| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07921894B2 |
Tire molding machine
A tire molding machine includes a pair of bead core supporting devices for holding respective bead cores, which are arranged on radially outer side of a carcass band, so that the bead core has a center axis with a controllable inclination angle. The bead core supporting device (4), which controls the inclination angle of the bead core center axis, includes an annular upright plate 32), a bead holder ring (13) secured to the annular upright plate, for holding the bead core (B) in parallel manner, and bead holder ring posture control means (14) for controlling the inclination angle of the center axis of the bead holder ring relative to the center axis of the annular upright plate, within an angular range including zero degree. |
| US07921891B2 |
Pneumatic tire for traveling on off road
In a pneumatic tire for traveling on an off road, including a tread pattern in which a plurality of blocks are formed by at least three vertical grooves extending along a tire circumferential direction and a lateral groove intersecting the vertical grooves, each of the lateral groove arranged among the three vertical grooves and the vertical groove arranged in a middest portion has a groove wall surface forming a step portion, and a projecting stripe continuing approximately at an identical height is provided at a whole of each groove bottom thereof. |
| US07921890B2 |
Credit card case
A credit card case mainly has a case body and two self-restoring parts disposed within the case body. The case body is formed with an inlet disposed at one end thereof and has two nicks disposed respectively at the upper and lower ends of the inlet. Each of the two self-restoring parts has a locking point disposed at the end thereof that is near the inlet. By means of such a structure, the credit card can push the locking points toward the side ends of the inlet after being placed into the case body till it is fully contained in the containing space within the case body, and the self-restoring parts can be restored elastically and thus lock the edges of the credit card with the locking points. |
| US07921886B2 |
Filling valve apparatus for a beverage filling machine
A filling valve apparatus for filling a container with a fluid. The apparatus includes a body portion and a stem. A sleeve is disposed over the stem and is removable from the stem and the body portion when the filling valve apparatus is serviced. A seal is mounted to the bottom of the sleeve. At least one component is movably connected to the sleeve and remains connected to the sleeve when the sleeve is removed from the stem and the body portion during the servicing of the filling valve apparatus. Similarly, a valve assembly, having a housing and a movable plunger is removable from the body portion. At least one member is mechanically connected to one of the housing and plunger for creating a unitary valve assembly that remains intact when the valve assembly is removed from the body portion during servicing of the filling valve apparatus. |
| US07921885B2 |
Beverage machine assembly having a modular support
A filling machine assembly having supports for supporting any suitable fixture. At least one of the supports includes a plurality of modules with each of the modules including at least one coupling member for interlocking adjoining modules to form a continuous uninterrupted support. The modules can include sides with at least one coupling member mounted to each side. The coupling members are preferably complementary in configuration with each other for interlocking the first and second modules. |
| US07921883B2 |
Hydrogen dispenser with user-selectable hydrogen dispensing rate algorithms
A hydrogen dispenser comprises a programmable controller and a user interface operably connected to the programmable controller. The programmable controller has a plurality of user-selectable hydrogen dispensing rate algorithms. The user interface offers the plurality of user-selectable hydrogen dispensing rate algorithms and is used for setting a user-selected dispensing rate algorithm from among the plurality of user-selectable hydrogen dispensing rate algorithms. |
| US07921880B2 |
Three-way poppet valve with intermediate pilot port
An integrated three-way poppet valve is disclosed with an intermediate pilot port and an integral load holding check valve. The valve incorporates a reverse flow check poppet for load hold capability, which enables a lower cost solution compared to a combination of valves of similar functionality. A control method is also disclosed using an integrated three-way poppet valve to control the flow of hydraulic oil to a cylinder, hydraulic motor, or other hydraulic device in proportion to the amount of a current applied to a solenoid coil. Depending on the current applied, the valve blocks all flow or else permits flow from one inlet port to two outlet ports proportional to the current applied. |
| US07921877B2 |
Spool valve and method
A valve (200) for routing a fluid includes a housing (220) having an inlet (222) and at least one outlet port (224). A valve member (218) is located in the housing (220). The valve (218) member has a wall (232) enclosing a cavity (230). A plurality of inlet openings (234) is formed in the wall (232). At least one of the plurality of inlet openings (234) fluidly connects the inlet (222) of the housing (220) with the cavity (230), and the at least one outlet port (224) may be selectively fluidly connected to the cavity (230). |
| US07921875B2 |
Fluid coupling
In the fluid coupling for connecting the fluid passages of a plug (1) and a socket (2), a valve (33), a valve holder (31) and a spring (32) disposed in a compressed state between the valve (33) and the valve holder (31) are accommodated inside each of the plug (1) and the socket (2) to be connected to each other the plug (1) is inserted into the socket (2), the valve (33) of the plug (1) and the valve (33) of the socket (2) make contact with each other so that the valves (33) are retracted resisting an urging force of the spring (32). This fluid coupling further includes conical members (32, 51) which form a conical external shape along a line connecting the outside diameter portion of the valve (33) and the outside diameter portion of the valve holder (31) when the valve (33) of the plug (1) and the valve (33) of the socket (2) make contact with each other, so that the springs (32) are compressed between the valve (33) and the valve holder (31). |
| US07921869B2 |
Flow control for on-board inert gas generation system
An on-board inert gas generating system includes a flow control valve modulated according to changes in ambient conditions to minimize changes to oxygen content within a fuel tank. The quality of the nitrogen-enriched air stream that is provided by the air separation module varies in response to flow. Higher flow rates through the air separation module removes less oxygen relative to lower flow rates. The amount of flow through the air separation module that produces the least amount of oxygen within the fuel tank is determined for an ambient pressure and provided by modulating the flow control valve. |
| US07921866B2 |
First stage pressure regulator for a two-stage underwater breathing apparatus
A first stage pressure regulator for a two-stage underwater breathing apparatus, comprises a second movable wall (16, 18) for separating a balance chamber (10) from an ambient exposed chamber (17) . The second movable wall is formed by a disk-shaped piston (16) which is slideably and non sealingly guided along the peripheral walls that delimit the balance chamber (10), and by an elastically deformable diaphragm (18), which overlies the side of the piston (16) facing forward the ambient exposed chamber (17) . The elastically deformable diaphragm (18) forms with said piston (16) a diaphragm type pressure relief valve (20, 318). |
| US07921863B2 |
Self-supporting, high-profile, insect net enclosure
A self-supporting, high-profile, insect net enclosure made of a fabric membrane that defines an interior rectangular space having two side walls, two end walls, a floor and ceiling with advanced insect protection properties, enhanced comfort, accessibility, ventilation, and lightweight storage characteristics, includes two resiliently flexible segmented poles having two angles each that separate three straight pole sections into one horizontal section and two vertical sections.The enclosure maintains a stable shape as the fabric membrane is pushed out by the poles contained within the interior rectangular space that are biased in place by the fabric membrane when the pole ends are positioned in opposite lower inside corners, with the vertical pole sections crossing diagonally, and the horizontal pole sections parallel to each other along top of side walls.The enclosure has a zipper door opening, and includes a fabric pouch that reverses to store the enclosure with poles for transportation. |
| US07921856B2 |
Sleeve for a russian cigarette
A cigarette casing for independent making of a Russian cigarette by a smoker or for bulk production. The casing of the Russian cigarette has an empty mouthpiece and a connected empty envelope and at least a part of the cavity of which is intended for the allocation of the smoking material. It contains a separating partition selectively penetrable for the smoke, installed so that at least a part of the cavity of the mouthpiece could be detached from at least a part of the cavity of the envelope, and so that it is possible to overlap at least a part of a cross section of the cavity of the mouthpiece. Its design impedes minor changes in the composition of the smoke, the penetration of the particles of the smoking material located in the cavity of the envelope into the cavity of the mouthpiece while filling the casing with the smoking material and into the mouth of the smoker during smoking. The casing of the Russian cigarette has an empty mouthpiece and a connected empty envelope, and the length of the mouthpiece is not less than the length of the envelope. The envelope overlaps the mouthpiece with all its length. The mouthpiece and the envelope are installed so that it is possible to move them relative to each other along a common longitudinal axis. The mouthpiece impedes the deformation of the part of the cavity of the envelope intended for the allocation of the smoking material before the placing of this smoking material. |
| US07921850B2 |
Systems and methods for moving and/or restraining tissue in the upper respiratory system
Systems and methods selectively stabilize tissue in the oral cavity. The systems and methods provide a first material sized and configured to be fitted to less mobile tissue in the oral cavity, e.g., the roof of the mouth or upper/lower teeth. The systems and methods provide a second material sized and configured to be releasably fitted to more mobile tissue in the oral cavity, e.g., a region of the tongue. The second material is magnetically attracted toward the first material to stabilize a preferred tissue orientation. During sleep, the systems and methods restrain movement of the more mobile tissue within the oral cavity toward positions in which snoring and/or sleep apnea events can occur, but are capable of otherwise leaving the tongue unaffected during waking hours. |
| US07921849B2 |
Condom applicator
A condom applicator (10) is disclosed which comprises a base (12) with a split line (18) across it and two flaps (14) which are connected by flimsy hinges to the base (12). Tubs (16) protrude from the flap (14). The base (12) includes two generally parallel walls (24, 28) and a base (26) which bound a trough (22). The trough receives the hem ring of a condom. There is an opening in the base which is encircled by the inner wall (24). When the flaps (14) are folded over, areas (44) of the flaps (14) cover the trough leaving a gap (G) between the wall (24) and the area (44). The tubs (16) span across said opening. The teat of the condom lies across the opening. |
| US07921848B2 |
Contraceptive transcervical fallopian tube occlusion devices and methods
The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has a helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization is effected by passing a current through the resilient structure to the tubal walls. |
| US07921847B2 |
Device and method for placing within a patient an enteral tube after endotracheal intubation
The present invention is directed to a novel device and method for providing a disposable endotracheal intubation device for use with an auxiliary passageway serving as a guide for the placement of an orogastic or other enterally directed device in a patient. The present invention pertains to a combination intubation device comprising an endotracheal tube and a catheter proximate the endotracheal tube to guide the path of an enteral tube. In a preferred embodiment, the endotracheal tube is capable of defining an arcuate path in a first geometric plane between its proximal end and its distal end to facilitate introduction of the tube into the trachea of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the catheter employs a fenestration to facilitate removal of the intubation device from the patient without removal of any enteral device previously directed therethrough into the patient. |
| US07921846B1 |
Heat and moisture filter exchanger and method
A heat and moisture exchanger for both conducting a stream of air produced by a ventilator to a moisturizing medium and internally bypassing the moisturizing medium if aerosolized medication is introduced into the stream includes a housing having a ventilator-side port coupled to an outlet of a ventilator and a source of aerosolized medication. The housing has a patient-side port for coupling to a patient to provide ventilation including either air or air carrying aerosolized medication. A first path conducts air from the ventilator-side port through the moisturizing medium and the patient-side port, and a second path conducts air carrying aerosolized medication from the ventilator-side port directly to the patient-side port. A two-way valve mechanism in the housing selectively couples the ventilator-side port into fluid communication with one or the other of the first and second paths. |
| US07921840B2 |
Method and apparatus for launching solid body and multiple solid bodies using compressed gas
An apparatus for launching projectiles may incorporate a hermetically sealed launch tube, projectile or projectiles within the launch tube with their payload inside or connected via meaning of socket to projectile from outside. The space between the outer surface of the projectile inside the launch tube and the inner surface of the launch tube is filled with compressed gas and hermetically sealed with a fast removable lid. If outside payload is used, then it will be attached to inside projectile via a socket where inside projectile is located inside the launch tube and outside payload connected to the protruded via fast acting valve, portion of projectile and connected to it via the socket. Projectile may incorporate another meaning of control via controllable surfaces or propulsion or constant acting engines. The exhaust gas would be in addition to use for projectile stabilization or additional propulsion, by incorporation a exhaust gas organizers. |
| US07921839B2 |
Air release and bolt design for a paintball marker
The pneumatic launching assembly includes a launching body with a front end and a rear end. A first chamber is positioned in the rear end of the launching body for isolating a gas supply. A bolt is positioned in the front end of the launching body for moving a projectile into a launching position. A second chamber is coaxially forward of the first chamber for isolating the gas supply until the bolt is in a fully forward position. A firing plunger is slidably mounted in the launching body and moveable within the bolt and first chamber for regulating gas flow. In operation, the bolt moves forwardly to position the projectile into a launching position, meanwhile, the firing plunger moves rearwardly to release an gas to propel the projectile. The bolt and firing plunger are coaxially moving in opposite directions to minimize any recoil of the pneumatic launching assembly. |
| US07921838B2 |
Combination non-lethal projectile launcher and flash light
An apparatus for firing a non-lethal projectile comprises a body with an internal cavity. A light source may be disposed in the cavity to illuminate an area outside the body. A firing mechanism may also be provided to cause a projectile to be propelled through the body. |
| US07921834B2 |
Paintball loader
Paintballs are loaded into a paintball gun. The paintballs are stored within a drive tube of a paintball loader. The paintballs are loaded into the paintball gun from the drive tube of the paintball loader. A screw is rotated with respect to the drive tube so that the paintballs are constrained to travel along a helical groove of the screw and along one of multiple column grooves on an inner surface of the drive tube. |
| US07921833B2 |
Fuel injection control during start-up
A method of operation of an internal combustion engine including an intake valve coupled to a combustion chamber, and a port fuel injector positioned upstream of the intake valve in an intake manifold including a throttle, the port fuel injector fluidly coupled to a fuel rail included in a fuel delivery system housing a fuel at least partially composed of alcohol. The method including, during a start-up operation when the temperature of the engine is below a threshold value and fuel is actively being injected into the intake manifold, adjusting a cone angle of a fuel spray from the port fuel injector, via adjustment of the throttle and/or fuel delivery system, based on the position of the intake valve. |
| US07921832B2 |
Control system for plant
A control system for a plant can include a feedback control input which can be calculated so that a controlled output of said plant coincides with a target value. A hold control input can be calculated according to an operating condition of said plant. A control input to said plant is set to the feedback control input when a control deviation between the controlled output and a target value is greater than a predetermined threshold value, and the control input is set to the hold control input when the control deviation is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value. The feedback control input is made to gradually approach to or coincide with the hold control input when the control input is set to the hold control input. |
| US07921830B2 |
Temperature controlled venturi for use with an EGR system in an internal combustion engine
An EGR venturi for use in an EGR system of an IC engine includes a body defining a converging inlet section, a throat, and an interior liquid heat exchange chamber adjacent to the throat. |
| US07921827B2 |
Accumulator fuel injection device
To provide an accumulator fuel injection device, so as to stabilize the operation of a pressure control valve for controlling a fuel pressure in an accumulator. The accumulator fuel injection device includes a pressure control valve 6 for controlling the fuel pressure in the accumulator by moving an armature 13 in an armature chamber 22 and by adjusting escaped volumes of the fuels from the accumulator 2 due to a valving element 11 formed integral with the armature 13 in a control chamber 21 introducing the fuels in the accumulator 2. A means for attenuating the pressure transmitted from the accumulator 2 to the valve seat 10 is provided in the valve seat 10 disposed between the control chamber 21 and the accumulator 2 of the pressure control valve 6. |
| US07921826B2 |
Fuel supply device for engine
To make it possible to pump a fuel from a supply pump into an accumulator, even when a pressure control means provided with a pressurized fuel pathway is out of action. In a fuel supply system of an engine, which is provided with pressure control means controlling a fuel pressure in an accumulator, on the pressurized fuel pathway delivering the fuel from a feed pump via a supply pump having a plurality of plungers into the accumulator, at least one pressurized fuel pathway is not provided with the pressure control means and the other pressurized fuel pathways are provided with the pressure control means, out of the plurality of pressurized fuel pathways delivering the fuel from the feed pump via plurality of plungers into the accumulator. |
| US07921824B2 |
Ignition device for a motor, especially in a motor vehicle
The invention relates to an ignition device comprising a manually activatable slide that determines the desired working position of the slide by means of a slide control system. One such slide control system consists of a cam and a rod guided in said cam. The inventive ignition device also comprises an ignition switch which is electrically connected to the motor and can be switched between different switching positions according to the translatory movement of the slide. According to the invention, the ignition switch is embodied as a rotary switch comprising an input member for switching the contacts thereof. A rotor (30) is mounted in the housing in a rotary manner and connected to the input member of the ignition switch in a rotationally fixed manner. The rotor (30) forms part of the slide control system comprising at least two lock-in positions (38.1, 38.2) for at least two stable working positions (25.1, 25.3) of the slide. During the activation of the slide, the slide control system converts the translatory movement of the slide into a rotary movement (36) of the rotary switch. |
| US07921819B2 |
Valve actuating system
An actuating system for a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine is described which comprises two cams (12,14) associated with the valve (10), a summation linkage (22,24,30,32) for lifting the valve in dependence upon the sum of the instantaneous lifts of the two cams (12,14). A de-activating mechanism 34 is provided for selectively decoupling the summation linkage from one (12) of the two cams. |
| US07921817B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine is provided. Facing pistons eliminate a cylinder head, thereby reducing heat losses through a cylinder head. Facing pistons also halve the stroke that would be required for one piston to provide the same compression ratio, and the engine can thus be run at higher revolutions per minute and produce more power. An internal sleeve valve is provided for space and other considerations. A combustion chamber size-varying mechanism allows for adjustment of the minimum size of an internal volume to increase efficiency at partial-power operation. Variable intake valve operation is used to control engine power. |
| US07921816B2 |
Control device for hydraulically driven fan
A control device for a hydraulically driven fan is provided with a cooling fan which is rotated by a hydraulic motor and carries out ventilation for cooling a working fluid. Further, the control device for the hydraulically driven fan is provided with a sensor for detecting a temperature of the working fluid, and a lever switch for detecting whether a working mechanism actuated by the engine is in a stopped state, by determining whether a working machine lever has been operated. In order that a resonance between the cooling fan and the engine is suppressed, the control device for the hydraulically driven fan further adjusts a rotating speed of the hydraulic motor in correspondence to a detection result by the lever switch. In the case that a stopped state of the working mechanism is detected on the basis of an operation state of the working machine lever by the lever switch, the rotating speed of the hydraulic motor is adjusted. Accordingly, it is possible to adjust and change the rotating speed of the cooling fan, thus it is possible to prevent resonance noise and vibration from being generated between the cooling fan and the engine. |
| US07921815B2 |
Tether restraint apparatus and method
A tether restraint apparatus may include two folding members, pivotally connected, a tether attachment and two stakes, wherein each folding member may have one of the two stakes pivotally connected and stowable within, and where the stakes may be pivoted outside of the folding members for deployment. The two folding members are operable to be folded together with each folding member having one of the two stakes stowed within, and are further operable to be unfolded to deploy the two stakes by pivoting each of the two stakes outwardly from within the two folding members. |
| US07921813B2 |
Livestock blow dryer with insulated region
A blower system for livestock may include a housing. An air inlet may be located on the housing. One or more motors may be located in the housing. One or more fans may be coupled to at least one of the motors. The fans may be located in the housing. The fans may draw air in through the air inlet and expel air out through an air outlet located on the housing. An insulated region may retain heat in the housing. The blower system may be portable. The blower system may allow a user to apply the air from the air outlet to livestock. |
| US07921809B2 |
Birdfeeder and seed dispenser therefor
A birdseed dispenser and birdfeeder incorporating the same are provided. The dispenser has a base assembly mounted to a first opening formed in the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir, including a front plate having a second opening formed therein, a flange extending around the second opening and projecting away from the front plate, and an end wall supported by the flange such that the flange and end wall together define a chamber. The dispenser also includes an apertured piece received in the chamber having a first seed aperture of a first configuration and a second seed aperture of a different configuration. The apertured piece is moveable between a first orientation, which places the first seed aperture in a seed accessible state permitting birds access to the seed, and a second orientation to place the second seed aperture in the seed accessible state. |
| US07921806B2 |
Teatcup, and a teatcup part
The invention refers to a teatcup part and a teatcup to be attached to a teat of an animal. The teatcup includes the teatcup part (1) and a connection part (2). The teatcup part is disengageably mountable to the connection part. The teatcup part (1) includes a shell (3) and a teatcup liner (4) having an upper opening (5) and a lower opening (6). The liner forms an inner space (11) for receiving the teat through the upper opening and a pulsation chamber (12) between the liner and the shell. The connection part includes a milk-discharging member for the discharge of milk from the teatcup, and a milk channel (35) extending between the lower opening of the inner space of the liner and the milk-discharging member. The connection part also includes a pulse-supplying member for the supply of a pulsating pressure to the pulsation chamber, and a pulse channel extending between the pulsation chamber and the pulse-supplying member. |
| US07921802B2 |
System and method for suppression of wafer temperature drift in cold-wall CVD systems
An apparatus and corresponding method are disclosed that uses one or more optical fibers in a susceptor that monitor radiation emitted by the backside of the susceptor. The optical fibers are filtered and converted into an electrical signal. A control system is used to maintain a constant wafer temperature by keeping the electrical signal constant during the deposition cycle. This overcomes problems caused by varying wafer temperature during non-selective epitaxial and poly-silicon growth on patterned wafers at low temperatures and reduced pressure. |
| US07921799B2 |
Pattern forming apparatus and manufacturing apparatus using the same
A pattern forming apparatus comprises a surface treatment system and an ink jet system 14, where a solvent is sprayed from a solvent spray nozzle of the surface treatment system to surface of a glass substrate where a bus line pattern groove is formed. The ink is discharged from an ink discharge nozzle of the ink jet system into the groove of bus line pattern on a glass substrate, and a bus line pattern is formed. |
| US07921798B2 |
Oxygen detector sheet and oxygen detecting agent using the same, and method for manufacturing oxygen detector sheet
The oxygen detecting device (10) of the present invention includes an oxygen detector sheet having a sheet carrier (13) having a porous inorganic material filled therein which has been impregnated with an oxygen detecting fluid, and a film (11) having a predetermined oxygen transmittance for covering and sealing the sheet carrier (13). Since the sheet having the porous inorganic material filled therein is adopted, the oxygen detecting device has an excellent light resistance, leading to clear recognition of coloration for a long period of time. Because of excellent light resistance, the device keeps excellent property even after long exposure to a fluorescent lamp in a display case for displaying foods. Thus the device is suitable for checking quality of commercial products. |
| US07921792B2 |
Apparatus for affixing a dock to an inboard mooring pole
An apparatus is disclosed especially configured and adapted for mooring a floating dock to an inboard mooring pile—a pile positioned within and extending through the top deck of a floating dock—. The apparatus minimizes damage to both dock and mooring piles caused by changes in tide, waves, wake and other water disturbances while, simultaneously, adding stability to the floating dock—especially in regarding to listing—. The apparatus is comprised of a cylindrical sleeve which is coaxially applied to a mooring pile, a dock mounted mooring bracket comprised of a base plate which connects to the sleeve mounted upon the pile via at least one “U” shaped arm. The arm, in turn, extends, and is mounted upon a vertical planar portion of the base plate and is disposed in a parallel relation to the top surface of the floating dock. An inner, semi-circular portion of the “U” shaped arm engages selected and parallel circumferential grooves formed in the outer surface of the sleeve. The base plate, in turn, is affixed to a structurally sound portion of the floating dock adjacent to a pile aperture through which the mooring pile extends. In certain alternate preferred embodiments, an elongated rod is utilized to firmly engage a selected circumferential groove of the columnar sleeve. In such embodiments, the elongated rod is mounted to the floating via a mounting means at both termini of the elongated rod. Embodiments utilizing elongated rods for engagement of the columnar sleeve utilize at least two such rods and engage the columnar sleeve on opposite sides thereof. |
| US07921791B2 |
Portable water level-responsive dock securing system and method of use thereof
A portable water level-responsive mooring device has a mooring strap with a ring capable of engaging the mooring device around a dock piling. The mooring strap has a suitable length of cord having a clip or ring on each end capable of releasably attaching to a fender, spacing tubes, and rollers. The spacing tubes and rollers have an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the spacing tubes and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cord. The cord is positioned within an arrangement of the spacing tubes and rollers, the length of cord being sufficient to wrap around a dock piling. |
| US07921784B2 |
Snap-together pallet
A pallet for use with a fork lift includes a top deck, a mid-top member and a base. The top deck has a plurality of ribs extending downwardly and a plurality of column-receiving recesses formed on the underside thereof. The base includes a plurality of columns projecting substantially vertically and received within the recesses of the top deck. Snap-tabs secure the columns to the deck. A generally planar mid-top member is secured to the plurality of ribs on the deck and has a plurality of openings into which are received the plurality of columns. The mid-top member is sandwiched between the ribs of the top deck and shoulders formed on the outer periphery of the columns. |
| US07921782B2 |
Individual transportation system
An individual transportation system (10) includes a track system (12), including a primary track section (14), a switching track section (16) and loading/unloading section (18). The transportation system (10) additionally includes a plurality of carriages (20) supported by the track system (12), and a plurality of underslung passenger vehicles (22) each matably engageable with one of the carriages, and adapted to hold at least one passenger therein. The transportation system (10) further includes a storage facility (24) for storing the vehicles (22) when they are disengaged from the carriage, whereby a carriage and vehicle combination traveling on the primary track can be switched between primary track section (14) via an associated switching track section (16), and can be switched to the loading/unloading track (18), wherein the vehicle may be disengaged from carriage (20) and stored in the storage facility (24). |
| US07921780B2 |
Projectile
A projectile (10) comprises a cylindrical body (12) with a first (leading) end (14) and a second trailing axially opposed end (16). An internal cavity (18) is formed between the ends (14 and 16) and holds a volume of propellant material (22). The first end (14) is closed by a nose (20) that is fixed to the body (12). The end (14) is sealed with a base seal (26) that seats a primer (24) for igniting the propellant (22). The primer (24) is located inboard of the second end (16) and the base seal (26) to reduce the likelihood of accidental activation. Seals (30) are formed about the body (12) for maintaining gas pressure of deflagrating propellant. The seals (30) may be formed integrally with the body (12) or separately from the body (12) and seated in respective grooves (40) formed circumferentially about the body (12). Also disclosed is a breech sleeve (810) shaped to complement the breech of the weapon and a throughway (816) defined by an internal surface, the projectile being able to pass through the throughway (816). |
| US07921777B2 |
Method and arrangement for producing propellant for charges with high charge density and high progressivity
The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for the production of radially perforated, cylindrical propellant tubes (1, 23, 31). The invention is based on the underlying idea that the respective propellant tube (1, 23, 31) must be fixed and centred between its own open ends and thereafter to be perforated in stages in a large number of consecutive perforation operations by means of one or more pins (13) capable of displacement in a pin die (10) relative to the propellant tube towards and at least through the major proportion of the cylindrical wall of the propellant tube. Also included in the invention is the requirement for the displacement, between each perforation operation, of the propellant tube and the pin die (10) used for the preparation operation in such a way relative to one another that the propellant tube, after a complete perforation operation, shall be covered in its entirely by perforations (32, 33, 35, 36), which lie at a predetermined e-dimension distance from one another. |
| US07921775B1 |
Warhead booster explosive lens
A cost-effective solution is proposed to improve explosive transfer between booster and warhead that is compatible with the existing base of general purpose warheads and flexible to work with new warhead configurations. A booster lens is placed in the fuze well that concentrates the pressure wave to penetrate the fuze well with a peak pressure that exceeds the detonation threshold and detonate the warhead explosive. The booster lens can be configured to control the direction of the concentrated lobe to penetrate the fuze well where the barriers are low. |
| US07921774B1 |
Plastic encapsulated energetic material initiation device
An initiator with a housing formed of plastic and a chip assembly for initiating at least one of a combustion event, a deflagration event and a detonation event. The chip assembly includes an electrically-actuated chip and a pair of electric leads that extend through the housing and are configured to couple the electrically-actuated chip to a fireset circuit. The electrically-actuated chip is partially encapsulated in the housing. A method for forming an initiator is also provided. |
| US07921773B2 |
Doctor blade system
A doctor blade system utilizes a lightweight doctor blade chamber to apply ink to an inking roller. The doctor blade chamber is removably positioned on a support plate which is, in turn, carried by linear guides on pivotable end plates. A rigid box beam is also attached to the end plates and is spaced from the support plate. A plurality of membrane cylinders are mounted on the rigid box beam and engage a surface of the support plate opposite to the surface that supports the doctor blade chamber. Through the application of suitable force, the support plate and its supported doctor blade chamber can be moved, by sliding motion on the linear slides, into uniform engagement with the surface of the ink roller. The system uses pivotable end plates which are supported by exterior plates that are, in turn, pivotably supported by press side frames. The chamber doctor blade and its support plate and box beam can be moved into several different positions, with respect to the cooperating ink roller, to facilitate doctor blade chamber cleaning or replacement or ink roller replacement. |
| US07921762B1 |
Dual elevation weapon station and method of use
A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) is disclosed having a sighting system, a control unit, a weapon cradle for receiving a weapon, and an operator interface for the GWS located remotely from the weapon cradle and the sighting system. The weapon cradle is elevated using a first elevation drive. The weapon cradle is co-located with the sighting system as a unit in the GWS. The sighting system includes a thermal video camera and a visible spectrum video camera, the thermal video camera and the visible spectrum video camera each producing a video output. The thermal and visible spectrum video outputs are provided to the operator interface for the GWS for display on a display included in the operator interface. |
| US07921759B2 |
Apparatus for providing protection from ballistic rounds projectiles, fragments and explosives
Armor systems for protecting against various threats, including projectiles and explosive devices. An armor system includes one or more ballistic panels, one or more wire mesh layers and a backing on a side of the armor system facing away from potential threats that helps to absorb force impacting on the first ballistic panel. The first ballistic panel includes a core that provides strength and rigidity for the first ballistic panel and that distributes and dissipates force impacting on the first ballistic panel, a grinding layer comprising grinding media situated within and positioned on at least one side of the core facing towards potential threats, and a bonding layer that encapsulates the grinding layer. The one or more wire mesh layers contain the ballistic panel, increasing the durability and re-usability of the ballistic panel. |
| US07921756B2 |
Film cutter assembly
The present invention relates to a film cutter assembly in which a blade housing slides along a pair of rails. The blade housing is formed of an upper portion for housing the blade. Either end of the upper portion has a rounded inclined shape from a bottom edge to form a sled shaped runner. The sled shaped runner extends beyond the blade such that the user is prevented from touching the blade. A lower portion of the blade housing slidables bilaterally in a cavity formed below the rails. A clearance is formed between the blade and the rails to allow the blade housing to easily slide over a film to be cut even if the film bunched or doubled over. The upper portion of the blade housing has a concave shape for allowing a user's fingers to easily grip the blade housing. Preferably, the rails are formed of a material which provides an attractive charge to attract the film to the rail and help hold the film flat before and after cutting. For example, the rails can be formed of flexible vinyl or acetal. |
| US07921751B2 |
Easy-to-manufacture ratchet wrench
A ratchet wrench includes a body having a first compartment rotatably receiving a drive member and a second compartment slideably receiving two pawls. A positioning member extends into the second compartment. A switch is slideably mounted to the body and includes two legs extending into the second compartment for moving the pawls. A restraining member is slideably received in the compartment and coupled to the legs to move therewith. The restraining member includes at least two positioning sections selectively engaged with the positioning member corresponding to at least two positions of the switch. |
| US07921741B2 |
Electromagnetic testing model of human hand
Model human hands (902) for use in electromagnetic (e.g., microwave and RF) testing comprise a skeleton (1200, 104) of dielectric tubes (142, 148, 166, 170, 174, 178, 206, 208, 210, 1202, 1212, 1214, 1216, 1228, 1230, 1236, 1240, 1242, 194, 195, 196) inside a glove (908) that is filled with a fluid that has electrical properties that match that of a typical human hand at a particular frequency. According to certain embodiments the model hands comprise thumbs (193, 1236) that are located out of a plane of palms of the model hands. According to one embodiment the dielectric tubes are pivotally coupled to each other and biasing means (181,702) are provided to bias the hand into a gripping position so that the model human hand is able to grip different types of wireless communication devices (802) in different ways. |
| US07921739B2 |
In situ sampling and monitoring a fluid
A method for in situ sampling and monitoring of a fluid flowing in a flow path, whereby the fluid is to be directed to a chamber a first valve may provide a connection between an inlet to the chamber and the flow path and a second valve may provide a connection between an outlet from the chamber and the flow path, comprising the following steps: a) opening the first valve and the second valve to let the incoming fluid flow through the inlet to the chamber and from the chamber through the outlet into the continuation of the fluid path, thereby allowing fluid to circulate through the chamber for a certain time, b) trapping the fluid in the chamber by closing the second valve and thereafter closing the first valve, c) opening a valve 9 for reducing pressure, to obtain a pressure in the chamber suitable for monitoring the fluid, d) opening an access valve 11 and leading the fluid trapped in the chamber into a monitor system wherein the fluid is analyzed, and thereby providing the data representing the fluid characteristics, e) providing exit for the fluid analyzed through a further fluid path possibly to a low pressure section of the system. |
| US07921735B2 |
In-line measuring device with measuring tube
The measuring tube of the in-line measuring device is lined internally with a liner. The liner is made of a polyurethane produced using a catalyst that contains metal-organic compounds. The metals that are brought into the liner and remain there are chemically, especially atomically, bonded to carbon chains formed in the liner. The in-line measuring device is thus especially suited for measuring drinking water. |
| US07921730B2 |
Downhole rock scratcher and method for identifying strength of subsurface intervals
Disclosed are a tool and method for identifying the relative strength of subsurface intervals through which a borehole has been drilled. The tool includes a tool body capable of being moved through a borehole. The tool body has pads mounted on movable arms. Preferably the arms can be loaded independently. Each pad carries scratchers, which are pushed against the borehole wall so as to create either deep narrow or shallow wide scratches. Preferably, the scratchers comprise either a single or dual element polycrystalline compact (PDC) cutter or suitable hard, wear resistant material such as tungsten carbide or natural diamond, and are pushed against the borehole wall by resiliently loaded arms. The depth of narrow scratches is measured, for example, by two tandem powered calipers and the width of wide scratches is visualized by a borehole imager. |
| US07921727B2 |
Sensing system for monitoring the structural health of composite structures
A sensing system for use in monitoring the structural health of a structure such as a polymeric matrix composite structure is provided. The system includes a sensor formed from a conductive ink containing carbon nanofibers and a polymeric resin, and a data acquisition system for acquiring and evaluating data from the sensor. The conductive ink may be applied directly to the structure to be monitored in the form of a grid pattern. Damage to the structure may be detected by measuring changes in resistance values detected from the sensor. |
| US07921724B2 |
Apparatus and method for eliminating varying pressure fluctuations in a pressure transducer
A single pressure sensing capsule has a reference pressure ported to the rear side of a silicon sensing die. The front side of the silicon sensing die receives a main pressure at another port. The silicon sensing die contains a full Wheatstone bridge on one of the surfaces and within the active area designated as the diaphragm area. Thus, the difference of the main and reference pressure results in the sensor providing an output equivalent to the differential pressure, namely the main pressure minus the reference pressure which is the stress induced in a sensing diaphragm. In any event, the reference pressure or main pressure may be derived from a pump pressure which is being monitored. The pump pressure output is subjected to a pump ripple or a sinusoidally varying pressure. In order to compensate for pump ripple, one employs a coiled tube. The tube length is selected to suppress the pump ripple as applied to the sensor die. In this manner, the pump ripple cannot cause resonance which would result in pressure amplification and which pressure amplification would destroy the sensor. |
| US07921721B2 |
Leadless oil filled pressure transducer
An oil-filled pressure transducer including a glass pre-form having contact pins and a oil-filled tube, each running top to bottom through holes in the pre-form. The oil-filled tube extends beyond the top of the pre-form. A glass alignment plate has an alignment aperture designed to fit over the extended oil-filled tube and-another aperture placed at a predetermined position from the alignment aperture which is shaped to accommodate a sensor. When the plate is aligned over the oil-filled tube, a sensor module can be positioned accurately in the alignment aperture so that contact is made with the pins. A header having a central diaphragm is placed over the pre-form and the aligned sensor creating a space between the diaphragm and the sensor which is filled with oil. The transducer utilizes less oil and exhibits a lower backpressure with increasing temperature than other oil-filled pressure transducers of similar size. |
| US07921718B2 |
Optical pressure monitoring system
An optical pressure monitoring system includes a tube from an infusion set and an optical signal sensor disposed to detect changes in the diameter of the tube and thereby determine pressure changes within the tube. By selecting the position of the tube relative to the optical signal emitter and optical signal receiver, the optical signal sensor can both detect pressure changes and provide an integrity check for both the functioning of the optical signal sensor and the placement of the tube. By modifying the tube to exaggerate changes in tube diameter responsive to pressure changes, the sensitivity of the optical signal sensor can be increased. |
| US07921717B2 |
Ultrasonic imaging system
Disclosed are a system and method of selecting one or more operational parameters of an ultrasonic imaging system. In particular, methods and means are disclosed for automatically or semi-automatically determining a best operating frequency, or for determining whether a system should operate in a fundamental imaging mode or a harmonic imaging mode. |
| US07921715B2 |
Handheld windsock with dial indicator
A handheld windsock includes a housing with a graduated dial indicator mounted on the housing. A cord attached to the housing overlays the graduated dial indicator and a miniaturized chute is attached to an end of the cord. In response to airflow, the miniaturized chute displaces the cord in relation to the graduated dial indicator, providing a readable indication of the wind speed. Wind direction may be obtained as the direction of maximum displacement of the miniaturized chute. A data table displayed on the housing allows a user, such as a golfer, to cross-reference a measured wind speed to a quantitative adjustment, such as a numerical adjustment to the selection of a golf club. |
| US07921713B2 |
Test fixture
A test fixture for testing a motor vehicle suspension, brake components and wheel components on a motor vehicle sub-frame is provided. The test fixture can include a lower frame attached to a base surface and be dimensioned for the motor vehicle sub-frame to be attached thereto. An upper frame oppositely disposed to the lower frame and dimensioned to attach to the sub-frame is also included. A shaker system is attached to the base surface and is operable to provide a predetermined vertical displacement profile to the sub-frame. A motor is attached to an axle assembly on the sub-frame and is operable to rotate a wheel component at a predetermined rate of rotation. A non-contact gap sensor is included and can be attached to the sub-frame and detect or monitor movement between a first sub-frame component and a second sub-frame component. |
| US07921712B1 |
Dynamometer test apparatus and method for testing both transmissions and rear differentials
A dynamometer-based test apparatus that includes a driving dynamometer which is rotatable between first and second positions thus allowing attachment to either a vehicle transmission from a vehicle having a transverse engine/transmission configuration or directly to a vehicle propeller shaft and a first vertically adjustable absorption dynamometer attachable to a first output drive shaft from a vehicle differential and a second vertically adjustable absorption dynamometer attachable to a second output drive shaft from a vehicle differential. A hand held rotating device such as a drill is attached to a gear and used to rotate the platform supporting the drive dynamometer and is attached to different jack screws to move that platform linearly, a base beneath the platform linearly and the absorption dynamometers vertically. |
| US07921709B2 |
Variable displacement engine diagnostics
Methods and systems are provided for monitoring cylinder valve deactivation of a cylinder valve of an engine. One example method comprises, indicating degradation of cylinder valve deactivation in response to manifold pressure at or around a characteristic frequency. |
| US07921707B2 |
Exhaust gas recirculation distribution variation sensing device
An exhaust gas recirculation distribution variation sensing device has a torque sensing section that senses instantaneous torque caused with combustion of fuel injected from an injector for each cylinder, an injection quantity sensing section that senses an actual injection quantity of the injected fuel for each cylinder, and an exhaust gas recirculation distribution variation calculating section that calculates an exhaust gas recirculation distribution variation as a distribution variation of recirculated exhaust gas to respective cylinders based on a variation in the torque sensing value of the torque sensing section among the cylinders (i.e., a torque variation) and a variation in the injection quantity sensing value of the injection quantity sensing section among the cylinders (i.e., an injection quantity variation). |
| US07921704B2 |
Virtual flex fuel sensor for spark ignition engines using ionization signal
Alcohol concentration level of flex fuel is estimated based upon in-cylinder ionization signals. The in-cylinder ionization signals are integrated and the rotational completion point of a chosen percentage of the integration total is identified as the integration location for the operating conditions under observation. The calculated integration location correlates with alcohol concentration level of flex fuel, and the integration calculations provide a basis for a virtual flex fuel sensor that provides calculated estimates of alcohol concentration rather than direct sensing using an expensive physical flex fuel sensor. |
| US07921696B2 |
Liquid chromatograph device
This liquid feeding system has the first and second pumps each of which is provided with a plunger. Liquid sucked through each of the pump suction ports is discharged out of the discharging port through the first pump and/or second pump. Under the starting operation mode, the second pump is stopped and only the first pump is operated. When the discharging pressure at the discharging port reaches up to a predetermined value, the starting operation mode is changed over to the normal operation mode. Under the normal operation mode, the first pump is stopped and only the second pump is operated. |
| US07921691B2 |
Acoustic fluid analyzer
A method of determining properties of a formation fluid based on measurements of fluid sound speed, a measurement of fluid density, or both. The properties include compressibility, thermal conductivity, and gas oil ratio. The compressibility of a fluid is equal to the reciprocal of the product of the sound speed squared and fluid density. The density and the sound speed can be measured acoustically. The method further includes a manner of processing data including applying the Savitzky-Golay method and utilizing a variable thresholding technique. |
| US07921686B2 |
Highly scalable architecture for application network appliances
A highly scalable application network appliance is described herein. According to one embodiment, a network element includes a switch fabric, a first service module coupled to the switch fabric, and a second service module coupled to the first service module over the switch fabric. In response to packets of a network transaction received from a client over a first network to access a server of a data center having multiple servers over a second network, the first service module is configured to perform a first portion of OSI (open system interconnection) compatible layers of network processes on the packets while the second service module is configured to perform a second portion of the OSI compatible layers of network processes on the packets. The first portion includes at least one OSI compatible layer that is not included in the second portion. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US07921684B2 |
Magnet-holding structure for magnetic position detector and steering lock apparatus
A steering lock apparatus for locking a steering shaft of a vehicle. The steering lock apparatus includes a motor and a lock assembly that is moved by the motor. The lock assembly includes a lock bar that moves between a lock position at which the lock bar is engaged with the steering shaft and an unlock position at which the lock bar is disengaged from the steering shaft. A magnet receptacle portion is arranged on the lock assembly. A magnet is attached to the magnet receptacle portion and moved integrally with the lock assembly. A magnetic field detection element detects a present position of the lock assembly based on a magnetic field of the magnet. The magnet is magnetically held and positioned in the magnet receptacle portion by magnetic attraction force produced between the magnet and a part of the lock assembly. |
| US07921682B1 |
Padlock with alarm function
A padlock includes a lock body, a lock shackle having two ends respectively inserted into a respective shackle hole in the lock body, two actuation members, two latches, a lock cylinder having a core inserted in between the actuation members and rotatable with a predetermined key to drive the actuation members in moving the latches to lock the lock shackle, and an alarm control device affixed to the lock body for causing a buzzer to buzz upon a vibration. |
| US07921681B2 |
Washing-drying/drying machine
A washing-drying/drying machine includes a tub mounted in a cabinet; a drum rotatably disposed in the tub for receiving laundry; a cooling water supply unit for supplying cooling water to condense moisture in air discharged from the drum; and a condensing plate mounted between the drum and an inner wall of the tub for receiving the cooling water to condense the moisture in the air. |
| US07921676B2 |
Method for manufacturing optical fiber preform and optical fiber preform apparatus
A method for manufacturing an optical fiber preform and an optical fiber preform apparatus are provided which can reduce hydroxyl groups in an optical fiber preform to a sufficient level without requiring any special equipment or operating conditions. When an optical fiber preform is manufactured by the vapor-phase deposition method, the dehydrating treatment is performed on a porous core preform that is obtained by deposing glass microparticles. In this treatment, a dehydrating agent is supplied to a dehydration apparatus through a feeding pipe and a main feeding pipe made of a material having a water permeance factor of 1.0×10−11 g·cm/cm2·s·cmHg or less, thereby manufacturing an optical fiber preform. |
| US07921668B2 |
Refrigerator having controlled ice maker and dispenser
A refrigerator has a freezing chamber at the bottom, and a refrigerating chamber over the freezing chamber. The refrigerator includes an ice making unit and an ice dispenser mounted in a refrigerating chamber door that allows ice to be dispensed without opening the door. A sub-PCB is mounted in the refrigerating chamber door for controlling operations of the ice making unit and the dispenser. A cold air supply duct supplies cold air from a cold air supply unit to the ice making unit. |
| US07921666B2 |
Refrigerator with icemaker
A refrigerator with an icemaker (100) is disclosed, having an improved structure for supplying ice to a user of the outside through a dispenser (30) provided in a door (25), which includes a dispenser (30) provided in a door (25); an icemaker (100) for making ice by using a cool air of a freezer; a container (200) for receiving and storing the ice discharged from the icemaker; and a lifter (300) provided between the dispenser and the container, for lifting the ice stored in the container to the dispenser. |
| US07921661B2 |
Dehumidification system with multiple condensers and compound compressor
A refrigerant cycle is provided with a multi-port compressor or compressor stages connected in series, and multiple condensers. A single evaporator communicates with the plurality of condensers. At least one of the plurality of condensers receives fully compressed refrigerant while the other condensers receive refrigerant at intermediate pressure. A control can optionally direct refrigerant to the condensers to achieve desired system heat rejection characteristics and operating conditions. One or multiple reheat coils may be associated with the evaporator and are arranged either in series or in parallel to provide a desired dehumidification function and reheat stages. One or several of the intermediate pressure condensers may be utilized for the reheat function as well. |
| US07921654B1 |
Cooled turbine stator vane
A first stage turbine stator vane used in an industrial gas turbine engine, the vane having an outer endwall and an inner endwall with the airfoil extending between the two endwalls. A showerhead arrangement of film cooling holes is located along the leading edge region, and a row of exit cooling air slots is located along the trailing edge of the airfoil. A slanted rib extends from the outer endwall to the inner endwall and separates the vane into a forward cavity and an aft cavity. A leading edge impingement tube is secured within the forward cavity to provide impingement cooling to the leading edge walls of the airfoil. The leading edge impingement tube includes a cooling air inlet section extending out from the inner endwall so that a vena contractor forms in the tube entrance before the impingement holes begin. The leading edge impingement tube narrows in the cooling air flow direction. The trailing edge impingement tube has similar construction but has the cooling air inlet extending out from the outer endwall. With this design, the first stage vane can use both impingement cooling of the leading edge region and showerhead film cooling of the leading edge airfoil surface to allow for a higher gas flow temperature across the vane. |
| US07921651B2 |
Operation of dual gas turbine fuel system
The present application provides a method of operating a dual gas fuel delivery system comprising selecting a manifold and fuel flow split; setting the stroke of a high-energy gas control valve based on the fuel split; measuring the primary manifold nozzle pressure ratio across a primary manifold nozzle outlet; comparing the primary manifold nozzle pressure ratio against a primary manifold specification limit; adjusting the stroke of a primary low energy gas control valve to maintain the pressure ratio across the primary manifold nozzle outlet within the primary manifold specification limit; measuring the secondary manifold nozzle pressure ratio across a secondary manifold nozzle outlet; comparing the secondary manifold nozzle pressure ratio against a secondary manifold specification limit; and adjusting the stroke of a secondary low energy gas control valve to maintain the pressure ratio across the secondary manifold nozzle outlet within the secondary manifold specification limit. |
| US07921644B2 |
Power transmission for a thermal elastic wire
A power transmission for a thermal elastic wire including a frame for supporting a pair of anchor posts which stretch said wire there between. One of the posts being pivoted in the frame and having an extension arm projecting therefrom towards the other post. A spring biased rotator drum is rotatably supported in the frame proximate to the end of the extension arm. A flexible connection interconnects the periphery of the rotator drum with the end of the extension arm of the pivoted anchor post. A power takeoff connection on the rotator drum is provided for the attachment of a connecting link there to whereby as the thermal elastic wire changes phase, a smooth power stroke can be extracted from the transition at the power takeoff connection and stored in a spring. |
| US07921643B2 |
Hydrostatic transaxle
A hydrostatic transaxle (IHT) comprises a hydrostatic transmission (HST), an axle, a deceleration drive train, a first housing member, and a second housing member. The HST includes first and second hydraulic displacement units fluidly connected to each other. The first hydraulic displacement unit has a pump shaft for receiving power from a prime mover. The second hydraulic displacement has a motor shaft. The deceleration drive train is interposed between the motor shaft and the axle. The first housing member supports the HST and the deceleration drive train, and has an opening through which the HST and the deceleration drive train are installed into the first housing member. The second housing member is joined to the first housing member so as to serve as a lid for covering the opening of the first housing member after the HST and the deceleration drive train are installed in the first housing member so as to be supported by the first housing member. |
| US07921642B2 |
Inertial body drive system
A pressure selector valve (13) is provided between a hydraulic motor (1) and a directional control valve (5) to connect one of the main conduits (4A), (4B) on a high pressure side to a high pressure conduit (14) while connecting the other of the main conduits on a low pressure side to a low pressure conduit (15). As an inertial body approaches a stop position, a spool valve (16) is switched to an open position (e), bringing a branch passage (14A) of the high pressure conduit (14) into communication with the low pressure conduit. When the pressure difference between the main conduits becomes small, the pressure selector valve is automatically returned to a neutral position to cut off communication between the main conduits, suppressing a reversing movement of the hydraulic motor so that an inertial body can be brought to a stop smoothly. |
| US07921635B2 |
Peripheral combustor for tip turbine engine
A tip turbine engine (40) provides a peripheral combustor (30) with a more efficient combustion path through the combustor and through the tip turbine blades (34). In the combustor, the core airflow is received generally axially from compressor chambers in hollow fan blades (28) and then turned radially outwardly into a combustion chamber (112), where it is then mixed with the fuel and ignited. The combustor has a combustion path extending axially from a forward end of its combustion chamber through a combustion chamber outlet (122) and through a turbine (32) mounted to the fan. Thus, when the core airflow begins to expand in a high-energy gas stream, it has a substantially axial path from the combustion chamber through the turbine. |
| US07921628B2 |
Small scale tomato harvester
The present invention is a compact fruit-vine harvester and separation system in which the harvested fruit travels along a vertical plane inside the harvester during processing, followed by a single turn for output. The system includes a machine and related methods for harvesting vine-borne crops. The machine provides for vine borne crops to be severed, separated, cleaned and machine-sorted along a straight path before making a single turn prior to exit. The machine incorporates a blower and/or suction system for efficient removal of unwanted dirt, vegetation and debris, and an optional roller to prevent clogging of the suction system. |
| US07921623B2 |
Suture winding device
An apparatus for winding an armed suture is provided. The apparatus includes a base member, a needle holder disposed in a region of the base member, and at least one needle having a quantity of a suture attached thereto. The apparatus further includes a retainer package disposed atop the base member, a plurality of rods engagable with and corresponding to the throughholes of the retainer package, and a holder having open and closed states. The plurality of rods are disposed in at least one array and the retainer package includes a first member having a plurality of throughholes. The holder is movable relative to the base member between a plurality of positions. The holder includes a first arm and a second arm. The first and second arms are in a spaced apart relation in the open state and at least a portion of the first arm are in substantial contact with at least a portion of the second arm in the closed state. |
| US07921621B2 |
Support-type component that is composed of individual sections
A beam-like structural component (1) made up of individual parts, comprising a flange (2) and two webs (3, 4) is characterized in that a flange (2) is provided with one web (3, 4) each on its two longitudinal sides, wherein each web is attached to a longitudinal sidewall of the flange (2) preferably by means of an adhesive material, and that the end regions (7) of the webs (3, 4), which end regions are facing away from the flange (2), are planarly interconnected with the surfaces (8, 9) facing each other preferably by means of an adhesive material, wherein the webs (3, 4), in their cross-sections, have in each case the shape of a “stretched S”. |
| US07921617B2 |
Structural panel utilizing a lath and frame member and method for making the same
A structural panel and method of making the same are disclosed wherein the structural panel has at least one frame member with receptor pockets extending therein. Ribs protruding from a lath are resiliently engaged within the receptor pockets thereby securing the lath against the frame member. A structural coating is secured to the lath thereby providing a labor-efficient, low-cost structural panel available for use for a number of different construction projects. |
| US07921615B2 |
Iron sheet panel with horizontal groove for interior space partitioning
An improved panel is disclosed. The panel is of the type for use with a bracket and which, in use: forms a wall surface as part of an assembly for partitioning or dividing a space; defines a horizontal groove; and is adapted to releasably, securely, receive, via the horizontal groove, said bracket. The improvement comprises a metal sheet and a metal bolster. The metal sheet has a front and a rear face, the front face defining said wall surface in use and said sheet defining a horizontal slot in use. The metal bolster is secured to the rear face of said metal sheet to define, in combination with the metal sheet, said horizontal groove. |
| US07921611B2 |
Retractable column and method of forming
The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column. |
| US07921609B2 |
Room arrangement, ship, building and method for constructing a room arrangement
Room arrangements include at least two superposed prefabricated load-bearing room units. The room units have a ceiling, a floor and at least two walls that are made at least mainly of cellular board. Ships, buildings and methods for constructing a room arrangement are also provided, especially the construction of multi-storey rooms, for example, cabin compartments in ships or block of flats without middle decks or intermediate floors. |
| US07921608B2 |
Variable volume container unit hoisting device for lowering and raising a telescopical expansion element with upper and lower elements that cooperate with guide elements and a plurality of lower stops
A container has a variable volume, wherein a basic container has a bottom panel and a roof panel. One or more hinged side panels are rotateable about a horizontal axis, and one or more expansion elements are telescopeable out of the basic container and have a bottom panel, a side open toward a front the basic container and a front panel opposite the open side. Each expansion element is open toward the top and, in a telescoped state, the roof panel is formed by a raised side panel of the basic container. One or more hoisting devices is associated with each expansion element and with which the expansion element is lowerable. |
| US07921607B2 |
Apparatus for mounting a solar panel or other article to a roof or other structure
An apparatus for mounting an article to a roof includes a base plate, threaded stud, lag bolts, spacer, and flashing. The base plate includes bolt holes to accommodate the lag bolts to secure the base plate to the roof. The threaded stud is secured to and extends vertically from the base plate. The spacer is inserted over the stud so that the stud passes through an aperture in the spacer, and is secured by a nut. The spacer acts as a lift for mounting an article up off the roof, thereby permitting drainage. The spacer includes a recess to accommodate the head of a lag bolt. The wrap-around flashing is captured between the base plate and spacer, creating a water free environment underneath the assembled unit. The flashing slides up underneath the roofing shingles to prevent water from penetrating the structure, and includes a lip to accommodate the base plate, and a detent to accommodate the bolt heads beneath it. |
| US07921606B2 |
Hip, ridge or rake shingle
A hip, ridge or rake shingle comprised of a plurality of panels sandwiched on each panel portion side of a layer of shingle material, such that each panel portion can be folded along a fold line, and wherein tabs are provided for each panel portion, adapted to be bent backwardly upon themselves, sandwiching thickening panels therebetween. The shingles can be laid up on a hip, ridge or rake of a roof, to yield desirable thickened features. |
| US07921602B2 |
Shutter assembly
A shutter assembly includes a stile having a solid core and a plastic outer cover. Holes are formed in the plastic outer cover and aligned with an axial groove formed in the solid core to receive a slotted louver pin. The louver pin includes a pair of arms that provide a sufficient compression fit in the axial groove of the stile while enabling each louver to rotate freely. Separate stile end caps are formed to be flush with the edges of the ends of the plastic cover. Each louver includes louver edges and opposite end caps which are substantially flush with the louver edges. A method of manufacturing a shutter assembly is also provided. |
| US07921600B1 |
Multi-use planting system
A container includes a top having downwardly extending walls adapted to releasably attach to upwardly extending walls of a bottom of a planter, the top of the container further adapted to releasably attach to the bottom of the planter so that when the downwardly extending walls of the container are attached to the upwardly extending walls of the planter the container functions as a terrarium enclosure and when the top of the container is attached to the bottom of the planter the container functions as a pedestal to support the planter. |
| US07921598B2 |
Gel-coated seed
A gel-coated seed is provided, which has sufficient strength for handling just after the production thereof and after the recovery following the storage under drying, and has a good property in terms of standing-up of seedling. The gel-coated seed includes: a seed of a plant; a coating gel-layer, which coats the seed, consisting of alginic acid-based aqueous gel gelled in the presence of a multivalent metal ion; and grains consisting of water-containing hydrophilic polymer, which is resistant to the multivalent metal ion, distributed in the coating gel-layer. |
| US07921594B2 |
Methods for testing insect control products
Methods determine how effective a product that dispenses an insect repellent or insecticide is in controlling flying insects such as mosquitoes, with no or reduced need for human test subjects. An insect trap or other automated monitoring device is positioned in a test environment and operated in a manner so as to mimic some human attribute (e.g. by dispensing carbon dioxide). Trap/monitoring results in the presence and absence of the operating product are obtained in order to judge relative effectiveness of the active. Further, the real time evaluation of insect populations permits evaluation of time needed to achieve base effectiveness and length of time that effectiveness can be sustained. |
| US07921591B1 |
Flip-up aiming sight
An aiming system having a two-tone colored rear sight lens as the primary aiming component. The lens is held in an L-shaped lens frame which also incorporated conventional “iron sights.” The two-tone colored lens has an outside perimeter portion of one color and a central portion of another color. The lens frame can fold or rotate forward from an upright locked position to a locked-down position using a manually activated one-handed operation. |
| US07921587B2 |
Ambidextrous push-button magazine release for side-locking ammunition magazines
An ambidextrous magazine release for a firearm is provided for a firearm having a magazine well configured to operatively receive a magazine having a side-locking recess received within the well. The ambidextrous magazine release comprises a linkage moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position having a lock pin configured to be received in a side-locking recess of a magazine operatively received in the magazine well with the linkage in the engaged position and to clear the side-locking recess with the linkage in the disengaged position. An actuator is provided on the firearm comprising a bar having a opposing push surfaces extending between a right and left side of the firearm. An interface is provided between the linkage and actuator with the interface being configured so that as either of the opposing push surfaces of the bar is pushed by a user, the linkage is moved between the engaged and the disengaged position. |
| US07921586B2 |
Multi-sided rotatable billboard and associated methods
A display system includes a frame and a plurality of rotatable columns carried by the frame. Each of the plurality of rotatable columns may include a column connection member, at least one display engagement member carried by the column connection member, and a plurality of display members carried by the at least one display engagement member. The display system may also include a respective plurality of display guide members carried by the frame to engage each of the plurality of rotatable columns. Each of the respective plurality of display guide members may include an arcuate shaped guide. Each display guide member may have four imaginary quadrants and a portion of the arcuate shaped guide extends through each of the four imaginary quadrants. Each portion of the arcuate shaped guide extending through each of the imaginary quadrant preferably has a different shape. |
| US07921585B2 |
Fireplace simulator with glowing ember effect
A simulator for providing a user with a simulated burning log display providing moving patterns of light which simulate a flickering flame image. The flame image is generated by rotating a shaft with a helically wound light array such that the lights reflect off a mirror with flame shaped reflecting areas onto a partially transparent screen to give the impression to a viewer of flickering flames appearing on a front side of the screen and behind a non-burning pile of logs. The logs have flame colored light transmissive regions which are illuminated by an array of ember LED's under the control of circuitry which generates apparently randomly varying illumination levels, to thereby create a glowing ember effect. |
| US07921581B2 |
Excavation device
A device for excavating and transporting material, especially earth, the device comprising an excavation appliance that can be rotated about a rotational axis (y) in a rotational direction (u), and a longitudinal conveyor for transporting the excavated material. The excavation appliance comprises an impeller having a conically extending guide surface arranged around the rotational axis (y) in a rotationally symmetrical manner, and guide vanes which radially protrude from the conical guide surface and form an acute angle in relation to the rotational axis (y). |
| US07921580B2 |
Sole construction for energy storage and rebound
A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, the horizontal layer of stretchable material is at least partially enclosed by a wall the prevents horizontal displacement of the layer during compression. |
| US07921579B1 |
Apparatus and method for adding securement means to a pointe shoe
An insert for a pointe shoe or other shoe provides a simple, efficient way to secure ribbons, elastic, and loops to the shoe. |
| US07921576B2 |
Drying and freezing method without cooling medium
A drying and freezing method without cooling medium comprises the steps of removing moisture, separating cold air from hot air and mixing the cold air with the hot air. Under the condition of no cooling medium, the above-mentioned steps separate the moisture from the compressed air, separate the cold air from the hot air and mix the cold air with the hot air. The system using the drying and freezing method without cooling medium comprises at least one air dryer having an air-moisture separation chamber for separating air from moisture and at least one separator having a separation chamber for separating cold air from hot air. The separator is connected to a pipeline to mix the cold air with the hot air. |
| US07921571B2 |
Device for mechanically locating and reading the setting of an adjustable valve
The invention proposes a device for mechanically locating and reading the setting of an adjustable magnetic valve for controlling the flow of a fluid in a predetermined direction to locate the magnetic centre of the valve and to determine the setting of the valve. The device comprises a magnetic compass (10), an alignment mark for aligning the magnetic compass (10) with respect to the direction in which the fluid flows, a reference plane (Pr), and a magnetic indicator (12), which is mounted such that it can pivot in all three dimensions of space under the effect of the magnetic field of the valve. The magnetic indicator (12) includes at least one magnet capable of receiving a magnetic field and having a north-south direction, wherein the north-south direction is substantially perpendicular to the reference plane (Pr) when the magnetic indicator (12) is positioned substantially perpendicular to the reference plane (Pr). |
| US07921570B1 |
Eye alignment assembly for targeting systems
An eye alignment assembly for targeting systems. A sight point of an optical fiber is positioned within a housing behind an alignment indicia on a lens. An adjustment system permits the sight point of the optical fiber to be repositioned relative to the alignment indicia on the lens. The eye alignment assembly provides an indication of orientation of a user's eye in the pitch and yaw directions relative to the housing. The eye alignment assembly can be a discrete component or integrated into a targeting system, such as a bow sight. |
| US07921557B2 |
Exhaust gas treatment device and method for making the same
A device for treatment of exhaust gases includes a housing, a fragile structure resiliently mounted within the housing, and a non-intumescent mounting mat disposed in a gap between the housing and the fragile structure. The mounting mat includes a plurality of inorganic fibers that have undergone a surface treatment to increase the holding force performance of the mounting mat. Also disclosed are methods of making a mounting mat for an exhaust gas treatment device and for making an exhaust gas treatment device incorporating the mounting mat. |
| US07921556B2 |
Fully bladed closure for tangential entry round skirt dovetails
A fully bladed closure design for a turbine wheel with tangential entry. A set of the final three buckets including a bladed closure bucket are disposed about a wheel margin with two buckets adjacent to the bladed closure bucket secured to the wheel margin by the dovetails. The closure bucket is secured to adjacent buckets by a combination of one or more retaining keys and to the margin by one or more retaining pins. The bladed closure bucket and the adjoining faces of the adjacent buckets have flat skirts providing suppport from the retaining keys across the full axial width of the bladed closure bucket and the adjacent buckets. |
| US07921552B2 |
Method of manufacturing a small form factor PCBA
A process carrier is capable of supporting printed circuit boards during manufacturing and testing. The process carrier includes a base plate, a first top plate and a second top plate. The base plate has an upper surface including a recessed area sized to receive a panelized group of printed circuit board substrates and a lower surface. The first top plate is coupleable to the upper surface of the base plate during a first manufacturing process. The first top plate includes a plurality of connected rails configured to secure the panelized group of printed circuit board substrates. The second top plate is coupleable to the upper surface of the base plate during a second manufacturing process. The second top plate is configured to cover the panelized group of printed circuit board substrates. |
| US07921545B2 |
Method for setting a plurality of stator coils on a stator core
Stator coils are retained by an inserting blade and a setting blade. The setting blade is rotated in this state. Then, after rotation, the stator coils are set on the inserting blade. At this time, the stator coils are arranged in the inserting blade in a state where the stator coils overlap one another to form a spiral shape. Thus, the stator coils are arranged uniformly. |
| US07921544B2 |
Method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head structure
A thin-film magnetic head structure has a configuration adapted to manufacture a thin-film magnetic head configured such that a main magnetic pole layer including a magnetic pole end part on a side of a medium-opposing surface opposing a recording medium, a write shield layer opposing the magnetic pole end part so as to form a recording gap layer on the medium-opposing surface side, and a thin-film coil wound about the write shield layer or main magnetic pole layer are laminated. The main magnetic pole layer has an end face joint structure where respective end faces of the magnetic pole end part and a yoke magnetic pole part having a size greater than that of the magnetic pole end part are joined to each other, and a surface with a flat structure on a side closer to the thin-film coil. |
| US07921539B2 |
Integrated nutplate and clip for a floating fastener and method of manufacture and assembly
An inexpensive and reliable floating fastener is provided by manufacturing an integrated nutplate into the backside of the interior structural member. A retention clip engages the nutplate to capture the nut while allowing the nut to float. The integrated nutplate roughly aligns the floating nut to the axial through-hole in the structural member and provides the torque resistance required to drive the screw into the nut. The retention clip holds the nut in place and provides the axial resistance required for the lead chamfer of the screw to engage the nut and resist the axial loading on the screw during installation. The nutplate is designed to facilitate cost-effective manufacturing. The per hole cost of the integrated floating-fastener is approximately 30% of the cost of the industry standard riveted floating fastener. |
| US07921534B2 |
Ultrasonic end stops on zipper closure bags and methods for making same
Ultrasonic end stops and methods of making ultrasonic end stops are provided. The present invention relates to plastic reclosable fasteners with sliders for opening and closing the reclosable fasteners on plastic bags and the like and particularly to the use of protruding end stop structures on reclosable fasteners to prevent travel of sliders past the fastener ends. The end stop structures include at least one of high density polyethylene, to medium density polyethylene, polypropylene, a cyclic olefin copolymer, a high density material, or a high modulus material and may optionally include low density polyethylene or linear low density polyethylene. |
| US07921532B2 |
Sink flange ring installation tool
A tool for installing a retainer ring onto the lower portion of a loosely inserted drain fitting for engaging a mounting flange thereto includes a generally resilient cup structure provided with a plurality of axially aligned and resiliently cantilevered peripherally adjacent strips within which the retaining ring is received in a compressed engagement seated on a helical interior shoulder. A threaded rod extends through a centering plug received in the drain fitting and then through the cup interior to axially advance the axially aligned ring carried by the strips. |
| US07921523B2 |
Structure of buckle set
A buckle set, two of which pair off for being inset in frame of the swimming goggles on two sides so that a strap can be inserted in the buckle sets for fastening the swimming goggles on user's face. Structure of the present invention features a 2nd bump, which keeps the buckle in effective spacing even when the buckle is loaded with force and thus keeping the buckle well covered by the buckle hood. |
| US07921521B2 |
Deflection device for an anti-skid chain
A deflection device for an anti skid chain includes a chain wheel rotatably stored in a housing for the accommodation of a chain which can be inserted into the chain wheel, and an actuating element that can be moved between a locking position, in which the movement of the chain wheel is blocked in one direction, and an unlocking position in which said blocking is released, and which engages, via a locking pawl actuated by said actuating element, a toothed ring non-rotatably connected to the chain wheel, which is in the form of an internally-toothed ring of the chain wheel. The locking pawl is pivotally mounted within the interior space surrounded by the toothed ring. The locking pawl engages the toothed ring in the locking position but disengages the same in the unlocking position of the actuating element. |
| US07921516B2 |
Hinge assembly and a frame for an electronic device with the hinge assembly
A hinge assembly has two tracks, a main bracket, at least one connecting bracket, at least one sliding hinge and at least one tilting hinge. The main bracket is mounted slidably between the tracks. The connecting bracket is mounted securely on the main bracket. The sliding hinge corresponds to and selectively holds the connecting bracket. The tilting hinge is connecting to the main bracket. With the related movement between the connecting bracket and the sliding hinge, the connecting bracket is selectively held or moved. Therefore, a moving bracket of a frame for an electronic device being attached to the tilting hinge is selectively pushed and held in a body of the frame or received in the body. |
| US07921514B2 |
Hinge assembly for vehicle doors
Hinge assembly for vehicle doors that comprises two hinge bodies articulately connected, the articulated connection consisting of at least two articulating formations spaced apart along the axis of rotation of the hinge assembly, each of which consists of a male element situated on a hinge body that can be coupled by moving it in the direction of the axis of rotation of the hinge onto a complementary female element that is situated on the other hinge body, the hinge assembly also comprising a safety element disposed so as to rotate around an axis that is solidly joined to one of the hinge bodies and that can move between at least a release position, wherein it is possible to decouple the male and female elements, and a second position wherein it is inserted between the two aforementioned articulating formations and prevents said male and female elements from becoming decoupled. |
| US07921510B2 |
Motor enclosure for a vacuum cleaner
A motor enclosure for a vacuum cleaner includes a body having both a motor receiver for receiving a motor and a filter receiver for receiving a filter. |
| US07921509B2 |
Suction brush for use in vacuum cleaner and method of adjusting the height thereof
A suction brush for use in a vacuum cleaner and a method of adjusting the height thereof. The suction brush includes a brush casing having a suction opening to draw in air and a main air passage through which the air drawn in through the suction opening flows, a detecting unit disposed to the brush casing to detect a kind of a surface to be cleaned, a lifting unit to move a bottom surface of the brush casing close to and away from the surface to be cleaned, and a driving unit operated in response to a signal generated from the detecting unit and moving the lifting unit using air pressure generated by the air flowing through the main air passage. |
| US07921506B2 |
Robot cleaner having function for detecting separation of dust tank and control method thereof
A robot cleaner is provided that includes a body having a receiving portion configured to receive a dust tank mounted thereto, a detector installed at the receiving portion that detects whether the dust tank has been separated from the body by an interaction with the dust tank, and a controller that controls a suction motor installed in the body according to a detection result of the detector. When the dust tank is separated from the receiving portion, the detector detects the separated state of the dust tank immediately and the controller stops the suction motor, thus, preventing dust from being introduced into the body. |
| US07921499B2 |
Method and device for producing a toothbrush by the two-component or multi-component injection-molding process
The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a toothbrush (50) or part thereof by the two-component or multi-component injection-molding process. To produce in the brush body segments (20) that are isolated from the rest of the brush body, a mold (10) which comprises three hollow regions (12, 14, 16) is used. Two of these hollow regions (12, 14) that are separate from one another serve for producing the segments (12) and the other regions (18) of the toothbrush (50) from a first component (38). A third hollow region (16) serves for distributing material to the segments (20) that are isolated from one another and from the other regions (18), or the corresponding hollow region (14). The material (22) remaining behind there is removed and sent for disposal. In a further step, connecting elements (42) between the segments (20) and/or the other regions (18) are injection-molded from a second component (39). |
| US07921495B2 |
Corner joint structure for bridge pier and method of producing the same
An end face (20) of one (10a) of two adjacent thick steel plates (10a, 10b) intended to construct a corner joint of a bridge column is formed into a beveled end face (22). Laser beam welding is applied to a root portion (24) of the beveled end face, and arc welding is applied to bevels (26, 28) thereof so that grooves defined by the bevels (26, 28) are filled with weld metal (40). |
| US07921494B2 |
Internal unit, suspended such that it can vibrate, of a laundry treatment machine, method for controlling a laundry treatment machine, and use of an electronic sensor in an internal unit
An internal unit of a washing machine or spin-dryer normally includes a washing container, which has a laundry drum mounted in the container such that it can rotate, and an electric motor for driving the laundry drum via a reduction gear, a transmission, or direct drive. The internal unit is suspended in a machine housing such that it can vibrate and constitutes an overall system which can vibrate in a damped manner and which is subject to unbalance-dependent resonance phenomena in specific regions of the rotational speed of the laundry drum. The causes of these resonance phenomena are vibratory movements due to momentary unbalances in the load in the laundry drum. To reduce these unbalance-dependent resonance phenomena, the internal unit is provided with a vibration sensor which is rigidly or substantially rigidly coupled to the internal unit |
| US07921491B2 |
Healthy bed for actively supporting a human spine curve
A healthy bed for actively supporting a human spine curve mainly comprises a lower base, a plurality of mobilizing devices inside the lower base, a height sensor, a control device, and an inflating device; an upper mattress having an air cushion layer and a plurality of push rods; wherein the control device is used for memorizing the spine curve of a person lying on the upper mattress. When a user lies on the upper mattress, the push rods is are pressed to push the mobilizing devices to move downward, the height sensor detects a moving distance of the mobilizing devices for the control device to determine whether the user is the one whose spine curve is memorized, and if so, then the inflating device is activated to inflate the air cushion layer to let the surface of the upper mattress meet the profile of the spine curve of the user. |
| US07921490B2 |
Patient support device and method for use
A patient support device for positioning the anatomy of a patient during a medical procedure includes a base and a handle. The base is supported on the top of a patient support table. The handle protrudes from a proximal side of the base. Both the base and the handle are made from a biocompatible, radiolucent material that is capable of being used during a radiographic procedure. |
| US07921489B2 |
Radial arm system for patient care equipment
A system for supporting patient care equipment alongside a patient support is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of arms supported by a support structure. The arms may be pivoted to either side of the patient support. The arms may be stored in a console. At least one of the arms may carry service conduits that provide medical air, oxygen, vacuum, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, or electricity. |
| US07921486B2 |
Multi-position support for a folding patient lift device
A patient lift has a base, a mast assembly mounted on the base at the lower end, a boom pivotally mounted at one end on the mast assembly. An actuator is mounted on the boom and configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position to pivot the boom relative to the mast assembly between a lowered position and a raised position. A support member includes a sling attachment pivotally mounted on the outer end of the boom. A locking mechanism is configured to fix the support member relative to the boom when the locking mechanism is engaged and further configured to allow pivotal movement of the support member relative to the boom when the locking mechanism is released. |
| US07921485B2 |
Folding patient lift device
A patient lift has a base extending in a forward direction, and a mast mounted relative to the base. The mast includes a hinge configured to allow the mast to be pivoted relative to the base between an upright operative position and a folded position, wherein when the mast is in the folded position the mast is substantially parallel to the base and extends in the forward direction. A latch mechanism is configured to hold the mast in the folded position when the latch mechanism is locked, and to allow the mast to be returned to the upright operative position when the latch mechanism is released. The latch mechanism is configured to automatically lock when the mast is moved to the folded position. |
| US07921478B1 |
Pivotal splash guard for a toilet
A splash guard includes a shield that helps deflect and drain misdirected urine into a toilet bowl. When not needed, the shield can pivot 180 degrees from an operative, raised position down to tuck underneath the front end of the toilet bowl at a stored, lowered position. In the lowered position, the shield is generally inverted. To prevent residual urine on the inverted shield from dripping onto the floor, the shield includes a drip lip that temporarily collects the residual urine. When returned to the upright, raised position, urine in the drip lip is free to drain back into the toilet. The shield is pivotally connected to the toilet bowl at a point below the upper rim of the bowl so that when the shield pivots to the lowered position, the shield is completely out of the way. |
| US07921476B2 |
Swimming goggles
Swimming goggles include a frame unit, lenses assembled on the frame unit, and a strap unit. The strap unit comprises at least a head strap with at least a free end, and a buckle for securing and adjusting the head strap. The free end defines a plurality of stop grooves therein. The buckle includes a base and a press portion movable radially relative to the base. The base has a first axis and a second axis respectively formed on opposing ends thereof for supporting the head straps. A first abut portion and a second abut portion are formed on the base. The press portion comprises a first stop portion and a second stop portion, an operating portion between the first stop portion and the second stop portion, and a first branch and a second branch respectively on opposite sides of the operating portion. |
| US07921475B2 |
Impact attenuating chin protector
An impact attenuating chin protector comprises a hard outer shell with a narrowed central area to better dissipate impact forces and an inner foam member. The foam member includes a series of alternating foam columns and recesses with perforations at controlled locations to provide additional force dissipation, improved ventilation, and protection from the edges of the hard outer shell. The interior surface of the foam member is configured so that almost the entire interior surface contacts the wearer's chin except for the perforations. The columns and recesses are configured so that recesses are located around two pressure points on the chin. Since the columns absorb the impact of a collision, the two pressure points on the wearer's chin are not directly impacted. The outer shell does not completely cover the foam member leaving the upper and lower edges of the foam member to extend beyond the edges of the shell. |
| US07921473B1 |
Head cooling apparatus
The head cooling apparatus is housed in a case removably fitted within an existing hat crown of a hat, without structural modification to the hat. The case has a plurality of air vents including an intake and a trio of vents which direct air across a hat wearer's head. The fan within the case is adjacent to the intake. The non-evaporative refreezable cooling cartridge is removably fitted within the case. The switched power source within the case is in communication with the fan and a power source. The fan forces air into the intake, across the cooling cartridge and out the vents toward a wearer's head. |
| US07921471B2 |
Protective coat for emergency responders
A coat for use by emergency responders, such as firefighters, is described. Certain aspects of the coat include a barrier resistant liner for protection against chemical and biological agents, a compression zone that can improve safety when working in hazardous areas, and a flame resistant shell including zippered sleeves that can facilitate the donning of protective gloves. |
| US07921469B2 |
Protective covers for drivers and vehicle passengers
A bib for use by an individual seated in a vehicle having a vehicle cup holder mounted in the vehicle adjacent the seated individual, includes an upper section for covering at least a portion of the seated individual's front torso which is attached in such a way as to maintain the upper section in a substantially vertical position on the seated individual, a lower section for covering the seated individual's lap and thighs, and a lateral section extending from the lower section to beyond the vehicle cup holder, with a portion of the lateral section adapted to be inserted in the vehicle cup holder and releasably maintained therein. The bib includes an upper absorbent surface for absorbing liquid spills and a lower impermeable surface for preventing liquid spills from contacting the seated individual or the vehicle. |
| US07921468B2 |
Eye and ear protector
Protective eyeglasses provide hearing protection from elevated noise levels. The protective eyeglasses have safety lenses for protection of each of the eyes. Support members extend from the lenses of the eyeglasses to the ears, and have earplugs or protectors thereon which are inserted into the ears. The side support members are spring biased towards each other so that the side members provide pressure to hold the plugs in the ears of the wearer. Ear plugs are mounted so as to swivel relative to the side support members. The side support members are telescoping and are adjustable in length. |