| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08632094B2 |
Airbag for a vehicle occupant restraining system
An airbag for a vehicle occupant restraining system is provided. The airbag comprises a first inflatable area; a second inflatable area; a shoulder area arranged between the first and seconds area. The shoulder area extends in the inflated status of the airbag in the area of a shoulder and/or in an upper arm region of the vehicle occupant to be protected. The shoulder area has a thickness lower than the thickness of the first and second areas as determined in a direction vertical to the main plane of extension of the inflated airbag or comprises a recess in the airbag. The airbag is to be arranged in a vehicle such that, in case of a side collision of the vehicle, the shoulder and/or the upper arm region of the vehicle occupant strikes the shoulder area of the airbag. |
| US08632086B2 |
Trailer slider locking system
A trailer slider locking system includes body rails longitudinally slidable relative to a suspension frame side rail. The body rails have holes providing multiple suspension positions. A pin locking system includes a pin moveable between retracted and locked positions. An end of the pin is received in one of the holes in the locked position. The pins have tapered ends so that the pin will extend through the body rail hole prior to advancing to the fully locked position. |
| US08632084B2 |
Drift scooter
A drift scooter comprising a longitudinal frame including opposed leading and trailing end portions. A steering assembly is pivotably disposed on the leading end portion and includes a transverse member with two wheels rotatably supported on opposite ends of the transverse member. A stem is fixed in perpendicular orientation relative to the transverse member and a handlebar is connected to the stem. A rear wheel assembly is pivotably disposed on the trailing end portion, wherein the wheel assembly pivots about an upwardly extending pivot axis. The rear wheel assembly is preferably biased toward a centered position, aligned with a centerline of the frame. A resilient member is connected between the frame and a leading portion of the caster. The resilient member may be in the form of an extension spring. Means for adjusting the tension of the extension spring may also be included. |
| US08632077B2 |
Multilayer static gasket with bead compression limiter
A multilayer static cylinder head gasket has at least one metal functional layer and a metal distance layer having registered openings. The functional layer has a full bead located radially outwardly from and extending about its opening. The opening in the distance layer is formed in a first portion having a first thickness. A second portion of the distance layer extends radially outwardly from the opening and the first portion, wherein the second portion has a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. A compression limiter is formed in at least one of the functional layer or the distance layer. The compression limiter prevents the full bead from being completely flattened, which in turn maintains the full bead in high sealing pressure against the distance layer relative to the remaining portion of the functional layer and also prevents premature fatigue cracks from forming in the full bead. |
| US08632070B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method for controlling image forming apparatus, and recording medium
An image forming apparatus for performing image formation on a fed sheet includes a feeding unit, a detecting unit, a conveying control unit, and a first, second, and third determining unit. The feeding unit feeds a sheet of an irregular size onto a conveyance path. The detecting unit detects timings at which a leading edge and trailing edge of the fed sheet pass through a conveyance path predetermined position. The first determining unit determines a length of the sheet in a width direction. The conveying control unit discharges the sheet to a discharge destination without performing image formation on the sheet. The second determining unit determines a length of the sheet in the conveyance direction. The third determining unit determines a sheet size of the sheet of the irregular size from the length of the sheet in the width direction and the length of the sheet in the conveyance direction. |
| US08632068B2 |
Image forming apparatus with sheet push member pushing in horizontal direction
An image forming apparatus including a sheet ejection portion, an in-housing ejection space, and a sheet push mechanism. The sheet push mechanism composed of a sheet push member whose lower end portion touches a sheet ejection surface of the in-housing ejection space and which is movable to a downstream side in the sheet ejection direction, and a holder portion which supports movably an upper end portion of the sheet push member with the holder portion positioned on the lower surface and movable between a reference position where the sheet push member pushes the sheet ejected on the sheet ejection surface and an evacuation position away from the reference position in a horizontal direction. |
| US08632067B2 |
Post-processing device and image forming apparatus
A post-processing device includes a transport section transporting a sheet transported at a predetermined speed from an upstream side toward a downstream side; a load section on which the transported sheet is loaded; an aligner aligning the loaded sheet; an alignment controller performing control such that the aligner performs the alignment process on the sheet transported from the transport section to the load section for every predetermined number of sheets; and a transport controller controlling the transport section by causing the transport section to transport the sheet at a reduced speed for the every predetermined number of sheets so that the sheet transported at the reduced speed reaches the load section after the aligner completes the sheet alignment process that is performed on a previous sheet transported immediately prior to the sheet after the previous sheet is loaded on the load section. |
| US08632064B2 |
Positioning apparatus with lockable joints and method of use
A positioning system having a base, a manually movable end effector and a first joint interposed between the base and the end effector is disclosed. The first joint may comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion coupled together by magnetic attraction and configured to be intermittently separated by a pressurized gas cushion. The first joint may be configured to be changeable between a movable state and a fixed state. In the movable state, the proximal and distal portions are separated by the pressurized gas cushion and are movable relative to each other. In the fixed state, the proximal and distal portions contact each other and relative movement is thereby impeded.Methods of precisely positioning an end effector may include providing a device having a base, a first joint located distally from the base, and an end effector located distally from the first joint. The first joint may have two portions separated by a gas cushion, the first joint allowing the end effector to be movable with respect to the base. The method may further comprise manually positioning the end effector, and removing the gas cushion to cause the two joint portions to contact each other, thereby locking the end effector in the precise location in which it was positioned. |
| US08632058B2 |
Micro-bubble generating device
A micro-bubble generating device is provided which is capable of mixing or dispersing micro-bubbles into a liquid with high stability and has a simple structure that permits reduction of a cost of manufacture. A first member and a first packing are superposed on each other on one side of a gas-permeable film, while a second member and a second packing are superposed on each other on the other side of the gas-permeable film. A pressurized gas delivered via a gas inlet of the first member flows through a fluid passage of the first packing, permeates through the gas-permeable film, and is ejected as micro-bubbles into a liquid flowing through a fluid passage in the form of a narrow shallow strip-like groove provided in the second packing. |
| US08632056B1 |
Safety rail system
A modular, temporary safety railing system that provides fall restraint protection during masonry wall construction projects includes a plurality of anchoring sleeves which are embedded in wet grout within a hollow cavity of a masonry block onto which posts and rail sections are assembled. The embedded pins receive and secure respective vertical posts via interconnecting locking pins comprising spring pin fasteners. A plurality of top and intermediate rail sections are attached to the vertical posts using connecting hardware designed to adjustable position said rail sections at an offset distance allowing additional courses of block to be added to the wall without interference from said railing system. As construction continues, the vertical posts are detached from the embedded sleeves and reused with newly installed sleeves. |
| US08632054B2 |
Valve actuator assembly with tool-less interconnect
A valve actuator assembly may include a valve having a mounting adapter and an actuator housing configured to releasably and non-rotatably attach to the mounting adapter without tools. The actuator housing may be attached at any one of a plurality of discrete radial orientations. In some instances, the actuator housing may include a spring retainer clip configured to engage the mounting adapter, and a button element configured to engage the spring retainer clip to release the spring retainer clip from the mounting adapter. |
| US08632053B2 |
Movable valve apparatus having conditioned lubricating surfaces
Movable valve apparatus having conditioned lubricating surfaces are described. An example valve includes a valve packing having a graphite packing ring disposed within a bonnet of the fluid valve and a stem or shaft has a conditioned surface to hold a lubricating material. The conditioned surface of the stem or shaft is disposed within the bonnet and moves the lubricating material relative to and in contact with the graphite packing ring during operation of the fluid valve. |
| US08632052B2 |
Quick release connector
A quick release connector has a body, a positioning mount, a sealing valve and an outer sleeve. The body has a threaded end, a connecting end, an air inlet chamber, a mounting recess, a threaded recess, a first sealing ring, a pressing ring, a second sealing ring and a limiting ring. The positioning mount is detachably connected to the body and has a fixing end, an inserting end, an air outlet chamber, a returning spring, multiple ball holes and multiple balls. The sealing valve is movably mounted in the body and the positioning mount, selectively abuts the pressing ring and the second sealing ring and has a closed end, an open end and at least one air inlet. The outer sleeve is slidably mounted around the body and the positioning mount and has a spring recess, a holding recess and a pressing spring. |
| US08632051B2 |
Solenoid
A solenoid, in particular for media-controlling valves, includes in an armature space an armature movably acting on a tappet, and a coil carrying windings of a conductor. The magnetic core delimiting the armature space has a tappet boring that incorporates the axially moving tappet, and a boundary element, that consists of at least partly elastic material and is media- and liquid-proof, is provided between the tappet and the magnetic core. The boundary element includes a fastening area for a sealing connection of the boundary element with the tappet, a connection area for a sealing connection of the boundary element with the magnetic core, and an intermediate part provided between the fastening area and the connection area. The intermediate part surrounds at least part of the length of the tappet like a hose or sleeve. |
| US08632048B2 |
Dual by-pass for diaphragm type flushometers
A flush valve diaphragm is provided. The diaphragm includes at least two by-passes orifices. Each by-pass orifice in the diaphragm has a by-pass associated therewith. Each by-pass having a passage therethrough, allows communication with the control chamber above the diaphragm with an inlet chamber below the diaphragm. The diaphragm also integrates the function of locating and providing sealing means to the flush valve system's aux valve mechanism. |
| US08632041B2 |
Portable cradle
A cradle for a portable terminal is disclosed. The cradle may include a bottom portion, a first support portion, and a second support portion. The bottom portion may have a frictional surface on top and bottom surfaces thereof. The first support portion may be located at one side end of the bottom portion and may face the bottom portion. The first support portion may have resilience for deformation and can support a portable terminal. The bottom portion, the first support portion, and the second support portion can support the cradled portable terminal. |
| US08632039B2 |
Device for mounting wireless device case
First mounting ring and second mounting ring are fixed to wireless device case using fastening screws. First mounting ring and second mounting ring are fitted to measurement display section from above, and co-mounting bolt is passed through rings to fasten the rings together. This configuration allows a wireless device to be disposed independent of a meter, and the wireless device can be easily mounted to the meter. |
| US08632035B2 |
Adjustable iron fitting for the installation and fitting of aircraft fairing
It is intended for installing and fitting, in conjunction with other iron fittings, a fairing on an aircraft in correspondence with a housing located at the junction of a stabilizer and a fuselage of an aircraft structure. Wherein each iron fitting comprises: a base plate (5) joined integrally to a torsion box (6) of the stabilizer (3); a mobile support (7) joined integrally to the fairing (1) and which is guided, over a linear movement, over the base plate (5); an adjustment screw (8) that is coupled into a threaded opening (15) of the base plate (5), which screw joins this base plate (5) to the mobile support (7), with the rotation of said adjustment screw (8) in combination with a retaining plate (23) dragging the respective mobile support (7) that is integral to the fairing (1). |
| US08632034B2 |
Self-powered dimmable windows with integrated controls
An electrically controlled dimmable window for aircraft includes a controller and power that eliminates the need for wiring connections to on-board systems. The controller is integrated into the sidewall in which the window is mounted. Power for controlling the window is derived from an energy harvesting device that generates power by converting thermal gradients, motion/vibration or light energy present near the window. The integrated controller includes passenger controls for adjusting the opacity of the window, power conditioning circuitry, an electrical power storage device such as a battery, a processor and a radio receiver. The window can be remotely controlled by a cabin attendant from a central controller that transmits window control signals to the radio receiver. |
| US08632033B2 |
Thrust reverser actuation
A thrust reverser drive arrangement for driving a thrust reverser cowl for movement relative to first and second guide tracks is described which comprises a first actuator located, in use, close to the first guide track, a second actuator located, in use, close to the second guide track, and a third actuator, the actuators being arranged to be driven in synchronism and at the same speed by a drive motor to drive the cowl for movement, the third actuator being of smaller size and/or weight than the first and second actuators, and wherein the third actuator is provided with a load limiter to limit the transmission of loads through the third actuator in the event that the third actuator is subject to a compressive loading greater than a predetermined level. The invention further relates to a load limiter device suitable for use in such an arrangement. |
| US08632031B2 |
Systems and methods for attenuation of noise and wakes produced by aircraft
Systems and methods for reducing the trailing vortices and lowering the noise produced by the side edges of aircraft flight control surfaces, tips of wings and winglets, and tips of rotor blades. A noise-reducing, wake-alleviating device is disclosed which incorporates an actuator and one or more air-ejecting slot-shaped openings coupled to that actuator and located on the upper and/or lower surfaces and/or the side edges of an aircraft flight control surface or the tip of a wing, winglet or blade. The actuation mechanism produces sets of small and fast-moving air jets that traverse the openings in the general streamwise direction. The actuation destabilizes the flap vortex structure, resulting in reduced intensity of trailing vortices and lower airplane noise. |
| US08632030B2 |
Sensing retracting leading edge in automatic towel dispenser
Dispensing towels includes, using a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from a housing of the dispenser and to cause the toweling to be subsequently retracted back into the housing, (a) the step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user; and (b) subsequent thereto, the steps of (1) retracting the toweling into the housing the motor assembly; (2) sensing a leading edge of the toweling, using a sensor, while retracting the toweling; and (3) ceasing retracting of the toweling into the housing the motor assembly as a function of sensing the leading edge of the toweling using the sensor. The toweling is advanced by the motor assembly such that a line of perforations in the toweling, along which the user tears the toweling, is located downstream of the sensor. |
| US08632028B2 |
Device for the comminution of material
A device for comminuting material, such as a roller press, includes rollers positioned adjacent to each other and forming a nip therebetween. One of the rollers may be moveable via an actuator, such as a cylinder or hydraulic cylinder. One or more first accumulators may be attached to the actuator so that fluid is moveable from the actuator to the one or more first accumulators when the rollers are rotated to comminute material passing through the nip. One or more second accumulators may be connected to the actuator as well so that fluid from the actuator may move to the one or more second accumulators when an uncrushable element passes through the nip. Preferably, the one or more second accumulators are configured such that fluid does not pass from the actuator to the one or more second accumulators unless an uncrushable element passes through the nip. |
| US08632026B2 |
Shredding mill and relative shredding method
A mill for shredding scrap, comprising a shredding chamber able to contain scrap during the shredding and having a shredding unit, an inlet pipe connected to an opening of the shredding chamber, in order to transfer the scrap toward the shredding chamber. The mill comprises first thrust means associated with the inlet pipe, selectively movable between a loading position of the scrap into the inlet pipe and one or more intermediate positions to transfer by means of thrusting the scrap toward the shredding chamber. The mill also comprises second thrust means, disposed in proximity with the inlet of the shredding chamber, selectively movable between an inactive position, in which they do not interfere with the introduction of the scrap into the shredding chamber by the first thrust means, and one or more thrust positions in which they introduce into the shredding chamber the scrap moved by the first thrust means until the scrap is in proximity with the opening. |
| US08632024B2 |
Systems and methods for processing mixed solid waste
Solid waste that includes a mixture of wet organic material and dry organic material can be are separated using mechanical separation to produce a wet organic stream enriched in wet organics and a dry organic stream enriched in dry organics. The separated wet organic stream and dry organic stream are separately converted to renewable or recyclable products using different conversion techniques particularly suited for the separated wet and dry organic streams. |
| US08632020B2 |
Speed limiting turbine for rotary driven sprinkler
A speed limiting mechanisms for turbine-driven fluid distribution apparatus usable with compressible fluid such as compressed air and incompressible fluid such as water. In one form, a flow restrictor is located in the turbine discharge flow path, with the turbine discharge port area selected in relation to the turbine inlet port area according to the desired turbine speed with compressed air. In another form, the incoming fluid flows downstream along the surface of the turbine stator, and is then diverted to enter the rotor chamber in the proper direction. A bleed area on the stator which permits a portion of a compressible fluid which has expanded as it flows along the stator surface to flow to bypass the turbine rotor. |
| US08632019B2 |
Automatic flow regulation sprinkler for gardening
An automatic flow regulation sprinkler for gardening includes a base having a linking first water way and second water way on opposite sides thereof. Two outer ends of a transverse axle tube communicates the first water way and the second water way respectively. The transverse axle tube has at least one water outlet. A mobile tube has a front water way, water outlet, and an outer transverse water way communicating the front water way. The outer transverse water way pivoted to the transverse axle tube so as to rotate freely. The outer transverse water way has a regulating portion arranged around the transverse axle tube so as to block the water outlet of the transverse axle tube. Therefore, water flow can be regulated based on the angle of elevation of the mobile tube. |
| US08632007B2 |
Automated transaction machine
An automated retail terminal in which a plurality of goods and/or services are provided in an integrated system. The integrated system generally avoids duplicating hardware or functions in the course of delivering the goods or services offered, so for example in a combination ATM and Internet kiosk the same credit card or smart card reader is used for both the ATM and the Internet kiosk functions, the same control screen activates the ATM functions and the Internet functions, and etc. |
| US08632005B2 |
Method and apparatus for promoting the selection and use of a transaction card
Some embodiments of the present invention provide for detecting a physical change (e.g., via a sensor of a transaction card), and, in response to detecting the physical change, producing an output signal promoting use of a financial account. |
| US08632001B1 |
Method of transmitting electronic signature during a financial transaction
A system operates to carry out financial transfers in response to data read from data bearing records. A cell phone having a camera stores in memory indicia corresponding to account data from a plurality of magnetic stripe cards. A user can operate the phone to select one of the accounts stored in the memory. The memory further includes a scanned user-identifying written signature. The user can use the phone during an item purchase to wirelessly transmit each of an item's identifier captured by the camera, selected account data, and the user signature. |
| US08631997B2 |
Taco holder
A taco holder including a rigid, foldable template that retains a crease when folded, which has portions and fold lines configured so that the taco holder is easily configurable between an open configuration and a folded configuration. The open configuration is defined by the fold lines being substantially unfolded such that front edges of the portions of the taco holder define an opening configured to receive a taco or other folded sandwich food. The folded configuration is defined by the fold lines being substantially folded such that the foldable food container is substantially flat. |
| US08631994B2 |
Friction-weld interface for an assembly
A friction-weld interface device for improving a structural strength of an assembly includes a first component having a concave tapered surface. The friction-weld interface also includes a second component having a convex tapered surface that is complementary to and is configured to receive the concave tapered surface of the first component. The assembly is formed by friction welding the concave tapered surface to the convex tapered surface. The friction-weld interface device may be used to assemble an air-intake manifold for an internal combustion engine, wherein the air-intake manifold is at least partially joined by the process of friction welding. |
| US08631989B2 |
Surgical stapling apparatus
A loading unit for use with a surgical stapling apparatus is provided and includes a tool assembly having a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly that are movable in relation to one another; a surgical buttress releasably secured to a tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly, wherein each surgical buttress is secured to the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly by at least one anchor; a release assembly associated with the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly; and a drive assembly slidably translatable through the tool assembly between proximal and distal positions, wherein the drive assembly actuates the release assembly to thereby release the anchor to free the surgical buttress from the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly. |
| US08631987B2 |
Pneumatically powered surgical cutting and fastening instrument with a variable control of the actuating rate of firing with mechanical power assist
A surgical instrument that includes a distal member configured to receive a pneumatically operated tool assembly therein. The instrument may also include pneumatically powered drive member configured to generate at least one actuation motion upon receipt of at least one pneumatic signal from a source of pneumatic power fluidically coupled thereto. A drive shaft assembly communicates with the pneumatically powered drive member for transmitting the actuation motions to the distally mounted pneumatically operated tool. The device further includes a power assist member that communicates with the drive shaft assembly for transmitting additional manually generated actuation motions to the drive shaft assembly. |
| US08631985B2 |
Respiratory face mask dispensed from continuous roll and method for making the same
A respirator mask dispensing system is provided. It includes a carrier material and a plurality of respirator masks mounted in parallel on the carrier material by an adhesive. The carrier material is deformed between adjacent ones of the plurality of respirator masks, the deformation being configured to assist in the tearing of the carrier material at points of deformation. The carrier material with the plurality of respirator masks as mounted therein is wound on the central core member to provide a continuous roll The adhesive bonds more strongly with the respirator masks than the carrier material such that when an individual respirator mask is removed from the carrier material the adhesive will separate from the carrier material and remain attached to the individual respirator mask. |
| US08631983B2 |
Holder
A holder and vehicle storage system are provided for securely retaining objects, such as in the glove compartments of automobiles, trucks, boats, etc. The holder may be mounted to the inside of a glove compartment door such that it is out of sight when the glove compartment door is closed. The vehicle storage system uses a conventional latch mechanism to mount the holder to the door without the need for additional fasteners. An object may be retained within the holder through the use of two undercut tabs for snap-fit reception of the object. The holder and vehicle storage system may be used to hold electronic instruments having sensitive components that would otherwise be damaged during movement of a vehicle. |
| US08631981B2 |
Holster and locking device
A handgun holster with an accessory mounting block and a holster locking device are disclosed. The holster locking device may be mounted on the holster. The holster locking device includes a member for securing a rear end of a handgun. The holster locking device includes a frame. The interior surface of the frame may comprise first and second guide members such that the first and second guide members may be disposed in first and second guide grooves in the holster accessory mounting block. Also disclosed is a passage in the frame. A cantilever on the holster accessory mounting block may be disposed in the passage to engage the frame and lock the handgun holster to the holster locking device. |
| US08631979B1 |
Clothes hanger
The clothes hanger includes a “U” shaped member that rotates along a horizontal axis with respect to an outer hanger member. The outer hanger member includes the hanger hook atop of which to enable the clothes hanger to hang from a hanger rod. The clothes hanger is adapted to enable a plurality of lingerie items or other small items from a single clothes hanger. The “U” shaped member is comprised of two vertical members that attach to the outer hanger bracket, and a horizontal member. The vertical members each include a plurality of hook members that are rotatable engaged thereon, and which rotate about a vertical axis to enable an end user to hook various items on the plurality of the hook members. The “U” shaped member is able to rotate with respect to the outer hanger bracket along a horizontal axis. |
| US08631976B2 |
Manually operated pump comprising an assembly for pressurization and dispensing of fluid
A manually operated pump for pressurized dispensing of a fluid product, designed to be fastened to the mouth of a container containing the product. The ensemble of the stem, spring, piston, and retention element form a unitary assembly that can be coupled to cup-shaped body of the pump. The pump includes also a member for connection of the unitary assembly to the cup-shaped body. The connection member includes a shaped portion for retention of the collar that projects from the stem, the portion preventing the exit of the stem from the cup-shaped body when the unitary assembly is inserted into the cup-shaped body. |
| US08631970B2 |
Multi-chamber material dispensing system and method for making same
Material dispensing systems and methods for make such systems are described. The material dispensing systems employ a collapsible container having at least two distinct chambers, and is at least partially surrounded by an elastically deformable band. The band stretches as the container is filled with a flowable composition, thereby creating potential energy which can then be used to dispense the composition in lieu of a propellant and/or pressurized container. |
| US08631969B2 |
Article storage and retrieval apparatus, and vending machine
Apparatus for storing and selectively retrieving articles includes a vertical array of storage locations each having a horizontal surface on which articles may rest and along which articles may be slid. A carriage is mounted for movement horizontally and vertically across the face of the array so as to be selectively positionable at any one of the locations, and an arm is mounted on the carriage and selectively extendible and retractable to engage and withdraw a selected article from a first one of the locations on to the carriage, the carriage then being movable to another of the locations at which the arm may be extended to discharge the article from the carriage into the other location. |
| US08631964B1 |
Hose holding container assembly
A hose holding container assembly provides a holder for a hose integrated into a container to facilitate hands free filling of the container. The assembly includes a container configured for holding a fluid. The container has a bottom and a perimeter wall extending upwardly from the bottom. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an open top. The container further has an aperture configured for receiving a hose therethrough. A guide member is coupled to an interior surface of the container for holding the hose when the hose is inserted through the aperture and the guide member. |
| US08631963B2 |
Side action insert/skeletal stiffening ribs
A container comprising a finish, a sidewall portion extending from the finish, a base portion extending from the sidewall portion and enclosing the sidewall portion to form a volume therein for retaining a commodity, and an outwardly directed rib member. |
| US08631958B2 |
Internal gas pressure resistant metal pop-top cover and method of making
A gas pressure-resistant metal pop-top cover comprised of two parts, a lid (1) and a pull-ring, the pull-ring being riveted to the lid (1), there being a concave countersink that begins at the circumferential edge of the lid (1) and extends toward its center, and at the center of the concave countersink there being a round convex platform (2), wherein the angle of inclination A of the countersink is 15-60°, and the arc-shaped segments B1 and B2 of the bottom part of the convex platform and the corner portion of the rise segment C rotate around the center of the lid (1) and are subjected to cold hardening treatment through forging and pressing. Through a new design, the conflict between material-saving and maintaining pressure resistance in a pop-top cover has been solved, with the result that greater resistance to high pressure is provided as the notch diameter and thickness of materials in the pop-top cover are decreased. |
| US08631951B1 |
Corncob holder field
The corncob holder field is a set including a plurality of corncob holders, and a device resembling rows of cornstalks. The corncob holders resemble mini ears of corn and each include a pair of pins used to pierce each end of an ear of corn in order to hold the ear when consuming. The pins of the corncob holders are inserted into pin holes located on the cornstalks so as to provide a means of storage when not in use. Each cornstalk located on the device can store a pair of corncob holders, and when storing said corncob holders shall resemble a cornstalk in which ears of corn are sprouting there from. |
| US08631945B1 |
Method for screening fine industrial minerals using a vibrating high speed screening unit
A method for screening mixed particulate into multiple sized particulate simultaneously in a low dust high safety environment. |
| US08631941B2 |
Ampoule dispenser assembly and process
A dispenser assembly has a rupturable inner container and a cover member. The rupturable inner container contains a first flowable material. The cover member encapsulates the inner container. The cover member is impregnated with a second material, wherein the inner container is rupturable wherein the first flowable material contacts the cover member and interacts with the second material to form a mixture. |
| US08631937B2 |
Packaging assembly
A packaging assembly comprising: a card comprising at least one panel; a fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir and a fluid dispenser member that is mounted on the reservoir; and a connection element fitted on the panel and including fastener means, the dispenser being engaged in the fastener means for being held in removable manner on the card; wherein the panel includes a window, the connection element being fitted in the window, the connection element includes a base, advantageously a flat base, of dimension that is greater than the dimension of the window, the fastener means projecting from the base, the base being disposed on one side of the panel with the fastener means passing through the window in such a manner as to project from the other side of the panel, the fastener means being inserted through the window and presenting a dimension that is greater than the dimension of the window, thereby holding the connection element in the window. |
| US08631932B2 |
Chime-engaging package for containers
A carrier comprising a top panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a first bottom panel connected to the first side panel by at least one first strut, and a second bottom panel connected to the second side panel by at least one second strut. At least one container-receiving portion can comprise a first retaining feature and an opposing second retaining feature. At least a portion of the first retaining feature or the second retaining feature is disposed in the first side panel or the second side panel. A container can be retained by at least one of the first retaining feature and the second retaining feature. At least a portion of at least one of the first bottom panel and the second bottom panel is disposed between the container and the top panel. |
| US08631931B2 |
Dental prosthesis and dental appliance storage box
The present document describes a storage box for at least one of a dental prosthesis and a dental appliance. The storage box comprises: a container portion capable of holding a liquid; a holding area substantially within the container portion and for placing the at least one of a dental prosthesis and a dental appliance; a cover for placing over the container portion; and an external covering material substantially covering the container portion and the cover. In another embodiment, a separator divides the holding area in two or more parts. In another embodiment, the cover comprises a groove in which a seal can be lodged to hermetically seal the opening upon closure of the cover. The cover may also have a lip to hold liquid in the cover until the cover is sufficiently closed to release the liquid into the container. |
| US08631930B2 |
Link chain for chain conveyors and horizontal chain links therefor
A link chain for chain conveyors for use in mining, with vertical chain links having a constant cross-sectional profile provided on the inside with a circular arc and on the outside preferably with a flat section, and with horizontal chain links having front sections, longitudinal limbs and an oval inner opening. The longitudinal limbs on the outer sides comprising at least adjacent to the upper and lower sides a spherical shaped surface and/or the horizontal chain links comprising on the transition of the front sections into the longitudinal limbs corner areas, wherein the longitudinal limbs on their top side and bottom side at least in the corner areas are partially provided with a cavity. |
| US08631929B2 |
Conveyor for the transport of bulk materials
A conveyor for the transport of bulk materials contains three pairs of supporting cables disposed vertically one above the other. A conveyor belt is movable along the supporting cables from a loading station to an unloading station. The conveyor belt has supporting beams disposed at a distance apart and at the ends of which are rollers, which roll along the middle and lower supporting cables. The conveyor further contains supporting frames by which the supporting cables are mutually connected. The supporting frames have two vertically aligned supporting struts and two horizontally aligned connecting struts. Furthermore, the upper ends of the supporting struts are respectively connected to one of the two upper supporting cables and the connecting struts are connected to the middle and the lower supporting cables. The supporting struts are formed by two supporting strut parts, which are mutually pivotable about horizontal axes aligned transversely to the supporting cables. |
| US08631927B2 |
Track with overlapping links for dry coal extrusion pumps
A chain for a particulate material extrusion pump includes a plurality of links, each of the plurality of links having a link body and a link ledge, wherein each link ledge of the plurality of links at least partially overlaps the link body of an adjacent one of the plurality of links. |
| US08631921B2 |
System and method for direct transfer of electronic parking meter data
A single space electronic parking meter mechanism for inserting into an outer parking meter housing is provided. The mechanism includes an inner housing, a payment receiving structure supported by the inner housing and an electronic display screen supported by the inner housing. The mechanism also includes a wireless communication subsystem supported by the inner housing configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system and an electronic meter control system controlling the electronic display and the wireless communications subsystem. The mechanism includes a memory device receiving port externally accessible through the inner housing and a read-write removable memory device physically accessible from outside of the inner housing and configured to be coupled to the memory device receiving port. The removable memory device including operation mode information that is read by the electronic meter control system to select an operation mode of the meter mechanism. |
| US08631920B2 |
System and method for attaching a dual clutch to a flywheel
An apparatus for transferring torque from a crankshaft to a dual input transmission includes: a flywheel connected at one end to the crankshaft and at the opposite end to a torque transmitting device or dual clutch. The flywheel has a first coupling member that is configured to engage a second coupling member attached to a center plate of the dual clutch. The first coupling member is fixedly secured to the second coupling member by a fastening means. A dual clutch actuation device generates the axial compression force required to compress a first and second set of frictional elements of a dual clutch. |
| US08631911B2 |
Retaining plate for the hand brake lever of a drum brake during initial assembly for generating a lasting initial tension of the Bowden cable
A drum brake for motor vehicles is described, comprising a hydraulically actuable service brake and a parking brake that is actuable mechanically by means of a Bowden cable, wherein a lasting initial tension of the Bowden cable is to be ensured. For the initial assembly, a retaining plate interlocks the hand brake lever with the web plate of the secondary shoe against the force of the resetting spring. After assembly of the Bowden cable and adjustment of the initial tension of the hand brake cable the interlock is cancelled by pulling powerfully on the hand brake stem. If over the years the hand brake cable stretches, a design-determined initial tension is constantly maintained by the continuous force of the resetting spring. |
| US08631910B2 |
Device for collecting a trailing cable
In a device for collecting a trailing cable, particularly of a construction lift, having cable tray comprising an opening through which the trailing cable can be deposited into or guided out from the cable tray, the cable tray has an elongated cross-section and is disposed and configured such that the trailing cable can be deposited in the cable tray in meanders. |
| US08631904B1 |
Tree stand step
A step for use in association with a tree stand ladder. The step includes a frame that includes a plurality of elongated members that are formed into a rectangular or square form; a first pair of said elongated members extending substantially in parallel with each other and each having extending free ends; two holding pieces secured at the end of respective free ends of the pair elongated members; a planar platform secured within the frame to enable a person to stand on the platform and a pair side braces that extend from respective elongated members to respective ladder rails to provide support for said frame and planar platform. |
| US08631903B2 |
Pump jack pole brace latch and method
A pump jack pole brace. The brace comprises a U-shaped yoke member having a first leg and a second leg. The brace includes a latch plate assembly having a first side slidably and pivotably attached to the first leg, and a second side having a tab which engages with the second leg to form a closed envelope with the yoke. A method for securing a pole for use of a pump jack system. |
| US08631899B2 |
Sound absorber
To provide an inexpensive, slender sound absorber, it has a plurality of porous layers or regions of different densities and different flow resistances respectively. Of significance are the boundary surfaces between the different, porous layers which are accompanied by changes in impedance. Homogenized and adapted flow resistance conditions should be avoided. Although the thermal frictional effect in the porous material is desired, in particular to absorb higher frequencies, according to the present invention it only forms one element of the absorptive working mechanism. In addition, the effect known in physics as refraction is used. At the boundary layer between two materials of different density and different flow resistance respectively there is an abrupt change in impedance. This leads to a phase shift of the sound wave, and so a sound absorbing effect is made possible. In contrast to exclusively porous absorber layers with homogeneously or steadily increasing flow resistances, frequently changing transitions and porous materials having different, respectively suitable, direct impedances allow much higher degrees of sound absorption to be achieved in the range of low frequencies, in particular between 100 Hz and 500 Hz. |
| US08631898B2 |
Method for attaching protective structure to feed beam, and protective structure in rock drilling rig
A method for attaching a protective structure to a feed beam of a rock drilling rig, and a protective structure for a rock drilling rig. The protective structure is at least partly arranged around the feed beam so that as the feed beam bends in a bending direction of its longitudinal axis and/or twists about its longitudinal axis in a twisting direction, the protective structure substantially maintains its original shape. |
| US08631894B2 |
Electric vehicle, and control apparatus and control method for electric vehicle
An electric vehicle includes: a motor to propel the electric vehicle; a secondary battery that exchanges power with the motor via a power line; a capacitor that is connected to the power line; a collision detection unit that detects a collision of the electric vehicle; a rotation speed detection unit that detects a rotation speed of the motor; and a control unit that, when a collision of the electric vehicle is detected and the detected rotation speed of the motor equals or exceeds a predetermined rotation speed, controls the motor such that the rotation speed of the motor falls below the predetermined rotation speed and then executes discharge control to discharge the capacitor. |
| US08631890B2 |
Electric construction machine
The object of the present invention is to provide an electric construction machine capable of efficiently cooling the battery mounted on the swing structure. To achieve the object, there is provided an electric construction machine in which a battery storage room 11 is formed in the swing structure 3 and a plurality of batteries 231 as electric power sources are arranged in the battery storage room 11, comprising: a battery storage structure 23 storing the batteries 231 and having an air flow channel through which air can flow upward from a lower part of the battery storage structure 23; a covering sheet 26 entirely covering the top and side faces of the battery storage structure 23; and a duct 27 for discharging the air, one end of which is arranged in an upper part of the covering sheet 26. |
| US08631889B2 |
Combined condensation radiator fan module and brake cooling duct shutter system
A vehicle includes a body that defines an opening in a forward end thereof. A heat exchanger and an inlet of a brake duct are each positioned rearward of the opening to receive a flow of air through the opening. A shutter system is movable between an open position to allow airflow through the opening and a closed position to block airflow through the opening. The shutter system controls the airflow to both the heat exchanger and to the inlet of the brake duct. |
| US08631886B2 |
Structure of electric vehicle
This disclosure provides a structure of an electric vehicle, which includes an engine, an electric generator for being driven by the engine, a battery for being supplied and charged with generated power at least from the electric generator, and a motor for being supplied with power from the battery to drive driving wheels. The engine, the electric generator, and a power transmission device for transmitting a motive force of the engine to the electric generator are integrally formed to constitute a power generation unit. The power generation unit is arranged inside an engine room so that at least the engine is located rearward from wheel axles of left and right front wheels. |
| US08631885B2 |
Multi-use dual-engine, variable-power drive
A power unit has: a conversion device (3, 106) for converting mechanical energy of rotation into a different form of energy which can be used for various purposes; a first internal combustion engine (1, 102); a second internal combustion engine (5, 104); a first clutch (2, 103) through which the first engine can be selectively coupled to a first axial end of a rotor shaft of the conversion device for transmitting mechanical energy of rotation to the rotor shaft when the first clutch is engaged; and a second clutch (4, 105) through which the second engine can be selectively coupled to a second axial end of the rotor shaft for transmitting mechanical energy of rotation from the second engine to the rotor shaft when the second clutch is coupling the second engine to the rotor shaft. |
| US08631884B2 |
Pressure reversing valve assembly for a down-the-hole percussive drilling apparatus
A pressure reversing valve for a down-the-hole percussive drilling (“DHD”) apparatus has a first valve pressure surface, a second valve pressure surface and a third valve pressure surface. The first valve pressure surface engages an internal surface of a housing of the DHD hammer. The second valve pressure surface is in communication with a high pressure port of the DHD hammer. The third valve pressure surface is in communication with a passageway that extends through a distributor within the DHD hammer. The valve also includes a valve passageway that extends through the valve and which is in communication with a first volume of the DHD hammer. The first volume is formed by surfaces of the distributor and the third valve pressure surface. |
| US08631883B2 |
Sectorial force balancing of drill bits
A sectorial force balanced drill bit, including conventional and bi-center drill bits, having the true center of rotation the same as, or about the same as, the bit mass axis. The bit mass axis is a longitudinal axis located off-center to the geometric axis of the bit and comprises the center of mass point. Additionally, a method for sectorially force balancing drill bits is provided. The method includes dividing the drill bit into one or more sections, calculating the magnitude and direction of the resultant radial imbalance force for the cutters of each section, adjusting the cutters and/or blades until the magnitude of the resultant radial imbalance force is about the same for each section and the direction of the resultant radial imbalance force for each section is about 2π/n, where n is the number of sections, from the adjacent section. |
| US08631882B1 |
Drilling rig with torque measuring top drive
A drilling rig with a top drive having a torque measuring load cell made from a strain gauged bending pin. When the unit torques up, the bending pin can be arranged to bend slightly in proportion to torque, and a strain gauge on the bending pin provides measurement that can be calibrated electronically in foot-lbs of torque. |
| US08631881B2 |
Inserting and extracting underground sensors
Devices and methods for placing sensors underground are described. A preferred device has a first structure and a second structure that are placed into the ground. A third structure is connected to a portion of the first structure. The second structure is removed from the ground, leaving sensors or other equipment underground. |
| US08631877B2 |
Apparatus and methods for inflow control
A first tubular member disposed within a second tubular member, and an annulus formed therebetween. The second tubular member can have a first and second packer disposed about an outer diameter thereof. The first packer can have a slip. The packers can be in fluid communication with the inner diameter of the first tubular member via one or more flow ports formed through the first tubular member. One or more inflow control devices can be disposed between the packers. |
| US08631875B2 |
Insert gas lift injection assembly for retrofitting string for alternative injection location
An insert device can straddle an existing production string port into the annulus such as through an open sliding sleeve so that annulus access into the production string is available. An injection string is associated with the insert to allow placement of the injection fluid at the desired location even if that location is below an isolation packer. The port can be part of an existing ported sub such as a sliding sleeve. Alternatively, the port can be created at a desired location and the insert supported with an anchor so that spaced seals straddle the port that is created to allow injection access from the annulus into the production tubing. The produced fluids pass around the injection tubing and through the insert body to get to the surface. The insert can be removed if needed. |
| US08631871B2 |
System and method for enhanced oil recovery with a once-through steam generator
A once-through steam generator including one or more steam-generating circuits extending between inlet and outlet ends thereof and including one or more pipes, the steam-generating circuit having a heating segment at least partially defining a heating portion of the once-through steam generator, and one or more heat sources for generating heat to which the heating segment is subjected. The steam-generating circuit is adapted to receive feedwater at the inlet end, the feedwater being subjected to the heat from the heat source to convert the feedwater into steam and water. The pipe has a bore therein at least partially defined by an inner surface, and at least a portion of the inner surface has ribs at least partially defining a helical flow passage. The helical flow passage guides the water therealong for imparting a swirling motion thereto, to control concentrations of the impurities in the water. |
| US08631870B2 |
Snubbing tubulars from a SAGD well
For SAGD operations, an apparatus and method of stripping and cooling tubing is provided by a cooling chamber where tubing and associated equipment can be safely exposed to a coolant fluid before significant handling. A telescoping chamber with a work window permits cables to be detached from tubing during stripping. Coolant may be Nitrogen or similarly inert fluid. |
| US08631867B2 |
Methods for cooling measuring devices in high temperature wells
A method for monitoring a fracturing operation in a target well comprising extending a seismic sensor in a tubing string to a first position in an well offset from the target well. A coolant fluid is circulated through the tubing string for a predetermined time. The tubing string is retracted to a second uphole position such that the cooled seismic sensor is exposed in the offset wellbore. A seismic signal emitted during the fracturing operation of the target well is sensed in the offset well. |
| US08631854B2 |
Continuous casting method and apparatus for producing preliminary profiles, in particular double T preliminary profiles
With a continuous casting method for producing preliminary profiles, in particular double T preliminary profiles, the downwardly flowing cooling water is pushed out of the internal curve of the preliminary profile strand (3) via the profile flanges and discharged using water nozzles (21, 22) aligned substantially to the crossover from the bar (4) to the respective flange (5, 6) by means of the diverting water delivered via the water nozzles (21, 22). In this way the excessive cooling caused by downwardly running cooling water is largely avoided in the internal curve of the preliminary profile strand. |
| US08631845B2 |
Motorcycle tire for running on rough terrain
A motorcycle tire for running on rough terrain comprises a tread portion provided with a plurality of blocks including a cut block. The cut block is provided with a U-shaped cut so as to define a sub part of the cut block surrounded by the cut and a main part of the cut block outside the cut. The top surface of the sub part and the top surface of the main part are displaced from each other in a normal direction to the tread surface, and an exposed outside wall surface of the sub part and an exposed outside wall surface of the main part are displaced from each other in a lateral direction parallel with the tread surface, wherein the exposed outside wall surface of the sub part is defined as extending radially inwardly from the edge of the top surface of the sub part, and the exposed outside wall surface of the main part is defined as extending radially inwardly from the edge of the top surface of the main part and positioned on each side of the exposed outside wall surface of the sub part. |
| US08631844B2 |
Variable compliance wheel
A system for adjusting the compliance of a wheel is provided. In one embodiment, wheel segments are adjusted, causing the stiffness of the wheel to change. Such adjustments can be made while the wheel is rotating, allowing the wheel compliance to be changed while a vehicle is in motion. |
| US08631840B2 |
Kit for repairing and inflating inflatable items
A kit for repairing and inflating inflatable items comprises a housing, a compressor assembly housed within the housing, a connecting device having an inlet connected to the compressor assembly and a seat adapted to be fluidically connected to a container assembly for a sealing liquid and to the inlet, a valve configured to be opened automatically when the container assembly is connected to the connection device and elastically maintained in a first position such as to fluidically disconnect the inlet from the seat when the container assembly is disconnected from the connecting device, and a flexible tube fluidically connected to the compressor assembly. In particular, the connecting device comprises an outlet fluidically connected to the valve so as to be fluidically connected to the inlet when the valve is in the first position, and in that the flexible tube is connected to the outlet. |
| US08631837B2 |
Fuel dispensing nozzle
A nozzle for dispensing fluid including a nozzle body having a fluid path which is configured to receive fluid therein and a vapor path which is configured to receive vapor therein. The nozzle further includes a main fluid valve positioned in the fluid path to control a flow of fluid therethrough, the main fluid valve including a main fluid valve spring configured to bias the main fluid valve to one of its open or closed positions. The nozzle further has a main vapor valve positioned in the vapor path to control a flow of vapor therethrough. The main vapor valve includes a main vapor valve spring configured to bias the main vapor valve to one of its open or closed positions. At least part of the main fluid valve spring or the main vapor valve spring is positioned within the other one. |
| US08631835B2 |
System for injecting mortar into a container
A method of injecting mortar into a container fastened to a first tank and to a second tank, the first tank communicating with the container via a first orifice and the second tank communicating with the container by a second orifice, the method comprising the following operations: a continuous circulation of a first stream of mortar is made to flow in a circulation loop; during the continuous circulation, a second stream of mortar is drawn off from the circulation loop, the second stream being smaller than the first stream of mortar; the second stream of mortar is injected into the container, ensuring that there is dynamic confinement of the gaseous effluents; and the appearance of mortar in the second tank is monitored and, when this appearance is detected, the removal of mortar from the circulation loop is brought to an end. |
| US08631832B2 |
Sheet forming screen
A sheet forming screen is described which is formed as a multi-layer fabric, wherein the fabric has a longitudinal thread repeat of sixteen longitudinal threads, four longitudinal threads (11 to 14) of which are formed as upper longitudinal threads, eight longitudinal threads (31 to 38) of which are formed as lower longitudinal threads, and the remaining four longitudinal threads (21 to 24) of which form two functional longitudinal thread pairs of two longitudinal threads each arranged next to each other which alternately complete the first weave, wherein at least one of the four longitudinal threads which form the two functional longitudinal thread pairs extends both in the upper fabric layer and in the lower fabric layer and thereby binds the lower fabric layer to the upper fabric layer. |
| US08631831B2 |
Multi-compliant tubing
In various embodiments, aspiration tubing connecting a handpiece to a surgical console may include a high compliant section, a transition section, and a low compliant section. In some embodiments, the high compliant section may have a lower durometer and/or different geometry than the low compliant section. The transition section may take a number of forms, including a connector or a continuous section of tubing that gradually increases in durometer and/or changes geometry through the length of the tubing. In the various embodiments, the high compliant section may provide flexibility near the handpiece to make the handpiece easier to hold and maneuver while the low compliant section may reduce the effects of occlusion break surge. In some embodiments, the high compliant section may include, for example, ribs, stiffening rings, a stiffening sleeve, or a stiffening sock to increase the stiffness of the high compliant section. |
| US08631828B1 |
Anhydrous ammonia flow dividing manifold
A flow dividing manifold (12) divides a flow of anhydrous ammonia having both liquid and gas phases into separate flow paths. The manifold (12) has a first mixing nozzle (32) for concentrating the flow of the anhydrous ammonia in a first direction (46) against a first enclosed end (50) of a first mixing chamber (48). A second mixing nozzle (48) concentrating the flow of anhydrous ammonia in a second direction (76) orthogonal to the first direction (46) and against a second enclosed end (80) of a second mixing chamber (78). A flow divider structure (96) is disposed about an outward end of the second mixing chamber (78) and has a plurality of flow ports (90) which are angularly spaced around and extend orthogonal to the second flow direction (76) through the second mixing nozzle (64). |
| US08631826B2 |
Volume booster with stabilized trim
A fluid flow control device includes a body having an inlet connection, an outlet connection, and a discharge port. A supply path extends between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and a booster module is disposed within the body. The booster module includes a control element and an actuator element and defines an exhaust path extending between the outlet connection and the discharge port. A supply port is disposed within the booster module along the supply path between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and at least a first damping means operatively connected to the booster module. |
| US08631816B2 |
Faucet structure
A faucet structure includes a main body, a water collecting base, a water output head and a water control valve. The main body is tubular with thin body wall, having a receiving space that receives the water collecting base having two water inlet holes and one water outlet hole on lower portion thereof, and a water inlet channel and a water outlet channel extends from the water inlet hole and water outlet hole. A valve base is formed on sideway of the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel. The faucet includes the main body and the water collecting base respectively, so the complexity of the main body is reduced, and the manufacturing process is simplified. Also, the structure of the main body can be simplified to a thin-wall structure to reduce material and further reduce manufacturing costs. |
| US08631812B2 |
Compressor throttling valve assembly
A throttling valve assembly has an outer housing that is sealed. An actuator is connected to a pressure balanced shaft that extends into the housing to operate a plurality of linkages that can rotate blades in tandem. With the surrounding housing sealed, the shaft penetrations of the blade support shafts no longer need seals or a purge system to supply process gas during times of reduced pressure in situations with the blades nearly closed. A pressure equalization system has balance passages internal to the housing to allow flow from higher pressure zones to lower pressure zone of the process gas so as to avoid creation of a condition that can draw air into any zones of reduced pressure in the housing. |
| US08631811B2 |
Tray for a walker
The present invention relates to a tray for use with a walker. The tray includes a generally rigid tray base having an essentially rectangular shape with a front long side, a back long side, a first short side and a second short side, and wherein the tray has a length that extends to or past the essentially horizontal support member; a ridge extending along the sides of the tray, wherein the ridge has a height of at least about a ½ inch; a strap having a hook and loop fastener wherein the strap is positioned at or near the back long end; and a first hinge and a second hinge, the first and second hinges are positioned, when the tray is in use, at or near the front leg of the first and second support, respectively. |
| US08631807B2 |
Method and apparatus for orthodontic floss aid
A flossing tool for persons wearing braces. A floss support head is attached at an acute angle with respect to a handle. The head includes two spaced-apart support elements where the first support element closest to the handle is thinner than the distance between the teeth and the arch-wire. A disposable plastic embodiment includes a floss strand affixed in an injection molding process to ends of the support elements; a tapered portion of the first support element which allows the device to pivot without interference from the arch-wire; and a broadened spatula tip for securing an end of the floss strand. The end of the first support element may be curved outwardly. Another embodiment includes a wire head with floss support loops. |
| US08631805B2 |
Method for making up the nails and article for the implementation of the method
The invention relates to a method for making up the nails which consists in adhesively bonding, to the nail, an article comprising a prethermoformed backing composed of at least one first noncrystalline thermoplastic material having a softening temperature T3I and at least one second noncrystalline thermoplastic material not having a softening temperature of less than or equal to TSi, and then heating the article applied to the nail so as to soften the said at least one first noncrystalline thermoplastic material for the purpose of completing the matching of the article to the profile of the nail. |
| US08631803B2 |
Tobacco powder supported catalyst particles
Cut filler compositions, cigarettes, methods for making cut filler compositions and cigarettes, and methods for treating mainstream tobacco smoke of cigarettes are provided that use catalyst particles capable of converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. The catalyst particles are supported on tobacco powder. The tobacco powder supported catalyst particles can be prepared by dry admixing the catalyst particles and tobacco powder or by combining a dispersion of catalyst particles with the tobacco powder. |
| US08631802B2 |
System and method for the modification of surgical procedures using a graphical drag and drop interface
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for allowing a user to modify a surgical procedure. An embodiment of the method of the present invention can include: providing a GUI on a touch screen of a surgical console, said GUI comprising a representation of the surgical procedure and representations of one or more surgical steps, wherein the GUI allows a user to modify the representation of the surgical procedure by dragging and dropping representations of surgical steps using the touch screen; detecting that the representation of the surgical procedure has been modified; and modifying the surgical procedure to correspond to the modified representation of the surgical procedure. |
| US08631800B2 |
Self-titratable mandibular repositioning device
The present technology provides a mandibular repositioning device (MRD) which may be self titratable. The MRD may be repositioned relative to the maxilla, e.g., the mandible may be brought, via the device, to a position forward of a neutral resting and/or bite position. The MRD allows for adjusting the maintained forward position by simply biting-down to preserve the desired degree of mandibular advancement. The present technology also allows for movement of the mandible in a lateral direction. The lateral movement is allowed for any forward longitudinal positioning of the mandible. The MRD may use a plurality of components that are coupled together and allow for lateral and longitudinal motion between each other. The present technology may be used in MRDs which may be self-fitted, typically by immersing the device in hot water and then biting into the device, making an impression of the teeth in the softened thermoplastic polymer. It may also be applied to MRDs that do not require any fitting to the teeth and to devices that are custom-fabricated by dental labs. |
| US08631796B2 |
Laryngeal mask
A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening as used during general anesthesia, intensive care, or critical patient care is described that includes an inflatable positioning and a respiratory tube. The inflatable positioning shield is formed to fit within a patient's oropharynx, and has an inflatable, hollow peripheral portion, a pliable base in fluid communication with the peripheral portion, a shield recess formed after inflation of the peripheral portion, and a rear portion formed between the posterior base and the peripheral portion after inflation of the peripheral portion, wherein the posterior base has a recessed front portion. The respiratory tube has a proximal end lumen, a curved tubular body of sufficient size to permit the passage of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments, and a distal end passing through and secured to the rear portion of the positioning shield. The distal end terminates at a distal lumen, which passes through and is secured to the rear portion of the positioning shield such that tubes and instruments passing through the respiratory tube will be directed into the laryngeal opening. |
| US08631789B2 |
Humidification of respiratory gases
A humidifier (14) for humidifying a flow of breathable gas to be delivered to a patient includes a chamber (16) configured to receive the flow of breathable gas; a tub (20) configured to contain a supply of water, the tub being configured to be inserted into the chamber; a lid (18) provided on the chamber and being movable between an open position and a closed position; and a seal (19) provided on the lid, the seal being configured to seal the chamber such that the flow of breathable gas pressurizes the chamber. The humidifier may be connectable to a flow generator (12) configured to generate the flow of breathable gas. A tube for delivering the humidified flow may be connected to the humidifier. The tube may be a heated or non-heated tube. A respiratory apparatus for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient may include the humidifier and the flow generator and/or the tube. A method of humidifying a flow of breathable gas comprises sealing a chamber containing a supplying a water and pressurizing the chamber by directing the flow of breathable gas into the chamber. |
| US08631787B2 |
Multi-junction solar cells with a homogenizer system and coupled non-imaging light concentrator
The present embodiments provide methods and systems to homogenize illumination on a target. Some embodiments provide rotational symmetric dual-reflector solar concentrators that include a concave primary reflector with an aim-direction directed toward the sun to receive optical radiation in a far-field angle within an angle of acceptance and redirect radiation upward and centrally generating flux concentration, a secondary reflector positioned coaxial with said primary reflector to receive said redirected radiation and redirect radiation downward and centrally generating flux concentration solar rays, and a central target zone receiving said concentrated solar rays, where cross sections of said primary and secondary reflectors both further comprise a multiplicity of segments that establish a correspondence between pairs of segments, each of said segments of said primary reflector such as to image said angle of acceptance onto said corresponding segment of said secondary reflector to image onto said target zone. |
| US08631785B2 |
Method for detecting deviations of injection quantities and for correcting the injection quantity, and injection system
A method provides for detecting deviations of injection quantities for injections into internal combustion engines, as carried out for example by common-rail systems. At least one deviation of at least one injection quantity is detected by determining at least one deviation, from a predefined value in each case, of at least one value of at least one variable controlling an actuator of the injector and/or indicating at least one state of the actuator. |
| US08631781B2 |
Piston for an internal combustion engine
A piston for an internal combustion engine has an upper piston part and a lower piston part, which form an outer circumferential cooling channel. The piston has pin boss connections that lie opposite one another, at which pin bosses are provided, which have pin bores that define a center axis (M). The upper piston part and the lower piston part are connected with one another by way of outer joining surfaces and inner joining surfaces. A bridge that runs essentially parallel to the center axis (M) is configured in the lower piston part, in the region of the pin boss connections. The bridge has two longitudinal sides that delimit an upper bridge surface. |
| US08631780B2 |
Balancing arrangement for minimizing bending stress in a power cutter arm
A power cutter powered by a single cylinder internal combustion engine, the power cutter including: a tool unit having at least one tool, which can be rotated about an axis of rotation; a drive unit including an engine, the engine including an engine cylinder having a cylinder bore centerline, a piston, a crankshaft with a crankshaft axis of rotation and a flywheel, the crankshaft running in a counter clockwise direction as seen towards the flywheel; a cutter arm attached to the drive unit in its inner end and its outer end carrying the tool unit, a centerline of the cutter arm essentially follows a connection line between the axis of rotation of the tool and the axis of rotation of the crankshaft. |
| US08631779B2 |
Internal combustion engine with kick starter
An internal combustion engine with a kick starter for ensuring layout flexibility of a kick shaft while suppressing an enlargement of the engine. An output shaft is disposed at a position overlapped with a driven pulley from a side view. A power transmission mechanism is disposed between the output shaft and the driven shaft pulley in a crankcase. A kick shaft is disposed at a position below and forward of the driven pulley shaft, which is not overlapped with the driven pulley from the side view. A kick intermediate shaft is disposed between the kick shaft and the crankshaft such that the kick starter is mounted on the crankcase. |
| US08631778B2 |
Control device and control method of a starter, and engine starting device
A starter includes a pinion gear that can be engaged with a ring gear provided around an outer circumference of a flywheel or a drive plate of an engine, an actuator for moving the pinion gear to a position of engagement with the ring gear in a driven state, a helical spline for rotating the pinion gear in a reverse direction while the pinion gear moves toward the ring gear, and a motor for rotating the pinion gear. The actuator and the motor are individually controlled. After the actuator was driven and before the motor is driven, drive of the actuator is stopped. |
| US08631773B2 |
Valve timing adjuster
A valve timing adjuster for an internal combustion engine adjusts valve timing. The valve timing adjuster includes a housing, a vane rotor, a regulation device, a fluid route, and an opening/closing control device. The regulation device regulates a rotational phase of the vane rotor relative to the housing to a regulation position located between a full advance position and a full retard position. The fluid route is communicated with a specific chamber that is at least one of an advance chamber and a retard chamber. The fluid route extends via a radially inner part to be communicated with atmosphere. The radially inner part is located radially between the specific chamber and a rotation center. The opening/closing control device opens and closes the fluid route. |
| US08631767B1 |
Livestock grooming
An apparatus and associated method for a livestock grooming device having a first canister containing a first blower that selectively imparts an airflow through an outlet of the first canister, and further having a second canister containing a second blower that selectively imparts another airflow through an outlet of the second canister. A manifold fluidly connects both outlets to a manifold outlet. A backflow preventer device between the second blower and the manifold outlet selectively prevents the airflow from the first canister from entering the outlet of the second canister. |
| US08631764B2 |
Animal feeding devices and methods
Animal feeders that are resistant to depletion of the feed hopper due to undesired feeding by small birds and small animals as well as related methods are described. Exemplary feeders preferably comprise an enclosure surrounding a feed distributor and that comprises first and second portions. The enclosure prevents small birds and small animals from accessing the feed distributor and includes a gap through which the feed distributor directs feed. Moreover, the present invention provides animal feeders that eliminate the potential for feed to jam the feed distributor thereby allowing smaller, more economical motors to be used. |
| US08631761B2 |
Mask frame assembly for thin-film deposition
Provided is a mask frame assembly for thin-film deposition. The mask frame assembly including a mask frame having an opening defined therethrough, the mask frame configured to retain a mask, at least one supporter configured to contact the mask for supporting the mask, and a fixing unit coupled to the supporter and the mask frame. |
| US08631758B2 |
Drum coating device
A drum coating device for coating work-pieces includes a main body, a support element, a cleaning device, a spraying device, a rotary drum device, a heating device, and a drive device. The main body defines a receiving room. The support element is received in the receiving room and defines slots for receiving the work-pieces. The cleaning device cleans the work-pieces. The spraying device sprays coating materials to the work-pieces. The rotary drum device uniformly coats the coating materials on the work-pieces. The heating device heats the coating materials coated on the work-pieces. The drive device includes a rotating drive rotating the support element and a linear drive raising or lowering the support element in the receiving room. |
| US08631756B2 |
Apparatus for processing substrate and method of maintaining the apparatus
Provided is an apparatus for processing a substrate. The apparatus includes a chamber, a process unit, and an exhaust member. The chamber has an inner space. The process unit is disposed at the inner space of the chamber and is movable outward from the chamber through a side of the chamber. The process unit includes an exhaust line. The exhaust member is disposed at the chamber. The exhaust member is connected to the exhaust line, and the exhaust member includes a movable exhaust port configured to be moved according to a movement of the process unit. |
| US08631748B2 |
Intra-cassette security device for banking equipment
A banking equipment intra-cassette security device (1) being assembled under the lid (T) of a cassette (C) storing money bills (A). The device (1) includes a main block (2) equipped with cavities (3) filled with pyrotechnical material (5), which can be ignited by a wick (9) which is activated by a metallic filament (11) electrically powered by the cassette (C) circuit. |
| US08631747B2 |
Height adjustment device for imaging apparatus
A height adjustment device for an imaging apparatus includes a driving shaft, first and second moving bodies and a driving device. The driving shaft is configured to rotate in a main body of an imaging apparatus. The driving shaft has first and second spiral grooves defined on a peripheral surface thereof such that the first spiral groove has a first pitch along the driving shaft and a second spiral groove has a second pitch different from the first pitch along the driving shaft. The first moving body has a screw thread engaged with the first spiral groove of the driving shaft. The second moving body has a screw thread engaged with the second spiral groove of the driving shaft The driving device rotates the driving shaft. |
| US08631745B2 |
Method and apparatus for tensioning a cable
A method for tensioning a cable uses a tensioning installation comprising a pulley over which the cable passes, a support trolley for the mobile pulley, on a guide rail and one or several linear actuators to move the trolley. The method allows for coupling an actuator, in a first position between a first support point fixed relative to the rail and a second support point fixed relative to the trolley such that the trolley moves on a first segment of the rail and the actuator is controlled as a function of the set tension of the cable decoupling the actuator from its first position; and coupling an actuator, in a second position between a third support point fixed relative to the rail and a fourth support point fixed relative to the trolley, at least one of the third support point or the fourth support point being distinct from the first support point and the second support point such that the trolley moves on a second segment of the rail and the actuator is controlled as a function of the set tension of the cable. A cable tensioning installation and a cable transport installation are described. |
| US08631743B2 |
Priming device initiated electrically for a projectile
A priming device for a projectile incorporating a safety and arming device as well as an electrically initiated detonator that is activated by an electronic firing module, wherein the priming device incorporates a second detonator integral with a rotor or flap of the safety and arming device, the second detonator being activated by a mobile firing pin, such firing pin being arranged opposite a first detonator so as to be projected by the gases resulting from the ignition of the latter. |
| US08631742B2 |
Method for operating presses
In a working method using a device for operating presses including a ram and a die, such as forming presses or cutting presses, for example multiple-die presses for large workpieces, transfer presses, multi-ram transfer presses, such forming presses or cutting presses also being arranged in press lines, smaller ram strokes result in optimized freedom of motion of the press, in place of the existing large freedom of motion, the acceleration and speed of the ram are at most maintained, or reduced, while parts output is increased, and smaller paths are made possible due to dynamic ram stroke and transfer movements. To this end, the work process of the ram stroke of presses is controlled according to a curve that follows the function f(x)=a(0)/2+a(1)*cos(1*x) +...+. |
| US08631741B2 |
Machine for the production of oil
The machine has a single body (1) which integrates mixers (4) in correspondence with containers (3) which contain the paste, a centrifuge (7) equipped with housings (11) designed to house in individualized manner and in radial arrangement each one of the containers (3) which contain the already mixed paste, means of pumping (12, 16, 17) or pressing which exerts a pressure on the liquid produced after the centrifugation, and a filter (14) positioned after the means of pumping (12, 16, 17) for the definitive production of the oil. |
| US08631739B2 |
Grill
The invention relates to a grill having a heating element for heating food, a cooking grate positioned above the heating element and having a plurality of openings for permitting grease to pass where the plurality of openings are arranged around the heating element, and a touch control for adjusting a temperature of said heating element. The touch control has an increase button to elevate the temperature of the heating element and a decrease button to lower the temperature of the heating element. The touch control also has a plurality of lights arranged in sequential order from a first light to an nth light, wherein manipulation of the increase button or decrease button commences illumination |
| US08631738B2 |
Boiler assembly for a griddle
A griddle for cooking a food product includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a first side, a second side, a front side and a rear side. A serpentine passageway is formed on the lower surface. A collector tank is juxtaposed and secured directly in touching contact with the lower surface adjacent to the first side of the griddle and is in communication with the serpentine passageway. A boiler is juxtaposed and secured directly in touching contact with the lower surface adjacent to the second side of the griddle and is in communication with the serpentine passageway. Heat applied directly to at least one of the collector tank and the boiler for heating a fluid disposed therein and supplying the heated fluid to the serpentine passageway for providing heat for cooking a food product disposed on the upper surface of the griddle. |
| US08631737B2 |
Manual bread-toaster, with lid
The bread toaster includes a toaster frame defining at least one toaster slot for selectively receiving the bread slice, a heating device, and a lid arrangement. The lid arrangement includes a front and a rear sliding member, a plurality of sliding guiders, and at least one toaster lid. The toaster lid is coupled with the front and the rear sliding members in such a manner that the toaster lid is arranged to move between a closed position and an opened position, wherein in the closed position, the toaster lid is moved by the front and the rear sliding members to close the toaster slot, wherein in the opened position, the toaster lid is moved by the front and the rear sliding members to expose the toaster slot to an exterior of the toaster frame. |
| US08631735B2 |
Pneumatic booster
There is provided a pneumatic booster, comprising: a front shell; a rear shell; a housing formed as that respective openings of the front shell and the rear shell are integrally connected to each other, and a power piston arranged in the housing so as to divide an interior of the housing into a constant-pressure chamber on the front shell side and a working-pressure chamber on the rear shell side, wherein thrust force of the power piston generated by pressure difference between the constant-pressure chamber and the working-pressure chamber is applied to inputted force transmitted from a brake pedal to an input rod so as to obtain combined force, the combined force being outputted with a given boost ratio from an output rod, and wherein a thickness of the front shell is made to be thinner than a thickness of the rear shell. |
| US08631734B2 |
Glide movement controller and power miter saw including such controller
A glide movement controller for use with a hinge connection that includes a shaft, as well as a hinge connection and a power saw including such a controller. The glide movement controller includes a generally U-shaped controller body configured to move towards the shaft in a first direction such that resistance upon the shaft is increased and away from the shaft in a second direction such that resistance upon the shaft is decreased; a pair of apertures extending through the controller body; and an interior bearing surface defined on the controller body. The interior bearing surface is configured and arranged to face the shaft. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the interior bearing surface is located between the apertures. |
| US08631726B2 |
Torque limiting engine rotation tool
A torque limiting engine rotation tool for rotating a crankshaft of an engine, where the engine rotation tool is configured to be operated with a socket wrench or non-impacting tool and is configured to engage an accessory drive pulley bolt or any other bolt that causes the crankshaft to rotate, includes a socket body. The socket body has a driving portion coupled to a bolt-torquing portion with a shear pin. A receiving recess is defined by the driving portion and is configured to receive the socket wrench or non-impacting tool. A female socket recess is defined by the bolt-torquing portion and is configured to engage the bolt. The amount of torque applied by the socket wrench or non-impacting tool to the bolt is limited by the shear strength of the shear pin. |
| US08631717B2 |
Sensorless adaptive safety actuator (SASA)
One aspect of the instant disclosure is to provide a sensorless adaptive safety actuator. The safety actuator comprises a driving unit, a transmission unit coupled to the driving unit, and an output unit coupled to the transmission unit. The transmission unit comprises a load-adaptable retracting mechanism. When the output unit experiences a mechanical load exceeding a critical value, the load-adaptable retracting mechanism causes the transmission unit to decouple from the driving unit. Thus, responding to an accident where the impact on the output unit causes a force/torque overload, the instant safety actuator is capable of effectively stopping the force/torque transmission to the work output device without the use of active sensors. |
| US08631716B2 |
Connection of an accessory to a vessel
A device for connecting to a vessel an accessory has an active portion that includes a first, second and third member and a chamber. The first member ensures rigid attachment of the device to the vessel, defines a passageway, acts as a holder for the second member and as a translation guide between a first distal state and a second proximal state, contributes as a guide for the third member and participates in defining the chamber. The second member acts as a holder for the third member rigidly attached thereon, defines a mobile member capable of sliding between the first distal state and the second proximal state. The third member includes a head, and acts as a holder for the accessory rigidly attached thereon, defines a mobile member capable of sliding between the first distal state and the second proximal state, ensures in the first distal state the tight closing of the opening using the head, ensures in the second proximal state a protection of the active proximal portion using the head, and participates in defining the chamber. |
| US08631715B2 |
Method for quantitative transfer of analytes
A method for transferring a quantity of analytes comprising at least stages of: predisposing a substantially homogeneous mixture of a predetermined initial quantity of at least an analyte and a liquid, obtaining a known concentration value or known amount of the analyte in the mixture; introducing into the mixture at least a collecting portion (3) of a sampling device (1) having a support body (2), the collecting portion (3) comprising a plurality of fibers (6) attached to and arranged on a first portion (2a) of the support body (2) by means of flocking, in order to define a flocked collecting portion (3) or a flocked tampon, such as to collect a part of the mixture on the collecting portion (3); and extracting the collecting portion (3) of the sampling device (1) of the mixture, retaining on the sampling portion (3) a predetermined known quantity of the mixture to be transferred. |
| US08631713B2 |
Device for measuring compressive force of flexible linear body
A measurement device capable of sensing presence of an obstacle within a vessel from outside the vessel in operating a linear body inserted in the vessel is provided. According to this measurement device, an easy-to-use measurement device capable of measuring compressive force in a direction of longitudinal axis applied to the linear body that has a sheath thicker than the linear body, such as a wire having a coil for embolizing an aneurysm attached at a tip end, without lowering measurement accuracy, can be provided. In addition, a length of a restraint portion is minimized, to achieve a smaller size of the measurement device. Moreover, the measurement device capable of measuring compressive force in the direction of longitudinal axis applied to the linear body regardless of magnitude of buckling load of the linear body can be provided, and the same measurement device is applicable to linear bodies of various materials, which leads to cost efficiency. |
| US08631702B2 |
Hemitoroidal resonator gyroscope
One exemplary embodiment is directed to a vibratory structure gyroscope having a substrate having a top surface. The vibratory structure gyroscope can also include a resonator having a hemitoroidal shape, the resonator including a stem and an outer lip that surrounds the stem, the stem attached to the top surface of the substrate and the outer lip located apart from the top surface to allow the resonator to vibrate. |
| US08631692B2 |
Method and test platform for developing a motor vehicle with several powered axles
To simplify the development of a hybrid vehicle the invention envisions simulating the hybrid vehicle by using a test vehicle 1 comprising a first axle 5 that is powered by a combustion engine and a second passive, non-powered axle 6, and wherein the axle that is present in the real hybrid vehicle and powered by an electric motor is simulated on the test vehicle 1 by an active secondary vehicle 2 that is hooked up to the test vehicle 1 and that is equipped with its own drive 3 and additionally to the combustion engine brakes and/or pushes the test vehicle 1, and wherein the secondary vehicle 2 is connected with a control device 7 of the test vehicle 1. |
| US08631690B2 |
Exhaust treatment methods and systems
A control method for monitoring a selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”) device is provided. A control method includes adjusting an existing efficiency threshold based on a dosing adaptation value to determine an efficiency threshold. The dosing adaptation value represents an adjusted value of a supply of reductant based on a determined deviation of a downstream NOx concentration value to an expected NOx concentration. The control method includes comparing the efficiency threshold with a determined efficiency of the SCR device. The control method includes generating a message based on comparing the efficiency threshold with the determined efficiency of the SCR device. |
| US08631687B2 |
Indenter assembly
An indentation assembly for sub-micron testing includes an indentation tip and a tip holder coupled with the indentation tip. The tip holder includes a first thermal conductivity and a first coefficient of thermal expansion. A tip holder mount configured for coupling with a transducer and the tip holder, the tip holder mount having a second thermal conductivity greater than the first thermal conductivity, and the tip holder mount has a second coefficient of thermal expansion greater than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The tip holder mount has a mount length, and the tip holder further has a tip holder length greater that the mount length. The tip holder remotely positions the tip holder mount relative to the indentation tip. The tip holder length, volume and the first thermal conductivity cooperate to throttle heat transfer through the tip holder prior to reaching the tip holder mount. |
| US08631685B2 |
Method and apparatus for extended time and varying environment measurements of single particles in microfluidic channels
Methods and apparatus for improving measurements of particle or cell characteristics, such as mass, in Suspended Microchannel Resonators (SMR's). Apparatus include in particular designs for trapping particles in SMR's for extended measurement periods and for changing the fluid properties within the SMR during the extended periods. Methods include techniques to provide for cell growth over time and over time in response to changing fluid properties to aid in determining parameters such as drug resistance and drug susceptibility. |
| US08631684B2 |
Water leakage checking apparatus
A water leakage checking apparatus includes: a plurality of attachment portions for attaching an endoscope; a water leakage sensing portion that communicates with the plurality of attachment portions and simultaneously carries out a plurality of items of a water leakage check menu; and an endoscope information reading portion that reads endoscope information from the endoscope. Also, the water leakage checking apparatus includes: a control portion that determines an item of the water leakage check menu based on the read endoscope information, assigns the determined item of the water leakage check menu to one of the plurality of attachment portions, and outputs attachment portion identifying information for identifying the assigned one of the attachment portions; and a notifying portion that notifies the attachment portion identifying information outputted from the control portion. |
| US08631678B2 |
Press mold
A press mold comprises lower mold (9), upper mold (3), working limiter (6) and rigid storing restrictor (2). The lower mold (9) and the upper mold (3) are coupled each other by guide post (1) having guiding function so that they can move relative to each other. The working limiter (6) and the rigid storing limiter (2) are located between the lower mold (9) and the upper mold (3). The press mold also includes at least one elastic storing limiter provided between the upper mold (3) and the lower mold (9). |
| US08631676B2 |
Fluid conduit cover installation devices, systems and methods
A crimper die set for assembling a safety hose sleeve system includes an upper die comprising an upper curved compressive face, upper recess walls extending contiguous from the upper compressive face at an acute angel to the upper compressive face, each defining a portion of a cavity Thrust plate slots extend upward from ends of the upper recess walls. A lower die comprises a lower curved compressive face, lower recess walls extend contiguous from the lower compressive face at an acute angel to the lower compressive face and define another portion of each cavity. Lower thrust plate slots extend downward from an end of the lower recess walls, distal from the lower compressive face. Thrust plates extend from the lower thrust plate slot into the upper thrust plate slot, across the cavity at an acute angle to each of the recess walls, defining an outer abutment of the cavity. |
| US08631671B2 |
Internal mandrel and method
A method and system for forming a part from a workpiece including a hollow portion, using a mandrel and a conventional press such as a stamping press includes filling the hollow portion of the workpiece with a mandrel material and transforming the mandrel material to form a mandrel. The mandrel material is removable from the formed part and may be recycled to form a mandrel for another workpiece. |
| US08631670B2 |
Lock
A lock for a sliding door or window including a latching linkage and an inner manual lever, that allows movement of the latching linkage between a locked and an unlocked position by means of the manual lever and by operation of a inside or outside key barrel, but also allows deadlocking of the latching linkage in its locked position so that operation of the manual lever to unlock the latching linkage is prevented. It is however, desirable that the lock be operable to lock the lock from the inside by a convenient operation of the manual lever when the user is inside the house. It is further desirable that the door is able to be deadlocked by a key from the inside or the outside in a manner that prevents unlocking of the door by the manual handle, since a house owner may find it inconvenient to have to walk around the outside of their house locking the doors. |
| US08631665B1 |
Portable cooling device
A portable cooling device including an insulated housing and a water cooler system, whereby water stored in a reservoir, or alternatively water introduced into the system through a specific inlet, is directed through a boustrophedonic series of piping to at least one misting orifice disposed proximal to at least one fan, which fan is directable within a fan housing, whence a chilled mist is directionably propelled from the device. The device has a power system including a photocell, a power inlet, and a battery, configureable to different situations to selectively engage the water cooler system and each fan. |
| US08631659B2 |
Hybrid vehicle temperature control systems and methods
A heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed, the HVAC system including at least one thermoelectric device for providing supplemental heating and cooling for air supplied to a passenger compartment of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the HVAC system has at least a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit can be configured to transfer heat to or from an electric side of the hybrid vehicle. The second circuit can be configured to transfer heat to or from a fuel-fed side of the hybrid vehicle. |
| US08631656B2 |
Gas turbine engine combustor circumferential acoustic reduction using flame temperature nonuniformities
A gas turbine engine combustor includes an annulus with one or more circular rows of burners and a means for providing a number of equiangular spaced apart flame temperature nonuniformities around the annulus during engine operation. The number of the flame temperature nonuniformities being equal to a circumferential acoustic mode to be attenuated in the combustor (i.e three, five, or seven). Fuel lines and/or water lines in supply communication with the burners and metering orifices in a portion of the fuel lines and/or the water lines may be used to produce the flame temperature nonuniformities. The annulus of the burners may have an equal number of equiangular spaced apart first and second arcuate segments of the burners and a means for operating the burners in the first segments and operating the burners in the second segments at different first and second flame temperatures respectively. |
| US08631654B2 |
Burner system and method for damping such a burner system
A burner system is provided that includes at least two adjacent burners that are separate from each other. Each of the two burners has at least one combustion chamber and a head end. The head end includes at least a fuel injection and a fuel-air premix. Each burner has a cap with a cap side and cap upper side, wherein at least the cap upper side is arranged ahead of the head end, seen in the direction of flow. In this manner, a burner plenum is formed between the cap upper side and the head end. The at least two burner plenums thus formed have an acoustic connection. A method for damping such a burner system is also provided. |
| US08631648B2 |
Diesel turbine SCR catalyst
A system for treating exhaust gases from an engine is described. The system includes, the exhaust gases routed from the engine to atmosphere through an exhaust passage, the system comprising: an injector directing a spray of reductant into the exhaust gases routed from the engine to atmosphere; an exhaust separation passage that separates an exhaust gas flow received from the engine into a plurality of separate exhaust gas flows; a plurality of oxidation catalysts, each of which receives one of the plurality of separate exhaust gas flows; a flow combining passage that receives the plurality of separate exhaust gas flows and combines them into a re-combined exhaust gas flow; a turbocharger that receives the re-combined exhaust gas flow from the flow combining passage; and a selective catalytic reduction catalyst positioned downstream of the turbocharger. |
| US08631645B2 |
Thermal management systems for efficient lean operating engines
A thermal management system includes a catalytic converter module that determines whether a catalytic converter is active. A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst module determines whether a SCR catalyst is active. An engine control module adjusts an air and fuel ratio of an engine to operate at a stoichiometric ratio and retards spark of the engine when the catalytic converter is not active. The engine control module at least one of performs post fuel injection and directly injects fuel into an exhaust system of the engine when the catalytic converter is active and the SCR catalyst is not active. |
| US08631644B2 |
Method for operating post injections of fuel in an internal combustion engine
A method is provided for operating an engine. The engine is configured to post inject a quantity of fuel into a combustion chamber and includes, but is not limited to a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) that has an inlet and an outlet. The method includes, but is not limited to determining an open loop post injection quantity qpost—OL of fuel as a function of a target temperature TOtarget for the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) outlet, the step of determining the current temperature TO at the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) outlet and the step of determining, for the temperature TO, a closed loop post injection quantity qpost—CL of fuel needed for correcting the open loop post injection quantity qpost—OL for determining a correct post injection fuel quantity qpost needed to match the desired DOC heat release related to the target temperature TOtarget when operating the engine system. |
| US08631637B2 |
Auxiliary power unit fire enclosure
A fire enclosure for an auxiliary power unit having a hot zone formed by a gas turbine comprises an annular fire enclosure body, an axial expansion joint and a radial expansion joint. The annular fire enclosure body is configured to encapsulate the hot zone. The fire enclosure includes a first end and a second end. The axial expansion joint is connected to the first end. The radial expansion joint is connected to the second end. |
| US08631636B2 |
Shackle assembly
A shackle assembly includes a shackle body having two shackle arms extending from a bridge portion which is fixed to the two arms and connects the two arms to each other. A shackle pin can be mounted to the shackle arms and connects the two shackle arms in the mounted state. At least one pocket is formed in at least one of the shackle arms and/or the shackle pin, in which pocket a strain sensing element is received and fixedly attached to the bottom or wall of the pocket for detecting a shackle load acting on the shackle assembly. The pocket is a hole going partially through the shackle arm or going partially through the shackle pin, and the strain sensing element is a strain gauge which is attached to the wall or bottom of the hole. |
| US08631633B2 |
Method for sealing a continuous tubular package and a group actuating the method
A method is described for sealing a continuous tubular packaging (20), which is fed in a vertical direction, the continuous tubular packaging (20) being shaped as a continuous tubular element (20) exhibiting with a closed bottom (5), in which products are contained, and a group (1) for actuating the method. The group (1) comprises: sealing means (4), configured such as to act in a transversal direction with respect to the continuous tubular packaging (20) in order to separate an inner volume thereof, such that a closed stick pack (2), containing said products, and a new closed bottom (5) are formed; and compression means (8, 9) arranged downstream of the sealing means (4) with respect to the feeding direction (W) of the continuous tubular packaging (20), which are configured such as to compress the continuous tubular packaging (20), consequently eliminating air fluid contained therein, and which are activatable prior to sealing the continuous tubular packaging (20) with the sealing means (4). The method comprises steps of: sealing the continuous tubular packaging (20) in order to separate the internal volume thereof, thus forming a closed stick pack (2), containing the products, and a new closed bottom (5); and compressing the continuous tubular packaging (20), with a consequent evacuation of air fluid contained internally thereof, before sealing the continuous tubular packaging (20). |
| US08631624B2 |
Modular flooring assemblies
A modular flooring assembly including a flooring component adhered to a tray substrate is described. The modular flooring assembly may be interconnected with additional modular flooring assemblies to form a modular floor suitable for most flooring applications. The flooring component may be tile or wood or other materials commonly used in flooring applications. Convention fill-in grout or a snap-in grout may be used with the modular flooring assemblies. One suitable snap-in grout is a right angle grout member. |
| US08631623B2 |
Set of panels comprising retaining profiles with a separate clip and method for inserting the clip
The invention relates to a set of panels, preferably of floor panels, consisting of a first panel and at least a second panel with, in each case, a top side and an underside, wherein the first panel comprises at an edge a first retaining profile with a hook directed towards the top side, the second panel comprises at an edge a second retaining profile with a hook directed towards the underside, the first retaining profile and the second retaining profile can be connected by a relative movement directed perpendicular to a plane of laying, and wherein a separate clip is provided, which comprises a clip head, a clip body and a clip base. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for inserting the clip into a retaining profile. |
| US08631615B2 |
Apparatus for a wind resistant and post load re-tensioning system utilizing a composite fabric and attachment apparatus
A roof fastening system that joins building walls or roof structures of a building frame to its foundation to provide a continuous load path that resists upward and lateral forces without interfering with the natural downward forces exerted on the frame over time. This system includes a composite material that combines the properties of a house wrap with high tensile strength low elongation fibers along one direction of the fabric and lower tensile strength high elongation fibers along one or more fabric directions that cross the high tensile strength low elongation fibers. The composite material extends from the top plates or heel truss of the framing of the structure down to its foundation to hold the frame together against high wind loading. |
| US08631610B2 |
Gutter protector and system for attaching the same to roofs
A system for attaching gutter protection systems to roofs having shingle/tile like style. A roof clip is adapted to be positioned under a shingles such that a tab extends vertically upward through a keyway between two adjacent roof shingles. The tab receives and secures an upper end of the gutter protection system. The tab is folded over the gutter protector and secured to the based of the roof clip through the keyway. |
| US08631609B2 |
Integral trim to seal off weatherstrip and remove need for foam pads
A weatherstrip and method of manufacturing an integral close-out or trim to seal off the weatherstrip is disclosed. A notched region in a seal fin accommodates the intersecting weatherstrip. The first seal fin further includes a cut line extending through one end to form the integral dose-out. In this manner, separate foam pads typically used to seal along opposite ends of the first weatherstrip can be eliminated, along with the attendant costs associated with material and labor. |
| US08631606B2 |
Automatically sealing tiltable door panel system
A sliding door system can include a tiltable sealing mechanism such that, when a door panel is slid to a closed configuration, one or more seal elements form a seal between the door panel and its surroundings at the top, bottom, and/or sides of the door to reduce or prevent infiltration or communication of gases or liquids such as air or water. Manual or motor driven movement of the panel can move an actuation mechanism to extend the seals around the door. The sealing member can include weather stripping, brush or another seal element for sealing contact with a header, floor, door, frame, or other surface. Multiple door panels can be arranged to form a door panel system. |
| US08631602B2 |
Non-invasive accessory mount for a firearm
An improved accessory mount comprising a custom recoil spring guide assembly and a rail sleeve assembly. The custom spring guide assembly comprises a custom recoil spring guide rod having a tip and a shoulder, and a hollow custom recoil spring plug comprising a cylinder and a recessed collar. The rail sleeve assembly comprises a front plate, a sleeve incorporating a integral rails, and an attachment means, such as a retaining hole. A hollow boss having a rim is rigidly connected to the interior face of the front plate, and the front plate is securely connected to the sleeve. To attach the sleeve to the handgun, the tip of the custom rod is inserted into the boss causing the rim to be seated on the shoulder to create a first non-invasive point of fixity. The retaining hole in an extension of the sleeve fits snugly over the slidestop pin extension, thereby creating a second non-invasive point of fixity when the pin is inserted into the hole. The accessories can then be removably attached to the rails by means standard in the industry. |
| US08631599B2 |
Merchandise labeling
A unitary sheet-like merchandise labeling article that has a labeling tag flatly conjoined along a unifying flat bond zone with a flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag and includes an elastic fastening loop. The loop sides that define the loop are wider than the thickness of the elastic layer. Further, the flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag has a thickness greater than the thickness of the tag and has a dispersion zone adjacent the unifying flat bond zone. The dispersion zone allows dissipation of elastic loop in-line stretching forces sufficiently to reduce transmission of such forces into the bond zone. |
| US08631597B2 |
Rotating adaptor for sign
A rotating adapter attaches a secondary sign to a primary sign. A first insert component includes an extended tine and a second insert component also has an extended tine. The second insert component may also include a shaft sleeve. A connection shaft is coupled to the first insert component, and is configured to insert within the shaft sleeve of the second insert component and defines an axis about which the second insert component may rotate. The extended tines of the first insert component fixedly couple with the primary sign and the extended tines of the second insert component fixedly couple with the secondary sign. |
| US08631588B2 |
Footwear with a sole structure incorporating a lobed fluid-filled chamber
A fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear and a method for manufacturing the chamber are disclosed. The chamber may be incorporated into a sole structure of the footwear and includes a central area and a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central area. The lobes are in fluid communication with the central area and are formed from a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall. The sidewall joins with the first surface with the second surface to seal the fluid within the chamber, but no internal connections are generally utilized to join interior portions of the first surface with interior portions of the second surface. The fluid within the chamber may be air at a pressure that is approximately equal to an ambient pressure. |
| US08631586B2 |
Energy efficient clothes dryer and child safety barrier therefor
A clothes dryer includes a hollow housing having a hinged door. A perforated drum is mounted for rotation within the housing and in alignment with the door aperture and is rotatable by an electric motor. An electrically operable oil-filled radiator is positioned within a bottom portion of the hollow housing and below the rotating drum and is connectable to a source of conventional household electrical power for generating radiant heat upon supply of the electrical power. The heat rises through the perforated rotating drum for drying wet clothes contained therein. The invention also provides a novel child safety device which is positioned within the door aperture for preventing passage of the child therethrough. |
| US08631584B2 |
Level
A level for indicating the orientation of a surface includes a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and a web coupled to the first planar surface and the second planar surface such that the first planar surface is spaced apart from and is parallel to the second planar surface. A vial defines a long axis and contains a liquid and a gas bubble. The vial is coupled to the web such that the long axis is substantially parallel to the first planar surface. A tube deburring portion is coupled to the web and includes a male conical portion arranged to deburr an inner edge of a tube and a female conical portion arranged to deburr an outer edge of the tube. |
| US08631583B2 |
Bagel slicer
A bagel slicer that comprises an oblong skirt and a pair of blades disposed within a cavity defined by the skirt. The oblong skirt has a length, a width, a top edge, a bottom edge, a wall connecting the top edge to the bottom edge, a top opening defined by the top edge and a bottom opening defined by the bottom edge where the top opening is substantially parallel to the bottom opening. The upper and lower blades are substantially parallelly disposed and offset vertically to form an overlap, each having a cutting edge. The cutting edge of each of the upper and lower blades is aligned with the bottom opening of the skirt and each blade is perpendicular to the bottom opening and substantially parallel to the skirt within the cavity. |
| US08631581B2 |
Method for forming a wheel bearing apparatus
A method for forming a wheel bearing apparatus where the end portion of the cylindrical portion is pre-formed as a cylinder prior to its plastic deformation to form the caulking portion. A caulking tool with a punch and a swing shaft abuts against the end portion of the cylinder at a predetermined inclined angle relative to the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder. Teeth on the punch form the face-spline by plastically deforming the end face of the caulking portion. The swing shaft central axis is inclined at an angle relative to a central axis of the wheel hub. The face-spline is formed simultaneously with the formation of the caulking portion by advancing the caulking tool toward the wheel hub. A main shaft is rotated to cause a swing motion of the caulking tool. |
| US08631578B2 |
Radial balancing clip weight for rotor assembly
A balancing weight clip with a mass adapted to balance a rotor assembly of a gas turbine engine, includes a weight portion, a first flange engaging portion and a second flange engaging portion extending from the weight portion, each being engageable with a sidewall of at least one recess located on an edge of a flange of a disc of the rotor assembly. Each flange engaging portion is provided with a hook engageable with a mating groove provided on a face of the flange. At least one of the first and second flange engaging portions is resiliently biased so that the first and second flange engaging portions are elastically moveable away from one another to removably secure the balancing weight clip to the flange and engage each hook with the mating groove. |
| US08631577B2 |
Method of fabricating integrally bladed rotor and stator vane assembly
A method of fabricating an integrally bladed rotor of a gas turbine engine according to one aspect, includes a 3-dimensional scanning process to generate a 3-dimensional profile of individual blades before being welded to the disc of the rotor. A blade distribution pattern on the disc is then determined in a computing process using data of the 3-dimensional profile of the individual blades such that the fabricated integrally bladed rotor is balanced. |
| US08631573B2 |
Piston for an internal combustion engine and method for its production
A method for the production of a piston has the following method steps: (a) providing a blank of a piston base body, having an outer joining surface, an inner joining surface and a circumferential lower cooling channel part that runs between the two joining surfaces, (b) providing a blank of a piston ring element, having an outer joining surface, an inner joining surface and a circumferential upper cooling channel part that runs between the two joining surfaces, (c) forming a circumferential widened region on at least one joining surface, the widened region extending toward the related cooling channel part, (d) connecting the blank of the piston base body with the blank of the piston ring element by way of their joining surfaces, by friction welding, to produce a piston blank, and (e) machining the piston blank further and/or finish-machining it to produce a piston. |
| US08631571B2 |
Method of installing a high altitude, high voltage terminal block assembly
A method of installing the terminal block assembly onto a generator includes the step of providing a terminal block with multiple terminal studs. Protrusions that are integral with the terminal block are aligned with corresponding bores in a generator housing. The terminal block is mounted on the generator housing with the protrusions received in the bores. A terminal lead assembly is inserted through the protrusion, and a terminal pad of the terminal lead assembly is arranged over the terminal stud. A terminal lug is fastened to the terminal stud. A terminal cover is secured to the terminal block over the terminal with a boss of the terminal block received in a corresponding recess of the terminal cover. |
| US08631569B2 |
Circuit board with holding mechanism for holding wired electronic components method for manufacture of such a circuit board and their use in a soldering oven
In order to secure wired components of large mass or non-uniform mass distribution safely on a circuit board, without the components needing, as currently usual, to be glued onto the circuit board or held on the circuit board with snap-in holders, integrated into a connection bore for receiving a connection wire, or pin, of an electronic component a holding mechanism for secured holding of the connection wire, or pin. The holding mechanism represents a narrowing in the connection bore to a diameter smaller than that of the connection wire, or pin. The holding mechanism can be implemented, for example, by a connection bore embodied in the form of a bore drilled from one side of the circuit board, not completely through the circuit board. In such case, edge remains as a narrowing, which securely seizes the connection pin of the relevant component and holds the component fixed to the circuit board. |
| US08631568B2 |
Printed wiring board manufacturing method
A printed wiring board manufacturing method includes weaving a glass fiber cloth with warp and weft yarns such that the warp and weft yarns are visually distinguishable at least a region. The glass fiber cloth is impregnated with a resin to fabricate a substrate. A copper foil is formed on at least one surface of the substrate to fabricate a core substrate. The copper foil is removed within the region on the core substrate to form an opening. A pitch between the warp yarns or between the weft yarns which are presented in the opening is detected. A pitch between a pair of differential wirings to be patterned is determined based on the detected pitch between the warp yarns or between the weft yarns. The pair of differential wirings is patterned on the core substrate in accordance with the determined pitch between the pair of differential wirings. |
| US08631564B2 |
Spool for a coil winding device and method of loading coils
To provide a spool for a coil winding device capable of preventing poor insulation caused by a leakage of coil wires without initially inserted coil wires staying at the vicinity of slot openings. A spool for a coil winding device of this invention includes a plurality of coil winding surfaces increased stepwise in diameter from the bottom upward in a state where the spool is disposed on the coil winding device. The spool includes a front spool part and a rear spool part, which are placed at a distance from each other so that each turn of coil has a length corresponding to arbitrary lamination thickness of the stator core. The plurality of coil winding surfaces includes a coil winding surface corresponding to the outermost coil that is formed so that a portion in a radial pattern from the vicinity of a portion corresponding to a central axis of the stator core towards an opening of the slot in which each coil is loaded is extended at least to a position corresponding to a core back where the roots of the teeth outside the slot of the stator core are connected. |
| US08631562B2 |
Methods of making nanotube switches
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit for protecting a protected circuit is coupled to an input pad. The ESD circuit includes a nanotube switch electrically having a control. The switch is coupled to the protected circuit and to a discharge path. The nanotube switch is controllable, in response to electrical stimulation of the control, between a de-activated state and an activated state. The activated state creates a current path so that a signal on the input pad flows to the discharge path to cause the signal at the input pad to remain within a predefined operable range for the protected circuit. The nanotube switch, the input pad, and the protected circuit may be on a semiconductor chip. The nanotube switch may be on a chip carrier. The deactivated and activated states may be volatile or non-volatile depending on the embodiment. |
| US08631557B2 |
Laser drilling methods of shallow-angled holes
A method for providing a shallow-angled hole through a thermal barrier coated component in accordance with one aspect thereof, includes a step of applying a pulse laser beam to pre-drill the hole through a base metal of the component. A thermal barrier coating is then applied to the base metal, covering the pre-drilled hole in the base metal. A further step is conducted to apply the pulse laser beam through the thermal barrier coating a location to coincide with pre-drilled hole in the base metal in order to complete the formation of the hole extending through the component. |
| US08631546B2 |
Security system hard tag clamp and clamping method
A security tag that includes a mechanism for preventing the unauthorized removal of a security tag from its article. The security tag includes a housing having a clamp axis. A clamp is contained within the housing. The clamp is rotatable about the clamp axis from a locked position to an unlocked position. The clamp includes a lock region lockable to the housing, and a release region. The mechanism prevents the security tag from being removed from its article unless the lock region is unlocked from the housing and a force is applied to the release region. |
| US08631545B2 |
Water activated ejector mechanism for rotary buckle assembly
Disclosed is a rotary buckle assembly for harness. The assembly is adapted to selectively secure or eject the tongue plates for the straps of the harness. The buckle assembly includes a mechanism for automatically releasing the harness in the presence of water. |
| US08631543B2 |
Zipper pre-gather device
A zipper pre-gather device which is operable for providing proper alignment of two sides of a zipper tape prior to being fed through a slider, thereby preventing the slider from becoming unintentionally engaged with sections of the foldable, stowable roof or parts of the foldable window. The zipper pre-gather device incudes a slider pivotally attached to a pre-gather device. The pre-gather device has two entrances, one for receiving each side of the zipper tape, which are operable with two exits. The entrances of the pre-gather device are of a large width and height in relation to the exits, and are operable for providing proper alignment between two sides of a zipper tape, prior to the two sides of the zipper tape being fed into the slider. |
| US08631541B2 |
Auxiliary brush for vacuum cleaner
A modular auxiliary brush assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a mounting bracket coupled to the vacuum cleaner, a spring-biased brush head, and a shaft which mounts the brush head to the mounting bracket. The spring-biased brush head is vertically adjustable to accommodate cleaning surfaces of varied heights and textures. The spring-biased brush head includes a tread which contacts a surface to be cleaned and rolls the brush head relative to the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner moves over the surface. |
| US08631540B2 |
Canister attachment for leaf blowers/vacuums
A canister attachment for leaf blowers/vacuums is an apparatus that attaches to existing yard waste leaf blower/vacuum's to provide a user with a facilitated means to collect solid animal waste or other debris deposited on the ground. The apparatus comprises a suction nozzle assembly, a canister, a suction duct, a support assembly, and a leaf blower/vacuum. The suction nozzle assembly comprises a canister mount and a nozzle. The canister comprises a nozzle mount, a lateral surface, a filter plate, a duct opening, and a first and second chamber. The suction duct comprises a duct canister mount, a channel, and a leaf blower/vacuum mount. The configuration of these components provides the user with a mobile accessory that utilizes the suction from existing conventional leaf blowers/vacuums to siphon animal waste through the nozzle and into the canister. Furthermore, the apparatus provides an exhaust catch to prevent accidental discharge through the leaf blower/vacuum. |
| US08631538B2 |
Dry vacuum cleaner with spot cleaning
A vacuum cleaner has a cleaning powder distribution system and an actuator connected to the powder distribution system for selectively dispensing powder from the powder distribution system to soiled spots on a floor surface. In addition, a cleaning fluid distribution system is adapted to selectively distribute a liquid cleaning solution to the soiled spot. A propellant, in the form of an aerosol or compressed gas can be used to distribute the cleaning powder to the floor. A method of cleaning a spot on a surface comprises applying a selected volume of fluid cleaning solution to a selected area on the surface to be cleaned, applying a selected amount of cleaning powder to the selected area and extracting the applied cleaning solution and cleaning powder from the selected area on the surface to be cleaned. |
| US08631534B2 |
Toothbrush
The invention includes a toothbrush including a toothbrush handle and a toothbrush head having an end proximal a toothbrush handle, an end distal to the toothbrush handle, a dorsal surface for holding at least one toothbrush bristle, a ventral surface opposite the dorsal surface, first and second sides disposed between the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the toothbrush head, and a plurality of gum cushions disposed on each of the sides of the toothbrush head, where the height of the respective gum cushions tapers from the proximal end of the toothbrush head to the distal end of the toothbrush head. |
| US08631533B1 |
Footwear cleaner and disinfectant
An apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting footwear or the foot of a user. More particularly, a user controlled multi-functioning device that performs both cleaning and disinfecting of footwear upon contact. The cleaning and disinfecting apparatus includes one or more cleaning rollers physically contacting the footwear or foot and one or more disinfectant sources, which may be radiation sources that emits UV rays e.g., or charge particle source that emits a cold plasma blast. |
| US08631528B1 |
Self adjusting latch for a ramp
A latch assembly is used with a ramp assembly that includes a ramp portion selectively movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The latch assembly has a latch fitting and a catch, both of which are rotatably mounted to the ramp assembly. The catch engages the latch fitting to selectively lock the latch fitting in a first locked position and a second locked position. A pin is coupled to the latch fitting so that rotation of the latch fitting moves the pin in an arcuate path. The pin engages the ramp portion when the latch fitting is in the first locked position and also when in the second locked position. |
| US08631527B2 |
Laundry treating appliance with tumble pattern control
An apparatus and a method of operating a laundry treating appliance treating laundry according to a cycle of operation having by determining a parameter indicative of a change in packing density of the laundry in a treating chamber and taking an operating action based on the determined parameter. |
| US08631526B2 |
Method for control of centrifugation process in washing machine
Method for controlling the centrifugation process of a washing machine, wherein during a first, a second and a third laundry distribution phases (D1, D2, D3), performing a number of unbalance value measurements (M1-M7) and comprising an unbalance value of the drum of the washing machine with predetermined unbalance values. If the current unbalance values are within predetermined intervals, the washing machine performs a spin phase (S1, S2, Smax). If the values are not within the predetermined intervals, the washing machine performs a laundry redistribution phase (R1, R2), after which a further laundry distribution phase (D1, D3) may take place. |
| US08631520B2 |
Self-sustaining toilet seat hinge assembly
A hinge assembly for a toilet having a bowl and a seat includes a hinge post configured to mount to the bowl. The hinge post includes a splined inner surface defining a bore. The hinge assembly also includes a pintle extending through the bore and configured to engage the seat to pivotally couple the seat to the hinge post. The pintle includes a splined portion that engages the splined inner surface of the hinge post to prevent rotation of the pintle relative to the hinge post. |
| US08631518B1 |
Shock absorbing, stretchable fabric, head cap for receipt under a head protection helmet
A light weight, shock absorbing, shock dissipating, moisture absorbing, stretchable fabric, head cap designed for receipt under a hard shell helmet and over a head of a helmet user. The head cap includes thin sheets of shock absorbing and shock dissipating foam pads. The foam pads are used to limit a shock load or pressure applied to the head. Also, the foam pads help spread the load over a large surface area of the head, thus reducing a potential head injury or potential concussion to the wearer of the head cap. The foam pads are received between a moisture wicking fabric inner liner and an outer liner. The head cap also includes a moisture absorbing head band and head band ties for securing the head band on the user's head. |
| US08631512B2 |
Eye protectors
An eye protector (16) is provided for mounting to a protective helmet (10) of the type worn by a firefighter or other emergency worker. The protective helmet (10) has a brim (14), and the eye protector (16) includes a bracket (20) mounted to the brim (14), an eye shield (18) movable between a storage position extending along the brim (14) and a usage position extending downward from the brim (14) to shield the eye of a wearer, a hinge (22) to connect the eye shield (18) to the mount bracket (20) for movement between the storage and usage positions, a spring (36) engaged with the eye shield (18) and the mount bracket (20) to resist movement of the eye shield (18) from the storage position and from the usage position, and at least one torsion member (38,50) engaged with the eye shield (18) at a location spaced from the spring (36). The at least one torsion member (38,50) applies a force to the eye shield (18) that urges the eye shield (18) toward the brim (14) in the storage position. |