| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07743698B2 |
Fountain that flows with fluidic material
A fountain for heating and/or cooling a beverage comprises one or more heating and/or cooling elements that are configured to adjust a temperature of a beverage that circulates through the fountain. In one embodiment, the beverage fountain includes one or more heating elements located proximate to a basin, a cylinder, and/or a top reservoir of the fountain. In another embodiment, the beverage fountain includes one or more cooling elements located proximate to a basin, a cylinder, and/or a reservoir of the fountain. Alternatively, the beverage fountain may include both heating and cooling elements located proximate to a basin, a cylinder, a reservoir, and/or other locations of the fountain, wherein a selection device, such as an electrical switch or control module, may be adjusted by a user in order to select heating or cooling of the beverage. |
| US07743695B2 |
Espresso coffee maker having an espresso brew unit
In an espresso coffee maker having an espresso brew unit (1) and a coffee outflow duct (18) in fluid-conductive connection with the espresso brew unit via a crema valve (15) and having an end sided coffee outflow (19), no brewed residual coffee should remain in the coffee outflow duct nor leak out, for instance as leakage, through the coffee outflow. In order to avoid this, a return-flow suction unit (21), which is preferably independent except for a drive means, is in fluid-conductive connection with the coffee outflow duct (18) between crema valve (15) and coffee outflow (19), which is automatically activated when a brewing process is finished. |
| US07743693B1 |
Redundant latch suppressor mount
A mount designed to be integrated into a noise suppressor. The proposed apparatus encompasses an acme thread and two springs which serve as secondary latches. Offsetting the secondary spring latches in such a manner as to ensure one always fully seats into the indexing points of a flash hider mount limits the rotational movement of an installed noise suppressor which incorporates my proposed mount. Further, this method is more cost efficient than timing each flash hider with each noise suppressor mount. |
| US07743691B2 |
Workpiece feeding stopper for table saw
A workpiece feeding stopper for use in a stable saw to prevent careless feed of a workpiece having a height greater than a cutting depth of a circular saw blade includes a support arm having a rear end adapted for connection with a spreader of the table saw. A stop member is provided at a front end of the support arm and has a stop face with a bottom edge adapted for being spaced above from a worktable of the table saw by a distance slightly greater than or equal to a cutting depth of the circular saw blade and smaller than a distance between a pivot where a blade guard of the table saw and the spreader are pivotally connected to and the worktable, thereby enabling the workpiece to be completely cut without being stopped by the pivot. |
| US07743686B2 |
Air brake slack check tool
A pliers has specifically configured elongate jaws of about rectilinear construction with multiple position adjustability to variously operatively engage a plurality of slack adjustment services of diverse commercial air brakes to check the slack. |
| US07743681B2 |
Steering column assembly having an actuation mechanism for telescoping and tilting movement
A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a support bracket and a column jacket coupled to the support bracket. A compression bracket is mounted to the column jacket. A clamping device is disposed on the support bracket and has a rake bolt extending through the support bracket and the compression bracket for applying a frictional force on the support bracket to prevent telescoping and tilting movement of the column jacket and the compression bracket relative to the support bracket. An actuation mechanism is coupled to the support bracket. The actuation mechanism rotates the rake bolt in a first direction to prevent telescoping and tilting movement of the column jacket. Likewise, the actuation mechanism rotates the rake bolt in a second direction to permit telescoping movement of the column jacket and the compression bracket relative to the actuation mechanism and the support bracket and tilting movement. |
| US07743677B2 |
Powertrain with torque converter and axially compact seven speed dual clutch transmission
A powertrain having a torque converter, friction input shifting clutches and shared driving gears has an axially compact design, packages a transmission pump between the torque converter and a clutch hub and achieves seven forward speed ratios utilizing four back-to-back synchronizers. |
| US07743676B2 |
Key testing apparatus
A key testing apparatus (100) is provided. The key testing apparatus includes a base (11) and an actuator (12). The actuator includes a testing member (17) and a mounting member (18). The mounting member includes at least one base board (181) fixed to the base, a lower board (182), a mounting board (183), and a mounting sheet (185). The lower board is adjustably attached to the base board. The mounting board is adjustably attached to the lower board. The mounting sheet is adjustably attached to the mounting board. The clamping device includes a base desk (131), a clamping platform (132), at least one first clamping board (133) and second clamping board (134). The base desk is adjustably attached to the base. The clamping platform, at least one first clamping board, and at least one second clamping board are adjustably attached to the base desk. |
| US07743674B2 |
High temperature fluid test instrument
An apparatus that can determine the water wettability of fluid at simulate downhole conditions. For example, a spacer fluid and a drilling mud mixture can be tested under a specified pressure and a specified temperature that simulate downhole conditions. Additionally, a shear rate may be applied to the fluid mixture that is substantially identical to the shear rate that will be exerted on the mixture due to downhole geometries and conditions. The apparatus may also provide the viscosity of the fluid under the designated pressure, at the specific temperature, and under the specified shear rate. The apparatus may also be used to determine the amount of spacer fluid that would need to be added to a drilling mud to improve the rheological properties of the mixture to provide adequate water wettability as well as the displacement of the mixture during the cementing process of a wellbore. |
| US07743666B2 |
Tunneling effect element and physical quantity to electrical quantity transducer
A tunneling effect element, including an insulating layer that forms a tunneling barrier, a lower electrode that is conductive and non-magnetic, and is formed on a bottom surface of said insulating layer, an upper electrode that is conductive and non-magnetic, and is formed on a top surface of said insulating layer, and a transmission member. The transmission member is made of insulating material that is formed surrounding the insulating layer and the lower and upper electrodes. The transmission member is also formed on a surface of an object to be detected, and transmits deformation of the object to be detected to the insulating layer. The tunneling effect element detects a change in stress of the object to be detected as a change in electric resistance. |
| US07743665B2 |
Test piece and apparatus for testing
A test piece for mechanical property testing, the test piece is generally elongate having two opposing surfaces. Each surface comprises at least one integral loading land. Preferably there are two lands on one surface and one or two on the other for three- or four-point bending testing. |
| US07743657B2 |
Angular velocity sensor device
An angular velocity sensor device includes a structure having an angular velocity detecting element and a vibration body formed thereon. The structure is mounted on the case and the angular velocity detecting element is isolated from external vibrations without the need for rubber and gel vibration dampening materials. Permanent magnets of the same polarity are mounted opposite one another on the structure and the case. The magnetic repulsion is generated between the structure and the case to cause the structure to be housed within the case in a levitated state. |
| US07743656B1 |
System and method for measuring flexibility
An apparatus, method and system for measuring an individual's flexibility are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a first flexible fabric strap portion, a flexible e-textile fabric portion, a monitoring device and a second flexible fabric strap portion connected to a second end of the monitoring device. The system further includes a communication device for receiving a signal from the apparatus and a computing device for processing the signal from the apparatus. |
| US07743654B2 |
System, method and apparatus for petrophysical and geophysical measurements at the drilling bit
Measurement of petrophysical and geophysical data of formations in a wellbore using a long gauge bit having at least one sensor therewith. The at least one sensor may be installed in at least one flute of the long gauge bit and/or in the long gauge portion thereof. Data for creating images of the formations are obtained at or near the bottom of the borehole and proximate to the long gauge bit used for drilling the borehole. Orientation of the long gauge bit is also available on a real time basis. Magnetic and/or gravitational sensors may be used in determining bit orientation. The flutes of the long gauge bit and the long gauge portion thereof may have standard inserts to accommodate various types of different sensors and electronic packages therefor. |
| US07743653B2 |
Method and device for adapting tires of a means of locomotion to given travel situations
A method for adapting tires (14) of an, in particular, motor-driven means of locomotion to given travel situations, in particular of a passenger car, of a truck or the like. The shape of at least one tire (14), preferably of a plurality of tires (14) or of all the tires (14), is changed selectively, and preferably automatically, during the journey as a function of the travel situation. |
| US07743652B1 |
Tire pressure detector without the risk of causing a leaky tire
A tire pressure detector without the risk of causing a leaky tire includes a base having a forward projected and externally threaded annular wall and an annular limit wall to define an annular groove therebetween; a mating cover having an internally threaded annular wall for screwing to the externally threaded annular wall of the base with a free end of the annular wall received in the annular groove to press against an airtight seal ring set in the annular groove, such that an airtight space is defined in and between the assembled cover and base; a tire pressure detecting assembly being receiving in the airtight space; and a valve control assembly being mounted on the base to locate between the base and the mating cover. The annular limit wall prevents the cover from moving and deforming at the screwed portion to ensure good air-tightness between the cover and the base. |
| US07743651B2 |
Method for detecting malfunction of a cooling system based on detected coolant temperature
A method for detecting a malfunction of a cooling system of an internal combustion engine, comprising: detecting a coolant temperature on a side of the engine; determining a malfunction of the cooling system with the coolant temperature and the value only after a cold start of the engine. |
| US07743650B2 |
System and method for dynamometer testing of motor vehicles, including a cooling device
The present invention relates to a system for dynamometer testing of motor vehicles. The system includes a cooling device for cooling a braking device and/or a power-generating arrangement, such as the engine of a car. The system is arranged to, using the braking device, absorb power applied thereto by the power-generating arrangement. The cooling device includes a fan arrangement for producing an air stream, the air stream being intended to be directed towards the braking device and/or the power-generating arrangement and/or a heat exchanger for providing a cooling effect. The fan arrangement includes two substantially axially aligned fans, and the cooling device is arranged to rotate the fans in opposite directions relative to each other. The present invention also relates to a method. |
| US07743646B2 |
Axial flow scan testable filter system
A filter system having in-situ scan capabilities is provided. In one embodiment of the invention, the system includes a downstream probe which may be rotated to scan the field of a filter installed in the system. The probe may be utilized for leak detection, velocity measurements, efficiency testing and the like. In one embodiment, one or more probes are rotated downstream of the filter to scan the downstream face of the filter. |
| US07743643B2 |
Innovative gas monitoring with spacial and temporal analysis
The present invention relates to the monitoring of gas concentrations possible in very low ranges (i.e., low ppb and even ppt ranges) and especially use thereof in environmental monitoring, exposure assessment, bomb detection, and health studies. The invention can use a spatial and temporal assessment of gas concentrations that enables the sources of the gas in question to be located and identified which is useful in environmental and health field but can also be applied to other fields an example of which is detecting and locating explosives. This technology can uses small, light weight, and low power components that allow for the monitor to be portable and even worn on a person as a personal monitor. This technology can be used in a stationary monitors as well. |
| US07743632B2 |
Washing machine
A washing method in a steam injection type washing machine in which wash water is heated to generate high temperature and high-pressure steam while passing through the steam supply unit in the wash or rinse cycle, and the generated steam is injected into the wash tub at the top of the wash tub. Accordingly, it is possible to rapidly achieve the wetting of clothes with wash water while achieving an enhancement in sterilization and washing performances. In addition, consumption of water and electrical energy can be reduced. |
| US07743628B2 |
Method and device for non-contact moulding of fused glass gobs
The invention relates to a method and device for non-contact molding of fused glass or glass ceramic gobs by means of gas levitation, comprising the following method steps: a pre-form is generated, the pre-form is brought close to a molding tool, which may be connected to a compressed gas source on the open-pored region thereof facing the pre-form in order to generate a gas cushion between the molding tool and the pre-form and the molding tool is directly heated at least during a part of the molding phase. |
| US07743626B2 |
Multiple-bottle gel-pack
A gel-pack for chilling bottled beverages comprising a flexible plastic envelope, sealed around its perimeter, provided with a spaced array of holes therethrough whereby the gel-pack can be draped over a plurality of beverage bottles, with the necks of the bottles protruding through the holes in the gel-pack. |
| US07743625B2 |
Natural smoke/fog distribution system
A method for use with a cold fog generator and/or smoke/fog distribution system comprising the steps of: (a) injecting expanding smoke into an inlet orifice utilizing a venturi effect to foster the full expansion of smoke once inside chamber, thereby (b) introducing smoke into an expansion chamber that will complete its expansion process, (c) building air pressure within expansion chamber and thereby harnessing natural energy from expanding gases to then (d) force said smoke through an ice mass thereby (e) cooling the smoke and creating fog, then (f) forcing fog/smoke out of cfgnsfds via an exhaust duct.In another preferred method the steps are as follows: (a) injecting expanding smoke into an inlet orifice utilizing a venturi effect to foster the full expansion of smoke once inside chamber, thereby (b) introducing smoke into an expansion chamber that will complete its expansion process, (c) building air pressure within expansion chamber and thereby harnessing natural energy from expanding gases to then (d) force fog/smoke out of cfgnsfds via an exhaust duct. |
| US07743624B2 |
Beverage dispense font incorporating portable cooling device
A beverage dispense font incorporating a portable cooling device is provided wherein the portable cooling device cools an outer housing of the dispense font in order to encourage ice formation on the dispense font. Unique visual effects can be obtained with ice formation on the outer housing of the dispense font, and the portable cooling device therefore enables independent cooling of the outer housing without redesign or modification of the existing glycol cooling system used to cool the dispensed beverage.The portable cooling device can be inherently small in size due to relatively minimal cooling capacity requirements for cooling just the outer housing of the dispense font. The dispense font and portable cooling device may be moved from location to location thereby greatly enhancing the capability to provide a frozen-appearing dispense font to many locations. |
| US07743621B2 |
Multi-range composite-evaporator type cross-defrosting system
The present invention provides a multi-range composite-evaporator type cross-defrosting system for continuous heating operation under an environment temperature range from 20 degree to negative 40 degree Celsius. Said system employs a combination of two defrosting methods under different temperature and humidity conditions; the first defrosting method is used for the outdoor temperature range of 20 degree Celsius to 0 degree Celsius, the second defrosting method is used in the outdoor temperature range of 10 degree Celsius to negative 40 degree Celsius, and a control system will adjust the appropriate threshold for switching between the two defrosting methods. |
| US07743619B1 |
Heat exchanger system
A heat exchanger system for efficiently thermally managing coolant within a multiple-phase thermal management system. The heat exchanger system includes a thermal management unit, a release valve within the thermal management unit to release vaporized coolant, and a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the release valve and to the thermal management unit to return liquid coolant to the thermal management unit. |
| US07743617B2 |
Chiller sound reduction control system and method
A noise control method is provided for a cooling system having at least one refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, at least one condenser fan, and an evaporator. Noise control is only performed periodically in response to requirements for reduced operation at predetermined times. The request for reduced noise triggers the commencement of the noise control method. The noise control method involves reducing the operating speed of the compressor, as well as reducing the operating speed of at least one condenser fan, to within a predetermined range of allowable reduced operating speeds. The noise control method temporarily overrides the ability of the cooling system to fully respond to increased cooling or heating demands. When the noise control method is terminated, such as by the end of the stated period of time requiring reduced noise generation, the system is restored to normal operation, and remains fully responsive to cooling and heating demand until commencement of the next period of reduced noise requirements. |
| US07743616B2 |
Control system for a generator
A generator set for a transport refrigeration unit that is operable at a first frequency and a second frequency. The generator set includes a generator and a prime mover coupled to the generator. The prime mover selectively drives the generator in least at a first non-zero speed and a second non-zero speed. A sensor is in electrical communication with the generator to sense a load of the generator and to deliver a signal indicative of the generator load. A controller is in electrical communication with the generator, the prime mover, and the sensor, and receives the signal indicative of the generator load. The controller selectively operates the generator at one of the first speed and the second speed in response to the signal indicative of the generator load. |
| US07743612B2 |
Internal fuel manifold and fuel inlet connection
An internal fuel manifold assembly for a gas turbine engine comprises a fuel manifold ring and a fuel inlet assembly fastened thereto. The fuel inlet assembly providing fluid flow communication with the fuel manifold ring and being joined to the fuel manifold ring at an inlet region thereon. The inlet region of the fuel manifold ring is reinforced relative to the remainder of the circumference of the fuel manifold ring. |
| US07743611B2 |
Backhoe hydraulic system
The present invention overcomes drawbacks whereby the supply of pressure oil to a hydraulic cylinder for operating a ground working device is temporarily cut, and operation of the ground working device is temporarily stopped when a control valve for the travel device is operated while a control valve for the ground working device is being operated. When control valves (V4, V5) for the travel devices are operated during operation of control valves (V6, V7, V8) for the ground working device, and a first flow channel switching valve (V12) is switched from an operating position (31) to a travel position (34), a second flow channel switching valve (V13) is switched from a non-feeding position (39) to a feeding position (40) before or at the same time as the first flow channel switching valve (V12). |
| US07743608B2 |
Exhaust gas purifying apparatus for internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes plural exhaust gas purifying units which are provided on exhaust gas passages connected to plural cylinder groups in the internal combustion engine and purify exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust gas passages, a regeneration determining unit which determines whether or not the plural exhaust gas purifying units should be regenerated, and a regeneration control unit which executes regeneration control for regenerating the exhaust gas purifying units when the regeneration determining unit determines that the exhaust gas purifying units should be regenerated. The regeneration control unit simultaneously executes the regeneration control for the plural exhaust gas purifying units when a change of a combustion mode of the internal combustion engine is involved before and after execution of the regeneration control. Meanwhile, the regeneration control unit independently executes the regeneration control for each of the plural exhaust gas purifying units when the change of the combustion mode is not involved before and after the execution of the regeneration control. |
| US07743603B2 |
Exhaust gas purification apparatus
An exhaust gas purification apparatus of an engine, capable of preventing erroneous detection of an injection nozzle clogging, and having a reducing catalytic converter disposed in an exhaust system, for reducing and purifying nitrogen oxide in the exhaust gas using urea water; a urea water tank storing the urea water; a urea water supply unit sucking up the urea water from the urea water tank and mixes it with high-pressure air for delivery; and an injection nozzle injecting the urea water mixed with the high-pressure air, into an exhaust gas moving upstream side of the reducing catalytic converter in an exhaust gas passage, and further having a clogging detection unit capable of detecting clogging of the injection nozzle based on each detection output of a pressure of the air introduced into the urea water supply unit, and a temperature of the injection nozzle. |
| US07743602B2 |
Reformer assisted lean NOx catalyst aftertreatment system and method
A method and apparatus for catalytically processing a gas stream passing therethrough to reduce the presence of NOx therein, wherein the apparatus includes a first catalyst composed of a silver-containing alumina that is adapted for catalytically processing the gas stream at a first temperature range, a second catalyst composed of a copper-containing zeolite located downstream from the first catalyst, wherein the second catalyst is adapted for catalytically processing the gas stream at a lower second temperature range relative to the first temperature range, a hydrocarbon compound for injection into the gas stream upstream of the first catalyst to provide a reductant, and a reformer for reforming a portion of the hydrocarbon compound into H2 and/or oxygenated hydrocarbon for injection into the gas stream upstream of the first catalyst. The second catalyst is adapted to facilitate the reaction of reducing NOx into N2, whereby the intermediates are produced via the first catalyst reacting with NOx and hydrocarbons. |
| US07743599B2 |
System and apparatus for gas turbine engine lean blowout avoidance
A method of monitoring and controlling the combustion dynamics of a gas turbine engine system is provided. The system includes at least one gas turbine that includes at least one combustor can. The method includes receiving a signal from a gas turbine engine sensor that is indicative of combustion dynamics in at least one of the combustor cans, processing the received signal to determine a probability of lean blowout for at least one combustor can, and controlling the gas turbine engine system to facilitate reducing a probability of a lean blowout (LBO) event using the determined probability of lean blowout. |
| US07743598B2 |
Sealing system for the rear lubricating chamber of a jet engine
A jet engine with a system for recovering oil around the lubricating chamber of the rear rolling bearing of the shaft of the jet engine. The shaft is supported by a rolling bearing situated in a lubricating chamber surrounded by a single recovery chamber having a seal situated downstream from the rotor of the turbine driving the shaft. |
| US07743596B1 |
High temperature resistant rope systems and methods
A fire resistant rope and method of making the same. The fire resistant rope comprises a core, a jacket, and a fire retardant coating. The core comprises a plurality of strands. Each core strand comprises a plurality of core yarns, and each core yarn comprises a plurality of high tensile strength fibers. The jacket comprises a plurality of jacket strands. Each jacket strand comprises a plurality of jacket yarns and each jacket yarn comprises a plurality of high temperature resistant fibers. The fire retardant coating formed on at least one of the core and the jacket. The fire retardant coating expands when subjected to temperatures above a state-change level. At least a portion of the expanded coating inhibits transfer of heat to the core. The state-change level is below a failure temperature defined by the materials from which at least some of the fibers forming the core are formed. |
| US07743595B2 |
Device and method for harvesting woody crops
A device for harvesting crops comprising woody material including a processor arranged to mechanically work the woody material and to feed the mechanically worked woody material to a bale-forming mechanism, the bale-forming mechanism being arranged to form a bale of the mechanically worked woody material. The present invention also extends to a method for harvesting crops comprising woody material in a continuous operation including the steps of: (a) mechanically working the woody material using a processor of a harvesting device; (b) feeding the mechanically worked woody material to a bale-forming mechanism of the harvesting device; and (c) forming a bale from the mechanically worked woody material. |
| US07743594B1 |
Mechanism for guiding a windrower for making an initial cut for multiple windrows
A mechanism for guiding a windrower while making an initial swath pass in a multi-pass windrow merging operation in a manner to establish the lateral spacing between an end of the header and the adjacent edge of the uncut crop so that the header encounters an optimal width of standing crop in a subsequent swath pass. The mechanism is selectively positionable between deployed (working) and stowed positions to maintain machine maneuverability when not in use. The mechanism further incorporates provisions to prevent damage to the mechanism resulting from inadvertent encounters with obstacles. |
| US07743593B2 |
Pneumatic cotton harvesting machine
A cotton picking machine comprises a chassis for moving the machine in a traveling direction, a vacuum pump provided to create a predetermined vacuum and a cotton picking unit including a cotton picking head supported by the chassis. The cotton picking head includes upper and lower vacuum compartments both in fluid communication with the vacuum pump and connecting tubes vertically extending between the upper and lower vacuum compartments and movable along a predetermined endless path so as to be in sliding contact with the upper and lower vacuum compartments at the corresponding distal ends thereof. Each of the connecting tubes includes a set of hollow picking fingers radially outwardly extending therefrom. The predetermined endless path includes an extracting zone and an inoperative zone. The connecting tubes fluidly connect the upper and lower vacuum compartments only when the connecting tubes pass the extracting zone of the predetermined endless path. |
| US07743587B2 |
Method for the manufacture of mixed packages and device for carrying out the method
Method for the manufacture of mixed packages and device for carrying out said method. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. |
| US07743586B2 |
Mortar applying machine and block for use in conjunction therewith
A mortar applying machine incorporating housing, having a rotatable drive wheel mounted therein, the drive wheel adhered upon a pivot shaft located within the housing, and the drive wheel being disposed through the bottom of the housing for mortar and engagement with the surface of a row of blocks previously applied in the forming of a building wall. Fixedly mounted to the same shaft are a pair of paddles, formed of blades, which assure the proper shifting and movement of the fluid mortar into position within the housing, for passage out of its lower openings, and onto the transverse lands of the row of blocks as previously applied into the building wall. A diverter is provided within the housing to assure that the fluid mortar flows towards the front of the housing with respect to the direction of its movement when depositing a layer of mortar onto a previously laid row of blocks. A block is constructed to accommodate their usage in combination with this mortar applying machine, to provide motive power for processing and deposition of the fluid mortar, and at the same time provide transverse lands or surfaces onto which a thin layer of mortar may be applied, in preparation for the application of another row of blocks thereon, during the building of a wall. |
| US07743585B2 |
Structure reinforcement system
An assembly for reinforcing a structure is provided. The assembly generally includes a rigid sheet and a bracket. The rigid sheet is adapted to be adhered to the structure. The bracket includes a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is adapted to penetratingly engage the structure. The second leg adheres to the rigid sheet. The first and second legs extend substantially perpendicular to each other. |
| US07743583B2 |
Method for providing structure having multiple interwoven structural members enhanced for resistance of multi-directional force
A structural assembly has a first set of first elongate structural members alternately spaced apart from a second set of second elongate structural members by locking blocks, the first set defining a first plane and the second set defining a second plane forming an intersection at an angle with the first plane, the structural members and locking blocks defining an assembly of adjoined blocks and structural members at the intersection, and a compressive mechanism spanning the assembly of adjoined blocks and structural members at the intersection. Compressing the adjoined blocks and structural members by the spanning compression mechanism locks the blocks and structural members together in a manner to resist applied forces. |
| US07743582B1 |
Conical roof construction
A new conical roof building method provides flat plates having straight abutting edges and curved outer edges. The plates are placed horizontally edge to edge except for a sectoral opening. The plates are welded together to form a flat disc-shaped blank, leaving an open sector of the blank. Radial supports are welded to a top of the disc-shaped blank. A center of the disc-shaped blank is lifted, forming a conical-shaped structure, closing and abutting edges of the open sector and touching edges of the formerly open sector are welded together, completing the forming of the conical roof. |
| US07743580B2 |
Tilt-up anchor and anchor pocket form
An improved, lightweight, portable, and self-contained concrete form for fabricating tilt-up concrete walls is provided. The form includes a frame made from metal frame members jointed at their ends with the frame members forming the sides of the frame. Optional structural anchors may be attached inside the frame members. The frame members may be channel shaped with their channels facing inwardly. The reinforcing mat comprising a array of crisscrossed rebars is disposed within the frame and is held in place with a plurality of brackets on the ends of at least some of the rebars and welded to respective frame members. The rebar mat is sized to be positioned in the mid portion of the frame and the brackets on the ends of the rebars are slid outwardly into and attached to the frame members by spot welding. The brackets are then spot welded to the ends of their rebars to form a rigid, lightweight concrete frame. The frame may be shipped to a job site, laid on a casting surface, a pocket form placed inside the optional anchor, and filled with concrete. When the concrete cures, the resulting concrete wall, form and all, is tilted-up into place with a crane and may be attached with the anchor to form a section of a concrete wall. |
| US07743577B2 |
Structural truss with crimp/clamp method of making same
A structural truss (3) with crimp/clamp (18) and method of making same wherein the truss (3) includes disposed U-shaped channel chords (2) and struts (1) interconnected to one another at alternately extending apices (6) wherein successive segments of the struts (1) have U-shapes and inverted U-shapes at their mid-sections and flat apices (6) at their respective ends. The ends (4) of successive segments of the unit lengths of the struts (1) and the chords (2) have holes for the insertion of a tapered pin (9), thus precisely controlling the length of successive trusses. The truss member (3) also has vertical load-bearing strut sections (17) at the end of each manufactured length of truss (3) to support a cantilevered section of chord (10). The crimp/clamp (18) is crimped and clamped onto the chords (2) so as to clamp the struts (1) to the chords (2). |
| US07743576B2 |
Deployable and retractable space frame
A deployable and retractable space frame structure which requires no assembly, and can be either manually or automatically activated. It comprises rigid end rings or the like which attach to a multitude of spaced trusses of generally slender aspect ratio. The trusses are fabricated of two or more generally rigid, beam like strips which are hinged so as to become very flexible and non rigid when hinged strip elements lie planarly flattened, thus allowing the structure to collapse into a minimum volume state. In this configuration truss beams assume a curvature approximating the curvature of the structure end rings. Upon deployment, the truss beams become straight, and hinged beam-like strips fold to create a triangular cross sectional moment of inertia to become very rigid and straight. The structure is deployable and stow-able an infinite number of times, and is suitable for a wide variety of applications including telescope structures, portable building and antennae masts, planetary vehicles, space stations, and the like. |
| US07743575B2 |
Joint member
A joint member capable of forming a joint portion that can be easily constructed and has an excellent design and a high waterproof capacity even if it is manufactured at a low cost. A joint member 1 is composed of a hat joiner 10 and a joint cover 20, and the hat joiner 10 is composed of a base plate 11 to be fastened to the body side of building frame and a convex portion 12 protruding from the base plate 11 to the surface side. The joint cover 20 is provided with a joint groove portion 21 that covers a top surface 12c of the convex portion 12 in the course of construction, and a lower edge portion 23 extending from the lower end of the joint groove portion 21 and brought into contact with the surface of an external wall panel 30B in the course of construction. An elastic water proof material 26 is attached to the rear surface of the lower edge portion 23. |
| US07743574B2 |
System of blocks for use in forming a free standing wall
A system of blocks for building a free standing wall. The system includes at least one size of wall block and a generally rectangular column block. The height and depth of the column block are the same as those of the wall block and the length of the column block is twice its depth. The exposed surfaces of the blocks in the free standing wall are textured to a greater extent than the other surfaces. The blocks are used to form a wall with a rectangular column, where the wall is tied into the column to enhance the stability of the wall. |
| US07743572B2 |
Anti-vibration sound insulator for suspended ceiling
The invention is directed to an anti-vibration sound insulator for a suspended ceiling which is intended to be used either in residential or commercial applications. The insulator comprises a metal furring devised to be fixed to the ceiling. It also includes a central part comprising a star-shaped element having an upper vertical plate provided with an orifice and two lower plates each having extremities. These extremities are folded so as to jointly form a slide rail sized to receive and support the folded extremities of the metal furring. The central part also comprises an insulating element devised to be inserted in the upper plate orifice, this insulating element including an orifice. This latter orifice allows introducing a fixing element so as to fix the insulator beneath a floor, or against a joist supporting the floor. |
| US07743567B1 |
Fiberglass/cellulosic composite and method for molding
A composite material and a related method of manufacturing a component. The composite material may be comprised of plastic material in an amount between about 60% and about 70% by weight, cellulosic material in an amount between about 20% and about 30% by weight, and glass material in an amount up to about 20% by weight. The composite material may be injection molded to form a component. |
| US07743563B2 |
Seismic energy damping system
A seismic energy damping system with plural redundancy for a building or structure subject to seismic perturbation (i.e., deflection of the building structure) includes a distributed plurality of seismic energy dampers, and a plurality of rigid shear panels cooperating with the building structure via the seismic energy dampers. The plural shear panels and plural seismic energy dampers distribute seismic energy absorption and dissipation throughout the building structure to avoid stress concentrations, and to dissipate significant seismic energy, thus limiting the amplitude of deflections of the building structure during a seismic event. |
| US07743556B2 |
Latch assembly for safety rail system
A gate (106) includes a panel (112) movable relative to a fixed member (110) between an open position and a closed position. A linkage (140) is pivotally mounted to the panel (112) about a latch pivot axis. A catch (130) is pivotally mounted to the linkage (140) about a catch pivot axis spaced from and parallel to the latch pivot axis. The catch (130) is movable between a latched position engaged with the fixed member (110) and an unlatched position disengaged from the fixed member (110). The catch (130) defines a groove for slideable receipt on the fixed member (110). When the catch (130) is in the latched position and the panel (112) is in the closed position, the catch (130) abuts against opposite sides of the fixed member (110) along an extended length such that forces are applied on each side at spaced locations to resist twisting forces. |
| US07743554B2 |
Potted plant soil retainer
For use inside a plant pot having a base section with at least one vertically disposed drain aperture, a drain cover/soil retainer includes a substantially planar main body fixedly attached with glue to at least three leg members of preselected material and of substantially equal height positioned substantially beneath the area covered by the main body. The total volume occupied by the leg members combined is between about 30 and 80 percent of the volume defined by the area under the main body and the leg member height. |
| US07743552B2 |
Bedbug detection, monitoring and control techniques
One nonlimiting variation of a detection arrangement includes one or more sensors each structured to detect at least one biochemical substance indicative of biochemistry of one or more target insect species and provide a corresponding sensor signal, a controller responsive to the sensor signal of each of the one or more sensors to determine if the one or more insect species are present and generate a corresponding output signal, and an indicator responsive to the output signal to indicate the presence of the one or more insect species. |
| US07743550B2 |
Fish lure with vortex tail
A system for fishing using one of a plurality of rates of fall. Each of the rates of fall provides a different depth for delay between a cast and retrieval. The system includes a plurality of swim bait fishing lures. Each of the swim bait fishing lures includes an elongated body having a head and a rear along a longitudinal axis, a reduced tail portion flexible in a lateral direction and tapered laterally toward the rear, and an enlarged tail flaring from the reduced tail portion. The enlarged tail can have a tapered top and a tapered bottom, each formed from two intersecting faces. Each of the faces is characterized by a contour extending from the reduced tail portion on each of the faces to cause a vortex within a vicinity of each of the faces from a flowing fluid. Each of the swim bait fishing lure includes a weighted insert proximate the head. The system provides the plurality of rates of fall characterized by the respective weighted insert. |
| US07743548B1 |
Fishing pole holder
A fishing pole holder that includes a base and a pole holding portion, with the pole holding portion designed to be mounted atop the base. The base is designed to be driven into a ground surface. The pole holding portion includes a mounting bar, a pair of connector arms, and a pole holder that is pivotally attached to the pair of connector arms. A spring is attached to both the pole holder and the mounting bar, with the default position of the spring being present when the pole holder is pointed upward. The pole holder can bent downward and connected to the mounting bar with a latch. When a fishing pole placed within the pole holder is jerked by a biting fish, the latch will disconnect from the mounting bar, forcing the pole holder to rapidly move upward through a pulling action by the spring, thereby jerking the fishing pole line and ideally snagging the fish hook in the biting fish's mouth. |
| US07743539B1 |
Display sign apparatus
A display sign apparatus includes a sign panel having opposed surfaces, each of the surfaces providing a locale for displaying a selected message to viewers. The panel preferably is in the form of a first and second panel section that are connected together such as adhered with an adhesive such as glue. Each of the first and second panel sections provides grooves that are receptive of rods. A support structure enables the panel to be supported in an upright position. The support structure can include as an example a horizontal member and a vertical member. The support structure can for example be an inverted L shaped post having a vertical section that is embedded in the earth and a horizontal section that extends laterally and generally horizontally from the vertical section. One or more rods extends through grooves of the panels to support the sign panel in an upright, vertical position. At least one of the rods extends vertically through the panel section that provides horizontal grooves. At least one of the rods extends vertically through the panel section that provides vertical grooves. These rods are then attached to the support structure for supporting and rigidifying the sign with respect to the support structure. |
| US07743530B2 |
Shoe and a method of making shoes
A method of making a shoe, said shoe having an interior sole (10) and an outsole (8) being integrally moulded onto an upper (1) with an insole (4), comprising the following steps: providing of a last (30) having a wedge-shaped recess (32) is its heel area, said recess being defined by a projecting rib (33), providing an upper (1) with an insole (4) on the last (30), said insole (4) being provided with a hole (7) in the heel area, arranging the lower part of the last provided with the upper (1) and the insole (4) in a mould (34), injecting a plastic material into a closed mould cavity formed by the last and the mould, allowing the injected material to harden, whereby the rib (32) of the last (30) forms a corresponding groove (12) between the interior sole (10) and the inner face of the upper (1), removing the upper (1) with the moulded-on soles (8, 10) from the last (30), providing a separately formed insert (13) of a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the groove (12) and placing the insert in the groove (12). |
| US07743519B2 |
Sensor module, method of correction therefor, and mobile object including the sensor module
A sensor module maintaining high detection accuracy. Correction data of a detected magnetic field is updated only in a case that a fluctuation band acquired from an output signal of an acceleration sensor is less than a threshold value and a difference between an azimuth angle acquired from an output signal of a terrestrial magnetism sensor and an inclination angle acquired from an output signal of acceleration sensor is less than the threshold value. Therefore, the correction data is updated only in a case that a magnetic field at a position of a mobile object is stably detected, and an accuracy of the correction data can be maintained. |
| US07743515B2 |
Pencil sharpening device
A pencil sharpening device having a container with a closed bottom, a sidewall, and an open top, a support member received with the container, a lid with a central aperture releasably secured to the container to close the open top, and a sharpening element mounted to the support member and extending upwardly and through the aperture of the lid. |
| US07743513B1 |
Chainsaw tensioning device
A chainsaw has a cam lever and cam assembly that can be used to adjust the tension of a guide bar in the chainsaw. Once the tension of the guide bar has been lessened, the guide bar can be moved back and forth by using a chain-tightening knob and tightening mechanism. The movement of the guide bar causes the chain to tighten or loosen on the guide bar. |
| US07743511B2 |
Powered disk preferably with oscillateable, trimmer-line-hook mounts
A trimmer line, hook disk system forming a line trimmer head (e.g., FIGS. 10 & 10A, 19 & 20) for attaching to a powered, rotational device (FIGS. 11-16) to provide a line filament grasscutting/weed-removal action. The trimmer head preferably includes a circular, protective, bottom base (D2/60/160), a main trimmer head top (D3/D30/130), the two forming a disk shape, and a series of peripherally spaced, line holders; with these three basic elements fastened together for ultimate attachment to the powered 31 device. Ten exemplary line holder are shown (FIGS. 1-9B), with most allowing oscillating (O) motion in their attachment to the trimmer device (D1), allowing the lines to move backwardly when contacting a relatively hard item, and/or some fixed (F). A “broom” embodiment is disclosed (FIG. 17). When used, flexible line, e.g. of nylon, is inserted in (1) and held (2) by the line holders preferably using hook or hook-like line attachments. |
| US07743509B2 |
Ratcheting hand tool with easily replaceable cutting blade
A hand-held and hand-operated cutting tool particularly well suited for cleanly and quickly cutting plastic pipe or tubing, rubber hose, or the like is provided. The tool has a blade which is easily manually removed from and replaced into the cutting tool without the use of additional tools. The blade is slid into the tool and then rotated slightly into an initial operating or loaded position whereat a blade pivot pin may be inserted into the tool and through a hole provided in the blade. During use, the blade is rotatable in increments or steps from a retracted position in which it is substantially enclosed within the tool housing to a cut off position in which it cooperates with a stationary cradle anvil so as to sever the article to be cut. A ratchet drive interconnects a movable handle and the blade so as to incrementally drive the blade towards its cut off position upon manipulation of the handle. Upon severing of the article, the blade is readily returned to its retracted position by, for example, spreading apart the tool handles. |
| US07743505B2 |
Methods for manufacturing endodontic instruments from powdered metals
Endodontic instruments or intermediate products (e.g., blanks) used to form finished endodontic instruments having a desired cutting edge and/or taper are formed, at least in part, by molding a metal powder into a desired shape and then sintering the metal particles together. The metal powder is initially formed into a green molded part that is sintered to yield a solid metal part. The sintered metal part may optionally be further processed by additional steps, as needed, to yield a finished endodontic instrument. One additional process includes cold forming the sintered metal body to provide a cutting edge, remove cracks and microfissures, or otherwise modify the characteristics of an intermediate product or endodontic instrument. Other processes include chemical milling and mechanical milling, grinding or cutting to sharpen the cutting edge, form a taper, or otherwise modify the intermediate product or endodontic instrument in a desired manner. |
| US07743502B2 |
Chemically compatible, lightweight heat pipe
The present invention provides an apparatus including a magnesium alloy vessel that is substantially free of aluminum and zinc, but including magnesium in combination with a gettering metal and a method for making such apparatus. The magnesium alloy vessel has a hollow interior cavity containing a working fluid, with a stable, protective layer formed on the inside wall of the vessel so as to establish non-corrosive compatibility with the working fluid. |
| US07743500B2 |
Method for manufacturing an exhaust gas treatment device
A method for manufacturing an exhaust gas treatment device for an internal combustion engine comprises axially inserting an exhaust gas treatment cartridge into a casing, wherein the casing has an initial inside cross-section that is larger than an outside cross-section of the exhaust gas treatment cartridge. A funnel is axially inserted into an end region of the casing, wherein an outside cross-section of the funnel is smaller than the initial inside cross-section of the casing. The cross-section of the casing is subsequently reduced such that the casing ultimately has a first ultimate inside cross-section that is equal to the outside cross-section of the exhaust gas treatment cartridge in a region, in which the at least one exhaust gas treatment cartridge is arranged, and a second ultimate inside cross-section that is equal to the outside cross-section of the funnel in the respective end region, in which the respective funnel is arranged. |
| US07743499B2 |
Reactor manufacturing method for a fuel cell processor
A method to produce a catalytic bed is initiated by forming apertures in a predetermined pattern on a strip or segment of thin foil. A pattern of desired channels is formed into the apertured foil, for example, as a herringbone pattern. The patterned foil is heat treated, and the surfaces of the foil are provided with at least one washcoat and at least one catalyzed coat, and cured. Cured foil in strip form is rolled into a multi-layer coil, or cured foil in segment form is stacked in multiple segment layers, to produce a desired geometric shape of the catalytic bed. The channels between layers of foil are offset in each successive layer to preclude channel nesting. The offset channels and apertures provide turbulent longitudinal and radial flow of a desired material throughout the catalytic bed. |
| US07743498B2 |
Method of processing seals like leaf seals
A method of processing seals (20), like leaf seals, in which seals (20) an annular gap, formed between two coaxial, cylindrical surfaces, is sealed off in the axial direction by a multiplicity of individual, thin sealing elements (22; 22a, b) which, with an orientation deviating from the radial direction, extend transversely through the gap and are fixed at their end assigned to the one cylindrical surface and bear loosely with the other, free end against the other cylindrical surface. An improvement in the sealing geometry is achieved in a simple manner in that, for the uniform orientation of the free ends of the sealing elements (22; 22a, b), in a first step, the sealing elements (22, 22a, b) are brought to bear with their free ends against a coaxial cylindrical surface having a predetermined diameter (D) in such a way that they are subjected to a bending stress, and in that, in a second step, the sealing elements (22; 22a, b) subjected to the bending stress are subjected to a heat treatment in such a way that the bending stress is completely removed. |
| US07743497B2 |
Method of providing non-uniform stator vane spacing in a compressor
Stator blade counts of an upper compressor casing for adjacent stages S0 and S1 are changed in the field to provide additional stator vanes and hence an increased vane count. Particularly, the upper casing half of the compressor is removed from the lower casing half. The original stator vanes on opposite axial sides of the first stage buckets are removed from the upper casing half and replaced by an additional sets of stator vanes providing a non-uniform vane spacing as between the upper and lower halves of the compressor as well as between axially adjacent stages S0 and S1. The unequal vane counts reduce the vibratory response of the rotating blades between stages S0 and S1. |
| US07743494B2 |
Process of fabricating a circuit board
A process for fabricating a circuit board includes: providing a substrate including a first electrically conductive core having a first insulating coating on a first side and a second insulating coating on a second side, forming an opening in the first and second insulating coatings and the first electrically conductive core, exposing an edge of the conductive core within the opening, and electrodepositing a third insulating material on the exposed edge of the first electrically conductive core. A circuit board fabricated using the process is also provided. |
| US07743493B2 |
Method for manufacturing a ceramic electronic component
A photo-resist of a dry film patterned to form opening portions and non-opening portions is provided on a release film. An electrically conductive paste is applied by a doctor blade and thereafter is dried. Then, the release film of the dry film is removed and thereafter the dry film is adhered to a ceramic green sheet. The photo-resist is removed from the ceramic green sheet to form an electrically conductive film on the ceramic green sheet. The ceramic electronic component is manufactured by sintering the ceramic green sheet having the electrically conductive film formed. |
| US07743491B2 |
Mounting method of passive component
The present invention relates to a mounting method of passive component, and particularly relates to a mounting method of a small-size passive component. A passive component partially covered by an adhesive material is provided. Before the adhesive layer is melted, the adhesive material is melted and then solidified to form a fixing structure between the passive component and a substrate for fixing the passive component on the substrate. Therefore, the tombstone problem caused by uneven pulling force that the melted solder applies to the two ends of the passive component is effectively solved. The yield rate is increased, and the product loss is reduced. |
| US07743486B1 |
Method for assembling a head stack assembly with a disk drive base utilizing a tooling mandrel
A method for assembling a head stack assembly with a disk drive base utilizing a tooling mandrel is described. The head stack assembly includes a pivot bearing cartridge with a shaft and a sleeve. The shaft includes a shaft first end with an engagement feature. The shaft defines an axis of rotation and a shaft outer circumferential surface. The sleeve defines a sleeve inner circumferential surface disposed towards the shaft outer circumferential surface. The tooling mandrel includes a retainer element defining a longitudinal axis and including a distal end. The distal end engages the engagement feature. The tooling mandrel includes tooling fingers angularly fixed to the retainer element with respect to the longitudinal axis. The tooling fingers each include a tip portion. Each tip portion engages the pivot bearing cartridge through cooperative radial movement with respect to the axis of rotation with the distal end engaged with the engagement feature. |
| US07743481B2 |
Stent crimping
Methods of crimping polymeric stents that simultaneously apply a radial force to the stent to reduce the diameter of the stent and a longitudinal force to elongate of the stent. According to one such method, a stent is inserted into an elastic tube having an inner surface that defines a passage. The tube is pulled to cause stretching of the tube. When the tube is stretched, the inner surface of the tube engages an outer surface of the stent and applies simultaneous longitudinal and radial forces to the outer surface of the stent. The simultaneously applied longitudinal and radial forces simultaneously reduce a radial extent of the stent and increase a longitudinal extent of the stent. |
| US07743475B2 |
Purse ring having multiple rollers
A purse ring for coupling a purse seine and a purse line to each other. The purse ring includes a frame, which is coupled at a first end thereof to the purse seine and passes the purse line through a second end thereof, and at least three rollers, which are rotatably provided in the frame at positions at which the purse line are brought into contact with the frame. The purse seine having the multiple rollers has a structure such that friction between the purse line and the purse ring is reduced, thus increasing the lifetime of the purse ring, thereby reducing costs of replacement of the purse ring. |
| US07743473B2 |
Fast loosed belt structure
A belt structure includes a first housing, a second housing, a third housing and a belt. The two ends of the belt are respectively connected to the first housing and the third housing, which can be buckled together quickly. The second housing and the first housing are connected, so that a mechanism for fine tuning the belt can be formed through the gear, the driving element and the resisting element in the first and the second housing. |
| US07743470B2 |
Method and device for manufacturing sawtooth card clothing and all-steel card clothing as well as sawtooth wire
In a method for manufacturing sawtooth card clothings and all-steel card clothings for processing textile fibers in a carding process, a sawtooth wire is produced by generating teeth on a wire blank sequentially behind one another in a longitudinal direction of the wire blank, wherein the teeth extend transversely to the longitudinal direction away from a base area. The sawtooth wire is subjected at least in the area of the teeth to a hardening process under exclusion of oxygen in the area of the sawtooth wire. A device for performing the method has a heating chamber having an inlet opening and an outlet opening for the sawtooth wire passing through the heating chamber. An arrangement for generating an inert gas atmosphere in the area of the sawtooth wire passing through the heating chamber is provided. |
| US07743469B2 |
Apparatus on a textile machine for cleaning fibre material, for example of cotton, comprising a high-speed first or main roller
An apparatus on a textile machine for cleaning fiber material has a first roller for conveying a travelling fiber web, and second and third rollers which have respective nips with one another and with the first roller on rotation of the three rollers. The second roller is arranged downstream of the third roller and co-operates with the first roller so that fiber is detached, the fiber is transferred to the nip with the third roller and conveyed by the third roller to the nip with the first roller. The rollers have clothing with tips which are inclined in the direction of rotation. To improve the cleaning the front angle α of the tips of the second roller is about from 10° to 50° and the clothing gaps may be large to obtain a higher filling volume for fibers. |
| US07743467B2 |
Hinge positioning structure and unit
An exemplary hinge positioning structure (20) includes a base (22), a pivot shaft (24) engaged in the base, a pivot shaft gripper (264), and a resilient member (266). The pivot shaft is rotatably engaged in the base. The pivot shaft gripper is sleeved on the pivot shaft. An end of the pivot shaft gripper is engaged with the base so that part of the pivot shaft gripper is fixed to the base. Two ends of the resilient member are connected to the base and another end of the pivot shaft gripper, respectively. The resilient member applies a force on the pivot shaft gripper so that the pivot shaft gripper tightly grips on the pivot shaft, and the pivot shaft gripper is relaxed by an external force for allowing the pivot shaft to rotate relative to the base. The present invention further provides a hinge positioning unit (26). |
| US07743463B2 |
Vacuum cleaning nozzle
An air-powered vacuum cleaning nozzle has an agitator brush rotated by an air turbine powered by a source of suction air. A plurality of air inlet openings are formed adjacent the agitator brush. A generally flat friction drive belt extends from a bearing shaft of the air turbine to the midpoint of the agitator brush for rotating the brush. The bearing shaft is mounted in a pair of spaced rubber bushings to absorb vibration and reduce noise. The nozzle includes a housing formed by one-piece top and bottom housing members removably joined together securing the air turbine therebetween. A cover plate removably secured to the outside surface of the bottom housing member forms a protective passage for the drive belt and a suction passage between an air inlet adjacent the agitator brush and the air turbine chamber. |
| US07743461B2 |
Vacuum cleaner with large debris receptacle
A vacuum cleaning machine comprising a housing that includes a suction nozzle that is adapted to move along a surface to be cleaned and a receptacle coupled to the housing for holding particles removed from the surface during operation of the vacuum cleaning machine. The receptacle is provided with an external opening for the introduction of debris particles therein which are not ordinarily removable from the surface through the suction-generating apparatus. The vacuum cleaning machine can be an upright vacuum cleaning machine and the receptacle can be mounted to the handle. The receptacle can also be incorporated into a dirt cup in a cyclone separator module. |
| US07743460B2 |
Dust suction device
A dust suction device (2), particularly in the form of an industrial vacuum cleaner, has a blower device (6) for generating an intake flow (S), a filter surface (16) for separating dust and dirt particles from the intake flow (S), a collecting chamber (18) for collecting the dust and the dirt particles which is located upstream of the filter surface (16) with respect to the intake flow (S), a clean air chamber (20) which is arranged downstream of the filter surface (16) and is separated from the collecting chamber (18) by the filter surface (16), with the filter surface (16) being acted upon in some areas by a cleaning flow of the blower device (6) which flows through the filter surface (16) in the direction opposite the direction of the intake flow (S), and an adjustable dividing wall (30) provided in the clean air chamber (20) and separating a vacuum area (40) that can be generated by the blower device (6) from an overpressure area (38) that can likewise be generated by the blower device (6). |
| US07743458B1 |
Collapsible broom and dustpan
A collapsible broom and dustpan provide convenient, compact storage for use in RVs, mobile homes, efficiency apartments and the like with limited closet and storage space. The broom includes a standard telescoping handle which is affixed to a pivot joint on the broom head. The handle can be extended and rotated to a variety of selected angles. Tabs on the locking member within the pivot joint engage the handle girdle which surrounds the locking member. The locking member is spring loaded to maintain the handle at a desired position. The dustpan includes a handgrip which will accommodate the broom handle while the dustpan tray receives the broom head for compact storage. C-shaped clamps within the grip and a catch within the dustpan tray hold the broom within the dustpan until manually released therefrom. |
| US07743451B2 |
Sanitary cleaning device with disposable cleaning head
Described are preferred sanitary cleaning devices that include a disposable cleaning head portion and a handle portion. The cleaning head is releasably connectable to the handle portion. The handle portion includes a pair of elongate rods laterally spaced relative to one another and capable of deflection toward one another. The rods present prongs that are selectively received within and removed from apertures provided in the cleaning head. To attach the cleaning head to the handle, the rods are deflected, for example by compressing a grip area, and the prongs are positioned adjacent the receiving apertures, and thereafter the rods are released. This causes the prongs to be received within the apertures, to connect the cleaning head to the handle. Preferred devices of the invention are advantageous in that the user need not touch the cleaning head or adjacent areas expected to contact materials from the toilet to achieve connection and removal of the head from the handle. Preferred devices also incorporate handle and attachment features with relatively smooth surfaces, minimizing their capacity to become soiled. In this fashion, more sanitary cleaning operations and storage features are provided. |
| US07743446B2 |
Composite deck system
A composite a deck system having a deck component and a concrete component. The deck component of the present invention includes deck sections, each having a longitudinally-extending rib with spaced apart sidewalls connected to a top wall. At the opposing ends of the sidewalls can be included side edges or webs having upturned flanges with an opening or openings along the flanges that are dimensioned to facilitate composite action between the deck sections and the concrete. The system includes a first deck section, as described, adjacent to a second deck section, wherein the side edges of the first and second deck sections are in juxtaposed relation. These deck sections can be combined with concrete to form a composite deck. |
| US07743443B2 |
Liquid applicator and absorbent scrubbing means
A device for applying a functional formulation to a surface is disclosed. The device includes a reservoir with a valve assembly for dispensing an effective stain removal formulation directly to the stain, spot or mark. The device also includes a shell accommodating absorbent pads. In use, the functional formulation is delivered through the applicator tip to the surface. The applicator is then rotated and one of the absorbent pads is engaged with the formulation treated surface to dislodge soils and stains on the surface, distribute the functional formulation on the surface, absorb excess formulation from the surface, and/or to lessen visibility of the resulting moistened area as well as reduce the time needed for the moistened area to dry. Suitable functional formulations for use in association with the applicator are also disclosed. |
| US07743441B2 |
Expandable width bed
A variable width bed is provided. In one embodiment the bed has a frame, a deck supported on the frame, and a mattress on the deck. A portion of the mattress on one of head and seat deck sections expands to have an increased width. In an alternate embodiment, deck extender assemblies are provided at the sides of the bed. Each of the deck extender assemblies have supplemental mattresses connected thereto. |
| US07743439B2 |
Portable sink
A portable sink having a hot and cold water faucet connected to an electric water pump and fresh water tank and a wastewater outlet from said sink connected to a wastewater tank and cabinet mounted on wheels having one upper door that has a dipwell attached that is connected to the fresh and waste-water systems and one lower door to access the interior thereof. The dipwell is mounted on the upper door that is rotatable about a vertical access. The dipwell is within the cabinet when the door is closed and outside the cabinet when the door is rotated 90 degrees in a locked open position. One tank for fresh water is mounted in the cabinet and a tank for wastewater is mounted outside the cabinet. There is an electrical connection for powering the water pump and water heater. |
| US07743437B2 |
Apparatus and method for jet aeration
Jet aerator apparatus and method. The apparatus can include a jet body including a passageway, water conduits, and an air conduit. The jet aerator can include an exit nozzle received in the passageway. The exit nozzle can include lock clips, locking tabs, and stabilizing tabs. The jet aerator can include a jet head coupled to the exit nozzle by the lock clips. The jet head can include a locking rib. The jet aerator can include a jet cover coupled to the exit nozzle. The jet cover can include slots to receive the locking tabs, stepped portions to receive the stabilizing tabs, and lock grooves to receive the locking rib. |
| US07743435B2 |
Self adjusting toilet bolt assembly for connecting a toilet bowl to a closet flange
A self adjusting toilet bolt assembly provides an anchor member for connecting a toilet bowl to a closet flange which allows use of downward 5/16″ stud travel through a standard width dimension slotted opening in the closet flange incident making connection of a toilet bowl to the closet flange. This result is made possible by use of apertures in an anchor member body lower body portion extending between two lower body portion wall parts providing clearance for the stud to pass unobstructedly in the flange slotted opening. |
| US07743429B2 |
Protective device
A protective device is disclosed that may have the configuration of a leg protector, for example. As a leg protector, the protective device includes a knee portion, a first thigh portion, and a second thigh portion. The first thigh portion is positioned adjacent the knee portion and has an elastic member. The second thigh portion is positioned adjacent the first thigh portion and opposite the knee portion. The knee portion, the first thigh portion, and the second thigh portion are secured relative to each other with at least one flexible strap that is attached to the knee portion, attached to the elastic member of the first thigh portion, and attached to the second thigh portion. The strap is unattached to the first thigh portion. In some embodiments, the first thigh portion does not include a restraint for securing the leg protector to the leg. |