liquid-jet apparatus
Provided are, a liquid-jet head capable of enhancing durability thereof when it is driven, and of making an arrangement density of piezoelectric elements high-density, a method of manufacturing the same, and a liquid-jet apparatus. The liquid-jet head includes: piezoelectric elements which are provided on a passage-forming substrate with a vibration plate interposed therebetween, and are respectively configured of a lower electrode, piezoelectric layers and upper electrodes, the passage-forming substrate having pressure generating chambers, which communicate with nozzle orifices for ejecting liquid droplets, formed therein, in which, while the lower electrode is continuously provided across plural piezoelectric elements, near-end portions of the lower electrode at least in regions of the lower electrode between adjacent ones of the piezoelectric elements are formed into thin-thickness portions thinner than portions of the lower electrode in other regions of the lower electrode. |
| US07641321B2 |
Method of manufacturing liquid ejection head and image forming apparatus
The method of manufacturing a liquid ejection head includes the steps of: forming a groove section in a first layer of a substrate including at least the first layer and a second layer, the groove section having a bottom face constituted by the second layer and being formed in a ring shape; forming a protective film on the groove section; forming a diaphragm on a surface of the first layer where the groove section is opened; forming a piezoelectric element on the diaphragm; forming an opening section in the diaphragm so as to expose a portion of a region of the first layer surrounded by the groove section; and etching the first layer via the opening section so as to form a pressure chamber, using the second layer as an etching stop layer. |
| US07641318B2 |
Image forming method
The image forming apparatus comprises: a plurality of ejection ports through which liquid is ejected toward a prescribed recording medium; a plurality of pressure chambers which are respectively connected to the plurality of ejection ports; a plurality of first actuators which respectively change volume of the plurality of pressure chambers; a common liquid chamber which is connected to the plurality of pressure chambers; a second actuator which changes volume of the common liquid chamber; and a drive unit which supplies drive signals to the first actuators and the second actuator, such that the first actuators cause the volume of the pressure chambers to contract to eject the liquid through the ejection ports and subsequently to expand the volume of the pressure chambers, and causes the second actuator to contract the volume of the common liquid chamber after the volume of the pressure chambers has been expanded. |
| US07641317B2 |
Liquid discharge recording head and liquid discharge recording head cartridge including the same
A liquid discharge recording head includes a substrate having a liquid supply opening facilitating supplying liquid and heating resistors for generating energy for discharging the liquid, a flow path member having discharge openings and flow paths including first and second flow paths that are adjacent each other, the second flow path being longer than the first flow path, and a first resister corresponding to the first flow path and a second resistor corresponding to the second flow path, each of the first and second resistors being disposed at an area of the flow path member which is situated in correspondence with the liquid supply opening, wherein an amount of protrusion of the first resister at a side of the first flow path is greater than an amount of protrusion of the second resister at a side of the second flow path. |
| US07641316B2 |
Ink jet head circuit board, method of manufacturing the same and ink jet head using the same
An ink jet head circuit board is provided which has heaters to generate thermal energy for ink ejection as they are energized. This circuit board reduces areas of the heaters to achieve higher printing resolution and image quality. This board also prevents a degradation of thermal energy efficiency and reduces power consumption. The protective insulation layer for the electrode wire layer is formed of two layers and one of the two layers is removed from above the heater to improve the heat energy efficiency. The resistor layer is deposited over the electrode wire layer. The patterning for removing the protective insulation layer is done in a wider range than a gap of the electrode wire layer, the gap being used to form the heater. Further, by forming the electrode wires in two layers, a possible reduction in an effective bubble generation area of the heater can be prevented. |
| US07641314B2 |
Printhead micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement with a motion-transmitting structure
Provided is a micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement for a printhead integrated circuit. The arrangement includes a nozzle chamber defined in a substrate with a roof that defines an ink ejection port. The nozzle arrangement further includes a paddle located inside the chamber below the ink ejection port, said paddle operatively ejecting ink from the chamber through the port. Also included is an actuator arm having a fixed end fixed to the substrate and a working end that is displaceable towards and away from the substrate upon receipt of a drive signal in the form of a current pulse emanating from a drive circuitry layer on the substrate. The arrangement further has a motion transmitting structure interconnecting the working end of the actuator arm and a proximal end of the paddle. |
| US07641309B2 |
Data processing apparatus, data processing method, ink jet printing apparatus, and ink jet printing method
A present invention reduces the generation of periodic uneven print density in the image in a main scanning direction. The present invention focuses attention on a fact that, when a printing head including a plurality of nozzle arrays for ejecting different inks is used to print an image and when the same pixel is printed by a combination of nozzle arrays in which an interval in the main scanning direction is relatively short, the displacement of ink impact positions is smaller when compared to a case where the same pixel is printed by a combination of nozzle arrays in which an interval in the main scanning direction is relatively long. Thus, a dot arrangement pattern allocated to the pixel data is selected so that the same pixel is printed by a combination of nozzle arrays in which an interval in the main scanning direction is relatively short. |
| US07641308B2 |
Printing method, printing apparatus, printing control apparatus and storage medium
A printing method includes: preparing a printing apparatus provided with a carry unit that carries a medium in a carrying direction, and a plurality of nozzle groups that have respectively a plurality of nozzles lined up in the carrying direction; and printing an image to be printed on the medium by alternately repeating a dot forming process for forming dots on the medium by ejecting ink from each nozzle of a plurality of the nozzle groups that move in a moving direction, and a carrying process for carrying the medium in the carrying direction, and forming a plurality of rows of dots, lined up in the carrying direction, that are configured by a plurality of dots lined up in the moving direction, wherein in a case a certain row of dots is formed by a plurality of the nozzles, if, of a plurality of the nozzles that form the certain row of dots, the number of nozzles of a certain nozzle group is smaller than, of a plurality of the nozzles that form the certain row of dots, the number of nozzles of another nozzle group, each nozzle of the certain nozzle group forms a larger number of dots configuring the certain row of dots than each nozzle of the another nozzle group. |
| US07641305B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A printer includes a cleaning mechanism that reliably performs an operation of cleaning a liquid ejecting head with a small amount of driving energy. The cleaning mechanism includes a cap manufactured by coinjection molding of a core part and an elastic part. The cap includes a bottom surface, an outer wall, and a partition wall dividing a cap inner space surrounded by the outer wall into two. A ratio of the elastic part in the partition wall is higher than that in the outer wall. With this structure, the partition wall is more elastically deformable than the outer wall. When the cap comes into contact with a nozzle surface of a recording head and covers nozzle rows, the outer wall comes into contact with the nozzle surface with a larger stress compared with the partition wall, and seals chambers where the nozzle rows on the nozzle surface are exposed. |
| US07641302B2 |
Apparatus and method of compensating for defective nozzle
An apparatus and method of compensating for defective nozzles. Accordingly, in an image forming apparatus having inkjet nozzles (i.e., an inkjet printer), image quality deterioration due to defective nozzles (i.e., nozzles that cannot discharge ink) may be compensated for by replacing data after moving a printer head to an optimum position. Image quality deterioration due to defective nozzles may also be compensated by replacing data to be printed after moving at he printer head to the optimum position. |
| US07641301B2 |
Image recording appartus and image recording method
An image recording apparatus includes a conveying mechanism for conveying a recording medium in a conveying direction, and a scanning carriage including a recording head for and a detector. The detector detects a first edge and a second edge of the recording medium in a leading edge detection region and in an intermediate detection region located between the leading edge detection region and the trailing edge of the recording medium. The scanning carriage moves in a scanning direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. Moreover, the image recording apparatus includes a storing unit for storing a first position of the first edge and a second position of the second edge, which are detected by the detector. The image recording apparatus further includes a controller for controlling movement of the scanning carriage. The controller controls a moving speed of the scanning carriage, such that the detector detects across the recording medium in the scanning direction including the first edge and the second edge. The detector detects the first and the second edge according to the first position of the first and the second position of the second edge in a leading edge detection region. |
| US07641300B2 |
Liquid ejection head and image forming apparatus
The liquid ejection head has an ejection unit which includes: a nozzle ejecting a droplet of liquid; a pressure chamber connected to the nozzle; a displacement generating device which changes a volume of the pressure chamber; and a supply flow channel which is connected to the pressure chamber and supplies the liquid to the pressure chamber, wherein a resonance frequency f (kHz) of the ejection unit and an ejection speed v (m/s) of the droplet ejected by the nozzle satisfy a following relationship: f>31×v+80. |
| US07641294B1 |
Shop desk with hutch sized to fit within desk body
A shop desk with a desk body sized to define a volume bounded by a top, front, rear and side walls. A hutch is configured to fit within the volume when disassembled. The desk body is wider, longer and deeper than the hutch. The hutch secures to a top surface of the desk body when assembled. Legs support the desk body and a leg stabilizer platform connects to the legs at a location spaced from an underside of the desk body. |
| US07641292B2 |
Structure of coreless crawler
A structure of a coreless crawler comprising: main cords that are embedded in rows in a longitudinal direction of the crawler, two layers of bias cords (a, b) that are embedded at an outer peripheral side of the main cords, bias cords (c) that are laid perpendicular to the main cords and embedded at an inner peripheral side of the main cords, rubber protrusions that are formed at constant intervals at a central portion on an inner peripheral surface of the crawler, and rubber lugs that are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the crawler, wherein the bias cords (a, b, c) and the main cords are held between treatment rubbers, and a rubber layer having lower hardness than treatment rubber is interposed between the main cords and the bias cords (c). |
| US07641289B2 |
Drive away axle assembly
The drive away axle assembly comprises at least an axle shaft having a proximal end seated within an axle housing and a distal terminal flange and a hub having a distal end land and a sidewall. The distal terminal flange of the axle shaft has bores therein which align with threaded bores in the distal end land of the hub, and axle shaft/hub connectors engage through the bores to removably connect the hub to the axle shaft. Further, an axle shaft retaining bolt extends through the sidewall of the hub for engagement with the axle shaft structures to maintain the axle shaft within the axle housing when the axle shaft/hub connectors are removed. Upon removal of such connectors, the hub rotates freely without imparting rotation to the axle shaft. Still further, an accessory spring may be provided for assisting in disengagement of the axle shaft flange from the hub. |
| US07641284B2 |
Slideable armrest
A slideable armrest, which may form a lid of a vehicle console compartment, comprises a cover and a base slideably connected to each other by slideable engagement between at least one guide and at least one guide groove. |
| US07641283B2 |
Infant positioning seat insert
An insert for protecting the breathing airway of an infant conforms to the incline angle of an infant seat, such as a car seat, high chair, stroller, or jogger. Preferably the insert is hinged so it can be used in an infant seat or laid flat for use on a changing table or other flat surface. In use, two side rolls contact the infant to prevent it from moving sideways. A bottom roll prevents slouching in the seat and supports the infant's legs when laid flat. Preferably, the bottom roll is removable so the insert may be used with larger infants who do not need the provided support. An adjustable shoulder roll extends between the side rolls and can be moved up or down for proper placement behind the infant's shoulders. The shoulder roll compensates for the infant's rearward-elongated head, keeping it in a natural position to avoid compromising the airway. The rolls are preferably made of memory foam and covered by machine-washable fabric. |
| US07641281B2 |
Vehicle seat having backrest width adjustment and integrated seat airbag
A vehicle seat having a backrest, which has a backrest middle part and backrest side parts, which extend forward laterally from the backrest middle part and are provided for lateral body support is described. The backrest side parts each have an internal section connected to the backrest middle part and an external section connected thereto, which overlaps a forward area of the backrest side part. The backrest side parts are adjustable in relation to the backrest middle part so that the backrest width is changeable by fixing the backrest side parts. The internal section and the external section are produced in one piece from a foam material. A stiffening element is foamed into the internal section and into the external section in a transition area between the internal section and the external section, which is primarily provided to give the external section a certain rigidity. |
| US07641278B2 |
Passenger seat, especially airline passenger seat
Disclosed is a passenger seat, especially an airline passenger seat, comprising seat components such as a seat part, a backrest, and an armrest (3), at least one of which is movably disposed relative to the other seat components to adjust the position, and a partition (9, 11) that can be transferred between an operational position in which the same extends in a lateral shielding area of the seat and a non-operational position in which the same unblocks the shielding area. The partition is composed of several wall parts (9, 11) which extend in the shielding area in the operational position and interact via a guiding device (43, 45) such that the movement of one wall part (9) during the transfer between the non-operational and the operational position entrains another wall part (11). |
| US07641277B2 |
Zero-wall clearance linkage mechanism for a high-leg seating unit
A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between extended and reclined positions, and a chassis is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting link, a base plate fixedly mounted to the chassis, a back-mounting bracket rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting link, a back drive link in generally laterally-spaced relation to the seat-mounting link, and a front-lift assembly that is rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting link. In operation, a rearward occupant force on the back-mounting bracket generates a rearward bias that is converted to a laterally-directed force through the back drive link to the front-lift assembly. Upon receiving this force, the front-lift assembly translates the seat-mounting link forward and upward in relation to the base plate, such that, the seat-mounting link is consistently biased in a particular inclination angle with respect to the base plate throughout adjustment. |
| US07641275B2 |
Pillar wind deflector
A wind deflector noise reduction system is provided. The wind deflector noise reduction system particularly reduces or eliminates wind throb in a moving vehicle having a rear side window in an open position. The system includes a panel attached to the B-pillar of a motor vehicle and operable to move between a closed position and an open position. When the panel is in the open position, wind is deflected from entering the moving vehicle. An actuator associated with the panel and operable to move the panel between the closed and the open position can be energized by a controller. The controller can be activated by the user of the motor vehicle and/or by a sensor that detects the position of the rear side window. |
| US07641274B2 |
Window arrangement for a vehicle and method for the production thereof
An arrangement for closing an opening of a vehicle and a corresponding manufacturing method, in which a shattering protection element (30, 30A, 30B) is fixed to a pane or to a functional element (60) fixed at the pane. The pane and the shattering protection element are connected via a permanently elastic adhesive connection (12) to the vehicle body or to a holding element (18) connected to the vehicle body. |
| US07641273B2 |
Vehicle headliners and methods of using the same
Vehicle headliners and methods of installation include headliners with a substrate layer having at least one handling component formed within the substrate layer, the handling component having a perforation between the handling component and the surrounding substrate layer, wherein the handling component aids in the handling of the headliner during installation. |
| US07641267B2 |
Harness protecting structure for vehicular horn
A harness protecting structure is provided for a vehicular horn for a vehicle, in which the vehicle has a grille defining an air intake opening in a front part of the vehicle, a radiator located posterior to the grille, and the horn being disposed in front of the radiator and facing the opening of the grille. The grille is provided with a peripheral wall, the peripheral wall extending posterior to the lower and side edge of the grill, and a part of the peripheral wall extending across and anterior to a peripheral region of the horn so as to form a protective surface. The harness of the horn is laid from the outside of the region of the horn behind the protective surface. |
| US07641263B2 |
Vehicle designer (variants)
In the first variant, a designer set of elements is embodied in such a way that it makes it possible to shape different modifications of a passenger car body. The body is embodied such that it is splitable on a transversal plane. The element set consists of changeable front and rear elements. In the body split plane, the external surfaces of all front and rear elements have the same shapes and sizes. In the second variant, the body is splitable in two transversal planes. The body element set consists of changeable hood, cab and body rear part elements, wherein the external surfaces of the elements are smoothly mating with each other. |
| US07641262B2 |
Retractable air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag
An air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag comprises at least one air deflection element coupled to a rear portion of the vehicle but not to the rear-facing surface of the vehicle or, in other embodiments, at least one air deflection element coupled to a rear portion of the vehicle but not to any rear door which the vehicle may have. The air deflection elements are displaceable, preferably in unison, between a retracted position and at least one deployed position in which the air deflection elements intersect with the air flowing around the top and sides, and preferably also the bottom, of the vehicle, and in which they divert that airflow in a manner that enhances the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle and thereby improves its fuel economy, resulting in a reduction in fuel cost. The air deflection elements may be deployed and retracted manually, or remotely with powered assistance, or under microprocessor control, with the latter allowing for optimal positioning of the air deflection elements based either on pre-stored values, or on values derived, utilizing an optional feedback mechanism, from real-time vehicular speed and fuel consumption data. Vehicles equipped with the apparatus, and methods of reducing vehicular air drag using the apparatus, are also disclosed. |
| US07641255B2 |
Housing type cup holder for a vehicle
A housing type cup holder includes: a holder housing in which a receiving part is formed; a holder including a main receiving part and a sub receiving part which is slidably connected to a lower portion of the main receiving part so as to descend by weight thereof when the main receiving part is drawn out and a holder support which includes a support lead having one end of which is connected through a hinge to the sub receiving part and the second end which is extended toward the inside of the holder housing; a support link which is connected through the hinge to the support lead and the second end which is housed in the receiving part in a state that the holder is drawn out, and a guide lead guiding the holder position of the support link. |
| US07641254B2 |
Chassis fairing mounting system
A fairing assembly 100 is demountably coupled to a vehicle and includes a first and second support structure 112 and 122 fixedly secured to the vehicle. The fairing assembly 100 further includes a first support member 136 having first end coupled to the first support structure 112 and a second end coupled to the second support structure 122. A first elastic compression member 170 is positioned between the first end of the first support member 136 and the first support structure 112, and a second elastic compression member 170 is positioned between the second end of the first support member 136 and the second support structure 122. The first and second elastic compression members 170 impart opposing forces on the first support member 136 to position the first support member relative to the first and second support structures 112 and 122. |
| US07641249B2 |
Apparatus for mounting roof rack
An apparatus for mounting a roof rack including a roof garnish and a bracket for mounting a roof rack, in which the roof garnish and the roof rack mounting apparatus can be separately mounted on a vehicle panel. Due to a simple construction, the roof rack mounting apparatus can be conveniently operated and the mounting costs and time thereof can be reduced. |
| US07641247B2 |
End effector assembly for supporting a substrate
Generally, an end effector assembly for a substrate transfer robot is provided. In one embodiment, an end effector assembly for supporting a quadrilateral substrate during substrate transfer includes an end effector having an inner edge support disposed on a first end and a first outer edge support disposed on a distal end. The first end of the end effector is adapted for coupling to a robot linkage. The first inner edge support has a face that is oriented parallel to and facing the face of the first outer edge support. This configuration of edge supports captures the substrate to the end effector thereby minimizing substrate slippage during transfer. In another embodiment, lateral guides may be utilized to further enhance capturing the substrate along the edges of the substrate open between the inner and outer edge supports. |
| US07641246B2 |
Bumper beam structure
A bumper beam structure for a vehicle includes a height-raising wall provided on an upper portion of a beam body to be fixedly on left and right frames of a vehicle body. The height-raising wall includes: a bottom wall portion fixed to the upper portion of the beam body; a running-up preventing wall portion extending upwardly from the bottom wall portion; a first reinforcing wall portion connecting to the respective one end of the running-up preventing and bottom wall portions; and a second reinforcing wall portion connecting to the respective other ends of the running-up preventing and bottom wall portions. With such a height-raising wall, the bumper beam structure can interfere with another vehicle of a higher height to prevent the other vehicle from running up onto the vehicle provided with the bumper beam structure. |
| US07641243B2 |
Latch design with adjustable backset
An improved latch incorporating adjustable backset and cylinder latch bolt assemblies, working in cooperation with a door handle, mounting rods and spindle. The backset latch includes novel configured inner and outer casing parts through which extend the mounting rods and spindle, and which sandwich therebetween an actuating plate and follower plate arrangement. The cylinder latch bolt further includes a novel subassembly including a bolt mounted in spring biasing fashion via a stem portion extending therefrom and interengaging the actuating plate to selectively retract the bolt into a cylinder shaped and interiorly open body. |
| US07641242B2 |
Compression connection
A chromatography and fluidic device with connections capable of automated component changing, diagnostic leak and current sensing. The chromatography-electrospray device contains a chromatography column, a pre-column, a spray emitter, or other fluidic component imbedded within one or more inserts. The inserts are robotically placed in receiving hardware, and a “plug and play” compression fitting connection mechanism makes the fluidic seals in an automated fashion. A plurality of sensors capable of detecting leaks is situated in the device near leak-prone regions. The electrospray emitter has a current sensing electrode in proximity of the electrospray region, capable of detecting the electrospray current. In conjunction with an electronics system, these sensors allow for system and component diagnostics. The diagnostic information may then be used for manual or automated system repair. |
| US07641240B2 |
Pressure joint for pipes
A removable pressure sealing assembly for connecting two pipes includes a single piece cylindrical cover placed over a gap between the pipes, the pipes being aligned with each other. Various annular seals are positioned on the pipes to create a sealing mechanism in the gap between the cover and the pipes before the cover is finally positioned over the gap between the ends of the pipes. Once the annular seals are correctly positioned, the cover can be moved over the gap and end piece rings bolted to both the pipes and the cover to secure the assembly in place. |
| US07641239B2 |
Assembly of male and female members
The diameter of a front end opening section (20-1) extending rearward over a predetermined length from a front end opening of a male member reception hole (20) is larger than a diameter of a male member reception section (20-2) of the male member reception hole that follows the front end opening section. The backup ring (18) is allowed to engage an inner wall surface (20-3) of a front end opening section (20-1) as a backup ring (18) is pressed radially outward from an annular groove (24) by a seal ring (16) that is deformed by engagement with the inner wall surface of the male member reception hole (20) when a male coupling member (12) begins to be inserted into the male member reception hole (20), which prevents the backup ring (18) from coming out, in a radially outward manner, from the annular groove (24). |
| US07641234B1 |
Ride-on turf mowing machine rollover protection assembly
A ride-on turf mowing machine rollover protection assembly consisting of a mower chassis having left: and right main rails and having a plurality of cross rails spanning between the left and right main rails; left and right upwardly opening quills; a first plurality of welds rigidly interconnecting the left main rail and the left upwardly opening quill; a second plurality of welds rigidly interconnecting the right main rail and the right upwardly opening quill; a roll bar having left and right legs, each leg having a lower end, the lower ends of the left and right legs being respectively closely fitted for nesting extension into the left and right upwardly opening quills; and a plurality of helically threaded bolt, nut, and double shear eye combinations removably mounting the lower ends of the left and right legs of the roll bar within the left and right upwardly opening quills. |
| US07641231B2 |
Gas generator
A gas generator has a first chamber containing a first amount of substance of a solid propellant providing filling gas and a second chamber containing a second amount of substance providing filling gas. An igniter is associated with the first chamber only. The first chamber has outflow openings providing a flow connection with an environment of the gas generator. After activation of the gas generator, the second chamber is connected with the environment of the gas generator with regard to flow exclusively via the first chamber. |
| US07641222B2 |
Method and apparatus for airbag module cover attachment
An airbag module is disclosed. The airbag module has an airbag cover that has a front surface. The cover also includes a plurality of latch hooks that extend away from the front surface. Each of the latch hooks includes a retention flange. A support plate is also included as part of the airbag module and is attached to the airbag cover. The support plate includes a plurality of slots. Each latch hook (of the cover) passes through a separate slot in the support plate. The slots are sized such that for each latch hook passed through a slot, a gap is formed between the retention flange of each latch hook and a shoulder of the support plate. A locking member that engages the plurality of latch hooks is also added to the airbag module. At least a portion of the locking member is disposed within the slot. The locking member, once positioned in the slot, engages the latch hooks and causes the retention flange to overlap the shoulder of the support plate. |
| US07641216B2 |
Flat fold stroller
A folding chair includes handle frames, and front legs and rear legs configured to support the chair in an upright position. The front legs are pivotally attached to respective rear legs. A chair portion, includes a back rest, a seat and a leg rest pivotally attached to the seat. Pivot frames are pivotally attached to respective handle frames, the back rest and the rear legs. Sliders are pivotally attached to respective pivot frames, the back rest, respective arm rests and the seat and are configured to slide along the front legs. |
| US07641215B2 |
Ski and snowboard equipment system
Gliding board equipment systems and individual components are disclosed herein. A gliding board equipment system of one embodiment includes a gliding board, a boot having an upper cuff and a lower boot, and a binding selectively attaching the boot to the gliding board. The upper cuff of the boot defines opposed slots, and a respective pin passes through each slot to couple the upper cuff to the lower boot and allow the upper cuff to move laterally relative to the lower boot. |
| US07641212B1 |
Bicycle frame whose axle peg has a non-rotatable function
A bicycle frame includes an axle, a hub and freewheel assembly, two fork end members, two axle pegs, and two locking nuts. Thus, the first ramp of each of the axle pegs is rested on the second ramp of the respective fork end member to prevent each of the axle pegs from being rotatable relative to the respective fork end member, so that the first end of each of the axle pegs is clamped exactly between the respective fork end member and the respective locking nut to prevent each of the axle pegs from being rotatable freely on the axle to ensure the safety of a user who treads the axle pegs. |
| US07641211B2 |
Apparatus for transporting an invalid
A transportation apparatus includes a backrest and leg support pivotably connected to a seat portion. The seat portion is slidably connected to first and second spaced apart slide rails. Each slide rail includes a plurality of telescoping members. At least one middle leg and at least one rear leg depends downwardly from the seat portion. At least one middle wheel is connected to the middle leg and at least one rear wheel is connected to the rear leg. The middle wheel and rear wheel define a middle and rear rotation axes, respectively. At least one front wheel is operatively connected to the leg support. The middle leg is movable to adjust the vertical position of the middle wheel, and the rear leg is movable to adjust the vertical position of the rear wheel. The plurality of telescoping members slide the seat portion in a substantially horizontal direction in relation to the rear rotation axis or the middle rotation axis. |
| US07641203B1 |
Triple-blade ice skating footwear and associated method
A multi-blade ice-skate footwear includes a foot-retaining section with a substantially planar bottom surface, a first blade adjustably connected to an anterior portion of the bottom surface, and second and third blades adjustably connected to a posterior portion of the bottom surface and spaced from the first blade respectively. The ice-skate footwear includes a mechanism for selectively biasing the first blade along a first reciprocating linear path while simultaneously biasing the second and third blades along second and third reciprocating linear paths respectively. |
| US07641200B2 |
Variable clearance packing ring arrangement
Disclosed is a variable clearance packing ring arrangement including a packing ring, wherein the packing ring includes a sealing face. The variable clearance packing ring arrangement also includes an actuating arrangement internal to the packing ring. |
| US07641198B2 |
Method for adding qualifier to casino games
An improvement to two groups of wagering games with at least one player hand and a dealer hand. In one group, the gaming pieces in a hand are divided into two or more sub-hands. In the other group the games include a Reverse Bet and/or a Push Bet. Games may be in both groups. In the improved versions of these games, at least one type of wager has a minimum hand value, known as a qualifier. When a pre-specified hand has that hand value or higher, one method of settling wagers is used. Otherwise, a different method is used for settling at least one type of wager. Introducing this qualifier allows a casino to adjust the advantage for the dealer, making several desirable options practical for these games. |
| US07641196B2 |
Board game
A game and method including providing a game board having a plurality of nodes, a source node for each player and a plurality of playing pieces. Each piece has multiple states and represents each state. The game is played by starting the playing pieces via a single starting position, and moving the pieces by each player, in turn, by having one of the player's pieces act on another of the player's own pieces, a piece of another player, or an empty node according to its predetermined movement abilities and then removing the acting piece. The player backfills the empty node with another piece linked to the emptied node, and continuing to the player's source node. Finally a new piece is placed on the source node in any chosen state. Play continues until one player removes a piece from another player's source node. |
| US07641193B2 |
Sheet bending
Various apparatus and methods for bending a sheet of media are disclosed. |
| US07641192B2 |
Sheet feeder and process of feeding sheet
A sheet feeder including: (a) a pair of feed rollers operable to have a plurality of successive rotational motions, so as to be rotated by a predetermined amount in each one of the successive rotational motions, for thereby causing a sheet nipped between the pair of feed rollers, to be fed along a feed path by a desired distance as a result of the each one of the successive rotational motions; (b) a back-tension applier disposed in the feed path, and configured to apply a back tension to the sheet that is fed along the feed path; and (c) a motion controller configured to control the successive rotational motions of the feed rollers, and to command the feed rollers to be rotated by a compensated amount that includes a supplementary amount in addition to the predetermined amount, in each of at least one of the successive rotational motions. Also disclosed is a process of feeding a sheet, by using the sheet feeder. |
| US07641190B2 |
Medium tray and image recording apparatus using the same
A medium tray (101) comprises a medium support (1) connected to a medium feeding section (100) of an image recording apparatus (200) and receiving record medium (P), and a medium guide (5) extending from the medium support (1) and supporting the record medium (P) such that an angle of a rear portion of the record medium (P) is changed. A lengthy record medium (P) having a length greater than the medium support (1) is supported by the medium guide (5) with the rear portion thereof directed at a different angle so that the length record medium (P) is loaded in the medium tray (101) without enlarging an area projecting from the image recording apparatus (200). |
| US07641189B2 |
Sheet feeder and image forming apparatus with cooperating supply tray pressing plate and sheet separation element
A sheet feeder feeds a sheet to an image forming unit. The sheet feeder can include a supply tray that holds a stack of sheets, a separation element disposed at an end of the supply tray, and configured to contact and apply a resistive force to a sheet in the stack, and a separation roller disposed facing the separation element, and configured to rotate, contact and apply a feeding force to an uppermost sheet in the stack. The sheet feeder may also include a pressing plate pivotally attached to the supply tray at an end remote from the separation element, and configured to move toward the separation element as a number of sheets in the stack decreases, and a pressure applying element that increases a contact surface pressure between the separation element and the uppermost sheet in response to the pressing plate moving toward the separation element. |
| US07641188B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
Sheets fed out of a cassette supporting the sheets by a pickup roller are separated and fed by a sheet separation feeding unit having a feed roller and a separating roller which is rotatable in a direction opposite to a sheet feeding direction. A charge eliminating mechanism for eliminating charges of the separating roller is arranged on the upstream side in the sheet feeding direction in a separation nip portion between the feed roller and the separating roller. |
| US07641183B2 |
Bar clamp with side-activated braking lever
A clamp that includes a first clamping jaw, a support element to which the first clamping jaw is attached and a clamp body having a first slot through which the support element passes along a first direction and an opening that faces in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A handle grip attached to the clamp body, a braking lever and a brake actuator that contacts the braking lever and includes an engagement element that extends through the opening. |
| US07641178B2 |
Column block system
A system of blocks is configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a columnar structure. Each block has four faces and all four faces may generally have the same dimensions. The width of the blocks may generally be about twice their height. The faces of the block also may contain a slot to add an aesthetic appearance to the column. The blocks have certain constructions features that mate with specially constructed brackets in attaching a fence panel to the completed column.The blocks have interlocking elements or projections that permit positive connection between courses of blocks. Projections of one block extend into the core another block. Adjacent blocks can be rotated 90 degrees relative to each other about a vertical axis of each block with each course. The blocks can be used to construct a column that is easy to install and structurally sound. |
| US07641172B2 |
Actuator installation bracket, and valve actuator assembly and fluid shutoff system employing the same
An actuator installation bracket is provided for a water shutoff system including a water line, a shutoff valve having a stem, and an actuator. The actuator includes a housing having first and second ends, sides, and a pivotable actuating member. The actuator installation bracket includes a first mounting portion having first and second ends and a base portion extending therebetween. The base portion includes a number of apertures and receives the actuator. A second mounting portion extends outwardly from the base portion and is coupled to one of the water line and the shutoff valve, in order that the pivotable actuating member of the actuator is aligned with a corresponding one of the apertures of the base portion and with the stem of the shutoff valve. A key couples the pivotable actuating member to the shutoff valve stem to open and close the shutoff valve. |
| US07641171B2 |
Fluid control valve
An object of the present invention is to obtain a quick-response fluid control valve.A fluid control valve includes a pressure chamber including an output port; an air supply nozzle and an air exhaust nozzle which are communicatively connected to the pressure chamber and positioned on a common straight line; a flapper assembly which is movable between the air supply nozzle and the air exhaust nozzle and includes a pair of opening/closing control surfaces that face an opening end of the air supply nozzle and an opening end of the air exhaust nozzle, respectively; and a flapper-assembly moving mechanism which moves the flapper assembly so that a distance between the opening end of the air supply nozzle and one of the pair of opening/closing control surfaces increases while a distance between the opening end of the air exhaust nozzle and the other of the pair of opening/closing control surfaces decreases. |
| US07641170B2 |
Pinch faucet
The present invention provides a faucet for tapping a liquid stored under pressure of a gas in a container that has less moving parts subject to wear or breakage, and has a housing made of multiple parts which can be disassembled so the faucet mechanism can be easily cleaned, repaired, or replaced. The faucet mechanism contains a piece of flexible tubing and an arrangement of a pinch roller valve mechanism that compresses the flexible tubing to shut off flow of liquid through the tubing. In one arrangement of the present invention, since the housing does not move and does not come in contact with the beverage being poured, the housing is made of a non-metallic material, such as a plastic or petroleum-based material, which is less expensive than the previous brass or stainless steel housing. |
| US07641167B2 |
Portable item holder, display device, and aromatic device
An item holder mountable by suction on a mounting surface including a deformable and transparent body. The body includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a periphery extending around the body and surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface. The body further includes a compartment having an opening adjacent the periphery and extending between the inner and outer surfaces for removably holding an item. The body is deformable from an undeformed shape to an actuated shape to mount the holder on the mounting surface by positioning the inner surface of the body adjacent the mounting surface when the body is undeformed thereby forming a cavity between the body and the mounting surface and deforming the body to its actuated shape thereby sealing the body against the mounting surface and forcing fluid out of the cavity to create a suction between the body and the mounting surface. |
| US07641165B2 |
Adjustable rotation base
An adjustable rotation base includes a base housing and a transportation arrangement. The base housing has a bottom side, an upper side for coupling with the supporting post to support the outer umbrella in an upright manner, and a receiving cavity indently formed on the bottom side of the base housing, wherein the base housing includes a stationary unit provided at the bottom side for sitting on the ground surface in a stationary manner, and a plurality of transferring wheels rotatably supported at the bottom side of the base housing. The transportation arrangement is provided at the base housing to operate the base housing between an idle mode and a transportation mode in which the stationary unit is upwardly lifted to allow the transferring wheels being sitting on the ground surface, such that the base housing is adapted to be transported on the ground surface via the transferring wheels. |
| US07641163B2 |
Tilt mounting system
An improved adjustable mounting system for mounting a flat panel display to a surface. A mounting bracket is configured to attach to the surface, while an adapter bracket is operatively connected to the mounting bracket and is configured to operatively connect to the flat panel display. At least one carrier mechanism operatively connects the mounting bracket and the adapter bracket, the first carrier mechanism positioned with a set of substantially straight guide paths or surfaces to couple the adapter bracket to the mounting bracket. When the flat panel display is operatively connected to the adapter bracket and the mounting bracket is attached to the surface, the flat panel display is generally selectively rotatably positionable about an axis substantially parallel to the surface as a result of the interaction of the first carrier mechanism with the set of substantially straight guide paths or surfaces. |
| US07641162B2 |
Adjustable support arm assembly
An adjustable support arm assembly includes a holder frame affixed to a support, a mounting frame for supporting an object, and a coupling structure coupled between the holder frame and the mounting frame. The coupling structure comprises a female coupling member, a male coupling member inserted into the female coupling member, a polygonal shaft with a peripherally toothed head inserted through the female coupling member and the male coupling member and movable between a locking position to lock the female coupling member to the male coupling member and an unlocking position for allowing turning of the female coupling member about the polygonal shaft relative to the male coupling member, and a compression spring that supports the polygonal shaft in the locking position. |
| US07641161B2 |
Bathroom accessory mounting assembly and method of mounting
A bathroom accessory mounting assembly and method of mounting are provided. The mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket, fastener, flange and post. The mounting bracket includes an axially extending body portion that receives the post. The mounting bracket includes a snap flange that cooperates with the post to secure the post to the mounting bracket. |
| US07641160B2 |
Tripod stabilizer and lighted lens carousel
An apparatus that is adapted to reduce wobble in a tripod that is used to hold an optical instrument, includes a triangular shaped base plate that includes an attachment to each leg of the tripod. The base plate includes slots at each corner or apex thereof that provides for an adjustment range sufficient for most types of tripods. A member that is attached to each leg of the tripod is attached to each corner of the base plate. A lighted carousel that includes a battery operated light and is adapted to hold a plurality of lenses is disposed above the base plate. According to a modification, the slots are eliminated from the base plate and an adjustment bar having a slot therein is attached at one end to a modified base plate and, at a remaining end, to a member that is attached to each of the legs of the tripod. |
| US07641159B2 |
Display unit for vehicles equipped with rear seat entertainment system
A display unit for vehicles equipped with a rear seat entertainment (RSE) system includes: a monitor foldably mounted to an upper portion of a console box and configured to pivot about a hinge shaft; a monitor base having a fixing button mounted thereon so as to allow the monitor to pivot to open and closed positions; a return spring mounted around the hinge shaft; a gear box mounted such that a front portion thereof is directed toward a rear portion of the console box, the gear box being connected at an upper end portion thereof to a lower end portion of the monitor; a plurality of gears mounted inside the gear box in such a fashion as to engage with one another; and a vertical gear disposed vertically in the console box so as to engage with one of the plurality of gears. |
| US07641156B2 |
Portable drink stand
The present invention is a portable stand that generally comprises of an upper telescopic pipe, a lower telescopic pipe that is movably inserted into the upper telescopic pipe to form a longitudinal shaft, a plurality of expandable legs at the bottom of the longitudinal shaft with a leaf spring mechanism, a round plate holder, a bottle holder, a v-shaped plate holder, a flower vase, umbrella stand, a box for magnetic compass or LED light, a knickknack pouch and a beverage holder. The longitudinal shaft of the portable stand is adjusted for a desired height. A controller knob is slid up and down, to fold and expand the expandable legs at the bottom of the longitudinal shaft to a desired angle. Various attachments are attached onto the longitudinal shaft depending on the need. |
| US07641154B2 |
Device for holding trash bags open
Devices for maintaining the mouth of a bag in an open condition. The device may comprise a housing with a cavity and at least one opening, and at least one support band which is at least partially positioned in the cavity, wherein a first end of the at least one support band is located in the cavity and at least a portion of the at least one support band extends exterior of the housing, and the at least one support band has at least two positions relative to the housing, a retracted condition in which a majority of the at least one support band is positioned in the cavity and an extended condition in which less than a majority of the at least one support band is located exterior to the cavity. |
| US07641152B2 |
Dynamic adjustment of wing surfaces for variable camber
The movable surfaces affecting the camber of a wing are dynamically adjusted to optimize wing camber for optimum lift/drag ratios under changing conditions during a given flight phase. In a preferred embodiment, an add-on dynamic adjustment control module provides command signals for optimum positioning of trailing edge movable surfaces, i.e., inboard flaps, outboard flaps, ailerons, and flaperons, which are used in place of the predetermined positions of the standard flight control system. The dynamic adjustment control module utilizes inputs of changing aircraft conditions such as altitude, Mach number, weight, center of gravity, vertical speed and flight phase. The dynamic adjustment control module's commands for repositioning the movable surfaces of the wing are transmitted through the standard flight control system to actuators for moving the flight control surfaces. |
| US07641147B2 |
Airplane wing, method for manufacturing an airplane wing and use of a welding process for welding a wing spar
An airplane wing has a lower wing cover, an upper wing cover and a wing spar. A first end portion of the wing spar is welded to the lower wing cover and/or a second end portion of the wing spar is welded to the upper wing cover. |
| US07641145B2 |
Apparatus for moving a control surface
An apparatus for use in moving a control surface during operation of an aircraft includes a flexible drive shaft to be connected with an actuator assembly by a coupling assembly. Operation of the actuator assembly operates a force transmission apparatus to move a control surface on an aircraft. The coupling assembly includes an input member connected with the flexible drive shaft and an output member which may be connected with the actuator assembly. A plurality of balls interconnect the input and output members and are rotatable to accommodate relative movement between the input and output members. |
| US07641144B2 |
Cross-flow fan propulsion system
A cross-flow propulsion mechanism for use in providing propulsion to an aircraft, includes a housing defining an inlet, a rotor compartment, and an outlet. The inlet is adapted to receive an inflow of air along a first longitudinal axis. The rotor is mounted within the rotor compartment and adapted to receive the airflow introduced into the housing through the inlet and rotate about a second longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The outlet is adapted to receive the airflow processed through the rotor and exhaust air along a third longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The propulsion mechanism can be applied in a personal aircraft, an STOL aircraft, and a hybrid automobile and aircraft. |
| US07641142B2 |
Multiprocessing apparatus for forming logs of web material
A log multiprocessing apparatus winds a web material around a winding core to form a log. Once the log is about to be completed, the web material is severed to form a tail of the log, and a pattern including at least one glue layer is applied on the tail of the log. The log then is decelerated and the tail is pressed on the log to form a final sealed log of web material. |
| US07641129B2 |
Rail damper
A damper (18) for a rail (10), includes a deformable material (20) and an elongate resonant member (20, 24), the resonant member being of a stiff material as compared to the deformable material and being sized to exhibit a resonant frequency in the range of vibration frequencies of the rail, wherein the resonant member includes a clip (26) extending therefrom so as to retain the resonant member and the deformable material in place on the rail. The clip preferably extends laterally of the resonant member to grip the underside of the rail. The clip can have an engagement formation on the end thereof, to engage with a like formation of a further damper located on the opposing side of the rail. |
| US07641126B2 |
Controller system user interface
A thermostat system having dedicated informational regions in a display and associated buttons or softkeys for sequential operation. The system may maximize utilization of a sectioned display and buttons for system navigation. The informational, selection and/or action design takes into consideration operational button groupings for straightforward comfort settings as well as editing of the clock, day-of-week, schedules, and so forth. Sections, regions or areas of the display may indicate immediate button operations. The changeable information in the regions associated with the softkeys or buttons may provide sequential operation of the thermostat system. The system may have multiple schedules and setpoints for heating and cooling comfort setting flexibility. A combining of individual schedules may be automatically selected. Also, there may be a system switch mode, for example, between heat and cool, where the schedules may be individually edited. Scheduling may be informational and/or action item and option key driven. |
| US07641125B2 |
Variable air volume ceiling diffuser
A variable air volume ceiling diffuser includes a damper that is raised and lowered by a linkage that is controlled by a duct temperature sensor/actuator and one or more room temperature sensors/actuators. The linkage includes a heating slide movable for the heating mode and a cooling slide movable for the cooling mode. The duct temperature sensor/actuator selects the heating slide for movement by the room temperature sensors/actuators in the heating mode and selects the cooling slide for movement by the room temperature sensors/actuators in the cooling mode. The differential movement between the heating and cooling slides moves a roller that engages a profiled cam surface attached to two lever arms. As the roller moves along the cam surface, the lever arms pivot about their axis of rotation so that the damper moves upward to close the air inlet and downward to open the air inlet. |
| US07641115B2 |
Type-specific sticker
A method of generating an association between a sticker and an object of an object type, the sticker having disposed therein or thereon coded data at least partially indicative of a sticker identity and the object type, the method including, in a computer system: receiving indicating data from a sensing device, the indicating data being at least partially indicative of the identity of the sticker and the object type, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the sticker, being responsive to sense at least some of the coded data and generate the indicating data using the sensed coded data; identifying, using the indicating data, the identity of the sticker, the object type and the object of the object type; and, generating an association based at least partially on the sticker identity and the object. |
| US07641109B2 |
Money transfer cards, systems and methods
The present invention provides systems and methods to initiate, facilitate, process and/or perform money transfers. One such method includes establishing a money transfer record (310) and receiving, from a vendor location, a money transfer activation request (320) associated with the money transfer record. The method includes receiving a fulfillment request (330) associated with the money transfer record, collecting a customer data set, and authorizing a money transfer (340) associated with the money transfer record. The money transfer is facilitated by the creation of a money transfer record, which may occur prior to the money transfer activation request. The customer then can initiate the money transfer while at the vendor location using, for example, money transfer cards available for purchase from the vendor. |
| US07641105B2 |
Cash dispensing automated banking machine with improved unauthorized observation prevention capabilities
An automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (15). The automated banking machine (10) may include a concealment device (350) carried on the fascia to limit the viewing of inputs made to a user input device such as a keypad (18). |
| US07641099B2 |
Solder joint determination method, solder inspection method, and solder inspection device
A solder joint determination method is disclosed that is able to inspect a joint portion between an electrode and a soldered portion and determine a soldering condition of the joint portion reliably with high precision. The method includes the steps of: scanning a surface of the electrode with the light beam; detecting a height of the electrode relative to the circuit board from data of the scanning of the electrode; scanning a surface of the solder near the electrode with the light beam; detecting a height of the solder relative to the circuit board from data of the scanning of the solder; and determining the solder joint condition between the electronic part and the solder based on the height of the electrode and the height of the solder relative to the circuit board. |
| US07641098B2 |
Continuous welding machine for welding a pipe blank
A continuous welding machine (1) for welding facing sides of a pipe blank (15) bent from a material blank is provided, having a guide strut (2) for guiding the sides of the blank (15) to be welded to each other in the direction toward a welding device (3). Pipe guides (4, 5) arranged about a periphery of the guide track designed for the pipe blank (15). For the continuous welding machine (1) according to the invention, the pipe guides (4, 5) and the guide strut (2) are adjustable in the radial direction relative to a guide axis (7) for adapting to different pipe diameters, and the guide tracks (8, 9) of the guide strut (2) allocated to the sides of the pipe blank (15) to be welded and also arranged on opposite sides of the guide strut (2) are arranged at an angle to each other in a plane extending through the guide axis (7). With the help of the continuous welding machine according to the invention, selected pipes with different pipe diameters can be produced alternately. |
| US07641097B2 |
Moveable arm assembly for a wire bonder
A wire bonding machine includes a moveable arm assembly and at least one component for a ball bonding operation of the wire bonding machine supported by the moveable arm assembly. The moveable arm assembly is configured to move between a ball bonding position and a wedge bonding position. When the moveable arm assembly is in the ball bonding position the at least one component for the ball bonding operation is in a predetermined position for use in the ball bonding operation. |
| US07641096B2 |
Friction stir welding apparatus
A friction stir welding apparatus has a novel tool-in-tool construction where a friction stir welding pin tool extends through a center bore of a friction stir welding shoulder tool and is moveable axially and rotationally relative to the shoulder tool. The pin tool and shoulder tool both have their own dedicated tool holders and spindles that enable the tools to rotate and move axially relative to each other and enable easy replacement of each of the tools. |
| US07641095B2 |
Staple driver for articulating surgical stapler
An articulating surgical instrument is provided including a handle, an articulating portion extending distally of the handle and an end effector positioned on a distal end of the articulating portion. A flexible drive band is provided for movement through the articulating portion and end effector. The flexible drive band includes a first portion having a first height and the second portion having a second height greater than the first height. The difference in heights being sufficient to eject staples from a body portion of the end effector into an anvil member of the end effector. An actuation mechanism is provided for drawing the flexible drive band through the articulating surgical instrument. |
| US07641094B2 |
Apparatus and method for surgical fastening
Apparatus and method for applying fasteners during endoscopic surgery. The apparatus vertically stacks fasteners in a fastener applicator which is detachable and replaceable from a handle portion by a rotational locking system. The fasteners are applied by moving them to a driving channel by a biased fastener positioning spring as a slide is retracted; the slide is then advanced until it engages a fastener in the driving channel and drives the fastener over an anvil. During advancement of the slide a biased stop spring is forced back into a recess thereby allowing the next fastener to move forward in the storage channel; the slide is then retracted, freeing biased ejector springs to kick the formed fastener off the anvil; finally the slide is further retracted, until the fastener positioning spring is once again free to move the distal-most fastener from the storage channel into the driving channel. |
| US07641093B2 |
Surgical stapling instrument having an electroactive polymer actuated single lockout mechanism for prevention of firing
A surgical instrument includes an E-beam firing bar engages the channel and selectively engages the anvil during distal firing movements, wherein the tissue is severed and stapled driven upward from the staple cartridge to form against the anvil. In particular, a wedge integral to the staple cartridge is driven distally by a middle pin of the firing bar to effect stapling. A single lockout of the staple channel responds to the presence of the wedge sled in its unfired position to allow the firing bar to fire. Otherwise, the single lockout prevents firing when the staple cartridge is missing or spent. Further, some versions include an Electroactive Polymer (EAP) actuator that presents an abutting surface, or acts as a trapdoor to a ramped recess in a staple channel to block the firing bar, as an active approach to preventing firing for one or more conditions. |
| US07641091B2 |
Staple drive assembly
A staple drive assembly includes an actuation sled and at least one staple pusher. The staple drive assembly is adapted to fit within a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples and a corresponding number of retention slots. The at least one staple pusher includes at least one pusher plate for releasably engaging a backspan of a staple. The staple pusher may include a plurality of pusher plates that may be laterally and longitudinally spaced apart. An actuation member has at least one angled camming surface for engaging a complimentary angled surface of the at least one staple pusher. Camming engagement between the actuation member and the at least one staple pusher causes vertical movement of the at least one staple pusher. Lateral and longitudinal offset of the actuation member camming surfaces and the corresponding staple pusher following surfaces improves stability and control of the staple pusher during firing. |
| US07641090B2 |
Quick-releasable nail output nozzle for nail gun
A quick-releasable nail output nozzle for a nail gun includes a nozzle base, which is affixed to a nail outlet port of a nail magazine and has a nail output groove on the front side for guiding out a bar of nails, two side wings, and two hooks spaced below the side wings. A nozzle cover is covered on the front side of the nozzle base and has two flanges with protruding blocks respectively hooked on the back side of the side wings of the nozzle base. A locking lever is pivoted to the nozzle cover. A hook rod is pivoted to the locking lever for hooking up with the hooks of the nozzle base by means of the control of the locking lever. |
| US07641085B2 |
Combination umbrella, support and method of use
An umbrella support device includes a halter strap formed as a loop having a connection point formed thereon for attachment to a belt, an umbrella cup attached to the halter strap proximate to the connection point for receiving an umbrella handle therein, and an umbrella stabilizer attached to the halter strap at a point furthest from the umbrella cup for accommodating an umbrella pole therethrough. A method of donning the umbrella support device includes placing the halter strap over a user's first shoulder, placing the halter strap over the user's second shoulder, such that the halter strap extends behind the user's neck, in front of the user's shoulders, under the user's arms and across the user's back, and orienting the halter strap such that the umbrella cup is approximately centered across the user's back and the umbrella stabilizer is approximately centered behind the user's neck. |
| US07641083B2 |
Garment hanger with top sizer
A garment hanger for use with a top sizer clip that has locking tabs formed along an interior thereof includes a body having a hook member including a web portion and a platform extending at least partially around the web portion. The web portion has a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a pair of locking apertures for receiving the locking tabs to securely attach the top sizer clip to hanger. The web portion has at least one beveled cam surface that includes a first edge that defines an entrance into an adjacent locking aperture and an opposite second edge that interfaces with the first surface for allowing the top sizer clip to be moved to an unlocking position. |
| US07641077B2 |
Pump dispensers
Certain pump dispensers, for example foam dispensers, are specially adapted for inverted use. One feature especially useful in a foam dispenser having both an air cylinder and a liquid cylinder with respective pistons is an intake conduit arrangement to increase the clearance of liquid from the container. An intermediate shell fits over the upright liquid cylinder body and carries an inlet valve positively urged upward to the closed position to prevent leaking. A conduit shell fits over the intermediate shell and creates an intake conduit extending down the side of the liquid cylinder to an intake opening lower down the pump body. |
| US07641074B2 |
Multiple flow circuits for a product dispenser
A flow circuit connector provides the capability to change the flow paths of a product valve in a beverage dispenser. The flow circuit connector includes a first member that connects two unconnected flow paths, and a second member that stops the flow of fluid within the flow paths not being utilized. In a first embodiment, the flow circuit connector allows an operator to select between two diluent flow paths representing either a chilled diluent or a chilled and carbonated diluent. Configuration may be accomplished on location, and is not a permanent rerouting. In a second embodiment, the beverage dispenser further includes an ambient flow circuit and additional flow circuit connector components as required to complete or cap any exposed flow circuits. In a third embodiment, the beverage dispenser includes at least two product flow circuits representing the delivery of ambient product or a conditioned product. |
| US07641072B1 |
Theft deterrent system
Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent cabinets for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. |
| US07641071B2 |
Fastening structure of clean container
A fastening structure of a clean container is combined on a cover of the clean container with a dismountable fastener member, such that the cover is closed or opened on a base of the clean container. The fastener member includes a body, a positioning portion, and an elastic fastening arm, that are one-piece formed. The positioning portion extends from one side of the body to form a flat spring. A flange is formed on the flat spring to fasten the fastener member on the cover. The elastic fastening arm has an elastic arm, and a lateral flange is formed on one end of the elastic arm, and extends into the base to be buckled. The fastener member further includes an elastic auxiliary arm formed between the elastic arm and the body, so as to increase an elastic strength of the elastic fastening arm. |
| US07641065B2 |
Canteen
A canteen is composed of a main body, a cover, a control unit, a valve and an annular blocker. The cover is engaged with the main body, having a jointing tube protruding into the main body and two notches cut in the jointing tube. The control unit is fixed on the cover, having a jointing portion, two grooves formed in the jointing portion and reversely shaped to correspond to the notches of the cover, and a sucker bored with an outlet. The valve is installed in the control unit, having a bar to correspond to the outlet, and a guiding rod transversely extended out from its bottom to extend through the grooves and the notches of the cover. When rotating the control unit, the valve is moved up and down to be separated from or to clog the outlet, convenient for using and preventing the suction portion from contaminated. |
| US07641064B2 |
Child-resistant squeeze-and-turn closure and container package
A child-resistant package includes a container having a finish with at least one external thread, at least one axial lug on a shoulder spaced from the thread and an external abutment on the finish adjacent to the lug. A closure of integrally molded plastic construction includes a base wall, a peripheral outer wall, and an inner wall spaced from the outer wall and having at least one internal thread for securement to the container finish. The outer wall has diametrically opposed gaps, and the inner wall extends axially in radial alignment with the gaps for circumferential abutment with the at least one lug on the container. The inner wall is flexible inwardly for clearing the lug between the lug and the external abutment, and for permitting removal of the closure from the container finish. The external abutment preferably is in the form of an external bead that extends circumferentially around the finish in alignment with an edge of the lug. |
| US07641057B2 |
Adjustable shelving system
A shelving system includes an elongated mounting member operationally securable to an associated shelf. The mounting member includes an approximately vertically oriented wall, and an approximately horizontally oriented wall. A track is received on said mounting member in a sliding manner. The track extends approximately transversely to a longitudinal axis of the associated shelf. The track includes an elongated rail extending longitudinally along the track, and a pusher slidably mounted in relation to the rail. A divider is received on the mounting member in a non-sliding manner, wherein the divider extends approximately transversely to the longitudinal axis of the associated shelf. The divider is spaced from the track. |
| US07641055B2 |
Polysulfone and poly(N-vinyl lactam) polymer alloy and fiber and filter materials made of the alloy
A polymer alloy has been developed comprising a polysulfone and a vinyl lactam polymer. The resulting alloy has excellent thermal characteristics and even in the presence of substantial quantities in vinyl lactam polymers, has solvent resistance to both organic and aqueous solvent materials. The materials, when dissolved in solvents, can be spun from a variety of solvents into a variety of useful fiber materials. The resulting fine fiber, microfiber and nanofiber materials have excellent thermal and chemical resistance for a variety of fiber applications. The polymer alloys of the invention can be spun into nanofiber mats that can act as a filtration media and can also be combined into conventional substrate materials for fabrication into filter structures. |
| US07641048B1 |
Toolbox assembly
A toolbox assembly includes a toolbox casing and at least one auxiliary plate. The toolbox casing has at least one surface recess including a mounting segment defined in a front face and a fixing segment defined in a side face. The mounting segment has at least one slot. The at least one auxiliary plate has a first portion corresponding to the mounting segment and a second portion corresponding to the fixing segment. The first portion has at least one flange extended from an outer peripheral thereof and corresponding to the at least one slot. The at least one flange engages with the at least one slot. The first and second portion respectively and tightly fit within the mounting and fixing segment for protecting the toolbox assembly. |
| US07641045B2 |
Top plate conveyor device
A top plate conveyor device, in which vibrations and noises are reduced, and the structure is simple and the production assembly and handling are easy. Top plates 110 are removably provided on a rubber toothed belt 120 by engagement members 111 provided on the back surfaces of the top plates 110, and engagement members 111 include sandwiching portions 112 which sandwich the toothed belt 120 from both outer sides in the width direction and terminate in pawl portions 113, which snap-connect the top plates to the toothed belt 120. |
| US07641041B1 |
Conveying device
A conveying device comprises a body in which a power source and two scroll wheels of the same diameter and rotating synchronously are disposed. Each scroll wheel is wound with an elongated elastic extension plate having rigidity, and one end of each elastic extension plate extends out of the body. When in use, the power source is used to drive the two scroll wheel to rotate synchronously, so as to drive the elastic extension plates of the two scroll wheels to synchronously extend out of or retract in the body. When the ends of the two elastic extension plates extended out of the body are assembled with a clamp or a loading seat, thereby, the conveying operation can be carried out. |
| US07641040B2 |
Textile separating apparatus
A textile separating apparatus may include a textile collection area for supporting the pile of textile items, and a transport mechanism having an inclined face intersecting the pile of textile items. One or more pick members may project from the face of the transport mechanism, and may successively separate and carry individual textile items from the pile of textile items towards a textile receiving area. |
| US07641037B2 |
Bill handling apparatus
A bill handling apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention has a bill insertion slot into which a bill is inserted, a bill feeding mechanism for feeding the bill inserted from the bill insertion slot, a sensor for reading the fed bill, and a bill identifying section for identifying authentication of the bill read by the sensor, a sensor board on which the sensor is installed, and a control board for controlling each operation of the bill feeding mechanism, the sensor and the bill identifying section. The bill handling apparatus further has a first connector installed on the sensor board, and a second connector installed on the control board, and the first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other for electrical continuity. |
| US07641029B2 |
Annular groove monotube piston with non-symmetrical band
A piston assembly for a monotube shock absorber includes a piston body with a non-symmetrical outer band that provides a bearing surface against a shock tube wall. The outer band defines a first diameter that is a maximum outer diameter of the piston assembly. The piston body also includes an outer surface portion that is defined by a second diameter less than the first diameter, and which comprises a non-contact surface. The outer band extends in a serpentine manner about an outer circumference of the piston body such that recesses are formed between the shock tube wall and the non-contact surface. Side ports are located within these recesses to allow a blow-off area to be increased by incorporating annular lands into the piston assembly. |
| US07641028B2 |
Integrated and self-contained suspension assembly having an on-the-fly adjustable air spring
An integrated and self-contained suspension assembly having a gas spring integrated with a shock absorber (damper) is described. The rigid gas cylinder of the air spring is divided into a first gas chamber and a second gas chamber. A flow port connects the first and second gas chambers, and can be manually opened or closed by valve and a simple one-quarter turn rotation of an external knob to instantly switch the gas spring between two different spring rates. The different spring rates are functions of the separate or combined volumes of the two gas chambers. The integrated suspension assembly is compactly packaged and self-contained, i.e., does not require any externalities, such as gas sources or electricity, to operate. |
| US07641023B2 |
Mechanism generating at least one type of sonority
The invention concerns a sound generator mechanism including a control member (10) and a mechanism (14) for locking/unlocking the control member (10), the control member (10) being able to move between a first position in which the control member is held by the locking/unlocking member (14) and in which it holds the vibrating member (12) away from the rest position thereof, and a second position wherein the control member is released by the locking/unlocking mechanism (14) and wherein it simultaneously releases the vibrating member (12), which starts to vibrate and to produce a sound. |
| US07641022B2 |
Motor-driven power steering unit support structure
To provide a motor-driven power steering unit support structure that can absorb mounting errors of a steering shaft. A vehicle includes a steering shaft rotatably supported on a vehicle body frame. A steering bar handle is attached to the upper end of the steering shaft. A motor-driven power steering unit is mounted onto the lower end of the steering shaft, and the vehicle includes at least two front wheels. The motor-driven power steering unit is supported on the vehicle body frame from the vehicle width direction. A front support member and a rear support member for supporting the motor-driven power steering unit are provided in the vehicle body frame on the front and rear sides, with the steering shaft therebetween. |
| US07641018B2 |
Control strategy for DC emergency direct current motor for an emergency hydraulic pump
A control system for a hybrid-vehicle equipped with power takeoff equipment provides control over primary and redundant, relatively low output systems so that the redundant system is not damaged by concurrent operation of the primary system. |
| US07641017B2 |
Fuel cell vehicle
A fuel cell vehicle includes a vehicle body having a floor frame; a fuel cell that generates electricity by the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen; and a subframe on which the fuel cell is mounted, being attached to the lower side of the floor frame and has a pair of side frames that extend in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle body, wherein the bottom end of the fuel cell disposed at a position between the upper end and the lower end of the subframe. |
| US07641011B2 |
Pallet jack having width-adjustable fork prongs
A pallet jack includes a frame and a pair of outwardly projecting load prongs connected to the frame. The proximal ends of the prongs are connected to a horizontal member on the rear of the frame by brackets that keep the prongs out of the frame proper. A threaded rod is mounted horizontally on the horizontal member and is threaded into the proximal end of each prong, with the two ends of the threaded rod having opposite hand threads. The threaded rod is rotated by a user turning a crank mounted on top of the frame and connected to the adjustment threaded rod by a chain drive, allowing the width between the prongs to be adjusted inwardly or outwardly. |
| US07641007B2 |
Dynamic blade distance ratio system and method
The blade ratio of an articulated work vehicle with multiple tracks is adjusted by shifting a load from the weight of the vehicle toward the front or rear of one or more of the tracks. The load may be shifted through the actuation of a hydraulic cylinder that applies a biasing load between a frame on which a track frame is mounted and a front or rear portion of the track frame. |
| US07641006B2 |
Military vehicle with electric drive running gear system
A military vehicle, e.g., tank, that includes a turret, a gun mounted on the turret, a plurality of belts, wherein each of the plurality of belts encompass a front wheel and a rear wheel to provide a positive belt drive system for rotating the belt, at least one suspension system for absorbing load stresses, each suspension system having a suspension cylinder that is operatively and pivotably mounted to a military vehicle frame pivot on a main frame of the military vehicle, at least one belt tensioning system for maintaining tension on the plurality of belts, by moving the axle of the at least one of the front wheel or the rear wheel in a horizontal direction, and at least one electric drive system that includes electric drive motors for rotation of the at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel and braking. |
| US07641004B2 |
Drill bit
A bit for drilling a hole. The bit includes a support member, the support member having a passageway extending substantially longitudinally therethrough; a substantially annular crown defining a crown distal end and a crown proximal end, a radially inwardly located crown inner surface and a radially outwardly located crown outer surface, the crown extending from the support member; a slot extending between the crown inner and outer surfaces from the crown distal end substantially longitudinally towards the crown proximal end, the slot defining a slot first side wall, a substantially circumferentially opposed slot second side wall and a slot proximal wall extending therebetween substantially opposed the crown distal end; and a reinforcing member extending substantially circumferentially across the slot between the slot first and second walls; wherein the slot includes a slot proximal segment extending between the reinforcing member and the slot proximal wall and a slot distal segment extending between the reinforcing member and the crown distal end. |
| US07641000B2 |
System for directional boring including a drilling head with overrunning clutch and method of boring
A drilling system including a drill head configured to couple to a drill string. The drill head including an offset adapter, a one-way clutch, and a drill bit. The drill head being configured to provide straight drilling along a first axis, and deviated drilling along a second axis. The drilling system further including a gearbox configured to provide selective rotational operation corresponding to the straight drilling and the deviated drilling. The drilling system also including control systems to control the selected rotational operation of the gearbox. |
| US07640999B2 |
Coiled tubing and drilling system
A technique facilitates combined drilling and coiled tubing operations from a single bed of a rig. A mast is mounted to the bed, and a coiled tubing injector is connected to the mast. The coiled tubing injector is able to move coiled tubing into and out of a wellbore. A starter head also is mounted to the mast. The starter head is rotatable to make and break connections of tool string components. However, the starter head generally is rotationally stationary during drilling operations. |
| US07640997B2 |
Breaker tool with vibration damped handle device
A breaker tool has a chassis carrying a motor, an impact mechanism operating in a certain working direction, an enclosure rigidly connected to the chassis and surrounding at least the motor, and a handle device including two handles protruding from opposite sides of the enclosure and are vibration damped relative to the chassis via swing arms, where the swing arms are arranged to accomplish a flexible parallel movement providing coupling between the chassis and the handle device. The handle device includes a bridge to which the handles are secured. The swing arms are pivotally connected to the bridge via first pivots and to the chassis via second pivots, where at least one of the first and second pivots is a torsion pivot that provides a limited torsion damped oscillation of the bridge relative to the chassis in a direction substantially parallel with the working direction. |
| US07640996B2 |
Walking beam and tire system for an earthmoving scraping device
An earthmoving scraping device has a bowl-shaped frame with walls and a frame floor that define an interior for transporting material and a walking beam system for the rear wheels thereof that includes a suspension arm pivotally connected between the back end of the frame and a beam, the beam having first and second axles on separate sides of the beam. Connected to the axles is a tire system that includes a cylindrical metal rim with an outer surface and a plurality of solid tire segments, each of the tire segments having at least one track that is connected to a mounting plate, the mounting plates being circumferentially positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the rim. |
| US07640995B2 |
Seedbed conditioning vertical tillage apparatus
A method and apparatus for soil conditioning, the apparatus comprising a frame, a rotary harrow supported by the frame for engaging the soil and a plurality of disks supported by the frame and in front of the rotary harrow along the advancing direction for rotation about disk axis and for engaging soil below the frame, each disk including a scalloped peripheral edge that forms a plurality of teeth and a space between each two adjacent teeth. |
| US07640994B2 |
Arcuate aeration tine
A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil. |
| US07640993B2 |
Method of deploying and powering an electrically driven in a well
A system for installing a powered device in a downhole tube has a power line extending down a production tube and terminating in a power connector or contact. The powered device toolstring is down the tube and has a corresponding power connector or contact. The two connectors or contacts are aligned as the connector or contact of the line approaches the connector or contact of the tool. Then the two contacts are fitted together such that they make electrical connection when the powered device toolstring is located adjacent to the power connector or contact of the production tube. |
| US07640992B2 |
Throttle valve for injecting a fluid into geological formations
A throttle valve (10), in particular for injecting a fluid into a geological formation, is described, which comprises a valve body (10) having a piston chamber (11), an annular piston (20) having a fluid channel (21), which extends from a high-pressure side (H) to a low-pressure side (L) of the throttle valve, with the annular piston (20) being displaceable within the piston chamber (11) and the fluid channel (21) being transmissive or closed depending on the position of the annular piston (20) in the piston chamber (11), and a cover plate (12) which is provided on the high-pressure side of the valve body (10) and through which the fluid channel (21) protrudes from the high-pressure side piston chamber (11), wherein the fluid channel (21) is closed in axial direction with a sealing disk (22) which can be rested tightly on the cover plate (12) on the high-pressure side, and the fluid channel (21) has a radial throttle opening (23) adjacent to the sealing disk (22). A fluid injection device having such a throttle valve is also described. |
| US07640991B2 |
Downhole tool actuation apparatus and method
The present invention provides a ball seat apparatus for actuating a downhole component. The ball drop apparatus comprises a plurality of ball seat bores and at least one passage extending therethrough. |
| US07640985B2 |
Methods of directional drilling and forming kickoff plugs using self-degrading cement in subterranean well bores
Methods of drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation comprising placing a self-degrading kickoff plug or the like in the well bore are provided. An example of a method is a method comprising: providing a self-degrading cement composition that comprises a degradable material, an acid source, a base source, and a water source; placing the self-degrading cement composition in a desired location in a well bore that penetrates a subterranean formation; and allowing the self-degrading cement composition to set to form a hardened kickoff plug. |
| US07640984B2 |
Method for drilling and casing a wellbore with a pump down cement float
A cement float collar is disclosed that can be positioned downhole and used in a wellbore completion operation after drilling a wellbore with casing. A wellbore drilling and completion method is also disclosed. The cement float collar is made for pumping downhole and into engagement with a groove formed in the casing, called the profile nipple. As such, no restriction is needed in the casing for accepting or latching the float collar and the portion of casing including the groove can be installed at the start of the drilling operation. In addition, the profile nipple can be used to engage other drilling tools and, therefore, can already be in place when the final well depth (TD) is reached. |
| US07640978B2 |
Biogenic fuel gas generation in geologic hydrocarbon deposits
A method for stimulating methane production from a carbonaceous material is described. The methods may include the step of contacting the material with cells of a methanogenic consortium under anaerobic conditions to form a reaction mixture. The method may also include maintaining anaerobic conditions for a time sufficient to permit methanogenesis, and collecting methane from anaerobic water or head space of the reaction mixture. |
| US07640976B2 |
Method and apparatus for downhole tubular expansion
A method and apparatus for expanding tubulars are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for radially expanding a tubular in a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus includes an expansion swage. In addition, the apparatus includes at least one anchoring device for selective and releasable anchoring of selected parts of the apparatus to an inner surface of the tubular. The apparatus also includes a thruster providing a force for longitudinal movement of the expansion swage inside the tubular. Moreover, the apparatus includes a hydraulic valve for selective control of a flow of operating fluid to the thruster. The hydraulic valve includes a valve cylinder slidably positioned on a shaft and a position control device for selective and releasable securing a position of the valve cylinder on the shaft. The hydraulic valve also includes an elastic device for shifting the valve cylinder between two end positions. |
| US07640975B2 |
Flow control for increased permeability planes in unconsolidated formations
Flow control for increased permeability planes in unconsolidated formations. A well system includes a casing expansion device interconnected in a casing string for initiating an inclusion propagated into a formation surrounding the casing string. The device has at least one opening in a sidewall for fluid communication between the inclusion and an interior of the casing string. A flow control device is retrievably installed in the expansion device and controls flow between the formation and an interior of the casing string. A method of controlling flow of fluid between a formation and an interior of a casing string includes the steps of interconnecting a casing expansion device in the casing string; expanding the device to thereby initiate propagation of an inclusion into the formation; and installing a flow control device in the expansion device to thereby control flow between the inclusion and the casing string interior. |
| US07640973B2 |
Device for diversion of cavitation flowback
A diverter for containing and reducing the velocity of the particulate discharge from a well bore being subjected to the process of “cavitation.” The diverter has a generally conical hollow containment shell and an internal diverter assembly with replaceable wear parts wherein the flow is directed into a spiral path along the inner surface of the containment shell. The path of flow is such that the flow velocity is dissipated without impeding or obstructing the flow of particulates. Water can be injected into the flow to help prevent fine particulates from becoming airborne. |
| US07640971B2 |
Heat exchanger manifold sealing system
A heat exchanger manifold with improved sealing between the tank and header. The manifold includes a plastic heat exchanger tank having an opening for mating with a header and a lip extending substantially around a periphery of the opening. The lip has an outer surface and an upper surface extending outward of the tank opening, and a ridge extending upward from a portion of the upper surface extending substantially around the tank. The manifold further includes an aluminum heat exchanger header adapted to connect to a heat exchanger core. The header has a groove around the periphery thereof receiving the tank lip and a plurality of plastically deformable tabs extending from an edge of the groove. The tabs are bent inward and contact the ridge on the tank lip to secure the tank to the header. |
| US07640970B2 |
Evaporator using micro-channel tubes
An evaporator utilizes micro-channel tubes, and more particularly, has a structure of a heat exchanger using micro-channel tubes, which is applied to an evaporator of a household air conditioner. The evaporator, using micro-channel tubes, includes a first heat exchanging unit including a pair of upper and lower headers, and a plurality of the micro-channel tubes erected vertically between the headers so that condensed water flows downward, and a second heat exchanging unit, installed adjacent to the first heat exchanging unit, includes a pair of upper and lower headers, and a plurality of the micro-channel tubes erected vertically between the headers so that condensed water flows downward. A plurality of return pipes connect upper headers of neighboring heat exchanging units to transmit refrigerant between the neighboring heat exchanging units. |
| US07640966B2 |
Heat exchanger and cooling module having the same
An object of the invention is to provide a heat exchanger (radiator) or a cooling module having the radiator and a condenser, which has a higher rigidity against vibration in the vertical direction. To the end, the radiator or the cooling module is mounted to a vehicle by mounting brackets, which are fixed to the radiator tanks at their vertical ends. The mounting brackets have mounting pins, with which the radiator or the cooling module is mounted to the vehicle. |
| US07640964B2 |
Magnetic tilt and raise/lower mechanisms for a venetian blind
Magnetic tilt and raise/lower mechanisms for a venetian blind disposed between the glass panes of a multi-pane window are disclosed. The magnetic mechanisms act on tilt lines and a raise/lower line coupled to the venetian blind. An inner follower carriage is magnetically coupled to an external carriage moveable over one of the glass panes. Movement of the external carriage imparts movement of the follower carriage, which in turn actuates the tilt or raise/lower lines, causing the venetian blind to move. The inner follower carriage and the external carriage include at least one magnet assembly mounted on at least one wheel set to facilitate movement of the carriages over the glass panes as well as to reduce the force required to raise or lower the venetian blind. A multiplier is employed to reduce the stroke length required to raise or lower the venetian blind. Further, a clutch coupling an external slider to the external carriage is provided and to disconnect the slider from the external carriage upon the application of a force exceeding a threshold level. |
| US07640962B2 |
Multiple tape application method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for applying tape tabs to a traveling web of material, for example, placement of tape tabs on a running web of disposable undergarments. A pair of wheels each has a protuberance come in contact with the running web of material, which comes in contact with an infeeding tape web. The invention allows placement of tape tabs at asymmetrical spacings, where placement of the tape from contact of the first wheel and protuberance may not be equally or centrally spaced from placement of the tape by the second wheel and protuberance. |
| US07640959B2 |
Device for gluing the end flap of a log, and corresponding gluing method
An improved device for gluing the end flap of a log and a gluing method which can be implemented in a machine for producing logs, in which the logs (14), which come from a re-reeling machine, are fed to a gluing device (11) comprising in succession a bottom unwinding roller (16) and a top feed belt (17), and, immediately downstream of the unwinding roller (16), at least one stretch of inclined surface (21), of a pre-set length, followed by a vacuum-suction roller (24), set on top of which is a top roller (25), and then by a glue dispenser (27), there being provided on top of the unwinding roller (16) a blower element (19) for blowing an end flap (29) of the log (14) and, underneath, a photo-electric cell (20) for detecting the end flap (29), in which the log fed to the unwinding roller (16) is set with a position of the free end staggered by an angle (α), which is a function of the diameter of the log and of the pre-set length of the stretch of inclined surface (21), in such a way that, when the log thus positioned rolls on the inclined surface, it sets itself on the suction roller (24), with the free portion of the end flap (29) set exactly corresponding to the area of contact with the suction roller (24). |
| US07640953B2 |
Machine for filling capsules with a product
In a continuous machine for filling containers with a product, each container is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering device, which withdraws the product from a tank, feeds the withdrawn product into the container, and has a piston moved with respect to a cylinder by an actuating device having a tappet, which is carried by the piston and maintained contacting a cam by a pneumatic push assembly. |
| US07640948B2 |
Integrated piping plate, machining method for same, machining apparatus for same, and machining equipment for same
A machining method for an integrated piping plate, for example, composed of a plurality of plates joined together, and in which an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus, or the instrument, or the component are or is disposed on one surface or both surfaces of the integrated piping plate, and the instrument and the component, or the instrument, or the component are or is connected by fluid channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and communication holes formed in the plates. The machining method welds the joining surfaces of the plates around the entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, for example, by an FSW welding machine, to join the plates. Compared with joining of the plates by an adhesive, the machining method can increase the durability of the plate joining portion and increase pressure resistance. Also, the method can increase work efficiency and further downsize the integrated piping plate. |
| US07640946B2 |
Vacuum treating device with lidded treatment container
A vacuum treating device, comprising a treatment container having a container body (111) and a lid (112) and allowing an internal pressure to be reduced and a lid support mechanism (130), wherein an upper opening (111a) formed in the container body can be closed airtight by the lid (112). The lid support mechanism (130) opens and closes the upper opening (111a) of the container body by moving the lid (112) so as to be translatingly moved in the vertical direction and, when the lid (112) is moved upward from the container body (111), supports the lid (112) so as to be rotated around a vertical axis disposed around the lid. |
| US07640942B2 |
Air-permeable simple car cover tent
An air-permeable simple car cover tent is formed by covering a cover onto a plurality of supports and a base. One end of the cover is provided with a falling part, two holes, and at least an air window. The top of the falling part is connected with the cover. The base is provided with a first and a second lateral plate that are parallel to each other and connected to the bottoms of a first and a second support legs and each support, so that each support is movable on the base. The tops of the first and the second support legs are inserted into the holes of the cover and connected to the bottom of the falling part to prop the falling part open and air can flow through the cover. |
| US07640939B2 |
Curler for natural section of hair
A curler having a body with a longitudinal axis designed to have a section of hair wound about it, and a foot integral with a first axial end of the body and having a surface capable of resting on the scalp. This surface preferably has a surface area greater than the surface area of a transverse section through a part of the body capable of having the section of hair wound about it. The foot includes means capable of retaining a portion of the section of hair that is not wound about the body. In addition, the body has an arm capable of occupying, for example by deformation of the arm and/or the body, a position in which the arm keeps the section of hair wound around part of the body. |
| US07640935B2 |
Unit for feeding filters to a filter tip attachment machine
Cigarette filters are supplied to the infeed portion (1) of a filter tip attachment machine by a unit (2) comprising rollers (11) which divert the filters (3) into an upstream hopper (8), and a channel (9) carrying the filters (3) from the upstream hopper (8) to a downstream hopper (4) where they are released to the infeed portion (1) of the machine. Located between the infeed rollers (11) and the feed channel (9) is a variable volume storage buffer (16) with a movable wall (28) attached to the top branch (23) of a conveyor belt (24); the Belt is driven by a motor (27) interlocked to sensors (31) which monitor and control the level of the mass of filters (3) occupying the upstream hopper (8), so that the size and capacity of the buffer (16) can be adjusted to accommodate fluctuations in the flow of filters through the hopper (8). |
| US07640926B2 |
Pneumatic assembly for a paintball gun
A pneumatic assembly for a paintball gun preferably includes a bolt slidable between an open and a closed position. The bolt preferably provides a firing mechanism for the paintball gun by permitting compressed gas to flow through the bolt to fire the paintball gun when the bolt is closed but preventing the transfer of compressed gas through the bolt when the bolt is open. This can be accomplished, for instance, by arranging a sealing member in communication with a surface of the bolt. A port is also preferably arranged through a lateral sidewall of the bolt at a predetermined location. The bolt preferably slides in relation to the sealing member such that when the bolt is open, the sealing member prevents compressed gas from flowing into the forward end of the bolt, but when the bolt is closed, compressed gas is permitted to flow into the forward end of the bolt to launch a paintball. The bolt is preferably controlled by using a control valve such as a three-way solenoid valve to operate a pneumatic piston. The piston can include a larger surface area on one end of the piston to selectively receive a supply of compressed gas from the solenoid valve and a smaller surface area receiving a constant supply of compressed gas. A single supply port in the pneumatic cylinder can be used to supply compressed gas to both the pneumatic piston and the compressed gas storage chamber. A supply of compressed gas to the compressed gas storage area can be cut off during firing to improve gas efficiency. |
| US07640923B1 |
Hidden sensor structure for paintball gun
A hidden sensor structure for a paintball gun is to secure a loader unit on a hopper of a barrel. A loader is used to hold against the loader unit. The loader unit has arcuate slots to receive resilient stoppers therein, with studs protruding from the resilient stoppers to extend into the hopper. A sensor has an emission end, a receiving end, and a socket. The sensor is coupled to the loader unit from the bottom of the barrel, with the emission end and the receiving end inserting into two troughs formed on two sides of the load unit and the socket engaging with a fixture of the loader unit. |
| US07640911B2 |
Two-stroke, homogeneous charge, spark-ignition engine
A method for combusting fuel in an engine using a two-stroke homogeneous charge spark-ignition cycle. The method involving injecting fuel into partially compressed hot air to provide a homogenous charge to the cylinder before second stage compression in the cylinder, the engine having two variable compression ratios, a first variable compression ratio such that spark ignited HCCI-like combustion being emission free, and a second variable compression ratio for preventing pre-ignition at high loads. The expansion process of the engine having a chosen expansion ratio much greater than the compression ratio. |
| US07640907B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling internal combustion engine
A variable valve timing mechanism 9 includes an electric motor 10 coupled to an intake camshaft 7. A plurality of rotation sensors 18 to 20 are located about the rotor 17 of the electric motor 10. Each of the sensors 18 to 20 outputs a signal corresponding to induced voltage generated by rotation of the rotor 17. Based on the signals form the rotation sensors 18 to 20, reverse rotation of an engine is detected. A counter C is decremented every time a crank signal is output after the occurrence of reverse rotation is detected. Further, a subtraction value Y is computed that corresponds to a discrepancy between the counter C and the actual crank angle caused by a discrepancy between the actual point in time of the occurrence of reverse rotation and the point in time of the detection of the reverse rotation. The counter C is reduced by the subtraction value Y. As a result, reverse direction of the engine is readily detected without providing a dedicated sensor, and the counter is reliably caused to correspond to the actual crank angle. |
| US07640904B2 |
Rotor and stator seals for a vane-type camshaft phaser
A vane-type camshaft phaser includes a rotor having a plurality of vanes disposed in a stator having a plurality of lobes, the interspersion of vanes and lobes defining a plurality of alternating valve timing advance and valve timing retard chambers. Each vane and lobe tip is provided with an axially extending groove having an outward expansion of width. A wiper seal element, formed by stamping and folding from a single piece of sheet material, has folded wings that extend under compression into the groove. The spring loading of the wings against the tapered walls of the groove acts to urge the wiper seal element out of the groove and toward the opposing stator or rotor wall, thus ensuring a continuous forced sealing contact of the wiper seal element with the opposing wall and the groove walls during operation of the camshaft phaser. |
| US07640895B2 |
Leash for pets
A significantly improved leash has a strap or belt with a carabiner at a lower end and a loop at an upper end. The loop may be a preconfigured holding loop or it may be an adjustable loop that can be adjusted by clipping a carabiner into eyelets in the leash. The leash permits even an animal that is pulling strongly on the leash to be held in check, by a hand grip disposed in the holding loop, or adjacent to the holding loop. |
| US07640891B2 |
Assembly of a gate for use in animal traffic
An assembly of a gate for use in animal traffic, and an animal recognition device that is provided with a reading device disposed on the gate and an identification device worn by an animal, the gate comprising two swing doors, that are each pivotable about their own almost vertical axis. The lower side of one of the swing doors is situated at a higher level than the lower side of the other swing door. |
| US07640890B1 |
Pet door protection apparatus
A pet door protection apparatus for movable placement adjacent to an existing pet door, the collapsible apparatus having a first end and an open second end, the base having an adjustment plate and mechanism for adjusting the height of the interior floor, which is fitted atop the adjustment plate. The apparatus further provides a transparent side panel removably and vertically fitted within each groove of the interior base, each of an opposed pair of transparent roof panels hingedly attached to one of the side panels, respectively, the roof panels further hingedly attached to each other, a pair of opposed transparent triangular roof end panels vertically fitted between the roof panels, a protective cap fitted atop the hinged attachment of the roof panels, and a strip anchor with a plurality of weighted flexible transparent strips selectively fitted to the first end of the side panels. |
| US07640888B2 |
Method for operating a milking facility, in addition to corresponding milking facility
The invention relates to a method for operating a carousel milking facility (1) comprising a plurality of milking stations (3), which are arranged on a platform (2). According to said method, a positional modification of the platform (2) is determined in relation to a reference point and the position of at least one milking station (3) can be calculated. |
| US07640886B2 |
Disk lubricant tank insert to suppress lubricant surface waves
The disk lubricant tank of the present invention includes a lubricant bath cover device that resides on the lubricant bath surface to suppress surface waves. The bath cover includes a plurality of finger-like projecting members that define a plurality of disk passage slots therebetween. A plurality of disks are disposed upon a disk holding mandrel and are lowered into the lubricant bath. Each disk passes through a separate disk passage slot during the dipping process. The finger-like projections reside on the bath surface between the disk to suppress surface waves that would otherwise impinge upon side surfaces of the disk, leading to lubricant overcoat areas upon the side surfaces of the disk. Therefore, hard disks of the present invention are formed with a more uniform lubricant coating wherein unwanted lubricant overcoat areas formed by surface waves in the lubricant bath are suppressed. |
| US07640883B2 |
Fluid-operated communication system
A communication system including a fluid-operated calling device mounted in a first location in a building, and a fluid-operated indicator mounted in a second location in a building and in fluid communication with the fluid-operated calling device, wherein actuation of the fluid-operated calling device causes the fluid-operated indicator to provide an indication that the fluid-operated calling device has been actuated. A fluid-operated lock may be mounted near the fluid-operated calling device and in fluid communication with a fluid-operated actuator, wherein actuation of the fluid-operated actuator causes opening of the fluid-operated lock. |
| US07640881B1 |
Dock system
There is provided a dock having a pair of primary frame members and a pair of secondary frame members. The primary and secondary frame members are formed of a fiber-reinforced resin material. The primary frame members extend parallel to a primary axis and are arranged in opposed, spaced parallel relation to each other. Likewise, the secondary frame members extend parallel to a secondary axis and are arranged in opposed, spaced parallel relation to each other. Each secondary frame member is connected to the pair of primary frame members. The dock also includes a plurality of cross members. Each cross member is connected to and extends between the pair of primary frame members. Each cross member includes an upper platform contact face disposed within a common upper platform contact plane. |
| US07640880B2 |
Automatic sewing device for hosiery knitting machines
An automatic sewing device (1), particularly for hosiery knitting machines, characterized in that it comprises a supporting arm (2, 3, 4) for an oscillating means (7, 8), which comprises at least one first oscillating assembly (7), constituted by a semicircular ring, and at least one second oscillating assembly (8), constituted by a second semicircular ring, a means (11, 12) for actuating the oscillating assemblies which is suitable to produce at least one open position, in which the oscillating assemblies substantially form a ring which has the same size as the needle cylinder (24) from which it picks up a hosiery item at the end of the knitting process, and at least one closed position, in which the oscillating assemblies close the hosiery item in a semicircular arrangement, ready to be sewn, in a sewing station, the support being movable from at least one position for gripping the hosiery item from the needle cylinder to at least one position for applying the hosiery item to the sewing station. |
| US07640878B2 |
Apparatus and method for coupling an embroidery accessory to an embroidery machine
The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed toward an apparatus and method for coupling an embroidery accessory to an embroidery machine. The apparatus includes a support bar. The support bar is coupled to the embroidery machine. The apparatus also includes a set of acceptors. The set of acceptors are attached to the support bar. The apparatus also includes an embroidery accessory. The embroidery accessory includes a set of attachment adapters. The set of attachment adapters are adapted to be coupled to the set of acceptors. |
| US07640874B2 |
Seeding implement with front rockshaft-mounted fertilizer openers
A combination fertilizer and seeding Implement includes a front section of disk type fertilizer openers and a rear section of frame mounted seed openers. The fertilizer openers are connected by drawbars to a rockshaft which is vertically adjustable to accommodate different ranges of operating depths of the frame mounted tools. Shank depth is set by frame height, and the vertical adjustability of the rockshaft facilitates a wide range of frame operating heights for different tool depths while maintaining optimum disk opener drawbar angles. |
| US07640872B2 |
Process for influencing the properties of combustion residue
Combustion residue can be partially melted and/or sintered in the combustion bed of a grate furnace system. By returning the unmelted and/or unsintered combustion residue, completely sintered inert granulates are obtained. To control the melting and/or sintering processes, at least one of the following process steps is implemented: the residues are returned only as long as, and only in such an amount that the changes thus caused in the essential combustion parameters remain within previously defined tolerance limits; the combustion conditions of the combustion process are changed in such a way as to counteract the changes in the combustion parameters produced by the return; the material composition of the combustion residue is changed by the return of selected fractions of the combustion residue so that the melting and/or sintering process of the combustion residue is influenced; and the material composition of the combustion residue is changed by the addition of additives is that the melting and/or sintering process of the combustion residue is influenced. |
| US07640871B2 |
Slab formwork system
The system used to form slabs on large surfaces includes a grid structure comprised of vertical braces, support bolsters, primary beams and cross beams, all of which rest on the bolsters, with the cross beams closing the grid and providing a stiffness to the structure that allows assembly of the entire grid structure and the later positioning of the formwork panels. The bolsters provide support so that the beams can descend to a stripping position allowing to recover, before the concrete sets, both the beams and the panels. The longitudinal beams are provided with supports for the panels, constructed such that they allow the panels to hang vertically during the stripping operation. The cross beams end at a profile made of rubber or the like providing a means for sealing the grid, as well as for absorbing any possible clearances originated during the assembly of the panels. |
| US07640869B2 |
Height-adjustable folding desk
A height-adjustable folding desk includes a desktop and a leg-support connected to the lower surface of the desk. The leg support includes a first “” shaped rod and a second “” shaped rod. The two supporting-foot of the first “” shaped rod are rotationally cross-connected with the two corresponding supporting feet of the second “” shaped rod respectively. The horizontal rod of the first “” shaped rod is pivotally connected with an end of the lower surface of the desktop, and the other end of the lower surface of the desktop is fixed with an adjustable equipment, the lower surface of the adjustable equipment comprises grooves which may contain the horizontal rod of the second “” shape rod. The height of the folding table can be achieved by adjusting the position of the horizontal rod of the second “” shaped rod. |
| US07640867B2 |
Pallet assembly
A pallet assembly includes an upper deck and a lower deck spaced by a plurality of columns. In one embodiment, the columns are snap-fit into the upper deck and the lower deck. The weight of the pallet is reduced without significant reduction in strength by providing only a single cross beam in each of the upper and lower reinforcement members and orienting them perpendicular to one another. The reinforcement members are minimized for weight reduction and for improved performance in heat tests. The peripheral rail of the upper reinforcement member is reduced such that it rests on only an inwardly open recess on an inner corner of each of the corner columns. This reduces the size and weight of the upper reinforcement member, while still providing support to the upper deck. Additionally, the peripheral rails of both the upper and lower decks are reduced in length such that either ledge does not directly support them while the pallet is stored on a rack. As a result, in the case of sufficient heat source on the pallets, the pallets will eventually collapse without interference from the reinforcement members and at least partially smother the heat source. |
| US07640864B2 |
Non-magnetic concrete structure, a sidewall for a guideway and a method for installing such a sidewall for the guideway
A non-magnetic concrete structure having no magnetism or a very small magnetic permeability without reinforcing steel bars arranged, a sidewall for a guideway, and a method for installing the sidewall for the guideway are provided.The reinforcing steel bars-free sidewall 11 for the guideway 10 is constructed by using a non-magnetic concrete structure constructed by using a fiber-reinforced cement-based mixed material and having no reinforcing steel bars therein. The fiber-reinforced cement-based mixed material is produced by mixing non-metallic fibers or non-magnetic metal fibers into a cement-based matrix in a mixing amount of 1 to 4% for an entire volume of the cement-based matrix. The cement-based matrix is obtained by mixing a composition with water. The above composition is composed of cement, aggregate grains having a maximum grain diameter of not more than 2.5 mm, pozzolanic reaction particles having particle diameters of not more than 15 μm and supper plasticizer. The fiber-reinforced cement-based mixed material has mechanical properties: a compressive strength of not less than 150 N/mm2 and a tensile strength of not less than 5 N/mm2. |
| US07640860B1 |
Controlled energy release projectile
A projectile is provided, in accordance with the present invention that includes a gas seal, an absorption zone, a core material containment area, a mass of material within the containment area and an actuator member. The containment area is characterized by the ability to peel back upon itself on impact, thereby releasing the mass of core particles after impact. The actuator, is releasably fixed to the hull open end, and has a stem member that projecting into the mass of material. Prior to initial impact the actuator maintains the core material within the containment area hull and, up initial impact, the actuator is continues to be propelled forward, along with the core material. |
| US07640856B2 |
Method for controlling the feeding of a web substrate into a printing press
A method for controlling the feeding of a web substrate into a printing press, in particular a rotary press, the web substrate being fed with a web tension into the printing press and a printing length to be achieved being specified. A current printing length of the printing press is determined. The web tension is varied by varying the length of the web substrate fed during one time interval as a function of the deviation of the current printing length from the printing length to be achieved. |
| US07640852B1 |
Round baler belt-tensioning cylinder arrangement also used for bale ejection
A large round baler is equipped with a combined belt-tensioning and bale ejecting arrangement including front and rear tensioning arm assemblies mounted at an upper front location adjacent a baling chamber. Extensible and retractable belt-tensioning actuators are coupled between the arm assemblies and serve to yieldably restrain movement of the arms, which support and or guide runs of bale-forming belts, in response to the growth of a bale being formed in the baling chamber. One end of each of the tensioning actuators is coupled to the rear arm assembly in such a way that the actuator may be cycled to move over center relative to the pivot axis of the rear arm assembly once the bale is completely formed so that the actuators may be used to aid in ejecting the bale once the discharge gate is opened. |
| US07640848B1 |
Gas fired outdoor cooking apparatus that includes pot with spigot drain
A cooking apparatus enables a user to cook bu boiling, steaming or frying food items. The apparatus includes a burner having a base that is specially shaped to cradle a pot. The pot has a valved flowline that enables the user to drain any fluid that was used for cooking (eg. water, oil, seasoned water, stock, etc.). An upper section above the support surface of the burner for engaging the sidewall of the pot should the pot be tipped inadvertently. The burner includes upper members that are supported above the bottom of the pot and a lower member that engages an underlying supporting surface. The upper pot support members include a ring with a bent, U-shaped section that extends on opposite sides of and under the valved drain flowline. The burner frame can have a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending legs. Radial and circumferentially spaced struts define part of the frame and are shaped and cradle the bottom of the pot and its sidewall respectively. |
| US07640839B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving the effectiveness of electrical discharge weapons
A cartridge for propelling a pair of wire-tethered contact darts for disabling a remote target with an electrical discharge. The cartridge comprises two bores each having one wire-tethered dart in front of an electrically activated pyrotechnic. A cartridge contains two separated straight bores, which each launch a single dart assemblage with a single primer of standard manufacture. A single 200 large rifle primer can launch a single dart assemblage reasonably accurately to 30 feet from the cartridge. Each assemblage is deflected to a predicted angle of flight when it collides with a center hinged cover as it exits the cartridge. This arrangement allows for longer flight distances and tighter, but still effective, dart spreads throughout the travel. |
| US07640838B2 |
Saw blade with secondary teeth separated by deep gullets
A planar saw blade having an outer cutting edge with a plurality of saw teeth also includes sets of secondary teeth placed in cutout portions within the body of the saw blade. The secondary tooth sets provide portions within the body of the saw blade that provide additional cutting action that reinforces the primary outer cutting edge of the blade, and include deep gullets that aid in the removal of sawdust and debris. |
| US07640836B1 |
Method for simultaneous x, y and θ registration of segment of continuous web with a processing station
Web processing method and apparatus (30, 300) is provided for high speed, extremely accurate die cutting or lamination operations. Processing station (32,300) includes a vacuum hold down plate (32,308) which receives and holds an image bearing incremental segment of the web. In feed and out feed tension on the web is released while a segment of the web is held by the hold down plate. The hold down plate with a segment of the web thereon is selectively shifted about X, Y, and θ axes as required to bring the image on the web segment into alignment with a web processing component at the processing station. |
| US07640831B1 |
Pop tab remover
A pop tab remover apparatus and method of use having a fork and can support combination as a head which allow for easy removal of a tab from a soda, beer, or other type of can. The apparatus and method of use allows a user to easily place the fork between a tab and a can, seat or mate the can support near or at the top of the can, squeeze the handles and remove the tab with a “pop” like report. Unlike the prior art, the present art removes a can tab in a fraction of a second which aids in the efficient recycling of tabs. |
| US07640829B2 |
Drive unit for a motor vehicle
A drive unit for a motor vehicle, having an engine unit and an axle differential arranged on the engine unit, as well as having drive shafts for the vehicle wheels disposed at least partially in the crankcase. The separating plane between the crankcase bottom part and the oil bearing housing of the crankcase acts as the bearing for at least one drive shaft. |
| US07640826B2 |
Actuator apparatus incorporating a controller
An adjustable positioning apparatus, which may be used for a foot-operated control, includes a first member that is movably supported with respect to a base, an adjuster that is supported on the first member, and a second member. The adjuster includes a displacement device, an actuator, and a controller. The displacement device includes a first portion that is coupled to the first member, and includes a second portion that is displaced with respect to the first portion. The actuator displaces the second portion with respect to the first portion, and the controller operates the actuator and determines displacement of the second portion with respect to the first portion. The second member is coupled to the second portion. |
| US07640824B2 |
Central lock device of an adjustable steering column assembly
An adjustable steering column assembly of a vehicle has a central lock device for selectably locking an adjustable steering housing and co-extending steering shaft to a stationary bracket or chassis. For driver convenience and comfort, the steering housing and shaft are together adjustable with respect to the bracket. The lock device has a roller actuator preferably having inner outer members with a lever supported operably in between by a guide feature for movement along a first centerline substantially parallel to the steering shaft. Preferably, cam couplers are located between the outer member and the lever and the inner member and the lever for converting movement of the lever along the centerline to longitudinal movement of a carrier that traverses the centerline. |
| US07640823B2 |
Integrated automatic manual transmission lever-type shift selector
A bimodal shifter assembly provides a radically simplified mechanical arrangement for movement of the shifter in each of two modes along distinct shift paths. |
| US07640816B2 |
Monitoring system for collecting and/or transdermally rediffusing air containing environmental contaminants, and corresponding method
Disclosed is a monitoring system for collecting and/or transdermally rediffusing air containing environmental contaminants. The inventive monitoring system generally includes at least one diffusion collector and/or an equilibrium diffuser. The diffusion collector is provided with at least three layers, i.e. an adhesive layer that is in direct contact with the skin of a living being, a barrier layer, and a collecting layer on the exterior face of the monitoring system. The equilibrium diffuser includes an adhesive layer and a collecting layer. The collecting layers and the adhesive layers of the two components of the monitoring system are preferably made of the same material and have the same dimensions. |
| US07640812B2 |
Flexible board sensor and manufacturing method of sensor
A cap is provided on a diaphragm, and a first end of a flexible board is connected to the cap. A cover is attached to the cap. The cover directs a second end of the flexible board in a direction away from the diaphragm held by a joint so that the flexible board is supported while being curved. Since the flexible board is not locally bent at an acute angle, a crack is not generated on a copper pattern provided on the flexible board. |
| US07640808B2 |
Strip with acoustic damping properties
A method of manufacturing an assembly including a strip inserted between two substrates, the strip being formed from at least one damping material, includes providing the two substrates; providing the strip; evaluating equivalent real stiffness per unit length K′eq of the strip and of the equivalent loss factor tan δeq; and manufacturing the assembly by inserting a strip having an equivalent real stiffness per unit length of at least equal to 25 MPa and the equivalent loss factor of at least 0.25 between the two substrates. |
| US07640804B2 |
Apparatus for measuring activity
An activity measuring device (1) is used for recording the activity of a test subject, where the device (1) is attachable so as to be carried on the body of the test subject. According to the invention it is planned that the activity measuring device is located on a buckle (2) of a belt (3) which can be fitted to the body of the test subject, and that it has acceleration sensors (10, 10′) for detection of acceleration in all three spatial directions at right angles to each other. Furthermore, the activity measuring device (1) telemeters the recorded measurement data via a radio link to a central server (7), by virtue of the fact that the measurement data recorded by the activity measuring device (1) can be transmitted by means of a connecting cable (5) to a mobile telephone (4) via a device interface of the mobile telephone (4), which is arranged so as to be carried on the belt, and can be sent from there to the external server (7) via a radio link. |
| US07640797B2 |
Method and system for increasing safety in chemical application from an aircraft
This invention relates to a method and system for increasing safety in chemical application from an aircraft. Wind speed, wind direction and other critical flight parameters are measured, calculated, recorded, and visually or audibly announced during the aircraft flight via onboard equipment, which parameters provide a means for the aircraft pilot to control chemical spray application and for unassisted automatic chemical spray cutoff and for limiting spray application outside an application zone or target area. Such parameters also provide a means for indicating the lift reserve of the aircraft and a means for determining atmospheric stability near the ground and providing the pilot with a record of the meteorological conditions at a particular location. The method and system of the present invention also provide a means for predicting appropriate aircraft upwind offset distance to compensate for predicted chemical spray drift. |
| US07640791B2 |
Leak detecting device
A leak detecting device includes a carrying device attached to a holder to be fastened to the body of an operator. From the carrying device, a flexible capillary line extends to a sniffing probe, which includes a gas inlet at its front end. The carrying device is connected with a basic device that includes a vacuum pump. In the carrying device, a test gas detector is arranged. |
| US07640787B2 |
Pipette verification device and pipette
Pipettes, widely used in clinical and pharmaceutical laboratories to transfer small volumes of liquid, may be subject to hidden performance degradation and operator error. Pipette performance cannot be accepted without monitoring. The present disclosure concerns a verification device for a pipette with a piston for aspirating then dispensing, using a shaft, a determined volume of liquid. This device may include: a first assembly for supplying a displaced volume measurement, comparing this measurement to a desired value and generating an indication of the difference between the measured volume and the desired value; and a second assembly, responding to the first assembly, for delivering information relating to the indication. |
| US07640785B2 |
Device for test running power nut runners
A device for test running of power nut runners comprises a main body (10;50) with a nut (11;54), a screw (12;52) with a nut runner engaging head (13;55), a clamping element (14;56) co-operating with the screw (12;52), and spring unit (17;59) to be clamped between the clamping element (14;56) and the main body (10;50) to generate a torque resistance on the screw (12;52), wherein a one-way clutch (24;64) is provided between the nut (11;54) and the main body (10;50) to prevent rotation of the nut (11;54) at rotation of the screw (12;52) in the tightening direction and to permit rotation of the nut (11) when rotating the screw (12;52) in the loosening direction, a friction clutch (30;72,73) between the nut (11;54) and the main body (10;50) is arranged to prevent rotation of the nut (11;54) during loosening of the screw (12;52), and a lock element (34;70) secured to the screw (12;52) is arranged to rotationally lock the screw (12:52) to the nut (11;54) at continued rotation of the screw (12;52) in the loosening direction. |
| US07640783B2 |
Self-calibrating gas detector and method
A portable, calibratible gas detector includes a multi-position gas inflow limiting orifice. When this orifice is in a calibrating position, a source of calibrating gas can be activated to provide a quantity of gas that diffuses into ambient atmosphere flowing through the orifice. The calibration gas can then be sensed. |
| US07640781B2 |
Method for opening a jammed or stuck door of a vehicle
A rescue device and a method of using same, for opening a jammed or stuck door of a vehicle, including a door having battle latches. |
| US07640778B2 |
Servo drive system and continuous working system of press machine
A servo drive system of a press machine includes a ram, an operation shaft which vertically moves the ram, and a servo motor which operates as a power source of the ram and which generates ram pressure using a torque based on at least one speed-torque characteristic of the servo motor. The operation shaft is directly driven using the servo motor. The at least one speed-torque characteristic of the servo motor is set in a manner such that a motor torque of the servo motor at which a capacity of electric energy supplied by a servo amplifier is determined becomes the motor torque at which an optimal punching pattern of the ram is generated from a light load to a heavy load according to a type of workpiece to be worked by the press machine. |
| US07640773B2 |
Lock portion with deformable features
According to one exemplary embodiment, a portion of a lock may include a stationary member having a bore, where the stationary member can be mountable to an object. The portion of the lock can also include a movable member positioned at least partially within the bore and movable relative to the bore in an unlocking direction during a normal unlocking operation. A deformable portion can be positioned adjacent an interface between the stationary member and the movable member. The deformable portion permits the movable member to move in the unlocking direction during a normal unlocking operation and is deformable to prevent movement of the movable member relative to the stationary member when subjected to excessive force applied in an attempt to move the movable member in the unlocking direction in other than a normal unlocking operation. |
| US07640763B2 |
Hot water supply system
A hot water supply system (10) is provided which includes a first refrigerant circuit (20), an intermediate temperature water circuit (40), a second refrigerant circuit (60), and a high temperature water circuit (80). The first refrigerant circuit (20) constitutes a heat pump which uses the outdoor air as a heat source, and heats heat transfer water in the intermediate temperature water circuit (40). In the intermediate temperature water circuit (40), the heat transfer water is circulated between a radiator (45) for floor heating and a first heat exchanger (30) and between a second heat exchanger (50) and the first heat exchanger (30). The second refrigerant circuit (60) constitutes a heat pump which uses the heat transfer water in the intermediate temperature water circuit (40) as a heat source, and heats water for hot water supply in the high temperature water circuit (80). |
| US07640762B2 |
Refrigeration apparatus
A refrigeration apparatus includes two sub passages which are branched from a main passage located between a condenser and an expansion part and which are connected to a compressor. On the sub passages are provided supercooling-use expansion parts, and supercooling-use heat exchangers for performing heat exchange between a refrigerant on an outlet side of the supercooling-use expansion part and a refrigerant of the main passage. Therefore, each time the refrigerant of the main passage passes through the two supercooling-use heat exchangers the degree of liquid supercooling of the refrigerant is increased. |
| US07640761B2 |
System and method for controlling indoor air flow for heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment
An HVAC system includes a variable speed electric motor driven fan for circulating air to an enclosed space through an indoor unit for providing heating or cooling effect to air circulated through the indoor unit. A controller with user or system installer actuatable switches includes a programmable microcontroller providing a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to a motor control unit to select a predetermined air flowrate less than full air flowrate during system startup and shutdown. User input parameters include selected percentages of full air flowrate to satisfy requirements for reduced noise level, lower humidity and for improved sensible heating of air being circulated, the latter being effective particularly for heat pump applications. Selection of pre-run, short run and shutdown cycles may be provided. |
| US07640758B2 |
Refrigerant tracking/leak detection system and method
A refrigeration system includes a mass of refrigerant, a reservoir containing a first portion of the mass of refrigerant, and a condenser containing a second portion of the mass of refrigerant. A first sensor is positioned to measure a first parameter of the reservoir and output a first signal indicative of the first parameter. A second sensor is positioned to measure a second parameter of the condenser and output a second signal indicative of the second parameter. A processor receives the first signal and the second signal to calculate a weight of missing refrigerant. |
| US07640756B2 |
Lyophilization unit with liquid nitrogen cooling
An integrated industrial plant includes various systems, all of which use a cryogenic liquid obtained from a common source. One system includes a fermentation unit, in which cold air, chilled by heat exchange with the cryogenic liquid, absorbs excess heat generated by the fermentation. Another system is a lyophilization unit, in which a refrigeration step is performed through the use of air that has been chilled by heat exchange with the cryogenic liquid. Another system is a device for freezing discrete samples of biological products, the samples being frozen by partial immersion in the cryogenic liquid. The invention substantially reduces the use of electric power, and provides systems which operate economically and reliably. |
| US07640750B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing energy at a pulp mill
A spent liquor recovery boiler in the pulp and paper industry including a water/steam circulation system having superheaters, the circulation system connected to a steam turbine comprising a high-pressure part, and a furnace for burning spent liquor to produce flue gases, and including an upper portion through which the flue gases flow, wherein the steam/water circulation system of the recovery boiler is provided with a reheater for reheating steam from the high-pressure part of the turbine. |
| US07640749B2 |
Moisture separator and reheater
Contrasted to the prior art, the present invention presents a path for the cycle steam having the fewest possible changes in direction to minimize parasite pressure losses. This invention accommodates proportioning the flow areas of the moisture separator—reheater(s) assembly to optimize performance of extracting the maximum energy from the cycle steam and in view of the economics of first cost and operating cost. The reheater tubes are straight, not U-tubed, and sloped towards the reheat steam condensate discharge. It utilizes an internal baffle in the reheating steam manifold, features which would mitigate tube binding, steam distribution to the tube bundles, flow oscillations, etc. which are expensive and difficult to alleviate. |
| US07640741B2 |
Driving apparatus
In an auto image stabilization system, a driving member formed as a wire of shape memory alloy (SMA) is retained by a projection of an image capturing unit. A distance Lb from the rotation center of an elastic deforming part to center of gravity (point of application) of the image capturing unit is longer than a distance La from the rotation center of the elastic deforming part to the projection (power point). In the configuration, equivalent mass (apparent mass) of the image capturing unit becomes (Lb/La) times, and it causes deterioration in response. Consequently, the driving member having an ellipse-shaped section in which a value obtained by dividing the width in the longer direction of the section by the width in the shorter direction is 1.3 or larger is employed. As a result, heat dissipation of the driving member increases, so that response in the SMA actuator can be properly improved. |
| US07640739B2 |
Method and device for using VOC as fuel for an engine
A device and method for producing energy from a dilute VOC gas stream. The device includes a concentrator that concentrates a dilute VOC gas stream into a concentrated VOC fuel. The concentrated VOC fuel is supplied to the fuel intake of an engine. The device is operated by adsorbing the dilute VOC onto an adsorbing media within a concentrator. The concentrator increases the concentration of VOC per unit volume. The adsorbed VOC are then desorbed to form a concentrated VOC fuel stream. The concentrated VOC fuel stream may be either liquefied VOC or a more concentrated VOC gas stream. The concentrated VOC fuel stream is then directed to an engine to produce kinetic or electrical energy. |
| US07640737B2 |
Screw style hydraulic jack
A hydraulic jack system is described, suitable for lifting heavy loads such as automobiles. The jack system is operable by a powered driver fitted with a socket for coupling to a nut rotationally fixed to the jack system, wherein the driver is removable directly after use. As such, no handle is required for activating the hydraulic jack system. The jack system has a low profile, reducing the danger of being accidentally knocked into during operation. When operated by a powered driver, the driver rotates a camshaft mounted to the jack system, the camshaft reciprocally drives a push rod that activates a plunger for hydraulically elevating a piston ram. |
| US07640732B2 |
Method and apparatus for filtration of a two-stroke engine exhaust
A highly porous ceramic filter consisting essentially of bonded ceramic fibers forms a part of an exhaust filtration system for a gasoline two-stroke engine. The porosity of the substrate permits accumulation of particulate constituents of the exhaust stream without detracting from the engine performance due to backpressure. Embodiments of the porous ceramic filter are disposed with a catalyst to facilitate reduction of gaseous and particulate byproducts of combustion from the two-stroke engine, so that emission of harmful pollutants is minimized. |
| US07640726B2 |
Injector assembly having multiple manifolds for propellant delivery
There is provided an injector assembly having two or more oxidizer manifolds and/or two or more fuel manifolds for delivery of liquid propellants to a combustion chamber such that combustion instability is reduced or eliminated during throttling. Delivery of the oxidizer to the oxidizer manifolds is controlled by an oxidizer valve, which may comprise an integral valve. The oxidizer passes from the oxidizer manifolds into the oxidizer element and then into the combustion chamber. The multiple oxidizer manifolds allow the oxidizer to be provided through selective openings of the oxidizer element thus reducing the change in pressure drop across the oxidizer element to thereby reduce or eliminate combustion instability and other problems. Additionally, the injector assembly may also include a lift-off seal or a filler fluid source to fill any temporarily unused oxidizer manifolds with an oxidizer or filler fluid. |
| US07640722B2 |
Cable protection and guide device
A cable protection and guide device is disclosed in which connection strength of the side plate portions is improved. The strength of connecting portions is improved and large scale assembly of the device is possible. Side plate portions (110) each have a link module (120) with integrally molded side plates (122) of a predetermined number interconnected by coupling portions (124). Each coupling portion includes flexible coupling arms (126) extended from the coupling portions (124). Stopper links (130) each being engaged between the adjacent side plates from a cable accommodating space side and are assembled to the coupling portion by a snap-fit mechanism. The link module has a male connecting plate (127) and a female connecting plate (128), which are respectively connected to link modules, which are reside at respective ends of the male connecting plate and the female connecting plate. The male connecting plate and the female connecting plate are each formed in the same outer shape as that of the side plate when connected to a female connecting plate and a male connecting plate of the adjacent link module. |
| US07640721B2 |
Tractor and baler combination with automatic baling and steering control
A tractor comprises a tractor frame, driven ground engaging device, and an electronic tractor controller. A baler comprises a baler frame coupled or connected to the tractor frame, a crop receiving device, a baling chamber, a bale size sensor associated with the baling chamber, and an electronic baler controller. The baler controller is operable to submit a halt signal to the tractor controller when a bale size signal provided by the bale size sensor indicates that a bale has reached a size equal to or exceeding a first predetermined size. The tractor controller is operable to command the ground engaging means to automatically halt the tractor when receiving a halt signal from the baler controller. A steering controller is connected to a swath position sensor and operable to automatically steer the tractor along a swath based upon the signals of the crop swath sensor and of the bale shape sensor such that a uniform bale shape is obtained. |
| US07640717B2 |
Counter element and method of producing the same
The invention relates to a counter element (22) being adapted to apply a pressure to a first portion of a packaging material in association with heating of the packaging material in order to seal the first portion of the packaging material to a second portion of the packaging material. The element (22) being provided with an abutment surface (23) adapted to at least abut said first portion of the packaging material. The abutment surface (23) is provided with a plurality of indentations (24) adapted to entrap fluid or gas present in the vicinity of the abutment surface (23) and the first portion of the packaging material. The inventions also relates to a method of providing a counter element (22) as described above. |
| US07640708B2 |
Floor panels with edge connectors
Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling. |
| US07640699B2 |
Air conditioning line flashing panel
There is provided a flashing panel mount adapted for an air conditioning unit which is located about an exterior of a building. The panel mount features a generally rigid panel that is attachable to the building. The panel mount further features a hood member which extends outward from the panel. A plurality of panel apertures is formed through the hood member and is configured to extend through the panel. Each of the panel apertures are sized and configured to accommodate a respective one of the air conditioning lines extending from within the building. |
| US07640696B2 |
Product server with breath guard
A product server for holding and displaying products. The product server has a front customer side, a rear employee side and a breath guard. The breath guard comprises a panel attached to the product server and moveable between a lowered position preventing access to products held by the product server and a raised position allowing access to the products. The panel being sufficiently transparent to allow viewing of the products held in the product server. |
| US07640692B1 |
Trolling system
A trolling system for mounting a plurality of fishing rods to extend from selected peripheral sides of a boat. The system includes a pair of mounting members attached to the deck and mounting rods extending parallel or transverse opposing sides of the boat. A trolling bar, which is secured with the mounting rods and rod supports in spaced positions. In use, fishing rods are mounted in the rod supports and extend from the stern of the boat. |
| US07640689B2 |
Hand guard system for use with a firearm
A hand guard system for use with a firearm is described. A holding unit for releasably coupling the hand guard system to a firearm includes a coupling element having an opening, a flange, and at least one coupling portion. The flange and the coupling portion form the opening so that the coupling element is slidably removable about the barrel of the firearm, and an inner surface of the coupling portion engages an outer surface of the barrel nut. The holding unit further includes a sleeve operatively coupled to the coupling element having an inner surface defining an opening so that the sleeve is slidably removable about the barrel of the firearm and the inner surface forms a shoulder and defines a groove distally located from the shoulder and sized to receive a snap ring. The snap ring retains the sleeve to the coupling element such that the shoulder and snap ring are located on opposite sides of the flange of the coupling element. The holding unit further includes a biasing member disposed between the flange and the shoulder of the sleeve to bias the sleeve away from the flange along a longitudinal axis of the barrel. The biasing member enables the sleeve to move between a first position and a second position relative to the coupling element. |
| US07640687B2 |
Merchandise labeling
Disclosed is a unitary sheet-like merchandise labeling article that has a labeling tag flatly conjoined along a unifying flat bond zone with a flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag and includes an elastic fastening loop. The loop sides that define the loop are wider than the thickness of the elastic layer. Further, the flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag has a thickness greater than the thickness of the tag and has a dispersion zone adjacent the unifying flat bond zone. The dispersion zone allows dissipation of elastic loop in-line stretching forces sufficiently to reduce transmission of such forces into the bond zone. |
| US07640683B2 |
Method and apparatus for satellite positioning of earth-moving equipment
A method and apparatus for using satellite positioning systems to more precisely locate the position of a portion of an attachment on an earthmoving machine is disclosed. More specifically, satellite positioning system antennas are mounted to an arm or other point relative to the arm of an illustrative excavator. A reference point relative to these antennas is used to determine the precise location of a portion of an attachment to the excavator, such as the prongs of a bucket. In one embodiment, an angle sensor or inclinometer is used to ascertain the position of the prongs when the bucket is scooped. In another embodiment, an angle sensor or inclinometer is used to measure the tilt of the body of the excavator, such as would occur when the excavator is resting on a sloped surface. |
| US07640682B1 |
Removable and storable wings for a snow plow blade and snow removal system used therewith
Removable wings or end extensions for a snow plow blade and a snow removal system including removable end extensions are provided. Each of the removable end extensions secure to a side end of a snow plow blade, and are easily removed and stored on the snow plow blade, when not required for the plowing application. |
| US07640678B2 |
Laundry dryer and impurity entry preventing structure for the same
Provided is a laundry dryer. The laundry dryer includes a drying drum for inserting laundry in, a base, and a cabinet enclosing the drying drum and the base. The base includes an outside air intake port that suctions indoor air, an air passage for moist air from the drying drum to pass through, and an impurity descending slot recessed a predetermined depth at a front of the outside air intake port for impurities to fall into. |
| US07640677B2 |
Tape measure
A tape measure (10) including a housing (12) and a measuring tape that can be rolled up into it or drawn out of it, the tape extending from a drum (48, 50) disposed in the housing, the drum being rotatable by means of a holder element (40) extending from a handle (32) and at least in part passing through the first external surface (18) of the housing and originating from a support (46). In order to carry out internal measurements and measurements with a corner-stop position without problems from any orientation, there is provision for the handle (32) to be displaceably arranged along the drum axis inside the housing (12), for the handle (32) and the support (46) to merge flush with the first outer lateral surface in a first position (measuring position) or run offset to this surface, and in a second position (use position) to protrude, at least in part, above the first outer lateral surface, in order to engage the element. |
| US07640672B2 |
Laser reference device
The laser reference tool of the invention consists of a base that can be releasably mounted to a surface. A housing is mounted on the base such that it can be repositioned relative to the base in a direction parallel to the surface. A turret carrying the laser module is rotatable about first and second orthogonal axes. The laser module is also rotatable relative to the turret about a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes. |
| US07640671B1 |
Measuring compass
A measuring compass is disclosed. The compass comprises a marking leg, a pegging leg which symmetrically form into a shape of a pencil. The upper end of the pegging leg and the marking leg is a center plate or gear module, and the bottom end is a protective cover for protecting the marking leg and the pegging leg. When the compass is not in use, the marking leg and the pegging leg are closed to each other and the protective cover caps the legs. The compass can be inserted to a pocket. |
| US07640669B1 |
Assisted braking in chain saws
A chain saw with a centrifugal clutch in a housing made at least partially of, or which is mounted magnetized material which aides clutch operation. An elongated support extending outward from inside the housing preferably includes at least one lateral or longitudinal slit to aid with adjusting chain saw tension or braking. |
| US07640668B2 |
Quick loading cutting head for a rotary trimmer
A cutting head for a rotary trimmer is provided. The cutting head of the present disclosure provides a control mechanism for loading a spool member of the cutting head quickly and efficiently without having to disassemble the cutting head. In one embodiment, a control mechanism is provided in the cutting head interacting between a follower member and a spool member so as to provide for one way rotational loading of flails, e.g., cutting line, into the cutting head; in other words, to load the flails, the spool member is rotated continuously 360° in one direction only, e.g., clockwise. In another embodiment, a cutting head allows the flails to be loaded by a ratcheting-type operation, i.e., a back and forth rotational movement, which is less fatiguing and even more efficient in its loading operation. |
| US07640665B2 |
Method of manufacturing shaft unit
In a rotor hub manufacturing method, a workpiece is chucked and a hole centering on the workpiece center axis is formed in the workpiece. A sealing member is press-fit into the hole, forming an internal space. A shaft feature is thereafter shaped in the workpiece by cutting work done on the periphery of the workpiece around the hole. The workpiece part including the shaft feature is then cut away from the workpiece to form a rotor hub as a shaft unit. |
| US07640662B2 |
Method of making heat exchangers
The heat exchanger is made economically by pressure-forming cavities in relatively thick thermo-plastic panels, interleaving them with other thermo-plastic panels having separate gas flow conduit structures, and securing the panels together. Preferably, the heat exchanger is an opposed-flow-heat-exchanger giving improved heat-transfer efficiency. |
| US07640659B2 |
Method for forming conductive pattern and wiring board
[Problem] To provide a conductive pattern formation method in which a fine pattern can be formed in a simple way at low cost.[Means for Solving Problem] A flat plate having a convex pattern on its surface is provided so as to oppose a substrate, a fluid body including conductive particles and a gas bubble generating agent is supplied into a gap between the substrate and the flat plate, and thereafter, the fluid body is heated for generating gas bubbles from the gas bubble generating agent included in the fluid body. The fluid body is forced out of the gas bubbles as the gas bubbles generated from the gas bubble generating agent grow, so as to self-assemble between the convex pattern formed on the flat plate and the substrate owing to interfacial force, and an aggregate of the conductive particles included in the fluid body having self-assembled is made into a conductive pattern formed on the substrate. |
| US07640658B1 |
Methods for forming an anti-tamper pattern
A method of forming an anti-tamper mesh on an electronic device. The method includes forming at least one terminal on the electronic device and forming a conductive mesh on at least one surface of the electronic device, wherein the conductive mesh is in electrical contact with the terminal, and wherein the terminal facilitates electrical conduction between the conductive mesh and an electrical detection circuit. |
| US07640652B2 |
Method of making a current sensing chip resistor
A method of making a current sensing chip resistor is composed of a resistor manufacturing process which is constituted by a pre-process and a post-process. In addition, a thin-film process is used for the resistor manufacturing process, and the aluminum nitride substrate is used in the thin-film, in association with a technique of flip chip structure of single-side manufacturing process, enabling the resistor to be provided with performances of a high power, a high precision, a high thermal conductivity, a low temperature coefficient, a low noise, and a saving of utilization space of PCB (Printed Circuit Board). |
| US07640650B2 |
Method of making a magnetoresistive reader structure
A method of making a magnetoresistive sensor includes defining a track width of a magnetoresistive element stack of the sensor. Further, processes of the method enable depositing of hard magnetic bias material on each side of the stack. These processes may permit both milling of excess depositions of the material outside of regions where the hard magnetic bias material is desired via use of a photoresist and making the material have a planar surface via chemical mechanical polishing, which also removes the material on top of the stack. The method includes removing excess material outside of the photoresist, wherein the excess material includes part of the hard bias layer, while a portion of the hard bias layer remains directly above the MR sensor stack. |
| US07640648B1 |
Method of fabricating a magnetic flux channel for a transverse wound motor
Methods of fabricating a magnetic flux channel for a transverse wound electric motor by forming a ring of plural adjacent molded magnetic flux channel pole pieces and a second ring of opposite pole pieces. The two rings are mated such that each pole piece mates with an opposite pole piece to form magnetic flux channels and a c-shaped recess forms a winding channel for a transverse phase winding. After mating, the rings are bonded together to form a stator assembly of the transversely wound electric motor. The two rings may be approximately identical, or the two rings may be different as long as they mate to form the plural molded magnetic flux channels and the transverse phase winding channel. The molds may be designed to form the outer surface of a stator assembly. Molds of adjacent phases may be combined back-to-back to reduce part count and increase mechanical strength. |
| US07640645B2 |
Automatic work-piece setting method
A method for automation of conventional manual operation of setting the work-pieces on the hanger (H) for transporting the work-pieces, which moves such as in the surface treatment equipment (300), so as to provide the labor and power saving effect, to improve the efficiency on the operation, and to further improve the quality of the surface of the work-piece after treatment, comprises the process to separate and align plural work-pieces which are joined and aligned; the process to support the skewer-shaped supporting member (K) supporting plural separated and aligned work-pieces while maintaining the separated and aligned configuration; and the process to hang the skewer-shaped supporting member (K) supporting the work-pieces in the separated and aligned configuration on the hanger (H). |
| US07640643B2 |
Conversion of combined cycle power plant to compressed air energy storage power plant
An apparatus and method converts a power generation combined cycle (CC) power plant to a load management compressed air energy storage (CAES) power plant. The CC power plant includes at least one combustion turbine, a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) to receive exhaust heat from an associated combustion turbine, a steam turbine associated with the HRSG, and an electric generator associated with the steam turbine. An air storage stores compressed air. At least one compressor supplies the air storage with compressed air so that off peak energy can be converted to compressed air energy stored in the air storage. Compressed air from the storage is received by the HRSG and the HRSG provides heat to compressed air received from the air storage. The steam turbine receives heated compressed air from the HRSG and expands the heated compressed air to produce power. |
| US07640640B1 |
Shoelace containment device
A shoelace containment device for securing shoelaces after tying on a sports shoe. A flexible body member defines a lace retainment pocket with a closure flap thereover. Multiple shoe engagement straps adjustably secure the retainment pocket over the lace portion of a sports shoe. |
| US07640634B2 |
Ergonomic fastener
Fasteners characterized by structures which are suitable to be engaged reversibly in a slot of a rigid part, such as a metal sheet or the frame of a car for example. The structure provides easy insertion but difficult extraction of the fastener from the slot, without producing squeaking noises during end-use. Easy manufacturing and high dimensional accuracy are also great assets of the fasteners. The invention also pertains to an assembly of said rigid part and the fastener, an assembly connecting parts with the fastener of this invention, as well as vehicles comprising such assemblies. |
| US07640624B2 |
Dirt cup with dump door in bottom wall and dump door actuator on top wall
A floor cleaning appliance includes a housing carrying both a suction generator and a dirt cup. The dirt cup includes a sidewall, a top wall and a dump door. A latch is provided to secure the dump door in a closed position. An actuator for releasing that latch is remotely positioned on the top wall. A linkage is carried on the sidewall and operatively connects the actuator with the latch. |
| US07640621B2 |
Thermal protection system for electrical appliance
An electrical appliance includes a housing carrying a drive motor, a temperature sensor and a controller. The temperature sensor monitors the operating temperature of the drive motor. The controller is responsive to the temperature sensor. The controller adjusts the current applied to the drive motor in response to a high temperature condition detected by the temperature sensor. |
| US07640620B2 |
Retractable hose extension for a vacuum
A retractable hose extension for a vacuum having an expandable hose within a containment structure, a first coupling at the first end of the hose and in the first end of the containment structure for connecting the hose to a vacuum, a valve at the second end of the hose, and either a door or other releasable retention device for the hose. Preferably, the valve is an iris valve. Two fixed embodiment and one portable embodiment exist. The first fixed embodiment is inserted within a wall. The second fixed embodiment is rotatably attached to a tube contained within or running below a ceiling and extending from a vacuum system. |
| US07640616B2 |
Mop with integral mop head wringing mechanism
A mop head wringing mechanism comprises a first sleeve having a helical-shaped spline extending at least partially around an external face thereof and a second sleeve is slideably engaged over the first sleeve. The second sleeve has a spline engaging portion in constrained engagement with the helical-shaped spline of the first sleeve whereby translation of the second sleeve with respect to the first sleeve causes rotation of the second sleeve with respect to the first sleeve. A slip member is substantially constrained from lateral movement with respect to the second sleeve and is engaged with the second sleeve for enabling rotation of the second sleeve relative to the slip member. A control member is coupled to the slip member such that movement of the control member causes the second sleeve to translate from an at-rest position to a displaced position thereby rotating the second sleeve with respect to the first sleeve. |
| US07640613B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing open-heeled foot apparel with improved heel support
A method of manufacturing an article of foot apparel that includes a platform curved to anticipate the natural movement of a foot. The method includes forming the platform with a heel pad having a geometric center point. The method also includes connecting a retaining covering to the platform that is configured to retain a foot at the front of the platform and to allow the heel of the foot to move freely relative to the heel pad. The article of foot apparel conforms more closely to the actual physiology of the foot and allows the heel of the foot to remain centered in the heel pad when worn. |
| US07640611B1 |
Mattress design
A mattress embodying a foam encasement surrounding individually wrapped coils and lacking a barrier separating upholstery layers from the coil assembly. Border material is affixed to sidewalls forming the foam encasement and the upholstery layer is tacked to a base of the foam encasement. |
| US07640610B2 |
Upper extremity support
A support for use with the upper extremity of a patient is disclosed. An upper extremity support including a wedge for supporting the upper extremity is provided. The upper extremity support may include a block for supporting the wedge. The upper extremity support may also include straps and may define apertures and grooves for fastening and positioning the upper extremity in relation to the upper extremity support, the patient or another support. The upper extremity support may position the upper extremity in a substantially scaption position. |
| US07640609B2 |
Headrest assembly for a massage device
A headrest assembly (212) for supporting a face of a user (16) of a massage device (10) includes a support frame (226) and a resilient assembly (220). The support frame (226) is coupled to the massage device (11). The resilient assembly (220) includes a first resilient subassembly (256) that is coupled to the support frame (226), and a second resilient subassembly (258) that engages the first resilient subassembly (256). The first resilient subassembly (256) and the second resilient subassembly (258) cooperate and act in parallel to support the face of the user (16). The first resilient subassembly (256) can include a plurality of spaced apart resilient members (360). |
| US07640603B2 |
Cistern outlet valve mounting bracket assembly and a method of installing an outlet valve in cistern
A cistern outlet valve mounting bracket assembly (10). The assembly includes first and second bracket members (12, 14) adapted for positioning about an outlet valve (20) in engagement with each other and the valve (20). The members (12, 14) also have means (28, 32) to allow fixing of the engaged members (12, 14) to a cistern (38). A method of installing an outlet valve (20) in a cistern (38) is also disclosed. |
| US07640602B2 |
Assembled anti-creep waist-clothing stay device and method of reinforcing crotch-adjacent inner-seam areas
A pre-assembled anti-creep waist-clothing stay device including a patch having front and back surfaces and sized for application to a crotch-adjacent inner-seam area of the waist-clothing and a stay strip affixed to the back surface of the patch, the stay strip being positioned and sized such that the patch extends beyond edges of the stay strip. In key embodiments, the patch includes a heat-activated adhesive such that, when the patch is applied to the waist-clothing with iron-on heat and pressure, the patch adheres at its back surface to the waist-clothing, thereby securing the stay strip in position to prevent the waist-clothing from riding up and bunching in the crotch area. |
| US07640601B2 |
Sports cap
A sports cap in which a visor has an intermediate support layer bonded with a bottom lining layer and sandwiched between a top layer and a bottom layer, and a positioning block with a center insertion hole selectively fastened to one of recesses on the top side of the intermediate support layer for securing a stem of a decorative item for enabling a golf counter to be detachably fastened to the decorative item by means of magnetic attraction. |