| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08011268B2 |
Steering column system
To provide a steering column system which has superior operating feeling and operating properties which can suppress an operational failure, an engaging arm is displaced relative to a cam member by an annular member that is deformed elastically. Distal ends of gear teeth are made to shift from each other, making it possible not only to enhance the feeling of the operation lever, but also to facilitate meshing of the gear teeth. |
| US08011267B2 |
Toothed mobile part for play take-up in a gear, particularly in horology
A toothed mobile part (1) for play take-up in a gear, particularly in horology, having certain (7) of its teeth fixed and entirely rigid, and other (8) of its teeth each intercalated between two rigid teeth (7) and elastically deformable, is characterised in that said elastically deformable teeth (8) consist of spring blades each comprising a gear flank (9), and in that for each spring blade (8) the distance (12) measured on the pitch circle (13) of the mobile part (1), between the gear flank (9) of the spring blade (8) and the corresponding flank (10) of the one among the two adjacent rigid teeth (7) facing the gear flank (9) is smaller than the distance (14), again measured on the pitch circle (13) of mobile part (1), between the gear flank (9) and the corresponding flank (10) of the other adjacent rigid tooth (7). |
| US08011264B2 |
Mechanism for converting rotary motion into linear motion
Revolving rollers, each provided on an outer peripheral surface thereof with revolving roller grooves extending therearound, are caused to mesh with a rack rod thread of a central rack rod with an axial angle over a lead angle of the rack rod thread and arranged for rotation on a holder member to be twisted. The holder member is rotated round the rack rod by a motor to translate the rack rod. A large thrust can be generated while ensuring a high reliability since a high efficiency is achieved by realizing rolling contact in set points of mesh of the rack rod thread and the revolving roller grooves, points of mesh are made planar, and interference in other points than the points of mesh can be suppressed. Also, play can be restricted by assembling the revolving rollers to the rack rod thread while applying torque in a direction, in which the axial angle is increased. |
| US08011254B2 |
Apparatus for and method of measuring motion characteristics of head gimbal assembly
An apparatus correctly measures motion characteristics a head gimbal assembly exhibits when turned in a radial direction of a hard disk. The apparatus includes an assembly support to fixedly support the head gimbal assembly on a center axis that corresponds to a rotation axis around which the head gimbal assembly is turned in actual use, a disk drive to rotatably support the hard disk and turn around a turn axis that is concentric with the center axis on which the head gimbal assembly is fixedly supported, and a turn unit to turn the disk drive around the turn axis, thereby creating a relative turn of the head gimbal assembly with respect to the hard disk. |
| US08011252B2 |
Pressure sensor
A pressure sensor includes: a housing having openings at both ends thereof; a pair of pressure-receiving devices configured to seal the openings respectively and transmit a pressure from the outside to the interior of the housing; a force transmission device configured to connect the pair of pressure-receiving devices and transmit a force that one of the pressure-receiving devices receives to the other pressure-receiving device; and a pressure-sensitive element having a pressure-sensitive portion and a pair of base portions to be connected to both ends of the pressure-sensitive portion, wherein a line connecting the pair of base portions and a detection axis, which is a direction of detection of the force, and the direction of displacement of the force transmission device are arranged in parallel; the one of the base portions is a first fixed portion, a pair of connecting devices extending from the other base portion so as to interpose the pressure-sensitive portion are connected respectively to a pair of second fixed portions arranged at positions in symmetry with respect to the first fixed portion, the first fixed portion is fixedly supported by the force transmission device, and the second fixed portions are supported and fixed to portions where a line connecting the first fixed portion and the pair of second fixed portions intersect the housing. |
| US08011249B2 |
Steam generator nondestructive examination method
A method of examining a steam generator heat exchange tube from the outside surface employing ultrasonic nondestructive inspection techniques. An ultrasonic transducer contacts the outside surface of the tube and transmits a pseudo helical Lamb wave into the wall of the tube chosen to have a mode that does not significantly interact with water in the tube. The reflected waves are then analyzed for changes in modes to identify defects in the wall of the tube. |
| US08011242B2 |
System and device for measuring and analyzing forces applied by a cyclist on a pedal of a bicycle
According to some embodiments, a sensor device for determining forces exerted by a cyclist on a pedal of a bicycle is provided. The sensor device includes a plurality of sensors coupled to a substrate, and wiring coupled to the sensors and the substrate, wherein the sensors, the substrate, and the wiring are housed inside a pedal spindle coupled to the pedal. The sensor device may also be used in a system for improving a pedaling technique of a cyclist. |
| US08011239B1 |
In situ sediment ecotoxicity assessment system
A system includes a plurality of chamber holders having openings therein, and an exposure chamber positioned in each chamber holder. Each exposure chamber includes a mesh portion and a top end cap. One exposure chamber contains a mesh bottom and one contains a closed bottom. Each chamber holder is positioned within an opening contained within a base portion. One exposure chamber may extend beyond the lower boundary of the base portion. A top portion may be secured to the base portion to contain the chamber holders. A pump, with connected supply hose, may be coupled to the top portion. The supply hose is routed through the chamber holders such that a supply hose opening is adjacent to each chamber holder. The system may include a water quality sensor and a passive sampling device coupled to the base portion. A deployment system may be connected to the top portion. |
| US08011235B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring local tire stiffness
A tire testing apparatus and method for measuring the local stiffness of a tire. The apparatus includes a force producing mechanism, a force measuring device, a force transmitting member, and a measuring device. The force transmitting member applies a force to a tire surface and the measuring device measures the distance of the displacement of the tire surface caused by the force. A tire testing method comprising mounting a tire on a tire testing apparatus to measure a local stiffness of the tire. The method further comprises inflating the tire, applying a force to a local area of the tire, monitoring the force, measuring a distance corresponding to the local deflection, and calculating a local stiffness. |
| US08011233B2 |
Method for confirming function of idling stop and restarting system
A vehicle that is equipped with an idling stop and restarting system and method thereof for testing a function of the idling stop and restarting system may include counting the ignition number of an engine including a first ignition, accumulating the operating time period after the first ignition, and setting a charging value of a battery as a predetermined value, if the ignition number is smaller than a predetermined ignition number and/or if operating time period is shorter than a predetermined operating time period, wherein the idling stop and restarting system is operated regardless of the real charging value of the battery. |
| US08011232B2 |
Method for diagnosing the condition of an engine fuel supply system
A method for diagnosing a condition of a system for supplying fuel to a fuel injected controlled-ignition internal combustion engine, of a type including an electric control device that makes use of an oxygen probe for closed-loop regulation of a value of air/fuel ratio admitted to combustion chambers of the engine, and according to which a signal delivered by an oxygen probe is analyzed, the method a) deducing from the signal, a change in a effective injection time making it possible to regulate richness of exhaust gases leaving the engine; b) calculating CRITERION=∫(CRITERION 1+CRITERION2+CRITERION3); c) comparing CRITERION against predetermined minimum and maximum threshold values THRESHOLD_MIN and THRESHOLD_MAX; d) diagnosing a defective condition when CRITERION is outside of a window included between THRESHOLD_MIN and THRESHOLD_MAX. |
| US08011229B2 |
Determining postural stability
A method for determining postural stability of a person can include acquiring a plurality of pressure data points over a period of time from at least one pressure sensor. The method can also include the step of identifying a postural state for each pressure data point to generate a plurality of postural states. The method can include the step of determining a postural state of the person at a point in time based on at least the plurality of postural states. |
| US08011227B2 |
Detection of ingress of water in an intermediate layer using acoustic resonance technology
An apparatus and a method for determining a moisture ingress in an insulating layer surrounding a pipe, the insulating layer being surrounded by a tubular jacket. The apparatus includes an acoustic transducer in communication with an exciter adapted to provide a brief and broad banded acoustic signal which includes frequencies which by their propagation in the material of the jacket has a wavelength which corresponds to twice the thickness of the jacket or an odd multiple of twice the thickness of the jacket, and to process a reverberation signal emitted from the jacket in response to sending into the jacket the brief and broad banded output signal from the transducer. The signal processor is adapted to make a frequency analysis of the received reverberation signal for producing a frequency response curve, to establish features of the frequency response curve which are characteristic of a moisture content in the insulation material on the inside of the jacket, and to output an indication being specific for the moisture ingress. |
| US08011224B2 |
Method and device for detecting and identifying chemical agents
A feeding device for enriching and feeding a fluid sample into a chemical detector, the feeding device comprises (a) a sorbent element having a sorbent material for sorbing at least one target chemical present in the fluid sample; (b) a desorbing mechanism for generating conditions for the sorbent material to desorb the at least one target chemical out of the sorbent material, thereby to provide an enriched fluid sample; and (c) a loose connector, for providing a loose connection between the feeding device and the chemical detector, such that when the sorbent material desorbs the at least one target chemical, the chemical detector is fed by the enriched fluid sample, and when the sorbent material sorbs the at least one target chemical, the chemical detector is fed by environmental fluids. |
| US08011223B2 |
Remaining hydrogen sensor
In the hydrogen remaining sensor of the present invention, the hydrogen remaining sensor is arranged in a space in which the hydrogen is absorbed/released by the main hydrogen storage alloy, and is equipped with the vessel-like sensor main body in which the sensor hydrogen storage alloy is filled and through which the hydrogen is moved. Also, the easy-to-deform portion in which the strain is caused easily due to the hydrogen absorption/release of the sensor hydrogen storage alloy is provided to a part of the sensor main body, and the strain gauge for measuring the strain of the easy-to-deform portion is provided. As a result, according to the hydrogen remaining sensor of the present invention can contribute to sense precisely a remaining amount of hydrogen in the main hydrogen storage alloy. |
| US08011221B2 |
Apparatus for machining variable trim line of panel
The present invention relates to an apparatus for machining a variable trim line of a panel, which can machine the variable trim line through a simple manipulation within a single process at the time of machining a trunk lid panel. The apparatus includes: an upper die unit disposed at an upper die steel and including a select retainer adapted to selectively punch the variable trim line of the panel, and an upper punch adapted to be moved forward and backward; and a lower die unit disposed at a lower die steel in such a fashion as to be directed opposite to the upper die unit in a row and adapted to push a strap caught in the lower die steel while cooperating with punching operation of the upper punch of the upper die unit. With the apparatus, a die manufacturing cost can be reduced, productivity can be increased and default rate can be reduced. |
| US08011219B2 |
Method of controlling mandrel in a tube-extruding press
The invention relates to a method for adjusting the position of a mandrel (10), which is situated in a hydraulic punch consisting of a cylinder and a ram that form a mandrel cylinder (8), in an extrusion press for producing pipes (2), which are extruded from blocks (4) that are loaded into a receiving device (5) situated upstream of the extrusion press (3) and are punched using the mandrel (10). The invention is characterised in that the mandrel cylinder (8) is driven directly by pumps (11), which are set for a pre-calculated throughput that is dependent on the press speed, and that an additional throughput is added to the pre-calculated pump throughput. To adjust the position of the mandrel (10), a control valve (16) that acts on the ring side (12) of the mandrel (8) is connected to a tank (17). |
| US08011218B1 |
Material forming machine incorporating quick changeover assembly
A clamp block kit for use on a machine having an adjustment mechanism employing a shaft and associated nut. The clamp block kit comprises a clamp block assembly securable about the nut and a mounting rail fastenable to the clamp block assembly with at least one second fastener. The clamp block assembly includes a first clamp including at least one threaded first hole, a second clamp including at least one second hole alignable with a respective first hole when in an assembled state, and at least one first fastener for extending into the aligned first and second holes. |
| US08011217B2 |
Electronic access control handle set for a door lock
The present invention provides for a handle set for a lock with a latch, the handle set having an authentication circuit and actuator in the interior handle that allow access to authenticated transponders. The present invention also provides a device and method for transmitting a rotational movement and force in an electronic lock, wherein the transmission takes place in a coupled state and not in a decoupled state and wherein the transmission of force does not damage an actuator that requires little energy to change between the coupled and decoupled states. The handle set can include a coupling cartridge that can be easily handed. The electronic lock can be retrofitted in installed mortise locks and used with cylindrical locks. The electronic lock can include a security feature that prohibits the electronic lock from changing between the coupled and decoupled states. |
| US08011215B2 |
Releasable lock for a motor vehicle locking system
A disengageable cylinder for a motor vehicle lock mechanism includes a fixed stator, a sleeve, a rotor, a driver, and an indexer. The sleeve is mounted in rotation about its axis in the stator, and is fixed axially with respect to the stator. The rotor is mounted in rotation in the sleeve and is fixed axially in the sleeve. Further, the rotor includes tumblers which can move radially under the action of a key intended to be inserted axially into the rotor. The driver provides a coupling between the rotor and a cam actuator, when the key is appropriate. The indexer can move axially between rest and disengagement positions and is under the effect of a rotation of the sleeve with respect to the stator subsequent to the rotor being rotated by means of an inappropriate key. |
| US08011213B1 |
Versatile cross bar device for container door stanchions
A universal security device for preventing unlocking rotation of right and left door stanchions of cargo containers including a protective housing for a puck lock and channel shaped cross bar wings extending from its laterally opposite sides. A hook with claws for engaging a stanchion includes a palm with a locking tab having a locking bar receiving opening. The palm is insertable through one of the complimentary openings provided in each of the two side walls of the housing. At least one interior tab with a locking bar receiving opening is provided in the housing and when the locking rod of a puck lock engages the openings in the locking tabs, the cross bar structure prevents an unlocking rotation of the stanchion. |
| US08011212B2 |
Lock having an indicatory lock core
This invention relates to a lock, which includes a housing and an indicative lock core. The indicative lock core is operable by a key to move to an indicative position and be stuck in the indicative position. The indicative lock core can move back to its original position only through a restore mechanism. When the key-operated lock core is in the indicative position, the key-operated lock core is partly situated outside the housing and is easily noticed. |
| US08011210B2 |
Washing drum for a laundry treating machine
The invention relates to washing drum shell formed by a final sheet metal strip which is coiled in the form of a cylinder and whose ends are welded to one another. The longitudinal sides thereof are connected to a bottom disk by a high-flange joint provided with transversal embossments. The high flange joint is sufficiently stable even when the carriers of the washing drum are drawn into the shell. The drawn-in carriers are connected by at least one fold to openings shaped in at least one bottom disk and the transversal embossments of the high flange joint are shaped in an area which is arranged directly near a connection between the drawn-in carriers and the bottom disk. |
| US08011209B2 |
Method of making glass
A method of making a glass is provided in which the time needed for doping a refractive index control substance such as fluorine into a soot glass deposit body can be reduced. The method comprises the steps of: (1) putting a soot glass deposit body in a container; (2) doping a refractive index control substance into the soot glass deposit body by supplying an doping gas into the container, the doping gas containing the substance; and (3) consolidating the soot glass deposit body by heating, wherein the final set-value concentration of the substance is determined beforehand depending on the target refractive index of the glass, and in step (2), the container is supplied with the doping gas including the substance having a concentration set to be higher than the final set-value concentration, and subsequently, the doping gas including the substance having the final set-value concentration is supplied into the container. |
| US08011208B2 |
Reduction of optical fiber cane/preform deformation in consolidation
According to an embodiment of the invention a method of manufacturing optical fiber cane comprises the steps of: (i) providing a core rod manufactured of relatively low viscosity glass; (ii) depositing SiO2 based soot around the core rod to form a soot preform, the soot being of relatively high viscosity material such that the softening point of the low viscosity glass is at least 200° C. lower than the viscosity of the high viscosity outer core region; and (iii) consolidating the soot of the soot preform by exposure to hot zone at temperatures of 1000° C.-1600° C. The soot is consolidated by heating the outer portion of the soot preform at a relatively fast heating rate, the heating rate being sufficient to densify the soot, so as to render the densified material with enough rigidity to confine the heated core rod and to prevent the heated core rod from puddling. |
| US08011205B2 |
Food storage system
A food storage system including a secondary bowl that is adapted to be positioned at least partially on and/or in a main lid. The secondary bowl is adapted to be detachable from the main lid. |
| US08011200B2 |
Cooling fluid flow regulation distribution system and method
The disclosure provides systems and methods for regulating and distributing cooling fluid through a plurality of heat sinks, such as cold plates, using a flow regulator, which sets the total flow rate, in combination with one or more individual orifices that allow further flow distribution as required by individual cold plates, despite flow variations upstream of the orifices. An orifice can be coupled to an orifice holder, which includes a body to support the orifice, and which may be coupled (directly or indirectly) to an inlet of the cold plate. Alternative manners of coupling orifices in the fluid flow besides an orifice holder can be employed. Generally, the flow regulator(s) is coupled with a plurality of orifices and conduits through which the cooling fluid flows. Related system components can be assembled as a module for installation into a cooling system that includes other system components such as a pump, compressor or other pressure sources for the cooling fluid. |
| US08011197B2 |
Apparatus to sense and control compressor operation in an HVAC system
An HVAC system and method for configuring a controller to control a compressor including a detection system provided to determine a type of compressor. The detection system includes a processor; and a load sensing circuit connected between the processor and a controller. The controller has a plurality of output connections connectable to a compressor. The load sensing circuit senses whether a load is present on each output connection of the plurality of output connections and provides a load signal to the processor indicating whether a load is present on each output connection. The load signals are processed with the processor to determine the type of compressor is present. The controller is configured to control the compressor in response to the determined type of compressor. |
| US08011195B2 |
Kimchi refrigerator and control method of the same
A Kimchi refrigerator that applies cold shock to Kimchi stored therein at predetermined time intervals, while a keeping mode is performed, so as to improve the taste of the Kimchi, wherein the time intervals are changed, and a control method of the same are disclosed. The Kimchi refrigerator includes a cooling system to cool the interior of the refrigerator in which Kimchi is stored, and a control unit to control the cooling system to perform a cold shock operation in which the interior of the refrigerator is cooled to a cold shock temperature lower than a keeping temperature at predetermined time intervals, for a predetermined period of time, while a keeping mode is performed. The control unit changes the time intervals. |
| US08011194B2 |
Collapsible cooler convertible to a stadium seat
A collapsible foldable cooler can be converted to a stadium seat by folding back a top lid and folding diagonally down the top portions of the sidewalls. The folded down top lid extends along the back wall, forming a part of a converted stadium seat backrest, while the sidewalls form the sides of the stadium seat. |
| US08011191B2 |
Refrigeration system having a variable speed compressor
A two-stage cascade refrigeration system is provided having a first refrigeration stage and a second refrigeration stage. The first refrigeration stage defines a first fluid circuit for circulating a first refrigerant, and has a first compressor, a condenser, and a first expansion device that is in fluid communication with the first fluid circuit. The second refrigeration stage defines a second fluid circuit for circulating a second refrigerant, with the second refrigeration stage having a second compressor, a second expansion device, and an evaporator that is in fluid communication with the second fluid circuit. A heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the first and second fluid circuits to exchange heat between the first and second refrigerants. At least one of the first or second compressors is a variable speed compressor. |
| US08011181B2 |
Exhaust gas cleaning catalyst, exhaust gas cleaning device, and system comprising internal combustion engine
The invention makes use of an exhaust gas catalyst, comprising an active component comprising at least one type of metal from noble metals and transition metals; NOx-absorbing material for absorbing and releasing nitrogen oxides according to the surrounding nitrogen oxide concentration; and compounds represented by A2O2SO4 and/or A2O2S (A is a rare earth element). |
| US08011180B2 |
Particulate filter regeneration
A method of operating an engine having a diesel particulate filter in a vehicle is disclosed. In one example, the filter is regenerated in response to a temperature differential across each of a plurality of filter channels. The method can improve the timing of filter regeneration. |
| US08011179B2 |
Method and system for maintaining aftertreatment efficiency
A method is provided for compensating for factors affecting particulate matter accumulation within an aftertreatment element of an engine exhaust system. The method comprises determining rate of change of flow resistance through the aftertreatment element with time. Regeneration is periodically initiated to reduce particulate matter accumulation within the aftertreatment element. Rate of change of flow resistance through the aftertreatment element over time is correlated with at least a model of particulate matter accumulation within the aftertreatment element and a model of regeneration frequency of the aftertreatment element, based on predetermined values for particulate matter accumulation and regeneration frequency. Action, at least including increasing regeneration frequency, is initiated to compensate for an increased rate of particulate matter accumulation in the aftertreatment element. |
| US08011178B2 |
Method for controlling exhaust gas purification system and exhaust gas purification system
In regeneration control in a manual regeneration mode, when a first exhaust gas temperature of an exhaust gas flowing into an oxidation catalyst device is higher than a predetermined determining temperature and an exhaust gas temperature flowing into a DPF device is higher than a predetermined determining temperature and when an intake temperature becomes higher than a predetermined third determining temperature, second exhaust gas temperature control carrying out post injection in addition to multi injection is stopped and switched to third exhaust gas temperature rise control carrying out the post injection in addition to normal injection. Thus, temperature rise of an engine cooling water can be restricted without stopping an air conditioner, and possible overheating of the engine can be prevented. |
| US08011176B2 |
Exhaust emission purifying apparatus for internal combustion engine
In an exhaust emission purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine, for adding a reducing agent for NOx to the exhaust gas to thereby purify NOx in the exhaust gas, the mixing of the reducing agent injected by an injection nozzle with the exhaust gas is accelerated. To this end, in the apparatus of the present invention, the injection nozzle for the urea water is disposed to be opposite to the flow of the exhaust gas, or to face upward in a vertical direction. |
| US08011174B2 |
Apparatus for diagnosing exhaust gas purifying device
In an apparatus for diagnosing an exhaust gas purifying device, a catalyst deterioration level detector 104 detects the deterioration level of a catalyst from a relationship between a catalyst-upstream air-fuel-ratio detector 101 and a catalyst-downstream air-fuel-ratio detector 102. A catalyst-deterioration-level correction section 111 corrects the catalyst deterioration level detected by the catalyst deterioration level detector 104 based on a falling response ratio representing the ratio between a falling response index of the catalyst-upstream air-fuel-ratio detector 101 and a falling response index of the catalyst-downstream air-fuel-ratio detector 102 or based on a rising response ratio representing the ratio between a rising response index of the catalyst-upstream air-fuel-ratio detector 101 and a rising response index of the catalyst-downstream air-fuel-ratio detector 102. A catalyst deterioration judgment section 112 determines that the catalyst is deteriorated from information provided by the catalyst-deterioration-level correction section 111. This allows any deteriorated catalyst to be precisely detected even if an air-fuel ratio sensor downstream of the catalyst is degraded in terms of rising response. |
| US08011170B2 |
Clothing packing apparatus and method of using
A clothing packing apparatus for folding a clothing article, such as a suit, comprising a spacing material to separate parts of the folded clothing article comprises a parts that partial overlay a fold line in the aligned sleeves and the body of an article of clothing; a slit for folding the sleeves independently; gripping surfaces to engage the clothing article; rounded/tapered edges to eliminate pressure compressions; pre-formed bands to improve folding performance; and a casing for storage and transit. The spacing material is preferably formed of foam capable of forming a continuous U-shaped curve along the fold lines and an anti-collapsible structure when folded with the clothing article. |
| US08011167B2 |
Automated pusher mechanisms for packaging systems
Automated pusher mechanisms with pusher heads that reciprocally travel in a product chute. The pusher head has an inverted “V” shape and semi-circular side portions. |
| US08011161B2 |
Homes and home construction
In constructing a home, a plurality of upwardly opening U-shaped channel members are installed onto a floor structure. Wall sections are then set into the plurality of U-shaped channel members. The result is that the U-channel members locate the wall sections. Each wall section may be pre-fabricated with lines for service (e.g., electrical lines or plumbing conduit) running through it. After the wall sections are set in place, the lines for service may be interconnected. Cut-outs may be provided at the sides of the wall sections to provide access to the lines for service to allow their interconnection. |
| US08011159B1 |
Method of providing a floating house
The invention provides a composite building that will float if the building site is flooded. The materials of the composite are resistant to mold and mildew. |
| US08011158B1 |
Footing for support of structure such as building
A foundation system, such as a frost-protected foundation system, includes an elongated body having a lower base surface, an upper support surface and side surfaces between the lower base surface and the upper support surface. The base surface is adapted to be supported on a ground surface and the upper support surface is adapted to supporting at least a portion of a structure. The body may be made substantially from a polymeric material, such as a high density crush resistant material, an extruded polystyrene insulation, or the like. At least one of said side surfaces is at an acute angle to said base surface. An architectural structure made with the frost-protected foundation system includes a slab supported with the upper support surface. |
| US08011156B1 |
Construction set
A construction set for allowing a user to construct a variety of different structures comprising a plurality of Type A beams, a plurality of Type B beams, a plurality of base columns, a plurality of intermediate columns, a plurality of base plates attached to the base columns, and a plurality of deck pieces for laying atop the beams to create a floor. |
| US08011155B2 |
Locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards and method for production thereof
A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1′) which have a body (30), a lower balancing layer (34) and an upper surface layer (32). A strip (6) is integrally formed with the body (30) of the floorboard (1) and extends under an adjoining floorboard (1′). The strip (6) has a locking element (8), which engages a looking groove (14) in the underside of the adjoining floorboard (1′) and forms a horizontal joint. A tongue (38) and a tongue groove (36) form a vertical joint between upper and lower plane-parallel contact surfaces (43, 45) and are designed in such manner that the lower contact surfaces (45) are on a level between the upper side of the locking element (8) and a plane containing the underside (3) of the floorboard. Also, a floorboard having such a locking system, a floor made of such floorboards, as well as a method for making such a locking system. |
| US08011154B2 |
Structural building block system with enhanced load bearing capability
A building block arrangement comprises a first layer of building blocks and a second layer of building blocks. The first layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the first layer. The second layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the second layer. The space includes communicative vertical portions such that that the space at least partially isolates an interior wall portion from an exterior wall portion. The second layer of building blocks is positioned on top of the first layer of building blocks. The second layer of building blocks spans across at least a portion of the space in the first layer of building blocks. |
| US08011152B2 |
Block suitable for use in an arrangement of interlocking blocks
A block suitable for use in an arrangement of blocks that are interlocked. The block may comprise: a first side surface extending between a first edge and a second edge, the first side surface being irregular and having a first half and a second half that are congruent; a second side surface extending between the second edge and a third edge, the second side surface having a first half and a second half that are congruent; a third side surface extending between the first edge and a fourth edge, the third side surface being congruent with a first portion of the first side surface; a fourth side surface extending between the third edge and a fifth edge, the fourth side surface being congruent with a second portion of the first side surface such that the first portion and the second portion of the first side surface constitute the first side surface; and a fifth side surface extending between the fourth edge and the fifth edge, the fifth side surface having a first half and a second half that are congruent. The arrangement of blocks may be part of a paved surface, a wall or another structure, or may be used in various other applications. |
| US08011141B1 |
Conical roof construction
A new conical roof building method provides flat plates having straight abutting edges and curved outer edges. The plates are placed horizontally edge to edge except for a sectoral opening. The plates are welded together to form a flat disc-shaped blank, leaving an open sector of the blank. Radial supports are welded to a top of the disc-shaped blank. A center of the disc-shaped blank is lifted, forming a conical-shaped structure, closing and abutting edges of the open sector and touching edges of the formerly open sector are welded together, completing the forming of the conical roof. |
| US08011140B2 |
Information display shelter
An information display shelter includes at least a canopy, a supporting structure, a receiving device, and a signaling path. The canopy includes a display area on at least one surface thereof. The supporting structure is connected to and supports the canopy over a sheltered area defined by a width and a length of a parking space. The supporting structure is configured so as to permit substantially unobstructed access to the sheltered area and viewing of the display area. The receiving device is operable to receive and process a signal including images to be displayed. The signaling path couples the receiving device to the canopy and facilitates communication of the images to the canopy for display in the display area. |
| US08011139B2 |
Rapid install mantle
A prefabricated mantle unit has a base (36, 40) and a top plate (44) extending forwardly from the top of the base. A decorative strip (56) is oriented obliquely between the front of the top plate and the bottom of the base, with the lower edge (48) of the strip and the bottom (54) of the base forming a lower channel (50). The top element (16) of the surround (12) and the nailing flange (28) of the window box project above the top edge (24) of the window box, forming a box channel (26). The upward projection (22) of the top element is received within the lower channel (50) of the mantle unit, and a downward projecting portion (54) of the mantle base is received within the box channel (26). |
| US08011136B2 |
Power closure actuator
A power closure actuator especially suitable for use in powering various automotive closure devices. The actuator includes a brushless pancake electric motor having an output shaft; a sun gear on the output shaft; a plurality of compound planet gears each having a large diameter lower portion meshingly engaging the sun gear and a small diameter upper portion; a ring gear surrounding and meshingly engaging the small diameter upper portions of the planet gears, and a cable drum splined to the ring gear. A mounting plate positioned in overlying confronting relation to the flat upper face of the motor mounts a plurality of planet shafts extending upwardly from the mounting plate in circumferentially spaced relation to the motor output shaft with one of the compound planet gears journaled on each planet shaft. |
| US08011135B2 |
Plant irrigation apparatus
A plant irrigation apparatus for providing a fluid to one or more plants includes a plurality of platforms that are disposed in an array. Each platform has a support surface that is disposed at a platform elevation. A fluid reservoir for containing the fluid is defined at least partially in between adjacent platforms of the plurality of platforms. At least one fluid-regulating structure is configured to maintain a maximum elevation for the fluid, wherein the maximum elevation for the fluid is lower than the platform elevation. A capillary mat is supported by the plurality of platforms. At least a portion of the capillary mat is disposed within the fluid reservoir below the maximum elevation of the fluid. |
| US08011129B2 |
Recoil-reducing shooting rest
A shooting rest supports a firearm and reduces recoil energy of the firearm. The shooting rest has a rear support and a front support for supporting the firearm and a frame connecting the rear support and the front support. The frame supports at least one weight to reduce the amount of recoil energy felt by a shooter. |
| US08011128B1 |
Apparatus and method of use for uniform muzzle loading
The present invention relates to an apparatus for loading a barrel of a muzzle loading firearm to provide powder and a projectile at a breach end of the barrel. The apparatus comprises: (i) a handle having a central longitudinal axis and adapted to be gripped by one hand, the handle having an opening between opposed ends along the axis; (ii) a moveable casing having a head and mounted in the opening adjacent one end of the handle and adapted to receive a ramrod of the muzzle loading rifle into the casing; (iii) a retaining means for retaining the casing within the opening, the retaining means mounted on the handle with at least a portion of the retaining means mounted inside the opening; and (iv) a coil spring mounted in the opening inside the handle between the portion of the retaining means mounted in the opening and the head of the casing. When the ramrod is used to force the projectile onto powder in the barrel at the breach end, the casing is moved towards the portion of the starter against the coil spring to pressure the projectile against the powder. The retaining means can comprise a starter for the projectile extending from one end of the handle. The starter is adapted to start a projectile in the barrel of the muzzle loading firearm. |
| US08011125B2 |
Business form and self-laminating wristband with overlapping lamination panels
A business form including a wristband is provided with a print area forming a badge, the badge having a length less than and a width greater than a width of either of two straps used to attach the wristband to the wrist, the badge thus having a greater print area to improve the readability of the indicia displayed therein. A business form including a wristband has a bulged rectangularly shaped print area to allow information to be printed transversely across the print area to improve readability of the indicia displayed in the print area. Thus, the bulged rectangularly shaped print area can accommodate one or both of bar codes printed thereon in ladder as well as picket fence fashion. A security seal is disclosed which comprises a small, adhesive coated patch of laminate for sealing the joinder of the wristband ends and which has points of weakness such as X's die cut therein so that it separates or destructs upon removal to provide an indication of tampering with the wristband. Also disclosed is an embodiment of the wristband form that is imprinted with identifying indicia for collecting, tracking and administering a patient's blood collection and blood product compatibility. |
| US08011123B2 |
Tap handle that displays a keg cap
A handle for a beverage dispensing tap that incorporates a feature that permits a protective cap from the Barnes neck of a malt beverage keg to be attached for the purpose of identifying the beverage being dispensed. |
| US08011120B1 |
Material dispenser
A material dispenser that may be used with a snow removal machine is comprised of a container, broadcaster actuator, and broadcaster in one embodiment. The material dispenser allows the operator to broadcast dry treatment material from a container mounted to the snow removal machine regardless of whether the precipitation engaging member of the snow removal machine is operating. The broadcaster actuator operates to cause the treatment material to be placed on or adjacent the path of the snow removal machine. The broadcast actuator may be positioned on a handle member of the snow removal machine so that it is convenient for the operator to engage the broadcast actuator while operating the snow removal machine or when the precipitation engaging member is not removing precipitation. A slide gate may be used to throttle the volume of treatment material exiting the container, and a slide gate actuator may be remotely mounted. |
| US08011117B2 |
Inflation mechanism and outlet valve for an article of footwear incorporating an inflatable bladder
An article of footwear having a fluid system including an inflatable bladder, an inflation mechanism, and a valve for facilitating air movement through the fluid system. In one embodiment, the valve is an outlet valve between the inflation mechanism and the inflatable bladder that includes an umbrella valve. In another embodiment, the valve is an outlet valve between the inflation mechanism and the inflatable bladder wherein a seating of the outlet valve forms a portion of the inflatable bladder and a portion of an inflation chamber of the inflation mechanism. The seating includes a flange for preventing blocked air flow to the valve. In another embodiment, the valve includes an umbrella valve and an inlet filter for keeping particulates from compromising the umbrella valve. |
| US08011114B2 |
Vehicle dryer with butterfly inlet valve
A vehicle dryer includes an energy-conserving rotatable inlet butterfly valve to selectively admit or block air to a fan encased in a blower housing. The valve includes a plate mounted on a shaft that extends across the inlet portion of the blower housing. The plate is rotated by its shaft to either an opened position for admitting air into a blower housing, or a closed position for blocking air from entering into the blower housing. A crank arm is coupled to the valve shaft, and a pneumatic cylinder includes a piston rod for turning the crank arm through a ninety-degree angle, thereby rotating the valve plate between its opened and closed positions. |
| US08011108B2 |
Leveling device
A novel and useful leveling device and more specifically a leveling device which is primarily constructed for the purpose of constructing walls. The device has three glass level components that provide the user with not only side to side leveling of the wall, but also a front to back leveling. |
| US08011105B2 |
Green beam laser level device
A leveling and plumbing device that incorporates: a frame, a body pendulously mounted relative to the frame, a laser module fixed relative to the body so as to be mounted for movement with the body, a beam divider, fixed relative to the laser module as to be mounted for movement with the body, that receive the green light emitted from the crystal and divides the light into at least two beams, including a first beam and a second beam, and first and second line lens, fixed relative to the laser module so as to be mounted for movement with the body, disposed in the path of the first and second beam respectively. |
| US08011103B2 |
Dual wheel pizza cutter
A pizza cutter has a body portion, a front cutting wheel rotatably coupled to the body portion, and a rear cutting wheel rotatably coupled to the body portion. The front cutting wheel and the rear cutting wheel are aligned in a cutting direction. A top of the body portion opposite the front cutting wheel and the rear cutting wheel has a graspable handle. Adjacent to the handle and positioned generally over the front cutting wheel and/or the rear cutting wheel the body portion is provided with an upswept corner. The body portion also provides a front cutting wheel well and a rear cutting wheel well with the front cutting wheel well covering a portion of one side of the front cutting wheel, the rear cutting wheel well covering a portion of one side of the rear cutting, and the opposite sides of the front cutting wheel and the rear cutting wheel remain exposed. |
| US08011095B2 |
Method for producing a piston for an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a method for producing a piston for a combustion engine comprising a combustion recess, during which an annular fiber preform for reinforcing the edge of the combustion recess is firstly fastened inside the casting mold. Afterwards, a low-silicon aluminum/copper melt is introduced into the casting mold by which the fiber preform is infiltrated and molded into the recess edge within the scope of the casting process. The piston blank produced in this manner is then subsequently compacted by a high-temperature isostatic pressing before the piston is completed by means of a machining completion process. The flanks and the base areas of the second and third annular groove are coated by means of anodic oxidation, and the hub boreholes are smoothed and hardened by roller-burnishing. This results in a very high-quality and heavy-duty piston. |
| US08011091B2 |
Fabrication method of a nanotube-based electric connection having air gaps
A target layer with holes is formed on a bottom conducting layer. Nanotubes are formed in the holes from the bottom conducting layer. A flat insulating layer is then deposited on the target layer, the nanotubes passing through the insulating layer. Air gaps are then formed by selective decomposition of the target layer. The decomposition agent and/or decomposition by-products use the walls and the central holes of the nanotubes to pass between the target layer and the outside. After decomposition, the top conducting layer is formed on the insulating layer. The nanotubes then electrically connect the conducting layers. |
| US08011085B2 |
Method for fabricating clamping device for flexible substrate
A method of fabricating a clamping device for a flexible substrate is provided. A carrier board is provided. A plurality of holes is formed in the carrier board. A fixed positioning assembly and a movable positioning assembly are respectively embedded in the plurality of holes. |
| US08011082B2 |
Method of manufacturing a package carrier
A package carrier enclosing at least one microelectronic element has a pattern of electrically conductive connection pads for electric connection of the package to another device. The package carrier is manufactured by providing a sacrificial carrier; applying an electrically conductive pattern to one side of the carrier; bending the carrier to create a shape having an elevated portion and recessed portions; forming a body member on the carrier at the side where the electrically conductive pattern is present; removing the sacrificial carrier; and placing a microelectronic element in a recess created in the body member at the position where the elevated portion of the carrier has been, and connecting the microelectronic element to the electrically conductive pattern. Furthermore, a hole in the package provides access to a sensitive surface of the microelectronic element. |
| US08011079B2 |
Method of incorporating a tip into an endovascular device
An endovascular device tip assembly and method of making the same, incorporating a tip device with a first and second flange, usable with catheters and other suitable endovascular devices is provided. The tip assembly incorporates a tip device by providing a counterbore within a primary bore of a tubular end portion of an endovascular device. The tip device is fitted securely within the counterbore by placing the first flange within the counterbore and the second flange on the outside of the end portion. |
| US08011075B2 |
Method of manufacturing a piezoelectric actuator
A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric actuator, includes: forming a constraint force buffering layer, the constraint force buffering layer being made of a hardness control material of which hardness changes in accordance with temperature condition; raising the hardness of the constraint force buffering layer by cooling the constraint force buffering layer; and forming a piezoelectric element by a deposition method, on the constraint force buffering layer of which hardness has been raised, wherein: the hardness control material is a shape memory polymer, a glass transition temperature of the shape memory polymer is lower than an operating temperature occurring during driving of the piezoelectric actuator, and the constraint force buffering layer has a higher hardness at a temperature occurring during formation of the piezoelectric element which is lower than the operating temperature. |
| US08011069B1 |
Baby appliance support
An innovative baby appliance support makes it possible to keep baby's pacifier (and other appliances) clean while in use. The support features a strap with clasps at each end. The strap, which may or may not feature an adjustable length, features at least one clasp tab. In use, one clasp of the device is affixed to the child's clothing, while the other is looped around the pacifier handle and applied to the clasp tab. When used in such a manner, the support will frequently wholly prevent the pacifier or other appliance from falling and contacting the ground when it is dropped from the child's mouth. |
| US08011064B2 |
Refrigerator hinge cover
A hinge cover is provided for a refrigerator door hinge so as to hide the hinge screws. The cover includes a cap with a front face and a side wall extending continuously around the cover. A bead is formed on the inside of the side wall to engage a mounting plate secured to the base of the door hinge, or alternatively, to frictionally engage the hinge base. The cover is made of a flexible material, and includes a slot through which the hinge flange and post extend. The cover can be colored to match or complement the refrigerator color. |
| US08011061B2 |
Nozzle assembly of vacuum cleaner
A nozzle assembly of a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The A nozzle assembly includes a main casing having an air inlet formed thereto to draw in dust or dirt from a surface to be cleaned, a drum brush disposed in the main casing to brush away the dust or dirt adhered to the surface while rotating in contact with the surface, and a subsidiary brush unit disposed in front of the main casing to preliminarily brush away the dust or dirt adhered to the surface in front of the drum brush, and having a cover disposed in front of the main casing, and a subsidiary brush member to come in elastic contact with the surface. The subsidiary brush member is configured to change a relative position to the cover, and thus to selectively maintain a contact state or a non-contact state to the surface. |
| US08011058B2 |
Singulation handler system for electronic packages
A singulation handler system is provided for a strip of electronic packages, which comprises an onloader located adjacent to an onloading location for providing an unsingulated strip of packages for singulation and a cutting jig for mounting the strip of unsingulated packages. The cutting jig is movable between the onloading location and a singulation location at which the strip is singulated by a singulation engine. The system further includes a buffer boat for holding singulated packages that have been removed from the cutting jig and which is operative to convey the singulated packages in a fixed relative orientation. A gang pick head is operative to transfer multiple singulated packages simultaneously from the buffer boat to a rotary turret device and an offloader is provided for transferring singulated packages from the rotary turret device to containers in which the singulated packages are storable. |
| US08011056B2 |
Mop and mop shield
A mop and mop shield or cover is described in which the mop shield is slideably mounted on the handle of a mop, and capable of being lowered over the head of the mop to protect it from damage. The protective shield can also be marked, so as to enable a person to identify the purpose for which the mop has been used. |
| US08011046B2 |
Pocket spring mattress
A spring mattress for beds is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the spring mattress includes a plurality of strings which are interconnected side by side and include a continuous casing material with a plurality of separate pockets with coil springs enclosed therein. Moreover the casing material for at least some pockets is at least substantially airtight, thus providing a resistance to air being pressed out when the springs of the mattress are loaded, which, when subjected to a uniform load during a transition period, results in a gradually increasing depression of the spring to its depressed state. This results in a comfortable mattress, into which the user sinks gradually and which thus is comfortable and safe and allows the user to move easily. A corresponding method and device for manufacturing such a mattress are also described. |
| US08011044B1 |
Pressure relieving body support
A body support is provided utilizing a cushion formed in rectangular segments in which the segments alternately pivot to change pressure points on the surface of the user's skin. The body support can be used as a wheelchair seat cushion to prevent non-ambulatory patients from developing bedsores and other ailments. Electrical circuitry provided includes a timer to adjust the length of time between activation cycles thereby changing the pressure points at desired intervals. |
| US08011038B2 |
Detachable and changeable hem
The present disclosure relates to a method of providing different types of hems/flanges on the base sheet of the bed sheets or pillow cases or duvets or shams to provide variety and options. More specifically the present invention relates to a method of making a “hem”/“flange” with or without design elements, separately and attaching the said hem/flange to the base sheet of the bed sheet or pillow cases, duvet covers, shams etc by means of zippers, snap buttons, regular buttons, etc. |
| US08011036B2 |
Play yard with height adjustable changing table
A changing table is mounted on the frame of a play yard to be vertically adjustable in operative height and pivotally movable between operative and inoperative positions. The frame of the changing table is provided with a downwardly extending guard member that extends across the opening between the frame of the changing table and the frame of the play yard to prevent a child's head from being trapped in the opening. The use of the guard member enables the changing table to be moved through a greater vertical range of operative positions without violating ASTM standards regarding the passage of probes through frame openings. The height adjustment mechanism is mounted within the vertical frame member of the play yard and the vertical mounting member of the changing table to allow the changing table to be raised and lowered with respect to the upper frame members of the play yard. |
| US08011023B2 |
Compact protective hood with fold lines
A compact protective hood comprising a pre-molded, substantially non-elastic crown having at least one preformed fold line whereby the package size of the hood is reduced by folding the hood along the at least one preformed fold line. |