| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08231023B2 |
Construction device and method
Removal of the bottom end of a container, and provision of the container with threaded sections at both ends of the container allows multiple containers of the same type to be threaded together to form a tube. |
| US08231022B2 |
Recessed wall housing for concealing wall mounted electrical devices
An enclosure adapted to be recessed into a wall is disclosed. The enclosure may include an access frame or base to which an access door or lid is hinged or otherwise movable. The access frame is adapted to be secured to a stud of the wall. The door, in a closed configuration, is adapted to be substantially flush with the wall itself. Accordingly, in a closed configuration, the housing substantially conceals or hides the contents of the enclosure. In certain embodiments, the contents could be wall-mounted electrical devices such as power outlets, thermostats, switches, alarm key pads or audio/visual controls, but in alternative embodiments, the contents can be ordinary objects such as keys, wallets, or the like. In any embodiment set forth herein, a recessed housing is provided to provide for storage space to the user while not substantially disturbing the overall appearance or aesthetics of the room. |
| US08231021B2 |
Strip-shaped handle part for drinking water bottle
A strip-shaped handle part is formed with divided handle halves attached to opposite ends of a strip separate from a drinking water bottle, and then wound around and secured to the drinking water bottle, thereby reducing the proportion of defective bottles and extending the useful life of the handled drinking water bottle. In addition, material separation at the time of disposal of the handled drinking water bottle for recycle is facilitated. Further, when a cushion material which doubles as a slip stopper is provided on the surface of the strip-shaped handle part which contacts the drinking water bottle, looseness between the attached handle and the drinking water bottle and displacement of the handle is prevented and the durability of the handled drinking water bottle is improved. |
| US08231019B2 |
Bottle closure
Closure for bottles, particularly for a bottle with a neck (2) provided with a thread (5), the said closure comprising an inner cap of plastics material, having an end wall (9) and a tubular skirt (10) connected to the rim of the said end wall and extending axially along the neck, the said tubular skirt (10) being provided with an internal thread (12) which engages with the said thread (5) provided on the neck, together with an outer cap (14) of sheet metal which covers the said inner cap and which is fixed to the neck of the bottle by fixing means (22), at least one circular weakening line (19) being provided in the said sheet metal outer cap (14), the said outer cap (14) having a tubular shape and being provided with an annular enlargement (24) extending radially outwards and axially over a specified distance with the formation of an inner annular channel (25) delimited by corresponding axial end stops (26, 27) and facing the tubular skirt (10) of the inner cap. The latter is provided with an annular thickening (28) extending radially and axially, the said thickening (28) being delimited by corresponding axial end stops (29, 30) and being force-fitted into the said channel (25). |
| US08231015B2 |
Wine rack
A wine rack for mounting on a wall or other surface, the wine rack including at least a first and second pair of support members. In one embodiment, the first pair of support members may support at least a first and a second wine bottle in a substantially parallel relation to the wall, wherein the second bottle is positionable proximate the wall, and wherein the label of the first wine bottle is visible to a person standing in front of the wine rack. The second pair of support members may support at least a third and a fourth wine bottle in a substantially parallel relation to the wall, wherein the fourth bottle is positionable proximate the wall, and wherein the label of the third wine bottle is visible to the person standing in front of the wine rack. In one example, a pair of frame elements may be attached to the support members in order to mount the support members to the wall. |
| US08231014B2 |
Support slide assembly for a cable management arm
A support slide assembly for a cable management arm includes first and second slide assemblies. The cable management arm is connected between the two slide rails of the first slide assembly. A third pivot member and a sliding member are located between first and second pivot members on two ends of the cable management arm. Two ends of a support slide rail are connected to the first and second slide assemblies respectively. The support rail is retractable by the slidable first and second rods. The first rod has one end pivotably connected to a sliding block which is slidably connected to the first slide assembly. The second rod has one end pivotably connected to the second slide assembly. The sliding member is slidably connected to the support slide rail. When the first slide assembly pulls the cable management arm out, the first and second rods extend relative to each other and form an angle relative to the first and second slide assemblies. |
| US08231012B2 |
Filtrate storage system
A method of removing a filtrate storage bottle from a water bath includes inserting at least two finger underneath a radially protruding lip of a filtrate storage bottle sealing cap and raising the at least two fingers to lift the bottle from the water bath. A side wall portion of the filtrate storage bottle sealing cap is smaller in perimeter than a circle surrounding the radially protruding lip. The cap creates a liquid tight seal with the filtrate storage bottle. |
| US08231010B2 |
Screen assemblies and vibratory separators
A screen assembly having a support, the support made of composite material, and at least one layer of screening material on the support, the support having openings that are larger at the top than at the bottom (or vice versa) and/or with a base member or member extending across the bottom of the support. |
| US08231001B2 |
Variable display
A package includes an outer structure and a variable display. The variable display includes a display band and a main band. The display band is rotatably connected with the main band and has a first display face and a second display face. The display band is joined to the outer structure via an anchor. The main band extends around the outer structure and is moveable from a first vertical position to a second vertical position. The first display face is visible and the second display face is concealed in the first position. The first display face is concealed and the second display face is visible in the second position. The vertical movement of the main band along the outer structure rotates the display band. |
| US08231000B2 |
Contents indicators and container system
A container indicator system having an internal surface and internal area for storage of materials and an external surface; and an indicator (swiveling arm, reflector, textile material, rubber, plastic, metal flag, sign) attached to the container. The indicator described is optionally a flexible material, a swiveling arm integrated with an axis and a swiveling arm without an axis, a reflector or combinations of the foregoing and even multiple combinations of the foregoing to indicate various states of the container. The indicator is attached to the internal or external surface of the container or in the case of the swiveling arm (using a mounting plate) that acts itself as an indicator a further indicator like a reflector, or flag is attached near its extreme external end. The indicator is moveable from the internal area of the container to an external area. |
| US08230997B1 |
Bottle support for packaging and shipping
A bottle support is shown in the form of a double bottle enclosure, a single bottle enclosure and a triple bottle enclosure. Each enclosure embodiment includes an outer box having an orthorhombic shape. A lower retainer fits within a lower portion of the outer box. The lower retainer includes a top deck with holes therein to receive lower ends of bottles spaced from walls of the outer box. An upper retainer also fits within the outer box near an upper end of the outer box. The upper retainer includes a main panel with holes therein which are sized to receive necks of bottles passing therethrough. The main panel keeps the necks of the bottles from impacting the upper end of the box and centered within the outer box. The retainers are preferably formed of planar panels of rigid material, such as corrugated paperboard, cut and folded to form the retainers. |
| US08230995B2 |
Container and packaging method for vegetation trimmer line
A substantially toroidal container for coiled vegetation trimmer line has a front shell and a rear shell capable of bonding at the center with heat and pressure, radio frequency, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, or attachment mechanisms. The bonding of the shells leaves a separation between the outer edges of the shells. The separation is nonlinear around the circumference of the container, so that a user can access the trimmer line, but the trimmer line cannot uncoil and spill out of the container. The separation is preferably defined by a series of offset uniform teeth on the outer edges of the shells. One or more teeth may be removed, providing a line aperture through which the end of the trimmer line extends out of the container. Male and female indices on each shell are used to align the teeth during packaging. |
| US08230994B2 |
Container for holding endodontic instruments
A container for holding endodontic instruments that may include a base, a foam pad, a retainer, and a lid. The base may include a well with a bottom and sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom to an open-ended top. The foam pad may be configured to hold one or more endodontic instruments inserted through the pad, and dimensioned to cover the open-ended top of the well. The retainer may be configured to clamp the foam pad over the open-ended top of the well so that the pad is tautly maintained in a holding position, whereby the foam pad is configured to hold at least a portion of an endodontic instrument within the well. The lid may be coupled to the base, and movable between an open position and a closed position that covers the foam pad. |
| US08230989B2 |
Shuttle machine for machine tool
A shuttle machine for transporting work pieces for a sealing press or other machine tool is disclosed. It has two conveyers for transporting work pieces. The two conveyers are supported by a frame to move back and forth in opposite directions. When the two conveyers are in a first position, a second section of the first conveyer and a first section of the second conveyer are located near the tool, while the first second of the first conveyer and the second section of the section conveyer are accessible to first and second operators, respectively. Both operators can unload and reload work pieces simultaneously while the tool operates on the already loaded work pieces. When the conveyers are moved to a second position, the sections previously operated on are accessible for unloading and reloading, and the sections just loaded are operated on. A related operating method is also disclosed. |
| US08230988B2 |
Apparatus for transferring vehicles onto conveyor
An apparatus for transferring vehicles onto a conveyer comprises: a front wheel supporting device (6) on an elevator (5), which is provided with a pair of front and rear wheel supporting arms (29a, 29b) that freely open and close in a horizontal direction between a closed posture supporting front wheels (Wf) at a predetermined position in terms of the convey direction and an opened posture releasing the front wheels (Wf) to the convey direction; a rear wheel supporting device (7) on the elevator (5), which is provided with a wheel supporting plate (38) that supports rear wheels (Wr) without determining the position thereof in terms of the convey direction and can switch its posture between a horizontal posture and a front-down tilted posture in terms of the convey direction; and a posture switching device (40) that changes the wheel supporting plate (38) of the rear wheel supporting device (7) to the tilted posture, at least when the elevator (5), supporting a vehicle (C) with the wheel supporting arms (29a, 29b) of the front wheel supporting device (6) in the closed posture and the wheel supporting plate (38) of the rear wheel supporting device (7) in the horizontal posture, is at the lowermost position for transferring the vehicle (C) onto a conveyor (1). |
| US08230981B2 |
Information distribution system for use in an elevator
A method of providing video information to a display monitor within an elevator located in a building, which includes receiving first data defining a category of video information, receiving second data, associated with the category of video information and defining at least one source of the video information; and retrieving from the source, over a data communications path and on the basis of the first data and the second data, the video information to be displayed on the monitor within the elevator. |
| US08230980B2 |
Method of operating elevators during emergency situations
An elevator system having at least two elevators, wherein at least one of the elevators is designated as an emergency personnel elevator, can be operated to allow a firefighter to commandeer a second elevator for the purpose of ferrying persons to a safe evacuation floor. The elevator system is configured to determine if a request for an evacuation elevator originates from the firefighter elevator car positioned at one of several floors of a building. In response to the request, an elevator car other than the emergency personnel elevator car is designated as the evacuation elevator car. Further, the evacuation elevator car is dispatched to the floor the emergency personnel elevator car is positioned, and the evacuation elevator car is dispatched to a predefined evacuation floor upon receipt of an evacuation request made by the firefighter. |
| US08230979B2 |
Transportation method associating an access story with a destination story
The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for transporting people in a building using an elevator installation (10) having at least one elevator cage (11). The elevator cage (11) is entered by people on at least one first or one second access floor (S1, S2). In order to increase the transport efficiency, at least one target floor (S3, S4, S5, S6, S7) is associated with each access floor (S1, S2) in a fixed manner, in such a way that the elevator cage (11) travels from the first access floor (S1) to the associated first target floor (S4, S5) and from the second access floor (S2) to the associated second target floor (S5, S6, S7). |
| US08230978B2 |
Elevator regenerative drive with automatic rescue operation
A system (10) continuously drives an elevator hoist motor (14) during normal and power failure operating conditions. A regenerative drive (30, 34, 36) delivers power to the hoist motor (14) from a main power supply (17) during the normal operating condition and from a backup power supply (24) during the power failure operating condition. A controller (12) operates the regenerative drive (30, 34, 36) to provide available power on the regenerative drive (30, 34, 36) to the backup power supply (24) during the normal operating condition. |
| US08230976B2 |
Pallet truck with calculated fork carriage height
A pallet truck including a controller that calculates the height of the fork carriage without the use of mechanical devices such as switches or sensors. A calculated carriage height is derived by adding the amount of time that a carriage is commanded to be raised and offsetting that by the amount of time that the carriage lower button is depressed. The calculated carriage height is essentially an accumulated lift time where the time that the carriage is lifting is a positive value and the time that the carriage is lowering is a negative value. When these values are combined, the result is the present calculated carriage height. The controller further monitors the calculated carriage height such that if the carriage is too close to the ground, the maximum speed of the pallet truck is limited to prevent damage to the forks or ground due to striking or scraping between them. |
| US08230971B2 |
Ladder support apparatus
A ladder support apparatus, the apparatus including a support body, one or more clamp mechanisms operatively mountable to the support body, for mounting the support body to a structure and a retention assembly operatively connected to the support body and, in use, being adapted to limit relative movement between the ladder and ladder support, the or each clamping mechanism including a clamp aπn mounted for movement relative to the support body in a clamping direction and a release direction, an actuator operable to control the operation of the clamp arm, the clamp mechanism being arranged so as to be able to adopt a preset mode in which the clamp arm is substantially freely moveable in both the clamping direction and the release direction, a set mode in which the clamp arm is inhibited from movement in either direction but can be moved incrementally by operation of the actuator and a pre-release mode in which the clamp arm is inhibited from movement in either direction but upon operation of the actuator when in the pre-release mode the clamp arm can return to its preset mode. |
| US08230967B2 |
Vane type silencers in elbow for gas turbine
A silencer for a gas turbine includes a first duct portion; a second duct portion connected to the first duct portion, the first and second duct portions forming an elbow region at the connection; and a plurality of elbow shaped vanes provided in the elbow region. The plurality of elbow shaped vanes have equal lengths and are spaced equally apart. |
| US08230960B2 |
Hood structure of work vehicle
A hood structure of a work vehicle comprise, a hood supported to open and close relative to a vehicle body, the hood having a rear end portion bent toward an interior space of the hood to form a bent edge portion, an open-position retainer bracket attached to the rear end portion of the hood, and an open-position retainer member attached to the open-position retainer bracket to maintain the hood in an open position. The open-position retainer bracket extends cantileverwise forwardly of the hood from an attaching portion of the open-position retainer bracket that is attached to the rear end portion of the hood with a gap being defined between the open-position retainer bracket and a top surface of the hood. The open-position retainer member is attached to an extending end of the open-position retainer bracket. |
| US08230958B2 |
Vehicle side cowl with heat exhaust duct
A vehicle cowl may be arranged on a side portion of a vehicle, and include a duct that extends in a vehicle width direction. The duct may have an inside opening and an outside opening. The inside opening may face inward, toward the vehicle body, and the outside opening may face outward from the vehicle. The cowl may further include a panel for covering a portion of the outside opening. The panel may be arranged so that, when the vehicle is viewed from the front, a portion of the outside opening left uncovered by the panel is shielded by a forward part of the panel, and thus not visible. The vehicle may be a motorcycle. |
| US08230952B2 |
Sleeve structures for earth-boring tools, tools including sleeve structures and methods of forming such tools
Earth-boring tools comprise a bit body comprising a face and a plurality of blades extending radially outward over the face and forming gage regions. A shank is coupled to the bit body and includes a threaded portion for connecting to a drill string. A sleeve structure is positioned adjacent to the bit body and surrounds a portion of the shank, the sleeve structure extending from adjacent the bit body to proximate the threaded portion of the shank. An outer surface of the sleeve structure comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced gage pads extending thereover and may comprise a plurality of breaker flats. |
| US08230948B2 |
Self-contained system for drilling a drainhole
A self-contained system for drilling a drainhole laterally to a wellbore that includes a drill head with a tool for boring a drainhole and a self-propelled device for advancing the head into the drainhole during boring; a relay unit lowered into the wellbore, arranged to position the drill head against the sidewall of the wellbore in order to initiate the boring of the drainhole laterally to the wellbore; a cable for supplying electric power to the drill head, reeled out from the relay unit; and a mechanical system for removing cuttings from the drainhole during boring, the debris removed falling downhole. |
| US08230941B2 |
Method for controlling a fastener driving tool using a gas spring
A portable linear fastener driving tool is provided that drive staples, nails, or other linearly driven fasteners. The tool uses a gas spring principle, in which a cylinder filled with compressed gas is used to quickly force a piston through a driving stroke movement, while a driver also drives a fastener into a workpiece. The piston/driver is then moved back to its starting position by use of a rotary-to-linear lifter, and the piston again compresses the gas above the piston, thereby preparing the tool for another driving stroke. The driver has protrusions along its edges that contact the lifter, which lifts the driver during a return stroke. A pivotable latch is controlled to move into either an interfering position or a non-interfering position with respect to the driver protrusions, and acts as a safety device, by preventing the driver from making a full driving stroke at an improper time. |
| US08230936B2 |
Methods of forming acid particle based packers for wellbores
Methods for creating packers at a desired location or locations within a wellbore for use in specific wellbore applications. A slurry of fluid medium and hydrolysable particulate matter is flowed to a downhole position and dehydrated. At this location, the particulate matter is released from the fluid medium and accumulated. The continual accumulation of the slurry and consequent deposition of particulate matter creates a degradable packer at the desired location within the wellbore. The particulate matter may be formed of an acid particle which may be removable, degradable, or hydrolysable under certain conditions of temperature, time, hydration, pH, and/or pressure. Either simultaneous with or subsequent to a wellbore activity, the packer is partially or completely removed from the wellbore. |
| US08230935B2 |
Sand control screen assembly with flow control capability
A flow control screen (100) includes a base pipe (102) having a blank pipe section (104) and a perforated section (106). A filter medium (112) is positioned around a portion of the blank pipe section (104). A housing (114, 118, 120, 122, 124) is positioned around another portion of the blank pipe section (104) and the perforated section (106). A deformable element (150) is positioned between the housing and a portion of the perforated section including at least one production port (108) but not including at least one closure port (110) to define a production path (154) between the production port (108) and the filter medium (112) such that application of a sufficient pressure to the closure port (110) acts on the deformable element (150) to deform the deformable element (150) to substantially close the production path (154). |
| US08230931B2 |
Lifting device and method for lifting a bonnet
A lifting device configured to lift a bonnet of a blowout preventer. The lifting device includes two or more lifting pins, each lifting pin including, a body having an elongated shape and configured to enter through a hole in the bonnet; a shoulder connected to the body and having an external diameter larger than an external diameter of the body; and two or more threaded regions at different locations on the body and configured to receive threaded screws, each threaded region being formed in the body such that a coordinate of the threaded region in a given inertial system is substantially identical to a coordinate of a center of gravity of a corresponding bonnet in the same given inertial system when the lifting pin is inserted into a hole of the corresponding bonnet. |
| US08230930B2 |
Mounts for blowout preventer bonnets and methods of use
A mount for a bonnet of a blowout preventer includes at least one support member coupled to a body of the blowout preventer, and a bonnet mounting member moveably coupled to the at least one support member and adapted to move substantially normal to a face of the body of the blowout preventer, wherein the bonnet is coupled to the bonnet mounting member. |
| US08230929B2 |
Methods of producing hydrocarbons for substantially constant composition gas generation
A method for producing hydrocarbon fluids from an organic-rich rock formation to a surface facility is provided. The method may include heating the formation in situ to cause pyrolysis of formation hydrocarbons, and producing production fluids from the formation via two or more wells. The produced fluids have been at least partially generated as a result of pyrolysis of the formation hydrocarbons. In addition, the produced fluids comprise non-condensable fluids, or gases, which taken together have an averaged Wobbe Index which varies at a rate of more than 5% over a period of time. The method also includes controlling production from one or more of the wells such that a combination of the production fluids from the wells results in a combined gas stream that's averaged Wobbe Index varies at a rate of less than 5% over the period of time. The combined stream comprises combustible hydrocarbon fluids. |
| US08230928B2 |
Low profile internal tree cap
An internal tree cap having a running configuration and a latched configuration to be selectively secured to a tree spool. The tree cap may include an inner sleeve movable between upper and lower positions. The movement of the inner sleeve to the lower position may simultaneously engage a locking profile within the tree spool and energize a sealing element around the exterior of the tree cap. The tree cap may be a low profile tree cap that is flush with the top of the tree spool when installed. The tree cap may provide a collateral beneficial locking means to secure a tubing hanger within the tree spool. A lower housing may be attached to the tree cap to seal on the exterior of the upper neck of the tubing hanger. The tree cap may include a profile to accept a wireline plug. |
| US08230925B2 |
Degradable fiber systems for stimulation
A method for minimizing the amount of metal crosslinked viscosifier necessary for treating a wellbore with proppant or gravel is given. The method includes using fibers to aid in transporting, suspending and placing proppant or gravel in viscous carrier fluids otherwise having insufficient viscosity to prevent particulate settling. Fibers are given that have properties optimized for proppant transport but degrade after the treatment into degradation products that do not precipitate in the presence of ions in the water such as calcium and magnesium. Crosslinked polymer carrier fluids are identified that are not damaged by contaminants present in the fibers or by degradation products released by premature degradation of the fibers. |
| US08230924B2 |
Fracturing and gravel packing tool with upper annulus isolation in a reverse position without closing a wash pipe valve
A fracturing and gravel packing tool has features that prevent well swabbing when the tool is picked up with respect to a set isolation packer. An upper or jet valve allows switching between the squeeze and circulation positions without risk of closing the wash pipe valve. The wash pipe valve can only be closed with multiple movements in opposed direction that occur after a predetermined force is held for a finite time to allow movement that arms the wash pipe valve. The jet valve can prevent fluid loss to the formation when being set down whether the crossover tool is supported on the packer or on the smart collet. |
| US08230918B2 |
Method of characterizing hydrocarbon reservoir fractures in situ with artificially enhanced magnetic anisotropy
Reservoir fractures are characterized directly in situ without need to acquire and analyze formation sample cores. A magnetic fluid is injected into an isolated section of the reservoir. The magnitude and directional properties of the enhanced magnetic susceptibility in the section where magnetic fluid injection occurs is measured with a down hole magnetometer. Logs obtained of the enhanced magnetic susceptibility are analyzed to characterize fractures, and petrophysical properties of interest, such as porosity, permeability, and permeability anisotropy of the formation in the vicinity of the fluid injection. |
| US08230916B2 |
Apparatus and methods to analyze downhole fluids using ionized fluid samples
Apparatus and methods to analyze downhole fluids are described herein. A disclosed example method involves obtaining a sample of a downhole fluid. Additionally the example method involves ionizing at least a portion of the sample to decompose molecules having a relatively high molar mass into molecules having a relatively lower molar mass. Further, the example method involves analyzing the ionized portion of the sample to determine a parameter of the downhole fluid sample. |
| US08230915B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for determining injected fluid vertical placement
An apparatus, system, and method are provided for determining injected fluid vertical placement in a formation. The apparatus includes a borehole drilled through a formation, and an injection conduit within the borehole. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a fiber optic cable within the borehole wrapped helically around the injection conduit such that the fiber optic cable reads temperatures at specific depths and radial angles throughout the borehole. The apparatus includes a thermal insulation layer interposed between the injection conduit and the fiber optic cable such that the fiber optic cable detects the formation temperature rather than the injection conduit temperature. The apparatus includes a computer programmed to determine the vertical placement of the injected fluid within the formation based on the temperature readings. The apparatus detects an induced hydraulic fracture height, and detects whether an induced hydraulic fracture has deviated from the plane of the borehole. |
| US08230914B2 |
Anchor tool
An anchor tool for anchoring a downhole tool within a casing, a well, or any other downhole, hollow space. The tool has a longitudinal tool body with a center axis extending through the tool body in the center of the body, a first recess, a second recess, a third recess, and a fourth recess in the tool body; and a first anchor, a second anchor, a third anchor, and a fourth anchor. The first anchor is provided in the first recess, and so forth, and the anchors are outwards movable in the recesses for anchoring the tool. Each anchor provided in the recesses extends through the tool body transverse to and across the center axis and the anchors and the corresponding recesses are situated in the tool body for providing a symmetrical anchoring of the anchor tool. |
| US08230913B2 |
Expandable device for use in a well bore
An expandable device comprising a plurality of expandable cells. The cells may be bistable cells or other types of cells that are expanded from a contracted position towards an expanded position. Additionally, the cells may be combined with locking mechanisms to hold the structure in an expanded position. |
| US08230910B2 |
Apparatus for conveying a cooling air flow having a cooling domes
An apparatus for conveying a cooling air flow for at least one motor vehicle heat exchanger has a fan frame, a fan wheel, a fan control unit, and a cooling body. The fan frame has a frame opening, which the fan wheel rotates within. The fan control unit is arranged in an edge region of the frame opening. The cooling body cools the fan control unit and has cooling domes. A first cooling dome is arranged entirely radially exterior to the frame opening and a second cooling dome is located partially radially within the frame opening and partially radially exterior to the frame opening. The first cooling dome exchanges heat with an auxiliary flow that flows radially exterior to the frame opening with respect to the center of the fan wheel when the fan wheel rotates. |
| US08230907B2 |
Heat pipe with axial and lateral flexibility
A flexible heat pipe for use with evaporator and condenser elements for removing heat from electronic components. The flexible heat pipe includes a bellows member fixed at one end to a condenser member and at an opposite end to an evaporator member. A cable artery is disposed within the bellows and is fixed at one end to the evaporator, and slidingly engages the condenser at the opposite end. The bellows acts as a flexible vapor envelope, and the cable artery acts as a flexible wick for directing condensed working fluid from the condenser back to the evaporator. The sliding connection between the cable artery and the condenser allows relative axial movement, and the inherent flexibility of the cable artery allows relative lateral movement. Thus, the condenser and evaporator can move in all directions with respect to each other, which can provide desired vibration isolation of the two components. |
| US08230903B2 |
Low profile heat sink for semiconductor devices
A heat sink for cooling a heat-generating device includes a base and a cooling section coupled thereto for cooling the device. The cooling section includes a plurality of flow tubes, each flow tube having an inlet, an outlet, and a bounding wall that defines a closed fluid flow path from the inlet to the outlet. Each of the flow tubes includes a central axis that is substantially parallel to a reference plane of the heat-generating device. The flow tubes may be arranged in a layered stack and include a bounding wall that has a thickness that decreases with increasing distance in the layered stack. The flow tubes may also include a cross-sectional area that decreases with increasing distance in the layered stack. Furthermore, the bounding wall of the flow tubes may have a non-planar configuration in a direction generally parallel to the central axis. |
| US08230901B2 |
Electronic device cooling apparatus
An electronic device cooling apparatus includes a cooling unit that is thermally connected to an electronic device and is configured to induce heat generated from the electronic device to be conducted to a cooling medium that is channeled into the cooling unit; and a heat dissipating unit including a cooling chamber configured to cool the cooling medium that is heated by the heat conducted from the electronic device. The cooling unit and the heat dissipating unit are integrated. |
| US08230900B2 |
Modular, stackable, geothermal block system
A modular, stackable, geothermal block system for use as a subterranean or submarine heat exchanger in a geothermal energy system which provides a heating/cooling means to an external load. The stackable blocks, which can be filled with a fluid and/or material of generally high heat retention characteristics or precast in such material, contain one or more continuous passageways that extend from the top face of the block through the opposing face, through which a rigid structural heat exchange tube, fabricated from material of high thermal conductivity, is placed. The blocks are stacked one upon another and slidably mounted on the tube(s). Each tube contains a helically wound, thermal transfer tubing comprising one leg of a U-shape configured loop. Each stackable block can contain multiple paired passageways permitting more than one U-shape loop within the system. |
| US08230894B2 |
Adhesive tape dispenser
An adhesive tape dispenser, to which a tape roll having a roll of an adhesive tape can be mounted and which is composed of a main body, a tape roll holder, and a pressing roller. The main body includes a handgrip, a protective wall connected with the handgrip, and an assembly member. A receiving space is formed between the handgrip and the protective wall. The protective wall has a contact surface formed at one side thereof opposite to the other side thereof facing the handgrip. The tape roll holder is mounted to the assembly member and includes a rotatable member for installing the tape roll thereto. The pressing roller is mounted to the main body and includes a rolling member which is rotatable relative to the main body for rolling the adhesive tape pulled out from the tape roll. |
| US08230892B1 |
Thermoplastic welding apparatus and method
A welding device includes a heated wedge having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top and bottom surfaces each including a generally planar portion and a curved potion. The curved portions of the top and bottom surfaces meet at a point. A first pressure plate includes a generally planar contact surface that contacts and covers substantially the entire planar portion of the top surface. A second pressure plate includes a generally planar contact surface that contacts and covers substantially the entire planar portion of the bottom surface. |
| US08230883B2 |
Gas piping system for fuel cell
There is provided a gas piping system for a fuel cell in which a gas pipe is made of stainless steel containing no nickel and is fixed at normal room temperature to a suspension member or a fixing portion through a fixing tool by means of bolts/nuts. The fixing tool is constituted to include a bracket member and an elastic member, and this elastic member is arranged between the bracket member and the gas pipe. Moreover, the fixing tool is equipped with a notched portion such that the fixing tool may be self-ruptured when an excessive external force is applied to a fuel cell stack constituting a fuel cell system. |
| US08230879B2 |
Actuating drive with a position transmitter
The disclosure relates to an actuating drive having a position transmitter for control of an actuating element with a position in a process installation. The position transmitter is equipped with a rotary measurement system whose pivoting range is mechanically limited, with the rotary measurement system having a shaft which is connected to a pick-up lever in an interlocking and unconfusable manner, which pick-up lever is articulated by means of the actuating drive or the actuating element. The shaft and the rotary measurement system are connected to one another via a slipping clutch. Markings are arranged isoazimuthally with respect to the rotation axis of the shaft, on the shaft circumference, and include angle information about the angle of the marking position with respect to the pick-up lever. The digital position transmitter has a sensor system for identification and evaluation of the markings. The slipping clutch has hysteresis. |
| US08230873B2 |
Fuel tank valve assembly with adjustable bypass vent flow
A valve assembly is provided that permits adjustable vent flow from the fuel tank vapor space through a bypass vent opening based on a condition in the vapor space after nozzle shutoff. The valve assembly including a first valve, also referred to as a main float, that provides rollover protection and controls venting of the vapor space prior to nozzle shutoff. A secondary closure device, also referred to as a second valve, moves independently of the first valve to control venting of the vapor space after nozzle shutoff through a bypass vent opening formed in the valve housing in response to at least one operating condition in the fuel tank outside of a chamber defined by the valve housing in which a main float moves. |
| US08230871B2 |
Fluid activated flow control system
A fluid flow regulating device is provided that maintains pressure and flow rate characteristics of a source fluid while the fluid is distributed to multiple delivery lines. The inventive device switches between multiple output ports in response to fluid pressure changes or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow. Thus, existing fluid delivery systems are easily expandable while avoiding installation of additional timing control mechanisms, electrical runs, or fluid sources. |
| US08230870B2 |
SUV tent traveler
An elevated floor camper tent for SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) type vehicles having electric, hybrid or other energy-saving, lower horsepower engines and top hinged rear doors. The entire tent assembly fits inside the vehicle for aerodynamic maximization and the state-of-the-art materials minimize the total weight. A set of continuous slides provides support and, with integrated footpads, facilitates setup on hard or soft surfaces. The campers sleep within the relative safety of the vehicle and utilize the main part of the tent as a living area. The standard features, under actual test conditions, suggest the design as safe, effective and user-friendly plus the stable, framed living area having built in rail-type support braces and kick panels help prevent the users from accidents. |
| US08230865B2 |
Palatal implant
A device for modifying an eating behavior of a subject is provided. The device is configured for implantation within the oral cavity and is capable of altering a palatal vault of the subject. |
| US08230864B2 |
Arm stabilizer for elbow surgical procedure
A device for stabilizing a patient's arm during a surgical procedure including a base configured to fit on an operating table, the base having an upper side with a rail. A support arm having a foundation with a groove shaped to match and fit over the cross-sectional shape of the rail and slide along the rail is provided, the support arm has a proximal end and a distal end extending away from said rail. A cuff is mounted on the distal end of the support arm to support the wrist of a patient during the surgery. A standard having a foundation with a groove therein shaped and sized to fit over said rail is also provided. The standard is designed to slide along the rail and move relative to the support arm. Arcuate bicep pads are connected to said support arm and to said standard; the arcuate pads being positioned to fit about the bicep of a patient lying on an operating table on which the support device is placed. The support arm and standard are movable relative to each other so that the pads can be moved into engagement about the bicep of a patient. The cuff is substantially U-shaped and is positioned above and remote from the bicep pads. |
| US08230863B2 |
Platform for fixing surgical instruments during surgery
A medical assembly includes a platform which is securely mountable to an operating room fixture, and a plurality of arms or arm modules coupled to the platform and each with a grasper for holding a surgical instrument or port. The medical assembly is particularly applicable for laparoscopic surgery although it is not limited thereto. |
| US08230861B2 |
Hybrid textured/polished respiratory mask seal and respiratory mask using same
A seal for a respiratory mask that includes a first end portion adapted to be coupled to a mask shell, a second end portion for sealing engagement with a face of a user, and a sidewall extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. At least a portion of the second end portion along at least a portion of a perimeter of the second end portion includes a textured area having a first rms surface roughness that is greater than a second rms surface roughness of a non-textured area of the seal. The area of increased surface roughness provides the user contacting portion of the seal with a silky feeling to maximize user comfort and the effectiveness of the seal without impairing the sealing ability. |
| US08230852B2 |
Shoulder mounted hood cooling system
A shoulder mounted hood cooling assembly includes a support, a blower carried by the support, and vents in fluid communication with the blower. The support when worn by a user positions at least a portion of the support adjacent the user's shoulder's and the vents are positioned to direct air exhausted from the blower to a neck or to a head or both the neck and the head of the user. |
| US08230851B2 |
Tracking fiber optic wafer concentrator
A solar power system for supplying concentrated solar energy. The system includes a cylindrical absorber tube carrying the working fluid and a concentrator assembly, which includes an array of linear lenses such as Fresnel lenses. The concentrator assembly includes a planar optical wafer paired with each of the linear lenses to direct light, which the lenses focus on a first edge of the wafers, onto the collector via a second or output edge of the wafers. Each of the optical wafers is formed from a light transmissive material and acts as a light “pipe.” The lens array is spaced apart a distance from the first edges of the optical wafers. This distance or lens array height is periodically adjusted to account for seasonal changes in the Sun's position, such that the focal point of each linear lens remains upon the first edge of one of the optical wafers yearlong. |
| US08230850B2 |
Torque arm assembly and method
A torque arm assembly, used with a solar collector mounted to a drive shaft, comprises a torque arm with first and second ends and a torque arm coupling assembly including a drive shaft enclosure defining an open-ended channel sized to house the drive shaft. The channel has a circumferentially extending substantially continuous drive surface between the ends that lies adjacent to the drive shaft so the drive shaft and the drive shaft enclosure rotate together. In some examples, contiguous abutment structure, such as weld lines, shims and/or adhesive, connects each side of the drive shaft to the drive shaft enclosure. The invention may also be carried out as a connection improvement method. |
| US08230849B2 |
Wall thimble with outside air inlet
An improved wall thimble as part of a venting apparatus for a heating appliance. Dual functionality is provided in a single wall thimble device by having a vent path for exhausting combustion by-products, and a separate air inlet path to draw in combustion air for use by the heating appliance. The wall thimble is preferably formed as a two-cylindrical part housing such that a first portion can be inserted into a second portion. When a smaller exhaust pipe is routed through the two-part housing, an annular region is formed between the exhaust pipe and the walls of the housing. A first air vent is formed in the first portion to draw combustion air into the annular region from outside. A second air vent is formed in the second portion to route the combustion air from the annular region out through the second air vent to be coupled with the combustion air inlet. A baffle is disposed in the first portion to preheat the combustion air. A duct assembly with an adjustable extension may be coupled to the second air vent to provide a below-grade installation. |
| US08230848B2 |
Barbecue grill
A cooking surface for a grill includes a cylindrical fire column. Food placed on the grill surface directly above the fire column will be impinged by the heat of the heat source, made even more intense by the upward, directional flow of air through the fire column. Food placed on the grill surface but not directly above the fire column can be cooked with indirect heat. |
| US08230847B2 |
Mounting plate for a wire sawing device, wire sawing device comprising the same, and wire sawing process carried out by the device
The device (1) for wire sawing of a piece (10) to be sawed that is mounted on a support table (20) comprises fastening means (15, 26, 40) for fastening said piece (10) to be sawed to a carriage (18) apt to cooperate with a guide rail of said support table (20), said fastening means (15, 26, 40) consisting of a mounting plate (15) apt to be manufactured to which said piece (10) to be sawed is bonded, and of anchoring means (26, 40) for anchoring said mounting plate (15) directly on said carriage (18). |
| US08230846B2 |
Air-fuel ratio control device for internal combustion engine
The present invention relates to an air-fuel ratio control device for an internal combustion engine, and makes it possible to maintain high purification performance by suppressing a decrease in the oxygen occlusion capability of a catalyst. When an O2 sensor output oxs is greater than a reference value oxsref, which corresponds to a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, and smaller than an upper threshold value oxsrefR, a sub-FB reflection coefficient is fixed at a predetermined value vdox2 for providing a lean air-fuel ratio. When, on the other hand, the O2 sensor output oxs is smaller than the reference value oxsref and greater than a lower threshold value oxsrefL, the sub-FB reflection coefficient is fixed at a predetermined value vdox2 for providing a rich air-fuel ratio. The sub-FB reflection coefficient reflects the O2 sensor output oxs in the calculation of a fuel injection amount and increases or decreases to have a consequence on the air-fuel ratio of an exhaust gas. |
| US08230845B2 |
Device for separating fluid particles from a gas flow leaking from a crankcase
The invention concerns a device for separating fluid particles from a gas flow, in particular from a crankcase gas flow of an internal combustion engine. A valve is provided to allow a distribution of the gas flow to at least two cyclones depending on the volumetric flow. The valve consists of a cylinder through which the gas can flow. Inside the cylinder is a piston. This piston is designed inside the cylinder with a clearance fit or provided with one or several boreholes. In case of a low gas flow and because of the tolerances or boreholes, this gas flow will be directed around the cylinder to a first cyclone. When exceeding a certain volumetric flow the piston moves inside the cylinder and opens at least one more cyclone for the gas flow to flow through. |
| US08230842B2 |
Evaporative emission device to motor vehicle coupling
A coupling is provided for attaching an evaporative emission device having a housing to a mounting surface of a motor vehicle. The coupling includes a pair of tracks fixed the mounting surface and a pair of matching rails fixed to the housing. The rails are sized to slide within the tracks until reaching a predetermined seated position within the rails. An aperture is fixed to the mounting surface and includes a shoulder with a manufacturing tolerance defined about a nominal location at the predetermined seated position. A resilient latch is formed on the housing and located so as to snap into the aperture at the predetermined seated position. The latch includes a inclined engaging surface to engage the shoulder over the entire tolerance range of the shoulder. |
| US08230838B2 |
Injector seal assembly and method of sealing a coolant passage from an injector
An injector seal assembly and method of sealing a coolant passage from an injector are provided. The seal assembly includes a sealing sleeve sized and dimensioned to slip fit into an injector mounting bore and a retaining ring sized and dimensioned to be axially inserted into the sleeve. The ring contacts the sleeve and applies a radial force sufficient to create an interference fit and to move or yield an interface portion of the sleeve radially outward into sealing abutment against a wall forming the injector mounting bore to create a secure and reliable annular fluid seal. |
| US08230837B2 |
Valve drive train actuating device
In a valve drive train actuating device, particularly for an internal combustion engine, having at least one firing camshaft, which can be phase shifted relative to a crankshaft by a firing camshaft adjusting device and a decompression brake device comprising at least one brake cam and at least one decompression valve, the valve drive train actuating device comprises an adjusting device for adjusting a decompression valve drive actuating point in time depending on the speed of the crankshaft of the engine such that, with decreasing speed of the crankshaft, the brake cam actuating point is moved toward the upper dead center position of the crankshaft. |
| US08230835B2 |
Emergency engine lubrication systems and methods
Emergency lubrication systems and methods for an engine are provided. One system includes a primary lubrication system including a de-aeration oil tank configured to store de-aerated oil until the oil is de-aerated, a first oil supply line configured to provide de-aerated oil to the engine, and a first valve configured to control the flow of oil through the primary lubrication system. The system further includes a secondary lubrication system including a second valve coupled to the de-aeration oil tank and configured to control the flow of oil through the secondary lubrication system, and a second oil supply line coupled to the engine and to the de-aeration oil tank via the second valve. One method includes the steps of detecting a predetermined event in the engine, preventing the aerated oil from entering the primary lubrication system, and using the aerated oil in the secondary lubrication system to lubricate the engine. |
| US08230834B2 |
Hollow poppet valve and method of manufacturing the same
A hollow poppet valve has a stem portion provided at one end thereof with a tip portion; a cap portion; and a flared fillet portion formed between the stem portion and the cap portion, wherein at least a part of the stem portion that connects to the fillet portion is a thin hollow cylindrical member, and the cap member is welded to the fillet portion. The cap member is thin and has an arcuate axial cross section. It is laser-beam welded to the seat-abutment portion formed at the open end of the fillet portion such that a weld bead is formed along the inner periphery of the interface of the mated ends of the members. The weld bead adds an extra weld depth to the weld, which increases the modulus of section of the welded regions of the cap member and the fillet portion and enhances their welding strength. |
| US08230833B2 |
Valve train for internal combustion engines for actuating gas exchange valves
A valve train for an internal combustion engine for actuating gas exchange valves includes a camshaft in the form of a camshaft tube driven by a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. A selector shaft is disposed in the camshaft tube. A surface of the selector shaft includes a shifting contour having an axial gradient. At least one cam carrier is disposed on the camshaft and axially displaceable but rotationally fixed with respect to the camshaft. Each cam carrier includes an identical base-circle portion and a plurality of cam profiles. A rotationally fixed but axially displaceable shifting sleeve is disposed between the camshaft tube and the rotatable selector shaft of each cam carrier. Each shifting sleeve includes a hole. A shilling ball is disposed in the hole of each shifting sleeve. The shifting ball is coupled with the shifting contour of the selector shaft so as to be guided by the selector shaft so as to axially displace the shifting sleeve by rotation of the selector shaft. The shifting sleeve is operatively connected to the cam carrier via at least a driver for axial displacement of the cam carrier. |
| US08230832B2 |
Vane-type camshaft adjuster
A vane-type camshaft adjuster has a side plane that is arranged perpendicular to the center axis of the camshaft adjuster. A coil spring abuts the side plane and is connected between a rotor and stator to maintain the rotor at a certain angular position relative to the stator.In order to create a vane-type camshaft adjuster, the righting moments of which are adjusted in a particularly accurate manner, the coil spring has a rectangular profile, wherein a spring section is angled through the side plane such that the coil spring is supported relative to the stator or the rotor in a pivot-proof positive fitting manner. |
| US08230829B2 |
Control arrangement for a gas exchange valve in a piston engine and method of controlling a gas exchange valve in a piston engine
A control arrangement for a gas exchange valve in a piston engine adapted between the camshaft of the engine and the valve mechanism, which control arrangement comprises a body part and a chamber arranged therein, into which chamber a connection for hydraulic medium opens and in which a piston device is arranged in force transmission connection with the camshaft and the valve mechanism. The connection for hydraulic medium opens to a space in the chamber, which space increases as the piston device moves in the opening direction of the valve, whereby hydraulic medium is arranged to flow into the space, when the valve is being opened, and out of the space, when the valve is being closed. |
| US08230823B2 |
Dog flashlight kit
A dog flashlight illuminates the area in front of a dog in dark conditions, thereby eliminating the need for a dog owner to carry and direct a light source. The dog flashlight includes a housing containing at least one light source, a battery power supply for the light source, and a switch connected between the light source and the power supply for energizing and de-energizing the light source. When energized, the light source has sufficient brightness to illuminate the area in front of the dog so that the dog owner can observe the illuminated area for control purposes. One preferred embodiment includes an attachment device having a band carrying the housing and adapted to fit around the neck of the dog so that the housing is located in front of the chest of the dog. |
| US08230822B2 |
Pet collar having retractable leash
A pet collar assembly is removably attached to a pet collar and carries a leash. The assembly allows for extending and retracting the leash and includes a housing, an actuator assembly for actuating retraction of the leash upon receiving force higher than a threshold retraction force, and a spool communicating with the actuator assembly and biased for coiling the leash. The actuator assembly has a button and a button shaft that mechanically communicates with a hook shaft attached to a hook. The hook engages a plurality of teeth disposed on the circumference of a rim of the spool. An elastic band applies force against the hook so that the actuator assembly remains in a locked configuration unless a force higher than the threshold retraction force is received by the button. |
| US08230821B2 |
Head restraint for animal control chute
The present invention provides an improved head restraint that can be used in conjunction with conventional cattle chutes that are equipped with head gates. It provides the advantages of being humane by causing little or no discomfort to the cattle being restrained. Cattle being treated also tends to remain calm while being restrained utilizing the device of this invention. It offers much easier and faster means for providing care to positions on the head of the animal. Its implementation can accordingly lead to reduction in human labor requirements associated with treating a herd of cattle and generally leads to savings in medication by virtue of being able to more accurately apply eye drops, ointments, or powdered medications to the eyes of a cow having a very stabilized head as compared to loss of medication when dealing with a struggling animal that is jerking its head around during the procedure. Its use greatly reduces the risk of injury to the animal and the person administering the treatment to the animal. Head restraints of this invention offer the advantage of being capable of being affixed to existing chutes of differing sizes. This is because the improved head restraints of this invention are expandable to fit directly onto head gates of differing designs and sizes. |
| US08230815B2 |
Aquarium light strip
A lighting system and apparatus that may be utilized with aquariums. The features and functionality of the lighting system and apparatus provide easy access to the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaning and maintenance. In addition, the features and functionality of some embodiments provide a lighting system that does not require ballasts, light sockets, or a multitude of wiring, and includes a modular design. Further, for some embodiments, features of the present invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate the aquarium, while simultaneously limiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium. |
| US08230812B2 |
Apparatus to prevent pets climbing a Christmas tree
An apparatus to prevent a pet climbing up a Christmas tree includes a screen member having a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size. The screen member is formed from a pre-selected material. An aperture, having a second predetermined size, is formed through the screen member at a predetermined location for receiving therein a trunk of such Christmas tree. A slit is formed through the screen member beginning at an outer edge thereof and extending to an edge of a perimeter of such aperture to enable placing the screen member around the trunk. There is further a mechanism engageable with each of the screen member and a bottom branch of the Christmas tree for connecting such screen member to such Christmas tree beneath bottom the bottom branches thereof. |
| US08230808B2 |
Pet food dispenser
A pet food dispenser has a container, a bottom lid and a receiving plate. The bottom lid is covered on a bottom opening of the container and has multiple through holes. The receiving plate is connected to the bottom lid. A gap is formed between the receiving plate and the bottom lid. The pet foods in the container drop out from the through holes of the bottom lid. Because the receiving plate collects dropped pet food, only some pet food is released for the pets to eat. The pets need to push the pet food dispenser to topple and roll so that more and more pet food is released. Therefore, the pet food dispenser efficiently leads the pets to move more by using food to attract the pets. |
| US08230806B2 |
Heat treatment method and heat treatment apparatus wherein the substrate holder is composed of two holder constituting bodies that move relative to each other
A heat treatment apparatus has a substrate holder with two holder constituting bodies that each have a plurality of columns and substrate holding sections. One of the holder constituting bodies holds substrates so that their front surfaces face upward, while the other holds the substrates so that their back surfaces face upward. At least one of the holder constituting bodies moves vertically to change the positions of the holder constituting bodies relative to each other. A distance between one of a first pair of vertically-adjacent substrates with respective front surfaces facing each other and the other of the first pair of substrates is set to ensure treatment uniformity and to be larger than a distance between one of a second pair of vertically-adjacent substrates with their respective back surfaces facing each other and the other of the second pair of substrates. |
| US08230805B2 |
Method and apparatus for dispensing material on a substrate
A dispensing apparatus includes a frame, a support coupled to the frame, a gantry coupled to the frame, a first dispensing unit coupled to the gantry, a second dispensing unit coupled to the gantry, and an imaging system coupled to one of the frame and the gantry. The imaging system may be configured to capture at least one image of a first pattern and a second pattern, with the second pattern being identical to the first pattern. The dispensing apparatus further includes a controller configured to verify whether the first pattern and the second pattern are properly positioned on the support with respect to one another based on the at least one captured image to permit simultaneous dispense operations of the first dispensing unit on the first pattern and the second dispensing unit on the second pattern. Other embodiments and methods of dispensing are further disclosed. |
| US08230789B1 |
Method and apparatus for a projectile incorporating a metastable interstitial composite material
A method and apparatus for incorporating nanophase elemental materials and metastable interstitial composite materials into projectiles, projectile fragments, ordnance casings, warheads and structural components. The projectile, fragments and casings include an elemental material capable of oxidizing. A coating material that is capable of preventing oxidation of the elemental material and an oxidizing agent may be present and be capable of reacting with the elemental material so that a self-propagating high temperature synthesis reaction from a stabilized solid material is yielded for the purpose of rendering terminal effects or thermal impact to a target at impact. |
| US08230783B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting a substrate support
A stencil printer for printing viscous material on a substrate includes a frame, a stencil, and a print head to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. A substrate support supports a substrate in a print position. A substrate support movement assembly includes a first movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a first direction, a second movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a second direction, the second direction being generally perpendicular to the first direction, and a third movement mechanism, spaced from a first movement mechanism, configured to move the substrate in the first direction. The stencil printer further includes a controller coupled to the substrate support movement assembly to move the substrate support by the first, second and third movement mechanisms in an x-direction, a y-direction and a rotational direction to align the substrate. |
| US08230782B2 |
Stamp die assembly for a self-inking stamping device
A stamp die assembly for a self-inking stamping device has a die bracket and a replaceable stamp die. The replaceable stamp die is mounted detachably on the die bracket via the engagement between the median tab of the replaceable stamp die and the transverse recess of the die bracket, and via the engagement between the side strips of the replaceable stamp die and the keyed recesses of the die bracket. The die bracket has two elongated keyed protrusions parallel with each other and near two side edges. The replaceable stamp die has two guiding channels engaging with the keyed protrusions. Therefore, the related position of the die bracket and the replaceable stamp die is fixed. |
| US08230776B2 |
Brewing apparatus for preparing foam, froth or crema under low pressure
The present invention pertains to a brewing filter apparatus capable of preparing foam, froth, or crema, particularly for coffee beverages, under low pressure. The apparatus can operate at pressures below 15 bar and as low as 1-3 bar. The apparatus comprises a mesh cover, coarse filter, fine filter, large 0-ring, coffee container, small 0-ring, and foam maker having two opposing holes. The holes have a diameter in the range of 0.3 to 1 mm. The crema is created by the turbulent contacting of two opposing jets of coffee, which enter the foam maker through the two opposing holes. To further increase agitation and the surface area for contact, a stainless steel wire mesh may be situated in the center of the foam maker directly in the path of and in between the opposing jets of coffee to facilitate the formation of more crema. |
| US08230775B2 |
Sealed capsule for the preparation of a beverage, in particular espresso coffee
A capsule (1) sealed without an internal filter. The capsule includes a cup-shaped body (2) with an outwardly projecting flange (2a), and a flexible lid (3) welded to the flange (2a) to define with the latter a sealed chamber (4) which is impermeable to oxygen and moisture and contains a quantity of granular material (5). The granular material (5) is first compressed inside the chamber (4) in a direction perpendicular to the plane containing the flange (2a), with a compressive load preferably of between 2 and 50 Kg per cm2 of the average cross-sectional area of the chamber (4), so as to form a compact tablet (5) of the material. A vacuum is formed inside the chamber (4) to a degree such that the lid (3) adheres to the upper surface of the tablet (5). |
| US08230769B2 |
Device for preparing tissue discs, in particular cartilaginous discs
The invention relates to a device for preparing tissue discs, in particular cartilaginous discs. A device for preparing tissue discs that is of simple structure and ensures safe handling includes, in addition to a clamping device for securing a tissue block by clamping, at least one cutting device for treating the tissue block held in the clamping device. |
| US08230762B2 |
Methods of forming earth-boring rotary drill bits including bit bodies having boron carbide particles in aluminum or aluminum-based alloy matrix materials
Methods of manufacturing rotary drill bits for drilling subterranean formations include forming a plurality of boron carbide particles into a body having a shape corresponding to at least a portion of a bit body of a rotary drill bit, infiltrating the plurality of boron carbide particles with a molten aluminum or aluminum-based material, and cooling the molten aluminum or aluminum-based material to form a solid matrix material surrounding the boron carbide particles. In additional methods, a green powder component is provided that includes a plurality of particles each comprising boron carbide and a plurality of particles each comprising aluminum or an aluminum-based alloy material. The green powder component is at least partially sintered to provide a bit body, and a shank is attached to the bit body. |
| US08230761B2 |
Engine and power transmission device
An engine includes a crankshaft which is disposed in a substantially horizontal direction, a first power transmission device, an input shaft, a first output shaft, a second power transmission device, and a power transmission case. The input shaft is disposed below the crankshaft in parallel with the crankshaft, and the input shaft receives a power from the crankshaft through the first power transmission device. The first output shaft supplies the power from the input shaft, and the first output shaft is disposed perpendicular to the crankshaft. The second power transmission device transmits the power of the input shaft to the first output shaft. The power transmission case accommodates the input shaft, the first output shaft, and the second power transmission device therein. |
| US08230760B1 |
Concrete vibrator inline transmission
The present concrete vibrator inline transmission is a unique combination of gears that changes the speed of a primary power source so that a remote concrete tool runs at a speed different than that of the primary power source. This unique apparatus allows for unique methods of using the concrete vibrator inline transmission. |
| US08230757B2 |
Lever lockout assembly
A lever lockout assembly includes a pair of lever supports and a pair of slide supports mounted on a housing. A lever member is rotatably supported by the lever supports. The lever member has a pair of arms separated by a notch. A lockout slide is slidably supported by the slide supports. The lockout slide has a ridge portion and a recess portion. The lockout slide is slidable to a lockout position wherein the ridge portion is received by the notch and the ridge is engagable with the arms to prevent rotation of the lever member. The lockout slide is also slidable to an unlocked position wherein the recess portion is aligned with the notch and the arms are rotatable through the recess portion. A handle projects from an end of the lockout slide. The lockout slide is a rigid bar with a polygonal cross-sectional shape. An edge of the bar forming the ridge portion. The lockout slide includes a pair of detent recess formed in a surface thereof. A detent roller engages the lockout slide, and is releasably received by the detent recess to releasably hold the lockout slide in a selected positions. |
| US08230753B2 |
Dual clutch transmission with multiple range gearing
A vehicle powertrain comprising dual torque input clutches and a multiple speed transmission with ratio range gearing is disclosed. The range gearing provides increased gear ratio coverage. A transition between a low speed ratio range and a high speed ratio range is achieved with no torque interruption. A shift from one gear ratio to an adjacent gear ratio in a speed ratio range during a shift sequence is preceded by preselecting the adjacent gear ratio. |
| US08230752B2 |
Automatic group transmission
An automated group transmission having a multi-stage main transmission (HG), a splitter group (VG) connected upstream from the main transmission (HG) and a two-stage range-change group (BG) connected downstream of the main transmission (HG), such that the splitter group (VG) is connected, via a controllable separator clutch, to a drive motor. The main transmission (HG) and the range-change group (BG) are of either a synchronized or an unsynchronized design and the shifting clutches of two respective transmission ratio steps, in at least one of the partial-transmissions (VG, HG, BG), are respectively combined in a common shifting packet with two shift positions and a neutral position. To speed up most range shifts, it is provided that in the main transmission (HG) the shifting clutches associated with the lowest transmission ratio step (G1) and with the highest transmission ratio step (G4 or G3) are combined in a common shifting packet (S1/4 or S1/3). |
| US08230750B2 |
Electromechanical actuating assembly
An electromechanical actuating assembly can have a redundant design with a first electric motor providing actuator-moving power via a first drive train and a second electric motor providing actuator-moving power via a second drive train. A first decoupling train can transmit decoupling power to decouple the first drive train from the actuator and a second decoupling train for transmit decoupling power to decouple the second drive train from the actuator. The assembly is operable in a fault-tolerant mode wherein actuator-moving power is transferred only through one drive train and the other drive train is decoupled from the actuator. |
| US08230745B2 |
Wet/wet differential pressure sensor based on microelectronic packaging process
Method and system for a wet/wet differential pressure sensor based on microelectronic packaging process. A top cap with a hole can be attached to a topside of a MEMS-configured pressure sense die with a pressure sensing diaphragm in order to allow sensed media to come in contact with the topside of the pressure sensing diaphragm. An optional constraint with a hole for stress relief can be attached to a backside of the pressure sense die. Adhesive and/or elastomeric seals and/or solder can be utilized to seal the pressure sense die allowing sensed media to come in contact with both sides of the pressure sensing diaphragm without coming into contact with wirebonds and other metallized surfaces. The MEMS-configured pressure sense die can also be bonded to a substrate with standard die attach materials. Such microelectronic packaging processes yield a high performance and cost effective solution thereby providing wet-wet pressure sensing capability. |
| US08230744B2 |
Low-dead volume microfluidic circuit and methods
A method is described for reducing a dead volume of a microfluidic circuit that includes, in one embodiment, a reservoir, an outlet, and a microfluidic flowpath fluidly connecting the reservoir and the outlet. The method includes providing a microfluidic flow component between the reservoir and the outlet for performing a function and in fluidic communication with the microfluidic flowpath, wherein the microfluidic flow component includes a total volume including a working volume and a dead volume. The working volume is a volume necessary for the microfluidic flow component to perform the function and the dead volume is a volume unnecessary for the microfluidic flow component to perform the function. The method includes configuring at least one of the reservoir, the microfluidic flowpath, and the microfluidic flow component to reduce the dead volume, such that the working volume of the component is substantially the same as the total volume. |
| US08230735B2 |
Method of dynamically correcting flow rate measurements
A flow rate of a fluid flowing in a tubing is determined using a flow meter. The flow meter measures a value related to the flow rate. The tubing has a valve for controlling the fluid flowing through the flow meter. The method of determination of the flow rate includes closing the valve and measuring a first zero flow rate value at a first time and a second zero flow rate value at a second time, estimating an error of the value measurement based on the first and second zero flow rate values, opening the valve and measuring value of the flowing fluid, applying an error correction to the measured value of the flowing fluid, and calculating a corrected flow rate based on the corrected value of flowing fluid. |
| US08230732B2 |
Fluid flow measuring device and method
In a borehole logging tool, the flow of conductive fluid into or out of a wellbore at the wellbore wall is detected and measured with a sensor loop proximate the borehole inner wall. The sensor loop includes a series of contiguous sensors that act as electromagnetic flowmeters and provide fluid measurements covering the entire circumference of the sensor loop. The sensor loop includes an elastic element that forces the sensor loop outward to maintain pressure along the sensor loop circumference against the interior borehole wall. The sensor loop is designed to lie at a non-perpendicular angle to the wellbore axis, and mechanical arms press the top and bottom of the loop against the borehole inner wall. |
| US08230728B2 |
Alcohol concentration sensor disposed in fuel tank of automotive vehicle
An alcohol density sensor for detecting an alcohol density in mixture fuel composed of petroleum-fuel and alcohol is installed in a fuel tank of an automotive vehicle. The alcohol density sensor includes a pair of electrodes immersed in the mixture fuel and a conductor portion for connecting the electrodes to a control unit having a circuit board. The conductor portion is composed of a first conductor portion integrally formed with the electrode and a second conductor portion connected to the first conductor portion. The first conductor portion is led out of a casing containing the electrodes and liquid-tightly sealed at a first through-hole formed in the casing. The second conductor portion is led out of the fuel tank through a second through-hole formed in the fuel tank. Since the first through-hole is sufficiently sealed to prevent pressurized mixture fuel in the casing from leaking into an inner space of the fuel tank, sealing of the second through-hole can be simplified. |
| US08230726B2 |
Methods, systems and apparatus relating to tip clearance calculations in turbine engines
A method of calculating the tip clearance during operation of a combustion turbine engine that includes the steps of: measuring a cold tip clearance and a cold shell-to-shell distance; while the combustion turbine engine is operating, measuring an operating parameter and measuring a shell-to-shell distance with a proximity sensor; calculating the tip clearance based on the cold tip clearance measurement and the operating parameter measurement; calculating the shell-to-shell distance based on the cold shell-to-shell distance measurement and the operating parameter measurement; comparing the shell-to-shell distance measurement of the proximity sensor with the shell-to-shell distance calculation; and calibrating the calculated tip clearance calculation based on the comparison. |
| US08230722B1 |
Residual gas analysis device
A system is provided for testing the hermeticity of a package, such as a microelectromechanical systems package containing a sealed gas volume, with a sampling device that has the capability to isolate the package and breach the gas seal connected to a pulse valve that can controllably transmit small volumes down to 2 nanoliters to a gas chamber for analysis using gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy diagnostics. |
| US08230720B2 |
Functionalized monolayers for carbon dioxide detection by a resonant nanosensor
A resonant nanosensor apparatus associated with a functionalized monolayer for detecting carbon dioxide and a method of forming the same. A wafer including a sensing vibrating beam and a reference vibrating beam may be functionalized with a functional group in order to form a sensing self monolayer. The sensing self assembled monolayer may be configured by bridging oxygen or carbon atoms covalently bonded with respect to the vibrating beams. A liquid solution of hydrochloric acid may then be applied to the sensing self assembled monolayer at the surface of the reference beam by a direct printing process to obtain a reference monolayer. The liquid solution of HCl transforms the functional groups responsible for the carbon dioxide detection into protonated groups, which do not react with carbon dioxide, but possess visco-elastic properties similar to that of the sensing monolayer. |
| US08230719B2 |
Method for identifying the composition of a sample
The present invention is directed to a method for multidimensional gas chromatography for separating the analytes of a complex sample. The method comprises the steps of introducing the sample onto a first column whereby the sample is separated into at least two segments, introducing at least one segment into a heartcut device whereby the segments are selectively separated into at least two heartcut fractions, introducing at least one of the fractions onto a second column whereby at least one fraction is further separated into at least two analytes, introducing at least one analyte from the second column to a gas chromatography connector, introducing the analyte from the connector to a third column, and introducing the analyte from the third column into a detector whereby the analyte is analyzed and identified. |
| US08230718B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting wear in rotor pitch link bearings
Disclosed is an apparatus that precisely measures the bearings in a rotor pitch link. The apparatus permits measurements to within a thousandths of an inch to be taken in multiple perpendicular orientations. Namely, measurements can be taken in the axial direction, in the longitudinal radial direction, and in the transverse radial direction. All of these measurements can be taken without having to reorient the pitch link. By using the apparatus of the present invention, a user can detect unacceptable levels of wear within the pitch link bearings to thereby permit timely replacement and/or repair. |
| US08230708B2 |
Cylinder lock and key combination with a blocking element in the lock
A cylinder lock and key combination is disclosed. The lock comprises a housing (30) having a cylindrical bore and a cylindrical key plug (33) being rotatably journalled in said cylindrical bore. The key plug has a longitudinal, profiled keyway (34) and means (1, 2) for locking the key plug against rotation in the cylindrical bore unless a correctly cut key is fully inserted into the keyway. The key blade (60) has a cross-sectional profile fitting into said keyway, and a profile groove (61) extending longitudinally along the key blade. The lock comprises a blocking mechanism with at least one blocking element (20), which is movable from a first blocking position, in which first projecting portion (21) of the cross-sectional profile of the blocking element extends outside the cross-sectional contour of said profile rib, into a second blocking position, in which a second projecting portion (22) extends outside the contour of the rib and is accommodated in a recess (70) in the key blade. Hereby a correctly cut key can be fully inserted. |
| US08230707B2 |
Security system with lock interface member with multiple apertures
A system is disclosed. It includes a portable electronic device comprising a lock interface member having a first aperture configured to engage with a first security apparatus and a second aperture configured to engage with a second security apparatus. At least one of the first security apparatus and the second security apparatus is engaged with the lock interface member. |
| US08230705B2 |
Fluid detergent and fabric softener box assembly for laundry machine and detergent dispenser having the same
A fluid detergent and fabric softener box assembly which can be attached and detached to/from a detergent supply apparatus, and temporarily stores a fluid detergent and a fabric softener until they are selectively introduced into a washing room in water supply is provided. |
| US08230704B2 |
Systems and methods for cooling optical fiber
In one embodiment, an optical fiber cooling system includes a first cooling tube oriented substantially in parallel with and spaced apart from a second cooling tube such that an optical fiber pathway is positioned between the first cooling tube and the second cooling tube. The first cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the first cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the second cooling tube. The second cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the second cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the first cooling tube. |
| US08230702B2 |
Glass-tube extended-baking process
Disclosed is a method of heat treating quartz glass deposition tubes at between 900° C. and 1200° C. for at least 115 hours. The resulting deposition tubes are useful in forming optical preforms that can yield optical fibers having reduced added loss. |
| US08230699B2 |
Sheet width control for overflow downdraw sheet glass forming apparatus
A method keeps the width of the manufactured sheet substantially the same by attaching edge directors for the formed sheet to the manufacturing apparatus structure instead of to the forming block. Thus, sheet glass may be manufactured to specification for a longer time with the same forming block. An additional method adjusts the width of the manufactured sheet by changing the distance between the edge directors. Thus sheet glass may be manufactured to different width specifications with the same forming block. |
| US08230698B2 |
Method for condition monitoring of the HTBS furnace using sensor fusion
The present invention discloses a method for temperature monitoring of Horizontal Tempering and bending system (HTBS) furnace in glass industries. The present invention improves furnace heaters shut down performance, thereby causing longer lifetime for furnace equipments. The present invention further increases transparency for output tempered and bent glass. The present invention discloses multiple sensors for temperature control of the furnace, wherein said sensors provide a precise and accurate measurement of the glass temperature separately. After acquiring sensors data, the fusion process is done using Bayesian approach in order to achieve more accurate values for glass temperature, thereby enhancing the system performance and decreasing the number of unnecessary emergency shut downs (unnecessary ESDs) of the furnace heating elements, which are produced due to false alarms. |
| US08230697B2 |
Cooler and cooler accessory with integrated liquid dispenser
A cooler comprising a container body having an exterior surface and at least a partially hollow interior. The container body has one or more receptacles formed within its exterior surface and extending into the hollow interior. The receptacles have enclosed bottom and side surfaces and open tops. The hollow interior of the container body is sealed and provides a fluid-tight reservoir to hold a fluid or a frozen or partially frozen fluid or gel. The container further contains a dispenser to permit the controlled release of fluid stored in the interior of the container. |
| US08230695B2 |
Air conditioner
Provided is an indoor unit of an air conditioner. The structures of the indoor unit, such as the relationship between an inlet and an outlet, the shape of a rear guide, and the relationship between the outlet and a vane, are improved. Therefore, the airflow of the indoor unit is stable, and the noise level of the indoor unit is low. |
| US08230691B2 |
Air conditioner and air conditioner cleaning method
A method of cleaning an air conditioner utilizing carbon dioxide as a working refrigerant includes three steps. In a charging step, a refrigeration cycle is charged with carbon dioxide. In a venting step, a charging target with which the refrigeration cycle is charged is vented after the charging step. In a repeating step a unit operation is performed at least one time or more. The unit operation includes the charging step and the venting step. An air conditioner includes a refrigeration cycle configured to perform the unit operation at least one time, and a counter configured to count and output the number of times that the unit operation has been performed. |
| US08230685B2 |
Portable solar power generator
A solar power generator includes a number of solar cell units, a shaft and a connector assembly. Each of the solar cell units has a housing defining a through hole at one end and an opening in an upper surface thereof. A number of solar panels are received in the opening. The shaft passes through each through hole thereby aligning the solar cell units in a manner that one stacked on another. Each of the solar cell units is capable of rotating around the shaft. The connector assembly is electrically coupled to the solar panel for providing electrical energy to a power consuming device. |
| US08230683B2 |
Turbocharger including variable geometry turbine with improved guide element and operating fork
In an exhaust gas turbocharger turbine for an internal combustion engine having a housing including a turbine wheel rotatably supported in the housing, wherein the housing has an exhaust gas flow guide section including an exhaust gas flow control arrangement with a guide vane structure for directing exhaust gas onto the turbine rotor, an adjustment mechanism with an axially movable control slide is provided which is movable by an operating fork which is slidably supported on a guide element and engages the control slide at opposite sides so as to prevent cogging of the movable control slide during movement into, and out of, the exhaust gas flow guide section. |
| US08230682B1 |
Thermally activated initiator assembly
A thermally activated initiator assembly uses a first bar that experiences a change in length as a function of temperature. The first bar is coupled to a first support. A second support is pivotally coupled to the first support and to the first bar so that the second support may move relative to the first support when the first bar experiences the change in length. An initiator is coupled to the second support adjacent to the high side of a ramp on the second support. A second bar is rigidly coupled to the first support. The second bar rests on the low side of the ramp prior to the first bar experiencing the change in length. When the first bar experiences the change in length, the second support moves relative to the first support causing the second bar to slide along the ramp until it falls off the ramp's high side to strike the initiator. |
| US08230681B2 |
Exhaust gas switching valve
A partition wall partitioning a cooler inlet port and a cooler outlet port extends from a cooler connecting surface of a connecting portion to a vicinity of a shaft supporting a four-way butterfly valve. An EGR gas leakage around a first valve plate can be restricted. Thus, an increase in temperature of EGR gas flowing through an EGR gas outlet port can be restricted at a cooled mode. A deterioration of emission reducing performance can be avoided. |
| US08230678B2 |
Treatment of diesel engine exhaust
A diesel exhaust treatment system for treating exhaust gas from a diesel engine comprises at least one diesel particulate filter, at least one diesel exhaust fluid mixing chamber and at least one selective catalytic reduction converter (SCR). In one desirable embodiment, plural diesel particulate filters are arranged in parallel and plural SCRs are arranged in parallel. These components including the diesel exhaust fluid mixing chamber can be included in a common housing with the exhaust flow reversing directions a plurality of times as it passes through the treatment system from an exhaust inlet to an exhaust outlet. The housing can be coupled to one vehicle frame rail with most of the housing and components contained therein positioned outside the outer surface of the one frame rail. |
| US08230677B2 |
NOx control systems and methods for controlling NOx emissions
An exhaust aftertreatment system comprising a selective reduction catalyst, a NOx sensor or an NH3 sensor, a urea injector, and a dosing control unit, wherein the dosing control unit calculates the rate of urea injection by estimating the concentrations of NO and NO2 in the exhaust downstream of the SCR catalyst. |
| US08230674B2 |
Method for monitoring the nitrogen oxide storage capacity of a nitrogen oxide storage catalyst used in the form of a primary catalytic converter
Modern exhaust-gas purification systems in motor vehicles with a lean-burn engine include a starting catalyst fitted close to the engine and a main catalyst arranged in the underbody region, with both the starting catalyst and the main catalyst being formed by nitrogen oxide storage catalysts. The nitrogen oxide storage catalysts are in each case regenerated by the engine being briefly switched from lean-burn mode to rich-burn mode when the nitrogen oxide concentration in the exhaust gas downstream of the storage catalysts rises above a predetermined value.The starting catalyst is exposed to particularly high temperatures and is therefore prone to faster ageing of its nitrogen oxide storage capacity than the main catalyst. To check the nitrogen oxide storage capacity of the starting catalyst, a regeneration which is due for the catalyst system is selected in such a way in terms of its duration and the extent to which the exhaust gas is enriched that substantially only the starting catalyst is regenerated, whereas the main catalyst is not. In this arrangement, the criterion for terminating this partial regeneration is the breakthrough of rich exhaust gas through the starting catalyst. After the engine has been switched back to lean-burn mode, the time which elapses until the concentration of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas downstream of the catalyst requires regeneration again is measured. The measured time is a measure of the remaining nitrogen oxide storage capacity of the starting catalyst. |
| US08230673B2 |
Rocket engine injectorhead with flashback barrier
Propellants flow through specialized mechanical hardware that is designed for effective and safe ignition and sustained combustion of the propellants. By integrating a micro-fluidic porous media element between a propellant feed source and the combustion chamber, an effective and reliable propellant injector head may be implemented that is capable of withstanding transient combustion and detonation waves that commonly occur during an ignition event. The micro-fluidic porous media element is of specified porosity or porosity gradient selected to be appropriate for a given propellant. Additionally the propellant injector head design integrates a spark ignition mechanism that withstands extremely hot running conditions without noticeable spark mechanism degradation. |
| US08230672B2 |
Spark-integrated propellant injector head with flashback barrier
High performance propellants flow through specialized mechanical hardware that allows for effective and safe thermal decomposition and/or combustion of the propellants. By integrating a sintered metal component between a propellant feed source and the combustion chamber, an effective and reliable fuel injector head may be implemented. Additionally the fuel injector head design integrates a spark ignition mechanism that withstands extremely hot running conditions without noticeable spark mechanism degradation. |
| US08230671B2 |
Automatic bypassing device of tying posts in fruit-bearing hedges, and agricultural equipment making use thereof
An apparatus for automatically bypassing tying posts in fruit-bearing hedges has a working head with a pair of vertical drive shafts, each having stacks of toothed cutting disks mounted thereon. Each of the vertical drive shafts having a an opening wheel thereof. The stacks are movable between a position in which the cutting disks mesh with each other and a position in which the stacks of the cutting disks are spaced away from each other. The opening wheels are connected by speed reducers to the shaft such that the open wheels rotate at a speed less than the cutting disks. |
| US08230670B2 |
Flexible combine harvester draper header with pivoting structure within side draper
A harvesting header includes a header frame, a flexible cutterbar assembly, and a plurality of laterally spaced apart support arms that are attached to and cooperatively support the flexible cutterbar assembly. The header also includes a draper assembly with a side draper carried on multiple ones of the support arms so as to flex with the cutterbar assembly. The side draper includes an endless flexible draper belt presenting laterally endmost margins, with upper and lower crop-conveying runs extending between the margins. The header further includes pivoting structure mounted relative to the header frame at a rear pivot location so that the pivoting structure projects forwardly from the rear pivot location. |
| US08230669B2 |
Basecutter assembly for a cane harvester
A stalk processing section of a harvester for harvesting stalks of stalk-like plants, the harvester has a main frame that is moveably coupled to an undercarriage. The stalk processing section includes a basecutter assembly movably coupled to the main frame. The basecutter assembly includes a knockdown roller, a butt lifter roller and/or an upper feed roller. The basecutter assembly also includes a set of rails and a set of wheels. The set of wheels engage the set of rails. The set of rails are attached to the main frame and/or the basecutter assembly. The set of wheels are rotatably coupled to the main frame and/or the basecutter assembly. The set of rails and the set of wheels are configured to constrain movement of the basecutter assembly along a path established by the rails and the wheels. |
| US08230667B2 |
Self-propelled harvesting machine
A self-propelled harvesting machine includes an internal combustion engine and an electronic control arrangement that is coupled to the internal combustion engine and that is provided as input the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine and that can be provided with information as to whether the harvesting machine is in operation on public roads or in a harvesting operation. The control arrangement provides as input during the harvesting operation in an automatic operating mode the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine as a function of the situation in a harvesting operation of the harvesting machine as controlled by the control arrangement. In addition, the internal combustion engine can be operated in an efficient operating mode at a local minimum of the specific fuel consumption. |
| US08230663B2 |
Baler and wrapper combination
A baler and wrapper combination comprises a baler, a bale wrapper, and a bale transport table. The bale transport table is movable between a bale receiving position at a bale output location of the baler, a wrapping position at which the wrapper can wrap a bale located upon the bale transport table with a sheet material, while movable bale support elements rotate the bale around its horizontal central axis, and a bale depositing position in which a wrapped bale can be deposited on the ground. The bale support elements are arranged to be moved in the bale depositing position into an orientation in which the bale is deposited on its flat end. |
| US08230644B2 |
Hinge unit for hopper/awning window units
A hinge unit for hopper/awning window units (1), the window unit comprising a fixed frame (2) and a sash (3) capable of rototranslation between open and closed positions. The hinge units (4) each comprise: a supporting element (5) integral with the fixed frame (2); an arm (6) one end of which pivots at the sash (3); a first slide (7) slidable along the supporting element (5); connecting rods (8, 9) connecting the first slide (7) to the arm (6); a joint rod (10) between the arm (6) and the supporting element (5), its ends respectively pivoting at a distal point of the supporting element (5) and at the arm (6), so as to form a second connecting point (F2); there being adjusting means (11) to allow a variation of the connecting point (F2) along the supporting element (5). |
| US08230641B2 |
Cage trap with easy set and release mechanism
A cage type animal trap having an enclosure with an animal access opening into a vacant interior sized to receive an animal to be trapped. The access opening is closed by a door that is movable from a closed to an opened position by an actuating mechanism having a flexible actuating member with one end secured to the door and the other end releasably held by a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is configured to move the door to the opened position by tensioning the actuating member and, in response to a trigger mechanism, to release the second end of the actuating member and allow the door to move from the opened position to the closed position thereby trapping the animal in the animal enclosure. A door lock in abutment with the outer surface of the door prevents the door from being opened by a trapped animal. A part of the actuating mechanism is in engagement with the door lock when the door is closed such that the door lock is automatically disengaged when the actuating member is tensioned. |
| US08230640B2 |
Simulated mudpuppy fishing lure
A simulated fishing lure replicates the physical characteristics and swimming motion of a live North American mudpuppy, while preventing a captured fish from escaping by biting through the lure. The lure comprises of a lure body (a head, midsection and tail) and a motion-creating bill. The motion-creating bill and the lure body's tail work together to create the life-like side-to-side swimming motion of the lure. The longitudinal inner cavity within the midsection of the lure body contains an anchoring device to ensure that the fishing line and hook remain secured to the fish, even when the lure is bitten in half. |
| US08230636B1 |
Accessory module with integrated electronic devices
An accessory module is installed between a weapon accessory (optical sighting device) and its corresponding mounting interface. The accessory module includes a body having a lower surface which is configured and arranged to mate with the corresponding upper surface of the mounting interface and an upper surface that includes a seat that is configured and arranged to conform to and receive the outer surface of the weapon accessory. The accessory module includes electronic accessories, such as for example, a flashlight configured to emit visible white light, colored light and/or infrared light. Further, the accessory module may include laser devices therein such as a laser sight, an infrared laser for night vision targeting, or a laser range finder device. The accessory module may also be configured to include a taser and/or a compact video camera. |
| US08230634B1 |
Two piece upper receiver for firearms
A two piece upper receiver for a firearm including a first piece having a front end, a rear end, a top, and a bottom, the first piece constructed to operatively carry a bolt carrier and bolt, and to have a barrel coupled to the front end. The bottom is constructed to have a lower receiver coupled thereto. The first piece includes a backbone extending along the top between the front end and the rear end, the back bone having upwardly directed indexing surfaces. A second piece overlies the backbone and includes mating surfaces engaging the indexing surfaces, aligning the second piece with the first piece. A receiving structure is opposite the mating surfaces for receiving accessory devices mounted thereon. Fasteners fixedly attach the second piece to the first piece to form a complete upper receiver. |
| US08230633B1 |
Multiple rifle recoil lugs
A set of multiple recoil lugs for a rifle is taught, consisting of a rifle barrel with receiver end and a muzzle end. The receiver end of the barrel having a cartridge chamber therein and receiver threads with an extended chamber portion over the cartridge chamber and at least one set of forward lug attaching threads located between the receiver end and the muzzle end. A threaded receiver recoil lug jointly engages a rifle receiver on the receiver threads which forms a recoil absorbing surface with a rifle stock. One or more forward recoil lugs are mated with the forward lug attaching threads, forming additional recoil absorbing surfaces with the rifle stock. A barrel lock nut is attached to each set of forward lug attaching threads engaging each forward recoil lug, firmly locking each forward recoil lug securely in place. An alternate embodiment is used when the rifle receiver incorporates an integral recoil lug thereby eliminating the necessity of the receiver recoil lug. |
| US08230631B2 |
Display frame
An adjustable display frame has first and second U-shaped frame elements having aligned free end surfaces that abut to form a small display frame and are separated by first and second inert elements urged by a spring to provide a large display frame. Each U-shaped frame element has a pair of longitudinal slots which receive heads of headed studs projecting from a base disposed behind the frame elements, wherein the frame elements are secured to the base and are capable of sliding on the base from a first position, to provide the small frame, to a second position so as to provide the large frame. The inserts are slidable on the base inboard of the U-shaped frame elements and are spring biased so as to move between the free ends of the U-shaped frame elements when the U-shaped frame elements are separated by being pulled apart. Stops are provided for arresting motion of the inserts to align the inserts with the free ends of the U-shaped frame elements after the inserts have been pushed outwardly by the spring. |
| US08230628B2 |
Apparatus and method for attaching signs to concrete road barriers
A mounting arrangement for securing signs at select positions along the length of a concrete barrier is provided by forming a longitudinally extending groove within one side of the barrier and slideably positioning a bolt within the channel so that the bolt is captured within the channel for longitudinal movement relative thereto and extends through the groove and to the exterior of the barrier. The bolt extends through a sign support on the exterior of the barrier. A nut engaged with the bolt draws the sign support into secure engagement with the exterior surface of the barrier. |
| US08230626B2 |
Flame simulating assembly with electronic display and backlight
A flame simulating apparatus (100) includes a transparent electronic display device (116) for displaying images of flickering flames. The electronic display (116) may be positioned in front of at least a portion of a simulated fuel bed (124) or other fireplace objects, so that the simulated fuel bed (124) or other fireplace object is visible through the display device (116). A backlight (118) may be spaced apart from the display device (116) to accommodate a portion of the simulated fuel bed (124) between the display device (116) and the backlight (118) to generate depth perception. To facilitate viewing of side margins of the display device (116), side reflectors (150) may be provided or the backlight (118) may be made wider than the display device (116). In some embodiments, a diffusion layer (217) is positioned proximate the transparent electronic display (216) and configured to be switchable between permitting viewing objects behind the display device (216) and preventing viewing objects behind the display device (216). |
| US08230624B2 |
Motion greeting cards
The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object. This movement may be up-and-down or “bouncing” motion, spinning or rotational motion, side-to-side motion or any other reciprocating motion. The artwork contained upon the greeting card body, the mobile object and the pre-recorded audio file may all be part of the same theme and the movement of the mobile object and the pre-recorded audio file may be synchronized. |
| US08230620B2 |
Foot pad for relieving pain
A foot pad for relieving pain while engaging in weight bearing activity is provided. A pad can include an arch portion fitting under and adjacent to the medial longitudinal arch of the foot, offsetting the soft tissue of the medial longitudinal arch thereby supporting the calcaneo-navicular ligament structure, wherein the arch portion extends from front to rear, of the longitudinal medial arch, and the arch portion extends from the medial side towards the lateral side, of the longitudinal medial arch. Furthermore, the pad can provide a heel portion of the pad fitting under the heel of the foot, the heel portion connecting a medial side portion of the pad to a lateral side portion of the pad, cushioning and reduces soreness and pressure from the sole of the foot by offsetting the soft tissue of the medial longitudinal arch, thereby supporting the calcaneo-navicular ligament structure reducing over-pronation and increasing supination of the foot during weight bearing activity, offsetting and cushioning the soft tissue of the outer portions of sole of the heel and offsetting the central portion of the heel from the surface immediately below the pad at a distance of approximately the thickness of the pad, during weight bearing activity. |
| US08230614B2 |
Configurable apparatus for drying hoofs on hoofed animals
A configurable hoof drying apparatus. The drying components of the apparatus are selectable, configurable and inter-changeable for desired drying needs and change a pressure, speed and temperature of an original drying air source. Therefore it can be used with a hot/warm/cool/cold air drying source. The hoof drying apparatus is portable and specifically designed, but is not limited to, drying hooves for the purposes of: hoof wall repair, preparation for medication for hoof diseases and preparation of the hoof for application of hoof dressings and hoof shoes. The hoof drying apparatus can also be used for drying non-hoofed animals. |
| US08230611B1 |
Straight edge clamping device having connection lock
A straight edge clamping device includes front and rear sections and first and second connection locks. The connection lock is configured to be fit into the connecting ends of the elongated hollow portions of the front and rear sections. The first and second connection locks fit into the connecting ends of the first and second elongated hollow portions of the front and rear sections so as to connect and lock the front section with the rear section securely. Each of the first and second connection locks comprises: an outer surface fitting substantially tightly to at least a part of inner surface of the elongated hollow portion and an inner groove recessed inward from the outer surface, so as to provide rigidity against bending, shearing, or straining force on the straight edge clamping device. |
| US08230610B2 |
Orientation-sensitive signal output
Orientation-sensitive signal output, in which a neutral position of a device is automatically determined in relation to at least a first axis, an angular displacement of the device is measured about at least the first axis, and shaking of the device is detected. A selection of the first control is received, and an output signal is output based at least upon the selection and the angular displacement or based upon detecting the shaking of the device. |
| US08230604B1 |
Pastry press
A pie dough cutter comprising a removably attachable handle providing decorative patterns to be added to the top of a pie crust is herein disclosed. The dough cutter comprises different designs for stamping a portion of crust providing decorative elements. After a pie crust is prepared a desired decorative pattern is pressed through the dough, which is then placed onto a pie prior to baking. |
| US08230597B2 |
Forming preforms and parts therefrom
A method for forming a component includes forming a workpiece into a hollow preform cylinder concentric with an axis and including an inner surface that extends along the axis, placing within the preform cylinder a mandrel having an outer surface, flow-forming the inner surface and the outer surface of the preform cylinder such that the inner surface of the cylinder conforms to at least a portion of the outer surface of the mandrel, and cutting the flow formed cylinder transversely with respect to the axis into segments, each segment having an axial length. |
| US08230596B2 |
Method of manufacturing a liquid ejection head
A method of manufacturing a liquid ejection head comprising: bonding together a diaphragm made of a stainless steel substrate containing iron, chromium and aluminum, and a pressure chamber formation substrate which has a space for a pressure chamber and is made of stainless steel containing chromium and aluminum, by diffusion bonding, in such a manner that a structural body including the diaphragm and the pressure chamber formation substrate is formed; carrying out a first heat treatment of the structural body so as to form an aluminum oxide film on a surface of the structural body and form a chromium oxide film between the aluminum oxide film and the structural body; forming a lower electrode on the aluminum oxide film; forming a piezoelectric body on a surface of the lower electrode reverse to a surface of the lower electrode on which the chromium oxide film and the aluminum oxide film are formed; forming an upper electrode on a surface of the piezoelectric body reverse to a surface of the piezoelectric body on which the lower electrode is formed; and calcining the piezoelectric body by carrying out a second heat treatment of the diaphragm with which the piezoelectric body is provided. |
| US08230593B2 |
Probe bonding method having improved control of bonding material
In assembly of probe arrays for electrical test, a problem can arise where a bonding agent undesirably wicks between probes. According to embodiments of the invention, this wicking problem is alleviated by disposing an anti-wicking agent on a surface of the probe assembly such that wicking of the bonding agent along the probes toward the probe tips is hindered. The anti-wicking agent can be a solid powder, a liquid, or a gel. Once probe assembly fabrication is complete, the anti-wicking agent is removed. In preferred embodiments, a template plate is employed to hold the probe tips in proper position during fabrication. In this manner, undesirable bending of probes caused by introduction or removal of the anti-wicking agent can be reduced or eliminated. |
| US08230591B2 |
Method for fabricating an electronic device substrate
An electronic device substrate is provided with a thin-plate core substrate; a metal electrode provided on the core substrate and electrically connected to an electrode of an electronic component to be packaged thereon; and an electrical insulation layer on which is mounted the electronic component, and which is provided to surround the metal electrode. |
| US08230589B2 |
Method of mounting an optical device
A method for aligning at least two photonic components over an interposer, and an optical package that may align such components. The method may include providing an interposer; fabricating electrical conductors passing from one surface of the interposer to an opposite surface of the interposer at selected contact positions; soldering the photonic components over the selected contact positions on the first surface, while allowing solder self-alignment. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08230587B2 |
Carrier for aligning electronic components with slidably arranged plates
A carrier adapted to receive and align multiple electronic components, the carrier having receptacles each being adapted to receive an assigned one of the multiple electronic components, a first plate comprising a plurality of first abutting sections, the first abutting sections form one of boundaries of the respective assigned receptacles, a second plate comprising a plurality of second abutting sections, the second abutting sections form another of the boundaries of the respective assigned receptacles, and the first plate and the second plate are arranged slidably relative to each other. |
| US08230585B2 |
Method and apparatus for wire termination on outwardly spooled multi-pole stators
A method and device for wire termination on stators (1) wherein the wire (15) is wound about poles (6) distributed by a flyer (10), guided by shrouds (16) that move radially with respect to the stator (1) overlapping the respective pole (6). Wire termination operations are provided on the wire ends (15) into the terminals (4) with the aid of the flyer (10), carried out by an apparatus equipped with a termination device (20), comprising a first deflector (21), a second deflector (22), a blade (23), and a clamp formed by a movable gripper (24) and a fixed gripper (25). The movable gripper is suitable for closing onto the fixed gripper for gripping the wire (15). The device (20) can carry out the steps of catching, moving, introducing and cutting the wire (15) with movements parallel to its own axis (27), or to the axis (7) of the stator (1). |
| US08230584B2 |
Method for producing a coil, in particular an ignition coil for a motor vehicle
A method for producing a coil, in particular an ignition coil for a motor vehicle, in which a primary winding is wound onto a winding mandrel. Then the winding mandrel is introduced into a housing of the coil and the winding mandrel then is removed from the housing, the primary winding remaining inside the housing. Finally, additional components of the coil, in particular a secondary coil shell onto which a secondary winding has been wound, are introduced into the housing, so that the secondary winding is concentrically disposed within the primary winding while dispensing with a separate primary coil shell. The method allows a design of the coil that is more compact in diameter. |
| US08230582B2 |
Methods of making magnetic write heads with use of a resist channel shrinking solution having corrosion inhibitors
One preferred method for use in making a device structure with use of the resist channel shrinking solution includes the steps of forming a first pedestal portion within a channel of a patterned resist; applying a resist channel shrinking solution comprising a resist channel shrinking film and corrosion inhibitors within the channel of the patterned resist; baking the resist channel shrinking solution over the patterned resist to thereby reduce a width of the channel of the patterned resist; removing the resist channel shrinking solution; and forming a second pedestal portion within the reduced-width channel of the patterned resist. Advantageously, the oxide layer and the corrosion inhibitors of the resist channel shrinking solution reduce corrosion in the pedestal during the act of baking the resist channel shrinking solution. |
| US08230581B1 |
Method for producing a multi-band concentric ring antenna
The present disclosure includes a method for producing a multi-band waveguide reflector antenna feed. The antenna feed includes a first tube and a second tube. The first and second tubes are connected to form a concentric multi-band waveguide feed array. The first tube includes a surface(s) which is/are at least partially covered by metamaterial(s), thereby forming a first waveguide feed. The second tube also includes a surface(s) which is/are at least partially covered by metamaterial(s). A radial separation is established between the first tube and the second tube, thereby forming a second waveguide feed. The radial separation may be maintained between the first tube and the second tube by one or more of: a loading material, support structures, strings, and wires. The loading material, support columns, strings, and/or wires also structurally interconnect the first tube and the second tube. |
| US08230580B2 |
Split stator manufacturing method
Disclosed is a split stator manufacturing method, which is enabled to enhance a production efficiency and to charge a thermoplastic resin between an insulator and a coil by molding the resin. The split stator manufacturing method comprises a setting step of setting an insulator and a split stator core element in a stationary mold and setting an edgewise coil in a movable mold, a resin injecting step of injecting a resin into a cavity with the stationary mold and the movable mold being half-opened, and a clamping step of clamping the stationary mold and the movable mold. |
| US08230579B2 |
Method for producing an electromotor
A method for producing an electromotor includes: producing laminated cores to form a segmented part including teeth and grooves, two adjacent laminated cores having a partial tooth at ends arranged at a transition point between the two laminated cores; arranging the laminated cores to form a transition tooth from the partial teeth at the transition point of the two adjacent laminated cores; enclosing of each transition tooth by a transition coil; supplying heat at each transition coil to make adhesive an outer thermoplastic layer surrounding a conductor wire of each transition coil and applying pressure to each transition coil in a direction of a floor of the two grooves surrounding each transition tooth to press together the two partial teeth forming the transition tooth; and hardening the outer thermoplastic layer. |
| US08230576B2 |
Method of manufacturing capacitive electromechanical transducer
Provided is a method of manufacturing a capacitive electromechanical transducer, including: forming a lower electrode layer on a substrate; forming a sacrificial layer on the lower electrode layer; forming by application a resist layer on the sacrificial layer to form a cavity pattern; forming an insulating layer above regions including a region that contains the resist layer used to form the cavity pattern, and then removing a part of the insulating layer that is formed above the resist layer along with the resist layer, thereby leaving the insulating layer in the other regions than the region where the cavity pattern has been formed; forming a vibrating film above the region where the cavity pattern has been formed and the regions where the insulating layer remains; and removing the sacrificial layer to form a cavity. |
| US08230570B1 |
Automatic gravity vacuum screw feeding
An electric screwdriver is coupled to an automatic screw feeding adaptor defining a screw path having a proximal end, a middle region and a distal end. A first screw is received within the screw feeding adaptor and held at a driving position near the distal end of the screw path by applying a distal partial vacuum within the screw feeding adaptor. The first screw is driven, and a torque applied to the first screw is detected. The torque is compared to a minimum torque threshold, and a second screw is moved along the screw path based at least in part upon the comparison. |
| US08230567B2 |
Tie down strap rollup device
A rollup device can save users time and energy on the side of the road when rolling up belts or tie down straps which secure a load on a flatbed trailer. The rollup device may be a piece of metal having a fitting centrally located therewithin. The piece of metal may fit into a roll-up on the side of the flatbed trailer. A drill, such as a 12V cordless drill, may be used to turn the rollup device by fitting a drill bit into the centrally located fitting. Powering the drill may turn the roll-up device and, therefore, roll up the belts or straps. |
| US08230564B1 |
Method of making a millimeter wave transmission line filter
A millimeter wave transmission line filter having a plurality of filter pole determining coupled cavities fabricated with a multiple lithographic layer micromachining process. The filter cavities are oriented perpendicular to an underlying substrate element in order to achieve micromachining, fabrication and accuracy advantages. Multiple filters can be used in a frequency multiplex arrangement as in a duplexer. Radio frequencies in the 15 to 300 gigahertz range are contemplated. |
| US08230563B2 |
Method of manufacturing a piezoelectric component
A method for forming a piezoelectric component includes forming a plurality of sets of first piezoelectric elements having comb-shaped electrodes and wiring electrodes on a principal surface of a piezoelectric substrate base material, forming a protective film, a seed layer, and terminal electrodes, and removing the seed layer by etching. The method further includes preparing another piezoelectric substrate and performing resin-sealing by laminating a photosensitive resin film onto a principal surface side of the piezoelectric substrate base material. Cu electroplating is performed upon the terminal electrodes, and the piezoelectric substrate base material is cut along dicing lines to obtain individual piezoelectric components. The piezoelectric component includes a first piezoelectric element and a plurality of second piezoelectric elements with the second piezoelectric elements sealed by a resin seal layer such that a hollow section is formed between opposing principal surfaces thereof. |
| US08230556B2 |
Dismountable clamp
A clamp includes a flat strip whose ends coil onto themselves in the shape of a ring and are fastened by a retaining pawl and a hook that are coupled in a retaining bridge and an orifice, respectively, for a further constriction of the clamp, that is brought to its optimal tightening position by pliers or other appropriate tools through tightening and deformation of the clamp bridge, which bridge is provided with a deformation that imparts said bridge greater inertial resistance and that in such tightening and advance movement of one end underneath the other an engagement has been provided for both ends by a tongue located at one end and a recess at the other end of the strip. |
| US08230554B2 |
Hinge with spacers
A hinge has a pintle, a spacer assembly, a stationary bracket and a rotating bracket. The pintle is mounted through the spacer assembly and is connected to the stationary and rotating brackets. The spacer assembly has multiple spacers stacked with each other. Each spacer has a ring segment and a bearing segment. The ring segment is mounted around the pintle. The bearing segment has an absorbing space to absorb the stress acting on the ring segment. Therefore, the spacer sustains less stress to prevent breakage easily and a lifespan of the spacer is extended. Therefore, the hinge has a longer lifespan. |
| US08230553B2 |
Hinge mechanism
A hinge is disclosed. The hinge can include an axle, a first member coupled to the axle, and a second member coupled to the axle and configured to rotate relative the first member and around the axle. The hinge can further include a stop mechanism configured to stop the second member from rotating, relative to the first member, in a first direction and beyond a first range when the stop mechanism is in a first position and the second member is in the first range. The stop mechanism can be further configured to allow the second member to rotate, relative to the first member, in the first direction, beyond the first range, and into a second range when the stop mechanism is in a second position and the second member is in the first range. |
| US08230552B2 |
Novelty gliders for walkers
A glider that attaches to the bottom of the legs of a walker is disclosed. The glider, preferably a ball made from wood, provides the walker with additional stability and mobility. The glider includes a hole with a rubber stopper that secures the glider to the leg of a walker. A screw is first inserted into the glider and then a design is created on the glider. The screw is removed and then a hole is drilled over the same spot, large enough to fit the leg of a walker. A rubber stopper is inserted into the hole to help secure the leg of the walker to the glider. A scribe line can be included around the opposite end of the glider to inform users of when to replace the glider. |
| US08230551B2 |
Handgrip assembly for a suction attachment
A suction attachment for a vacuum cleaner includes a tube assembly, a first handgrip, and a second handgrip, respectively, both of which extend from the tube assembly. This provides two handgrip portions separate from the tube assembly, which improves its ergonomic handling. |
| US08230546B2 |
Support for mounting a windscreen wiper blade on a drive arm made of bent sheet
A support for mounting a windscreen wiper blade includes at least two opposing lower lateral claws arranged transversally on either side of the support, each of the claws being able to collaborate with an associated part of a backbone of the blade for attaching the support on the blade, and an upper part on which a connector can be jointedly mounted about a transversal joint axis. The upper part includes at least one elastically deformable portion which is able to deform when the support is mounted and attached to the blade in order to allow a globally transverse movement of the lateral claws, one relative to the other between at least a parted position in which there is no collaboration with the associated part of the backbone, and a close up position in which there is a collaboration with the associated part of the backbone. |
| US08230543B2 |
Make-up brushes, their components and methods of using them
An ornamental design of a make-up brush with a replaceable brush head includes a handle portion having an elongated central axis and a snap fastener. A first portion of the snap fastener is fastened to the handle portion and a second portion of the snap fastener is fastened to a replaceable head. A third portion of the snap fastener includes a push button aligned with the snap fastener along an elongated central axis, wherein the decorative make-up brush is symmetrical. The replaceable head and handle portion are wobble free secured. |
| US08230541B2 |
Module for supporting rotary brushes used in vehicle-washing and-drying machines
A module for supporting rotary brushes and fringes of the brushes for vehicle-washing machines and vehicle-drying machines is provided. The module comprises a pair of complementary components of annular structure that are detachably coupled together, face-to-face, by pairs of axial rods with a free end and an open cavity bounded by a cylindrical wall portion around the axial rods. The axial rods include end sections that are fitted into complementary holes of the complementary component. The axial rods, which are arranged on the periphery of the pair of complementary components, fasten fringes and supporting members for front bristles or combinations thereof. |
| US08230539B2 |
Fold out ramp
A ramp assembly includes a ramp disposed within a vehicle. The ramp assembly further includes a movable floor hingedly coupled at a first end to the ramp. A reciprocating mechanism reciprocates a second end of the movable floor between a lowered position when the ramp is in the stowed position, and a raised position when the ramp is in the deployed position. |
| US08230537B2 |
Bedding top cover with simulated bed scarf
A bedding top cover that defines a woven fabric that is ordinarily white or substantially white in color and has an alternate colored, textured, and/or patterned area or band purposefully located near the foot end of the bedding top cover and which is woven, via colored, textured, and/or patterned yarns, integrally with the top cover fabric. This simulated alternate colored, textured, and/or patterned area appears in many respects to be a bed scarf and serves the same aesthetic and protective functions of a separate piece of fabric. In one example, the simulated bed scarf is multicolored and the remainder of the bedding top cover is white. |
| US08230534B2 |
Accessible bathtub
A bathtub system, including a tub with a bather access opening in one sidewall and a door mounted on that sidewall. In the closed position, the door is adjacent the access opening, and in the open position the door is substantially clear of the access opening. The system includes a gray water reservoir under the tub of approximately the capacity of the tub and which can be connected to a sewer system. A high capacity tub drain conducts water from the tub into the reservoir by gravity alone very quickly. |
| US08230530B2 |
Protective cover for preventing spilled liquids from flowing into drains or holes
A protective cover for drains and other holes is provided which prevents spills and unwanted liquids from flowing therein. The protective cover includes a durable backing layer and a pliable, tacky sealing layer adjacent a portion of the durable backing layer which conforms and adheres to a surface surrounding the drain to reduce or eliminate the flow of liquids into the drain. The pliable, tacky sealing layer can have a periphery inside the periphery of the durable backing layer. |
| US08230526B2 |
Garment
The present invention relates generally to male garments. In particular, the present invention provides a men's underwear or swimwear garment for supporting the male genitals, the garment including a double-layered front portion having an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein a lower portion of the inner layer of the double-layered front portion is folded upward to form a pouch in the interior of the garment, wherein, in use, the pouch engages with the genitals of the male wearer to displace the genitals of a male wearer forward and/or upward. |
| US08230523B2 |
Ambidextrous mitt for treating a surface
An ambidextrous mitt is provided with one of two opposing walls having, over its entire outersurface, means for fastening a removable layer orpad. The removable layer or pad is intended to provide treatment and is designed to ensure thermal and mechanical protection of the part of the hand coming in contact with saidwall. The one wall is connected to the other of two opposing walls by seams. Delimiting pockets are provided for receiving the hand and the thumb.The one wall includes layers giving it the shape of a semi-flexible wafer, while the other wall is made of an elastic textile shaped with an inflating agent to form the pockets. |
| US08230522B1 |
Gloves with attached illumination means
A pair of work gloves with an attached directional illumination device is disclosed. A miniature illumination device is affixed thereto the back of the hand area of the work glove via hook-and-loop fasteners. The lighting device takes the form of a small enclosure that houses batteries and a lens with a reflected array of forward facing high-intensity light emitting diodes (LED's). A pushbutton switch is located on top of the case for on/off operation. In use, the apparatus provides a high level of illumination directly in front of the person's hands allowing use while working at night, when light levels are low, as well as in cramped areas where nearby objects restrict the effectiveness of remote lighting devices. The invention is especially valuable in situations where it is impossible to hold a flashlight such as when one needs both hands to perform work. |
| US08230521B2 |
Lower body garment with integral back support
A garment comprising first and second lower leg portions each having a distal and a proximal end, each lower leg portion including an anchor disposed proximate the distal end thereof, a first keeper fixed to the first lower leg portion proximate the proximal end thereof, a second keeper fixed to the second lower leg portion, proximate the proximal end thereof, an elongate lumbar support assembly having a first end and a second end, a first mating member disposed at the first end of the elongate lumbar support assembly and adapted to releaseably mate with the first keeper, and a second mating member disposed at the second end of the elongate lumbar support assembly and adapted to releaseably mate with the second keeper. |
| US08230520B2 |
Bib for playing sport, in particular for cycling
A sports bib, in particular for cycling, having a pair of shorts, which can have either short or long legs, extending into a vest, which ends with a pair of straps. The bib is equipped with a zipper at the housing position of the anus and the genital organs. The zipper is provided with characteristics such as to not produce scrapes or rubbing at the genital areas and crotch on the user during movements and in particular while pedalling. |