| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07775133B2 |
Vehicle transmission
A vehicle transmission includes first and second main shafts that enable switching of power transmission from an engine; a counter shaft connected to a drive wheel; and gear trains with a plurality of shift stages provided between each of the first and second main shafts and the counter shaft. The vehicle transmission also includes shifters which switch between engagement with and disengagement from a gear constituting part of each of the gear trains so as to switch the established states of the gear trains, and to prevent, during running at the most frequently used shift stage, the occurrence of gear rattle produced by a gear train other than the gear train with such a shift stage. With this configuration, in the running state of using a particular gear train with the highest frequency of the established states among the gear trains, the gear trains, excluding the particular gear train, are in the non-established state. |
| US07775127B2 |
Method and system for measuring flow at patient utilizing differential force sensor
A fluid delivery system and method for measuring flow at a patient utilizing a differential force sensor in order to precisely control the flow of fluid at very low flow rates. The system includes a fluid line through which a fluid is conveyed to the patient, and a flow controller that selectively varies a rate of flow of the fluid through the fluid line. The differential force sensor can be mounted very close to a point of entry of the fluid into the patient's body. An onboard communications device is controllably coupled to the flow controller and to the force sensor, responds to an output signal, and provides a feedback to the flow controller in a closed-loop process. The system can pump the fluid at a higher frequency until the flow rate is actually reached at the patient and then adjust to the flow rate needed to ensure patient health. |
| US07775124B2 |
Ultrasonic sensor with reciprocal transmitting and receiving circuit
An ultrasonic sensor has at least two ultrasonic converters for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals, connected with a transmitting circuit and a receiving circuit. A switching device is provided, by which the ultrasonic converters are connected in series when in the transmission mode, and they are separated from each other when in the receiving mode. |
| US07775122B1 |
Tape overlay for laser bond inspection
Tape overlays for use in laser bond inspection are provided, as well as laser bond inspection systems and methods utilizing tape overlays. |
| US07775120B2 |
Electromechanical actuator test apparatus
An electromechanical actuator test system includes an inertia simulator, a first load actuator, a second load actuator, and a test system control. The inertia simulator simulates the inertia of at least a portion of a system that is moved by a test actuator. The first load actuator supplies a first load to the inertia simulator to simulate at least one or more dynamic system loads, and the second load actuator supplies a second load to the inertia simulator to simulate at least one or more steady-state system loads. The test system control supplies the first actuator commands and the second actuator commands. |
| US07775113B2 |
Sound sources separation and monitoring using directional coherent electromagnetic waves
An apparatus and a method that achieve physical separation of sound sources by pointing directly a beam of coherent electromagnetic waves (i.e. laser). Analyzing the physical properties of a beam reflected from the vibrations generating sound source enable the reconstruction of the sound signal generated by the sound source, eliminating the noise component added to the original sound signal. In addition, the use of multiple electromagnetic waves beams or a beam that rapidly skips from one sound source to another allows the physical separation of these sound sources. Aiming each beam to a different sound source ensures the independence of the sound signals sources and therefore provides full sources separation. |
| US07775109B2 |
Sensor device
A sensor device includes a time determining part that determines time point information, and adds the time point information to the output supplied from a part subjected to failure diagnosis and related to generation of a failure detection signal, and to the output related to generation of a sense signal. With this structure, the failure detection signal is correlated with the sense signal by the time point information. Alternatively, the sensor device includes an output circuit that correlates the failure detection signal with the sense signal supplied at the same time point as the failure detection signal, and outputs both signals using a time division method. |
| US07775106B2 |
Non-contact radar based level measurement device
A system and method for using a probe-based guided-wave radar sensor to measure fluid level in a container in a non-contact mode are provided. The system and method of the current invention replaces a wall section of the fluid container, such as a steel slurry tub with a panel of radar-transparent material, such as plastic. The level probe is mounted external to the container, adjacent to the radar-transparent panel. By avoiding contact between the sensor probe and the fluid, whether the fluid be cement slurry or another fluid prone to probe degradation, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of contamination, build-up, caking and/or damage to the probe along with the associated degradation in sensor performance. |
| US07775102B2 |
Method for testing a high-pressure pump in a fuel system
A method for testing the function of a high-pressure pump having a plurality of pump elements, which each define a respective work chamber which is in communication, via a suction valve with a low-pressure region, from which fuel can be aspirated, and via a pressure valve with a high-pressure region which includes a central high-pressure fuel reservoir, serving to supply fuel to an internal combustion engine, into which high-pressure reservoir the high-pressure pump pumps the fuel aspirated from the low-pressure region, and the pressure of which is detected by a rail pressure sensor. The values detected by the rail pressure sensor are used in the built-in state of the high-pressure pump in operation of the engine for testing the function of the high-pressure pump. |
| US07775100B2 |
Real-time management system for slickline/wireline
A real-time line management system and associated methods. A line management system for use in conjunction with an operation in a subterranean well includes a line installed in the well during the operation, and a computing device which indicates a used life of the line during the operation. A method of managing a line used in an operation in a subterranean well includes the steps of: installing the line in the well during the operation; and determining a used life of the line while the line is installed in the well. A method of managing a line used in multiple operations in one or more subterranean wells includes the steps of: estimating conditions which will be experienced by the line during a future operation; and predicting before the future operation what a used life of the line will be after the line is used in the future operation. |
| US07775099B2 |
Downhole tool sensor system and method
An apparatus and method for determining forces on a downhole drilling tool is provided. The downhole tool is provided with a drill collar operatively connectable to the drilling tool, and a sensor mounted about the drill collar. The sensor is adapted to measure deformation of the drill collar whereby forces on the drilling tool are determined. The sensor may be part of a force measurement system, a strain gauge system or a drilling jar system. The drill collar is adapted to magnify and/or isolate the deformation applied to the drill string. |
| US07775098B2 |
Method for Assigning a Tire Pressure Monitoring System After Driving Interruptions and Device and System for Measuring Air Pressure in a Vehicle Tire
A method for assigning a position of a tire, having a tire sensor, on a vehicle, includes transmitting, with the sensor, a signal including at least an identification number of the sensor following activation by a signal from an LF antenna connected to an evaluation unit. At a system start time, the evaluation unit first initiates an initialization including determination of the position of each tire having a sensor. The evaluation unit stores the identification number of each sensor together with the determined position of the tire having the sensor, before switching into a normal operating mode in which tire data, for example air pressure, is monitored by the sensors, with the position and preferably assignment of the sensor to a specific LF antenna, being stored in the sensor and kept available for retrieval. A device and a system for measuring air pressure in a vehicle tire are also provided. |
| US07775093B2 |
Apparatus for indicating loading in landing gear having exceeded a predetermined threshold
Apparatus for indicating loading in a structure having exceeded a predetermined threshold is disclosed in which deformation of a structural element is identified by the torque required to rotate a gauge assembly integrated in the structure. |
| US07775092B2 |
Fuel delivery system and method
Systems and methods for determining a plurality of characteristics of a fuel and controlling a fuel delivery system based on the characteristics of the fuel. A controller generates a plurality of control signals. The control signals are transmitted to at least one ultrasonic transducer, a capacitance sensor, and a temperature sensor. Each of the ultrasonic transducer, capacitance sensor, and temperature sensor generate at least one output signal which is transmitted back to the controller. The controller determines, based on the output signals, the plurality of characteristics of the fuel. The characteristics of the fuel can include, for example, temperature, density, dielectric constant, and the like. The controller then compares the characteristics of the fuel to a set of characteristics of a first fuel type and a second fuel type and controls a fuel delivery device based on the characteristics of the fuel. |
| US07775088B2 |
Atomic force microscope tip arrays and methods of manufacturing same
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for forming an array of multiple nanotube tips that can be utilized with AFM technology. The multiprobe tips may be independently modified or specifically left unmodified. Software can generate a composite image of data collected from two or more of the independently modified and unmodified tips. |
| US07775084B2 |
Fluid probe
A device for detecting a property of a fluid includes a body region and a flexible element having a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly located on the body region. The flexible element is arranged to move from at least a first configuration to a second configuration via bending of the flexible element. The flexible element includes an actuating portion arranged to move the flexible element between the first configuration and the second configuration. The device also includes a movement detector for detecting movement of the flexible element. |
| US07775083B2 |
System and method for monitoring parameters in containers
A system for measuring parameters in a container is disclosed. A system for measuring multiple parameters includes a container having a solution, at least one sensor in conjunction with a tag is in proximity to an impedance analyzer and a reader that constitute a measurement device. The at least one sensor is configured to determine at least one parameter of the solution. The tag is configured to provide a digital ID associated with the sensor, where the container is in proximity to the reader and an impedance analyzer. The impedance analyzer is configured to send and receive a given range of frequencies from the sensor, based on the parameter and calculate parameter changes based on the response. |
| US07775082B2 |
Vehicle rollover test fixture
A test fixture for rollover crash testing of a test vehicle onto a moving surface employs a cradle to support and rotate the test vehicle. A vertical support structure to position and releasably holds the cradle. A moving sled having a contact surface and is carried by a guide extending beneath the structure and the cradle fixture. The cradle is rotated and released from the structure responsive to a sensor for contact within a drop impact zone on the contact surface of the moving sled. Vertical motion of the cradle is then arrested to prevent further damage to the test vehicle or the test structure. |
| US07775079B2 |
Rolling method and rolling apparatus for flat-rolled metal materials
A rolling method and a rolling apparatus for flat rolled metal materials stably produce flat-rolled metal having no or extremely little camber. The rolling mill having work rolls with split backup rolls supporting at least one work roll is provided with at least one pair of pinch rolls. The pinch rolls apply tension to the rolled material. The difference between the rolling direction force acting on the pinch rolls at the right and left sides is calculated. Optionally, the rolling direction force acting on the work rolls at the right and left sides is also calculated. The left-right difference of the roll gap of the work rolls is controlled as a result of the calculated difference. |
| US07775077B2 |
Closing method and closing machine
In a closing machine (1), an inner diameter chuck (8) that grips an inner peripheral surface of a work piece (9), a work piece (9) introducing device that moves the inner diameter chuck (8) in a Y axis direction of the work piece (9), and an introduction stopper (12) that projects onto an introduction path of the work piece (9) are used in such a manner that the inner diameter chuck (8) grips the inner peripheral surface of the work piece (9) while the work piece (9) abuts against the introduction stopper (12), the introduction stopper (12) is removed from the introduction path of the work piece (9), and the work piece (9) is introduced into an outer diameter chuck (7) by moving the inner diameter chuck (8) in the Y axis direction of the work piece (9). |
| US07775076B2 |
Pinch-point lock-seam tubing, pinch point seaming devices, and methods for manufacturing stabilized lock-seam tubing
Many types of stabilized lock-seam tubing are provided, as well as devices, apparatus and methods for producing such stabilized tubing. Advantageously, pinch-locked tubing according to the invention, which comprise interlocking, spaced pinched deformations of the lock-seam, greatly resists side-slip and other shape deformations, including those typically produced by cutting the tubing, and by ovalizing it. Many permutations of lock-seam pinching rollers and related devices for producing stabilized lock-seam tubing are provided. Pinch roller assemblies of the invention are suitable for use with conventional machines as well as machines adapted specifically for them. Apparatus of the invention are suitable producing helically wound or straight lock-seam tubing. |
| US07775074B1 |
System for obstructing movement of lock pins
A system for obstructing movement of a pin in a pin tumbler lock is disclosed. The system includes a pin movable in a bore in a plug of a pin tumbler lock, and the pin has a channel formed thereon for receiving a portion of a sidebar of the lock. The system further includes a blocking member mounted on the pin and configured to obstruct movement of the portion of the sidebar along the channel of the pin. |
| US07775071B2 |
Pre-loaded barrel lock
A lock assembly including a first lock portion having an open end which receives a key. The assembly further includes a second lock portion operatively connected to the first lock portion and a spring operatively attached to the first and second lock portions. Wherein one of the first and second lock portions is capable of biased rotational movement independent of the other of the first and second lock portions. |
| US07775070B2 |
Door power interruption safety switch of washing machine and method of operation thereof
Door lock switch of washing apparatus, and method for controlling the same, the door lock switch for locking or unlocking a door, and cutting off a current applied to electric driving units under operation when the door is opened forcibly, thereby controlling electric driving units under operation effectively for improving operation efficiency and safety of the washing apparatus when the door is opened forcibly. |
| US07775068B2 |
Production method and production device for laminated glass
A production method for laminated glass capable of performing a firing step for a fired substance and a bend-forming step to an inner sheet and an outer sheet in the same forming furnace when laminated glass having a fired substance between an inner sheet and an outer sheet is produced, whereby the inner sheet and the outer sheet overlap each other with high accuracy and a production device thereof, are provided.A production method for laminated glass having a fired substance between an inner sheet 2 and an outer sheet 3 wherein a firing step for firing a fired substance in a state that the inner sheet 2 and the outer sheet 3 are kept away and a bend-forming step in a state that the inner sheet 2 and the outer sheet 3 overlap each other, is carried out in the same forming furnace. |
| US07775066B2 |
Method and device for rapid and high-power cold production
The invention relates to refrigeration using a thermochemical system based on the coupling of two reversible physico-chemical phenomena between a gas and a solid or liquid sorbent, one at low temperature (the LT phenomenon) and the other at a higher temperature (the HT phenomenon).The LT phenomenon is a liquid/gas phase change of the fluid G or an absorption of the fluid G by a liquid sorbent. The HT phenomenon is a reversible sorption of the fluid G by a liquid or solid sorbent. The endothermic phase of the LT phenomenon takes place in a reactor thermally isolated from the ambient environment. The exothermic phase of the LT phenomenon takes place in a condenser in communication with the reactor in which the HT phenomenon takes place, the condensed fluid G then being transferred to the reactor in which the endothermic phase of the LT phenomenon takes place. |
| US07775064B2 |
Evaporative cooler
The invention relates to an evaporative cooler having two medium circuits which are thermally coupled to one another by a number of heat-conducting vertical walls. These walls and the heat-conducting fins arranged thereon are provided with a hydrophilic, water-buffering covering layer, for example made from Portland cement. A humidification unit for moistening the covering layer is added to the dew point cooler. According to the invention, the humidification unit comprises a releasable cover which forms part of the casing of the dew point cooler and bears at least one sprinkler or nozzle for distributing water over the covering layer. |
| US07775057B2 |
Operational limit to avoid liquid refrigerant carryover
A refrigerant system comprising a compressor, a condenser, an electronic expansion valve, and an evaporator is controlled in a normal operating mode to meet moderate cooling loads; however, when the load approaches that which is sufficient to induce liquid refrigerant carryover from the evaporator to the compressor, the system is controlled in a capped operating mode to limit a certain thermodynamic variable rather than controlled to meet the high load. In the normal mode, the compressor and/or the expansion valve might be controlled in response to the amount of superheat of the refrigerant leaving the evaporator or the level of liquid refrigerant in the evaporator. In the capped operating mode, the compressor and/or the expansion valve might be controlled to limit a variable such as the compressor's capacity, the saturated pressure or dynamic pressure of the refrigerant entering the compressor, or the refrigerant's mass flow rate. |
| US07775056B2 |
Intelligent refrigerator for storing pharmaceutical product containers
Intelligent refrigerator system for storing pharmaceutical product containers, such as vials, ampules, syringes, bottles, medication tubes, blister packs and cartons, at the point of dispensing. Embodiments of the invention use product identification technology, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and readers, to uniquely identify containers as they are added to or removed from the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator, and automatically retrieve from a local or remote database a variety of details associated with the containers and their contents, such as manufacturing data, expiration dates, time out of refrigeration, inventory levels, safety information, usage statistics, known contraindications and warnings, etc. If the details indicate that there is a problem with a particular pharmaceutical (e.g., that it is counterfeit, expired, suspect, spoiled, recalled or almost depleted), then a message or warning is automatically delivered to a human operator via an attached output device, such as a display screen, speaker or printer. Embodiments of the invention may also be configured to monitor and report temperature faults, power failures and other anomalies associated with the refrigerator or cold storage compartment. |
| US07775054B2 |
Air conditioner
The air conditioner includes a first and a second heat exchanger, a plurality of compressors, a pipe for uniform distribution of oil, a plurality of oil separators, and an oil return opening. The first heat exchanger performs heat exchange between air of an indoor space and refrigerant to condition the air. The second heat exchanger is connected to the first heat exchanger through a pipe, to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and water. The plurality of compressors is installed at one side of the second heat exchanger, to compress the refrigerant to a high temperature and a high pressure. The pipe for uniform distribution of oil communicates the plurality of compressors with each other, to guide a flow of oil within the plurality of compressors to flow between the compressors. Each oil separator is provided at an outlet of a respective compressor, to separate oil included in refrigerant discharged from the compressors. The oil return opening guides the oil separated by each of the oil separators to flow into all or any one of the plurality of compressors. |
| US07775050B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing stresses induced to combustor assemblies
A method for assembling a combustor for use in a turbine engine is provided. The method includes providing at least one support leg, forming at least one opening in the support leg, wherein the at least one opening has a perimeter defined only by a plurality of non-linear segments, and coupling the support leg to the combustor. |
| US07775049B2 |
Integrated strut design for mid-turbine frames with U-base
A mid-turbine frame connected to at least one mount of a gas turbine engine transfers a first load from a first bearing and a second load from a second bearing to the mount. The mid-turbine frame includes a single point load structure and a plurality of struts. The single point load structure combines the first load and the second load into a combined load. The plurality of struts is connected to the single point load structure and transfers the combined load from the single point load structure to the mount. |
| US07775048B2 |
Seal assembly
A sprung seal assembly includes a flexible sprung seal having a center section disposed between opposing curved and cantilevered first and second end sections. First and second free edges of the first and second end sections respectively are trapped within a retainer. First and second sliding lugs attached to the first and second free edges respectively are slidably disposed in first and second channels respectively. The first and second free edges are trapped in the retainer by the first and second sliding lugs disposed in the first and second channels between a mounting surface and the retainer attached to the mounting surface. The center section may have a wear strip. The sprung seal assembly may be disposed between a relatively fixed sidewall and a relatively movable flap of a nozzle assembly. The retainer is mounted to the flap and the center section is in sealing engagement with a sealing surface of the sidewall. |
| US07775045B2 |
Method and system for producing power from a source of steam
The present invention provides a power plant system for producing power using a source of steam, comprising a vaporizer into which steam from a source of steam is supplied, for vaporizing organic working fluid flowing through the vaporizer; at least one turbine wherein one of the turbines is an organic vapor turbine to which the vaporized working fluid is supplied and which is suitable for generating electricity and producing; expanded organic vapor; a recuperator for heating organic vapor condensate flowing towards the vaporizer the expanded organic vapor exhausted from the organic vapor turbine and two or more stages of preheating means for additionally heating organic working fluid exiting the recuperator and flowing towards the vaporizer, wherein fluid extracted from one of the turbine is delivered to one of the stages of preheating means. |
| US07775042B1 |
Method of transforming thermal energy
A method of generating motion from a cool region that is proximal to a warm region, the cool region and the warm region defining a temperature range. The method uses an article of phase change material having a warm-to-cold phase transition and a cold-to-warm phase transition, both within the temperature range. This article is exposed to the cool region, thereby causing the phase change material to change size. When the warm-to-cold phase transition is substantially complete, this is detected. In response to this detection the article is exposed to the warm region, thereby causing the phase change material to change size. When this transition is substantially complete, the cycle is restarted with exposure to the cool region. |
| US07775040B2 |
Bidirectional hydraulic transformer
A hydraulic transformer is disclosed. The hydraulic transformer may have a housing, and a first pumping mechanism disposed within the housing and rotated in a first direction by fluid pressure. The hydraulic transformer may also have a second pumping mechanism disposed within the housing and rotated by the first pumping mechanism in the first direction to increase the fluid pressure. The hydraulic transformer may further have a common shaft connecting the first and second reversible pumping mechanisms. One of the first and second pumping mechanisms may also be rotated in a second direction opposite the first by fluid pressure. The other of the first and second pumping mechanisms may also be rotated by the one of the first and second pumping mechanisms in the second direction to increase the fluid pressure. |
| US07775037B2 |
Exhaust gas temperature control method, exhaust gas temperature control apparatus, and internal combustion engine system
The exhaust gas temperature control method includes executing an exhaust gas temperature control to raise an exhaust gas temperature upon determining that a purificatory performance of an exhaust gas purification device of an engine has declined. The step of executing of the exhaust gas temperature control includes performing a first fuel injection control in which a timing of a main fuel injection is retarded and a post fuel injection is executed after the main fuel injection when the internal combustion engine is operating in the first operating region, and performing a second fuel injection control in which the timing of the main fuel injection is retarded and an execution of the post fuel injection after the main fuel injection is prohibited when the internal combustion engine is operating in the second operating region. |
| US07775036B2 |
Exhaust gas subsequent treatment method and method therefor
A method and device for treating exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine with a reducing agent introduced into the exhaust gases. The reducing agent is pumped out of a reactant reservoir and to a dosing valve so that after the dosing valve is opened, the reducing agent can be introduced into the engine's exhaust gas line in a dosed manner. Reducing agent can be conveyed back from the delivery device to the reservoir via a return line. The reducing agent can circulate between the delivery device and the reactant reservoir thereby, particularly when the dosing valve is closed, preventing the reactant from freezing. |
| US07775035B2 |
Procedure to operate a metering device of an exhaust gas emission control system and device to implement the procedure
A procedure to operate a metering device of an exhaust gas emission control system of an internal combustion engine and a device to implement the procedure are proposed. At least one component in an exhaust gas emission control configuration of the exhaust gas emission control system requires at least in certain operating conditions a reagent substance, which the metering device provides, in which a connecting line is disposed. After the emergence of a metering demand signal a reagent substance rate-set point is established. The reagent substance rate-set point is either established immediately when the metering demand signal occurs and subsequently no longer changed until the connecting line is filled with the reagent substance; or the reagent substance rate-set point is only then established if the connecting line is filled with the reagent substance. An overdose of the reagent substance is avoided with the procedural approach according to the invention. |
| US07775032B2 |
Method of operating an exhaust nozzle assembly
A method of operating an exhaust nozzle assembly includes translating a translatable structure between a plurality of operational positions to open and close a flow diverting port extending in an exhaust duct. The longitudinal position of a throat constriction varies with translation of the translatable structure. Additionally, the cross-sectional area of the exhaust duct at the throat constriction may vary with translation of the translatable structure. An exemplary exhaust nozzle is operable in-flight for providing at least partial reverse thrust to at least partly control the velocity of an aircraft. An exemplary exhaust nozzle is operable on the ground to spoil ground idle thrust. |
| US07775029B2 |
Manufacturing method and apparatus for producing digital yarns using hybrid metal for high speed communication and digital yarns thereof
A manufacturing method and apparatus for producing digital yarns using hybrid metal for high speed communication, which can be connected to a network to exchange information in real time in the ubiquitous era, and digital yarns made using the method thereof. The manufacturing method and apparatus for producing digital yarns using hybrid metal for high speed communication and digital yarns thereof comprises producing a hybrid metal rod; drawing the hybrid metal rod; producing a micro filament; feeding the micro filament; softening the micro filament; forming a sliver; forming a spun yarn; winding the spun yarn; coating the spun yarn with an electromagnetic shielding resin; drying the spun yarn with the electromagnetic shielding resin; and covering the spun yarn with a textile yarn and the digital yarn made in accordance with this method. |
| US07775028B2 |
Annular metal cord and endless metal belt
An annular metal cord includes an annular core portion and an outer layer portion. The annular core portion is formed by connecting together both ends of a first strand material which is made up of six twisted first metal filaments. The outer layer portion is formed by winding spirally a second strand material which is made up of six twisted second metal filaments around the annular core portion. The second strand material is wound at a predetermined winding angle relative to a center axis of the annular core portion, and a winding initiating end portion and a winding terminating end portion are connected together. As a result, the breaking strength of the annular metal cord can be made large, and the production thereof can be facilitated. |
| US07775024B2 |
Offset floating hitch rotary mower apparatus
A rotary mower apparatus comprising a mower deck and two wings, with a plurality of rear wheels mounted behind the mower decks and at least two front wheels mounted ahead of the mower decks such that the mower decks ride along the ground; a floating hitch member is pivotally attached about a vertical and horizontal hitch axes to the front end of the central mower deck and pivotally attached at an opposite end to a tractor allowing the mower decks to float independently. The hitch member contains a mower angle control comprising a bell crank and a hydraulic actuator fixedly attached to a vertical shaft; and a driveline comprising gearboxes, drive shafts, universal joints, and double universal joints arranged such that the mower angle control can pivot the hitch about the vertical hitch axis moving the mower from a minimum offset position to the maximum offset position. |
| US07775022B2 |
Method for handling a gas turbine engine during packaging
The method is used for handing a gas turbine engine during packaging. The method comprises receiving the engine at a handling apparatus pivotally secured to the floor, removably connecting the engine to the handling apparatus, pivoting the engine while supported on the handling apparatus, lowering the engine into a container, and then removably connecting the engine to the container. |
| US07775019B2 |
Automated operation application module, in particular for a packaging machine
An automated operation application module for a packaging machine comprises a frame, a suspension joined to the frame for rolls of packaging material, and a pre-unwinding unit for supplying the packaging material to the film storage unit. The application module has a film storage unit joined to the frame, a sealing station joined to the frame, a film pre-drawing unit joined to the frame for supplying the packaging material to the sealing station, and a film-forwarding unit joined to the frame for forwarding the processed packaging material to a packaging machine. |
| US07775018B2 |
Reciprocating sealer for web converters
Various device embodiments include first and second plate assemblies. Each plate assembly includes a base, a seal plate, one or more air bladders and a servo motor to provide a linear motion of the seal plate with respect to the base. The device further includes at least one plate assembly motor operably linked to the bases of the plate assemblies to provide a linear motion of the first and second plate assemblies toward each other to perform a sealing operation and away from each other. The device further includes a controller connected to the at least one plate assembly motor and to the first and second servo motors to coordinate the motion of the first and second seal plates to perform a seal operation on a web while traveling with the web. |
| US07775014B2 |
Method and arrangement for studsystem
The present invention relates to a method for attaching a first stud (20) against a transverse second stud (30). The respective stud(s) include(s) at least two opposite flanges (5). A connector piece (40) is brought to extend at said first stud (20) into a longitudinal groove which is arranged at a flange inner side (6), whereby an outer locking end (42) arranged at said connector piece is brought into a locking engagement with a corresponding groove (12) in the other stud (30). The present invention also relates to a stud (20, 30) which includes opposite flanges (5) and a first longitudinal groove between said flanges. An additional longitudinal groove (12) extends in into the respective flange (5) and defines a retaining edge (14) for a connector piece (40) which extends in the groove. The present invention further relates to a connector piece (40) for connecting studs (20, 30). The connector piece (40) includes side portions (43, 44, 45) which in an engaging manner are enclosed by a groove (12) in the respective stud (20, 30). |
| US07775008B2 |
Continuous production of plastic siding panels with separate shingle appearance
A method and an apparatus for continuously producing elongated siding panels is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor, a plurality of mold plates, and a die for extruding a sheet of material onto the mold plates. The mold plates are formed of a rigid material and positioned adjacent one another and supported by the conveyor for forming the elongated siding panels. Each of the mold plates has an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion with an intermediate portion therebetween. The intermediate portion has an aesthetic pattern for imparting the pattern to the sheet of material with the adjacent mold plates having different aesthetic patterns. The lower edge portion has a lower leg extending substantially perpendicular from the intermediate portion defining a horizontal plane and a projection portion between the lower edge portion and the intermediate portion extends beyond the horizontal plane for imparting a jagged pattern to the intermediate portion. |
| US07774999B2 |
Roof vent
A roof vent is provide. The roof vent comprises a top component coupled to a bottom component. The top component has a top wall, a side wall, a first louvered region disposed between said top wall and said side wall, and a top cylindrical baffle located inwardly of said first louvered region. The bottom component has at least a first cylindrical collar sized and shaped for mounting to a cylindrical exhaust stack of a first diameter, a second louvered region, and a bottom cylindrical baffle located below and inwardly of the top cylindrical baffle. The first louvered and second louvered regions are for helping to prevent insects, and moisture, such as snow and rain, from entering the roof vent. The top component may also be used separately from the bottom component to cover over aging or aesthetically unpleasing passive pot vents. |
| US07774998B2 |
Ventilated photovoltaic module frame
In one embodiment, a photovoltaic frame assembly comprises a photovoltaic module and a frame having a plurality of air vents. The air vents allow air to flow into the frame and thereby cool the photovoltaic module. The frame may be installed in-line with another such frame to allow air flow between frames. The air vents may be located within a perimeter of the frame to allow for structural integrity while remaining aesthetically pleasing. The frame may include an inner lip, an outer lip, or both to provide different mounting options to accommodate different sites. The frame may comprise a plurality of frame members, such as extrusions including the air vents. |
| US07774993B2 |
Elongated edging assembly
An elongated edging assembly for holding landscaping and/or paving materials and the like in place in a predetermined location. The assembly may be made up of first and second elongated edger members which each include an elongated upright material retaining plate and a connector located adjacent an end of the corresponding member. The connectors desirably include respective mating interengageable components located on the plates near the ends thereof. The components are configured and adapted to cooperate to interconnect the members and maintain the ends of the respective plates in substantial abutting relationship with the plates in substantial alignment. The members may ideally be arranged as a neat packet of related objects including a pair of elongated members configured, arranged, aligned and joined together so as to present a single elongated construct having an open interior. At least one accessory item for said members is arranged within the open interior. |
| US07774992B2 |
Tile and strut construction system for geodesic dome
The present invention sets forth a tile and strut construction system for a geodesic dome. The tile has a generally triangular shape, with the corners cut out to accommodate hubs which retain supporting struts in position. The tile has a faceted 3-dimensional upper surface, integrally molded reinforcing ribs, a recess in the lower surface at each of its 3 edges. |
| US07774989B2 |
Snow guard and method of attaching the same
A snow guard and a method of attaching a snow guard to a seam of a metal roof wherein the snow guard includes a base having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a top wall that define a seam receiving channel. The first side wall is provided with at least one opening. The second side wall has at least one fixed projection extending from the second side wall into the seam receiving channel and toward the opening. At least one moveable fastener extends through the opening into the seam receiving channel and toward the projection, and a blade is attached to a base receiving end of the base. |
| US07774987B2 |
Movable building
A mobile building module comprises rigid load-bearing surface elements and one or more inflatable flexible surface elements connected therewith. In the transport condition, several of the load-bearing rigid surface elements are disposed to form a parallelepiped container having a floor and surrounding rigid walls for accommodating the inflatable flexible surface elements, with the height of the container being lower than the height of the building. A building, which is assembled of several partial modules, which are constructed according to the above-mentioned principles, is also an object of the invention. |
| US07774984B2 |
Concentric cross mechanism for transiting torsion
A concentric cross mechanism for transiting torsion includes a main body unit of a concentric cross mechanism, a main body unit of the torsion-driven mechanism, a main body unit of the force-generating mechanism, and a restriction device. A center point is defined by crossing a vertical concentric axis and a horizontal concentric axis. The axle of the driven bevel gear and the scroll springs spin reversely with the axle of the torsion-generating bevel gear. The first bevel gear is provided for outputting the torsion on the upper and bottom ends thereof. Furthermore, when the rotary rod connected with one side of the torsion output axle is disposed between the positioning block and the positioning post, the door is driven by the other side of the torsion output axle to swing in a predetermined angle. |
| US07774983B2 |
Door opening device in a vehicle
A door is pivotally secured to the back of a vehicle. A door opening device comprises a connecting rod including an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the connecting rod is pivotally mounted to the door. The door opening device further comprises a guide member having a guide slit, a rack bar which slides up and down in the guide slit, a connecting shaft that pivotally connects the lower end of the connecting rod to an upper end of the rack bar and a driving unit for opening and closing the door via the connecting rod. The lower end of the connecting rod is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the rack bar. |
| US07774981B2 |
Plant container and method
The invention includes an improved container and method for growing a plant to be subsequently transplanted. In one embodiment, an upwardly extending container wall is adapted for retaining soil. A plurality gutters are disposed on an interior portion of the container wall. The gutters extend along the container wall to one or more openings, thereby guiding roots to the openings for air pruning the roots. A root guiding surface of the gutter may extend downwardly and outwardly to the container wall, to form a substantially v-shaped gutter. Alternatively, an upwardly extending lip may be disposed on an inner portion of the root guiding surface, forming a substantially u-shaped gutter between the lip, ledge, and the interior portion of the container wall. The gutters may also slope downward in a direction along the container wall to better accommodate the geotropic nature of plant roots. An upwardly extending finger may also be disposed on the container wall above each gutter, to guide roots to the nearest opening. |
| US07774980B2 |
Hydromulch container medium
A hydromulch container medium including a container and a root system disposed in the container. A hydraulically compactable mulch is interspersed between the root system and the container to form a semi-solid container medium around the root system. |
| US07774978B2 |
Method of controlling the release of agricultural active ingredients from treated plant seeds
A method of controlling the release rate of an agricultural active ingredient from a seed that has been treated with that active includes providing a seed that has been treated with the active ingredient, applying to the treated seed a film that includes an emulsion of a polymer in a liquid in which both the agricultural active ingredient and the polymer have low levels of solubility, and then curing the film to form a water insoluble polymer coating on the surface of the treated seed. Seeds that have been treated by this method are also provided. |
| US07774974B1 |
Fishing lure
A fishing lure has a body and a tail. The tail is coupled to one end of the body. The tail has a center portion and an outside edge that is arcuate around the center portion. A gap extends from the outside edge to the center portion. In one embodiment, the outside edge is thicker than the center portion of the tail. When the lure is retrieved, the tail moves back and forth and creates a noise and also causes the body to move back and forth, thus producing a desirable action. |
| US07774972B2 |
Modular shooting rests and shooting rest assemblies
Modular shooting rests and associated assemblies are disclosed herein. One embodiment of the disclosure, for example, is directed to a shooting rest assembly for supporting a firearm. The shooting rest assembly can include a first base portion and a second base portion. The first base portion has an exterior surface, an inner surface, and a bottom surface defining a bottom surface plane. The first base portion also includes an inner volume defined, at least in part, by the inner surface and the bottom surface plane. The second base portion is engaged with the first base portion in a configuration selected from (a) a first shooting rest arrangement, and (b) a second shooting rest arrangement. In the first shooting rest arrangement, the second base portion is received at least approximately completely within the inner volume of the first base portion in a nested configuration. In the second shooting rest arrangement, the first base portion is positioned to support a first section of the firearm and the second base portion is positioned to support a second section of the firearm. |
| US07774970B1 |
Method for indicating loaded firearm chamber
A pistol including a loaded chamber indicator to identify the presence of a cartridge loaded in the firing chamber. The pistol may generally include a barrel, a receiver attached to the barrel thereby defining a barrel-receiver assembly, and a chamber associated with the barrel-receiver assembly. An indicating element is provided which in one embodiment may be pivotally mounted in the barrel-receiver assembly. The indicating element is displaceable in response to contact by the cartridge from a first position which may in one embodiment correspond to an absence of a cartridge loaded in the chamber, to a second position which may in one embodiment correspond to a presence of a cartridge loaded in the chamber. A biasing member, such as a spring, may be provided to bias the indicating element towards the first position. In one embodiment, the indicating element protrudes outwards from the exterior of the pistol in response to contact by the cartridge rim to provide a visual and tactile indication of a loaded chamber condition to a user of the pistol. |
| US07774969B1 |
Carrier for securing a portable digital information device on an identification badge or identification badge holder or information article
An identification badge holder includes a portable digital information device, which may be a USB flash drive secured directly or indirectly to the rear face thereof by any of a number of structures which would facilitate ready access, secure attachment and, in some instances, redundant securement employing two types of securement. A system for attaching a stand-alone identification badge to a card which has a USB flash drive secured or securable thereto. |
| US07774966B2 |
Signage system for a cargo vehicle
A system for mounting signage onto the door area of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a mounting assembly, a display pan, and one or more inserts removably received within the display pan. The fastener assembly permits the selective reorientation of the display pan from a first position, in which the pan is oriented along the rear face of the cargo area, to a second position, in which the display pan is oriented away from the rear face of the cargo area. The inserts may include an indicia panel, a backing panel, an electroluminescent panel, and/or a support or cushioning panel. In operation, the system is mounted onto the rear facing surface of a cargo vehicle containing overhead or swing-open doors. |
| US07774965B2 |
Illuminated emergency sign
An illuminated emergency sign comprises a main body, a rotary body, side covers, a circuit board, a LED lamp indicator, an acrylic sign panel, and a canopy. The acrylic sign panel is connected to the lower end of the rotary body. In the rotary body is disposed a LED lamp panel. The LED lamp indicator is disposed on the LED lamp panel. The rotary body is rotatably connected to the lower end of the main body. In the main body is disposed a battery. The side covers are connected to both ends of each of the main body and the rotary body. The canopy is disposed on the top of the main body. The sign panel of such an illuminated emergency sign can be rotated within 180 degrees and fixed at a proper angle under action of the friction. |
| US07774962B1 |
Removable and reusable tags for identifying bottles, cans, and the like
A removable and reusable tag for identifying bottles, cans, and the like includes a ring portion having an outer circumferential surface and an intermediate circumferential surface. A tab portion extends radially between the intermediate circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface and is circumferentially bounded by at least one recess provided therein. An identification portion is provided on the outer circumferential surface. |
| US07774961B2 |
Luggage identification apparatus and method
A removable luggage identification apparatus includes a substantially planar body, a plurality of fastener seats, each fastener seat being located near the perimeter of the body, and a plurality of mechanical fastener members, each fastener member being located and configured so that a retaining head of each fastener member is significantly laterally shielded by physical structures of the indicia body, thereby preventing the fastener members from being snagged by lateral contact with external objects. A corresponding method of identifying luggage is provided. |
| US07774957B2 |
Padded shoe
A padded shoe, comprising a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially smooth surface; a shoe upper, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding; an ankle padding structure extending from the shoe upper, adapted to cover the medial malleolus of a wearer; a padded tongue; a means to retain the shoe on the foot of a wearer; an outer protective flap, the outer protective flap being located such that the outer protective flap covers at least a portion of the retaining structure; and an engagement structure for securing the outer protective flap to the shoe upper, the engagement structure being located such that the outer protective flap substantially covers the engagement structure, whereby the wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with the retaining structure, the engagement structure, or the wearer's ankle. |
| US07774954B2 |
Article of footwear with a perforated midsole
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole element, an upper sheet, and a lower sheet. The midsole element has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. In addition, the midsole element defines a plurality of bores extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The upper sheet is secured to the upper surface and extends over at least a portion of the bores. The lower sheet is secured to the lower surface, and the lower sheet is positioned to correspond in location with the upper sheet and extend under the portion of the bores. |
| US07774953B1 |
Athlete hand drying system
Disclosed is a system to dry the hands of individuals. The system may include a pedestal, an air pedal and powder pedal hinged to the pedestal, a chamber having a dome connected to a shroud to define a chamber interior. The chamber interior may be divided into a first divided area, a second divided, and an overhead area that connects the first divided area to the second divided area. Each dived area may include a perforated tube to deliver pressurized air and powder into the chamber interior. An air compressor may be connected directly to the perforated tubes and connected to a powder chamber. In addition to pressurized air being delivered to the chamber interior, powder optionally may be delivered to the chamber interior. |
| US07774952B2 |
Measurement of micromovements
A micromovement measuring device has a first element such as a probe tip or flat plate coupled to a test body (107) the movement of which is to be measured. A second element (104) is located adjacent to the first element, to form a gap (108) therebetween. As the test body and the first element gradually move away from the measuring element, so increasing the size of the gap, the second element is repeatedly moved up, to restore the gap to its original size. These repeated small quantized movements of the measuring element (104) are counted, and are used to provide an indication of how far the test body (107) has moved. In other embodiments, the first element may gradually move toward the second element, with the latter repeatedly moving away. |
| US07774949B2 |
Coordinate measurement machine
A portable coordinate measurement machine having three articulating arm transfer members can provide accurate measurements. The transfer members can be single tube assemblies. The transfer members can each be rotatably joined by relatively short articulating joint assemblies allowing relative rotation of adjacent transfer members about two degrees of freedom. Encoders can be used to measure the relative rotation about each of the degrees of freedom, and signals from the encoders can be digitized by processor boards positioned within the transfer members. Processor boards can be placed in tandem in the transfer members, and one or more of the processor boards can be mounted on a rotatable assembly. Slip rings can electrically couple all of the processor boards to allow for infinite rotatability of the articulating arm. |
| US07774947B1 |
Mitre tool guide
A tool and method for making precision cuts with conventional saws and other woodworking machines. The shape of an inside or outside corner of a construction, such as a wall construction, is obtained with the tool, and the tool is used to as a guide to set the blade of the cutting apparatus to the proper cutting position. The tool may be used to indicate the mitre cuts for both inside and outside wall corners without having to measure the angle with a measuring tool and determine the precise degrees of the angles to be cut. |
| US07774945B2 |
Rotary angle detecting device
A rotary angle detecting device includes a synthetic-resin wheel member which is provided with a shaft hole, into which a steering shaft having a pair of flat surfaces provided in a front end portion thereof is inserted, and a detecting portion and which rotates together with the steering shaft; a sheet-metal attachment member attached to the wheel member and engaged to the steering shaft; a signal detecting unit operable to detect a position variation of the detecting portion accompanied by the rotation of the wheel member; and a housing provided with a through-hole into which the steering shaft is rotatably inserted and accommodating the wheel member and the signal detecting unit. |
| US07774940B2 |
Folding knife with puzzle piece locking mechanism
A locking mechanism for a folding knife or tool with a handle having a cavity defined within the handle; a knife or tool blade having a heel-butt end with a female puzzle cavity portion cut out of a rear side of the heel-butt end, and the heel-butt end being rotationally interconnected to the front end of the handle wherein the knife or tool blade travels between an extended position and a closed position within the handle cavity; and a matching male puzzle portion at an end of a tang portion configured for engaging snugly and interconnectively with the female puzzle cavity portion at the heel-butt of the blade. |
| US07774937B2 |
Heat exchanger with divided coolant chamber
A heat exchanger has a shell and tube stack disposed within a shell inner chamber. A coolant chamber extends from a shell end, accommodates a portion of the tube stack, and has a sidewall that extends outwardly from the tube stack. A divider is disposed within the coolant chamber between the sidewall and tube stack, and extends axially along the chamber to the end of the shell splitting the coolant chamber into inlet and outlet coolant passages. For example, a pair of dividers are disposed within the coolant chamber and are attached to a respective sidewall surfaces. A coolant inlet and outlet is in fluid flow communication with respective inlet and outlet coolant passages. A cooling medium within the heat exchanger flows longitudinally within the inlet coolant passage along the tube stack in a direction opposite from the coolant flow path within the outlet coolant passage. |
| US07774936B2 |
Catalytic converter and associated method of assembly
A catalytic converter comprises an outer tube, a pair of catalyzed substrates positioned in the outer tube, and a heat shield positioned in the outer tube between the catalyzed substrates. A method of assembling the catalytic converter is also disclosed. |
| US07774933B2 |
Method of manufacturing ultrasound catheters
An ultrasonic catheter is manufactured by providing an inner tube having an inner diameter sufficient to accommodate a guidewire, and mounting a tubular ultrasound radiating member around a distal region of the inner tube. Two electrical conductors are positioned along the inner tube, such that one of the electrical conductors contacts an inner side of the ultrasound radiating member while the other electrical conductor contacts an outer side of the ultrasound radiating member. An outer tube is then concentrically translated over the inner tube and the ultrasound radiating member, and radially shrunken onto the inner tube. |
| US07774926B2 |
Bearing assembling apparatus
A bearing assembling apparatus is capable of assembling a bearing at a high speed and preventing an excessive unbalanced load from being applied to an outer ring and an inserting means at a time of inserting a rolling element. The bearing assembling apparatus has a compact size, with an inserting means arranged within an outer ring, and a feeding means guiding a needle to the inserting means. The feeding means is provided with two guide paths which can hold needles in line. The inserting means includes a receiving portion receiving the needles, guide grooves directed toward an installation space in the outer ring, and a cam member having two cam surfaces. The cam surfaces press the needles in the receiving portion toward the installation space. The guide grooves and the cam surfaces are provided at positions such that the last two needles can be simultaneously inserted into the installation space. |
| US07774925B2 |
Method for in-situ foaming of metal foam in hollow structure
A method is provided for filling a hollow structure with metal foam. A mixture is made of a metal powder and a foaming agent. An electric resistance heating wire is provided and the mixture is consolidated into a solid preformed charge with the wire embedded in the charge and extending from the ends thereof. The preformed charge is placed into the hollow structure and electric current is applied to the resistance heating wire so that the metal powder is melted and the foaming agent foams the melted metal to fill the hollow structure. |
| US07774924B2 |
Method of winding a dynamo-electric machine component
Stator designs have wide-mouth slots between adjacent poles. Wire coils with high slot fill conductivity are formed around the poles. In some designs, the wire coils are wave wound around the poles. Thick bar conductors can be used for making the wire coils. The wire coils may be inserted using nozzle dispensers or transferred from a pre-form mandrel. In other designs, the wire coils are pre-formed on transferable pockets that are then mounted on the poles. Optional pole extensions or shoes can be attached to the stator poles after the wire coils are formed around the poles. |
| US07774923B2 |
Method of fabricating cartridge for miniature optical data storage disc
A method of fabricating a cartridge for an optical data storage disc includes attaching a plastic shell and a sheet metal cover plate. The shell includes lateral walls and a floor that together define a disc cavity and a plurality of assembly posts. The sheet metal cover plate includes a plurality of holes. To attach the cover plate to the shell, the assembly posts are inserted into the holes, and the ends of the assembly posts are heated to form mushroom caps which hold the cover plate against the shell. The optical disc is housed in the disc cavity, with the data side of the disc facing the cover plate. A sheet metal shutter is wrapped around an edge of the cartridge and over the shell and cover plate. |
| US07774915B2 |
Ductile iron pressure fit gasket
A sealing gasket is shown for use in a ductile iron piping system to form a sealed joint between mating male and female pipe ends. A sealing gasket body is provided with a series of retainer inserts which extend outwardly from a leading nose region of the elastomeric gasket body. The mating male pipe end contacts the retainer inserts prior to contacting the remainder of the gasket body during the make up of the pipe joint. The inserts help to retain the gasket within its associated groove during high pressure field conditions. The inserts are spaced circumferentially about the gasket nose region, allowing the gasket the necessary flexibility to allow insertion within the groove provided in the female, belled pipe end. |
| US07774914B2 |
Method for stabilizing a compression head
A stabilizer kit for a compression head of a concrete block machine is provided, the kit including a stabilizer plate, a fiber disc, a stud, a pair of spacer plates and a set of bolts for attaching the stabilizer plate and a pair of spacer plates to and between an upper portion and a lower portion of a frame of the block machine. |
| US07774912B2 |
Continuously formed metal matrix composite shapes
Metal matrix composites having open or closed channels extending longitudinal through the length of the composite as well as methods and apparatus for forming the same are described. The shaped metal matrix composites are made of continuous fiber reinforced metal matrix composite materials. They have an integrally formed, non-cast, metal matrix composite body portion where the walls have a substantially uniform distribution of continuous fibers in a matrix metal throughout the volume of the walls and have at least one channel extending through the body of the shaped metal matrix composite. |
| US07774909B2 |
System for removing heat transfer fins from boiler tubes
A system is disclosed to use a rotary milling head to break or cut the bond of a heat transfer fin base to a boiler tube, thereby removing the heat transfer fins from the boiler tube to facilitate the more efficient repair of the boiler tube. |
| US07774907B2 |
Casket made of mechanical pulp board or of a similar material with a side entrance
A folding casket is cut from a sheet of a rigid material, such as cardboard or wood. The bottom, the top, and at least two of the four sides of the casket are produced as a single uninterrupted blank. |
| US07774903B2 |
Roller gin apparatus, method and system
A high speed roller gin for seed cotton with variable length fibers has its components defined in accordance with the formula RKBS<(2SR-2MD)*RKSS/GRSS where, the rotary knife circumferential blade (RKBS) spacing is less than 2-times the seed release distance from the tip of the stationary knife (SR) minus 2-times the minimum distance the seed surfaces are allowed to approach the tip of the stationary knife (MD) multiplied by the rotary knife surface speed (RKSS) and divided by the ginning roller surface speed (GRSS). A seed cotton infeed slide further limits the exposure of the seed directly against the tip of the stationary knife to reduce the ginning of the undesirable short fibers. A process for using such gins is also disclosed. |
| US07774900B2 |
Hinge for a motor vehicle
A hinge for use in a motor vehicle, including first and second members pivotably coupled to each other. First and second position retainers are coupled between the first member and the second member to releasably secure the second member in a first holding position relative to the first member. The first position retainer has a first holding portion and the second position retainer has a second holding portion such that one of the first and second position retainers is structured and arranged to move relative to the other of the first and second position retainers such that the first and second holding portions move into and out from a first holding position. The first and second holding portions are structured and arranged to be releasably secured to each other in the first holding position. |
| US07774899B2 |
Non-handed door closer cover attachment method
A cover for either a left-handed or right-handed operating automatic door closer including a body, and a pinion shaft extending from the top of the body, the cover comprising: a housing including a wall and an open rear, the wall having a rear edge and having therein first and second slots, each of the slots extending forward from the rear edge; and a clip including a base complementary to each of the first and second slots, and a flexible hook including a first end connected to the base and a floating second end, the base of the clip being insertable into either one of the slots so that the base substantially fills the one of the slots and the clip is secured to the wall of the housing with the hook positioned inside the housing and opening rearwardly; the housing with the clip inserted into one of the slots being positionable over the door closer with the hook of the clip receiving the door closer; wherein, when the housing is positioned over the door closer, the pinion shaft extends through the first slot and the clip is inserted in the second slot when the door closer is configured for left-handed operation, and the pinion shaft extends through the second slot and the clip is inserted in the first slot when the door closer is configured for right-handed operation. |
| US07774898B2 |
Vacuum cleaner and method for reducing noise generated thereby
A vacuum cleaner has a discharge flow path and a discharged-air filter optimally positioned to reduce noise. The vacuum cleaner includes a body, a dust collection unit positioned in the body to filter foreign matter, a blower fan unit including a blower fan and a motor to generate suction force, an air vent through which air drawn into the body is discharged, and a discharge flow path to guide the air discharged through a discharge port of the blower fan unit to the air vent. The discharge flow path comprises a space defined between the dust collection unit and the blower fan unit. |
| US07774896B2 |
Backpack suction/blower apparatus
A backpack suction/blower apparatus has a blower unit (1) which includes a drive motor (2), a blower (3), which is driven by the drive motor (2), and a blower tube (4) extending from the blower (3). A back carrier frame (5) is provided on which the blower unit (1) is attached at a spacing while forming an intake gap (6). The intake gap (6) is filled with a foam attenuating element (8) in the lateral direction (7) referred to the usual working position. |
| US07774894B2 |
Micro powered floor cleaning device
A floor-cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning head having a cleaning device, a control handle connected to the cleaning head for controlling the cleaning head and a micro power source in communication with the cleaning device. The micro power source is lightweight, compact, and rechargeable or replaceable for generating energy to power the cleaning device. |
| US07774893B2 |
Painting accessory
A painting device directed to an open-ended tray that can receive a brush or roller in either one of two possible orientations. The tray may be maintained in either a generally vertical alignment or a generally horizontal alignment. Also holding means extend from the tray whereby a paint applicator can be temporarily attached to the paint tray when not in use. |
| US07774892B2 |
Wiper coupler and wiper assembly incorporating same
The present invention relates to a wiper coupler and wiper assembly that includes a wiping element and a tournament-style superstructure to support the wiping element. The wiper assembly further includes a wiper coupler that releasably attaches the superstructure to a wiper arm attachment member. The wiper coupler includes a pair of sidewalls each having a flange to engage a portion of the guides of the attachment member and further includes an elevated platform and a deck each disposed between the sidewalls. The deck and a portion of the sidewalls define a rest to receive the track of the attachment member. The wiper coupler further includes an aperture between the elevated platform and the deck. The aperture receives a portion of the bent tab of the attachment member to facilitate attachment between the superstructure and the attachment member conventionally employed for use with a beam blade-style wiper assembly. |
| US07774890B1 |
Drain insert for scrubbing and scraping utensils
A sink drain insert for use with a sink equipped with a powered garbage disposal unit. The insert comprises a cylindrical base having debris dislodging means which may be one of brushes, a scraper or some combination thereof, wherein food debris that are adhered to utensils may be scrubbed or scraped to dislodged the debris, allowing the debris to fall into the garbage disposal. The outer wall of the sink drain insert further comprises a circular sealing member for affixing and restraining the insert into the sink drain at the user's discretion. |
| US07774889B2 |
Mop head connector
A connection system for securing a mop head to a mop handle. The system uses a handle connector component secured to the mop handle and a mop head connector component secured to the mop head. Through holes in the handle connector component are aligned with through holes in the mop head connector component. A resilient clip with protruding tabs is positioned in and around the mop head connector component, such that the tabs of the resilient clips extend through the aligned holes in the connector components. The resiliency of the clips compels the tabs into the holes, thus securing the components. |
| US07774888B2 |
Child's music-playing toothbrush configured for attractive display of graphics and improved sound quality
A music-playing toothbrush having a hollow handle housing containing suitable solid state electronic components for selectively playing a musical tune with improved sound quality. The sound quality is expressly addressed in the handle design with an interior sealed speaker enclosure configured to direct the sound toward the listener with little internal leakage and with an undulating violin-like cavity shape that suppresses internal standing waves. Moreover, the handle provides a relatively large, relatively flat, substantially uninterrupted surface for receiving attractive and motivational graphics such as licensed cartoon characters, which may be compatible with the musical selection. |
| US07774887B2 |
Scrubber box and methods for using the same
A scrubber box is provided that includes a tank adapted to receive a substrate for cleaning, supports outside of the tank and adapted to couple to ends of scrubber brushes disposed within the tank, a motor mounted to each of the supports and adapted to rotate the scrubber brushes, a base to which the supports are pivotally mounted via spherical bearings adapted to permit toe-in of the scrubber brushes, a brush gap actuator adapted, via a crank and rocker mechanism, to substantially simultaneously pivot the supports toward or away from each other so as to permit the scrubber brushes to substantially simultaneously achieve or break contact with the substrate, and a toe-in actuator adapted to move two of the spherical bearings toward or away from each other so as to adjust a toe-in angle between the scrubber brushes. |
| US07774886B2 |
Method and device for cleaning teeth
The invention is directed to a method and a device for cleaning teeth wherein a variety of cleaning tools are coupled to a common handle section for the individual cleaning of teeth. It relates in particular to a handle section of an electric-dental cleaning device, with a coupling section for coupling various cleaning tools thereto, as well as said cleaning tools. According to the invention the handle section detects a coding provided on the respective cleaning tool attached. In dependence upon the respective coding detected, various functions of the dental cleaning device are controlled. |
| US07774885B2 |
Brush head for a toothbrush
A toothbrush head has several bristle support segments movable relative to each other, and driving elements that change the position of the bristle support segments relative to each other. The driving elements have a cam control surface that causes the individual bristle support segments to execute an additional movement superposed upon the movement of the bristle support. |
| US07774884B2 |
Article of footwear having an upper with a matrix layer
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes a matrix structure that defines a plurality of apertures. The apertures may have an elongate configuration to impart differences in the extensibility of the upper in different directions. For example, the matrix layer may be formed from a plurality of segments that cross each other to define the apertures. A method of manufacturing the article of footwear is also disclosed. |
| US07774883B2 |
Orthopedic insoles for protecting the metatarsal heads of the forefoot
A specially designed insert for orthopedic insoles and a process for manufacturing said insole, the use of which prevents the foot from bending excessively at the metatarsal joints, thereby protecting the skin in the area of the metatarsal heads of the forefoot on the bottom of the foot and preventing that skin from stretching, cracking or being otherwise damaged. |
| US07774880B1 |
Stadium seat cushion
A seat cushion for an individual stadium seat includes a cushion portion and a pouch on one side of the cushion portion. The pouch receives an end of the seat to secure the cushion to the seat with the cushion portion on the seat. The seat cushion also includes an adjustable length strap that can also secure the cushion to a stadium bench seat or can maintain the cushion in a rolled-up condition for easy carrying or storage. |
| US07774877B2 |
Evacuation mattress
An evacuation mattress comprises an integral mattress including a mattress interior, a mattress top face sheet, four mattress side face sheets, and a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet forms both the mattress bottom face sheet and an evacuation bottom sheet. The integral evacuation mattress also includes a top evacuation sheet configured to be deployed over a patient who is disposed above the mattress top face sheet. The integral evacuation mattress further includes securing structure configured to secure the top evacuation sheet to the patient and the integral mattress. Transport structure is also included in the integral evacuation mattress and is configured for a person to drag the secured patient and integral mattress from a hospital. |
| US07774876B2 |
Tilting bed
A bed includes a deck assembly that is supported by a base assembly. The base assembly includes a tilting actuator assembly. The base assembly is coupled to the deck assembly so that the deck assembly can be tilted from a prone position to an upright position. The base assembly and the deck assembly are coupled so that there are no easily accessible pinch points therebetween. |
| US07774871B1 |
Personal hygiene cleansing and irrigation device
A personal hygiene cleansing device is disclosed which attaches to the wall of a shower or bath stall and to the water supply at a shower head in the stall. The device is adjustable to meet the height and other personal requirements of the user. Two generally vertically oriented, rubber coated bars are adjusted to a proper height and spacing for a user. When the height and the spacing between the two vertical bars is correct, pushing a users' buttocks against the vertical bars causes the cheeks of the buttocks to be spread exposing the area to a vertical fan shape water spray from a spray head that is part of the device. The rubber piping on the generally vertical bars prevent the bars from slipping along the skin of the buttocks to maintain maximum spreading of the cheeks of the buttocks. Spray water with or without soap exits the elongated spray head to cleanse or rinse the rectal or genital area. |
| US07774867B2 |
Airbag jacket for a vehicle rider
An airbag jacket, to be fitted in a rider jacket, includes an airbag body configured to fill with gas from an inflator operatively connected with the airbag body. The airbag body includes a flat front piece, a flat back piece substantially identical to the flat front piece; the flat front and back pieces having an opening formed therein for permitting an user of the airbag jacket to pass his or her head therethrough. The flat front and back pieces are joined together along a peripheral boundary thereof and along a peripheral boundary of the opening by sewing or bonding so as provide a plurality of continuously formed body covering portions including at least a back covering portion, a shoulder covering portion and a front covering portion. |
| US07774860B2 |
Protective glove with independent pads
A protective glove having an elastic substrate, a first pad segment attached to the elastic substrate, and a second pad segment attached to the elastic substrate independently from the first pad segment. The elastic substrate can be disposed over an area intended to substantially cover a forearm, a wrist, a back of a hand, a finger, and/or a thumb of a user wearing the glove. The elastic substrate can be stretchable in different directions and to different degrees in the areas around each pad segment, thereby enabling independent movement of the individually attached pad segments to accommodate any number of contours and flex points. Other embodiments provide methods for manufacturing a protective glove having independent pads. |
| US07774858B2 |
Protective face mask
A protective face mask comprising: an eye-protecting shield made essentially from a plastics material, the eye-protecting shield being dimensioned to cover at least the eye portions of a human wearer, the eye-protecting shield having a perimeter defining a first surface facing the wearer's face, and a second surface facing away from the wearer's face; an adhesive forming an adhesive strip attached to the first surface of the eye-protecting shield for providing a substantially watertight and releasable sealing engagement between at least a portion of the perimeter forming an upper edge of the face mask and at least a portion of the skin of the wearer's face, wherein the upper part of the perimeter of the mask is provided with a continuous layer of adhesive along the perimeter, and the lower part of the perimeter of the mask is free of adhesive, the lower part of the perimeter forms a bottom edge of the mask being provided with at least one part forming a projection offset from the centre line of the mask, and wherein the mask extends along the contour of the wearer's face from the forehead to cheekbones and the lower perimeter thereof extends above the mouth provides a comfortable and flexible mask without the need for straps, elastic bands or side bars, avoids pressure on the skin in the contact zone, allows free eye movement and airflow and minimizes the formation of dew. |