| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07891410B1 |
Devices for heat exchange
A device and method that exchanges heat is described, which includes intaking air into a chamber and then forcing air from holes of a heat conducting surface that fluidly communicate with the chamber to create a toroidal mass of air resulting from vortex shedding. A pump, for example a flexible diaphragm, is employed to increase and decrease a volume of the chamber in communication with the holes. When the volume of the chamber is increased (air intake), a boundary layer of heat breaks up by the heat conducting surface which helps to improve cooling. When the volume of the chamber is decreased, jets of air are discharged from the holes to create vortices of air that cause vortex shedding and can also help disrupt the boundary layer of heat. |
| US07891403B2 |
Piston mold assembly and method of constructing a piston therewith
A mold assembly for forming a piston and method of molding a piston therewith includes a pair of mold halves moveable toward and away form one another along a linear path that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of the piston between an engaged position to provide at least portion of a mold cavity for forming an outer periphery of the piston and a disengaged position to allow extraction of the piston from the mold cavity. The assembly also has a pair of mandrels moveable along a linear path into an engaged position between the pair of mold halves to form an undercut of the piston. The pair of mandrels are movable to a disengaged position to allow extraction of the piston vertically along the axis. |
| US07891395B2 |
Procedure and device for sticking objects
The invention relates to a method for sticking, a container, a pocket tape, a method for the production of a pocket tape, a device for the production of a pocket tape, a method for the production of an adhesive tape, an adhesive tape and a device for the production of an adhesive tape. The invention is characterised in that adhesive zones are spaced from one another by non-adhesive zones. |
| US07891393B1 |
Wheel system including automatic tire repair
An automobile tire having fluid-tight internal partitions to form discrete internal compartments includes bead-like sub-structures provided within internal partitions having contact with a road during use of the tire, the bead sub-structures including a pressure-sensitive sealant in which a rapid change in air pressure in the tire induces activation of the sealant; and a tire wheel having a lateral surface complemental to an inner radial geometry of the tire, including, at an interface between the wheel and the tire, a pump for selectable inflation of at least one of the compartments. The system may also include inflatable wheel sealing ridges formed integrally within the tire, the ridges including circumferential annular fluid tight channels inflatable independently of inflation of the internal wheel partitions. |
| US07891388B2 |
Knife and knife assembly for a planer side head
A knife and knife assembly for a planer side head. An L or an LV type side planer head is retro-fitted with knives having substantially less mass than the knives originally provided for these heads. |
| US07891374B2 |
Suction valve
A suction valve seat and guide assembly has an outer ring and a peripheral flange projecting outwardly from the bottom of the outer ring, and an inner surface with a top part sloping downwardly and inwardly toward the center of the outer ring. The outer ring has an outer surface that slopes upwardly and inwardly from the flange. The guide has an inner ring positioned within the outer ring and a number of spaced-apart fins connecting the inner ring to the outer ring. A retainer has an internal passageway, an externally threaded, upper segment within the top of which is fitted the peripheral flange of the seat; a middle segment that is affixed to the bottom of the upper segment and has a polygonal cross section for easy gripping by a wrench; and, a bottom segment that is affixed to the bottom of the middle segment. |
| US07891373B2 |
Flow control valve
Systems and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid into a tank, such as a fuel tank on heavy equipment. An inlet valve includes a head portion for making connection with a nozzle, a receiver attached thereto and a piston which closes against a face in the head portion. A float valve includes a float and a valve which seals when a predetermined fluid level is reached. A bleed line is used to connect the receiver to the float valve. The unique design allows placement of the float valve at any desired height within the tank, and placement of the bleed line inside or outside of the tank as may be desired for the application. |
| US07891371B2 |
Vent valve
A vent valve comprising an outer sleeve including a vent window; a housing disposed within the outer sleeve, the housing including a vent slot; a baffle disposed in front of the vent slot. Embodiments of the invention may include a float disposed within the outer sleeve, a flapper disposed within the outer sleeve, an end cap, and/or a venting orifice. In an embodiment the vent window and the vent slot may oppose one another and can, for instance, be positioned approximately 180° apart. |
| US07891368B2 |
Combination collapsible umbrella and towel
A collapsible umbrella has an open position and a collapsed position. In a collapsed position, the umbrella of the present invention can be used as a towel, to clean, wipe, and or dry objects, hands, faces, and the like. In an open position, the umbrella function is enabled, so as to protect a person or objects from rain and/or sun. In one embodiment, the canopy of the umbrella is constructed from material having two surfaces performing different functions. In one embodiment, the umbrella of the present invention contains a mechanism adapted to collapse the umbrella in a manner that turns the canopy inside out when in the collapsed position, so as to hide the water-resistant surface of the canopy and expose the absorbent surface. The absorbent surface then becomes naturally accessible for use when the umbrella is in the collapsed position. |
| US07891366B2 |
Liquid processing apparatus
A liquid processing apparatus includes a substrate holding member configured to rotate along with a substrate held thereon in a horizontal state; a rotary cup configured to surround the substrate held on the substrate holding member, to rotate along with the substrate, and to receive the process liquid thrown off from the substrate; a rotation mechanism configured to integrally rotate the rotary cup and the substrate holding member; and a liquid supply mechanism configured to supply a process liquid onto the substrate. The apparatus further includes an annular drain cup and an annular exhaust cup with an exhaust port connected thereto to discharge a collected gas component. A gas-flow adjusting mechanism is disposed between the exhaust cup and the exhaust port and configured to adjust a gas flow of the gas component to flow toward the exhaust port from essentially all around within the exhaust cup. |
| US07891362B2 |
Methods for treating pigmentary and vascular abnormalities in a dermal region
A beam of radiation can be provided to treat a dermatological condition in a target region of skin. The beam of radiation can have a wavelength between about 700 nm and about 800 nm, a fluence greater than about 50 J/cm2, and a pulse duration between about 10 msec and about 300 msec. The beam of radiation is delivered to the target region of skin to affect (i) at least one pigmentary abnormality disposed in an epidermal region of the target region and (ii) at least one vascular abnormality disposed in a dermal region of the target region. A surface of the epidermal region of the target region of skin can be cooled to prevent substantial unwanted injury to at least a portion of the epidermal region. |
| US07891358B2 |
Controllable valve and inhalation device
The present invention relates to an improved controllable valve, in particular for an inhalation device, which, e.g., comprises a container for a predetermined aerosol volume, a means for disbursing an aerosol from an aerosol dispenser into the container and a control means that keeps the inhalation flow essentially constant during the entire inhalation. The control means comprises an either continuously or gradually controllable valve so as to limit the flow rate. |
| US07891356B2 |
Method for reducing the effects of general anesthetics
An apparatus for reversing inhaled anesthesia, which is configured to be positioned along a breathing circuit or anesthesia delivery circuit, includes a filter for removing one or more anesthetic agents from gases passing therethrough, as well as a component for elevating CO2 levels in gases that are to be inhaled by an individual. The apparatus is configured to be positioned between a Y-connector of the breathing circuit and the portion of the breathing circuit that interfaces with the individual. The CO2 level-elevating component facilitates an increase in the ventilation of the individual without resulting in a significant decrease in the individual's PaCO2 level and, thus, a decrease in the rate at which blood flows through the individual's brain. A method of reversing the effects of inhaled anesthesia includes increasing the rate of ventilation of an anesthetized individual while causing the individual to inhale gases with elevated amounts of CO2 and while filtering anesthetic agents from such gases. |
| US07891354B2 |
Systems and methods for providing active noise control in a breathing assistance system
A breathing assistance system having active noise control may include a gas delivery system, a patient interface, a connection system, and a noise control system. The gas delivery system may supply breathing gas to a patient via the connection system and the patient interface. The noise control system may include a processor, a speaker, a reference signal source, and a feedback sensor. The processor may generate noise control signals to be output by the speaker for canceling noise caused by a noise source of the breathing assistance system. The reference signal source may communicate reference signals associated with the noise source. The feedback sensor may detect noise caused by the noise source and noise control signals output by the speaker, and communicate to the processor feedback noise signals based on the detected noise. The processor may generate the noise control signals based at least on the reference signals and the feedback noise signals. |
| US07891353B2 |
Breathing assistance device with several secure respirator modes and associated method
A breathing assistance device, capable of operating according to several respiratory modes forming a list of possible modes. The device is equipped with a mechanism for selecting a desired mode from a group of modes that can be selected. The device also includes a mechanism for realising a configuration diagnostic of the device, a mechanism for associating an authorization level with each possible mode, according to the results of the diagnostic, with the lowest authorization level corresponding to unauthorised modes, a mechanism for authorizing only the selection of authorised modes, in such a way that selecting unauthorised modes is impossible. |
| US07891350B2 |
Self-contained chargeable gas supply system for pneumatic store ejection utilizing a removable, replaceable and on-board rechargeable gas storage vessel
A gas supply system for store ejection from a vehicle comprises a receiver assembly, a compressor connected to the receiver assembly, and a gas storage vessel removably coupled to the receiver assembly, wherein the gas storage vessel is capable of receiving and storing pressurized gas from the compressor. |
| US07891349B1 |
Compound bow with high limb preload
A compound archery bow having a riser and first and second limbs secured to and extending from opposite ends of the riser, each limb having an axel to support a wheel or cam; the limbs have a limb tip angle measured from an unstrung or unflexed limb position to a flexed position at brace height of at least 65° and preferably 75° or more. The bow has an axel-to-axel distance percentage change from an unstrung or unflexed condition to a brace condition of at least 20%. The limbs exhibit a limb tip angle percentage change from brace height to full draw condition of 25% or less of the total limb tip change from unflexed to full draw while the limb tip measured from an unstrung condition to a flexed condition at full draw is at least 80° and preferably 100° or more. |
| US07891346B2 |
Blowby gas returning device
A blowby gas returning device is arranged to allow blowby gas leaking from a combustion chamber of an engine to flow in an intake passage through a returning passage and return to the combustion chamber, and arranged to regulate a flow rate of the blowby gas by a PCV valve provided in the returning passage. This blowby gas returning device comprises an outside-air passage for mixing outside air into the blowby gas before being introduced into the PCV valve; and an open-close valve for opening and closing the outside-air passage. An electronic control unit controls the open-close valve to open when the operating state detected by sensors is an idle state. |
| US07891335B2 |
Control system for internal combustion engine
A control system for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and a cylinder halting mechanism for halting operation of at least one of the plurality of cylinders by stopping operation of at lease one intake valve of the at least one cylinder. The control system includes an intake air control valve for controlling an amount of air supplied to the engine. An opening of the intake air control valve is changed when performing an increase in a number of operating cylinders in an idling condition of the engine. A basic opening of the intake air control valve is switched from a first basic opening corresponding to the number of operating cylinders before the increase in the number of operating cylinders to a second basic opening corresponding to the number of operating cylinders after the increase in the number of the operating cylinders. The basic opening is corrected in the closing direction during a predetermined time period when increasing the number of operating cylinders. |
| US07891331B2 |
Synthetic resin tube structure
A synthetic resin tube structure including a first synthetic-resin member which includes a flange having a plurality of bores formed therein, and a plurality of first divided pipes formed integrally with the flange; and a second synthetic-resin member which includes a plurality of second divided pipes, and a connector to connect the plurality of second divided pipes to each other. In the synthetic resin tube structure, the plurality of first and second divided pipes are subjected to vibration welding to form a plurality of pipes respectively having therein passages which communicate with the respective corresponding bores, and the vibration welding is performed while a direction, in which the plurality of first and second divided pipes are vibrated, is inclined at an angle θ with respect to a reference plane in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of each of the bores formed in the flange. |
| US07891329B2 |
Compact lash adjuster feed channel apparatus
The apparatus of the present invention provides a lash adjuster feed channel for an engine assembly. The engine assembly includes first and second sets of hydraulic lash adjusters responsive to a variation in hydraulic fluid pressure to cause a variation in lift of first and second sets of engine valves respectively operatively connected thereto. The cylinder head defines a first feed passage in fluid communication with the first set of hydraulic lash adjusters, and a second feed passage in fluid communication with the second set of hydraulic lash adjusters. The valve lift of the first set of engine valves is independently variable by controlling the transfer of hydraulic pressure in the first feed passage, and the valve lift of the second set of engine valves is independently variable by controlling the transfer of hydraulic pressure in the second feed passage. A corresponding method is also provided. |
| US07891323B2 |
Selective cleaning of heat exchanging devices in the boiler of a combustion plant
A boiler of a combustion plant has at least one heat exchanging device which can be traversed by a medium from an inlet to an outlet and is held in the interior of the boiler by means of at least one suspension device, wherein means for determining the temperature of the medium are provided at least at the inlet or at the outlet, and the at least one suspension device has means for determining the weight of the at least one heat exchanging device. Also proposed are a cleaning control device, a cleaning method and a method for operating a combustion plant which permit a considerable reduction in the cleaning expenditure, so that maintenance costs can be kept low. |
| US07891321B2 |
Quick-release animals muzzle
An animal muzzle has a retention strap, an interlock member attached to a first end portion of the retention strap, and a muzzle body attached to a second end portion of the retention strap. The muzzle body includes two longitudinally extending edge portions and an interlock structure adjacent each of the edge portions. The interlock structures are configured for having the interlock member simultaneously engaged therewith. The interlock structures are longitudinally offset from each other such that they are longitudinally adjacent to each other in a manner allowing the interlock member to be slideable engaged therewith when the muzzle body is in a snout-encompassing configuration. The muzzle body is maintained in the snout-encompassing configuration when the interlock member is engaged with the interlock structures. The muzzle body automatically transitions to a non-constraining configuration when the interlock member is disengaged from the interlock structures. |
| US07891317B2 |
Animal feeder
An animal feeder for supplying a feed to an animal of choice for feeding the animal of choice in an unprotected environment such as the outdoors. The feeder comprising a base for support the feeder on a ground surface, a support frame extending upwardly from the base and a hopper supported by the frame. The hopper having a storage reservoir for storing a supply of feed with a feed entry opening that is closeable to prevent exposure to the outdoors. The hopper further including a feed chute below the reservoir having an upper region sealingly joined to the reservoir and a lower region below the upper region that is sealingly joined to a feeding chamber. The feeding chamber having a bottom surface wherein the feed supply can move from the reservoir into the feeding chamber and rest on the bottom surface based on gravity alone. The hopper further including a horizontally extending elongated channel extending from the feeding chamber with an outer end having a feeding opening open to the outdoors wherein the feeding chamber is spaced from the opening and the feed substantially remains within the hopper and spaced from the outdoors until it is consumed by the animal of choice. |
| US07891316B1 |
Rear milking cluster hose support arm and associated method
A rear milking cluster hose support arm for supporting a milking cluster hose in an existing milking system where milking is done from a rear of a cow includes a rubber bumper for supporting an existing cluster hose and a rectilinear rod. The apparatus further includes a rod holder and a selectively adjusting mechanism with a coupling nut, an air hose, a tee union adapter, and a flattened lever. A predetermined oscillating air pressure level is introduced into the cylinder from the existing air supply source to thereby raise and lower the coupling nut and articulate the lever about the rod to thereby adjust the position of the rod and the rubber bumper respectively during non-operating conditions. |
| US07891314B2 |
Fluid discharging device
Disclosed is a fluid discharging device (1) for separately discharging at least two fluids comprising and inner nozzle (3) for discharging a first fluid and a coaxially arranged outer nozzle (12) for discharging a second fluid. |
| US07891311B2 |
Fluid flow indicator
A fluid flow indicator for observation of low flow rates in liquids includes a capillary tube (12) slidably mounted at each end in passageways (4) and (5) and biased into a no-flow indicating position by a castellated elastomeric membrane (14) providing a sealed barrier within a chamber (1) between a first zone (17) and a second zone (18). Fluid flow introduced through spigot (9) causes the capillary tube (12) to slide to the opposite end of the passageways (4) and (5) whereupon the deformed position of the elastomeric membrane (14) can readily be observed through transparent walls (3) in the chamber (1). Upon cessation of flow, the elastomeric membrane (14) causes the capillary tube (12) to revert to its original position. |
| US07891307B2 |
Method and sewing machine for forming single-thread locked handstitches
A sewing thread (20) can be captured certainly with a thread capturing open eye (13a) of an open eye needle (13) and the stitches are formed in the inner space of a sewing machine bed (3). A handstitch and a locked stitch are formed, respectively, on the front surface and the back surface of a fabric workpiece (21) as a skip stitch set through cooperation of the open eye needle (13), a shuttle hook (200) and a thread draw out actuator (401). A feed dog (601) feeds the fabric workpiece by a stitch length (P1) for handstitch during a first stroke of the open eye needle (13), and feeds the fabric workpiece by an inter-stitch pitch (P2) between the handstitches during a second stroke of the open eye needle (13). |
| US07891306B2 |
Stool
A stool includes a seat board, a plurality of legs, and a connecting board. The plurality of legs is attached to the seat board so as to protrude from the seat board in a downward direction, and to support the seat board such that the seat board is horizontally held. The connecting board is disposed such that one surface thereof faces a bottom surface of the seat board. The connecting board is surrounded by and secured to the plurality of legs. |
| US07891304B2 |
Railcar with discharge control system
A railcar with discharge control system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a railway car includes an underframe and at least one hopper for transporting lading. The railway car further including the underframe including a center sill which defines in part a longitudinal axis of the railway car. A discharge opening formed proximate to a lower portion of the hopper. A respective door assembly pivotally mounted adjacent to the discharge opening to control the flow of lading from the hopper. The door assembly operable for movement between a first, closed position and a second, open position relative to the discharge opening. A discharge control system operable to move the door assembly between the first position and the second position. The discharge control system operably moves generally longitudinally along the axis of the railway car to move the door assemblies between the first, closed position and the second, open position. |
| US07891302B2 |
System and method for providing head end power for use in passenger train sets
A head end power system carried on a locomotive for a passenger train set that captures and stores excess electrical energy generated during dynamic braking of the locomotive. This excess electrical energy is converted to head end power for use on attached passenger railcars. Because passenger trains activate dynamic braking frequently, sufficient dynamic braking energy can be captured to supply a substantially continuous demand for head end power. In the event that the amount of captured energy is insufficient to meet demand, the head end power system may supplement the captured energy with energy generated by the primary power source on the locomotive. |
| US07891297B1 |
Adaptable smart warhead and method for use
A method for detonating a munition comprising the steps of providing a plurality of micro-detonators and microprocessors in said munition and initiating said micro-detonators in a predetermined sequence by means of said microprocessor. Depending on the specific predetermined sequence which is selected, one of a variety of explosive modes may be achieved. |
| US07891295B2 |
Printing in a medium
A method for transferring a pattern from an elastic stamp to a substrate in the presence of a third medium is described. A proximity contact is achieved between the stamp and the substrate. A layer of the third medium between the stamp and the substrate is controlled to a predetermined thickness. Stamps for carrying out this method are also described. |
| US07891289B2 |
Automated food frying device and method
An automated food processing system is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a container, for example, an individual portion-sized container. The system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging food. An automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried, it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container, for example, an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held in position for filling by an automated container handling system. After a food container is filled, a conveyor system transports the container to a pick-up location. |
| US07891285B2 |
Bearing restricting device in swash plate hydraulic pump or motor
In a swash plate hydraulic pump or motor structured so that a convex arc surface on the back surface of a swash plate is supported on a concave arc surface of a swash plate support via a bearing in a manner enabling the arc surface to swing in the circumferential direction that follows the arc path. A restricting pin is included for restricting movements of the bearing. The assembly structure prevents the restricting pin from coming out of the swash plate and the swash plate support. One end of the restricting pin is supported rotatably on a side surface of the swash plate. An intermediate portion of the restricting pin is engaged in an engagement hole formed in a holder of the bearing in a loosely fitting manner. Finally, the other end of the restricting pin is inserted into a support rod supported rotatably around its axis on the swash plate support to permit movement of the restricting pin in a pin axial direction. |
| US07891284B1 |
Firearm with gas system accessory latch
A gas-operated firearm has a barrel defining a bore with a gas block defining a chamber communicating with the bore via a gas passage. A gas regulation element has a first position and a second position, and serves to provide different gas flow characteristics in the different positions. The latch element gives the user audible or tactile feedback upon installation of an accessory device when the gas regulation element is a correct position suited to use of the accessory, and not when in the other position unsuited to accessory usage. The accessory may be a sound suppressor, and the latch may serve to secure the gas regulation element against position change. The latch may engage a circular array of elements on the rear face of the suppressor, and may have an angled cam face to provide ratcheting engagement for installation, and to resist removal or loosening without deliberate actuation of the latch. |
| US07891281B2 |
Housing-transportation-launch assembly and method
In a ground launcher, two or more housing-transportation-launch assemblies for respective missiles are placed one on top of the other and connected releasably and interchangeably to each other; each housing-transportation-launch assembly has a respective outer casing, which in turn has longitudinal end walls breakable from inside the casing, and a deflecting body for deflecting the exhaust gas of the engine of the missile; a guide and protection assembly being interposed between the casing and the missile to guide the missile in the set launch direction, and to protect the missile against shock or vibration. |
| US07891278B2 |
Eye-protection cover quick-release structure for table saw
An eye-protection cover quick-release structure includes a spreader, which has a notch and a locating hole at the top side and a contracted passage connected between the notch and the locating hole, a bracket, which has a locating groove for accommodating a part of the spreader and an axle hole, an axle pin, which is insertable through the axle hole of the bracket and the locating hole of the spreader and has a shank and a shoulder, and a handle fastened to the shank of the axle pin and biasable between a pressed position where the shoulder of the axle pin is forced into the locating hole of the spreader to lock the bracket to the spreader and a lifted position where the shank of the axle pin is forced into the locating hole of the spreader and movable through the contracted passage for allowing the bracket to be separated from the spreader. |
| US07891275B2 |
Adapter coupling device
An adapter coupling device includes an adapter having a polygonal recess for receiving a bit therein and a radial hole is defined in an outer periphery of the adapter so as to receive a bead therein. A spring and a positioning block are received in the adapter and the positioning block includes stepped receiving space and an outer surface. An outer sleeve is mounted to the adapter and a spring is located therebetween. The outer sleeve has a annular groove and an inclined inner surface defined in the inner periphery thereof, wherein the inclined inner surface has a maximum inclination of 30 degrees relative to an axis of the outer sleeve. The bit can be inserted into the polygonal recess of the adapter by one hand without pushing the outer sleeve upward. The inclined inner surface of the outer sleeve pushes the bead to position the bit. |
| US07891270B2 |
Grip
A grip includes a grip body to be fitted on a mounting portion. The grip body includes an inner piece, an outer casing mounted on the inner piece, and a resin member fitted on the inner piece so as to be exposed through an opening, such as a hole or a cutout provided in the outer casing. The resin member is inserted in the outer casing so as to be partly exposed through the opening, and the inner piece is then inserted in the resin member fitted in the outer casing. |
| US07891269B2 |
Straddle type vehicle
A vehicle includes a handlebar and a handlebar cover. The handlebar cover includes a front cover for covering a front side of the handlebar and a rear cover for covering a rear side of the handlebar. The front and rear covers are fastened to each other by a fastener member. The fastener member is covered by a cover attached to the handlebar cover. |
| US07891268B2 |
Telescoping-tilting device of steering column for vehicle
Disclosed is a telescoping-tilting device of a steering column for a vehicle, the telescoping-tilting device including a distance member which has an elongated hole formed at each side of the distance member in parallel to a steering shaft and a guide groove formed on each inner surface of the both sides of the distance member in parallel to each elongated hole, and a supporting block positioned within the distance member, the supporting block having a through hole shaped to be engaged with a bolt and a wing which can be inserted into each guide groove and extends out from both sides of the supporting block in each side direction. When impact is applied, the distance member does not move respective to the mounting bracket. Therefore, there is an advantage in that collision energy is generated as planned and a desired impact absorption mechanism can be achieved. |
| US07891265B2 |
Motor assembly with anti-backlash nut and thermal insensitive mechanism
A motorized anti-backlash linear actuator comprises a motor; a hollow shaft that is rotated about a central axis by the motor, an anti-backlash nut that is nested at least partially inside the hollow shaft; and an externally threaded rod or lead screw that engages with the anti-backlash nut such that the rotation of the hollow shaft and the nut imparts a linear motion to the rod that is substantially free of backlash. Nesting the anti-backlash nut at least partially within the hollow shaft provides greater stability to the actuator, and permits high speed operation. A mechanical element, such as a nut or a bushing, comprises a first cylindrical element comprising a first material; a second cylindrical element comprising a second material, the second cylindrical element having a different coefficient of thermal expansion relative to the first cylindrical element, the second cylindrical element being disposed inside of and in contact with the first cylindrical element; and at least one interlocking structure at an interface between the first cylindrical element and the second cylindrical element to prevent the second cylindrical element from separating from the first cylindrical element under thermal effects. The mechanical element can be a plastic nut secured to the interior of a hollow shaft of a motorized anti-backlash linear actuator. |
| US07891263B2 |
Dual speed transmission
A two speed transmission system mounted for driving a marine craft comprising: an input shaft coupled in direct connection with a driveshaft of an engine of the marine craft; an output shaft coaxial with the input shaft coupled in direct connection with a driveline of the marine craft; a first gear train for transmitting drive at a fixed first gear ratio; a second gear train for transmitting drive at a fixed second gear ratio; a first friction clutch operable to engage/disengage the first gear train; and a second friction clutch operable to engage/disengage the second gear train, wherein in shifting between the first gear ratio and the second gear ratio one of the friction clutches is disengaged using controlled slippage while the other friction clutch is engaged using controlled slippage. |
| US07891262B2 |
Transmission for vehicles
A shift position changing drive member for a transmission includes an arm member capable of turning around the axis of a shift spindle for drivingly turning a shift drum in response to the turning of the shift spindle wherein the shift drum is prevented from coming into a neutral position even if the shifting speed is stopped in midstream. A lost motion spring includes gripping portions gripping a pressing portion from both sides of a coil portion surrounding the shift spindle. An arm member of shift position changing drive member is provided with a pressure-receiving member which is gripped by both gripping portions in such a manner that when the turning member is turned, if, in response to the turning direction, the pressing portion abuts against one of the gripping portions for turning, the other of the gripping portions abuts against the pressure-receiving member. |
| US07891261B2 |
Clutch actuation system with locking mechanism and method of controlling engagement of a clutch
A clutch actuation system for engaging and disengaging a clutch includes a hydraulically-actuated piston movable in response to hydraulic pressure to an apply position in which the piston is operable to engage the clutch. An electro mechanical actuator is movable in response to electric power to contact the piston at the apply position such that the clutch is maintained in an engaged state by the actuator, thereby permitting hydraulic pressure to be released. A method of controlling engagement of the clutch is also provided. |
| US07891258B2 |
Method of measuring the performance of a prosthetic foot
A method of measuring the performance of a prosthetic foot includes obtaining a pressure distribution of the prosthetic foot during a motion of the prosthetic foot and determining whether the pressure distribution falls within a preselected range of performance values for the prosthetic foot. The pressure distribution comprises a trajectory illustrating the progression of a center of pressure of the prosthetic foot during motion. A prosthetic foot can also be designed to approximate a pressure distribution corresponding to a preselected range of performance values. |
| US07891257B2 |
Monitoring device of the feed to an electric household appliance of an operative fluid, in particular of a flow of water to a tank of a washing machine or dishwasher
A monitoring device including first detector means of a flow rate of operative fluid in an electric household appliance towards a tank of the electric household appliance and second detector means of the level of such a fluid in the tank; wherein the first and second detector means are operatively and reciprocally associated to issue a single signal (S) characterised by at least two different parameters, a first parameter (F) correlated to the flow rate of the fluid and a second parameter (A) correlated to the level of fluid in the tank. Typically, the first and the second detector means consist of a turbine mounted so as to be crossed in use by the flow of operative fluid and thereby turned at a speed proportional to the flow rate of fluid; in a membrane mounted within a casing to fluid-tightly divide the same into a first and second chamber connected respectively to atmospheric pressure and to siphon means arranged within the tank; in sensor means mounted on the membrane integral with the same and in interaction means with the sensor means, angularly and integrally mounted on the turbine and in a position so as to periodically transit in use in front of the sensor means in consequence of the rotation of the turbine. |
| US07891255B2 |
Apparatus for measurement of volume-or-mass-flow of a medium
An apparatus for measuring volume- or mass-flow of a medium flowing through a measuring tube in the direction of a measuring tube axis, includes: a magnet system producing a magnetic field passing through the measuring tube essentially transversely to the measuring tube axis; at least one measuring electrode coupled with the medium; a reference component lying at a defined potential, wherein the reference component is connected with a resistance; and a control/evaluation unit, which, on the basis of measurement voltage induced in the at least one measuring electrode, delivers information concerning volume- or mass flow of the medium in the measuring tube. For the purpose of an early recognizing of a malfunction of the measuring apparatus device, or a component of the measuring apparatus device, a measuring device is provided, which makes available information concerning whether electrical current is flowing through the resistance. |
| US07891250B2 |
Method and apparatus to digitize pressure gauge information
This invention uses a flexible gauge to digitize an analogue signal from a mechanical gauge. In particular, this invention uses a flexible gauge to digitize an analogue signal from a mechanical pressure gauge. More particularly, this invention uses a flexible gauge to digitize an a analogue signal from a mechanical pressure gauge that uses a Bourdon tube. |
| US07891249B2 |
Multi-axis vibration method and apparatus
A vibration test apparatus is disclosed. The vibration test apparatus includes a platform assembly, which receives a vibration input from a vibration source and imparts a multi-axial vibration to a test specimen on the platform assembly. In illustrated embodiments the platform assembly includes one or more platforms having an adjustable incline angle. The incline angle is adjusted to provide the desired output vibration based upon a measured or determined vibration profile and the input vibration from the vibration source. |
| US07891248B2 |
Apparatus for measuring wall thicknesses of objects
An apparatus for measuring wall thicknesses of objects, includes a coordinate measuring machine that has a probe holder and an object support. The coordinate measuring machine is configured to provide relative movement between the probe holder and the object support in three dimensions. The apparatus also includes an ultrasonic test probe which is held by the probe holder. The coordinate measuring machine brings the transducer of the ultrasonic test probe into contact with a position on a surface of an object at the object support so that the probe can measure an object wall thickness at the probe contact position. |
| US07891244B2 |
Method of making a physical quantity sensor
A physical quantity sensor includes a sensor portion, a casing, and a vibration isolator. The casing includes a supporting portion with a supporting surface that is located to face an end surface of the sensor portion. The vibration isolator is located between the end surface of the sensor portion and the supporting surface of the casing to join the sensor portion to the casing. The vibration isolator reduces a relative vibration between the sensor portion and the casing. |
| US07891240B2 |
Thermal type flow measuring device
A first sub passage portion and a second sub passage portion are configured so as to form layers on both sides of a separation wall, respectively. A linear passage portion of a third sub passage portion is formed so that a cross section thereof extends within a range across both sides of the separation wall in a direction perpendicular to a wall surface of the separation wall. The cross section is taken along a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of a fluid flowing through the linear passage portion. The separation wall separates the layer of the first sub passage portion and the layer of the second sub passage portion from each other. A first communication passage portion which allows the first sub passage portion to communicate with the third sub passage portion curves to make a directional change and connects a passage wall surface of the first sub passage portion to a side wall of the third sub passage portion by an inclined surface. The passage wall surface is defined by the separation wall. The side wall is located on a side of the second sub passage portion with respect to the separation wall. A through passage which passes through the separation wall is provided in a second communication passage portion which allows the second sub passage portion to communicate with the third sub passage portion. |
| US07891236B2 |
Non obstructive pressure differential valve
A pressure differential valve apparatus that includes a valve, the valve having a valve head and a valve stem connected perpendicular to the valve head, the valve head having a valve face with an opening that continues inside an interior of the valve head to an intersection with the valve stem and along a length of the valve stem to a top of the valve stem, wherein the apparatus allows unobstructed pressure readings when the valve face is rotated in a radial direction within an area of flow of a cylinder head. |
| US07891234B2 |
Multi-sensing device and method of operating
A multi-sensing device is provided which includes a first sensor for sensing a temperature of the fluid flowing through the filter element, a second sensor for sensing a pressure generated by the fluid flowing through the filter element; and an indicator for indicating a condition of the filter system, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the first and second sensors. The microcontroller executes instructions for receiving temperature data from the first sensor and pressure data from the second sensor; if the temperature data does not exceed a first temperature threshold, monitoring subsequent temperature data received from the first sensor until it exceeds the first temperature threshold; and if the temperature data exceeds the first temperature threshold: determining whether the temperature data exceeds a second temperature threshold and whether the pressure data exceeds a pressure threshold; if the temperature data exceeds the second temperature threshold, activating the indicator to indicate that the fluid is in an abnormal condition; and if the pressure data exceeds the pressure threshold, activating the indicator to indicate that the filter element is in a condemned condition. |
| US07891231B2 |
Apparatus for monitoring and registering the location and intensity of impacts in sports
This invention relates to impact sports, and to articles of clothing and for detection systems used to monitor and registering the intensity, location and sources of impacts in contact sports such as boxing, martial arts, fencing, and so forth. |
| US07891229B2 |
Method and apparatus for real-time calibration of a liquid storage tank level gauge
A system and method are provided that receive a signal representing a reflection of an electromagnetic wave from a liquid and from one or more reference pins in a storage tank. A sensed distance to the liquid and one or more sensed distances to the pins are calculated from the signal, and the sensed distances to the pins are compared to one or more reference distances. A correction factor is calculated based on the comparison of the sensed distances and the reference distances, and a corrected distance to the liquid is calculated based on the correction factor and the sensed distance to the liquid. While the storage tank is empty, a reference signal representing a reflection of an electromagnetic wave from the reference pins may be obtained and reference sensed distances to the reference pins calculated and stored as the reference distances. |
| US07891228B2 |
Dual-mode mass flow verification and mass flow delivery system and method
A system performs mass flow delivery of a fluid, and also performs mass flow verification of the fluid. The system includes an inlet valve that controls flow of the fluid into a chamber, an outlet valve that controls flow of the fluid out of the chamber, a pressure transducer that measures the pressure of the fluid within the chamber, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the fluid within the chamber, and a controller. The controller is configured to control opening and closing of the inlet and outlet valves, using the measurements of the pressure and the temperature change within the chamber, so as to verify, when in a first mode, a measurement of the flow rate of the fluid by a device, and so as to deliver, when in a second mode, a desired amount of the fluid from the chamber into a processing facility. |
| US07891226B2 |
Electromagnetic blank restrainer
Apparatus for forming an article from a blank of sheet metal including electromagnet field producing means disposed adjacent a die cavity for selectively energizing the field producing means for restraining movement of the blank during the forming thereof. |
| US07891218B2 |
Drain system of drum-type washing machine
Object of the present invention is to provide a drum type washing machine having a new drain system, which can eliminate inconvenience of user to squat down for mounting/dismounting a drain filter, and damage to electric components following overflow of washing water during water supply.To achieve above object, the present invention provides a drum type washing machine including an outer case, a tub in the outer case having a drain hole at a lowest portion, and an overflow hole at a predetermined position of an upper portion, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub, a driving motor for transmission of power for rotating the drum through a rotation shaft connected to the drum, a filter case mounted on a front of the outer case, a drain pipe connected between the drain hole in the tub and the filter case for draining water from an inside of the tub toward the filter case, a drain valve mounted to control drainage of washed water, rinsed water, extracted water, condensing water in drying from the tub through the drain pipe, a drain filter between a drain inlet and a drain outlet in the filter case, and a drain hose connected to the drain outlet in the filter case for draining water from the filter case to an outside of the washing machine. |
| US07891216B2 |
Method for producing an optical fiber having low polarization mode dispersion
A method for producing an optical fiber having low polarization mode dispersion, by the steps of a) providing an optical fiber perform of glass material; b) heating the glass material of an end portion of the optical fiber perform; c) drawing the heated glass material at a drawing speed V to form an optical fiber, the drawn glass material having a viscous zone; and d) applying to the optical fiber a substantially sinusoidal spin, which is transmitted to the viscous zone, the spin function frequency ν, the viscous zone length L and the drawing speed V being such that both a torsion and at least a 50% detorsion are applied to the viscous zone. |
| US07891212B2 |
Magnetic disk glass substrate
A magnetic disk glass substrate including compressive stress layers at main surfaces and a tensile stress layer between the compressive stress layers formed by chemical strengthening. When the glass substrate has a thickness of less than 0.5 mm and the tensile stress layer has a thickness L and a tensile stress of Pt (kg/mm2), the following relation holds: 0.4 (kg/mm)≦L·Pt≦2.0 (kg/mm). |
| US07891210B2 |
Adjustable motor base for an HVAC&R blower motor
An HVAC&R system including a blower system having a vertical motor adjustment is provided. The HVAC&R system includes a cooling unit, a heating unit, an air conditioning unit, and a blower unit. The blower unit includes a blower assembly having a fan unit within a fan unit support frame. A motor attached to a height adjustable motor base is attached to a top surface of the fan unit support frame. |
| US07891209B2 |
Device for preserving meat of slaughtered poultry or parts thereof
In a method of chilling slaughtered poultry or parts thereof, the poultry is conveyed through a chilling room, or at least through a part of said chilling room, and in the process is exposed to a stream of chilling air. During the chilling of the poultry the skin of the poultry is moistened. The skin of the poultry is moistened by spraying it with water in a spray area that is separated from the stream of chilling air. |
| US07891207B2 |
Water spillage management for in the door ice maker
A refrigerator freezer having an ice maker positioned on a refrigerator compartment or freezer compartment door. The ice maker is arranged to prevent or manage spills from the ice maker in the event the door on which the ice maker is mounted is opened or closed when unfrozen water is present in the ice maker. Spill management embodiments for a number of fixed and movable tray ice makers are disclosed. |
| US07891204B2 |
Refrigeration cycle device for vehicle
In a refrigeration cycle device with a capacity-variable compressor, a preset suction pressure that serves as a target value of a refrigerant suction pressure of the compressor is calculated and a refrigerant discharge capacity of the compressor is controlled by operating a capacity varying portion such that the suction pressure of the compressor is appreciated to the preset suction pressure. A thermal load detection portion is configured to detect a thermal load of a refrigeration cycle, and a refrigerant flow amount detection portion is configured to detect a flow amount of refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle. In the refrigeration cycle device, a pressure at a predetermined part of the compressor is estimated based on the thermal load detected by the thermal load detection portion and on the flow amount detected by the refrigerant flow amount detection portion. |
| US07891202B1 |
Absorption system
An absorption system includes a generator, a condenser, an evaporator, and an absorber configured to circulate a solution of an absorber and a refrigerant. A purge system removes a non-condensable gas from the absorber. The purge system includes a first pump to remove the solution from the absorber, a connection to remove the refrigerant vapor and the non-condensable gas from a low pressure region of the absorption system, an eductor to receive and mix the solution, a separator to receive the solution and remove the non-condensable gas from it, a tank to receive the non-condensable gas from the separator, a controller to monitor a pressure level of the tank, and a second pump to remove the non-condensable gas from the tank in response to the monitored pressure level in the tank being greater than a predetermined pressure level. |
| US07891199B2 |
Cryogenic apparatus for chilling beverages and food products and process of manufacturing the same
Self-cooling food and beverage containers and processes for manufacturing such containers with cryogenic high-pressure refrigerant cooling apparatus are disclosed. A self-cooling beverage container apparatus containing a beverage or other food product, a method of storing cryogenic gases which then cool said food products, and to methods of assembling and operating the apparatus. A self-cooling beverage container includes a container body having an openable portion, a pressure vessel substantially housed within said container body, the pressure vessel having a first chamber for containing a refrigerant, an actuation valve configurable from a closed configuration wherein the refrigerant is maintained within the pressure vessel to an open configuration wherein said refrigerant is allowed to expand and exit the pressure vessel upon opening of said container whereby refrigerant expansion and flow through said outlet conduit cools the contents of said container. |
| US07891197B2 |
Method for non-intermittent provision of fluid supercool carbon dioxide at constant pressure above 40 bar as well as the system for implementation of the method
A method and an apparatus for the uninterrupted supply of liquid subcooled carbon dioxide. The liquid is supplied at a nearly constant pressure greater than about 40 bar. Liquid carbon dioxide is supplied at a low pressure and is sent into a low pressure tank where it is stored temporarily. The carbon dioxide is then pumped, with a pump, from the low pressure tank to a high pressure tank. During the pumping, the pressure of the carbon dioxide is increased. The carbon dioxide is stored in the high pressure tank until its removal. When the carbon dioxide is removed, it is in a thermodynamic disequilibrium between the liquid and gas phases. |
| US07891195B2 |
Central body of a turbojet nozzle
A device for attenuating acoustical noise from an exhaust nozzle of a turbojet is disclosed. The turbojet exhaust nozzle includes a central body defining the inner surface of the primary gas flow path. The central body includes an outer wall defining one, and only one, resonator cavity. The single resonator cavity is in fluid communication with the primary gas flow path via orifices through at least one upstream portion of the outer wall. The single resonator cavity and plurality of orifices compose a Helmholtz resonator. |
| US07891192B2 |
Gas turbine engine combustor assembly having integrated control valves
A combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a combustor endcover having at least one fuel circuit and mounted thereto a plurality of pre-mixers and at least one control valve. The at least one control valve is fluidly connected to the at least one fuel circuit and operatively connected to a controller. The controller selectively operates the at least one control valve to deliver fuel through the at least one fuel circuit to the plurality of pre-mixers in order to achieve an enhanced level of operational flexibility by providing individual combustion chamber control. |
| US07891190B2 |
Combustion chamber of a turbomachine
A combustion chamber of a turbomachine is disclosed. The combustion chamber includes at least one bowl with a substantially frustoconical wall that is formed with an annular row of air injection orifices and a fuel injector arranged upstream of the bowl. The annular row of air injection orifices includes smaller-diameter orifices and larger-diameter orifices which are arranged in alternating fashion and with a uniform distribution around the axis of the bowl to produce two annular air/fuel mixture layers. |
| US07891180B2 |
Actuator servo-control monitoring method and device
An actuator displacement servo-control for aircraft flight controls is assisted by a hydraulic circuit, configured to deliver a hydraulic failure indication. The servo-control is generated from an actuator position indication and a position set-point indication computed by a computation unit. An alarm phase is opened on detection of a servo-control operating error and is kept open as long as the error is present. During the alarm phase it is determined whether the actuator is in blocked or divergent states. If blocked, it is determined whether the duration of the alarm phase exceeds a value Tconf2; If divergent, it is determined whether the duration of the alarm phase exceeds a value Tconf1. When blocked and the duration of the alarm phase does not exceed Tconf2, it is determined whether the hydraulic circuit indicates a hydraulic failure. |
| US07891179B2 |
Radially compliant pump hub
A pump assembly for a torque converter including a shell arranged to receive a plurality of blades for the pump, a hub arranged to interface with a transmission, and a resilient member located axially between an annular portion of the shell and annular portion of the hub. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient member is an O-ring. |
| US07891175B2 |
Exhaust purification device of compression ignition type internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine in which an SOx trap catalyst able to trap SOx contained in exhaust gas is arranged in an engine exhaust passage upstream of an NOx storing catalyst. The SOx trap catalyst is strengthened in basicity compared with the NOx storing catalyst to an extent so that when the temperature of the SOx trap catalyst is in the temperature range at the time of ordinary operation, that is, substantially 150° C. to substantially 400° C., the NOx purification rate by the SOx trap catalyst becomes less than substantially 10 percent of the NOx purification rate by the NOx storing catalyst. When NOx should be released from the NOx storing catalyst, the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the SOx trap catalyst is temporarily switched from lean to rich. |
| US07891173B2 |
Exhaust gas cleaning apparatus and method thereof
An exhaust gas cleaning apparatus is provided that has a main exhaust passage, a main catalytic converter disposed in the main exhaust passage, a bypass exhaust passage, a bypass catalytic converter disposed in the bypass exhaust passage, a selector valve and a controller. The controller controls the internal combustion engine to a rich combustion state with a rich air fuel ratio while the controller controls the selector valve to block the flow of the exhaust gas through the main exhaust passage, and then, afterwards, controls the selector valve to direct the flow of the exhaust gas through the main exhaust passage such that residual air remaining in the main exhaust passage mixes with rich exhaust gas from the bypass exhaust passage. |
| US07891170B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine
In order to control an internal combustion engine, a fuel mass that is to be supplied to the respective cylinder is determined according to a load variable. An additional fuel mass to be measured once is determined, when the measuring signal of an oxygen probe arranged downstream from a three-way catalytic converter is characteristic of at least one pre-determined residual oxygen part, according to the course of the measuring signal. A once reduced fuel mass is determined, when the measuring signal is characteristic of at least one pre-determined residual fuel part, according to the course of the measuring signal. A corrected fuel mass to be measured is determined according to the fuel mass to be supplied and optionally less the once reduced fuel mass or the fuel mass to be measured once. An actuating signal for controlling the injection valve is generated according to the corrected fuel mass to be supplied. |
| US07891168B2 |
Flexible fuel tolerant catalytic converter diagnostic method
A monitoring system for a catalytic converter is provided. The system includes: a fuel determination module that determines a fuel composition based on a sensed composition of fuel in a fuel system; a fuel/air (F/A) determination module that selectively determines a stoichiometric F/A ratio based on the fuel composition; and an oxygen storage capacity (OSC) diagnostic module that computes a target OSC based on the stoichiometric F/A ratio, that compares the target OSC to a reference value and diagnosis the catalytic converter based on the comparison. |
| US07891163B2 |
Engine
In prop fan and contra fan gas turbine engines particularly utilized with regard to pusher configurations towards the aft of an aircraft, there is a significant problem with regard to debris and bird strikes resulting in particulate matter which may damage the engine thrust core. By providing an inlet rotor which fragments and creates a centrifugal aspect to the inlet flow, particulate matter can be directed to a bypass chute normally in the form of an annular section extending into a number of chute exits. In such circumstances, the particulate matter is removed continuously from the inlet flow and the chutes are normally angled to project any particulate matter towards propellers of the engine at robust positions. |
| US07891161B2 |
Two-step bail apparatuses and methods
Apparatuses and methods are provided for actuating a control component of a power machine. A two-step bail can be attached to a handle for controlling the power machine. The two-step bail can include a base member and a control member, wherein the control member can be slidably attached to the base member which can be pivotably mounted to the handle of the power machine. The control member can be depressed, by an operator first action, into the base member, which can be followed by an operator second action wherein the base member and control member can be pulled reward toward the operator to actuate a control component of the power machine. |
| US07891154B2 |
Anti-fog refrigeration door and method of making the same
The energy-free refrigeration door of the present application provides a way to control condensation when the door of a refrigeration unit is opened by providing thermal insulation to the door with glass panels which have a low emissivity coating. The door includes a door frame housing and an insulating glass unit comprising inner, middle and outer sheets of glass. A first sealant assembly disposed around the periphery of the inner and middle sheets of glass forms a first chamber between the inner and middle sheets of glass. A second sealant assembly disposed around the periphery of the middle and outer sheets of glass forms a second chamber between the middle and outer sheets of glass. A gas, such as krypton, air, or argon is held in the first and second chambers. The outer sheet of glass and inner sheet of glass each have an unexposed surface that faces the middle sheet of glass. A low emissivity coating is disposed on the unexposed surfaces of the inner and outer sheets of glass so that the glass door as a whole avoids formation of condensation on the outer surface of the outer sheet of the glass door, without the application of electricity to heat the door, while also providing the desired evaporation rate of condensation from the inner side of the inner sheet of the glass door. An anti-fog or anti-frost coating is included on a surface of one of the sheets of glass. |
| US07891149B2 |
Underlayment for tile surface
Fiber-reinforced pultruded planks serve as underlayment for tile, stone or terrazzo. In one embodiment, the planks have a thin base surface with a plurality of elongated ridges. The planks have interlocking tongue and groove edges. The elongated ridges have a narrow base and a wider distal portion wherein the areas between adjacent ridges have a trapezoidal cross sectional configuration with the thin base resting on the support. Tile can be adhered to the surface using a rigid cementitious adhesive which fills in the trapezoidal area, creating a very rigid support structure. If the planks are reversed with the ridges resting on the support, tile or stone can be adhered to the relatively smooth thin base with an epoxy adhesive. |
| US07891148B2 |
Partition system
A partition system for office spaces generally includes a framework and a plurality of different types of decorative and/or functional tiles mountable to the framework. The framework includes I- and C-shaped vertical frame members which are adjustably joined by upper and lower horizontal spanners such that the distance between the vertical frame members is adjustable. Also, the framework may include other types of vertical frame members for forming L-, T-, or X-junctions within the partition system framework. A variety of decorative and functional tiles are mountable to the framework, including retractable workspace tiles, several types of storage tiles, display tiles, window tiles, and electrical and data services tiles. |
| US07891146B1 |
Channel tracks for attaching storm panels over openings on buildings
Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of attaching storm panels over window and door openings with end fastenable H tracks. Each of the tracks can have H cross-sectional shapes with elongated opposite facing C shaped channels back to back along the elongated tracks. At the upper and lower ends of the tracks can be outwardly protruding tabs having through-holes for allowing the tracks to mounted into frame edges about the window and door openings. Rectangular shutter panels such as plywood, metal and plastic sheeting can have side edges that slidably fit into the C channel openings of the H tracks so that the only fasteners to attach the panels over the building openings are through the track tabs. Stop flanges can prevent the panels from sliding out of the channels. The track, brackets can be mounted horizontal and parallel to one another as well as be mounted vertically and parallel to one another. |
| US07891142B1 |
Gutter protection system
A gutter protection system includes a rear margin formed to avoid contact with a fastener securing a gutter to the structure and to better inhibit collapse of the protection system. |
| US07891141B2 |
Bracket assembly for supporting a rotatable gutter system
The present invention relates to a rotatable gutter support assembly that can rotate the gutter from an operational position where the gutter is used to collect and divert water from a roof, to a cleaning or rotated position in which the gutter is sufficiently rotated downwardly so that its inside may be accessed from ground level. The cleaning position then enables one to clean the gutter by using a suitable brush or even simply by hosing with water. The present invention also relates to a gutter system using the above assembly. |
| US07891138B2 |
Functional unit for a door of a motor vehicle
Described herein is a functional unit (1) for a door (2) of a motor vehicle, provided with a lock (3) and a window-regulator device (5); the lock (3) comprises a closing mechanism (20), designed to couple in a releasable way with a lock striker (4) for bringing about closing of the door (2), and an actuating mechanism (21), for controlling release of the closing mechanism (20) by the lock striker (4) and bringing about opening of the door (2); the window-regulator device (5) comprises an electrically operated actuator (22) for raising or lowering a window (7) of the door (2). The unit (1) is further provided with coupling means (56), which can be selectively activated for coupling together the actuator (22) and the actuating mechanism (21) so as to enable opening of the door (2) via the actuator (22) itself. |
| US07891137B2 |
Vehicle door frame and method for making the same
A vehicle door frame includes a first frame and a second frame abutted against each other at abutting faces thereof at a predetermined angle. The abutting faces include first abutting faces provided in design portions and second abutting faces provided in hollow portions, respectively. The first abutting faces form a first angle with respect to the second abutting faces viewed from a first direction perpendicular to the design faces, respectively. The first abutting faces also form a second angle with respect to the second abutting faces when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the frames and perpendicular to the first direction, respectively. |
| US07891133B1 |
Hydro straw mulch
A combination hydro straw mulch is used for hydroseeding and hydromulching for seed establishment and erosion control. The formulation of is preferably, but not limited to, approximately 85% hammermilled straw, approximately 10% hammermilled paper, and approximately 5% processed jute fibers. The hammermilled straw is preferably Kentucky Bluegrass straw. The hammermilled paper particles are used for its water holding capacity. The paper aids in pumpability and reduces the amount of water required for pumping a quantity of mulch. The processed jute fibers tangle the straw fibers on the ground to produce a secure ground covering. The hydro straw mulch of the present invention may include other additives as well. Tackifiers and flocculants aid pumpability and help tack the straw fibers to the ground and aid in water infiltration and water clarity. A surfactant ensures wetability. Other additives include green dye. |
| US07891132B2 |
Modular designed handle/net apparatus
An improved tool for cleaning debris from swimming pools is provided. The tool generally comprises a frame, a net covering the mouth portion of the frame, and a modular handle/net assembly which engages the proximal “Y” portion of the frame and a multi-buttoned pole retaining clip. In certain embodiments, the handle/net has a modular design where a top stem assembly engages a bottom stem assembly which, when in this joined configuration, encloses a double-buttoned retaining clip and a portion of a frame support bar which extends from the frame. The top stem assembly and bottom stem assembly are designed to receive a locking tubular sleeve which cooperates coaxially with the outside circular rear body portion of the joined top stem assembly and bottom stem assembly and is secured in place using the double-bottomed retaining clip. |
| US07891126B2 |
Canting vertical fore grip with bipod
Devices, systems and methods of canting firearms such as rifles relative to fore grip having extendable and expanded legs. One version allows for a rocking and canting of the firearm by pivotally attaching an upper portion of the expanded legs. Another version allows for a separate canting member to be clamped to both the upper portion of a vertical fore grip and to the lower mounting rail of the firearm. The canting member has portions that cant (move to the left or to the right) relative to one another. An operator can cant the firearm in a free-state or to fixed positions as desired. |
| US07891125B1 |
Therapeutic methods and apparatuses for processing an emotion triggering event
Therapeutic methods and apparatuses for processing emotions and cognitions relating to an event of substantial significance to a person, including but not limited to: death of another person or animal; loss of another person, an animal, or an object; separation from another person, an animal, or an object; relocation, graduation, adoption, incarceration, retirement, transitioning between employers, caregivers, etc., and other significant events. Some of the methods and apparatuses allow a person who experiences an emotion triggering event to impart a personalized message to a token, to transfer the token to another person, an animal, or an object, and to affix a memento to a frame, thereby assisting the person to let go or to hold on. Other methods and apparatuses allow a person—such as a professional therapist, friend, relative, caregiver, neighbor, co-worker, pastor, or acquaintance—to provide therapy to another person by assisting the other person to let go or to hold on. The methods and apparatuses may include assistance in selecting the personalized message or the memento, display or preservation of the memento, instructions for use of the methods or apparatus, terms suggesting a personalized message, identifiers, decorations including common cultural images and symbolic connections, inscriptions, symbolic shapes, means to display, means to attach, means to affix, means to preserve, means to protect, mounts, and other features. |
| US07891123B1 |
Decorative frame and hanging element for recorded media cases utilizing a single sheet of printed matter
An insert for framing a standard sized DVD face paper insert/standard compact disc picture/booklet insert inserted into a standard jewel box case and for hanging the standard jewel box case, including a generally rectangular single sheet of paper. The generally rectangular single sheet of paper includes a hanging portion and a framing portion. The hanging portion is separatable from the framing portion along a cut line. The framing portion has a frame. In a first embodiment, the frame folds over the standard sized DVD face paper insert at all four sides once the standard sized DVD face paper insert is placed on the framing portion, to thereby form a framed standard sized DVD face paper insert for insertion into a front half of a DVD case. In a second embodiment, an inner side of the frame does not overlap the standard compact disc picture/booklet insert, but rather folds onto itself to form a flap that abuts the standard compact disc picture/booklet insert and covers a hinge portion of the front half of the standard jewel box when slid into a front half of the standard jewel box case. |
| US07891120B1 |
Cover for a shoe tongue
A shoe cover is inserted over a shoe tongue to protect the shoe tongue and to display advertisements or other fashionable designs. The cover has a sleeve with a fastener attached to an interior surface. A complementary fastener is attached to the shoe tongue. Both fasteners engage to secure the shoe tongue cover onto the shoe tongue. |
| US07891119B2 |
Articulating footwear for sports activity
A boot includes an upper formed of articulating panels that permit portions of the boot to move in substantial independence from one another in response to loads experienced by the boot. The boot generally comprises a sports boot that is positioned around a wearer's foot for coupling to an external appliance, such as a snowboard, wakeboard, skating appliance (such as a blade or wheels), or any other appliance. |
| US07891117B2 |
Sandal charm chain
The present invention in a first embodiment comprises a charm chain depending from two sandal adapted fasteners designed to be fastened on closed cell foam sandals either at pivots holding a strap onto the sandal or else at the periphery of the upper of the sandal. The fasteners may be elastic material in an annular shape such as a ring, a flower, or any other shape, with an aperture therethrough or similar designs. In embodiments, the fasteners may be clips adapted to hold between their jaws the thickness of closed cell foam typically found in such sandal uppers, this same thickness usually being present on the strap as well so that the invention clips may attach there as well if desired. In other embodiments, a single fastener is suspended at a single location and a charm in turn depends from the fastener, possibly including a clip. |
| US07891115B1 |
Material drying system
A material drying apparatus for removing moisture from material positioned in an envelope interior. The apparatus comprises an inlet structure, an air removal assembly to remove air from the interior, and a moisture removal assembly for removing moisture from gases from the interior. The assembly comprises a first moisture removal structure, a second moisture removal structure, and a heat pump for transferring heat in a selected direction between the first and second moisture removal structures. The heat pump alternately heats a heat exchanger of one moisture removal structure and cooling a heat exchanger of the other moisture removal structures. The apparatus comprises a control apparatus for controlling operation of the first and second moisture removal assemblies and the heat pump. The control apparatus is configured to sense a condition of the apparatus and reverse operation of the heat pump upon detecting that the condition has passed a predetermined level. |
| US07891112B2 |
Guiding device with measuring scale for guiding a moveable machine element of a machine
The invention relates to a guiding device (3) for guiding a displaceable machine element (1) of a machine. Said guiding device (3) in connected in a mechanically fixed manner to a machine bed (4). A material measure (6) is arranged along at least one part of the guiding device (3) in order to determine a position of the machine element (1). The guiding device (3) and the material measure (6) can be displaced in relation to each other and at least one part of the material measure (6) is in contact with the guiding device (3) either directly or via a bearing (9). The inventive guiding device (3) enables the displaceable machine elements to be positioned in a precise manner even when the machine bed (4) is vibrated. The invention also relates to a machine comprising said type of guiding device (3). |
| US07891111B2 |
Goniometer
A goniometer including an arcuate rotor plate rotatable about an axis of motion spaced apart from the rotor plate for supporting a device and a base having an arcuate base plate The rotor is rotationally coupled to the base by shaft and a resilient shaft bearing mounting exerting a resilient force on the shaft to maintain a positive engagement between the roller and rotor body. |
| US07891109B2 |
Contact sensing probe
Contact sensing probe apparatus includes a workpiece contacting stylus, a transducer mechanically coupled to the stylus and an oscillator for supplying an alternating current to the transducer to induce vibration of the stylus. A contact sensor is also provided for monitoring the phase difference between the voltage supplied to the transducer and the current flow to the transducer. The oscillator is arranged to supply the transducer with an alternating current of a first frequency during contact sensing. This first frequency is selected to induce mechanical resonance but to be away from the maximum of the mechanical resonance peak. The probe may be used with co-ordinate positioning machines, such as portable articulated measuring arms, co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM) and the like. |
| US07891101B2 |
Jamb saw
A powered jamb saw is provided which is ideally suited for making corner cuts. A cylindrical housing for the shaft of the circular saw blade is mounted in a split bushing tensioned by a threaded bolt secured to and for rotation by a handle positioned so as to permit the workman to use both hands to position the jamb saw during its use in making cuts. |
| US07891100B2 |
System for opening an article encasement
A system for opening encased articles has a cutting apparatus that includes a channel formed from spaced-apart parallel walls. A cutting member having a cutting edge extends from one wall into the channel. A protrusion disposed in the channel at least partially overlaps and at least partially obstructs the cutting member. The channel is adapted for receiving the flanged edge of the article and the protrusion is displaceable to expose the cutting edge of the cutting member. A system further has the cutting apparatus juxtaposed with a container for storing at least one encased article. |
| US07891097B2 |
Armored cable cutter
A cutting tool for cutting the armor includes a cutter body having first and bottom entry walls defining a channel for receiving an armored cable. There is a slot in the first wall that affords reciprocating entry into the channel of a movable cutting blade from the outside of the wall. The direction of translation into the channel defines a blade insertion direction. The slot defines a slot segment of the first wall which in turn defines a base line. A stopper is mounted on the cutter body opposite the slot on the inside of the first wall. The stopper moves toward and away from the first wall to engage an armored cable placed in the channel and releasably press the armored cable against the slot segment of the first wall. The distance in the blade insertion direction of the bottom entry wall from the base line increases as the longitudinal distance from the slot segment increases to impart a curved configuration to the channel. |
| US07891094B2 |
Method of manufacturing a hollow body used in an image forming apparatus
A method of manufacturing a hollow body having an external surface randomly provided with a large number of depressions is provided. The method includes providing the large number of depressions on the external surface of the hollow body. A profile curve of the external surface in a circumferential direction is obtained while rotating the hollow body. A frequency analysis is performed on the obtained profile curve. A quality of the hollow body is judged by comparing a result of the frequency analysis with a predetermined judgment standard. |
| US07891093B2 |
Method for manufacturing an inkjet head
An inkjet head includes a channel unit and actuator units. Inside the channel unit, individual ink channels are formed so that ink supplied from ink inlets is ejected from nozzles via pressure chambers. The actuator units are bonded to the upper surface of the channel unit. The actuator units have a configuration of four piezoelectric sheets laminated to one another. On the upper surface of the piezoelectric sheet, individual electrodes are disposed in positions opposed to the pressure chambers respectively. A FPC for supplying driving signals to the actuator units is connected to the individual electrodes. |
| US07891092B2 |
Multi-rate torsional coupling
A multi-rate torsional coupling (20) features parallel first and second drive connections (82 and 84) between input (24) and output (22) members. The first drive connection (82) extends through a first resilient coupling (38), and the second drive connection (84) extends through a second resilient coupling (40). An angular play coupling (70) engages the second drive connection (84) at a particular torque load for transmitting additional torque through the torsional coupling (20) at a higher spring rate. |
| US07891091B2 |
Method of enabling selective area plating on a substrate
A method of enabling selective area plating on a substrate (201) includes forming a first electrically conductive layer (310) on the substrate, covering the electrically conductive layer with an anti-electroless plating layer (410), patterning the substrate in order to form therein a feature (510, 520) extending through the anti-electroless plating layer and the first electrically conductive layer, forming a second electrically conductive layer (610) adjoining and electrically connected to the first electrically conductive layer, forming a third electrically conductive layer (710) over the second electrically conductive layer, and removing the anti-electroless plating layer and the first electrically conductive layer. |
| US07891090B2 |
Method for manufacturing an interposer
A method for manufacturing an interposer including a body and a plurality of probes connected to said body is disclosed. The method includes a step of manufacturing said body including the sub-steps of preparing a first substrate having one surface side and the other surface side and being capable of being processed by dry etching, forming a plurality of through holes in said first substrate by dry etching, and making said through holes into conductive holes capable of conducting electricity through a bottom-up fill process. The method also includes a step of manufacturing said plurality of probes and connecting the ends of said plurality of conductive holes on one surface side of said first substrate and a plurality of first probes on said second substrate. |
| US07891087B2 |
Method of connecting a bus bar to a capacitor
Disclosed are a method for connecting a bus bar of a capacitor, improving temperature characteristics and reliability of the capacitor by reducing inductance and impedance such that heat generation is restrained during use of the capacitor, and a product fabricated by the same.A pair of bus bars are insulatedly connected to sprayed surfaces on both sides of a plurality of capacitor devices, in such a manner that lead frames arranged alternately on a first bus bar are connected in contact with the sprayed surfaces facing in a diagonal direction, of neighboring capacitor devices. Other lead frames arranged alternately on a second bus bar are connected to the sprayed surfaces facing in another diagonal direction across the above diagonal direction in an X-shape. Then, the pair of bus bars are assembled to be insulated from each other and overlapped at one side of the capacitor device. |
| US07891085B1 |
Electrode array assembly and method of making same
A lead assembly and a method of making a lead are provided. The method of making a multi-contact lead assembly comprises providing conductive contacts located at an end of a lead body, disposing conductive wires in conductor lumens formed in the lead body, and connecting the conductive wires to the conductive contacts. The method further includes placing spacers between pairs of conductive contacts and inserting monofilament in at least a portion of at least one of the conductor lumens not occupied by the conductor wires. The method also includes reflowing at least one of the spacers or monofilament into at least one portion of at least one of the conductor lumens by heating the spacers and monofilament to a temperature to cause thermal flow or melting of at least one of the spacers or monofilament. |
| US07891084B1 |
Extraction device for removing a quick-change tool holder from a base block mounting
A device for extracting a tool holder from a base block mounting has a front plate and a pair of rearwardly extending arms contacting the base block mounting. An extraction nut has at least two parallel threaded holes therein. A threaded stud is threaded into one of the threaded holes and the length extends through a hole in the front plate and through the tool holder and is retained by a nut. An extraction bolt is threaded through the second threaded hole of the extraction nut with the distal end engaging the front plate. |
| US07891082B2 |
Method of manufacturing coil assembly unit for rotary electric machine
A method of manufacturing a coil assembly unit comprises steps of coil forming, weaving, compressing steps. In the forming step, each coil wire is formed which provides linear portions and turn portions each connecting linear portions, during which bent portions are formed at both ends of each linear portion, the bent portions being bent so that mutually adjacent linear portions are deviated from each other. In the weaving step, the coil wires are mutually woven in turn, in which the turn portions intersect in turn. All the coil wires are subjected to the weaving step in turn to produce a woven coil assembly. In the compressing step, the woven coil assembly is compressed by compressing the woven coil so that each bent portion is deformed to be linear to allow the mutually adjacent linear portions to come closer to each other, thus producing the coil assembly unit. |
| US07891081B2 |
Process of manufacturing a side pinned magnetic recording sensor
A process is described for the fabrication of a magnetic read head in which contact between the pinned layer and the AFM is limited to their edges. The principal steps are to deposit an antiferromagnetic layer and to then pattern it into a pair of antiferromagnetic layers separated by no more than about 2 microns. A layer of magnetic material that lies between, and is in contact with, said antiferromagnetic layers is then deposited, following which the layer of magnetic material is magnetized. |
| US07891077B2 |
Method of preparing a polymer actuator
A method of preparing a polymer actuator includes providing an ionic conductive polymer membrane; forming first and second metal electrodes respectively over first and second surfaces of the ionic conductive polymer membrane; substituting water used in the formation of the first and second metal electrodes with an ionic liquid stable to an electrolysis; and coating the first and second surfaces of the metal electrodes with a coating material. |
| US07891075B2 |
Reconfigurable fixture device and method for controlling
A reconfigurable fixture device system, including: a base member; a reconfigurable pad disposed on the base member, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece; an activation device in operative communication with the shape memory material; a controller in operable communication with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the activation device, and the base member; a plurality of sensors for sensing a parameter associated with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece, wherein the plurality of sensors is in operable communication with the controller; and an actuator in operable communication with the controller and the at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece. |
| US07891071B2 |
Universal coupler
A universal coupler for coupling multiple orthopedic instruments is disclosed. The universal coupler includes a body having a boss and an internal bore, a locking shaft having a first portion and a second portion, a trigger including a trigger bore, and a connection portion. The trigger is operable between a first position and a second position, where in the first position the first portion and boss are misaligned and in the second position the first portion and the boss are aligned. |
| US07891070B2 |
Method for handling elongate strength members
A method and device for handling an elongate strength member. In the method, an elongate strength member with a plurality of elongate composite rods, or metal wires or plastic fibers are bundled together with the composite rods, or metal wires, or plastic fibers in a generally parallel and untwisted and un-spiraled arrangement when the elongate strength member is extended along a generally straight path, wherein the composite rods are longitudinally and rotatably moveable relative to each other. It is then twisted relative to a longitudinal dimension of the elongate strength member and the path of the elongate strength member is curved, such as by coiling. |
| US07891066B2 |
Plate material vertical processing line
A plate material vertical processing line that is capable of subjecting large-sized and thinned glass plates to scribing, venting, etc without degrading their quality, comprises a plurality of processing devices each having a modular structure; wherein each of the processing devices includes a platform; a belt conveyor that is mounted on the platform and is configured to convey a glass plate placed in a substantially upright position while supporting a lower end of the glass plate; and a fluid guide that is mounted on the platform and is configured to apply a fluid pressure to a surface of the glass plate to support the glass plate in the substantially upright position and in a non-contact state; and wherein the processing devices include a combination of at least two processing devices selected from a scribing device, a venting device, a chamfering device, a cleaning agent washing device, a water washing device, a high-pressure water spray device, and a glass plate turn device. |
| US07891064B2 |
Piezoelectric inkjet head and method of manufacturing the same
A piezoelectric inkjet head and a method of manufacturing the piezoelectric inkjet head. The piezoelectric inkjet head includes three single crystal silicon substrates bonded to each other. An upper substrate includes an ink inlet, a plurality of pressure chambers, and a plurality of piezoelectric actuators, a middle substrate includes a manifold, a plurality of restrictors, and a plurality of first dampers, and a lower substrate includes a plurality of nozzles. The middle substrate also includes a membrane that is formed under the manifold to mitigate a rapid pressure change in the manifold and if formed of a material different from the material used for forming the middle substrate. A cavity located under the membrane and at least one venting channel that connects the cavity to the outside are formed in the middle substrate or the lower substrate. Due to the above configuration, the membrane having flexibility mitigates a rapid pressure change in the manifold caused by backflow of ink, and thus, cross-talk between adjacent pressure chambers during ink ejection can be effectively prevented. |
| US07891063B2 |
Fringe maker
A fringe maker for winding yarns to make a fringe. The fringe maker includes an elongated base having a pair of spaced crank and idler support member recesses interconnected by a longitudinal winding rod recess, a gripping slot, and a ruler recess. A pair of crank and idler support members are pivotally connected to the base within respective of the crank and idler support member recesses. Each has an upright operating position stopped against the base and a horizontal storage position disposed within the support member recesses that each define a storage area thereunder. A pair of crank and idler winding arms each have a central area rotatably connectable to respective of the support members while in the operating positions to rotate about a horizontal axis. A pair of elongated winding rods are disposable in a plurality of spaced relationships equidistant from and at opposite sides of the axis to interconnect the winding arms and form a removable winding unit. A hand crank is used for hand-driving the crank winding arm. A middle winding arm has a pair of end slots and two pluralities of side slots that closely receive the winding rods in the spaced relationships that snap-fits to the winding rods intermediate the winding arms. A bendable ruler closely fits within the ruler recess for storage. |
| US07891059B2 |
Rope clamping device
The disclosure is directed to a rope clamping device, which is made up of the following elements: a central bar, two threaded bolts, two grooved wheels, two large clamps, eight metal washers, and four nuts. The device allows a rope, chain, or cable to pass over a grooved wheel, wherein the rope is held securely when a clamp is released onto the grooved wheel. There is a second clamp and grooved wheel on the opposing side of the device. When both clamps have engaged the rope, chain or cable, the loop of rope, chain or cable is held securely. This is done to serve as an alternative to traditional knot tying in order to quickly and easily secure an object with a rope, chain or cable. |
| US07891057B2 |
Hinge bearing block
A bearing block has a screw guided through a bore of the bearing block as well as a bearing sleeve which has an internal thread which is in engagement with the external thread of the screw and whose outer surface serves as a door support. |
| US07891056B2 |
Locking door hinge
A locking door hinge for securing a door in a fixed position, such as closed, partially open or fully open. In one embodiment, the locking door hinge is configured similar to a butt hinge having a pair of generally rectangular leaves with barrels at the proximal end thereof and a pivot pin that passes through the barrels to pivotally connect the leaves together. To prevent movement of the door, the locking door hinge has a locking pin that is received in a locking socket which is disposed in at least the top two adjacent barrels. In a preferred embodiment, the locking socket is disposed in each of the barrels such that the locking pin extends from the first end to the second end of the hinge. If desired, a plurality of locking sockets can be provided to allow the user to fix the extent to which the door is open. |
| US07891052B2 |
Device with a carriage for holding panels and a separation element
A carriage which serves to hold a panel, has at least one running element such as a magnet, a wheel and/or a sliding element which is held by at least one corresponding magnetic element or supported on a running surface of an at least approximately U-profile or L-profile-shaped rail. The carriage comprises one or two carriage parts which can be anchored to the panel by mounting elements, such that the two carriage parts can be anchored on the opposing sides (4a, 4b) of the panel. One carriage part is further contemplated, which can be introduced into a groove arranged on the upper side of the panel between the sides and anchored there by the mounting elements. Further provided is a carriage and a mounting device which can be coupled to the carriage and to the glass panel with two assembly parts which are each formed or mounted on one side on the upper side or within a groove of the panel. |
| US07891042B2 |
Debris removal apparatus for a wiper system
An automatic debris removal apparatus for a wiper system that removes soluble and insoluble debris trapped between the wiper blade and the glass surface by lifting the wiper blade off the glass surface and then causing the wiper blade to drop onto the glass surface as a shake under urge of the biasing spring of the wiper arm, so as to thereby provide a shaking action which frees any trapped debris. An actuator selectively interacts with the pivotal portion of the wiper arm to effect shaking of the wiper arm to thereby free the wiper blade of the debris. |
| US07891041B2 |
Device for applying a uniform coating of floor finish
A device that can be used to spread a thin, even coating of liquid material on a surface is provided. In one embodiment the device is adapted to be used to apply floor coating on a floor surface. The device is configured such that the applicator portion of the device applies a generally constant contact force on the surface, even when the force applied by the user on the tool varies. |
| US07891040B2 |
Gutter cleaning device and gutter cleaning pail system
A gutter cleaning device includes handle and head portions and is adapted for use with a gutter cleaning pail system. The gutter cleaning device head portion is configured to slide within the interior of a gutter and has a configuration generally corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the gutter interior. The gutter cleaning pail system includes a mounting assembly for mounting on a gutter. |
| US07891033B2 |
Adjustable seat cushion assembly
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a seat cushion assembly is provided that includes a base cushion and a plurality of inserts. A recess is defined within the base cushion which is adapted to house the inserts. Each of the inserts can be selectively removed from the recess to provide for obliquity adjustment of the cushion assembly. In addition, the inserts may be selectively located on one side of the base cushion or the other to further adjust the inclined orientation of the base cushion. According to another embodiment, a seat cushion assembly is provided that includes a base cushion and a pair of inserts. A recess is defined within the base cushion which is adapted to house the inserts that includes a projection that has a plurality of surfaces that abut a surface of each of the inserts when the inserts are housed within the recess. |
| US07891032B1 |
Pillow top transformable into garment
A usable stuffable pillow top article formed into shape out of a wearable garment, and transformable back into the wearable garment, is disclosed. The pillow top includes removable joining means. The removable joining means are removed by user when needed, to transform the pillow top back into the wearable garment. The removable joining means define the shape of the pillow top. Optionally, the removable joining means include a removable stitch. |
| US07891028B1 |
Water-saving manual toilet flapper valve
An improved water-saving toilet flapper valve (20) that calls for an end to automatic toilet flushing; instead it is operated manually. By manually depressing the toilet flush handle (72) for a desired amount of time, the user regulates the amount of water flushed down the toilet in a single session, thus saving water. A short flush interval or full flush interval can be achieved. This is accomplished by designing the flange body (50) of the toilet flapper valve to house a solid inner core (54) containing a weighted mass (56). This allows the toilet flapper valve to become non-buoyant when submerged underwater in a toilet tank (60). The flange body design is an improvement on prior-art since it acts as a flange to create a positive seal with the valve seat (68) of the toilet tank; thus preventing water leakage. This improved toilet flapper valve design can replace a standard toilet flapper valve without the need of additional tools or costly modifications. |
| US07891026B1 |
Athletic garment with articulated body protective underlayer
Athletic apparel containing protective underlayer comprising molded foam padding that are shaped and curved to match the anatomical regions to reduce the bulk of the underlayers. The molded foam pads a perforated structure to allow for increased flexibility and ventilation. Protective underlayers that surround regions of motion, such as the hip joint, are notched to provide articulation of the protective underlayer that will improve mobility of the athletic apparel wearer. |
| US07891022B2 |
Moisture retentive gloves and process for producing the same
Moisture retentive gloves characterized by using fibers treated with a moisture retentive component as fibers of an internal surface of gloves fabricated of a rubber or a synthetic resin. In particular, moisture retentive gloves wherein the fibers of an internal surface of gloves are staple fibers bonded to the internal surface of glove base material fabricated of a rubber or a synthetic resin, some or all of the staple fibers treated with a moisture retentive component; and moisture retentive gloves wherein the fibers of an internal surface of gloves are fibers of gloves fabricated of a cloth as a raw material of the gloves, some or all of the fibers constituting the cloth gloves treated with a moisture retentive component.These moisture retentive gloves, even if used repeated times and used for a prolonged period of time, do not affect the normal bacteria on the skin by virtue of the action of the moisture retentive component retained on the fibers, so that hand skin chapping or the like can be prevented. Further, excellent moisture retentive effects can be exerted thereby. |