| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07900863B1 |
Retractable cable device having protecting function
A retractable cable device having protecting function mainly comprises a housing, a spiral spring, a spool disk, an arresting system, and a communication cable. The spool disk pivoted on a shaft within the housing is wound by the communication cable. The spiral spring provides the spool disk with a reeling force to reel in the communication cable. The rotation of the spool disk flexibly controlled by the arresting system decides the protruding length of the communication cable. A swaying member installed on the spool disk is utilized to replace the conventional immovable clip for fixing the communication cable. Whereby, when the entire communication cable is drawn out, the communication cable at a second end of the swaying member presents a larger bent angle. Therefore, the communication cable is subjected to bending with less sharp degree, thence protecting the communication cable, especially for the core, by preventing it from damage. |
| US07900862B2 |
Mechanical pulping refiner plate having curved refining bars with jagged leading sidewalls and method for designing plates
A refiner plate for a mechanical refiner of lignocellulosic material including: a refining surface on a substrate, wherein the refining surface is adapted to face a refining surface of an opposing refiner plate; wherein the refining surface includes bars and grooves between the bars and the bars have at least a radially outer section in which the bars include a leading sidewall having an irregular surface in the outer section. |
| US07900861B2 |
Teeth for grinding apparatus
A replaceable tooth arrangement for use in grinding discs such as used in wood hoggers and comminuting equipment. A preferred tooth arrangement includes two end to end adjacent tip portions, or a tip portion end to end with a complementary base portion. The contacting faces of the portions are preferably tapered so that tightening together creates a resultant outward movement which tightens them against the walls of a retaining aperture in a disc or disc section. Alternatively or additionally a connection element interacts with a wedge keeper which causes a similar outward component in the keeper and tip portion, tightening them against the walls of a retaining aperture, as the connection element is tightened. |
| US07900860B2 |
Conical-shaped impact mill
An impact mill including a base portion on which is disposed a rotor rotatably mounted in a bearing housing, the rotor having an upwardly aligned cylindrical surface portion coaxial with the rotational axis. The impact mill is provided with a mill casing within which is located a conical track assembly which surrounds the rotor to form a conical grinding path. The mill casing is provided with a downwardly aligned cylindrical collar which may be axially adjusted to set a grinding gap between the rotor and the mill casing. The rotor is provided with a plurality of impact knives complementary with a plurality of impact knives disposed on the inside top surface of the mill casing. In addition, the impact mill can be formed of separated conical sections. Finally, power is transmitted to the rotor of the impact mill by a synchronous sprocketed belt, accommodated by a sprocketed drive sheave, wherein the belt is in communication with a power source. |
| US07900855B2 |
Method for producing fullerene suspension
The present invention provides a fullerene suspension and a method for producing a fullerene suspension having high dispersion stability without any chemical compound. Also, the fullerene suspension and its producing method makes it possible to be applied in various fields including the field of medical and pharmaceutical science and the field of foods and environment, in which the fullerene suspension obtained by the prior methods had not been applied. The fullerene is ground to form nanoparticles by irradiating a fullerene in a poor solvent with a laser. The pulse laser having a width of several-ten femtoseconds to several-hundred nanoseconds is appropriately applied. |
| US07900852B2 |
Cover for protecting a fusible linkage in a sprinkler head
A combination of a cover and a sprinkler head. The sprinkler head includes a fusible linkage mounted within a frame and having a protruding portion. The cover includes a first member adjacent to the protruding portion of the fusible linkage. The first member has a first connecting end and a first fastening end opposite the first connecting end. A second member is opposite to the first member and has a second connecting end and a second fastening end opposite the second connecting end. The first and second connecting ends are coupled to each other. A first projection and a second projection extend from the first member toward the second member and are in spaced relation to each other for receiving the protruding portion of the fusible linkage. |
| US07900847B2 |
Barcodes with graphical elements
Barcodes are provided that convey images to help consumers and/or to help identify information about the origin of an article. The images conveyed by the barcodes may be associated with a merchant, a department, an event, a season, a theme or a product, for example. The barcodes may be placed on any number of articles including purchaser receipts, gift receipts, marketing receipt coupons, paper coupons, electronic coupons, rewards cards, gift cards, registry printouts, and products/packaging, for example. Under some embodiments, the barcodes help consumers to associate articles with a particular merchant or department. Under other embodiments, the barcodes help consumers to distinguish purchaser receipts from gift receipts. In some embodiments, the barcodes are generated dynamically by altering font-based barcodes to convey the image. |
| US07900843B2 |
Proximity payment card with user-actuated switch and methods of making the card
A radio frequency identification (RFID) module for an identification token includes a module body and an RFID integrated circuit (IC) mounted on or in the module body. The RFID module also includes a pressure-sensitive switching device mounted on or in the module body. An identification token may be manufactured using the RFID module as a component of the identification token, so that the proximity payment device includes a user-actuatable switch without requiring separate operations to incorporate the switch during assembly of the identification token. |
| US07900833B2 |
Product item having location-indicating coded data and RFID tag
An object comprising first coded data disposed on or in a surface thereof and an RFID tag is provided. The first coded data identifies a plurality of locations on the surface and the RFID tag identifies a unique identity of the object. |
| US07900832B2 |
System for authenticating objects
A system for authenticating an object is disclosed. The system has a sensing device for sensing coded tags printed on the object. Each coded tags encodes an identity of the object and a signature fragment. An entire signature is encoded in multiple coded tags. The system further has a processor for determining a signature fragment identifier associated with respective signature fragments. The processor also generates the entire signature from the signature fragments and associated signature fragment identifiers. The entire signature is then decrypted to obtain a generated identity. By comparing the identity encoded by the coded tags with the generated identity, the object is authenticated. |
| US07900831B2 |
Method and system using wildcard values
A method of processing data on a server computer is disclosed. The method includes receiving data at the server computer, the data including a first data string including one or more wildcard values. The first data string is specifically associated with a consumer, and the one or more wildcard values are associated with the purchase transaction. The method also includes comparing the first data string to a second data string by the server computer, and providing an output to the consumer based on the comparison. |
| US07900824B2 |
Watch for transacting financial transactions
An alternative for smart card financial transactions is provided in which the smart card functionality is provided as part of a watch containing a RuBee antenna and transceiver for transmitting the authorization information to a receiver separate from the watch. This form factor allows the user to maintain the card in a readily usable and convenient location. In addition, the watch can be used to allow the user to specifically authorize or override a financial transaction, and to view and/or store information about the financial transaction, as well as conventional functionality such as alarms, and calendars. The watch of the invention can also provide access control or identification in corporate environments if desired. |
| US07900822B1 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for receiving images of one or more checks
Images of a plurality of checks to be presented for payment may be captured through the use of a check sleeve. The check sleeve includes check-holding mechanism to hold one or more checks in place in the sleeve, and contains various types of markings or other features that allow an image of the sleeve to be oriented, and to allow the portion of the image that represents a check to be distinguished from portions of the image that do not represent a check. One or more algorithms may be used to distinguish check from non-check portions of the image, and to orient the image. The check sleeves may have one or more barcodes imprinted thereon, which may encode various types of information. |
| US07900819B2 |
Product packaging authentication
A method of authenticating product packaging is disclosed. The packaging has disposed thereon coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the packaging and a part of a digital signature of at least a part of the identity of the packaging. The digital signature comprises a plurality of signature parts. The method starts by receiving indicating data from a sensing device. The sensing device is responsive to sensing one of the coded data portions to generate the indicating data which is indicative of the identity of the packaging, the part of the signature, and a signature part identifier. A determined signature is determined using the identity of the packaging. A determined signature part is determined using the determined signature and the signature part identifier. The packaging is authenticated by comparing the determined signature part and the part of the signature. |
| US07900816B2 |
Collapsible cooler pack with barrier film
A collapsible cooler pack carton includes a barrier film on the cooler pack interior capable of retaining liquids in the cooler pack. The blank used to form the cooler pack can be provided with the barrier film and shipped or displayed as a flat partially assembled cooler pack article. A consumer or other user can assemble the cooler pack from the article. After use, the user can disassemble or collapse the cooler pack back into the partially assembled or collapsed cooler pack article. |
| US07900814B2 |
File folder
A file folder having front and rear panels, two side panels and a bottom panel which are joined to one another along foldable edges has an arrangement of fold lines which enable the folder to be readily moved between a fully opened condition for use and a collapsed condition for storage. The arrangement of fold lines includes a first fold line which extends across the front panel, and each side panel includes a second fold line which extends downwardly along each of the side panels from the top of the folder toward the bottom panel thereof. Each side panel further includes a third, fourth and fifth fold lines which extend from either an edge of the front panel or from a corresponding corner of the folder to a location at which the third, fourth and fifth fold lines intersect one another. |
| US07900810B2 |
Saturable absorber component and method for manufacturing a saturable absorber component
This invention relates to a saturable absorber component comprising an absorbent material located between a front mirror and a rear mirror as well as a method for manufacturing a saturable absorber component. The metallic rear mirror is a metallic buried mirror fixed via a welding joint on a heat conductive substrate. The invention applies to the field of high-rate optical transmission. |
| US07900809B2 |
Solder interconnection array with optimal mechanical integrity
A method for assembling, and the resultant electronic module, includes attaching a chip to a substrate using a first solder interconnection array, and attaching a board to the substrate using a second solder interconnection array, which may be a single-melt or a dual-melt solder array. The second solder interconnection array resides entirely within a space defined between the board and substrate. A creep resistant structure is provided within this space for maintaining the defined space and optimizing integrity of the second solder interconnection array. The creep resistant structure may include an underfill material, balls, brackets, frames, collars or combinations thereof. Wherein the creep resistant structure is an underfill material, it is crucial that the substrate be attached to the board before either entirely encapsulating the second interconnection array with underfill material, or partially encapsulating the second solder interconnection array at discrete locations with underfill material. |
| US07900806B2 |
Circular stapler with an automatic safety mechanism
A circular stapler with an automatic safety mechanism comprises a stapler body, a stapler head, an actuating mechanism and a transmission adjusting mechanism; wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a handle and a handle coat, the transmission adjusting mechanism comprises a screw rod and an adjusting knob; a stopper is disposed either inside said handle or said handle coat; a safety rod and a pulling sheet are further provided, the safety rod has a safety block on one end and has a protruding block and a pin hole as its middle portion, a cylindrical pin is inserted into the pin hole so as to get the safety rod to be pivotally connected with the stapler body; the pulling sheet has a rear portion mounted on the screw rod and has a pulling hook at its front portion, the pulling hook hooks with the protruding block. |
| US07900804B2 |
Stapler and staple cartridge
A forming plate and a driver plate are held at a front portion of a path of supplying connected staples in a laminated state. A staple in a C-shape formed at an inside of a strike out path formed between a front end face of a supply path and a back face of the face plate arranged on a front side of the supply path is pressed to supply to inside of the strike out path toward the face plate by a pusher urged by a spring. The staple is struck out by the driver plate. The pusher is made to constitute a first pusher, and a second pusher for pressing a leg portion of the staple to the face plate is aligned to be arranged to a side of a staple strike out port of the first pusher. |
| US07900801B2 |
Multi-function vehicle-carrying frame
A multi-function vehicle-carrying frame includes a chassis, a positioning frame, a connecting rod, two first clasping poles, two second clasping poles, two third clasping poles and a support. The chassis is U-shaped. The positioning frame is reverse U-shaped and inserted into the chassis. An adjustable clipping post is disposed on a top tube of the positioning frame, and both lateral pipes are locked with a movable buffer cushion. The connecting rod is fixed between the lateral pipes of the positioning frame. The first clasping poles are pivotally connected to the lateral pipes of the positioning frame, the second clasping poles are connected to the lateral pipes of the first clasping pole or the positioning frame, and the third clasping poles are connected to the ends of the connecting rod. The support is connected to the lateral pipes of the positioning frame. Thereby, the multi-function vehicle-carrying frame is stable and practical. |
| US07900799B2 |
Dispenser apparatus and a dispensing system for dispensing a liquid from a bottle
A dispenser apparatus and a dispenser system for dispensing a liquid from a bottle having a neck portion consisting of a housing formed with a flow conduit therethrough in fluid communication with the liquid within the bottle, the flow conduit having an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a substantially cylindrical cavity positioned between the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit, a flow wheel positioned in the cavity, the flow wheel having a central axis and a plurality of blade elements extending outwardly relative to the central axis, a flow sensor positioned adjacent to the flow wheel and the cavity for detecting movement of the plurality of blade elements of flow wheel, an electromagnetic valve positioned proximate to the outlet conduit, the electromagnetic valve having an actuation unit outside of the outlet conduit, a valve member inside the outlet conduit, and a spring member biased against the valve member within the outlet conduit, the valve member rotatable between a closed position and an open position upon the actuation of the actuation unit, and a microprocessor operatively connected to the flow sensor, the microprocessor programmed for actuating the actuation unit between the closed position and the open position and for measuring the volume of liquid flowing through the flow conduit via the flow wheel. The dispenser system further consisting of a remote computer unit for communicating a control signal to each of the plurality of dispenser apparatuses, the control signal controlling the volume of liquid to be dispensed from one or more of the plurality of bottles. |
| US07900793B2 |
Multi-piece compartmented container with venting
A compartmentalized container includes a base, an insert and a lid. The base includes a bottom and a sidewall. The sidewall encompasses and extends generally upwardly from the bottom. The insert is coupled with the base in which the coupled insert and base form a venting area. The lid is coupled with at least one of the insert and the base. The lid forms at least one vent that is in communication with the venting area formed with the insert and the base. |
| US07900789B2 |
Non-removable finish and closure system
Non-removable finish and closure finish system that resists rotational movement so as to be rendered substantially non-removable by the consumer. The closure and finish have complementary thread segments with ratchet-type engaging portions or lugs extending below thread segments on the finish and closure, the closure lugs being disposed on an inner skirt spaced radially inwardly from an outer skirt to inhibit access to the interlocking lugs. |
| US07900784B1 |
Configurable retail displays
Product displays which are easily and extensively configurable with respect to the number and arrangement of product supporting display units with shelves, the display units having a display frame with multiple levels for supporting a plurality of display units. Each display unit includes one or more product supporting shelves. The display units may be one-sided, with right triangle frames having shelves which face one side of the display, or two-sided with A-shaped frames and shelves on opposing sides of the A-shaped frames to face opposite sides of the display. The shelves of the display units on opposing sides of the display may be symmetrical in number and size or asymmetrical. The display units are easily installed and removed from the various levels of the display frame in order that the display may be easily configured and re-configured according to a desired retail and product presentation. Vertical panels are disposed between opposing shelves of the display units. |
| US07900781B2 |
Storage system
A storage system comprises a rail having a protrusion including a first flange and a second flange. An accessory mount for mounting to the rail includes a top hook for engaging the first flange and a resilient bottom hook for engaging the second flange. The rail comprises a back rail portion comprising a substantially planar member and a front rail portion substantially coextensive with the back rail portion and secured to the back rail portion. The protrusion may be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. The first flange and the second flange define first and second recesses. A method of assembling a support is also provided where a first hook is inserted the first flange and a second hook deforms to engage the second flange. |
| US07900779B2 |
Particle classifier
Particle classifier (2) for separating solid particles in a flow of gas and particles (1) into two fractions depending on size by means of gravitation force, air resistance force and applied centripetal force. A mixture of gas and particles is charged well dispersed to a classifier inlet zone (3) from which the mixture is brought into contact with a rotor (6) in a first separation zone (5) having the form of a free rotor chamber. Gas and fine particles are allowed to escape through an upper outlet (9) while the coarse fraction of the particles is forced to pass through a second separation zone and subsequently to leave through a lower outlet (15). Vertically below the first separation zone (5) a second separation zone having the form of an annular chamber (11) is arranged, radially outwards delimited by stationary vanes (12) that are interspaced circumferentially around the rotor, the distance between the rotor periphery and said stationary vanes being less than the distance between the rotor periphery and the wall (7) of the classifier's first separation zone (5). |
| US07900773B2 |
Tray for receiving musical accessories to be mounted on top of an amplifier
A tray adapted to be mounted on the top of a portable amplifier having a handle on the top of the amplifier including a top surface. The top surface is particularly adapted to receive musical accessories. At least one rear wall and two side walls is provided. Each wall is adjacent to the top surface. Each wall has a bottom edge extending below the top surface, forming a cavity. A clip is attached to the tray and received in the cavity. The clip includes a protrusion adapted to be received by the handle of the amplifier for securing the tray to the top of the amplifier. |
| US07900766B2 |
Conveyance device and packing device provided therewith
A conveyance device for accumulating and aligning a plurality of articles and conveying a batch of the articles includes a conveyance unit, first, second and third support members, and a drive unit. The conveyance unit is configured to convey the batch of the articles in a conveying direction. The first and second support members are configured to move along the conveyance unit so as to support an article disposed at a front end or a back end among the articles constituting the batch of the articles. The third support member is arranged on the conveyance unit and configured to move with respect to the conveyance unit so as to sandwich the batch of the articles between the third support member and at least one of the first support member and the second support member. The drive unit is configured to independently drive the first, second and third support members. |
| US07900764B2 |
Latching and securing mechanism for bill presenter of a currency dispensing machine
A currency dispensing machine including a cabinet and a bill presenter located therein. The bill presenter includes a presenter having two side plates and at least one drive gear having a plurality of drive teeth. The bill presenter is located in a bill presenter housing having a mounting face, two retention plates extending from the mounting face and receivable of the presenter therebetween, and a longitudinally extending retention hook disposed in each of the two side plates. Two retaining pins are each insertable through one of the two retention hooks and through one of the retention plates. Two latch arms are slidably located in the bill presenter, each at one of the retention plates, and include a latch hook engageable with one of the retaining pins. The currency dispensing machine includes a bill dispenser slidably disposed in the cabinet and including a plurality of gear teeth engageable with the plurality of drive teeth and at least one locking slot. At least one locking pin is insertable into one of the at least one locking slot for preventing misalignment of the plurality of gear teeth with the plurality of drive teeth. |
| US07900761B2 |
Clutch system
To provide a smaller clutch system with fewer component parts, the clutch system includes a first hydraulic clutch, which is provided between a power source and a first driven shaft, and a second hydraulic clutch, which is provided between the power source and a second driven shaft. An input member includes an annular plate portion, an inner cylindrical portion, and an outer cylindrical portion. The input member is provided commonly to a first and a second hydraulic clutches, while the inner and the outer cylindrical portions are made to be the input sides respectively of the first and the second hydraulic clutches. First and a second clutch pistons, which are included respectively in the first and the second hydraulic clutches, are placed on an opening end side of the input member. |
| US07900758B2 |
Carry-on case for conforming to the curved shape of an overhead carry-on luggage compartment
A carry-on case (2) comprising a packing compartment (12) defined by a lower textile panel (16) and a zipper track (8) that extends along a bottom edge of the packing compartment (12). Packing compartment is accessible from the top of the case (2) via a three sided zipper track (8) extending along the top edge, right, and left sides of the packing compartment (12) to permit all-sided access therein. |
| US07900757B2 |
Carrying bag having a detachable bottom portion
A carrying bag that includes a top portion having at least two side walls, a closable top, a closed bottom having an exterior bottom surface and an interior top compartment. The carrying bag also includes a detachable bottom portion having at least two side walls, a closed top having an exterior top surface, a closed bottom an interior bottom compartment and at least one access opening into the interior bottom compartment, and a compartmentalized structure having a plurality of individual compartments. A track system is included to attach the top portion to the detachable bottom portion, where the track system has a first component and a second component that slidingly engage one another. |
| US07900750B2 |
Elevator system
The present invention discloses a method and a system for modernizing at least one elevator group, which comprises a plurality of elevators, a group control that controls the elevator group as well as call-giving appliances connected to the group control via the landing appliance bus. According to the solution a new group control, new call-giving appliances for the floor levels and also a new landing call bus are installed in the elevator group; a new group control is connected to the pushbutton interface of the old call-giving appliances for transmitting calls given by passengers from the new group control to the old group control. The elevator calls given by passengers are divided between the modernized subgroup and at least one unmodernized subgroup on the basis of the given selection criterion, and a call addressed to the modernized subgroup is allocated in the new group control to the modernized elevators or a call addressed to the unmodernized subgroup is transmitted via the pushbutton interface to the unmodernized subgroup. |
| US07900747B2 |
Balloon landing pad
A balloon landing pad having multiple layers, each layer having its own cushioning properties, wherein the cushioning is provided by the materials of the pad in conjunction with a positive gas pressure within the pad, while offering a gradient of resistance as layers are penetrated so as to prevent a person or object from hitting the ground after falling from a considerable height thereon. |
| US07900742B2 |
Vehicle steering control
A steer-by-wire system is provided with a driver operating unit, a turning unit, a backup mechanism, a steering reaction actuator, a wheel turning actuator and a controller. The backup mechanism mechanically connects the driver operating unit to the turning unit via a first shaft to transmit an input torque from the driver operating unit to the turning unit when the driver operating unit and the turning unit are mechanically connected by the backup mechanism. The steering reaction actuator applies a steering reaction torque to the driver operating unit. The wheel turning actuator applies a wheel turning torque to the turning unit via a second shaft. The controller controls the wheel turning actuator and the steering reaction actuator. The controller is configured to control the steering reaction actuator based on an operating parameter of the wheel turning actuator. |
| US07900734B2 |
Rider lift truck
A rider lift truck with a drive portion, in which is arranged a travelling drive featuring at least one electric travelling motor for at least one steered driving wheel, with a steering device for the driving wheel, a load portion featuring a mast, an electric control unit for the travelling drive and operational controls for the travelling drive and the steering device and with a standing platform, wherein a horizontally arranged travelling motor is provided below the flatly built standing platform as a wheel hub drive for the driving wheel, and a steering motor is arranged below the standing platform alongside to the travelling motor, which is coupled with a fifth wheel for the driving wheel via a steering gear. |
| US07900731B2 |
Shoe with retractable motorized wheels
A pair of shoes is provided having retractable motorized wheels. Each of the shoes has an upper, a sole, and first and second wheels mounted on the sole and movable from a retracted to an extended position. When the wheels are in an extended position, at least one wheel of one of the shoes engages a battery-powered, DC motor mounted on the shoe. The motor is controlled by a hand-held throttle. A latching mechanism engages to secure the wheels in the desired position. The shoes may be used for skating, with and without power assistance, with the wheels in an extended position, and may be used for walking, with the wheels in a retracted position. |
| US07900719B2 |
Bi-steel percussive drill rod
A drill rod includes a first end section, a mid-section, wherein the first end section and the mid-section are connected and wherein the first end section is manufactured using different steel than is used for the mid-section. Such a configuration can reduce the costs associated with forming a drill rod while maintaining the functionality of such a drill rod. |
| US07900718B2 |
Earth-boring tools having threads for affixing a body and shank together and methods of manufacture and use of same
Earth-boring tools comprise a shank comprising a distal connector including a set of threads thereon and a bit body comprising a shank connector, also comprising at least one set of threads thereon. The set of threads on the distal connector and the at least one set of threads on the shank connector are at least substantially bound together. Methods of forming such earth-boring tools are also disclosed, as well as methods of securing a bit body of an earth-boring tool to a shank. |
| US07900716B2 |
Vibratory unit for drilling systems
A down-the-hole vibratory unit for a drilling system includes a casing comprising a fluid inlet. The vibratory unit can also include a plurality of eccentrically weighted rotor assemblies positioned at least partially within the casing and in fluid communication with the inlet. The eccentrically weighted rotor assemblies can be unbalanced relative to a central axis. Additionally, the eccentrically weighted rotor assemblies can be configured to rotate in response to a fluid flow directed thereto to apply centrifugal forces to the casing. |
| US07900712B2 |
Hydraulic system for mining equipment and method of adjusting power of rock drill machine
In a hydraulic system for mining equipment and a method of adjusting the power of a rock drill machine, at least one mining actuator used for detaching rock is connected to a dedicated separate hydraulic circuit having a special hydraulic pump. The power of the mining actuator is adjusted by changing the hydraulic power generated by the separate hydraulic circuit of the hydraulic pump. |
| US07900711B2 |
Agricultural planter
An agricultural implement pulled by a traction vehicle is convertible between use and transport configurations. The implement includes a carrier frame coupled to the vehicle via the combination of a hitch and a draft tongue having an aft portion pivotally coupled to the carrier frame and including a generally vertical cornered post rotatable about a vertical pivot axis. A lift frame having plural spaced row units includes an integral center frame section with a sleeve closely engaging and vertically slideable along the cornered post. A first displacement arrangement moves the aft portion of the draft tongue between the use position and a first elevated position for avoiding obstructions and to facilitate turning in a field, while second and third displacement arrangements respectively raise the lift frame higher on the vertical post and rotate the post and lift frame about the vertical axis to a longitudinal position for transport. |
| US07900709B2 |
Hypoxic aircraft fire prevention and suppression system with automatic emergency oxygen delivery system
An aircraft fire-extinguishing system provides automatic fire prevention and/or suppression simultaneously in fuel tanks, cargo compartments and, when needed, in cabin using injection of hypoxic (oxygen-depleted) air produced onboard in an air-separation device utilizing the flow and pressure of the bleed air. The same air-separation device allows supplying passengers and crew with unlimited amounts of oxygen for as long as needed. New methods of a rapid fire suppression utilizing the propulsion of water mist or fire-extinguishing foam by hypoxic air are presented. The combination of water mist or foam with hypoxic air allows to present two innovative fire-extinguishing compositions. |
| US07900705B2 |
Flow control assembly having a fixed flow control device and an adjustable flow control device
An apparatus for use in a well includes a flow control assembly to control fluid flow in a first zone of the well, where the flow control assembly has a fixed flow control device and an adjustable flow control device that cooperate to control the fluid flow in the first zone. |
| US07900703B2 |
Method of drilling out a reaming tool
A reaming tool includes a tubular body having a nose portion with a concave center. A plurality of blades defining junk slots therebetween extend axially behind the nose portion and taper outwardly from the exterior of the tubular body. Rotationally leading edges of the blades carry a plurality of cutting elements from the axially leading ends. Selected surfaces and edges of the blades bear tungsten carbide, which may comprise crushed tungsten carbide. The shell of the nose is configured to ensure drillout from the centerline thereof toward the side wall of the tubular body. A method of drilling out a reaming tool is also disclosed. |
| US07900702B2 |
Silicone-tackifier matrixes and methods of use thereof
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method comprising providing a treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid and a silicone-tackifier matrix composition that comprises at least one silicone polymer component, at least one tackifying agent, and at least one curing agent and/or at least one cross linking agent; placing the treatment fluid in a subterranean formation; and allowing the silicone-tackifier matrix to form at least one silicone-tackifier matrix therein. |
| US07900699B2 |
Method and apparatus for logging a well using a fiber optic line and sensors
A system and method to log a wellbore, comprising a logging tool adapted to be deployed in a wellbore environment, the logging tool including at least one sensor for taking a measurement of the wellbore environment. The sensor is a fiber optic sensor and the system includes a fiber optic line in optical communication with the sensor. The data measured by the sensor is transmitted through the fiber optic line on a real time basis to the surface, Where the data is processed into a real time display. In one embodiment, the fiber optic sensor is a passive sensor not requiring electrical or battery power. In another embodiment, a continuous tube with one end at the earth's surface and the other end in the wellbore is attached to the logging tool and includes the fiber optic line disposed therein. |
| US07900692B2 |
Component package having heat exchanger
In an electrical component package provided with a liquid-cooled heat exchanger, a main-body plate of the package and a crowning member that are composed of metal plates are joined together, forming a hollow part therebetween for use as a liquid-cooled heat exchanger in which a working fluid is sealed. A concavity for use in mounting an electrical component to be cooled is formed on the outer surface portion of the main-body plate of the package disposed opposite to the hollow part. An inner surface portion that faces into the hollow part of the main-body plate of the package is carved out using a carving tool, whereby fins are formed at a fine pitch on the inner surface portion. Minute channels for moving the working fluid are formed between the fins. Therefore, a flat electrical component package can be provided with a liquid-cooled heat exchanger that has excellent heat-radiating functionality. |
| US07900689B2 |
Bend relief spacer
An core unit for a heat exchanger being bent about an axis perpendicular to the core unit's headers. Tubes establish fluid communication between the core unit's headers, and a bend relief spacer is disposed between first and second groups of tubes. During the bending process, the bend relief spacer facilitates the bend and ultimately maintains the performance of the core unit. |
| US07900686B2 |
Metal mold casting machine of a casting apparatus
A metal mold casting machine for a casting apparatus with which the worker can easily carry out his or her work, such as setting a core, cleaning a mold, taking out castings, etc. The casting apparatus includes a turntable 1 that is rotatable in a horizontal plane, and a number of metal mold casting machines 4, 4 that are placed on an upper side at the periphery of the turntable 1. Each of the machines 4, 4 has an opening and closing mechanism 3 for a mold 2. A pouring basin 9, from which molten metal is poured into the mold 2, is mounted on the casting machine, and moves over the mechanism 3 between the peripheral side and the side toward the rotation axis of the turntable 1. The pouring basin 9 is moved to the peripheral side when molten metal is poured into the mold. It is then moved to the side toward the rotation axis of the turntable 1 when work such as taking out of a casting from the mold is carried out. |
| US07900683B2 |
Systems for bracing garage doors against hurricane force winds
Apparatus and techniques for bracing roll down doors of a building against severe winds and against burglary use a vertical bar mounted in a quick release fashion to a plate mounted to the floor by the door and a mounting bracket, mounted to the building, which receives a bracket mounted to the vertical bar which slides into the bracket. The equipment can be provided in a kit form for easy installation by a homeowner, authorized dealer or contractor. The apparatus can be quickly and easily installed for security or when a threat of severe wind is anticipated and easily removed when the threat has passed. |
| US07900679B2 |
Transfer tool
The present invention provides a transfer tool in which a transfer tape supplied from a supply reel rotatable around a spindle is wound around a winding reel through a transfer head, comprising a transfer tool body which holds at least the supply reel and the winding reel, the transfer head provided on the transfer tool body, a head cap which is pivotally mounted on the transfer tool body or the transfer head through a pivot shaft portion and which can turn between a close position where the transfer head is covered and an open position where the transfer head is exposed, and an urging mechanism provided near the pivot shaft portion, the urging mechanism elastically capable of urging the head cap, toward the close position when the head cap is located closer to the close position than a dead point provided at only one location near an intermediate portion between the close position and the open position, and toward the open position when the head cap is located closer to the open position than the dead point. |
| US07900676B2 |
Apparatus to facilitate proper label placement and method of use
A device that enables a user to properly place a label onto the center of an object such as a poker chip is disclosed and the method for using the device is also disclosed. This device uses the natural motions of the human hand and uses techniques that are common to people when applying adhesive labels onto objects. People naturally place one side of a label down carefully checking its alignment. When there is at least one square corner, a label is more easily aligned, but a circular label on a circular object is difficult at best. Consumers are interested in poker chips as form of entertainment as well wanting to customize these chips as an extension of their personality or persona. This device allows for the immediate and successful placement of many labels onto these chips. |
| US07900673B2 |
Tissue manufacturing/handling device
A tissue manufacturing/handling device is provided. The device comprises a reel turn-up section including a tissue reeling station and an adhesive application system. The tissue reeling station is configured to provide a tissue spool in the path of an advancing tissue web. The adhesive application system is configured to apply a turn-up adhesive to the advancing tissue web or the tissue spool and comprises an adhesive spray rack. The spray rack comprises at least one adhesive applicator nozzle coupled to an adhesive manifold via an adhesive valve assembly. The spray rack comprises a rotation mechanism configured to permit reciprocal rotation of the spray rack about an axis substantially parallel to the spray rack axis between a spray position and at least one maintenance position. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed. |
| US07900671B2 |
Runflat tire
A runflat tire having an improved runflat durability and including sidewall-reinforcing rubber layer 10 having a crescent-shaped cross section disposed axially inward of carcass 6 in sidewall portion 3, wherein the carcass 6 comprises at least one carcass ply 6A in which carcass cords made of an aramid fiber or a polyethylene naphthalate fiber are arranged at an angle of 70 to 90° with respect to the circumferential direction and are covered with a topping rubber. |
| US07900670B2 |
Self-tightening traction assembly having tensioning device
Self-tightening traction assemblies or snow chains having tensioning devices that can be used with snow chains for attachment to a vehicle wheel to provide traction. The preferred tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture; an actuator interconnected to the housing; a ratchet spool within the housing having a set of ratchet teeth that mate with the housing teeth and a channel between upper and under surfaces to receive at least one cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring. Preferred embodiments include a bracket that can secure the actuator to the housing and provide strength to the tensioning device. The tensioning devices of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of applications not limited to self-tightening snow chains. |
| US07900669B2 |
Tire with quadrangular studs
The invention relates to a studded air-filled vehicle tire having a rolling direction and comprising a rubber tread with pattern blocks and grooves that-separate the blocks. Premade stud holes are arranged in the tread. Anti-slip studs each include a hard cermet piece that has a substantially quadrangular shape with diagonal dimensions are in at least part of the stud holes. At least part of the anti-slip studs arranged in the stud holes are orientated so that one of the diagonal dimensions of the hard cermet piece is located in the rolling direction or forms an angle, not larger than a toe-out angle with respect to the rolling direction. |
| US07900668B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread including gently slant grooves having two different inclination angles
In a pneumatic tire having excellent drainage property and performances on snow, a central main groove 2 and a side main groove 4 and first and second gently slant grooves 5, 6 are arranged in a tread portion 1, and the first and second gently slant grooves 5, 6 are terminated in a central land portion 9 between the central main groove 2 and the side main groove 4, and first and second fine grooves 7, 8 are further arranged so as to extend from terminal ends 11, 12 of the first and second gently slant grooves 5, 6 toward the central main groove 2 and open thereto, respectively. |
| US07900664B2 |
Method of setting machining units having a respective cutting tool
The settings of machining units of a machine are effected one after the other using a camera which transmits at least the position of the tool to a display unit. At least an end section of a workpiece to be machined is displayed with the actual position of the cutting tool, which can at least be preset. The machine contains a holding fixtures) for the camera. The camera) is inserted into a holder which is put onto the holding fixture. |
| US07900663B2 |
Method for grading a wood sample based on pith direction and/or pith location
Methods are provided for determining a location of a pith along a length of a wood sample. The methods may comprise the steps of: determining pith direction; selecting two areas of the wood sample at which two or more chords of a ring can be defined; bisecting the chords to define a line perpendicular to the chords; and locating at least one intersection point for two or more of the bisecting perpendicular lines. |
| US07900662B2 |
Power tool with base clamp
A power tool includes a motor assembly, a base assembly, and a clamp assembly coupled to the motor assembly or the base assembly to selectively provide a retention force to the other to removably couple the motor assembly and the base assembly. The clamp assembly includes a handle member, a fulcrum member, and a biasing lever member. The lever member includes a first portion and a second portion disposed on opposite sides of the fulcrum member. The handle member is coupled to the first portion, and the handle member is movable between an open and closed position. The handle member rotates the first and second portions of the biasing lever member about the fulcrum member when moving from the open to the closed position, causing the second portion of the lever member to provide the retention force. |
| US07900657B2 |
Jaw for sealless strapping machine
A jaw for a sealless strapping machine includes a jaw element having a body that defines a linkage portion, a hook portion and a base portion. The hook portion extends transverse to the leg portion. The linkage portion, hook portion and base portion are contiguous and are formed from a single piece of material. The jaw element includes a plurality of punches extending upwardly from the base portion, and define a juncture of the punches and the base. Each punch is defined by a peak and a valley between the peak and the peak of an adjacent punch. The juncture of the punches and the base is formed as a relieved having a smooth radii transitions along the relieved area. |
| US07900656B2 |
Cross-laminated pipe and method of manufacturing same
A pipe having a wall formed from a cross-laminated film, and a method of making such a pipe. The film is formed of first and second layers having respective first and second orientation directions, wherein an angle between each of the first and second orientation directions and a projection of a longitudinal axis of the pipe on the wall is selected to enhance the resistance of the pipe to circumferential and/or longitudinal strain due to internal fluid pressure. The angle between each of the first and second orientation directions and a projection of the axis on the wall may be substantially equal to the neutral bias angle. In some cases, the angle between each of the first and second orientation directions and the projection of the axis on the wall may be substantially equal to 59°±2°. |
| US07900655B2 |
Composite load transferring technique
A method for repairing and reinforcing a pipeline includes covering a defect in a pipeline section with a composite wrap, isolating the wrap from the ambient environment, and applying a compressive force on the wrap so that the pressure on the wrap is substantially equal to the pipeline pressure. Isolating the wrap involves the use of a housing having a cavity that substantially conforms to the shape of the wrapped section. The cavity may contain a pressurized gas or liquid. Because the pressure acting on the surface of the wrap is at least substantially equal to the pressure of the pipeline section, the wrap cures as if the pipeline is at zero pressure. Once the wrap has effectively cured, the compressive force may be relieved and the housing removed. The composite is now under load and is immediately sharing load with the pipeline. |
| US07900654B2 |
Vented barrier cover
A vented barrier cover has a tubular body portion with a first body end and a second body end, an end wall connected to the first body end defining an inside cover space, and a venting component connected to the cover where the venting component is configured to prevent an air pressure imbalance between the inside cover space and the outside of the vented cover. |
| US07900650B1 |
In-line water shut-off system and method of use thereof
A system that provides for the remote control shutoff of the main water supply to a structure in an unattended manner is herein disclosed. The system comprises a solenoid activated shutoff valve typically mounted immediately downstream of a main water shutoff valve and a locking enclosure containing a remote control switch and audible alarm unit. A manual bypass valve is provided as an override should it be required. Because the system requires electricity to operate, a general power failure will automatically shut off of the water supply. Further, activation of the system is accomplished using a remote control to control the system from a distance. |
| US07900647B2 |
Water leak detection and prevention systems and methods
Water leak detection and prevention systems and methods in which water is only delivered to the water pipes in the building when a faucet or appliance demands water and water is delivered through a normally closed shut off water valve. During the period that the main water is shut off, the water pressure in the water pipes is continuously monitored to detect a water leak in the building. Detection of a leak causes an alarm to be sounded and a continued closure of the shut off valve. |
| US07900646B2 |
Collapsible Support Structure
A collapsible support structure comprises a plurality of interconnected substantially triangular frame sections connected by flexible joints at corners thereof. At least some of the interconnected frame sections share a collapsible tubular member as one side of the interconnected triangular frame sections and at least some of the ends of rigid tubular members of the interconnected frame sections are disposed between adjacent shared collapsible tubular members. An elongated flexible tensioning member extends through the shared collapsible tubular members and between the ends of the rigid tubular members disposed between adjacent shared collapsible tubular members. The rigid tubular members of some of the interconnected frame sections form a frame roof with ends thereof tied to form a flexible joint at the apex frame roof. |
| US07900644B2 |
Walking stick for collecting fecal matter
This invention provides an improved way in which dog feases can be picked up from outside areas and be exposed. The apparatus consists of a light and well balanced walking cane or stick with a cup attached at the lower end of the cane. Inside the cup is an auger that is turned by a battery driven two-way motor. The handle of the cane holds the batteries which drive the motor and the switch starts the motor in forward or reverse drive. The user can easily, while walking his/her dog remove dog droppings from public and/or private areas, while disposing them quickly and conveniently. The cane or stick is designed to auger up, hold, and then deposit dog droppings with little effort and help keep yards, parks and walkways clean. |
| US07900643B2 |
Hubs for shade structures
An umbrella is provided that comprises a pole, ribs, an uppermost hub, a hub below the uppermost hub, and at least one handle. The hub below the uppermost hub comprises a first hub component and a second hub component each comprising alternating recesses and projections extending substantially radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pole and being configured to receive ribs of the umbrella. The handle can be operably connectable with the uppermost hub and the second hub component, and downward movement of the handle causes downward movement of the uppermost hub and the upward movement of ends of a first plurality of ribs. Further, upward movement of the second hub component causes upward movement of ends of the second plurality of ribs relative to the ends of the first plurality of ribs to modify a profile of the canopy. |
| US07900640B2 |
Cleaning apparatus including cleaning tank with improved cover
A cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning tank (2) which stores a process liquid used for cleaning a target object (W), a target object holding mechanism (4) which holds the target object (W) in the cleaning tank (2), and a process liquid supply mechanism (3) which supplies the process liquid to the cleaning tank (2). The target object (W) is immersed in the process liquid in the cleaning tank (2), and is cleaned while letting the process liquid overflow from the cleaning tank (2), thereby cleaning the target object (W). The cleaning apparatus further includes a cover (10) which covers a liquid surface in the cleaning tank (2), a support member (15a, 15b) which supports the cover (10), and a follow-up mechanism (14a, 14b) which moves the cover (10) such that the cover (10) follows the liquid surface while the cover (10) is supported by the support member (15a, 15b). |
| US07900639B2 |
Reconstituted tobaccos containing additive materials
A reconstituted tobacco material incorporates an exogenous tocopherol or derivative thereof, such as in the amount of at least about 0.1 weight percent. A tobacco blend can be formed by combining reconstituted tobacco material incorporating such an additive with one or more additional tobacco materials, such as burley tobacco, Oriental tobacco, and flue-cured tobacco. A smoking article, such as a cigarette, contains such a reconstituted tobacco, as part of the smokable material, as part of tobacco paper wrapping material, or as part of a reconstituted tobacco-containing filter element. The invention also provides a method of forming reconstituted tobacco material wherein a tocopherol or derivative thereof is added to the tobacco material, either by adding the tocopherol to an aqueous extract or water insoluble pulp formed during the reconstituted tobacco process or by adding the tocopherol to the solid reconstituted tobacco sheet after the aqueous extract and pulp are recombined. |
| US07900635B2 |
Nasal assembly
A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face. |
| US07900630B2 |
Gas delivery mask with flexible bellows
A gas delivery mask apparatus is provided. The mask apparatus may include a mask body, a face mask, and a bellows. The mask body may include a tube configured to extend upwardly adjacent a subject's forehead. The face mask may be configured to deliver gas to the subject and may include a flexible cushion portion configured to interface with the subject's face and a substantially rigid base portion configured to support the cushion portion. The bellows may be configured to couple the tube with the substantially rigid base portion of the face mask. The bellows may be flexible to allow movement of the face mask relative to the tube. |
| US07900629B2 |
Safety mechanism for hyperbaric oxygen therapy system
A hyperbaric oxygen therapy system includes a pressure vessel containing a gas, an oxygen concentration measurement apparatus for monitoring the concentration of oxygen in the gas, an environmental control apparatus for controlling the temperature of the gas in the vessel, and a pressure/ventilation control apparatus for controlling the pressure of the gas in the vessel. The pressure vessel is capable of accommodating a patient. The oxygen concentration measurement apparatus includes an oxygen concentration analyzer and a plurality of gas lines connecting the oxygen analyzer to the pressure vessel. The pressure/ventilation control apparatus includes a pressure controlling valve, a pressure sensor, a ventilation valve, and a controller having a programmable pressure profile. The environmental control apparatus includes a scrubber, a heat exchanger and a blower located within the pressure vessel. A compressor for the system includes a compressor silencer. An airlock providing access to the pressure vessel includes a safety mechanism. |
| US07900627B2 |
Trans-fill method and system
A trans-fill method and system comprising obtaining therapeutic gas from a therapeutic gas source, compressing the therapeutic gas from the therapeutic gas source in at least two stages to create an intermediate therapeutic gas stream and a high pressure therapeutic gas stream, supplying therapeutic gas to a patient from the intermediate therapeutic gas stream, and filling a cylinder with the therapeutic gas from the high pressure therapeutic gas stream substantially simultaneously with supplying therapeutic gas to the patient. |
| US07900625B2 |
Inhaler system for targeted maximum drug-aerosol delivery
A smart inhaler system comprising an inhaler device for directed aerosol delivery facilitated by an adaptive nozzle and a mechanism for inhalation waveform modulation is provided. Methods of using the smart inhaler system for delivering an active agent to a target area of a lung of a subject are further provided. |
| US07900624B2 |
Barbecue cooking apparatus with ventilation system
A barbecue apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprises: a firebowl having an open topside and a bottomside, the bottomside comprising at least one aperture; a column has a top and a bottom, the top of the column is attached to the bottomside of the firebowl, the column comprises an internal cavity, the aperture of the bottomside of the firebowl leads to the internal cavity of the column, the column has at least one opening for ventilation; a base connected to the bottom of the column; a lid situated atop the open topside of the firebowl, the lid has at least one opening for ventilation, the lid further comprises a device for opening and closing the opening; and at least one ash scraper assembly, the assembly comprises at least one scraper and at least one scraper handle, the scraper comprises an axle rod and at least one arm extending from the axle rod, the scraper handle designed to be connected to the scraper to thereby rotate the arm to allow the arm to cover and uncover the aperture for venting purposes. |
| US07900623B2 |
Portable freestanding stove
A portable freestanding stove designed to combust organic material pieces, having open combustion chamber (1) surrounded with sidewall (2) composed of one inverted truncated upper sheet metal cone (6) of combustion chamber (1) and surrounding thereof circumferential sheet metal ring (7) of combustion chamber (1). Positioned under upper cone (6) is second inverted truncated lower sheet metal cone (8) of air draft. Both truncated cones (6, 8) are rigidly positioned, one relative to the other, with axial gap (h) determined by means of circumferential sheet metal ring (7), rigidly connected to them and positioned at external circumference thereof. The lower part of upper cone (6) connects to grate (3), under which sheet metal ash pan (4) is positioned. Circumferential sheet metal ring (7) of stove rests on supporting structure (5). |
| US07900621B2 |
Water rocket launch system
The water rocket launch system is an automated system for launching multiple water rockets simultaneously with additional visual and auditory effects. The water rocket launch system includes a platform, with at least one launching base slidably mounted on an upper surface thereof. The at least one launching base is selectively and controllably driven to slide on the platform. At least one water rocket storage chamber is mounted on the platform, with the at least one water rocket storage chamber having an open interior region for receiving and storing a plurality of water rockets, and further having an open bottom end. A plurality of launching assemblies are mounted on the at least one launching base, so that the plurality of water rockets stored within the at least one water rocket storage chamber may be released thereon, with each launching assembly engaging and releasably supporting a respective one of the water rockets. |
| US07900618B1 |
Ball throwing machine conversion for pitch change
Embodiments of the present invention involve modification of a type of existing ball throwing machine to add the ability to quickly change the type of throw between one and another in a sequence of throws. One illustrated embodiment involves modification of existing components and adding some to the existing machine to add the performance feature. Another illustrated embodiment involves less modification the existing machine but obtaining the performance feature with pre-assemblies of components. |
| US07900617B1 |
Launcher for a flying disc
An apparatus for launching a flying disc comprises launching and handle members connected to permit relative angular motion, a disc gripper connected to the launching member, and a release mechanism coupled to the disc gripper to (i) enable it to hold the disc with the launching and handle members forming an angle less than a release angle and (ii) cause the disc gripper to release automatically the held disc as the launching and handle members move to the release angle. Launching the disc comprises: arranging the launching and handle members to form an angle less than the release angle; loading the disc into the disc gripper; engaging the release mechanism to engage the disc gripper to hold the disc; and grasping the handle member and swinging the launching apparatus to cause the launching and handle members to move to the release angle and to cause automatically the disc gripper to release the disc, thereby launching the disc. |
| US07900608B2 |
Fuel vapor purging diagnostics
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring reverse flow of fuel vapors and/or air through a vehicle fuel vapor recovery system, said fuel vapor recovery system coupled to an engine intake of a boosted internal combustion engine. One example method comprises, during boost, when the fuel vapor recovery system is commanded to be sealed from the intake, indicating degradation based on a pressure value at a venturi in the fuel vapor recovery system. |
| US07900604B2 |
Dampening stop pin
A dampening stop pin that reduces a needle velocity at the time when the needle valve of a fuel injector is about to be seated in a closed position. A gap between a bottom surface of the stop-pin flange and a sealing seat of a nozzle is provided to compress the fuel trapped therein to form a fuel cushion that dampens the closing motion of the needle. Moreover, a diametrical clearance between an outer circumferential edge of the flange and an inner surface of a needle spring cage must be sized to prevent undesired high pressure from building up in the gap by venting a quantity of compressed fuel while still permitting the fuel cushion to dampen the closing force of the needle. |
| US07900600B2 |
Homogeneous charge compressed ignition engine operating method
An aspect of the invention provides a method for operating a workable homogeneous charge compressed ignition engine in which a compression ignition operation is performed by spark ignition to shorten a load input time and a load cutoff time. In the homogeneous charge compressed ignition engine operating method, a mixture gas is burned by compression ignition in a combustion chamber, and fuel and air are previously mixed to produce the mixture gas. The homogeneous charge compressed ignition engine includes a spark ignition device 53 which performs spark ignition to the mixture gas. A temperature controller 35 substantially keeps an intake air temperature of the mixture gas constant. A spark ignition operation, a spark-assist compression ignition operation in which spark ignition is supplementarily used, and a non-spark compression ignition operation in which the spark ignition is not used are switched according to magnitude of a load. |
| US07900599B2 |
Method for controlling at least one sheathed-element glow plug in an internal combustion engine and engine controller
A method for controlling at least one sheathed-element glow plug in an internal combustion engine, the temperature of the sheathed-element glow plug being controlled as a function of at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine in such a way that optimal combustion properties of the internal combustion engine prevail at all times. |
| US07900598B2 |
Electromechanical valve timing during a start
A method is described for starting an internal combustion engine. During a run-up in engine speed of the engine starting, the method includes adjusting intake valve closing timing in response to barometric pressure to provide a desired air amount in the cylinder, with a longer valve opening with respect to crankshaft angle at higher altitudes as compared to a shorter valve opening with respect to crankshaft angle at lower altitudes for a given operating constraint. |
| US07900596B2 |
Method and device for operating an internal combustion engine
A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine are provided which make it possible to implement different deceleration requests to the internal combustion engine by switching over between half engine operation and full engine operation. A deceleration request is received particularly in a nonoperating state. A switchover is made between a first operating state and a second operating state of the internal combustion engine as a function of the magnitude of the deceleration request. The first operating state and the second operating state differ, in this instance, in the number of cylinders whose charge changing process is interrupted. |
| US07900594B2 |
System and method for injecting fuel into a direct injection engine
A method for controlling the operation of at least one fuel injector in a four stroke internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes the steps of initiating fuel injection into a combustion chamber during an expansion stroke of the engine, injecting fuel into the combustion chamber during an exhaust stroke of the engine, injecting fuel into the combustion chamber during an intake stroke of the engine, and terminating fuel injection into the combustion chamber during a compression stroke of the engine. |
| US07900592B2 |
Switchable component for a valve train of an internal combustion engine
A switchable component for a valve train of an mternal combustion engine, comprising a housing, a coupling means, an inner element being biased by at least one lost motion spring, a stop means, and an anti-rotation device configured as a thin-walled ring comprising a slit, a rectangular extension projects inwards from a central position from the inner peripheral surface of the ring which extends parallel to a transversal plane of the component on an outer peripheral surface of the housing, the housing comprises an aperture that is complementary in shape to the extension of the ring and said extension extends through said aperture, a counter surface for the extension extends in the form of a longitudinal flattened portion or a longitudinal groove in the outer peripheral surface of the inner element, and the extension extends with a complementary inner surface directly on or into said counter surface. |
| US07900589B2 |
High efficiency water heater
A collector assembly is provided for directing products of combustion between segments of a flue of a water heater. The assembly includes an insulator at least partially defining a chamber configured to direct products of combustion between the flue segments. The assembly also includes a cover configured to at least partially surround the insulator. The cover is also configured to be coupled to a water tank of the water heater. The insulator in an uncompressed state is dimensioned to extend outwardly from the cover when the insulator is positioned in the cover. The insulator in a compressed state is dimensioned to permit coupling of the cover to the water tank. |
| US07900588B2 |
Flue sensor for gas fired appliance
A fuel fired appliance exhaust gas parameter sensor for continually detecting gas parameter emissions, such as CO, NOx and O2, may be located above the appliance near the appliance exhaust outlet. The sensor may be located near or under a draft hood located near the exhaust outlet. The sensor remains relatively cool by draft air moving from outside the draft hood and into a chimney, the draft being hastened by the heated, rising chimney gases. A sensor bracket may be attached to the appliance and the sensor to appropriately position the sensor under the draft hood. Alternatively, the sensor may be located on a tube that continually samples combustion exhaust. The tube may be located outside of the draft hood perimeter to maintain a low sensor temperature, while multiple tube coils around the exhaust outlet may be used to further cool the sampled gas. |
| US07900585B2 |
Two-probe bark control device and method for making such
Described is a two-probe bark control device for detecting an animal's bark by way of an electrode that is also used in delivering an electrical stimulus to the animal. The two-probe bark control device includes a housing, a first probe, and a second probe. The first and second probes include first and second electrodes, respectively. The first electrode is secured to the housing by way of a resilient overmolding such that the first electrode extends outwardly from the housing and has the potential to vibrate within the housing. The housing is carried by the animal such that the first probe detects the bark of the animal and the first and second probes deliver an electrical stimulus to the animal in response the first probe detecting the animal's bark such that the first probe both detects the animal's bark and delivers an electrical stimulus to the animal. |
| US07900583B2 |
Slidable ring bird toy
A bird toy for stimulating a foraging instinct by surrounding a treat on a platform on a main body with one or more substantially transparent rings rotatable and vertically slidable on the main body. In one or more rotative positions of the ring or rings turned by a pet bird, the ring or rings are allowed to shift vertically to make the treat accessible. A bottom platform allows a more difficult test, requiring the bird to lift the ring or rings to expose a treat on the bottom platform after rotating the rings to the correct position allowing the rings to be lifted. |
| US07900578B2 |
Carrying system and processing equipment
A carrying system includes first and second carrying machines each of which includes a holding unit, a base and a linkage having pivotally joined first and second links. The holding unit can be moved, by turning the second link relative to the first link which is turned relative to the base, along a substantially arc carrying route extending round the pedestal between a loading position and a processing position. The arc carrying route is closer to the pedestal with respect to an imaginary circle having its center on the pedestal and a radius corresponding to the distance between the pedestal and either of the loading position and the processing position. |
| US07900575B2 |
Deployable seating platform
A deployable seating platform preferably includes a base configured for attachment to a horizontal surface, such as the underside of a swimming platform on a boat. The base is coupled to a slide and pivot mechanism, which is coupled to a first end of an elongated member, with the second end of the elongated member coupled to a seat. The slide and pivot mechanism allows the elongated member to slide and pivot from a non-deployed position to a deployed position and allows the elongated member to slide and pivot from the deployed position to the non-deployed position. When in the non-deployed position, the deployable seating platform is out of the water and out of the way under the swimming platform. When in the deployed position, the seat of the deployable seating platform is in the water, providing a place for a person to sit in the water. |
| US07900573B2 |
Submarine escape suit
A submarine escape suit includes an ascent stole (22) for assisting a wearer to ascent to the surface from a submarine. The suit also includes a life preserver stole (26) that can be inflated on reaching the surface, to provide the suit with additional surface buoyancy. The life preserver stole (26) can also be inflated underwater to provide the suit with additional ascent buoyancy, if required. |
| US07900571B2 |
Buoy
A buoy is provided with first and second fixed hydrodynamic surfaces (15,16). When the buoy is towed through water by a tether (17), the first hydrodynamic surface (15) generates a downward force that reduces with increased speed through the water. The second hydrodynamic surface (16) generates an upward force that increases with increased speed through the water so that the buoy dives up to an upper critical speed through the water speed and rises beyond said upper critical speed through the water. The downward force of the first hydrodynamic surface (15) overcomes the buoyancy of the buoy at a lower critical speed through the water above, which the buoy dives. The hydrodynamic surface (15) comprises first fins (15) mounted on an outer casing (1) of the buoy and are spaced angularity and extend parallel to the center axis of the buoy which is substantially aligned with the direction of towing. The second hydrodynamic surface (16) comprises second fins (16) mounted on the outer casing arranged upstream of the first fins (15) in the direction of towing. The second hydrodynamic surface (16) is set at an angle of incidence such that it creates a stalled flow condition at said upper critical speed through the water. |
| US07900570B2 |
Roll motion damping device for a floating body
The present disclosure relates to techniques for reducing roll motion experienced by a floating vessel. The disclosure reveals several different techniques for damping roll motion, which may be used alone or in conjunction to stabilize a floating vessel. A typical disclosed embodiment of a roll motion damping device would employ a sponson on each side of the vessel. Each sponson would typically encompass one or more baffles. And a wing keel could be located on the outside of each sponson. When all of these features are used in conjunction, they work synergistically to maximize the resistance to roll experienced by the floating vessel. |
| US07900566B1 |
Portable chair tray
Disclosed is a tray for a portable chair. The tray may include a table attached to a support rod by a first linkage and a second linkage. The first linkage may include a first linkage slot. The tray further may include a clamp attached to the support rod. |
| US07900564B2 |
Rail car and method for transport of bulk materials
Disclosed are a method and an assembly for bulk transport. An inflatable bladder is inserted into a container and disposed proximal and above a gravity-fed aperture. The container may be, for instance, a hopper rail car. A bulk material then is introduced into the container, the bulk material being, for instance, a grain-based material such as corn gluten feed. The bladder is positioned and preferably secured laterally with respect to the aperture to impede access to the aperture by the bulk material. When the container has reached the transport destination, the bladder is deflated. If the bulk material has set up during transport, access to the aperture nonetheless will have been maintained. |
| US07900563B2 |
Reinforcing assembly for a tubular cross member of a rail and tram car bogie
A reinforcing assembly for a tubular cross member of a rail and tram car bogie has a liner elongated along an axis, deformable radially, and insertable axially inside one end of the tubular cross member to line an inner cylindrical surface of the end; a tubular body insertable coaxially inside the liner; and a number of radial forcing devices, which are activated to force the tubular body, and hence the liner, radially outwards to lock the liner frictionally against the inner cylindrical surface of the cross member. |
| US07900558B2 |
Radiation-curable polymerizable composition, ink composition, inkjet recording method, printed material, planographic printing plate, and method for forming planographic printing plate
The invention provides a radiation-curable polymerizable composition of the invention having (a) a hindered amine compound having no nucleophilic moiety in a molecule, (b) a photo-acid generating agent and (c) a cationic polymerizable monomer. The invention further provides an ink composition formed of the radiation-curable polymerizable composition, a method for ink jet recording having: ejecting the ink composition onto a recording medium by using an ink jet recording apparatus and irradiating the ejected ink composition so as to cure the ink composition, and a printed material obtained thereby. The invention further provides a method for forming a planographic printing plate having: ejecting the ink composition onto a hydrophilic recording medium by using an ink jet recording apparatus; and irradiating the ejected ink composition so as to cure the ink composition for forming a hydrophobic region, and a planographic printing plate obtained thereby. |
| US07900551B2 |
Piston for an internal combustion engine
A piston for an internal combustion engine has an annular cooling channel provided with oil admission boreholes and oil discharge boreholes, the oil discharge boreholes being oriented in the direction of the bolt hubs for the cooling thereof. |
| US07900550B2 |
Compression chamber unit and a method for forming such unit
The present invention relates to a compression chamber unit (1) of an air pump, comprising a cylindrical body part (3) provided with at least one outlet nozzle (4), a number of connecting flanges (6) and a number of connecting bosses (7), wherein the cylindrical body part (3) is an extruded cylinder and a cap (2) is formed with outlet nozzle (4), connecting flanges (6) and connecting bosses (7), where the cap (2) is adapted to engage with a first end part (10) of the cylindrical body part (3). The present invention further more relates to a method for forming a compression chamber unit (1) which method comprises the following steps: the cylindrical body part (3) is extruded, and the cap (2) is moulded onto the cylindrical body part (3). |
| US07900549B2 |
Cushion ring and fluid-pressure cylinder
A cushion ring which is used between a rod-side cylinder head and a piston rod of a fluid-pressure cylinder and which is externally fitted on the piston rod to cushion a shock in the vicinity of the farthest extended end of cylinder includes a throttling groove that has a V-shaped cross section. The throttling groove extends from an appropriate position of the cushion ring to a rod-side end part and functions to throttle the flow of a working fluid flowing from a rod-side fluid chamber to an input/output port provided in a rod-side cylinder head. The throttling groove is provided at the outer periphery of the cushion ring. The throttling groove terminates at a rod-side end part with an end guide face that guides the working fluid toward a slantwise outward direction of the cushion ring. |
| US07900547B2 |
System and method for preparing a launch device
A launch device may be prepared for launch. The launch device may be assembled in a horizontal position on a mobile device. A lifting device attached to the mobile device may be coupled to the launch device. The launch device may be moved to a launch site using the mobile device. The launch device may be moved to a vertical position at the launch site using the lifting device. The launch device may be launched. |
| US07900546B2 |
Rifle charging handle with ambidextrous latch
A charging handle for a rifle having a housing. The handle has a body with an elongated bar having a forward end and a rear end. The bar has a bolt engaging element at the forward end, and a crossbar having an intermediate portion connected to the rear end of the bar. The crossbar has opposed ends extending laterally of the bar. First and second latch elements are connected to the body. The first latch element has a housing-engaging element that engages the housing when the handle is in a forward position. The first and second latch elements are engaged to each other such that pivoting of the second latch element disengages the housing-engaging element from the housing. |
| US07900545B2 |
Crank drive system of a shaft of a microtome
A crank drive system (10) of a shaft (11) of a microtome (1) encompasses a first and a second shaft (11, 12). The first shaft (11) is rotatable with a crank (13) and comprises a first transfer gear (14). The second shaft (12) comprises a second transfer gear (15). A rotation of the first shaft (11) is transferable from the first transfer gear (14) to the second transfer gear (15) to cause the second shaft (12) to rotate. To make possible, with a microtome (1), an advance or a lowering of the specimen (2) in two respective oppositely directed rotation directions with the same crank drive system (10), the crank drive system (10) is characterized in that a third transfer gear (16) is provided. The first transfer gear (14) is selectably engageable with the second transfer gear (15) or with the third transfer gear (16) so that as a result, while the rotation direction of the second shaft (12) is maintained, the rotation direction of the first shaft (11) is reversible. |
| US07900544B2 |
Combination food preparation device
A combination slicing and dicing food processing device. The device generally includes a cutting box and gliding body which travels back and forth across the cutting box. The gliding body features a food cradle that is configured to hold a food product which is to be processed. The food cradle is attached on one end of a principal cutting arm and a handle is attached to the other end of the principal cutting arm. A secondary cutting arm is provided beneath and attaching to the principal cutting arm. A ram is provided on the end of the secondary cutting arm and positioned slightly behind the food cradle so that the rain trails the food cradle as the food gliding body travels back and forth across the cutting box. The cutting box includes a principal cutting blade near one end and a process slot for receiving slices of the food product which are sliced off by the principal cutting blade. The slices are received in a collapsing bin in front of the ram before they are finally processed by a dicing card or julienne cutting card and received in a receiving bin. |
| US07900543B2 |
Punch press, method of replacing punch and die for punch press, and punch system
A punch press provided with a punch and die set taking-out/taking-in apparatus 291; a punch taking-out/taking-in arm 367 for performing taking-out/taking-in of a punch P; and a die taking-out/taking-in arm 369 for performing taking-out/taking-in of a die D, wherein taking-out/taking-in of many punches P, dies D accommodated in a punch and die set accommodating portion 282 of a rack 283 is performed by pivoting a punch holding arm 279 which holds a punch P and a die holding arm 281 which holds a die D in a punch and die set exchanging apparatus 23 forward or backward; and delivery of a die is performed between the punch and die set taking-out/taking-in apparatus 291 and the punch and die set exchanging apparatus 23. |
| US07900542B2 |
Knife assembly for rotary cutting system
A knife holder assembly for a rotary cutting machine includes a holder with a top portion and side portion each including an opening, and an adjusting member with a top portion and side portion each including an opening. The inner side portion of the holder is tapered at an angle substantially the same as the side portion of the adjusting member. A fastener can be inserted through the top portion opening of the holder and the top portion opening of the adjusting member thereby moving the adjusting member in a direction away from the outer side portion of the holder to clamp an inserted knife between the backing portion and the outer side portion of the holder. |
| US07900539B2 |
Chain tension tool
A tool for creating tension of a chain on a cycle according to one embodiment comprises a wheel engaging portion; a frame engaging portion positioned opposite the wheel engaging portion; and at least one handle operatively coupled to the wheel engaging portion and the frame engaging portion such that application of force on the at least one handle is operative to bias the wheel engaging portion and frame engaging portion away from each other. A tool for creating tension of a chain on a cycle according to another embodiment includes a wheel engaging portion; a frame engaging portion positioned opposite the wheel engaging portion, the frame engaging portion includes an arcuate section for engaging a frame of a cycle; a pivoting member coupled to the frame engaging portion for engaging the frame of the cycle; one handle operatively coupled to the wheel engaging portion; another handle operative coupled to the frame engaging portion such that application of force on the handles is operative to bias the wheel engaging portion and frame engaging portion away from each other; and a locking mechanism for maintaining relative positions of the wheel engaging portion and the frame engaging portion during use of the tool. |
| US07900533B2 |
Control device for automatic transmission
A controller of an automatic transmission can be set to be in a first control mode and a second control mode for controlling a transmission gear ratio of the automatic transmission. The controller in the second control mode automatically changes the transmission gear ratio. The controller obtains an index value and upper limit speed of rotation speed of a transmission output shaft. The controller in the first control mode allows the transmission gear ratio to be changed when an operation member is operated to increase the transmission gear ratio and the index value is equal to or lower than the upper limit speed. The controller has a setting section that sets the upper limit speed. The setting section sets the upper limit speed based on vehicle acceleration when the controller is in the first control mode and the operation member is operated to increase the transmission gear ratio. |
| US07900529B2 |
Startup torque transmitting mechanism of an internal combustion engine
An outer race support plate to which torque of a pinion gear is transmitted from a ring gear via a one-way clutch and thus rotates a crankshaft is provided separately from a flywheel and is mounted to the crankshaft not via the flywheel. As a result, impact noise produced when the one-way clutch engages is not directly transmitted to the flywheel. Accordingly, noise radiation from the flywheel can be suppressed, thereby enabling noise to be reduced. |
| US07900525B2 |
Cathode handler system
A pre-assembled, disposable cathode handler assembly facilitates automated or manual loading of a cathode with analyte for spectrometric analysis and is intended for a single use application. This cathode handler assembly is comprised of several parts which work cooperatively together to stabilize a separate cathode and direct an analyte into the cathode. A stopper and channeling unit are disposed in supporting interconnection with the cathode so as to maintain it in a stable orientation for loading. The channeling unit may be used in combination with a liner which also interacts with the cathode to guide the analyte into an interior chamber therein, and further contains an analyte cap holder. A stopper prevents the introduced analyte from escaping the cathode and a housing is connected exteriorly of the cathode and supporting components to further stabilize the cathode during the loading procedure. A loading base may be integrated to assist in manual loading of a cathode. |
| US07900521B2 |
Exposed pad backside pressure sensor package
A method and apparatus are described for fabricating an exposed backside pressure sensor (30) which protects interior electrical components (37) formed on a topside surface of a pressure sensor transducer die (31) from corrosive particles using a protective gel layer (38) and molding compound (39), but which vents a piezoresistive transducer sensor diaphragm (33) formed on a backside of the pressure sensor transducer die (31) through a vent hole (42) formed in an exposed die flag (36), enabling the sensor diaphragm (33) to directly sense pressure variations without the influence of a protective gel. |
| US07900517B2 |
System and method for inspecting a pipeline with ultrasound
A system for inspecting a pipeline with ultrasound, provided with a transport device arranged to move in a transport direction through the pipeline, a plurality of transducers and a transmitting and receiving device connected with the transducers. The transducers and the transmitting and receiving device are mounted on the transport device. The transducers are provided with a first set of transducers, a second set of transducers and a third set of transducers. The system is arranged to move the first set of transducers, the second set of transducers and the third set of transducers in a tangential direction with respect to the transport direction along an interior wall of the pipeline. The system is arranged to bring the transducers of the first set, the second set and the third set into contact with the interior wall of the pipeline during the performance of a measurement. |
| US07900513B2 |
Multi-axial angular velocity sensor
A flexible substrate having flexibility and a fixed substrate disposed to oppose it are supported at their peripheral portions by a sensor casing. An oscillator is fixed on the lower surface, and five lower electrode layers are formed on the upper surface, of the flexible substrate. Five upper electrode layers are formed on the lower surface of the fixed substrate so as to oppose the lower electrodes. In detecting an angular velocity ωx about the X-axis, an a.c. voltage is applied across a predetermined pair of opposite electrode layers to allow the oscillator to undergo oscillation Uz in the Z-axis direction. By change of capacitance, it is possible to detect the magnitude of the Coriolis force Fy, and determine angular velocity ωx Similarly, it is possible to detect an angular velocity ωy about the Y-axis and an angular velocity ωz about the Z-axis. |
| US07900512B2 |
Angular rate sensor
An angular rate sensor comprises a piezoelectric film having a first and a second surfaces forming an x-y plane and utilizes a perturbation mass coherently vibrating elastic acoustic waves on which a Coriolis force acts when the angular rate sensor undergoes a rotary motion about an x-direction. A first elastic acoustic wave is excited in the piezoelectric film by a driving transducer and a second elastic acoustic wave generated by the Coriolis force proportional to an angular rate of the rotary motion of the angular rate sensor itself is detected by the detecting transducer. The angular rate sensor further comprises at least a first electrode disposed on the first surface of the piezoelectric film for discharging a surface charge caused due to piezoelectric effect at the lower surface of the film in which the first elastic acoustic wave is excited. |
| US07900509B2 |
Methods for variable displacement engine diagnostics
Various methods are described for monitoring cylinder valve deactivation in an engine, the engine including at least a cylinder valve actuator for deactivating at least a cylinder of the engine. One example method comprises indicating degradation of the valve actuator based on crankshaft acceleration. |
| US07900508B2 |
Methods for controlling and making particle filtering devices
One subject of the invention is a process for checking the robustness of a particulate filter intended to be used in the exhaust line of a diesel engine, comprising the steps consisting in, having first determined the soot mass limit of the filter, loading a new filter with a level of soot at least equal to two times and at most equal to three times the soot mass limit, then making the filter undergo a severe regeneration then, in any order, determining the filtration efficiency of the filter, measuring its pressure drop and comparing it to the pressure drop of the new filter, measuring its level of cracking, and finally checking its integrity after a mechanical stress. Another subject of the invention is a method for diagnosing the robustness of a filter. |
| US07900499B2 |
Impact testing apparatus
An impact testing apparatus for includes a workbench, a bracket defining a vertical passage, a hammer slidably received in the passage of the bracket, a fastening mechanism slidably mounted to the bracket and an anvil for supporting a workpiece to be tested. The workbench includes a horizontal platform. The bracket is arranged over the platform. The fastening mechanism is configured to be selectively fixed to different heights of the bracket relative to the platform, and includes a retaining member capable of being biased between a fist position to hold the hammer and a second position to release the hammer. The anvil is disposed on the platform and aligns with the hammer. |
| US07900498B1 |
Calibrated impact hammer
An apparatus includes a positioner. The apparatus includes a striker axially movable in the positioner. The striker includes a striker inner end. The apparatus includes a force gauge axially movable in the positioner. The force gauge includes a force gauge inner end. The force gauge inner end is in communication with the striker inner end. Optionally, the striker defines at least one fluid passage axially therethrough. |
| US07900495B2 |
Powered conduit bender
A powered conduit bending tool comprises a portable drive housing including a handle and having a powered drive gear. A bracket is secured to the housing defining a pivot connection spaced from the drive gear. A guide is operatively secured to the housing. A platform is pivotally connected to the bracket at the pivot connection and includes a driven gear operatively engaging the drive gear to controllably pivot the platform. A shoe is removably mountable to the platform and comprises a first bender defining a downwardly opening arcuate channel selectively positionable proximate the guide. A hook is proximate one end of the bender for engaging a conduit received in the channel. In use, the guide supports a conduit engaged by the hook and pivotal movement of the shoe driven by the platform deforms the conduit as it passes by the guide. |
| US07900488B2 |
Method and machine for non-destructive stretching and fastening of a pelt on a pelt board
In connection with the non-destructive stretching and fastening of pelts (2) on distention elements/pelt boards (4), where the pelt is stretched and fastened in the stretched position during the drying process by means of a fixing bag, it has shown that the pelts give way (shrink) on each side of the tail root of the pelt, with the result that use is made of a number of staples for the fastening of these places on the stretched pelt. Since it is not at all desirable to use staples, a development of the pelt boards (4) has taken place, so that these have an arched extent around two transverse axes in relation to their longitudinal axes. Moreover, it has long been desirable to be able to stretch the pelts to a greater degree, which has not been possible with the use of the known stretching machines. This development has led to the development of a method and a stretching machine for the execution of the method, where the gripping elements are configured to correspond with the shape of the pelt board, and where the pelt is engaged by the gripping elements along the whole of the lower periphery of the pelt, so that the counter-hold force in the pelt is distributed over the whole periphery of the pelt, whereby the pelt can be stretched to a greater degree without any damage to the pelt in the areas of engagement for the gripping elements. |
| US07900487B2 |
Mechanical apparatus for washing/drying
A mechanical apparatus for washing/drying is disclosed. Accordingly, the present invention provides a structure for damping and absorbing vibration of a tub in a washer or dryer. The present invention includes a tub accommodating water therein, a drum rotatably provided within the tub, a spring provided to elastically support the tub, and a damping means having one end rotatably connected to the tub by a hinge assembly and the other end connected to a shock-absorbing member fixed to a cabinet. |
| US07900485B2 |
Washing machine
A washing machine having height adjustable legs is provided. The washing machine may include a base provided at a bottom of the washing machine, a plurality of legs coupled to the base, and an over-unscrewed prevention member provided with each leg. Each leg may include a bolt that is height-adjustably assembled at the base. The over-unscrewed prevention member may be provided at the bolt of each leg and caught by the base when the legs are unscrewed so as to set a maximum unscrew height of the legs. |
| US07900484B2 |
Prosthetic repair fabric
The repair fabric includes a dual bar warp knit mesh for use in repairing soft tissue and muscle wall defects, including hernia repair and chest wall reconstruction. The repair fabric may be produced according to a first bar pattern chain of 4/2 4/6 4/2 6/8 6/4 6/8 and a second bar pattern chain of 6/8 2/0 6/8 4/2 8/10 4/2. |
| US07900475B2 |
System for and method of batch analysis and optimization for glass manufacturing
Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a system for and method of analyzing and cleaning a cullet stream prior to bottle manufacturing. In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, the system includes a raw materials feeder, a mixing stage, a melting stage, a bottle-forming stage, a cooling/annealing stage, an inspection stage, and a batch controller. The raw materials feeder further includes a cullet bin within which is cullet supply, a feeder, an analysis device, and removal assembly. Certain preferred embodiments of the method include the steps of feeding cullet onto the conveyor, performing real-time composition analysis of the cullet, removing contaminants from the cullet, determining whether the cullet batch is consistent with a predetermined tolerance threshold, adjusting the glass batch formulation, sending the batch ingredients to the mixing stage, and then completing the overall glass manufacturing process. |
| US07900472B2 |
Heat exchange and heat transfer device, in particular for a motor vehicle
A heat exchange and heat transfer device comprises an evaporating/absorbing arrangement connected to a binary mixture flow circuit containing a first refrigerant fluid and a second absorbing fluid. The refrigerant fluid is evaporated in the evaporator part of the arrangement and subsequently absorbed in the absorber part by an absorbing fluid-enriched mixture. The evaporating/absorbing arrangement comprises at least two oppositely disposed reference surfaces defining evaporation and absorption components, respectively, an evaporator mass for supplying the liquid refrigerant fluid to the reference surface of the evaporation component and an absorber mass for supplying the absorbing fluid-enriched mixture to the reference surface of the absorption component. |
| US07900466B2 |
Air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle
An air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle includes a coolant circuit, through which it is possible to pump coolant with the aid of a compressor, the air-conditioning system having a torque-determining unit for determining a drive torque required for operating the compressor as a function of a temperature of air, which has flowed past an evaporator integrated into the coolant circuit for evaporating coolant, a pressure of the coolant prevailing in the coolant circuit in front of the compressor relative to a flow direction of the coolant or an actuating signal for setting a settable compressor stroke of the compressor. |
| US07900465B2 |
Insulated ice compartment for bottom mount refrigerator with controlled damper
A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. A damper controls air flow between the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control system can direct heat to the damper if the damper becomes frozen. |
| US07900458B2 |
Turbine airfoils with near surface cooling passages and method of making same
The present invention provides near-surface cooled airfoils that can be made with near-surface cooling passages that are completely free of any leachable or otherwise sacrificial material in the recessed portion of the outer surface of the core. The turbine airfoil comprises a metallic core or substrate having an outer surface and one or a plurality of recessed portions of the outer surface; an intermediate metallic skin or foil having a back surface and a top surface, the back surface of the intermediate skin being bonded to the outer surface of the core such that the recessed portion(s) is sufficiently enclosed so as to form at least one or more near-surface cooling passages or pathways; and at least one or more metallic coatings of a high temperature-resistant metallic material deposited on a top surface of the intermediate skin. |
| US07900456B2 |
Apparatus and method to compensate for differential thermal growth of injector components
A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine is disclosed that includes an injector body having a bore, a fitting at an inlet end of the injector body for receiving fuel, an atomizer at an outlet end of the injector body for delivering atomized fuel to a combustor of the gas turbine engine, a fuel tube disposed within the bore of the injector body for delivering fuel from the fitting to the atomizer, the fuel tube having an inlet end portion adjacent the fitting and an outlet end portion joined to the atomizer, and structure joined to the inlet end portion of the fuel tube to compensate for thermal growth of the injector body relative to the fuel tube during engine operation. |
| US07900452B2 |
Clathrate ice thermal transport for ocean thermal energy conversion
A substance is added to cold ocean water in a cold water pipe of an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system. The substance raises the freezing point of the ocean water in a cold water heat exchanger of the OTEC system, thereby forming an ice slurry. The substance is added at the depth of the apparatus. The ice slurry is transported from the point of addition in the cold water pipe to the cold water heat exchanger at the surface. |
| US07900451B2 |
Power and regasification system for LNG
The present invention provides a power and regasification system based on liquefied natural gas (LNG), comprising a vaporizer by which liquid motive fluid is vaporized, said liquid motive fluid being LNG or a motive fluid liquefied by means of LNG; a turbine for expanding the vaporized motive fluid and producing power; heat exchanger means to which expanded motive fluid vapor is supplied, said heat exchanger means also being supplied with LNG for receiving heat from said expanded fluid vapor, whereby the temperature of the LNG increases as it flows through the heat exchanger means; a conduit through which said motive fluid is circulated from at least the inlet of said vaporizer to the outlet of said heat exchanger means; and a line for transmitting regasified LNG. |
| US07900450B2 |
Thermodynamic power conversion cycle and methods of use
A high efficiency thermodynamic power conversion cycle is disclosed using thermal storage, atmospheric heat exchangers, and wind channeling in a synergistic method. Using the preferred configuration with ground source water, solar collectors, and heat pump including the further preferred utilization of ionic liquids or electride solutions as the working fluid in the system, achieves optimal total energy efficiency and enables otherwise insufficient thermal differentials to effectively generate power. |
| US07900447B1 |
Zero turn drive apparatus
A drive apparatus for a zero turn vehicle or similar application comprising a pair of pumps mounted in a common housing and having coaxial input shafts and an input shaft mounted in the common housing perpendicular to the two pump shafts. A pair of center sections or end caps including hydraulic porting are mounted to opposite ends of the common housing, and each center section has a hydraulic motor mounted thereon external to the common housing. |
| US07900444B1 |
Systems and methods for energy storage and recovery using compressed gas
The invention relates to methods and systems for the storage and recovery of energy using open-air hydraulic-pneumatic accumulator and intensifier arrangements that combine at least one accumulator and at least one intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. |
| US07900442B2 |
Engine including secondary air supply apparatus
The present invention provides an engine including a secondary air supply apparatus for supplying a secondary air to an exhaust gas passage in a cylinder head. The engine comprises a secondary air passage of the secondary air supply apparatus which extends from an outer peripheral surface of the cylinder head through an under-portion of the exhaust gas passage into the exhaust gas passage. The secondary air passage has a groove geometry of passage portion on a matching surface between the cylinder head and a cylinder body. |
| US07900433B2 |
Fan exhaust nozzle for turbofan engine
The cross sectional flow area of a fan discharge nozzle on one side of a central plane of an associated gas turbine engine power plant is greater than the corresponding flow area of the fan discharge nozzle on an opposite side of the central plane to compensate for the blockage of fan airflow by a pylon. |
| US07900430B1 |
Quick connect coupling link
A link assembly comprising a body and a closure. The body is generally c-shaped and includes two ends that confront each other in a spaced-apart relation. Each end of the body is provided with two or more external, helical thread sets that extend from each end towards the body. The closure includes a main section with first and second ends and a threaded interior surface that extends the length of the closure member. The treaded interior surface of the closure member engages and mates with each of the thread sets at the ends of the body. The closure is movable between a first or open position, which exposes a gap between the ends of the body, and a second or closed position that closes the gap between the ends of the body. Preferably, the closure member can be moved between the first and second positions in approximately five revolutions. |
| US07900427B2 |
Loading device
A loading device for the wrapping material roll of a wrapping mechanism is provided. The wrapping material roll can be placed on a carrier of the loading device and moved into an operating condition, where it is held in position by means of a roller. The roller is brought into operating position by an activating device, as soon as the carrier is moved out of its loading position. |
| US07900422B2 |
Device and method for the production of plastic containers
The invention relates to a device and a method for producing containers, such as e.g. bottles, in which different types of bottles are produced. Alternative treatment methods are used depending on the type of bottle to be produced. For example, a cooling treatment is carried out when producing bottles for carbonated beverages and a sterilisation treatment is carried out when producing bottles for non-carbonated beverages. |
| US07900419B2 |
Method of attaching reinforcing bars
A method of attaching and aligning reinforcing bars includes providing a plurality of molded plastic clips having first and second parallel seats and a third transverse seat, all seats of equal size. A lower seat of a clip is pressed over a first reinforcement bar, then a second reinforcement bar is pressed into the upper seat to attach two bars of equal size in parallel. Another identical clip can be used to attach a third bar transverse to the first two bars, all the bars being of equal size. |
| US07900417B1 |
Pergola having posts, beams, joists, strips, clips, and internal support stiffeners
A pergola system employs tap-lock pin (56) that readily attaches to a beam (82). The beam is encapsulated, preferably by vinyl extrusions, which allow horizontal strips to easily engage opposing end of the tap-lock pin (56). Clips (78) with protruding tap-locks (72) are secured to a substrate, allowing horizontal strips with ledges (96) to be engaged with the protruding tap-locks (72) to provide an easily installed pergola shade structure. A shroud (102) or coupler (62) allows expansion so that a plurality of pergola kits can be assembled together and so that a homeowner or do-it-yourselfer can install, alter, or retrofit the pergola(s) with minimal effort and direction. |
| US07900416B1 |
Floor tile with load bearing lattice
A floor tile for use in a flooring system comprises an upper surface operable for use as a portion of a flooring installation and a support lattice operable to support the upper surface. The support lattice includes a plurality of support members extending downwardly from an underside of the upper surface and terminating in lower sections collectively defining a subfloor contact profile and a plurality of interconnecting members laterally interconnecting two or more of the support members. At least some of the plurality of support members extend downwardly at an oblique angle to the upper surface. |
| US07900401B2 |
Pneumatic two-dimensional structure
The invention relates to a pneumatic plate element (1) consisting of a hollow body (3) that can be impinged upon with a pressure medium having overpressure p. Said hollow body is located between two pressure/tension elements (2) that are connected to one another by their ends and is made of a flexible membrane (9). When transversal load is exerted on the plate element (1) placed on two supports (17) with load force F, the top pressure/tension element (2, 7) is subjected to pressure and the bottom pressure/tension element (2, 8) is subjected to tension. Prestressed tension elements (4) placed at a distance a traverse in channels the hollow body (3) between the pressure/tension elements (2, 8). The tension elements (4) are prestressed by the hollow body (3) separating the tension elements (2). The connections (6) operate as fictitious fixed intermediate supports and stabilize the pressure/tension element (2, 7) submitted to pressure in order to prevent buckling. Two-dimensional plate elements (1) can be particularly used for building roofs of lightweight constructions. |
| US07900397B2 |
Modular green roof system, apparatus and methods, including interconnecting modular panels
A modular green roof system includes modular panels (10) providing a surrounded space suitable for supporting live plant growth and adapted for installing onto a roof deck in side-by-side positioning while allowing water flow on the roof thereunder. The panels are installed with growing medium and greenery, and are releasably connected in a non-progressive manner that permits removal of a surrounded panel without disturbing the adjacent panels. The panels are further adapted to be pre-seeded prior to delivery to the roof site, and delivered in either a preserved condition or a germinated condition; and are adapted for connection to an edge finishing/edge termination system (46) and support structure to enable provision of non-panel areas of the green roof, and above-panel structures. |
| US07900396B2 |
Irrigation system and assembly therefor
An irrigation system includes an activator that increases or decreases its weight respectively in response to an increase or decrease of pressure in the system. The activator biases a valve that controls the fluid pressure in the system. |
| US07900393B2 |
Landscape material and method for making same
A landscape material includes a plurality of fibers. Each of the fibers includes a generally uniform length, such as in a range of from about 3.0 inches to about 10.0 inches, and a generally uniform cross sectional area, so that the landscape material generally is lighter in weight and more uniform in appearance than landscape material of the prior art. The landscape material optionally includes an additive such as a colorant. A method for making landscape material is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a wood section and cutting the wood section into a plurality of ribbons. Each of the ribbons has a generally uniform cross sectional area, and the ribbons are reduced to fibers, each of which has a generally uniform length. |
| US07900385B2 |
Retail display systems and methods
A retail display system includes a first bracket having a mounting portion defining a substantially arcuate face, a first arm having at least one insertion tab, and a second arm having at least one insertion tab. The first bracket is secured to a back face of a first display article including a backer and an image of a first product. The display article defines a border coterminous with a periphery of the first product. The display article is maintained by the backer by flexing the first display article to shape the first display article to the mounting portion of the first bracket and by securing the flexed, first display article to the first bracket. |
| US07900383B2 |
Resilient excavation bucket, excavation apparatus, and methods of use and manufacture thereof
A resilient excavation bucket for use with a piece of machinery having an articulated arm. The excavation bucket comprises a resilient member and a rigid member. The resilient member has a digging edge adapted to deflect in response to pressure from impact with a material at least as rigid as the digging edge and to return to a substantially non-deflected condition upon release of the pressure. The rigid member is cooperatively associated with the resilient member and has a connection member adapted to pivotally engage a portion of the articulated arm of the piece of machinery. At least one of the resilient member and the rigid connection member at least partially defines a bucket cavity disposed at least partially between the digging edge and the connection member. Additionally, an excavation apparatus comprising a backhoe having an articulated arm and the resilient excavation bucket operatively associated with the articulated arm. |
| US07900382B2 |
Apparatus and method for cutting a pathway
A system and method to cut a path in the ground with a path cutter. The path cutter includes a cutting edge to cut a path and loosen earth and a moldboard angled such that any earth loosed by the moldboard and the cutting edge is pushed towards the center of the moldboard. The width of the cut path is adjusted by an adjustment member attached to the cutting edge and the moldboard. A first auger moves the earth, weeds, rocks and other material loosed by the cutting edge and the moldboard to a front conveyor belt. The material on the first conveyor belt is transferred to a second conveyor belt by a second auger. The material on the second conveyor belt is discharged from the path cutter away from the cut path. |
| US07900381B2 |
Apparatus with flexibly mounted spud carriage
In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is disclosed for accommodating a substantially vertical spud of a dredging vessel with a longitudinal direction, including a spud carriage which is mounted for limited rotation around a horizontal transverse axis, wherein at least a first and a second spring device is arranged under bias between vessel and spud in the longitudinal direction for the purpose of absorbing a moment on the spud carriage, which first and second spring devices compensate each other in the non-loaded situation of the spud; and at least one spring device is provided with a spring force limiting device for limiting the tension in the spring element from a determined maximum moment on the spud carriage. |
| US07900380B2 |
User moldable adjustable insert
An insole which is individually adaptable for insertion in footwear is disclosed. The insole has an upper cradle having an upper surface for contact with a foot. The upper surface is a ETC material. A lower interlocking surface is molded of EVA for cushioning of the foot. A lower cradle having an upper surface with an arch depression and a lower surface with flow domes provided. The flow dome has a flow hole fluidly communicating with the arch depression. A gel layer is placed in the arch depression, the gel layer being moldable via heat. The insole is heated to allow the gel layer to soften. The user then places their foot in on the insole allowing the gel layer to conform to the user's feet. The gel layer then cools and sets in the shape. Excess gel in the gel layer runs out through the flow holes and fills the flow domes. The excess gel is removed and the flow dome is plugged. |
| US07900377B1 |
Energy-return shoe system with simplified toe mechanism
An energy-return shoe system includes a shoe portion for containing a user's foot, an upper sole with an upper toe sole area and an upper heel sole area, the upper sole affixed to a bottom surface of the shoe portion and the upper sole capable of bending at a point between the upper toe sole area and the upper heel sole area. A lower sole has a lower toe sole area and a lower heel sole area; the lower sole is also capable of bending at a point between the lower toe sole area and the lower heel sole area. The upper toe sole area is linked to the lower toe sole area by linkages that hold the upper toe sole area is held parallel to the lower toe sole area. The upper heel sole area is linked to the lower heel sole area by linkages that hold the upper heel sole area is held parallel to the lower heel sole area and the upper heel sole area is held in a same horizontal position with respect to the lower heel sole area. The upper heel sole area is urged away from the lower heel sole area by devices that exert force such as springs. |
| US07900367B2 |
Differential calibration
A method of calibrating a measurement probe (10) mounted on a machine is described. The measurement probe (10) has a stylus (14) with a workpiece contacting tip (16). The method comprises determining a probe calibration matrix that relates the probe outputs (a,b,c) to the machine coordinate system (x,y,z.). The method comprising the steps of scanning a calibration artefact (18) using a first probe deflection (d1) to obtain first machine data and using a second probe deflection (d2) to obtain second machine data. The first and second machine data are used to obtain a pure probe calibration matrix in which any machine errors are substantially omitted. Advantageously, the method determines the pure probe matrix numerically based on the assumption that the difference between the first and second machine position data is known. |
| US07900365B1 |
Archery sight assembly
An archery sight assembly comprises a sight, a mounting bracket, and a positioning mechanism for providing adjustment of relative positions or orientations of sight and bracket, which can include a transverse position relative to a sighting direction defined by the sight. The positioning mechanism can include a linear bearing with cylindrical bearing members, a scale and a pointer adjustable relative to the scale, or a rack coupled by one or more gears to an adjustment knob. A method for making the archery sight assembly comprises coupling the archery sight to the mounting bracket using the positioning mechanism. A method for using the archery sight assembly comprises adjusting the position or orientation of the archery sight relative to the mounting bracket using the positioning mechanism. |
| US07900363B1 |
Exchange blade knife
An exchange blade knife includes a replaceable blade, a blade holder and a blade lock. The replaceable blade includes an opening adjacent to its base edge. The blade holder includes a blade recess for receiving the replaceable blade and a boss corresponding to the opening in the blade which projects from the surface of the blade recess. The boss has a low portion that is no thicker than the replaceable blade and a raised portion that extends above the surface of the replaceable blade. The blade lock pivots on the blade holder between an opened position for receiving the replaceable blade and a closed position for retaining the replaceable blade. The blade lock also includes an opening for receiving the boss of the blade holder. |
| US07900358B2 |
Method of manufacturing rolling bearing device for wheel
A method of manufacturing a double row rolling bearing device includes: providing a collet chuck having radially expandable separated parts and a tapered cone for radially expanding the separated parts; inserting the radially contracted collet chuck into a through hole before the double row rolling bearing is caulked to the hub shaft; caulking the cylindrical end of the hub shaft, with the separated parts being in contact with the end by radially expanding the collet chuck to prevent radially inward plastic deformation of the end; and contracting the collet chuck and extracting the collet chuck out of the hub shaft after the caulking. |
| US07900357B2 |
Seal installation tool and method of using same
A seal installation tool assembly and method of using same to install a front seal within a front cover member of an engine. The seal installation tool assembly includes a seal installation sleeve, a threaded fastener, and a washer member. The seal installation sleeve is adapted to receive a front seal and pilots on a drive portion of a crankshaft within the engine. The threaded fastener operates to draw the front seal within the front cover member. Upon contact between the front cover member and the seal installation sleeve, the front seal is properly installed. |
| US07900354B2 |
Method of making a refrigeration system having a heat exchanger
A complete refrigeration system (CRS) including at least one heat exchanger which is designed to occupy an irregular volume to reduce the overall profile of the CRS. The heat exchanger may be a condenser or an evaporator, and includes a substantially solid body made of a thermally conductive metal, plastic, or other material. A plurality of fluid and refrigerant passageways are defined substantially within the solid body for conducing fluid and refrigerant, respectively, through the solid body and facilitating the transfer of heat between the fluid and refrigerant. Also disclosed is a method wherein the spatial orientation of each passageway is optimized with respect to all of the other passageways and the walls of the solid body by determining the relative distance of each passageway from all of the other passageways and the walls of the solid body at a plurality of points along each passageway, followed by adjusting the spatial orientation of the passageway accordingly. |
| US07900351B2 |
Method for the production of gas turbine rotors having integrated blading
A method is provided for the production of gas turbine rotors with integrated blading. In a first step, rotating blades are produced. Subsequently, at least one of the produced rotating blade blanks is connected to the rotor bearing, then the or each of the rotating blade blanks connected to the rotor bearing are processed to form a nominal shape of the or each rotating blade. Consequently, the end contours of the gar turbine rotor with integrated balding are finely processed. |
| US07900347B2 |
Method of making a compliant interconnect assembly
An apparatus and method for making a compliant interconnect assembly adapted to electrically couple a first circuit member to a second circuit member. The first dielectric layer has a first major surface and a plurality of through openings. A plurality of electrical traces are positioned against the first major surface of the first dielectric layer. The electric traces include a plurality of conductive compliant members having first distal ends aligned with a plurality of the openings in the first dielectric layer. The first distal ends are adapted to electrically couple with the first circuit member. The second dielectric layer has a first major surface positioned against the electric traces and the first major surface of the first dielectric layer. The second dielectric layer has a plurality of through openings through which the electric traces electrically couple with the second circuit member. |
| US07900345B2 |
Insulation sleeve assembling apparatus
An insulation sleeve assembling apparatus that assembles a tubular insulation sleeve to a lead wire that is formed of a plurality of conductors includes an actuator unit that rotates the insulation sleeve while actuating the lead wire and the insulation sleeve in a direction in which the lead wire and the insulation sleeve approach each other. |
| US07900340B2 |
Method of fabricating an antenna that includes a serpentine feed waveguide coupled in parallel to a plurality of radiating waveguides
A method of fabricating an antenna including a plurality of radiating waveguides disposed so that their wave paths are parallel two by two and including a feed waveguide having a wave path forming a flat zigzag serpentine pattern. The feed waveguide is disposed against the radiating waveguides so that a longitudinal axis of the feed waveguide pattern intersects the radiating waveguides at an angle of substantially 90 degrees. The feed waveguide includes coupling elements on its face in contact with the radiating waveguides. The radiating waveguides are straight and the straight portions of the zigzag wave path in the feed waveguide form a non-zero angle with the wave paths of the radiating waveguides, so that the coupling elements feed the radiating waveguides. |
| US07900337B2 |
Method of making composite acoustic transducers
A composite membrane acoustic transducer structure comprising a magnet assembly is arranged adjacent the composite membrane material. The magnet assembly is arranged to produce a flux field. A first layer of thin, elongate composite membrane material is held under tension. A second conductive layer is attached to the first layer of composite membrane material wherein the first and second layers of membrane material are arranged adjacent, generally parallel and offset from the magnet assembly. The assembly is arranged to produce the flux field through at least part of the first layer and the second layer. |
| US07900334B2 |
Method of customizing a utility rod
A decorative utility rod assembly that may be attached to a wall or other support surface. The rod assembly has a base rod, a cross rod, a cover plate, a set screw, and a knob or end cap. The proximal (wall) end of the base rod is threaded on its exterior surface. The distal end of the base rod forms a threaded hole. The cover plate forms a threaded hole in a central portion thereof. The cover plate is screwed onto the proximal end of the base rod to hide the wall attachments. One end of set screw is screwed into the threaded hole in the distal end of the base rod. The end cap is screwed onto the other end of the set screw. The cover plate and end cap may be made of a multitude of materials, may have a multitude of surface configurations, may be formed into a multitude of shapes, and may contain indicial of a seasonal, a vanity, an interest of the use, advertising, or decorations to match interior decoration décor. Alternative embodiments include a towel ring, a toilet paper holder, a hook, and shelving. |
| US07900331B2 |
Work assembling device and assembling method
A work (W) with a part assembling surface on many faces is rotated by a work holding jig (10) so as to sequentially convert each of the part assembling surfaces to the upward horizontal attitude, a bolt is fastened from above vertically while gripping an assembly part (B) by a part gripping device (12), and this is repeated so that an assembling operation can be carried out smoothly and an assembly space can be saved. |
| US07900325B1 |
Method for forming a locking enclosure
A locking enclosure consisting of first and second members joined at one end by a living hinge and having, respectively, a flexible receptacle with an open recess and a foot portion configured to flex the receptacle as it enters the recess to lock the enclosure in a closed position, where damage to the living hinge and inadvertent opening of the enclosure are resisted by a pair of strips that project up from one end of the recess and down toward the recess bottom from the other end of the recess to engage corresponding slots in the foot. |
| US07900318B2 |
Door mounting assemblies
A mounting means for operatively mounting one or more glass shower door panels to one or more panels is described. The mounting means includes an elongate guide assembly adapted for receiving and retaining a carriage assembly for mounting a reciprocating glass shower door; and a mounting assembly including one or more end mounting devices for mounting one or more ends of the elongate guide assembly perpendicular to one or more glass panels or walls. Also described is a mounting means including an elongate guide assembly adapted for receiving and retaining a carriage assembly for mounting a reciprocating glass shower door; and one or more spaced guide mounting devices for connecting the guide assembly to an adjacent parallel panel and spacing the guide assembly a selected distance from and parallel to the adjacent parallel glass wall panel to provide access between the parallel glass wall panel and guide assembly for cleaning. |
| US07900313B2 |
Coating container, kit and coating combination
A coating combination suitable for use in coating architectural surfaces which comprises in combination a lidable container, a coating composition provided within the lidable container, and a buoyant coating contacting member (4) including at least one aperture disposed substantially horizontally within the lidable container. The buoyant coating contacting member has physical properties selected from at least one of shape, density, number of apertures, and total area of apertures such that the buoyant coating contacting member is buoyant on the coating composition and submersible within the coating composition to the extent that under a downwards force from a coating applicator, a portion of the coating composition is allowed to flow through the at least one aperture such that the coating applicator can pick up the coating composition. When the combination has a lid, the lid is removed for insertion of the applicator for the exertion of downward pressure. |
| US07900308B2 |
Water jet reversing propulsion and directional controls for automated swimming pool cleaners
A self-propelled apparatus for cleaning the submerged bottom surfaces of a pool or tank in a predetermined regular pattern includes a reversible water jet drive means for propelling the apparatus in opposite directions corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The direction of the discharge of the propelling water jet is changed by mechanical sensors, electrical sensors, or by interrupting the water pump. The source of the pressurized jet stream can include a pump integral to the apparatus or an external portable pump and/or a pump associated with the pool's filtering and/or circulation system. |
| US07900304B2 |
Multifunction tool for servicing chain saws
A single tool functioning as a screwdriver, a socket wrench and a brush. A shaft serves as an element of a screwdriver, the shaft of a socket wrench and a handle and support for a brush; In one embodiment, a tube with sockets at both ends is attached at its center to one end of a shaft that is also slidably disposed within an axial channel through a brush, and the other end of the shaft is shaped as a screwdriver blade. |
| US07900303B2 |
Nursing pillow
A prenatal/postnatal pillow is disclosed. The pillow includes a body with a first end, a medial portion, and a second end. The pillow may possess a generally C-shaped structure defining an interior well operable to curve around a body part of a user. The interior of the pillow body defines a cavity, which may include a series of cells containing a predetermined amount of fill material. The ends of the pillow body may include fasteners that connect to draw the ends of the pillow together, forming a compact support surface. The pillow also includes an internal compartment for storing articles such as blankets, bottles, etc. |
| US07900299B2 |
Patient transfer device having inflatable air mattress
A patient transfer device comprising at least one inflatable mattress which in turn may comprise one or more inflatable pads. The inflatable mattress includes a plurality of fasteners for attaching an accessory across a top surface of the mattress. The types of accessories that may be attached to the mattress include various types of covers, flexible body litters having carry handles, cushions, other inflatable and non-inflatable mattresses, and garments and wraps for moving the patient together with the device and for making the device capable of being attached to or worn by a patient. |
| US07900297B2 |
Movably auxiliary sanitary care apparatus
A movable auxiliary sanitary care apparatus includes a support unit, a lifting unit, a water supply unit, a control unit built in the outer shell unit to modulate and control water temperature and warm temperature of the seat cushion and the extension and retraction of the cleaning nozzle unit, a waste storing unit and a riding unit having a seat cushion and an outer lid. The seat cushion warms up the user's hip after the user is seated. The water supply unit is driven by the control unit via the control panel of the outer shell unit to clean the anal part of the user directly after evacuation to have the waste solely collected in the waste storing unit. The apparatus has the additional convenient function that the lifting unit can lifts the seat cushion gradually to help push the user to stand up from the seat cushion after evacuation. |
| US07900292B1 |
Individual assisting device for bathtubs
In summary, this device offers many unique features advantageous to the user.This device will be economical to buy and is light and easy for one person to handle. This device is simple and easy to be placed in a standard bathtub and is convenient and easy to operate by the user or an assistant, This device will be comfortable and relaxing as it supports the entire body of the user. This device is convenient and easy to keep in a sanitary condition and easy to remove from the bathtub as desired.The innovations I have made to Ashby's device of 1961 U.S. Pat. No. 2,968,814 renders it feasible to manufacture and market. The fact that it was in public Domain these many years and has not been taken seems to be an indication that it wasn't deemed a feasible item. My innovation of stabilizing platform 20 and being able to eliminate the awkward, vertical, inverted U shaped frame and sides and attachments thereto has made this device simple and economical to produce and market. My innovations have made this device easier to handle and use and much more desirable as an assisting device. There are a number of devices on the market to lower and elevate an individual in the bathtub but none with the features of this device.I have a working prototype of this device which I left with a prospective manufacturer who is awaiting my filing this application. |
| US07900287B2 |
Releasable handle mechanism for a disposable toilet implement
A toilet tool generally includes a handle assembly and one or more disposable toilet tool implements such as a cleaning pad and a plunger cup. The handle assembly receives either the cleaning pad or the plunger cup with sufficient engagement to prevent inadvertent release during use yet is easily released in a hands-free manner for disposal. |
| US07900283B1 |
Chest protector for baseball game
A chest protector formed of a base, upper and lower shoulder straps, a neck pad, neck cushions, shoulder cushions, chest cushions, upper and lower abdomen cushions, lateral cushions, bottom cushions and breathing cloths. Each upper abdomen cushion is formed of an inner low bounce foam, an outer low bounce foam and an intermediate hard plastic board sandwiched in between the inner low bounce foam and outer low bounce foam. Each lower abdomen cushion is formed of an inner low bounce foam and an outer low bounce foam. The inner low bounce foam of each abdomen cushion is shorter and relatively softer than the associating outer low bounce form so that a buffer space is defined between the outer low bounce foam of each abdomen cushion and the base below the associating inner low bounce foam and the outer low bounce foams of the abdomen cushions are respectively held in a sloping status after stitching of the breathing cloths to the base. |
| US07900279B2 |
Sports helmet with clamp for securing a chin protector
The present invention is directed to a sports helmet with a clamp that secures an elongated strap of a chin protector assembly against the helmet. The clamp includes a main body having an opening, a finger and a receiver that is positioned between the opening and the finger. The clamp may also include a strengthening insert that extends longitudinally within the clamp. In a secured position, the main body is coupled to the helmet by both a fastener extending through the opening and the finger inserted into an aperture of the helmet. An extent of the chin strap is securedly positioned between the helmet and the receiver. In the secured position, an inner surface of the chin strap member is in contact with an outer surface of the helmet and an outer surface of the chin strap is in contact with the receiver. The receiver includes a plurality of gripping members that engage an outer surface of the chin strap in the secured position. Also, the receiver is recessed from an inner wall of the main body, whereby the receiver has a depth that corresponds to a thickness of the chin strap. Consequently, the receiver accepts the strap and the inner clamp wall makes contact with the helmet shell. |
| US07900277B1 |
Weighted slip
A garment, such as a woman's slip, that includes a skirt portion weighted so as to induce tension into the garment when worn by a wearer standing erect. The skirt portion is weighted by securing one or more concentrated tensioning weights to the skirt portion proximate its bottom. The tension induced into the garment by the concentrated tensioning weight(s) inhibits the garment from riding-up on the wearer. The amount of weight provided by the concentrated tensioning weights and the location of the tensioning weights on the skirt can be carefully selected to minimize swinging, for example, while walking and climbing stairs. |
| US07900275B2 |
Protective sports glove with floating cuff portion
A protective sports glove includes a free-floating subcuff for increased protection of a wearer's forearm and wrist. The glove also includes die cuts in the back portion that are configured to provide increased and more realistic flexibility. The glove also has increased ventilation for a wearer's hand in the form of mesh areas located within the palm portion and within die cuts formed in the back portion of the glove The protective sports glove further includes a multiple piece cuff for increased flexibility and a ventilated liner that provides a secure fit during play. |
| US07900274B2 |
Fumble flaps
Fumble Flaps are disclosed which are cradles strategically located on a vest or shirt to prevent the fumbling of a ball by an offensive player. |
| US07900272B1 |
Static control garment
A static control garment may be worn by a user. The garment includes first and second conductive portions, a first user interface for electrically coupling the first conductive portion to the user, a second user interface for electrically coupling the second conductive portion to the user, and an insulative portion coupled to, and separating the first and second conductive portions. Preferably, the first and second conductive portions comprise substantially the same amount of conductive material. |
| US07900267B2 |
Multiaxial fabric
Multiaxial fabrics contain at least one layer of nonwoven fabric, thermoplastic film or thermoset film, a first layer containing a plurality of first yarns being substantially parallel in a first direction, a second layer containing a plurality of second yarns being substantially parallel in a second direction and skew or off-set with respect to the first yarns, and transverse yarn interlaced transversely within the layers wherein each layer may be arranged in any sequential order and optionally coated with a high viscosity polymer that has a Tg in the range of about −40 to about 0° C., and a zero shear melt viscosity of about 2×106 to about 1013 poise at 20° C. |