| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08002159B2 |
Interlock attaching strap
The present invention discloses an interlock attaching strap system, comprising a carrier having a plurality of first webbing strips transversely, evenly and spacedly affixed thereon, a holder having a plurality of second webbing strips transversely, evenly and spacedly affixed thereon, wherein by overlapping the carrier and holder, the first webbing strips and the second webbing strips are capable forming an elongate interlocking channel; at least an elongated interfering strap, which is longitudinally extended on the holder, having an affixing end extended from a peripheral edge of the holder and a free tab end, arranged to slidably pass through the interlocking channel and is hooked onto the last webbing strip so as to securely reinforce the holder on the carrier via the interfering strap. |
| US08002158B1 |
Field cooking travel kit
A field cooking travel kit for providing cooking accessories for use in camping and traveling is provided. The field cooking travel kit comprises a plurality of cooking utensils and a carrying case for receiving the utensils wherein the carrying case provides reachable access to the utensils. |
| US08002157B2 |
Bottle and waist pack
A waist pack includes a sleeve for removably retaining a bottle or other container. In accordance with various preferred aspects of the invention, the pack includes a sleeve configured to securely retain the bottle while at the same time allowing for convenient removal and replacement. |
| US08002153B2 |
Powder food dispenser
The present invention is a powder dispenser for dispensing predetermined amounts of a powder product. The powder dispenser includes a housing and a dispensing tube. The dispensing tube removes a predetermined amount of the powder product from the housing to be dispensed into a container. The dispensing tube includes recesses having a predetermined volume to control the amount of powder product dispensed. The housing includes a lower cavity for storing containers that receive the dispensed powder product. |
| US08002148B2 |
Drink dispenser with dispensing line that can be hinged open
The invention relates to a drink dispenser provided with a chamber with an opening for accommodating a container containing carbonated drink. The container is provided with an outlet closed by a shut-off valve and a tap head that during use is connected via a line to the outlet, which tap head has an operating member for opening and closing the line. The line has a relatively stiff line section with a first part and a second part that are in contact with one another in a contact plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the line and which can be taken apart to provide access to an interior surface of the line section. Rubber strips extend in the longitudinal direction of the line section and are arranged in or close to the contact plane to form a liquid barrier. The two line parts have a clamping member that is able to engage on a locking element for fixing the line parts in a position in contact with one another. |
| US08002147B2 |
Method and apparatus for a drip tray screen
A drip tray trap divides a cavity of the drip tray into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The trap includes perforations to permit the passage of liquids, and to restrict the movement of foreign objects and ice cubes to a drip tray outlet, thereby removing the possibility the foreign objects and ice cubes clogging a drip tray drain. The trap includes at least one angled engagement surface and at least one angled engagement surface. The angle of the engagement surfaces forces the ice cubes and foreign objects to move to lowest positions of the inlet chamber. The rerouted ice cubes melt and move through the perforations of the trap, thereby entering the outlet chamber and moving to the drip tray outlet. In a second embodiment, the trap includes handling features to facilitate the insertion and removal of the trap from the cavity of the drip tray for sanitizing. |
| US08002145B2 |
Reusable assembly for containing, distributing and consuming mineral water
The present invention is a reusable assembly for containing, distributing and consuming mineral water. The assembly includes a container having a top mounted handle and recesses and projections to facilitate piling. The lower portion has recesses and projections that match the upper recesses and projections when piled up among several units. The container has a partial cutout with a contoured opening so that a vane-like inner part can be placed thereupon. A bag is placed inside the container, on the vane, and has a nozzle that can fit an opening in the front wall of the container. The nozzle has a tubular configuration, allowing a plug to tightly fit inside. The assembly has a tap with a free end having side windows to let the water in. The plug and the head can be coupled to each other when the tap is inserted into the nozzle. |
| US08002135B2 |
Container for adhesive agent, manufacture method thereof
A container for adhesive agent, comprises a container main body having a storage section which stores the adhesive agent capable of dispersing as volatilized gas, and a cap which is attached to the storage section, and an outer covering which covers the container main body, wherein a projection is formed on the container main body so that a spaced section in which the volatized gas of the adhesive agent is kept is formed between an outer surface of the container main body and the outer covering. |
| US08002130B2 |
Closure system and method of filling a vial
A closure system for a vial comprising: an elastic closure part to engage the mouth opening, a clamp part to hold the closure part in a closing relationship with the mouth opening, the clamp part defining an upper aperture through which a region of the upper surface of the closure part is exposed when the clamp part is engaged with the vial, a cover part to engage the clamp part to cover the exposed region, the cover part engaging with the closure part to provide two or more concentric ring-shaped seals, at least part of the cover part being removable from the vial to allow access to the closure. |
| US08002127B2 |
Valet rod and support
A valet rod slide mounting assembly is provided for mounting to a supporting surface, such as a door, closet organizer, wall, or the like. The assembly includes a rod and a tube receiving the rod for sliding movement between an extended position and a retracted position when the tube overlaps substantially the rod. The assembly also includes at least two anchors for mounting the tube to the supporting surface. The anchors include a first bore sized to receive the tube and a second bore perpendicular to the first bore and sized to receive a mounting element that engages the support surface. The anchors can also include a third bore where a tube retainer is positioned to engage the tube securably. The assembly can also include a plurality of hooks that depend from the rod, with respective components including slots to permit the hooks to engage the rod continuously while sliding. |
| US08002122B2 |
Apparatus for vehicle wheel maintenance
A vehicle wheel rotation apparatus including a base defining first and second flanges, first and second rollers cooperatively supported between the flanges and defining a longitudinal axis of rotation, a stationary loading bar cooperatively supported between the first and second flanges, and a non-skid bottom surface associated with the base. |
| US08002121B2 |
In-line flow separation of fluids in a pipe separator
An in-line flow separator (1) comprises an uphill section (2) of pipeline which, in use, carries a gravitationally stratified flow of a first liquid (3) and a second denser liquid (4). The second liquid (4) forms a sump (5) extending uphill from the foot of the uphill section (2), and an interface between the first and second liquids on the uphill section is inclined from the horizontal. An extraction port (6) in the pipeline extracts the second liquid from the sump. |
| US08002117B2 |
Method and apparatus for sorting a gas-driven stream of generally flat and lightweight articles
A method and apparatus for sorting a gas-driven stream of generally flat and light-weight articles of varying dimensions execute a, preferably optical, inspection and upon so finding a non-conforming article remove the latter from the stream. In particular, the inspection and the sorting are executed during a substantially straight movement of the articles. The removing is executed through gas driving in a direction substantially transverse to the straight movement. Advantageously, the inspection is preceded by orienting the articles through a centrifugal force that orients said articles against an inclined wall in a transition to the vertical movement. Also airflow means (83,84) can be used to confine the articles in a thin layer. |
| US08002111B2 |
Kit and method for making a shutter
A kit containing components which can be assembled into a shutter panel includes a header, a footer, a plurality of brackets, a first stile, a second stile, a plurality of louvers. One embodiment also contains a jig to align the bracket with the header or footer for attachment. Each bracket is sized and configured to be connected to an end of the header or footer. The stiles each have a longitudinal channel which enables the stiles to be fitted over at least one of the brackets. The jig has a mouth sized to receive an end of the footer or header and a cavity adjacent the mouth such that a user of the jig can place one end of a bracket in the cavity and the other end of the header or footer in the mouth. The kit may be packaged in two packs. One pack contains a header, a footer and a plurality of brackets. The second pack contains mounting frame pieces, at least one first stile, at least one second stile, a plurality of louvers, louver strips, a tilt rod, screws and other hardware which can be assembled into a shutter panel having the desired dimensions. The header, footer, stiles and brackets are provided to a retailer in standard sizes. The retailer may then trim these components as required to create a shutter having the desired dimensions. |
| US08002110B2 |
Thermoplastic belt connector with fingers
A toothed belt connector for making an endless belt has two leaves, adapted to be connected to each other by knuckles along one or more teeth. Each knuckle has at least one hole extending through tooth portions so that when the holes are in registry, a pin can be extended through the holes to connect the leaves at the teeth. The leaves can be adjoined to the ends of a belt to make the belt endless. The tip end of each knuckle can be beveled or it can have a stepped finger that fits into a cutout on the opposite leaf to keep the end of the knuckle from protruding as the belt wraps around a sprocket. |
| US08002105B2 |
Arrangement for grouping into rows the products of a batch on a high speed conveyor belt
In an arrangement (10) for grouping a plurality of products (Pn, Pn+1) into batches (Li) carried by at least one conveyor belt (12) travelling in a longitudinal direction at a travelling speed (V1), the products (Pn, Pn+1) arrive with at least one determined upstream spacing (E) between two successive products, and including an advanced phaser (22, 23) provided on the path of the products (Pn, Pn+1) and capable of grouping transversally at least two products (Pn, Pn+1) into a row so as to form, at high speed, batches (Li) obtained by grouping the products (Pn, Pn+1). |
| US08002104B2 |
Method and apparatus for changing orientation of a container
A method and apparatus for changing orientation of a container to facilitate subsequent processing of the container is disclosed. The apparatus includes a ramp having a first end and a second end. The ramp is disposed to receive the container from the feed path in a first orientation and to cause the container to slide down the ramp toward the second end of the ramp. The apparatus also includes an obstruction located at the second end of the ramp. The obstruction is configured to contact a leading edge of the container to arrest a sliding motion of the container down the ramp. The ramp is configured to pivot to impart an angular acceleration to the container to provide sufficient angular momentum to cause a center of gravity of the container to move past the leading edge causing the container to change orientation such that the container is received on the discharge path in a second orientation. |
| US08002103B2 |
Method and device for controlling the flow of banknotes
The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling the flow of banknotes between at least two locations, in particular a Central Bank and/or Monetary Authority and a local financial institution, said method comprising the following steps: i) collecting banknotes at the local financial institution, ii) subjecting the banknotes received in step i) to a fitness measurement so as to obtain a flow of “fit” banknotes and a flow of “unfit” banknotes, iii) returning the flow of “unfit” banknotes to the Central Bank and/or Monetary Authority, and iv) bringing the flow of “fit” banknotes into circulation. |
| US08002099B2 |
Clutch operation mechanism
A clutch operation mechanism wherein when a clutch is disengaged and engaged by manual operation or by operation of an actuator the one operation does not affect the other operation. The clutch operation mechanism includes a lever side lost mechanism which is disposed between a clutch lever and a turn-operating force transmitting member for interrupting, from the clutch lever side, an operated-force applied from the turn-operating force transmitting member by driving the electric motor when the clutch lever is not operated. A motor side lost mechanism is disposed between the electric motor and the turn-operating force transmitting member and interrupts, from the side of the electric motor, the operated-force applied from the turn-operating force transmitting member by operating the clutch lever when the electric motor is not operated. |
| US08002089B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a haptic device
Systems and methods for providing a haptic device are described. In one described system, a first brake surface of a first element contacts a second brake surface of a second element. At least one actuator is configured to exert a force on at least one of the first and second elements. A flexure is coupled to at least one of the first element, the second element, a housing, a manipulandum, and a shaft coupled to the manipulandum. The flexure provides a degree of rotational flexibility to the manipulandum when the at least one actuator exerts the force. The described system may include a processor in communication with the at least one actuator for providing the haptic effects. |
| US08002075B2 |
Steering device for a superposition steering system
A steering device for a superposition steering system is provided using at least one actuator. The device is based on the object of producing a superposition steering system which requires no additional installation space in the steering column. The actuator for the superposition steering system is therefore arranged in the steering wheel. |
| US08002072B2 |
Frontal structure for a motor vehicle
A frontal structure is provided for a motor vehicle. The frontal structure includes, but is not limited to a support structure, to which a radiator is fastened and on which a bumper girder is mounted in front of the radiator in such a manner that it yields backward toward the radiator in case of an impact. The fastening of the radiator to the support structure is formed by a frame, in which the radiator is retained and which is in turn anchored to the support structure via connection elements which detach if a maximum force is exceeded. The frame is adapted to the form of the bumper girder and the radiator to come into contact with the bumper girder earlier than the radiator in case of yielding backward of the bumper girder. |
| US08002067B2 |
Electric motorcycle
The weight balance of an electric motorcycle including a battery, a power drive unit, and a driving power generating motor, in the left-and-right direction or in the frontward-and-rearward direction is easily secured. An electric motorcycle includes a power drive unit and a driving power generating motor which are mounted to a swing arm swinging about a pivot shaft in an upward-and-downward direction. A rear wheel WR is driven by the power generating motor. The electric motorcycle includes a battery to supply electric power to the power generating motor. A center of gravity (BC) of the battery is located at the side opposite to the power drive unit and the power generating motor about a central line CX of a motorcycle body. |
| US08002065B2 |
Tractor-trailer axle center height control method and apparatus
A tractor-trailer combination includes a semitrailer tractor having a front axle and at least one drive axle having a predefined nominal axle load, a semitrailer having a first axle and at least one second axle, and an axle load adjusting device, which has an axle center height drive for the first axle enabling the axle load acting on the drive axle to be changed by adjusting a center height of the first axle, that can automatically switch into a starting assistance mode in which the second-axle axle load is increased to a starting-assistance axle load that is always below a predefined maximum axle load. An axle center height controller is adapted to automatically detect actuation of an off-road starting sensing device, and increase the second-axle axle load to an off-road starting axle load that is greater than the maximum axle load if the off-road starting sensing device is actuated. |
| US08002064B2 |
Frame structure of automotive vehicle
A pair of side frames extends longitudinally away from each other in a vehicle width direction, which includes a closed cross section formed by an outer panel having a U-shaped cross section with its vehicle's inward side opening and an inner panel having a U-shaped cross section with its vehicle's outward side opening. A cab-mount bracket is provided on a vehicle-outward side of a front portion of the side frame to support a cabin. The cab-mount bracket includes an upper portion which is joined to a side face of a side portion of the outer panel and extends in an outward direction, and a lower portion which includes an extension portion extending in a vehicle inward direction beyond the side face of the outer panel and be joined to a lower face of a bottom portion of the inner panel. |
| US08002062B2 |
Drive unit for hybrid vehicle
A drive unit includes an engine, a generator, an electric motor and a power distributing device. The engine drives the generator to generate electric power. The electric motor is driven by the electric power generated by the generator and rotates a drive wheel. The power distributing device distributes the drive power generated by the engine between the generator and the drive wheel. A crankshaft of the engine can extend in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The generator, the motor and the power distributing device are disposed on a shaft, which is different from the crankshaft and extends substantially parallel to the crankshaft. The power of the engine and the drive force of the motor are output from a portion of the shaft through the power distributing device and the rotor of the motor. |
| US08002060B2 |
Vehicle wheel driving apparatus and electric motor
In a rolling bearing 21, a plurality of balls (rolling elements) 124 are arranged in an annular fashion, the balls 124 so arranged are held by inner and outer bearing rings 121, 122, some of the plurality of balls 124 are arranged along a pitch circle having a primary pitch circle diameter D1 so as to form a primary ball row 127, while the remaining of the plurality of balls are arranged along a pitch circle having a secondary pitch circle diameter D2 so as to form a secondary ball row 128, and the secondary pitch circle diameter D2 is made larger than the primary pitch circle diameter D1. The secondary ball row 128 is disposed radially outwards of the primary ball row 127 in such a manner as to overlap thereabove. |
| US08002057B2 |
Hybrid drive system
A hybrid drive system includes an input member connected to an engine; an output member connected to a wheel; a first rotating electric machine; a second rotating electric machine; a differential gearing; a controller that controls the first rotating electric machine and the second rotating electric machine; and an electric power supplier that supplies the first rotating electric machine and the second rotating electric machine with electric power. |
| US08002053B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for predicting tracking by roller cone bits and anti-tracking cutting element spacing
Embodiments of a system, method, and apparatus for predicting and reducing tracking by roller cone bits by adjusting compact spacing are disclosed. Different pitches between adjacent compacts or teeth provide a cone row that is substantially less likely to track. A given row on a cone may include compacts that are arrayed at a single pitch in a contiguous group for approximately half of the row. The remaining approximately half of the row includes alternating pitches. This configuration enables anti-tracking behavior without very wide spaces and consequent breakage and wear seen in prior art anti-tracking pitch schemes. |
| US08002051B2 |
Connection device for forming a fluid supply
A connection device for forming a fluid supply to a rotating tool, in which is provided a rotary feedthrough which has a rotor and a stator, the rotor being supported in a rotating manner relative to the stator. Furthermore, a torque support is provided, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the stator and has at least one contact element. The at least one contact element can be displaced between a retracted position and a protruding position, in which the contact element is extended compared to the retracted position for the purpose of torque support. |
| US08002050B2 |
Completion technique and treatment of drilled solids
An onshore oil or gas well is completed with a coiled tubing unit. A completion liquid is circulated through coiled tubing and thereby removing solids from the well. The completion liquid and drilled solids pass into a tank where the solids are removed and the cleansed completion liquid is redelivered into the well. In some embodiments, drilled solids from the completion liquid are dewatered to a suitable extent in the tank and dumped into a bin where they are mixed with cotton motes to sorb any free liquid. In some embodiments, drilled solids from drilling an onshore subterranean well are mixed with cotton motes to sorb free liquid. The mixture of cotton motes and drilled solids are disposed of in a manner consistent with appropriate regulations, as by delivery to a commercial landfill, which may be either privately or municipally owned. |
| US08002046B2 |
Apparatus for reducing the incidence of tampering with automatic fire sprinkler assemblies
A fire sprinkler head anti tamper canopy discourages hanging objects from a sprinkler head, or otherwise tampering or accidentally activating a sprinkler head. The canopy encloses the projecting portion of a sprinkler head, at least around the sides of the sprinkler head, and allows heat to enter and activate the sprinkler head, and water to escape from the sprinkler head for fire suppression. The canopy is magnetically secured to the wall or ceiling surface, without a requirement for physical attachment to the sprinkler head. Upon sprinkler head activation, water pressure dislodges the canopy, the latter returnable to an anti-tamper position once the fire sprinkler system has been reset. |
| US08002043B2 |
Slotted thread protection device
A thread protection member for protecting threads in a threaded joint includes a body formed of a material selected to reduce damage to the threads during a make-up of the threaded joint and a discontinuity reducing remaining clamping forces and thus allowing the body to deform in a predetermined manner when the body is removed from the threaded joint. In one arrangement, the discontinuity is a void at least partially penetrating the body. For example, the void can be a longitudinal slot that extends partially or fully through the body. In another embodiment, the discontinuity is a region in the body that has at least one material property different from a material property of an adjacent portion of the body. To remove the thread protection member from the joint, a suitable tool may be used to deform the body to extract the body from the joint. |
| US08002040B2 |
System and method for controlling flow in a wellbore
A technique enables control over flow in a wellbore with a flow control system. The flow control system combines a flow reduction mechanism with a flow control device, such as a valve. The flow reduction mechanism comprises a closure member which can be selectively moved between an unactuated and actuated position, allowing relatively greater flow through the flow control device in the unactuated position. The flow reduction mechanism actuates prior to or in conjunction with the flow control device to reduce flow and thus reduce the loading forces that would otherwise act against the flow control mechanism upon closure of the flow control device. |
| US08002037B2 |
Downhole cleaning tool and method of use
A downhole cleaning tool comprising: a substantially cylindrical body; at least one cleaning member extending from the cylindrical body and being movable between a retracted position and an active position in which the cleaning member is positioned to clean an internal surface of the well bore; and switching means adapted to receive a force applied in a first direction and responsively move the at least one cleaning member from the retracted position to the active position. |
| US08002036B2 |
Internal release connector and method
A tubing connection release system. The system includes, a male connector having a profile at one end thereof and receptive to a tubular at the other end thereof, a female connector receptive to a tubular at one end thereof and receptive to the male connector at the other end thereof. The system further includes, a sleeve disposed radially inwardly of the female connector, and a collet having at least one deflectable collet finger disposed radially inwardly of the sleeve. The collet is biased to a position within the female connector whereat the at least one collet finger is supported against radially outward deflection. The collet is further movable by the push-in connector against the bias to a position where the at least one collet finger is radially outwardly unsupported such that the profiled end of the male connector is movable into engagement with the at least one collet finger. |
| US08002035B2 |
System and method for dynamically adjusting the center of gravity of a perforating apparatus
A perforating apparatus (170) used to perforate a subterranean well. The perforating apparatus (170) includes a generally tubular gun carrier (106) and a charge holder (172) rotatably mounted within the gun carrier (106). At least one shaped charge (102) is mounted in the charge holder (172) and is operable to perforate the well upon detonation. A dynamically adjustable weight system (174) is operably associated to the charge holder (172). The dynamically adjustable weight system (174) includes a plurality of longitudinally extending tubes (176) that are operable to contain a weighted material therein and are operable to adjust the center of gravity (120) of the charge holder (172) such that gravity will cause the charge holder (172) to rotate within the gun carrier (106) to position the at least one shaped charge (102) in a desired circumferential direction relative to the well prior to perforating. |
| US08002028B2 |
Hydraulic connector apparatuses and methods of use with downhole tubulars
A hydraulic connector to provide a fluid tight connection between a fluid supply and a downhole tubular includes an engagement assembly configured to extend and retract a seal assembly disposed at a distal end of the hydraulic connector into and from a proximal end of the downhole tubular, and a valve assembly operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow the fluids to communicate between the fluid supply and the downhole tubular through the seal assembly when in the open position, and wherein the valve assembly is configured to prevent fluid communication between the fluid supply and the downhole tubular when closed position. |
| US08002025B2 |
Containment of a wafer-chuck thermal interface fluid
A method includes circulating a heat transferring fluid in a substantially closed system including an interstice between a wafer and a chuck at a first pressure. The method further includes pumping the fluid out of the interstice and increasing the pressure of the fluid to a second pressure. The method further includes reducing the pressure of the fluid to the first pressure and returning the fluid to the interstice. In the system, the fluid in the interstice transfers heat from the wafer to the chuck, or vice versa, by conduction. The presence of a conducting fluid in the interstice thereby decreases the resistivity of the interface, and enables more efficient heat transfer from the wafer to the chuck. |
| US08002021B1 |
Heat exchanger with internal heat pipe
The invention is a heat exchanger transferring heat from a small heat source to a moving fluid. The inherent limitation of such a system is that most of the heat transfer to the fluid occurs only in the immediate vicinity of the heat input even though a large surface area heat transfer structure such as fins or small fluid passages is used to enhance the heat transfer within the heat exchanger. The invention adds a heat pipe inside the heat exchanger enclosure and in contact with the heat transfer structure. The heat pipe spreads the incoming heat over a larger part of the surface area of the heat transfer structure and improves the heat transfer to the cooling fluid by furnishing multiple heat transfer locations without adding extra thermal resistance between the heat source and the fluid flow. |
| US08002012B2 |
Venetian blind
A Venetian blind includes an upper rail, a lower rail, a slat assembly, an automatic retraction means and a slat opened/closed control means equipped with an adjustment member. The automatic retraction means is installed on one side of the upper rail which has a first cord wheel set and a second cord wheel set near two sides to direct a first lift cord and a second lift cord. The automatic retraction means has a retaining set to pivotally couple a transmission set inside that has a first transmission wheel and a second transmission wheel. The first transmission wheel and second transmission wheel are linked by an elastic element which provides an elastic force to drive the transmission set. The second transmission wheel controls the slat opened/closed control means. When the lower rail is pulled downwards or pushed upwards, the slat assembly can be opened or closed at different angles. |
| US08002007B2 |
Pneumatic radial tire for heavy loads
There is provide a pneumatic radial tire for heavy loads capable of more effectively preventing a breakdown due to separation of a rubber chafer in an area corresponding to a bead heal portion than before. A pneumatic radial tire 10 for heavy loads has a pair of bead portions 12, a bead core 14 which is embedded in each of the bead portions 12, a radial carcass 16 extending from one bead portion 12 to the other bead portion 12 and turned around the bead core 14 from an inner side to an outer side of the bead portion 12 in a width direction of the tire to be anchored, a rubber chafer 22 disposed over the radial carcass 16 in the opposite side of the bead core 14. An angle θ formed by a steel cord 24S of the wire chafer 24 provided inside of the bead portion 12 outside of the radial carcass 16 and a carcass ply cord 16S of the radial carcass 16 is optimized depending on shear strain generated in the rubber chafer 22 so as to effectively preventing a breakdown of the rubber chafer 22 due to separation in an area corresponding to a bead heal portion 26. |
| US08002005B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread including three dimensional sipes having at least two tie bars
A pneumatic tire including a plurality of grooves which extend at least in the circumferential direction, and which are formed in a tread portion and sipes which are formed in a plurality of blocks formed by the grooves. In the pneumatic tire, the groove width of the sipe formed in each of the blocks constituting a center region of the tread portion is greater than the groove width of the sipe formed in each of the blocks constituting edge regions of the tread portion. At least the sipes formed in the blocks constituting the center region are three-dimensional sipes each having a zigzag shape extending in the width, circumferential and radial directions of the tire. Each of the three-dimensional sipes is provided with, on the inner side thereof in the tire radial direction, at least one cutout which has a length, in the tire radial direction, of 50 to 90% of the length of the three-dimensional sipe in the tire radial direction, and which has a length, in the tire width direction, of 1 to 5 mm. |
| US08001998B2 |
System for weaving a continuous angle
A weaving loom including a mechanism drawing-in threads, for insertion of picks, and for formation of a weaving shed, so as to render possible formation of a continuous angle or corner by a thread during weaving. The loom preferably also includes a vertical offset system, so that it is possible to weave a three-dimensional surfacic structure, the threads of which are continuous between the faces and at the level of the edges. The loom can be configured particularly for manufacture of continuous tridedral corners that are used as reinforcements for composite structures. |
| US08001997B2 |
Fiber reinforced spoolable pipe
A spoolable pipe is disclosed, the spoolable pipe having an internal pressure barrier formed about a longitudinal axis, and a reinforcing layer(s) enclosing the internal pressure barrier. In one embodiment, the reinforcing layer(s) can include fibers having at least a partial helical orientation about approximately thirty and about approximately seventy degrees relative to the longitudinal axis, and, the wall can include at least one external layer enclosing the reinforcing layer(s) and having a permeability at least ten times greater than the permeability of the internal pressure barrier. The reinforcing layer(s) can further include a coating. The pipe can also include an energy conductor(s) integrated with and/or located between the internal pressure barrier and/or the reinforcing layer(s). |
| US08001993B2 |
Dead band reduction in electronically controlled valves
An apparatus includes dead band reduction circuitry. The dead band reduction circuitry includes an input configured to receive an input signal and an output configured to provide an output signal. The dead band circuitry is configured to apply compensation to the input signal to create the output signal. The output is configured to be coupled to an electronically controlled valve. The valve is configured to use the output signal to control movement of a valve member in the valve. The valve member includes one or more lands that overlaps an associated one or more openings. The one or more lands are sized relative to an associated one or more openings such that a dead band is caused. The compensation is defined to reduce the dead band. |
| US08001992B2 |
Liquid enclosure with automatic air bleeding valve
A liquid enclosure has an automatic air bleeding valve which has a first stage wherein the fluid pathway is open and a one-way valve is interposed in the fluid pathway; a second stage wherein the fluid pathway is open and circumvents the one-way valve; and a third stage wherein the fluid pathway is closed. A float automatically transitions the valve from the first, then second, then third stage as a level of the liquid in the liquid holding chamber rises from below the first to above the second predetermined level, and the valve automatically returns from the third stage to the second stage, then to the first stage as the level of the liquid in the liquid holding chamber lowers from above the second to below the first predetermined level. |
| US08001991B2 |
Vent valve for the fuel tank of a motor vehicle
A vent valve for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle includes a housing, a cage in the housing, a movable float, and a sealing arrangement with an at least three-stage reopening operation. The sealing arrangement includes multiple movable supports defining openings of varying cross-sectional area sequentially operable. |
| US08001986B2 |
Flexible base structure for portable shelters
An example method for providing a flexible base structure for a portable shelter includes the steps of forming a continuous loop of a flexible material and attaching a plurality of rib intersections such as grommets at respective locations along the flexible loop. An alternative method for constructing a flexible base structure for a floorless portable shelter includes forming a continuous loop of a flexible material and arranging a plurality of openings at respective locations along the continuous loop. An embodiment of a base structure for supporting the ribs of a portable shelter includes a flexible loop and a plurality of rib intersections arranged along the flexible loop. Each of the plurality of rib intersections forms an opening for receiving a respective end of a rib that supports the portable shelter. |
| US08001984B2 |
Laparoscopic lens cleaner
A laparoscopic lens cleaner which is suitable for maintaining the lens of a laparoscope in a clean, dry condition during a laparoscopic surgical procedure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the laparoscopic lens cleaner includes an elongated cleaner sheath having a sheath interior, a fluid conduit provided in the cleaner sheath, a fluid discharge nozzle provided in the sheath interior and communicating with the fluid conduit, a gas conduit provided in the cleaner sheath and a gas discharge nozzle provided in the sheath interior and communicating with the gas conduit. |
| US08001983B2 |
Cleaning apparatus, coating and developing apparatus, and cleaning method
A wafer W is held in a horizontal attitude within an airtight container 41 by a vacuum chuck 42 such that small gaps are formed between the wafer W and the inner surfaces of the airtight container 41. A cleaning liquid is supplied toward the center portion of a front surface of the wafer W through a fluid supply port 40 which is an end of a fluid supply path 5, and is discharged through a fluid discharge portion 44 arranged in the bottom portion of the airtight container 41 in a form of a groove running along a circle having its center located on the center axis of the wafer W. The cleaning liquid flows and spreads from the center portion of the wafer W toward the peripheral portion while removing particles adhered to the wafer W, and is discharged through the fluid discharge portion 44. This arrangement allows the particles to be uniformly and reliably removed without rotating the wafer W. The entire cleaning apparatus 4 has a small size. |
| US08001977B2 |
Device for moving magnetic nanoparticles through tissue
The movement of magnetically responsive nanoparticles through a membrane is significantly enhanced by using a varying magnetic field gradient. The magnetic field varies in intensity and/or direction and can be achieved by mechanically varying the position of a magnet with respect to the membrane, or by oscillating the strength of one or more electromagnets. |
| US08001973B2 |
System and method for treatment of upper airway disorders
The present invention provides a system for treating a mammalian patient having obstructive sleep disordered breathing, e.g., sleep apnea. The system has a set of appliances including a first appliance being adapted to displace a mandible of the patient by a first predetermined geometry relative to a maxilla of the patient. The set also includes at least a second appliance adapted to displace the mandible of the patient by a second predetermined geometry relative to the maxilla of the patient. In a specific embodiment, the first predetermined geometry is substantially different from the second predetermined geometry. Preferably, either one of the first appliance or at least the second appliance is worn by the patient based upon a predetermined treatment plan that includes one or more provisions for wearing at least the first and the second appliances. |
| US08001972B2 |
Oral appliance for maintaining stability of one or more aspects of a user's masticatory system
According to one embodiment, an oral appliance for maintaining stability of one or more aspects of a user's masticatory system includes a first arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's teeth and a second arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's teeth. The first arch includes an anterior substantially planar region located proximate a midline of the first arch. The second arch includes an anterior bearing platform located proximate a midline of the second arch, elongated in an anterior-posterior direction, and operable to contact the anterior substantially planar region of the first arch when the user bites down with the oral appliance inserted in the user's mouth and the user's temporomandibular joint in its proper natural position to help maintain stability of one or more aspects of the user's masticatory system. |
| US08001970B2 |
Positioning device for use with a patient under anesthesia and associated methods
The present invention provides devices for use with a patient under anesthesia and associated methods. Various embodiments of the present invention include a device for establishing and maintaining a patient's head and/or jaw in a particular position, including the sniffing position. Embodiments also include a method for positioning a patient comprising the use of a device of the present invention, wherein the device may substantially maintain a patient in a desired position. |
| US08001969B2 |
Complete airway stabilization system and method
An endotracheal airway is established using an endotracheal tube having an exterior retention structure defined by a series of longitudinally spaced recesses separated by projections. A variably-sized orifice in a faceplate constricts within a recess and contacts the projections to create a barrier against movement of the endotracheal tube. The faceplate is retained on the mouth by connection to a stabilization collar which surrounds the neck of the patient to restrain against flexion and extension which could reposition the endotracheal tube from its desired position. |
| US08001967B2 |
Ventilator breath display and graphic user interface
The invention is directed to a ventilation control system for controlling the ventilation of a patient. The ventilation control system utilizes a user-friendly user interface for the display of patient data and ventilator status. The user interface includes a graphic representation of a breath cycle that displays the breath cycle currently being ventilated, and is also responsive to changes in ventilation settings to assist the user in evaluation the effect of those changes on the ventilator strategy before the changes are implemented. |
| US08001966B1 |
Continuous positive airway supply system to nasal cannula
The invention concerns a combination control for use in nasal cannula therapy, and includes a high flow, nasal cannula respiratory assistance ducted system. |
| US08001963B2 |
Integrated nebulizer and particle dispersion chamber for nasal delivery of medicament to deep nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses
Particular aspects provide a novel integrated nebulizer and particle dispersion chamber (12), and novel methods of using same. Preferably, the particle dispersion chamber (12) provides for delivery of a vortical flow of nebulized particles to the nostrils. The inventive integrated nebulizer, delivery methods and breathing techniques allow for delivering medicament into the deep nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses of a user. Significantly, the inventive devices and methods allow for systemic and topical delivery of medicaments via the membranes of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Additional preferred embodiments provide complementary cartridge docking system that allows for user-specific nebulized drug delivery. |
| US08001962B2 |
Nebulizing and drug delivery device
The invention relates generally to a nebulizer, for example, of ultrasonic nebulizer (30) having a bowl shaped container (12) and a tubular energy transmitter in the form of acoustic transmitter pipe (34). One end of the acoustic transmitter pipe (34) is immersed in the liquid (14) of the container (12). The bowl shaped ultrasonic transducer (16) is operatively coupled to the bowl shaped container (12) for transmission of ultrasonic energy to the liquid (14) and acoustic transmitter pipe (34). Absorption of transmitted energy by the liquid (14) forces the liquid (14) toward an upper end of the acoustic transmitter pipe (34) where it is nebulized in the form of an aerosol. The invention also relates generally to a device and method for delivering a substance in an aerosol form into a cellular organism, and a hand held device for delivering a substance to a cellular organism. |
| US08001961B2 |
Container for inhalation anesthetic
A container for liquid inhalation anesthetics, more particularly, an aluminum container that is suitable for storing halogenated inhalation anesthetics is described. |
| US08001957B2 |
Device for increasing power for a limited time
A gas cooking hob comprising at least one gas burner, a main pipe for supplying gas, a main nozzle on the gas burner, and a control device for adjusting the heating power of the gas burner between a minimum power and a nominal power. In order to further develop said gas cooking hob, a timing member is provided which allows the heating power to be increased beyond the nominal power during a certain interval. |
| US08001955B1 |
Backpacking stove pot and apparatus
A stove and pot arrangement is provided that affords utility to backpackers and other users having limited space. The apparatus provides a specially configured stove frame having laterally spaced apart channels that are receptive of the pot rim and wall and wherein the pot interior is receptive of a central portion of the frame, the pot and frame having about the same overall height. |
| US08001952B2 |
Vibration- and pulsation-attenuated electropneumatic converter
An electropneumatic converter for connection with an exhaust recirculation valve in a motor vehicle. The electropneumatic converter includes a vacuum port and an atmospheric pressure port configured to connect with a valve chamber using a valve device, wherein a mixed pressure is formed in the valve chamber and supplied to a mixed pressure port. An armature is affixed to a valve body of the valve device movable in an axial direction, the valve body being connected to a suspension device, wherein the armature is displaceable in the axial direction using a solenoid. The electropneumatic converter also includes a damping element configured to dampen the axial movement of the armature and the valve device affixed thereto. The damping element includes at least one of an elastomer or a foamed material. |
| US08001951B2 |
Method and device for controlling an internal combustion engine
In order to control an internal combustion engine according to the invention, a polytropic exponent is determined in accordance with at least two measured values of the pressure in the combustion chamber of the cylinder, said measured values being detected after closing the gas discharge valve and before successively opening the gas intake valve. An exhaust gas mass which is located in the cylinder after closing the gas discharge valve and before successively opening the gas intake valve is determined according to the polytropic exponent at an estimated value of the pressure after closing the gas discharge valve and before successively opening the gas intake valve as well as at a certain temperature of the exhaust gas located in the cylinder after closing the gas discharge valve and before successively opening the gas intake valve. An actuation signal for controlling an actuating member of the internal combustion engine is generated in accordance with the determined exhaust gas mass. |
| US08001950B2 |
Method for idle speed control
A method is disclosed for controlling engine output in a vehicle having a hydraulic power steering system. The method may include, during an idle condition where an engine speed is set to an idle speed, adjusting engine output based on a learned absolute steering wheel angle to compensate for changes in engine load caused by operation of the hydraulic power steering system. The learned absolute steering wheel angle may be based on a steering wheel angle relative to a steering wheel position at vehicle startup and operating conditions from previous vehicle operation before the vehicle startup. |
| US08001947B2 |
Piston for internal-combustion engines
Disclosed is a piston for internal-combustion engines, which includes a low thermal-conductive member disposed at the top portion thereof, the low thermal-conductive member including an alloy containing Fe and Mn. The low thermal-conductive member includes a sintered body having 10˜60 mass % of Mn, 2 mass % or less of C, and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurities. Since the piston has the low thermal-conductive member having low thermal conductivity and thermal expansion properties similar to those of the aluminum alloy, which is the base metal of the piston, an increase in the temperature of a combustion chamber and vaporization of fuel are effectively promoted. Furthermore, thermal fatigue failure and separation of the low thermal-conductive member are prevented. |
| US08001945B2 |
Resonator for an intake system of a motor vehicle
A resonator for an air intake system of a motor vehicle has a housing and at least one resonator chamber enclosed by the housing. At least one air intake opening for fresh air is provided in the housing and opens into the resonator chamber. At least one air exhaust opening for fresh air is provided in the housing and opens into the resonator chamber. The at least one air exhaust opening is also an intake opening of an auxiliary device, especially an air compressor. |
| US08001943B2 |
Starter for internal combustion engine
A starter for an internal combustion engine has no radial protrusion of an auxiliary switch in a shape projected along an axial direction thereof, thus improving the degree of freedom in mounting the starter on the engine. An axially extending electromagnetic switch is mounted on a motor for turning it on and off. An auxiliary switch extends in an axial direction of the motor and is mounted thereon for operating the electromagnetic switch by means of an operation of a key switch. A pinion gear can be placed into or out of engagement with a ring gear of the engine so as to be driven by the motor. The motor has a bracket with a radially extending flange, through which the starter is mounted on the engine. The auxiliary switch is arranged at an inner side of a common tangent line between outer peripheries of the electromagnetic switch and the flange. |
| US08001940B2 |
Switchable bucket tappet
A switchable bucket tappet for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, which has a bucket base body with a ring-shaped base guided by a skirt projecting from the outer edge of the base in a bore of the engine. A lifting cam acts on the base and a hollow cylindrical extension projects from an inner edge of the base. In the bore, an inner body is axially movable relative to the bucket base body and, formed in the underside of the inner body, is a support for indirect contact with a gas exchange valve. A coupling piston, which has a flattened portion on its upper side, runs in a bore of the inner body and is engaged with a driver surface for full valve lift. A lost motion spring acts between the bucket base body and inner body. |
| US08001938B2 |
Valve control apparatus for engine
After having determined a phase angle, the phase angle is maintained as the determined one without consuming electric power.An intermediate member 14 is movably disposed on the outer periphery of an inner cylinder part 12 that is relatively rotatably disposed with respect to an outer cylinder part 10 to which a driving force of a crankshaft is transmitted and that is connected to a camshaft. In a process in which the intermediate member 14 moves in the axial direction when a solenoid 74 or a solenoid 76 is energized, balls 46 and 48 move in mutually opposite directions in response to a displacement in the axial direction caused by the movement of the intermediate member 14, and the phase between the outer cylinder part 10 and the camshaft 2 is variably adjusted. After the intermediate member 14 is set at an advance position or a retard position when the solenoids 74 and 76 are deenergized, the balls 46 and 48 stop moving for the input of torque from the outer cylinder part 10 or from the camshaft 2, and a self-locking state is reached. |
| US08001937B2 |
Oil gallery for variable valve timing apparatus of a cylinder head
An oil gallery for a variable valve timing apparatus of a cylinder head includes an advance oil supply passage that fluidly connects an oil control valve hole and a variable valve timing journal, a retard oil supply passage that fluidly connects the oil control valve hole and the variable valve timing journal, and an oil chamber in at least one of the oil supply passages. The oil chamber may have a slanted ceiling that may slant upward toward an outlet opening of the oil chamber. The uppermost point of the ceiling may be positioned at the oil outlet. The lowermost point of the outlet opening may be above the bottom surface of the oil chamber. |
| US08001927B2 |
Plasma spraying device and a method for introducing a liquid precursor into a plasma gas stream
The invention relates to a plasma spraying device (1) for spraying a coating (2) onto a substrate (3) by a thermal spray process. Said plasma spraying device (1) includes a plasma torch (4) for heating up a plasma gas (5) in a heating zone (6), wherein the plasma torch (4) includes a nozzle body (7) for forming a plasma gas stream (8), and said plasma torch (4) has an aperture (9) running along a central longitudinal axis (10) through said nozzle body (7). The aperture (9) has an convergent section (11) with an inlet (12) for the plasma gas (5), a throat section (13) including a minimum cross-sectional area of the aperture, and a divergent section (14) with an outlet (15) for the plasma gas stream (8), wherein an introducing duct (16) is provided for introducing a liquid precursor (17) into the plasma gas stream (8). According to the invention a penetration means (18, 161, 181, 182) is provided to penetrate the liquid precursor (17) inside the plasma gas stream (8). The invention relates also to a method for introducing a liquid precursor (17) into a plasma gas stream (8) as well as to the use of a plasma spraying device (1) and a method in accordance with the present invention for coating a surface of a substrate (3). |
| US08001926B2 |
System and method of loading and detecting beneficial agent on a prosthesis
An interventional device for delivery of beneficial agent to a lumen and methods of loading and manufacture of the same, which include a prosthesis loaded with beneficial agent to provide a controlled dosage concentration of beneficial agent to the lumen. The beneficial agent is loaded onto the prosthesis by a fluid-dispenser having a dispensing element capable of dispensing the beneficial agent in discrete droplets, each droplet having a controlled trajectory. The method of loading beneficial agent includes dispensing beneficial agent in a raster format and/or an off-axis format along a dispensing path. |
| US08001923B2 |
Droplet ejection apparatus, a method of manufacturing a panel from a base, an image display apparatus and an electronic apparatus
A droplet ejection apparatus includes a plurality of droplet ejection heads divided into three groups with each group including first to fourth heads with a second head being disposed between the third and fourth heads, and the third head being disposed between the first and second heads when viewed in a direction parallel to nozzle arrays. In each group, the nozzle array of the first head overlaps the nozzle array of the third head throughout a first sub-area, the nozzle array of the first head overlaps the nozzle array of the fourth head throughout a second sub-area, and the nozzle array of the second head overlaps the nozzle array of the fourth head throughout a third sub-area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the nozzle arrays. The second sub-areas of the three groups partially overlap each other when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the nozzle arrays. |
| US08001920B2 |
Automatic food product breading apparatus
An apparatus for coating or breading food products, such as chicken parts, includes a rotating drum with end caps closing the loading and discharge ends of the drum. Apertures are defined in the end caps for the passage of the food product, in which the apertures are situated along the central axis of the drum. A spiral grate inside the drum receives the food product and conveys it toward the discharge end. The spiral grate supports the food product proximate the central axis so that the product is more fully and uniformly coated with the particulate material. The spiral grate is configured with a gap at the discharge end so that a portion of a discharge ramp may be disposed within the gap to receive the prepared food product for discharge. |
| US08001917B2 |
Web frame
A marine structure comprises a supporting member adapted to be located at least partially immersed in water. The supporting member comprises a wall at least partially delimiting the supporting member such that an inner side of the wall at least partially delimits an inner hollow volume of the supporting member and an outer side of the wall is adapted to be in contact with the ambient environment of the supporting member. The supporting member further comprises a stiffening web frame attached to the wall in order to modify the structural capacity of the supporting member, which stiffening web frame comprises a rib and a flang. |
| US08001916B2 |
Mega yacht mast tracking system with articulating sail feeder
Disclosed is an articulating sail feeder that solves problems associated with furling and reefing sails on yachts, particularly large yachts. The inventive sail feeder includes hinge tracks arranged in articulating column that bends and rotates freely, but limits the axial twist of the sail as during furling and reefing. The inventive hinge tracks have a cross section that includes a batten end receptacle with channels for headboard cars. Hinge tracks with the inventive cross section absorb the wind-generated compressive forces exerted by the battens on the batten pockets, reducing chafing, and eliminate the need for sail slides, which would otherwise lock the sail in place during furling and reefing. |
| US08001914B2 |
Air-assisted planting system having a single fan with pressure-responsive splitting of air streams for conveying and metering functions
To produce, monitor, and control a flow of air for a seed conveying system and a seed metering system, an air-assisted planting system includes an air handling system having a single air source and an air controller for maintaining a generally constant air pressure to the metering system. The air controller includes a plurality of sensors associated with and operable to monitor an air pressure through the metering system. Based on a sensed air pressure, a microprocessor of the air controller instructs the air handling system to selectively divert the flow of air to the metering system on an as-needed basis to maintain the generally constant air pressure. |
| US08001909B2 |
Telescopic lifting column for height adjustment of elevatable tables
A telescopic lifting column for height adjustment of elevatable tables (1) consists of a stationary rectangular profile (2), which at the bottom rests against a floor, and of a sliding quadrangular profile (3), which slides inside the stationary profile (2) and which can be activated up or down by a linear actuator (4) and which at the top rests against a table top (7). The profiles (2, 3) each have an open side (resp. 8 and 9), and the linear actuator is embodied as a toothed rack (10), which is fastened to the internal side (3′) of the sliding profile (3) opposite the open side (9), and which is in mesh with a toothed wheel (11), which is coupled to a gear motor (12,13), which is fastened to the stationary profile (2) of the lifting column. On the side facing the open side (9), the toothed rack (10) is embodied with a guide way (18) with a width (a) in which two guide pins (19, 20)—with a mutual distance (b) and fastened to the stationary profile (2)—are in mesh. |
| US08001908B2 |
Model vehicle with automated door mechanism
A model vehicle, such as a model electric train, includes a model automatic door. The operation of the door is automated using a motor, drive train, and control circuit. A drive mechanism moves the door between open and closed positions. In the open position, the door is displaced laterally along and displaced outwardly of the body of the train car to expose a door opening. In the closed position, the door is substantially flush with the body of the car and covers the door opening. The control circuit permits automatic operation of the door and provides various features for enhancing realism of the operating model. |
| US08001906B2 |
Electric drive vehicle retrofit system and associated method
A system is provided for retrofitting an electrically propelled vehicle. The vehicle has an engine-driven generator, and at least a first traction motor and a second traction motor coupled to the generator. The system includes an energy storage device capable of being coupled to at least the first traction motor; and a control system operable to control a distribution of propulsive power between the first traction motor and the second traction motor. An associated method and a retrofit kit are provided, also. |
| US08001905B2 |
Model vehicle with automated pantograph
A model vehicle, such as a model electric train, includes a model pantograph. The operation of the pantograph is automated using a motor, drive train, and control circuit. An upper articulating portion of the pantograph is mounting to the model vehicle using a breakaway assembly. The upper articulating portion may also be coupled to a drive motor via an elastic coupling permitting elastic movement of the upper portion independently of the drive motor. |
| US08001904B2 |
Fall arrest assembly
A fall arrest assembly having belay lines and anchor stations extending between support structures and which slidably receive a shuttle mounted to a person traversing the belay lines, the assembly including a mounting plate having a plurality of openings therethrough and a supporting extension fixed rigidly thereto and wherein the support extension carries a shuttle guide coupled to the belay lines and configured for slidable passage of a shuttle there over, and a plurality of anchor elements having a section configured to extend through the plurality of openings in the mounting plate and clamps for securing the anchor elements to the support structures. |
| US08001901B2 |
Signal transmission surveillance system
A system and method of detecting, processing, and selectively responding to radio frequency transmissions detected by at least one projectile deployed above a geographic area. |
| US08001896B2 |
Ink dosing device of a printing group, and method for controlling the ink dosing device
An ink dosing device of a printing group, that includes a printing group cylinder which is configured as a plate cylinder, includes an inking unit. The ink dosing device has a number of physical zones which are arranged next to each other in a longitudinal direction. These physical zones can be individually adjusted by the use of dosing elements in order to individually adjust, section by section, the amount of ink that is applied. A control station is provided with a number of operator elements which are assigned to virtual zones of a printed page. These operator elements are usable to trigger the dosing elements. The segmentation of the virtual zones of the ink dosing device, in relation to the width of a printed page, differs in number and/or position of the zones of the ink dosing device across the width of the printed page from the segmentation of the zones in the control station in relation to the width of the printed page with respect to the number and/or position of the zones in the control station across the width of a printed page. At least two dosing elements are allocated using computing technology to at least one of the operator elements with respect to the relevance of the latter for the adjustment process following the selection of the operator element. |
| US08001892B2 |
Printing machine system
A printing machine system includes a first printing machine which has at least one first printing unit and a first fold forming funnel and that is arranged in the machine alignment of the at least first printing unit. A second printing machine, which has at least one second printing unit, and a second fold forming funnel, is also provided in the printing machine system. The second fold forming funnel is in machine alignment with the at least one second printing unit. The printing group cylinders of the first and second printing units are positioned substantially orthogonally in relationship to each other in their axial directions. The two fold forming funnel structures are positioned substantially orthogonally in respect to each other in a line running in a direction of material web transport as projected onto a horizontal plane. |
| US08001890B2 |
Color-gradient printing system
An inker for applying ink to a transfer roll of a printing machine has an inking chamber extending longitudinally along the transfer roll and having an outlet also extending longitudinally along the transfer roll and open against the transfer roll and a first generally cylindrical mixing chamber centered on an axis, spaced transversely from and extending longitudinally along the transfer roll. A rotatable shaft extending along the axis in the mixing chamber carries a partition subdividing the mixing chamber into two axially adjacent and axially spaced mixing compartments open radially into the inking chamber. At least two inlet conduits open onto each of the compartments, and a pump feeds respective inks to the inlet conduits and therethrough into the mixing compartments. |
| US08001889B2 |
Procedure and device for preventing contamination of the nozzles of a spray dampening unit
The invention involves a printing press comprising a spray dampening unit 2 having a spray nozzle cleaning device 3, a spray dampening unit 2 having a spray nozzle cleaning device 3 and a spray nozzle bar 22 having a spray nozzle cleaning device 3. Said spray nozzle cleaning device 3, respectively, was produced with fluid nozzles 34 using a fluid line system 31, the use of a fluid line system with fluid nozzles to produce such a spray nozzle cleaning device and a procedure to clean the spray nozzles 23 of a spray dampening unit by means of such a spray nozzle cleaning device 3. Said spray nozzle cleaning device has been or can be assembled in a spray dampening unit, comprising a fluid line system 31 having several fluid nozzles 34 by means of which a cleaning fluid can be sprayed on the spray nozzles 23. |
| US08001884B2 |
Swivel motor
A swivel motor has a plurality of work chambers and a join system between the work chambers that joins the work chambers at least by pairs. The arrangement of the joined work chambers is carried out in such a way that the work chambers which are connected to the first pressure medium connection alternate with those which are connected to the second pressure medium connection. At least two work chambers associated with different pressure medium connections are connected to a pressure compensation element, and the pressure compensation element is formed by a compensation space that is divided by a movable dividing element. A partial compensation space is connected in each instance to at least one work chamber of a pressure medium connection, and the dividing element is held in an initial position by oppositely acting springs. The spring force characteristic is formed by a spring arrangement which comprises a plurality of springs and has at least one coil spring and one elastomer spring. At least one volume compensation space is available for the elastomer spring. |
| US08001883B1 |
Return to neutral device for a hydraulic apparatus
In a hydrostatic device using an axial piston pump, a yoke is mounted so that it contacts the movable swash plate of the hydrostatic transmission. The yoke is biased by a spring-type mechanism to force the swash plate to return to neutral, and the set position of the yoke plate may be externally adjusted. A bias or load arm rotatably fixed to a housing at one end and connected to a spring at the other end is engaged to the yoke to provide the return force to the yoke plate. The yoke plate may have two legs to provide a return to neutral force to the swash plate in either direction, or one leg to provide the return to neutral force in only a single direction. |
| US08001882B2 |
Double check valve having floating function
A double check valve having a floating function is disclosed, which can prevent construction equipment from overturning through intercepting of a floating function even if a signal pressure is fed to the double check valve to perform the floating function in a state that an excavator is supported by a working device (e.g. a dozer blade), i.e. in a jack-up state, on a sloping site and so on. The double check valve includes a hydraulic pump; a hydraulic cylinder connected to the hydraulic pump to operate a working device; a control valve installed in flow paths between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic cylinder, and shifted to control a start, a stop, and a direction change of the hydraulic cylinder; and a double check valve installed in flow paths between the control valve and the hydraulic cylinder, and including a pair of plungers having first diaphragms formed thereon to receive an operating pressure being applied to the hydraulic cylinder and second diaphragms formed thereon to receive a signal pressure being applied to the signal pressure flow path, and a pair of check valves being pressed to remove their check function through shifting of the plungers. Sectional areas of the first diaphragms and the second diaphragms are different from each other. |
| US08001878B2 |
Knife holder for microtome knives and microtome
A knife holder (5) for a microtome for cutting samples (4a) is disclosed. The knife holder (5) encompasses several knives (2a, 2b) each of which defines a cutting edge (16). The knife holder (5) is arranged pivotably about a shaft (18); and the shaft (18) is arranged substantially perpendicularly to each cutting edge (16) of the knives (2a, 2b). |
| US08001874B2 |
Combination of screw with stabilized strength and screwdriver bit, and header punch for manufacturing the screw with stabilized strength
A screw having stabilized strength, combination with a driver bit that best fits the screw, and a header punch for producing the screw. The screw having stabilized strength has letter Y-shaped bit-fitting grooves formed in the head portion of the screw. Forming the grooves makes fitting of a corresponding driver to the screw easy, prevents occurrence of a cam-out phenomenon to enhance work efficiency, makes torque transmission to be made smoothly and sufficiently, and stabilizes strength. The bit-fitting grooves are formed in a letter Y shape that is substantially equally divided into three sections in the circumferential direction, the grooves being formed at positions required distances away from the central portion of the screw head. The width of each of the grooves extending in radial directions from the central portion of the bit-fitting grooves is set so that the grooves are gradually expanded and substantially equally spaced with spacing each equal to the width of a boundary section between adjacent grooves. Further, the outer peripheral end wall surface of each bit-fitting groove is made substantially vertical from an opening edge section up to a required depth. The outer peripheral end wall surface is displaced downward from a lower edge section of the wall surface toward the central portion of the screw head, and the center where the wall surfaces meet are formed as a substantially conical bottom surface. |
| US08001872B2 |
Jar opener and method for loosening jar lids suitable for arthritic persons
Embodiments of an improved jar opener and method for loosening jar lids particularly suitable for persons with arthritic hands are generally described herein. The jar opener includes first and second leveraging elements coupled by a threaded rod and a dual-axis hinge assembly. The jar opener includes curved cut-out regions of different curvatures and the dual-axis hinge assembly includes selectable pivot points to accept jar lids of various diameters. |
| US08001867B2 |
Sheave and gear mechanism
A gear mechanism includes a first gear mounted on a first shaft in meshing arrangement with a second gear mounted on a second shaft. A fixed sheave is mounted on the first shaft. A first sliding sheave and a second sliding sheave are mounted on the second shaft. The first sliding sheave and the second sliding sheave are in contact with the fixed sheave. |
| US08001866B2 |
Electronic power steering apparatus
An electronic steering apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a worm wheel provided in the housing, a worm axis engaged with the worm wheel in the housing, a bearing installed on the outer circumference of one side of the worm axis, and a resilient member supporting the one side while varying in its angle relative to the axial direction of the worm axis along with the movement of the worm axis, thereby providing an effect of compensating for a gap between the worm and the worm wheel. |
| US08001864B2 |
Actuation force transmission mechanism and straddle-type vehicle
An actuation force transmission mechanism is provided that can be interposed between a shift actuator and a shift shaft. The mechanism can include: first and second coupling parts that can be coupled for movement relative to each other in sliding directions; a biasing mechanism that can be configured for urging the first and second coupling parts toward a neutral position; and a stopper mechanism that can be configured for stopping relative movement of one of the first and second coupling parts when moved relatively from the neutral position against an urging force of the biasing mechanism. When the shift actuator is stroked by a predetermined amount, the first coupling part can move relative to the second coupling part against the urging force until the first coupling part is stopped by the stopper mechanism, at which point, the first and second coupling parts can move together. |
| US08001862B2 |
Reverse drive assembly for a motorcycle
A reverse drive assembly for a motorcycle that includes a transmission assembly having a main shaft and a counter shaft. The reverse drive assembly includes a first drive member configured to be coupled to an opposite end of the main shaft, a second drive member configured to be coupled to a second end of the counter shaft, and an engagement member operatively positioned between the second drive member and the counter shaft. The engagement member is movable between a first position out of engagement with the second drive member and the counter shaft, and a second position in engagement between the second drive member and the counter shaft to drive the counter shaft in a reverse direction. In some constructions, the engagement member is operatively positioned between the first drive member and the main shaft. |
| US08001859B2 |
Method of error compensation in a coordinate measuring machine
A method of calibrating an articulating probe head comprising the steps of measuring an artefact of known dimensions with the workpiece sensing probe mounted on the articulating probe head, in which the articulating probe head is unlocked. An error functional map is generated corresponding to the difference between the measured and known dimensions of the artefact. Subsequent workpieces are measured with the articulating probe head unlocked and the corresponding correction applied. The true dimensions of the artefact may be determined by measuring it with a probe mounted on an articulating probe head in which the axes of the articulating probe head are locked. A mechanical lock is provided to lock the axes of the articulating probe head. |
| US08001858B2 |
Pipeline inspection apparatus and method using radio frequency identification and inertial navigation
A pipeline inspection device, for example a pipeline inspection gauge or pig, is configured for inspecting a pipeline. The pipeline includes a plurality of pipes of varying orientations and a radio frequency identification device (RFID) provided on each pipe. Each RFID contains information indicative of the identity of each respective pipe. The inspection device includes a RF transceiver configured to receive the identity information from each RFID; an inertial navigation unit configured to generate three-space position information indicative of the position of the inspection device in the pipeline; and a processor configured to synchronize the identity information of each RFID with the position information to determine a three-space location of each pipe in the pipeline. A method of inspecting a pipeline that has a plurality of pipes includes collecting identity information indicative of the identity of each pipe; generating three-space position information indicative of the position of each pipe; and synchronizing the identity information and the position information. |
| US08001841B2 |
Ultrasonic fault detection system using a high dynamic range analog to digital conversion system
A method and apparatus for effecting ultrasonic flaw detection of an object processes an echo signal received from the object being tested in at least three signal channels, wherein the echo signal is scaled to different degrees along each channel to increase and extend the dynamic range of an associated A/D converter system, in a manner which dispenses with the need for using numerous analog high pass and low pass filters and a variable gain amplifier. This reduces complexity and avoids performance limitations. The digital to analog converters sample the differently scaled input signal and a selection circuit selects the output of the digital output obtained from that analog to digital converter which has the highest gain, but which has not overflowed. The digital outputs are seamlessly merged to produce an output that can be displayed as a scan display which shows the location of faults. |
| US08001837B2 |
Balancing device
A balancing device includes an active balancing mechanism. The active balancing mechanism maintains the balancing device in an actively balanced state within a range of the active balancing mechanism. An auxiliary balancing mechanism is configured to support the balancing device in an unbalanced state that is outside the range of the active balancing mechanism and aid a transition of the balancing device to the actively balanced state that is within the range of the active balancing mechanism. |
| US08001836B2 |
Pedal operation amount detecting apparatus
A pedal operation amount detecting apparatus detects a pedal operation amount based on a load applied by a rotating operation of an operating pedal between the operating pedal and a connecting shaft which rotatably connects the operating pedal and a connecting member connected at an end portion of an operating rod. The pedal operation amount detecting apparatus includes a load transfer member arranged between a connecting hole of the operating pedal and the connecting shaft and capable of transferring a load from the operating pedal to the connecting shaft, and a load detecting unit arranged on the load transfer member and capable of transferring the load from the operating pedal and of detecting a compressive load applied by a surface of the load transfer member and one of an inner circumferential surface of the connecting hole and an outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft. |
| US08001835B2 |
Method and device for dynamometer testing of a motor vehicle and vehicle components
A method and a device for dynamometer testing of a motor vehicle, having a front end and a rear end and a right side and a left side, as seen in a driving direction, and/or vehicle components, by measuring torque and rotational speed on drive shafts of the vehicle. A braking torque is applied to each one of the shafts by individual hydraulic dynamometer test units by throttling hydraulic fluid flows. The braking torque is adjustable for each individual one of the drive shafts such that a resulting individual rotational speed for that shaft corresponds to a virtual vehicle speed when driving the motor vehicle on a road, compensated with a slip value. |
| US08001833B2 |
Method for determining the trapping efficiency and/or a scavenging air mass of an internal combustion engine
A method for determining the trapping efficiency and/or a scavenging air mass of an internal combustion engine has the steps of: for operating points (BP), in which a scavenging of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine with air takes places, an efficiency curve (ηKL, ηKL,M1) of the internal combustion engine is created as a function of an injection mass (mK) of fuel in the cylinder, and on the basis of the efficiency curve (ηKL, ηKL,M1) an optimum injection mass (mK,opt) for an optimum efficiency (ηopt,1) of the internal combustion engine is determined, which is a measure for the trapping efficiency and/or a measure for the scavenging air mass of the internal combustion engine. |
| US08001830B2 |
High frequency deflection measurement of IR absorption
An AFM based technique has been demonstrated for performing highly localized IR spectroscopy on a sample surface. Such a technique implemented in a commercially viable analytical instrument would be extremely useful. Various aspects of the experimental set-up have to be changed to create a commercial version. The invention addresses many of these issues thereby producing a version of the analytical technique that cab be made generally available to the scientific community. |
| US08001822B2 |
Crimping die
A hydraulic crimping tool crimping die including a first section adapted to be removably connected to a die mounting area of a hydraulic crimping tool, and a second section forming a crimping surface adapted to crimp a connector onto a conductor. The crimping die comprises an electrically non-conductive material adapted to prevent electrical arcing with the crimping die. |
| US08001821B2 |
Thermoforming press
A thermoforming press for forming and hardening metal sheets includes an upper die and a lower die. At least one of the upper and lower dies has a mold jaw and a support jaw which are movable relative to one another between a first position in which the support jaw rests against the mold jaw to block a flow of coolant between the mold jaw and the support jaw, and a second position in which the support jaw is spaced from the mold jaw by a distance to define a cooling gap for coolant to flow between the mold jaw and the support jaw. |
| US08001820B2 |
Method for lubricating and cooling rollers and metal strips on rolling in particular on cold rolling of metal strips
The invention relates to a method for lubricating and cooling rollers (3,4,5,6) and metal strips (2) on rolling in particular, on cold rolling of metal strips (2), wherein, on the inlet side (7a) a minimal amount of pure lubricant (9) without a high water content is continuously supplied in an online controlled manner with a controlled viscosity and lubricity depending on a number of process data measurements (23) by means of a physical computer model (22) and the equivalent process data measurements (23) from the outlet side (8a) are also used online by the physical computer model (22). |
| US08001818B2 |
Clutch mechanism couplable to door locks with locking bolt operated by handles or knobs
A clutch mechanism permits a pulling movement to be transferred or not to the bolt of a lock when turning the internal or external handles attached to separate square-section shafts belonging to clutch elements and which can have independent rotation or they can do so integrally. A first clutch element connected to the outside handle possesses a prismatic projection with a radial orifice into which fits a pulling pin assisted by a spring and which is able to be displaced in order to be introduced into a slot of a second clutch element. The movement is controlled by a motor with a worm-screw linked to a spring which can displace a thruster rocker arm which makes contact with the pulling pin. The mechanism also includes an emergency device having a rod and another spring linked to the thruster rocker arm. |
| US08001816B2 |
Pin tumbler lock releasing system
A pin tumbler lock releasing system includes keyway insertible and universally configured lift, key and shim devices that cooperatively work to raise the pin stacks within a pin tumbler lock to just above the pin tumbler lock's shear line so that its plug element may be rotated within its outer casing in order to disengage its locking mechanism. |
| US08001814B2 |
Steering lock apparatus
A motor unit (9) and the like are arranged on a frame body (3) covered with a cover (6). A rod guide portion (4) is protruded from the frame body (3). A lock rod (14) is disposed in this rod guide portion (4) so as to be freely movable. Weak portions (17, 18) are provided on the rod guide portion (4) and the lock rod (14), respectively. A deadlock mechanism (30) is disposed closer to a tip end side of the rod guide portion (4) than the guide-side weak portion (17) thereof. The deadlock mechanism (30) includes: a lock pin (31) urged to a deadlock engagement position where a region of the lock rod (14), which is closer to the tip end side than the rod-side weak portion (18), is locked; and a lock control member (33) that inhibits movement of the lock pin (31) to a locked position thereof before the weak portions (17, 18) are cut off, and releases such regulation to the lock pin (31) after the weak portion (17, 18) are cutoff. The lock control member (33) is disposed in a region where the movement of the lock pin (31) is regulated by assembling force between the cover (6) and the frame body (3). When the cover (6) is detached from the frame body (3), the lock control member (33) positionally shifts in a direction of releasing the regulation of the movement of the lock pin (31). |
| US08001813B1 |
Lever activated deadbolt lock with deadlock feature
To prevent intruders from forcing a deadbolt out of a locking position, the deadbolt has a sleeve defining inside and outside slots. Each of these slots has a horizontal section and a locked position vertical section. Cross members extend through the slots and are placed in the locked position vertical sections when the deadbolt is in the locked position. This prevents the deadbolt from being forcibly unlocked. |
| US08001812B2 |
Security apparatus including locking head
A security apparatus is disclosed. The security apparatus comprises an attachment device comprising a base, and a locking head configured to secure to the base. The attachment device can be small and strong. The locking head can have a securing element and a locking component, associated with a housing. The locking head may be in a secured configuration upon a single motion or movement of the locking head. The locking head may contain one or more gate structures for securing to the attachment device. |
| US08001807B2 |
Palladium screens for bushing assembly and method of using
A filament forming apparatus has a bushing that includes a high palladium content screen along with structural components and non-structural components. The structural components are formed of a first material having a high creep strength and the ability to withstand corrosive effects of molten mineral materials. The non-structural components are formed of at least a second material that is different from the first material. |
| US08001802B2 |
Air conditioner
An air conditioner including an indoor heat exchange unit to perform a heat exchange process by the supply and absorption of heat through the circulation of a first refrigerant, at least one outdoor heat exchange unit to perform a heat exchange process by the absorption and supply of heat through the circulation of a second refrigerant, and an intermediate connection unit to perform a heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant. |
| US08001796B2 |
Dispenser related technology
A food storing apparatus dispenses a content stored in the apparatus. The food storing apparatus includes a button tray that functions as a switch to control dispensing of different contents in accordance with different moved positions of the button tray, but also functions as a tray to receive a residual content discharged after dispensing the content. |
| US08001794B2 |
Thermoelectric fluid heat exchange system
A thermoelectric heat exchange system for fluids comprising a pumping device, configured to deliver a fluid; a fluid inlet system in fluid communication with the pumping device; a fluid outlet system in fluid communication with the pumping device; a reservoir in fluid communication with the pumping device, and configured to hold a fluid; and a heat exchange system in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system, including: a heat exchange plate in fluid communication with the fluid system, comprising a channel system wherein the width of the channel system is about an order of magnitude greater than the depth of the channel system; a thermoelectric cooling module in thermal communication with the heat exchange plate; and a heat sink in communication with the thermoelectric cooling module, and configured to dissipate heat from the thermoelectric cooling module. |
| US08001793B2 |
Gas turbine engine reverse-flow combustor
A gas turbine engine reverse-flow sheet metal combustor for an aero gas turbine engine has a louverless single-piece liner design which includes a plurality of effusion patches, containing multiple rows of effusion cooling holes, bounded by cooled effusionless bands to aid in repairability of the combustor. The cooling of the bands improves the durability of the combustor and provides a method of repair for the combustor. |
| US08001789B2 |
Utilizing inlet bleed heat to improve mixing and engine turndown
An improved inlet bleed heat system for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The inlet bleed heat system provides improved mixing in an inlet region while permitting the engine to be operated at lower power settings. The inlet bleed heat system comprises a supply conduit, a plurality of feed tubes extending from the supply conduit, and a guide tube for receiving opposing ends of the feed tubes. The plurality of feed tubes each have a plurality of injection orifices and the feed tubes are oriented such that the injection orifices generally face into a flow of oncoming air with the feed tubes being positioned forward of a plurality of sound attenuating baffles. |
| US08001786B2 |
Combustor of a gas turbine engine
A combustor of gas turbine engine, including: a fuel spray portion that sprays fuel to create a diffusion combustion region in a combustion chamber, the fuel spray portion including a fuel atomizing portion that atomizes the fuel, and a diffusion passage portion disposed downstream of the fuel atomizing portion, the diffusion passage portion having a spreading trumpet-like shape and diffuses the fuel and the air; a pre-mixture supply portion that supplies a pre-mixture gas including the fuel and air to create a pre-mixture combustion region in the combustion chamber, the pre-mixture supply portion being positioned concentrically with the fuel spray portion to surround the fuel spray portion; and a fuel diffusion restraining member disposed on an inner circumferential face of the diffusion passage portion for restraining a diffusion of injected fuel by separating a stream of the injected fuel away from the inner circumferential face. |
| US08001783B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for turbocharger bypass and exhaust braking with a single valve
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a single-actuated multi-function valve. The apparatus includes a primary fluid conduit, a secondary fluid conduit, and a valve. The primary fluid conduit flows from an exhaust manifold to an outlet through a high pressure turbocharger and a low pressure turbocharger. The secondary fluid conduit flows from the exhaust manifold to an outlet through the low pressure turbocharger. The valve has two flow passages—the first flow passage is a variable restriction within the primary fluid conduit, and the second flow passage is a variable restriction within the secondary fluid conduit. Turning the valve one direction from a nominal position controls the flow ratios in the primary and secondary fluid conduits, while turning the valve in the other direction from the nominal position controls exhaust braking. |
| US08001779B2 |
Hybrid high-pressure low-pressure EGR system
An example system for inducting air into an engine includes a compressor and a turbine mechanically coupled to the compressor and driven by expanding engine exhaust. The system also includes high pressure (HP) and low pressure (LP) exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The disclosed system allows EGR to be routed from an HP take-off point to an LP mixing point. Such functionality may be useful in averting compressor surge and increasing EGR flow potential under certain operating conditions. |
| US08001776B2 |
Hydraulic circuit arrangement with a device for limiting control and method for pressure control by controlling displacement
The invention relates to a hydraulic circuit arrangement for setting the delivery volume of a pump, with an electrically activatable control-valve unit, by means of which, alternately, an active side of a servo system can be acted upon with pressure and, at the same time, its passive side can be relieved to the tank, and with a device for pressure limiting pressure regulation, which comprises pressure limiting valves, by means of which the working lines of the pump can be connected to the servo lines. To reduce the servo pressure load and improve the reaction time, check valves which shut off in the direction of the servo system are provided, by means of which the two servo sides can be connected in each case to the charge pressure via a relief line. Moreover, the device for Pressure limiting pressure regulation comprises an orifice which can be positioned in a line leading to the passive servo side. The invention relates, furthermore, to a method for pressure. |
| US08001773B2 |
Apparatus/method for producing hot gas and diesel particulate filter system
The invention relates to an apparatus for producing hot gas with a first combustion chamber (2) to burn fuel (17). The first combustion chamber features an open (5) and a closed end (36), and the first combustion chamber has a fuel inlet (13) arranged at its closed end. A second combustion chamber (35) encloses the first combustion chamber, with the second combustion chamber featuring a discharge outlet (37) for the hot gas, and the second combustion chamber featuring a closed end at which an inlet for combustion air (39) is arranged. |
| US08001771B2 |
Dual engine work vehicle with control for exhaust aftertreatment regeneration
A work machine having dual compression ignition engines each driving motor generators providing a power output to selective loads. The compression ignition engines each have an exhaust aftertreatment device requiring regeneration in accordance with a selected parameters. A controller controls motor/generators or hydraulic pump/motors associated with the diesel engines to either transfer load between one or the other of the motor/generators or pump/motors to impose a load on one of the engines sufficiently high to produce passive regeneration. In the event that loads driven by the motor/generators or pump/motors are too low, one of the engines may be shut off or the loads increased. |
| US08001770B2 |
Exhaust system for an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to an exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising an exhaust line that carries the exhaust gas, an SCR catalyst system arranged in the exhaust line and an injection device arranged on the exhaust line upstream from the SCR catalyst system for injecting an aqueous urea solution into the exhaust line. |
| US08001768B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing an exhaust gas feedstream for a spark-ignition direct-injection engine
The disclosure sets forth operating a spark-ignition, direct-fuel injection internal combustion engine equipped with an exhaust aftertreatment system including a lean-NOx reduction catalyst upstream of a second converter element. The engine preferentially operates in one of a homogeneous charge combustion mode and a stratified charge combustion mode based upon temperature of the lean-NOx reduction catalyst. Exhaust gas flow is selectively diverted to the second converter element. |
| US08001767B2 |
Engine controller
A first, a second, and a third combustion region are defined by the air-fuel ratio of the mixture gas feeding combustion. Upon switching of combustion regions from the first combustion region to the third combustion region and from the third combustion region to the first combustion region, namely, when the second combustion region is passed, the mass of NOx emission downstream of an exhaust purifying device and the torque variation are estimated online. Based on the estimated value of the mass of NOx emission and the estimated value of the torque variation, the mass of intake air introduced into the combustion chamber is adjusted in a manner different from when normal, such as by changing the amount of lift of the intake valve, for example, so as to reduce the mass of NOx emission downstream of the exhaust purifying device and the torque variation below predetermined values upon passing of the second combustion region. Thus, the increase in exhaust emissions and the deterioration of operability during the switching of combustion regions can be suppressed. |
| US08001760B2 |
Intake air heating system of combined cycle plant
A gas turbine is driven by a combustion gas produced when BFG compressed by a gas compressor and air compressed by a compressor are burned in a combustor. Steam is generated from a waste heat boiler by utilization of heat of an exhaust gas from the gas turbine, and a steam turbine is driven by this steam. An electric generator generates electricity upon driving of the turbines. A condensing heat exchanger is disposed in an air intake duct, and part of steam from the waste heat boiler flows through the heat exchanger to heat intake air. The amount of steam that flows through the heat exchanger is adjusted by adjusting the degree of opening of a steam control valve by a control device. By so doing, the ignition performance of the gas turbine in a BFG-fired gas turbine combined cycle plant is enhanced even in an extremely cold district. |
| US08001758B2 |
Rubber-product-reinforcing steel cord and method for manufacturing the same
A single-layered rubber-product-reinforcing steel cord with good rubber penetration properties, excellent fatigue resistance, and small low-load stretch is obtained. All of wires 11 are provided with curls having a substantially elliptical cross-section and a pitch smaller than that of curls for intertwining, formed by providing the wires with spiral curls and then pressing the wires. These wires are intertwined into each other to form a single-layered twist structure, and, thus, a cord is obtained in which a hollow portion at the center of the cord is in communication with an outside via a gap 12 between the wires 11, and at least any one pair of adjacent wires 11 are substantially in contact with each other at any point in the longitudinal direction of the cord. |
| US08001755B2 |
Adjustable and foldable V-shaped hay rake
An adjustable and foldable V-shaped hay rake is an agricultural tool used for raking hay on fields, in which, for each arm of the hay rake, all the mechanisms for moving the arm are centered on a single adjustable master support plate. |
| US08001754B2 |
Height adjuster mechanism for a grass/ground treatment machine
A height adjuster mechanism for mounting on a frame of a grass and/or ground treatment machine to vary the height of the frame relative to a ground-engaging roller assembly and thereby adjust the height setting of a grass and/or ground treatment module mounted on the frame. The mechanism includes an open-topped housing provided on a rotary adjuster and having an upper surface which defines a height adjustment reference datum level. An insert is movable up and down within the open-topped housing in which the upper surface of the insert can be adjusted to be substantially flush or coplanar with the upper surface of the open-topped housing so as to set a datum level of the treatment module. Means are provided for determining the extent of angular adjustment of the rotary adjuster so as to set any required height adjustment of the treatment module. |
| US08001752B1 |
Auxiliary device for a lawn mower
An auxiliary device is adapted to be electrically connected to a lawn mower, and includes a connecting unit having a first arcuate rack member, a housing turnably mounted on the connecting unit, a guard member turnably mounted on the housing and having a second arcuate rack member, and first and second pinions meshed with the first and second arcuate rack members, respectively. A sweeping area of a grass cutting member is adjusted by turning of the housing between a first position to increase a mowing area and to place a skirt portion of the guard member rearwardly of the grass cutting member, and a second position to enable the grass cutting member to be operated on an obstructed area and to place the skirt portion upwardly of the grass cutting member. |
| US08001751B2 |
Method for gradually relieving pressure in a hydraulic system utilizing reverse fluid flow through a pump of the system
A method of gradually relieving pressure in a hydraulic system of a work machine, wherein a pump in fluid communication with the hydraulic system and a fluid reservoir, is operable for pressurizing fluid from the reservoir and pumping the pressurized fluid into the hydraulic system, wherein the pump is restrictive to fluid flow therethrough when not operating, and the hydraulic system includes at least one valve in fluid communication with the work element configured for receiving the pressurized fluid. The valve is controllably operable in at least two operating modes, including a first mode wherein the pressurized fluid can pass therethrough between the pump and the work element or elements, and a second mode wherein the fluid is prevented from passing between the pump and the work element. The method includes operating the valve or valves in the first mode for at least a predetermined time period while the pump is not operating, to allow at least some of any of the pressurized fluid in the work element to flow through the hydraulic system and gradually drain through the pump to the reservoir so as to reduce any pressure in the hydraulic system and the work element. |
| US08001749B2 |
Packaging machine having a lifting unit
A packaging machine having a lifting unit comprises at least a spindle and a spindle nut. It is the object of the present invention to provide a packaging machine having a lifting unit which can substantially receive the same forces in any lift position and which exhibits shorter moving times. For this reason, the spindle is motor-drivable and stationary relative to a frame (2). |
| US08001744B1 |
Method of grouting commercial kitchen floors using a two-part reactive epoxy grout
A process for grouting floors using a two-part reactive epoxy grout formulation comprising two distinct components (parts) which can utilize a two-part cartridge for storing, metering and having a means of attaching a static mixer tube to the front of the cartridge for inline mixing of the epoxy components as they are being dispensed directly into the grout joint. The cartridge contains a resin and pre-colored hardener, which maybe heated to accelerate the cure speed in cold environments if necessary, mixed, and applied to an empty grout joint-line by means of a static mixer tube that acts as a mixer-nozzle. Masking tape or other protective material is placed on both sides of the joint-line prior to grouting to prevent epoxy contacting tile faces. The grout is dispensed directly into the grout joint by the applicator gun pressurizing the cartridge pistons to flow epoxy resin and hardener in the correct mix ratio through the static mixing nozzle. A leveling tool is used to even out the dispensed grout into the grout joint and remove excess material before curing. By means of the reactivity of the hardener and resin, which are mixed in the proper stoichiometric ratios, the epoxy will cure in the designed period of time to allow full use within hours after application. A two-part methyl methacrylate grout formulation can be used in grouting new tiled floors or regrouting existing tiled floors with the same procedures as the two part reactive epoxy grout. |
| US08001742B2 |
Muntin bar clip and muntin bar assembly
Method and apparatus for making a contoured muntin bar assembly or grid. A tubular muntin bar grid has a first muntin bar formed from an elongated tube having ends that engage a window spacer frame and include side walls that have relatively narrow top and bottom planar walls and relatively wider side planar walls. The top and bottom planar walls defining one or more slots that define intersecting muntin bar positions. One or more intersecting muntin bars formed from elongated tubes have ends that engages the first elongated muntin bar in a region of a slot. The grid includes one or more joiner clips for positioning the one or more intersecting muntin bars in relation to said first muntin bar. Each joiner clip has a tree portion that extends into one end of said intersecting muntin bars to support the intersecting muntin bars in relation to the first muntin bar and an anchor portion which extends into a slot of said first muntin bar and connects to a wall of the first muntin bar spaced from a wall of the first muntin bar contacted by an associated intersecting muntin bar which engages the tree portion of the joiner clip. The anchor portion includes either an integral tab which traps the wall of the muntin bar between a flexible finger or a separate tab which is mounted to a clip base that defines the flexible finger. |
| US08001739B1 |
Parapet wall cover system
A parapet wall cover system includes a clip support, at least one spring support clip and a cover channel. The at least one spring support clip is attached to a top of the clip support channel. The cover channel includes a top surface, a first side surface and a second side surface. The parapet cover system is preferably attached to a parapet wall in the following manner. The clip support is attached to a top of the parapet wall. The at least one spring support clip is secured to the clip support. The cover channel is pushed on to either the clip support channel or the at least one spring support clip and is retained thereby. A vented parapet cover system includes a perforated clip support. A perforated closure may be substituted for the perforated support channel. |
| US08001732B2 |
Hypershelter
The instant invention is a method for achieving a-planar framing configurations which enable the construction of hyperbolic paraboloid surfaces, a multiplicity of which join to create roof structures and enclosures.In particular, the shaping and erecting of connected a-planar quadrilateral frames to create under-framing which can be completed by a simple in-framing, and covered with sheeting material resulting in a new method of constructing enclosures with hyperbolic paraboloid faces without the use of highly trained crews, or the need for elaborate pre-forms or specialized connecting or covering elements.The additional methods of assembly and erection of a hypershelter described herein make possible even greater strength-to-weight ratios and more efficient construction procedures than was possible at the time of the original application. The pre-stressed effects of the twisted framing members, and the progressively rotated orientations of the faces are strength enhancements; and the assembly of whole faces before erection makes possible a great deal of savings in the construction process. As a result of these improvements, it also makes it easier to create various embodiments of hypershelters, here called “domular” and “multi”, that were not noted previously. |
| US08001731B2 |
Self-suporting spatial unit having non-supporting advanced outer walls
A self-supporting module contains first and second rectangular, generally closed longitudinal frames, which are detachably interconnected by crossmembers and to which external wall elements are detachably fixed. The module is characterized in that the external wall elements have dimensions corresponding generally to the height and the width or length of the module and that the outer edges of the elements run flush with the outer edges of the longitudinal frames and crossmembers in such a way that in the corner region of the module, the end faces of adjoining external wall elements define a recess in the form of re-entrant corner. Corner elements are detachably fixed in the recesses, the elements sealing the interior of the module that is delimited by the external wall elements in relation to the exterior. |
| US08001728B2 |
Glass run and its attaching structure
A glass run includes a main body portion including a base bottom portion, a vehicle exterior side wall portion and a vehicle interior side wall portion attached along an inner periphery of a door frame and seal lips extended to an inner side of the main body portion and an entire region in a longitudinal direction thereof is formed by extrusion. The base bottom portion and the vehicle exterior side wall portion and the base bottom portion and the vehicle interior side wall portion are respectively connected by deformed connecting portions. The deformed connecting portion is thin-walled more than the base bottom portion and the two side wall portions and constitutes substantially a J-like shape in a section thereof to provide a predetermined length in a width direction. At two corner portions of the glass run, the deformed connecting portions are deformed by being folded to bend at fold points, the base bottom portion is smoothly disposed on an inner peripheral side, and is continuously bent without providing a slit or a notch. |
| US08001727B2 |
Sealing molding with insert for forming closeout surface
A weatherstrip assembly is provided for a motor vehicle door frame. The weatherstrip assembly includes a sealing molding having a mounting portion adapted to be attached to the door frame. The weatherstrip assembly also includes an insert having a main body and a head fixedly secured thereto. The head is disposed within the mounting portion of the sealing molding. The insert and the sealing molding define an insert cavity therebetween. A molding substrate is disposed within the insert cavity to bond the insert with the sealing molding and provide a finished appearance at one end of the sealing molding. |
| US08001722B2 |
Enhancing yields of harvested plant seeds by treating sowing seeds with selected doses of a physical plant stressor
The present invention relates to a method of enhancing the yield of harvested seed in plants by the application of selected doses of a physical plant stressor such as UV-C light (253.7 nm), X-rays, gamma ray, and electron beam irradiation to sowing seeds. This method can be used alone to enhance seed yield or in combination with standard seed treatments. |
| US08001716B1 |
Lightweight fishing rod and a method for making a lightweight fishing rod
A fishing rod having improved strength and durability to weight characteristics is provided using a thermoplastic toughened epoxy resin. The method of manufacturing this fishing rod includes the use of an insulating layer around rod blanks during a high temperature cure stage. |
| US08001712B2 |
Overhead signage system
A system for supporting one or more contiguous overhead signs or portions thereof. The system includes a plurality of sign support members, and a plurality of connectors for coupling adjacent support members along a common longitudinal axis. At least one connector is slidably receivable by the adjacent support members in corresponding channels thereon. |
| US08001705B2 |
Sports boot with decoration
The sports boot (1) comprises a part composed of two injected materials and a decoration (8) arranged between two layers of the boot, a transparent layer covering it. |
| US08001704B2 |
Footwear with a foot stabilizer
An article of footwear which includes a midsole and foot stabilizer. The foot stabilizer includes a longitudinally extending spine portion and a plurality of ribs extending laterally therefrom from opposing lateral and medial sides. The plurality of ribs being positioned to at least partially underlie a foot of a user. The spine portion is disposed above and affixed to the midsole and the ribs are contoured to partially enclose the foot of the user. |
| US08001702B1 |
Surf boot with passive draining
A double diaphragm check valve for a wetsuit boot comprising a first body disposed on said inside surface being partially inserted through said wall and having an inlet valve seat with a first diaphragm seated therein, a second body having an outlet valve seat being disposed on said outside surface and configured to hermitically connect in series to said first body sandwiching said wall therebetween with a second diaphragm seated therein, a chamber formed in said second body between said inlet valve seat configured to provide clearance for said first elastomeric diaphragm. The present check valve substantially restricts fluid flow to a direction from the inside of the boot to the environment, while preventing backflow. The present invention allows excess water to be expelled from the boot to prevent accumulation of water and the ballooning that results. |
| US08001700B2 |
Scanning unit of a position measuring arrangement
A scanning unit of a position measuring arrangement for scanning a measuring graduation of a scale. The scanning unit includes a base body including an interior space; wherein the base body can be installed, fixed in place, on an object to be measured, wherein the base body comes into contact with a first contact face at a first location of the object to be measured. The scanning unit includes a heat-generating electrical component in the interior and a contact element with a second contact face which, in the course of installing the base body, enters into contact at a second location of the object to be measured. The scanning unit further including a heat-conducting element, which is designed for transferring heat generated by an electrical component from the interior space to the contact element. |
| US08001698B2 |
Digital displacement measuring instrument
A digital displacement measuring instrument detects a displacement of a spindle by an encoder and then displays the displacement on a digital display unit. With an imaginary base line centered along an axial direction of an outer circumference of a sleeve, a millimeter graduation for displaying the displacement of the spindle in millimeters is provided on one side, and the inch graduation for displaying the displacement of the spindle is provided on the other side. |
| US08001697B2 |
Counter balance for coordinate measurement device
A portable articulated arm coordinate measurement device is provided. The coordinate measurement device includes a base and an articulated arm portion having at least one arm segment. A biasing member is coupled on a first end to the base and on a second end to the articulated arm portion. The first end of the biasing member is movable between a first position and a second position. An adjuster is coupled between the base and the biasing member. The adjuster is coupled to move the first end of the biasing member from the first position to the second position. |
| US08001692B2 |
Nail clipper
Embodiments of the invention provide a nail clipper. The nail clipper comprises upper and lower blade members with a suitable length to hold by hand which face each other and form inner concave parts of the spoon shape; cutting blades that face each other at one end of the concave part; support shaft holes to the cutting blades; elastic parts extended to one side of each of the concave parts, which are joined at the end to consolidate the upper and lower blade members; and a lever located above the upper blade member and connected through upper and lower blade members via the supporting shaft. |
| US08001691B2 |
Method for manufacturing hydrodynamic bearing and shaft
A method for manufacturing a hydrodynamic bearing (30) comprises steps of: step (201): providing a substrate (10) with a plurality of protrusions (14) formed on a periphery thereof; step (202): placing the substrate in a middle of a hollow mold, then injecting a feedstock of powder and molten binder into the mold to surround the substrate under pressure, thus forming a desired bearing preform (20); step (203): separating the substrate from the bearing preform by means of catalytic debinding; step (204): separating the binder from the bearing preform; step (205): sintering the bearing preform; step (206): precision machining the bearing preform to form the desired hydrodynamic bearing. |
| US08001688B2 |
Method for producing attached parts for a vehicle and the thus produced attached parts
A method for producing attached parts for a motor vehicle, for example doors, dampers, mudguards formed by internal (1) and external (2) sheets. The external sheet (2) is inward bent in the visible areas of the door or attached part, the sheet edges being practically parallel to the plane of attached parts in the invisible (not apparently visible) areas of the door or attached part. The internal sheet (1) is pushed against the external sheet (2) in a flanged area in such a way that a small accurately defined gap for laser welding is produced. The internal (1) and external (2) sheets are welded to each other in the form of an overlap joint in the opposite invisible areas, thereby compensating tolerances. |
| US08001687B2 |
Method of forming a gearbox using hollow structural steel
A method of forming a gearbox includes the use of hollow structural steel. |
| US08001686B2 |
Method for taut sheath splicing of all-dielectric, self-supporting fiber optic cable
A method of splicing a fiber optic cable including applying a clamp to a first portion of a fiber optic cable, using a bail to connect the clamp to a support structure, connecting a splice closure to the bail, connecting an aerial splicing platform to the bail and splicing a second portion of the fiber optic cable to a second fiber optic cable in the splice closure. |
| US08001685B2 |
Method for manufacturing probe card needles
Disclosed are probe card needles manufactured using microfabrication technology, a method for manufacturing the probe card needles, and a probe card having the probe card needles. The probe needles are manufactured by forming, on a ceramic board, probe needle bases made of conductive metal, and a polymeric elastomer layer, by using photolithography and a photoresist, and continuously depositing conductive metal layers on the probe needle bases in such a manner as to be supported by the polymeric elastomer layer. The probe card comprises: a printed circuit board (PCB) which is connected to a test head for transmitting an electrical signal from a tester; a ceramic board located below the PCB and electrically connected to the PCB by a plurality of interface pins; a jig for mechanically holding the interface pins and the multilayer ceramic board to the PCB; and a plurality of probe needles attached to the lower surface of the multilayer ceramic board and making contact with electrical/electronic devices. |
| US08001684B2 |
Method for manufacturing flexible printed circuit boards
An exemplary method for manufacturing flexible printed circuit board is provided. A metal foil is supplied from a first feeding roller. The metal foil has a first surface and a second surface on two opposite sides of the metal foil. A first coverlay having a number of first openings defined therein is supplied from a second feeding roller and laminated on the first surface of the metal foil. Electrical traces are formed with the metal foil. A second coverlay having a number of second openings defined therein is supplied from a third feeding roller and laminated on the second surface of the metal foil. Each of the second openings registers with the respective first opening so that the electrical traces are exposed from the corresponding first and second openings. The method can improve quality and efficiency of manufacturing flexible printed circuit boards in a hollowed out form. |
| US08001681B2 |
Assembly identification by mounting configuration
The present disclosure provides a method for identification of an electronic assembly, when used multiple times in a larger system, to change its location status in a system based on its mounting configuration. The mounting configuration dictates the identification and thus reduces incorrect identification settings and the need for complicated installation instructions. In at least one embodiment, the identification is determined by the location of a fastener, such as a grounding fastener, on the assembly. |
| US08001675B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing heat exchanger
In a heat exchanger, a liquid resin is applied to an outer surface of the heat exchanger, and then surplus liquid resin is removed from the outer surface. In removing the surplus liquid resin, before air having a first velocity is directed to the heat exchanger for blowing the surplus liquid resin off the heat exchanger, air having a second velocity lower than the first velocity is directed to the heat exchanger to remove the surplus liquid resin from the heat exchanger by moving the surplus liquid resin along the outer surface of the heat exchanger. The air at the second velocity is directed toward the heat exchanger by a second blower before the air at the first velocity is directed toward the heat exchanger by a first blower. |
| US08001673B2 |
Clamping device for vehicle body transfer cart
The present invention provides a clamping device for a vehicle body transfer cart, in which a rotation unit for rotating a cart unit, an air supply unit for supplying air to the cart unit, and an electrical signal unit for transmitting an electric signal to the cart unit are installed in a single processing device such that the structure of the device is simplified, the number of components is decreased to reduce manufacturing and installation costs, the structure of the cart unit is improved to be suitable for the clamping device, and thus the weight of the cart unit is reduced. |
| US08001672B2 |
Methods of fabricating a conductor assembly having a curvilinear arcuate shape
A method for manufacture of a conductor assembly along a curvilinear axis. The assembly may be of the type which, when conducting current, generates a magnetic field or in which, in the presence of a changing magnetic field, a voltage is induced. In one example, the assembly includes a structure having a curved shape extending along the axis. A surface of the structure is positioned for formation of a channel along the curved shape. The structure is rotated about a second axis. While rotating the structure, a channel is formed in the surface that results in a helical shape in the structure. The channel extends both around and along the first axis. |
| US08001668B2 |
Connector installation tool
The connector installation tool is an elongate, substantially flat Y-shaped body having a base, a pair of spaced first and second bracket holding jaws projecting upwardly from the base, an elongate handle extending downwardly from the base, and an adjustable abutment spanning perpendicular to the bracket holding jaws, the abutment and jaws defining a bracket holding space therebetween. The connector installation tool presets the proper positioning of the bracket, resulting in more reliable, fast, safe and accurate installation of the connector. |
| US08001664B2 |
Hidden-type convertible shoe
A shoe comprising a shoe upper including a male member and a shoe sole including a female receptor for locking with the male member. The male member locks with the female receptor by moving the male member with respect to the female receptor in a first direction, which locks the shoe upper with the shoe sole. The male member unlocks from the female receptor by moving the male member an additional distance further in the first direction, which unlocks the shoe upper from the shoe sole. The female receptor includes resilient arms to hold and release the male member and a stop to prevent movement of the resilient arms in a second direction. |
| US08001662B1 |
Clip device
A clip device for releasably securing objects together is provided. The clip device comprises a clip body with a first slot formed in the clip body and a second slot formed in the clip body substantially parallel to the first slot. A cross member divides the first slot from the second slot. A faceplate substantially parallel to the cross member is formed in the clip body with the faceplate having a substantially planar front face surface and a rear face surface. A finger extends from the front face surface with the finger curling back toward the front face surface. An opening is formed through the faceplate wherein upon positioning of the front face surfaces of two adjacent clip bodies together, the finger is releasably receivable within the opening formed in the front faceplate. |
| US08001661B2 |
Apparatus for securing ornamentation to personal items
An ornamental device includes a first member adapted to be coupled to a personal item. The first member has a first end having a sidewall. A second member is releasably engagable with the first member, and is provided with a recess that receives the first end of the first member when the first and second members are engaged. The second member has a flange that contacts the sidewall of the first member substantially along a width of the sidewall when the first and second members are engaged. The first and second members are magnetically coupled, such that the magnetic interaction, and the interaction of the flange with the sidewall, secures a decorative second member to a personal item in a selected location. |
| US08001659B2 |
Tensioning device
A tensioning device includes a pair of opposing first surfaces defining a first wedge opening. The first surfaces are fixed relative to each other. The first wedge opening is shaped to releasably secure a first portion of a cord. A pair of opposing second surfaces defines a second wedge opening. The second surfaces are fixed relative to each other. The second wedge opening is spaced apart from the first wedge opening. The second wedge opening is shaped to releasably secure a second portion of the cord. A cord block defines a support surface spaced from the first and second wedge openings. The support surface is positioned to slidably support the cord between the first and second wedge openings. |
| US08001658B2 |
Clasp for band
A clasp including long hinged arms (1, 2, 13), a mechanism for adjusting the longitudinal position of the connecting member (20) connecting one of the free ends of the band to one of the long arms (1, 2, 13), having two tracks (18) defining two corresponding paths extending in two planes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arms (1, 2, 13), and sliding elements (19, 39) for engaging with the respective guide tracks (18), the respective cross sections of the tracks and of the sliding elements including complementary adjacent surfaces to limit the movement of the sliding elements (19, 39) to one degree of freedom corresponding to the sliding path of the tracks (18), in such a way as to ensure free translational movement of the connecting member. |
| US08001651B2 |
Floor washing robot
A floor washing robot is disclosed. The robot includes: a control unit for controlling a power source to drive at least three omnidirectional wheels and at least one washing disc to rotate to wash a floor; a water spray device for spraying water; and a vacuum device for vacuuming waste water or dirt. The floor washing robot can be moved freely in any direction to improve the cleaning effect. |
| US08001643B1 |
Cable protector
A cable protector and access ramp apparatus and system are disclosed. The apparatus and system is comprised of a plurality of variously configured cable protector sections. Each of the sections has a protected raceway through which various piping, electrical, gas, communication and other service lines may be directed and front and rear ramps to allow vehicles to roll up and over the protected raceway. The raceway in each of the sections of the apparatus and system has a hinged cover which may be lifted to allow placement and access to the service lines. The front and rear ramps of each of the sections may be provided with a pivoting ramp cover having a slot configured to allow access to lifting channels in the frame. The lifting channels are configured to receive the tines of a forklift. |
| US08001641B1 |
Utility knife assembly and method
A utility knife assembly includes a housing that has a first lateral wall, a second lateral wall and a perimeter wall extending between the first and second lateral walls. The perimeter wall includes a front wall, a rear wall, an upper wall and a lower wall. The front wall has a blade aperture therein. The upper wall has a slot therein. A tape measure tab is removably positionable in the slot. A blade is removably mounted to the housing and extends outwardly of the blade aperture. The slot is aligned with the blade to allow the tape measure to be used for measuring where the blade is cutting. |
| US08001640B2 |
MIG welding pliers
An improved MIG welding pliers is disclosed, which allows faster and easier removal of spatter form a MIG welding nozzle, thereby improving welder productivity. Embodiments of the present invention provide a rounded file on the outer surface of each of the pinchers of the pliers. In one embodiment, each pincher has a different file surface. The rounded file surface provides for improved spatter removal, and eliminates the need for waxes and spatter control products which degrade the contact tip and nozzle, hastening the need for their replacement. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention increase the efficiency of a MIG welding operation, as less time is spent removing spatter from nozzles, and thus, more time is available for welding. Furthermore, by avoiding the use of waxes, costs are reduced since nozzles and contact tips do not need to be replaced as frequently. |
| US08001639B2 |
Perimeter stiffening system for a foam mattress
A stiffening system for the perimeter edges of a foam core mattress comprising a coil spring (or other spring-based) structure disposed along one or more perimeter edges (e.g., one or both side edges, the foot, the head, or a combinations thereof including the foot and both side edges) of a mattress having a foam sleeping area. The perimeter spring structure is rectangular or square in cross-section and provides sufficient stiffness for comfortable seating on the edges of the mattress and is joined to the foam core by planar fabric elements that span the joint between them and are attached to both. The sleep area provides the softness and other salutary effects of a foam sleeping surface while the stiffer spring perimeter element provides the rigidity need for comfortable seating and wear resistance. |
| US08001635B2 |
Surgical arm positioning pad
An arm protection apparatus for a patient's arms when the patient is in a prone or supine position. An injured party who is unable to voice complaints of pain or pressure may be positioned on an operating table or on a stretcher. The patient may be unconscious. There is a risk of injury to a patient's arm unless the patient's arm is secured in a safe positioned and cushioned from outside pressure. The arm protection apparatus involves a central pad, which is positioned under a patient's body. Sections come off the central pad, which may be positioned around a patient's arm. Ordinarily, a patient's upper arm and lower arm will both be contained within separate sections that are attached to the central portion of the pad. The pad will be constructed of a soft foam-like material, which is radiolucent and easily folded or cut as need be. The pad will ordinarily be disposable and discarded after one use and can be packaged and stored in a sterile container. |
| US08001634B2 |
Restraint with shoulder harness adjuster
A restraint for holding a person atop a gurney or on a vehicle seat. A harness includes a pair of straps slidably mounted to a main frame. The straps are connected to an adjuster. A slide plate is mounted to the frame with the straps extending therethrough. A spring loaded device normally positions the plate to position the straps apart from the shoulders of a person positioned beneath the straps until the straps are pulled relative to an adjuster moving the plate and the straps adjacent the shoulders of the person. |
| US08001631B2 |
Rail for hospital bed
A rail assembly (10) for a hospital bed (11). The rail assembly (10) includes a based (13) having brackets (14) that provide for pivoting movement of horizontally extending runs (17) between a lowered position providing access to the bed (11), and a raised position maintaining a patient on the bed. |
| US08001626B2 |
Swimming pool safety net system
A swimming pool safety net system includes a net having a first edge affixable to a side of a swimming pool and a second edge extendable toward a center of the swimming pool. A plurality of actuators are substantially regularly spacing around a periphery of a swimming pool wherein each actuator has an extendable end affixed to the second edge of the net. A controller selectively operates the actuators between a retracted position with the second end of the net proximal to the side of the swimming pool and an extended position with the second end of the net extended toward the center of the swimming pool. |
| US08001621B2 |
Pants with v-shaped waistband
Pants include a waistband shaped to descend from the hip region to a rear center region, thereby resembling a shallow v-shape. The rear center region is configured to reach toward the back of the individual wearing the pants. A reinforcement patch is used to provide foundation to connect a belt loop to the waistband. |
| US08001618B2 |
Ventilated double-closure garment
A ventilated and water-resistant garment is provided. The ventilated garment has at least one vent disposed in a wind-resistant protective material layer and has a closure to selectively permit fluid flow through the vent. A breathable material underlies the vent. The vent has a securing strap with a fastener that secures with a complementary fastener to ensure that the breathable material is substantially exposed to promote fluid flow through the breathable material. A pair of vents is preferably provided in the garment with each have a securing strap with a fastener that removably engages with the complementary fastener on the other securing strap to enhance flow through the vents. Further, double-vent water-resistant openings are provided, having a primary and a secondary closable opening, which can be offset from one another to enhance water and fluid impermeability while providing ventilation. |